Patent Description:
With the development of communications technology, functions of mobile terminals are becoming more and more powerful, and the application of flexible screens is becoming increasingly popular. A hinge that supports bending of the flexible screen and the like is generally composed of various parts. One end surface of the hinge is attached to a non-display surface corresponding to a bendable portion of the flexible screen, and the other end surface of the hinge supports bending of the bendable portion of the flexible screen. The hinge that supports bending in the related art has a complicated structure and various types of parts, which are difficult to process and assemble.

It can be seen that the hinge in the related art has a technical problem that various types of parts make it difficult to process and assemble. <CIT> discloses a bendable display apparatus and supporting device. <CIT> discloses a supporting device and display apparatus. <CIT> discloses a support for a flexible display.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hinge and a mobile terminal, to solve the technical problem that the hinge in the related art has various types of parts, resulting in difficulty in processing and assembling.

According to a first aspect, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a hinge, including: at least two joints that are sequentially connected;.

According to a second aspect, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a mobile terminal, including: a flexible screen and the hinge according to the first aspect.

The rotation structures of at least two joints of the hinge are connected in sequence to form a fitting surface; the fitting surface is attached to a non-display surface at a position corresponding to a bendable portion of the flexible screen.

The position-limit structures of at least two joints of the hinge are connected in sequence to form a supporting surface; the supporting surface supports the non-display surface of the flexible screen.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge includes at least two joints of the same structure that are connected in sequence, the rotation structures of any two adjacent joints are socketed with each other so that the rotation structures of the adjacent two joints are relatively rotated, and the opening degree of the adjacent two joints is limited within a preset range by the position-limit structure. In this way, the joints forming the hinge have the same structure, which is convenient for processing and assembling. A length and a bending degree of the hinge may be changed by increasing or decreasing the number of joints, which optimizes the assembly scheme of the hinge.

To better clarify technical solutions of embodiments of the present disclosure, drawings used in description of the embodiments of the present disclosure are briefly introduced hereinafter. Apparently, the described drawings merely illustrate some of the embodiments set forth in the present disclosure. A person of ordinary skill in the art can obtain other drawings based on the described drawings without paying creative labor.

The technical solutions in embodiments of the present disclosure are described clearly in conjunction with drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Apparently, the described embodiments are merely a part of rather than all the embodiments of the present application. All other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, it is a schematic structural diagram of a hinge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, a hinge <NUM> includes at least two joints <NUM>, and the at least two joints <NUM> are sequentially connected.

Each joint <NUM> includes a joint body <NUM>, a rotation structure <NUM> provided at a first end portion of the joint body <NUM>, and a position-limit structure <NUM> provided at a second end portion of the joint body <NUM>.

The rotation structures <NUM> of any two adjacent joints <NUM> are socketed with each other.

The rotation structures <NUM> of adjacent two joints <NUM> are capable of rotating relative to each other. The position-limit structures <NUM> of adjacent two joints <NUM> can move reciprocally relative to each other to open or close the adjacent two joints <NUM>. When an opening degree of the adjacent two joints <NUM> reaches a preset value, the position-limit structures <NUM> of two adjacent joints <NUM> stop each other.

The hinge <NUM> according to this embodiment includes at least two joints <NUM> that are connected in sequence, and structures of the at least two joints <NUM> may be the same. The joint body <NUM> of each joint <NUM> is a main component of the joint <NUM>. The joint body <NUM> includes the first end portion and the second end portion which are opposite to each other. One end of the joint body <NUM>, which is attached to an attached component, is taken as the first end portion, and another end far from the first end portion is taken as the second end portion.

The rotation structure <NUM> provided at the first end portion of the joint body <NUM> is used to realize relative rotation between the joints <NUM>. The position-limit structure <NUM> provided at the second end portion of the joint body <NUM> is used to limit the relative rotation between the joints <NUM>. Among at least two joints <NUM>, the rotation structures <NUM> of any two adjacent joints <NUM> are socketed with each other, and the position-limit structures <NUM> of two adjacent joints <NUM> are engaged with each other, thereby realizing the opening or closing between adjacent joints <NUM>. The opening or closing between at least two joints <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> can realize the supporting effect of the hinge <NUM> on the attached component.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the hinge <NUM> may also be composed of at least three joints <NUM> which are sequentially connected. The joints <NUM> at two ends of the hinge <NUM> may be defined as a head joint <NUM> and a tail joint <NUM>, respectively. One joint <NUM> between the head joint <NUM> and the tail joint <NUM> may be defined as a middle joint <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> may include the head joint <NUM>, the tail joint <NUM>, and at least one middle joint <NUM>. Structures of the at least one middle joint <NUM> may be completely the same. In addition to the rotation structure <NUM> and the position-limit structure <NUM> that match the adjacent joint <NUM>, the head joint <NUM> and the tail joint <NUM> each may further include a connecting portion for connecting to the attached component.

The rotation structures <NUM> of any two adjacent joints <NUM> are socketed with each other, so that the rotation structures <NUM> of two adjacent joints <NUM> are relatively rotated. In this way, when the adjacent joints <NUM> are relatively rotated with the rotation structures <NUM>, the position-limit structures <NUM> provided at the second end portions of the adjacent two joints <NUM> can also reciprocate relative to each other, thereby achieving the opening or closing of the adj acent two joints <NUM>. By the presence of a position-limit structure <NUM> at the second end portion of the joint <NUM>, the position-limit structures <NUM> of two adjacent joints <NUM> can stop each other, so that the opening degree of the adj acent two joints <NUM> can be limited by the position-limit structures <NUM>. When the opening degree of adj acent two joints <NUM> reaches a preset value, the position-limit structures <NUM> of the adjacent two joints <NUM> stop each other to limit excessive opening of the hinge <NUM>.

In the hinge provided in this embodiment, the rotation structures of any two adjacent joints are socketed with each other so that the rotation structures of the adjacent two joints are relatively rotated, and the opening degree of the adjacent two joints is limited within a preset range by the position-limit structure. In this way, the joints forming the hinge have the same structure, which is convenient for processing and assembling. A length and a bending degree of the hinge may be changed by increasing or decreasing the number of joints, which optimizes the assembly scheme of the hinge.

Based on the above embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the rotation structure <NUM> may include a rotation shaft <NUM> and an arc rotation bearing shell <NUM>. An arc gap <NUM> is defined between the rotation shaft <NUM> and the joint body <NUM>.

In any two adjacent joints <NUM>, the rotation bearing shell <NUM> of a first joint <NUM> is inserted into the arc gap <NUM> of a second joint <NUM>, to be socketed with the rotation shaft <NUM> of the second joint <NUM>. The rotation shaft <NUM> of the second joint <NUM> can rotate relative to the rotation bearing shell <NUM> of the first joint <NUM>.

When assembling the hinge <NUM> provided in this embodiment, adjacent two joints can be assembled together. Specifically, any two adjacent joints may be defined as a first joint <NUM> and a second joint <NUM>, respectively. Here, the description is only for any two adjacent joints, and is not specifically limited to a certain joint in the hinge <NUM>. For example, when one joint is assembled with a front j oint, the one joint may be defined as the second joint <NUM>; and when the one joint is assembled with a rear joint, the one j oint then may be defined as the first joint <NUM>.

In the hinge <NUM> provided in this embodiment, the rotation structure <NUM> of each joint <NUM> includes a rotation shaft <NUM> and an arc rotation bearing shell <NUM>. An arc gap <NUM> is defined between the rotation shaft <NUM> and the joint body <NUM> of each joint <NUM>, and is used to accommodate the rotation bearing shell <NUM>.

When the two adjacent joints <NUM> are assembled, the rotation bearing shell <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> is inserted into the arc gap <NUM> of the second joint <NUM>, so that the rotation bearing shell <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> and the rotation shaft <NUM> of the second joint <NUM> are socketed with each other, with the rotation shaft <NUM> of the second joint <NUM> capable of rotating relative to the rotation bearing shell <NUM> of the first joint <NUM>. In this way, the rotation shaft <NUM> of each joint <NUM> can be relatively rotated around the rotation bearing shell <NUM> of an adjacent joint <NUM>; and the rotation bearing shell <NUM> of each joint <NUM> can be relatively rotated around the rotation shaft <NUM> of an adjacent joint <NUM>. That is, the relative rotation of any two adjacent joints <NUM> in the hinge <NUM> is achieved.

Based on the above embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, when any two adjacent joints <NUM> are in a closed state, lower surfaces of the rotation shafts <NUM> of each of the joints <NUM> define a horizontal fitting surface.

In addition, when the at least two joints <NUM> are in an open state, the lower surfaces of the rotation shafts <NUM> of each of the joints <NUM> define an arc fitting surface.

In the hinge <NUM> provided in this embodiment, when any two adjacent joints <NUM> are rotated, the lower surfaces of the rotation shafts <NUM> of the joints <NUM> may be connected to form a horizontal surface or an arc surface as a fitting surface <NUM>. By the fitting surface <NUM> which is formed by connected lower surfaces of the rotation shafts <NUM> of the joints <NUM>, the hinge <NUM> composed of at least two connected joints <NUM> may be straightened or bent.

In this embodiment, considering the manufacturing error of mechanical structures and the incomplete fit of rotation, the defined horizontal surface is horizontal rather than a standard horizontal surface, and the defined arc surface is also curved but not limited to an arc surface. When two adj acent joints <NUM> rotate relative to each other, each of the at least two joints <NUM> may not be located on a standard plane or a standard arc surface, as long as the lower surface of the rotation shaft <NUM> is maintained on a horizontal surface or curved arc surface.

Specifically, according to different structures of the lower surfaces of the rotation shafts of each of the joints, the structure of the defined fitting surface is also varied.

First, if the lower surface of the rotation shaft of each joint is a horizontal plane, when at least two joints are closed, the lower surfaces of the rotation shafts of the at least two joints are connected to define a standard horizontal plane. When the at least two joints are opened, the lower surfaces of the rotation shafts of the at least two joints are connected to define an arc supporting surface. Since the lower surface of the rotation shaft of each joint is a horizontal plane and there may be an uneven connection between adjacent joints, the arc supporting surface formed by the connection of the lower surfaces of the rotation shafts of the at least two joints may be a non-standard arc surface.

Secondly, if the lower surface of the rotation shaft of each joint is an arc surface, when at least two joints are closed, a horizontal supporting surface formed by connection of the lower surfaces of the rotation shafts of the at least two joints may be a non-standard horizontal plane. When the at least two joints are opened, the lower surfaces of the rotation shafts of the at least two joints may be connected to form a standard arc supporting surface. Of course, a specific curvature and a bending type of the arc surface of the lower surface of the rotation shaft of the joint will also affect the curvature of the formed arc supporting surface, which is not limited here.

When the hinge <NUM> provided in this embodiment is used, the fitting surface <NUM> formed by connecting the lower surfaces of the rotation shafts <NUM> of at least two joints <NUM> is attached to the attached component, for example, being attached to a flexible screen. Upper surfaces of the position-limit structures <NUM> of the at least two joints <NUM> are connected to form a supporting surface <NUM>. The supporting surface <NUM> extends along with the fitting surface <NUM> to support the opening or closing of the fitting surface <NUM>. The lower surface of the rotating shaft <NUM> is attached to a bendable portion of the attached component. As a surface of the bendable portion of the attached component is bent or extended, via opening or closing of the joints <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>, the fitting surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> follows the bending or extension of the surface of the bendable portion of the attached component. During an attaching process of the fitting surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>, a total length of the fitting surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> remains unchanged, and the fitting surface <NUM> is not easy to fold or generate unevenness, and then the fitting surface <NUM> will not cause crush damage to the surface of the bendable portion of the attached component. The relative movement and stopping of the position-limit structures <NUM> at the second end portions of the joints <NUM> enable the supporting surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> to shrink or stretch within a certain range, thereby supporting shrinking or stretching of the fitting surface <NUM>.

Based on the above embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the rotation shaft <NUM> may be a semi-circular rotation shaft <NUM>, and a wrapping space of the rotation bearing shell <NUM> is matched with the rotation shaft <NUM>.

In the hinge <NUM> provided in this embodiment, the rotation shaft <NUM> is a semi-circular rotation shaft <NUM>. The semi-circular rotation shaft <NUM> includes a circular arc upper surface <NUM> and a horizontal lower surface <NUM>. An axis <NUM> of the rotation shaft is located on the horizontal lower surface <NUM> of the rotation shaft <NUM>. The arc gap <NUM> of the joint <NUM> is surrounded and defined by the circular arc upper surface <NUM> of the semi-circular rotation shaft <NUM> and the joint body <NUM>, and is used to accommodate the rotation bearing shell <NUM> of the adjacent joint <NUM>. The rotation bearing shell <NUM> of the joint <NUM> is also an approximately semi-circular structure. An engagement area of the rotation bearing shell <NUM> matches a shape of the circular arc upper surface of the semi-circular rotation shaft <NUM>, and can just accommodate the semi-circular rotation shaft <NUM> of the adjacent joint <NUM>. A virtual axis of the rotation bearing shell <NUM> is located on a lower surface of the semi-circular engagement area. The lower surface of the semi-circular engagement area and the lower surface of the semi-circular rotation shaft <NUM> are coplanar. In other words, the virtual axis of the rotation bearing shell <NUM> of the joint <NUM> is located on a plane where the lower surface of the rotation shaft of the joint is located. In this way, when any two adjacent joints <NUM> are assembled, the rotation bearing shell <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> is inserted into the arc gap <NUM> of the second joint <NUM>, so that the rotation bearing shell <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> covers and fits the rotation shaft <NUM> of the second joint <NUM>, thereby realizing relative rotation between the rotation bearing shell <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> and the rotation shaft <NUM> of the second joint <NUM>. Since the virtual axis of the rotation bearing shell <NUM> of each joint <NUM> is on the lower surface of the rotation shaft <NUM> of each joint <NUM>, when the two adjacent joints <NUM> are relatively rotated, the lower surfaces of the rotation axes <NUM> of the adj acent joints <NUM> are on the same horizontal plane or the same arc surface so that the fitting surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> can fit the surface of the bendable portion of the attached component.

Based on the above embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the axes of the rotation shafts <NUM> of the at least two joints <NUM> are on the fitting surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>. In this way, during rotation of the hinge <NUM>, the total length of the fitting surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> may remain unchanged.

Specifically, it is assumed that a distance between virtual rotation centers is S, and the hinge <NUM> has n joints <NUM> in total. As shown in <FIG>, when the hinge <NUM> is straightened, the total length of the fitting surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> is: L=S*n.

As shown in <FIG>, when the hinge <NUM> is bent, since the distance S between the virtual rotation centers remains unchanged, and the total number of joints <NUM> remains unchanged, then, the total length of the fitting surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> is: L=S*n, that is, the total length of the fitting surface <NUM> when the hinge <NUM> is bent is consistent with the total length of the fitting surface <NUM> when the hinge <NUM> is straightened.

In this way, when the fitting surface <NUM> of the hinge <NUM> is attached to a flexible screen or other components, the total length of the fitting surface <NUM> remains unchanged, which can protect the attached component from being stretched or compressed, thereby improving fitting protection effect as well as supporting function of the hinge <NUM>.

Based on the above embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the position-limit structure <NUM> may include a position-limit chute <NUM> and a position-limit hook <NUM>. An opening-closing gap is defined between the position-limit hook <NUM> and the position-limit chute <NUM>.

In any two adjacent joints <NUM>, the position-limit hook <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> extends into the position-limit chute <NUM> of the second joint <NUM>, and a chute edge <NUM> of the position-limit chute <NUM> of the second joint <NUM> extends into the opening-closing gap. The position-limit hook <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> slides relative to the position-limit chute <NUM> of the second joint <NUM>, thereby realizing the opening or closing of the adjacent two joints <NUM>. When the opening degree of the adjacent two joints <NUM> reaches a preset value, the position-limit hook <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> and the chute edge <NUM> of the position-limit chute <NUM> of the second joint <NUM> stop each other.

In the joint <NUM> provided in this embodiment, the position-limit structure <NUM> on the second end portion of the hinge <NUM> may include the position-limit chute <NUM> and the position-limit hook <NUM>, with the opening-closing gap defined between the position-limit hook <NUM> and the position-limit chute <NUM>. In any adjacent joint <NUM>, the position-limit hook <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> extends into the position-limit chute <NUM> of the second joint <NUM>, so that the position-limit hook <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> is slidable within the position-limit chute <NUM> of the second joint <NUM>, thereby realizing the opening or closing of two adjacent joints <NUM>. Meanwhile, the chute edge <NUM> of the position-limit chute <NUM> of the second joint <NUM> extends into the opening-closing gap, so that the position-limit hook <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> and the chute edge <NUM> of the position-limit chute <NUM> of the second joint <NUM> can block each other, thereby limiting the opening degree of the two adjacent joints <NUM>. In this way, when the opening degree of two adjacent joints reaches a preset value, the position-limit hook <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> and the chute edge <NUM> of the position-limit chute <NUM> of the second joint <NUM> can block each other to limit excessive opening of the hinge <NUM>.

Based on the above embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, when any adjacent two joints are closed, outer surfaces of the position-limit chutes <NUM> of each of the joints form a horizontal supporting surface.

In addition, when at least two joints are opened, the outer surfaces of the position-limit chutes <NUM> of each of the joints form an arc supporting surface.

Considering that when the hinge <NUM> is attached, the lower surfaces of the rotation shafts <NUM> of each of the joints <NUM> are located on the same horizontal plane or the same arc surface, in order to ensure fitting integrity and supporting effect of the hinge <NUM>, the supporting surface <NUM> formed by the connection of the position-limit structures <NUM> of each of the joints <NUM> is consistent with the fitting surface <NUM> formed by the connection of the rotation structures.

That is, when any adjacent two joints <NUM> are closed, the outer surfaces of the position-limit chutes <NUM> of each of the joints <NUM> form a horizontal supporting surface, or, when at least two joints <NUM> are opened, the outer surfaces of the position-limit chutes <NUM> of each of the joints <NUM> form an arc supporting surface.

Specifically, according to different outer surfaces of the position-limit chutes <NUM> of each of the joints <NUM>, the formed supporting surface is varied.

First, if an outer surface of the position-limit chute of each joint is a horizontal plane, when at least two joints are closed, the outer surfaces of the position-limit chutes of the at least two joints are connected to form a standard horizontal plane. When the at least two joints are opened, the outer surfaces of the position-limit chutes of the at least two joints are connected to form an arc supporting surface. Since the outer surface of the position-limit chute of each joint is a horizontal plane and there may be uneven connection between adjacent joints, the arc supporting surface formed by the connection of the outer surfaces of the position-limit chutes of the at least two joints may be a non-standard arc surface.

Secondly, if an outer surface of the position-limit chute of each joint is an arc surface, when at least two joints are closed, a horizontal supporting surface formed by connecting the outer surfaces of the position-limit chutes of the at least two joints may be a non-standard horizontal plane. When the at least two joints are opened, the outer surfaces of the position-limit chutes of the at least two joints can be connected to form a standard arc supporting surface. Of course, a specific curvature and a bending type of the arc surface of the outer surface of the position-limit chute of the joint will also affect bending degree of the formed arc supporting surface, which is not limited here.

Based on the above embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the outer surface of the position-limit chute <NUM> may be parallel to the lower surface of the rotation shaft <NUM>.

In the hinge <NUM> provided in this embodiment, in order to achieve that an upper surface defined by the position-limit structures <NUM> of at least two joints <NUM> is consistent with the lower surface formed by connection of the rotation shafts <NUM> of the at least two joints <NUM>, the outer surface of the position-limit chute <NUM> may be parallel with the lower surface of the rotation shaft <NUM>. In this way, when any adjacent joints <NUM> in the hinge <NUM> are relatively rotated, as the position-limit structures <NUM> of the joints <NUM> rotate with the rotation structures <NUM> of the joints <NUM>, the upper surface formed by connection of the position-limit structures <NUM> of the joints <NUM> may keep parallel with the lower surface formed by connection of the rotation structures <NUM> of the joints <NUM>, that is, an upper surface formed by connection of the position-limit chutes <NUM> of at least two joints <NUM> is kept parallel with the lower surface formed by connection of the rotation shafts <NUM> of the at least two joints <NUM>. When any two adjacent joints <NUM> are closed, the lower surfaces of the rotation shafts <NUM> of each of the joints <NUM> are located on a same horizontal plane, and the outer surfaces of the position-limit chutes <NUM> of the joints <NUM> are located on a same horizontal plane. When at least two joints <NUM> are opened, the lower surfaces of the rotation shafts <NUM> of each of the joints <NUM> are located on a same arc surface, and the outer surfaces of the position-limit chutes <NUM> of the joints <NUM> are located on a same arc surface. In this way, the supporting surface <NUM> of the joints <NUM> is stretched or bent with the fitting surface <NUM>, which can effectively support the fitting surface <NUM> to fit and support the surface of the bendable portion of the attached component, without limiting a bending state of the surface of the bendable portion.

Based on the above embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the joint body <NUM> of each joint <NUM> may include an accommodation groove <NUM> and a projection <NUM> disposed opposite to each other.

When any two adj acent joints <NUM> are in a closed state, the projection <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> fits into the accommodation groove <NUM> of the second joint <NUM>.

In the hinge <NUM> provided in this embodiment, in order to further improve a fitting degree of the adjacent two joints <NUM> during the opening and closing process, the joint bodies <NUM> of the adjacent two joints <NUM> are set to as mutually matched structures. Specifically, the joint body <NUM> includes an accommodation groove <NUM> and a projection <NUM>, the accommodation groove <NUM> and the projection <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other, and a surrounding space of the accommodation groove <NUM> matches the projection <NUM>. When any two adj acent joints <NUM> are closed, the projection <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> may fit into the accommodation groove <NUM> of the second joint <NUM>, so that the first joint <NUM> and the second joint <NUM> are completely fitted. In this way, the adjacent two joints <NUM> have a higher fitting degree when they are closed, which can reduce a volume of the hinge <NUM> after the hinge <NUM> is closed and reduce a movable gap between the joints <NUM>, thereby improving dust-proof performance, regularity and supporting performance of the hinge <NUM> after the hinge <NUM> is closed. In addition, when the joint body <NUM> is provided with the projection <NUM> and the accommodation groove <NUM> that match each other, this can save the manufacturing cost of the joint <NUM>.

Based on the above embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, for the head joint <NUM> and the tail joint <NUM> at two ends of at least two joints <NUM>, the joint body <NUM> is strip-shaped. One end of the strip-shaped joint body <NUM> is socketed with the rotation structure <NUM> of an adjacent joint <NUM>.

In the hinge <NUM> provided in this embodiment, the joints <NUM> at the two ends are defined as end joints, including the head joint <NUM> and the tail joint <NUM>. The joint body <NUM> of the end joint is strip-shaped. The strip-shaped joint body <NUM> may include a joint connection end and a component connection end. The joint connection end is matched and connected with an adjacent middle joint <NUM>. The component connection end is connected with the attached component or an accessory component of the attached component.

In a specific embodiment, the joint connection end may include the rotation structure <NUM> and the position-limit structure <NUM>, for matching and connecting with an adjacent middle joint <NUM>. The rotation shaft <NUM> and the arc gap <NUM> may only be set at a position where the joint connection end connects the rotation bearing shell <NUM> of the adjacent joint <NUM>. The position-limit chute <NUM> may be set at a position where the joint connection end connects the position-limit hook <NUM> of the adjacent joint <NUM>. The rotation bearing shell <NUM> of one middle joint <NUM> adjacent the joint connection end of the end joint is inserted into the arc gap <NUM> of the end joint, and the position-limit hook <NUM> of the adjacent middle joint <NUM> is inserted into the position-limit chute <NUM> of the end joint. The component connection end of the end joint is connected with the attached component or an accessory component of the attached component via a screw, an adhesive layer, or the like. In this way, the end joint can not only be matched and connected with the middle joint <NUM>, but also fix the hinge <NUM> to the attached component. The joints <NUM> included in the hinge <NUM> have the same structure, which is convenient for production and processing.

Based on the above embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, a position-limit member <NUM> may be further provided between any adjacent joints. The position-limit member <NUM> can limit relative sliding between adjacent joints along an axial direction of the rotation shaft <NUM>.

In the hinge <NUM> provided in this embodiment, the relative rotation of the adjacent joints <NUM> in a radial direction of the rotation shaft <NUM> realizes extension or bending of the hinge <NUM>. At this point, at least two joints <NUM> in the hinge <NUM> are maintained in a relatively fixed state in the axial direction of the rotation shaft <NUM>, thereby ensuring a stable connection between the adjacent joints <NUM>. In order to prevent the relative sliding of the joints <NUM> in the axial direction to affect the connection stability between the joints <NUM>, the presence of the position-limit member <NUM> between adjacent joints <NUM> can limit relative sliding between adjacent two joints <NUM> along the axial direction of the rotation shaft <NUM>.

In a specific embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the position-limit member <NUM> is a pin. Among adjacent joints <NUM>, the first joint <NUM> is provided with a shaft hole <NUM>, and the second joint <NUM> is provided with an axial position-limit groove <NUM> at a position corresponding to the shaft hole <NUM>.

The pin extends through the shaft hole <NUM> in the first joint <NUM> into the axial position-limit groove <NUM> of the second joint <NUM>. The axial position-limit groove <NUM> can limit movement of the pin along the axial direction of the rotation shaft <NUM>.

There is an overlapping area of any adjacent two joints <NUM>. The shaft hole <NUM> is defined in the first joint <NUM> at a position corresponding to the overlapping area. The axial position-limit groove <NUM> is defined in the second joint <NUM> at a position corresponding to the overlapping area. The shaft hole <NUM> in the first joint <NUM> is in communication with the axial position-limit groove <NUM> in the second joint <NUM>. Such communication may be achieved through direct contact between the first joint <NUM> and the second joint <NUM>, or through a gap between the first joint <NUM> and the second joint <NUM>.

The axial position-limit groove <NUM> provided in the second joint <NUM> has a narrow width in the axial direction of the rotation shaft <NUM>, and the width may be equal to or slightly larger than a diameter of the pin. The axial position-limit groove <NUM> extends along the radial direction of the rotation shaft <NUM>, which allows the pin to move along the axial position-limit groove <NUM> during the opening and closing movement of the first joint <NUM> and the second joint <NUM>.

In the hinge <NUM> provided in this embodiment, when the two adjacent joints <NUM> are assembled, the pin extends through the shaft hole <NUM> of the first joint <NUM> and then extends into the axial position-limit groove <NUM> of the second joint <NUM>. In this way, when the adjacent joints <NUM> are opened or closed, along with rotation of the first joint <NUM>, the pin slides along the radial direction of the rotation shaft <NUM> in the axial position-limit groove <NUM> of the second joint <NUM>, thereby effectively limiting the axial sliding between the adjacent joints <NUM> and then ensuring the connection stability of the hinge <NUM>.

Based on the above embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, each joint <NUM> is provided with a wiring through-hole <NUM>. The wiring through-holes <NUM> of any adj acent joints <NUM> are in communication with each other.

When the hinge <NUM> provided in this embodiment is applied to a mobile terminal such as a flexible screen, the wiring of the mobile terminal may be exposed, which may affect the aesthetics, or, the wiring of the mobile terminal may easily wrap with the hinge <NUM>, which will affect the normal bending of the hinge <NUM>. Thus, the wiring through-hole <NUM> is defined in the joint <NUM>, and the wiring through holes <NUM> of any adj acent joints <NUM> can be communicated. In this way, the relevant wiring of the mobile terminal can sequentially extend through the wiring through hole <NUM> in each joint <NUM> of the hinge <NUM>, and such internal wiring avoids the influence of external wiring on external components and aesthetics.

Based on the above embodiment, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an end cap <NUM> is covered on each of the first end portion and the second end portion of each joint <NUM>.

In the hinge <NUM> provided in this embodiment, the end caps <NUM> are provided at the first end portion and the second end portion of the joint <NUM>, and the end cap <NUM> is used to cover a connection portion of the adjacent joints <NUM>, which can prevent the internal wiring from being exposed and affecting the appearance. Further, the end cap <NUM> can prevent water and dust, thereby further improving the closing performance and rotation sensitivity of the hinge <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> may be made of a material such as a soft rubber. Other implementation schemes of the end cap <NUM> that can cover the end portions of the joint <NUM> may be applied to this embodiment without limitation.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, one embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a mobile terminal, including a flexible screen <NUM> and the hinge <NUM> shown in any one of <FIG>. The flexible screen <NUM> includes a bendable portion <NUM>, and a display surface <NUM> and a non-display surface <NUM> opposite to each other.

The rotation structures of at least two joints of the hinge <NUM> are connected in sequence to form a fitting surface <NUM>. The fitting surface <NUM> is attached to the non-display surface <NUM> at a position corresponding to the bendable portion <NUM> of the flexible screen <NUM>.

The position-limit structures of at least two joints of the hinge <NUM> are connected in sequence to form a supporting surface <NUM>. The supporting surface <NUM> is used to support the non-display surface <NUM> at the position corresponding to the bendable portion <NUM> of the flexible screen <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when any two adj acent joints are closed, the lower surfaces of the rotation shafts of each of the joints are located on the same horizontal plane, and thus the formed fitting surface <NUM> is a horizontal plane. The fitting surface <NUM> is attached to the non-display surface <NUM> of the flexible screen <NUM>, and supports extension of the flexible screen.

As shown in <FIG>, when at least two joints <NUM> are opened, the lower surfaces of the rotation shafts of each of the joints define an arc fitting surface, and the outer surfaces of the position-limit chutes of the joints define an arc supporting upper surface. In this way, when the lower surfaces of at least two joints of the hinge are connected to form an arc fitting surface, the flexible screen can be smoothly curved in an arc shape as the hinge is opened, so that an outer surface of the flexible screen also forms a curved surface fitting with the arc fitting surface. When the lower surfaces of at least two joints of the hinge are connected to form a horizontal fitting surface, the flexible screen can be straightened horizontally as the hinge is closed, so that the outer surface of the flexible screen also forms a horizontal surface fitting with the horizontal fitting surface.

In this way, the supporting surface <NUM> of the joints is stretched or bent along with the fitting surface <NUM>, which can effectively support the fitting surface <NUM> to fit and support the non-display surface <NUM> at a position corresponding to the bendable portion <NUM> of the flexible screen <NUM>, without limiting a bending state of the surface of the bendable portion.

The mobile terminal may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palmtop computer, a car terminal, a wearable device, and a pedometer, or any device with a flexible component that is bendable, especially a flexible screen attached with a hinge, which is not limited.

In the mobile terminal provided in this embodiment, the hinge used to fit the flexible screen includes at least two joints of the same structure that are connected in sequence, and the rotation structures of any two adjacent joints are socketed with each other so that the rotation structures of the adjacent two joints are relatively rotated, and the opening degree of the adjacent two joints is limited within a preset range by the position-limit structure. In this way, the joints forming the hinge have the same structure, which is convenient for processing and assembling. A length of the hinge may be changed by increasing or decreasing the number of joints, which optimizes the assembly scheme of the hinge. The specific implementation process of the mobile terminal provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure may refer to the specific implementation process of the hinge provided in the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

Claim 1:
A hinge (<NUM>), characterized by comprising: at least two joints (<NUM>) that are sequentially connected;
wherein each joint (<NUM>) comprises a joint body (<NUM>), a rotation structure (<NUM>) provided at a first end portion of the joint body (<NUM>), and a position-limit structure (<NUM>) provided at a second end portion of the joint body (<NUM>);
the rotation structures (<NUM>) of any adjacent two joints (<NUM>) are socketed with each other;
the rotation structures (<NUM>) of adjacent two joints (<NUM>) are capable of rotating relative to each other; the adjacent two joints (<NUM>) are opened or closed via relative reciprocating motion between the position-limit structures (<NUM>) of the adjacent two joints (<NUM>); when an opening degree of the adjacent two joints (<NUM>) reaches a preset value, the position-limit structures (<NUM>) of the two adjacent joints (<NUM>) stop each other;
wherein a wiring through-hole (<NUM>) is defined in each joint (<NUM>); and the wiring through-holes (<NUM>) of any adjacent joints (<NUM>) are in communication with each other.