Patent Description:
With the development of technology, foldable screens are widely used in the technical field of electronic equipment, and the technology for drop-shaped foldable screens is relatively mature at present. Foldable hinges of such foldable screens can help achieve the folding function while avoiding damage to the screen because the folding angle is too big.

In order to configure the foldable screens to be drop-shaped, the foldable hinges usually have many elements, resulting in a complex structure of the foldable hinges.

<CIT> discloses a hinge and a mobile terminal to resolve poor use effect of a foldable electronic device. The hinge includes a main body, and a first folding assembly and a second folding assembly that are symmetrically disposed along the main body. When the first folding assembly and the second folding assembly are rotated toward each other, a length of the hinge can be extended, and an accommodation space for accommodating the flexible display can be formed. When the first folding assembly and the second folding assembly are rotated away from each other, the length of the hinge can be reduced, and a support surface for supporting the flexible display can be formed, so that the flexible display cannot be stretched, compressed, or the like during folding and unfolding.

<CIT> relates to the technical field of electronic devices. Provided are a rotary shaft mechanism and an electronic device. The rotary shaft mechanism comprises a main shaft assembly and two folding assemblies, which are symmetrically arranged relative to the main shaft assembly; and the two folding assemblies can rotate in a direction facing each other or in a direction away from each other relative to the main shaft assembly. When the folding assemblies are specifically configured, each of the folding assemblies comprises a rotary assembly, a supporting plate and a shell-fixing frame, wherein the rotary assembly is rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly, and the supporting plate is rotationally connected to the shell-fixing frame and is slidably connected to the rotary assembly. By using the rotary shaft mechanism, in the relative rotation process of two shell-fixing frames, two supporting plates rotate in the same direction relative to the shell-fixing frames on corresponding sides, so that the two supporting plates and the main shaft assembly can form a screen-accommodating space similar to a triangle shape, and when the electronic device is in a closed state, the screen-accommodating space can be used for accommodating a bent portion of a flexible screen.

<CIT> discloses a foldable electronic device that has an open state and a closed state. The electronic device comprises a housing apparatus and a screen; the housing apparatus comprises a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly is connected between the first housing and the second housing, the first housing and the second housing can be unfolded or folded relative to each other by using the hinge assembly, to enable the housing apparatus to be unfolded or folded, and the hinge assembly comprises a shaft, a first support plate, and a second support plate; the screen comprises a first non-bendable part, a first bendable part, a second non-bendable part, a second bendable part, a third non-bendable part, a third bendable part, and a fourth non-bendable part that are sequentially arranged, the first non-bendable part is fastened to the first housing, the fourth non-bendable part is fastened to the second housing, the first bendable part is disposed corresponding to a part of the first housing and a part of the first support plate and can be relatively moved, the second non-bendable part is fastened to the first support plate, the second bendable part is disposed corresponding to a part of the first support plate, the shaft, and a part of the second support plate and can be relatively moved, the third non-bendable part is fastened to the second support plate, and the third bendable part is disposed corresponding to a part of the second support plate and a part of the second housing and can be relatively moved.

<CIT> discloses a foldable display screen for a device. The foldable display screen includes a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediary portion between the first portion and the second portion. The device further includes a hinge joint coupled to the first portion and the second portion to fold the first portion and the second about the intermediary portion. Further, the device includes an actuating block abutting the intermediary portion and the hinge joint. The actuating block, in response to receiving a pressing force from a user on the intermediary portion above the actuating block, is to cause the hinge joint to operate and fold the foldable display screen.

The present invention provides a foldable hinge and an electronic device. The foldable hinge can provide sufficient drop-shaped receiving space for a flexible screen when a mobile terminal is in a folded state. There are at least the following technical solutions.

Embodiments of the present invention propose a foldable hinge as defined in current claim <NUM>.

Optionally, the first body portion has a second circular arc groove an axis m of the second circular arc groove being parallel to an axis m of the first arc arm; and the support member includes a first support plate and a second arc arm, an end of the second arc arm is coupled to the first support plate, and the second arc arm is in the second circular arc groove and is slidable along the second circular arc groove.

Optionally, the connection block and the second arc arm are on a common surface of the first support plate, and the connection block is coupled to the first support plate; and a half-moon-shaped side wall of the connection block has the first guiding sliding slot.

Optionally, the first guiding sliding slot exhibits a circular arc shape.

Optionally, a portion of the connection block protrudes relative to a side edge of the first support plate close to the base, and the portion of the connection block has a support surface; the foldable hinge further includes a second support plate between the two folding assemblies, and the second support plate is movably coupled to the base and is movable relative to the base in a direction towards or away from the base; the portion of the connection block is on a side of the second support plate close to the base, and the support surface is in contact with a surface of the second support plate close to the base in response to unfolding the two folding assemblies; and the support surface is separated from the second support plate in response to bringing the two folding assemblies together.

Optionally, a surface of the base close to the second support plate has a first mounting slot, and a side wall of the first mounting slot has a limiting recess; the foldable hinge further includes an elastic member and a connection bracket; the connection bracket includes a second body portion and a limiting portion, the second body portion being in the first mounting slot and the limiting portion being in the limiting recess; the elastic member is in the limiting recess, and the elastic member is between the limiting portion and a side wall of the limiting recess; and the second body portion is coupled to the second support plate.

Optionally, the foldable hinge further includes a guide member; the first mounting slot has a guide hole in a bottom of the first mounting slot; and the guide member has a first end coupled to the connection bracket and a second end inserted in the guide hole.

Optionally, the foldable hinge further includes a synchronization assembly, the synchronization assembly is in the base, and the synchronization assembly is coupled to the two folding assemblies.

Optionally, the synchronization assembly includes two synchronizing swing arms extending to both sides of the base correspondingly; the two synchronizing swing arms are transmissively coupled; and each synchronizing swing arm has a first end rotatably coupled to the base and a second end slidingly coupled to the first body portion.

Optionally, the first body portion has a second recess on a side wall of the first body portion close to the base, and a side wall of the second recess has a second guiding sliding slot; and the second end of the synchronizing swing arm away from the base has a connection shaft, and the connection shaft is in the second guiding sliding slot.

Optionally, the synchronizing swing arm includes a gear portion and a third body portion, and the gear portion and the connection shaft are at two ends of the third body portion correspondingly; and the gear portions of the two synchronizing swing arms are transmissively coupled in an engaging manner.

Optionally, the foldable hinge further includes a mounting shaft in the base, and the mounting shaft is coaxially inserted in the gear portion and circumferentially limited by the gear portion; and the foldable hinge further includes a damping ring fitted over the mounting shaft, and the damping ring is in interference fit with the mounting shaft and is fixedly coupled to the base.

Optionally, each synchronization assembly further includes a plurality of synchronizing gears engaging with each other, and the gear portions of the two synchronizing swing arms are transmissively coupled by the plurality of synchronizing gears.

Optionally, the foldable hinge further includes a mounting shaft in the base, and the mounting shaft is coaxially inserted in the synchronizing gear and circumferentially limited by the synchronizing gear; and the foldable hinge further includes a damping ring fitted over the mounting shaft, and the damping ring is in interference fit with the mounting shaft and is fixedly coupled to the base.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention propose an electronic device, including two housings, a flexible screen, and at least one foldable hinge as described in the previous aspect. The two housings are coupled to rotating arms of the two folding assemblies correspondingly, and the flexible screen is coupled to the two housings.

The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following beneficial effects.

Since the first end of the rotating arm is rotatably coupled to the base, the support member is rotatably coupled to the second end of the rotating arm away from the base, and the side of the support member close to the base is rotatably coupled to the base, when the two folding assemblies are brought together, the rotating arms and the support members rotate relative to the base, and the support members can slide in the direction away from the base. Moreover, when the two folding assemblies are brought together, the distance between the portions of the two support members coupled to the rotating arms is smaller than the distance between the portions of the two support members coupled to the base, such that the two support members and the base form a drop-shaped receiving space, and no squeezing force or stretching force is exerted on the flexible screen when the flexible screen is received in the drop-shaped receiving space, thereby preventing the flexible screen from creasing or even being damaged. In a process of relative unfolding of the two folding assemblies, the rotating arms and the support members rotate relative to the base, and the support members can slide in the direction towards the base, such that the two support members are restored to an unfolded state, and the flexible screen is spread out on the two support members and the base. Three elements - the base, the rotating arms, and the support members - can form the drop-shaped receiving space, thereby reducing the number of elements and making the structure simpler and more compact.

In order to illustrate the technical solutions in embodiments of the present invention more clearly, the accompanying drawings used in the description of embodiments will be described briefly. The accompanying drawings described below merely show some of the embodiments of the present invention, and other embodiments can be derived by those skilled in the art based on the accompanying drawings.

Unless otherwise defined, technical terms or scientific terms used herein shall be understood in the ordinary sense as appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs. Terms such as "first," "second" and "third" used in the specification and claims are not intended to indicate any sequence, quantity or significance of indicated technical features, and are merely used to distinguish different elements. Likewise, the words "a," "an" and the like used in the specification and claims are not intended to limit the quantity but indicate the presence of at least one element or device referred to by the words. The term "a plurality of" or "several" means two or more than two. Terms "comprising" or "containing" mean that the elements or articles before these terms "comprising" or "containing" includes the elements or articles listed after the terms "comprising" or "containing" but do not exclude other elements or articles. Terms "connected" or "coupled" and the like are not limited to physical or mechanical connection, but may include electrical connection, regardless of direct connection or indirect connection. Terms "up," "down," "left," "right" and the like are merely used to indicate relative positions, and when an object described changes its absolute position, the relative positions may also change correspondingly.

In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device includes a foldable hinge <NUM>, two middle frames <NUM>, and a flexible screen <NUM>. The two middle frames <NUM> are each coupled to the foldable hinge <NUM>. The flexible screen <NUM> is coupled to the two middle frames <NUM>. During a folding process of the electronic device, the two middle frames <NUM> may open and close relative to each other under an action of the foldable hinge <NUM>, and the flexible screen <NUM> may be bent under an action of the middle frames <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a foldable hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the foldable hinge includes a base <NUM> and two folding assemblies <NUM>.

The two folding assemblies <NUM> are on both sides, e.g., opposing sides, of the base <NUM> and coupled to the base <NUM>, and the two folding assemblies <NUM> may open and close relative to each other, realizing a folding function of the foldable hinge.

As shown in <FIG>, each folding assembly <NUM> includes a rotating arm <NUM> and a support member <NUM>. A first end of the rotating arm <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the base <NUM>, and the support member <NUM> is rotatably coupled to a second end of the rotating arm <NUM> away from the base <NUM>. A side of the support member <NUM> close to the base <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the base <NUM>, and the support member <NUM> is slidable in a direction approaching/towards or away from the base <NUM>. When the two folding assemblies <NUM> are brought together, a distance L1 between portions of two support members <NUM> coupled to the rotating arms <NUM> is smaller than a distance L2 between portions of the two support members <NUM> coupled to the base <NUM>.

Since the first end of the rotating arm is rotatably coupled to the base, the support member is rotatably coupled to the second end of the rotating arm away from the base, and the side of the support member close to the base is rotatably coupled to the base, when the two folding assemblies are brought together, the rotating arms and the support members rotate relative to the base, and the support members can slide in the direction away from the base. Moreover, when the two folding assemblies are brought together, the distance between the portions of the two support members coupled to the rotating arms is smaller than the distance between the portions of the two support members coupled to the base, such that the two support members and the base form a drop-shaped receiving space, and no squeezing force or stretching force is exerted on the flexible screen when the flexible screen is received in the drop-shaped receiving space, thereby preventing the flexible screen from creasing or even being damaged. In a process of relative unfolding of the two folding assemblies, the rotating arms and the support members rotate relative to the base, and the support members can slide in the direction towards or approaching the base, such that the two support members are restored to an unfolded state, and the flexible screen is spread out on the two support members and the base. Three elements - the base, the rotating arms, and the support members - can form the drop-shaped receiving space, thereby reducing the number of elements and making the structure simpler and more compact.

Optionally, each folding assembly <NUM> may include one or more rotating arms <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present invention, each folding assembly <NUM> includes two rotating arms <NUM> on a common side or surface of the support member <NUM>, and the rotating arms <NUM> are close to the two ends of the support member <NUM>.

When the foldable hinge is folded, the two support members <NUM> rotate facing each other; the two rotating arms <NUM> rotate facing each other; the support members <NUM> rotate relative to the rotating arms <NUM> and relative to the base <NUM>, and slide in the direction approaching the base <NUM>. When the foldable hinge is folded until the two folding assemblies <NUM> come together, the distance between the portions of the two support members <NUM> coupled to the rotating arms <NUM> is smaller than the distance between the portions of the two support members <NUM> coupled to the base <NUM>, and the two support members <NUM> and the base <NUM> enclose the drop-shaped receiving space.

When the foldable hinge is unfolded, the two support members <NUM> rotate in a direction away from each other; the two rotating arms <NUM> rotate in a direction away from each other; the support members <NUM> rotate relative to the rotating arms <NUM> and relative to the base <NUM>, and slide in the direction away from the base <NUM>. In a process of gradually unfolding the foldable hinge, as the two support members <NUM> rotate in the direction away from each other relative to the base <NUM> and the two support members <NUM> slide in the direction away from the base <NUM>, the two support members <NUM> gradually rotate to a common surface, which can provide good support for the flexible screen.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a part of a base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, a surface of the base <NUM> has a first circular arc groove <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first circular arc groove <NUM> is formed in a top surface of the base <NUM>. The top surface of the base <NUM> is a surface of the base <NUM> close to the flexible screen in the unfolded state.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a rotating arm in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the rotating arm <NUM> of the folding assembly <NUM> includes a first body portion <NUM> and a first arc arm <NUM>, and an end of the first arc arm <NUM> is coupled to the first body portion <NUM>.

The first body portion <NUM> also has a connection hole 221a. By installing a screw into the connection hole 221a, the rotating arm <NUM> can be coupled to two housings of the electronic device, such that the rotating arm <NUM> and the two housings are formed into one piece, which is beneficial to the installation of the flexible screen.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a connection between a rotating arm and a base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the first arc arm <NUM> is in the first arc groove <NUM> and is slidable along the first arc groove <NUM>.

By assembling the first arc arm <NUM> in the first circular arc groove <NUM>, the rotating arm <NUM> can rotate around an axis of the first arc groove <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>, realizing a transition of the folding assembly from a flattened or unfolded state to a closed or folded state. The first arc arm <NUM> and the first arc groove <NUM> cooperate with each other to form a virtual axis type connection, which can hide a connection structure of the rotating arm <NUM> and the base <NUM> inside the base <NUM> and make the foldable hinge more compact.

Optionally, the first circular arc groove <NUM> may be a quarter arc, a one-third arc, or the like, and the first arc arm <NUM> may be a quarter arc, a one-third arc, or the like. A person skilled in the art can adapt specific parameters of the first circular arc groove <NUM> and the first arc arm <NUM> to actual needs.

In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first circular arc groove <NUM> and the first arc arm <NUM> is a one-third arc.

As shown in <FIG>, the first arc groove <NUM> also has an avoidance notch <NUM> at an opening of the first arc groove <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the avoidance notch <NUM> is on a side wall of the base <NUM> close to the rotating arm <NUM>. The avoidance notch <NUM> can avoid the rotating arm <NUM>, so that the rotating arm <NUM> has more room for rotation.

When the folding assembly <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the rotating arm <NUM> is in the avoidance notch <NUM>, and the first arc arm <NUM> is mounted in the first arc groove <NUM>. During the folding of the folding assembly <NUM>, the rotating arm <NUM> rotates to an outer side of the avoidance notch <NUM>, and the first arc arm <NUM> slides along the first arc groove <NUM> toward an outer side of the first arc groove <NUM>. When the folding assembly <NUM> is in the folded state, an end of the first arc arm <NUM> away from the first body portion <NUM> is in the first circular arc groove <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first body portion <NUM> of the rotating arm <NUM> has a second circular arc groove <NUM>, an axis m1 of the second circular arc groove <NUM> being parallel to an axis m2 of the first arc arm <NUM>. The second circular arc groove <NUM> is used for connection with the support member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a part of a support member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the support member <NUM> includes a first support plate <NUM>, a second arc arm <NUM>, and a connection block <NUM>, and an end of the second arc arm <NUM> is coupled to the first support plate <NUM>.

The connection block <NUM> and the second arc arm <NUM> are on a common side or surface of the first support plate <NUM>, and the connection block <NUM> is coupled to the first support plate <NUM>. A half-moon-shaped side wall of the connection block <NUM> has a first guiding sliding slot <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a part of a folded hinge in a folded state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the second arc arm <NUM> is in the second circular arc groove <NUM> and is slidable along the second circular arc groove <NUM>.

The second arc arm <NUM> is assembled in the second circular arc groove <NUM> to achieve a rotational connection between the rotating arm <NUM> and the support member <NUM>, so that the rotating arm <NUM> has a certain degree of freedom of rotation. The cooperation between the second arc arm <NUM> and the second circular arc groove <NUM> constitutes a virtual axis type connection, which can hide the connection structure between the rotating arm <NUM> and the base <NUM> inside the base <NUM> and make the foldable hinge more compact.

Since the axis m1 of the second circular arc groove <NUM> is parallel to the axis m2 of the first arc arm <NUM>, a rotation axis of the support member <NUM> relative to the rotating arm <NUM> and a rotation axis of the rotating arm <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> are parallel. In a process of folding or unfolding the folding assembly <NUM>, the support member <NUM> and the rotating arm <NUM> as well as the rotating arm <NUM> and the base <NUM> can rotate smoothly, and there will be no obvious gap, improving the stability of the foldable hinge.

Optionally, the second circular arc groove <NUM> may be a quarter arc, a one-third arc, or the like; and the second arc arm <NUM> can be a quarter arc, a one-third arc, or the like. A person skilled in the art can adapt specific parameters of the second arc arm <NUM> and the second circular arc groove <NUM> to actual needs.

In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first circular arc groove <NUM> and the first arc arm <NUM> is a quarter arc.

Referring again to <FIG>, the surface of the base <NUM> also has a first recess <NUM> on a side of the first circular arc groove <NUM>, and a side wall of the first recess <NUM> has a pin shaft <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the connection block <NUM> of the support member <NUM> is in the first recess <NUM> and the pin shaft <NUM> is in the first guiding sliding slot <NUM>.

By mounting the connection block <NUM> in the first recess <NUM> and mounting the pin shaft <NUM> in the first guiding sliding slot <NUM>, a rotational connection between the support member <NUM> and the base <NUM> can be realized; the support member <NUM> can be rotated at any angle relative to the base <NUM> during folding; and a connection structure of the connection block <NUM> and the first recess <NUM> can be hidden inside the base <NUM>, making the foldable hinge more compact. In a process of opening and closing the folding assemblies <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>, the pin shaft <NUM> slides in the first guiding sliding slot <NUM>, enabling a sliding connection between the support member <NUM> and the base <NUM>.

When the folding assembly <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the connection block <NUM> is in the first recess <NUM> and the pin shaft <NUM> is at a first end of the first guiding sliding slot <NUM> close to the support member <NUM>. In the process of bringing the folding assemblies <NUM> together, the connection block <NUM> rotates with the pin shaft <NUM> as a center, and the pin shaft <NUM> slides along the first guiding sliding slot <NUM> toward a second end of the first guiding sliding slot <NUM> away from the support member <NUM>. When the folding assemblies <NUM> are in the folded state, the pin shaft <NUM> is at the second end of the first guiding sliding slot <NUM> away from the support member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first guiding sliding slot <NUM> exhibits a circular arc shape, and the pin shaft <NUM> makes a circular arc movement relative to the support member <NUM> during rotation of the rotating arm <NUM>.

In this example, a cross-sectional shape of the pin shaft <NUM> is circular. In other examples, the cross-sectional shape of the pin shaft <NUM> may also be polygonal.

In this example, each of two opposing side walls of the first recess <NUM> has a pin shaft <NUM>, and two pins <NUM> are arranged coaxially. Each of two side walls of the connection block <NUM> have a first guiding sliding slot <NUM>, and the two pins <NUM> slide in the two first guiding sliding slots <NUM> correspondingly, which can make the sliding between the support members <NUM> and the base <NUM> more stable.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a portion 213a of the connection block <NUM> protrudes relative to a side edge of the first support plate <NUM> close to the base <NUM>, and the portion 213a of the connection block <NUM> has a support surface <NUM>. The foldable hinge also includes a second support plate <NUM> between the two folding assemblies <NUM>, and the second support plate <NUM> is movably coupled to the base <NUM> and can move relative to the base <NUM> in a direction approaching or away from the base <NUM>. A direction of movement of the second support plate <NUM> is schematically illustrated in <FIG> by the double-headed arrow.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a part of a folded hinge in an unfolded state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The second support plate <NUM> is omitted in <FIG>. When the two folding assemblies <NUM> are unfolded, the portion 213a of the connection block <NUM> is on a side of the second support plate <NUM> close to the base <NUM>, and the support surface <NUM> is in contact with a surface of the second support plate <NUM> close to the base <NUM>. That is, the portion 213a of the connection block <NUM> moves to below the second support plate <NUM> and the support surface <NUM> contacts a lower surface of the second support plate <NUM>, to hold the second support plate <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the support surface <NUM> is separated from the second support plate <NUM> when the two folding assemblies <NUM> are brought together.

When the two folding assemblies <NUM> are unfolded, the connection block <NUM> is in the first recess <NUM> and right below the second support plate <NUM>. A surface of the connection block <NUM> close to the second support plate <NUM> is in contact with the second support plate <NUM>, in which case the connection block <NUM> can support the second support plate <NUM> and hold up the second support plate <NUM>. In the process of bringing the two folding assemblies <NUM> together, along with the rotation of the support member <NUM>, the connection block <NUM> gradually rotates to a lateral side of the second support plate <NUM>, in which case the connection block <NUM> is separated from the second support plate <NUM>, and the second support plate <NUM> loses support and moves in the direction towards the base <NUM> to be closer to the base, thereby enlarging the drop-shaped receiving space formed when the folding assemblies <NUM> is in the folded state.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a second support plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the foldable hinge also includes an elastic member <NUM> and a connection bracket <NUM>, and the second support plate <NUM> is mounted on the base <NUM> by the elastic member <NUM> and the connection bracket <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing that the second support plate and the base are assembled in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, a surface of the base <NUM> close to the second support plate <NUM> has a first mounting slot <NUM>, and a side wall of the first mounting slot <NUM> has a limiting recess <NUM>. The connection bracket <NUM> includes a second body portion <NUM> and a limiting portion <NUM>. The second body portion <NUM> is in the first mounting slot <NUM>. The limiting portion <NUM> is in the limiting recess <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> is in the limiting recess <NUM>, and the elastic member <NUM> is between the limiting portion <NUM> and a side wall of the limiting recess <NUM>. The second body portion <NUM> is coupled to the second support plate <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM> and the connection bracket <NUM> are provided so that the second support plate <NUM> can move in the direction close to the base <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> under an elastic force of the elastic member <NUM>. During the unfolding of the two folding assemblies <NUM>, the second support plate <NUM> moves in the direction away from the base <NUM> under the support of the connection block <NUM>, until the second support plate <NUM> is flush with the two first support plates <NUM>, in which case the second support plate <NUM> and the two first support plates <NUM> can spread the flexible screen flat. When the two folding assemblies <NUM> are folded, the second support plate <NUM> moves in the direction towards the base <NUM> under the action of the elastic member <NUM> until the second support plate <NUM> is in contact with the base <NUM>, which is conducive to increasing the receiving space enclosed by the second support plate <NUM> and the two first support plates <NUM>, thereby reducing or avoiding an extrusion and a collision caused by the foldable hinge to a folding part of the flexible screen, and effectively protecting the folding part of the flexible screen.

The elastic member <NUM> is between the limiting portion <NUM> of the connection bracket <NUM> and the side wall of the limiting recess <NUM> and is in a compressed state. When the two folding assemblies <NUM> are unfolded, the connection block <NUM> contacts the second support plate <NUM>. Since the connection block <NUM> has a supporting effect on the second support plate <NUM>, the elastic force of the elastic member <NUM> on the limiting recess <NUM> is not sufficient to drive the connection bracket <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM> to move in the direction close to the base <NUM>, in which case the second support plate <NUM> is flush with the two first support plates <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the first support plate <NUM> rotates relative to the base <NUM> when the two folding assemblies <NUM> are brought together, in which case the connection block <NUM> is separated from the second support plate <NUM>, and the second support plate <NUM> is in the first mounting slot <NUM>.

Optionally, the elastic member <NUM> is a spring.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing that a second support plate and a connection bracket are assembled in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, a surface of the second body portion <NUM> has a first through-hole <NUM>, the second support plate <NUM> has a second through-hole <NUM>, the second through-hole <NUM> is opposite the first through-hole <NUM>, and an inner side wall of the second through-hole <NUM> has a first thread <NUM>. The foldable hinge also includes a guide member <NUM>. An end of the guide member <NUM> close to the connection bracket <NUM> has a second thread <NUM>, and the guide member <NUM> is mounted in the first through-hole <NUM> and the second through-hole <NUM>. The guide member <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the second support plate <NUM> by cooperation of the first thread <NUM> and the second thread <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first mounting slot <NUM> has a guide hole <NUM> in a bottom of the first mounting slot, and the guide member <NUM> has a first end coupled to the connection bracket <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM> and a second end inserted in the guide hole <NUM>. The guide hole <NUM> is arranged in the bottom of the first mounting slot <NUM>, and the guide member <NUM> is in the guide hole <NUM> and is movable relative to the guide hole <NUM>, enabling the second support plate <NUM> to move more stably.

<FIG> is a partially exploded view of a foldable hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The rotating arm <NUM> and the support member <NUM> are omitted in the figure. As shown in <FIG>, the foldable hinge also includes a synchronization assembly <NUM>. The synchronization assembly <NUM> is in the base <NUM>, and the synchronization assembly <NUM> is coupled to the two folding assemblies <NUM>. Due to the arrangement of the synchronization assembly <NUM>, it is possible to synchronize the movement of the two folding assemblies <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the synchronization assembly <NUM> includes two synchronizing swing arms <NUM> extending to both sides of the base <NUM> correspondingly, and the two synchronizing swing arms <NUM> are transmissively coupled, e.g., are coupled by means of a transmission or gears or a gearbox. Each synchronizing swing arm <NUM> has a first end rotatably coupled to the base <NUM> and a second end slidingly coupled to the first body portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first body portion <NUM> of the rotating arm <NUM> has a second recess <NUM> on a side wall of the first body portion close to the base <NUM>, and a side wall of the second recess <NUM> has a second guiding sliding slot <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the second end of the synchronizing swing arm <NUM> away from the base <NUM> has a connection shaft <NUM>, and the connection shaft <NUM> is in the second guiding sliding slot <NUM>.

The connection shaft <NUM> is mounted in the second guiding sliding slot <NUM> to enable a sliding connection between the synchronizing swing arm <NUM> and the rotating arm <NUM>. The rotation axis of the rotating arm <NUM> is not coaxial with the synchronizing swing arm <NUM>. During rotation of the rotating arm <NUM>, the connection shaft <NUM> slides relative to the second guiding sliding slot <NUM>, so that the rotating arm <NUM> can drive the synchronizing swing arm <NUM> to rotate, and the synchronizing swing arm <NUM> can drive the rotating arm <NUM> to rotate.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a synchronizing swing arm in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the synchronizing swing arm <NUM> includes a gear portion <NUM> and a third body portion <NUM>, and the gear portion <NUM> and the connection shaft <NUM> are located at two ends of the third body portion <NUM>, correspondingly.

In some examples, the gear portions <NUM> of the two synchronizing swing arms <NUM> engage, so that the gear portions <NUM> of the two synchronizing swing arms <NUM> cooperate with each other to enable the two synchronizing swing arms <NUM> to rotate synchronously.

In an embodiment of the present invention, referring to <FIG>, the synchronization assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of synchronizing gears <NUM> that engage with each other, and the gear portions <NUM> of the two synchronizing swing arms <NUM> are transmissively coupled by the plurality of synchronizing gears <NUM>. During rotation of one synchronizing swing arm <NUM>, the other synchronizing swing arm <NUM> is driven by the transmission of the plurality of synchronizing gears <NUM>, thereby achieving a synchronous rotation of the two synchronizing swing arms <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the foldable hinge further includes a plurality of mounting shafts <NUM> in the base <NUM>. A part of the mounting shafts <NUM> are inserted in the gear portions <NUM> and circumferentially limited by the gear portions <NUM>, and another part of the mounting shafts <NUM> are inserted in the synchronizing gears <NUM> and circumferentially limited by the synchronizing gears <NUM>. The foldable hinge further includes a plurality of damping rings <NUM> fitted over the plurality of mounting shafts <NUM> correspondingly. The damping rings <NUM> are in interference fit with the mounting shafts <NUM>, and the plurality of damping rings <NUM> are fixedly coupled to the base <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a mounting shaft in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the mounting shaft <NUM> includes a friction segment <NUM> and a mounting segment <NUM>, and the friction segment <NUM> is at a first end of the mounting segment <NUM>. The mounting segment <NUM> has a snap slot <NUM> at a second end of the mounting segment <NUM> away from the friction segment <NUM>. The mounting segment <NUM> is used to cooperate with the gear portion <NUM> or the synchronizing gear <NUM>, which is fitted over the mounting segment <NUM>.

Optionally, the mounting segment <NUM> has a polygonal cross-section, and the mounting segment <NUM> is inserted into the gear portion <NUM> or the synchronizing gear <NUM> and can form a circumferential limitation or stop with the gear portion <NUM> or the synchronizing gear <NUM>. Relative to the gear portion <NUM> or the synchronizing gear <NUM>, the mounting shaft <NUM> is circumferentially stationary fitted over the mounting segment <NUM>, but can perform an axial relative displacement.

As shown in <FIG>, the side wall of the base <NUM> has a damping ring mounting hole <NUM>, and the damping ring <NUM> is fixedly mounted in the damping ring mounting hole <NUM>. The friction segment <NUM> of the mounting shaft <NUM> is mounted in the damping ring <NUM>.

As an example, <FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a damping ring in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the damping ring <NUM> includes a C-shaped segment <NUM> and a turnup segment <NUM>, and the cross-section of the damping ring <NUM> has an open ring structure to facilitate the installation of the friction segment <NUM> into the damping ring <NUM>. The C-shaped segment <NUM> is a columnar structure with a C-shaped cross-section, and the turnup segment <NUM> is coupled to both ends of the C-shaped segment <NUM>. The cross-sectional shape of the damping ring <NUM> matches the shape of the damping ring mounting hole <NUM>, and the turnup segment <NUM> is used to cooperate with the damping ring mounting hole <NUM> to limit the damping ring <NUM> and avoid the rotation of the damping ring <NUM>. The C-shaped segment <NUM> is fitted over the friction segment <NUM>. An outer diameter D1 of the friction segment <NUM> is greater than an inner diameter D2 of the C-shaped segment <NUM>, enabling the C-shaped segment <NUM> to form an interference fit with the friction segment <NUM>.

Optionally, the damping ring <NUM> may be a metal member, which has strong plasticity and is easy to bend into a corresponding shape.

During the rotation of the two folding assemblies <NUM>, the synchronizing swing arms <NUM> also rotate. Since the mounting shaft <NUM> is circumferentially limited by the gear portion <NUM>, the synchronizing swing arm <NUM> may drive the mounting shaft <NUM> to rotate, driving the mounting shaft <NUM> to rotate relative to the damping ring <NUM>. The outer diameter D1 of the friction segment <NUM> is larger than the inner diameter D2 of the C-shaped segment <NUM>, so that the damping ring <NUM> forms the interference fit with the friction segment <NUM> and the damping ring <NUM> grips the friction segment <NUM>. There is a friction between an inner wall of the damping ring <NUM> and an outer wall of the friction segment <NUM>, and the friction becomes resistance, preventing the rotation of the mounting shaft <NUM>. The friction between the damping ring <NUM> and the friction segment <NUM> allows the two folding assemblies <NUM> to remain in their current state as long as no sufficiently large external force for folding is applied. Thus, the electronic device can hover at any angle within a range of angles at which it can be opened and closed.

Referring to <FIG>, the foldable hinge also includes two self-locking plates <NUM>, a locking spring <NUM>, a spring stop <NUM>, a snap plate <NUM>, and an insertion tail plate <NUM>. Both self-locking plates <NUM> are fitted over the mounting segment <NUM> of the mounting shaft <NUM>, with one of the self-locking plates <NUM> abutting an end of the friction segment <NUM>. The gear portion <NUM> of the synchronizing swing arm <NUM> is fitted over the mounting segment <NUM> and is between the two self-locking plates <NUM>. The locking spring <NUM> and the spring stop <NUM> are sequentially fitted over the mounting segment <NUM>. The locking spring <NUM> is on a side of the two self-locking plates <NUM> away from the mounting segment <NUM> and abuts against one of the two self-locking plates <NUM> which is farther away from the mounting segment <NUM>. The spring stop <NUM> is at an end of the locking spring <NUM> away from the self-locking plate <NUM> and abuts against the locking spring <NUM>. The snap plate <NUM> is snapped at the snap slot <NUM>.

The foldable hinge also includes the insertion tail plate <NUM> coupled to the base <NUM>. The insertion tail plate <NUM> is at an end of the mounting shaft <NUM> away from the friction segment <NUM>. The insertion tail plate <NUM> is used to axially limit the mounting shaft <NUM> to prevent the mounting shaft <NUM> from coming out of the damping ring <NUM> under a spring force of the locking spring <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a self-locking plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the self-locking plate <NUM> has a plurality of mounting holes <NUM>, and the mounting shafts <NUM> are coaxially inserted in the mounting holes <NUM> of the self-locking plate <NUM>, and the mounting shafts <NUM> and the self-locking plate <NUM> have a clearance fit. A side wall of the self-locking plate <NUM> close to the gear portion <NUM> has a plurality of recesses <NUM> distributed circumferentially around the mounting holes <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, two ends of the gear portion <NUM> of the synchronizing swing arm <NUM> have a plurality of bosses <NUM>, and the plurality of bosses <NUM> are distributed circumferentially around the two ends of the gear portion <NUM>. The plurality of bosses <NUM> can engage with the plurality of recesses <NUM> to achieve cooperation between the synchronizing swing arm <NUM> with the two self-locking plates <NUM>.

Optionally, the synchronizing gear <NUM> may also have a plurality of bosses <NUM> at two ends of the synchronizing gear <NUM>, and the bosses <NUM> at the ends of the synchronizing gear <NUM> are fit in the corresponding recesses <NUM> around the mounting hole <NUM> in the self-locking plate <NUM>.

When the foldable hinge is in the unfolded state, the plurality of bosses <NUM> are within the plurality of recesses <NUM>. In a process of folding the foldable hinge, a sufficiently large external force is applied to perform the folding, so that the bosses <NUM> slide out of the recesses <NUM>, the locking spring <NUM> is compressed, and the two self-locking plates <NUM> move away from each other. Since one of the self-locking plates <NUM> abuts against the end of the friction segment <NUM> of the mounting shaft <NUM>, this self-locking plate <NUM> may drive the mounting shaft <NUM> to move axially when this self-locking plate <NUM> moves away from the gear portion <NUM> of the synchronizing swing arm <NUM>, causing the mounting shaft <NUM> to move into the damping ring <NUM>. Since the snap plate <NUM> is snapped in the snap slot <NUM> of the mounting shaft <NUM>, the snap plate <NUM> is fixed relative to the mounting shaft <NUM>. When the mounting shaft <NUM> moves, the snap plate <NUM> squeezes the locking spring <NUM> through the spring stop <NUM>. The spring force of the locking spring <NUM> is equivalent to a resistance, which hinders the rotation of the synchronizing swing arm <NUM>. That is, the electronic device cannot be folded when the external force is not sufficient to overcome the spring force of the locking spring <NUM>, such that the foldable hinge can lock the electronic device in the unfolded state.

Similarly, when the foldable hinge is in the folded state, the plurality of bosses <NUM> are within the plurality of recesses <NUM>, such that the foldable hinge can lock the electronic device in the folded state.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device includes two housings <NUM>, a flexible screen <NUM>, and a foldable hinge <NUM>. The two housings <NUM> are coupled to rotating arms <NUM> of the two folding assemblies <NUM> correspondingly, and the flexible screen <NUM> is coupled to the two housings <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, two ends of the flexible screen <NUM> are coupled to the two housings <NUM> correspondingly. Since the support member <NUM> is slidable relative to the base in the direction approaching/towards and away from the base <NUM> during folding and unfolding of the foldable hinge, and the support member <NUM> is rotatably arranged on the rotating arm <NUM>, the support member <NUM> can perform sliding and rotating actions relative to the base <NUM> during folding and unfolding of the two housings <NUM>. Thus, during the folding and unfolding process, an action trajectory of the two support members <NUM> follow a folding and unfolding trajectory of the flexible screen <NUM>. When the two housings <NUM> are brought together, a distance between portions of two support members <NUM> coupled to the rotating arms <NUM> is smaller than a distance between portions of the two support members <NUM> coupled to the base <NUM>, and the two support members <NUM> and the base <NUM> enclose a drop-shaped receiving space. No squeeze, no compression or damage will be applied to the flexible screen <NUM> when the flexible screen <NUM> is received in the drop-shaped receiving space. The drop-shaped receiving space is also conducive to the use effect and stability of the mobile terminal.

Claim 1:
A foldable hinge, comprising:
a base (<NUM>); and
two folding assemblies (<NUM>) on both sides of the base (<NUM>) and coupled to the base (<NUM>), the two folding assemblies (<NUM>) being foldable relative to each other,
wherein each folding assembly (<NUM>) comprises a rotating arm (<NUM>) and a support member (<NUM>), a first end of the rotating arm (<NUM>) being rotatably coupled to the base (<NUM>), the support member (<NUM>) being rotatably coupled to a second end of the rotating arm (<NUM>) away from the base (<NUM>), a side of the support member (<NUM>) close to the base (<NUM>) being rotatably coupled to the base (<NUM>), and the support member (<NUM>) being slidable in a direction towards or away from the base (<NUM>); and
wherein, when bringing the two folding assemblies (<NUM>) together, a distance (L1) between portions of the two support members (<NUM>) coupled to the rotating arms (<NUM>) is smaller than a distance (L2) between portions of the two support members (<NUM>) coupled to the base (<NUM>),
wherein a surface of the base (<NUM>) coupled to the folding assembly (<NUM>) comprises a first circular arc groove (<NUM>),
the rotating arm (<NUM>) comprises a first body portion (<NUM>) and a first arc arm (<NUM>), an end of the first arc arm (<NUM>) being coupled to the first body portion (<NUM>), and the first arc arm (<NUM>) being in the first circular arc groove (<NUM>) and being slidable along the first circular arc groove (<NUM>),
characterized in that:
the surface of the base (<NUM>) further comprises a first recess (<NUM>), the first recess (<NUM>) is on a side of the first circular arc groove (<NUM>), and a side wall of the first recess (<NUM>) has a pin shaft (<NUM>),
the support member (<NUM>) comprises a connection block (<NUM>), the connection block (<NUM>) of the support member (<NUM>) is in the first recess (<NUM>), and the pin shaft (<NUM>) is in a first guiding sliding slot (<NUM>) of the connection block (<NUM>).