CN117148921A - Foldable hinge and foldable device - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a collapsible hinge and a collapsible device. The foldable hinge comprises a main support, a middle frame support capable of rotating relative to the main support, and a torsion module, wherein a first end of the torsion module is connected to a sliding groove of the main support, a second end of the torsion module is connected to the middle frame support and can slide relative to the middle frame support, and when the torsion module drives the middle frame support to rotate relative to the main support, the first end of the torsion module can move along the sliding groove.

Description

Foldable hinge and foldable device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of foldable hinges and intelligent devices, and in particular, to a foldable hinge and a foldable device.

Background

Along with the continuous development of display technology, a folding display terminal gradually becomes a development trend of future mobile electronic products. Under the unfolding state, the folding display terminal can obtain a larger display area, and the film watching effect is improved. The folding display terminal can obtain smaller volume under the folding state, and is convenient for users to carry.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided:

the foldable hinge comprises a main support, a middle frame support capable of rotating relative to the main support, and a torsion module, wherein a first end of the torsion module is connected to a sliding groove of the main support, a second end of the torsion module is connected to the middle frame support and can slide relative to the middle frame support, and when the torsion module drives the middle frame support to rotate relative to the main support, the first end of the torsion module can move along the sliding groove.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the torsion module comprises a torsion swing arm, a limiting block and a spring, the limiting block and the spring are arranged on the middle frame support, the spring is abutted to the first side of the limiting block, the torsion swing arm is abutted to the second side of the limiting block and can slide along the second side, the limiting block comprises a first limiting part and a second limiting part, and the torsion swing arm comprises a joint part which can slide and is abutted to the first limiting part and the second limiting part, so that the flattening state and the closing state of the foldable hinge are defined.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the stopper further includes a third limiting portion, the third limiting portion is located between the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion, and when the joint portion abuts against any portion on the third limiting portion, the spring is in a compressed state, so that a hovering state of the foldable hinge is defined.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable hinge further includes a synchronization module including a synchronization swing arm having one end connected to and slidable with respect to the center frame bracket and the other end rotatably fixed to the main frame and configured with gears, and two of the gears of the two synchronization swing arms are engaged with each other.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, further comprising:

the middle frame support comprises a connecting rod and a middle frame support section which are rotatably connected with each other, the middle frame support section and the main support are respectively provided with a first circular arc part and a second circular arc part, the connecting rod is provided with a first receiving part and a second receiving part, and the first receiving part and the second receiving part can respectively receive the first circular arc part and the second circular arc part.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the torsion module further comprises a torsion pin disposed in the chute, and one end of the torsion swing arm is slidable along the chute by means of the torsion pin.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the main bracket is provided with a through hole, the synchronization module further comprises a synchronization pin shaft, and the other end of the synchronization swing arm is rotatable relative to the main bracket by means of the synchronization pin shaft.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and second limit portions are each configured as a recess, and the engagement portion is configured as a protrusion matching the recess in shape.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the torsion swing arm is connected with the middle frame support and the main support through a sliding groove pair, respectively, and the synchronization swing arm is connected with the middle frame support through a cylindrical sliding groove.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable hinge further includes a sliding plate covering the middle frame support and fixed with the torsion swing arm.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the middle frame supports is two, the number of the torsion modules is even, the two middle frame supports are symmetrically arranged on two sides of the main support, and the even torsion modules are symmetrically arranged between the main support and the middle frame support.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a foldable device, wherein the foldable device comprises a flexible display screen, a middle frame, and any of the above foldable hinges, the middle frame being secured to the foldable hinge, the flexible display screen being secured to the middle frame.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable apparatus further comprises a cover plate fixed to the middle frame.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the middle frames is two, and the two middle frames are fixed at two sides of the foldable hinge.

Drawings

The above and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent with reference to the drawings, in which,

FIG. 1 illustrates a flattened state of a collapsible hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a closed state of a collapsible hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a collapsible hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a torsion module and a synchronization module of a collapsible hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flattened state of a torsion module of a collapsible hinge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a closed state of a torsion module of a collapsible hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flattened state of a stop and engagement portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates an intermediate state of a stop and engagement portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a closed state of a stop and an engagement portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a flattened state of a synchronization module of a collapsible hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a closed state of a synchronization module of a collapsible hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a flattened state of a radiused portion and a receiving portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 13 illustrates a closed state of a circular arc portion and a receiving portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 illustrates a flattened state of a skateboard in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates a closed state of a skateboard in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded view of a foldable device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 shows a flattened schematic of a foldable device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 shows a closed schematic of a collapsible device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

fig. 19 shows a schematic diagram of a cover plate of a foldable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

It is to be readily understood that, in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art may devise various arrangements and implementations that may be interchanged without departing from the true spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the presently disclosed technology and are not to be considered as an all-or-as-limited or restrictive of the presently disclosed technology.

Terms of orientation such as up, down, left, right, front, rear, front, back, top, bottom, etc. mentioned or possible to be mentioned in the present specification are defined with respect to the configurations shown in the drawings, which are relative concepts, and thus may be changed according to different positions and different use states thereof. These and other directional terms should not be construed as limiting terms. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like are used for descriptive and distinguishing purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying a relative importance of the corresponding components.

Referring to fig. 1 to 2, a state of a foldable hinge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, respectively, wherein fig. 1 illustrates a flattened state of a foldable hinge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 1, in the unfolded state of the foldable hinge, the main frame 11 and the middle frame 12 are approximately on the same horizontal plane. It will be appreciated that the center frame support may include one or two, one on each side or on both sides of the main support, the center frame support being configured to mount the center frame.

Referring to fig. 2, fig. 2 illustrates a closed state of a collapsible hinge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the closed state of the foldable hinge, the main bracket and the middle frame bracket approximately form a vertical included angle.

It will be appreciated that although not shown in fig. 1 and 2, in some examples the collapsible hinge also has an intermediate configuration (e.g., when unfolded to an angle but not fully unfolded) with the center frame support at an angle to the main support that is generally greater than 0 ° and less than 90 °.

Referring to fig. 3-6, fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a foldable hinge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a torsion module and a synchronization module of a collapsible hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 illustrates a flattened state of a torsion module of a collapsible hinge, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; fig. 6 illustrates a closed state of a torsion module of a collapsible hinge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The foldable hinge 1 comprises a main bracket 11, a middle frame bracket 12 capable of rotating relative to the main bracket 11, and a torsion module 13, wherein a first end of the torsion module 13 is connected to a sliding chute 112 of the main bracket 11, a second end of the torsion module 13 is connected to the middle frame bracket 12 and can slide relative to the middle frame bracket 12, and when the torsion module drives the middle frame bracket to rotate relative to the main bracket, the first end of the torsion module can move along the sliding chute.

The first end of the torsion module is to be understood broadly and may refer to one end of the torsion module or a component located at an end of the torsion module or one end of a component of the torsion module, as will be described below. In one example, the center frame support is rotated relative to the main frame by an external force (e.g., a user rotates the center frame support), such as clockwise or counterclockwise, and the torque module cooperates with the center frame support to provide a resistance to rotation and to provide a driving function for the center frame support to rotate relative to the main frame. And during this rotational movement the second end of the torsion module slides relative to the middle frame bracket, whereby the second end has a larger movement space, which means that the amplitude of the rotational movement of the middle frame bracket relative to the main bracket can be larger. Furthermore, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure define that the first end of the torsion module can move along the chute, which means that during the rotational movement of the middle frame bracket relative to the main bracket, the first end of the torsion module can move when needed, thereby further increasing the active space of the torsion module. This movable design of the first end can be understood as a virtual axis. From another perspective, this also means that, in the case of the same rotation amplitude of the middle frame support relative to the main support, the structure of the foldable hinge adopting the virtual axis is more compact, so that the folding thickness of the whole machine (the foldable hinge and the foldable equipment to be described later) is reduced, and meanwhile, the matching area of the sliding rail can be increased, and the transmission stability is ensured.

It will be appreciated that the resistance is typically small and maintained at a substantially constant level to enhance the feel of the folding hinge as it is flattened and closed.

Referring to fig. 7-9, a position of a stop portion and an engagement portion according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

Referring to fig. 7 to 9, the torsion module 13 includes a torsion swing arm 131, a stopper 132, and a spring 133, the stopper 132 and the spring 133 are disposed on the middle frame 12, the spring 133 is abutted on a first side of the stopper 132, the torsion swing arm 131 is abutted on a second side of the stopper 132 and can slide along the second side, the stopper 132 includes a first limit portion 1321 and a second limit portion 1322, the torsion swing arm 131 includes a joint portion 1311, and the joint portion 1311 is capable of sliding and abutted on the first limit portion 1321 and the second limit portion 1322, thereby defining a flattened state and a closed state of the foldable hinge 1.

The first side and the second side of the stopper are illustratively two sides disposed along the length direction of the stopper and are in an opposed form to each other. It should be appreciated that the design of the first end of the torsion module sliding along the chute during rotation of the center frame bracket relative to the main frame bracket may be borne by a torsion swing arm, as will be described further below. For example, one end of the torsion swing arm is arranged on the main support, and the other end of the torsion swing arm is abutted to the second side of the limiting block.

The foldable hinge has a flattened state, a closed state, and an intermediate state therebetween. The switching of the position state of the hinge is realized by the movement of the torsion swing arm relative to the main bracket and the movement of the middle frame bracket together with the torsion swing arm relative to the main bracket. During switching, the other end of the torsion swing arm can slide relative to the middle frame support, so that a movement space can be better provided for the torsion swing arm in the movement process, and the movement of the torsion swing arm is supported. In order to achieve limiting and limit positions of the flattened state and the closed state, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion designed as above are adopted, and are matched with the joint portion respectively to achieve position limiting of the flattened state and the closed state, and self-locking can be achieved in the two states or positions. Thus, depending on the action of the part, the stop block may also be referred to as a cam block. Therefore, during position switching, the other end of the torsion swing arm slides relative to the middle frame support and slides relative to the limiting block.

Further, the stopper 132 further includes a third limiting portion 1324, the third limiting portion is located between the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion, and when the engaging portion abuts against any portion on the third limiting portion, the spring is in a compressed state, so as to define a hovering state of the foldable hinge. As can be seen, the engagement (abutment) of the engagement portion with the third stopper portion defines an intermediate state of the hinge. Meanwhile, the embodiment of the disclosure also limits that the spring is in a compressed state at the moment, so that a force feedback feel is given to a user in the process of switching the hinge between the closed state and the flattened state, and the sliding movement speed of the torsion swing arm relative to the limiting block and the rotating movement speed of the middle frame support relative to the main support are limited to a certain extent, so that the hinge and the opening and closing of the whole machine have good operation experience on the aspect of the user.

In one example, referring to fig. 7, a flattened state of a stop and engagement portion is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At this time, the engagement portion, the first limit portion, and the spring cooperate such that the center frame bracket, the torsion swing arm, and the main bracket are in a flattened state (or in the same horizontal plane). The first limiting part is configured into a notch shape (such as an arc notch), and the arc-shaped part of the first limiting part forms a certain resistance to prevent the torsion swing arm from moving towards the direction of the second limiting part (namely, from the flattened state to the intermediate state or the closed state), so that the hinge in the flattened state cannot be touched to change the shape or the position due to an excessively low external force.

In one example, referring to fig. 8, an intermediate state of a stop and an engagement portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. At this time, the engagement portion, the third limit portion, and the spring cooperate so that the center frame bracket, the torsion swing arm, and the main bracket are in an intermediate state (or so that the center frame bracket, the torsion swing arm, and the main bracket form an inclined angle with respect to the main bracket). The third limiting part is configured into a straight slideway shape, and when the joint part is separated from the first limiting part/the second limiting part and slides along the third limiting part, for example, slides towards the second limiting part or slides towards the first limiting part, the joint part presses the limiting block and the spring so that the spring generates a reverse acting force. The reverse acting force presses the joint part, so that the joint part receives a certain resistance action when sliding in the slideway formed by the third limiting part. It will be appreciated that the hinge will continue to be in the hover position when the force pushing the joint to move does not exceed the resistance described above (e.g., without any external forces).

In one example, referring to fig. 9, a closed state of a stop and an engagement portion is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At this time, the engagement portion cooperates with the second limiting portion such that the center frame bracket, the torsion swing arm, and the main bracket are in a closed state. The second limiting part is configured into a notch shape (such as an arc notch), and a certain resistance is formed on the second limiting part to prevent the torsion swing arm from moving towards the first limiting part (namely, from a closed state to an intermediate state or a flattened state), so that the hinge in the closed state cannot be touched to change the shape or the position due to too low external force.

In addition, it should also be appreciated that due to the action of the spring designed as above, the other end of the torsion swing arm (i.e., the engagement portion) can always abut against the stopper during sliding relative to the stopper, thereby ensuring that the engagement portion and the corresponding stopper can be engaged together relatively quickly when the engagement portion travels to the stopper, and also ensuring that there is sufficient engagement force therebetween to maintain the corresponding flattened state, closed state, or intermediate state stable. Therefore, through the technical scheme, the support of the folding performance of the hinge is realized with less parts, simpler assembly difficulty and higher assembly precision, and particularly, the limitation of a flattening state and a closing state is realized, so that the hinge has higher cost performance in terms of time and money. It is possible that in order to increase the stability of the engagement and at the same time ensure that the disengaged state does not require excessive forces, the engagement portions can be designed in a form-fitting manner with the limit portions and the cross section of the engagement portions can be designed in a circular arc shape which is less than a semicircle.

It will be appreciated that the spring may be stressed or unstressed as the engagement portion falls into either the first or second stop. That is, for the unfolded or closed state of the collapsible hinge described herein, the engagement portion may have a squeezing force on the stopper, the spring such that the spring generates a counter force; the joint part can also not have an extrusion force to the limiting block and the spring, and the sliding of the joint part is blocked only through the arc-shaped gaps of the first limiting part and the second limiting part.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the number of the middle frame supports is two, the number of the torsion modules is even, the two middle frame supports are symmetrically arranged on two sides of the main support, and the even number of the torsion modules are symmetrically arranged between the main support and the middle frame support. For example, the present embodiment employs two center brackets and one main bracket, which are disposed on both sides of the longitudinal direction (Y-direction, i.e., width direction in fig. 4) of the main bracket, respectively, to form a symmetrical folded configuration. Meanwhile, in order to make the torsion distribution comparatively even, four torsion swing arms in total are arranged and symmetrically positioned near the end part of the whole hinge, and 8 limiting blocks are arranged in a similar mode, each limiting block is divided into two rows from the longitudinal view, each row is provided with four springs, 3 springs are distributed for each limiting block, the stability of the whole force value of the hinge can be ensured, and meanwhile, the purpose of reducing the K value (namely, the elastic coefficient or stiffness coefficient of the springs) is achieved by increasing the number, so that the service life attenuation of the hinge is ensured to be smaller. In addition, each stopper is provided with a support column 1323 so that the corresponding spring can be sleeved on the support column. The specifications, materials and other properties of the springs can be the same, can be designed differently according to actual needs, and can also be in the form of parallel or serial springs for providing spring forces and limit forces which meet different needs. It is also possible that the middle frame support is designed with a stop wall 123 to avoid the whole hinge from being folded excessively due to the excessive sliding of the stop block. Therefore, when the torsion swing arm is assembled, the torsion swing arm can slide into the middle frame bracket from the tail part in a back-off way, so that interference with the stop baffle wall is avoided.

In some examples, the number of the torsion modules, the torsion swing arms, the limiting blocks and the springs may be adjusted accordingly, for example, the number of the torsion swing arms may be six, eight or more, for example, four torsion swing arms are disposed near the ends of the hinge, two torsion swing arms are disposed in the middle of the hinge, the number of the corresponding limiting blocks and springs may be increased correspondingly, or the number of the springs allocated to each limiting block may be adjusted according to different requirements, the materials of the springs, etc., which are not limitations of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, wherein fig. 10 illustrates a flattened state of a synchronization module of a collapsible hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and fig. 11 illustrates a closed state of a synchronization module of a collapsible hinge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The foldable hinge 1 further includes a synchronizing module 14, the synchronizing module 14 including a synchronizing swing arm 141, one end of the synchronizing swing arm 141 being connected to the center frame bracket 12 and slidable with respect to the center frame bracket 12, the other end being rotatably fixed to the main bracket 11 and configured with gears 1411, the two gears 1411 of the two synchronizing swing arms 141 being engaged with each other.

It should be appreciated that the synchronization module is used to synchronize the various parts of the hinge during the folding and unfolding movements, and thus the synchronization module may be provided at multiple parts of the hinge. For example, a synchronization module is provided in the middle of the hinge and in the region adjacent to the torsion module, in order to homogenize the synchronous movement of the hinge. Meanwhile, as the one end of the synchronous swing arm is slidable relative to the middle frame support, a movement space can be better provided for the synchronous swing arm in the movement process, so that the movement of the synchronous swing arm is supported. Gears at the other end of the synchronous swing arm are meshed in pairs, so that synchronous motion effect can be achieved on one hand, and the motion directions of the gears are guaranteed to be opposite on the other hand. In addition, the gear meshing transmission has high transmission efficiency and stable transmission.

Referring to fig. 12 and 13, wherein fig. 12 illustrates a flattened state of a radiused portion and a receiving portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and fig. 13 illustrates a closed state of a circular arc portion and a receiving portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In order to be able to further optimize the course of movement of the hinge, in particular to guide the movement of the hinge, in some embodiments of the present disclosure the middle frame support 12 comprises a connecting rod 121 and a middle frame support section 122 rotatably connected to each other, the middle frame support section 122 and the main support 11 being configured with a first circular arc 1221 and a second circular arc 111, respectively, the connecting rod 121 being configured with a first receiving portion 1211 and a second receiving portion 1212, the first receiving portion 1211 and the second receiving portion 1212 being able to receive the first circular arc 1221 and the second circular arc 111, respectively.

After studying the technical solutions herein, a person skilled in the art can know how to arrange the connecting rods or the middle frame support and the parts originally arranged on the middle frame support in the case that the middle frame support is divided into the connecting rods and the middle frame support. For example, the limiting block and the spring are arranged on the middle frame support, the torsion swing arm is respectively arranged on the main support and the middle frame support, and the synchronous swing arm is respectively arranged on the main support and the middle frame support. Further, folding/unfolding movement guidance of the hinge corresponding region is achieved by the cooperation of each circular arc portion and each receiving portion. In this embodiment, a total of 24 sets of arcs/receptacles are designed, located in the middle region of the hinge in the transverse (X-direction, i.e., vertical or lengthwise in fig. 4) direction. It should be appreciated that the arcuate design of the arcuate portions and the receiving portions may be consistent with the desired hinge folding motion profile. For example, the joint of the two can be realized in the form of a quarter or a third of circular arc, so that the movement guiding can be realized, and meanwhile, the occupied space and the material requirement are not too large, and the cost performance is high. The design form is a virtual axle center concept, and aims to enable the thickness of the whole hinge to be folded to be thinned, increase the matching area of the receiving part and ensure the stability of transmission. It should also be understood that the placement of each receiving portion and each rounded portion is merely exemplary, although not explicitly stated in this disclosure, placement of the receiving portion to the center bracket and the main bracket, and placement of the corresponding rounded portion to the connecting rod may also be applicable.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the torsion module 13 further includes a torsion pin 134 disposed in the chute 112, and one end of the torsion swing arm 131 is slidable along the chute 112 by means of the torsion pin 134.

Therefore, the torsion pin shaft is arranged in the chute, and one end of the torsion swing arm moves in the chute by virtue of the pin shaft. For example, in the flattened state of the hinge, the torsion pin and the corresponding end are located at the bottom of the chute, and in the closed state of the hinge, the torsion pin and the corresponding end are located at the top of the chute. That is, by the size and structural design of the chute, the arc portion and the receiving portion can be matched to achieve a desired hinge folding width. In addition, this design also allows the bracket cover, which will be described later, to have a sufficient wall thickness in the X-direction (transverse direction) while increasing the amount of slippage of the torsion swing arm to reserve sufficient space for the spring. For example, the cross section of the chute is in the shape of a kidney-shaped hole and is designed to extend obliquely at an angle of 45 degrees, for which purpose the main support is correspondingly provided with a main body portion 113 and a protruding portion 114 for opening the chute, for example, extending obliquely at an angle of 45 degrees from both sides of the main body portion, so as to support the sliding movement of the one end of the torsion swing arm 131 by means of the torsion pin. Similarly, in some embodiments, the main support 11 is provided with a through hole, the synchronization module 14 further includes a synchronization pin 142, and the other end of the synchronization swing arm 141 is rotatable relative to the main support 11 by the synchronization pin 142. Therefore, the position of the other end of the synchronous swing arm in working is limited by the matching mode between the through hole and the synchronous pin shaft, and the synchronism and the movement stability of each part in the unfolding or folding process of the hinge are ensured. The through holes are illustratively provided on the main body portion of the main support to make full use of the layout space of the main support.

As can also be seen from fig. 4, 5 and 10, the torsion swing arm 131 is connected to the middle frame support 12 and the main support respectively through a sliding slot pair, and the synchronization swing arm 141 is connected to the middle frame support 12 through a cylindrical sliding slot. That is, the other end of the torsion swing arm and the middle frame support or the middle frame support form connection and movement relation through the sliding groove formed on the support, so that the guide of movement space and movement form is provided for the sliding of the torsion swing arm, and the torsion swing arm is simple in structure, easy to realize and strong in practicality and adaptability. Similarly, the same or similar technical effects can be achieved by the cylindrical sliding groove, i.e. the cylindrical groove, for example, synchronous rotation can be achieved, and meanwhile, the synchronous swing arm rotates relatively corresponding to the middle frame support or the middle frame support, so that dead points are avoided.

As can be seen in fig. 7 to 9, the first stop 1321 and the second stop 1322 are each configured as a recess, and the engagement 1311 is configured as a projection matching the recess in shape. The projection may be configured as an arcuate flange so as to be able to engage with the limit portions located at both the upper and lower sides so as to secure a more stable position defining effect. Thereby, the position definition for the flattened state and the folded state is achieved by the simple and easy-to-manufacture structure. And it is feasible that the transition part between these two spacing portions is smooth transition or flat face to provide comparatively smooth and smooth transition experience for the operator, K value and the force feedback effect that can bring between each spring and the spring totality also can be according to actual demand and use experience, for example tests and filters through the mode of experiment. As another example, in an intermediate transitional state, the spring is compressed for a two-stage stroke, leaving the entire hinge and corresponding foldable device in a free hover phase. Of course, it should also be appreciated that more stops may be provided to provide intermediate positional definition between the flattened and folded positions, if desired.

Referring to fig. 14 and 15, wherein fig. 14 illustrates a flattened state of a skateboard in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 15 illustrates a closed state of a skateboard in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the foldable hinge 1 further includes a sliding plate 15, and the sliding plate 15 covers the middle frame support 12 and is fixed to the torsion swing arm 131. It should be understood that the covers described herein do not strictly require that the slide plate cover all parts of the center frame support, but may allow only a part of the center frame support to be covered, although a full cover is also possible. In addition, in order to prevent the parts on the rack from falling off or to protect them, a rack cover 16 may be provided, which is fixedly connected to the main rack and covers the main rack. If necessary, the bracket cover may be further configured with various forms of protection parts 161 to be engaged with corresponding parts on the main bracket, thereby achieving a more targeted protection effect and saving the occupied space to some extent. Therefore, through the use of the sliding plate, cooperative movement can be guaranteed, the gap between the sliding plate and the bracket cover plate is small when the hinge is flattened, and the risk of leaking the structure is avoided. Meanwhile, in the middle process state between flattening and folding, the device moves cooperatively with the torsion swing arm to also play a role in shielding the internal structure, and in the folding position (closed state), the sliding plate is prevented from interfering with the bracket cover plate through sliding. Here, the slide plate is constructed as a U-shaped slide plate and is internally constructed with a fixing structure for connection with the torsion swing arm, both of which can be conveniently detachably fastened by means of, for example, a threaded fastener (bolt, screw, etc.), wherein the bottom surface of the U-shaped structure extends in the longitudinal direction of the hinge structure and effects the above-mentioned covering and protecting of the parts are achieved, the side surface of the U-shaped structure catches the end of the center frame bracket or the center frame bracket to promote sealability and protecting effects, and thus a good slide plate supporting effect is obtained. Therefore, through the structural designs of the torsion module, the synchronous module, the virtual axle center and the like, which are introduced one by one, the overall structure of the whole foldable hinge is simplified, the number of parts is reduced, the assembly difficulty is reduced, the economic cost is saved, the reliability is improved, and the service life is prolonged. Meanwhile, the whole hinge structure has better strength, smaller spring stress, stable hand feeling and smaller service life attenuation.

In addition to this, the foldable hinge may comprise decorative pieces 17, for example two, which are arranged symmetrically in the middle of the end sides of the hinge and are directed outwards, in order to provide the hinge with an aesthetic appearance and also to provide the foldable device, which will be described below, with a lateral aesthetic appearance. The decorative piece is illustratively constructed in a short flat, flat mushroom shape so as not to affect the outside, such as the use of a user, nor occupy much floor space while providing a look and feel.

Referring to fig. 16-19, wherein fig. 16 shows an exploded view of a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 17 shows a flattened schematic of a foldable device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 18 shows a closed schematic of a collapsible device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and fig. 19 shows a schematic diagram of a cover plate of a foldable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a foldable device 100 is related, wherein the foldable device 100 comprises a flexible display screen 2, a middle frame 3 and any of the above foldable hinges 1, the middle frame 3 being fixed to the foldable hinge 1, the flexible display screen 2 being fixed to the middle frame 3. For the specific embodiments of the foldable device and the technical effects that can be achieved, please refer to the description of the foldable hinge above for explanation, and the description is omitted herein.

However, it should be understood that two intermediate frames may be employed, symmetrically attached to each side of the hinge in the longitudinal direction, and secured together with the hinge, for example, in a screw-type fastening connection. The flexible display screen may be sized to be larger than the overall dimensions of the middle frame and hinge so that the flexible display screen can completely cover the middle frame and hinge, thereby making the overall foldable device more aesthetically pleasing when in use. In order to match the foldability of the hinge, the flexible display screen chosen should also be a foldable screen. In addition, the specific form of the foldable device is not particularly limited, and terminals such as a folding cellular phone, a folding tablet and the like may be applicable.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the foldable device 100 further comprises a cover plate 4, the cover plate 4 being fixed to the middle frame 3. The intermediate frame can thus be correspondingly configured with receptacles for the arrangement of the cover plate. Thus, the cover plate may be sized smaller than the middle frame or may be fully covered by the middle frame after assembly is complete so that only the flexible display panel faces the user during use to provide a more aesthetically pleasing use experience. It is possible that when the hinge is assembled with the middle frame, a part of the hinge structure may be exposed, so that after the hinge is fixed with the middle frame adhesive by means of the cover plate, the opposite middle frame bracket is static, and the sliding plate slides into the inner side of the cover plate through sliding with the middle frame bracket, thereby solving the problem of exposed structure. For example, in the view presented in fig. 15, the slide slides into the inside of the cover plate in a top-down manner.

It can also be seen from fig. 16 that the number of the middle frames is two, and two of the middle frames are fixed at both sides of the foldable hinge. It should be understood that where the collapsible hinge as a whole is rendered generally rectangular, the two sides herein may refer to opposite sides in the length direction. Therefore, the design can be well applied to a device terminal folding mode of inwards folding or outwards folding along the vertical direction from the middle of the screen, and can be also applied to a folding mode in the form of a flip cover along the transverse direction, and the like.

Finally, the assembling mode of the foldable equipment is briefly described:

step one, fixing a synchronous swing arm and a main support through a pin shaft, and weighing a first component;

step two, fixing a spring in a spring groove of a middle frame support, mounting a limiting block in a cam sliding groove of the middle frame support, and scribing a torsion swing arm into the middle frame support from the tail in an inverted manner, so as to obtain a component II;

step three, assembling the first component, the second component and the connecting rod, wherein the middle frame support is provided with synchronous swing arm sliding groove positions, the synchronous swing arm sliding groove positions slide in sequence, and then the support cover plate and the first component are fixed through screws, so that the third component is called;

step four, sliding the sliding plate into a middle frame support of the component three, fixing the sliding plate and the torsion swing arm through a screw, and assembling the sliding plate and the torsion swing arm through a hinge;

step five, fixing the two middle frames with the hinge through screws, fixing the flexible display screen with the middle frames through adhesive, and fixing the cover plate with the middle frames through adhesive to complete assembly.

It should be understood that all of the above preferred embodiments are exemplary and not limiting, and that various modifications or variations to the specific embodiments described above, which would be within the spirit of the present disclosure, would be within the legal scope of the present disclosure by those skilled in the art.

Claims (14)

1. The foldable hinge comprises a main support, a middle frame support capable of rotating relative to the main support, and a torsion module, wherein a first end of the torsion module is connected to a sliding groove of the main support, a second end of the torsion module is connected to the middle frame support and can slide relative to the middle frame support, and when the torsion module drives the middle frame support to rotate relative to the main support, the first end of the torsion module can move along the sliding groove.

2. The foldable hinge of claim 1, wherein the torsion module includes a torsion swing arm, a stopper, and a spring disposed in the center frame bracket, the spring abutting a first side of the stopper, the torsion swing arm abutting a second side of the stopper and being slidable along the second side, the stopper including a first limit portion and a second limit portion, the torsion swing arm including a joint portion slidable and abutting the first limit portion and the second limit portion, thereby defining a flattened state and a closed state of the foldable hinge.

3. The foldable hinge of claim 2, wherein the stopper further comprises a third stopper portion located between the first and second stopper portions, the spring being in a compressed configuration when the engagement portion abuts any location on the third stopper portion, thereby defining a hover state of the foldable hinge.

4. The foldable hinge of claim 1, wherein the foldable hinge further comprises a synchronization module comprising a synchronization swing arm having one end connected to and slidable with respect to the center frame bracket and the other end rotatably fixed to the main frame and configured with gears, both of the gears of both of the synchronization swing arms being engaged with each other.

5. The foldable hinge of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

the middle frame support comprises a connecting rod and a middle frame support section which are rotatably connected with each other, the middle frame support section and the main support are respectively provided with a first circular arc part and a second circular arc part, the connecting rod is provided with a first receiving part and a second receiving part, and the first receiving part and the second receiving part can respectively receive the first circular arc part and the second circular arc part.

6. The foldable hinge of claim 2, wherein the torsion module further comprises a torsion pin disposed within the chute, one end of the torsion swing arm being slidable along the chute via the torsion pin.

7. The collapsible hinge of claim 4, wherein the main bracket is provided with a through hole, the synchronization module further comprising a synchronization pin by means of which the other end of the synchronization swing arm is rotatable relative to the main bracket.

8. The foldable hinge of claim 2, wherein the first and second retainers are each configured as a notch, and the engagement portion is configured as a protrusion that matches the notch in shape.

9. The foldable hinge according to claim 2, wherein the torsion swing arm is connected with the middle frame bracket and the main bracket through a sliding chute pair, respectively, and the synchronization swing arm is connected with the middle frame bracket through a cylindrical sliding chute.

10. The foldable hinge of claim 2, wherein the foldable hinge further comprises a slide plate covering the center frame bracket and secured with the torsion swing arm.

11. The foldable hinge of claim 1, wherein the number of the middle frame brackets is two, the number of the torsion modules is even, the two middle frame brackets are symmetrically arranged on two sides of the main bracket, and the even number of the torsion modules are symmetrically arranged between the main bracket and the middle frame bracket.

12. A foldable device, wherein the foldable device comprises a flexible display screen, a middle frame and a foldable hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the middle frame being secured to the foldable hinge, the flexible display screen being secured to the middle frame.

13. The foldable device of claim 12, wherein the foldable device further comprises a cover plate secured to the middle frame.

14. The foldable device of claim 12, wherein the number of the middle frames is two, and two of the middle frames are fixed at both sides of the foldable hinge.