A rotating shaft mechanism and a mobile terminal

Abstract

The application provides a rotating shaft mechanism and a mobile terminal. The rotating shaft mechanism comprises a main shaft assembly, the main shaft assembly comprises a hinged middle frame, a middle door plate which is lifted relative to the hinged middle frame, and a shell support which is fixedly connected with a shell of the mobile terminal, the shell support is rotationally connected with the hinged middle frame through a transmission member, and the middle door plate is lifted by the shell support; the rotating shaft mechanism further comprises a rotating connecting rod which is rotationally connected with the main shaft assembly, and a side door plate which is slidingly connected with the rotating connecting rod, and the side door plate is rotationally connected with the shell. The rotating shaft mechanism links the middle door plate with the shell through the transmission member and the shell support, the middle door plate is lifted while the shell is rotated, so that the flexible screen has a larger space when the mobile terminal is folded, and the folding effect of the mobile terminal is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mobile terminal technology, and in particular to a rotating shaft mechanism and a mobile terminal. Background Technology

[0002] As flexible foldable screen technology matures, flexible foldable terminal products are poised to become a major future trend. Foldable terminal products (such as foldable phones, foldable tablets, and foldable computers) need to meet high reliability, a good user experience, and an attractive design to gain consumer acceptance. Taking foldable phones as an example, unlike traditional flip phones, flexible foldable phones have continuously foldable screens. To prevent the screen from being stretched or compressed, the overall appearance of the device undergoes significant deformation at the central hinge bend, a deformation that conventional structures cannot accommodate. Therefore, flexible foldable terminal products require specially designed hinges at the bend to meet the demands of user experience, appearance, and reliability. However, current technologies use hinges where the bend portion is thicker than the overall device thickness after folding, affecting the final folded appearance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a pivot mechanism and a mobile terminal to improve the folding effect of the mobile terminal.

[0004] In a first aspect, a pivot mechanism is provided for use in a foldable mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes two housings rotatably connected by the pivot mechanism. The mobile terminal also includes a flexible screen fixedly connected to the two housings. The pivot mechanism includes a main shaft assembly, which serves as a support member. This main shaft assembly includes a hinged frame, a middle door panel covering the hinged frame and capable of lifting and lowering relative to the hinged frame, and a housing bracket for fixed connection to each housing. Each housing bracket is fixedly connected to a corresponding transmission component, and the housing bracket is rotatably connected to the hinged frame via the corresponding transmission component. The transmission component enables linkage between the housing and the middle door panel, and when the housing bracket rotates, the transmission component drives the middle door panel to lift and lower. The pivot mechanism also includes a connecting rod assembly for connecting the side door panels and the housing. The rotating connecting rod assembly includes two sets of rotating connecting rods arranged on both sides of the axis of the hinged frame. Each set of rotating connecting rods includes two rotating connecting rods rotatably connected to the hinged frame. One end of each rotating connecting rod is rotatably connected to the end of the hinged frame, and the other end can rotate and slide relative to the housing on the same side. The pivot mechanism also includes two side door panels, correspondingly arranged on both sides of the hinged frame. Each side door panel is rotatably connected to the housing on the same side and slidably connected to the rotating connecting rod on the same side. In use, when the housing support rotates to a first predetermined position, the middle door panel and the two side door panels support the flexible screen. When the housing support rotates to a second predetermined position, the middle door panel descends to a predetermined third position and forms a space with the two side door panels to accommodate the bent portion of the flexible screen. In the above technical solution, the pivot mechanism links the middle door panel with the housing by using transmission components and housing brackets. While the housing rotates, it can drive the middle door panel to rise and fall, thus allowing the flexible screen to have a larger space when the mobile terminal is folded.

[0005] In one specific implementation, the pivot mechanism further includes a door panel translational connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the intermediate door panel, and the other end is slidably connected to the hinged middle frame; or,

[0006] One end of the door panel translational connecting rod is slidably connected to the middle door panel, and the other end is rotatably connected to the hinged middle frame. The lifting and lowering of the middle door panel is limited by the door panel translational connecting rod.

[0007] In one specific implementation, each transmission component includes a first rocker arm and a pin shaft and a drive shaft respectively fixed to both sides of the rocker arm, wherein...

[0008] The pin shaft is fixedly connected to the corresponding housing bracket, and the housing bracket is rotatably connected to the hinged middle frame through the pin shaft;

[0009] The intermediate door panel is provided with a first sliding groove that slides in conjunction with the drive shaft. The intermediate door panel is raised and lowered as the housing rotates, thanks to the engagement of the pin shaft of the transmission connector with the drive shaft.

[0010] In one specific implementation, the first slide is an arc-shaped slide, specifically an S-shaped arc-shaped slide, and the lifting path of the middle door panel is defined by the cooperation of the second slide and the drive shaft when the housing rotates.

[0011] In one specific implementation, each rotating connecting rod is provided with a second sliding groove, and the corresponding side door panel is provided with a protrusion that slides within the second sliding groove. The movement path of the side door panel is determined by the cooperation between the protrusion and the second sliding groove.

[0012] In one specific implementation, the protrusion is located at the middle position of the end of the middle door panel. Furthermore, the distance from the axis of rotational connection between the side door panel and the corresponding housing to the corresponding housing is greater than the distance from the protrusion on the side door panel to the corresponding housing.

[0013] In one specific implementation, the second slide is an arc-shaped slide; and when the housing support rotates to the second predetermined position, the side door panel rotates relative to the housing support to the fourth predetermined position; when the side door panel is in the fourth predetermined position, the two side doors are arranged in a V-shape, and the end of the two side door panels with a larger relative distance is closer to the middle door panel. This increases the space for accommodating the flexible screen.

[0014] In one specific implementation, the main shaft assembly further includes a support rod rotatably connected to the hinged middle frame, and when the housing support rotates to the first predetermined position, the support rod presses against the side door panel and the hinged middle frame respectively. The side door panel is supported by the support rod after it is unfolded.

[0015] In one specific implementation, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes a damping assembly corresponding to at least one of the rotating connecting rods; wherein the damping assembly is fixedly connected to the housing, and the rotating connecting rod rotates and slides relative to the housing via the damping assembly. The damping assembly improves the rotational effect when the rotating shaft mechanism drives the housing to rotate.

[0016] In one specific implementation, the damping assembly includes: a damping bracket fixed to a corresponding housing, a damping shaft rotatably connected to the damping bracket, and a second swing arm fixedly connected to the damping shaft, wherein the second swing arm is rotatably connected to a corresponding rotating connecting rod; the damping assembly further includes at least one set of cam assemblies, and each set of cam assemblies includes: a first cam and a second cam fitted on the damping shaft and cooperating with each other; wherein the first cam is fixed relative to the housing, and the second cam rotates synchronously with the damping shaft. The damping effect is achieved through the cooperation of the first cam and the second cam.

[0017] In one specific implementation, the second cam is slidably connected to the damping shaft, and a compression spring is fitted on the damping shaft to push the second cam into abutting contact with the first cam. The compression spring increases the clamping force between the first and second cams.

[0018] In one specific implementation, two sets of cam assemblies are mounted on each damping shaft, wherein two second cams in the two sets of cam assemblies are adjacent to each other, and the two ends of the compression spring respectively abut against the two second cams. This further improves the damping effect.

[0019] Secondly, a mobile terminal is provided, comprising the pivot mechanism described in any of the above claims, two housings, and a flexible screen fixed to the two housings; wherein the housing brackets are fixedly connected to their respective housings, and the side door panels are rotatably connected to the housings located on the same side. In the above technical solution, the pivot mechanism uses a transmission component and housing brackets to link the middle door panel with the housing, so that the middle door panel can be raised and lowered while the housing rotates, thereby allowing the flexible screen to have a larger space when the mobile terminal is folded. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the unfolded mobile terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the folded state of a mobile terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 An exploded view of the mobile terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 An exploded view of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 An exploded view of the spindle assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the spindle assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transmission component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 9 A diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the drive shaft and the first slide groove when the mobile terminal provided in this application is unfolded;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the rotating connecting rod and the hinged middle frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the end of the rotating connecting rod connected to the hinged middle frame according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the damping component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figures 13a-13c A schematic diagram illustrating the process of a mobile terminal changing from an unfolded state to a folded state, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figures 14a-14d This is a schematic diagram showing the changes in the first door panel, the second door panel, and the middle door panel when the mobile terminal provided in this embodiment changes from an unfolded state to a folded state. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] To facilitate understanding of the hinge mechanism provided in this application embodiment, its application scenario is first described below. This hinge mechanism is used in mobile terminals, especially mobile terminals with bendable screens, such as mobile phones, PDAs, laptops, or tablets. However, regardless of the type of mobile terminal used, it includes the following... Figure 1 The structure shown includes: a first housing 20, a rotating shaft mechanism 10, a second housing 30, and a flexible screen fixed to the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). See also: Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 and Figure 2The diagram shows the unfolded state of the mobile terminal on two different sides. The pivot mechanism 10 is connected to both the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. Rotation of the pivot mechanism 10 causes the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 to rotate relative to each other. The flexible screen covers the first housing 20, the second housing 30, and the pivot mechanism 10, and is adhesively connected to both the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. In use, the mobile terminal has two states: an unfolded state and a folded state. (First refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the mobile terminal unfolds, the hinge mechanism 10 unfolds, and the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 unfold on both sides of the hinge mechanism 10, at which point the flexible screen 40 unfolds. During bending, the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 rotate relative to the hinge mechanism 10, forming a shape after folding. Figure 3 In the state shown, the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 are stacked opposite each other, and the flexible screen (not shown) bends along with the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. Figure 3 The diagram shows the folding configuration of the flexible screen between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 when folded. However, the mobile terminal provided in this application embodiment is not limited to... Figure 3 The folding method shown can also be used to fold the flexible screen so that it is exposed after folding. To facilitate understanding of the pivot mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application, its structure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] First refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 An exploded view of the mobile terminal is shown. Figure 4 As can be seen, the pivot mechanism includes at least: a main shaft assembly (not labeled in the figure) and side door panels; there are two side door panels, which are named first door panel 13 and second door panel 12 for ease of description. (Reference) Figure 4 The first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 are arranged on both sides of the main shaft assembly. The first door panel 13 is connected to the first housing 20, and the second door panel 12 is connected to the second housing 30.

[0036] Please refer to the above. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 The same labels can be referenced. Figure 2 , Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the pivot mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application. The main shaft assembly includes at least a hinged middle frame 14 and an intermediate door panel 11 stacked with the hinged middle frame 14, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the middle door panel 11 covers the hinged middle frame 14. When the middle door panel 11 is installed, it can be raised and lowered relative to the hinged middle frame 14. Raising and lowering refers to the middle door panel 11 moving up and down relative to the hinged middle frame 14 along the direction in which the two are stacked. (See also...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 ,in, Figure 6 An exploded view of the main shaft assembly is shown. When the middle door panel 11 rises and falls relative to the hinged middle frame 14, the middle door panel 11 is connected to the hinged middle frame 14 via the door panel translational connecting rod 17. (See also 7.) Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the spindle assembly is shown. Two door panel translational connecting rods 17 are provided between the middle door panel 11 and the hinged middle frame 14. Figure 7 In the structure shown, the two door panel translational connecting rods 17 are symmetrically arranged in an inverted V-shape. One end of each door panel translational connecting rod 17 is rotatably connected to the middle door panel 11, and the other end is slidably connected to the hinged middle frame 14. (See also...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the door panel sliding connecting rod 17 is connected to the middle door panel 11, the middle door panel 11 has a through hole 112, and one end of the door panel sliding connecting rod 17 has a protrusion (not shown in the figure), which is inserted into the through hole 112 and can rotate. When the door panel sliding connecting rod 17 is connected to the hinged middle frame 14, the hinged middle frame 14 has a sliding groove 141, and the other end of the door panel sliding connecting rod 17 is slidably fitted into the sliding groove 141. When the middle door panel 11 descends, as... Figure 7 In the direction indicated by the solid arrow, the middle door panel 11 moves downward relative to the hinged middle frame 14 (with... Figure 7 (The placement direction of the central spindle assembly is the reference direction). At the same time, the two door panel translational connecting rods 17 move in the direction indicated by the dashed arrows. When the middle door panel 11 moves upward relative to the hinged middle frame 14, the middle door panel 11 moves in the opposite direction of the solid arrows, and at the same time, the two door panel translational connecting rods 17 move in the opposite direction of the dashed arrows.

[0037] It should be understood that the above Figure 6 and Figure 7 This only shows one specific example of the connection between the door panel translational connecting rod 17 and the hinged middle frame 14 and the intermediate door panel 11. The door panel translational connecting rod can also be arranged in other ways, such as arranging the two door panel translational connecting rods in a figure-eight pattern, or having the two door panel translational connecting rods in the same inclination direction, which can also achieve the effect of connecting the intermediate door panel and the hinged middle frame. When the door panel translational connecting rod is connected to the hinged middle frame and the intermediate door panel, in addition to... Figure 6 In addition to the connection method shown, a method can also be used where one end of the door panel translational connecting rod is slidably connected to the middle door panel, and the other end is rotatably connected to the hinged middle frame. Similarly, two door panel translational connecting rods can connect the relatively movable hinged middle frame and the middle door panel. Furthermore, this application embodiment does not limit the number of door panel translational connecting rods; methods such as... Figure 6 The two shown can also be three, four, or other different numbers.

[0038] Continue to refer to Figure 5 The spindle assembly also includes a housing support 18 for fixed connection with each housing, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, there are four housing supports 18, which are symmetrically arranged in pairs at the ends of the hinge frame 14, and are also symmetrically arranged along the axis of the hinge frame 14. Each housing support 18 is a long strip structure, and the length direction of the housing support 18 is perpendicular to the length direction of the hinge frame 14. When connected to the housing, the first housing is fixedly connected to the two housing supports 18 located on one side of the axis of the hinge frame 14, while the second housing is fixedly connected to the two housing supports 18 located on the other side of the axis of the hinge frame 14.

[0039] Please refer to the above. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The housing bracket 18 is rotatably connected to the hinged middle frame 14 via a transmission member 19, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between the housing bracket 18 and the transmission member 19. The connection relationship between the two is illustrated using one housing bracket 18 and its corresponding transmission member 19 as an example. Each housing bracket 18 is fixedly connected to its corresponding transmission member 19 and rotatably connected to the end of the hinged middle frame 14 via the transmission member 19. (See also...) Figure 8 , Figure 8 The specific structure of the transmission component 19 is shown. The transmission component 19 includes a first rocker arm 191, a pin shaft 193, and a drive shaft 192. The first rocker arm 191 is a long, rod-shaped structure. The pin shaft 193 and the drive shaft 192 are located near the two ends of the first rocker arm 191, and are positioned on opposite sides of the first rocker arm 191. The pin shaft 193 is fixedly connected to the corresponding housing bracket 18, in conjunction with… Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, one end of the housing bracket 18 is fixedly connected to the corresponding housing (first housing or second housing), and the other end is provided with a through hole 181, through which the pin shaft 193 passes and can be fixed. Figure 8 As can be seen, the end of the pin shaft 193 furthest from the first rocker arm 191 has a notch for limiting its position. The corresponding through hole 181 on the housing bracket 18 matches the shape of the end of the pin shaft 193. When the pin shaft 193 is inserted into the through hole 181, the pin shaft 193 can be fixed relative to the through hole 181, achieving a fixed connection between the pin shaft 193 and the housing bracket 18. When the first housing or the second housing drives the housing bracket 18 to rotate, the housing bracket 18 drives the pin shaft 193 to rotate. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 6The end sidewall of the hinged frame 14 (not shown in the figure) is provided with a through hole 142 that mates with the pin shaft 193. During assembly, the first rocker arm 191 is located inside the hinged frame 14, and the length direction of the first rocker arm 191 is perpendicular to the axis of the hinged frame 14; the pin shaft 193 passes through the through hole 142 on the end sidewall of the hinged frame 14 and its rear end protrudes, and then the housing bracket 18 is fixed to the end of the pin shaft 193. After assembly, the housing bracket 18 and the first rocker arm 191 are arranged on both sides of the end sidewall of the hinged frame 14, and the housing bracket 18 is rotatably connected to the hinged frame 14 through the pin shaft 193.

[0040] Continue to refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8 After the transmission component 19 is assembled with the hinged middle frame 14, the drive shaft 192 of the transmission component 19 is located inside the hinged middle frame 14, and the middle door panel 11 is provided with a first sliding groove 111 that slides with the drive shaft 192. (See also...) Figure 9 , Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the fit between the intermediate door panel 11 and the transmission component is shown. During assembly of the intermediate door panel 11, the drive shaft 192 is inserted into the first groove 111 of the intermediate door panel 11. (As shown...) Figure 9 As shown, the first groove 111 is an arc-shaped groove, specifically a horizontally placed S-shaped arc-shaped groove. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 9 , Figure 9 The diagram shows the relative positional relationship between the drive shaft 192 and the first slide rail 111 when the mobile terminal is unfolded. The drive shaft 192 is located at one end of the first slide rail 111. When the mobile terminal is folded, the housing bracket 18 rotates along with the corresponding housing (first housing or second housing), and drives the first swing arm to swing via the pin shaft. Under the drive of the first swing arm, the drive shaft 192 moves as follows... Figure 9 The end of the first groove 111 shown slides towards the other end. (See also...) Figure 7 As the drive shaft slides from one end of the first groove toward the other, the middle door panel 11 moves along... Figure 7 The solid arrow in the diagram indicates the direction of movement, that is, the middle door panel 11 moves downward. When the mobile terminal changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the middle door panel and the drive shaft move in the opposite direction, and after the mobile terminal is unfolded, the middle door panel 11 rises back to its original position.

[0041] Continue to refer to Figure 5 The rotating shaft mechanism also includes a rotating connecting rod assembly for connecting the side door panels (first door panel 13 and second door panel 12), such as... Figure 5 The rotating connecting rod assembly shown includes two sets of rotating connecting rods arranged on both sides of the axis of the hinged middle frame 14, and each set of rotating connecting rods includes two rotating connecting rods 16 rotatably connected to the hinged middle frame 14; Figure 5In the structure shown, four rotating connecting rods 16 are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the axis of the hinged frame 14. Specifically, the four rotating connecting rods 16 correspond one-to-one with the housing support 18. When connecting the rotating connecting rods 16 to the housing, each group of rotating connecting rods connects to one housing (either the first housing or the second housing), and the connection method between each rotating connecting rod 16 and the housing is the same. The following explanation uses one rotating connecting rod 16 as an example.

[0042] Please refer to the above. Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 The connection structure between the rotating connecting rod 16 and the hinged middle frame 14 is shown. The rotating connecting rod 16 is a long strip structure, and its length direction is perpendicular to the axis of the hinged middle frame 14. (See also...) Figure 11 , Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the end of the rotating connecting rod 16 connected to the hinged middle frame 14 is shown. Figure 11 In the diagram, axis 1 is the axis of rotational connection between the housing support and the hinged middle frame 14, and axis 2 is the axis of rotational connection between the rotating connecting rod 16 and the hinged middle frame 14. The distance d from axis 1 to the axis of the hinged middle frame 14 is less than the distance D from axis 2 to the axis of the hinged middle frame 14. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 10 The end sidewall of the hinged frame 14 (not shown in the figure) is provided with a notch (not shown in the figure) that mates with the rotating connecting rod 16. When the rotating connecting rod 16 is connected to the hinged frame 14, the end of the rotating connecting rod 16 is located in the notch, and the exposed end of the pin shaft after passing through the end sidewall of the hinged frame 14 is located outside the rotating connecting rod 16. Therefore, when the housing support is connected to the hinged frame 14, the rotating connecting rod 16 and the housing support are stacked along the axial direction of the hinged frame 14, and there is no interference between the rotating connecting rod 16 and the housing support.

[0043] The other end of the rotating connecting rod 16 is connected to a damping assembly 15, which is fixedly connected to the housing, thereby connecting the rotating connecting rod 16 to the housing. In practice, only one rotating connecting rod 16 can be connected to the damping assembly 15, or each rotating connecting rod can correspond to one damping assembly 15. Figure 4 In the rotating shaft mechanism shown, each rotating connecting rod 16 corresponds to a damping component 15. (See also...) Figure 10 and Figure 12 ,in Figure 12A schematic diagram of the damping assembly 15 is shown. The damping assembly 15 includes a damping bracket 153 that can be fixedly connected to a corresponding housing (first housing or second housing). The damping assembly 15 also includes a damping shaft 151 rotatably connected to the damping bracket 153. The length direction of the damping shaft 151 is parallel to the axis of the hinged middle frame 14. A second swing arm 156 is fixedly connected to the damping shaft 151, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the second rocker arm 156 is rotatably connected to the corresponding rotating connecting rod 16. Furthermore, the damping assembly 15 also includes at least one set of cam assemblies. Figure 12 A cam assembly is provided, comprising a first cam 155 and a second cam 152 fitted onto the damping shaft 151 and mating with each other; wherein the first cam 155 is fixed relative to the damping bracket 153, i.e., fixed relative to the housing; the second cam 152 rotates synchronously with the damping shaft 151. Figure 12 As shown, the first cam 155 and the second cam 152 are respectively provided with protrusions for engagement on their two opposing surfaces (not shown in the figure). The engagement of the protrusions on the first cam 155 and the second cam 152 with each other enables the damping assembly 15 to provide damping force when the housing rotates.

[0044] When assembling the second cam 152, the cross-section of the part of the damping shaft 151 that mates with the second cam 152 is non-circular, and the second cam 152 is provided with a through hole that mates with the non-circular part of the damping shaft 151. Therefore, when the damping shaft 151 rotates, the second cam 152 can rotate synchronously with the damping shaft 151.

[0045] Continue to refer to Figure 12 To ensure the damping assembly provides adequate damping force, the second cam 152 is slidably connected to the damping shaft 151, and a compression spring 154 is fitted onto the damping shaft 151 to push the second cam 152 into contact with the first cam 155. Figure 12 As shown, the compression spring 154 is mounted on the damping shaft 151, with one end of the compression spring 154 pressing against the second cam 152 and the other end pressing against the damping bracket 153, so that the compression spring 154 can provide pressure against the second cam 152.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figure 12 When the first cam 155 is fixedly connected to the damping bracket 153, the first cam 155 and the damping bracket 153 can be an integral structure. Of course, the first cam 155 and the damping bracket 153 can also be a separate structure. In this case, the first cam 155 can be fixedly connected to the damping bracket 153 by bonding, welding or by threaded fasteners (such as bolts or screws).

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 12The damping shaft 151, with one end exposed on the first cam 155, is connected to the aforementioned second rocker arm 156, wherein the length direction of the second rocker arm 156 is perpendicular to the length direction of the damping shaft 151. A rotating shaft 157 is provided on the side of the second rocker arm 156 facing away from the damping shaft 151, and the second rocker arm 156 is rotatably connected to the end of the rotating connecting rod away from the hinged middle frame via this rotating shaft 157. Figure 11 As shown, shaft 3 is the axis of rotational connection between the second rocker arm 156 and the rotating connecting rod 16, and shaft 4 is the axis of the damping shaft. Figure 11 It can be seen that when the rotating connecting rod 16 is connected to the housing through the damping assembly 15, shafts 1, 2, 3, and 4 form an X-shaped rotating power linkage structure. The rotation of shaft 1 will be transmitted to shaft 4, thereby realizing the function of transmitting the rotation angle and transmitting the angle to the damping shaft 151.

[0048] To better understand the rotation of shafts 1, 2, 3, and 4, please refer to... Figures 13a-13c This illustrates the rotation of axes 1, 2, 3, and 4 when the mobile terminal changes from an unfolded state to a folded state. First, refer to... Figure 13a , Figure 13a The diagram illustrates the positional relationship of the hinged frame 14, the rotating connecting rod 16, and the damping assembly when the mobile terminal is in the unfolded state. When the mobile terminal changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, the housing support (not shown) rotates about the pin axis, with its axis being shaft 1, and the direction of rotation being... Figure 13a The direction indicated by the middle arrow; rotate connecting rod 16 around axis 2, the direction of rotation is... Figure 13a The direction indicated by the middle arrow; one end of the second pendulum 156 rotates around axis 4, and the other end rotates around axis 3. The rotation directions of the two ends of the second pendulum 156 are as follows: Figure 13a The direction indicated by the middle arrow. When the mobile terminal begins to fold, due to the certain distance between axis 1 and axis 2, and the shell (first shell or second shell) being fixedly connected to the shell support and damping support 153 respectively, the shell rotates around axis 1, simultaneously driving the damping support 153 to move. As the shell rotates, it drives the shell support to rotate, and also drives the rotating connecting rod 16 to rotate. Simultaneously, the rotating connecting rod 16 drives the second swing rod 156 to swing, causing the second swing rod 156 to rotate around axis 4, thus transmitting the rotation of axis 1 to the rotation of axis 4. (See also...) Figure 13b and Figure 13c , Figure 13b and Figure 13c This refers to the position of the second lever 156 during the folding process of the mobile terminal. Figure 13b and Figure 13cAs can be seen, during the folding process of the mobile terminal, the second swing arm 156 rotates around the axis 4, which is the axis of the damping shaft. The second swing arm 156 is fixedly connected to the damping shaft. Therefore, the swing of the second swing arm 156 drives the damping shaft to rotate, which in turn drives the second cam to rotate relative to the first cam, thereby achieving the damping effect.

[0049] In the above example, each damping component includes a set of cam components. However, in this embodiment, the number of cam components is not limited. For example, two sets of cam components can be mounted on each damping shaft. When using two sets of cam components, the two second cams in the two sets of cam components are arranged adjacent to each other, and the connection method between the first cam and the second cam and the damping shaft and damping bracket is the same as that of the set of cam components, which will not be repeated here. The compression spring is located between the two sets of cam components. The compression spring is mounted on the damping shaft, and its two ends press against the two second cams respectively. The compression spring pushes the two second cams toward the corresponding first cam, which can also achieve the damping effect.

[0050] As can be seen from the above description, the rotating connecting rod rotates and slides relative to the housing through a damping assembly. However, the connection method between the rotating connecting rod and the housing provided in this application embodiment is not limited to the aforementioned damping assembly; it only requires that the transmission connecting rod can rotate and slide relative to the housing located on the same side. For example, the rotating connecting rod can use a similar... Figure 8 The transmission component shown is connected to the corresponding housing, or a groove is provided on the corresponding housing, and one end of the rotating connecting rod is slidably connected to the groove, so that the rotating connecting rod and the housing located on the same side can rotate and slide relative to each other.

[0051] Continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The side door panel provided in this embodiment includes the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 described above. When the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 are connected, the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 are respectively arranged on both sides of the hinged frame 14, and each side door panel is rotatably connected to the housing on the same side and slidably connected to the rotating connecting rod 16 on the same side. The first door panel 13 is rotatably connected to the first housing 20, and the second door panel 12 is rotatably connected to the second housing 30. The connection methods of the two door panels with the corresponding housing and the rotating connecting rod 16 are the same. The connection method of the first door panel 13 with the corresponding rotating connecting rod 16 and the first housing 20 will be described below.

[0052] like Figure 5As shown, the first door panel 13 is a rectangular door panel with two opposing long sides and two opposing short sides. The length direction of the long sides is parallel to the axis of the hinge frame 14. One of the long sides is close to the hinge frame 14, and the other long side is close to the first housing (not shown in the figure). A pivot 131 is provided on the long side of the first door panel 13 near the first housing, which is also referred to. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first door panel 13 is rotatably connected to the first housing 20 via the pivot 131. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 5 Two pivots 131 are provided on the first door panel 13, and the two pivots 131 are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the first door panel 13 (the ends where the short sides of the first door panel 13 are located). (Continue to refer to...) Figure 5 When the first door panel 13 is slidably connected to the corresponding rotating connecting rod 16, symmetrical protrusions 132 are provided at both ends of the first door panel 13, and the protrusions 132 are located at the ends of the first door panel 13 near the middle position. Figure 5 The central protrusion 132 is located at the middle of the end of the first door panel 13, or it can be positioned at a certain distance from the middle of the end of the first door panel 13. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 5 The protrusion 132 is used for sliding connection with the corresponding rotating connecting rod 16. Therefore, the corresponding rotating connecting rod 16 is provided with a second sliding groove 161, which is an arc-shaped sliding groove. Figure 5 The concave direction of the arc of the second groove 161 is upward (with... Figure 5 The placement direction of the rotating connecting rod 16 is the reference direction. When the first door panel 13 is assembled with the corresponding rotating connecting rod 16, the two protrusions 132 of the first door panel 13 are slidably assembled in the second slide grooves 161 of the two rotating connecting rods 16 located on the same side.

[0053] As can be seen from the above description, during the assembly of the first door panel 13, the first door panel 13 is rotatably connected to the first housing and simultaneously slidably connected to the corresponding rotating connecting rod 16. Furthermore, the distance from the axis of rotational connection between the first door panel 13 and the corresponding housing to the housing is greater than the distance from the protrusion 132 on the side door panel to the housing. (Refer to the above description regarding...) Figures 13a-13c As can be seen from the description, when the mobile terminal changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the transmission connecting rod 16 rotates relative to the hinged middle frame 14. Simultaneously, the first housing and the second housing also rotate relative to the hinged middle frame 14. Therefore, the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 also change accordingly when the first housing, the second housing, and the rotating connecting rod 16 rotate relative to the hinged middle frame 14. The following is in conjunction with... Figures 14a-14d Explain the changes.

[0054] First refer to Figure 14a , Figure 14aThis is a schematic diagram of the state of the hinge 131 mechanism when the mobile terminal is in the unfolded state; Figure 14a The first and second housings are not shown in the diagram, but they are fixedly connected to the housing support 18. Therefore, the rotation of the first and second housings relative to the hinged frame 14 can be represented by the movement of the housing support 18. Figure 14a In the structure shown, when the housing support 18 rotates to the first predetermined position, the middle door panel 11 and the two side door panels are used to support the flexible screen; the first predetermined position is the position of the housing support 18 when the mobile terminal is in the unfolded state, which can be referred to in detail. Figure 14a The shell support 18 is shown in the state relative to the hinged middle frame 14. At this time, the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 are approximately flush with or completely flush with the middle door panel 11 and together support the flexible screen.

[0055] Please refer to the above. Figure 14b and Figure 14c ,in Figure 14b and Figure 14c This illustration shows the changing states of the first door panel 13, the second door panel 12, and the middle door panel 11 during the folding process of the mobile terminal. When the first and second housings of the mobile terminal rotate toward the folded state, the housing support 18 rotates relative to the hinged middle frame 14, simultaneously causing the rotating connecting rod 16 to rotate as well. For the specific rotation method, please refer to [reference needed]. Figures 13a-13c As shown. And when the housing support 18 rotates, it also relates to... Figure 7 The description states that the middle door panel 11 descends relative to the hinged middle frame 14, in contrast. Figure 14a and Figure 14b It can be seen that as the mobile terminal changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the middle door panel 11 descends a distance h relative to the hinged middle frame 14. (See also...) Figure 14c As the housing support 18 continues to rotate, the distance the middle door panel 11 descends relative to the hinged middle frame 14 continues to increase. When the housing support 18 rotates to the second preset position, where the second preset position is the position of the housing support 18 when the mobile terminal is in the folded state, such as... Figure 14d As shown in the diagram. At this time, the middle door panel 11 descends to the set third position and forms a space with the two side door panels to accommodate the bent portion of the flexible screen.

[0056] Continue to refer to Figures 14a-14dDuring the rotation of the first and second housings, since the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 are rotatably connected to the first and second housings respectively, and the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 also slide with their corresponding rotating connecting rods 16, and since the second slide groove 161 is an arc-shaped groove, both the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 can rotate relative to their corresponding first and second housings within the constraint of the second slide groove 161. The movement modes of the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 are symmetrical, so the rotation mode of the first door panel 13 will be used as an example for explanation. When the first housing rotates, the direction of the relative rotation of the first door panel 13 with respect to the first housing is the same as the direction of rotation of the first housing. For example, in Figures 14a-14c As shown, when the first housing rotates clockwise, the first door panel 13 also rotates clockwise relative to the first housing. Therefore, when the housing support 18 rotates to the second set position, the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 rotate to the fourth set position relative to the corresponding housing. When the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 are in the fourth set position, the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 are arranged in a V-shape, with the end of the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 with a larger relative distance closer to the middle door panel 11. At this time, the area accommodating the flexible screen is a trapezoidal accommodating space composed of the lowered middle door panel 11 and the V-shaped arrangement of the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12. Compared with the prior art where the middle door panel and the two side door panels are relatively fixed, this increases the space for accommodating the flexible screen. This allows the flexible screen to be bent with a larger arc when folded, improving the folding situation of the flexible screen and avoiding damage to the flexible screen caused by folding too small.

[0057] As can be seen from the above description of the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12, the ends of the first door panel 13 and the second door panel 12 near the hinge frame 14 are in a suspended state. The first door panel 13 is rotatably connected to the first housing and slidably connected to the corresponding rotating connecting rod 16. Therefore, the first door panel 13 is in a suspended state... Figure 14a In the indicated state, the first door panel 13 is in an unstable state. When the first door panel 13 is pressed, it can rotate clockwise relative to the first housing. As can be seen from the above description, when the first door panel 13 is connected to the first housing and the corresponding rotating connecting rod 16, the first door panel 13 can rotate clockwise relative to the first housing. Therefore, when the first door panel 13 supports the flexible screen, it cannot provide support for the flexible screen when it is pressed. The second door panel 12 also has the same problem. Figure 5 The main shaft assembly shown also includes support rods 20 rotatably connected to the hinged middle frame 14; the number of support rods 20 can correspond one-to-one with the side door panels, or one side door panel can correspond to two or three support rods 20, such as... Figure 5As shown, each side panel corresponds to two support rods 20. Taking the first panel 13 as an example, one end of the support rod 20 is rotatably connected to the hinge frame 14, and the other end is suspended and inserted below the first panel 13. The suspended end of the support rod 20 has an arc-shaped bend, with the bent end facing the first panel 13. When the housing support 18 rotates to the first set position, the support rod 20 presses against the first panel 13 and the hinge frame 14 respectively. Specifically, the support rod 20 is limited by the hinge frame 14, restricting the rotation of the support rod 20 relative to the hinge frame 14 in the counterclockwise direction. Therefore, when the first panel 13 is pressed, the first panel 13 can provide support through the pressing support rod 20. When the mobile terminal changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first support rod 20 can rotate clockwise relative to the hinge frame 14, and the rotated support rod 20 will not affect the rotation of the first panel 13 relative to the first housing.

[0058] As can be seen from the above description, the rotating shaft mechanism in this embodiment of the application uses a transmission component and a housing bracket 18 to link the middle door panel 11 with the housing. While the housing rotates, it can drive the middle door panel 11 to rise and fall, so that the flexible screen has a large space when the mobile terminal is folded.

[0059] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This application also provides a mobile terminal, which includes the pivot mechanism described above, two housings, and a flexible screen fixed to the two housings. The housing brackets are fixedly connected to their respective housings, and the side panels are rotatably connected to the housings on the same side. The specific structure of the pivot mechanism can be found in the description above. This pivot mechanism uses a transmission component and housing brackets to link the middle door panel with the housing. As the housing rotates, the middle door panel can be raised and lowered, thus providing ample space for the flexible screen when the mobile terminal is folded.

[0060] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism applied to a foldable mobile terminal, the mobile terminal comprising two housings and a flexible screen fixedly connected to the two housings, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism includes: The main shaft assembly includes a hinged middle frame, an intermediate door panel covering the hinged middle frame and movable relative to the hinged middle frame, and a housing bracket for fixed connection with each housing; it also includes a transmission component corresponding to each housing bracket, wherein the housing bracket is rotatably connected to the hinged middle frame through the corresponding transmission component, and the transmission component is also used to drive the intermediate door panel to move up and down when the housing bracket rotates; The linkage assembly includes two sets of rotating connecting rods arranged on both sides of the axis of the hinged frame. Each set of rotating connecting rods includes two rotating connecting rods that are rotatably connected to the hinged frame. One end of each rotating connecting rod is rotatably connected to the end of the hinged frame, and the other end can rotate and slide relative to the housing located on the same side. The housing support and the rotating connecting rod located on the same side have different rotation axes relative to the hinged middle frame; Two side panels are respectively arranged on both sides of the hinged middle frame, and each side panel is rotatably connected to the housing on the same side and slidably connected to the rotating connecting rod on the same side. When the housing support is rotated to the first set position, the middle door panel and the two side door panels are used to support the flexible screen; During the process of the housing support rotating from the first set position to the second set position, the housing drives the rotating connecting rod to rotate relative to the hinged middle frame, and one end of each side door panel rotates relative to the housing located on the same side, and the other end of each side door panel rotates and slides relative to the rotating connecting rod. The housing support drives the middle door panel to descend through the transmission component. When the housing support rotates to the second set position, the middle door panel descends to the third set position, and the two side door panels rotate to the fourth set position, so that the middle door panel and the two side door panels form a trapezoidal receiving space to accommodate the bent portion of the flexible screen; wherein, the end of the two side door panels with a larger relative distance is the end closer to the middle door panel.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a door panel translational connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the intermediate door panel, and the other end is slidably connected to the hinged middle frame; or, One end of the door panel translational connecting rod is slidably connected to the middle door panel, and the other end is rotatably connected to the hinged middle frame.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each transmission component includes a first rocker arm and a pin shaft and a drive shaft respectively fixed on both sides of the rocker arm, wherein, The pin shaft is fixedly connected to the corresponding housing bracket, and the housing bracket is rotatably connected to the hinged middle frame through the pin shaft; The middle door panel is provided with a first sliding groove that slides in conjunction with the drive shaft.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each rotating connecting rod is provided with a second sliding groove, and the corresponding side door panel is provided with a protrusion that slides on the second sliding groove.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second groove is an arc-shaped groove.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The main shaft assembly also includes a support rod rotatably connected to the hinged middle frame, and when the housing bracket rotates to the first set position, the support rod presses against the side door panel and the hinged middle frame respectively.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes a damping assembly corresponding to at least one of the rotating connecting rods; wherein the damping assembly is fixedly connected to the housing, and the rotating connecting rod rotates and slides relative to the housing through the damping assembly.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The damping assembly includes: a damping bracket fixed on a corresponding housing, a damping shaft rotatably connected to the damping bracket, and a second swing arm fixedly connected to the damping shaft, wherein the second swing arm is rotatably connected to a corresponding rotating connecting rod; the damping assembly further includes at least one set of cam assemblies, and each set of cam assemblies includes: a first cam and a second cam fitted on the damping shaft and cooperating with each other; wherein the first cam is fixed relative to the housing, and the second cam rotates synchronously with the damping shaft.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second cam is slidably connected to the damping shaft, and a compression spring is fitted on the damping shaft to push the second cam into abutting contact with the first cam.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, Two sets of cam assemblies are mounted on each damping shaft, wherein two second cams in the two sets of cam assemblies are adjacent to each other, and the two ends of the compression spring abut against the two second cams respectively.

11. A mobile terminal, characterized in that, The device includes a rotating shaft mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, and two housings, and further includes a flexible screen fixed to the two housings; wherein the housing support is fixedly connected to the corresponding housing, and the side door panel is rotatably connected to the housing located on the same side.

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