Inward folding hinge and inward folding terminal device

Abstract

The present invention provides an inward folding hinge and an inward folding terminal device, comprising an intermediate shell, wherein both ends of the inner side of the intermediate shell are equipped with virtual axis center track modules for realizing synchronous rotation of the terminal shell driven by the hinge, and a left screen support plate and a right screen support plate for supporting the screen are provided between the two virtual axis center track modules, and the left screen support plate and the right screen support plate are symmetrically installed on the mounting position inside the intermediate shell. The beneficial effect of the present invention is that the hinge is composed of two virtual axis center track modules, two screen support plates and an intermediate shell, so that the overall inward folding hinge structure is relatively simple and compact, while ensuring the stability of the inward folding hinge. At the same time, the virtual axis center track module can provide a virtual axis center of rotation for the whole machine movement through the provided track mechanism and the synchronization mechanism, and realize synchronous movement for the rotation of the shell module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular relates to an inward folding hinge and an inward folding terminal device. Background Art

[0002] Flexible screens are a type of flexible display, specifically flexible OLEDs. The successful mass production of flexible screens is not limited to the manufacture of the next generation of high-end smartphones; their low power consumption and bendability also have a profound impact on the application of wearable devices.

[0003] The inward-folding hinge is a crucial component of flexible screen devices. However, existing inward-folding hinges, in practice, suffer from complex hinge movements and mechanisms, poor synchronization, a large footprint within the mobile device, and poor compatibility between the hinge and the device. Therefore, research on a folding hinge with a small footprint, a simple and efficient mechanism, and an attractive design that can accommodate any inward-folding mobile device is of great significance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an inward folding hinge and an inward folding terminal device, aiming to solve the problems of the current inward folding hinge in actual use, such as multiple and complex hinge actions and mechanisms, poor synchronization performance, large space occupation in the mobile terminal, and poor compatibility between the hinge and the mobile terminal.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: an inner folding hinge comprising: an intermediate housing, both ends of the inner side of the intermediate housing being equipped with virtual axis center track modules for realizing synchronous rotation of the terminal housing driven by the hinge, a left screen support plate and a right screen support plate being provided between the two virtual axis center track modules for supporting the screen, the left and right screen support plates being symmetrically mounted on mounting positions on the inner side of the intermediate housing;

[0006] The virtual axis center track module consists of a track mechanism that provides rotation guidance, a slider linkage mechanism that supports the flexible screen and prevents the screen from collapsing, a synchronization mechanism that drives the terminal shell to rotate synchronously, and a torsion locking mechanism that provides torque and realizes rotation locking.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the track mechanism includes an arcuate track fixing seat installed on a corresponding mounting position inside the intermediate shell, and a left arcuate track arm and a right arcuate track arm are respectively slidably connected in the crescent grooves on both sides of the arcuate track fixing seat.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the slider linkage mechanism includes a left connecting support plate and a right connecting support plate, which are respectively sleeved on the outside of the left arc track arm and the right arc track arm, one side of the left connecting support plate is connected to the left slider base sleeved on its left side through a plug-in pin, and one side of the right arc track arm is connected to the right slider base sleeved on its right side through a plug-in pin, the right side of the left connecting support plate is connected to the slide provided by the left arc track arm through an inserted slide connecting shaft, and the left side of the right connecting support plate is connected to the slide provided by the right arc track arm through an inserted slide connecting shaft, and the ends of the two slide connecting shafts are sleeved with a first E-shaped buckle.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the synchronization mechanism includes a gear shaft connecting pressure plate installed on a corresponding mounting position inside the intermediate shell and buckled with the end head of the arc track fixing seat, one end of the gear shaft connecting pressure plate is provided with a limiting connecting plate positioned opposite and installed on a corresponding mounting position inside the intermediate shell, two side gear shafts are inserted and connected in the axial holes on both sides of the limiting connecting plate, and two middle gear shafts passing through the middle axial hole of the limiting connecting plate are meshed and connected between the two side gear shafts, a gear cover is provided on the outside of the gear meshing position between the side gear shaft and the middle gear shaft, and the bottom of the gear cover is installed on the corresponding mounting position inside the intermediate shell.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the torsion locking mechanism includes a left slider cam arm and a right slider cam arm respectively sleeved on the two side gear shafts, one side of the left slider cam arm and the right slider cam arm is provided with a cam connecting plate sleeved on the outside of the side gear shaft and the middle gear shaft, one end of the cam connecting plate is provided with a locking protrusion, and one side of the left slider cam arm and the right slider cam arm is provided with a cam surface that cooperates with the locking protrusion.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the other end of the cam connecting plate is provided with a spring sleeved on the outside of the side gear shaft and the middle gear shaft, one end of the spring is provided with a spring seat sleeved on the outside of the side gear shaft and the middle gear shaft, the end of the side gear shaft passes through the spring seat and is sleeved with a friction plate, and one side of the friction plate is provided with a second E-shaped buckle sleeved on the end of the side gear shaft.

[0012] An inward folding terminal device comprises an inward folding hinge as described in any one of the above items, and also comprises a left shell module and a right shell module constituting a terminal shell.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the left shell module and the right shell module are fixedly connected to the bottom of the left slider base and the right slider base respectively, and the flexible screen support is installed on the inner side of the left shell module and the right shell module.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] 1) The hinge consists of two virtual axis center track modules, two screen support plates and an intermediate shell, making the overall internal folding hinge structure relatively simple and compact while ensuring the stability of the internal folding hinge. At the same time, the virtual axis center track module can provide a virtual axis center for rotational motion for the entire machine through the set track mechanism and the synchronization mechanism, and realize synchronous motion for the rotation of the shell module. The slider linkage mechanism set in the virtual axis center track module can better support the flexible screen, prevent the screen from collapsing, and effectively improve the crease marks of the flexible screen. The virtual axis center track module provides torque and mechanical locking feel feedback for the entire machine through the set torque locking mechanism, preventing the screen from over-folding while also improving the quality of the terminal device.

[0016] 2) The internal folding hinge has fewer types and numbers of structural parts, occupies less space, and has a smaller overall thickness, which allows it to better adapt to a variety of mobile devices (mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc.). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present invention, they are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Example 1 of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the open state of embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembly of Example 1 of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the virtual axis center track module of Example 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a closed schematic diagram of the virtual axis center track module of Example 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 For Example 1 of the present invention Figure 4 Cross-sectional view;

[0024] Figure 7 For Example 1 of the present invention Figure 5 Cross-sectional view;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of the torsion locking mechanism of Example 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the splitting of the virtual axis center track module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Example 2 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembly of Example 2 of the present invention.

[0029] In the figure: 1, intermediate housing; 11, left support screen plate; 12, right support screen plate; 2, virtual axis center track module; 21, track mechanism; 211, arc track fixing seat; 212, left arc track arm; 213, right arc track arm; 22, slider linkage mechanism; 221, left connecting support plate; 222, right connecting support plate; 223, slide connecting shaft; 224, first E-shaped buckle; 225, left slider base; 226, right slider base; 227, plug Pin; 23. Synchronizing mechanism; 231. Gear shaft connecting pressure plate; 232. Gear cover; 233. Limit connecting plate; 234. Side gear shaft; 235. Middle gear shaft; 24. Torque locking mechanism; 241. Left slider cam arm; 242. Right slider cam arm; 243. Cam connecting plate; 244. Spring; 245. Spring seat; 246. Friction plate; 247. Second E-shaped buckle; 3. Left shell module; 4. Right shell module; 5. Upper shell module; 6. Lower shell module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] See also Figure 1-9 The present invention provides the following technical solutions: an inner folding hinge, comprising: an intermediate housing 1, with virtual axis center track modules 2 installed at both ends of the inner side of the intermediate housing 1 for realizing synchronous rotation of the terminal housing driven by the hinge, a left screen support plate 11 and a right screen support plate 12 for supporting the screen provided between the two virtual axis center track modules 2, and the left screen support plate 11 and the right screen support plate 12 are symmetrically installed on the mounting positions inside the intermediate housing 1;

[0033] The virtual axis center track module 2 consists of a track mechanism 21 that provides rotation guidance, a slider linkage mechanism 22 that supports the flexible screen and prevents the screen from collapsing, a synchronization mechanism 23 that drives the terminal shell to rotate synchronously, and a torque locking mechanism 24 that provides torque and realizes rotation locking.

[0034] Specifically, by setting two virtual axis center track modules 2 of the same structure and the intermediate shell 1 in conjunction with the screen support plate to form a hinge structure, the hinge design structure has fewer types and numbers of parts, the structure occupies less space, and the overall thickness is small, making it better suitable for use in different terminals.

[0035] In this embodiment, the track mechanism 21 includes an arcuate track fixing seat 211 installed on a corresponding mounting position inside the intermediate shell 1 , and a left arcuate track arm 212 and a right arcuate track arm 213 are slidably connected in the crescent grooves on both sides of the arcuate track fixing seat 211 .

[0036] Specifically, during the opening and closing process of the hinge, the left arc-shaped track arm 212 and the right arc-shaped track arm 213 can be guided and rotated in the crescent grooves on both sides of the arc-shaped track fixing seat 211.

[0037] In this embodiment: the slider linkage mechanism 22 includes a left connecting support plate 221 and a right connecting support plate 222, which are respectively sleeved on the outside of the left arc-shaped track arm 212 and the right arc-shaped track arm 213. One side of the left connecting support plate 221 is connected to the left slider base 225 sleeved on its left side through a plug pin 227, and one side of the right arc-shaped track arm 213 is connected to the right slider base 226 sleeved on its right side through a plug pin 227. The right side of the left connecting support plate 221 is slidably connected to the slide provided by the left arc-shaped track arm 212 through an inserted slot connecting shaft 223, and the left side of the right connecting support plate 222 is slidably connected to the slide provided by the right arc-shaped track arm 213 through an inserted slot connecting shaft 223. The ends of the two slot connecting shafts 223 are sleeved with a first E-shaped buckle 224.

[0038] Specifically, when the hinge is opened, the left arc track arm 212 and the right arc track arm 213, the left slider cam arm 241 and the right slider cam arm 242, and the left arc track arm 212 and the right arc track arm 213 are linked to each other to support the flexible screen and prevent the screen from collapsing. When the hinge is closed, the left arc track arm 212 and the right arc track arm 213 are closed, and the left slider cam arm 241 and the right slider cam arm 242 move in conjunction to form an avoidance space, so that there is space to protect the screen without generating creases when the flexible screen folds inward.

[0039] In this embodiment: the synchronization mechanism 23 includes a gear shaft connecting pressure plate 231 installed on the corresponding mounting position inside the intermediate shell 1 and buckled with the end of the arc track fixing seat 211, and one end of the gear shaft connecting pressure plate 231 is provided with a limiting connecting plate 233 positioned opposite and installed on the corresponding mounting position inside the intermediate shell 1, and two side gear shafts 234 are inserted and connected in the axial holes on both sides of the limiting connecting plate 233, and two middle gear shafts 235 that pass through the middle axial hole of the limiting connecting plate 233 are meshed and connected between the two side gear shafts 234, and a gear cover 232 is provided on the outside of the gear meshing position between the side gear shafts 234 and the middle gear shaft 235, and the bottom of the gear cover 232 is installed on the corresponding mounting position inside the intermediate shell 1.

[0040] Specifically, during the opening and closing of the hinge, the left slider cam arm 241 and the right slider cam arm 242 can rotate. The rotating slider cam arms can drive the gears of the middle gear shaft 235 and the side gear shaft 234 to engage and rotate, thereby realizing the synchronous linkage of the slider cam arms.

[0041] In this example: the torsion locking mechanism 24 includes a left slider cam arm 241 and a right slider cam arm 242 respectively sleeved on the two side gear shafts 234, and one side of the left slider cam arm 241 and the right slider cam arm 242 is provided with a cam connecting plate 243 sleeved on the outside of the side gear shaft 234 and the middle gear shaft 235, one end of the cam connecting plate 243 is provided with a locking protrusion, and one side of the left slider cam arm 241 and the right slider cam arm 242 is provided with a cam surface that cooperates with the locking protrusion, and the other end of the cam connecting plate 243 is provided with a spring 244 sleeved on the outside of the side gear shaft 234 and the middle gear shaft 235, one end of the spring 244 is provided with a spring seat 245 sleeved on the outside of the side gear shaft 234 and the middle gear shaft 235, the end of the side gear shaft 234 passes through the spring seat 245 and is sleeved with a friction plate 246, and one side of the friction plate 246 is provided with a second E-shaped buckle 247 sleeved at the end of the side gear shaft 234.

[0042] Specifically, when the hinge is opened and closed, the spring 244 can apply a positive force to the rotating left slider cam arm 241 and the right slider cam arm 242, and then the cam surface provided on the slider cam arm cooperates with the locking protrusion to achieve the locking function;

[0043] The rotating left slider cam arm 241 and the right slider cam arm 242 can apply a reverse force to the spring 244 , and the spring 244 cooperates with the friction plate 246 to exert a torque on the slider cam arm.

[0044] An inward folding terminal device comprises any one of the inward folding hinges described above, characterized in that it also comprises a left shell module 3 and a right shell module 4 constituting a terminal shell.

[0045] In this embodiment: the left shell module 3 and the right shell module 4 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the left slider base 225 and the right slider base 226 respectively, and the flexible screen support is installed on the inner side of the left shell module 3 and the right shell module 4.

[0046] Specifically, an inward folding terminal device is formed by setting a left shell module 3, a right shell module 4 and a flexible screen in conjunction with an inward folding hinge.

[0047] Specific working principle: When the hinge is closed: the left shell module 3 rotates clockwise, the left slider base 225 drives the left slider cam arm 241 to rotate clockwise, and the left slider cam arm 241 is connected in the slideway through the slide connecting shaft 223 and transmitted to the left arc track arm 212; the left connecting support plate 221 connects the left slider base 225, the left slider cam arm 241, and the left arc track arm 212, and rotates clockwise; the left slider cam arm 241 drives the middle gear shaft 235 to rotate through the gear meshing of the side gear shaft 234; at the same time, the right shell module 4 rotates counterclockwise, and the right The slider base 226 drives the right slider cam arm 242 to rotate counterclockwise, and the right slider cam arm 242 is connected to the slideway through the slide groove connecting shaft 223 and transmitted to the right arc-shaped track arm 213; the right connecting support plate 222 connects the right slider base 226, the right slider cam arm 242, and the right arc-shaped track arm 213, and rotates counterclockwise; the right slider cam arm 242 drives the middle gear shaft 235 to rotate through the gear meshing of the side gear shaft 234, so that when the left shell module 3 moves clockwise, the right shell module 4 moves counterclockwise at the same time, and the synchronous closing movement of the left and right shell modules is realized;

[0048] When the hinge is open: the movement process is opposite to that when the hinge is closed, and the synchronous closing movement of the left and right shell modules can also be achieved.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] See also Figure 10-11 The technical features that distinguish this embodiment from Embodiment 1 are: the upper shell module 5 and the lower shell module 6 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the left slider base 225 and the right slider base 226. By setting the upper shell module 5, the lower shell module 6 and the flexible screen in conjunction with the internal folding hinge, an internal folding terminal device can also be formed.

[0051] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or substitute equivalents for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An inward folding hinge, characterized in that: include: An intermediate shell (1), wherein both ends of the inner side of the intermediate shell (1) are installed with virtual axis center track modules (2) for realizing the synchronous rotation of the terminal shell driven by the hinge, and a left screen support plate (11) and a right screen support plate (12) for supporting the screen are provided between the two virtual axis center track modules (2), and the left screen support plate (11) and the right screen support plate (12) are symmetrically installed on the installation position inside the intermediate shell (1); The virtual axis center track module (2) is composed of a track mechanism (21) for providing rotation guidance, a slider linkage mechanism (22) for supporting the flexible screen and preventing the screen from collapsing, a synchronization mechanism (23) for driving the terminal shell to rotate synchronously, and a torque locking mechanism (24) for providing torque and achieving rotation locking; The track mechanism (21) comprises an arc-shaped track fixing seat (211) mounted on a corresponding mounting position inside the intermediate housing (1), and a left arc-shaped track arm (212) and a right arc-shaped track arm (213) are slidably connected in the crescent grooves on both sides of the arc-shaped track fixing seat (211). The slider linkage mechanism (22) comprises a left connecting support plate (221) and a right connecting support plate (222) respectively sleeved on the outside of the left arc-shaped track arm (212) and the right arc-shaped track arm (213); one side of the left connecting support plate (221) is connected to a left slider base (225) sleeved on the left side thereof via a plug pin (227); one side of the right arc-shaped track arm (213) is connected to a right slider base (226) sleeved on the right side thereof via a plug pin (227); the right side of the left connecting support plate (221) is connected to a slide provided on the left arc-shaped track arm (212) via a plugged slide connecting shaft (223); and the left side of the right connecting support plate (222) is connected to a slide provided on the right arc-shaped track arm (213) via a plugged slide connecting shaft (223); The synchronization mechanism (23) includes a gear shaft connecting pressure plate (231) installed on a corresponding mounting position inside the intermediate housing (1) and buckled with the end of the arc track fixing seat (211), one end of the gear shaft connecting pressure plate (231) is provided with a limit connecting plate (233) positioned opposite and installed on a corresponding mounting position inside the intermediate housing (1), two side gear shafts (234) are inserted and connected in the shaft holes on both sides of the limit connecting plate (233), two middle gear shafts (235) passing through the middle shaft hole of the limit connecting plate (233) are meshed and connected between the two side gear shafts (234), and a gear cover (232) is provided on the outside of the gear meshing position between the side gear shafts (234) and the middle gear shaft (235), and the bottom of the gear cover (232) is installed on the corresponding mounting position inside the intermediate housing (1); The torsion locking mechanism (24) comprises a left slider cam arm (241) and a right slider cam arm (242) respectively sleeved on two side gear shafts (234); one side of the left slider cam arm (241) and the right slider cam arm (242) is provided with a cam connecting plate (243) sleeved on the outside of the side gear shaft (234) and the middle gear shaft (235); one end of the cam connecting plate (243) is provided with a locking protrusion; one side of the left slider cam arm (241) and the right slider cam arm (242) is provided with a cam surface that cooperates with the locking protrusion.

2. The inward folding hinge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The other end of the cam connecting plate (243) is provided with a spring (244) sleeved on the outside of the side gear shaft (234) and the middle gear shaft (235); one end of the spring (244) is provided with a spring seat (245) sleeved on the outside of the side gear shaft (234) and the middle gear shaft (235); the end of the side gear shaft (234) passes through the spring seat (245) and is sleeved with a friction plate (246); one side of the friction plate (246) is provided with a second E-shaped buckle (247) sleeved on the end of the side gear shaft (234).

3. An inward folding terminal device, comprising an inward folding hinge according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The terminal housing further comprises a left housing module (3) and a right housing module (4), wherein the left housing module (3) and the right housing module (4) are fixedly connected to the bottoms of the left slider base (225) and the right slider base (226), respectively, and the flexible screen support is mounted on the inner sides of the left housing module (3) and the right housing module (4).

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