Folding mechanism and mobile terminal

By designing sliders and driving components to adjust the position of the flexible screen, the stretching or extrusion of the flexible screen by the folding phone during the folding process is solved, achieving better folding effect and aesthetics, while simplifying the structure and improving space utilization.

CN114257665BActive Publication Date: 2025-07-08HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202010996675.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-09-21
Publication Date
2025-07-08
Estimated Expiration
2040-09-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The folding phone is prone to stretch or squeeze the flexible screen during the folding process, affecting the service life and experience.

Method used

A folding mechanism is designed, including a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a slider and a drive assembly. The position of the flexible screen is adjusted through the sliding of the slider to avoid stretching or extrusion during the folding process. A synchronous structure and a stroke amplification mechanism are used to achieve a smooth transition and increase the sliding distance.

Benefits of technology

The folding effect of the folding mechanism is improved, the wear of the flexible screen is reduced, the aesthetics is enhanced, the complexity of the overall structure is reduced, and the space utilization is improved.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This application relates to the field of terminal technologies, and particularly to a folding mechanism and a mobile terminal. The above folding mechanism includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a sliding member, a main rotating shaft, and a driving assembly; the first rotating member and the second rotating member are connected by the main rotating shaft, the sliding member is connected to an end of the second rotating member away from the main rotating shaft, and the sliding member can slide relative to the second rotating member in a first direction. When the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate relative to each other, the first rotating member drives the sliding member to slide in the first direction through the driving assembly, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second rotating member, the rotation axes of the first rotating member and the second rotating member are parallel, and the connection line between the rotation axes of the first rotating member and the second rotating member is arranged at an angle with the first direction. The folding mechanism in this application can alleviate the problems of the flexible screen being squeezed and stretched during the folding process of the mobile terminal.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of terminals, and particularly to a folding mechanism and a mobile terminal. Background Art

[0002] Flexible screens are the development trend of the display industry, and folding mobile phones have also become the focus in recent years. Each mobile phone manufacturer has successively launched folding mobile phones.

[0003] Currently, the structural form of a folding mobile phone is that there must be a special rotating shaft mechanism connecting the left and right middle frames and playing a supporting role for the flexible screen. Therefore, the rotating shaft is a key component of the folding mobile phone. Different from traditional hinges, the rotating shaft of a folding mobile phone needs to realize the basic function of rotation and also protect the flexible screen during the rotation process. During the rotation process, the flexible screen cannot be squeezed or stretched. However, during the folding process of the folding mobile phone, the flexible screen is easily stretched or squeezed, thus affecting the service life and experience of the folding mobile phone. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a folding mechanism, which can alleviate the problem that the flexible screen is squeezed and stretched during the folding process of the mobile terminal.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a folding mechanism, which can be applied to a mobile terminal. The folding mechanism includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a sliding member, a main rotating shaft, and a driving component; the first rotating member and the second rotating member are connected by the main rotating shaft to realize the rotational connection between the first rotating member and the second rotating member; the sliding member is connected to one end of the second rotating member away from the main rotating shaft, and the sliding member can slide relative to the second rotating member in a first direction. When the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate relative to each other, the first rotating member drives the sliding member to slide along the first direction through the driving component, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second rotating member. In addition, in order to enable a smooth transition between the first rotating member and the second rotating member and the main rotating shaft when the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate relative to each other, the rotation axis of the first rotating member is parallel to the rotation axis of the second rotating member, and the connection line between the rotation axis of the first rotating member and the rotation axis of the second rotating member is set at an angle with the first direction.

[0006] In the above solution, during the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism, the driving component drives the sliding member to slide relative to the second rotating member in the first direction, thereby adjusting the distance between the sliding member and the second rotating member; when the sliding member and the first rotating member are connected to the flexible screen, the flexible screen will move along with the sliding of the sliding member, so that when the folding mechanism unfolds or folds, the flexible screen will not be stretched or squeezed, improving the folding effect of the folding mechanism. Moreover, the structure of this solution is simpler and lighter than other folding mechanisms, occupying less space. Also, since the line connecting the rotation axes of the first rotating member and the second rotating member is arranged at an angle with the first direction, no bulge will occur at the position of the flexible screen corresponding to the main rotating shaft, improving the aesthetics of the flexible screen.

[0007] It should be noted that the sliding manner between the sliding member and the second rotating member can be: at least one sliding groove is provided on the sliding member, and a protruding portion matching the sliding groove is provided on the side of the second rotating member facing the sliding member, or a sliding groove is provided on the side of the second rotating member facing the sliding member, and a protruding portion matching the sliding groove is provided on the sliding member.

[0008] In a specific implementation, the first rotating member and the second rotating member are respectively connected to the main rotating shaft through the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, and in the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first rotating shaft is located below the second rotating shaft.

[0009] In one implementation, the folding mechanism can further include a synchronization structure to achieve the synchronous rotation of the first rotating member and the second rotating member. For example, the synchronization structure can include a first toothed portion and a second toothed portion; the first toothed portion is provided on the first rotating member, and the second toothed portion is provided on the second rotating member, wherein the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion are meshed with each other, and the meshing portion of the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion is located inside the main rotating shaft, so that when the first rotating member rotates around the main rotating shaft, the second rotating member can move synchronously with the first rotating member.

[0010] In one implementation, the driving component can include a chain, and the extending direction of the chain is parallel to the first direction. Specifically, the chain can include a first link, a second link, and at least one third link disposed between the first link and the second link. The first link is connected to the first rotating member, and the second link is connected to the sliding member. When the first rotating member rotates around the main rotating shaft, the second link drives the sliding member to slide in the first direction. Among them, when there are two third links between the first link and the second link, in order to effectively control the posture of the chain, the hinge portions of the two third links can be slidably matched with the second rotating member. When there are three third links between the first link and the second link, the third link connected to the first link can be matched with the main rotating shaft, and the hinge portions of the other two third links are slidably matched with the second rotating member.

[0011] Among them, the specific connection between the second link and the slider can be: the second link is fixedly connected to the slider, or the second link is fixedly connected to the slider through other structural members.

[0012] During specific setting, since the main rotating shaft is located between the first rotating member and the second rotating member (or slider), and the chain is connected between the first rotating member and the slider, therefore, in order to prevent interference between the chain and the main rotating shaft, a slotted opening for the chain to pass through can be provided on the main rotating shaft.

[0013] In a specific implementation, at least one third link is slidably engaged with the second rotating member. Specifically, a second guiding protrusion is provided at the hinged portion of the third link, and the second guiding protrusion cooperates with the second rotating member, so that when the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate relative to each other, the attitude (such as position, rotation direction) of the chain will change. By slidably engaging the hinged portions of the two third links with the second rotating member, the attitude of the link can be effectively controlled through the main rotating shaft, thereby effectively improving the driving effect on the slider.

[0014] In another specific implementation, two or more third links are included between the first link and the second link; the main rotating shaft is provided with a first guiding groove, and a first guiding protrusion is provided on the third link connected to the first link; the first guiding protrusion is slidably engaged with the first guiding groove of the main rotating shaft and can rotate relative to the main rotating shaft. Second guiding protrusions are provided on the hinged portions of the remaining third links except the third link connected to the first link, and the second guiding protrusions cooperate with the second rotating member, so that when the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate relative to each other, the attitude (such as position, rotation direction) of the chain will change. By slidably engaging multiple third links with the main rotating shaft and the second rotating member respectively, the attitude of the link can be effectively controlled through the main rotating shaft, thereby effectively improving the driving effect on the slider.

[0015] During specific setting, the form of the first guiding groove (which can also be understood as the movement track of the first guiding protrusion in the guiding groove) can be a straight line, an arc or a spline curve.

[0016] In another implementation, the driving assembly can further include a stroke amplification mechanism to increase the moving distance of the slider in the first direction.

[0017] During specific setting, the stroke amplification mechanism can include a gear and a first rack and a second rack meshing with the gear. Specifically, the gear is rotatably installed on the second link, the first rack is provided on the second rotating member, the second rack is provided on the slider, and the first rack and the second rack are arranged oppositely; the second link is arranged on the second rotating member and can slide relative to the second rotating member in the first direction.

[0018] When the folding mechanism folds, the first rotating member drives the chain to act, so that the second link slides in the first direction. During the sliding process of the second link, since the gear meshes with the first rack, the gear will rotate; in addition, since the gear meshes with the second rack and the second rack is fixed to the sliding member, the sliding member will produce a sliding action in the first direction.

[0019] It can be understood that, compared with the way that the second link and the sliding member are directly fixedly connected, through the settings of the gear, the first rack and the second rack, the sliding member can move a longer distance. Specifically, when the second link and the sliding member are directly fixedly connected, the distance that the sliding member moves is equal to the distance that the second link moves. When the gear, the first rack and the second rack are added, when the second link slides, the gear will generate a rotational motion, and through the meshing of the gear and the second rack, the rotational motion of the gear is converted into the linear motion of the rack (sliding member), so as to increase the moving distance of the sliding member.

[0020] In addition, in other implementation manners, the stroke amplification mechanism may also include other types of structural members. For example, the stroke amplification mechanism may include a first link, a second link and a third link. Specifically, the first link is rotatably mounted on the second link, one end of the second link is hinged to the first link, and the other end is hinged to the second rotating member; one end of the third link is hinged to the first link, and the other end is hinged to the sliding member.

[0021] When the folding mechanism folds, the first rotating member drives the chain to act, so that the second link slides in the first direction. During the sliding process of the second link, the second link drives the first link to rotate; and since the sliding member is hinged to the first link through the third link, the sliding member will produce a sliding action in the first direction.

[0022] It can be understood that, compared with the way that the second link and the sliding member are directly fixedly connected, through the first link, the second link and the third link, the sliding member can move a longer distance. Specifically, when the second link and the sliding member are directly fixedly connected, the distance that the sliding member moves is equal to the distance that the second link moves. When the first link, the second link and the third link are added, when the second link slides, the first link will generate a rotational motion, and through the third link, the rotation of the first link is converted into the linear motion of the sliding member, so as to increase the moving distance of the sliding member.

[0023] In a second aspect, the present application further provides a mobile terminal, including a first housing, a second housing, a flexible screen, and the folding mechanism as described above; the first housing is connected to a first rotating member, the second housing is connected to a sliding member, and the flexible screen is connected to the first housing and the second housing. The flexible screen can move along with the sliding of the sliding member, and the position of the flexible screen can compensate for the deformation at the main rotating shaft of the folding mechanism, so that when the mobile terminal is folded, the flexible screen disposed on the mobile terminal will not be squeezed or stretched.

[0024] In one implementation, the thickness of the first housing is greater than that of the second housing. That is, the thicknesses of the housings on both sides of the main rotating shaft are different. Electronic devices do not need to be placed on the thinner side, and the electronic devices are placed on the thicker side, avoiding the wire harness passing through the main rotating shaft, thereby reducing the complexity of the overall structure and improving the space utilization rate.

[0025] In one implementation, the upper folding mechanism may further include a support plate, one end of the support plate is connected to the first housing, and the other end of the support plate is connected to the second housing.

[0026] When specifically arranged, the support plate can be arranged on the back of the flexible screen, so as to provide good support for the flexible screen. In addition, in order to improve the bendability of the support plate, the area of the support plate corresponding to the main rotating shaft can be hollowed out or the like to improve the bendability and fatigue resistance of this area. Description of the Drawings

[0027] Figure 1a FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram one of the mobile terminal provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 1b FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram two of the mobile terminal provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2a FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the mobile terminal provided by the embodiment of the present application with a support plate;

[0030] Figure 2b FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the mobile terminal provided by the embodiment of the present application with the support plate in the unfolded state;

[0031] Figure 2c FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the mobile terminal provided by the embodiment of the present application with the support plate in the folded state;

[0032] Figure 3a FIG. 6 is a partial schematic diagram of the mobile terminal provided by the embodiment of the present application in the flattened state;

[0033] Figure 3b FIG. 7 is a partial schematic diagram of the mobile terminal provided by the embodiment of the present application during the folding or flattening process;

[0034] Figure 3cPartial schematic diagram of the mobile terminal provided by the embodiment of the present application when folded;

[0035] Figure 4 Schematic diagram I of the structure of the folding mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the synchronization structure in the folding mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 6 Partial schematic diagram of the driving component structure in the folding mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 7 Schematic diagram II of the structure of the folding mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 8 Schematic diagram III of the structure of the folding mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 9 For Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the middle connecting rod;

[0041] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the main rotating shaft in the folding mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 11 For Figure 4 Exploded view;

[0043] Figure 12 For Figure 7 Exploded view.

[0044] Reference numerals:

[0045] 1 - First housing; 10 - First rotating member; 11 - First toothed portion; 12 - First rotating shaft; 2 - Second housing; 20 - Second rotating member; 21 - Second toothed portion; 22 - Second rotating shaft; 23 - Installation groove; 230 - Second guiding groove; 3 - Third housing; 30 - Sliding member; 40 - Main rotating shaft; 41 - First slotted opening; 410 - First guiding groove; 42 - Second slotted opening; 50 - Driving component; 51 - Chain; 510 - First chain link; 511 - Second chain link; 512, 512a, 512b, 512c - Third chain links; 513 - First guiding protrusion; 514 - Second guiding protrusion; 515 - Third guiding protrusion; 52 - Stroke amplification mechanism; 520 - Gear; 521 - Second rack; 522 - First rack; 524 - First connecting rod; 525 - Second connecting rod; 526 - Third connecting rod; 527 - First receiving groove; 528 Second receiving groove; 60 - Flexible screen; 70 - Tray; 71 - Clamping block; 72 - Etching area. Detailed implementation manners

[0046] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following will further describe this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] The terms used in the following embodiments are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular forms "a", "an", "the", "above-mentioned", "said", and "this" are also intended to include expressions such as "one or more", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0048] Referring to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" described in this specification means that in one or more embodiments of this application, specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment are included. Thus, statements such as "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other some embodiments", "in still other embodiments", etc., which appear at different places in this specification, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways. The terms "comprising", "including", "having", and their variants all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways.

[0049] For ease of understanding, in the embodiments of this application, when the mobile terminal switches between the folded state and the unfolded state, the first housing is used as the active part for rotation.

[0050] The mobile terminal in this application has a folding function. Specifically, the mobile terminal can be: a folding mobile phone, a foldable tablet, a notebook computer, etc. Referring to Figure 1a and Figure 1b , the mobile terminal includes: a first housing 1, a second housing 2, a flexible screen 60, and a folding mechanism; wherein, the flexible screen 60 is respectively connected to the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, and the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are connected through the folding mechanism. Specifically, the first housing 1 is connected to a first rotating member 10 in the folding mechanism, and the second housing 2 is connected to a sliding member 30 in the folding mechanism. When the mobile terminal folds, the first housing 1 rotates around the main rotation axis 40 of the folding mechanism towards the side of the second housing 2. At this time, the folding mechanism drives the second housing 2 to move towards the position where the main rotation axis 40 is located, so that during the folding process, the displacement of the flexible screen corresponds to the arc length change at the main rotation axis 40 of the mobile terminal; when the folding mechanism unfolds, the first housing 1 rotates around the main rotation axis 40 in a direction away from the second housing 2, and the folding mechanism drives the second housing 2 to slide towards one end away from the main rotation axis 40. At this time, the arc length at the main rotation axis 40 of the mobile terminal becomes smaller, so as to reduce the situation where the flexible screen is squeezed during the unfolding process.

[0051] In a specific implementation, in order to fully protect the internal components of the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal may further include a third shell 3, which is connected to the second rotating member 20 in the folding mechanism to protect the second rotating member 20, wherein the third shell 3 is located between the main shaft 40 and the second shell 2.

[0052] In some embodiments, in order to make the mobile terminal more beautiful in the folded state; a boss is provided on the side of the first shell 1 away from the main rotating shaft 40, the thickness of the boss is a, the thickness of the first shell 1 is b, and the thickness of the second shell 2 and the third shell 3 are both c. Among them, the thickness of the first shell 1 is greater than the thickness of the second shell 2 and the third shell 3, and the thickness of the boss is equal to the sum of the thickness of the first shell 1 and the second shell 2 or the third shell 3 (that is, the shell thicknesses on both sides of the main rotating shaft 40 are different). When the thickness of the first shell 1 is greater than the thickness of the second shell 2 and the third shell 3, the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft installed in the main rotating shaft 40 are not at the same horizontal height, that is, in the vertical direction, the height of the first rotating shaft installed in the main rotating shaft is lower than the height of the second rotating shaft installed on the main rotating shaft, so that when the first shell 1 and the third shell 3 rotate around the main rotating shaft 40, the two can transition smoothly, and the main rotating shaft 40 will not protrude from the first shell 1. In addition, when other electronic components are installed in the mobile terminal, the electronic components can all be installed in the first housing 1, which can avoid the cables passing through the main shaft 40, thereby reducing the complexity of the overall structure of the mobile terminal and improving space utilization.

[0053] It should be noted that, in the mobile terminal, at least one driving assembly can be provided in the folding mechanism. When there are multiple driving assemblies, the multiple driving assemblies can be spaced apart along the extension direction of the main shaft. Each driving assembly is used to connect the first rotating member and the sliding member, so that during the folding process of the folding mechanism, the driving assembly can make each part of the sliding member bear force evenly, thereby ensuring the stability of sliding.

[0054] like Figures 2a - 2c As shown, the mobile terminal also includes a support plate 70, and the support plate 70 has a first side and a second side. The two ends of the first side of the support plate 70 are respectively connected to the first shell and the second shell, and the second side of the support plate 70 is used to fit the flexible screen 60. An etching area 72 is provided on the support plate 70, and the etching area 72 corresponds to the position of the main shaft, thereby improving the bending property and fatigue resistance of the support plate 70. When the support plate 70 is connected to the first shell and the second shell, both ends of the first side of the support plate 70 are provided with a positioning block 71, and a card slot corresponding to the positioning block 71 is provided at a position corresponding to one end of the first shell and the support plate 70, and a card slot is also provided at a position corresponding to the other end of the second shell and the support plate 70, so that the support plate is positioned in the first shell and the second shell to improve the flatness of the flexible screen after application.

[0055] It should be noted that the clamping block can also be arranged on the first housing and the second housing, and a clamping groove corresponding to the clamping block is provided on the pallet, and the pallet is an etched metal plate.

[0056] Figure 3a It is a partial schematic diagram of the mobile terminal provided by the embodiment of the present application when in a flattened state; as Figure 3a shown, when the mobile terminal is in the unfolded state, the distance between the third housing 3 and the second housing 2 is d. It can be understood that during the process of the mobile terminal unfolding to folding (the first housing 1 rotates around the main rotating shaft 40 towards the third housing 3), the maximum distance that the chain assembly can drive the flexible screen to move is d (that is, the maximum sliding distance between the second housing 2 and the third housing 3 is d).

[0057] Figure 3b It is a partial schematic diagram of the mobile terminal provided by the embodiment of the present application during the folding or flattening process; as Figure 3b shown, among them, the arrow direction of the arc solid line is the folding direction, the arrow direction of the straight solid line is the sliding direction of the second housing 2 during folding, the arrow direction of the arc dotted line indicates the unfolding direction, and the arrow direction of the straight dotted line is the sliding direction of the second housing 2 during unfolding; when the mobile terminal is folded, the first housing 1 rotates around the main rotating shaft 40 towards the third housing 3, and the driving assembly 50 connected to the first housing 1 drives the second housing 2 to slide towards one end of the third housing 3. At this time, the distance d between the second housing 2 and the third housing 3 gradually decreases, and the flexible screen connected to the second housing 2 will also move towards the position where the third housing 3 is located as the second housing 2 moves, so that during the folding process, the displacement of the flexible screen corresponds to the arc length change amount at the main rotating shaft 40 of the mobile terminal; when the mobile terminal is unfolded, the first housing 1 rotates around the main rotating shaft 40 in a direction away from the third housing 3, and the driving assembly 50 connected to the first housing 1 will drive the second housing 2 to slide towards one end away from the third housing 3, so that the distance d between the third housing 3 and the second housing 2 gradually increases. At this time, the arc length at the main rotating shaft 40 of the mobile terminal becomes smaller, and the second housing 2 drives the flexible screen connected to the second housing 2 to move to the side away from the third housing 3 to reduce the situation where the flexible screen is squeezed during the unfolding process.

[0058] Figure 3c It is a partial schematic diagram of the mobile terminal provided by the embodiment of the present application when in a folded state; as Figure 3c shown, the first housing 1 is located below the third housing 3 and the second housing 2. At this time, the distance between the third housing 3 and the second housing 2 is the smallest. Under the drive of the driving assembly 50, the second housing 2 moves the maximum distance towards one end of the main rotating shaft 40. At this time, the distance that the second housing 2 drives the flexible screen to move corresponds to the arc length change at the main rotating shaft 40, so as to ensure that in the folded state, the flexible screen is not stretched or is stretched with a smaller force.

[0059] It should be noted that during the unfolding or folding of the mobile terminal, the size of the flexible screen does not change. The flexible screen always moves with the second shell 2, and the distance that the flexible screen moves with the second shell 2 is equivalent to the size change of the corresponding flexible screen at the main shaft 40, thereby avoiding problems such as stretching or squeezing and improving the folding effect of the folding mechanism.

[0060] Figure 4 A structural diagram of the folding mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 , Figure 4 The direction of the arrow in the middle is the first direction; the folding mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application may include a first rotating member 10, a second rotating member 20 and a main rotating shaft 40, the first rotating member 10 is hinged to one side of the main rotating shaft 40 (the left side in the figure), and the second rotating member 20 is hinged to the other side of the main rotating shaft 40 (the right side in the figure); that is, the first rotating member 10 and the second rotating member 20 are rotatably connected through the main rotating shaft 40. When the first rotating member 10 rotates relative to the second rotating member 20, the folding mechanism can be switched between the unfolded state and the folded state. In order to be able to adjust the length of the folding mechanism during the rotation process, in the embodiment provided in the present application, the folding structure also includes a sliding member 30 and a driving assembly 50. The sliding member 30 is slidably connected to the end of the second rotating member 20 away from the main rotating shaft 40, and the sliding member 30 can slide relative to the second rotating member 20 in the first direction. The first rotating member 10 is connected to the sliding member 30 through the driving assembly 50. When the first rotating member 10 rotates relative to the second rotating member 20, the first rotating member 10 can drive the driving assembly 50 to move, thereby driving the sliding member 30 to slide in the first direction, and finally, the length of the folding mechanism is effectively adjusted. That is, the sliding member 30 can use the displacement of the sliding to compensate for the dimensional change at the main shaft 40, so that when the folding mechanism is unfolded or folded, the flexible screen connected to the sliding member 30 and the first rotating member 10 is not stretched or squeezed. In addition, in the embodiment provided by the present application, the rotation axis of the first rotating member 10 is parallel to the rotation axis of the second rotating member 20, and the connecting line of the two is set at an angle with the first direction (that is, in the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the rotation axis of the second rotating member 20 is higher than the rotation axis of the first rotating member 10), so as to ensure that when the first rotating member 10 rotates relative to the second rotating member 20, the first rotating member 10 and the second rotating member 20 can smoothly transition.

[0061] It should be noted that the first direction is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second rotating member 20 , so as to ensure that the moving track of the sliding member 30 is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second rotating member 20 .

[0062] In specific implementation, in order to achieve the rotational connection between the first rotating member 10 and the second rotating member 20, the first rotating member 10 and the second rotating member 20 can be respectively hinged to the main rotating shaft 40.

[0063] Referring to Figure 5 , specifically, a first rotating shaft 12 and a second rotating shaft 22 are arranged inside the main rotating shaft 40. The first rotating shaft 12 and the second rotating shaft 22 are fixed on the main rotating shaft 40. The first rotating member 10 is hinged to the main rotating shaft 40 through the first rotating shaft 12, and the second rotating member 20 is hinged to the main rotating shaft 40 through the second rotating shaft 22.

[0064] In specific setting, the relative position and distance between the first rotating shaft 12 and the second rotating shaft 22 can be adaptively adjusted according to the actual situation (when the thickness of the first housing connected to the first rotating member is greater than the thickness of the third housing connected to the second rotating member, in the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first rotating shaft is located below the second rotating shaft).

[0065] In addition, in order to improve the folding effect of the folding mechanism, the first rotating member 10 and the second rotating member 20 can rotate synchronously.

[0066] Specifically, referring to Figure 5 , the folding assembly further includes a synchronization structure. The synchronization structure includes a first toothed portion 11 and a second toothed portion 21. The first toothed portion 11 is arranged on the first rotating member 10, the second toothed portion 21 is arranged on the second rotating member 20, the first toothed portion 11 and the second toothed portion 21 are engaged, and the engaged portion is located inside the main rotating shaft 40. Among them, the first rotating shaft 12 and the second rotating shaft 22 are parallel to each other and do not coincide with each other to ensure that there is no interference between the first rotating member 10 and the second rotating member 20 when the first rotating member 10 rotates around the main rotating shaft 40; in addition, the setting of the first toothed portion 11 and the second toothed portion 12 can ensure the synchronous rotation of the first rotating member 10 and the second rotating member 20.

[0067] It should be noted that the first toothed portion 11 and the second toothed portion 21 can both be half teeth, and the number of teeth of the first toothed portion 11 and the second toothed portion 11 can be the same.

[0068] Figure 6 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the drive assembly in the folding mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application; referring to Figure 6, the structural form of the driving component can be various. For example, the driving component can include a chain 51. The chain 51 includes 5 chain links. The 5 chain links are sequentially hinged from the first end (left end) to the second end (right end). The first chain link 510 at the first end can be a chain head, and the chain head is fixedly connected to the first rotating member. The second chain link 511 at the second end is connected to the sliding member, and the second chain link 511 is also in sliding cooperation with the second rotating member. There are three third chain links 512 between the first chain link 510 and the second chain link 511. The three third chain links can be 512a, 512b, and 513c respectively. Among them, the third chain link 512a cooperates with the main rotating shaft, and the hinged parts of the third chain link 512b and the third chain link 512c cooperate with the second rotating member, so that the attitude of the third chain link 512 can be effectively controlled to limit the moving track of the chain 51, so that the space occupied by the chain 51 is small and does not protrude from the second rotating member and the main rotating shaft; when the first rotating member rotates around the main rotating shaft, the first chain link 510 at the first end drives the third chain link 512 and the second chain link 511 to move, and then drives the sliding member connected to the second chain link 511 to slide in the first direction.

[0069] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the number of the chain links 512 between the first chain link 510 and the second chain link 511 can be one, two, three or more, etc. The specific number needs to be adjusted according to the specific connection situation, as long as it can be connected to the sliding member and can drive the sliding to slide in the first direction.

[0070] For example, referring to Figure 7 , in another embodiment provided by the present application, the chain 51 includes 4 chain links; that is, there are two third chain links 512 between the first chain link 510 and the second chain link 511, and both of the two third chain links 512 are in sliding cooperation with the second rotating member.

[0071] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 7 , in order to increase the displacement of the sliding member 30, the driving component 50 can also include a stroke amplification mechanism. Specifically, the stroke amplification mechanism 52 can include: a gear 520 and a first rack 522 and a second rack 521 that mesh with the gear 520. Specifically, the gear 520 is rotatably installed on the second chain link 511, the first rack 522 is arranged on the second rotating member 20, the second rack 521 is arranged on the sliding member 30, and the first rack 522 and the second rack 521 are arranged oppositely.

[0072] When the folding mechanism folds, the first rotating member 10 rotates counterclockwise around the main rotating shaft 40. The first link 510 moves synchronously with the first rotating member 10 and drives the second link 511 to move leftward through the link 512. When the second link 511 slides leftward, since the gear 520 meshes with the first rack 522, the gear 520 will generate a clockwise rotational movement. In addition, since the gear 520 meshes with the second rack 521, the gear 520 will drive the second rack 521 to slide leftward.

[0073] During this process, the rotational movement of the gear 520 is converted into the linear movement of the second rack 521 (slider 30). In this way, the moving distance of the second rack 521 is greater than the moving distance of the second link 511, thus achieving the effect of stroke amplification.

[0074] In other embodiments, the stroke amplification mechanism can also adopt other structural types.

[0075] For example, referring to Figure 8 , the structure of the stroke amplification mechanism includes: a first connecting rod 524, a second connecting rod 525, and a third connecting rod 526. Specifically, the first connecting rod 524 is rotatably arranged on the second link 511. The second connecting rod 525 and the third connecting rod 526 are hinged to both ends of the first connecting rod 524. The second connecting rod 525 is hinged to the second rotating member 20, and the third connecting rod 526 is hinged to the slider 30. When the folding mechanism folds, the first rotating member 10 rotates counterclockwise around the main rotating shaft 40. The first link 510 moves synchronously with the first rotating member 10 and drives the second link 511 to move leftward through the third link 512. When the second link 511 moves leftward, since the second link 511 is hinged to the second rotating member 20 through the first connecting rod 524 and the second connecting rod 525, the first connecting rod 524 will generate a clockwise rotational movement. In addition, since the second link 511 is hinged to the slider 30 through the first connecting rod 524 and the third connecting rod 526, the slider 30 will be driven to slide leftward.

[0076] During this process, the rotational movement of the first connecting rod 524 is converted into the linear movement of the slider 30. In this way, the moving distance of the slider 30 is greater than the moving distance of the second link 511, thus achieving the effect of stroke amplification.

[0077] It should be noted that a first receiving groove 527 is provided on the second rotating member 20, and the second connecting rod 525 is disposed in the first receiving groove 527. Thereby, the second connecting rod 525 can be effectively limited, so as to improve the connection effect between the second rotating member 20 and the first connecting rod 524. A second receiving groove 528 is provided on the sliding member 30, and the third connecting rod 526 is disposed in the second receiving groove 528. Thereby, the third connecting rod 526 can be effectively limited, so as to improve the connection effect between the sliding member 30 and the first connecting rod 524.

[0078] Figure 9 For Figure 8 the structural schematic diagram of the middle connecting rod; refer to Figure 9 , mounting holes are provided at the center and both ends of the first connecting rod 525. The mounting hole at the center is rotatably connected to the second link. Among the mounting holes at both ends, one is connected to the column on the second connecting rod 526, and the other is connected to the column on the third connecting rod 527. Moreover, a connecting hole is respectively provided on the second connecting rod 526 and the third connecting rod 527, and the connecting holes provided on the second connecting rod 526 and the third connecting rod 527 are respectively used for connecting with the second rotating member and the sliding member. In addition, the depth of the first receiving groove is greater than or equal to the part of the first connecting rod 525 connected to the second connecting rod 526, and the depth of the first receiving groove is also greater than or equal to the thickness of the second connecting rod 526; the depth of the second receiving groove is greater than or equal to the part of the first connecting rod 525 connected to the third connecting rod 527, and the depth of the second receiving groove is also greater than or equal to the thickness of the thickest position of the third connecting rod 527.

[0079] Figure 10 is the structural schematic diagram of the main rotating shaft in the folding mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application; refer to Figure 10 , a plurality of slotted openings are provided on the main rotating shaft 40. The slotted openings include a first slotted opening 41 and two second slotted openings 42. Along the extending direction of the main rotating shaft 40, the two second slotted openings 42 are located on both sides of the first slotted opening 41. Among them, a first guiding groove 410 is provided on the inner side wall of the first slotted opening 41.

[0080] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 11, the first guiding groove 410 is used to cooperate with the first guiding protrusion 513 on the third link 512a, so as to control the movement of the chain 51, so that the displacement of the sliding member 30 corresponds to the dimensional change at the main rotating shaft 40, thereby effectively improving the driving effect on the sliding member 30. In addition, a connecting hole is provided on the side wall of the first slotted opening 41, and a mounting hole is provided on the side wall of the second slotted opening 42. The connecting hole communicates with the second slotted opening 42. The second rotating shaft passes through the connecting hole to rotatably connect the second rotating member to the main rotating shaft, and the second toothed portion on the second rotating member is located in the second slotted opening 42; the first rotating shaft passes through the mounting hole to connect the first rotating member to the main rotating shaft, and the first toothed portion on the first rotating member is also located in the second slotted opening 42. The first toothed portion and the second toothed portion mesh in the second slotted opening 42 to make the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate synchronously.

[0081] Please continue to refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 ; Figure 11 The dotted line connecting to part A in [reference figure] indicates the position where the first guiding protrusion 513 that cooperates with the first guiding groove 410 is provided; Figure 11 The dotted line connecting to part B in [reference figure] indicates the position where the second guiding protrusion 514 that cooperates with the second guiding groove 230 is located. The folding mechanism further includes a mounting groove 23, a second guiding groove 230, a second guiding protrusion 514 (provided at the hinge between the third links 512b and 512c), and a third guiding protrusion 515. The mounting groove 23 is provided on the second rotating member 20, the second guiding groove 230 is provided on the side wall of the mounting groove 23, the first guiding protrusion 513 is provided on the third link 512 connected to the first link 510, and the second guiding protrusion 514 is provided at the hinge portion of the two third links 512 on the side close to the second link 511; wherein, both the second guiding protrusion 514 and the third guiding protrusion 514 are slidably arranged in the second guiding groove 230. When the first rotating member 10 rotates around the main rotating shaft 40 to fold the folding mechanism, the first guiding protrusion 513 moves along the extending direction of the first guiding groove 410 provided on the side wall of the first slotted opening 41, and both the second guiding protrusion 514 and the third guiding protrusion 515 move along the extending direction of the second guiding groove 230, so as to effectively control the posture of the chain during movement; in addition, the setting of the first guiding groove 410 can not only limit the movement trajectory of the chain following the first rotating member 10, but also adjust the form of the first guiding groove 410 and the size of the first guiding protrusion 513 sliding in the first guiding groove 410 to adjust the sliding distance of the sliding member 30 as the first rotating member 10 rotates. Among them, the form of the first guiding groove 410 can be a straight line, an arc or a spline curve.

[0082] Please continue to refer to Figure 12, the solid line connecting to part C in the figure indicates the position where the second guiding projection 514 that cooperates with the second guiding groove 230 is provided; the second guiding projection 514 is provided on a plurality of third link sections 512 that are hinged; when the first rotating member 10 rotates around the main rotating shaft 40 to fold the folding mechanism, the second guiding projection 514 moves along the extending direction of the second guiding groove 230 provided on the second rotating member 20, and the third guiding projection 515 also moves along the extending direction of the second guiding groove 230, thereby effectively controlling the attitude of the chain during movement.

[0083] The above is only the specific implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding mechanism, characterized in that, Comprising: Main rotating shaft; First rotating member; Second rotating member; The first rotating member and the second rotating member are distributed on both sides of the main rotating shaft along the axial direction perpendicular to the main rotating shaft, and are respectively rotatably connected to the main rotating shaft; the rotation axes of the first rotating member and the second rotating member are parallel, and the connection line between the rotation axis of the first rotating member and the rotation axis of the second rotating member is arranged at an angle with the first direction; Sliding member, the sliding member is connected to the end of the second rotating member far from the main rotating shaft, and the sliding member can slide relative to the second rotating member in the first direction; Drive assembly, connected to the first rotating member, the second rotating member and the sliding member; When the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate relative to each other, the first rotating member or the second rotating member drives the drive assembly to drive the sliding member to slide in the first direction; wherein, the first direction is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the second rotating member; The drive assembly includes a chain, and the extending direction of the chain is parallel to the first direction; The chain includes a first link, a second link and at least one third link located between the first link and the second link. The first link is fixedly connected to the first rotating member, the second link is slidably matched with the second rotating member, and the second link is connected to the sliding member, so that when the second link slides relative to the second rotating member, the sliding member moves synchronously with the second link.

2. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein Along the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the rotation axis of the first rotating member is lower than the rotation axis of the second rotating member.

3. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, It further includes a synchronization structure; The synchronization structure includes a first toothed portion and a second toothed portion; The first toothed portion is arranged on the first rotating member, the second toothed portion is arranged on the second rotating member, and the first toothed portion is meshed with the second toothed portion; Wherein, the meshing portion of the first toothed portion and the second toothed portion is located inside the main rotating shaft.

4. The folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The sliding member and the second rotating member are provided with a mutually cooperating chute and a protruding portion, so that the sliding member and the second rotating member slide relative to each other in the first direction.

5. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one third link is slidably matched with the second rotating member.

6. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein There are two or more third links between the first link and the second link; The main rotating shaft is provided with a first guiding groove, and the third link connected to the first link is provided with a first guiding protrusion; the first guiding protrusion is slidably matched with the first guiding groove of the main rotating shaft and can rotate relative to the main rotating shaft; The third links other than the third link connected to the first link are slidably matched with the second rotating member.

7. The folding mechanism according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, It further includes a stroke amplification mechanism; The stroke amplification mechanism includes: Gear, rotatably arranged on the second link; The second rotating member is provided with a first rack, and the sliding member is provided with a second rack opposite to the first rack; The gear is meshed with the first rack and the second rack respectively.

8. The folding mechanism according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, It further includes a stroke amplification mechanism; The stroke amplification mechanism includes: First connecting rod, rotatably arranged on the second link; The second connecting rod, one end of which is hinged to one end of the first connecting rod, and the other end of which is hinged to the second rotating member; The third connecting rod, one end of which is hinged to the other end of the first connecting rod, and the other end of which is hinged to the sliding member.

9. A mobile terminal, characterized in that, It includes a first housing, a second housing, a flexible screen, and a folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8; The first housing is fixedly connected to the first rotating member, and the second housing is fixedly connected to the sliding member; The flexible screen is fixedly connected to the first housing and the second housing.

10. The mobile terminal according to claim 9, wherein, The thickness of the first housing is greater than the thickness of the second housing.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Folding mechanism and mobile terminal

    CN109495621A