Folding mechanism and inner-fold flexible screen mobile terminal using the same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a folding mechanism, including an intermediate bracket and a left rotating member and a right rotating member rotatably connected to the intermediate bracket. The intermediate bracket can enable the left rotating member and the right rotating member to rotate synchronously and in opposite directions through a synchronous reverse rotation mechanism. A disc spring mechanism cooperating with the left rotating member and the right rotating member is arranged on the intermediate bracket. The disc spring mechanism can elastically press against the left rotating member and the right rotating member respectively to provide torque for the rotation of the left rotating member and the right rotating member. At the same time, an inward folding flexible screen mobile terminal applying the above folding mechanism is provided. The present disclosure can realize the unfolding and flattening of the flexible screen and the inward folding and closing. The disc spring mechanism can provide torque for the rotation of the left rotating member and the right rotating member, ensuring the stability, reliability, etc. of the rotation, and having better operation feeling, comfort, etc. The disc spring mechanism is also convenient for adjusting the magnitude of the torque and is convenient for better application to various inward folding screen mobile terminals such as mobile phones and tablet computers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to flexible screen electronic devices, and particularly to a folding mechanism for an inward-foldable flexible screen mobile terminal and an inward-foldable flexible screen mobile terminal applying the same. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous progress of society and the rapid development of technology, the replacement of electronic products is very fast. Users' requirements for the use of electronic products are getting higher and higher, resulting in more and more diverse functions of electronic products. And many new forms of electronic products have emerged, such as mobile terminals with flexible screens, such as smart phones and tablet computers, which will become the current research and development hotspots and new trends. For mobile terminals, the flexible screen is an ideal and emerging screen. When the mobile terminal is carried, it is folded, and when used, it is flattened to obtain double display, meeting the demand for large-screen display, and can give people a sense of reserve, maturity, and stability. At present, for flexible screen mobile terminals, the problem to be solved is how to design a folding mechanism to support and fold the flexible screen, reduce the damage at the bending part of the flexible screen, improve the stability, reliability, operation feeling, comfort, etc. of rotational folding, improve the service life, and enable the flexible screen to be better applied to mobile terminals. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present disclosure is to propose a folding mechanism and an inward-foldable flexible screen mobile terminal applying the same, which can solve at least one of the above technical problems. The technical solution of the present disclosure is as follows:

[0004] A folding mechanism includes an intermediate bracket, a left rotating member and a right rotating member rotatably connected to the intermediate bracket. The intermediate bracket can make the left rotating member and the right rotating member rotate synchronously and reversely through a synchronous reverse rotation mechanism. A disc spring mechanism cooperating with the left rotating member and the right rotating member is arranged on the intermediate bracket. The disc spring mechanism can elastically press against the left rotating member and the right rotating member respectively to provide torque for the rotation of the left rotating member and the right rotating member.

[0005] In some embodiments, the left rotating member includes a left rotating arm, the right rotating member includes a right rotating arm, the disc spring mechanism includes a first base, a first fixing block arranged on the first base and a first locking member. The first base is fixed on the intermediate bracket. An first arc-shaped slideway cooperating with the left rotating arm and a second arc-shaped slideway cooperating with the right rotating arm are formed between the first fixing block and the first base. The first locking member passes through a plurality of stacked first disc springs to connect the first fixing block and the first base, and can elastically press the first fixing block against the left rotating arm and the right rotating arm to provide torque for the rotation of the left rotating arm and the right rotating arm.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first locking member is a first screw, a first threaded hole connected to the first screw is provided on the first base, a first through hole adapted to the first screw is provided on the first fixing block, the first through hole corresponds to the first threaded hole, a first disc spring is located above the first through hole, and the diameter of the first disc spring is greater than the diameter of the first through hole.

[0007] In some embodiments, the left rotating arm has a first arc-shaped sliding portion, the first arc-shaped slideway includes first arc-shaped stop edges respectively adapted to the two side edges of the first arc-shaped sliding portion, the two first arc-shaped stop edges are respectively located above the two side edges of the first arc-shaped sliding portion, the right rotating arm has a second arc-shaped sliding portion, the second arc-shaped slideway includes second arc-shaped stop edges respectively adapted to the two side edges of the second arc-shaped sliding portion, the two second arc-shaped stop edges are respectively located above the two side edges of the second arc-shaped sliding portion, a first groove body adapted to the first fixing block is provided on the first base, and a first arc-shaped portion respectively adapted to the left rotating arm and the right rotating arm is provided in the first groove body.

[0008] In some embodiments, it further includes a left support plate and a right support plate for supporting the corresponding flexible screen, the synchronous reverse rotation mechanism can make the left support plate and the right support plate and the left rotating member and the right rotating member rotate synchronously in opposite directions, one end of the left support plate far from the middle bracket is connected to a first elastic element on the left connecting seat, one end of the right support plate far from the middle bracket is connected to a second elastic element on the right connecting seat, as the flexible screen is folded and closed inward, one end of the left support plate close to the middle bracket and one end of the right support plate close to the middle bracket can swing outward respectively to avoid the bending part of the flexible screen, and as the flexible screen is unfolded and flattened, the left rotating member and the right rotating member can support the left support plate and the right support plate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the left rotating arm is located below the left support plate, the right rotating arm is located below the right support plate, as the flexible screen is unfolded and flattened, the top of one end of the first arc-shaped sliding portion close to the right support plate can support the right support plate, the top of one end of the second arc-shaped sliding portion close to the left support plate can support the left support plate, and as the flexible screen is folded and closed inward, the first arc-shaped sliding portion can be separated from the right support plate, and the second arc-shaped sliding portion can be separated from the left support plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the synchronous reverse rotation mechanism at least includes a left gear and a right gear, and the left gear and the right gear can rotate synchronously in opposite directions.

[0011] In some embodiments, both the first elastic element and the second elastic element are C-shaped springs, both ends of the first elastic element are fixed on the left connecting seat, one end of the left support plate far from the middle bracket is connected to the middle part of the first elastic element, both ends of the second elastic element are fixed on the right connecting seat, and one end of the right support plate far from the middle bracket is connected to the middle part of the second elastic element.

[0012] In some embodiments, the rotation axis of the left rotating member coincides with the rotation axis of the left gear, and the rotation axis of the right rotating member coincides with the rotation axis of the right gear.

[0013] An in-fold flexible screen mobile terminal applying the above folding mechanism includes a flexible screen, a left housing and a right housing for arranging the flexible screen. The middle bracket is located between the left housing and the right housing. The left rotating member is connected to the left housing, the right rotating member is connected to the right housing, the synchronous reverse rotation mechanism is respectively connected to the left housing and the right housing. The right rotating member, the right rotating member and the synchronous reverse rotation mechanism can make the left housing and the right housing rotate synchronously and reversely to unfold and flatten the flexible screen and fold it inwards to close. The disc spring mechanism can provide torque for the rotation of the left rotating member and the right rotating member.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the present disclosure are as follows: The synchronous reverse rotation mechanism of the folding mechanism can make the left rotating member and the right rotating member rotate synchronously and reversely, so that the left housing and the right housing rotate synchronously and reversely, realizing the unfolding and flattening of the flexible screen and the in-fold closing. During the rotation of the left rotating member and the right rotating member, the disc spring mechanism can elastically press against the left rotating member and the right rotating member respectively, thereby providing appropriate frictional damping force for the rotation of the left rotating member and the right rotating member, that is, providing torque for the rotation of the left rotating member and the right rotating member, ensuring the stability and reliability of the rotation, etc., and having better operation feeling, comfort, etc. The disc spring mechanism is also convenient for adjusting the size of the torque, with simple and stable structure and very convenient operation, improving the service life of the product, being convenient for better application in various in-fold screen mobile terminals such as mobile phones and tablet computers, and expanding the application and development of the product.

[0015] In addition, in the technical solution of the present disclosure, where no special description is made, the technical solution can be implemented by adopting conventional means in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present disclosure or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required to be used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are some embodiments of the present disclosure. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 It is an exploded view of the folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 It is an exploded view of the disc spring mechanism, the left rotating member and the right rotating member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a disc spring mechanism, a left rotating component and a right rotating component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 Partial enlarged view at position A in

[0021] Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 Partial enlarged view at position B in

[0022] Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of a disc spring mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of a first elastic element, a left connecting seat, a second elastic element and a right connecting seat according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 8 Partial cross-sectional view of an in-fold flexible screen mobile terminal in an unfolded and flattened state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 9 Partial cross-sectional view of an in-fold flexible screen mobile terminal in an unfolded and flattened state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of an in-fold flexible screen mobile terminal in an in-fold and closed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 11 Exploded view of an in-fold flexible screen mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of an in-fold flexible screen mobile terminal after removing the left support plate and the right support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Description of reference numerals in the drawings: intermediate bracket 1, left rotating member 2, left rotating arm 21, first arc-shaped sliding portion 211, fourth groove 212, right rotating member 3, right rotating arm 31, second arc-shaped sliding portion 311, fifth groove 312, synchronous reverse rotation mechanism 4, left gear 41, right gear 42, intermediate gear 43, left support plate 5, first elastic element 51, left connecting seat 52, first avoidance groove 521, third arc-shaped groove 522, first connecting block 53, first rotating shaft 54, right support plate 6, second elastic element 61, right connecting seat 62, second avoidance groove 621, fourth arc-shaped groove 622, second connecting block 63, second rotating shaft 64, disc spring mechanism 7, first base 71, first groove 711, first arc-shaped portion 7111, first threaded hole 712, third groove 713, second protrusion 714, first locking member 72, first screw 721, first fixing block 73, first arc-shaped slideway 731, first arc-shaped edge 7311, second arc-shaped slideway 732, second arc-shaped edge 7321, second groove 733, first through hole 734, first arc-shaped groove 735, second arc-shaped groove 736, first protrusion 737, first limiting support plate 738, second limiting support plate 739, first disc spring 74, left housing 8, right housing 9, flexible screen 10. Detailed implementation mode

[0030] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure clearer, the following further describes the present disclosure in detail with reference to the drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are some, but not all, embodiments of the present disclosure, and are only used to explain the present disclosure, rather than to limit the present disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present disclosure without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", "both ends", "both sides", "bottom", "top", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the element to be referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present disclosure. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "superior", "inferior", "main", "secondary", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes, and can be simply used to more clearly distinguish different components, rather than indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. It can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. It can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. It can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0033] See Figures 1 - 12 As shown, schematically shown is a folding mechanism according to the present disclosure and an in-fold flexible screen mobile terminal applying the same. The folding mechanism includes an intermediate bracket 1, a synchronous reverse rotation mechanism 4, a left rotating member 2, and a right rotating member 3. The left rotating member 2 and the right rotating member 3 are respectively rotatably connected to the intermediate bracket 1. The intermediate bracket 1 can make the left rotating member 2 and the right rotating member 3 rotate synchronously and reversely through the synchronous reverse rotation mechanism 4.

[0034] A disc spring mechanism 7 is provided on the intermediate bracket 1 and is matched with the left rotating member 2 and the right rotating member 3. During the rotation of the left rotating member 2 and the right rotating member 3, the disc spring mechanism 7 can elastically press against the left rotating member 2 and the right rotating member 3 respectively, so as to provide appropriate frictional damping forces for the rotation of the left rotating member 2 and the right rotating member 3, that is, to provide torques for the rotation of the left rotating member 2 and the right rotating member 3, ensuring the stability, reliability, etc. of the rotation, and the operation feeling, comfort, etc. are better. Moreover, the disc spring mechanism 7 has a simple and stable structure and is also convenient for adjusting the magnitude of the torque, and the operation is very convenient.

[0035] The synchronous reverse rotation mechanism 4, the left rotating member 2, the right rotating member 3, and the disc spring mechanism 7 are respectively provided at both ends of the intermediate bracket 1, and the force is more uniform, and the structure is more stable and reliable. The left rotating member 2 and the right rotating member 3 can also be more.

[0036] The left rotating member 2 includes a left rotating arm, the right rotating member 3 includes a right rotating arm, and the disc spring mechanism 7 includes a first base 71, a first fixing block 73 and a first locking member 72. The first base 71 is fixed on the intermediate bracket 1. The first base 71 can be installed on the intermediate bracket 1 by means of snap connection, adhesive connection, welding connection, screw connection, etc. A groove body matching with the first base 71 is arranged on the intermediate bracket 1. The first fixing block 73 is arranged on the first base 71. The first locking member 72 passes through the first disc spring 74 to connect the first fixing block 73 and the first base 71. The first locking member 72 can be one, or two or more evenly distributed along the length direction of the first fixing block 73. The first disc spring 74 matching with each first locking member 72 can be one, or a plurality of first disc springs 74 stacked in sequence match with each first locking member 72. A first arc-shaped slideway 731 matching with the left rotating arm 21 and a second arc-shaped slideway 732 matching with the right rotating arm 31 are formed between the first fixing block 73 and the first base 71. The left rotating arm 21 can rotate along the first arc-shaped slideway 731, and the right rotating arm 31 can rotate along the second arc-shaped slideway 732. After the first locking member 72 passes through the first disc spring 74 to connect the first fixing block 73 and the first base 71, the compressed first disc spring 74 can act on the first fixing block 73, so that the first fixing block 73 elastically presses against the left rotating arm 21 and the right rotating arm 31.

[0037] During the rotation of the left rotating arm 21 along the first arc-shaped slideway 731 and the right rotating arm 31 along the second arc-shaped slideway 732, since the first locking member 72 passes through a plurality of stacked first disc springs 74 to connect the first fixing block 73 and the first base 71, the first fixing block 73 elastically presses against the left rotating arm 21 and the right rotating arm 31, so as to be able to provide appropriate frictional damping force for the rotation of the left rotating arm 21 and the right rotating arm 31, that is, to provide torque, etc. for the rotation of the left rotating arm 21 and the right rotating arm 31, ensure the stability, reliability, etc. of the rotation, and the operation feeling, comfort, etc. are better. By increasing the number of the first disc springs 74 or adjusting the compression degree of the first disc springs 74, etc., it is convenient to adjust the magnitude of the torque.

[0038] The left rotating arm 21 has a first arc-shaped sliding portion 211. The first arc-shaped slideway 731 includes first arc-shaped stop edges 7311 respectively cooperating with both sides of the first arc-shaped sliding portion 211. The two first arc-shaped stop edges 7311 are respectively located above both sides of the first arc-shaped sliding portion 211. There is a clearance interval cooperating with the first arc-shaped sliding portion 211 between the two first arc-shaped stop edges 7311. The first fixing block 73 elastically presses against the first arc-shaped sliding portion 211 of the left rotating arm 21 through the two first arc-shaped stop edges 7311. The first arc-shaped sliding portion 211 rotates along the two first arc-shaped stop edges 7311, which is more stable and reliable. The structure of the left rotating arm 21 is basically the same as that of the right rotating arm 31. Similarly, the right rotating arm 31 has a second arc-shaped sliding portion 311. The second arc-shaped slideway 732 includes second arc-shaped stop edges 7321 respectively cooperating with both sides of the second arc-shaped sliding portion 311. The two second arc-shaped stop edges 7321 are respectively located above both sides of the second arc-shaped sliding portion 311. There is a clearance interval cooperating with the second arc-shaped sliding portion 311 between the two second arc-shaped stop edges 7321. The first fixing block 73 elastically presses against the second arc-shaped sliding portion 311 of the right rotating arm 31 through the two second arc-shaped stop edges 7321. The second arc-shaped sliding portion 311 rotates along the two second arc-shaped stop edges 7321.

[0039] The first fixing block 73 is further provided with a first limit support plate 738 and a second limit support plate 739. The first limit support plate 738 is located between the two first arc-shaped stop edges 7311. The first limit support plate 738 is located below the first arc-shaped sliding portion 211. A fourth groove 212 cooperating with the first limit support plate 738 is arranged on the outer side of the first arc-shaped sliding portion 211. The second limit support plate 739 is located between the two second arc-shaped stop edges 7321. The second limit support plate 739 is located below the second arc-shaped sliding portion 311. A fifth groove 312 cooperating with the second limit support plate 739 is arranged on the outer side of the second arc-shaped sliding portion 311. When the left rotating arm 21 and the right rotating arm 31 rotate synchronously and reversely to open outwards, the fourth groove 212 on the rotating arm 21 cooperates with the first limit support plate 738 for limiting, and the fifth groove 212 on the right rotating arm 31 cooperates with the second limit support plate 739 for limiting, which is more stable and reliable, etc. The first limit support plate 738 and the second limit support plate 739 can also enhance the structural strength of the first fixing block 73, etc.

[0040] The first base 71 is provided with a first groove 711 that cooperates with the first fixing block 73. Inside the first groove 711, there are first arc-shaped portions 7111 that respectively cooperate with the left rotating arm 21 and the right rotating arm 31. The first fixing block 73 is placed in the first groove 711. The two first arc-shaped portions 7111 respectively correspond and cooperate with the left rotating arm 21 and the right rotating arm 31. The first arc-shaped sliding portion 211 of the left rotating arm 21 rotates along one of the first arc-shaped portions 7111 and two first arc-shaped edges 7311, and the second arc-shaped sliding portion 311 of the right rotating arm 31 rotates along the other first arc-shaped portion 7111 and two second arc-shaped edges 7321. The structure is more compact, the volume is smaller, the movement is more stable and reliable, and the operation is more convenient.

[0041] The first locking member 72 is a first screw 721. The first screw 721 passes through a number of stacked first disc springs 74 to connect the first fixing block 73 and the first base 71, which is convenient for operation. The first base 71 is provided with a first threaded hole 712 connected to the first screw 721, and the first fixing block 73 is provided with a first through hole 734 that cooperates with the first screw 721. The first through hole 734 corresponds to the first threaded hole 712. The first disc spring 74 is located above the first through hole 734, and the diameter of the first disc spring 74 is larger than the diameter of the first through hole 734. Usually, multiple first disc springs 74 are stacked together in sequence. After the first screw 721 passes through the inner holes of each first disc spring 74 and the first through hole 734, it is then connected to the first threaded hole 712 on the first base 71. The uppermost first disc spring 74 cooperates with the head of the first screw 721, and the lowermost first disc spring 74 presses against the first fixing block 73. The structure is simple, and operations such as adjustment are very convenient. On both sides of the left rotating arm 21 and both sides of the right rotating arm 31, first screws 21 are respectively provided, so that the force is more uniform, and the structure is more stable and reliable.

[0042] The first fixing block 73 is further provided with a second groove 733 that cooperates with the first disc spring 74. The first through hole 734 is located at the bottom surface of the second groove 733. The first disc spring 74 is located in the second groove 733, making the structure more compact, stable, and with a smaller volume.

[0043] A first bump 737 is further provided at the bottom of the first fixing block 73. The first through hole 734 is located on the first bump 737. A third groove 713 mating with the first bump 737 is provided on the first base 71. The first threaded hole 712 is located on the bottom surface of the third groove 713. The first bump 737 is located in the third groove 713. A second bump 714 is further provided on the bottom surface of the third groove 713. The first threaded hole 712 is provided on the second bump 714. The second bump 714 can be inserted into the first through hole 734. When adjusting the compression degree of the first disc spring 74 by the first screw 721, the first bump 737 can slide up and down along the third groove 713, and the second bump 714 slides relatively up and down along the first through hole 734, making the structure more compact, stable and smaller in volume.

[0044] The folding mechanism further includes a left support plate 5, a right support plate 6, a left connecting seat 52 and a right connecting seat 62. The left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6 are used to support the corresponding flexible screen 10. The left connecting seat 52 is installed on the corresponding left housing 8, and the right connecting seat 62 is installed on the corresponding right housing 9. The middle bracket 1 can make the left rotating member 2 and the right rotating member 3 rotate synchronously and reversely through the synchronous reverse rotation mechanism 4, and make the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6 rotate synchronously and reversely. When the flexible screen 10 is unfolded and flattened, the left rotating member 2 and the right rotating member 3 can support the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6. A first elastic element 51 is provided on the left connecting seat 52, and a second elastic element 61 is provided on the right connecting seat 62. One end of the left support plate 5 away from the middle bracket 1 is connected to the first elastic element 51, and one end of the right support plate 6 away from the middle bracket 1 is connected to the second elastic element 61. The left support plate 5 can stretch and twist the first elastic element 51, and one end of the left support plate 5 close to the middle bracket 1 can swing with one end of the left support plate 5 away from the middle bracket 1 as the center. The right support plate 6 can stretch and twist the second elastic element 61, and one end of the right support plate 6 close to the middle bracket 1 can swing with one end of the right support plate 6 away from the middle bracket 1 as the center.

[0045] During use, the left rotating component 2 and the right rotating component 3 rotate synchronously in opposite directions. The synchronous reverse rotation mechanism 4 ensures the synchronous reverse rotation of the left rotating component 2 and the right rotating component 3, and the synchronous reverse rotation mechanism 4 can make the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6 rotate synchronously in opposite directions, so that the left housing 8 and the right housing 9 rotate synchronously in opposite directions, realizing the unfolding and flatting and the inward folding and closing of the flexible screen 10. Moreover, the disc spring mechanism 7 can provide torque for the rotation of the left rotating component 2 and the right rotating component 3, making the flexible screen 10 more stable in the unfolded and flattened state and the inward folded and closed state. For example, in the unfolded and flattened state and the inward folded and closed state, a certain external force needs to be applied to open and close, with higher stability and reliability. When the flexible screen 10 is unfolded and flattened, the left rotating component 2 and the right rotating component 3 can support the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6, so that the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6 stably support the flexible screen 10, ensuring the flatness of the flexible screen 10 during use. When the flexible screen 10 is folded inward and closed, the end of the left support plate 5 away from the middle bracket 1 can stretch and twist the first elastic element 51, and the end of the right support plate 6 away from the middle bracket 1 can stretch and twist the second elastic element 61. The bending part of the flexible screen 10 can push the ends of the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6 close to the middle bracket 1 to swing outward respectively, making the bending part of the flexible screen 10 form a water droplet shape. The total length of the flexible screen 10 does not change, avoiding damage to the screen, etc., and not causing tension and pressure in the length direction of the screen. It can ensure the flatness of the flexible screen 10 during the opening and use process. Moreover, the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6 avoid the bending part of the flexible screen 10 by swinging, with a compact structure and a small volume, and can reduce the thickness of the product, etc.

[0046] The lengths of the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6 are basically the same as the length of the flexible screen 10, and can support the unfolded and flattened flexible screen 10 more comprehensively and evenly, with higher stability and reliability. The left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6 support the middle part of the flexible screen 10 as much as possible.

[0047] Taking Figure 8 as a reference, the left rotating arm 21 is located below the left support plate 5, and the right rotating arm 31 is located below the right support plate 6. When the flexible screen 10 is unfolded, the first arc-shaped sliding portion 211 is close to the top of one end of the right support plate 6 to support the right support plate 6, and the second arc-shaped sliding portion 311 is close to the top of one end of the left support plate 5 to support the left support plate 5, so that the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6 can stably support the flexible screen 10, ensuring the flatness of the flexible screen 10 during use, and the structure is more compact and stable. When the flexible screen 10 is folded inward and closed, the left rotating arm 21 and the right rotating arm 31 rotate in opposite directions synchronously, and the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6 rotate in opposite directions synchronously, so that the first arc-shaped sliding part 211 and the right support plate 6 rotate in opposite directions synchronously and the second arc-shaped sliding part 311 and the left support plate 5 rotate in opposite directions synchronously, so that the first arc-shaped sliding part 211 is separated from the right support plate 6 and the second arc-shaped sliding part 311 is separated from the left support plate 5, and then the bending part of the flexible screen 10 can push the end of the left support plate 5 close to the middle bracket 1 and the end of the right support plate 6 close to the middle bracket 1 to swing outward respectively, so that the bending part of the flexible screen 10 forms a water drop shape. The first fixed block 73 is also provided with a first arc-shaped groove 735 and a second arc-shaped groove 736, and the end of the left support plate 5 close to the middle bracket 1 can swing against the first arc-shaped groove 735, and the end of the right support plate 6 close to the middle bracket 1 can swing against the second arc-shaped groove 736, and the structure is more compact, stable and reliable.

[0048] The synchronous reverse rotation mechanism 4 adopts a gear mechanism, which at least includes a left gear 41 and a right gear 42. The left gear 41 is connected to the corresponding left housing 8, and the right gear 42 is connected to the corresponding right housing 9. The left gear 41 and the right gear 42 have basically the same structure, and the left gear 41 and the right gear 42 can rotate synchronously in the opposite direction. Figure 9 As shown, two transition gears 43 can be arranged between the left gear 41 and the right gear 42, and the four gears are sequentially connected, that is, the four gears are meshed in sequence, the two transition gears 43 are meshed, the left gear 41 is meshed with the transition gear 43 close to it, and the right gear 42 is meshed with the transition gear 43 close to it. Usually, a mounting block matching the transition gear 43 is arranged on the middle bracket 1, and the connecting shafts at both ends of the transition gear 43 are rotatably connected to the mounting block respectively.

[0049] The rotation axis of the left rotating component 2 coincides with the rotation axis of the left gear 41, and the rotation axis of the right rotating component 3 coincides with the rotation axis of the right gear 42. During movement, there is no relative displacement between the moving gears and the slideway, housing, etc., and the synchronization is more accurate, safer, more stable and reliable.

[0050] The first elastic element 51 and the second elastic element 61 have basically the same structure. Referring to the figure, both the first elastic element 51 and the second elastic element 61 are C-shaped springs. The C-shaped spring can also be a several-character-shaped spring. Both ends or two feet of the first elastic element 51 are fixed on the left connecting seat 52, such as by welding or fixing the C-shaped spring with a pressing plate. One end of the left support plate 5 away from the middle bracket 1 is connected to the middle part of the first elastic element 51. Both ends of the second elastic element 61 are fixed on the right connecting seat 62. One end of the right support plate 6 away from the middle bracket 1 is connected to the middle part of the second elastic element 61. The C-shaped spring has a simple structure and is convenient to operate. When the flexible screen 10 is folded inwards and closed, one end of the left support plate 5 close to the middle bracket 1 and one end of the right support plate 6 close to the middle bracket 1 swing outwards respectively. The first elastic element 51 can better bear the tensile force and torsion force of the left support plate 5 at the same time, and the second elastic element 61 can better bear the tensile force and torsion force of the right support plate 6 at the same time, which is more stable and reliable, and reduces damage to parts, etc.

[0051] Referring Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 10 As shown in the figure, one end of the left support plate 5 away from the middle bracket 1 is provided with a first rotating shaft 53 and a first connecting block 54 connected to the first elastic element 51. The left connecting seat 52 is provided with a first avoidance groove 521 that cooperates with the first connecting block 54 and a third arc-shaped groove 522 that cooperates with the first rotating shaft 53. The first rotating shaft 53 rotates along the third arc-shaped groove 522, and the first connecting block 54 rotates in the first avoidance groove 521, so that the left support plate 5 rotates around the first rotating shaft 53, with a more compact and stable structure and smoother and more reliable movement. Similarly, one end of the right support plate 6 away from the middle bracket 1 is provided with a second rotating shaft 63 and a second connecting block 64 connected to the second elastic element 61. The right connecting seat 62 is provided with a second avoidance groove 621 that cooperates with the second connecting block 64 and a fourth arc-shaped groove 622 that cooperates with the second rotating shaft 63.

[0052] An inwardly foldable flexible screen mobile electronic terminal applying the above folding mechanism includes a flexible screen 10, a left housing 8 and a right housing 9 for accommodating the flexible screen 10. The middle bracket 1 is located between the left housing 8 and the right housing 9. Grooves matching the flexible screen 10 are respectively provided on the inner sides of the left housing 8 and the right housing 9. Two halves of the flexible screen 10 are respectively fixed in the grooves of the left housing 8 and the right housing 9 by means such as gluing. The right rotating member 3, the right rotating member 3 and the synchronous reverse rotation mechanism 4 can make the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6 and the left housing 8 and the right housing 9 rotate synchronously and reversely, so as to realize the unfolding and flattening and the inward folding and closing of the flexible screen 10. The disc spring mechanism 7 can provide torque for the rotation of the left rotating member 2 and the right rotating member 3.

[0053] The synchronous reverse rotation mechanism 4 is respectively connected to the left housing 8 and the right housing 9. The left connecting seat 52, the left gear 41 and the left rotating member 2 are respectively connected to the left housing 8, and the right connecting seat 62, the right gear 42 and the right rotating member 3 are respectively connected to the right housing 9. Fasteners such as screws can be used for connection.

[0054] Grooves that cooperate with the folding mechanism are respectively provided on the inner sides of the left housing 8 and the right housing 9. The folding mechanism is located below the flexible screen 10. When it is unfolded and flattened for use, the folding mechanism is completely hidden inside the product. When it is folded inward and closed, only the left housing 8, the right housing 9 and the middle bracket 1 are exposed, which is safer, more stable and reliable.

[0055] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present disclosure are as follows: The synchronous reverse rotation mechanism 4 of the folding mechanism can enable the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6, as well as the left rotating member 2 and the right rotating member 3, to rotate synchronously in the reverse direction, so that the left housing 8 and the right housing 9 rotate synchronously in the reverse direction, realizing the unfolding and flatting of the flexible screen 10 and the inward folding and closing; when the flexible screen 10 is unfolded and flattened, the left rotating member 2 and the right rotating member 3 can support the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6, so that the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6 stably support the flexible screen 10. When the flexible screen 10 is folded inward and closed, one end of the left support plate 5 away from the middle bracket 1 can stretch and twist the first elastic element 51, and one end of the right support plate 6 away from the middle bracket 1 can stretch and twist the second elastic element 61. The bending part of the flexible screen 10 can push one end of the left support plate 5 close to the middle bracket 1 and one end of the right support plate 6 close to the middle bracket 1 to swing outward respectively, so that the bending part of the flexible screen 10 forms a water droplet shape, and the total length of the flexible screen 10 does not change, avoiding damage to the screen, etc., and not causing tension and pressure in the length direction of the screen, being able to ensure the flatness during the opening and use of the flexible screen 10, with a compact structure, small volume, and being able to reduce the thickness of the product, etc. Moreover, the left support plate 5 and the right support plate 6 avoid the bending part of the flexible screen 10 by swinging; the rotation axis of the left rotating member 2 coincides with the rotation axis of the left gear 41, and the rotation axis of the right rotating member 3 coincides with the rotation axis of the right gear 42. During movement, the moving gear does not have relative displacement with the slideway, the housing, etc., and the synchronization is more accurate, safer, more stable, and more reliable; the first elastic element 51 and the second elastic element 61 adopt C-shaped springs, with a simple structure, being able to better bear tension and torsion simultaneously, reducing damage to parts, etc.; the disc spring mechanism 7 can provide torque for the rotation of the left rotating arm 21 and the right rotating arm 31, etc., ensuring the stability and reliability of the rotation, etc., with better operation feeling and comfort. By increasing the number of the first disc springs 74 or adjusting the compression degree of the first disc springs 74, etc., it is convenient to adjust the size of the torque, and can also make the flexible screen 10 more stable in the unfolded and flattened state and the inward folded and closed state. For example, in the unfolded and flattened state and the inward folded and closed state, a certain external force needs to be applied to open and close; thus, operations such as opening and folding the product are convenient, with a simple, compact, and stable structure, small volume, being able to reduce the thickness of the product, etc., high stability and reliability, improving the service life of the product, and being convenient for the flexible screen 10 to be better applied to various mobile terminals such as mobile phones and tablet computers, expanding the application and development of the product.

[0056] The above are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, which are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the same. It should be understood that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the inventive concept of the present disclosure, improvements or substitutions can be made according to the above description, and all such improvements and substitutions should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims of the present disclosure. In this case, all details can be replaced by equivalent elements, and the materials, shapes, and dimensions can also be arbitrary.

Claims

1. Folding mechanism, characterized in that, It includes an intermediate bracket (1), a left rotating member (2) and a right rotating member (3) rotatably connected to the intermediate bracket (1). The intermediate bracket (1) can make the left rotating member (2) and the right rotating member (3) rotate synchronously in opposite directions through a synchronous reverse rotation mechanism (4). A disc spring mechanism (7) cooperating with the left rotating member (2) and the right rotating member (3) is arranged on the intermediate bracket (1). The disc spring mechanism (7) can elastically press against the left rotating member (2) and the right rotating member (3) respectively to provide torque for the rotation of the left rotating member (2) and the right rotating member (3). The left rotating member (2) includes a left rotating arm (21), the right rotating member (3) includes a right rotating arm (31). The disc spring mechanism (7) includes a first base (71), a first fixing block (73) arranged on the first base (71) and a first locking member (72). The first base (71) is fixed on the intermediate bracket (1). A first arc-shaped slideway (731) cooperating with the left rotating arm (21) and a second arc-shaped slideway (732) cooperating with the right rotating arm (31) are formed between the first fixing block (73) and the first base (71). The first locking member (72) passes through a number of stacked first disc springs (74) to connect the first fixing block (73) and the first base (71), and can elastically press the first fixing block (73) against the left rotating arm (21) and the right rotating arm (31) to provide torque for the rotation of the left rotating arm (21) and the right rotating arm (23). The first locking member (72) is a first screw (721). A first threaded hole (712) connected to the first screw (721) is arranged on the first base (71). A first through hole (734) cooperating with the first screw (721) is arranged on the first fixing block (73). The first through hole (734) corresponds to the first threaded hole (712). The first disc spring (74) is located above the first through hole (734). The diameter of the first disc spring (74) is larger than the diameter of the first through hole (734). The left rotating arm (21) has a first arc-shaped sliding portion (211). The first arc-shaped slideway (731) includes first arc-shaped retaining edges (7311) respectively cooperating with two side edges of the first arc-shaped sliding portion (211). The two first arc-shaped retaining edges (7311) are respectively located above the two side edges of the first arc-shaped sliding portion (211). The right rotating arm (31) has a second arc-shaped sliding portion (311). The second arc-shaped slideway (732) includes second arc-shaped retaining edges (7321) respectively cooperating with two side edges of the second arc-shaped sliding portion (311). The two second arc-shaped retaining edges (7321) are respectively located above the two side edges of the second arc-shaped sliding portion (311). A first groove body (711) cooperating with the first fixing block (73) is arranged on the first base (71). A first arc-shaped portion (7111) respectively cooperating with the left rotating arm (21) and the right rotating arm (31) is arranged in the first groove body (711).

2. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a left support plate (5) and a right support plate (6) for supporting the corresponding flexible screen (10). The synchronous reverse rotation mechanism (4) can make the left support plate (5) and the right support plate (6) and the left rotating member (2) and the right rotating member (3) rotate synchronously in the reverse direction. One end of the left support plate (5) far from the middle bracket (1) is connected to a first elastic element (51) on a left connecting seat (52). One end of the right support plate (6) far from the middle bracket (1) is connected to a second elastic element (61) on a right connecting seat (62). As the flexible screen (10) is folded and closed inward, one end of the left support plate (5) close to the middle bracket (1) and one end of the right support plate (6) close to the middle bracket (1) can swing outward respectively to avoid the bending part of the flexible screen (10). As the flexible screen (10) is unfolded and flattened, the left rotating member (2) and the right rotating member (3) can support the left support plate (5) and the right support plate (6).

3. The folding mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, The left rotating arm (21) is located below the left support plate (5), and the right rotating arm (31) is located below the right support plate (6). As the flexible screen (10) is unfolded and flattened, the top of one end of the first arc-shaped sliding portion (211) close to the right support plate (6) can support the right support plate (6), and the top of one end of the second arc-shaped sliding portion (311) close to the left support plate (5) can support the left support plate (5). As the flexible screen (10) is folded and closed inward, the first arc-shaped sliding portion (211) can be separated from the right support plate (6), and the second arc-shaped sliding portion (311) can be separated from the left support plate (5).

4. The folding mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that The first elastic element (51) and the second elastic element (61) are both C-shaped springs. Both ends of the first elastic element (51) are fixed on the left connecting seat (52), and one end of the left support plate (5) away from the intermediate bracket (1) is connected to the middle of the first elastic element (51). Both ends of the second elastic element (61) are fixed on the right connecting seat (62), and one end of the right support plate (6) away from the intermediate bracket (1) is connected to the middle of the second elastic element (61).

5. The folding mechanism according to claim 4, wherein The synchronous reverse rotation mechanism (4) at least includes a left gear (41) and a right gear (42), and the left gear (41) and the right gear (42) can rotate synchronously in opposite directions.

6. The folding mechanism according to claim 5, wherein The rotation axis of the left rotating member (2) coincides with the rotation axis of the left gear (41), and the rotation axis of the right rotating member (3) coincides with the rotation axis of the right gear (42).

7. The foldable flexible screen mobile terminal applying the folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6 above, characterized in that, It includes the flexible screen (10), the left housing (8) and the right housing (9) for accommodating the flexible screen (10). The intermediate bracket (1) is located between the left housing (8) and the right housing (9). The left rotating member (2) is connected to the left housing (8), the right rotating member (3) is connected to the right housing (9), the synchronous reverse rotation mechanism (4) is respectively connected to the left housing (8) and the right housing (9). The right rotating member (3), the right rotating member (3) and the synchronous reverse rotation mechanism (4) can make the left housing (8) and the right housing (9) rotate synchronously in opposite directions so that the flexible screen (10) is unfolded and flattened and folded inwardly to close, and the disc spring mechanism (7) can provide torque for the rotation of the left rotating member (2) and the right rotating member (3).

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