Foldable terminal devices

Abstract

A hinge mechanism and a foldable terminal device, the hinge mechanism includes a main support and at least one rotating assembly, each rotating assembly can rotate relative to the main support to switch between an unfolded state and a folded state; in the matching structure between the main support and any rotating assembly, the main support has a first rotation center and a second rotation center; the rotating assembly includes a rotating member, a middle frame and a sliding member, and the middle frame has a third rotation center; the rotating member can be rotatably connected to the main support around the first rotation center, and the other end of the rotating member can be rotatably connected to the middle frame around the third rotation center; one end of the sliding member is hinged to the main support, and the sliding member can rotate relative to the main support around the second rotation center; the other end of the sliding member is slidably matched with the middle frame, so that the middle frame moves away from or close to the second rotation center along the extension direction of the sliding member. The hinge mechanism can provide a good support effect on the flexible display screen during the unfolding and folding process of the foldable terminal device, and the risk of failure of the flexible display screen is low.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application number of the original application is 202010202791.1, and the original application date is March 20, 2020. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of terminal devices, and in particular to foldable terminal devices. Background Art

[0003] With the development of science and technology, the technology of flexible screens has gradually matured, which has led to a significant change in the display mode of terminal devices using flexible screens. Taking foldable phones as an example, their flexible screens can flexibly change to switch usage modes according to different usage scenarios, which is also the research and development direction of current mobile phone manufacturers.

[0004] For terminal devices such as foldable mobile phones, the flexible screen is only a part of its structure. To achieve the foldability of the entire terminal device, the cooperation of the hinge mechanism is also required. At present, there are two main development directions of flexible screens in foldable terminal devices: screen sliding type and screen fixed type. Specifically, the screen sliding type means that the flexible screen will slide on the structural parts as the hinge mechanism moves during the folding process. When the flexible screen is unfolded, the structural parts are not stable enough, which will exert a certain pulling force on the flexible screen, and sliding or squeezing problems may occur when the flexible screen is folded; while the screen fixed type means that the flexible screen and the structural parts of the device are relatively fixed. During the folding process of the device, the hinge mechanism changes with the changes of the flexible screen. The hinge mechanism is complex and has poor anti-bending ability, which is also easy to damage the flexible display screen.

[0005] Therefore, the hinge mechanisms currently used to facilitate the folding and unfolding of flexible screens all have structural instability problems, and there is a risk of damaging the flexible display screen during the folding and unfolding process. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and a foldable terminal device, wherein the hinge mechanism can provide good support for a flexible display screen in the foldable terminal device and can reduce the risk of failure of the flexible display screen.

[0007] In the first aspect, the present application provides a hinge mechanism, which can be applied to a foldable terminal device, which can be a foldable mobile phone or a foldable tablet computer. The hinge mechanism includes a main bracket and at least one rotating component, wherein the main bracket is equivalent to providing bearing and support for the entire structure, and each rotating component can rotate relative to the main bracket, thereby achieving the folding or unfolding effect of the rotating component relative to the main bracket; a limit structure is also provided between the main bracket and the rotating component for limiting the maximum rotation stroke of the rotating component relative to the main bracket. In the matching structure between the main bracket and any rotating component, a first rotation center and a second rotation center are formed on the main bracket, and each rotating component includes a rotating member, a sliding member and a middle frame, and a third rotation center is formed on the middle frame, and the axes of the first rotation center, the second rotation center and the third rotation center are parallel to each other; the rotating member includes a first connecting part, a second connecting part and a main body connected between the first connecting part and the second connecting part, and the first connecting part can be rotatably connected to the main bracket around the first rotation center, so that the rotating member can rotate around the first rotation center relative to the main bracket; the second connecting part can be rotatably connected to the middle frame around the third rotation center, so that the middle frame can rotate around the third rotation center relative to the rotating member; one end of the sliding member can be rotatably connected to the main bracket around the second rotation center, and specifically the sliding member can be hinged to the second rotation center on the main bracket; at the same time, the other end of the sliding member slidably matches with the above-mentioned middle frame to make the middle frame move away from or approach the second rotation center along the extension direction of the sliding member. At this point, the rotating member can rotate relative to the main bracket around the first rotation center, the middle frame can rotate relative to the rotating member around the third rotation center, one end of the sliding member can rotate relative to the main bracket around the second rotation center, and the other end of the sliding member can slide relative to the middle frame. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the entire hinge mechanism is limited to only one degree of freedom, and finally the middle frame can rotate relative to the main bracket to achieve the folding and unfolding effect; when the rotating component is in an unfolded state relative to the main bracket, the bearing surface of the main bracket and the bearing surface of the middle frame are in the same plane. The entire hinge mechanism has a simple structure with small virtual space and high stability; when the hinge mechanism is applied to a foldable terminal device, the bearing surface of the main bracket and the bearing surface of the middle frame are used to bear the flexible display screen of the foldable terminal device, which can provide a good supporting effect on the flexible display screen. In addition, as long as the positions of the first rotation center and the third rotation center are reasonably set, the flexible display screen of the foldable terminal device will not slide relative to the hinge mechanism during the folding and unfolding process, which can reduce the risk of failure of the flexible display screen.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the rotating member is implemented with two connected arc structures. Specifically, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion of the rotating member are both arc structures, and the concave surface of the first connecting portion and the concave surface of the second connecting portion are both facing the side of the bearing surface of the middle frame, and the positions of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are equivalent to left-right symmetry (of course, the structures are not necessarily symmetrical); wherein the center of the circle corresponding to the first connecting portion coincides with the first rotation center, and the center of the circle corresponding to the second connecting portion coincides with the third rotation center; a first arc-shaped slide groove is formed on the main bracket, and the first connecting portion extends into the first arc-shaped slide groove to slide with the first arc-shaped slide groove. When the first connecting portion By sliding along the first arc-shaped groove, the rotating member is equivalent to rotating relative to the main bracket around the first rotation center; a second arc-shaped groove is formed on the middle frame, and the second connecting part extends into the second arc-shaped groove to slide with the second arc-shaped groove. When the second connecting part slides along the second arc-shaped groove, the middle frame is equivalent to rotating relative to the rotating member around the third rotation center; in the process of the middle frame rotating relative to the main bracket, the first connecting part does not protrude from the bearing surface of the main bracket, and the second connecting part does not protrude from the bearing surface of the middle frame, so that when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the rotating member will not affect the external structure of the hinge mechanism, and the hinge mechanism can also be more conveniently applied to foldable terminal devices.

[0009] As described above, the hinge mechanism can be applied to foldable terminal devices to realize the folding and unfolding of the flexible display screen. Therefore, in one possible implementation method, a first screen support member is also provided on the rotating member, which can be used to support external structures such as a flexible display screen. When the rotating component is in an unfolded state relative to the main bracket, the bearing surface of the first screen support member, the bearing surface of the main bracket and the bearing surface of the middle frame are in the same plane. The first screen support member here can be fixed to the rotating member by bonding, welding, riveting, threaded connection, etc.

[0010] In one possible implementation, a second screen support is movably provided between the first screen support and the main support, and a second screen support can also be movably provided between the first screen support and the middle frame. The second screen support and the third screen support can also be used to support the external structure. When the rotating assembly is in an unfolded state relative to the main support, the bearing surface of the third screen support, the bearing surface of the first screen support, the bearing surface of the main support and the bearing surface of the middle frame are in the same plane.

[0011] The above-mentioned second screen support member is movable. In order to limit the second screen support member between the first screen support member and the main bracket, the first screen support member and the main bracket can be matched to form a overlapping surface, and the second screen support member is overlapped on the overlapping surface; similarly, for the third screen support member arranged between the first screen support member and the middle frame, the first screen support member and the middle frame can be matched to form a overlapping surface, and the third screen support member is overlapped on the overlapping surface.

[0012] The limiting structure of the pivot mechanism can limit the maximum travel of the rotating component relative to the main bracket. For the rotating component to rotate to the folded state relative to the main bracket, in one possible implementation, the limiting structure of the pivot mechanism may include a first limiting surface formed on the main bracket and a second limiting surface formed on the middle frame. When the rotating component rotates to the folded state relative to the main bracket, the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface contact and interfere with each other. For the rotating component to rotate to the unfolded state relative to the main bracket, in one possible implementation, the limiting structure also includes a limiting member that can be set between the main bracket and the middle frame. When the rotating component rotates to the unfolded state relative to the main bracket, the limiting member contacts and interferes with the main bracket and the rotating component. Of course, the limiting structure is not limited to the above-mentioned method, which will not be repeated here.

[0013] In the second aspect, the present application provides a foldable terminal device, which may be a foldable mobile phone, a foldable tablet computer, etc.; the foldable terminal device may specifically include a flexible display screen and any one of the above-mentioned hinge mechanisms; the flexible display screen is arranged on one side of the bearing surface of the main bracket and the bearing surface of the middle frame, and when the rotating assembly is folded or unfolded relative to the main bracket, the flexible display screen is folded and unfolded accordingly.

[0014] When there is only one rotating component in the hinge mechanism, the flexible display can only switch between the unfolded state and the folded state of the rotating component relative to the main bracket, and the folding angle is limited. Therefore, a hinge mechanism with at least two rotating components is proposed, each rotating component can realize the rotation of the rotating component relative to the main bracket, and at least two rotating components can cooperate with the main bracket to realize multiple folding methods. The at least two rotating components are divided into two groups: a first rotating combination and a second rotating combination, and the rotation action of each rotating component in the first rotating combination is synchronized; and the rotation action of each rotating component in the second rotating combination is synchronized; by manipulating the two groups of rotating combinations, the rotating component in the first rotating combination can be rotated and folded relative to the rotating component in the second rotating combination; from the structure of the entire hinge mechanism, it is equivalent to realizing the superposition of the folding and unfolding states of the rotating component relative to the main bracket. The hinge mechanism is applied to a foldable terminal device, and the foldable terminal device has a larger folding range; generally, the foldable setting has a planar unfolded state and a folded state, so when each rotating component in the hinge mechanism is unfolded relative to the main bracket, the flexible display is in a planar unfolded state.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the rotating components in the first rotating combination and the rotating components in the second rotating combination are symmetrically arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, which can further enhance the stability of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0016] The area of ​​the flexible display screen in the foldable terminal device may be larger than the bearing surface of the main bracket of the hinge mechanism and the bearing surface of the middle frame. In order to provide good support for the flexible display screen, the foldable terminal device may also include a first body and a second body; the middle frame in the first rotating combination is connected to the first body, and the middle frame in the second rotating combination is connected to the second body, and the first body and the second body are used to carry the flexible display screen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the unfolded state of a foldable terminal device provided in this application;

[0018] Figure 2 An exploded diagram of a foldable terminal device in an unfolded state provided by the present application;

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a foldable terminal device in a folded state provided in this application;

[0020] Figure 4 An exploded diagram of a foldable terminal device in a folded state provided by the present application;

[0021] Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the AA section structure;

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle BB section;

[0024] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a sliding member in a rotating shaft mechanism provided by the present application cooperating between a main bracket and a middle frame;

[0025] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the middle GG;

[0026] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a limit structure of a rotating shaft mechanism in an unfolded state provided by the present application;

[0027] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a structure of a limit structure of a rotating shaft mechanism in a folded state provided by the present application;

[0028] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the structural principle of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in this application;

[0029] Fig.13 A schematic diagram showing the principle of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in the present application in cooperation with a flexible display screen in an unfolded state;

[0030] Fig.14 A schematic diagram showing the principle of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in the present application in cooperation with a flexible display screen in a folded state;

[0031] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in the present application in cooperation with a flexible display screen in an unfolded state;

[0032] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of a hinge mechanism provided in the present application in cooperation with a flexible display screen in a bending state;

[0033] Fig.17 A schematic diagram of the principle of adjusting the rotation center of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in this application;

[0034] Fig.18 A top view of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in the present application in an unfolded state;

[0035] Fig.19 for Fig.18 Enlarged view of middle J part;

[0036] Fig. 20 for Fig.18 Schematic diagram of the CC cross-section structure;

[0037] Fig.21 for Fig. 20 Enlarged view of the middle L part;

[0038] Fig. 22 for Fig. 20 Schematic diagram of the structure in folded state;

[0039] Fig.23 for Fig.18 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle DD section;

[0040] Fig.24 for Fig.23 Enlarged view of the middle K section;

[0041] Fig.25 for Fig.23 Schematic diagram of the structure in folded state;

[0042] Fig.26 for Fig.18 Schematic diagram of the EE cross-section structure;

[0043] Fig. 27 for Fig.26 Schematic diagram of the structure in the folded state.

[0044] Figure markings: 1-main bracket; 11-first arc-shaped slide groove; 12-arc-shaped slide rail; 2-rotating assembly; 21-rotating member; 211-first connecting part; 212-second connecting part; 213-main body; 22-middle frame; 221-second arc-shaped slide groove; 222-slide groove; 223-sliding pin; 23-sliding member; 31-first limiting surface; 32-second limiting surface; 41-first screen support member; 42-second screen support member; 43-third screen support member; 10-rotating shaft mechanism; 20-first main body; 30-second main body; 40-flexible display screen; 100-foldable terminal device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The application of foldable flexible display screens in terminal devices such as foldable mobile phones is becoming more and more common, but the hinge mechanisms that assist the folding and unfolding of flexible display screens are currently structurally unstable, which may cause damage to the flexible display screen during the folding and unfolding process. Based on this, the embodiment of the present application provides a hinge mechanism and a foldable terminal device provided with the hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism has a more stable connection structure and can provide stable support for the unfolding and folding of the flexible display screen. In order to more clearly describe the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the hinge mechanism and the foldable terminal device provided in the embodiment of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiment of the present application shown provides a structural schematic diagram of a foldable terminal device 100, where the foldable terminal device 100 can be a foldable mobile phone or a foldable tablet computer, which is not limited here. Figure 1 , a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable terminal device 100 in the unfolded state is shown in FIG. The foldable terminal device 100 may include a first body 20, a second body 30, a flexible display screen 40, and a hinge mechanism 10; wherein the first body 20 and the second body 30 are equivalent to being located in the same plane, one end of the flexible display screen 40 is fixed to the first body 20, and the other end of the flexible display screen 40 is fixed to the second body 30; one end of the hinge mechanism 10 is connected to the first body 20, and the other end is connected to the second body 30. At the same time, the hinge mechanism 10 can also provide support for the flexible display screen 40; in order to more conveniently understand the structure of the foldable terminal device 100, please continue to refer to Figure 2 The exploded view of the foldable terminal device 100 in the unfolded state is shown. The hinge mechanism 10 is in the unfolded state at this time. When the hinge mechanism 10 is folded, it will drive the first body 20 to rotate relative to the second body 30, thereby driving the flexible display screen 40 to fold, thereby realizing the folding of the foldable terminal device 100. For the folding state of the foldable terminal device 100, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, Figure 3The schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable terminal device 100 in the folded state is shown. The first body 20 is equivalent to the Figure 1 The state shown is rotated 180° relative to the second body 30, so that the first body 20 and the second body 30 are relatively parallel, the flexible display screen 40 is bent, and the foldable terminal device 100 is folded; correspondingly, you can refer to Figure 4 From the exploded view of the folded state of the foldable terminal device 100 shown, it can be clearly seen that the hinge mechanism 10 undergoes structural deformation, thereby driving the first body 20 to rotate relative to the second body 30, and finally achieving the folding of the foldable terminal device 100.

[0047] In the foldable terminal device 100, the hinge mechanism 10 plays an important role. The structure of the hinge mechanism 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application can refer to Figure 5 As shown, the rotating shaft mechanism 10 may include a main support 1 and at least one rotating component 2, wherein the rotating component 2 may rotate relative to the main support 1 to switch between an unfolded state and a folded state. Figure 5 In the unfolded state shown; wherein the rotating assembly 2 includes a rotating member 21, a middle frame 22 and a sliding member 23, it can be understood that, Figure 5 The structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 10 is simplified. The matching structure between the various structures in the rotating shaft mechanism 10 can be referred to Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of AA (see Figure 6 shown) and Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of BB (see Figure 7 As shown). It can be understood that the hinge mechanism 10 in the foldable terminal device 100 is provided with at least two rotating components 2, and only one rotating component 2 is provided in the hinge mechanism 10 for exemplary description.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 6The cross-sectional structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 10 shown in the figure has a first rotation center O1 formed on the main bracket 1. It can be understood that the first rotation center O1 and the third rotation center O3 are both displayed as virtual structures. The rotating member 21 includes a first connecting portion 211, a second connecting portion 212 and a main body 213, and the main body 213 is connected between the first connecting portion 211 and the second connecting portion 212; specifically, the first connecting portion 211 and the second connecting portion 212 are both shown as arc structures, and the concave surface of the first connecting portion 211 and the concave surface of the second connecting portion 212 are both facing the side of the bearing surface q of the middle frame 22, and the positions of the first connecting portion 211 and the second connecting portion 212 are equivalent to left-right symmetry (of course, the structures are not necessarily symmetrically the same); wherein the center of the circle corresponding to the first connecting portion 211 coincides with the above-mentioned first rotation center O1, and the center of the circle corresponding to the second connecting portion 212 coincides with the third rotation center O3; correspondingly, the main bracket 1 is formed with a first arc-shaped slot 11, and the first connecting portion 211 extends into the first arc-shaped slot 11 to slide with the first arc-shaped slot 11, so that one end of the rotating member 21 is hinged with the main support 1. When the first connecting portion 211 slides along the first arc-shaped slot 11, the rotating member 21 is equivalent to rotating around the first rotation center O1 relative to the main support 1; and a second arc-shaped slot 221 is formed on the middle frame 22, and the second connecting portion 212 extends into the second arc-shaped slot 221 to slide with the second arc-shaped slot 221, so that the other end of the rotating member 21 is hinged with the middle frame 22. When the second connecting portion 212 slides along the second arc-shaped slot 221, the middle frame 22 is equivalent to rotating around the third rotation center O3 relative to the rotating member 21. Figure 6 In the structure shown, the bearing surface p of the main support 1 and the bearing surface q of the middle frame 22 are located in the same plane.

[0049] For details about the slider 23, please refer to Figure 7 The cross-sectional structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 10 shown in the figure has a second rotation center O2 formed on the main support 1. When other structures are hinged to the main support 1, if their hinge points coincide with the first rotation center O2, the structures can rotate relative to the main support 1 around the first rotation center O2. One end of the sliding member 23 is hinged to the main support 1, and the hinge point between the sliding member 23 and the main support is the above-mentioned second rotation center O2. Therefore, the sliding member 23 can rotate relative to the main support 1 around the second rotation center O2. The other end of the sliding member 23 is slidably matched with the above-mentioned middle frame 22. For details, refer to Figure 7In the embodiment, a slide groove 222 is formed on the middle frame 22, and the sliding member 23 has a rod-shaped structure, so that the sliding member 23 can slide and cooperate with the slide groove 222. It can be understood that the connection structure between the sliding member 23 and the middle frame 22 can be reversed, that is, one end of the sliding member 23 is hinged to the middle frame 22, and the other end of the sliding member 23 slides and cooperates with the main frame 1, and the same technical effect can be achieved; in addition, the cooperation mode between the sliding member 23 and the middle frame 22 can also be realized by other structures, such as Figure 8 As shown in the figure, a possible matching method is formed on the middle frame 22 with a sliding pin 223, and an arc-shaped slide rail 12 is formed on the main bracket 1. Please continue to refer to Fig. 9 shown Figure 8 In the cross section of the middle GG, it can be understood that when the rotating assembly 2 rotates relative to the main support 1, the sliding pin 223 can slide in the arc-shaped slide rail 12, and can also form a constraint between the main support 1 and the middle frame 22. Here, the axis of the first rotation center O1, the axis of the second rotation center O2, and the axis of the third rotation axis O3 are parallel to each other. Figure 6 and Figure 7 It can be seen that when the rotating component 2 is in the unfolded state relative to the main bracket 1, the second rotation center O2 is located on the side of the plane where the axis of the first rotation center O1 and the axis of the third rotation center O3 are located, away from the bearing surface of the middle frame 22. This can prevent the rotating component 2 from continuing to rotate relative to the main bracket 1 from the unfolded state and appearing to "bend back". Therefore, the entire hinge mechanism 10 has a higher anti-bending ability and higher stability.

[0050] When the rotating assembly 2 rotates relative to the main bracket 1, a limiting structure is provided to limit the maximum folding and unfolding angles of the rotating shaft mechanism 10. Specifically, for the rotating assembly 2 rotating relative to the main bracket 1 to the folded state, please refer to Fig.10 The limiting structure may include a first limiting surface 31 formed on the main support 1 and a second limiting surface 32 formed on the rotating assembly 2. Fig.10 In the structure shown, the rotating assembly 2 and the main bracket 1 are equivalent to being in an unfolded state, and the first limiting surface 31 and the second limiting surface 32 are equivalent to being in a mutually perpendicular state; when the rotating assembly 2 rotates relative to the main bracket 1 to a folded state, the state of the middle frame 22 and the main bracket 1 is as follows: Fig.11 As shown, the first limiting surface 31 and the second limiting surface 32 contact and interfere with each other to prevent the middle frame 22 from continuing to rotate relative to the main support 1. Here, the maximum rotation angle of the rotating assembly 2 relative to the main support 1 can be limited to 90°, that is, the middle frame 22 can rotate freely. Fig.10 The unfolded state shown (equivalent to the angle between the middle frame 22 and the main support 1 being 180°) is rotated 90° to Fig.11 The folded state shown (equivalent to the angle between the middle frame 22 and the main support 1 being 90°). Fig.10and Fig.11 Only one possible structure is shown, between the main support 1 of the rotating shaft mechanism 10 and the middle frame 22. Of course, it can also be shown in other forms, which will not be described here.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the limit structure further includes a limiter that can be set between the main support 1 and the rotation assembly 22 when the rotation assembly 2 rotates to the unfolded state relative to the main support 1. When the rotation assembly 2 rotates to the unfolded state relative to the main support 1, the limiter contacts and interferes with the main support 1 and the rotation assembly 2 (for example, the middle frame 22). The limiter here can be a separate structure, or a part of the rotation assembly 2, a part of the main support 1, or other structures of the rotating shaft mechanism 10. It will be exemplarily described later, so it is not shown in the figure here.

[0052] Please continue to refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 The rotating shaft mechanism 10 is shown in the unfolded and folded state, and the middle frame 22 is automatically Fig.10 The status shown rotates to Fig.11 During the state shown, the first connection portion 211 of the rotating member 21 slides clockwise along the first arc-shaped slot 11, which is equivalent to the rotating member 21 rotating clockwise around the first rotation center O1, and the second connection portion 212 of the rotating member 21 slides counterclockwise along the second arc-shaped slot 221, which is equivalent to the middle frame 22 rotating clockwise around the third rotation center O3, when the middle frame 22 rotates relative to the main support 1 to the maximum stroke (i.e. Fig.11 In the state shown in the figure, the first connecting portion 211 does not protrude from the surface of the main bracket 1, and the second connecting portion 212 does not protrude from the surface of the middle frame 22, so that when the hinge mechanism 10 is in the folded state, the rotating member 21 does not affect the external structure of the hinge mechanism 10, and the hinge mechanism 10 can also be more conveniently applied to the foldable terminal device 100.

[0053] Combination Figures 5 to 11 From the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 10 shown in the figure, it can be seen that the rotating member 21 can rotate relative to the main support 1 around the first rotation center O1, the middle frame 22 can rotate relative to the rotating member 21 around the third rotation center O2, one end of the sliding member 23 can rotate relative to the main support 1 around the second rotation center O3, and the other end of the sliding member 23 can slide relative to the middle frame 22. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the entire rotating shaft mechanism 10 is limited to only one degree of freedom, and the structure of the entire rotating shaft mechanism 10 can be simplified as follows: Fig.12 The structure shown in the figure finally enables the middle frame 22 to rotate relative to the main support 1 to achieve a folding effect. The entire structure is simple, has a small void, and has high stability. When this rotating shaft mechanism 10 is applied to, for example, Figure 1 When the foldable terminal device 100 is shown, it can provide stable support for the flexible display screen 40.

[0054] In addition, when the shaft mechanism 10 is applied to, for example, Figure 1 In the foldable terminal device 100 shown in the figure, the middle frame 22 of the hinge mechanism 10 can rotate relative to the main bracket 1 in a state of Fig.13 and Fig.14 Examples of structures illustrated; Fig.13 In the figure, the main support 1 and the middle frame 22 are equivalent to being in the unfolded state, the flexible display screen 40 is attached to the main support 1 and the middle frame 22, and a virtual rotation center O is set for the middle frame 22 to rotate relative to the main support 1 (of course, in the actual hinge mechanism 10, there is a more complex connection relationship between the main support 1 and the middle frame 22. Here, only the basic action of the middle frame 22 rotating relative to the main support 1 is used as an example. The virtual rotation center O here is equivalent to the virtual rotation center of the simple rotation of the middle frame 22 relative to the main support 1). The distance between the rotation center O and the flexible display screen 40 is L; when the middle frame 22 rotates clockwise around the virtual rotation center O relative to the main support 1, the flexible display screen 40 bends with the middle frame 22. Combined with Fig.13 and Fig.14 , during the rotation of the middle frame 22 relative to the main support 1, if L<0 (the virtual rotation center O is above the flexible display screen 40), the flexible display screen 40 will be squeezed; if L>0 (the virtual rotation center O is below the flexible display screen 40, such as Fig.13 or Fig.14 The flexible display screen 40 is stretched, and the larger L is, the longer the flexible display screen 40 is stretched; therefore, the size of L is reasonably adjusted according to actual application requirements, so that the unfolded length of the flexible display screen 40 (the unfolded state is as shown in FIG. Fig.15 shown) and folded length (folded state as shown Fig.16 The folding and unfolding of the flexible display screen 40 will not cause squeezing or stretching problems, thereby reducing the risk of failure of the flexible display screen 40.

[0055] Based on the above theory, the first rotation center O1 between the main support 1 and the rotating member 21 and the third rotation center O3 between the rotating member 21 and the middle frame 22 of the rotating shaft mechanism 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application can be referred to Fig.17 By adjusting the XY direction shown, the position of the virtual rotation center O can be adjusted, so that L is adjusted so that the flexible display screen 40 can finally meet the condition that the unfolded length is substantially equal to the folded length, thereby preventing the flexible display screen 40 from being stretched or squeezed and damaged. It should be noted that the second rotation center O2 between the main bracket 1 and the sliding member 23 is only a constraint and will not affect the virtual rotation center O of the middle frame 22 rotating relative to the main bracket 1.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3The foldable terminal device 100 shown in the figure has a first body 20 and a second body 30 that can be folded and unfolded by 180 degrees. Fig.18 The top view of a hinge mechanism 10 applied to a foldable terminal device 100 in an unfolded state is shown, and the hinge mechanism 10 includes a main bracket 1 (due to the limited viewing angle, Fig.18 The main support 1 is not shown in the figure) and a plurality of rotating components 2, which are divided into a first rotating combination ( Fig.18 The left half structure in ) and the second rotation combination ( Figure 6 As shown in the right half structure in FIG. 1 , it can be understood that the main support 1 is arranged between the first rotating combination and the second rotating combination.

[0057] Will Fig.18 The structure of the J part of the square frame is enlarged to obtain Fig.19 As shown in the enlarged view, the middle frame 22 in each rotating component 2 in the first rotating combination has an integrated structure, and the rotation action of each rotating component 2 in the first rotating combination is synchronized, so that the middle frame 22 in the first rotating combination can be rotated relative to the main bracket 1 to achieve 90° folding; and the middle frame 22 of each rotating component 2 in the second rotating combination also has an integrated structure, and the rotation action of each rotating component 2 in the first rotating combination is synchronized, so that the middle frame 22 in the second rotating combination can be rotated relative to the main bracket 1 to achieve 90° folding, and the first body 20 in the foldable terminal device 100 and the middle frame 22 in the first rotating combination (i.e. Fig.19 The second body 30 is connected to the middle frame 22 in the second rotating combination (i.e. Fig.19 By connecting the first body 20 of the foldable terminal device 100 to the second body 30 by the middle frame 22 on the right side, the foldable terminal device 100 can be unfolded and folded 180° relative to the second body 30, thereby realizing the folding and unfolding of the flexible display screen 40.

[0058] Please continue to refer to Fig.19 , in order to introduce in detail Fig.18 The structure of the central rotating shaft mechanism 10 is based on the plane where CC is located. Fig.18 The J part in the figure is cut out to obtain the rotating shaft mechanism 10. Fig. 20 Schematic diagram of the CC cross-section structure shown.

[0059] Reference Fig. 20 The left and right sides of the main support 1 are respectively provided with two rotating components 2 ( Fig. 20 Only the rotating member 21 and the middle frame 22 of the rotating assembly 2 are shown, and the sliding member 23 is not shown, and the two rotating assemblies 2 are arranged perpendicular to Fig. 20 The cross-sectional direction is staggered (of course, it can also be symmetrically distributed), so, Fig. 20The partial structures of the two rotating components 2 present different partial structures. Fig. 20 In the figure, a first screen support member 41 is arranged on the rotating member 21 for supporting the flexible display screen 40. The first screen support member 41 here can be fixed to the rotating member 21 by bonding, welding, riveting, threaded connection or the like. In order to provide more stable and reliable support for the flexible display screen 40, a second screen support member 42 can be movably arranged between the first screen support member 41 and the main bracket 1, and a third screen support member 43 can be movably arranged between the first screen support member 41 and the middle frame 22. Of course, here, the second screen support member 42 can be arranged only between the first screen support member 41 and the main bracket 1, or the third screen support member 43 can be arranged only between the first screen support member 41 and the middle frame 22, or the second screen support member 42 can be arranged between the first screen support member 41 and the main bracket 1, and the third screen support member 43 can be arranged between the first screen support member 41 and the middle frame 22. Fig. 20 As shown in the figure, a second screen support member 42 is arranged between the first screen support member 41 and the main bracket 1 , and a third screen support member 43 is arranged between the first screen support member 41 and the middle frame 22 .

[0060] The second screen support member 42 is movable. In order to limit the second screen support member 42 between the first screen support member 41 and the main bracket 1, please refer to Fig.21 shown Fig. 20 In the enlarged view of the middle L part, the first screen support member 41 cooperates with the main bracket 1 to form an overlap surface d, and the second screen support member 42 overlaps the overlap surface d; similarly, for the third screen support member 43 disposed between the first screen support member 41 and the middle frame 22, the first screen support member 41 cooperates with the middle frame 22 to form an overlap surface d, and the third screen support member 43 overlaps the overlap surface d. Fig.21 In the example of the cooperation between the first screen support 41 and the second screen support 42, the first screen support 41 forms the above-mentioned overlap surface d in the form of an anti-drop buckle F, and the second screen support 42 cooperates with the first screen support 41 in a structure that can be compatible with the anti-drop buckle F structure, so that the anti-drop buckle F of the first screen support 41 can limit the second screen support 42; of course, the cooperation structure between the second screen support 42 and the main bracket 1 is the same as Fig.21 The state shown is similar to that shown in FIG. 1 , and the cooperation between the third screen support member 43 and the first screen support member 41 and the middle frame 22 is also similar to that shown in FIG. 1 . Fig. 20Similarly, no further description is given here; in addition, the limitation of the main bracket 1 and the first screen support 41 on the second screen support 42, and the middle frame 22 and the first screen support 41 on the third screen support 43 can also be realized in other forms, which are not limited in this application. It should be noted that the structure of the anti-drop buckle F is adopted here, considering that when the rotating assembly 2 rotates relative to the main bracket 1, the second screen support 42 and the third screen support 43 will rotate relative to the first screen support 41, the main bracket 1, and the middle frame 22, and the groove formed by the anti-drop buckle F can provide the second screen support 42 and the third screen support 43 with a rotation space margin brought by the rotation.

[0061] Please continue to refer to Fig. 20 Here, the rotating component 2 is in an unfolded state relative to the main bracket 1, and the bearing surface of the first screen support 41, the bearing surface of the second screen support 42, the bearing surface of the third screen support 43, the bearing surface of the main bracket 1 and the bearing surface of the middle frame 22 are in the same plane. Here, the first screen support 41, the second screen support 42 and the third screen support 43 can act as limiters arranged between the main bracket 1 and the rotating component 2, and can limit the maximum stroke of the rotating component 2 to rotate relative to the main bracket 1 to the unfolded state.

[0062] Fig. 20 The two rotating components 2 shown are kept flush with the main support 1 (equivalent to the unfolded state of the rotating shaft mechanism 10). Fig. 20 The rotating assembly 2 on the left side of the middle rotates 90° counterclockwise relative to the main bracket 1, and the rotating assembly 2 on the right side rotates 90° clockwise relative to the main bracket 1, and the result is Fig. 22 In the folded state of the hinge mechanism 10 shown, the rotating member 21 does not protrude from the surface of the main bracket 1 or the surface of the middle frame 22 , and the outer surface of the entire hinge mechanism 10 remains relatively flat, which can provide good support for the flexible display screen 40 .

[0063] The plane where DD is located Fig.18 The J part in the figure is cut out to obtain the rotating shaft mechanism 10. Fig.23 Schematic diagram of the DD cross-section structure shown. Fig.23 The structures of the main support 1, the middle frame 22, the rotating member 21, the first screen support member 41 and the second screen support member 42 shown are similar to those shown in FIG. Fig. 20 This is because along Fig.18 In the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 10 shown, the cross-sections of the various structures are varied, but it can be understood that the changes in the structures do not affect the functional realization of the various structures. Fig.23 The figure shows the matching relationship between the main bracket 1, the middle frame 22, the rotating member 21, the first screen support member 41 and the second screen support member 42. Fig.23 The structure of the K part of the square frame is enlarged to obtain Fig.24As shown in the enlarged view, it can be seen that in order to support the second screen support member 42, a support surface c is also formed on the main bracket 1, the middle frame 22, and the first screen support member 41.

[0064] Fig.23 The two rotating components 2 shown are kept flush with the main support 1 (equivalent to the unfolded state of the rotating shaft mechanism 10). Fig.23 The rotating assembly 2 on the left side of the middle rotates 90° counterclockwise relative to the main bracket 1, and the rotating assembly 2 on the right side rotates 90° clockwise relative to the main bracket 1, and the result is Fig.25 In the folded state of the hinge mechanism 10 shown, the rotating member 21 does not protrude from the surface of the main bracket 1 or the surface of the middle frame 22 , and the outer surface of the entire hinge mechanism 10 remains relatively flat, which can provide good support for the flexible display screen 40 .

[0065] Take the plane where EE is located for Fig.18 The J part in the figure is cut out to obtain the rotating shaft mechanism 10. Fig.26 The DD cross-sectional structure diagram shown in the figure shows Fig.26 The cross-sectional structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 10 shown is similar to Fig. 20 The cross-sectional structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 10 shown is similar. Fig. 20 The structure shown can be flipped left and right to obtain Fig.26 The structure shown. Fig.26 The two rotating components 2 shown are kept flush with the main support 1 (equivalent to the unfolded state of the rotating shaft mechanism 10). Fig.26 The rotating assembly 2 on the left side of the middle rotates 90° counterclockwise relative to the main bracket 1, and the rotating assembly 2 on the right side rotates 90° clockwise relative to the main bracket 1, and the result is Fig. 27 The folded state of the rotating shaft mechanism 10 is shown. Fig. 27 The cross-sectional structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 10 shown is similar to Fig. 22 The cross-sectional structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 10 shown is similar. Fig. 22 The structure shown can be turned left and right to obtain Fig. 27 The structure shown.

[0066] In summary, the present application provides a hinge mechanism 10 with a simple structure, small dead space, and high stability; when the hinge mechanism 10 is applied to the foldable terminal device 100, the bearing surface of the main bracket 1 and the bearing surface of the middle frame 22 can bear the flexible display screen 40 of the foldable terminal device 100, and can provide good support for the flexible display screen 40. In addition, as long as the positions of the first rotation center O1 and the third rotation center O3 are reasonably set, the flexible display screen 40 of the foldable terminal device 100 will not slide relative to the hinge mechanism 10 during the folding and unfolding process, thereby reducing the risk of failure of the flexible display screen 40.

[0067] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present application without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the embodiments of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A foldable terminal device, characterized in that: It comprises a first body, a second body, a flexible display screen and a hinge mechanism; the hinge mechanism connects the first body and the second body; the flexible display screen is fixed to the first body and the second body; The rotating shaft mechanism comprises: a main support and two rotating components distributed on both sides of the main support; the two rotating components can rotate relative to the main support to switch between an unfolded state and a folded state; Each of the rotating components comprises: a rotating member, a middle frame and a sliding member; The rotating member includes a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a main body connected between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the first connecting portion can be rotatably connected to the main bracket around a first rotation center, and the second connecting portion can be rotatably connected to the middle frame around a third rotation center; One end of the sliding member is rotatably connected to the main bracket around the second rotation center, and the other end of the sliding member is slidably matched with the middle frame, so that the middle frame moves away from or approaches the second rotation center along the extension direction of the sliding member; the axis of the first rotation center, the axis of the second rotation center, and the axis of the third rotation center are parallel to each other; Among them, the middle frames of the two rotating components are fixedly connected to the first body and the second body respectively; the main bracket and the middle frame have a bearing surface, and the flexible display screen is arranged on the bearing surface of the main bracket and one side of the bearing surface of the middle frame; the second rotation center is specifically set as: when the two rotating components are in the unfolded state relative to the main bracket, the second rotation center is located on the side of the plane where the axis of the first rotation center and the axis of the third rotation center are located, away from the bearing surface of the middle frame.

2. The foldable terminal device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion of each rotating assembly are both arc-shaped structures, and the concave surface of the first connecting portion and the concave surface of the second connecting portion are both facing the bearing surface side of the middle frame; The main support has two first arc-shaped sliding grooves corresponding to the two rotating components; The first connection portion of each of the rotating components extends into the corresponding first arc-shaped sliding groove to slideably cooperate with the first arc-shaped sliding groove, so that the first connection portion can be rotatably connected to the main bracket around the first rotation center; A second arc-shaped sliding groove is formed on the middle frame, and the second connecting portion extends into the second arc-shaped sliding groove to slideably cooperate with the second arc-shaped sliding groove, so that the second connecting portion can be rotatably connected to the middle frame around the third rotation center; Wherein, during the rotation of the middle frame relative to the main support, the first connection portion does not protrude from the bearing surface of the main support, and the second connection portion does not protrude from the bearing surface of the middle frame.

3. The foldable terminal device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first screen support is provided on the main body of each rotating assembly, and the first screen support is used to support the flexible display screen; When the two rotating components are in the unfolded state relative to the main bracket, the bearing surface of the first screen support, the bearing surface of the main bracket and the bearing surface of the middle frame are in the same plane.

4. The foldable terminal device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A second screen support is movably provided between the first screen support and the main support; when the two rotating components are in the unfolded state relative to the main support, the bearing surface of the second screen support, the bearing surface of the first screen support, the bearing surface of the main support and the bearing surface of the middle frame are in the same plane; the bearing surface of the second screen support is used to support the flexible display screen; And / or, a third screen support is movably arranged between the first screen support and the middle frame; when the rotating assembly is in the unfolded state relative to the main bracket, the bearing surface of the third screen support, the bearing surface of the first screen support, the bearing surface of the main bracket and the bearing surface of the middle frame are in the same plane; the bearing surface of the third screen support is used to support the flexible display screen.

5. The foldable terminal device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first screen support member cooperates with the main bracket to form an overlap surface, and the second screen support member overlaps the overlap surface so that the second screen support member is defined between the first screen support member and the main bracket.

6. The foldable terminal device according to claim 5, characterized in that: Anti-drop buckles are provided on one side of the first screen support member facing the overlapping surface and on one side of the main bracket facing the overlapping surface to confine the second screen support member between the first screen support member and the main bracket.

7. The foldable terminal device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The anti-drop buckle has a groove, and the groove is used to provide a rotation space margin for the rotation of the second screen support.

8. The foldable terminal device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first screen support member cooperates with the middle frame to form an overlap surface, and the third screen support member overlaps the overlap surface so that the third screen support member is confined between the first screen support member and the middle frame.

9. The foldable terminal device according to claim 8, characterized in that: Anti-drop buckles are provided on a side of the first screen support member facing the overlapping surface and a side of the middle frame facing the overlapping surface to confine the third screen support member between the first screen support member and the middle frame.

10. The foldable terminal device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The anti-drop buckle has a groove, and the groove is used to provide a rotation space margin for the rotation of the third screen support.

11. The foldable terminal device according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that: The first screen support member and the main bracket are provided with a support surface for supporting the second screen support member, and the first screen support member and the middle frame are provided with a support surface for supporting the third screen support member.

12. The foldable terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: A limiting structure for limiting the maximum rotation stroke of the rotating assembly relative to the main bracket is also provided between the main bracket and each rotating assembly.

13. The foldable terminal device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The limiting structure includes a first limiting surface formed on the main support and a second limiting surface formed on the middle frame; When the two rotating components are in the folded state relative to the main support, the first limiting surface contacts and interferes with the second limiting surface to prevent the middle frame from continuing to rotate relative to the main support.

14. The foldable terminal device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The limiting structure includes a limiting member arranged between the main support and the middle frame; When the two rotating components are in the unfolded state relative to the main support, the limiting member contacts and interferes with the main support and the rotating components to prevent the middle frame from continuing to rotate relative to the main support.

15. The foldable terminal device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two rotating components are respectively a first rotating component and a second rotating component; When the two rotating components switch from the unfolded state to the folded state relative to the main support: between the first rotating component and the corresponding first arc-shaped slide groove, the first connecting part of the rotating component slides clockwise along the first arc-shaped slide groove, and the second connecting part slides counterclockwise along the second arc-shaped slide groove of the middle frame; between the second rotating component and the corresponding first arc-shaped slide groove, the first connecting part of the rotating component slides counterclockwise along the first arc-shaped slide groove, and the second connecting part slides clockwise along the second arc-shaped slide groove of the middle frame.

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