Connection Structure and Foldable Terminal Device

Abstract

The present application provides a connection structure and a foldable terminal device. The connection structure includes: a first connecting member; a second connecting member, and a damping mechanism, where the damping mechanism is respectively connected to the first connecting member and the second connecting member. The present application uses the damping mechanism to achieve the hovering of the first connecting member and the second connecting member; specifically, during the process that the second connecting member rotates from a first position to a second position relative to the first connecting member under an external force, the damping mechanism generates a damping force that hinders the rotation of the second connecting member. When the external force disappears, the damping mechanism enables the second connecting member to remain at the second position, thereby achieving hovering at any angle within a large range of angles; in addition, a certain sense of damping can also be feedback to the user through the damping mechanism, thereby improving the user experience.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with the application date of December 14, 2021, the application number of 202111530333.1, and the title of "Connection Structure and Foldable Terminal Device". Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and specifically relates to a connection structure and a foldable terminal device. Background Art

[0003] As a development direction of the future mobile phone form, foldable mobile phones have now become a research hotspot for various mobile phone and panel manufacturers. One of the key technologies for realizing foldable mobile phones is the design of the hinge. The hinge is a key component for the mobile phone to achieve dynamic folding. At present, the hinge of the foldable mobile phone can only achieve hovering at a fixed angle during actual use and cannot achieve hovering at any angle. In addition, the existing foldable mobile phones can only hover at a fixed angle during use. As the number of bending times increases, the material of the hinge assembly used to control opening, closing and hovering will be worn, resulting in a too large reduction or even failure of the damping feeling feedback to the user, greatly reducing the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a connection structure and a foldable terminal device to achieve hovering at a large range of angles and improve the user experience.

[0005] This application provides a connection structure, which includes:

[0006] A first connecting member;

[0007] A second connecting member;

[0008] A damping mechanism, the damping mechanism is respectively connected to the first connecting member and the second connecting member; wherein, during the process that the second connecting member rotates from a first position to a second position relative to the first connecting member under the action of an external force, the damping mechanism generates a damping force that hinders the rotation of the second connecting member, and when the external force disappears, the damping mechanism makes the second connecting member stay at the second position.

[0009] This application uses the damping mechanism to achieve the hovering of the first connecting member and the second connecting member; specifically, during the process that the second connecting member rotates from a first position to a second position relative to the first connecting member under the action of an external force, the damping mechanism generates a damping force that hinders the rotation of the second connecting member, and when the external force disappears, the damping mechanism makes the second connecting member stay at the second position, thereby achieving hovering at any angle within a large range of angles; in addition, a certain damping feeling can also be feedback to the user through the damping mechanism, thereby improving the user experience.

[0010] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the number of the damping mechanisms is N, where N is an integer and N is greater than or equal to 2. There is a connection gap between the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and the N damping mechanisms are sequentially arranged along the connection gap. By providing a plurality of damping mechanisms, the force distribution uniformity between the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be improved.

[0011] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, at least M of the N damping mechanisms provide different damping forces, where M is an integer and 1 ≤ M < N. The present application is provided with a plurality of damping mechanisms, and the damping forces provided by the plurality of damping mechanisms are different. Although the damping force provided by the damping mechanism will decrease with the service life, the plurality of damping mechanisms can make the overall damping force decrease more smoothly, and at the same time, the service life of the connection structure can be increased, and the damping force decrease range is smaller during the service life, and the user experience is better.

[0012] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the value of N is 3. The three damping mechanisms are a first damping mechanism, a second damping mechanism, and a third damping mechanism respectively, where the first damping mechanism is a maximum damping force damping mechanism, and the damping forces provided by the first damping mechanism, the second damping mechanism, and the third damping mechanism decrease in sequence. The three damping mechanisms can make the overall damping force decrease more smoothly, and at the same time, the service life of the connection structure can be increased, and the damping force decrease range is smaller during the service life, and the user experience is better.

[0013] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the first damping mechanism, the third damping mechanism, and the second damping mechanism are sequentially arranged along the connection gap. By arranging the third damping mechanism with the smallest damping force in the middle, the force distribution uniformity of the hinge structure during use can be improved. During the initial use of the connection structure, the first damping mechanism plays a major damping role. As the use time increases, the first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism play a major damping role. At this time, the third damping mechanism is located between the first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism, and the damping forces provided by the first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism are symmetrically distributed on the upper and lower sides of the third damping mechanism, so the force distribution uniformity can be improved.

[0014] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the value of N is 5, and the five damping mechanisms are respectively a first damping mechanism, a second damping mechanism, a third damping mechanism, a fourth damping mechanism, and a fifth damping mechanism. Among them, the first damping mechanism and the fifth damping mechanism are maximum damping force damping mechanisms, and the damping forces provided by the first damping mechanism, the fourth damping mechanism, the second damping mechanism, and the third damping mechanism decrease in sequence. During the initial use of the connection structure, the first damping mechanism and the fifth damping mechanism play a major damping role. Since there are two maximum damping force damping mechanisms, the force uniformity during the initial use of the connection structure is improved.

[0015] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the first damping mechanism, the second damping mechanism, the third damping mechanism, the fourth damping mechanism, and the fifth damping mechanism are arranged in sequence along the connection seam. The remaining damping mechanisms are arranged between the two maximum damping force damping mechanisms, and the third damping mechanism with the smallest damping force provided is arranged in the middle, which can further improve the force uniformity of the hinge structure during use.

[0016] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the damping mechanism includes:

[0017] A guiding part, one end of the guiding part is fixedly connected to the first connecting piece, and the other end extends towards the second connecting piece;

[0018] A moving part, one end of the moving part is movably connected to the second connecting piece, and the other end is sleeved on the guiding part;

[0019] Wherein, during the process that the second connecting piece rotates from the first position to the second position relative to the first connecting piece under the action of an external force, relative sliding occurs between the other end of the moving part and the guiding part and a frictional damping force is generated; when the external force disappears, the other end of the moving part presses against the guiding part.

[0020] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application,

[0021] The guiding part includes:

[0022] A damping rod, the damping rod is fixed on the first connecting piece;

[0023] The moving part includes:

[0024] A rotating part, the rotating part is pivotally connected to the second connecting piece through a first rotating shaft;

[0025] A connecting rod, one end of the connecting rod is connected to the rotating part;

[0026] A damping block, the damping block is slidably connected to the damping rod, and the other end of the connecting rod is connected to the damping block;

[0027] An elastic member that elastically presses against the rotating member;

[0028] Wherein, under the elastic pressing action of the elastic member, the rotating member applies a pressing force to the damping block through the connecting rod, and the damping block presses the damping rod under the action of the pressing force. During the process that the second connecting member rotates to the second position under an external force, the damping block slides along the damping rod in the first direction. At this time, the elastic member generates an elastic force, and the elastic force gives a force to the damping block through the connecting rod. The force makes the damping block tend to slide along the damping rod in the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other. At this time, under the elastic pressing action of the elastic member, the rotating member applies a pressing force to the damping block through the connecting rod, and the damping block presses the damping rod under the action of the pressing force, and a frictional damping force is generated between the damping rod and the damping block. Since the rotating member is arranged on the second connecting member and the fixed base is arranged on the first connecting member, when the acting force between the first connecting member and the second connecting member disappears, the damping force can make the first connecting member and the second connecting member maintain the state when the external force disappears to achieve hovering.

[0029] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the other end of the connecting rod is pivotally connected to the damping block through a second rotating shaft. The rotational connection between the other end of the connecting rod and the damping block can increase the degree of freedom, enabling a larger rotation angle between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0030] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the second connecting member rotates around the first axis under an external force, the extending direction of the second rotating shaft is the same as the extending direction of the first axis, and the extending direction of the first rotating shaft is perpendicular to the extending direction of the second rotating shaft.

[0031] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the number of the movable parts is two, and the two movable parts are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the damping rod. The two movable parts can generate symmetric damping forces, enabling the first connecting member and the second connecting member to be more stable during rotation or hovering.

[0032] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, when the second connecting member rotates relative to the first connecting member to the second position, the included angle between the second connecting member and the first connecting member is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0033] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the rotating member includes a rotating bottom plate and a force-bearing plate connected to the rotating bottom plate. The rotating bottom plate is pivotally connected to the second connecting member through a first rotating shaft, and the force-bearing plate is connected to the other end of the connecting rod. The force-bearing plate is provided to facilitate the connection with the connecting rod.

[0034] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the rotating base plate is perpendicularly connected to the force-bearing plate. The perpendicular connection can maximize the moment received by the force-bearing plate and minimize the effort.

[0035] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the elastic member includes an elastic sheet, one end of the elastic sheet is fixed to the first rotating shaft or the second connecting member; the other end of the elastic sheet abuts against the rotating member. When the number of damping mechanisms is multiple, elastic sheets with different elastic coefficients can be used for different damping mechanisms, so as to achieve different damping forces provided by multiple damping mechanisms.

[0036] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the elastic member includes a torsion spring, the torsion spring is pivotally connected to the first rotating shaft or the second connecting member; one torsion arm of the torsion spring abuts against the first rotating shaft or the second connecting member, and the other torsion arm of the torsion spring abuts against the rotating member. When the number of damping mechanisms is multiple, torsion springs with different elastic coefficients can be used for different damping mechanisms, so as to achieve different damping forces provided by multiple damping mechanisms.

[0037] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the damping rod is an arc-shaped rod, one end of the arc-shaped rod is fixed to the first connecting member, and the other end of the arc-shaped rod extends towards the second connecting member and is on the same horizontal plane as one end of the arc-shaped rod. Since the two ends of the arc-shaped rod are on the same horizontal plane, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can only rotate towards or away from each other within an angle of 0 to 180°, so as to prevent the first connecting member and the second connecting member from rotating excessively.

[0038] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected by a hinge mechanism.

[0039] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the hinge mechanism includes:

[0040] A hinge base;

[0041] A first rotating arm, one end of the first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the hinge base, and the other end of the first rotating arm is fixedly connected to the first connecting member;

[0042] A second rotating arm, one end of the second rotating arm is rotatably connected to the hinge base, and the other end of the second rotating arm is fixedly connected to the second connecting member;

[0043] A synchronous transmission component, one end of the first rotating arm and one end of the second rotating arm are respectively connected to the synchronous transmission component, so that the first rotating arm and the second rotating arm rotate towards or away from each other. The first rotating arm and the second rotating arm rotate towards or away from each other through the synchronous transmission component, and the first rotating arm drives the first connecting member to rotate, and the second rotating arm drives the second connecting member to rotate, so that the first connecting member and the second connecting member rotate towards or away from each other.

[0044] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the articulated base is provided with a rotatable first gear and a second gear, one end of the first rotating arm is fixedly connected to the first gear, one end of the second rotating arm is fixedly connected to the second gear, and the synchronous transmission component includes a central gear, and the central gear is meshed with the first gear and the second gear respectively. Only one central gear is needed to realize the rotation of the first rotating arm and the second rotating arm toward or away from each other, and the simple structure is conducive to the intensive setting of the folding device.

[0045] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the hinge mechanism further includes:

[0046] a first wing plate, wherein the first wing plate is fixedly connected to the other end of the first rotating arm, and the first wing plate is fixedly connected to the first connecting member;

[0047] The second wing plate is fixedly connected to the other end of the second rotating arm, and the second wing plate is fixedly connected to the second connecting member. The first wing plate and the second wing plate are provided to facilitate the connection of the hinge mechanism with the first connecting member and the second connecting member. Bolts and nuts can be used to connect the first wing plate and the first connecting member, and the second wing plate and the second connecting member, so as to facilitate assembly and disassembly.

[0048] Optionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the articulated base has a side surface, the side surface is provided with a receiving cavity, the central gear, the first gear and the second gear are arranged in the receiving cavity; the receiving cavity is provided with a first notch on the first side wall, the other end of the first rotating arm extends out of the articulated base through the first notch; the receiving cavity is provided with a second notch on the second side wall, the other end of the second rotating arm extends out of the articulated base through the second notch. Placing the central gear, the first gear and the second gear in the receiving cavity can prevent dust and prevent foreign objects from accidentally touching the central gear, the first gear and the second gear.

[0049] Correspondingly, the present application also provides a foldable terminal device, which includes the above-mentioned connection structure, and a first body installed and connected to the first connection member of the connection structure and a second body installed and connected to the second connection member of the connection structure.

[0050] The present application provides a connection structure and a foldable terminal device. The connection structure includes: a first connecting member; a second connecting member, and a damping mechanism that connects the first connecting member and the second connecting member respectively. The present application uses the damping mechanism to achieve the hovering of the first connecting member and the second connecting member. Specifically, in the process of the second connecting member rotating from a first position to a second position relative to the first connecting member under the action of an external force, the damping mechanism generates a damping force that hinders the rotation of the second connecting member. When the external force disappears, the damping mechanism causes the second connecting member to remain in the second position, thereby achieving hovering at any angle within a large range of angles. In addition, a certain damping feeling can also be feedback to the user through the damping mechanism, thereby improving the user experience. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0051] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present application. For those skilled in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the first structure of the connection structure provided by the present application;

[0053] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the hinge mechanism of the connection structure provided by the present application;

[0054] Figure 3 For Figure 2 front view;

[0055] Figure 4 For Figure 2 rear view;

[0056] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the damping mechanism of the first structure of the connection structure provided by the present application;

[0057] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the folded state of the first structure of the connection structure provided by the present application;

[0058] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the second structure of the connection structure provided by the present application;

[0059] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the damping mechanism of the third structure of the connection structure provided by the present application;

[0060] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the elastic member of the damping mechanism of the third structure of the connection structure provided by the present application. Detailed Embodiments

[0061] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0062] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more such features, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present application.

[0063] The present application provides a connection structure and a foldable terminal device, which will be described in detail below. It should be noted that the description order of the following embodiments does not limit the preferred order of the embodiments of the present application.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 , which is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the connection structure provided by the present application. The present application provides a connection structure 100, which includes a first connecting member 10, a second connecting member 20, a hinge mechanism 30, and a damping mechanism 40.

[0065] Among them, the first connecting member 10 is connected to the second connecting member 20 through the hinge mechanism 30. Specifically, the first connecting member 10 is drivingly connected to the second connecting member 20 through the hinge mechanism 30 to achieve relative rotation towards or away from each other. The hinge mechanism can make the rotation of the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20 smoother.

[0066] The damping mechanism 40 is respectively connected to the first connecting member and the second connecting member. Among them, in the process that the second connecting member 20 rotates from the first position to the second position relative to the first connecting member 10 under the action of an external force, the damping mechanism 40 generates a damping force that hinders the rotation of the second connecting member 20. When the external force disappears, the damping mechanism 40 keeps the second connecting member 20 in the second position.

[0067] This application uses a damping mechanism to achieve the hovering of the first connecting member and the second connecting member; specifically, during the process in which the second connecting member rotates from the first position to the second position relative to the first connecting member under the action of an external force, the damping mechanism generates a damping force that hinders the rotation of the second connecting member. When the external force disappears, the damping mechanism causes the second connecting member to remain in the second position, thereby achieving hovering at any angle within a large range of angles; in addition, a certain damping feeling can also be feedback to the user through the damping mechanism, thereby improving the user experience.

[0068] It should be noted that when the second connecting member 20 is in the first position, the damping mechanism may maintain a damping force, or the damping force of the damping mechanism may also be 0. For example, when the second connecting member is in the first position and the included angle between the second connecting member and the first connecting member is 180 degrees, the damping force of the damping mechanism is 0 at this time. When the second connecting member is in the first position and the included angle between the second connecting member and the first connecting member is other angles except 180 degrees, the damping mechanism maintains a damping force.

[0069] In actual use, the connection structure of this application can be applied to foldable devices, especially foldable terminal devices. When the connection structure of this application is applied to a foldable terminal device, the foldable terminal device should have a first body and a second body. Among them, the first connecting member of the connection structure is installed and connected to the first body, and the second connecting member of the connection structure is installed and connected to the second body, so as to fold the first body and the second body.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20 are provided as plate-like structures. The plate-like structures may be provided with connection parts connected to the foldable terminal device. The connection parts include fixed buckles 21, connection holes 11, etc. In addition, some through holes 22 may be provided on the plate-like structures to facilitate the arrangement of the wiring of the foldable terminal device.

[0071] As an improvement, in some embodiments, the number of damping mechanisms 40 is N, N is an integer, and the value of N is greater than or equal to 2. There is a connection seam 50 between the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20, and N damping mechanisms 40 are arranged in sequence from top to bottom along the connection seam 50. By setting a plurality of damping mechanisms, the force uniformity of the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be improved.

[0072] Among them, at least M of the N damping mechanisms provide different damping forces, where M is an integer and 1 ≤ M < N. The N damping mechanisms 40 include a maximum damping force damping mechanism, and the number of the maximum damping force damping mechanisms can be one or more. The maximum damping force damping mechanism is the damping mechanism that provides the maximum damping force among the N damping mechanisms. That is to say, when the damping forces provided by the N damping mechanisms can decrease in sequence, the damping forces provided by the N damping mechanisms are different; when M = N - 1, the damping forces provided by N - 1 damping mechanisms are different, which means that there are two damping mechanisms among the N damping mechanisms that provide the same damping force.

[0073] The number of damping mechanisms is set in a form of multiple, and the damping forces provided by the multiple damping mechanisms are not necessarily the same. Therefore, during the initial use of the connection structure, when the first connecting member and the second connecting member rotate towards or away from each other, the maximum damping force damping mechanism plays a main damping role. As the number of uses of the hinge structure increases, the damping effect of the maximum damping force damping mechanism continuously decreases. Until the damping force provided by the maximum damping force damping mechanism is equal to the damping force provided by the second maximum damping force damping mechanism, the maximum damping force damping mechanism and the second maximum damping force damping mechanism play a main damping role. And so on, when the damping force provided by the maximum damping force damping mechanism is equal to the damping force provided by a certain damping mechanism among the remaining damping mechanisms, the maximum damping force damping mechanism and a certain damping mechanism among the remaining damping mechanisms play a main damping role together. To sum up, this application is provided with multiple damping mechanisms, and the damping forces provided by the multiple damping mechanisms are different. Although the damping force provided by the damping mechanism will decrease with the use time, the multiple damping mechanisms can make the overall damping force decrease more gently, and at the same time can increase the service life of the connection structure, and the damping force decreases within a smaller range during the service life, and the user experience is better.

[0074] Specifically, in some embodiments, the value of N is 3, and the three damping mechanisms 40 are respectively a first damping mechanism 40A, a second damping mechanism 40B, and a third damping mechanism 40C. Among them, the first damping mechanism 40A is a maximum damping force damping mechanism, and the number of the maximum damping force damping mechanisms is 1. The damping forces provided by the first damping mechanism 40A, the second damping mechanism 40B, and the third damping mechanism 40C decrease in sequence, and the remaining damping mechanisms provide two different damping forces. In this embodiment, during the initial use of the connection structure, the first damping mechanism plays a main damping role. As the use time increases, the damping force provided by the first damping mechanism decreases until it is the same as the damping force provided by the second damping mechanism. At this time, the first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism play a main damping role. Finally, the damping forces provided by the first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism and the damping force provided by the third damping mechanism, the first damping mechanism, the second damping mechanism, and the third damping mechanism play the same damping role. The three damping mechanisms can make the overall damping force decrease more gently, and at the same time, can increase the service life of the connection structure, and the damping force decreases within a smaller range during the service life, and the user experience is better.

[0075] Among them, there are various sorting methods for the first damping mechanism 40A, the second damping mechanism 40B, and the third damping mechanism 40C, which are respectively: the first damping mechanism 40A, the second damping mechanism 40B, and the third damping mechanism 40C are arranged in sequence from top to bottom along the connection seam; the third damping mechanism 40C, the second damping mechanism 40B, and the first damping mechanism 40A are arranged in sequence from top to bottom along the connection seam; the second damping mechanism 40B, the third damping mechanism 40C, and the first damping mechanism 40A are arranged in sequence from top to bottom along the connection seam; the first damping mechanism 40A, the third damping mechanism 40C, and the second damping mechanism 40B are arranged in sequence from top to bottom along the connection seam; the second damping mechanism 40B, the first damping mechanism 40A, and the third damping mechanism 40C are arranged in sequence from top to bottom along the connection seam; the third damping mechanism 40C, the first damping mechanism 40A, and the second damping mechanism 40B are arranged in sequence from top to bottom along the connection seam.

[0076] However, in this embodiment, it is a preferred solution that the third damping mechanism 40C is located between the first damping mechanism 40A and the second damping mechanism 40B. Specifically, the first damping mechanism 40A, the third damping mechanism 40C, and the second damping mechanism 40B are arranged in sequence from top to bottom along the connecting seam. Setting the third damping mechanism with the smallest damping force in the middle can improve the force uniformity of the hinge structure during use. During the initial use of the connection structure, the first damping mechanism plays a major damping role. As the use time increases, the first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism play a major damping role. At this time, the third damping mechanism is located between the first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism, and the damping forces provided by the first damping mechanism and the second damping mechanism are symmetrically distributed on the upper and lower sides of the third damping mechanism. Therefore, the force uniformity can be improved.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5 , wherein, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the damping mechanism of the first structure of the connection structure provided by the present application. In some embodiments, the damping mechanism 40 includes: a guiding portion 41 and a movable portion 42. One end of the guiding portion 41 is fixedly connected to the first connecting member 10, and the other end extends towards the second connecting member 20; one end of the movable portion 42 is movably connected to the second connecting member 20, and the other end is sleeved on the guiding portion 41; wherein, during the process that the second connecting member 20 rotates from the first position to the second position relative to the first connecting member 10 under an external force, relative sliding occurs between the other end of the movable portion 42 and the guiding portion 41 to generate frictional damping force; when the external force disappears, the other end of the movable portion presses against the guiding portion. That is to say, in this embodiment, during the process that the second connecting member rotates from the first position to the second position relative to the first connecting member under an external force, frictional damping force is generated when relative sliding occurs between the other end of the movable portion and the guiding portion. When the external force disappears, the other end of the movable portion presses against the guiding portion, so that the second connecting member is held at the second position, thereby realizing hovering.

[0078] Specifically, in some embodiments, the guiding portion 41 includes: a damping rod 411, and the damping rod 411 is fixed on the first connecting member 10;

[0079] The movable portion 42 includes: a rotating member 421, a connecting rod 423, a damping block 425, and an elastic member 426. The rotating member 421 is pivotally connected to the second connecting member 20 through a first rotating shaft 422;

[0080] One end of the connecting rod 423 is connected to the rotating member 421;

[0081] The damping block 425 is slidably connected to the damping rod 411, and the other end of the connecting rod 423 is connected to the damping block 425;

[0082] The elastic member 426 elastically presses against the rotating member 421. Specifically, the elastic member can be provided on the first rotating shaft 422 or the second connecting member 20;

[0083] Wherein, under the elastic pressing action of the elastic member 426, the rotating member 421 applies a pressing force to the damping block 425 through the connecting rod 423, and the damping block 425 presses the damping rod 411 under the action of the pressing force.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the folded state of the first structure of the connection structure provided by this application. When an external force is applied to the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20, and the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20 rotate towards each other, at this time, the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20 are in a state of folding towards each other. The second connecting member 20 drives the damping block 425 to slide along the damping rod 411 in the first direction through the connecting rod 423. At the same time, the other end of the connecting rod 423 presses against the rotating member 421, and the rotating member 421 pushes the elastic member 426, and the elastic member 426 generates an elastic force. The elastic force applies a force to the damping block 425 through the connecting rod 423. At this time, under the elastic pressing action of the elastic member 426, the rotating member 421 applies a pressing force to the damping block 425 through the connecting rod 423, and the damping block 425 presses the damping rod 411 under the action of the pressing force, and a frictional damping force is generated between the damping rod 411 and the damping block 425. Since the rotating member 421 is provided on the second connecting member 20 and the damping rod 411 is provided on the first connecting member 10, when the acting force between the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20 disappears, the damping force can make the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20 maintain the state when the external force disappears to achieve hovering. If it is necessary for the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20 to continue rotating, the external force can be used to overcome the damping force.

[0085] When an external force is applied to the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20, and the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20 rotate away from each other, at this time, the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20 are in a state of being unfolded away from each other. The second connecting member 20 drives the damping block 425 to slide along the damping rod 411 in the second direction through the connecting rod 423. At the same time, the other end of the connecting rod 423 presses against the rotating member 421. The rotating member 421 presses the elastic member 426, and the elastic member 426 generates an elastic force. The elastic force applies a force to the damping block 425 through the connecting rod 423. The first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other. At this time, the rotating member 421 applies a pressing force to the damping block 425 through the connecting rod 423 under the elastic pressing action of the elastic member 426. Under the action of the pressing force, the damping block 425 presses tightly against the damping rod 411, and a frictional damping force is generated between the damping rod 411 and the damping block 425. Since the rotating member 421 is provided on the second connecting member 20 and the damping rod 411 is provided on the first connecting member 10, when the acting force between the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20 disappears, the damping force can keep the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20 in the state when the external force disappears to achieve hovering. If it is necessary for the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20 to continue rotating, the external force can be used to overcome the damping force.

[0086] Moreover, in the above embodiment, when the number of damping mechanisms is multiple, different damping mechanisms can use elastic members with different elastic coefficients, so as to realize different damping forces provided by multiple damping mechanisms.

[0087] Specifically, in some embodiments, the damping block 425 is sleeved on the damping rod 411, and the damping block 425 is provided with a through hole, and the damping block 425 is sleeved on the damping rod 411 through the through hole. Of course, the damping block and the damping rod can also adopt other conventional sliding connection methods, as long as the relative sliding between the damping block and the damping rod can be realized and frictional damping force can be generated between the two, which all belong to the protection scope of this application. For example, a guiding groove is provided on the damping rod, and the damping block is arranged in the guiding groove and can slide along the guiding groove.

[0088] In some embodiments, the other end of the connecting rod 423 is pivotally connected to the damping block 425 through a second rotating shaft 424. The rotational connection between the other end of the connecting rod and the damping block can increase the rotational freedom degree, so that a larger rotational angle can be provided between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0089] In some embodiments, the guiding portion 41 further includes: a fixed base 412, the fixed base 412 is fixed on the first connecting member 10, and the damping rod 411 is fixed on the fixed base 412. The fixed base facilitates the fixed connection between the damping rod and the first connecting member.

[0090] In some embodiments, the second connecting member 20 rotates about a first axis under an external force. The extending direction of the second rotation axis 424 is the same as that of the first axis, and the extending direction of the second rotation axis 424 is perpendicular to the extending direction of the first rotation axis 422. Specifically, the second rotation axis is provided on the second connecting member, and the first rotation axis is perpendicular to the second rotation axis, so that the rotation direction of the connecting rod is the same as that of the second connecting member with a simple structure.

[0091] Further, in some embodiments, the number of the movable portions 42 is two, and the two movable portions 42 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the damper rod 411. The two movable portions can generate symmetric damping forces, which can make the first connecting member and the second connecting member more stable during rotation or hovering.

[0092] Specifically, in this embodiment, the other ends of the connecting rods 423 of the two movable portions 42 are respectively pivotally connected to the same damper block 425 through the second rotation axis 424, that is, the two movable portions 42 share a damper block; the damper rod 411 is arranged between the two rotating members 421, and the two rotating members 421 are respectively connected to the same damper block 425 through the connecting rods 423. Specifically, one ends of the connecting rods 423 of the two movable portions 42 are respectively pivotally connected to the side surface of the damper block 425 through the second rotation axis 424. Since the rotation direction of the connecting rod is the same as that of the second connecting member, the connecting rod is connected to the side surface of the damper block, which is convenient for setting and simplifies the connection method.

[0093] In some embodiments, when the second connecting member 20 rotates relative to the first connecting member 10 to the second position, the included angle between the second connecting member 20 and the first connecting member 10 is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 180 degrees.

[0094] Specifically, in some embodiments, the damper rod 411 is an arc-shaped rod. One end of the arc-shaped rod is fixed on the first connecting member 10, and the other end of the arc-shaped rod extends towards the second connecting member 20 and is on the same horizontal plane as one end of the arc-shaped rod. Since the two ends of the arc-shaped rod are on the same horizontal plane, the first connecting member and the second connecting member can only rotate towards or away from each other within an included angle of 0 to 180°, so as to avoid excessive rotation of the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0095] In addition, in some embodiments, the rotating member 421 includes a rotating base plate 4211 and a force-bearing plate 4212 connected to the rotating base plate 4211, the rotating base plate 4211 is pivoted to the second connecting member 20 through a first rotating axis 422, and the force-bearing plate 4212 is connected to the other end of the connecting rod 423. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the rotating base plate 4211 is vertically connected to the force-bearing plate 4212, and the vertical connection can maximize the torque on the force-bearing plate and save the most effort.

[0096] In some embodiments, the elastic member 426 includes an elastic sheet, one end of which is fixed to the first rotating shaft 422 or the second connecting member 20; the other end of the elastic sheet is in conflict with the force-bearing plate 4212. In this embodiment, one end of the elastic sheet is fixed to the first rotating shaft 422, specifically, one end of the first rotating shaft 422 is fixed to the second connecting member 20, the rotating base plate 4211 can be rotatably sleeved on the first rotating shaft 422 through a through hole, one end of the elastic sheet is fixed to the first rotating shaft 422 and is located outside the rotating base plate 4211. Further, the other end of the first rotating shaft 422 extends outside the rotating base plate 4211, and the other end of the first rotating shaft 422 is provided with a first boss 4221 and a second boss 4222, the first boss 4221 is located outside the second boss 4222, the second boss 4222 limits the axial movement of the rotating base plate 4211 along the first rotating shaft 422, and one end of the elastic sheet is fixed between the first boss 4221 and the second boss 4222. In this embodiment, when there are multiple damping mechanisms, different damping mechanisms may use elastic sheets with different elastic coefficients, so that the damping forces provided by the multiple damping mechanisms are different.

[0097] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , wherein the present application provides a schematic diagram of an articulated mechanism of a connection structure, in some embodiments, the articulated mechanism 30 comprises: an articulated base 31, a first rotating arm 32, a second rotating arm 33 and a synchronous transmission component 34;

[0098] One end of the first rotating arm 32 is rotatably connected to the articulated base 31, and the other end of the first rotating arm 32 is fixedly connected to the first connecting member 10; one end of the second rotating arm 33 is rotatably connected to the articulated base 31, and the other end of the second rotating arm 33 is fixedly connected to the second connecting member 20; one end of the first rotating arm 32 and one end of the second rotating arm 33 are respectively transmission-connected to the synchronous transmission component 34, so that the first rotating arm 32 and the second rotating arm 33 rotate toward or away from each other. The first rotating arm and the second rotating arm rotate toward or away from each other through the synchronous transmission component, and the first rotating arm drives the first connecting member to rotate, and the second rotating arm drives the second connecting member to rotate, so that the first connecting member and the second connecting member rotate toward or away from each other.

[0099] Specifically, in some embodiments, a rotatable first gear 35 and a second gear 36 are provided on the hinge base 31. One end of the first swing arm 32 is fixedly connected to the first gear 35, and one end of the second swing arm 33 is fixedly connected to the second gear 36. The synchronous transmission member 34 includes a central gear, and the central gear meshes with the first gear 35 and the second gear 36 respectively. Only one central gear is needed to realize the forward or reverse rotation of the first swing arm and the second swing arm, and the simple structure is beneficial to the intensive setting of the folding device.

[0100] Further, in some embodiments, the hinge mechanism 30 further includes: a first wing plate 37 and a second wing plate 38;

[0101] The first wing plate 37 is fixedly connected to the other end of the first swing arm 32, and the first wing plate 37 is fixedly connected to the first connecting member 10; the second wing plate 38 is fixedly connected to the other end of the second swing arm 33, and the second wing plate 38 is fixedly connected to the second connecting member 20. By providing the first wing plate and the second wing plate, it is convenient to connect the hinge mechanism to the first connecting member and the second connecting member. Bolts and nuts can be used to connect between the first wing plate and the first connecting member, and between the second wing plate and the second connecting member, which is convenient for disassembly and assembly.

[0102] In addition, in some embodiments, in order to make the first connecting member and the second connecting member more evenly stressed during the synchronous rotation process, the number of the hinge mechanisms 30 is two, and the two hinge mechanisms 30 are respectively arranged at the upper end and the lower end of the first connecting member 10 and the second connecting member 20.

[0103] Specifically, in some embodiments, the hinge base 31 has a side surface, and the side surface is provided with a receiving cavity 311. The central gear, the first gear 35 and the second gear 36 are arranged in the receiving cavity 311; the receiving cavity 311 has a first notch on the first side wall, and the other end of the first swing arm 32 passes through the first notch and extends out of the hinge base 31; the receiving cavity 311 has a second notch on the second side wall, and the other end of the second swing arm 33 passes through the second notch and extends out of the hinge base 31. Arranging the central gear, the first gear and the second gear in the receiving cavity can prevent dust and at the same time prevent foreign objects from accidentally touching the central gear, the first gear and the second gear.

[0104] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 which is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the connection structure provided by this application, and it is the same as Figure 1The difference provided is that the value of N is 5, and the five damping mechanisms 40 are respectively a first damping mechanism 40A, a second damping mechanism 40B, a third damping mechanism 40C, a fourth damping mechanism 40D, and a fifth damping mechanism 40E. Among them, the first damping mechanism 40A and the fifth damping mechanism 40E are maximum damping force damping mechanisms, and the number of the maximum damping force damping mechanisms is 2. The damping forces provided by the first damping mechanism 40A, the fourth damping mechanism 40D, the second damping mechanism 40B, and the third damping mechanism 40C decrease in sequence, and the remaining damping mechanisms provide three different damping forces.

[0105] In this embodiment, during the initial use of the connection structure, the first damping mechanism and the fifth damping mechanism play a main damping role. Since there are two maximum damping force damping mechanisms, the force uniformity during the initial use of the connection structure is improved. As the usage time increases, the damping forces provided by the first damping mechanism and the fifth damping mechanism decrease until they are the same as the damping force provided by the fourth damping mechanism. At this time, the first damping mechanism, the fifth damping mechanism, and the fourth damping mechanism play a main damping role. Then, the damping forces provided by the first damping mechanism, the fifth damping mechanism, and the fourth damping mechanism and the damping force provided by the second damping mechanism make the first damping mechanism, the fifth damping mechanism, the fourth damping mechanism, and the second damping mechanism play the same damping role. Finally, the damping forces provided by the first damping mechanism, the fifth damping mechanism, the fourth damping mechanism, and the second damping mechanism and the damping force provided by the third damping mechanism make the five damping mechanisms play the same damping role. In summary, the five damping mechanisms can make the overall damping force decrease more gently, and at the same time can increase the service life of the connection structure, and the damping force decreases within a smaller range during the service life, and the user experience is better.

[0106] In addition, in the above embodiment, the first damping mechanism 40A, the second damping mechanism 40B, the third damping mechanism 40C, the fourth damping mechanism 40D, and the fifth damping mechanism 40E are arranged in sequence from top to bottom along the connection seam 50. Setting the two maximum damping force damping mechanisms at the uppermost position and the lowermost position, and arranging the remaining damping mechanisms between the two maximum damping force damping mechanisms, and setting the third damping mechanism with the smallest damping force in the middle can further improve the force uniformity during the use of the hinged structure.

[0107] Please refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , Figure 8 which is a schematic diagram of the damping mechanism of the third structure of the connection structure provided by this application, and it is the same as Figure 1Different from the first structure of the provided connection structure, the elastic member 426A includes a torsion spring, and the torsion spring is pivotally connected to the first rotating shaft 422 or the second connecting member 20; one torsion arm 4261 of the torsion spring abuts against the first rotating shaft 422 or the second connecting member 20, and the other torsion arm 4262 of the torsion spring abuts against the force receiving plate 4212.

[0108] In this embodiment, the torsion spring is pivotally connected to the first rotating shaft 422, and one torsion arm 4261 of the torsion spring abuts against the first rotating shaft 422. Specifically, the other end of the first rotating shaft 422 extends outside the rotating bottom plate 4211. The other end of the first rotating shaft 422 is provided with a first shoulder 4221 and a second shoulder 4222. The first shoulder 4221 is located outside the second shoulder 4222. The second shoulder 4222 limits the movement of the rotating bottom plate 4211 along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 422. The torsion spring is pivotally connected between the first shoulder 4221 and the second shoulder 4222, and one torsion arm 4261 of the torsion spring abuts against the second shoulder 4222. In this embodiment, when the number of damping mechanisms is multiple, torsion springs with different elastic coefficients can be used for different damping mechanisms, so as to achieve different damping forces provided by multiple damping mechanisms.

[0109] In addition, the present application further provides a foldable terminal device, which includes the above-mentioned connection structure 100, a first main body installed and connected to the first connecting member 10 of the connection structure 100, and a second main body installed and connected to the second connecting member 20 of the connection structure 100.

[0110] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the foldable terminal device provided in the embodiment of the present application are the same as those of the foldable terminal device provided by the above technical solution, and will not be elaborated here.

[0111] The above has introduced in detail a connection structure and a foldable terminal device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Specific examples are used in this article to elaborate on the principle and implementation manner of the present application. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and its core idea of the present application; at the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the idea of the present application, there will be changes in the specific implementation manner and application scope. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation to the present application.

Claims

1. A connecting structure, characterized in that, Comprising: A first connecting member; A second connecting member; A damping mechanism, which is respectively connected to the first connecting member and the second connecting member; Wherein, in the process that the second connecting member rotates from a first position to a second position relative to the first connecting member under the action of an external force, the damping mechanism generates a damping force that hinders the rotation of the second connecting member, and when the external force disappears, the damping mechanism keeps the second connecting member in the second position; The number of the damping mechanisms is N, N is an integer, and the value of N is greater than or equal to 2. There is a connection seam between the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and the N damping mechanisms are arranged in sequence along the connection seam; At least M of the N damping mechanisms provide different damping forces, M is an integer, 1 < M, 2 < N; the N damping mechanisms provide different damping forces, M is an integer, M = 1, N = 2.

2. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein The value of N is 3, and the three damping mechanisms are a first damping mechanism, a second damping mechanism and a third damping mechanism respectively, wherein the damping forces provided by the first damping mechanism, the second damping mechanism and the third damping mechanism decrease in sequence.

3. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein, The value of N is 5, and the five damping mechanisms are a first damping mechanism, a second damping mechanism, a third damping mechanism, a fourth damping mechanism and a fifth damping mechanism respectively. Among them, the first damping mechanism and the fifth damping mechanism are maximum damping force damping mechanisms, and the damping forces provided by the fourth damping mechanism, the second damping mechanism and the third damping mechanism decrease in sequence.

4. The connection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first damping mechanism, the second damping mechanism, the third damping mechanism, the fourth damping mechanism and the fifth damping mechanism are arranged in sequence along the connection seam.

5. The connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that The damping mechanism includes: A guiding part, one end of the guiding part is fixedly connected to the first connecting member, and the other end extends towards the second connecting member; A movable part, one end of the movable part is movably connected to the second connecting member, and the other end is sleeved on the guiding part; Wherein, in the process that the second connecting member rotates from a first position to a second position relative to the first connecting member under the action of an external force, relative sliding occurs between the other end of the movable part and the guiding part and a frictional damping force is generated; when the external force disappears, the other end of the movable part presses against the guiding part.

6. The connection structure according to claim 5, characterized in that The guiding part includes: A damping rod, which is fixed on the first connecting member; The movable part includes: A rotating member, which is pivotally connected to the second connecting member through a first rotating shaft; A connecting rod, one end of the connecting rod is connected to the rotating member; A damping block, which is slidably connected to the damping rod, and the other end of the connecting rod is connected to the damping block; An elastic member, which elastically presses against the rotating member; Wherein, the rotating member applies a holding force to the damping block through the connecting rod under the elastic pressing action of the elastic member, and the damping block presses the damping rod under the action of the holding force.

7. The connection structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The other end of the connecting rod is pivotally connected to the damping block through a second rotating shaft.

8. The connection structure according to claim 7, wherein The second connecting member rotates around the first axis under the action of external force, the extension direction of the second rotation axis is consistent with the extension direction of the first axis, and the extension direction of the first rotation axis is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second rotation axis.

9. The connection structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of the movable parts is two, and the two movable parts are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the damping rod.

10. The connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the second connecting member rotates to the second position relative to the first connecting member, an angle between the second connecting member and the first connecting member is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 180.

11. The connection structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rotating member includes a rotating base plate and a force-bearing plate connected to the rotating base plate. The rotating base plate is pivotally connected to the second connecting member through the first rotating shaft, and the force-bearing plate is connected to the other end of the connecting rod.

12. The connection structure according to claim 6, wherein, The elastic member comprises an elastic sheet, one end of which is fixed to the first rotating shaft or the second connecting member; and the other end of the elastic sheet is in contact with the rotating member.

13. The connection structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The elastic member includes a torsion spring, which is pivotally connected to the first rotating shaft or the second connecting member; one torsion arm of the torsion spring conflicts with the first rotating shaft or the second connecting member, and the other torsion arm of the torsion spring conflicts with the rotating member.

14. The connection structure according to claim 6, wherein, The damping rod is an arc-shaped rod, one end of which is fixed on the first connecting member, and the other end of which extends toward the second connecting member and is located on the same horizontal plane as the one end of the arc-shaped rod.

15. The connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that The connection structure further includes a hinge mechanism connected to the first connection member and the second connection member respectively.

16. The connection structure according to claim 15, wherein, The hinge mechanism comprises: Articulated base; A first rotating arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the hinged base, and the other end of which is connected to the first connecting member; A second rotating arm, one end of the second rotating arm is rotatably connected to the hinged base, and the other end of the second rotating arm is connected to the second connecting member; A synchronous transmission component, one end of the first rotating arm and one end of the second rotating arm are respectively transmission-connected to the synchronous transmission component.

17. The connection structure according to claim 16, wherein The articulated base is provided with a first gear and a second gear, one end of the first rotating arm is fixedly connected to the first gear, one end of the second rotating arm is fixedly connected to the second gear, and the synchronous transmission component includes a central gear, and the central gear is respectively meshed with the first gear and the second gear.

18. A foldable terminal device, characterized in that, It comprises a connection structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, a first main body installed and connected to a first connection piece of the connection structure, and a second main body installed and connected to a second connection piece of the connection structure.

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