Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment, wherein the rotating shaft mechanism comprises a base, a first driving part, a guide part and a second driving part. The base comprises a fixing part and two first rotating arms, the fixing part is fixed with the base, one end of each first rotating arm is rotationally connected with the fixing part, and the other end is fixedly connected with a middle frame. The guide part comprises two guide blocks, each guide block is rotationally connected with the base, each guide block corresponds to one first rotating arm, and the guide block is linked with the first rotating arm; the second driving part comprises two second rotating arms, the second rotating arms are used for being fixedly connected with a shell, and the second rotating arms are linked with the guide blocks. When the two second rotating arms relatively rotate, the two shells can be converted from unfolding to folding, the guide part drives the two first rotating arms to relatively rotate, and the relative rotation angle of the two first rotating arms is greater than that of the two second rotating arms. The rotating shaft mechanism drives the middle frame and the shell to realize different rotation angles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic equipment technology, and in particular to a rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Foldable mobile devices (such as foldable phones, foldable tablets, and foldable computers) need to meet high reliability, a good user experience, and an attractive design. In foldable mobile devices, the flexible screen is continuously foldable. During the folding process, the flexible screen moves synchronously with the outer shell, resulting in significant deformation at the bending point. Furthermore, the two parts of the flexible screen are roughly parallel, giving the bending point a large curvature, which leads to noticeable creases. Reducing the curvature of the flexible screen's bending point by relatively shifting the two outer shell parts would severely affect the mobile device's appearance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a rotating shaft mechanism and an electronic device to enable the flexible screen and the housing to have different rotation angles.

[0004] A first aspect of this application provides a pivot mechanism for a foldable electronic device. The electronic device includes a flexible screen and two housings. Each housing includes an outer shell and a middle frame. The two outer shells are rotatably connected, and the middle frame is rotatably connected to the outer shell. The flexible screen is laid on the surface of the middle frame and includes a base, a first driving part, a guide part, and a second driving part. The first driving part includes a fixing member and two first rotating arms. The two first rotating arms are distributed on both sides of the base. The fixing member is fixed to the base. One end of each first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the fixing member, and the other end is fixedly connected to the middle frame. The first rotating arm includes a first sliding part. The guide part includes two guide blocks. Each guide block is rotatably connected to the base, and each guide block corresponds to one of the first rotating arms located on the same side. The guide block includes a second sliding part that slidably engages with the first sliding part. The first sliding part and the second sliding part cooperate to guide the relative movement between the guide block and the first rotating arm. The guide block also includes a third sliding part. The second drive unit includes two second rotating arms, which are fixedly connected to the outer shell. The two second rotating arms are distributed on both sides of the base, and each second rotating arm corresponds to a guide block located on the same side. Each second rotating arm includes a fourth sliding part that slidably engages with the third sliding part. The third and fourth sliding parts guide the relative movement of the guide block and the second rotating arm. When the two second rotating arms rotate relative to each other from a first relative position to a second relative position, they can drive the two outer shells to change from unfolded to folded. The guide part drives the two first rotating arms to rotate relative to each other, and the relative rotation angle of the two first rotating arms is greater than the relative rotation angle of the two second rotating arms. When the two outer shells are unfolded, the two middle frames are coplanar; when the two outer shells are folded, the two middle frames flare at the end near the base.

[0005] In this rotating mechanism, the first and second rotating arms are linked by a guide, allowing them to rotate synchronously. However, the rotation angles of the first and second rotating arms differ; specifically, the rotation angle of the first rotating arm is greater than that of the second rotating arm. This allows the middle frame driven by the second rotating arm to have a certain angle when the outer shell rotates to fold, meaning the middle frame has a flared shape at the end near the base. This allows the flexible screen connected to the middle frame to achieve a larger arc transition at the bend, reducing wrinkles and mitigating crease and shadow effects on the flexible screen. Here, the flared shape at the end near the base means that the relative distance between the two middle frames at the end near the base is greater than the relative distance between the ends of the two middle frames away from the base.

[0006] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first rotating arm is provided with an arc-shaped groove, and the fixing member is provided with an arc-shaped block. The arc-shaped block slides into the arc-shaped groove, so that the first rotating arm and the fixing member are rotatably connected.

[0007] In this possible implementation, the rotating shaft mechanism can achieve a rotational connection between the first rotating arm and the fixed member through the sliding engagement of the arc-shaped block and the arc-shaped groove. Moreover, both the arc-shaped block and the arc-shaped groove can be set as minor arcs, so that the middle frame can be positioned below the rotating shaft where the first rotating arm and the fixed member rotate relative to each other, and the first rotating arm can drive the middle frame to rotate by a large amplitude of more than 90°.

[0008] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, one of the first sliding part and the second sliding part is a first sliding groove, and the other is a first slider; one of the third sliding part and the fourth sliding part is a second sliding groove, and the other is a second slider.

[0009] In this possible implementation, the first and second slides of the rotating shaft mechanism can be configured according to the required relative motion relationship between the first and second rotating arms. Once the shapes of the first and second slides are determined, when the second rotating arm rotates, the guide block can drive the first rotating arm to move along a preset trajectory. The form of the slider and slides facilitates the assembly of the first drive unit, the guide unit, and the second drive unit.

[0010] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first slide rail includes a continuous first segment and a second segment, and the second slide rail includes continuous third and fourth segments. When the two second rotating arms rotate relative to each other such that their opposite ends move closer together, the first slider enters the second segment from the first segment, and the second slider enters the fourth segment from the third segment. The first slide rail and the second slide rail are configured such that when the first slider slides in the first segment, the second slider slides in the third segment, and the rotational speed of the first rotating arm is equal to the rotational speed of the second rotating arm.

[0011] In this possible implementation, as the first slider slides in the first segment, the second slider slides synchronously in the third segment. At this time, the rotational speeds of the first and second rotating arms are approximately the same. The difference in rotational speed between the first and second rotating arms is within 5%. In this configuration, the relative movement of the middle frame driven by the first rotating arm and the outer shell driven by the second rotating arm is smoother and more stable, making it less noticeable to the user and resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing unfolding and folding process.

[0012] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, when the first slider slides in the third segment, the second slider slides in the fourth segment, such that the relative rotational speed of the two first rotating arms is greater than the relative rotational speed of the two second rotating arms.

[0013] In this possible implementation, the relative rotation of the first rotating arm and the second rotating arm is controlled by the sliding of the first slider in the second segment and the sliding of the second slider in the fourth segment. During the sliding phases of the first slider in the second segment and the second slider in the fourth segment, the rotational speed of the first rotating arm is always greater than the rotational speed of the second rotating arm, thereby achieving a total rotation angle of the first rotating arm that is greater than the total rotation angle of the second rotating arm, making the relative movement of the first rotating arm and the second rotating arm smoother and more stable.

[0014] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes a synchronization component. The synchronization component is drive-connected to the two guide blocks, enabling the two guide blocks to rotate synchronously in opposite directions.

[0015] In this possible implementation, the synchronization component enables the two guide blocks to move synchronously in opposite directions, and also drives the two first rotating arms to move synchronously, and the two second rotating arms to move synchronously.

[0016] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the synchronization component includes two meshing synchronization gears. Each of the two synchronization gears corresponds one-to-one with one of the two guide blocks, and the synchronization gears are fixedly connected to their respective guide blocks.

[0017] In this possible implementation, the synchronous movement of the two guide blocks is achieved by the meshing of two synchronous gears, which makes the synchronous transmission of the two guide blocks more stable, and the two synchronous gears are less likely to slip, thus making the synchronous movement of the two guide blocks less prone to failure.

[0018] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the synchronization component further includes an even number of linkage gears, and two of the synchronization gears mesh through the even number of linkage gears.

[0019] In this possible implementation, by adding an even number of linkage gears, the pitch circles of the synchronizing gear and the linkage gear can be designed to be smaller, without occupying space.

[0020] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes a damping component. The damping component is drive-connected to the guide blocks and provides damping force when the two guide blocks rotate relative to each other.

[0021] In this possible implementation, the damping force provided by the damping component can stabilize the two second rotating arms in a first relative position and / or a second relative position.

[0022] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the damping assembly includes a first cam member, a second cam member, and a damping elastic member. The first cam member has a first protrusion on its side facing the second cam member, and the second cam member has a first groove that mates with the first protrusion. One of the first and second cam members is circumferentially connected to the base, and the other is drivenly engaged with the guide block, enabling synchronous rotation with the guide block. The damping elastic member provides elastic force to the first and second cam members when they are relatively close together. During the relative rotation of the two second rotating arms from a first relative position to a second relative position, the first protrusion slides out of the first groove.

[0023] In this possible implementation, the damping component, through the engagement of a first protrusion and a first groove, ensures that when the two second rotating arms are in a first relative position, they remain relatively stable in that position, while simultaneously maintaining a relatively stable relative position. A certain torque needs to be applied to the two second rotating arms to overcome the elastic force of the damping element, allowing the first protrusion to slide out of the first groove. In other words, a certain torque needs to be applied to move the two second rotating arms away from the first relative position and towards the second relative position.

[0024] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first cam member has a second protrusion on the side facing the second cam member, and the second cam has a second groove that engages with the second protrusion. During the relative rotation of the two second rotating arms from a second relative position to a first relative position, the second protrusion slides out of the second groove.

[0025] In this possible implementation, the damping component, through the engagement of a second protrusion and a second groove, ensures that when the two second rotating arms are in a second relative position, they can remain relatively stable in that position. Simultaneously, the two first rotating arms also maintain a relatively stable relative position. A certain torque needs to be applied to the two second rotating arms to overcome the elastic force of the damping element, allowing the second protrusion to slide out of the second groove. In other words, a certain torque needs to be applied to cause the two second rotating arms to disengage from the second relative position and move towards the first relative position.

[0026] Based on the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the pivot mechanism further includes two screen elastic elements, one end of which is connected to the guide block and the other end is used to connect to the middle frame. The screen elastic elements cause the middle frame to tend to move away from the guide block.

[0027] In this possible implementation, the screen elastic element causes the two mid-frames to tend to move away from each other, thereby tensioning the flexible screen on the mid-frames and keeping the flexible screen flat. This facilitates the installation of the flexible screen and maintains its flatness when the casing is unfolded.

[0028] A second aspect of this application provides an electronic device, including a flexible screen, a pivot mechanism provided in any implementation of the first aspect, and two housings. Each housing includes an outer shell and a middle frame, the two outer shells being rotatably connected, and the middle frame being rotatably connected to the outer shell. A portion of the flexible screen is connected to one of the middle frames, and another portion is connected to the other middle frame. One first rotating arm of the pivot mechanism is fixedly connected to one of the middle frames, and the other first rotating arm is fixedly connected to the other middle frame. One second rotating arm of the pivot mechanism is fixedly connected to one of the outer shells, and the other second rotating arm is fixedly connected to the other outer shell.

[0029] In this electronic device, the two housings are controlled to rotate via a pivot mechanism, allowing the outer shell and the middle frame to have different rotation angles. The middle frame connects to the flexible screen. When the two housings rotate to a folded position, i.e., when the two housings form a 180° angle, the rotation angle of the middle frame is greater than that of the outer shell. This results in the flexible screen within the middle frame having an angle greater than 180° at the bend. The middle frame rotates a certain angle between itself and the outer shell to match the angle difference between the outer shell and the middle frame, thus enabling a smooth transition at the bend of the flexible screen, reducing wrinkles and mitigating crease and shadow phenomena.

[0030] Based on the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the housing further includes a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is rotatably disposed at one end of the outer casing away from the rotating shaft mechanism, and the middle frame is rotatably engaged with the rotating shaft.

[0031] In this possible implementation, the relative rotation of the outer shell and the middle frame is achieved through a separate rotation axis, which facilitates the assembly of the outer shell and the middle frame. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable mobile terminal, with the two casings in a folded state.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The two housings are in an unfolded state, the flexible screen is in an unfolded state, and the rotating mechanism corresponds to the unfolded state of the flexible screen, that is, the two second rotating arms are in a first relative position.

[0034] Figure 3This is an exploded view of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The two housings are in an unfolded state, the flexible screen is in a folded state, and the rotating mechanism corresponds to the folded state of the flexible screen, that is, the two second rotating arms are in a second relative position.

[0035] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first drive unit provided in an embodiment of this application, with the two first rotating arms in an extended state.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first drive unit provided in an embodiment of this application, in which the two first rotating arms are in a folded state.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotating arm provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle.

[0040] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of region B in the middle.

[0041] Explanation of main component symbols

[0042] Mobile terminals, electronic devices 001

[0043] Flexible screen 010

[0044] Rotating shaft mechanism 030

[0045] Casing 050

[0046] First shell 050a

[0047] Second shell 050b

[0048] Outer shell 051

[0049] First outer shell 051a

[0050] Second outer shell 051b

[0051] Mid-frame 053

[0052] First middle frame 053a

[0053] Second middle frame 053b

[0054] Rotating shaft 055

[0055] Base 100

[0056] First mounting bracket 110

[0057] Second mounting bracket 130

[0058] First Drive Unit 200

[0059] Fastener 210

[0060] Arc groove 231

[0061] First rotating arm 230

[0062] Arc-shaped block 211

[0063] First chute 233

[0064] First paragraph 2331

[0065] Second paragraph 2333

[0066] First bolt 250

[0067] Second bolt 270

[0068] Guiding section 300

[0069] Guide block 310

[0070] First slider 311

[0071] Second slider 313

[0072] Second drive unit 400

[0073] Second rotating arm 410

[0074] Second slide 411

[0075] Third paragraph 4111

[0076] Fourth paragraph 4113

[0077] Door panel 500

[0078] Synchronous Gear 610

[0079] Linkage Gear 630

[0080] First cam component 710

[0081] First protrusion 711

[0082] Second protrusion 713

[0083] Second cam component 730

[0084] First groove 731

[0085] Second groove 733

[0086] Damping elastic element 750

[0087] Screen elastic component 800

[0088] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation

[0089] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. Although the description of this application is presented in conjunction with preferred embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the application in conjunction with embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of this application. To provide a thorough understanding of this application, many specific details will be included in the following description. This application may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of this application, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0090] In the following description, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are defined relative to the indicated orientation of the components in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts used for relative description and clarification, and they may change accordingly depending on the orientation of the components in the accompanying drawings.

[0091] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "connection" shall be interpreted broadly, for example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0092] In the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the schematic diagrams, for ease of explanation, the diagrams showing the partial structure of the device will be enlarged locally without adhering to the usual scale, and the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0093] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0094] To facilitate understanding of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application, the application scenario will be introduced first.

[0095] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a foldable mobile terminal is shown, with the two housings 050 in a folded state.

[0096] like Figure 1 As shown, the hinge mechanism 030 provided in this embodiment can be applied to a foldable mobile terminal 001. Foldability specifically refers to the inclusion of two relatively rotating parts, whose shape can be changed through folding, rotating, or other methods. Under different usage conditions, users can fold and unfold this mobile terminal 001 to meet their different needs. When a user needs to carry the mobile terminal 001 with them, it can be folded to reduce its size and improve portability. When a user is using the mobile terminal 001, it can be unfolded to provide a larger display and operation area, thereby improving ease of use. In practical applications, the mobile terminal 001 can be of various types, such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, e-readers, etc.

[0097] Taking a mobile phone as an example, the phone may include two housings 050 connected by a hinge mechanism 030. Under the action of the hinge mechanism 030, the two housings 050 can rotate and move relative to each other. Each housing 050 includes an outer shell and a middle frame. The middle frame is located inside the outer shell, and a flexible screen (such as an OLED screen) can be placed on the surface of the two middle frames. When the phone is unfolded, the surfaces of the two housings 050 where the flexible screen is located are roughly flush, providing a larger display area and operating area to improve usability. When the phone is folded, the flexible screen is also bent. The flexible screen can be wrapped between the hinge mechanism 030 and the two housings 050 to provide good protection for the flexible screen, preventing damage from external forces and improving the phone's safety performance.

[0098] If the flexible screen and the outer shell move synchronously, and the two outer shells move 180° relative to each other from unfolding to folding, the two parts of the flexible screen also move 180° relative to each other. This will cause the flexible screen to bend at parallel positions, resulting in a very small radius arc transition at the bending part. This will cause the flexible screen to have large local stress, and repeated bending will form obvious creases.

[0099] Figure 2An exploded view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of this application is shown. The two housings 050 are in an unfolded state, the flexible screen 010 is in an unfolded state, and the rotating mechanism 030 corresponds to the unfolded state of the flexible screen 010, that is, the two second rotating arms 410 are in a first relative position.

[0100] Figure 3 An exploded view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of this application is shown. The two housings 050 are in an unfolded state, the flexible screen 010 is in a folded state, and the pivot mechanism 030 corresponds to the folded state of the flexible screen 010, i.e., the two second rotating arms 410 are in a second relative position.

[0101] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, this electronic device is a mobile phone. This electronic device includes a flexible screen 010, a hinge mechanism 030, and two housings 050.

[0102] Two housings 050 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the rotating shaft mechanism 030, and the rotating shaft mechanism 030 drives the two housings 050 to rotate relative to each other.

[0103] Each housing 050 includes an outer shell 051 and a middle frame 053 (transparent in the figure). The outer shell 051 has a receiving cavity, and the middle frame 053 is disposed at the opening of the receiving cavity. The housing 050 also includes a rotating shaft 055. A guide groove is provided at the end of the outer shell 051 away from the rotating shaft mechanism 030. The rotating shaft 055 is rotatably engaged with the outer shell 051 through the guide groove, and the middle frame 053 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 055. The rotating shaft 055 allows the outer shell 051 and the middle frame 053 to rotatably engage. As the middle frame 053 and the outer shell 051 rotate relative to each other, the side of the middle frame 053 closer to the rotating shaft mechanism 030 can sink into the receiving cavity.

[0104] For ease of description, the two housings 050 are named the first housing 050a and the second housing 050b, respectively. Correspondingly, the outer shell 051 of the first housing 050a is called the first outer shell 051a, and the middle frame 053 of the first housing 050a is called the first middle frame 053a. The outer shell 051 of the second housing 050b is called the second outer shell 051b, and the middle frame 053 of the second housing 050b is called the second middle frame 053b. The flexible screen 010 is fixed to the side of the middle frame 053 away from the receiving cavity. Specifically, a part of the flexible screen 010 is fixed to the first middle frame 053a, and another part is fixed to the second middle frame 053b. Through the relative rotation of the first housing 050a and the second housing 050b, the flexible screen 010 can switch between an unfolded state and a bent state. The guide groove also has a certain extension from near the rotating shaft mechanism 030 to away from the rotating shaft mechanism 030, and the rotating shaft 055 can slide within the guide groove, so that the middle frame 053 can also move closer to or further away from the rotating shaft mechanism 030. The ability of the mid-frame 053 to be relatively close to or far from the pivot mechanism 030 facilitates the installation of the flexible screen 010, allowing the flexible screen 010 to unfold flat.

[0105] Figure 4 An exploded view of the rotating shaft mechanism 030 in one embodiment of this application is shown.

[0106] like Figure 4 As shown, the rotating shaft mechanism 030 includes a base 100, a first driving part 200, a guide part 300, and a second driving part 400. The base 100 is generally elongated and has a mounting cavity. The first driving part 200, the guide part 300, and the second driving part 400 are all at least partially housed within the mounting cavity.

[0107] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first housing 051a has a first back plate, and the second housing 051b has a second back plate. The first back plate, the second back plate, and the base 100 together form the side of the electronic device that faces away from the flexible screen 010. When the first housing 050a and the second housing 050b are unfolded, the first back plate, the base 100, and the second back plate are continuous, thereby giving the electronic device a better appearance and also giving it better dustproof performance.

[0108] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first drive unit 200 in one embodiment of this application is shown, with the two first rotating arms 230 in an extended state.

[0109] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first drive unit 200 in one embodiment of this application is shown, with the two first rotating arms 230 in a folded state.

[0110] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first drive unit 200 includes a fixing member 210 and two first rotating arms 230. The fixing member 210 is fixedly connected to the base 100 by a first bolt 250. The fixing member 210 is provided with two arc-shaped blocks 211, which are symmetrically located on both sides of the fixing member 210. The first rotating arms 230 are provided with arc-shaped grooves 231, and the arc-shaped blocks 211 are slidably disposed in the arc-shaped grooves 231. By sliding the arc-shaped blocks 211 in the arc-shaped grooves 231, the first rotating arms 230 can rotate relative to the fixing member 210. The shape of the arc-shaped grooves 231 and the arc-shaped blocks 211 is such that the axis of rotation of the first rotating arms 230 about the fixing member 210 is located outside the fixing member 210.

[0111] Please return to the reference. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The end of the first rotating arm 230 away from the fixed member 210 is fixedly connected to the middle frame 053 by the second bolt 270. When the first rotating arm 230 rotates relative to the fixed member 210, it drives the middle frame 053 to rotate together relative to the fixed member 210.

[0112] The first rotating arm 230 includes a first sliding part, which is disposed near the guide part 300 and is used to drive the guide part 300 to move.

[0113] Please see Figure 4 The guide portion 300 includes a first mounting base 110 and two guide blocks 310. The first mounting base 110 is fixedly connected to the base 100, and the guide blocks 310 are rotatably engaged with the first mounting base 110, so that the guide blocks 310 are rotatably connected to the base 100. Each guide block 310 corresponds to a first rotating arm 230. The guide block 310 includes a second sliding portion, which is slidably engaged with the first sliding portion. When the first rotating arm 230 rotates relative to the fixed member 210, the sliding engagement of the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion causes the guide block 310 to rotate relative to the base 100.

[0114] The first sliding part is a first groove 233, and the second sliding part is a first slider 311. The first groove 233 extends from near the fixing member 210 to away from the fixing member 210. The first slider 311 is a cylindrical slider. The first slider 311 can not only slide along the extension direction of the first groove 233, but also rotate within the first groove 233. When the first rotating arm 230 rotates relative to the fixing member 210, the first slider 311 slides within the first groove 233 to drive the guide part 300 to rotate relative to the base 100.

[0115] The guide block 310 also includes a third sliding part, which is located on the side of the guide block 310 away from the first rotating arm 230, and is used to drive the second driving part 400 to move.

[0116] The second drive unit 400 includes two second rotating arms 410. Each second rotating arm 410 corresponds to a guide block 310. The second rotating arm 410 includes a fourth sliding part, which is slidably engaged with a third sliding part. When the guide block 310 rotates relative to the base 100, the sliding engagement of the third sliding part and the fourth sliding part causes the second rotating arm 410 to rotate relative to the base 100.

[0117] The third sliding part is the second slider 313, and the fourth sliding part is the second groove 411. The first groove 233 extends from near the base 100 to away from the base 100. The second slider 313 is a cylindrical slider, which can not only slide along the extension direction of the second groove 411, but also rotate within the second groove 411. When the guide block 310 rotates relative to the base 100, the second slider 313 slides within the second groove 411 to drive the second rotating arm 410 to rotate relative to the base 100.

[0118] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotating arm 230 in one embodiment of this application is shown.

[0119] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 7 The shape design of the first slide groove 233 and the second slide groove 411 can control the relative rotational speed of the first rotating arm 230 and the second rotating arm 410. Specifically, the first slide groove 233 includes a continuous first segment 2331 and a second segment 2333, and the second slide groove 411 includes a continuous third segment 4111 and a fourth segment 4113. The third segment 4111 and the fourth segment 4113 extend in the same direction, that is, the entire second slide groove 411 extends along the same straight line. The relative movement speed of the first rotating arm 230 and the second rotating arm 410 is controlled by setting the angle between the first segment 2331 and the second segment 2333 in the first slide groove 233. This reduces the design difficulty and makes the movement of the second rotating arm 410 smoother.

[0120] When the first housing 050a and the second housing 050b are unfolded, the two second rotating arms 410 are in a first relative position. When the first housing 050a and the second housing 050b are folded, the two second rotating arms 410 are in a second relative position. During the relative rotation of the two first rotating arms 230, as the two second rotating arms 410 change from the first relative position to the second relative position, the first slider 311 moves from the end of the first segment 2331 away from the second segment 2333 towards the end of the second segment 2333 away from the first segment 2331, and the second slider 313 moves from the end of the third segment 4111 away from the fourth segment 4113 towards the end of the fourth segment 4113 away from the third segment 4111.

[0121] When the first slider 311 moves in the first segment 2331, the second slider 313 moves in the third segment 4111. At this time, the rotational speed of the first rotating arm 230 is approximately equal to the rotational speed of the second rotating arm 410. Specifically, the difference between the rotational speed of the first rotating arm 230 and the rotational speed of the second rotating arm 410 is no more than 5%, ensuring that the middle frame 053 driven by the first rotating arm 230 and the outer shell 051 driven by the second rotating arm 410 have approximately the same rotational speed. Therefore, when the first slider 311 moves in the first segment 2331 and the second slider 313 moves in the third segment 4111, the first middle frame 053a remains parallel to the first back panel, and the second middle frame 053b remains parallel to the second back panel. From the user's perspective, the flexible screen 010 fixed to the surface of the middle frame 053 moves synchronously with the outer shell 051, making the entire folding process of the electronic device appear very smooth.

[0122] When the first slider 311 enters the second segment 2333, the second slider 313 enters the fourth segment 4113. When the first slider 311 moves in the second segment 2333 and the second slider 313 moves in the fourth segment 4113, the rotational speed of the first rotating arm 230 is greater than the rotational speed of the second rotating arm 410. This means that when the first rotating arm 230 rotates a certain angle, the second rotating arm 410 will rotate a smaller angle. In other words, when the second rotating arm 410 rotates a certain angle, the first rotating arm 230 will rotate a larger angle.

[0123] When the second rotating arm 410 drives the outer shell 051 to rotate to a folded state, the first outer shell 051a and the second outer shell 051b contact and accommodate the flexible screen 010. At this time, the second rotating arm 410 moves from the first relative position to the second relative position with a rotation angle of approximately 90°. That is, one second rotating arm 410 drives the first outer shell 051a to rotate approximately 90°, and the other second rotating arm 410 drives the second outer shell 051b to rotate approximately 90°, thus changing the first outer shell 051a and the second outer shell 051b from an unfolded state to a folded state. Since there is a difference in rotational speed between the first rotating arm 230 and the second rotating arm 410, and the middle frame 053 is rotatably engaged with the outer shell 051, the second rotating arm 410 drives the middle frame 053 to rotate at an angle greater than 90°, causing the first middle frame 053a and the second middle frame 053b to be in an open state from the direction away from the base 100 to the direction close to the base 100. The flexible screen 010 can have a large bending angle at the bending point, that is, the part of the flexible screen 010 close to the base 100, thereby reducing the local curvature of the flexible screen 010, reducing the wrinkles of the flexible screen 010, and alleviating the crease and shadow phenomenon of the flexible screen 010.

[0124] Furthermore, since the first rotating arm 230 and the fixing member 210 are rotatably connected through the arc-shaped groove 231 and the arc-shaped block 211, the flexible screen 010 can be brought closer to the base 100. Compared to the form in which the first rotating arm 230 and the fixing member 210 are rotatably connected through a solid rotating shaft, the form of the arc-shaped groove 231 and the arc-shaped block 211 can avoid the problem of positional conflict between the flexible screen 010 and the solid rotating shaft.

[0125] Understandably, the first sliding part and the second sliding part can also be configured as follows: the first sliding part is the first slider 311 and the second sliding part is the first slide groove 233, which can also control the relative movement of the first rotating arm 230 and the guide block 310.

[0126] Understandably, the third and fourth sliding parts can also be configured as follows: the third sliding part is the second slide groove 411, and the fourth sliding part is the second slide groove 411, which can also control the relative movement of the second rotating arm 410 and the guide block 310.

[0127] The driving sequence of this electronic device can also be understood as the reverse sequence. That is, the second rotating arm 410 drives the guide block 310 to move through the cooperation of the third and fourth sliding parts, and the guide block 310 then drives the first rotating arm 230 to move through the cooperation of the first and second sliding parts.

[0128] The electronic device is equipped with two sets of first drive units 200, two sets of guide units 300, and two sets of second drive units 400, corresponding to both ends of the base 100. These two sets of first drive units 200, guide units 300, and second drive units 400 ensure a more balanced force distribution between the outer casing 051 and the middle frame 053. The second rotating arms 410 of the two sets of second drive units 400 are fixedly connected via door panels 500. Specifically, the second rotating arms 410 of the two sets of second drive units 400 near the first casing 050a are fixedly connected via one door panel 500, and the second rotating arms 410 of the two sets of second drive units 400 near the second casing 050b are fixedly connected via another door panel 500, increasing the overall integrity of the two sets of second drive units 400 and also increasing the strength of the second rotating arms 410.

[0129] Please see Figure 4The rotating shaft mechanism 030 also includes a synchronization component. The synchronization component includes two synchronization gears 610 and two linkage gears 630. The synchronization gears 610 are integrally formed with the guide block 310, and the axis of the synchronization gear 610 is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the guide block 310, meaning the guide block 310 rotates around the axis of the synchronization gear 610. For ease of description, the synchronization gear 610 closer to the first housing 050a is named the first synchronization gear 610, and the synchronization gear 610 closer to the second housing 050b is named the second synchronization gear 610. The linkage gears 630 closer to the first housing 050a are named the first linkage gear 630, and the linkage gears 630 closer to the second housing 050b are named the second linkage gear 630.

[0130] Two linkage gears 630 are located between two synchronous gears 610. The first synchronous gear 610 meshes with the first linkage gear 630, the first linkage gear 630 meshes with the second linkage gear 630, and the second linkage gear 630 meshes with the second synchronous gear 610. The fixing member 210 has two insertion holes, through which the linkage gear 630 rotatably engages with the fixing member 210. The first mounting base 110 also has insertion holes corresponding to the linkage gear 630, through which the linkage gear 630 rotatably engages with the first mounting base 110. The fixing member 210 and the linkage gear 630 fix the relative position of the first mounting base 110 and the base 100. The first mounting base 110 also has insertion holes corresponding to the synchronous gear 610, through which the synchronous gear 610 rotatably engages with the first mounting base 110, thus achieving rotatable engagement between the synchronous gear 610 and the base 100.

[0131] When the first synchronizing gear 610 rotates, the first linkage gear 630 rotates, which in turn drives the second linkage gear 630 to rotate, and the second linkage gear 630 in turn drives the second synchronizing gear 610 to rotate. Since there are an even number of linkage gears 630 between the first and second synchronizing gears 610, their rotation directions are exactly opposite. Therefore, when one guide block 310 rotates, the other guide block 310 can rotate synchronously in the opposite direction.

[0132] The synchronization component causes the two guide blocks 310 to rotate synchronously in opposite directions. Correspondingly, the two first rotating arms 230 also rotate synchronously in opposite directions, the two second rotating arms 410 also rotate synchronously in opposite directions, the first outer shell 051a and the second outer shell 051b rotate synchronously in opposite directions, and the first middle frame 053a and the second middle frame 053b rotate synchronously in opposite directions.

[0133] By setting two synchronous gears 610 and two linkage gears 630, the pitch circle diameter of each gear can be designed to be smaller, making reasonable use of the mounting cavity space of the base 100.

[0134] Understandably, the number of linkage gears 630 can also be four, six, or other even numbers, so that the two synchronizing gears 610 can rotate synchronously in opposite directions.

[0135] Figure 8 It shows Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle.

[0136] Figure 9 It shows Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of region B in the middle.

[0137] Please see Figure 4 The rotating shaft mechanism 030 also includes a damping assembly connected to the guide blocks 310, which provides damping force when the two guide blocks 310 rotate relative to each other. Specifically, the damping assembly includes a first cam 710, a second cam 730, and a damping elastic element 750. (See also...) Figure 8 The first cam member 710 has a first protrusion 711 and a second protrusion 713 on the side facing the second cam member 730. (See also...) Figure 9 The second cam is provided with a first groove 731 and a second groove 733. The first groove 731 cooperates with the first protrusion 711, and the second groove 733 cooperates with the second protrusion 713.

[0138] Please return to the reference. Figure 4 The first cam member 710 is driven by the guide block 310, and when the guide block 310 rotates, the first cam member 710 rotates synchronously. The second cam member 730 is circumferentially limited by the first mounting base 110, and the second cam member 730 can move relatively closer to or away from the first cam member 710. The damping elastic member 750 is a compression spring, with one end acting on the second cam member 730 and the other end acting on the second mounting base 130, which is fixedly connected to the base 100. The elastic force of the damping elastic member 750 acts on the second cam member 730, causing the second cam member 730 to tend to move closer to the first cam member 710.

[0139] Specifically, adjacent second cam pieces 730 are fixedly connected, and each second cam piece 730 corresponds to a linkage gear 630 or a synchronization gear 610. Therefore, the rotation axes of any two second cam pieces 730 are parallel but not the same. After all the second cam pieces 730 are fixedly connected, no single second cam piece 730 can rotate around its own axis, but it can slide along its axis.

[0140] When the two second rotating arms 410 are in the first relative position, the first protrusion 711 is inside the first groove 731. As the two second rotating arms 410 rotate relative to each other from the first relative position to the second relative position, the first protrusion 711 slides out of the first groove 731, and the elastic force provided by the damping elastic element 750 is converted into a damping force that prevents the first protrusion 711 from sliding out of the first groove 731, which can improve the user's experience when folding electronic devices.

[0141] When the two second rotating arms 410 are in the second relative position, the second protrusion 713 is inside the second groove 733. As the two second rotating arms 410 rotate relative to each other from the second relative position to the first relative position, the second protrusion 713 slides out of the second groove 733, and the elastic force provided by the damping elastic element 750 is converted into a damping force that prevents the second protrusion 713 from sliding out of the second groove 733, which can improve the user's experience when unfolding the electronic device.

[0142] The electronic device also includes two screen elastic elements 800, which are compression springs. One end of each screen elastic element 800 is connected to a guide block 310, and the other end is connected to a middle frame 053. The screen elastic elements 800 cause the middle frame 053 to tend to move away from the guide block 310. Under the action of the guide groove, the middle frame 053 can move relative to the outer shell 051, to a certain extent moving closer to or further away from the guide block 310.

[0143] When installing the flexible screen 010 through the middle frame 053, the flexible screen 010 can be fixed at a position of the middle frame 053 relatively close to the guide block 310, and then the elasticity of the screen elastic element 800 can be used to move the middle frame 053 away from the guide block 310, allowing the flexible screen 010 to unfold during this process and reducing the wrinkles of the flexible screen 010.

[0144] Understandably, the rotating shaft 055 can also slide relative to the outer casing 051 without using a guide groove. A sliding block can be provided on the outer casing 051, allowing it to slide closer to or further away from the rotating shaft mechanism 030. The rotating shaft 055 rotates in conjunction with the sliding block, thereby achieving relative displacement between the rotating shaft 055 and the outer casing 051.

[0145] In this electronic device, the two housings 050 are controlled to rotate via a pivot mechanism 030, allowing the outer shell 051 and the middle frame 053 to have different rotation angles. The middle frame 053 connects to the flexible screen 010. When the two housings 051 rotate to a folded position, that is, when the two housings 051 form a 180° angle, the rotation angle of the middle frame 053 is greater than that of the outer shell 051. This results in the flexible screen 010 within the middle frame 053 having an angle greater than 180° at the bend. The middle frame 053 rotates a certain angle relative to the outer shell 051 to match the angle difference between the outer shell 051 and the middle frame 053, thereby enabling the flexible screen 010 to achieve a smooth transition at the bend, reducing wrinkles in the flexible screen 010, and alleviating the crease and shadow phenomena of the flexible screen 010.

[0146] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be covered within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A pivot mechanism for a foldable electronic device, the electronic device comprising a flexible screen and two housings, each housing comprising an outer shell and a middle frame, the two outer shells being rotatably connected, the middle frame being rotatably connected to the outer shells, and the flexible screen being disposed on the surface of the middle frame, characterized in that, include: Base; The first driving unit includes a fixing member and two first rotating arms. The two first rotating arms are distributed on both sides of the base. The fixing member is fixed to the base. One end of each first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the fixing member, and the other end is used to be fixedly connected to the middle frame. The first rotating arm includes a first sliding part. The guide portion includes two guide blocks distributed on both sides of the base. Each guide block is rotatably connected to the base and corresponds to a first rotating arm located on the same side. Each guide block includes a second sliding portion that slides with the first sliding portion. The first sliding portion and the second sliding portion cooperate to guide the relative movement between the guide block and the first rotating arm. The guide block also includes a third sliding portion. The second drive unit includes two second rotating arms, which are fixedly connected to the housing. The two second rotating arms are distributed on both sides of the base. Each second rotating arm corresponds to a guide block located on the same side. The second rotating arm includes a fourth sliding part that slides with the third sliding part. The third sliding part and the fourth sliding part cooperate to guide the relative movement between the guide block and the second rotating arm. When the two second rotating arms rotate relative to each other from the first relative position to the second relative position, they can drive the two outer shells to switch from unfolded to folded. The guide part drives the two first rotating arms to rotate relative to each other, and the relative rotation angle of the two first rotating arms is greater than the relative rotation angle of the two second rotating arms. When the two outer shells are unfolded, the two middle frames are coplanar; when the two outer shells are folded, the two middle frames are flared at the end near the base.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first rotating arm is provided with an arc-shaped groove, and the fixing member is provided with an arc-shaped block; The arc-shaped block slides into the arc-shaped groove, so that the first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the fixed member.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One of the first sliding part and the second sliding part is a first sliding groove, and the other is a first slider; one of the third sliding part and the fourth sliding part is a second sliding groove, and the other is a second slider.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first chute includes a continuous first section and a second section, and the second chute includes a continuous third section and a fourth section; When the two second rotating arms rotate relative to each other and the ends of the two second rotating arms that are opposite to each other come closer to each other, the first slider enters the second segment from the first segment, and the second slider enters the fourth segment from the third segment. The first slide and the second slide are configured as follows: When the first slider slides in the first segment, the second slider slides in the third segment, and the rotational speed of the first rotating arm is equal to the rotational speed of the second rotating arm.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that, When the first slider slides in the third segment, the second slider slides in the fourth segment, such that the relative rotational speed of the two first rotating arms is greater than the relative rotational speed of the two second rotating arms.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a synchronization component; The synchronization component is connected to the two guide blocks in a transmission manner, and is used to realize the synchronous reverse rotation of the two guide blocks.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The synchronization component includes two meshing synchronization gears; The two synchronizing gears correspond one-to-one with the two guide blocks, and the synchronizing gears are fixedly connected to the corresponding guide blocks.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The synchronization component also includes an even number of linkage gears, and two of the synchronization gears mesh through the even number of linkage gears.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes damping components; The damping component is connected to the guide block for transmission and is used to provide damping force when the two guide blocks rotate relative to each other.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The damping assembly includes a first cam element, a second cam element, and a damping elastic element; The first cam member has a first protrusion on the side facing the second cam member, and the second cam member has a first groove that mates with the first protrusion; One of the first cam component and the second cam component is circumferentially limited and connected to the base, while the other is driven and engaged with the guide block, enabling it to rotate synchronously with the guide block; The damping elastic element is used to provide an elastic force that brings the first cam element and the second cam element closer together; As the two second rotating arms rotate relative to each other from the first relative position to the second relative position, the first protrusion slides out of the first groove.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pivot mechanism also includes two screen elastic elements, one end of which is connected to the guide block and the other end is used to connect to the middle frame. The screen elastic elements cause the middle frame to tend to move away from the guide block.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a flexible screen and two housings, and also includes a pivot mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; The housing includes an outer shell and a middle frame, the two outer shells are rotatably connected, and the middle frame is rotatably connected to the outer shell; A portion of the flexible screen is connected to one of the mid-frames, and another portion is connected to the other mid-frame; One of the first rotating arms of the rotating shaft mechanism is fixedly connected to one of the middle frames, and the other first rotating arm is fixedly connected to the other middle frame; One of the second rotating arms of the rotating shaft mechanism is fixedly connected to one of the housings, and the other second rotating arm is fixedly connected to the other housing.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the housing further comprises a rotating shaft; The rotating shaft is rotatably disposed at one end of the outer casing away from the rotating shaft mechanism, and the middle frame is rotatably engaged with the rotating shaft.

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