Rotating mechanism and foldable flexible display device

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a pivot mechanism and a foldable flexible display device. The pivot mechanism (10) uses an elastic pressing mechanism (204) to press a sliding plate (202), causing a protrusion (2021) to abut against a first limiting portion (2011). One end of the sliding plate (202) away from the mounting base (1) is spaced apart from a second limiting portion (2012). Under external force, the support plates (201) are brought closer together, and the flexible display panel (300) is attached to one side of the support plates (201). When the flexible display panel (300) is bent, the support plates (202) move closer together, and the distance between the protrusion (2021) and the first limiting portion (2011) gradually decreases as the support plates (201) rotate. The support plate (201) is usually connected to the middle frame (200), and the flexible display panel (300) is attached to the middle frame (200). Under the elastic force of the elastic pressing mechanism (204), the flexible display panel (300) always remains taut and straight.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of display technology, and more specifically, to a hinge mechanism and a foldable flexible display device. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible displays have the ability to bend, making it possible for smart devices equipped with flexible displays, such as smartphones and laptops, to switch between folded and unfolded states.

[0003] Currently, foldable phones and laptops often develop creases of varying degrees after a period of use. This is because the length of the bending area of ​​the flexible display panel changes during the unfolding or closing of the hinge mechanism. When the flexible display panel is unfolded, the length of the bending area is inconsistent with the width of the hinge mechanism. Since the flexible display panel is weaker than the hinge mechanism, creases, whether raised or recessed, appear on the flexible display panel.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to overcome and eliminate the problem of bulging or sunken creases in flexible display panels caused by the inconsistency between the length of the bending area of ​​the flexible display panel and the width of the hinge mechanism, and to provide a hinge mechanism and a foldable flexible display device that can be fixed at any folding angle.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a rotating shaft mechanism is provided, including a mounting base and at least one set of rotating components. Each set of rotating components includes two rotating modules, which are symmetrically connected to opposite sides of the mounting base along a first direction. Each rotating module includes a support plate, a sliding plate, and an elastic clamping mechanism. The support plate is rotatably connected to the mounting base. One side of the support plate supports a flexible display panel, and the other side of the support plate opposite to one side is provided with a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion, which are spaced apart along the first direction. A portion of the sliding plate is rotatably connected to the mounting base, and another portion is slidably connected to the support plate. The extension direction of the rotating shaft of the sliding plate is parallel to the extension direction of the rotating shaft of the support plate. The extension directions are all set along the second direction and are parallel to each other. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The portion of the sliding plate near the mounting base has a protrusion that extends along the second direction and is located on the side of the first limiting portion away from the mounting base. The end of the sliding plate away from the mounting base is opposite to the second limiting portion. An elastic pressing mechanism is set along the second direction. One end of the elastic pressing mechanism is fixedly connected to the sliding plate, and the other end is slidably connected to the support plate. The elastic pressing mechanism presses the sliding plate so that the protrusion abuts against the first limiting portion. The end of the sliding plate away from the mounting base is spaced apart from the second limiting portion. The distance between the end of the sliding plate away from the fixed base and the second limiting portion is proportional to the maximum angle that the support plate can rotate.

[0007] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes a torque assembly, which includes a connecting rod, a sleeve, a pressure plate, a first elastic element, and a limiting structure. The connecting rod is connected to the mounting base, and its extension direction is along a second direction. The sleeve is fixed to the outside of the connecting rod and can rotate synchronously with the support plate. The pressure plate is sleeved on the connecting rod and is fixed in the circumferential position with the connecting rod. The pressure plate abuts against the side of the sleeve away from the mounting base. The first elastic element abuts against the side of the pressure plate away from the mounting base, and the end of the first elastic element away from the mounting base is fixed. The limiting structure abuts against the side of the first elastic element away from the mounting base and is fixed to the connecting rod. A positioning structure is provided between the pressure plate and the sleeve so that when the sleeve stops rotating, the first elastic element squeezes the pressure plate, fixing the rotational position of the pressure plate and the sleeve.

[0008] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning structure includes a plurality of grooves and a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of grooves are arranged circumferentially on the side of the pressure plate that contacts the sleeve; the plurality of protrusions are provided on the sleeve and cooperate with the plurality of grooves.

[0009] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the positioning structure includes a plurality of grooves and a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of grooves are arranged circumferentially on the side of the sleeve that contacts the pressure plate; the plurality of protrusions are provided on the pressure plate and cooperate with the plurality of grooves.

[0010] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the limiting structure includes a blocking member and a locking member. The blocking member is sleeved on the connecting rod and abuts against the side of the first elastic member away from the mounting base. The locking member is installed on the connecting rod, and a slot is provided on the side of the connecting rod away from the blocking member. The locking member is disposed in the slot and abuts against the side of the blocking member away from the mounting base.

[0011] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the torque assembly further includes a guide post and a second elastic member. The guide post is fixed to the side of the blocking member near the mounting base and passes through the pressure plate. The second elastic member is sleeved outside the guide post and abuts against the blocking member and the pressure plate, respectively.

[0012] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the elastic pressing mechanism is disposed on both sides of the sliding plate along the second direction. The elastic pressing mechanism includes a mounting shaft and a third elastic member. One end of the mounting shaft is fixedly connected to the side of the protrusion away from the mounting seat, and the other end is clearance-fitted with the second limiting part. The third elastic member is sleeved outside the mounting shaft, and the two ends of the third elastic member abut against the first limiting part and the second limiting part, respectively.

[0013] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes a synchronous component, which is used to drive the connecting rod, sleeve and support plate of the two rotating modules to rotate synchronously.

[0014] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the co-movement component includes a transmission mechanism, which includes two first gears and a gear set. The two first gears are connected to two connecting rods in a one-to-one correspondence, and the first gears are coaxially arranged with the connecting rods. The gear set meshes between the two first gears, and when one first gear rotates, the gear set drives the other first gear to rotate.

[0015] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the gear set includes two second gears, which mesh with two first gears in a one-to-one correspondence, and the two second gears mesh with each other.

[0016] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the synchronous component further includes a first connecting part, a second connecting part, and a pin. The first connecting part is disposed on the support plate and has a strip-shaped groove. The strip-shaped groove gradually slopes away from the support plate along the direction close to the mounting base. The second connecting part is sleeved on the connecting rod and extends along the first direction towards the support plate. The second connecting part has a mounting hole. One end of the pin is fixed in the mounting hole, and the other end is slidably connected in the strip-shaped groove.

[0017] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the mounting base is provided with an arc-shaped recess and an arc-shaped protrusion, and an arc-shaped cavity is formed between the arc-shaped recess and the arc-shaped protrusion. The portion of the sliding plate connected to the mounting base has an arc-shaped connecting portion, which is rotatably connected to the arc-shaped cavity.

[0018] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the portion connecting the sliding plate and the support plate is provided with a plurality of strip holes along a first direction, and each strip hole is provided with a limiting member. The distance between any two points on the end of the limiting member away from the sliding plate is greater than the width of the strip hole.

[0019] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the rotating module further includes a cover plate disposed on the side of the sliding plate and the elastic clamping mechanism away from the support plate.

[0020] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the area of ​​the support plate opposite the sliding plate and the elastic clamping mechanism is lower than the rest of the support plate to form a mounting cavity for accommodating the sliding plate and the elastic clamping mechanism.

[0021] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the rotating shaft mechanism includes two sets of rotating components, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the mounting base along a second direction.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a foldable flexible display device is provided, including a hinge mechanism according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0023] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable flexible display device involved in the related technology after it has been used for a period of time.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism involved in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a portion of the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism involved in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a portion of the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism involved in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a top view of a portion of the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism involved in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 5AA sectional view.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the rotation state of the rotating shaft mechanism involved in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the hinge mechanism involved in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable flexible display device according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0034] In the diagram: 1-Mounting base, 11-End plate, 12-Side plate, 13-Mounting plate, 131-Arc-shaped recess, 14-Baffle, 141-Arc-shaped protrusion, 142-Protrusion, 2-Rotating module, 201-Support plate, 2011-First limiting part, 2012-Second limiting part, 2013-Notch, 202-Sliding plate, 2021-Protrusion, 2022-Strip hole, 2023-Arc-shaped connecting part, 2024-Straight connecting part, 203-Limiting element, 204-Elastic clamping mechanism, 2041-Third elastic element, 2042-Mounting shaft, 3-Torque Components, 301-connecting rod, 302-sleeve, 303-pressure plate, 304-first elastic element, 305-limiting structure, 306-guide post, 307-second elastic element, 4-co-moving component, 401-first connecting part, 4011-strip groove, 402-second connecting part, 403-pin, 404-transmission mechanism, 4041-first gear, 4042-second gear, 4043-gear seat, 10-rotating shaft mechanism, 20-baffle structure, 30-covering structure, 100-hinge mechanism, 200-middle frame, 300-flexible display panel. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore detailed descriptions of them will be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0036] Although relative terms such as "up" and "down" are used in this specification to describe the relative relationship of one component of an icon to another, these terms are used only for convenience, such as according to the orientation of the examples shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that if the device of the icon is flipped upside down, the component described as "up" will become the component described as "down." When a structure is "up" of another structure, it may mean that the structure is integrally formed on the other structure, or that the structure is "directly" mounted on the other structure, or that the structure is "indirectly" mounted on the other structure through another structure.

[0037] The terms “a,” “one,” “the,” “the,” and “at least one” are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms “including” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion and to mean that there may be other elements / components / etc. in addition to the listed elements / components / etc.; the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used only as markers and are not a limitation on the number of objects.

[0038] Foldable phones and laptops will develop creases to varying degrees after a period of use. Currently, the main types of foldable products on the market are teardrop-shaped and U-shaped foldable products. Among them, the teardrop-shaped hinge mechanism is better matched with the flexible display panel, so the creases of teardrop-shaped foldable products are less than those of U-shaped foldable products. However, the teardrop-shaped hinge mechanism is complex and expensive, generally costing about three times as much as the U-shaped hinge mechanism.

[0039] In related technologies, before the folding product is used, the width of the hinge mechanism 100 is the same as the length of the bending area of ​​the flexible display panel 300, and the flexible display panel 300 is flat and without creases. After the folding product has been used for a period of time, as... Figure 1 As shown, during the unfolding or closing process, the width of the hinge mechanism 100 does not match the length of the bending area of ​​the flexible display panel 300. The hinge mechanism 100 pulls or squeezes the flexible display panel 300, causing the length of the bending area to be stretched, resulting in a change in the length of the bending area. When the flexible display panel 300 is flattened back to 180°, the length of the bending area of ​​the flexible display panel 300 is inconsistent with the width of the hinge mechanism 100. Since the strength of the flexible display panel 300 is weaker than that of the hinge mechanism 100, convex or concave creases will appear on the flexible display panel.

[0040] Based on this, the present disclosure provides a rotating shaft mechanism. For example... Figures 2 to 7As shown, the rotating shaft mechanism includes a mounting base 1 and at least one set of rotating components. Each set of rotating components includes two rotating modules 2, which are symmetrically connected to opposite sides of the mounting base 1 along a first direction. Each rotating module 2 includes a support plate 201, a sliding plate 202, and an elastic pressing mechanism 204. The support plate 201 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 1. One side of the support plate 201 supports the flexible display panel. The other side of the support plate 201, opposite to one side, is provided with a first limiting part 2011 and a second limiting part 2012. The first limiting part 2011 and the second limiting part 2012 are spaced apart along the first direction. A portion of the sliding plate 202 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 1, and another portion is slidably connected to the support plate 201. The extension direction of the rotating shaft of the sliding plate 202 and the extension direction of the rotating shaft of the support plate 201 are both along a second direction and are opposite to each other. The sliding plate 202 is parallel to the mounting base 1, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The portion of the sliding plate 202 near the mounting base 1 has a protrusion 2021. The protrusion 2021 extends along the second direction and is located on the side of the first limiting part 2011 away from the mounting base 1. The end of the sliding plate 202 away from the mounting base 1 is opposite to the second limiting part 2012. The elastic pressing mechanism 204 is arranged along the second direction. One end of the elastic pressing mechanism 204 is fixedly connected to the sliding plate 202, and the other end is slidably connected to the support plate 201. The elastic pressing mechanism 204 presses the sliding plate 202, so that the protrusion 2021 abuts against the first limiting part 2011. The end of the sliding plate 202 away from the mounting base 1 is spaced apart from the second limiting part 2012. The distance between the end of the sliding plate 202 away from the fixed base and the second limiting part 2012 is proportional to the maximum angle that the support plate 201 can rotate.

[0041] One side of the support plate 201 is provided with a first limiting part 2011 and a second limiting part 2012. The portion of the sliding plate 202 near the mounting base 1 is provided with a protrusion 2021, and the end of the sliding plate 202 away from the mounting base 1 is opposite to the second limiting part 2012. One end of the elastic pressing mechanism 204 is fixedly connected to the sliding plate 202, and the other end is slidably connected to the support plate 201. The elastic pressing mechanism 204 presses the sliding plate 202, causing the protrusion 2021 to abut against the first limiting part 2011, and the end of the sliding plate 202 away from the mounting base 1 is spaced apart from the second limiting part 2012. Under the action of external force, the support plates 201 are brought closer to each other. For example, this can be achieved by using a jig. Specifically, the jig is used to press the two support plates 201, causing the two support plates to move closer to the mounting base 1. At this time, the second limiting part 2012 slides towards the end of the sliding plate 202 away from the fixed base. When the end of the sliding plate 202 away from the fixed base abuts against the second limiting part 2012, the flexible display panel is attached to one side of the support plate 201. When the flexible display panel is bent, the support plates 201 move closer together, and the distance between the protrusion 2021 and the first limiting part 2011 gradually decreases as the support plates 201 rotate. The support plate 201 is usually connected to the middle frame, and the flexible display panel is attached to the middle frame. Under the elastic force of the elastic pressing mechanism 204, the flexible display panel always remains taut and straight.

[0042] It should be noted that the first direction is Figure 5 The x-direction is shown in the figure, and the second direction is... Figure 5 The y-direction is shown in the figure.

[0043] The rotating shaft mechanism includes a mounting base 1 and two sets of rotating components, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the mounting base 1 along a second direction. Each set of rotating components includes two rotating modules 2, which are symmetrically connected to opposite sides of the mounting base 1 along a first direction. The support plates 201 of the two rotating modules on the same side of the mounting base 1 can be integrally formed. The two rotating modules 2 in each set of rotating components have the same structure and installation method. The two rotating modules 2 can be controlled separately or in conjunction.

[0044] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the mounting base 1 includes two end plates 11, two side plates 12, a mounting plate 13, and a baffle 14. The two end plates 11 are two flat plates arranged opposite each other, the two side plates 12 are two arc-shaped plates arranged opposite each other, and the mounting plate 13 and the baffle 14 are two flat plates arranged opposite each other. The two side plates 12 and the mounting plate 13 are connected end to end in sequence between the two end plates 11 and perpendicular to the two end plates 11. The baffle 14 is connected to the side of the two side plates 12 and the two end plates 11 away from the mounting plate 13.

[0045] Two support plates 201 are disposed opposite to the mounting plate 13 and located on opposite sides of the baffle 14 along the first direction. A portion of the support plate 201 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 1. The two support plates 201 are disposed on the same plane, and the portions of the two support plates 201 connected to the mounting base 1 are close to each other and cooperate with the baffle 14, so that the two support plates 201 and the baffle 14 are approximately joined together to form a large support plate. The flexible display panel is attached to the side of this large support plate away from the mounting plate 13.

[0046] It should be noted that the baffle 14 has a first connecting structure on each of its opposite sides along the first direction, and the two support plates 201 have a second connecting structure on the side of their proximity to the baffle 14. The first connecting structure includes multiple protrusions 142, and the second connecting structure includes multiple notches 2013 that match each of the protrusions 142. The protrusions 142 of the first connecting structure are located within the corresponding notches 2013 of the second connecting structure. It can be understood that the first and second connecting structures achieve a toothed engagement between the two support plates 201 and the baffle 14.

[0047] A portion of the sliding plate 202 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 1, and another portion is slidably connected to the support plate 201. The extension direction of the rotation axis of the sliding plate 202 and the extension direction of the rotation axis of the support plate 201 are both set along a second direction and are parallel to each other, with the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Specifically, an arc-shaped recess 131 is provided on the mounting plate 13. The portion of the sliding plate 202 connected to the mounting base 1 has an arc-shaped connecting portion 2023, which is rotatably connected within the arc-shaped recess 131. An arc-shaped protrusion 141 is provided on the side of the baffle 14 opposite to the mounting plate 13. This arc-shaped protrusion 141 matches the aforementioned arc-shaped recess 131, and the arc-shaped connecting portion 2023 is confined within the arc-shaped cavity between the arc-shaped protrusion 141 and the arc-shaped recess 131. The sliding plate 202 also includes a straight connecting portion 2024, which is connected to the end of the arc-shaped connecting portion 2023 that is away from the mounting base 1 along the first direction. The straight connecting part 2024 extends out from the side plate 12 of the mounting base 1 and is slidably connected to the support plate 201.

[0048] The support plate 201, which supports the flexible display panel, has a first limiting portion 2011 and a second limiting portion 2012 on its opposite side. The first limiting portion 2011 and the second limiting portion 2012 are spaced apart along a first direction. The portion of the straight connecting portion 2024 near the mounting base 1 has a protruding portion 2021. The protruding portion 2021 extends along a second direction to both sides of the straight connecting portion 2024. The protruding portion 2021 is located on the side of the first limiting portion 2011 away from the mounting base 1. The end of the sliding plate 202 away from the mounting base 1 is opposite to the second limiting portion 2012. The width of the straight connecting portion 2024 on the side of the protruding portion 2021 away from the mounting base 1 is smaller than the width on the side of the protruding portion 2021 near the mounting base 1.

[0049] The elastic clamping mechanism 204 is disposed on both sides of the straight connecting portion 2024 along the second direction. The elastic clamping mechanism 204 includes a third elastic element 2041 and a mounting shaft 2042. One end of the mounting shaft 2042 is fixedly connected to the side of the protrusion 2021 away from the mounting base 1, and the other end is clearance-fitted with the second limiting portion 2012 and can slide relative to the support plate 201. The third elastic element 2041 is sleeved on the outside of the mounting shaft 2042. The third elastic element 2041 presses the support plate 201, causing the first limiting portion 2011 to abut against the protrusion 2021. The end of the sliding plate 202 away from the mounting base 1 is spaced apart from the second limiting portion 2012. The distance between the end of the sliding plate 202 away from the fixed base and the second limiting portion 2012 is proportional to the maximum angle A that the support plate 201 can rotate.

[0050] To ensure reliable cooperation between the sliding plate 202 and the support plate 201, the portion connecting the sliding plate 202 and the support plate 201 is provided with multiple strip-shaped holes 2022 along the first direction. Each strip-shaped hole 2022 contains a limiting member 203, which passes through the strip-shaped hole 2022 and is fixed to the support plate 201. The distance between any two points on the end of the limiting member 203 away from the sliding plate 202 is greater than the width of the strip-shaped hole 2022. The length of the width of the strip-shaped hole 2022 is typically greater than or equal to the distance between the end of the sliding plate 202 away from the fixed base and the second limiting part 2012. It should be noted that the length of the strip-shaped hole 2022 refers to the dimension in the first direction, and the width of the strip-shaped hole 2022 refers to the dimension in the second direction.

[0051] The rotating shaft mechanism also includes a torque assembly 3, which includes a connecting rod 301, a sleeve 302, a pressure plate 303, a first elastic element 304, and a limiting structure 305. The connecting rod 301 is connected to the mounting base 1, and the extension direction of the connecting rod 301 is arranged along the second direction. The sleeve 302 is fixed to the outside of the connecting rod 301, and the sleeve 302 can rotate synchronously with the support plate 201. The pressure plate 303 is sleeved on the connecting rod 301 and fixed in the circumferential position with the connecting rod 301. The pressure plate 303 abuts against the sleeve 302. On the side away from the mounting base 1; the first elastic element 304 abuts against the side of the pressure plate 303 away from the mounting base 1, and the end of the first elastic element 304 away from the mounting base 1 is fixedly set; the limiting structure 305 abuts against the side of the first elastic element 304 away from the mounting base 1, and the limiting structure 305 is fixed to the connecting rod 301; a positioning structure is provided between the pressure plate 303 and the sleeve 302 so that when the sleeve 302 stops rotating, the first elastic element 304 squeezes the pressure plate 303, fixing the rotational position of the pressure plate 303 and the sleeve 302.

[0052] The connecting rod 301 can pass through one of the end plates 11 and can also be connected to the arc-shaped protrusion 141. It is understood that the connecting rod 301 can rotate relative to the mounting base 1. As mentioned earlier, the extending direction of the connecting rod 301 is the same as the extending direction of the rotation axis of the support plate 201; therefore, the extending direction of the connecting rod 301 is perpendicular to the end plate 11. The extending direction of the connecting rod 301 can be aligned with the extending direction of the rotation axis of the arc-shaped protrusion 141 on the same axis, or it can be aligned with a different axis.

[0053] The sleeve 302 is fitted onto the outside of the connecting rod 301. When the connecting rod 301 can rotate relative to the mounting base 1, the sleeve 302 can be fixed relative to the connecting rod 301. For example, the sleeve 302 and the connecting rod 301 can be interference-fitted so that the sleeve 302 can rotate together with the connecting rod 301. A bearing can be provided between the connecting rod 301 and the mounting base 1 to rotatably connect the connecting rod 301 and the mounting base 1.

[0054] To minimize the length of the connecting rod 301 and reduce the axial dimension of the rotating shaft mechanism, the sleeve 302 can be placed as close as possible to the end plate 11 of the mounting base 1. It is understood that the sleeve 302 is fitted onto the connecting rod 301 and fixed relative to it.

[0055] The pressure plate 303 abuts against the sleeve 302 on the side away from the mounting base 1. It should be noted that the pressure plate 303 can move axially along the connecting rod 301, but cannot rotate around the connecting rod 301. To improve installation efficiency, the pressure plates 303 of the two rotating modules 2 are integrated, with both ends of the pressure plate 303 respectively fitted onto the two connecting rods 301. It can be understood that because the pressure plate 303 engages with both connecting rods 301 simultaneously, it will not rotate around the connecting rod 301.

[0056] Multiple grooves are provided circumferentially on the side of the sleeve 302 that contacts the pressure plate 303, and multiple protrusions are provided circumferentially on the side of the pressure plate 303 that contacts the sleeve 302. Each protrusion can extend into a corresponding groove, thus fixing the relative position of the sleeve 302 and the pressure plate 303 circumferentially. Alternatively, multiple grooves can be provided circumferentially on the side of the pressure plate 303 that contacts the sleeve 302, and correspondingly, protrusions that mate with the grooves can be provided on the sleeve 302. The magnitude of the rotational force required for the pressure plate 303 to rotate can be controlled by adjusting the degree of protrusion of the protrusions and the depth of the grooves.

[0057] The first elastic element 304 is sleeved on the connecting rod 301. A limiting structure 305 is provided on the side of the first elastic element 304 away from the mounting base 1, which can fix the limiting structure 305 to the connecting rod 301, thereby fixing the first elastic element 304. The limiting structure 305 may include a blocking member, which is sleeved on the connecting rod 301 and abuts against the side of the first elastic element 304 away from the mounting base 1. In other feasible embodiments, the blocking member can be detachably connected to the connecting rod 301. Specifically, the connecting rod 301 can have a groove on the side away from the blocking member, and a locking member is provided in the groove, with the locking member abutting against the side of the blocking member away from the mounting base 1.

[0058] The torque assembly 3 may also include a guide post 306 and a second elastic element 307. The guide post 306 is fixed to the side of the blocking member near the mounting base 1 and is located between the two connecting rods 301. The guide post 306 passes through the pressure plate 303. The second elastic element 307 is sleeved on the guide post 306 and abuts against both the blocking member and the pressure plate 303. This pivot mechanism achieves double the torque without changing the overall size of the pivot mechanism by increasing the number of elastic elements and the length and diameter of the non-elastic elements. Increasing the torque without increasing the size of the pivot mechanism ensures the thinness and lightness of folding products.

[0059] It should be noted that the first elastic element 304 and the second elastic element 307 can also be installed in other ways. Taking the first elastic element 304 as an example, mounting seats 1 can be respectively provided on the pressure plate 303 and the limiting structure 305, and the first elastic element 304 can be connected to the two mounting seats 1 respectively. This is only an exemplary description and does not limit the implementation of this disclosure. The end of the first elastic element 304 away from the mounting seat 1 can also be fixed in other ways. For example, the end of the first elastic element 304 away from the mounting seat 1 can be directly fixed to the connecting rod 301, for example, by welding or other methods.

[0060] The first elastic element 304 and the second elastic element 307 can be springs, which are used to attach the blocking element to the connecting rod 301. The locking element can be an axial retaining ring, with a corresponding groove provided on the connecting rod 301 to engage the locking element. To improve installation efficiency, the limiting structures 305 of the two rotating modules 2 can also be integrated, with the two ends of the blocking element respectively attached to the two connecting rods 301.

[0061] The locking component has a disconnected part. During installation, first, the blocking component is sleeved on the connecting rod 301, then the locking component is expanded and sleeved on the connecting rod 301. Then, the locking component is slid to the slot position, and the locking component will automatically deform and retract into the slot, limiting the position of the blocking component and preventing it from coming out of the slot.

[0062] With the sleeve 302 fixed relative to the connecting rod 301, when the support plate 201 rotates, it drives the sleeve 302 and the connecting rod 301 to rotate, while the pressure plate 303 remains stationary in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the sleeve 302 rotates continuously relative to the pressure plate 303. When the support plate 201 stops rotating at a certain angle, the first elastic element 304 and the second elastic element 307, which abut against the side of the pressure plate 303 away from the mounting base 1, press the pressure plate 303, causing the protrusion of the pressure plate 303 to be inserted into the groove of the sleeve 302, thus fixing the position of the sleeve 302.

[0063] Understandably, the connecting rod 301 can also be fixed relative to the mounting base 1. When the connecting rod 301 is fixed relative to the mounting base 1, the sleeve 302 can rotate relative to the connecting rod 301. When the support plate 201 rotates, it drives the sleeve 302 to rotate around the connecting rod 301. When the support plate 201 stops rotating at a certain angle, the first elastic element 304 and the second elastic element 307, which abut against the side of the pressure plate 303 away from the mounting base 1, press the pressure plate 303, causing the protrusion of the pressure plate 303 to engage in the groove of the sleeve 302, thus fixing the position of the sleeve 302 relative to the connecting rod 301.

[0064] When the two rotating modules 2 are controlled in a coordinated manner, the rotating shaft mechanism may further include a synchronous motion component 4. The synchronous motion component 4 is used to drive the connecting rod 301, sleeve 302, and support plate 201 of the two rotating modules 2 to rotate synchronously. The synchronous motion component 4 may include a transmission mechanism 404, which is connected to the mounting base 1. The transmission mechanism 404 is used to drive the connecting rod 301 and sleeve 302 of the two rotating modules 2 to rotate synchronously. It should be noted that here the connecting rod 301 is rotatably connected to the mounting base 1, and the sleeve 302 is interference-fitted with the connecting rod 301. The purpose is to drive the connecting rod 301 of one rotating module 2 to rotate the connecting rod 301 of the other rotating module 2, thereby driving the sleeve 302 that is fitted with the connecting rod 301 of the other rotating module 2 to rotate.

[0065] The transmission mechanism 404 is located between the sleeve 302 and the mounting base 1. The transmission mechanism 404 may include two gear seats 4043, two first gears 4041, and a gear set. Two connecting rods 301 pass sequentially through one gear seat 4043, the two first gears 4041, and the other gear seat 4043. The gear set meshes between the two first gears 4041. That is, the two first gears 4041 are connected to the two connecting rods 301 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the first gears 4041 and the connecting rods 301 are coaxially arranged. The gear set meshes between the two first gears 4041. The two gear seats 4043 are respectively located on both sides of the first gears 4041 and the gear set along the second direction, which can limit the axial position of the first gears 4041 and the gear set, ensuring the meshing between the first gears 4041 and the gear set.

[0066] When one support plate 201 rotates, it drives the sleeve 302 to rotate. The sleeve 302 drives the connecting rod 301, which is in interference fit with it, to rotate. The connecting rod 301 drives a first gear 4041, which is coaxially fixed with it, to rotate. When the first gear 4041 rotates, it drives the gear set to rotate. The gear set drives the other first gear 4041 to rotate. The connecting rod 301, which is fixed with the other first gear 4041, and the sleeve 302, which is in interference fit with the connecting rod 301, rotate, thereby driving the other support plate 201 to rotate.

[0067] The gear set may include an odd number of second gears 4042, with the outermost two gears of the odd number of second gears 4042 meshing with two first gears 4041, and the odd number of second gears 4042 meshing with each other. When a support plate 201 rotates in a certain direction, one first gear 4041 drives another first gear 4041 to rotate in the opposite direction through the odd number of second gears 4042, thereby causing the two ends of the flexible display panel to bend in opposite directions.

[0068] The gear set may also include an even number of second gears 4042. The outermost two gears of the even number of second gears 4042 mesh with two first gears 4041, and the even number of second gears 4042 mesh with each other. When a support plate 201 rotates in a certain direction, one first gear 4041 drives another first gear 4041 to rotate in the same direction through the even number of second gears 4042, thereby causing the two ends of the flexible display panel to bend in the same two directions. Specifically, there can be two second gears 4042, with each second gear 4042 meshing with one of the two first gears 4041, and the two second gears 4042 meshing with each other.

[0069] The synchronous component 4 may further include a first connecting portion 401, which is located on the side of the support plate 201 near the extension plate and is a protrusion perpendicular to the support plate 201. The synchronous component 4 may also include a second connecting portion 402, which is plate-shaped and sleeved on the connecting rod 301, extending along a first direction towards the side near the support plate 201. The second connecting portion 402 is positioned opposite to the first connecting portion 401. The second connecting portion 402 has a strip-shaped groove 4011, which gradually slopes away from the support plate 201 along the direction near the mounting base 1. The first connecting portion 401 has a mounting hole, in which a pin 403 is installed. One end of the pin 403 is fixed in the mounting hole, and the other end is slidably connected to the strip-shaped groove 4011.

[0070] When the support plate 201 rotates, it drives the pin 403 to move in the strip groove 4011. When the pin 403 moves to a certain position, it drives the sleeve 302 to rotate, so that the sleeve 302 can rotate synchronously with the support plate 201. The sleeve 302 drives the connecting rod 301 that it cooperates with to rotate. The first gear 4041 installed on the connecting rod 301 rotates. The first gear 4041 is transmitted to another first gear 4041 through a gear set. The other first gear 4041 drives another connecting rod 301 to rotate, which in turn drives the sleeve 302 fixed on the other connecting rod 301 to rotate. The sleeve 302 drives the corresponding support plate 201 to rotate, so as to fold the flexible display panel connected to the two support plates 201. Based on the above, a row of first serrations can also be provided in the strip groove 4011, and a ring of second serrations matching the first serrations can be provided on the pin 403. The second serrations cooperate with the first serrations to prevent the pin 403 from slipping when rotating in the strip groove 4011.

[0071] The area of ​​the support plate 201 facing the sliding plate 202 and the elastic clamping mechanism 204 is lower than the rest of the support plate 201, forming a mounting cavity for housing the sliding plate 202 and the elastic clamping mechanism 204. The sliding plate 202 and the elastic clamping mechanism 204 are housed within this mounting cavity, ensuring the strength of the support plate 201 as much as possible without increasing its thickness. In addition, the rotating module 2 may also include a cover plate located on the side of the sliding plate 202 and the elastic clamping mechanism 204 away from the support plate 201.

[0072] This disclosure provides a foldable flexible display device. The foldable flexible display device includes the above-mentioned pivot mechanism.

[0073] It should be noted that, in addition to the hinge mechanism, the foldable flexible display device also includes other necessary components and parts. Taking the display as an example, these include, for instance, the flexible display panel, circuit board, power cord, housing, etc. Those skilled in the art can supplement these components according to the specific usage requirements of the foldable flexible display device, which will not be elaborated here.

[0074] Foldable flexible display devices can be traditional electronic devices, such as mobile phones, computers, televisions, and video recorders, or emerging wearable devices, such as VR glasses, etc.

[0075] like Figure 8 As shown, the foldable flexible display device generally includes two pivot mechanisms 10, and may also include a connecting plate disposed between the two pivot mechanisms 10 along a second direction. The connecting plate is connected to the baffles of the two pivot mechanisms 10 respectively to form a baffle structure 20. The foldable flexible display device also includes a covering structure 30, which is disposed on the side of the pivot mechanism 10 away from the baffle structure 20. The baffle structure 20, the two pivot mechanisms 10 and the covering structure 30 are assembled to form a hinge mechanism 100.

[0076] like Figure 9 As shown, when the foldable flexible display device is a mobile phone, it further includes two spaced-apart mid-frames 200. A hinge mechanism 100 is fixedly connected to each of the two mid-frames 200. Specifically, two support plates of two pivot mechanisms are fixedly connected to each of the two mid-frames 200. The foldable flexible display device may also include a flexible display panel 300, which is attached to the hinge mechanism 100 and the side of the two mid-frames 200 opposite to the mounting plate of the pivot mechanism. The back cover of the mobile phone is disposed on the side of the two mid-frames 200 opposite to the flexible display panel 300.

[0077] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rotating shaft mechanism, characterized in that, include: Mounting base, At least one set of rotating components, each set of rotating components including two rotating modules, the two rotating modules being symmetrically connected along a first direction to opposite sides of the mounting base, each rotating module comprising: A support plate is rotatably connected to the mounting base. One side of the support plate is used to support the flexible display panel. The other side of the support plate opposite to the first side is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part. The first limiting part and the second limiting part are spaced apart along the first direction. A sliding plate is rotatably connected to the mounting base in one part and slidably connected to the support plate in the other part. The extension direction of the rotation axis of the sliding plate and the extension direction of the rotation axis of the support plate are both set along a second direction and are parallel to each other. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The portion of the sliding plate near the mounting base has a protrusion. The protrusion extends along the second direction and is located on the side of the first limiting portion away from the mounting base. The end of the sliding plate away from the mounting base is opposite to the second limiting portion. An elastic clamping mechanism is provided along the second direction. One end of the elastic clamping mechanism is fixedly connected to the sliding plate, and the other end is slidably connected to the support plate. The elastic clamping mechanism presses the sliding plate so that the protrusion abuts against the first limiting part. The end of the sliding plate away from the mounting base is spaced apart from the second limiting part. The distance between the end of the sliding plate away from the fixed base and the second limiting part is proportional to the maximum angle that the support plate can rotate.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a torque assembly, which comprises: A connecting rod is connected to the mounting base, and the extending direction of the connecting rod is arranged along the second direction; A sleeve is fixed to the outside of the connecting rod, and the sleeve can rotate synchronously with the support plate; A pressure plate is sleeved on the connecting rod and fixed in the circumferential position with the connecting rod. The pressure plate abuts against the side of the sleeve away from the mounting base. The first elastic element abuts against the side of the pressure plate away from the mounting base, and the end of the first elastic element away from the mounting base is fixedly disposed. A limiting structure abuts against the side of the first elastic member away from the mounting base, and the limiting structure is fixed to the connecting rod; A positioning structure is provided between the pressure plate and the sleeve, so that when the sleeve stops rotating, the first elastic element presses the pressure plate to fix the rotational position of the pressure plate and the sleeve.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning structure includes: Multiple grooves are provided circumferentially on the side of the pressure plate that contacts the sleeve; Multiple protrusions are provided on the sleeve and cooperate with multiple grooves.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning structure includes: Multiple grooves are provided circumferentially on the side of the sleeve that contacts the pressure plate; Multiple protrusions are provided on the pressure plate and cooperate with multiple grooves.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes: A blocking element is sleeved on the connecting rod and abuts against the side of the first elastic element away from the mounting base; A locking component is installed on the connecting rod. The connecting rod has a slot on the side away from the blocking component. The locking component is located in the slot and abuts against the side of the blocking component away from the mounting base.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The torque component further includes: A guide post is fixed to the side of the blocking member near the mounting base and passes through the pressure plate; The second elastic element is sleeved outside the guide post and abuts against the blocking element and the pressure plate, respectively.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic clamping mechanism is disposed on both sides of the sliding plate along the second direction, and the elastic clamping mechanism includes: The mounting shaft has one end fixedly connected to the side of the protrusion away from the mounting base, and the other end is clearance-fitted with the second limiting part; The third elastic element is sleeved outside the mounting shaft, and its two ends abut against the first limiting part and the second limiting part, respectively.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism also includes a synchronous motion component, which is used to drive the connecting rods, sleeves and support plates of the two rotating modules to rotate synchronously.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The synchronous motion component includes a transmission mechanism, the transmission mechanism comprising: Two first gears are connected to the two connecting rods in a one-to-one correspondence, and the first gears are coaxially arranged with the connecting rods; A gear set meshes between two first gears, and when one of the first gears rotates, the gear set drives the other first gear to rotate.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, The gear set includes: The two second gears mesh with the two first gears in a one-to-one correspondence, and the two second gears mesh with each other.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, The synchronous component also includes: A first connecting part is provided on the support plate. The first connecting part is provided with a strip groove, which gradually slopes away from the support plate along the direction close to the mounting base. The second connecting part is sleeved on the connecting rod and extends along the first direction toward the side closer to the support plate. The second connecting part is provided with a mounting hole. The pin is fixed at one end in the mounting hole and slidably connected at the other end in the strip groove.

12. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting base has an arc-shaped recess and an arc-shaped protrusion, and an arc-shaped cavity is formed between the arc-shaped recess and the arc-shaped protrusion. The part of the sliding plate that connects to the mounting base has an arc-shaped connecting part, and the arc-shaped connecting part is rotatably connected to the arc-shaped cavity.

13. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The portion of the sliding plate connected to the support plate is provided with a plurality of strip-shaped holes along the first direction. Each strip-shaped hole is provided with a limiting member. The limiting member is fixed to the support plate. The distance between any two points on the end of the limiting member away from the sliding plate is greater than the width of the strip-shaped hole.

14. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating module also includes a cover plate, which is located on the side of the sliding plate and the elastic pressing mechanism away from the support plate.

15. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The area of ​​the support plate that faces the sliding plate and the elastic clamping mechanism is lower than the rest of the support plate to form a mounting cavity for accommodating the sliding plate and the elastic clamping mechanism.

16. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism includes two sets of rotating components, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the mounting base along a second direction.

17. A foldable flexible display device, characterized in that, Includes the rotating shaft mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

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