Synchronous connection mechanism and foldable electronic device

By employing a synchronous connection mechanism composed of linkages in foldable electronic devices, the problem of large space occupation by gear cam assemblies is solved, achieving miniaturization and portability of the device.

CN117345754BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-31HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202210752590.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-06-29
Publication Date
2025-10-31
Estimated Expiration
2042-06-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing foldable electronic devices, gear cam assemblies are too large, making it difficult to achieve miniaturization and portability.

Method used

A synchronous connection mechanism consisting of connecting rods is adopted, including a main shaft, a rotating component, and a sliding assembly. The rotating component drives the sliding assembly to move along the sliding track, thereby achieving synchronous motion and avoiding the use of large-size gear assemblies.

Benefits of technology

The size of the synchronous connection mechanism has been effectively reduced, improving the portability and space utilization of the equipment and reducing production costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This application provides a synchronous connection mechanism, including: a first sliding component, a second sliding component, and a connecting component connecting the first and second sliding components; the connecting component includes a main shaft and a rotating member, the rotating member being rotatably connected to the main shaft and rotating about a first axis; the first and second sliding components are disposed on opposite sides of the main shaft in a second direction; the first sliding component is connected to a first position of the rotating member, and the second sliding component is connected to a second position of the rotating member, the first and second positions being symmetrical about the first axis; the main shaft includes a first sliding track and a second sliding track, the first and second sliding tracks being symmetrical about the axis of the main shaft; the first and second sliding components can transmit motion through the rotating member to rotate synchronously about the main shaft. By setting the connecting components to cooperate in motion, the size of the synchronous connection mechanism can be reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mechanical structures, and more specifically, to a synchronous connection mechanism and a foldable electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Users have an increasing demand for large-sized and portable electronic devices, leading to widespread interest in electronic devices with foldable flexible displays (i.e., foldable electronic devices). Typically, to improve the user experience when unfolding / folding electronic devices, it's necessary to ensure synchronized movement on both sides of the device; therefore, foldable electronic devices require a synchronization mechanism. Currently, this synchronization is mainly achieved through gear-cam assemblies.

[0003] However, due to their large size, gear-cam assemblies are not conducive to the miniaturization of foldable electronic devices. Therefore, there is a need for a smaller synchronization connection mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a synchronization connection mechanism and a foldable electronic device, with the aim of providing a smaller synchronization connection mechanism, thereby further reducing the size of the electronic device.

[0005] In a first aspect, a synchronous connection mechanism is provided, comprising: a first sliding component, a second sliding component, and a connecting component, wherein the connecting component connects the first sliding component and the second sliding component; wherein the connecting component includes a main shaft portion and a rotating component, the rotating component being rotatably connected to the main shaft portion, the rotating component rotating about a first axis, the first axis being perpendicular to a first direction, the first direction being the direction in which the axis of the main shaft portion is located; the first sliding component and the second sliding component are disposed on opposite sides of the main shaft portion in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to a third direction, the third direction being the direction in which the first axis is located; the first sliding component is connected to a first position of the rotating component, and the second sliding component is connected to a second position of the rotating component. The connection is such that the first position and the second position are symmetrical about the center of the first axis; the main shaft includes a first sliding track and a second sliding track, which are symmetrical about the axis of the main shaft; the first sliding component can move along the first sliding track under the action of a first external force, and drives the second sliding component to move along the second sliding track through a rotating component, wherein the motion component of the first sliding component in the second direction is the same in magnitude and opposite in direction as the motion component of the second sliding component in the second direction, and the motion component of the first sliding component in the third direction is the same in magnitude and direction as the motion component of the second sliding component in the third direction, so that the first sliding component and the second sliding component can be folded or unfolded about the main shaft.

[0006] By setting the movement between the connecting parts and avoiding the use of large components such as gears, the size of the synchronous connection mechanism can be reduced.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the spindle portion further includes a stop assembly, which includes an elastic element and a moving element. The moving element and the elastic element are arranged along a first direction, and the moving element is located between the rotating element and the elastic element. One end of the moving element in the first direction abuts against the rotating element, and the other end of the moving element in the first direction abuts against one end of the elastic element in the first direction. The other end of the elastic element in the first direction is fixed relative to the moving element. When the rotating element rotates, the rotating element drives the moving element to move along the first direction, causing the elastic element to generate an elastic force.

[0008] By incorporating stop components, the synchronous connection mechanism can be subjected to one of three forces—push force, damping force, or holding force—during folding or unfolding, thereby improving the user experience.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the end of the movable member that abuts against the rotating member includes a first sub-surface and a second sub-surface, the first sub-surface being close to the first sliding component and the second sub-surface being close to the second sliding component; the end of the rotating member that abuts against the movable member includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being close to the first sliding component and the second surface being close to the second sliding component; the first sub-surface is used to abut against the second surface to lock the first sliding component and the second sliding component when they are in a folded state, and / or, the second sub-surface is used to abut against the first surface to lock the first sliding component and the second sliding component when they are in an unfolded state.

[0010] By setting the moving and rotating parts to abut against each other via surfaces, the components within the synchronous connection mechanism can remain stable in both the folded and unfolded states.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the number of stop components is two, and the two stop components are respectively arranged on both sides of the rotating part in the first direction.

[0012] By setting two stop components, the overall mechanism can be made more stable.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first sliding track and the second sliding track are arc-shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction.

[0014] By setting an arc-shaped track, sliding friction can be reduced, which helps to extend the service life.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the main shaft includes a first cover plate and a second cover plate disposed opposite to each other along a third direction, and a receiving space is formed between the first cover plate and the second cover plate, the receiving space including a first sliding track and a second sliding track.

[0016] By utilizing the space formed between the cover plates of the main shaft as two sliding tracks, the space utilization rate can be improved, thereby further reducing the size of the mechanism and making it easier to process.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first sliding component includes a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector, wherein the first connector and the third connector are disposed on both sides of the second connector in a second direction, wherein the first connector is fixedly connected to the second connector; one end of the third connector is rotatably connected to the second connector, and the other end of the third connector is connected to a rotating member at a first position; the third connector moves along a third direction when the first sliding component and the second sliding component are folded / unfolded.

[0018] By setting the first sliding component to consist of multiple sub-components, it is easier to manufacture.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the side of the second connector near the third connector includes a first boss and a second boss arranged along a first direction. The first boss has a first hole, and the second boss has a second hole. The axis of the first hole and the axis of the second hole are collinear and parallel to the first direction. The rotating member has a through hole at a first position, and the depth direction of the through hole is parallel to the third direction. The third connector includes a first connecting part, a second connecting part, and a connecting rod. The length direction of the connecting rod is parallel to the first direction. The first connecting part is sleeved on the connecting rod, wherein the second connecting part extends into the through hole, and the two ends of the connecting rod are located in the first hole and the second hole, respectively.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the third connector is movable along the first direction when the first sliding component and the second sliding component are folded / unfolded.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the distance between the first boss and the second boss in the first direction is greater than the length of the first connecting portion along the first direction.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the area of ​​the second connecting portion on the cross section perpendicular to the third direction is smaller than the area of ​​the through hole on the cross section perpendicular to the third direction.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the third connector may move along the second direction when the first sliding component and the second sliding component are folded / unfolded.

[0024] In a second aspect, a foldable electronic device is provided, characterized in that it includes a first housing, a second housing, and a synchronous connection mechanism as described in the first aspect, wherein a first sliding component is connected to the first housing, and a second sliding component is connected to the second housing, so as to drive the first housing and the second housing to fold or unfold about the main shaft portion.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the foldable electronic device further includes a foldable display screen, which includes a first display unit and a second display unit, the first display unit being connected to a first housing and the second display unit being connected to a second housing. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the foldable electronic device.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the foldable electronic device in different states.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a synchronous connection mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the synchronous connection mechanism.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of a component in different states provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a component in different states provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a component in different states provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of a component provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic structural diagram of another component provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic structural diagram of another component provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic structural diagram of another component provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of a component in different states provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Currently, with the development of flexible screen technology, foldable devices based on flexible screens have become one of the design trends for electronic devices.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the structure of the electronic device 1000 shown.

[0042] The foldable electronic device 1000 can be a mobile phone, tablet, watch, e-reader, laptop, wearable device or other electronic device with folding function. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment uses a foldable phone that folds left and right as an example.

[0043] It should be understood that Figure 1 The structure shown is only illustrative, and the embodiments of this application are also applicable to electronic devices that fold vertically.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Taking a foldable electronic device with a left-right folding mechanism as an example, the electronic device 1000 may include a flexible display screen 10, a first housing 20, a second housing 30, and a main shaft portion 40. For ease of explanation, the embodiments of this application define the top, bottom, left, and right sides from the perspective of the reader reading the accompanying drawings, but this does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application.

[0045] The first housing 20 and the second housing 30 are respectively connected to both sides of the main shaft portion 40 and are symmetrical about the main shaft portion 40. During the folding or unfolding of the electronic device 1000, the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 can rotate around the main shaft portion 40.

[0046] Figure 1The pattern filled with an electric array can schematically represent the flexible display screen 10. The flexible display screen 10 can be highly flexible and bendable, providing users with a new interaction method based on its bendability. The display panel of the flexible display screen 10 can be, for example, any one of the following: liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED), flex light-emitting diode (FLED), quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), etc. This application embodiment does not limit this choice.

[0047] In some instances, the first housing 20 may include a first side frame 201 and a first cover 220, and the second housing 30 may include a second side frame 301 and a second cover 302.

[0048] The flexible display screen 10 may include a first display section 101 corresponding to the first cover 202, a second display section 102 corresponding to the second cover 302, and a foldable display section 103 corresponding to the synchronous connection mechanism 40. The foldable display section 103 may be connected between the first display section 101 and the second display section 102.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the first display unit 101 is mounted on the first cover 202, and the second display unit 102 is mounted on the second cover 302.

[0050] The first side frame 201 may surround the outer periphery of the first cover 202 and the outer periphery of the first display portion 101. The first display portion 101 may be arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first cover 202, and the first display portion 101 and the first cover 202 may be located on opposite sides of the first side frame 201. The space between the first display portion 101 and the first cover 202 may be used to house components of the foldable electronic device 1000, such as antennas, circuit board assemblies, etc.

[0051] The second side frame 302 can surround the outer periphery of the second cover 302 and the outer periphery of the first display portion 102. The first display portion 102 can be arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the second cover 302, and the first display portion 102 and the second cover 302 can be located on opposite sides of the second side frame 302. The space between the first display portion 102 and the second cover 302 can be used to house components of the foldable electronic device 1000, such as antennas, circuit board assemblies, etc.

[0052] In one embodiment provided in this application, the cover and the side frame can be two parts of the housing of the foldable electronic device 1000. The cover and the side frame can be connected, and the connection method does not have to be an assembly method such as snap-fit, adhesive, welding, riveting, or clearance fit. The connection between the cover and the side frame is usually difficult to separate. In another embodiment provided in this application, the cover and the side frame can be two different components. By assembling the cover and the side frame together, the housing of the foldable electronic device 1000 can be formed.

[0053] Since housing 20 and housing 30 are symmetrical about the main shaft 40, for the sake of brevity, the following description will use one side as an example, and the positions and relationships of the corresponding components or structural parts on the other side can be understood accordingly.

[0054] In some embodiments, a first connecting component 41 may be disposed inside the first housing 20, with one side connected to the first housing 20 and the other side connected to the spindle portion 43. Correspondingly, a second connecting component 42 may be disposed inside the second housing 30, with one side connected to the second housing 30 and the other side connected to the spindle portion 43. The first connecting component 41 and the second connecting component 42 may be symmetrical about the spindle portion 43.

[0055] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The schematic structural diagrams of the electronic device 1000 in different states are shown (Figure a is the unfolded state, Figure b is the intermediate state, and Figure c is the folded state).

[0056] Typically, the foldable electronic device 1000 has an unfolded state, a folded state, and an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0057] The unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 1000 can be understood as follows: the angle between the first housing 20 and the main shaft 40 is 180 degrees, meaning that the plane of the screen of the first housing and the front of the main shaft are on the same plane. Due to symmetry, the angle between the second housing 30 and the main shaft 30 is also 180 degrees. At this time, the electronic device 1000 is opened at its maximum angle, presenting the largest screen area.

[0058] The folded state of the foldable electronic device 1000 can be understood as follows: the angle between the first housing 20 and the main shaft 40 is 90 degrees, meaning the plane of the screen of the first housing is perpendicular to the front of the main shaft. Due to symmetry, the angle between the second housing 30 and the main shaft 30 is also 90 degrees. At this time, the two housings of the electronic device 1000 are stacked together for easy storage by the user.

[0059] The intermediate state of the foldable electronic device 1000 can be understood as follows: the angle between the first housing 20 and the main shaft 40 is between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0060] It should also be noted that, due to the thickness of the housing, during the folding process, the rotation of the first housing 29 around the main shaft 40 is not a circular rotation, but rather a rotation that moves away from the main shaft 40. In other words, during folding, the first housing 20 moves away from the main shaft along its bottom edge. Thus, in the folded state, the outer surface of the main shaft 40 of the electronic device 1000 is exposed to the outside.

[0061] The folding process of the electronic device 1000 will be explained. Taking the first housing 20 being subjected to an external force as an example, the external force causes the first housing 20 to move away from the main shaft 40 along its bottom edge and rotate downwards, thereby gradually reducing the angle between it and the main shaft 40. At the same time, the movement of the first housing 20 means that the first sliding component 41 connected to it also moves away from the main shaft 43 along its bottom edge. The second sliding component 42 connected to the second housing on the other side moves synchronously with the first sliding component 41, thereby causing the second housing 30 to also move. Moreover, its movement vector is symmetrical with the movement vector of the first housing 20 about the axis of the main shaft 43, thus completing the synchronous movement.

[0062] The unfolding movement of electronic device 1000 can be understood accordingly and will not be described in detail here.

[0063] In the current solution, the first sliding component 41 and the second sliding component 42 are generally gear components that cooperate with each other, and damping force is achieved by adding a concave cam on the gear connecting rod. However, since the gear occupies a large space, the size of the rotating shaft 103 is large, which is not conducive to user carrying and is relatively expensive. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a rotating shaft with a smaller size.

[0064] This application provides a synchronous connection mechanism, which is mainly composed of connecting rods. It occupies less space, thereby reducing the overall size of the mechanism and, consequently, the size of the electronic device 1000.

[0065] Combination Figures 4 to 13 The synchronous connection mechanism 50 and the foldable electronic device 2000 provided in the embodiments of this application will be described.

[0066] It should be understood that the main difference between the foldable electronic device 2000 and the aforementioned electronic device 1000 lies in the synchronous connection mechanism. The other components can be referred to the corresponding descriptions above, and will not be repeated here to avoid redundancy.

[0067] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of electronic device 2000 is shown. Figure 5 for Figure 4 An exploded schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device 2000 shown.

[0068] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5 Schematic, the electronic device 2000 includes one or more synchronous connection mechanisms 50, with the two sides of the synchronous connection mechanism 50 respectively used to connect the first housing 20 and the second housing 30.

[0069] The synchronous connection mechanism 50 includes: a first sliding component 51, a second sliding component 52, and a connection component 53.

[0070] The connecting component 53 is used to connect the first sliding component 52 and the second sliding component 53.

[0071] The connecting assembly 53 includes a main shaft portion 531 and a rotating member 532. The rotating member 532 is rotatably connected to the main shaft portion 531. The rotating member 532 rotates around a first axis, which is perpendicular to a first direction. The first direction is the direction in which the axis of the main shaft portion 531 is located.

[0072] The first sliding component 51 and the second sliding component 52 are disposed on both sides of the main shaft portion 531 in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to a third direction, which is the direction in which the first axis is located.

[0073] The first sliding component 51 is connected to the first position of the rotating component 532, and the second sliding component 52 is connected to the second position of the rotating component 532. The first position and the second position are symmetrical about the center of the first axis.

[0074] The main shaft portion 531 includes a first sliding track 5311 and a second sliding track 5312, which are symmetrical about the axis of the main shaft portion 531.

[0075] Thus, the first sliding component 51 can move along the first sliding track 5311 under the action of the first external force, and drive the second sliding component 52 to move along the second sliding track 5312 through the rotating component 532. The motion component of the first sliding component 51 in the second direction is the same in magnitude and opposite in direction as the motion component of the second sliding component 52 in the second direction. The motion component of the first sliding component 51 in the third direction is the same in magnitude and direction as the motion component of the second sliding component 52 in the third direction, so that the first sliding component 51 and the second sliding component 52 can be folded or unfolded about the main shaft portion 531.

[0076] The following combination Figures 6 to 8 The principle of the cooperation of the components of the synchronous connection mechanism 50 provided in the embodiments of this application will be explained.

[0077] Figure 6 The positions of the sliding components within the track are shown in different states (expanded state, intermediate state, folded state).

[0078] Figure 7 The rotation angles of the rotating component in different states (unfolded state, intermediate state, folded state) are shown.

[0079] Figure 8 The rotation angle of the sliding component relative to the main shaft in the axial direction is shown.

[0080] As described above, during the folding process, the first housing 20 can be moved away from the main shaft 53 by the action of an external force, that is, the first sliding component 51 moves away from the main shaft 53 in the first direction. Let the motion component of the first sliding component 51 in the first direction be X. 11 Furthermore, since the first housing 20 is folded downwards, the first sliding component 51 also has a motion component in the direction of the first axis, denoted as X. 12 .

[0081] See Figure 6 In Figure a, the first sliding component 51 is at position #1, which is the closest position to the main shaft 53 during its stroke. The first sliding component 51 occupies the largest proportion of the first sliding track 5311, which also corresponds to the unfolded state of the synchronous connection mechanism 50. Figure 8 As shown in Figure a, the angle between the first sliding component 51 and the main shaft portion 531 is 180 degrees, as... Figure 6 As shown in Figure b, the first sliding component 51 can reach position #2 under the action of external force. The distance between position #2 and the main shaft 53 in the first direction is greater than the distance between position #1 and the main shaft 53 in the first direction. At the same time, the proportion of the first sliding component 51 in the first sliding track 5311 is lower than that in Figure a, that is, the part extending out of the track is increased. Figure 8 As shown in Figure b, the angle between the first sliding component 51 and the main shaft portion 531 is less than 180 degrees but greater than 90 degrees. It should be understood that, under a constant external force, the motion component X of the first sliding component 51 in the first direction... 11 It can be determined that, since the first sliding component 51 is housed within the first sliding track 5311, meaning the first sliding component 51 can only move along the first sliding track 5311, when the first sliding component 51 moves away from the main shaft portion 53, its movement amount X in the first axial direction... 12 It is also the only certainty.

[0082] Since the first sliding component 51 is connected to the first position of the rotating component 532, the first sliding component 51 drives the first position of the rotating component 532 to move in the negative direction of the first direction. Because the rotating component 532 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 53, it can only rotate around the first axis. Figure 7 As shown in Figure a, when the synchronous connecting mechanism 50 is in the deployed state, the rotating member 532 is in the first state. When the first position of the rotating member 532 is driven to move in the negative direction of the first direction, the rotating member 532 rotates counterclockwise to the position shown in Figure a. Figure 7 As shown in Figure b, the second position on the rotating member 532 changes accordingly. Since the second position is symmetrical to the first position about the center of the first axis, and since the second position of the rotating member 532 is connected to the second sliding assembly 52, the motion component of the second sliding assembly 52 in the first direction is opposite in direction and the same in magnitude as the motion component of the first sliding assembly 51 in the first direction. Furthermore, since the first sliding track 5311 and the second sliding track 5312 are symmetrical about the axis of the main shaft 531, the motion component of the second sliding assembly 52 in the direction of the first axis is the same in direction and the same in magnitude as the motion component of the first sliding assembly 51 in the direction of the first axis.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown in Figure c, the first sliding component 51 is at its maximum distance from the main shaft portion 531 in the first direction. At this point, the portion extending beyond the first sliding track 5311 reaches its maximum proportion. Thus, the first housing 20 connected to it can be positioned below the main shaft portion 531 in the first axial direction, meaning it can be folded out. Figure 7 As shown in Figure c, the rotating component 532 continues to rotate counterclockwise, reaching its third state. (See Figure c for details.) Figure 8 As shown in Figure c, the angle between the first sliding component 51 and the main shaft 531 is reduced to 90 degrees.

[0084] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5As shown, the synchronous connection mechanism 50 also includes a cover plate 54. The cover plate 54 is disposed opposite to the main shaft part 531. The cover plate 54 is disposed on the side of the main shaft part 531 near the rotating part 532. The cover plate 54 is used to protect the main shaft part 531 and the rotating part 532, so as to prevent them from being directly exposed to the outside world in the folded state, which would cause the components to be easily damaged and unsightly.

[0085] Combination Figure 9 and Figure 10 To further explain the first sliding component 51, since the second sliding component 52 is symmetrical about the main shaft portion 53, it can be understood accordingly. For simplicity, the explanation will be based on a single side.

[0086] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first sliding assembly 51 includes a first connector 511, a second connector 512, and a third connector 513. The first connector 511 and the third connector 513 are disposed on both sides of the second connector 512 in a second direction. The first connector 511 is fixedly connected to the second connector 512. One end of the third connector 513 is rotatably connected to the second connector 512, and the other end of the third connector 513 is connected to the rotating member 532 at a first position. Thus, when the first sliding assembly 51 and the second sliding assembly 52 are folded / unfolded, the third connector 513 can move in a third direction.

[0087] In some possible implementations, the first connector 511 and the second slider 512 are integrally formed; in other possible implementations, the first connector 511 and the second slider 512 are two independently machined parts that are assembled together.

[0088] In some possible implementations, to enable the second connector 512 and the third connector 513 to be rotatably connected, and the third connector 513 to be connected to the rotating member 532, the side of the second connector 512 near the third connector 513 includes a first boss 5121 and a second boss 5122 disposed along a first direction. The first boss 5121 is provided with a first hole 51211, and the second boss 5122 is provided with a second hole 51221. The axis of the first hole 51211 and the axis of the second hole 51221 are collinear and parallel to the first... In one direction; the rotating member 532 has a through hole 5321 at the first position, and the depth direction of the through hole 5321 is parallel to the third direction; the third connecting member 513 includes a first connecting part 5131, a second connecting part 5132 and a connecting rod 5133, the length direction of the connecting rod 5133 is parallel to the first direction, the first connecting part 5131 is sleeved on the connecting rod 5133, wherein the second connecting part 5132 extends into the through hole 5321, and the two ends of the connecting rod 5133 are respectively located in the first hole 51211 and the second hole 51221.

[0089] It can be understood that the first connecting part 5131 is located between the first boss 5121 and the second boss 5122.

[0090] It should be noted that at least one of the first hole 51211 and the second hole 51221 is a through hole, so that the connecting rod 5133 can pass through both holes during processing. Furthermore, "one end" should not be narrowly interpreted as necessarily a single point; it can also be considered as a portion of the connecting rod 5133 including the endpoint. For example, the first end can be considered as the portion within 2mm of the endpoint. To achieve the movement of the third connecting member 513 along the first direction when the first sliding assembly 51 and the second sliding assembly 52 are folded / unfolded, the connection relationship between the second connecting member 512, the third connecting member 513, and the rotating member 532 can be varied, and can be combined with other methods. Figure 9 and Figure 10 Each will be explained separately.

[0091] like Figure 9 As shown, the distance L between the first boss 5121 and the second boss 5122 in the first direction is greater than the length of the first connecting portion 5131 along the first direction. Therefore, the first connecting portion 5131 can move relative to the second connecting member 512 in the first direction, that is, the third connecting member 513 can move relative to the second connecting member 512 in the first direction.

[0092] like Figure 10 As shown, the area of ​​the second connecting portion 5132 in a cross-section perpendicular to the third direction is smaller than the area of ​​the through hole 5321 in a cross-section perpendicular to the third direction. This area relationship may exist in the following possibilities: (a) there is a gap between the second connecting portion 5132 and the wall of the through hole 5321 in the first direction; (b) there is a gap between the second connecting portion 5132 and the wall of the through hole 5321 in the second direction; (c) there are gaps between the second connecting portion 5132 and the wall of the through hole 5321 in both the first and second directions.

[0093] In one possible implementation, there is a gap between the second connecting part 5132 and the wall of the through hole 5321 in the first direction, so that the second connecting part 5132 can move relative to the through hole 5321 in the first direction, that is, the third connecting member 513 can move relative to the rotating member 532 in the first direction.

[0094] Furthermore, the third connector 513 can also move relative to the rotating member 532 in the second direction. In one possible implementation, there is a gap between the second connector 5132 and the wall of the through hole 5321 in the second direction, so that the second connector 5132 can move relative to the through hole 5321 in the second direction, that is, the third connector 513 can move relative to the rotating member 532 in the second direction.

[0095] Combination Figure 11 Further explanation of the two sliding tracks.

[0096] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first sliding track 502 and the second sliding track 503 are arc-shaped in the cross section perpendicular to the first direction.

[0097] The arc-shaped design not only satisfies the requirement that there are motion components in both the first direction and the axial direction at the same time, but is also easy to manufacture, and can reduce friction during the sliding process.

[0098] In some embodiments, the spindle portion 531 includes a first cover plate 5315 and a second cover plate 5316 disposed opposite each other along a third direction, with a receiving space formed between the first cover plate 5315 and the second cover plate 5316, the receiving space including a first sliding rail 502 and a second sliding rail 50. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the main shaft portion 531 includes a first cover plate 5315 and a second cover plate 5316, which are arranged opposite to each other along a third direction, and there are two receiving spaces symmetrical about the axis of the main shaft portion 531. In one possible implementation, the side of the first cover plate 5315 facing the second cover plate 5316 is concave, and the side of the second cover plate 5316 facing the first cover plate 5315 is concave. The distance between the concave and convex surfaces in the third direction is equal to the thickness of the two sliding components, which can be understood as their length in the third direction.

[0099] The first sliding track 5311 is formed by two oppositely arranged cover plates inside the main shaft 531, which makes good use of the space inside the main shaft 531. Furthermore, the two cover plates are assembled together to form a track, which facilitates processing and assembly.

[0100] In some embodiments, the synchronization connection mechanism 50 further includes a stop component 537.

[0101] Combination Figure 12 and Figure 13 The stop component is described.

[0102] like Figure 12 As shown, the stop assembly 537 includes an elastic element 5371 and a sliding element 5372. The moving element 5372 and the elastic element 5871 are arranged along a first direction, and the moving element 5372 is located between the rotating element 532 and the elastic element 5371. One end of the moving element 5372 in the first direction abuts against the rotating element 532, and the other end of the moving element 5372 in the first direction abuts against one end of the elastic element 5371 in the first direction. The other end of the elastic element 5871 in the first direction is fixed relative to the moving element 5372.

[0103] As described above, the rotating member 532 can rotate around a first axis. When it rotates, it generates a motion component in the first direction. The rotation of the rotating member 532 causes the sliding member 5372, which is in contact with it, to move in the first direction, thereby causing the elastic element 5371 to generate an elastic force in the first direction. This elastic force is transmitted to the rotating member 532 through the sliding member 5372, and finally to the first sliding assembly 51 and the second sliding assembly 52. ​​This elastic force can serve as a damping force, a driving force, or a holding force for the rotation of the two housings. For example, when the rotation of the rotating member 532 causes the sliding member 5372, which is in contact with it, to move in the positive direction of the first direction, that is, the elastic element is pressed, a damping force can be achieved. When the rotation of the rotating member 532 causes the sliding member 5372, which is in contact with it, to move in the negative direction of the first direction, that is, the elastic element is released, a driving force can be achieved.

[0104] In one possible implementation, there are two stop components 537, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating member 532 in the first direction.

[0105] In some embodiments, the movable member 5372 is provided with a through hole 53721, and the main shaft portion 531 is provided with a fixing member, which is disposed within the through hole 53721. For example... Figure 12 As shown, in one possible implementation, the fastener is part of the main shaft portion 531.

[0106] Figure 13 The relative relationship between the moving part 5372 and the rotating part 532 is shown in three states: a corresponds to the folded state, b corresponds to the intermediate state, and c corresponds to the unfolded state.

[0107] In some embodiments, the end of the movable member 5372 that abuts against the rotating member 532 includes a first sub-surface 53721 and a second sub-surface 53722, the first sub-surface 53721 being close to the first sliding component 51 and the second sub-surface 53722 being close to the second sliding component 52; the end of the rotating member 532 that abuts against the movable member 5372 includes a first surface 5321 and a second surface 5322, the first surface 5321 being close to the first sliding component 51 and the second surface 5322 being close to the second sliding component 52; the first sub-surface 53721 is used to abut against the second surface 5322, such that the first sliding component 51 and the second sliding component 52 are locked when in a folded state, and / or, the second sub-surface 53722 is used to abut against the first surface 5321, such that the first sliding component 51 and the second sliding component 52 are locked when in an unfolded state.

[0108] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A synchronous connection mechanism (50), characterized in that, include: A first sliding component (51), a second sliding component (52), and a connecting component (53), wherein the connecting component (53) is used to connect the first sliding component (51) and the second sliding component (52); wherein, The connecting assembly (53) includes a main shaft (531) and a rotating member (532). The rotating member (532) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (531). The rotating member (532) rotates about a first axis, which is perpendicular to a first direction, and the first direction is the direction in which the axis of the main shaft (531) is located. The first sliding component (51) and the second sliding component (52) are disposed on both sides of the main shaft portion (531) in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to a third direction, the third direction being the direction in which the first axis is located; The first sliding component (51) is connected to a first position of the rotating component (532), and the second sliding component (52) is connected to a second position of the rotating component (532). The first position and the second position are symmetrical about the center of the first axis. The main shaft (531) includes a first sliding rail (5311) and a second sliding rail (5312), wherein the first sliding rail (5311) and the second sliding rail (5312) are symmetrical about the axis of the main shaft (531); The first sliding component (51) can move along the first sliding track (5311) under the action of the first external force, and drive the second sliding component (52) to move along the second sliding track (5312) through the rotating component (532). The motion component of the first sliding component (51) in the second direction is the same in magnitude and opposite in direction as the motion component of the second sliding component (52) in the second direction. The motion component of the first sliding component (51) in the third direction is the same in magnitude and direction as the motion component of the second sliding component (52) in the third direction, so that the first sliding component (51) and the second sliding component (52) can be folded or unfolded about the main shaft (531).

2. The synchronous connection mechanism (50) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spindle section (531) further includes a stop assembly (537), which includes an elastic element (5371) and a moving element (5372). The movable member (5372) and the elastic element (5371) are arranged along the first direction, and the movable member (5372) is located between the rotating member (532) and the elastic element (5371); One end of the movable member (5372) in the first direction abuts against the rotating member (532), and the other end of the movable member (5372) in the first direction abuts against one end of the elastic element (5371) in the first direction. The other end of the elastic element (5371) in the first direction is fixed relative to the movable member (5372). When the rotating member (532) rotates, the rotating member (532) drives the moving member (5372) to move along the first direction, so that the elastic element (5371) generates elastic force.

3. The synchronous connection mechanism (50) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the moving member (5372) that abuts against the rotating member (532) includes a first sub-surface (53721) and a second sub-surface (53722), the first sub-surface (53721) being close to the first sliding component (51) and the second sub-surface (53722) being close to the second sliding component (52); The end of the rotating member (532) that abuts against the moving member (5372) includes a first surface (5321) and a second surface (5322), the first surface (5321) being close to the first sliding component (51), and the second surface (5322) being close to the second sliding component (52); The first sub-surface (53721) is used to abut against the second surface (5322) to lock the first sliding component (51) and the second sliding component (52) when they are in a folded state, and / or the second sub-surface (53722) is used to abut against the first surface (5321) to lock the first sliding component (51) and the second sliding component (52) when they are in an unfolded state.

4. The synchronous connection mechanism (50) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The number of stop components (537) is two, and the two stop components (537) are respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating member (532) in the first direction.

5. The synchronous connection mechanism (50) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The movable part (5372) is provided with a first through hole, and the main shaft part (531) is provided with a fixing part, which is disposed in the first through hole.

6. The synchronous connection mechanism (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first sliding track (5311) and the second sliding track (5312) are arc-shaped in cross-section perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The synchronous connection mechanism (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The main shaft (531) includes a first cover plate (5315) and a second cover plate (5316) disposed opposite to each other along the third direction, and a receiving space is formed between the first cover plate (5315) and the second cover plate (5316), the receiving space including the first sliding rail (5311) and the second sliding rail (5312).

8. The synchronous connection mechanism (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first sliding component (51) includes a first connector (511), a second connector (512), and a third connector (513), wherein the first connector (511) and the third connector (513) are disposed on both sides of the second connector (512) in the second direction. The first connector (511) is fixedly connected to the second connector (512); One end of the third connector (513) is rotatably connected to the second connector (512), and the other end of the third connector (513) is connected to the rotating member (532) at the first position; The third connector (513) moves along the third direction when the first sliding component (51) and the second sliding component (52) are folded / unfolded.

9. The synchronous connection mechanism (50) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second connector (512) includes a first boss (5121) and a second boss (5122) arranged along the first direction on the side near the third connector (513). The first boss (5121) is provided with a first hole (51211), and the second boss (5122) is provided with a second hole (51221). The axis of the first hole (51211) and the axis of the second hole (51221) are collinear and parallel to the first direction. The rotating component (532) has a second through hole at the first position, and the depth direction of the second through hole is parallel to the third direction; The third connector (513) includes a first connecting part (5131), a second connecting part (5132), and a connecting rod (5133). The length direction of the connecting rod (5133) is parallel to the first direction. The first connecting part (5131) is sleeved on the connecting rod (5133). The second connecting part (5132) extends into the second through hole. The two ends of the connecting rod (5133) are located in the first hole (51211) and the second hole (51221), respectively.

10. The synchronous connection mechanism (50) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third connector (513) can move along the first direction when the first sliding component (51) and the second sliding component (52) are folded / unfolded.

11. The synchronous connection mechanism (50) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The distance between the first boss (5121) and the second boss (5122) in the first direction is greater than the length of the first connecting portion (5131) along the first direction.

12. The synchronous connection mechanism (50) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The area of ​​the second connecting part (5132) on the cross section perpendicular to the third direction is smaller than the area of ​​the second through hole on the cross section perpendicular to the third direction.

13. The synchronous connection mechanism (50) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The third connector (513) can move along the second direction when the first sliding component (51) and the second sliding component (52) are folded / unfolded.

14. A foldable electronic device (2000), characterized in that, It includes a first housing (20), a second housing (30), and a synchronous connection mechanism (50) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13. The first sliding component (51) is connected to the first housing (20), and the second sliding component (52) is connected to the second housing (30) to drive the first housing (20) and the second housing (30) to fold or unfold about the main shaft (531).

15. The foldable electronic device (2000) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The foldable electronic device (2000) further includes a foldable display screen (10), which includes a first display unit (101) and a second display unit (102). The first display unit (101) is connected to the first housing (20), and the second display unit (102) is connected to the second housing (30).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    CN113534891A

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    CN113949757A