A rotating shaft mechanism and electronic device
By designing the base and main shaft module in the rotating mechanism and utilizing the cooperation between the rotating components and the torsion spring, the problems of complex structure and uneven support of the rotating mechanism were solved, realizing reliable accommodation and flat support of the flexible display screen, and improving the service life and appearance quality of electronic devices.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202211707094.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-12-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing hinge mechanisms in foldable electronic devices are complex in structure and costly. Furthermore, the uneven support surface when unfolded leads to problems such as light and shadow creases on flexible displays.
A rotating mechanism is designed, including a base and a main shaft module. Through the cooperation of the first and second rotating components and the torsion spring, the flexible display screen can be accommodated in the closed state and flatly supported in the unfolded state. The first and second rotating plates are connected to the sunken step to form a teardrop-shaped screen-accommodating space, reducing the risk of compression or stretching of the flexible display screen.
It improves the reliability of flexible displays, extends their service life, provides flat support when unfolded, reduces light and shadow creases, and enhances the overall reliability of electronic devices.
Smart Images

Figure CN118274012B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic equipment technology, and in particular to a rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment. Background Technology
[0002] With the gradual maturation of flexible display technology, the way electronic devices display technology has undergone tremendous changes. Foldable flexible screen mobile phones, foldable flexible screen tablets, and wearable electronic devices with foldable flexible screens are a major direction for the evolution of future smart electronic devices.
[0003] As a key component for foldable electronic devices to achieve their closing and unfolding functions, the hinge mechanism needs to provide sufficient clearance for the flexible display screen when the device is closed to avoid pulling or squeezing it during rotation. This design requirement often results in an overly complex and costly hinge mechanism. Furthermore, when the device is unfolded, the numerous step differences between the components of the folding mechanism affect the flatness of the support surface used to support the flexible display screen, leading to issues such as light and shadow creases on the flexible display screen and affecting its overall precision. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This application provides a pivot mechanism and an electronic device to improve the pivot mechanism's ability to accommodate a flexible display screen in the closed state and its ability to provide flat support for the flexible display screen in the unfolded state, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible display screen.
[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a rotating shaft mechanism, which may include a base and a main shaft module. The main shaft module may include a first rotating assembly and a second rotating assembly, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the base. The base has a support surface, and a first recessed step and a second recessed step may be respectively provided on both sides of the support surface. The first rotating assembly may include a first support arm, a first rotating plate, a first pin, and a first torsion spring. The first support arm is rotatably connected to the base, and a first side of the first rotating plate is rotatably connected to the first support arm via the first pin. The first torsion spring is sleeved on the first pin, and a first torsion arm of the first torsion spring may be fixed to the first support arm, and a second torsion arm of the first torsion spring abuts against a first side of the first rotating plate. The second rotating assembly may include a second support arm, a second rotating plate, a second pin, and a second torsion spring. The second support arm is rotatably connected to the base, and a first side of the second rotating plate is rotatably connected to the second support arm via the second pin. The second torsion spring is sleeved on the second pin, and a first torsion arm of the second torsion spring may be fixed to the second support arm, and a second torsion arm of the second torsion spring abuts against a first side of the second rotating plate. When the rotating mechanism is in the extended state, the second side of the first rotating plate overlaps with the first sunken step, and the second side of the second rotating plate overlaps with the second sunken step, thus providing flat support for the flexible display screen. When the rotating mechanism is in the closed state, the first rotating plate can fit against the first support arm, and the second rotating plate can fit against the second support arm. At this time, a teardrop-shaped space for accommodating the screen can be formed between the first rotating component, the second rotating component, and the base, thereby meeting the bending requirements of the flexible display screen and reducing the risk of compression or stretching of the flexible display screen.
[0006] In the above scheme, when the rotating mechanism switches from the unfolded state to the closed state, the first support arm and the second support arm rotate towards each other. The first torsion spring can drive the first rotating plate to rotate relative to the first support arm, so that the second side of the first rotating plate rotates from the state of overlapping with the first sunken step to the state of being in contact with the first support arm. Correspondingly, the second torsion spring can drive the second rotating plate to rotate relative to the second support arm, so that the second side of the second rotating plate rotates from the state of overlapping with the second sunken step to the state of being in contact with the second support arm. When the rotating mechanism switches from the closed state to the unfolded state, the first support arm and the second support arm rotate in opposite directions. The second side of the first rotating plate can rotate from the state of being in contact with the first support arm to the state of overlapping with the first sunken step, and drive the first torsion spring to return to its original position. Correspondingly, the second side of the second rotating plate can rotate from the state of being in contact with the second support arm to the state of overlapping with the second sunken step, and drive the second torsion spring to return to its original position. It can be seen that the rotating mechanism provided by this application can provide reliable support for the flexible display screen in the unfolded state and provide sufficient accommodation space for the flexible display screen in the closed state, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible display screen and extending its service life.
[0007] In some possible implementations, when the pivot mechanism is in the unfolded state, the surface of the first rotating plate facing away from the first sinking step can be flush with the support surface of the base, and the surface of the second rotating plate facing away from the second sinking step can also be flush with the support surface of the base, thereby further improving the ability of the pivot mechanism to provide flat support for the flexible display screen in the unfolded state.
[0008] In some possible implementations, a first groove may be provided on the side of the first support arm facing the first rotating plate, and a second groove may be provided on the side of the second support arm facing the second rotating plate. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in the closed state, the first rotating plate may be located in the first groove, and the second rotating plate may be located in the second groove, which helps to further increase the screen-accommodating space of the rotating shaft mechanism.
[0009] In some possible implementations, a first lug may be provided on a first side of the first rotating plate. The first lug is located on one side of the first support arm and has a first through hole. A first pin is rotatably disposed within the first through hole, thereby rotatably connecting the first rotating plate and the first support arm using the first pin. Similarly, a second lug may be provided on a first side of the second rotating plate. The second lug is located on one side of the second support arm and has a second through hole. A second pin is rotatably disposed within the second through hole, thereby rotatably connecting the second rotating plate and the second support arm using the second pin.
[0010] In some possible implementations, the first lug may be provided with a first limiting groove, the opening of which is disposed on the second side opposite to the first rotating plate. The second torsion arm of the first torsion spring may be located within the first limiting groove, and the second torsion arm of the first torsion spring abuts against the bottom of the first limiting groove, thereby causing the first torsion spring to drive the first rotating plate to rotate relative to the first support arm when the energy is released. The second lug may be provided with a second limiting groove, the opening of which is disposed on the second side opposite to the second rotating plate. The second torsion arm of the second torsion spring may be located within the second limiting groove, and the second torsion arm of the second torsion spring abuts against the bottom of the second limiting groove, thereby causing the second torsion spring to drive the second rotating plate to rotate relative to the second support arm when the energy is released.
[0011] In some possible implementations, a first stop may be provided on the side of the first lug facing away from the first support arm. This first stop has a first extended wall spaced apart from the first lug, and the projection of the first extended wall onto the surface of the first lug covers at least a portion of the first through hole. The end of the first pin is located between the first lug and the first extended wall. This reduces the risk of the first pin detaching from the first rotating plate and the first support arm, improving the connection reliability between the first rotating plate and the first support arm. Similarly, a second stop may be provided on the side of the second lug facing away from the second support arm. This second stop has a second extended wall spaced apart from the second lug, and the projection of the second extended wall onto the surface of the second lug covers at least a portion of the second channel. The end of the second pin is located between the second lug and the second extended wall. This reduces the risk of the second pin detaching from the second rotating plate and the second support arm, improving the connection reliability between the second rotating plate and the second support arm.
[0012] In some possible implementations, a first arc-shaped groove and a second arc-shaped groove may be respectively provided on both sides of the base. The first support arm includes a first arc-shaped rotating block, which is rotatably disposed in the first arc-shaped groove, thereby realizing the rotational connection between the first support arm and the base; the second support arm includes a second arc-shaped rotating block, which is rotatably disposed in the second arc-shaped groove, thereby realizing the rotational connection between the second support arm and the base.
[0013] In some possible implementations, the first arc-shaped groove and the second arc-shaped groove can be staggered along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism. This can reduce the risk of interference between the first arc-shaped groove and the second arc-shaped groove in the base, and at the same time, it can make the slot positions inside the base relatively dispersed, avoid the structural weak points on the base being too concentrated, and improve the structural reliability of the base.
[0014] In some possible implementations, the first arc-shaped rotating block may include a first sub-rotating block and a second sub-rotating block spaced apart along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the first arc-shaped groove may include a first sub-arc-shaped groove and a second sub-arc-shaped groove spaced apart along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism. The first sub-arc-shaped groove and the second sub-arc-shaped groove are respectively located on both sides of the first sinking step. The first sub-rotating block is rotatably disposed in the first sub-arc-shaped groove, and the second sub-rotating block is rotatably disposed in the second sub-arc-shaped groove. Through the rotational cooperation between the two sets of sub-rotating blocks and the sub-arc-shaped grooves, the motion stability of the first support arm relative to the base can be effectively improved. The second arc-shaped rotating block may also include a third sub-rotating block and a fourth sub-rotating block spaced apart along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism. The second arc-shaped groove may include a third sub-arc-shaped groove and a fourth sub-arc-shaped groove spaced apart along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism. The third sub-arc-shaped groove and the fourth sub-arc-shaped groove are located on both sides of the second sinking step, respectively. The third sub-rotating block is rotatably disposed in the third sub-arc-shaped groove, and the fourth sub-rotating block is rotatably disposed in the fourth sub-arc-shaped groove. Similarly, through the rotational cooperation between the two sets of sub-rotating blocks and the arc-shaped groove, the motion stability of the second support arm relative to the base can be effectively improved.
[0015] In some possible implementations, the first support arm may further include a first fixed block connected to the first arc-shaped rotating block, the first fixed block having a first end face. The first support arm may also include a second fixed block connected to the second arc-shaped rotating block, the second fixed block having a first end face. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in the closed state, the first end faces of the first fixed blocks and the first end faces of the second fixed blocks are opposite to each other and spaced apart; when the rotating shaft mechanism is in the extended state, the first end faces of the first fixed blocks and the first end faces of the second fixed blocks are respectively flush with the support surface, thereby providing flat support for the flexible display screen.
[0016] In some possible implementations, the first support arm may further include a first connecting block, which connects the first support arm and the first arc-shaped rotating block, and the aforementioned first groove may be specifically disposed in the first connecting block. The second support arm may further include a second connecting block, which connects the second support arm and the second arc-shaped rotating block, and the aforementioned second groove may be specifically disposed in the second connecting block.
[0017] In some possible implementations, the first arc-shaped rotating block may have a first cam surface at one end along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism. The base may be provided with a first mounting hole extending along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism, which may communicate with a first arc-shaped groove. The rotating shaft mechanism may further include a first damping assembly mounted within the first mounting hole. This first damping assembly may include a first stop block, a first cam, and a first elastic member. The first stop block is fixed to the first mounting hole, the first cam is located on the side of the first stop block facing the first arc-shaped groove, the first elastic member may be confined between the first stop block and the first cam, and the side of the first cam facing away from the first elastic member has a second cam surface that abuts against the first cam surface. In this case, the first cam and the first arc-shaped rotating block may form a cam pair. This first damping assembly can provide damping force to the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly, enabling them to rotate stably under the action of the damping force and preventing accidental opening and closing of electronic devices.
[0018] In some possible implementations, the first stop block can be a nut, and the inner wall of the first mounting hole, at least the portion near the opening, has internal threads. The first stop block can be fixed in the first mounting hole by means of a threaded connection.
[0019] In some possible implementations, the rotating shaft mechanism may further include a synchronization component, which may include a first gear tooth disposed on the outer arc wall of the first arc-shaped rotating block and a second gear tooth disposed on the outer arc wall of the second arc-shaped rotating block, the first gear tooth and the second gear tooth being drively connected. In this way, as one support arm rotates around the base, it can drive the other support arm to rotate synchronously in the opposite or opposite direction.
[0020] In some possible implementations, the synchronization component may further include a first rack, a second rack, and a synchronization gear, with the first and second racks spaced apart along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism. The first and second racks are slidably mounted on the base, with the first rack meshing with a first gear tooth and the second rack meshing with a second gear tooth. The synchronization gear is located between the first and second racks and meshes with both racks. Thus, the first and second racks can slide synchronously towards or away from each other via the synchronization gear, thereby enabling the first arc-shaped rotating block meshed with the first rack and the second arc-shaped rotating block meshed with the second rack to rotate synchronously towards or away from each other.
[0021] In some possible implementations, a first slot and a second slot may be provided on the side of the base away from the support surface. The first slot communicates with a first arc-shaped groove, and a first gear tooth is located in the area of the first arc-shaped rotating block exposed in the first slot. A first rack is slidably disposed within the first slot, thereby achieving meshing between the first gear tooth and the first rack. The second slot communicates with a second arc-shaped groove, and a second gear tooth is located in the area of the second arc-shaped rotating block exposed in the second slot. A second rack is slidably disposed within the second slot, thereby achieving meshing between the second gear tooth and the second rack.
[0022] In some possible implementations, the hinge mechanism may also include an end cap disposed on the side of the base away from the support surface. The surface of the end cap away from the base may be formed as the outer surface of the hinge mechanism, that is, the surface of the hinge mechanism that constitutes the appearance surface of the electronic device, thereby helping to improve the appearance quality of the electronic device.
[0023] Secondly, this application also provides an electronic device that may include a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display screen, and a hinge mechanism as described in any possible embodiment of the first aspect. The first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the hinge mechanism. The first housing is fixedly connected to a first support arm, and the second housing is fixedly connected to a second support arm. The flexible display screen can continuously cover the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge mechanism, and is fixedly connected to both the first and second housings. The hinge mechanism of this electronic device can provide flat support for its flexible display screen when the electronic device is unfolded, and provide sufficient space for the flexible display screen when the electronic device is closed, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible display screen and thus improving the overall reliability of the electronic device. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the electronic device shown in its deployed state;
[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a partial explosion structure of the electronic device shown;
[0027] Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the base provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0029] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first support arm provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotating plate provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0031] Figure 8a A cross-sectional structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in the embodiment of this application in its unfolded state;
[0032] Figure 8b A cross-sectional structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application in an intermediate state;
[0033] Figure 8c A cross-sectional structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in the embodiment of this application in the closed state;
[0034] Figure 9a This is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in the embodiment of this application in its unfolded state;
[0035] Figure 9b A schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in the embodiment of this application with the flexible display screen in the unfolded state;
[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application in an intermediate state;
[0037] Figure 11a This is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in the embodiment of this application in the closed state;
[0038] Figure 11b This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the rotating shaft mechanism with the flexible display screen in the closed state, as provided in the embodiments of this application.
[0039] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the first damping component provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0040] Figure 13 A partial structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0041] Figure 14 A partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0042] Figure 15 This is a partial structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in the embodiment of this application, facing away from its support surface.
[0043] Figure label:
[0044] 1- Rotating shaft mechanism; 1a- External surface of the rotating shaft mechanism; 1b- Supporting surface of the rotating shaft mechanism and the supporting surface of the base;
[0045] 11-Main spindle module; 11a-First rotating assembly; 111-First support arm; 1111-First arc-shaped rotating block;
[0046] 1111a - First sub-rotating block; 1111b - Second sub-rotating block; 11111 - First cam surface; 1112 - First fixed block;
[0047] 1112a - First end face of the first fixing block; 1112b - Second end face of the first fixing block; 11121 - First hinge hole;
[0048] 11122 - First extension block; 111221 - First slot; 1113 - First connecting block; 1114 - First groove;
[0049] 112 - First rotating plate; 112a - First side of the first rotating plate; 112b - Second side of the first rotating plate; 1121 - First lug;
[0050] 11211 - First through hole; 11212 - First stop block; 112121 - First extension wall; 11213 - First limiting groove;
[0051] 113 - First pin; 114 - First torsion spring; 1141 - First torsion arm of the first torsion spring;
[0052] 1142 - Second torsion arm of the first torsion spring; 11b - Second rotating assembly; 115 - Second support arm;
[0053] 1151 - Second arc-shaped rotating block; 1151a - Third sub-rotating block; 1151b - Fourth sub-rotating block; 1152 - Second fixed block;
[0054] 1153 - Second connecting block; 1154 - Second groove; 116 - Second rotating plate; 1161 - Second lug; 117 - Second pin;
[0055] 118 - Second torsion spring; 1181 - First torsion arm of the second torsion spring; 1182 - Second torsion arm of the second torsion spring; 12 - Base;
[0056] 121 - First arc-shaped groove; 121a - First sub-arc-shaped groove; 121b - Second sub-arc-shaped groove; 122 - First sunken step;
[0057] 123 - Second arc-shaped groove; 123a - Third sub-arc-shaped groove; 123b - Fourth sub-arc-shaped groove; 124 - Second sunken step;
[0058] 125 - First mounting hole; 126 - First slot; 127 - Second slot; 13 - End cap; 14a - First damping assembly;
[0059] 14b - Second damping assembly; 141 - First stop block; 142 - First cam; 1421 - Second cam surface;
[0060] 143-First elastic element; 144-First guide post; 15-Synchronization assembly; 151-First gear tooth; 152-Second gear tooth;
[0061] 153 - First rack; 154 - Second rack; 155 - Synchronizing gear;
[0062] 2-First housing; 2a-Outer surface of the first housing; 2b-Supporting surface of the first housing; 201-First mounting groove;
[0063] 3-Second housing; 3a-Outer surface of the second housing; 3b-Supporting surface of the second housing; 301-Second mounting groove;
[0064] 4- Flexible display screen. Detailed Implementation
[0065] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The same reference numerals in the figures denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. The terms expressing position and direction described in the embodiments of this application are illustrative based on the accompanying drawings, but changes can be made as needed, and all such changes are included within the scope of protection of this application. The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application are only for illustrating relative positional relationships and do not represent actual scale.
[0066] It should be noted that specific details are set forth in the following description to facilitate understanding of this application. However, the embodiments of this application can be implemented in many ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0067] refer to Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The electronic device can be a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or other devices with foldable functionality. Figure 1The illustrated embodiment uses a mobile phone as an example. The electronic device may include a hinge mechanism, a flexible display screen, and two housings. For ease of description, the two housings can be named the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, respectively. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are located on either side of the hinge mechanism 1 and can rotate around it. During use, the electronic device can be closed and unfolded according to different usage scenarios. The electronic device provided in this application embodiment can be an inward-folding electronic device. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device is in a closed state, and Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the relative positional relationship between the hinge mechanism 1 and the two housings when the electronic device is in the closed state. In this state, the outer surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1, the first outer surface 2a of the first housing 2, and the second outer surface 3a of the second housing 3 can collectively serve as the outer surface of the electronic device. Specifically, the outer surface 1a of the hinge mechanism 1 refers to the surface of the hinge mechanism 1 that faces away from the flexible display screen; the first outer surface 2a of the first housing 2 refers to the surface of the first housing 2 that faces away from the flexible display screen; and the second outer surface 3a of the second housing 3 refers to the surface of the second housing 3 that faces away from the flexible display screen.
[0068] Please refer to the above. Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the electronic device in its deployed state. It is worth noting that... Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the structure of the support surface 1b of the pivot mechanism 1, the support surface 2b of the first housing 2, and the support surface 3b of the second housing 3. The support surface 1b of the pivot mechanism 1 refers to the surface of the pivot mechanism 1 used to support the flexible display screen 4; the support surface 2b of the first housing 2 refers to the surface of the first housing 2 used to support the flexible display screen 4; and the support surface 3b of the second housing 3 refers to the surface of the second housing 3 used to support the flexible display screen 4. The flexible display screen 4 can continuously cover the support surface 2b of the first housing 2, the support surface 1b of the pivot mechanism 1, and the support surface 3b of the second housing 3, and the flexible display screen 4 can be fixedly connected to the support surfaces 2b of the first housing 2 and 3b of the second housing 3, and the connection method can be, but is not limited to, adhesive bonding. Thus, when the electronic device is in a position such as… Figure 2 When in the unfolded state shown, the pivot mechanism 1, the first housing 2, and the second housing 3 can support the flexible display screen 4.
[0069] The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are composed of Figure 2 The unfolded state shown Figure 1 The closed state shown, or by Figure 1 The closed state shown Figure 2 During the relative rotation of the unfolded state shown, the flexible display screen 4 can be bent or flattened along with the first housing 2 and the second housing 3.
[0070] refer to Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows a partial exploded view of the electronic device. In this embodiment, the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 can be located on opposite sides of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. The first housing 2 has a first mounting groove 201 on the side near the rotating shaft mechanism 1, and the second housing 3 has a second mounting groove 301 on the side near the rotating shaft mechanism 1. One side of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 can be partially accommodated in the first mounting groove 201, and the other side of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 can be partially accommodated in the second mounting groove 301. The rotating shaft mechanism 1 can include one spindle module 11 or multiple spindle modules 11. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a pivot mechanism 1 comprising two spindle modules 11, which are spaced apart along the length of the pivot mechanism 1. The length of the pivot mechanism 1 can be understood as the extension direction of the axis of rotation of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 about the pivot mechanism 1. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 can be rotatably connected by the plurality of spindle modules 11, thereby effectively improving the stability of the rotation of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 of the electronic device relative to the pivot mechanism 1.
[0071] Continue to refer to Figure 3 In this embodiment, the spindle module 11 may include two rotating components, namely a first rotating component 11a and a second rotating component 11b. The rotating mechanism 1 may also include a base 12, which serves as a support for the first rotating component 11a and the second rotating component 11b, with the first rotating component 11a and the second rotating component 11b respectively disposed on both sides of the base 12. In this case, one side surface of the base 12 can serve as the support surface 1b of the rotating mechanism 1 to support the flexible display screen. In addition, the rotating mechanism 1 may also include an end cap 13, which can be disposed on the side of the base 12 away from the support surface to form an accommodating space between the end cap 13 and the base 12. It is easy to understand that the side surface of the end cap 13 facing away from the base 12 is the outer surface of the rotating mechanism 1, that is, the surface of the rotating mechanism 1 that constitutes the appearance surface of the electronic device.
[0072] For ease of description, in the following embodiments of this application, the spindle module 11 is mainly described using the specific arrangement of the first rotating component 11a and the connection relationship between the first rotating component 11a and the base 12 as examples. The second rotating component 11b can be set up with reference to the first rotating component 11a. It should be noted that the design of the second rotating component 11b can be completely consistent with that of the first rotating component 11a; or it can refer only to the components and connection relationships included in the first rotating component 11a, and other parameters can be adjusted adaptively, and are not required to be completely consistent.
[0073] It is worth mentioning that, in one possible embodiment of this application, when there are multiple spindle modules 11, the first rotating component 11a and the second rotating component 11b of the multiple spindle modules 11 can all use the same base 12 as the bearing component, so as to improve the integration level of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. In some other possible embodiments of this application, the rotating shaft mechanism 1 can be provided with a base 12 for each spindle module 11, so that the first rotating component 11a and the second rotating component 11b of each spindle module 11 use the corresponding base 12 as the bearing component.
[0074] refer to Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is an exploded structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the first rotating component 11a may include a first support arm 111, which is rotatably connected to the base 12, and the rotation axis of the first support arm 111 is arranged along the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. Furthermore, the first support arm 111 may also be fixedly connected to the first housing, so that when the first support arm 111 rotates relative to the base 12, it can drive the first housing to rotate synchronously, realizing the switching between the closed state and the unfolded state of the electronic device.
[0075] You can refer to them together. Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the base 12 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first support arm 111 provided in an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the end of the first support arm 111 used for connecting with the base 12 can be provided with a first arc-shaped rotating block 1111. Correspondingly, the base 12 can be provided with a first arc-shaped groove 121. The first arc-shaped rotating block 1111 of the first support arm 111 can be accommodated in the first arc-shaped groove 121 and can rotate along the arc surface of the first arc-shaped groove 121, thereby realizing the rotation of the first support arm 111 around the base 12. This method of using the arc-shaped groove and the arc-shaped rotating block to achieve rotation around a virtual axis can be called a virtual axis rotation connection method. That is, the two rotating entities do not directly achieve relative rotation with a physical pin, but achieve rotational connection through the above-mentioned matching structure. This connection method is beneficial to reduce the space occupied by the first support arm 111 on the base 12, thereby helping to reduce the volume of the main shaft module and facilitating the miniaturization design of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. The first arc-shaped rotating block 1111 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped rotating block, and the first arc-shaped groove 121 may be, but is not limited to, a circular arc-shaped groove.
[0076] In one specific embodiment, the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111 may include two sub-rotating blocks, namely a first sub-rotating block 1111a and a second sub-rotating block 1111b, which are spaced apart along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism. Correspondingly, the first arc-shaped groove 121 may also include a first sub-arc-shaped groove 121a and a second sub-arc-shaped groove 121b, which are also spaced apart along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism. The first sub-rotating block 1111a can be accommodated in the first sub-arc-shaped groove 121a and can rotate along the arc surface of the first sub-arc-shaped groove 121a. The second sub-rotating block 1111b can be accommodated in the second sub-arc-shaped groove 121b and can rotate along the arc surface of the second sub-arc-shaped groove 121b. Through the rotational cooperation between the two sets of sub-rotating blocks and sub-arc-shaped grooves, the motion stability of the first support arm 111 relative to the base 12 can be effectively improved.
[0077] Of course, in some other embodiments, the first support arm 111 and the base 12 can also be rotatably connected by a solid shaft. In this case, hinge holes can be provided on the first support arm 111 and the base 12 respectively, and the solid shaft can be rotatably set in the hinge holes of both.
[0078] In some embodiments, the first support arm 111 may further include a first fixing block 1112 and a first connecting block 1113. The first fixing block 1112 is located at the end of the first support arm 111 away from the base 12, and the first connecting block 1113 is located between the first fixing block 1112 and the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111 to connect the first fixing block 1112 and the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111. In a specific implementation, the first fixing block 1112 is located in the first mounting groove 201 of the first housing 2 (see reference). Figure 3 Inside the flexible display screen, the first fixing block 1112 has a first end face 1112a and a second end face 1112b arranged opposite to each other. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first end face 1112a of the first fixing block 1112 can remain flush with the support surface 1a of the base 12, thereby providing flat support for the flexible display screen. The second end face 1112b of the first fixing block 1112 is fixedly connected to the first housing 2. Exemplarily, the second end face 1112b of the first fixing block 1112 is provided with a threaded hole, and the first fixing block 1112 can be fixedly connected to the first housing 2 by fasteners.
[0079] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 4 The first rotating assembly 11a may further include a first rotating plate 112, which is rotatably connected to the first support arm 111. Exemplarily, the first rotating plate 112 may be rotatably connected to the first support arm 111 via a first pin 113. (See also...) Figure 6 and 7 , Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotating plate 112 provided in an embodiment of this application. The first rotating plate 112 includes a first side 112a and a second side 112b disposed opposite to each other. The first side 112a of the first rotating plate 112 may be provided with a first lug 1121, which may be located on one side of the first fixing block 1112, and a first through hole 11211 is provided on the first lug 1121. A first hinge hole 11121 is provided on the side of the first fixing block 1112, and a first pin 113 is rotatably disposed in the first through hole 11211 and the first hinge hole 11121, thereby realizing the rotatable connection between the first rotating plate 112 and the first support arm 111. In some embodiments, the first hinge hole 11121 can be a blind hole. In this case, one end of the first pin 113 is located on the side of the first lug 1121 away from the first fixing block 1112, and the other end is located in the first hinge hole 11121. In some other embodiments, the first hinge hole 11121 can be a through hole. In this case, one end of the first pin 113 is located on the side of the first lug 1121 away from the first fixing block 1112, and the other end extends out from the other side of the first fixing block 1112.
[0080] In some embodiments, there can be two first lugs 1121. The two first lugs 1121 can be spaced apart along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism. When the first rotating plate 112 is rotatably connected to the first support arm 111, the two first lugs 1121 can be located on both sides of the first fixed block 1112 and rotatably connected to the first fixed block 1112 via first pins 113. This improves the reliability of the connection between the first rotating plate 112 and the first support arm 111, thereby improving the rotational stability of the first rotating plate 112. It is worth noting that when the first hinge hole 11121 is a blind hole, the first lugs 1121 on both sides can be hinged to the first fixed block 1112 via a first pin 113. When the first hinge hole 11121 is a through hole, the first lugs 1121 on both sides can share a first pin 113 to achieve hinge connection with the first fixed block 1112.
[0081] Additionally, a first stop 11212 may be provided on the side of the first lug 1121 facing away from the first support arm 111. The first stop 11212 has a first extension wall 112121, which is spaced apart from the first lug 1121 and can be approximately parallel. The projection of the first extension wall 112121 onto the surface of the first lug 1121 can cover at least part of the first through hole 11211. Thus, after the first pin 113 is installed on the first rotating plate 112, the first extension wall 112121 can block the end of the first pin 113, thereby reducing the risk of the first pin 113 falling off the first rotating plate 112 and the first support arm 111, and improving the connection reliability between the first rotating plate 112 and the first support arm 111.
[0082] Please refer to this as well. Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this embodiment, the first rotating assembly 11a may further include a first torsion spring 114, which may be sleeved on the first pin 113. The position of the first torsion spring 114 on the first pin 113 is not limited. For example, it may be sleeved on the portion of the first pin 113 located between the first lug 1121 and the first fixing block 1112 of the first rotating plate 112, thereby using the first lug 1121 and the first fixing block 1112 to restrict the axial (and longitudinal) movement of the first torsion spring 114.
[0083] Please refer to the above. Figures 8a to 8c As shown, Figure 8a , Figure 8b , Figure 8c These are cross-sectional structural diagrams of the rotating shaft mechanism in different states. The first torsion spring 114 has a first torsion arm 1141 and a second torsion arm 1142 at its two ends. The first torsion arm 1141 of the first torsion spring 114 can be fixed to the first support arm 111, and the second torsion arm 1142 of the first torsion spring 114 can abut against the first side 112a of the first rotating plate 112. (See also...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 Along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, a first extension block 11122 extending beyond the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111 is provided on one side of the first fixed block 1112. The first extension block 11122 is located close to the second end face 1112b of the first fixed block 1112. A first slot 111221 is provided on the side of the first extension block 11122 facing the first end face 1112a of the first fixed block 1112. The first torsion arm 1141 of the first torsion spring 114 can be located in the first slot 111221. The first lug 1121 is provided with a first limiting groove 11213. The opening of the first limiting groove 11213 faces away from the second side 112b of the first rotating plate 112. The second torsion arm 1142 of the first torsion spring 114 can be located in the first limiting groove 11213, and the second torsion arm 1142 of the first torsion spring 114 abuts against the bottom of the first limiting groove 11213.
[0084] In some embodiments, a first recessed step 122 may be provided on the side of the support surface 1b of the base 12 near the first rotating assembly 11a (see also reference). Figure 5The base 12 shown in the diagram has a recessed step that can be understood as a step whose surface is lower than the support surface 1b of the base 12. When the rotating shaft mechanism 1 is in the unfolded state, the second side 112b of the first rotating plate 112 can overlap the first recessed step 122, and in a specific design, the thickness of the first rotating plate 112 can be approximately the same as the height of the first recessed step 122. In this way, in the unfolded state, the surface of the first rotating plate 112 facing away from the first recessed step 122 can remain flush with the support surface 1b of the base 12, thereby providing flat support for the flexible display screen.
[0085] In this embodiment, the first torsion spring 114 can be designed to be in a retracted state when the rotating shaft mechanism 1 is in the extended state. At this time, the first rotating plate 112 tends to rotate clockwise and fit against the first support arm 111 under the pressing action of the second torsion arm 1142 of the first torsion spring 114. However, due to the limiting effect of the first sinking step 122 on the first rotating plate 112, this rotation tendency of the first rotating plate 112 is slowed down. During the process of the first support arm 111 rotating relative to the base 12 and switching the rotating shaft mechanism 1 to the closed state, the first rotating plate 112 gradually gets away from the limiting effect of the first sinking step 122. When the first rotating plate 112 is completely free from the limiting effect of the first sinking step 122, the first rotating plate 112 can quickly rotate towards the first support arm 111 under the pressing action of the second torsion arm 1142 of the first torsion spring 114 until it fits against the first support arm 111. At this time, the rotating shaft mechanism 1 also switches to the closed state with the rotation of the first support arm 111, forming a teardrop-shaped accommodating space. Based on the design that the first rotating plate 112 can be attached to the first support arm 111, when the rotating shaft mechanism 1 is in the closed state, the first rotating plate 112 will not occupy the above-mentioned screen space, thereby helping to increase the available volume of the screen space and meet the bending requirements of the flexible display screen.
[0086] In addition, when the rotating shaft mechanism 1 is in the closed state, the first torsion spring 114 can still be in a partially contracted state. That is to say, at this time, the first torsion spring 114 can still apply a certain resistance force to the first rotating plate 112, so that the first rotating plate 112 can be firmly attached to the first support arm 111. This ensures that the screen-accommodating space of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 in the closed state always maintains a consistent shape, avoiding the squeezing of the flexible display screen during the drop of the whole machine and improving the reliability of the flexible display screen.
[0087] In some embodiments, a first groove 1114 may be provided on the side of the first support arm 111 facing the first rotating plate 112 (see also reference). Figure 6As shown in the first support arm), when the rotating shaft mechanism is in the closed state, the first rotating plate 112 can be located in the first groove 1114, and the first rotating plate 112 is in contact with the bottom wall of the first groove 1114, which helps to further increase the usable volume of the screen space.
[0088] In a specific implementation, the first groove 1114 can be set on the first connecting block 1113. In this case, one end of the first connecting block 1113 can be connected to the end of the first fixing block 1112 near the first end face 1112a, and the first end face 1112a of the first fixing block 1112 and the corresponding side surface of the first connecting block 1113 can form a smooth transition at the connection. The other end of the first connecting block 1113 is connected to the outer arc wall of the first arc rotating block 1111. In this way, a difference can be formed between the first connecting block 1113 and the inner arc wall of the first arc rotating block 1111. Using this difference, the first connecting block 1113 and the first arc rotating block 1111 can form the first groove 1114.
[0089] As mentioned earlier, the second rotating assembly 11b can be disposed on opposite sides of the base 12, separate from the first rotating assembly 11a. For specific implementation details, please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The second rotating assembly 11b may also include a second support arm 115, a second rotating plate 116, a second pin 117, and a second torsion spring 118. The end of the second support arm 115 that connects to the base 12 may be provided with a second arc-shaped rotating block 1151. The base 12 may be provided with a second arc-shaped groove 123, and the second arc-shaped rotating block 1151 is slidably disposed within the second arc-shaped groove 123. In some possible embodiments, along the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, the second arc-shaped groove 123 and the first arc-shaped groove 121 may be staggered. This increases the depth of the first arc-shaped groove 121 and the second arc-shaped groove 123, providing sufficient rotation space for the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111 and the second arc-shaped rotating block 1151, while reducing the risk of interference between the first arc-shaped groove 121 and the second arc-shaped groove 123 within the base 12. Simultaneously, it allows the slots inside the base 12 to be relatively dispersed, avoiding excessive concentration of structural weak points on the base 12.
[0090] In addition, in order to improve the motion stability of the second support arm 115, the second arc-shaped rotating block 1151 may include a third sub-rotating block 1151a and a fourth sub-rotating block 1151b arranged along the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. Correspondingly, the second arc-shaped groove 123 may also include a third sub-arc-shaped groove 123a and a fourth sub-arc-shaped groove 123b. The third sub-rotating block 1151a is rotatably disposed in the third sub-arc-shaped groove 123a, and the fourth sub-rotating block 1151b is rotatably disposed in the fourth sub-arc-shaped groove 123b.
[0091] The second support arm 115 may further include a second fixing block 1152 and a second connecting block 1153. The second fixing block 1152 is located at the end of the second support arm 115 away from the base 12, and the second connecting block 1153 connects the second fixing block 1152 and the second arc-shaped rotating block 1151. In a specific implementation, the second fixing block 1152 is located in the second mounting groove 301 of the second housing 3 (see reference). Figure 3 Inside the flexible display screen, the second fixing block 1152 may have a first end face and a second end face arranged opposite to each other. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first end face of the second fixing block 1152 may remain flush with the support surface of the base 12, thereby providing flat support for the flexible display screen. The second end face of the second fixing block 1152 is fixedly connected to the second housing 3.
[0092] Please refer to this again. Figure 4 The first side of the second rotating plate 116 can be rotatably connected to the second support arm 115 via a second pin. The first side of the second rotating plate 116 may be provided with a second lug 1161, which has a second through hole. The side of the second fixing block 1152 is provided with a hinge hole, and the second pin 117 is rotatably disposed in the second through hole and the hinge hole, respectively. Similarly, there can be two second lugs 1161, which can be spaced apart along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. When the second rotating plate 116 is rotatably connected to the second support arm 115, the two second lugs 1161 can be located on opposite sides of the second fixing block 1152 and rotatably connected to the second fixing block 1152 via the second pin 117, respectively.
[0093] Additionally, a second stop may be provided on the side of the second lug 1161 facing away from the second support arm 115. This second stop has a second extension wall, which is spaced apart from the second lug 1161, and the projection of the second extension wall onto the surface of the second lug 1161 can cover at least a portion of the second through hole. After the second pin 117 is installed on the second rotating plate 116, the second extension wall can be positioned to block the end of the second pin 117, thereby reducing the risk of the second pin 117 falling off the second rotating plate 116 and the second support arm 115.
[0094] refer to Figures 8a to 8c The second torsion spring 118 can be sleeved on the second pin 117. The two ends of the second torsion spring 118 have a first torsion arm 1181 and a second torsion arm 1182, respectively. The first torsion arm 1181 of the second torsion spring 118 can be fixed to the second support arm 115, and the second torsion arm 1182 of the second torsion spring 118 can abut against the first side of the second rotating plate 116. In a specific implementation, the second lug can be provided with a second limiting groove, the opening of which faces away from the second side of the second rotating plate 116, and the second torsion arm 1182 of the second torsion spring 118 can be located within this second limiting groove.
[0095] In some embodiments, a second recessed step 124 may be provided on the side of the support surface 1b of the base 12 near the second rotating component 11b. When the rotating shaft mechanism 1 is in the unfolded state, the second side of the second rotating plate 116 may overlap the second recessed step 124, and the surface of the second rotating plate 116 facing away from the second recessed step 124 may remain flush with the support surface 1b of the base 12, thereby providing flat support for the flexible display screen.
[0096] Similarly, the second torsion spring 118 can also be designed to be in a retracted state when the rotating shaft mechanism 1 is in the extended state. During the process of the second support arm 115 rotating relative to the base 12 and switching the rotating shaft mechanism 1 to the closed state, the second rotating plate 116 gradually disengages from the constraint of the second sinking step 124. When the second rotating plate 116 is completely disengaged from the constraint of the second sinking step 124, the second rotating plate 116 can quickly rotate towards the second support arm 115 under the pressing action of the second torsion arm 1182 of the second torsion spring 118 until it is in contact with the second support arm 115. At this time, the rotating shaft mechanism 1 also switches to the closed state with the rotation of the second support arm 115, forming a teardrop-shaped accommodating space. In addition, when the rotating shaft mechanism 1 is in the closed state, the second torsion spring 118 can still be in a partially retracted state, so that the second rotating plate 116 can be firmly attached to the second support arm 115 under the action of the second torsion arm 1182 of the second torsion spring 118.
[0097] In some embodiments, a second groove 1154 may be provided on the side of the second support arm 115 facing the second rotating plate 116. When the rotating shaft mechanism 1 is in a closed state, the second rotating plate 116 may be located in the second groove 1154 to further increase the available volume of the screen space.
[0098] After understanding the connection relationship between the first rotating component 11a and the second rotating component 11b and the base 12 provided in the above embodiments of this application, the movement process of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 will be described below.
[0099] First refer to Figure 9a and Figure 9b , Figure 9a This is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of this application in its unfolded state. Figure 9b This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 and the flexible display screen 4 in the unfolded state, as provided in the embodiments of this application. It should be noted that... Figure 9aThe first rotating plate 112 and the second rotating plate 116 are omitted. When the rotating shaft mechanism 1 is in the unfolded state, the first torsion spring 114 and the second torsion spring 118 are both in the contracted state. The first rotating plate 112 overlaps the first sunken step 122, and the second rotating plate 116 overlaps the second sunken step 124. The first end face of the first fixing block 1112 and the side surface of the first rotating plate 112 away from the first sunken step 122 are respectively flush with the support surface 1b of the base 12. The first end face of the second fixing block 1152 and the side surface of the second rotating plate 116 away from the second sunken step 124 are also respectively flush with the support surface 1b of the base 12. That is, the highest end face of the first rotating component 11a and the highest end face of the second rotating component 11b are both flush with the support surface 1b of the base 12. The surface of the support surface of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 has almost no step difference, which can greatly improve the flatness of the area of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 of the whole machine and provide flat support for the flexible display screen 4.
[0100] refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in this application embodiment in an intermediate state. During the transition of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 from the unfolded state to the closed state, in the initial stage, due to the limiting effect of the first sinking step 122, the first torsion spring 114 releases its accumulated elastic potential energy relatively slowly. Under the action of the first torsion spring 114, the first rotating plate 112 can rotate slightly relative to the first support arm 111. The second side of the first rotating plate 112 gradually moves towards the edge of the first sinking step 122 until the first support arm 111 rotates to a certain angle, at which point the first rotating plate 112 can disengage from the limitation of the first sinking step 122. Similarly, due to the limiting effect of the second sinking step 124, the second rotating plate 116 also rotates slightly relative to the second support arm 115 under the action of the second torsion spring 118. The second side of the second rotating plate 116 gradually moves towards the edge of the second sinking step 124 until the second support arm 115 rotates to a certain angle, at which point the second rotating plate 116 can disengage from the limitation of the second sinking step 124.
[0101] refer to Figure 11a and Figure 11b , Figure 11a This is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in the embodiment of this application in the closed state. Figure 11bThis is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 and the flexible display screen 4 in the closed state according to an embodiment of this application. As the first support arm 111 rotates further, the first rotating plate 112 gradually disengages from the restriction of the first recessed step 122. Then, the first torsion spring 114 can quickly release its elastic potential energy, pushing the first rotating plate 112 to rotate towards the first support arm 111 until the first rotating plate 112 and the first support arm 111 are in contact. Similarly, as the second support arm 115 rotates further, when the second rotating plate 116 disengages from the restriction of the second recessed step, the second torsion spring 118 can push the second rotating plate 116 to rotate rapidly towards the second support arm 115 until the second rotating plate 116 and the second support arm 115 are in contact. After the rotating shaft mechanism 1 is switched to the closed state, a teardrop-shaped screen-accommodating space can be formed between the first rotating component 11a, the second rotating component 11b, and the base 12, thereby meeting the bending requirements of the flexible display screen 4 of the electronic device, reducing the risk of compression or stretching of the flexible display screen 4, and extending its service life.
[0102] Please refer to this again. Figure 4 In this embodiment, to better realize the opening and closing of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, the rotating shaft mechanism 1 may also be provided with a damping component capable of providing damping force to the first rotating component 11a and the second rotating component 11b, so that the first rotating component 11a and the second rotating component 11b can rotate stably under the action of the damping force, avoiding accidental opening and closing of the electronic device, and realizing the suspension of the two housings at a set position. The rotating shaft mechanism 1 may include a damping component, in which case the damping component may be correspondingly arranged with the first rotating component 11a or the second rotating component 11b of one of the main shaft modules. Alternatively, the rotating shaft mechanism 1 may also include multiple damping components, in which case the multiple damping components may be correspondingly arranged with the first rotating component 11a and the second rotating component 11b in at least one main shaft module. For example, Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a rotating shaft mechanism 1 comprising four damping components. These four damping components can be respectively configured to correspond to the first rotating component 11a and the second rotating component 11b in the two spindle modules. For ease of distinction, the damping component corresponding to the first rotating component 11a will be referred to as the first damping component 14a, and the damping component corresponding to the second rotating component 11b will be referred to as the second damping component 14b. The following explanation mainly focuses on the configuration of the first damping component 14a and its connection relationship with the first rotating component 11a. The second damping component 14b can be configured with reference to the first damping component 14a.
[0103] In this embodiment, the base 12 may be provided with a first mounting hole 125 extending along the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1. This first mounting hole 125 may communicate with a first arcuate groove 121 for accommodating a first arcuate rotating block 1111. A first damping assembly 14a may be installed within this first mounting hole 125. The end of the first arcuate rotating block 1111 facing the first mounting hole 125 may have a first cam surface 11111 (see reference). Figure 6 The first support arm 111 shown in the figure, here, the cam surface can be understood as the surface on the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111 formed by the curved profile.
[0104] Please refer to the above. Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is an exploded structural diagram of the first damping component 14a provided in an embodiment of this application. The first damping component 14a may include a first stop block 141, a first cam 142, and a first elastic member 143. The first stop block 141 may be fixed to a first mounting hole 125. The first cam 142 is located on the side of the first stop block 141 facing the first arcuate groove 121 and can slide within the first mounting hole 125. The side of the first cam 142 facing away from the first stop block 141 has a second cam surface 1421. The first elastic member 143 may be confined between the first stop block 141 and the first cam 142.
[0105] In some implementations, the first stop block 141 can be Figure 12 The nut shown has an internal thread on the inner wall of the first mounting hole 125, at least near the opening, and the first stop block 141 can be fixed in the first mounting hole 125 by means of a threaded connection. In some other embodiments, the first stop block 141 can also be fixed in the first mounting hole 125 by means of an interference fit.
[0106] In some embodiments, the first elastic element 143 can be Figure 12 In the spring shown, the first damping assembly 14a may further include a first guide post 144 located between the first stop block 141 and the first cam 142. The first elastic element 143 can be sleeved on the first guide post 144 to prevent displacement of the first elastic element 143 during elastic deformation. Exemplarily, the first guide post 144 and the first cam 142 can be an integral structure to simplify the assembly process of the first damping assembly 14a on the rotating shaft mechanism 1. In other embodiments, the first elastic element 143 may also be a spring sheet, and there may be multiple spring sheets stacked between the first stop block 141 and the first cam 142.
[0107] Figure 13 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in an embodiment of this application. See also... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, when the first damping component 14a is installed in the first mounting hole 125, as the first stop block 141 is screwed into the first mounting hole 125, the first elastic element 143 is gradually compressed. Under the action of the first elastic element 143, the second cam surface 1421 of the first cam 142 can abut against the first cam surface 11111 of the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111. At this time, the first cam 142 and the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111 can form a cam pair. In this embodiment, by rationally designing the curved contours of the first cam surface 11111 and the second cam surface 1421, the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111 can push the first cam 142 towards the first stop block 141 during the closing process of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, thereby compressing the first elastic element 143, giving the user a more obvious operating feel and improving the user experience; during the unfolding process of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, the first elastic element 143 gradually rebounds from the compressed state and releases the accumulated elastic potential energy, thereby pushing the first cam 142 to slide away from the first stop block 141. In this way, the first cam 142 can apply a torque to the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111 to assist its rotation, thereby providing a certain unfolding assistance to the rotating shaft mechanism 1 and reducing the difficulty of unfolding the rotating shaft mechanism 1.
[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, through the reasonable design of the first cam surface 11111 and the second cam surface 1421, the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111 can be suspended at a set angle, which means the first support arm 111 can also be suspended. When the rotating shaft mechanism 1 is applied to an electronic device, the suspension design of the first support arm 111 can allow the electronic device to be positioned in some intermediate states, thereby further improving the user experience.
[0109] In addition to the structures described above, in some embodiments of this application, the rotating shaft mechanism 1 may also be provided with other possible mechanisms. (See reference...) Figure 14 As shown, Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft mechanism 1 may further include a synchronization component 15. The synchronization component 15 may include a first gear 151 disposed on the outer arc wall of the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111, and a second gear (not shown in the figure) disposed on the outer arc wall of the second arc-shaped rotating block 1151. The first gear 151 and the second gear are connected by a transmission connection. In this way, when one of the support arms rotates around the base, it can drive the other support arm to rotate synchronously in the opposite or opposite direction, and the rotation angle of the two support arms remains consistent. In this way, when the two support arms rotate synchronously, the first housing and the second housing of the electronic device can rotate synchronously, thereby avoiding the application of instantaneous force to the flexible display screen fixed to the two housings, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the flexible display screen.
[0110] Please refer to the above. Figure 15 As shown, Figure 15 This is a partial structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism 1 provided in this application embodiment, facing away from its supporting surface. In this application embodiment, the synchronization component 15 may further include a first rack 153, a second rack 154, and a synchronization gear 155. The first rack 153 and the second rack 154 are spaced apart along the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 1, and the first rack 153 and the second rack 154 are slidably disposed on the base along the width direction of the base. The first rack 153 meshes with the first gear tooth 151 on the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111, and the second rack 154 meshes with the second gear tooth 152 on the second arc-shaped rotating block 1151. The synchronizing gear 155 is located between the first rack 153 and the second rack 154, and the synchronizing gear 155 meshes with the first rack 153 and the second rack 154 respectively. In this way, the first rack 153 and the second rack 154 can slide synchronously towards or away from each other through the synchronizing gear 155, thereby enabling the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111 meshing with the first rack 153 and the second arc-shaped rotating block 1151 meshing with the second rack 154 to rotate synchronously towards or away from each other.
[0111] In some embodiments, the base 12 may be provided with a first slot 126 and a second slot 127 on the side opposite to the support surface 1b (see reference). Figure 5 The base shown in the diagram has a first slot 126 that communicates with a first arc-shaped slot 121, and a second slot 127 that communicates with a second arc-shaped slot 123. In a specific implementation, a first gear tooth 151 is disposed in the area of the first arc-shaped rotating block 1111 exposed to the first slot 126, and a first rack 153 is slidably disposed within the first slot 126, thereby achieving meshing between the first gear tooth 151 and the first rack 153. Similarly, a second gear tooth 152 is disposed in the area of the second arc-shaped rotating block 1151 exposed to the second slot 127, and a second rack 154 is slidably disposed within the second slot 127, thereby achieving meshing between the second gear tooth 152 and the second rack 154.
[0112] The above are merely specific embodiments 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 rotating shaft mechanism, characterized in that, The system includes a base and a spindle module. The spindle module includes a first rotating assembly and a second rotating assembly, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the base. The base has a support surface, and a first recessed step and a second recessed step are respectively provided on both sides of the support surface; The first rotating assembly includes a first support arm, a first rotating plate, a first pin, and a first torsion spring. The first support arm is rotatably connected to the base. The first side of the first rotating plate is rotatably connected to the first support arm via the first pin. The first torsion spring is sleeved on the first pin, the first torsion arm of the first torsion spring is fixed to the first support arm, and the second torsion arm of the first torsion spring abuts against the first side of the first rotating plate. The second rotating assembly includes a second support arm, a second rotating plate, a second pin, and a second torsion spring. The second support arm is rotatably connected to the base. The first side of the second rotating plate is rotatably connected to the second support arm via the second pin. The second torsion spring is sleeved on the second pin. The first torsion arm of the second torsion spring is fixed to the second support arm. The second torsion arm of the second torsion spring abuts against the first side of the second rotating plate. When the rotating shaft mechanism switches from the extended state to the closed state, the first support arm and the second support arm rotate towards each other. The first torsion spring drives the first rotating plate to rotate relative to the first support arm, causing the second side of the first rotating plate to rotate from a state of overlapping with the first sunken step to a state of contact with the first support arm. The second torsion spring drives the second rotating plate to rotate relative to the second support arm, causing the second side of the second rotating plate to rotate from a state of overlapping with the second sunken step to a state of contact with the second support arm. When the rotating shaft mechanism switches from the closed state to the extended state, the first support arm and the second support arm rotate in opposite directions. The second side of the first rotating plate rotates from a state of contact with the first support arm to a state of overlapping with the first sunken step, and drives the first torsion spring to reset. The second side of the second rotating plate rotates from a state of contact with the second support arm to a state of overlapping with the second sunken step, and drives the second torsion spring to reset.
2. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the rotating shaft mechanism is in the unfolded state, the surface of the first rotating plate facing away from the first sinking step is flush with the supporting surface, and the surface of the second rotating plate facing away from the second sinking step is flush with the supporting surface.
3. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first support arm has a first groove on the side facing the first rotating plate, and the second support arm has a second groove on the side facing the second rotating plate. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in the closed state, the first rotating plate is located in the first groove, and the second rotating plate is located in the second groove.
4. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first rotating plate has a first lug on its first side, the first lug is located on one side of the first support arm, and the first lug has a first through hole, and the first pin is rotatably disposed in the first through hole; The second rotating plate has a second lug on its first side. The second lug is located on one side of the second support arm and has a second through hole. The second pin is rotatably disposed in the second through hole.
5. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first lug is provided with a first limiting groove, the opening of the first limiting groove is disposed on the second side opposite to the first rotating plate, and the second torsion arm of the first torsion spring is located in the first limiting groove. The second lug is provided with a second limiting groove, the opening of the second limiting groove is disposed on the second side opposite to the second rotating plate, and the second torsion arm of the second torsion spring is located in the second limiting groove.
6. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, A first stop is provided on the side of the first lug facing away from the first support arm. The first stop has a first extension wall, which is spaced apart from the first lug. The projection of the first extension wall on the surface of the first lug covers at least part of the first through hole. A second stop is provided on the side of the second lug facing away from the second support arm. The second stop has a second extension wall, which is spaced apart from the second lug. The projection of the second extension wall on the surface of the second lug covers at least part of the second through hole. The end of the first pin is located between the first lug and the first extension wall, and the end of the second pin is located between the second lug and the second extension wall.
7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The base is provided with a first arc-shaped groove and a second arc-shaped groove; The first support arm includes a first arc-shaped rotating block, which is rotatably disposed in the first arc-shaped groove; The second support arm includes a second arc-shaped rotating block, which is rotatably disposed in the second arc-shaped groove.
8. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Along the length of the rotating shaft mechanism, the first arc-shaped groove and the second arc-shaped groove are offset.
9. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The first arc-shaped rotating block includes a first sub-rotating block and a second sub-rotating block spaced apart along the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism. The first arc-shaped groove includes a first sub-arc groove and a second sub-arc groove spaced apart along the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism. The first sub-rotating block is slidably disposed in the first sub-arc groove, and the second sub-rotating block is slidably disposed in the second sub-arc groove. The second arc-shaped rotating block includes a third sub-rotating block and a fourth sub-rotating block spaced apart along the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism. The first arc-shaped groove includes a third sub-arc-shaped groove and a fourth sub-arc-shaped groove spaced apart along the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism. The third sub-rotating block is slidably disposed in the third sub-arc-shaped groove, and the fourth sub-rotating block is slidably disposed in the fourth sub-arc-shaped groove. The first sinking step is located between the first sub-arc groove and the second sub-arc groove, and the second sinking step is located between the third sub-arc groove and the fourth sub-arc groove.
10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The first support arm further includes a first fixing block connected to the first arc-shaped rotating block, the first fixing block having a first end face; the second support arm further includes a second fixing block connected to the second arc-shaped rotating block, the second fixing block having a first end face. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in the closed state, the first end face of the first fixing block and the first end face of the second fixing block are opposite to each other; when the rotating shaft mechanism is in the unfolded state, the first end face of the first fixing block and the first end face of the second fixing block are respectively flush with the support surface.
11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, The first arc-shaped rotating block has a first cam surface at one end along the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism; The base is provided with a first mounting hole extending along the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the first mounting hole communicates with the first arc-shaped groove. The rotating shaft mechanism further includes a first damping component installed in the first mounting hole. The first damping component includes a first stop block, a first cam, and a first elastic element. The first stop block is fixed to the first mounting hole. The first cam is located on the side of the first stop block facing the first arc groove. The first elastic element is limited between the first stop block and the first cam. The side of the first cam facing away from the first elastic element has a second cam surface that abuts against the first cam surface.
12. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism further includes a synchronization component, which includes a first gear tooth disposed on the outer arc wall of the first arc-shaped rotating block and a second gear tooth disposed on the outer arc wall of the second arc-shaped rotating block, wherein the first gear tooth and the second gear tooth are connected in a transmission manner.
13. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The synchronization component further includes a first rack, a second rack, and a synchronization gear, wherein the first rack and the second rack are spaced apart along the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism; The first rack is slidably disposed on the base, and the first rack meshes with the first gear tooth; The second rack is slidably disposed on the base, and the second rack meshes with the second gear teeth; The synchronizing gear is located between the first rack and the second rack, and the synchronizing gear meshes with the first rack and the second rack respectively.
14. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The base has a first slot and a second slot on the side opposite to the support surface; The first slot is connected to the first arc-shaped slot, the first gear tooth is located in the area of the first arc-shaped rotating block exposed in the first slot, and the first rack is slidably disposed in the first slot; The second slot is connected to the second arc-shaped groove, the second gear tooth is located in the area of the second arc-shaped rotating block exposed in the second slot, and the second rack is slidably disposed in the second slot.
15. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism also includes an end cap, which is disposed on the side of the base away from the support surface.
16. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display screen, and a pivot mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft mechanism. The first housing is fixedly connected to the first support arm, and the second housing is fixedly connected to the second support arm. The flexible display screen continuously covers the first housing, the second housing, and the rotating shaft mechanism, and the flexible display screen is fixedly connected to the first housing and the second housing.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Rotary shaft mechanism and electronic device
CN113795683A
Folding device and electronic equipment
CN113833741A