Foldable mechanism and foldable terminal

Abstract

The invention provides a foldable mechanism and a foldable terminal, in the foldable mechanism, a key can move between a first position and a second position relative to a base, if a hovering function does not need to be used, the key can be shifted to the first position, and when the foldable mechanism is opened and closed to a hovering angle range, a first protruding part and a first friction part are arranged at an interval, so that the first protruding part and the first friction part are separated from each other; the first friction piece does not make contact with the first protruding part of the first swing arm, in other words, the first friction piece does not interfere with rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base, opening and closing of the foldable mechanism are smooth, the opening and closing hand feeling of the foldable terminal can be improved, and the use experience of a user is improved. When the hovering function needs to be used, the key can be shifted to the second position, when the foldable mechanism is opened and closed to be within the hovering angle range, the first protruding part makes contact with the first friction piece and rubs against the first friction piece, the friction force generated between the first protruding part and the first friction piece can enable the first swing arm to keep a certain angle, and therefore the hovering function is achieved. Therefore, the foldable mechanism can achieve the hovering effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of foldable terminals, and in particular to a foldable mechanism and a foldable terminal. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of technology, the era of large-screen smart terminals has arrived. Foldable terminals are favored by users due to their large screens and easy portability. At present, foldable terminals often use foldable mechanisms to achieve folding and unfolding. However, the existing foldable mechanisms with hovering functions often have a lag in the opening and closing feel during the rotation process, affecting the user experience. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application provides a foldable mechanism and a foldable terminal, which are used to improve the opening and closing feel of the foldable terminal and enhance the user experience.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a foldable mechanism, comprising a base, a first friction member, a first swing arm and a button, wherein the first friction member is mounted on the inner side of the base, the first swing arm comprises a first rotating portion and a first protruding portion, the first rotating portion is rotatably connected to the base, and is located on the top side of the first friction member and is arranged opposite to the first friction member, the first protruding portion is arranged on the surface of the first rotating portion and is arranged around the rotation center of the first rotating portion, and the button is mounted on the base and can move between a first position and a second position relative to the base;

[0005] When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the key is in the first position, the first protrusion and the first friction member are spaced apart;

[0006] When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the key is in the second position, the first protrusion and the first friction member rub against each other.

[0007] In the foldable mechanism shown in the present application, the button can be moved between a first position and a second position relative to the base. If the hovering function is not needed, the button can be moved to the first position. When the foldable mechanism is opened and closed to the hovering angle range, the first protrusion and the first friction member are spaced apart, and the first friction member does not contact the first protrusion of the first swing arm, that is, the first friction member does not interfere with the rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base. The foldable mechanism opens and closes smoothly, which helps to improve the opening and closing feel of the foldable terminal and enhance the user experience.

[0008] When the hovering function is needed, the button can be moved to the second position. When the foldable mechanism is opened and closed to the hovering angle range, the first protrusion and the first friction member come into contact and rub against each other. The friction force generated between the first protrusion and the first friction member can enable the first swing arm to maintain a certain angle, thereby allowing the foldable mechanism to achieve a hovering effect.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first friction member includes a mounting portion, a friction portion and a free portion, the mounting portion is mounted on the base, the friction portion is fixedly connected to one side of the mounting portion and is arranged opposite to the first rotating portion, and the free portion is fixedly connected to a side of the friction portion away from the mounting portion;

[0010] The base is provided with a sliding hole, which communicates the inner side and the outer side of the base and is arranged opposite to the button;

[0011] The foldable mechanism also includes a support block, which is inserted into the sliding hole and fixedly connected to the button, and can move relative to the base under the drive of the button;

[0012] When the key is in the first position, the support block and the free part are staggered, and the friction part and the first protrusion are spaced apart. The friction part can be in a horizontal state relative to the base, and the distance between the friction part and the first rotating part is large. During the rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base, the first protrusion and the friction part will not contact each other, thereby ensuring the smoothness of the rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base.

[0013] When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is in the second position, the support block abuts against the free portion, and the friction portion and the first protrusion rub against each other. The friction portion is in an inclined state relative to the base, and the distance between the friction portion and the first rotating portion is small. During the rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base, the first protrusion and the friction portion will come into contact and rub against each other. The friction force generated between the first protrusion and the friction portion can maintain the first swing arm at a certain angle, thereby achieving the hovering effect of the foldable mechanism.

[0014] In one embodiment, the support block includes a support surface facing away from the key, and the support block is provided with a stopper, which is provided on a side of the support block facing away from the key and protrudes relative to the support surface;

[0015] When the button is in the second position, the supporting surface abuts against the free portion, and the stop portion is located on a side of the free portion facing the first position.

[0016] When the key moves from the first position toward the second position, the stop portion can stop the free portion of the friction member, thereby preventing the key from moving too far and causing the support block to be unable to support the free portion, thereby ensuring the reliability of the foldable mechanism when switching between not implementing the hovering function and using the hovering function.

[0017] In one embodiment, the support block also includes a transition surface, which is connected to the support surface. In the direction from the first position to the second position, the distance between the transition surface and the support surface increases. When the key is in the first position, the transition surface is located on the side of the support surface facing the free portion.

[0018] When the key moves from the first position to the second position, the transition surface can guide the support block to enter the bottom side of the free portion, avoiding damage caused by hard contact between the support block and the free portion, thereby ensuring the reliability of the foldable mechanism.

[0019] In one embodiment, the base is provided with a limiting portion, which is arranged on the inner side of the base. The limiting portion includes a limiting part, which is located on the top side of the free part and is arranged opposite to the free part.

[0020] The limiting portion can limit the movement distance of the free portion toward the limiting portion, thereby preventing the free portion from undergoing large deformation and affecting the rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base, thereby ensuring the smooth rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base, helping to improve the opening and closing feel of the foldable terminal and enhancing the user experience.

[0021] In one embodiment, the foldable mechanism also includes a second swing arm, the second swing arm includes a second rotating part, the second rotating part is rotatably connected to the base, and when the foldable mechanism switches between the unfolded state and the folded state, the rotation direction of the first swing arm relative to the base is a first direction, and the rotation direction of the second swing arm relative to the base is a second direction, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0022] When the foldable mechanism switches between the unfolded state and the folded state, if the first swing arm rotates counterclockwise relative to the base, the second swing arm rotates clockwise relative to the base; if the first swing arm rotates clockwise relative to the base, the second swing arm rotates counterclockwise relative to the base.

[0023] It should be noted that both the first swing arm and the second swing arm can rotate relative to the base, which helps to ensure the rotation stability of the foldable mechanism when switching between the folded state and the unfolded state. It is understandable that in some other embodiments, the foldable mechanism may include only the first swing arm but not the second swing arm, or the foldable mechanism may include only the second swing arm but not the first swing arm, that is, only one side of the foldable mechanism may swing relative to the base, and the present application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0024] In one embodiment, the foldable mechanism further includes a second friction member, which is mounted on the inner side of the base and located on the bottom side of the second rotating part and arranged opposite to the second rotating part, and the second swing arm further includes a second protrusion, which is arranged on the surface of the second rotating part and is arranged around the rotation center of the second rotating part;

[0025] When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the key is in the first position, the second protrusion is spaced apart from the second friction member;

[0026] When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the key is in the second position, the second protrusion and the second friction member rub against each other.

[0027] In the present application, the hovering function of the foldable terminal is realized by utilizing the structural cooperation between the button, the first friction member and the first protrusion of the first swing arm, and the structural cooperation between the second friction member and the second protrusion of the second swing arm. The foldable mechanism has a simple structure, a small size and a low cost. Moreover, the user can easily switch between using the hovering function and not using the hovering function. The hovering function can be quickly switched by toggling the button, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0028] In one embodiment, the foldable mechanism further includes a synchronization component, which is mounted on the base and is used to drive the first swing arm and the second swing arm to rotate synchronously relative to the base.

[0029] In one embodiment, the foldable mechanism includes a damping assembly, which includes a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a first elastic member, a second elastic member, a damping bracket, a first swing arm and a second swing arm. The first rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft, the first elastic member, the second elastic member and the damping bracket are all installed on the inner side of the base. The first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are spaced apart and arranged opposite to each other. The damping bracket is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. The first elastic member and the second elastic member are located on the same side of the damping bracket. The first elastic member is sleeved on the first rotating shaft, and the second elastic member is sleeved on the second rotating shaft. The first swing arm is sleeved on the first rotating shaft, and the opposite ends of the first elastic member are respectively abutted against the damping bracket, and the first swing arm is hinged to the damping bracket. The second swing arm is sleeved on the second rotating shaft, and the opposite ends of the second elastic member are respectively abutted against the damping bracket, and the second swing arm is hinged to the damping bracket.

[0030] In other words, the first swing arm and the second swing arm are both damping swing arms in the damping assembly, and the hovering function of the foldable mechanism can be achieved without adding additional swing arms, which helps to simplify the structure of the foldable mechanism.

[0031] In one embodiment, the button moves between the first position and the second position relative to the base along the Y-axis direction, which helps to reduce the size of the foldable mechanism in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The Y-axis direction is the length direction of the base.

[0032] In one embodiment, the base is provided with a mounting groove, the opening of the mounting groove is located at the bottom surface of the base, the key is mounted in the mounting groove, and can move relative to the base in the mounting groove. The key can reuse the height space of the mounting groove, reducing the height space occupied by the key.

[0033] In one embodiment, the hovering angle range is greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 125°.

[0034] In one embodiment, the hovering angle range is greater than or equal to 60° and less than or equal to 120°.

[0035] In a second aspect, the present application provides a foldable terminal, comprising a first shell, a second shell and any one of the above-mentioned foldable mechanisms, wherein the foldable mechanism is connected between the first shell and the second shell.

[0036] In the foldable mechanism adopted by the foldable terminal shown in the present application, the button can be moved between a first position and a second position relative to the base. If the hovering function is not needed, the button can be moved to the first position. When the foldable mechanism is opened and closed to the hovering angle range, the first protrusion and the first friction member are arranged at a distance, and the first friction member does not contact the first protrusion of the first swing arm, that is, the first friction member does not interfere with the rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base. The opening and closing of the foldable mechanism is smooth, which helps to improve the opening and closing feel of the foldable terminal and enhance the user experience.

[0037] When the hovering function is needed, the button can be moved to the second position. When the foldable mechanism is opened and closed to the hovering angle range, the first protrusion and the first friction member come into contact and rub against each other. The friction force generated between the first protrusion and the first friction member can make the first swing arm maintain a certain angle, so that the foldable terminal achieves a hovering effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application will be described below.

[0039] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a first foldable terminal provided by an embodiment of the present application in a folded state;

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable terminal shown is in an unfolded state;

[0041] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the foldable terminal shown;

[0042] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a foldable device in the foldable terminal shown;

[0043] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a foldable mechanism in the foldable device shown;

[0044] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable mechanism shown at another angle;

[0045] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the foldable mechanism shown;

[0046] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of the foldable mechanism shown;

[0047] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable mechanism shown at another angle;

[0048] Fig.10 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a button assembly in the foldable mechanism shown;

[0049] Fig.11 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of the foldable mechanism shown, wherein the key is in a first position;

[0050] Fig.12 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of the foldable mechanism shown, wherein the key is in the second position;

[0051] Fig.13 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the friction member in the foldable mechanism shown;

[0052] Fig.14 yes Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of a foldable device in the foldable terminal shown, wherein the key is in a first position;

[0053] Fig.15 yes Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of a foldable device in the foldable terminal, wherein the key is in the second position;

[0054] Fig.16 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the swing arm in the foldable mechanism shown;

[0055] Fig.17 yes Fig.15 A simplified structural diagram of a friction member and a swing arm of a foldable mechanism in the foldable device shown;

[0056] Fig.18 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the partial structure of the damping assembly in the foldable mechanism shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0058] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable terminal 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application in a folded state, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The structure diagram of the foldable terminal 1000 is shown in the unfolded state.

[0059] The foldable terminal 1000 may be a foldable electronic product such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a multimedia player, an e-book reader, a laptop computer, a vehicle-mounted device, or a wearable device. In this embodiment, the foldable terminal 1000 is a foldable mobile phone. That is, the foldable terminal 1000 is a mobile phone that can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0060] For the convenience of description, we define Figure 1 The width direction of the foldable terminal 1000 is the X-axis direction, the length direction of the foldable terminal 1000 is the Y-axis direction, and the thickness direction of the foldable terminal 1000 is the Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are perpendicular to each other. Exemplarily, the extension direction of the rotation axis of the foldable terminal 1000 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. That is, the foldable terminal 1000 can be relatively unfolded or relatively folded around the Y-axis direction.

[0061] It should be noted that the qualifiers such as parallel and perpendicular mentioned in the embodiments of the present application regarding the relative position relationship are all for the current process level, rather than an absolute and strict definition in the mathematical sense. A small amount of deviation is allowed, and both approximately parallel and approximately perpendicular are acceptable. For example, A and B are parallel, which means that A and B are parallel or approximately parallel, and the angle between A and B can be between 0 and 10 degrees. For example, A and B are perpendicular, which means that A and B are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular, and the angle between A and B can be between 80 and 100 degrees.

[0062] in, Figure 1 The foldable terminal 1000 is shown in a folded state. At this time, the size of the foldable terminal 1000 along the X-axis direction is small, and the foldable terminal 1000 is easy to carry. Figure 2 The foldable terminal 1000 is shown in an unfolded state. Figure 2 The unfolding angle α of the foldable terminal 1000 is 180 degrees. In other words, Figure 1 The foldable terminal 1000 is shown in a flattened state. At this time, the size of the foldable terminal 1000 along the X-axis direction is relatively large, and the foldable terminal 1000 has a relatively large display area.

[0063] It should be noted that the angles illustrated in the embodiments of the present application are allowed to have slight deviations. Figure 2The unfolding angle α of the foldable terminal 1000 shown is 180 degrees, which means that α can be 180 degrees, or approximately 180 degrees, such as 170 degrees, 175 degrees, 185 degrees, and 190 degrees, etc. The angles described below by way of example can be understood in the same way.

[0064] It should be understood that the foldable terminal 1000 shown in the embodiment of the present application is a terminal that can be folded once. In some other embodiments, the foldable terminal 1000 can also be a terminal that can be folded multiple times (more than twice). In this case, the foldable terminal 1000 can include multiple parts, and two adjacent parts can be folded relatively close to each other until the foldable terminal 1000 is in a folded state, and the two adjacent parts can also be unfolded relatively away from each other until the foldable terminal 1000 is in an unfolded state.

[0065] Please also read Figure 3 , Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the foldable terminal 1000 is shown.

[0066] The foldable terminal 1000 includes a foldable device 100 and a display screen 200, and the display screen 200 is installed on the foldable device 100. The display screen 200 includes a display surface 201 away from the foldable device 100, and the display surface 201 is used to display information such as text, images or videos. In this embodiment, the display screen 200 includes a first display portion 210, a second display portion 220 and a foldable portion 230, and the foldable portion 230 is connected between the first display portion 210 and the second display portion 220. Among them, the foldable portion 230 can be bent around the Y-axis direction.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, when the foldable terminal 1000 is in the folded state, the foldable device 100 and the display screen 200 are both in the folded state, the first display portion 210 and the second display portion 220 are arranged opposite to each other, and the foldable portion 230 is bent. At this time, the exposed area of ​​the display screen 200 is relatively small, which can greatly reduce the probability of the display screen 200 being damaged, and achieve effective protection of the display screen 200.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, when the foldable terminal 1000 is in a flattened state, the foldable device 100 and the display screen 200 are both in a flattened state, the first display portion 210 and the second display portion 220 are relatively flattened, and the foldable portion 230 is flattened without bending. At this time, the angle between the first display portion 210 and the second display portion 220, the angle between the first display portion 210 and the foldable portion 230, and the angle between the second display portion 220 and the foldable portion 230 are all α, and the display screen 200 has a large display area, realizing a large-screen display of the foldable terminal 1000, and improving the user experience.

[0069] It should be understood that the foldable terminal 1000 shown in the embodiment of the present application is folded inwardly, and when the foldable terminal 1000 is in the folded state, the display screen 200 is located on the inner side of the foldable device 100. In some other embodiments, the foldable terminal 1000 can also be folded in an outward folding manner, and when the foldable terminal 1000 is in the folded state, the display screen 200 is located on the outer side of the foldable device 100.

[0070] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the foldable device 100 in the foldable terminal 1000 is shown.

[0071] The foldable device 100 includes a first housing 110, a second housing 120, and a foldable mechanism 130, wherein the foldable mechanism 130 is connected between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 to realize a rotational connection between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. Specifically, the first housing 110 carries a first display portion 210, and the second housing 120 carries a second display portion 220. In other words, the first display portion 210 is mounted on the first housing 110, and the second display portion 220 is mounted on the second housing 120. The foldable mechanism 130 is arranged opposite to the foldable portion 230.

[0072] The first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can rotate relative to each other through the foldable mechanism 130, so that the foldable device 100 can switch between the folded state and the unfolded state. Specifically, the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can rotate relative to each other to be arranged opposite to each other, so that the foldable device 100 is in the folded state, such as Figure 1 At this time, the foldable mechanism 130 is in a folded state. The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 can also be relatively rotated to be relatively flat, so that the foldable terminal 1000 is in a flattened state, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 At this time, the angle between the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 is α, and the foldable mechanism 130 is in a flattened state.

[0073] The first housing 110 is provided with a first receiving groove 1101, and the first receiving groove 1101 is located on the side of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120. The opening of the first receiving groove 1101 is located on the top surface of the first housing 110. The first receiving groove 1101 is recessed from the top surface of the first housing 110 toward the bottom surface, and penetrates the side surface of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120. Among them, the side surface of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120 is the left side surface of the first housing 110.

[0074] It should be noted that the directional terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “front” and “back” used in the embodiment of the present application to describe the foldable terminal 1000 are mainly based on the foldable terminal 1000 being attached. Figure 2 The display orientation is explained in the figure, with the positive direction of the Z axis being the “top”, the negative direction of the Z axis being the “bottom”, the positive direction of the X axis being the “right”, the negative direction of the X axis being the “left”, the positive direction of the Y axis being the “back”, and the negative direction of the Y axis being the “front”. It does not constitute a limitation on the orientation of the foldable terminal 1000 in actual application scenarios.

[0075] In addition, the first housing 110 is further provided with a first mounting portion 140, which is disposed on the bottom wall of the first receiving groove 1101, and is located between the side of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120 and the side wall of the first receiving groove 1101, and is spaced apart from the side of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120 and the side wall of the first receiving groove 1101. Specifically, the first mounting portion 140 extends from the bottom wall of the first receiving groove 1101 toward the direction of the opening of the first receiving groove 1101. Exemplarily, the first mounting portion 140 is in a square block shape, and the length direction of the first mounting portion 140 is parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0076] The first mounting portion 140 includes a first side surface and a second side surface, wherein the first side surface is the surface of the first mounting portion 140 away from the side wall of the first receiving groove 1101, and the second side surface is arranged opposite to the first side surface. The first mounting portion 140 is provided with a first sliding hole 1401, and the opening of the first sliding hole 1401 is located on the first side surface. The first sliding hole 1401 is recessed from the first side surface toward the second side surface and passes through the second side surface.

[0077] The second housing 120 has the same structure as the first housing 110 and is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the foldable mechanism 130. The second housing 120 is provided with a second receiving groove 1201, which is located on the side of the second housing 120 facing the first housing 110. The opening of the second receiving groove 1201 is located on the top surface of the second housing 120. The second receiving groove 1201 is recessed from the top surface of the second housing 120 to the bottom surface, and penetrates the side of the second housing 120 facing the first housing 110. Among them, the side of the second housing 120 facing the first housing 110 is the right side of the second housing 120. In addition, the second housing 120 is also provided with a second mounting portion 150, and the second mounting portion 150 is provided with a second sliding hole 1501. It should be noted that the structures of the second mounting portion 150 and the second sliding hole 1501 can refer to the relevant descriptions of the first mounting portion 140 and the first sliding hole 1401 mentioned above, respectively, and will not be repeated here.

[0078] When the foldable device 100 is in a flattened state, that is, when the angle between the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 is α, the first receiving groove 1101 of the first shell 110 and the second receiving groove 1201 of the second shell 120 enclose a receiving space 1301. The foldable mechanism 130 is installed in the receiving space 1301 and is slidably connected to both the first shell 110 and the second shell 120. Part of the foldable mechanism 130 is installed in the first receiving groove 1101 of the first shell 110 and is slidably connected to the first mounting portion 140, and part of the foldable mechanism 130 is installed in the second receiving groove 1201 of the second shell 120 and is slidably connected to the second mounting portion 150.

[0079] At present, foldable terminals often use foldable mechanisms to achieve folding, unfolding and hovering. However, due to factors such as the use environment, usage time and product batches, the existing foldable mechanisms often have jamming phenomena during the opening and closing process, affecting the user experience. Moreover, due to the manufacturing tolerances of components or the wear of components caused by long-term use, if the foldable terminal is unfolded and used for a period of time and then adjusted to a hovering state, the hovering state is likely to not be able to maintain a stable state, which will also cause the foldable terminal to feel jamming during the opening and closing process, affecting the user experience. It should be noted that the "opening and closing process" mentioned in the description of the foldable terminal in this application refers to the "process of switching between a folded state and an unfolded state".

[0080] Next, the structure of the foldable mechanism 130 in the foldable terminal 1000 shown in the embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0081] See also Figures 5 to 7 , Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The schematic diagram of the partial structure of the foldable mechanism 130 in the foldable device 100 is shown. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable mechanism 130 at another angle is shown. Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the foldable mechanism 130 is shown.

[0082] The foldable mechanism 130 includes a base 10, a rotating shaft 20, a button assembly 30, a friction member 40, a swing arm 50 and a synchronization assembly 60, wherein the rotating shaft 20, the button assembly 30, the friction member 40, the swing arm 50 and the synchronization assembly 60 are all installed on the inner side of the base 10. Exemplarily, the base 10 extends along the Y-axis direction, that is, the length direction of the base 10 is the Y-axis direction. There are two rotating shafts 20, and the two rotating shafts 20 are parallel and spaced apart. Exemplarily, the axes of the two rotating shafts 20 are parallel to the Y-axis direction. Among them, the two rotating shafts 20 are respectively a first rotating shaft 21 and a second rotating shaft 22. The button assembly 30 can slide relative to the base 10. Exemplarily, the button assembly 30 can move relative to the base 10 along the Y-axis direction.

[0083] There are two friction members 40, which are respectively located at the bottom sides of the two rotating shafts 20 and are spaced apart from the rotating shafts 20. Along the X-axis direction, the two friction members 40 are spaced apart from each other. The two friction members 40 are respectively a first friction member 41 and a second friction member 42, the first friction member 41 is located at the bottom side of the first rotating shaft 21 and is spaced apart from the first rotating shaft 21, and the second friction member 42 is located at the bottom side of the second rotating shaft 22 and is spaced apart from the second rotating shaft 22.

[0084] There are two swing arms 50, which are respectively sleeved on the two rotating shafts 20, and are arranged at intervals along the X-axis direction and are rotatably connected to the base 10. The two swing arms 50 are respectively a first swing arm 51 and a second swing arm 52, the first swing arm 51 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 21, and the second swing arm 52 is sleeved on the second rotating shaft 22. The synchronization component 60 is sleeved on the two rotating shafts 20 and is rotatably connected to the base 10. The synchronization component 60 can make the two rotating shafts 20 rotate synchronously relative to the base 10, so that the two swing arms 50 rotate synchronously relative to the base 10.

[0085] When the foldable mechanism 130 switches between the folded state and the unfolded state, the direction in which the first swing arm 51 rotates relative to the base 10 is the first direction, and the direction in which the second swing arm 52 rotates relative to the base 10 is the second direction, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction. Exemplarily, when the foldable mechanism 130 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first swing arm 51 rotates counterclockwise relative to the base 10, and the second swing arm 52 rotates clockwise relative to the base 10. When the foldable mechanism 130 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first swing arm 51 rotates clockwise relative to the base 10, and the second swing arm 52 rotates counterclockwise relative to the base 10.

[0086] It should be noted that both the first swing arm 51 and the second swing arm 52 can rotate relative to the base 10, which helps to ensure the rotation stability of the foldable mechanism 130 when switching between the folded state and the unfolded state. It is understandable that in some other embodiments, the foldable mechanism 130 may include only the first swing arm 51 but not the second swing arm 52, or the foldable mechanism 130 may include only the second swing arm 52 but not the first swing arm 51, that is, only one side of the foldable mechanism 130 may be able to swing relative to the base 10, and the present application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0087] See also Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The schematic diagram of the partial structure of the foldable mechanism 130 is shown. Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 The foldable mechanism 130 is shown in another schematic diagram of the structure at another angle. Figure 8 The illustrated foldable mechanism 130 shows the base 10 , the rotating shaft 20 , and the synchronization assembly 60 .

[0088] The base 10 includes a shaft cover 11, a first bracket 12 and a second bracket 13, and the first bracket 12 and the second bracket 13 are both fixedly connected to the shaft cover 11. Exemplarily, the first bracket 12, the second bracket 13 and the third bracket 14 can be fixedly connected to the shaft cover 11 by screws or fixing members such as screws. In some other embodiments, the shaft cover 11, the first bracket 12 and the second bracket 13 can be integrally formed.

[0089] In this embodiment, the shaft cover 11 extends along the Y-axis direction. The shaft cover 11 is provided with an assembly groove 111, an avoidance groove 112, an avoidance notch 113, a mounting hole (not shown), a mounting groove 114 and a sliding hole 115. The opening of the assembly groove 111 and the opening of the avoidance groove 112 are both located on the top surface of the shaft cover 11. The assembly groove 111 and the avoidance groove 112 are both recessed from the top surface of the shaft cover 11 to the bottom surface of the shaft cover 11. Among them, the assembly groove 111 includes a first groove side wall surface 1111, a second groove side wall surface 1112 and a groove bottom wall surface 1113. There are two first groove side wall surfaces 1111, and along the X-axis direction, the two first groove side wall surfaces 1111 are spaced and arranged opposite to each other. The second groove side wall surface 1112 faces the avoidance groove 112 and is connected between the two first groove side wall surfaces 1111. The groove bottom wall surface 1113 connects the two first groove side wall surfaces 1111 and the second groove side wall surface 1112. Along the Y-axis direction, the avoidance groove 112 is located at one side of the assembly groove 111 and is spaced apart from the assembly groove 111.

[0090] The opening of the escape notch 113 is located on the peripheral side of the shaft cover 11. The escape notch 113 is recessed from the outer surface of the shaft cover 11 in the direction of the first groove side wall surface 1111, penetrates the first groove side wall surface 1111, and is connected to the assembly groove 111. There are two escape notches 113, which are the first escape notch 1131 and the second escape notch 1132. The first escape notch 1131 penetrates one first groove side wall surface 1111, and the second escape notch 1132 penetrates the other first groove side wall surface 1111.

[0091] The opening of the mounting hole is located on the second groove side wall surface 1112. The mounting hole is recessed from the second groove side wall surface 1112 in the direction of the avoidance groove 112, and penetrates the groove side wall surface of the avoidance groove 112 toward the assembly groove 111. There are four mounting holes, and the four mounting holes are two first mounting holes and two second mounting holes. Along the X-axis direction, the two first mounting holes are arranged at intervals, and the two second mounting holes are located between the two first mounting holes, and are both arranged at intervals from the first mounting holes. Exemplarily, the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole are both circular holes, and the aperture of the first mounting hole is larger than the aperture of the second mounting hole.

[0092] The opening of the mounting groove 114 is located at the bottom surface of the shaft cover 11. The mounting groove 114 is recessed from the bottom surface of the shaft cover 11 toward the top surface of the shaft cover 11. The mounting groove 114 is rectangular, and the extension direction of the mounting groove 114 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The opening of the sliding hole 115 is located at the bottom wall surface 1113 of the groove. The sliding hole 115 is recessed from the bottom wall surface 1113 of the groove toward the bottom surface of the shaft cover 11, and passes through the bottom wall surface of the groove of the mounting groove 114. There are two sliding holes 115, and along the X-axis direction, the first sliding hole 1151 and the second sliding hole 1152 are arranged at intervals, the first sliding hole 1151 is close to the first avoidance gap 1131, and the second sliding hole 1152 is close to the second avoidance gap 1132. Exemplarily, the sliding hole 115 is in the shape of a long strip, and the length direction of the sliding hole 115 is parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0093] In addition, the shaft cover 11 is provided with a limiting portion 116 and a fixing portion 117. The limiting portion 116 and the fixing portion 117 are both provided on the groove bottom wall surface 1113, and both extend from the groove bottom wall surface 1113 toward the direction of the opening of the assembly groove 111. The limiting portion 116 includes a connecting portion 1161 and a limiting portion 1162, the connecting portion 1161 is connected to the groove bottom wall surface 1113, and there are two limiting portions 1162, along the thickness direction of the connecting portion 1161, the two limiting portions 1162 are respectively fixedly connected to the opposite sides of the connecting portion 1161. Exemplarily, the connecting portion 1161 and the limiting portion 1162 can be integrally formed. Among them, the two limiting portions 1162 are respectively a first limiting portion 1163 and a second limiting portion 1164, the first limiting portion 1163 is located at the top side of the first sliding hole 1151, and the second limiting portion 1164 is located at the top side of the second sliding hole 1152. Exemplarily, the limiting portion 116 is in a "T" shape, and the connecting portion 1161 and the limiting portion 1162 are both in a planar plate shape.

[0094] There are two fixing parts 117. Along the X-axis direction, the two fixing parts 117 are respectively located on opposite sides of the limiting part 116, and are both spaced apart from the limiting part 116. The two fixing parts 117 are respectively a first fixing part 1171 and a second fixing part (not shown). The first fixing part 1171 is close to the first avoidance notch 1131, and the second fixing part is close to the second avoidance notch 1132. Each fixing part 117 is provided with a first fixing hole 1172, and the first fixing hole 1172 is located on the surface of the fixing part 117 facing the opening of the assembly slot 111. The first fixing hole 1172 is recessed from the surface of the fixing part 117 facing the opening of the assembly slot 111 to the direction away from the opening of the assembly slot 111. Exemplarily, the first fixing hole 1172 is a circular hole.

[0095] The first bracket 12 and the second bracket 13 are both mounted on the assembly groove 111, and are spaced apart from each other along the Y-axis direction. The first bracket 12 is provided with a third mounting hole (not marked in the figure), and the opening of the third mounting hole is located on the surface of the first bracket 12 facing the second bracket 13. The third mounting hole is recessed from the surface of the first bracket 12 facing the second bracket 13 to the surface away from the second bracket 13, and penetrates the surface of the first bracket 12 away from the second bracket 13. Among them, there are two third mounting holes, and the two third mounting holes are spaced apart from each other along the X-axis direction. Exemplarily, the third mounting hole is a circular hole. In some other embodiments, the third mounting hole may not penetrate the surface of the first bracket 12 away from the second bracket 13.

[0096] The second bracket 13 is provided with a connecting hole (not marked in the figure) and a fourth mounting hole (not marked in the figure). The connecting hole penetrates the second bracket 13 along the Y-axis direction. Among them, there are two connecting holes, and along the X-axis direction, the two connecting holes are arranged at intervals from each other, and are respectively arranged corresponding to the two first mounting holes, and are respectively arranged corresponding to the two third mounting holes. The opening of the fourth mounting hole is located on the surface of the second bracket 13 away from the first bracket 12. The fourth mounting hole is recessed from the surface of the second bracket 13 away from the first bracket 12 toward the direction of the first bracket 122. Among them, there are two fourth mounting holes, and along the X-axis direction, the two fourth mounting holes are located between the two connecting holes, and are spaced from the connecting holes, and are spaced from each other. The two fourth mounting holes are respectively arranged corresponding to the two second mounting holes. Exemplarily, the connecting hole and the fourth mounting hole are both circular holes, the central axis of the connecting hole, the central axis of the first mounting hole and the central axis of the third mounting hole coincide, and the central axis of the fourth mounting hole coincides with the central axis of the second mounting hole.

[0097] The two rotating shafts 20 are both installed in the assembly groove 111. Along the X-axis direction, the two rotating shafts 20 are respectively located on opposite sides of the limiting portion 116, and are both spaced apart from the limiting portion 116. Specifically, each rotating shaft 20 is passed through a first mounting hole, a connecting hole, and a third mounting hole. The first rotating shaft 21 is close to the first avoidance notch 1131, and the second rotating shaft 22 is close to the second avoidance notch 1132.

[0098] The synchronization component 60 is installed in the assembly groove 111 and is located between the second bracket 13 and the second groove side wall surface 1112. The synchronization component 60 is used to drive the first swing arm 51 and the second swing arm 52 to rotate synchronously relative to the base 10. In this embodiment, the synchronization component 60 includes four gears 61. Along the X-axis direction, the four gears 61 are arranged in sequence, and two adjacent gears 61 are meshed with each other. The four gears 61 are respectively a first gear 62, a second gear 63 and two third gears 64. The first gear 62 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 21, and the second gear 63 is sleeved on the second rotating shaft 22. One end of each third gear 64 is installed in a second mounting hole, and the other end is installed in a fourth mounting hole.

[0099] When the first rotating shaft 21 drives the first gear 62 to rotate relative to the base 10, the first gear 62 drives the two third gears 64 to rotate relative to the base 10, and the third gear 64 drives the second gear 53 to rotate relative to the base 10. Finally, the second gear 53 drives the second rotating shaft 22 to rotate relative to the base 10, so as to achieve synchronous rotation of the first rotating shaft 21 and the second rotating shaft 22. It should be noted that when the second rotating shaft 22 rotates relative to the base 10, the process in which the four gears 61 drive the first rotating shaft 21 to rotate relative to the base 10 is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0100] See also Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , Fig.10 yes Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of the button assembly 30 in the foldable mechanism 130 is shown.

[0101] The button assembly 30 includes a button 31 and a support block 32, and the support block 32 is fixedly connected to the button 31. The button 31 is installed in the mounting groove 114, and can slide between a first position and a second position relative to the base 10 in the mounting groove 114. The button 31 is arranged opposite to the two sliding holes 115. Exemplarily, the button 31 can slide between a first position and a second position relative to the base 10 in the mounting groove 114 along the Y-axis direction. The button 31 is provided with a fifth mounting hole 311, and the opening of the fifth mounting hole 311 is located on the top surface of the button 31. The fifth mounting hole 311 is recessed from the top surface of the button 31 to the bottom surface. There are two fifth mounting holes 311, and along the X-axis direction, the two fifth mounting holes 311 are arranged at intervals from each other, and are respectively arranged corresponding to the two sliding holes 115.

[0102] There are two support blocks 32, which are respectively a first support block 33 and a second support block 34. The first support block 33 is provided in the first sliding hole 1151, extends into a fifth mounting hole 311, and is fixedly connected to the button 31. The second support block 34 is provided in the second sliding hole 1152, extends into another fifth mounting hole 311, and is fixedly connected to the button 31. The first support block 33 is located at the bottom side of the first limiting portion 1163, and the second support block 34 is located at the bottom side of the second limiting portion 1164. When the button 31 slides between the first position and the second position relative to the base 10 in the mounting groove 114, the first support block 33 can slide relative to the first limiting portion 1163 under the drive of the button 31, and the second support block 34 can slide relative to the second limiting portion 1164 under the drive of the button 31.

[0103] Each support block 32 includes an auxiliary surface 321, a support surface 322 and a transition surface 323, and the auxiliary surface 321, the support surface 322 and the transition surface 323 are all facing the limit portion 1162. Along the Y-axis direction, the auxiliary surface 321 and the support surface 322 are arranged in sequence. The support surface 322 is located on the top side of the auxiliary surface 321, and the transition surface 323 is connected between the auxiliary surface 321 and the support surface 322. In the direction from the first position to the second position, the distance between the transition surface 323 and the support surface 322 is getting larger and larger. Exemplarily, the transition surface 323 is an inclined surface, or the transition surface 323 is an arc surface. When the button 31 moves from the first position to the second position, the transition surface 323 can play a guiding role to guide the support block 32 to enter the bottom side of the friction member 40, so as to avoid the support block 32 and the friction member 40 from being hard contacted and damaged, thereby ensuring the reliability of the foldable mechanism 130.

[0104] In addition, each support block 32 is provided with a stopper 324, which is provided on the side of the support block 32 away from the button 31 and protrudes relative to the support surface 322. Specifically, the stopper 324 is located on the side of the support surface 322 away from the transition surface 323. It is rational that the stopper 324 is in a square shape.

[0105] Please also read Fig.11 and Fig.12 , Fig.11 yes Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the partial cross-section structure of the foldable mechanism 130 is shown, wherein the button 31 is in the first position, Fig.12 yes Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the partial cross-section structure of the foldable mechanism 130 is shown, wherein the button 31 is in the second position.

[0106] When the button 31 is in the first position, along the Y-axis direction, the support surface 322 of the first support block 33 is located on one side of the first limiting portion 1163 and is exposed relative to the first limiting portion 1163, and the support surface 322 of the second support block 34 is located on one side of the second limiting portion 1164 and is exposed relative to the second limiting portion 1164. Among them, the auxiliary surface 321 and the transition surface 323 of the first support block 33 are both located on the side of the support surface 322 of the first support block 33 facing the first friction member 41, and the auxiliary surface 321 and the transition surface 323 of the second support block 34 are both located on the side of the support surface 322 of the second support block 34 facing the second friction member 42.

[0107] At this time, the auxiliary surface 321 and / or the transition surface 323 of the first support block 33 may be located on the bottom side of the first limiting portion 1163, or the auxiliary surface 321 and / or the transition surface 323 of the first support block 33 may be exposed relative to the first limiting portion 1163, and the auxiliary surface 321 and / or the transition surface 323 of the second support block 34 may be located on the bottom side of the first limiting portion 1163, or the auxiliary surface 321 and / or the transition surface 323 of the second support block 34 may be exposed relative to the first limiting portion 1163.

[0108] When the button 31 is in the second position, the support surface 322 of the first support block 33 is located at the bottom side of the first limiting portion 1162, and is spaced apart from and arranged opposite to the first limiting portion 1163. The support surface 322 of the second support block 34 is located at the bottom side of the second limiting portion 1164, and is spaced apart from and arranged opposite to the second limiting portion 1164. The stopper 324 of the first support block 33 is located at the side of the first friction member 41 facing the first position, and the stopper 324 of the second support block 34 is located at the side of the second friction member 42 facing the first position. The stopper 324 of the two support blocks 32 can stop the two friction members 40 respectively, so as to avoid the problem that the two support blocks 32 cannot support the friction member 40 due to the excessive movement distance when the button 31 moves from the first position to the second position, thereby ensuring the reliability of the foldable mechanism 130 switching between realizing the non-hovering function and realizing the hovering function.

[0109] See also Figure 8 , Fig.10 and Fig.13 , Fig.13 yes Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of the friction member 40 in the foldable mechanism 130 is shown.

[0110] The two friction members 40 are fixedly connected to the two fixing parts 117 respectively. Each friction member 40 includes a fitting part 43, a free part 44, a friction part 45, a first middle part 46 and a second middle part 47. The fitting part 43 is fixedly connected to the fixing part 117. The fitting part 43 is provided with a second fixing hole 431, and the second fixing hole 431 penetrates the fitting part 43 along the thickness direction of the fitting part 43. In addition, the foldable mechanism 130 also includes two fixing members 70, each of which is penetrated through the second fixing hole 431 and fixedly connected to the hole wall of the first fixing hole 1172, so as to realize the assembly between each friction member 40 and a fixing part 117.

[0111] The free portion 44 is spaced apart from the assembly portion 43 and is located at the bottom side of a limiting portion 1162. The friction portion 45 is located at the top side of the assembly portion 43 and the free portion 44. The first intermediate portion 46 is fixedly connected between the assembly portion 43 and the friction portion 45. The second intermediate portion 47 is fixedly connected between the friction portion 45 and the free portion 44. Exemplarily, the assembly portion 43, the free portion 44, the friction portion 45, the first intermediate portion 46 and the second intermediate portion 47 can be integrally formed, for example, the friction member 40 can be an elastic plate.

[0112] In this embodiment, the assembly portion 43 of the first friction member 41 is fixedly connected to the first fixed portion 1171, and the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41 is located at the bottom side of the first limiting portion 1163. The assembly portion 43 of the second friction member 42 is fixedly connected to the second fixed portion, and the free portion 44 of the second friction member 42 is located at the bottom side of the second limiting portion 1164.

[0113] Please also read Fig.14 and Fig.15 , Fig.14 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the foldable device 100 in the foldable terminal 1000 is shown, wherein the button 31 is in the first position, Fig.15 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the foldable device 100 in the foldable terminal 1000 is shown, wherein the button 31 is in the second position.

[0114] When the button 31 is in the first position, along the Y-axis direction, the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41 is staggered with the first support block 33, and the free portion 44 of the second friction member 42 is staggered with the second support block 34. In the Y-axis direction, the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41 is arranged alternately with the support surface 322 of the first support block 33, and the free portion 44 of the second friction member 42 is arranged alternately with the support surface 322 of the second support block 34. At this time, the friction portion 45 of the first friction member 41 and the friction portion 45 of the second friction member 42 are both in a horizontal state relative to the base 10.

[0115] When the button 31 is in the second position, the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41 is located between the first limiting portion 1163 and the first support block 33, the first support block 33 abuts against the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41, the free portion 44 of the second friction member 42 is located between the second limiting portion 1163 and the second support block 34, and the second support block 34 abuts against the free portion 44 of the second friction member 42. The free portion 44 of the first friction member 41 is located between the first limiting portion 1163 and the support surface 322 of the first support block 33, the support surface 322 of the first support block 33 abuts against the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41, the free portion 44 of the second friction member 42 is located between the second limiting portion 1163 and the support surface 322 of the second support block 34, and the support surface 322 of the second support block 34 abuts against the free portion 44 of the second friction member 42. At this time, the friction portion 45 of the first friction member 41 and the friction portion 45 of the second friction member 42 are both in an inclined state relative to the base 10.

[0116] It can be understood that the first limiting portion 1163 can limit the upward movement distance of the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41, and the second limiting portion 1164 can limit the upward movement distance of the free portion 44 of the second friction member 42, thereby preventing the two friction members 40 from undergoing a large upward deformation under the abutment of the two support blocks 32 and affecting the rotation of the two swing arms 50, thereby ensuring the smoothness of the rotation of the two swing arms 50 relative to the base 10, helping to improve the opening and closing feel of the foldable terminal 1000 and enhancing the user experience.

[0117] See also Figure 8 and Fig.16 , Fig.16 yes Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of the swing arm 50 in the foldable mechanism 130 is shown.

[0118] The two swing arms 50 are both installed in the assembly groove 111, and extend out of the assembly groove 111 through the avoidance notch 113. The swing arm 50 and the gear 61 of the synchronization assembly 60 are circumferentially limited by a plane, and the swing arm 50 can rotate relative to the base 10 following the gear 61 under the drive of the rotating shaft 20. The first swing arm 51 includes a first rotating portion 511, a first sliding portion 512, a first connecting portion 513 and a first protruding portion 514. The first rotating portion 511 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 21, and is located on the top side of the first friction member 41, and is arranged opposite to the friction portion 45 of the first friction member 41. The first connecting portion 513 is connected between the first rotating portion 511 and the first sliding portion 512, and the first protruding portion 514 is arranged on the outer surface of the first rotating portion 511 and is arranged around the rotation center of the first rotating portion 511. The first rotating portion 511, the first sliding portion 512, the first connecting portion 513 and the first protruding portion 514 can be integrally formed. It can be understood that the rotation center of the first rotating portion 511 is the central axis of the first rotating shaft 21 .

[0119] The first rotating part 511 includes a first sub-rotating part 515 and a second sub-rotating part 516. Specifically, the first sub-rotating part 515 and the second sub-rotating part 516 are both sleeved on the first rotating shaft 21. Along the Y-axis direction, the first sub-rotating part 515 and the second sub-rotating part 516 are arranged at intervals from each other. The second sub-rotating part 516 has a first hinge surface 517, and the first hinge surface 517 is a surface facing the first sub-rotating part 515. Among them, the first hinge surface 517 includes a plurality of crests and a plurality of troughs, and the plurality of crests and the plurality of troughs are arranged alternately. Exemplarily, the first sub-rotating part 515 and the second sub-rotating part 516 are both roughly cylindrical. The first connecting part 513 is penetrated in the avoidance notch 113. The first protrusion 514 is arranged on the outer surface of the first sub-rotating part 515 and is arranged around the first sub-rotating part 515.

[0120] Please also read Fig.13 and Fig.14 In the first swing arm 51, the first rotating portion 511 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 21, the first sliding portion 512 is penetrated in the first sliding hole 1401, and can slide relative to the first shell 110 in the first sliding hole 1401 to realize the sliding connection between the foldable mechanism 130 and the first shell 110, and the first connecting portion 513 is penetrated in the first avoidance gap 1131.

[0121] The second swing arm 52 includes a second rotating portion 521, a second sliding portion 522, a second connecting portion 523 and a second protruding portion 524. The second rotating portion 521 is sleeved on the second rotating shaft 22, and is located on the top side of the second friction member 42, and is arranged opposite to the friction portion 45 of the second friction member 42. The first sliding portion 512 is inserted into the second sliding hole 1501, and can slide relative to the second housing 120 in the second sliding hole 1501 to achieve a sliding connection between the foldable mechanism 130 and the second housing 120. The second connecting portion 523 is connected between the second rotating portion 521 and the second sliding portion 522, and is inserted into the second avoidance notch 1132. The second protruding portion 524 is arranged on the outer surface of the second rotating portion 521, and is arranged around the rotation center of the second rotating portion 521. It should be noted that the relevant structures of the second swing arm 52 can all refer to the relevant description of the first swing arm 51, and will not be repeated here.

[0122] Please also read Fig.17 , Fig.17 yes Fig.15 A simplified schematic diagram of the structure of the friction member 40 and the swing arm 50 of the foldable mechanism 130 in the foldable device 100 is shown.

[0123] When the button 31 is in the first position S1, the friction parts 45 of the two friction members 40 are both in a horizontal state relative to the base 10, and the distances between the friction part 45 of the first friction member 41 and the first rotating part 511 of the first swing arm 51, and between the friction part 45 of the second friction member 42 and the second rotating part 521 of the second swing arm 52 are relatively large. During the rotation of the two swing arms 50 relative to the base 10, when the foldable mechanism 130 is within the hovering angle range, the first protrusion 514 of the first swing arm 51 will not contact the friction part 45 of the first friction member 41, and the second protrusion 524 of the second swing arm 52 will not contact the friction part 45 of the second friction member 42. In other words, the friction parts 45 of the two friction members 40 will not affect the rotation of the two swing arms 50 relative to the base 10, the rotation process of the two swing arms 50 relative to the base 10 is smooth, and the opening and closing process of the foldable terminal 1000 feels smooth, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0124] When the button 31 is in the first position S1, the friction portion 45 of the friction member 40 is in an inclined state relative to the base 10, and the distance between the friction portion 45 of the first friction member 41 and the first rotating portion 511 of the first swing arm 51, and the distance between the friction portion 45 of the second friction member 42 and the second rotating portion 521 of the second swing arm 52 is reduced. During the rotation of the two swing arms 50 relative to the base 10, when the foldable mechanism 130 is within the hovering angle range, the first protrusion 514 of the first swing arm 51 and the friction portion 45 of the first friction member 41 rub against each other. , the second protrusion 524 of the second swing arm 52 and the friction part 45 of the second friction member 42 rub against each other, the friction force generated between the first protrusion 514 of the first swing arm 51 and the friction part 45 of the first friction member 41 enables the first swing arm 51 to maintain a certain angle, and the friction force generated between the second protrusion 524 of the second swing arm 52 and the friction part 45 of the second friction member 42 enables the second swing arm 52 to maintain a certain angle, so that the foldable terminal 1000 is in a semi-expanded state, that is, the foldable terminal 1000 can be hovered. Exemplarily, the hovering angle range of the foldable mechanism 130 is greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 125°, or the hovering angle range of the foldable mechanism 130 is greater than or equal to 60° and less than or equal to 120°.

[0125] See also Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Fig.18 , Fig.18 yes Figure 7 A partial structural schematic diagram of the damping assembly 80 in the foldable mechanism 130 is shown.

[0126] In this embodiment, the foldable mechanism 130 includes a damping assembly 80, which is mounted on the base 10, sleeved on the two rotating shafts 20, and rotatably connected to the base 10. Specifically, the damping assembly 80 is mounted in the avoidance groove 112 and is located between the first bracket 12 and the second bracket 13. Along the Y-axis direction, the damping assembly 80 and the synchronization assembly 60 are arranged at intervals. The damping assembly 80 can be folded or unfolded relative to the base 10.

[0127] When the foldable mechanism 130 is in the folded state, the damping assembly 80 is in the folded state. When the foldable mechanism 130 is in the unfolded state, the damping assembly 80 is in the unfolded state. In the process of the foldable mechanism 130 switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, the damping assembly 80 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state. In the process of the foldable mechanism 130 switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the damping assembly 80 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0128] It should be noted that the damping component 80 can provide a damping force. When the user uses the foldable terminal 1000, for example, when the foldable terminal 1000 is in a folded state or a flattened state, and when the foldable terminal 1000 switches between the folded state and the unfolded state, the user can clearly feel the damping force provided by the damping component 80, and the user can experience a better hand feel, thereby improving the user's use experience.

[0129] The damping assembly 80 includes two swing arms 50, a damping bracket 81, two elastic members 82 and two washers 83, wherein the damping bracket 81, the two elastic members 82 and the two washers 83 are all located between the first sub-rotating portion 515 and the second sub-rotating portion 516 of the swing arm 50. The damping bracket 81 is sleeved on the two rotating shafts 20 and is hinged to the first rotating portions 511 of the two swing arms 50. The damping bracket 81 has two second hinged surfaces 811, both of which face the second bracket 13 and are spaced apart from each other along the X-axis direction, and are respectively hinged to the first hinged surfaces 517 of the two swing arms 50. The second hinged surface 811 includes a plurality of wave crests and a plurality of wave troughs, and the plurality of wave crests and a plurality of wave troughs are alternately arranged.

[0130] When the foldable mechanism 130 enters the flattened state from the folded state, that is, when the foldable mechanism 130 enters the flattened state from the folded state, that is, when the foldable terminal 1000 enters the flattened state from the folded state, in each swing arm 50, the peak of the first hinge surface 517 of each swing arm 50 enters the trough of the second hinge surface 811, and at the same time, the peak of each second hinge surface 811 also enters the trough of the first hinge surface 517 of the swing arm 50. At this time, the damping force generated by the rotation of the two swing arms 50 is small, so that the user can experience the feeling of the foldable terminal 1000 being flattened to the full extent.

[0131] The two elastic members 82 are both located on the side of the damping bracket 81 away from the first hinge surface 517, and are respectively sleeved on the two rotating shafts 20. The two elastic members 82 are respectively a first elastic member 84 and a second elastic member 85. The first elastic member 84 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 21, and the two ends of the first elastic member 84 respectively abut against the damping bracket 81 and the first swing arm 51. The second elastic member 85 is sleeved on the second rotating shaft 22, and the two ends of the second elastic member 85 respectively abut against the damping bracket 81 and the second swing arm 52. Exemplarily, the elastic member 82 can be a spring. The two gaskets 83 can be respectively located on the side of the two elastic members 82 away from the damping bracket 81, and are respectively sleeved on the two rotating shafts 20, and are respectively clamped between an elastic member 82 and the second sub-rotating portion 516 of the swing arm 50.

[0132] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, both swing arms 50 are damping swing arms of the foldable mechanism 130, and there is no need to add a new swing arm to realize the hovering function of the foldable mechanism 130, which helps to simplify the structure of the foldable mechanism 130. In some other embodiments, the two swing arms 50 may not be damping swing arms of the foldable mechanism 130, but other swing arms that can be connected to the first shell 110 and the second shell 120, and this application does not make specific restrictions on this.

[0133] See also Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 When the user uses the foldable terminal 1000 shown in this embodiment, if the hovering function is not needed, the button 31 can be moved to the first position, and the supporting surfaces 322 of the two supporting blocks 32 are exposed relative to the two limiting parts 1162 respectively. When the foldable terminal 1000 is opened and closed, the friction parts 45 of the two friction members 40 will not contact the first protrusions 514 of the two swing arms 50, that is, the friction parts 45 of the two friction members 40 will not interfere with the rotation of the two swing arms 50, and the foldable terminal 1000 can be opened and closed smoothly.

[0134] When the user needs to use the hovering function, the button 31 can be moved to the second position, and the supporting surfaces 322 of the two supporting blocks 32 can respectively abut the free portions 44 of the two friction members 40, so that the friction portions 45 of the two friction members 40 are tilted relative to the base 10, thereby reducing the distance between the friction portions 45 of the two friction members 40 and the first protrusions 514 of the two swing arms 50. When the foldable terminal 1000 is opened and closed within the hovering angle range, the friction portions 45 of the two friction members 40 can respectively contact and rub against the first protrusions 514 of the two swing arms 50, and the friction force generated by the friction portions 45 and the first protrusions 514 can keep the two swing arms 50 at a certain angle, thereby achieving a hovering effect.

[0135] In the foldable mechanism 130 of the foldable terminal 1000 shown in this embodiment, the hovering function of the foldable terminal 1000 is realized by utilizing the structural cooperation among the button 31, the support block 32, the first friction member 41 and the first protrusion 514 of the first swing arm 51, and the structural cooperation between the second friction member 42 and the second protrusion 524 of the second swing arm 52. The foldable mechanism 130 has a simple structure, a small size and a low cost. Moreover, the user can easily switch between using the hovering function and not using the hovering function. The hovering function can be quickly switched by toggling the button 31, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0136] The above description is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application; in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A foldable mechanism, characterized in that: The invention comprises a base, a first friction member, a first swing arm and a button, wherein the first friction member is installed on the inner side of the base, the first swing arm comprises a first rotating part and a first protruding part, the first rotating part is rotatably connected to the base, is located on the top side of the first friction member, and is arranged opposite to the first friction member, the first protruding part is arranged on the surface of the first rotating part, and is arranged around the rotation center of the first rotating part, the button is installed on the base, and can move between a first position and a second position relative to the base; When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is at the first position, the first protrusion is spaced apart from the first friction member; When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is at the second position, the first protrusion and the first friction member rub against each other.

2. The foldable mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first friction member comprises an assembly part, a friction part and a free part, the assembly part is mounted on the base, the friction part is fixedly connected to one side of the assembly part and arranged opposite to the first rotating part, and the free part is fixedly connected to one side of the friction part away from the assembly part; The base is provided with a sliding hole, the sliding hole communicates the inner side and the outer side of the base and is arranged opposite to the button; The foldable mechanism further includes a support block, which is inserted into the sliding hole and fixedly connected to the button and can move relative to the base under the drive of the button; When the button is in the first position, the support block and the free portion are staggered, and the friction portion and the first protruding portion are spaced apart; When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is at the second position, the support block abuts against the free portion, and the friction portion and the first protrusion rub against each other.

3. The foldable mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support block includes a support surface away from the button, and the support block is provided with a stopper, the stopper is provided on a side of the support block away from the button and protrudes relative to the support surface; When the button is in the second position, the supporting surface abuts against the free portion, and the stop portion is located on a side of the free portion facing the first position.

4. The foldable mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support block also includes a transition surface, which is connected to the support surface. In the direction from the first position to the second position, the distance between the transition surface and the support surface becomes larger and larger. When the key is in the first position, the transition surface is located on the side of the support surface facing the free portion.

5. The foldable mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The base is provided with a limiting portion, the limiting portion is arranged on the inner side of the base, the limiting portion includes a limiting part, the limiting part is located on the top side of the free part and is arranged opposite to the free part.

6. The foldable mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The foldable mechanism also includes a second swing arm, which includes a second rotating part, and the second rotating part is rotatably connected to the base. When the foldable mechanism switches between the unfolded state and the folded state, the rotation direction of the first swing arm relative to the base is a first direction, and the rotation direction of the second swing arm relative to the base is a second direction, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

7. The foldable mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The foldable mechanism further includes a second friction member, which is mounted on the inner side of the base and located at the bottom side of the second rotating part and arranged opposite to the second rotating part. The second swing arm further includes a second protrusion, which is arranged on the surface of the second rotating part and is arranged around the rotation center of the second rotating part. When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is at the first position, the second protrusion is spaced apart from the second friction member; When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is at the second position, the second protrusion and the second friction member rub against each other.

8. The foldable mechanism according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The foldable mechanism further comprises a synchronization component, which is mounted on the base and is used to drive the first swing arm and the second swing arm to rotate synchronously relative to the base.

9. The foldable mechanism according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that: The foldable mechanism includes a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a first elastic member, a second elastic member, a damping bracket, the first swing arm and the second swing arm. The first rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft, the first elastic member, the second elastic member and the damping bracket are all installed on the inner side of the base. The first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are spaced apart and arranged opposite to each other. The damping bracket is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. The first elastic member and the second elastic member are located on the same side of the damping bracket. The first elastic member is sleeved on the first rotating shaft, and the second elastic member is sleeved on the second rotating shaft. The first swing arm is sleeved on the first rotating shaft, and the opposite ends of the first elastic member are respectively abutted against the damping bracket, and the first swing arm is hinged to the damping bracket. The second swing arm is sleeved on the second rotating shaft, and the opposite ends of the second elastic member are respectively abutted against the damping bracket, and the second swing arm is hinged to the damping bracket.

10. The foldable mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The button moves relative to the base between the first position and the second position along the Y-axis direction, and the Y-axis direction is the length direction of the base.

11. The foldable mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The base is provided with a mounting groove, the opening of which is located on the bottom surface of the base, and the button is mounted in the mounting groove and can move relative to the base in the mounting groove.

12. The foldable mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The hovering angle range is greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 125°.

13. A foldable terminal, characterized in that: The invention comprises a first shell, a second shell and a foldable mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the foldable mechanism is connected between the first shell and the second shell.

Images