Rotating mechanism and folding terminal

Abstract

A rotating mechanism (100) comprises a first swing arm (110) provided with a first rotating seat (111), a second swing arm (120) provided with a second rotating seat (121) and a gear set (130). Wherein the first swing arm can rotate around a first axis (L1), the second swing arm can rotate around a second axis (L2), and the second axis is parallel to the first axis; the first rotating seat is provided with a plurality of first gear teeth (1111) distributed in the circumferential direction, the second rotating seat is provided with a plurality of second gear teeth (1211) distributed in the circumferential direction, and the first gear teeth and the second gear teeth are connected in a meshed mode through a gear set so that the first swing arm and the second swing arm can synchronously and reversely rotate. According to the rotating mechanism, the gear teeth are arranged on the first swing arm and the second swing arm respectively, so that the structure of the rotating mechanism is simplified, the rotating mechanism can be placed in a narrow space in a machine shell, the size of a folding machine can be reduced and thinned, and the miniaturization of a folding terminal is facilitated. A folding terminal (1) comprising such a turning mechanism is also disclosed.

Description

Rotating mechanism and folding terminal

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on December 13, 2022, with application number 202211601254.X and application name “A Rotating Mechanism and Folding Terminal”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a rotating mechanism and a folding terminal. Background Art

[0003] As people's needs grow, foldable devices are gaining increasing attention and popularity. These devices typically utilize a rotating mechanism to synchronize the two sides of the device in relative directions, switching between folded and unfolded states. This improves the foldable screen's visual appeal and internal display functionality. However, existing rotating mechanisms are complex and cannot be adequately placed within limited spaces, hindering further reductions in overall size and thickness, impacting the phone's appearance.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the problem that the above-mentioned rotating mechanism has a complex structure and cannot be fully placed in a limited and narrow space, so that the size and thickness of the whole machine cannot be further reduced, the present application provides a rotating mechanism and a folding terminal with a relatively simple structure.

[0006] The first aspect of the present application provides a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism includes a first swing arm provided with a first rotating seat, a second swing arm provided with a second rotating seat, and a gear set. The first swing arm is capable of rotating about a first axis, and the second swing arm is capable of rotating about a second axis, wherein the second axis is parallel to the first axis. The first rotating seat is provided with a plurality of first gear teeth distributed along a circumferential direction, and the second rotating seat is provided with a plurality of second gear teeth distributed along a circumferential direction. The plurality of first gear teeth and the plurality of second gear teeth are meshed with each other via a gear set, so that the first swing arm and the second swing arm can rotate synchronously in opposite directions.

[0007] It can be understood that the above-mentioned rotation mechanism can be applied to foldable terminals, which can be foldable mobile phones, tablet personal computers, e-book readers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers, notebooks, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices (such as watches), boxes, and other electronic devices that need to open and close synchronously.

[0008] That is, in the embodiment of the present application, a gear structure is integrated on both the first swing arm and the second swing arm, and the gear teeth on the first swing arm and the second swing arm are meshed through a gear set, so that the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate synchronously in opposite directions. Specifically, the first axis and the second axis are arranged to extend along the Z direction mentioned in the embodiments below, the first swing arm rotates in the A direction mentioned in the embodiments below, and the second swing arm rotates in the B direction mentioned in the embodiments below. Exemplarily, the first swing arm and the second swing arm are arranged side by side along a first direction (for example, the first direction can be the X direction mentioned in the embodiments below); the gear set includes a plurality of gears meshing with each other (optionally, the gear set can include an even number of meshing gears), and these gears are arranged along the first direction between the first gear teeth on the first swing arm and the second gear teeth on the second swing arm, so that the first swing arm and the second swing arm can rotate synchronously in opposite directions.

[0009] The aforementioned rotating mechanism, by providing gear teeth on each of the first and second swing arms and utilizing a gear train to mesh the gear teeth on the two swing arms, simplifies its structure and allows it to be adequately placed within the confined space within the housing, thereby facilitating a reduction in size and thickness of the folding machine and promoting the compactness of the folding terminal. Furthermore, the aforementioned rotating mechanism has a simple and compact structure, low cost, and a wide range of applications.

[0010] In some possible implementations of the first aspect described above, a portion of the first rotating seat extending in the circumferential direction is provided with a plurality of first gear teeth, and a portion of the second rotating seat extending in the circumferential direction is provided with a plurality of second gear teeth. The circumferential direction is the direction surrounding the circumferential surface of the rotating seat, that is, the C direction mentioned in the embodiments below. Along the C direction mentioned in the embodiments below, gear teeth are provided on a portion of the circumferential surface of the first rotating seat and the second rotating seat. For example, the circumferential surface of the first rotating seat and the second rotating seat is 360°, and the gear teeth are provided on the half of the circumferential surface opposite to the first rotating seat and the second rotating seat (that is, the 180° circumferential surface facing each other). In this way, the size of the rotating mechanism can be further reduced while ensuring that the rotating mechanism can realize the synchronous rotation function.

[0011] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the gear set includes a first gear and a second gear, the first gear is respectively engaged with the first gear teeth and the second gear, and the second gear is respectively engaged with the first gear and the second gear teeth.

[0012] That is, in the embodiment of the present application, the first gear and the second gear are arranged between the first gear tooth and the second gear tooth along the X direction in the subsequent embodiment, so that the first swing arm and the second swing arm are meshed and connected through the first gear and the second gear, thereby ensuring the synchronous reverse rotation of the first swing arm and the second swing arm.

[0013] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the rotating mechanism further includes a first rotating shaft, and the first axis is an axis of the first rotating shaft;

[0014] The first rotating seat includes a first axial hole, the first axial hole includes a first portion and a second portion along the axial direction, the first portion of the first axial hole is arranged corresponding to the first gear tooth, and the aperture of the first portion of the first axial hole is smaller than the aperture of the second portion of the first axial hole;

[0015] The first rotating shaft includes a first part and a second part. The diameter of the first part of the first rotating shaft is smaller than the diameter of the second part of the first rotating shaft. The first part of the first axial hole is sleeved on the first part of the first rotating shaft, and the second part of the first axial hole is sleeved on the second part of the first rotating shaft.

[0016] That is, in the embodiment of the present application, the first rotating seat is provided with a first axial hole along the Z direction mentioned later, and the first axial hole is a stepped hole in the Z direction, wherein the first gear tooth surrounds the outer periphery of the first part with a small aperture in the first axial hole, that is, the aperture inside the first gear tooth is smaller than the aperture of other parts of the first rotating seat, and the corresponding first rotating shaft is also provided in the form of a stepped shaft, so that while ensuring the small size of the gear tooth, the overall strength of the first swing arm is ensured, and local fracture of the first swing arm is prevented.

[0017] In addition, the axial direction is the Z direction mentioned in the embodiments below, which can be the width direction of the foldable terminal. Compared with the second portion with a larger aperture, the first portion of the first shaft hole with a smaller aperture and the first portion of the first rotating shaft with a smaller diameter are closer to the middle frame at both ends of the foldable terminal in the width direction.

[0018] That is, when the size of the folding machine is made thinner, the diameter of the gear teeth is correspondingly reduced. After adding the stepped hole and stepped shaft, the thickness of the first gear tooth part is correspondingly increased, and the diameter of the first rotating shaft is correspondingly reduced, which balances the strength of each part and ensures the reliability of the folding terminal. It can also further challenge the size of the folding terminal, making the folding terminal lighter and thinner.

[0019] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the rotating mechanism further includes a second rotating shaft, and the second axis is an axis of the second rotating shaft;

[0020] The second rotating seat includes a second axial hole, the second axial hole includes a first portion and a second portion along the axial direction, the first portion of the second axial hole is arranged corresponding to the second gear tooth, and the aperture of the first portion of the second axial hole is smaller than the aperture of the second portion of the second axial hole;

[0021] The second rotating shaft includes a first part and a second part. The diameter of the first part of the second rotating shaft is smaller than the diameter of the second part of the second rotating shaft. The first part of the second axial hole is sleeved on the first part of the second rotating shaft, and the second part of the second axial hole is sleeved on the second part of the second rotating shaft.

[0022] That is, in the embodiment of the present application, the second rotating seat is provided with a second axial hole along the Z direction mentioned later, and the second axial hole is a stepped hole in the Z direction, wherein the second gear teeth surround the outer periphery of the first part with a small aperture in the second axial hole, that is, the aperture inside the second gear teeth is smaller than the aperture of other parts of the second rotating seat, and the corresponding second rotating shaft is also provided in the form of a stepped shaft, so that while ensuring the small size of the second gear teeth, the overall strength of the second swing arm is ensured, and local fracture of the second swing arm is prevented.

[0023] In addition, the axial direction is the Z direction mentioned in the embodiments below, which can be the width direction of the foldable terminal. Compared with the second portion with a larger aperture, the first portion of the second shaft hole with a smaller aperture and the first portion of the second rotating shaft with a smaller diameter are closer to the middle frame at both ends of the foldable terminal in the width direction.

[0024] Based on this, when the size of the folding terminal is made thinner, the diameter of the second gear tooth is correspondingly reduced. After adding the stepped hole and stepped shaft, the thickness of the second gear tooth part is correspondingly increased, and the diameter of the second rotating shaft is correspondingly reduced, which balances the strength of each part and ensures the reliability of the folding terminal. It can also further challenge the size of the folding terminal, making the folding terminal lighter and thinner.

[0025] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the rotating mechanism also includes a first rotating shaft, the first axis is the axis of the first rotating shaft; one end of the first rotating seat is provided with a first rotating shaft integrally formed therewith, and the other end of the first rotating seat is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft; and / or, the rotating mechanism also includes a second rotating shaft, the second axis is the axis of the second rotating shaft; one end of the second rotating seat is provided with a second rotating shaft integrally formed therewith, and the other end of the second rotating seat is fixedly connected to the second rotating shaft.

[0026] Specifically, the first rotating shaft and the other end of the first rotating seat, as well as the second rotating shaft and the other end of the second rotating seat can be fixed by means of threaded connection, spot welding, etc.

[0027] Based on this, after the first rotating shaft (second rotating shaft) and the first swing arm (second swing arm) are made into one piece, the strength of each part can be guaranteed, the reliability of the folding terminal can be guaranteed, and the size of the folding terminal can be further challenged, making the folding terminal lighter and thinner.

[0028] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the rotation mechanism also includes a first support frame, the first support frame extends along a first direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the first axis, and the two ends of the first support frame in the first direction are respectively rotatably connected to the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis.

[0029] Specifically, along the axial direction (i.e., along the Z direction described in the embodiments below), the first support frame is disposed on a side of the first and second rotating bases near the middle frame of the foldable terminal. The first support frame extends along the X direction described in the embodiments below, with its ends rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft on the first rotating base and the second rotating shaft on the second rotating base, respectively. Furthermore, the rotating shaft on the same side of the gear set is also rotatably connected to the first support frame. In other words, the first support frame provides a support point for the rotating shafts on each rotating base and the rotating shaft on the same side of the gear set, facilitating the rotation of the rotating base and the gear set.

[0030] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, both ends of the first rotating base are provided with first rotating shafts integrally formed therewith, and both ends of the second rotating base are provided with second rotating shafts integrally formed therewith;

[0031] The rotating mechanism further includes a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a first support frame and a second support frame; the first rotating seat, the second rotating seat and the gear set are all arranged between the first support frame and the second support frame; the first support frame and the second support frame both extend along a first direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the first axis, the first axis is the axis of the first rotating shaft, and the second axis is the axis of the second rotating shaft;

[0032] The two ends of the first support frame in the first direction are rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft at one end of the first rotating base and the second rotating shaft at one end of the second rotating base respectively;

[0033] The second support frame is respectively provided with a first through hole and a second through hole at both ends in the first direction, the first rotating shaft at the other end of the first rotating seat and one end of the first rotating shaft are arranged in the first through hole, and the second rotating shaft at the other end of the second rotating seat and one end of the second rotating shaft are arranged in the second through hole.

[0034] Specifically, by providing rotating shafts at both ends of each rotating base, the entire first or second rotating shaft does not need to be integrated with the first or second swing arm, while ensuring normal rotation of the first or second swing arm, thereby improving production efficiency. Furthermore, by providing rotating shafts at both ends of each rotating base, the first or second rotating shaft does not need to pass through the interior of the rotating base, ensuring the strength of all components and, consequently, the reliability of the foldable terminal. This also allows for greater challenges in the size of the foldable terminal, making it lighter and thinner.

[0035] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, two first cams are provided axially spaced apart on the first swing arm, and two second cams are provided axially spaced apart on the second swing arm, with the first cams corresponding to the second cams.

[0036] A first cam bracket and a second cam bracket are axially spaced apart between the two first cams, and both the first cam bracket and the second cam bracket extend along a first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the first axis;

[0037] One end of the first cam bracket and one end of the second cam bracket are respectively matched with the corresponding first cam concave-convex, and the other end of the first cam bracket and the other end of the second cam bracket are respectively matched with the corresponding second cam concave-convex;

[0038] The rotating mechanism also includes a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft, the first axis is the axis of the first rotating shaft, and the second axis is the axis of the second rotating shaft; one end of the first rotating shaft is connected to the first rotating seat, and the other end passes through the first cam, one end of the first cam bracket and one end of the second cam bracket; one end of the second rotating shaft is connected to the second rotating seat, and the other end passes through the second cam, the other end of the first cam bracket and the other end of the second cam bracket, and springs are both provided on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, and the springs are located between the first cam bracket and the second cam bracket.

[0039] Specifically, two cams are arranged at intervals on each swing arm, and a first / second cam bracket is respectively provided to cooperate with the first / second cam bracket, and a spring is provided between the first cam bracket and the second cam bracket, so that when the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate synchronously, the spring provides the first / second swing arm with a rotational damping force through the cam, and since both ends of the spring are limited by the cams on the first / second swing arm, there is no need to additionally provide a retaining spring bracket, which further saves space in the axial direction (width direction) of the folding terminal.

[0040] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, a first cam is provided on the first swing arm, and a second cam is provided on the second swing arm, and the first cam and the second cam are provided correspondingly;

[0041] The rotating mechanism further includes a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a cam bracket and a third supporting bracket, wherein the cam bracket and the third supporting bracket both extend in a first direction and are spaced apart in the axial direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the axial direction;

[0042] One end of the cam bracket is matched with the first cam concave-convex, and the other end of the cam bracket is matched with the second cam concave-convex. The third support frame is provided with a retaining spring bracket on a side away from the cam bracket in the axial direction, and the retaining spring bracket extends along the first direction;

[0043] One end of the first rotating shaft is connected to the first rotating seat, and the other end passes through the first cam, one end of the cam bracket, one end of the third supporting bracket and one end of the retaining spring bracket in sequence;

[0044] One end of the second rotating shaft is connected to the second rotating seat, and the other end passes through the second cam, the other end of the cam bracket, the other end of the third support bracket and the other end of the retaining spring bracket;

[0045] Springs are sleeved on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, and the springs are located between the cam bracket and the third supporting frame.

[0046] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the rotating mechanism further includes a first fixed frame, and one end of the gear set is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame.

[0047] Specifically, the rotating structure also includes a first support frame. The first support frame and the first fixed frame are spaced apart on both sides of the gear set along the axial direction (i.e., the Z direction mentioned in the embodiments below). The second end of the gear set in the axial direction is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame. The first end of the gear set in the axial direction is rotatably connected to the end of the first / second rotating shaft on the same side (or the rotating shaft of the end of the first / second rotating seat) to the first support frame, so that the first swing arm and the second swing arm can rotate about the first axis and the second axis, respectively. Furthermore, the first fixed frame extends along the first direction, and the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are respectively fixedly connected to the first fixed frame.

[0048] A second aspect of the present application provides a foldable terminal, comprising a first body, a second body, and a rotation mechanism according to the first aspect and any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect, wherein a first swing arm in the rotation mechanism is connected to the first body, and a second swing arm in the rotation mechanism is connected to the second body.

[0049] In some possible implementations of the second aspect, the foldable terminal further includes a flexible screen, which covers the first body, the second body, and the rotation mechanism. The first body and the second body rotate relative to each other via the rotation mechanism, driving the flexible screen to move, such that the flexible screen assumes a bent state or an unfolded state, thereby enabling the foldable terminal to switch between the folded and unfolded states. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] FIG1a shows a schematic diagram 1 of the unfolded state of a foldable mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG1 b shows a second schematic diagram of the unfolded state of the foldable mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG1c is a schematic diagram showing a folding state of a foldable mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG2 a shows a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the rotating mechanism in Example 1 of the present application;

[0054] FIG2 b shows a top view of the rotating mechanism in Example 1 of the present application;

[0055] FIG2c shows a side view of the rotating mechanism in Example 1 of the present application;

[0056] 3a and 3b are schematic diagrams showing the three-dimensional structure of the first swing arm at two different angles in the first embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG4 a shows a top view of the first swing arm in the first embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG4 b shows a side view of the first swing arm in the first embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG5 shows a cross-sectional view of FIG4a along the DD direction;

[0060] FIG6 shows a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the first rotating shaft in Example 1 of the present application;

[0061] FIG7 shows a cross-sectional view of the first swing arm and the first rotating shaft after being assembled in the first embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG8 shows a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the rotating mechanism in the second embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG9 shows a top view of the rotating mechanism in the second embodiment of the present application;

[0064] 10a and 10b are schematic diagrams showing the three-dimensional structure of the first swing arm at two different angles in the second embodiment of the present application;

[0065] FIG11 shows a top view of the first swing arm in the second embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG12 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG11 ;

[0067] FIG13 shows a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the first rotating shaft in the second embodiment of the present application;

[0068] FIG14 shows a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the rotating mechanism in Example 3 of the present application;

[0069] FIG15 shows a top view of the rotating mechanism in the third embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG16a and FIG16b are schematic diagrams showing the three-dimensional structure of the first swing arm at two different angles in Example 3 of the present application;

[0071] FIG17 shows a top view of the assembled first swing arm and second rotating shaft in the third embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG18 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG17 ;

[0073] FIG19 shows a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the rotating mechanism in the fourth embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG20 shows a top view of the rotating mechanism in the fourth embodiment of the present application;

[0075] Figures 21a and 21b show schematic diagrams of the three-dimensional structure of the first swing arm at two different angles in Example 4 of the present application.

[0076] Reference numerals: 1-folding mobile phone; 100-rotating mechanism; 110-first swing arm; 111-first rotating seat; 1111-first gear tooth; 1112-first shaft hole; 11121-first portion of the first shaft hole; 11122-second portion of the first shaft hole; 1112a-first shaft hole; 1113-pin hole; 1114-first rotating shaft; 112-first cam; 113-first swing arm body; 120-second swing arm; 121-second rotating seat; 1211-second gear tooth; 130-gear set; 131-first gear; 132-second gear; 141-first rotating shaft; 1411-first part of the first rotating shaft; 1412-second part of the first rotating shaft; 1413-cap; 1414-threaded structure; 142-second rotating shaft; 151-first cam bracket; 152-second cam bracket; 160-spring; 171-first fixing bracket; 172-second fixing bracket; 181-first supporting bracket; 182-third supporting bracket; 183-second supporting bracket; 190-circlip bracket; 200-first body; 300-second body; 400-flexible screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] The specific embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] The present application provides a rotation mechanism that can be applied to foldable terminals. Specifically, the foldable terminals include, but are not limited to, foldable mobile phones, tablet personal computers, e-book readers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers, notebook computers, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices (e.g., watches), boxes, and other electronic devices that require synchronous opening and closing.

[0079] For the convenience of explanation, the following description is made by taking a folding mobile phone as an example. The folding mobile phone of the present application is introduced with specific embodiments.

[0080] Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a foldable phone in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1b shows a front view of a foldable phone in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1c shows a perspective view of a foldable phone in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0081] To facilitate subsequent description, before describing the specific structure of the foldable phone 1, this application first defines the X direction (as the first direction), the Y direction, and the Z direction (as the axial direction) in conjunction with Figures 1a to 1c. As shown in Figures 1a to 1c, the X direction is the length direction of the foldable phone 1, wherein the length direction can be the length direction of the flexible screen 400 (mentioned below), and can also be understood as the direction in which the user holds the phone; the Y direction is the thickness direction of the foldable phone 1; and the Z direction is the width direction of the foldable phone. Among them, the width direction can be the width direction of the flexible screen 400, and can also be understood as the direction perpendicular to the user's holding direction within the plane where the flexible screen 400 is located. The following is an exemplary explanation using the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction as being perpendicular to each other.

[0082] As shown in Figures 1a to 1c, the foldable phone 1 includes a rotating mechanism 100, a first body 200, a second body 300, and a flexible screen 400. Along the X-axis, the first body 200 and the second body 300 are disposed on opposite sides of the rotating mechanism 100. The first body 200 and the second body 300 are connected to the rotating mechanism 100 and can rotate relative to each other. For example, the first body 200 and the second body 300 contain electronic components, such as batteries and control circuit boards.

[0083] The flexible screen 400 is fixed to the first body 200 and the second body 300. For example, the rotating mechanism 100, the first body 200 and the second body 300 are covered by the flexible screen 400. The first body 200 and the second body 300 rotate relative to each other through the rotating mechanism 100, and can drive the flexible screen 400 to move, so that the flexible screen 400 is in a bent state or an unfolded state, thereby enabling the foldable phone 1 to switch between the folded state and the unfolded state. Specifically, in some embodiments, the first body 200 and the second body 300 can rotate relative to each other left and right through the rotating mechanism 100 to unfold or fold the flexible screen. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first body 200 and the second body 300 can also rotate relative to each other up and down through the rotating mechanism 100 to fold or unfold the flexible screen. This application does not limit the relative rotation direction of the first body 200 and the second body 300.

[0084] Figures 2a through 2c illustrate schematic diagrams of the rotation mechanism 100 of a foldable phone in a folded state in some embodiments. As can be seen from the above figures, in some technical solutions, the rotation mechanism 100 includes a first swing arm 110, a second swing arm 120, and a gear set 130. Along the X-axis, the first swing arm 110 and the second swing arm 120 are located on opposite sides of the gear set 130. Alternatively, at least a portion of the gear set 130 is located between the first swing arm 110 and the second swing arm 120 along the X-axis.

[0085] As shown in FIG2b , a plurality of first gear teeth 1111 are provided on the first swing arm 110 , and a plurality of second gear teeth 1211 are provided on the second swing arm 120 . The first gear teeth 1111 and the second gear teeth 1211 are meshed and connected via a gear set 130 , so that the first swing arm 110 and the second swing arm 120 can rotate synchronously in opposite directions along the Z direction.

[0086] Continuing with reference to Figure 2b, specifically, the first swing arm 110 rotates about the first axis L1 in direction A, and the second swing arm 120 rotates about the second axis L2 in direction B. The first axis L1 and the second axis L2 extend along the Z direction, with directions A and B being opposite directions. For example, direction A is clockwise and direction B is counterclockwise. Although the drawings of this application illustrate direction A as clockwise and direction B as counterclockwise, in some other embodiments of this application, direction A may also be counterclockwise and direction B as clockwise. This rotation direction may be determined by the placement of the first and second swing arms 110, 120 in the foldable phone and the folding direction of the foldable phone, and is not limited here.

[0087] In the aforementioned foldable phone 1, the first swing arm 110 is connected to the first body 200 and can drive the first body 200 to move; the second swing arm 120 is connected to the second body 300 and can drive the second body 300 to move. The movement of the first swing arm 110 and the second swing arm 120 can achieve relative rotation between the first body 200 and the second body 300, thereby causing the first body 200 and the second body 300 to drive the flexible screen 400 to move. The flexible screen 400 can dynamically switch between a bent state and an unfolded state, thereby enabling the foldable phone 1 to dynamically switch between the folded state and the unfolded state, realizing the folding function of the foldable phone 1.

[0088] For example, when the foldable phone 1 is in the folded state, the flexible screen 400 bends, as shown in FIG1c , and the bent flexible screen 400 is similar to a "U" shape. When the foldable phone 1 is in the unfolded state, the flexible screen 400 is flattened, as shown in FIG2a and FIG2b . At this time, the first swing arm 110 and the second swing arm 120 of the rotating mechanism 100 are similar to a "straight" shape, so that the flexible screen (not shown) is flattened.

[0089] Current rotational mechanisms primarily include worm gears, rack and pinion gears, and spiral groove structures. However, these structures are difficult to manufacture or bulky, hindering the production of foldable devices and the reduction of weight and thickness. For example, worm gears are complex to manufacture (requiring a 5-axis machine), resulting in high costs. Furthermore, the turbine in the center must be located in the middle of the Y axis, which places high demands on space and hinders production. Rack and pinion gears occupy space in the Z axis, preventing the foldable device from being made smaller and thinner. Spiral groove structures can be constructed with either a male connector on the swing arm side and a female connector on the synchronous slider side, or a male connector on the synchronous slider side and a female connector on the swing arm side. However, both structures also require high Z axis space and high processing costs.

[0090] To address the above-mentioned issues, the present application provides a rotation mechanism comprising a first swing arm, a second swing arm, and a gear set. Gear teeth are provided on both the first and second swing arms, and the gear teeth on the two swing arms are meshed and connected via the gear set, allowing the first and second swing arms to rotate synchronously in opposite directions. Furthermore, integrating the gear teeth structure into the swing arms simplifies the structure of the rotation mechanism, allowing it to be fully placed within the confined space within the housing, thereby facilitating the reduction in size and thinness of the folding machine and the miniaturization of the folding terminal. Furthermore, the above-mentioned rotation mechanism has a simple and compact structure, is low-cost, easy to manufacture, and has a wide range of applications.

[0091] The following describes the rotation mechanism of the embodiment of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that in the present application, the first swing arm and the second swing arm have the same structure, and the first and second swing arms are symmetrically arranged. This application uses the first swing arm as an example to describe the specific structure of the first swing arm, and does not elaborate on the structure of the second swing arm.

[0092] [Example 1]

[0093] 2a, 2b and 2c respectively show a perspective view, a top view and a side view of the rotating mechanism 100 in the first embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG2a to FIG2c, the rotating mechanism 100 includes a first swing arm 110, a second swing arm 120 and a gear set 130.

[0094] The first swing arm 110 is capable of rotating about a first axis (indicated by a dotted line L1 in FIG. 2 b ), and the second swing arm 120 is capable of rotating about a second axis (indicated by a dotted line L2 in FIG. 2 b ). The first axis and the second axis are parallel, and the rotation direction of the first swing arm 110 (indicated by direction A in FIG. 2 a ) is opposite to the rotation direction of the second swing arm 120 (indicated by direction B in FIG. 2 b ).

[0095] Figures 3a and 3b show stereoscopic views of the first swing arm 110 in the first embodiment of the present application. In combination with Figures 2b, 3a and 3b, it can be seen that the first swing arm 110 includes a first rotating seat 111, a first swing arm body 113 and two first cams 112 spaced apart along the Z direction. Specifically, the first rotating seat 111 and the two first cams 112 are all connected to the first swing arm body 113 and are arranged on the side of the first swing arm body 113 facing the gear set 130. A plurality of first gear teeth 1111 are arranged on the first rotating seat 111 along the circumferential direction (i.e., as shown in the direction C in Figure 3a), and the first gear teeth 1111 are also arranged facing the side of the gear set 130.

[0096] By providing a plurality of first gear teeth 1111 and a plurality of second gear teeth 1211 on the first swing arm 110 and the second swing arm 120, respectively, and utilizing the gear set 130 to mesh the gear teeth on the two swing arms, the structure of the rotating mechanism 100 is simplified, and the rotating mechanism 100 can be fully placed in the narrow space within the housing, which is conducive to achieving a smaller and thinner size of the folding machine and facilitating the compactness of the folding terminal.

[0097] Figures 4a and 4b respectively show a top view and a side view of the first swing arm 110 in this embodiment. In conjunction with Figures 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b, it can be seen that the first rotating seat 111 is a cylinder extending along the Z direction. A portion of the first rotating seat 111 in the C direction is provided with first gear teeth 1111, while the other portion is not provided with gear teeth. This facilitates the processing of the swing arm. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4b, of the 360° circumferential surface of the first rotating seat 111, the first gear teeth 1111 may be provided on the 180° semicircular surface of the second rotating seat 121 facing the second swing arm 120, while the other semicircular surface is not provided with gear teeth. Similarly, the second gear teeth 1211 on the second swing arm 120 can also be arranged such that, within the 360° circumference of the second rotating base 121, second gear teeth 1211 can be provided on the 180° semicircular surface facing the first rotating base 111 of the first swing arm 110, while no second gear teeth 1211 are provided on the other semicircular surface. The arrangement of semicircular gear teeth ensures that the first gear teeth 1111 and the second gear teeth 1211 are fully engaged via the gear set 130, and also facilitates the fabrication of the gear tooth structures on the first and second swing arms 110 and 120.

[0098] Continuing with FIG2b , the rotation mechanism 100 further includes a first rotation shaft 141 and a second rotation shaft 142. Both the first rotation shaft 141 and the second rotation shaft 142 extend in the Z direction and are spaced apart in the X direction. Specifically, the first axis is the axis of the first rotation shaft 141, and the second axis is the axis of the second rotation shaft 142. The first rotation shaft 141 extends through the two first cams 112 and the first rotating seat 111 on the first swing arm 110, allowing the first swing arm 110 to rotate about the first rotation shaft 141 in the A direction. The second rotation shaft 142 extends through the two second cams (the structure of the second cams on the second swing arm 120 is identical to that of the first cams 112 on the first swing arm 110) and the second rotating seat 121, allowing the second swing arm 120 to rotate about the second rotation shaft 142 in the B direction.

[0099] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first rotating seat 111 and the first cam 112. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the first rotating shaft 141. Combining Figures 5 and 6, it can be seen that the first rotating seat 111 is internally provided with a first shaft hole 1112 for the first rotating shaft 141 to pass through. The first shaft hole 1112 is stepped in the Z direction, and accordingly, the corresponding portion of the first rotating shaft 141 is also stepped in the Z direction.

[0100] That is, along the Z direction, the first shaft hole 1112 includes a first portion 11121 and a second portion 11122. For example, the first portion 11121 of the first shaft hole 1112 is located near the widthwise end of the middle frame of the first body 200. The first gear teeth 1111 surround the outer circumference of the first portion 11121 of the first shaft hole 1112, and the aperture of the first portion 11121 of the first shaft hole 1112 is smaller than the aperture of the second portion 11122 of the first shaft hole 1112. Similarly, along the Z direction, the first rotating shaft 141 also includes a first part 1411 and a second part 1412. The first part 1411 of the first rotating shaft 141 is close to the middle frame end of the first body 200 in the width direction. The diameter of the first part 1411 of the first rotating shaft 141 is smaller than the diameter of the second part 1412 of the first rotating shaft 141. As shown in Figure 7, the first part 11121 of the first shaft hole 1112 is sleeved on the first part 1411 of the first rotating shaft 141, and the second part 11122 of the first shaft hole 1112 is sleeved on the second part 1412 of the first rotating shaft 141.

[0101] Specifically, when the size of the folding machine is made thinner, the size of the first rotating seat 111 is reduced accordingly, and the gear teeth thereon are also reduced accordingly. After adding the stepped hole and the stepped shaft, the thickness of the first gear tooth 1111 part is increased accordingly, and the diameter of the first rotating shaft 141 is reduced accordingly. This can balance the strength of each part and ensure the reliability of the folding machine; it can also further challenge the size of the folding machine, so that the folding terminal can be made lighter and thinner.

[0102] Specifically, the structure of the second rotating shaft 142 is the same as that of the first rotating shaft 141 , and the connection method between the second rotating shaft 142 and the second swing arm 120 is also the same as the connection method between the first rotating shaft 141 and the first swing arm 110 , which will not be repeated here.

[0103] Specifically, with continued reference to Figures 2a and 2b, first gear teeth 1111 on first swing arm 110 are positioned opposite second gear teeth 1211 on second swing arm 120, such that first gear teeth 1111 and second gear teeth 1211 are meshed and connected via gear set 130. Gear set 130 includes a first gear 131 and a second gear 132. Along the X-direction, first gear 131 and second gear 132 are disposed between first gear teeth 1111 and second gear teeth 1211, with first gear teeth 1111, first gear 131, second gear 132, and second gear teeth 1211 meshing and connecting in sequence.

[0104] Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, the rotation mechanism 100 further includes a first cam bracket 151 and a second cam bracket 152, spaced apart along the Z direction. Both the first cam bracket 151 and the second cam bracket 152 extend along the X direction. The first cam bracket 151's ends in the X direction engage with one of the first cams 112 on the first swing arm 110 and one of the second cams on the second swing arm 120, respectively. The second cam bracket 152's ends in the X direction engage with the other first cam 112 on the first swing arm 110 and the other second cam on the second swing arm 120, respectively. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2b, the first cam 112 on the first swing arm 110 has at least one groove on its side facing the first cam bracket 151. A corresponding protrusion on the first cam bracket 151 matches the groove. This protrusion-groove engagement ensures a concave-convex connection between the first cam 112 and the first cam bracket 151. The structure of the second cam bracket 152 is similar to that of the first cam bracket 151 and will not be further described here.

[0105] As shown in Figure 2b, a spring 160 is further disposed between the first cam bracket 151 and the second cam bracket 152 along the Z direction. Specifically, multiple springs 160 may be mounted on the first rotating shaft 141 and the second rotating shaft 142, respectively. That is, each spring 160 passes through the corresponding first rotating shaft 141 and second rotating shaft 142, and each spring 160 is slidable along the Z direction. One end of each spring 160 contacts the first cam bracket 151, and the other end contacts the second cam bracket 152. As the first and second swing arms 110 and 120 rotate synchronously, the springs 160, via the cams, provide a rotational damping force for the swing arms.

[0106] By setting two first cams 112 / second cams spaced apart along the Z direction on the first swing arm 110 / second swing arm 120 to limit the spring 160, there is no need to add an additional retaining spring bracket 190 to limit the two ends of the spring 160, which saves axial space.

[0107] 2b , the rotating mechanism 100 further includes a first support frame 181, a first fixed frame 171, and a second fixed frame 172. Specifically, the first fixed frame 171 and the first support frame 181 are spaced apart and arranged on opposite sides of the gear set 130 in the Z direction. The first support frame 181 is arranged on one side of the rotating mechanism 100 that is close to the middle frame, and the second fixed frame 172 is arranged on the other side of the rotating mechanism 100 that is away from the middle frame. Along the Z direction, the first rotating shaft 141 passes through the first supporting frame 181, the first rotating seat 111, the first fixed frame 171, the first cam 112, the first cam bracket 151, the spring 160, the second cam bracket 152, the other first cam 112 and the second fixed frame 172 in sequence and then extends out; similarly, the second rotating shaft 142 passes through the first supporting frame 181, the second rotating seat 121, the first fixed frame 171, the second cam, the first cam bracket 151, the spring 160, the second cam bracket 152, the other second cam and the second fixed frame 172 in sequence along the Z direction and then extends out.

[0108] Furthermore, referring to Figure 6, a clamping cap 1413 is also provided at the end of the first rotating shaft 141, which is used to clamp the clamping cap 1413 to the end face behind the second fixing frame 172 after the first rotating shaft 141 passes through the second fixing frame 172, so as to limit the first rotating shaft 141 and prevent the first rotating shaft 141 from moving along the Z direction toward the gear set 130.

[0109] The first support frame 181 extends along the X-direction and is provided with four through-holes spaced apart along the X-direction. The first rotating shaft 141, the first gear 131, the second gear 132, and the first end portion of the second rotating shaft 142 on the same side are all inserted into corresponding through-holes in the first support frame 181. The first fixing frame 171 has a first mounting hole on the side facing the first gear 131 and the second gear 132. The second ends of the first gear 131 and the second gear 132 are inserted into the first mounting hole in the first fixing frame 171.

[0110] Furthermore, the first fixing frame 171 and the second fixing frame 172 are respectively provided with second mounting holes on both sides in the X direction for fixing the first rotating shaft 141 and the second rotating shaft 142. The first rotating shaft 141 and the second rotating shaft 142 are fixedly connected to the rotating mechanism 100 through the second mounting holes on the first fixing frame 171 and the second mounting holes on the second fixing frame 172.

[0111] [Example 2]

[0112] Figures 8 and 9 are perspective and top views, respectively, of the rotating mechanism 100 in the second embodiment. Figures 10a to 12 are schematic structural diagrams of the first swing arm 110 in the second embodiment. Figures 10a and 10b are perspective views of the first swing arm 110 at two different angles, Figure 11 is a top view of the first swing arm 110, and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the first rotating base 111 and first cam 112 on the first swing arm 110.

[0113] Referring to Figures 2a and 2b of the first embodiment and Figures 8 and 9 of the second embodiment, it can be seen that the rotation mechanism 100 of the second embodiment and the first embodiment both include a first swing arm 110, a second swing arm 120, and a gear set 130. The first swing arm 110 and the second swing arm 120 are also respectively provided with a first gear tooth 1111 and a second gear tooth 1211. The rotation method of the first swing arm 110 and the second swing arm 120, the position and arrangement method of the first gear tooth 1111 and the second gear tooth 1211, the specific structure of the gear set 130, and the connection method of the gear set 130 with the first gear tooth 1111 and the second gear tooth 1211 are also the same. A detailed description will not be given here, and only the differences between the first and second embodiments will be described below.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 4 a and FIG. 5 of the first embodiment and FIG. 10 a to FIG. 12 of the second embodiment, it can be seen that the structure of the first swing arm 110 in the second embodiment is different from that of the first swing arm 110 in the first embodiment. Specifically:

[0115] The first shaft hole 1112 provided within the first rotating seat 111 of the first swing arm 110 of the first embodiment is a stepped hole, extending through the rotating seat 111 in the Z direction. Accordingly, a stepped shaft is also provided at a corresponding position on the first rotating shaft 141 of the first embodiment. The first rotating shaft 141 extends through and out of the first rotating seat 111, and the two are rotationally connected. No additional rotating shaft is provided at the end of the first rotating seat 111.

[0116] In the second embodiment, referring to Figures 11 and 12 , the first shaft hole 1112a provided within the first rotating seat 111 of the first swing arm 110 is a straight hole, not a stepped hole. Furthermore, the first shaft hole 1112a does not penetrate the first rotating seat 111, but is instead provided at the end of the first rotating seat 111 away from the gear assembly 130. Therefore, the first rotating shaft 141 in this second embodiment is not provided as a stepped shaft and penetrates the first rotating seat 111. Instead, it is installed within the first rotating seat 111 and is fixedly connected to the first swing arm 110.

[0117] Specifically, as shown in FIG12 , a pin hole 1113 is provided on the side wall of the first rotating base 111, and the pin hole 1113 is connected to the first shaft hole 1112a. After the first rotating shaft 141 is inserted into the first shaft hole 1112a, the first rotating shaft 141 can be fixed to the first rotating base 111 by a pin passing through the pin hole 1113, so that the first rotating shaft 141 is fixedly connected to the first swing arm 110. Specifically, the fixed connection between the first rotating shaft 141 and the first swing arm 110 can also be achieved by spot welding or the like, or the first swing arm 110 and the first rotating shaft 141 can be formed into an integral structure, which is not limited here.

[0118] Figure 13 is a three-dimensional view of the first rotating shaft 141 in the second embodiment. In combination with Figures 11, 12 and 13, it can be seen that the first shaft hole 1112a in the first rotating seat 111 can be a threaded hole, and a threaded structure 1414 is provided at the corresponding end of the first rotating shaft 141. The threaded design, on the one hand, facilitates the first rotating shaft 141 to be screwed into the first shaft hole 1112a in the first rotating seat 111, and on the other hand, further enhances the fixed connection between the first rotating shaft 141 and the first rotating seat 111.

[0119] Further, with continued reference to Figures 10a and 12, to facilitate the rotation of the first swing arm 110 about the first axis, a first rotation shaft 1114 is further provided at one end of the first gear tooth 1111 of the first rotating seat 111. The first rotation shaft 1114 extends along the Z direction and is coaxial with the first rotation shaft 141. Specifically, the first rotation shaft 1114 is provided at one end of the first rotating seat 111 in the Z direction, which is close to the end of the middle frame. The first shaft hole 1112a is provided inside the other end of the first rotating seat 111 in the Z direction. That is, there is no hole structure inside the portion where the first gear tooth 1111 is located. This further improves the strength of the first gear tooth 1111 portion.

[0120] That is, in the second embodiment, the first rotating shaft 141 passes through the first cam 112 on the first swing arm 110 and then extends into the first shaft hole 1112a in the first rotating seat 111 and is fixedly connected to the first rotating seat 111; the first rotating shaft at one end of the first rotating seat 111 is rotatably connected to the first supporting frame 181 set on this side, so that the first swing arm 110 can rotate along the A direction around the first rotating shaft 141; similarly, the second rotating shaft 142 passes through the second cam on the second swing arm 120 (specifically, in this embodiment, the structure of the second cam on the second swing arm 120 is the same as the structure of the first cam 112 on the first swing arm 110) and then extends into the second shaft hole in the second rotating seat 121 and is fixedly connected to the second rotating seat 121, and the second rotating shaft at one end of the second rotating seat 121 is rotatably connected to the first supporting frame 181 set on this side, so that the second swing arm 120 can rotate along the B direction around the second rotating shaft 142.

[0121] In the second embodiment, the structure in which the stepped hole in the rotating seat and the corresponding part of the rotating shaft are set as a stepped shaft is cancelled. Instead, a rotating shaft is added at the end of the gear tooth to support the rotation of the rotating seat. In order to ensure the reliability of the overall structure of the rotating shaft and the swing arm, the rotating shaft and the swing arm are set as an integrally connected structure in this embodiment, which can ensure the strength of each part and thus ensure the reliability of the folding machine; it can also facilitate further challenges to the size of the folding machine, so that the folding terminal can be made lighter and thinner.

[0122] Furthermore, the number of cams on the swing arm in this second embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment. Taking the first swing arm 110 as an example, referring to Figures 3a and 10a, unlike the two first cams 112 spaced apart along the Z direction on the first swing arm 110 in the first embodiment, the first swing arm 110 in the second embodiment has only one first cam 112. Specifically, the first cam 112 is located on the side of the first rotating base 111 away from the gear assembly 130, and the first cam 112 is also provided with a through hole inside for the first rotating shaft 141 to pass through.

[0123] Since a cam is provided on the swing arm and the swing arm is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, the composition of the rotating mechanism 100 in the second embodiment is also different from that of the rotating mechanism 100 in the first embodiment. Continuing with Figures 2b and 9, the rotating mechanism 100 in the second embodiment lacks the second cam bracket 152 located on the side away from the gear set 130. Instead, a third support bracket 182 and a retaining spring bracket 190 are added to position the end of the spring 160 on that side. This allows the spring 160 to provide a rotational damping force to the swing arms via the cam and retaining spring bracket 190 during the synchronous rotation of the first and second swing arms 110, 120. Furthermore, since the first rotating shaft 141 / second rotating shaft 142 in this embodiment are fixedly connected to the first and second swing arms 110, 120, in the second embodiment, the first and second rotating shafts 141, 142 are rotationally connected to the first fixed bracket 171.

[0124] That is, by adding the retaining spring bracket 190 and reducing the number of cams on the swing arm, the structure of the swing arm can be simplified, which is beneficial to the production of the swing arm.

[0125] [Example 3]

[0126] It should be noted that the rotating mechanism 100 in the third embodiment has the same structure as the rotating mechanism 100 in the second embodiment. For the convenience of description, the same structural parts as those in the second embodiment will not be described in detail below, and only the structural parts of the third embodiment that are different from those in the second embodiment will be described.

[0127] Figures 14 and 15 are respectively a three-dimensional view and a top view of the rotating mechanism 100 in the third embodiment. Figures 16a and 16b are schematic structural diagrams of the first swing arm 110 in the third embodiment. As shown in Figures 14 to 16b, the difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment lies in the different structure of the first rotating seat 111 on the first swing arm 110. In the third embodiment, both ends of the first gear 1111 on the first rotating seat 111 are provided with a first rotating shaft 1114. Corresponding to this structure, the rotating mechanism 100 in the third embodiment also includes a second support frame 183 provided between the first fixed frame 171 and the gear set 130. Detailed description is as follows.

[0128] As shown in Figures 16a and 16b, the first gear 1111 on the first rotating seat 111 is provided with first rotating shafts 1114 at both ends in the Z direction. Each first rotating shaft 1114 extends along the Z direction and is coaxial with the first rotating shaft 141.

[0129] Specifically, the second support frame 183 extends along the X direction. The first gear tooth 1111 includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is defined as the end facing the first rotating shaft 141, and the second end is defined as the end away from the first rotating shaft 141. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the first rotating shaft 1114 provided at the second end of the first gear tooth 1111 and the end of the first rotating shaft 141 are both sleeved within one end of the second support frame 183 in the X direction and are rotatably connected to the second support frame 183. Furthermore, a certain gap H is provided between the first rotating shaft 1114 and the first rotating shaft 141 in the Z direction to avoid unnecessary wear caused by end contact between the first rotating shaft 1114 and the first rotating shaft 141.

[0130] Similarly, the second gear tooth 1211 on the second swing arm 120 also includes a first end and a second end, where the first end is defined as the end facing the second rotating shaft 142, and the second end is defined as the end away from the second rotating shaft 142. The second rotating shaft disposed at the second end of the second gear tooth 1211 and the end of the second rotating shaft 142 are both sleeved within the other end of the second support frame 183 in the X direction and are rotatably connected to the second support frame 183. Furthermore, a certain gap H is provided between the second rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft 142 in the Z direction to prevent unnecessary wear caused by end-to-end contact between the second rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft 142.

[0131] Specifically, when the size of the folding machine is made thinner, the size of the rotating seat on the swing arm is reduced accordingly, and the gear teeth thereon are also reduced accordingly. In the third embodiment, by adding a rotating shaft at both ends of the gear teeth of the swing arm rotating seat, the first gear teeth 1111 / the second gear teeth 1211 can rotate around their rotating shafts, so that there is no need to set the first rotating shaft 141 or the second rotating shaft 142 to pass through the corresponding first gear teeth 1111 or the second gear teeth 1211, thereby ensuring the thickness of the gear tooth part, improving the strength of each component, and ensuring the reliability of the folding machine; it can also further challenge the size of the folding machine, so that the folding terminal can be made lighter and thinner.

[0132] [Example 4]

[0133] Figures 19 and 20 are respectively a perspective view and a top view of the rotating mechanism 100 in the fourth embodiment. Figures 21a and 21b are schematic views of the first swing arm 110 in the fourth embodiment.

[0134] As can be seen from Figures 21a and 21b, the swing arm in the fourth embodiment differs in structure from that in the third embodiment. Specifically, the structure of the rotating base in the swing arm in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the third embodiment, but the arrangement of the cams on the swing arm differs from that in the third embodiment. Taking the first swing arm 110 as an example, as shown in Figure 21, in the fourth embodiment, two first cams 112 are disposed on the first swing arm 110 at intervals along the Z direction. Both first cams 112 are located on the side of the first rotating base 111 away from the gear assembly 130.

[0135] Corresponding to the two cams provided on the swing arms, the composition of the rotation mechanism 100 in the fourth embodiment is also different from that of the rotation mechanism 100 in the third embodiment. Referring to Figures 15 and 20 , the rotation mechanism 100 in the fourth embodiment is identical to the rotation mechanism 100 in the third embodiment in that the components below the spring 160 (specifically, the first cam bracket 151, the first fixing bracket 171, the second support bracket 183, the rotating seats on each swing arm, the gear set 130, and the first support bracket 181) are structurally identical, while the components above the spring 160 are different.

[0136] Since, in the fourth embodiment, two first cams 112 and second cams are provided on the first swing arm 110 and the second swing arm 120 at intervals along the Z direction to limit the spring 160, it is not necessary to provide the third support bracket 182 and the retaining spring bracket 190 of the third embodiment to limit the end of the spring 160. Instead, in the fourth embodiment, a second cam bracket 152 is provided at the cam position to cooperate with the cam protrusions and recesses on the first swing arm 110 and the second swing arm 120 to limit the end of the spring 160. This solution can further save axial space of the rotating mechanism 100. Specifically, the structure of the second cam bracket 152 is the same as that of the second cam bracket 152 of the first embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0137] In summary, the rotation mechanism of the present embodiment utilizes a gear structure integrated into the swing arm, and utilizes a gear set to mesh the gears on the two swing arms. This simplifies the structure of the rotation mechanism and allows it to be adequately placed within the confined space within the housing, thereby facilitating the reduction in size and thickness of the folding machine and promoting the compactness of the folding terminal. Furthermore, the above-described rotation mechanism has a simple and compact structure, low cost, and a wide range of applications.

Claims

1. A rotating mechanism, characterized in that: include: A first swing arm is provided with a first rotating seat, and the first swing arm is capable of rotating around a first axis; a second swing arm, provided with a second rotating seat, wherein the second swing arm is capable of rotating about a second axis, and the second axis is parallel to the first axis; Among them, the first rotating seat is provided with a plurality of first gear teeth distributed along the circumferential direction, and the second rotating seat is provided with a plurality of second gear teeth distributed along the circumferential direction. The plurality of first gear teeth and the plurality of second gear teeth are meshed and connected through a gear set so that the first swing arm and the second swing arm can rotate synchronously in opposite directions.

2. The rotating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of the first rotating seat extending in the circumferential direction is provided with the plurality of first gear teeth, and a portion of the second rotating seat extending in the circumferential direction is provided with the plurality of second gear teeth.

3. The rotating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The gear set includes a first gear and a second gear, the first gear meshing with the first gear teeth and the second gear teeth respectively, and the second gear meshing with the first gear teeth and the second gear teeth respectively.

4. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism further includes a first rotating shaft, and the first axis is the axis of the first rotating shaft; The first rotating seat includes a first axial hole, the first axial hole includes a first portion and a second portion along the axial direction, the first portion of the first axial hole is arranged corresponding to the first gear tooth, and the aperture of the first portion of the first axial hole is smaller than the aperture of the second portion of the first axial hole; The first rotating shaft includes a first part and a second part. The diameter of the first part of the first rotating shaft is smaller than the diameter of the second part of the first rotating shaft. The first part of the first axial hole is sleeved on the first part of the first rotating shaft, and the second part of the first axial hole is sleeved on the second part of the first rotating shaft.

5. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism further includes a second rotating shaft, and the second axis is the axis of the second rotating shaft; The second rotating seat includes a second axial hole, the second axial hole includes a first portion and a second portion along the axial direction, the first portion of the second axial hole is arranged corresponding to the second gear tooth, and the aperture of the first portion of the second axial hole is smaller than the aperture of the second portion of the second axial hole; The second rotating shaft includes a first part and a second part, the diameter of the first part of the second rotating shaft is smaller than the diameter of the second part of the second rotating shaft, the first part of the second axial hole is sleeved on the first part of the second rotating shaft, and the second part of the second axial hole is sleeved on the second part of the second rotating shaft.

6. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The rotation mechanism also includes a first rotating shaft, the first axis is the axis of the first rotating shaft; one end of the first rotating seat is provided with a first rotating shaft integrally formed therewith, and the other end of the first rotating seat is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft; and / or the rotation mechanism also includes a second rotating shaft, the second axis is the axis of the second rotating shaft; one end of the second rotating seat is provided with a second rotating shaft integrally formed therewith, and the other end of the second rotating seat is fixedly connected to the second rotating shaft.

7. The rotating mechanism according to claim 6, wherein: The rotating mechanism further includes a first support frame extending along a first direction perpendicular to the first axis, and two ends of the first support frame in the first direction are rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft respectively.

8. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Both ends of the first rotating seat are provided with a first rotating shaft integrally formed therewith, and both ends of the second rotating seat are provided with a second rotating shaft integrally formed therewith; The rotating mechanism further includes a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a first support frame and a second support frame; the first rotating seat, the second rotating seat and the gear set are all arranged between the first support frame and the second support frame; the first support frame and the second support frame both extend along a first direction, the first direction is perpendicular to the first axis, the first axis is the axis of the first rotating shaft, and the second axis is the axis of the second rotating shaft; The two ends of the first support frame in the first direction are rotatably connected to a first rotation axis at one end of the first rotating base and a second rotation axis at one end of the second rotating base respectively; The second support frame is respectively provided with a first through hole and a second through hole at both ends in the first direction, the first rotating shaft at the other end of the first rotating seat and one end of the first rotating shaft are arranged in the first through hole, and the second rotating shaft at the other end of the second rotating seat and one end of the second rotating shaft are arranged in the second through hole.

9. The rotating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: Two first cams are provided on the first swing arm at intervals along the axial direction, and two second cams are provided on the second swing arm at intervals along the axial direction, and the first cams are provided correspondingly to the second cams; A first cam bracket and a second cam bracket are axially spaced apart between the two first cams, and the first cam bracket and the second cam bracket both extend along a first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the first axis; One end of the first cam bracket and one end of the second cam bracket are respectively matched with the corresponding first cam concave-convex, and the other end of the first cam bracket and the other end of the second cam bracket are respectively matched with the corresponding second cam concave-convex; The rotating mechanism further includes a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft, the first axis is the axis of the first rotating shaft, and the second axis is the axis of the second rotating shaft; One end of the first rotating shaft is connected to the first rotating seat, and the other end passes through the first cam, one end of the first cam bracket and one end of the second cam bracket; One end of the second rotating shaft is connected to the second rotating seat, and the other end passes through the second cam, the other end of the first cam bracket and the other end of the second cam bracket; The first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are both sleeved with springs, and the springs are located between the first cam bracket and the second cam bracket.

10. The rotating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The first swing arm is provided with a first cam, the second swing arm is provided with a second cam, and the first cam and the second cam are correspondingly arranged; The rotating mechanism further includes a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a cam bracket and a third supporting frame, wherein the cam bracket and the third supporting frame both extend along a first direction and are spaced apart along the axial direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the axial direction; One end of the cam bracket is engaged with the first cam concavo-convex part, and the other end of the cam bracket is engaged with the second cam concavo-convex part. The third support frame is provided with a circlip bracket on a side away from the cam bracket along the axial direction, and the circlip bracket extends along the first direction; One end of the first rotating shaft is connected to the first rotating seat, and the other end passes through the first cam, one end of the cam bracket, one end of the third support bracket and one end of the retaining spring bracket in sequence; one end of the second rotating shaft is connected to the second rotating seat, and the other end passes through the second cam, the other end of the cam bracket, the other end of the third support bracket and the other end of the retaining spring bracket; springs are both provided on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft, and the springs are located between the cam bracket and the third support bracket.

11. The rotating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a first fixing frame, and one end of the gear set is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame.

12. A foldable terminal, characterized in that: include: First Body; Second body; The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first swing arm in the rotating mechanism is connected to the first body, and the second swing arm in the rotating mechanism is connected to the second body.

13. The foldable terminal according to claim 12, wherein: Also includes: A flexible screen covers the first body, the second body and the rotating mechanism.

Images