Folding device and intelligent terminal

Abstract

The utility model provides a folding device and an intelligent terminal. The folding device comprises a middle shaft assembly, a rotating assembly and a supporting plate, and the middle shaft assembly comprises at least one fixing base; the rotating assembly comprises two rotating units, the rotating units are rotationally connected with the middle shaft assembly, and the two rotating units relatively rotate on the two opposite sides of the middle shaft assembly; the supporting plate is arranged on the rotating unit, and the supporting plate is used for supporting a flexible screen; the rotating assembly drives the supporting plate to rotate, so that when the folding device is in an unfolded state, the fixing base is hidden below the supporting plate to enable the flexible screen to be separated from the fixing base, and when the folding device is in a folded state, the fixing base is exposed to enable the flexible screen to be separated from the fixing base. Therefore, the fixing seat supports the bending section of the flexible screen. The technical problems that a folding device is complex in structure and poor in supporting effect on the flexible screen are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and particularly relates to a folding device and a smart terminal. Background Art

[0002] Smart terminals using flexible screens, such as folding mobile phones, etc., are flattened during use to meet the demand for large-screen displays, and are folded during carrying to improve portability.

[0003] In some solutions, the folding device includes two support plates for supporting the flexible screen and a lifting plate located at the middle position between the two support plates. The lifting plate supports the middle part of the flexible screen. During the unfolding and folding processes of the folding device, the lifting plate can perform corresponding lifting movements. In the process of conceiving and implementing the present application, it is found that in some folding devices and smart terminals, there are at least the following problems: the structure of the folding device is complex, and the flatness is not good, which affects the support effect on the flexible screen.

[0004] The foregoing description is to provide general background information and does not necessarily constitute prior art. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] In view of the above technical problems, the present application provides a folding device and a smart terminal to solve the technical problems of the complex structure of the folding device and the unsatisfactory support effect on the flexible screen.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a folding device, including:

[0007] A central axis assembly, the central axis assembly including at least one fixed seat;

[0008] A rotating assembly, the rotating assembly including two rotating units, the rotating units being rotatably connected to the central axis assembly, and the two rotating units rotating relatively on opposite sides of the central axis assembly;

[0009] A support plate, the support plate being disposed on the rotating unit, the support plate being used for supporting the flexible screen;

[0010] The rotating assembly is configured to drive the support plate to rotate so that when the folding device is in the unfolded state, the fixed seat is hidden below the support plate, so that the flexible screen is separated from the fixed seat, and when the folding device is in the folded state, the fixed seat is exposed so that the fixed seat supports the bent section of the flexible screen.

[0011] A folding device provided by the present application, by arranging a support plate on a rotating unit, when the folding device is in an unfolded state, the flexible screen is supported by two support plates, and the flexible screen is separated from the fixed seat. When the folding device is in a folded state, the bent section of the flexible screen is supported by the fixed seat. The present application does not need to set up a lifting plate for lifting movement, simplifies the structure of the folding device, helps to reduce the cost of the folding device. In addition, since the lifting plate is omitted in the present application, the problem of unevenness of the folding device caused by unstable movement of the lifting plate is avoided, thereby improving the stability of the support for the flexible screen.

[0012] Optionally, the fixed seat has a limiting groove. The fixed seat includes a bracket portion and a supporting portion connected to each other. The limiting groove is located on the side of the bracket portion and the supporting portion facing the flexible screen, and the bent section of the flexible screen extends into the limiting groove.

[0013] Optionally, the central axis assembly further includes a central axis. The number of the fixed seats is two, and the two fixed seats are arranged oppositely along a first direction on the central axis, and the supporting portions of the two fixed seats are in contact with each other.

[0014] Optionally, the folding device further includes a synchronization assembly. The synchronization assembly includes two driving members and a transmission gear set arranged between the two driving members. The driving member includes a first gear and a connecting arm connected to the first gear. The bracket portion is provided with a mounting shaft, and the first gear is rotatably sleeved on the mounting shaft. The transmission gear set includes two second gears meshing with each other, and the two second gears are respectively meshed with the first gears of the two driving members.

[0015] Optionally, the connecting arm includes a first section and a second section. The first section is connected between the first gear and the second section, and a notch groove is provided at the connection position of the first section and the first gear;

[0016] When the folding device is in a folded state, one end of the support plate abuts against the notch groove.

[0017] Optionally, the central axis assembly further includes a guiding member arranged on the central axis. The rotating unit includes a rotating member and a linkage member. The rotating member includes a first rotating portion and a second rotating portion connected to each other. The first rotating portion is rotatably arranged on the guiding member, the second rotating portion is rotatably connected to the linkage member, the connecting arm is slidably arranged in the linkage member, and the support plate is fixedly connected to the side of the rotating member facing away from the guiding member.

[0018] Optionally, the rotating member has a first connection structure, and the support plate has a second connection structure. One of the first connection structure and the second connection structure is a connection hole, and the other of the first connection structure and the second connection structure is a connection post. The connection post is connected in the connection hole.

[0019] Optionally, the folding device further includes a damping assembly. The damping assembly includes a second cam and an elastic member. The second cam is disposed on the bracket portion. The driving member further includes a first cam connected to the connecting arm. The first cam is rotatably sleeved on the mounting shaft. The end faces of the first cam and the second cam facing each other both have correspondingly mating convex teeth and tooth grooves. The elastic member is disposed on a side of the second cam facing away from the first cam to keep the second cam and the first cam in abutment.

[0020] Along the first direction, the projection of the elastic member and the support plate do not coincide.

[0021] Optionally, one end of the bracket portion close to the supporting portion has a first stop portion, and the end of the bracket portion away from the supporting portion has a second stop portion. At least a part of the mounting shaft is located between the first stop portion and the second stop portion. The first cam and the second cam are both located between the first stop portion and the second stop portion.

[0022] The elastic member abuts between the second cam and the first stop portion, and the first cam abuts between the second stop portion and the second cam.

[0023] This application further provides an intelligent terminal, including a flexible screen and the above folding device.

[0024] The folding device and the intelligent terminal provided by this application do not need to set up a lifting plate for lifting movement, improve the flatness of the hinge, can reduce the crease depth of the flexible screen, simplify the structure of the folding device, reduce the cost of the folding device, ensure the supporting effect on the flexible screen, help to weaken the crease of the flexible screen, and improve the smoothness of the rotation of the folding device.

[0025] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of this application described above, the technical features constituting the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought by the technical features of these technical solutions, other technical problems that can be solved by the folding device and the intelligent terminal provided by the embodiments of this application, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific implementation manner. Description of the Drawings

[0026] The accompanying drawings here are incorporated into the specification and form a part of this specification, showing embodiments consistent with the present application, and are used together with the specification to explain the principles of the present application. To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the accompanying drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other accompanying drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application in the unfolded state;

[0028] Figure 2 Exploded view of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application in the folded state;

[0030] Figure 4 Schematic perspective view of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application excluding the support plate;

[0031] Figure 5 Schematic perspective view of the fixed seat of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 6 Schematic perspective view of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application in the folded state;

[0033] Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application in the unfolded state;

[0034] Figure 8 Another cross-sectional view of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application in the unfolded state;

[0035] Figure 9 Exploded view of the synchronization component and damping component of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 10 Schematic perspective view of the support plate of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 11 Schematic perspective view of the driving member of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 12 Another schematic perspective view of the driving member of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 13 Exploded view of the rotating component of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 14 A partial three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 15 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the linkage member of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 16 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the rotating member of the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 17 A hardware structural schematic diagram of the mobile terminal provided by the embodiment of the present application.

[0044] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0045] 10 - Central axis assembly; 11 - Central axis; 12 - Fixed seat; 121 - Limiting groove; 122 - Bracket part; 1221 - First stop part; 1222 - Second stop part; 1223 - Mounting hole; 123 - Supporting part; 124 - Mounting shaft; 13 - Guide member; 132 - First connection groove; 1321 - First guiding structure;

[0046] 20 - Rotating assembly; 21 - Rotating member; 211 - Second guiding structure; 212 - Second guiding structure; 213 - First rotating part; 214 - Second rotating part; 215 - First connection structure; 22 - Linkage member; 221 - Sliding groove; 222 - Second connection groove; 2221 - First guiding structure;

[0047] 30 - Support plate; 31 - Second connection structure; 32 - Inner end; 33 - Outer end; 34 - Avoidance groove;

[0048] 40 - Synchronization assembly; 41 - Driving member; 411 - First gear; 412 - Connecting arm; 4121 - First section; 4122 - Second section; 4123 - Slide block; 413 - First cam; 4131 - First convex tooth; 4132 - First tooth groove; 414 - Spacing groove; 415 - Notch groove; 42 - Transmission gear set; 421 - Second gear;

[0049] 50 - Damping assembly; 51 - Second cam; 513 - Second convex tooth; 512 - Second tooth groove; 52 - Elastic member;

[0050] 500 - Mobile terminal; 501 - Radio frequency unit; 502 - WiFi module; 503 - Audio output unit; 504 - A / V input unit; 5041 - Graphics processor; 5042 - Microphone; 505 - Sensor; 506 - Display unit; 5061 - Display panel; 507 - User input unit; 5071 - Touch panel; 5072 - Other input devices; 508 - Interface unit; 509 - Memory; 510 - Processor; 511 - Power supply.

[0051] The implementation, functional features, and advantages of the present application will be further described in conjunction with the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Through the above-mentioned accompanying drawings, specific embodiments of the present application have been shown, and there will be more detailed descriptions hereinafter. These drawings and the written descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept of the present application in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed implementation manners

[0052] Here, the exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, and the examples are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The implementation manners described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementation manners consistent with the present application. On the contrary, they are only examples of the devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0053] It should be noted that in this article, the term "including", "comprising", or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, or device including a series of elements not only includes those elements but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or further includes elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "including one..." does not exclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device including that element. Optionally, components, features, and elements with the same name in different embodiments of the present application may have the same meaning or different meanings, and their specific meanings need to be determined based on their explanations in the specific embodiments or further in combination with the context in the specific embodiments.

[0054] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when" or "while" or "in response to determining". Furthermore, as used in this application, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "comprising", "including" indicate the presence of the above-mentioned features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, types, and / or groups, but do not exclude the presence, occurrence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, types, and / or groups. The terms "or", "and / or", "including at least one of the following" and the like used in this application may be interpreted inclusively, or mean any one or any combination. For example, "including at least one of the following: A, B, C" means "any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A and B and C", and again, "A, B or C" or "A, B and / or C" means "any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A and B and C". An exception to this definition only occurs when the combination of elements, functions, steps or operations are mutually exclusive in some way.

[0055] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts in the embodiments of the present application are shown in sequence according to the indication of the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless there is a clear indication in this application, the execution of these steps has no strict order limitation, and they may be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least a part of the steps in the figure may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages, and these sub-steps or stages are not necessarily executed at the same time, but may be executed at different times, and their execution order is not necessarily sequential, but may be executed alternately or in turn with at least a part of other steps or sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0056] Depending on the context, the words "if", "when" as used herein may be interpreted as "when" or "while" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting". Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determined" or "if detecting (stated condition or event)" may be interpreted as "when determined" or "in response to determining" or "when detecting (stated condition or event)" or "in response to detecting (stated condition or event)".

[0057] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0058] In the following description, suffixes such as "module", "component" or "unit" used to represent elements are only for the convenience of describing the present application and have no specific meaning in themselves. Therefore, "module", "component" or "unit" can be used interchangeably.

[0059] The intelligent terminal can be implemented in various forms. For example, the intelligent terminal described in the present application can include intelligent terminals such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, palmtop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable media players (PMPs), navigation devices, wearable devices, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc., as well as fixed terminals such as digital TVs and desktop computers.

[0060] The flexible screen, that is, the flexible display screen, is used to display images. Exemplarily, the flexible screen can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode or an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode display screen, a micro-organic light-emitting diode display screen, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen.

[0061] In the related art, in intelligent terminals such as folding mobile phones, the bent section of the flexible screen is usually supported by two support plates and a lifting plate located between the two support plates. The lifting plate can move up and down as the folding device unfolds and folds. The purpose is to make the folding device adapt to the water droplet shape formed by the bending of the flexible screen. However, the stability of the lifting plate movement is not good, which will cause problems such as unsmooth folding and abnormal noise of the folding device. If the lifting plate cannot descend in time, it is easy to cause the bottom of the bent section of the flexible screen to be lifted by the lifting plate, resulting in the problem of the reverse arch of the bent section of the flexible screen, and it is difficult to ensure the support effect on the flexible screen.

[0062] In view of this, a folding device provided by the present application sets the support plate on the rotating unit. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, two support plates are used to support the flexible screen. When the folding device is in the folded state, the fixed seat is exposed so that the fixed seat supports the bent section of the flexible screen. The shape of the flexible screen can be ensured according to the shape of the folding device, and there is no need to set up a lifting plate for lifting movement, which simplifies the structure of the folding device and helps to reduce the cost of the folding device. In addition, since the lifting plate is omitted in the present application, the problem of unevenness of the folding device caused by unstable movement of the lifting plate is avoided, thereby improving the stability of the support effect on the flexible screen.

[0063] The following describes a folding device and an intelligent terminal provided by an embodiment of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the present application provides a folding device, including: a central axis assembly 10, a rotating assembly 20, and a support plate 30. The central axis assembly 10 includes at least one fixed seat 12. The rotating assembly 20 includes two rotating units. The rotating units are rotatably connected to the central axis assembly 10. The two rotating units rotate relatively on opposite sides of the central axis assembly 10. The support plate 30 is arranged on the rotating unit, and the support plate 30 is used to support the flexible screen.

[0065] Refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the rotating assembly 20 is configured to drive the support plate 30 to rotate, so that when the folding device is in the unfolded state, the fixed seat 12 is hidden under the support plate 30, so that the flexible screen is separated from the fixed seat 12, and when the folding device is in the folded state, the fixed seat 12 is exposed so that the fixed seat 12 supports the bent section of the flexible screen.

[0066] A folding device provided by the present application sets the support plate 30 on the rotating unit. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, two support plates 30 are used to support the flexible screen, and the flexible screen is separated from the fixed seat 12. When the folding device is in the folded state, the bent section of the flexible screen is supported by the fixed seat 12. There is no need to set up a lifting plate for lifting movement in the present application, which simplifies the structure of the folding device and helps to reduce the cost of the folding device. In addition, since the lifting plate is omitted in the present application, the problem of unevenness of the folding device caused by unstable movement of the lifting plate is avoided, thereby improving the stability of the support for the flexible screen.

[0067] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, the side of the support plate 30 facing away from the rotating unit is used to support the flexible screen. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the fixed seat 12 is hidden below the support plate 30, preventing the fixed seat 12 from contacting the flexible screen. In this application, the lifting plate is omitted, and the structure is simpler. The two support plates 30 achieve planar support for the flexible screen, avoiding the problem of uneven support for the flexible screen caused by the inability of the lifting plate to perform stable lifting motion.

[0068] In a possible implementation manner, referring to Figure 5 As shown, the fixed seat 12 has a limiting groove 121. The fixed seat 12 includes a bracket portion 122 and a supporting portion 123 that are connected to each other. The limiting groove 121 is located on the side of the bracket portion 122 and the supporting portion 123 facing the flexible screen, and the bent section of the flexible screen extends into the limiting groove 121.

[0069] Referring to Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the limiting groove 121 holds the bottom of the bent section of the flexible screen. The limiting groove 121 is used to limit the position of the bent section of the flexible screen, so that the bent section of the flexible screen remains in the centered position, preventing problems such as skewing of the bent section of the flexible screen, ensuring that the bent section of the flexible screen presents a water droplet shape, improving the protection effect on the flexible screen, and being beneficial to ensuring the service life of the flexible screen. By providing the supporting portion 123, the supporting area for the bent section of the flexible screen can be increased, and the problem that there is no solid structure to carry the flexible screen on the back side of the bent section of the flexible screen, resulting in easy damage to the flexible screen, can be reduced.

[0070] In a possible implementation manner, the cross-sectional shape of the limiting groove 121 is an arc groove, and the shape of the arc groove is adapted to the shape of the bent section of the flexible screen, improving the supporting effect on the bent section of the flexible screen.

[0071] In a possible implementation manner, the limiting groove 121 is recessed into the fixed seat 12, and both ends of the limiting groove 121 can penetrate through the bracket portion 122 and the supporting portion 123 respectively.

[0072] In a possible implementation manner, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the central axis assembly 10 further includes a central axis 11. The number of fixed seats 12 is two, and the two fixed seats 12 are arranged oppositely along the first direction on the central axis 11, and the supporting portions 123 of the two fixed seats 12 are in contact with each other. Such a structure can increase the supporting area for the bent section of the flexible screen and improve the supporting effect on the flexible screen.

[0073] The first direction refers to Figure 4The direction indicated by the arrow X in the figure is the length direction of the central axis 11. In this application, rotating components 20 are provided at both ends of the length direction of the central axis 11, improving the balance of the folding device.

[0074] In a possible implementation manner, the fixed seat 12 is fixed to the central axis 11 by, but not limited to, screws, bolts, snap connections, or pasting.

[0075] In a possible implementation manner, referring to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the folding device further includes a synchronization component 40. The synchronization component 40 includes two driving members 41 and a transmission gear set 42 disposed between the two driving members 41. The driving member 41 includes a first gear 411 and a connecting arm 412 connected to the first gear 411. The support portion 122 is provided with a mounting shaft 124. The first gear 411 is rotatably sleeved on the mounting shaft 124. The transmission gear set 42 includes two second gears 421 that mesh with each other. The two second gears 421 respectively mesh with the first gears 411 of the two driving members 41. The synchronization component 40 is used to keep the two rotating units rotating synchronously relative to each other, improving the use effect of the folding device.

[0076] In a possible implementation manner, the connecting arm 412 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first gear 411. The connecting arm 412 extends to the outside of the central axis 11. The first gear 411 is an incomplete gear, which serves to limit the rotation angle of the driving member 41.

[0077] When one first gear 411 rotates, through the meshing transmission between the transmission gear set 42 and the first gear 411, the rotation of one first gear 411 can be transmitted to the other first gear 411, so that the synchronization component 40 drives the two rotating units to rotate synchronously, accelerating the unfolding and folding efficiency of the folding device.

[0078] In a possible implementation manner, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, the connecting arm 412 includes a first section 4121 and a second section 4122. The first section 4121 is connected between the first gear 411 and the second section 4122. A notch groove 415 is provided at the connection position between the first section 4121 and the first gear 411. When the folding device is in the folded state, one end of the support plate 30 abuts against the notch groove 415.

[0079] The notch groove 415 is recessed toward the side away from the support plate 30. By providing the notch groove 415, the problem of interference between the support plate 30 and the driving member 41 caused by the widened width of the support plate 30 is solved, so that widening the width of the support plate 30 will not affect the folding and unfolding movements of the folding device. Therefore, the width of the support plate 30 can be widened, the distance between the two support plates 30 can be shortened, the area of the back side of the flexible screen directly supported by the solid structure is increased, the support effect on the flexible screen is improved, the use of the flexible screen is made more reliable, and it is beneficial to reduce problems such as creases on the flexible screen.

[0080] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, when the folding device is in the unfolded state, the support plate 30 has an inner end 32 that approaches each other and an outer end 33 that moves away from each other. Reference Figure 7 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, when the folding device is in the folded state, the inner end 32 abuts against the notch groove 415. The notch groove 415 can be an arc-shaped groove, and the notch groove 415 extends along the first direction.

[0081] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, the position of the support plate 30 facing the first gear 411 has an avoidance groove 34. The avoidance groove 34 thins the thickness of the support plate 30 at the position corresponding to the first gear 411, which is beneficial to preventing the problem of interference between the support plate 30 and the first gear 411.

[0082] In a possible implementation manner, reference Figure 2 and Figure 14 As shown, the central axis assembly 10 further includes a guiding member 13 disposed on the central axis 11. Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the rotating unit includes a rotating member 21 and a linkage member 22. The rotating member 21 includes a first rotating portion 213 and a second rotating portion 214 that are connected to each other. The first rotating portion 213 is rotatably disposed on the guiding member 13, and the second rotating portion 214 is rotatably connected to the linkage member 22. The connecting arm 412 is slidably disposed within the linkage member 22. Reference Figure 2 As shown, the support plate 30 is fixedly connected to the surface of the rotating member 21 facing away from the guiding member 13.

[0083] With such a structure, the support plate 30, the linkage member 22, and the rotating member 21 roughly form a triangular shape, making the folding and unfolding movements of the folding device more stable and also helping to improve the anti-drop performance of the folding device.

[0084] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, in order to facilitate the sliding connection between the connecting arm 412 and the linkage member 22, sliders 4123 are provided on both sides of the second section 4122, and a sliding groove 221 cooperating with the slider 4123 is provided in the linkage member 22, so that the second section 4122 of the connecting arm 412 and the linkage member 22 can slide relative to each other.

[0085] In one possible implementation, reference Figure 2 and Figure 14 As shown, the guide member 13 includes but is not limited to being fixed to the central axis 11 by means of screws, bolts, snap connections or bonding, and the guide member 13 serves to limit the rotation trajectory of the rotating member 21.

[0086] In one possible implementation, reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, a first connecting groove 132 is provided in the guide member 13, and the first rotating part 213 of the rotating member 21 extends into the first connecting groove 132 and rotates in the first connecting groove 132. The side wall of the first connecting groove 132 is provided with a first guiding structure 1321, and second guiding structures 211 are provided on both sides of the first rotating part 213. One of the first guiding structure 1321 and the second guiding structure 211 is a guiding groove, and the other is a guiding protrusion. The guiding protrusion extends into the guiding groove and slides along the guiding groove, which can prevent the rotating member 21 from being separated from the guide member 13 and guide the movement of the rotating member 21.

[0087] Optionally, the guide groove can be an arc-shaped groove, and the guide protrusion can be an arc-shaped protrusion. The center of the guide groove coincides with the center of the guide protrusion, which ensures the accuracy of rotation. The center of the guide groove and the center of the guide protrusion are located on the side of the rotating part 21 away from the central axis assembly 10. Of course, the guide protrusion can also be a cylindrical protrusion.

[0088] In one possible implementation, reference Figure 13 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, a second connecting groove 222 is provided in the linkage member 22, and the second rotating part 214 of the rotating member 21 rotates in the second connecting groove 222. A first guiding structure 2221 is provided on the inner side wall of the second connecting groove 222, and second guiding structures 212 are provided on both sides of the second rotating part 214. One of the first guiding structure 2221 and the second guiding structure 212 is a guiding groove, and the other is a guiding protrusion. The guiding protrusion extends into the guiding groove and slides along the guiding groove, which can prevent the rotating member 21 from being separated from the linkage member 22 and play a guiding role for the relative movement of the rotating member 21 and the linkage member 22.

[0089] Optionally, the guiding groove can be an arc groove, and the guiding protrusion can be an arc protrusion. The centers of the guiding groove and the guiding protrusion coincide, ensuring the rotation accuracy. Moreover, the centers of the guiding groove and the guiding protrusion are located on the side of the rotating member 21 away from the central axis assembly 10. Of course, the guiding protrusion can also be a cylindrical protrusion.

[0090] The rotating member 21 has a large overlapping angle of movement with the guiding member 13, and the rotating member 21 also has a large overlapping angle of movement with the linkage member 22, improving the movement accuracy, reducing the closing misalignment amount of the folding device, and being beneficial to reducing the creases of the flexible screen.

[0091] In a possible implementation manner, referring to Figure 10 and Figure 13 As shown, the rotating member 21 has a first connection structure 215, and the support plate 30 has a second connection structure 31. One of the first connection structure 215 and the second connection structure 31 is a connection hole, and the other is a connection post. The connection post is connected in the connection hole, enabling the rotating member 21 to drive the support plate 30 to rotate. Such a structure avoids machining holes for fixing the support plate 30 on the bearing surface of the support plate 30, making the bearing surface of the support plate 30 flatter and improving the support effect on the flexible screen.

[0092] In a possible implementation manner, the first connection structure 215 is a connection hole and the second connection structure 31 is a connection post, or the first connection structure 215 is a connection post and the second connection structure 31 is a connection hole, and the connection hole is a blind hole; the connection hole and the connection post can be in interference fit to realize the connection between the rotating member 21 and the support plate 30. During the rotation of the rotating member 21, the rotating member 21 drives the support plate 30 to move. There is no need to set screw connection holes or notches on the surface of the support plate 30, simplifying the structure of the support plate 30 and improving the manufacturability of the product.

[0093] In other possible implementation manners, the support plate 30 and the rotating member 21 can also be connected by means of snap connection or pasting.

[0094] In a possible implementation manner, referring to Figure 5 、 Figure 9 and Figure 14 As shown, the folding device further includes a damping assembly 50. The damping assembly 50 includes a second cam 51 and an elastic member 52. The second cam 51 is arranged on the bracket portion 122. The driving member 41 further includes a first cam 413 connected to the connecting arm 412. The first cam 413 is rotatably sleeved on the mounting shaft 124. The mutually facing end faces of the first cam 413 and the second cam 51 both have correspondingly matched convex teeth and tooth grooves. The elastic member 52 is arranged on the side of the second cam 51 facing away from the first cam 413 to keep the second cam 51 and the first cam 413 in abutment.

[0095] In a possible implementation manner, the second cam 51 has a plurality of second convex teeth 513 and a plurality of second tooth grooves 512. The plurality of second convex teeth 513 and the plurality of second tooth grooves 512 are distributed at intervals on the end surface of the second cam 51 facing the first cam 413 and along the edge of the second cam 51.

[0096] In a possible implementation manner, the first cam 413 has a plurality of first convex teeth 4131 and a plurality of first tooth grooves 4132 that are distributed at intervals from each other. The plurality of first convex teeth 4131 and the plurality of first tooth grooves 4132 are distributed at intervals on the end surface of the first cam 413 facing the second cam 51 and along the edge of the first cam 413.

[0097] When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the first convex teeth 4131 correspond to the second tooth grooves 512, and the first tooth grooves 4132 correspond to the second convex teeth 513; when the folding device is folded and the driving member 41 rotates relative to the second cam 51 by a preset angle, the first convex teeth 4131 abut against the second convex teeth 513, the first tooth grooves 4132 abut against the second tooth grooves 512, and the elastic member 52 is compressed. Under the action of its own elastic force, the elastic member 52 causes the second cam 51 and the first cam 413 to remain in abutment.

[0098] The second cam 51 will not rotate. In order to prevent the second cam 51 from rotating, the two second cams 51 are connected to each other, and the two second cams 51 are respectively sleeved on two mounting shafts 124.

[0099] In a possible implementation manner, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, along the first direction, the projection of the elastic member 52 does not coincide with that of the support plate 30. For example, it can be achieved by using an elastic member 52 with a smaller diameter, or by no longer sleeving the elastic member 52 on the mounting shaft 124, but making the position of the elastic member 52 close to the bottom wall of the central shaft 11, which can effectively prevent the problem of interference between the elastic member 52 and the support plate 30 and avoid affecting the rotation of the support plate 30.

[0100] In a possible implementation manner, the elastic member 52 can be a compression spring or an elastic sleeve. The elastic member 52 can be sleeved on the mounting shaft 124 or not.

[0101] In a possible implementation manner, the number of the elastic members 52 can be 2, 3 or more.

[0102] In a possible implementation manner, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 9As shown in the figure, one end of the support portion 122 close to the supporting portion 123 has a first stop portion 1221, and the end of the support portion 122 away from the supporting portion 123 has a second stop portion 1222. At least a part of the mounting shaft 124 is located between the first stop portion 1221 and the second stop portion 1222. The first cam 413 and the second cam 51 are both located between the first stop portion 1221 and the second stop portion 1222. The elastic member 52 abuts between the second cam 51 and the first stop portion 1221, and the first cam 413 abuts between the second stop portion 1222 and the second cam 51.

[0103] In a possible implementation manner, both sides of the support portion 122 have a first stop portion 1221, and both sides of the support portion 122 also have a second stop portion 1222. The first stop portion 1221 and the second stop portion 1222 are arranged at intervals in the first direction. Mounting holes 1223 are formed in both the first stop portion 1221 and the second stop portion 1222. The mounting shaft 124 is passed through the mounting holes 1223 of the first stop portion 1221 and the mounting holes 1223 of the second stop portion 1222. The mounting shaft 124 can be a cylindrical shaft, and the driving member 41 rotates around the central axis of the mounting shaft 124.

[0104] In a possible implementation manner, when the elastic member 52 is not sleeved on the mounting shaft 124, a first positioning post is provided on the surface of the first stop portion 1221 facing the elastic member 52, and a second positioning post is provided on the surface of the second cam 51 facing the elastic member 52. One end of the elastic member 52 can be sleeved on the first positioning post, and the other end of the elastic member 52 can be sleeved on the second positioning post, preventing the elastic member 52 from loosening or falling off.

[0105] In a possible implementation manner, the first cam 413 and the first gear 411 are arranged at intervals in the first direction, and an interval groove 414 is formed between the first cam 413 and the first gear 411. The second stop portion 1222 extends into the interval groove 414, so that the first cam 413 abuts against the second stop portion 1222.

[0106] In this application, there is no need to set up a lifting plate for lifting movement, which improves the flatness of the hinge, can reduce the crease depth of the flexible screen, simplifies the structure of the folding device, reduces the cost of the folding device, ensures the support effect on the flexible screen, helps to weaken the crease of the flexible screen, and improves the smoothness of the rotation of the folding device.

[0107] This application also provides an intelligent terminal, including a flexible screen and the above folding device, and the folding device is used to support the flexible screen. The intelligent terminal provided in this embodiment also includes two shells, and the shells are connected to the rotating assembly 20 of the folding device, so as to provide an even support effect on the two shells.

[0108] The flexible screen further includes non-bending segments connected to both sides of the bending segment. During the unfolding and folding of the intelligent terminal, the non-bending segments do not need to perform bending movements, and part of the non-bending segments are connected to the side of the support plate 30 facing away from the linkage member 22.

[0109] In a possible implementation manner, the housing may be connected to the linkage member 22 through fasteners such as screws or bolts.

[0110] In the following description, a mobile terminal will be taken as an example for illustration. Those skilled in the art will understand that, except for the components specifically used for mobile purposes, the structure according to the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to fixed-type terminals.

[0111] Please refer to Figure 17 As shown, it is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a mobile terminal for implementing various embodiments of the present application. The mobile terminal 500 may include: an RF (Radio Frequency) unit 501, a WiFi module 502, an audio output unit 503, an A / V (audio / video) input unit 504, a sensor 505, a display unit 506, a user input unit 507, an interface unit 508, a memory 509, a processor 510, and a power supply 511, etc. Those skilled in the art can understand that Figure 17 the mobile terminal structure shown in

[0112] does not constitute a limitation on the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements. Figure 17 The following specifically introduces each component of the mobile terminal:

[0113] The radio frequency unit 501 can be used for receiving and transmitting information or signals during communication. Optionally, after receiving the downlink information of the base station, it is sent to the processor 510 for processing. Additionally, the uplink data is sent to the base station. Generally, the radio frequency unit 501 includes but is not limited to antennas, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low-noise amplifier, a duplexer, etc. In addition, the radio frequency unit 501 can also communicate with the network and other devices through wireless communication. The above wireless communication can use any communication standard or protocol, including but not limited to GSM (Global System of Mobile communication), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), TD-SCDMA (Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access), FDD-LTE (Frequency Division Duplexing-Long Term Evolution), TDD-LTE (Time Division Duplexing-Long Term Evolution), and 5G, etc.

[0114] WiFi belongs to short-range wireless transmission technology. The mobile terminal can help users send and receive emails, browse the web, and access streaming media through the WiFi module 502, which provides users with wireless broadband Internet access. Although Figure 17 the WiFi module 502 is shown, it can be understood that it is not an essential component of the mobile terminal and can be completely omitted within the scope of not changing the essence of the application as needed.

[0115] The audio output unit 503 can convert audio data received by the radio frequency unit 501 or the WiFi module 502 or stored in the memory 509 into an audio signal and output it as sound when the mobile terminal 500 is in modes such as a call signal reception mode, a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and so on. Moreover, the audio output unit 503 can also provide an audio output related to a specific function executed by the mobile terminal 500 (for example, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, and so on). The audio output unit 503 can include a speaker, a buzzer, and so on.

[0116] The A / V input unit 504 is used to receive an audio or video signal. The A / V input unit 504 can include a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) 5041 and a microphone 5042. The graphics processor 5041 processes the image data of a still picture or a video obtained by an image capturing device (such as a camera) in a video capture mode or an image capture mode. The processed image frame can be displayed on the display unit 506. The image frame processed by the graphics processor 5041 can be stored in the memory 509 (or other storage media) or transmitted via the radio frequency unit 501 or the WiFi module 502. The microphone 5042 can receive sound (audio data) via the microphone 5042 in operating modes such as a phone call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, and so on, and can process such sound into audio data. The processed audio (voice) data can be output in a format that can be transmitted to a mobile communication base station via the radio frequency unit 501 in the case of a phone call mode. The microphone 5042 can implement various types of noise cancellation (or suppression) algorithms to cancel (or suppress) the noise or interference generated during the reception and transmission of the audio signal.

[0117] The mobile terminal 500 further includes at least one sensor 505, such as a light sensor, a motion sensor, and other sensors. Optionally, the light sensor includes an ambient light sensor and a proximity sensor. Optionally, the ambient light sensor can adjust the brightness of the display panel 5061 according to the brightness of the ambient light, and the proximity sensor can turn off the display panel 5061 and / or the backlight when the mobile terminal 500 is moved to the ear. As a kind of motion sensor, the accelerometer sensor can detect the magnitude of acceleration in all directions (generally three axes), and can detect the magnitude and direction of gravity when stationary, and can be used in applications for identifying the posture of the mobile phone (such as horizontal and vertical screen switching, related games, magnetometer attitude calibration), vibration recognition related functions (such as a pedometer, tapping), and so on; as for other sensors that the mobile phone can also be configured with, such as a fingerprint sensor, a pressure sensor, an iris sensor, a molecular sensor, a gyroscope, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, an infrared sensor, etc., they will not be elaborated here.

[0118] The display unit 506 is used to display information input by the user or information provided to the user. The display unit 506 may include a display panel 5061, and the display panel 5061 may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc.

[0119] The user input unit 507 can be used to receive input numerical or character information, and generate key signal inputs related to the user settings and function controls of the mobile terminal. Optionally, the user input unit 507 may include a touch panel 5071 and other input devices 5072. The touch panel 5071, also known as a touch screen, can collect touch operations of the user on or near it (such as operations of the user using a finger, a stylus, or any suitable object or accessory on or near the touch panel 5071), and drive corresponding connection devices according to a preset program. The touch panel 5071 can include two parts: a touch detection device and a touch controller. Optionally, the touch detection device detects the touch orientation of the user, detects the signal brought by the touch operation, and transmits the signal to the touch controller; the touch controller receives the touch information from the touch detection device, converts it into contact coordinates, and then sends it to the processor 510, and can receive and execute the commands sent by the processor 510. In addition, the touch panel 5071 can be implemented in multiple types such as resistive, capacitive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave. In addition to the touch panel 5071, the user input unit 507 may further include other input devices 5072. Optionally, the other input devices 5072 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of a physical keyboard, function keys (such as volume control keys, switch keys, etc.), a trackball, a mouse, a joystick, etc., and specific details are not limited here.

[0120] Optionally, the touch panel 5071 may cover the display panel 5061. After the touch panel 5071 detects a touch operation on or near it, it is transmitted to the processor 510 to determine the type of touch event. Subsequently, the processor 510 provides a corresponding visual output on the display panel 5061 according to the type of touch event. Although in Figure 17 the touch panel 5071 and the display panel 5061 are implemented as two independent components to realize the input and output functions of the mobile terminal, in some embodiments, the touch panel 5071 and the display panel 5061 can be integrated to realize the input and output functions of the mobile terminal, and specific details are not limited here.

[0121] The interface unit 508 serves as an interface through which at least one external device can be connected to the mobile terminal 500. For example, the external device may include a wired or wireless headset port, an external power supply (or battery charger) port, a wired or wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device with an identification module, an audio input / output (I / O) port, a video I / O port, a headset port, and so on. The interface unit 508 can be used to receive inputs from an external device (such as data information, power, etc.) and transfer the received inputs to one or at least one element within the mobile terminal 500 or can be used to transfer data between the mobile terminal 500 and the external device.

[0122] The memory 509 can be used to store software programs and various data. The memory 509 mainly includes a program storage area and a data storage area. Optionally, the program storage area can store an operating system, applications required for at least one function (such as a sound playback function, an image playback function, etc.); the data storage area can store data created according to the use of the mobile phone (such as audio data, phone book, etc.). In addition, the memory 509 can include high-speed random access memory and can also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one magnetic disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices.

[0123] The processor 510 is the control center of the mobile terminal, connecting various parts of the entire mobile terminal using various interfaces and lines. By running or executing software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 509 and by calling data stored in the memory 509, it performs various functions of the mobile terminal and processes data, thereby monitoring the mobile terminal as a whole. The processor 510 can include one or at least one processing unit; preferably, the processor 510 can integrate an application processor and a modem processor. Optionally, the application processor mainly processes the operating system, user interface, and applications, etc., and the modem processor mainly processes wireless communication. It can be understood that the above-mentioned modem processor may not be integrated into the processor 510.

[0124] The mobile terminal 500 can also include a power supply 511 (such as a battery) for powering each component. Preferably, the power supply 511 can be logically connected to the processor 510 through a power management system, thereby realizing functions such as management of charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system.

[0125] Although Figure 17 not shown, the mobile terminal 500 can also include a Bluetooth module, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0126] The technical features of the technical solution of the present application can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the various technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered to be within the scope recorded in the present application.

[0127] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present application, and do not limit the patent scope of the present application accordingly. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made by using the content of the specification and drawings of the present application, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, shall be included in the patent protection scope of the present application by the same token.

Claims

1. A folding device, characterized in that, Comprising: A central axis assembly (10), the central axis assembly (10) including at least one fixed seat (12); A rotating assembly (20), the rotating assembly (20) including two rotating units, the rotating units being rotatably connected to the central axis assembly (10), and the two rotating units rotating relative to each other on opposite sides of the central axis assembly (10); A support plate (30), the support plate (30) being disposed on the rotating unit, the support plate (30) being used for supporting a flexible screen; The rotating assembly (20) is configured to drive the support plate (30) to rotate, so that when the folding device is in an unfolded state, the fixed seat (12) is hidden below the support plate (30), enabling the flexible screen to be separated from the fixed seat (12); and when the folding device is in a folded state, the fixed seat (12) is exposed, so that the fixed seat (12) supports the bent section of the flexible screen.

2. The folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed seat (12) has a limiting groove (121), the fixed seat (12) including a bracket portion (122) and a supporting portion (123) connected to each other, the limiting groove (121) being located on the side of the bracket portion (122) and the supporting portion (123) facing the flexible screen, and the bent section of the flexible screen extending into the limiting groove (121).

3. The folding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The central axis assembly (10) further includes a central axis (11), the number of the fixed seats (12) being two, the two fixed seats (12) being arranged opposite to each other along a first direction on the central axis (11), and the supporting portions (123) of the two fixed seats (12) abutting against each other.

4. The folding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, It further includes a synchronization assembly (40), the synchronization assembly (40) including two driving members (41) and a transmission gear set (42) disposed between the two driving members (41), the driving member (41) including a first gear (411) and a connecting arm (412) connected to the first gear (411), the bracket portion (122) being provided with a mounting shaft (124), the first gear (411) being rotatably sleeved on the mounting shaft (124), and the transmission gear set (42) including two second gears (421) meshing with each other, the two second gears (421) respectively meshing with the first gears (411) of the two driving members (41).

5. The folding device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting arm (412) includes a first section (4121) and a second section (4122), the first section (4121) being connected between the first gear (411) and the second section (4122), and a notch groove (415) being provided at the connection position of the first section (4121) and the first gear (411); When the folding device is in a folded state, one end of the support plate (30) abuts against the notch groove (415).

6. The folding device according to claim 4, wherein The central axis assembly (10) further includes a guiding member (13) disposed on the central axis (11). The rotating unit includes a rotating member (21) and a linkage member (22). The rotating member (21) includes a first rotating portion (213) and a second rotating portion (214) connected to each other. The first rotating portion (213) is rotatably disposed on the guiding member (13), and the second rotating portion (214) is rotatably connected to the linkage member (22). The connecting arm (412) is slidably disposed within the linkage member (22), and the support plate (30) is fixedly connected to a surface of the rotating member (21) facing away from the guiding member (13).

7. The folding device according to claim 6, wherein The rotating member (21) has a first connecting structure (215), and the support plate (30) has a second connecting structure (31). One of the first connecting structure (215) and the second connecting structure (31) is a connecting hole, and the other of the first connecting structure (215) and the second connecting structure (31) is a connecting post. The connecting post is connected within the connecting hole.

8. The folding device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It further includes a damping assembly (50). The damping assembly (50) includes a second cam (51) and an elastic member (52). The second cam (51) is disposed on the support portion (122). The driving member (41) further includes a first cam (413) connected to the connecting arm (412). The first cam (413) is rotatably sleeved on the mounting shaft (124). The end faces of the first cam (413) and the second cam (51) facing each other both have corresponding convex teeth and tooth grooves in cooperation. The elastic member (52) is disposed on a side of the second cam (51) facing away from the first cam (413) to keep the second cam (51) and the first cam (413) in abutment; Along the first direction, the projection of the elastic member (52) and the support plate (30) do not overlap.

9. The folding device according to claim 8, characterized in that, One end of the support portion (122) close to the supporting portion (123) has a first stop portion (1221), and the other end of the support portion (122) away from the supporting portion (123) has a second stop portion (1222). At least a part of the mounting shaft (124) is located between the first stop portion (1221) and the second stop portion (1222). Both the first cam (413) and the second cam (51) are located between the first stop portion (1221) and the second stop portion (1222); The elastic member (52) abuts between the second cam (51) and the first stop portion (1221), and the first cam (413) abuts between the second stop portion (1222) and the second cam (51).

10. An intelligent terminal, characterized in that, It includes a flexible screen and the folding device according to any one of claims 1-9.

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