Folding mechanism and terminal device

Abstract

The application provides a folding mechanism and a terminal device. The folding mechanism comprises a base, a support arranged on the base and provided with two sliding grooves, two stoppers arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the two sliding grooves, each stopper comprising a guide body and a stop body, the guide body being connected to a side of the support away from the base and forming a first opening and a second opening in communication with the sliding grooves and located on opposite sides of the guide body with the support, and the stop body being connected to the guide body and arranged in correspondence with the corresponding first opening; the base is rotationally connected to two groups of folding assemblies, each group of folding assemblies comprising a folding piece and a rotating piece, the folding piece being rotationally connected to the base, and the rotating piece being arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the stopper, each rotating piece comprising a rotating body and a limiting body connected to an end of the rotating body away from the folding piece, and the rotating body being rotationally arranged in the corresponding sliding groove; the limiting body and the stop body form a stop cooperation, which can prevent the rotating piece from being separated from the sliding groove and improve the safety of the folding mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic device technology, specifically to a folding mechanism and a terminal device. Background Technology

[0002] The folding mechanism of a foldable phone typically consists of a base, a swing arm, and connecting rods in the casing. One end of the swing arm rotates within an arc-shaped groove in the base. Currently, most of these grooves are open. When the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the swing arm and the arc-shaped groove have minimal engagement. As phone designs become thinner and lighter, this engagement becomes even smaller. However, when the swing arm is subjected to excessive tension in the thickness direction of the base, it can easily detach from the arc-shaped groove, reducing the phone's safety. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the above, it is necessary to provide a folding mechanism and a terminal device to improve security.

[0004] This application provides a folding mechanism, including: Base; The support member is provided on the base and has two symmetrical and spaced sliding grooves; Two stop members are provided corresponding to the two slide grooves. Each stop member includes a guide body and a stop body connected to the guide body. The guide body connects to the side of the support member opposite to the base and forms a first opening and a second opening with the support member. The first opening and the second opening respectively communicate with the slide groove and are located on opposite sides of the guide body. The two second openings are located between the two first openings. The stop body is provided corresponding to the first opening. Two sets of folding assemblies are rotatably connected to the base. Each set of folding assemblies includes a folding member and a rotating member connected to the folding member. The folding member is rotatably connected to the base. Two rotating members are correspondingly provided with two stop members. Each rotating member includes a rotating body rotatably connected to the corresponding slide groove and a limiting body connected to the end of the rotating body away from the folding member. When the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the rotating body is housed in the corresponding slide groove, and the limiting body protrudes from the corresponding second opening. When the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the limiting body is housed in the corresponding slide groove and abuts against the stop body, and the rotating body is located outside the corresponding slide groove.

[0005] In the aforementioned folding mechanism, when the folding mechanism transitions from the unfolded state to the folded state, the rotating part rotates within the slide groove until it disengages from the slide groove. The limiting body enters the slide groove through the second opening and slides within the slide groove until the limiting body abuts against the stop body. Therefore, the limiting body of the rotating part and the stop body of the stop body form a stop engagement, which can prevent the rotating part from disengaging from the slide groove, thereby improving the safety of the folding mechanism.

[0006] In some embodiments, the support member and the two stops are an integral structure, and / or the rotating body and the limiting body are an integral structure.

[0007] In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the chute has an arc-shaped cross-section, and the radius of the circle containing the bottom wall of the chute gradually increases from the second opening to the first opening.

[0008] In some embodiments, the base includes: A base shell, on which a fixing groove is formed, and the support member is accommodated in the fixing groove; The mounting component is located in the fixing groove and spaced apart from the support component; Two pivots are respectively provided in correspondence with the two folding components, and each pivot is movably inserted through the mounting component and the corresponding folding component.

[0009] In some embodiments, the base further includes: A fixing member is provided in the fixing groove and located between the mounting member and the support member; A retaining member is provided in the fixing groove and located between the mounting member and the fixing member; An elastic element is disposed in the fixing groove, and the two ends of the elastic element respectively abut against the mounting member and the abutting member; The rotating shaft passes sequentially through the mounting member, the supporting member, the folding member, and the fixing member. When the folding mechanism changes from a flattened state to a folded state, the folding member rotates to push the supporting member to compress the elastic member.

[0010] In some embodiments, the base further includes: Two gears are provided in the fixing groove and located between the abutment and the fixing member. Each gear is rotatably connected to the abutment and the fixing member respectively. One of the folding members meshes with one of the gears, and the other folding member meshes with the other gear.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the folding elements includes: A torque arm is connected to the rotating component and located on one side of the base; A folding body, one end of which is connected to the torque arm, and the other end of which is sleeved on the rotating shaft and meshes with one of the gears.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fixing member has two movable slots, which are spaced apart and connected to the fixing slot. The base also includes a movable member and two reset members. The two rotating shafts, the two reset members, and the two movable slots are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. Each movable member is sleeved on the two rotating shafts, and each reset member is located in the corresponding movable slot and sleeved on the corresponding rotating shaft. Both ends of each reset member elastically abut against the sidewall of the movable member and the corresponding movable slot. Each folding member also includes a linkage member. The two linkage members are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the two movable members. One end of each linkage member is connected to the torque arm, and the other end of each linkage member is sleeved on the corresponding rotating shaft and abuts against the sidewall of the movable member and the corresponding movable slot.

[0013] In some embodiments, each group of the folding components further includes: A first cover is attached to the folding member and covers the folding member; The second cover is rotatably connected to the first cover and covers the base and the rotating component.

[0014] This application embodiment also provides a terminal device, including: The aforementioned folding mechanism; Two supports are respectively disposed on both sides of the base and rotatably connected to the base, and each support is provided with a support groove; and A flexible screen is disposed in the folding mechanism, and the two ends of the flexible screen are respectively slidably accommodated in the two support grooves.

[0015] In the folding mechanism of the aforementioned terminal device, the limiting body of the rotating component and the stopping body of the stopping component form a stopping engagement, which can prevent the rotating component from disengaging from the slide groove, thereby improving the safety of the terminal device. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism in the unfolded state according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the folding mechanism is shown.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An exploded view of the support components, stop components, and some folding components in the folding mechanism shown.

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the folding mechanism in its folded state.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The folding mechanism shown is a cross-sectional schematic diagram along the AA direction.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal device in a flattened state according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the terminal device.

[0023] Figure 8 for Figure 6 The diagram shown illustrates the terminal device in a folded state.

[0024] Key component symbols: Folding mechanism 100, First opening 100a, Second opening 100b, Base 110, Base shell 111, Fixing groove 111a, Mounting component 112, Rotating shaft 113, Fixing component 114, Movable groove 114a, Supporting component 115, Elastic component 116, Gear 117, Movable component 118, Reset component 119, Support component 120, Slide groove 120a, Stop component 130, Guide body 131, Stop The components include: a baffle 132, a folding assembly 140, a folding piece 141, a torque arm 1411, a folding body 1412, a linkage 1413, a rotating piece 142, a rotating body 1421, a limiting body 1422, a first cover 143, a second cover 144, a terminal device 1000, a support 200, a housing 210, a receiving groove 210a, a receiving side wall 210b, a receiving top wall 210c, a bearing part 220, and a flexible screen 300. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between the two; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction between two elements. In the description of this application, it should be noted that "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly and specifically limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application provides a folding mechanism 100, including a base 110, a support member 120, two stops 130, and two sets of folding components 140. The folding mechanism 100 can be applied to terminal devices such as mobile phones and tablets to realize the folding function of the terminal devices and improve the safety of use.

[0029] For ease of description, in Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 A three-dimensional coordinate system has been added to all models. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other.

[0030] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3In some embodiments, the support member 120 is disposed on the base 110 and has two sliding grooves 120a. The two sliding grooves 120a are spaced apart along the X-axis and symmetrically arranged along the Y-axis. Two stops 130 are disposed one-to-one with the two sliding grooves 120a. Each stop 130 includes a guide body 131 and a stop body 132. The guide body 131 is connected to the side of the support member 120 away from the base 110 and forms a first opening 100a and a second opening 100b with the support member 120. The first opening 100a and the second opening 100b are respectively connected to the sliding grooves 120a and are located on opposite sides of the guide body 131 along the X-axis. The two second openings 100b are located between the two first openings 100a. The stop body 132 is connected to the guide body 131 and is disposed corresponding to the corresponding first opening 100a along the Z-axis. Two sets of folding assemblies 140 are spaced apart along the X-axis. Each set of folding assemblies 140 includes a folding member 141 and a rotating member 142. The folding member 141 is rotatably connected to the base 110. The two rotating members 142 are correspondingly arranged with the two stop members 13. Each rotating member 142 includes a rotating body 1421 and a limiting body 1422. The rotating body 1421 is connected to the folding member 141 and is rotatably disposed in the corresponding slide groove 120a. The limiting body 1422 is connected to the end of the rotating body 1421 away from the folding member 141. When the folding mechanism 100 is in the unfolded state (see...), Figure 1 The rotating body 1421 is housed in the corresponding slide groove 120a, and the limiting body 1422 protrudes from the corresponding second opening 100b along the Z-axis direction. When the folding mechanism 100 is in the folded state (see...), Figure 4 and Figure 5 The limiting body 1422 is housed in the slide groove 120a and abuts against the stop body 132, while the rotating body 1421 is located outside the corresponding slide groove 120a.

[0031] In the aforementioned folding mechanism 100, when the folding mechanism 100 changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the rotating body 1421 rotates within the slide groove 120a until it disengages from the slide groove 120a. The limiting body 1422 enters the slide groove 120a along the Z-axis direction through the second opening 100b and slides within the slide groove 120a until the limiting body 1422 abuts against the stop body 132 (see...). Figure 5 Therefore, the limiting body 1422 of the rotating member 142 and the stopping body 132 of the stopping member 130 form a stopping engagement, which can prevent the rotating member 142 from disengaging from the slide groove 120a, thereby improving the safety of the folding mechanism 100.

[0032] In some embodiments, the support member 120 and the two stop members 130 are an integral structure, or the rotating body 1421 and the limiting body 1422 are an integral structure, or the support member 120 and the two stop members 130 are an integral structure, and the rotating body 1421 and the limiting body 1422 are an integral structure.

[0033] Therefore, the above-mentioned configuration simplifies the processing technology of the folding mechanism 100, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the folding mechanism 100.

[0034] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the slide 120a has an arc-shaped cross-section along the X-axis, and the radius of the circle containing the bottom wall of the slide 120a gradually increases from the second opening 100b to the first opening 100a. When the rotating member 142 rotates, the rotating body 1421 and the limiting body 1422 are respectively interference-fitted with the bottom wall of the slide 120a.

[0035] Therefore, through the above settings, the friction force between the rotating component 142 and the bottom wall of the slide groove 120a can be gradually changed during rotation, so as to provide the user with a good damping feel during the rotation of the rotating component 142.

[0036] Please see Figure 2 In some embodiments, the base 110 includes a base shell 111, a mounting member 112, and two rotating shafts 113. The base shell 111 is provided with a fixing groove 111a, which extends along the Y-axis. The support member 120 is accommodated in the fixing groove 111a. The mounting member 112 is disposed in the fixing groove 111a and is spaced apart from the support member 120 along the Y-axis. The two rotating shafts 113 are correspondingly disposed with two folding members 141. Each rotating shaft 113 is movably inserted through the mounting member 112 and the corresponding folding member 141 along the Y-axis.

[0037] Therefore, the fixing groove 111a enables the base 110 and the support member 120 to form an embedded structure, which facilitates the structural stability of the support member 120 and the overall aesthetics of the folding mechanism 100. In addition, the two sets of folding components 140 are rotated by inserting two rotating shafts 113 with two folding members 141. The structure is simple and helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of the folding mechanism 100.

[0038] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the base 110 further includes a fixing member 114, a supporting member 115, and an elastic member 116. The fixing member 114 is disposed in the fixing groove 111a and located between the mounting member 112 and the support member 120. The supporting member 115 is disposed in the fixing groove 111a and located between the mounting member 112 and the fixing member 114. The elastic member 116 is disposed in the fixing groove 111a, and its two ends abut against the mounting member 112 and the supporting member 115, respectively. The rotating shaft 113 passes through the mounting member 112, the supporting member 115, the folding member 141, and the fixing member 114 in sequence. When the folding mechanism 100 changes from a flattened state to a folded state, the folding member 141 rotates to push the supporting member 115 to compress the elastic member 116.

[0039] Therefore, the elastic member 116 can elastically abut against the retaining member 115 along the Y-axis direction, and the elastic member 116 can cooperate with the retaining member 115 to form a floating limit on the folding member 141 in the Y-axis direction.

[0040] For example, the elastic element 116 can be a spring, and the number of elastic elements 116 is three, with two elastic elements 116 respectively sleeved on the two rotating shafts 113, and the other elastic element 116 located between the two rotating shafts 113. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the number of elastic elements 116 can be one, two, four or more.

[0041] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the base 110 further includes two gears 117. Both gears 117 are disposed in the fixing groove 111a and located between the abutment 115 and the fixing member 114. Each gear 117 is rotatably connected to the abutment 115 and the fixing member 114 respectively. One folding member 141 meshes with one of the gears 117, and the other folding member 141 meshes with the other gear 117.

[0042] Therefore, the two folding parts 141 can rotate synchronously through the two gears 117, which helps to improve the folding efficiency of the two folding parts 141.

[0043] In some embodiments, each folding member 141 includes a torque arm 1411 and a folding body 1412. The torque arm 1411 is connected to the rotating member 142 and located on one side of the base 110. One end of the folding body 1412 is connected to the torque arm 1411, and the other end of the folding body 1412 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 113 and meshes with one of the gears 117. The other end of the folding body 1412 is provided with meshing teeth that mesh with the gear 117.

[0044] For example, the torque arm 1411 is a cuboid and its length direction is parallel to the Y-axis direction, and the folding body 1412 is a cuboid and its length direction is parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0045] Therefore, the above arrangement can rationally arrange the folding component 141, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the folding mechanism 100.

[0046] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3In some embodiments, the fixing member 114 has two movable slots 114a, which are spaced apart along the X-axis and respectively connected to the fixing slot 111a. The base 110 also includes a movable member 118 and two reset members 119. The two rotating shafts 113, the two reset members 119 and the two movable slots 114a are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. Each movable member 118 is sleeved on the two rotating shafts 113, and each reset member 119 is disposed in the corresponding movable slot 114a and sleeved on the corresponding rotating shaft 113. The two ends of each reset member 119 elastically abut against the sidewalls of the movable member 118 and the corresponding movable slot 114a, respectively. Each folding member 141 also includes a linkage member 1413. Two linkage members 1413 are correspondingly arranged with two movable members 118. One end of each linkage member 1413 is connected to a torque arm 1411, and the other end of each linkage member 1413 is sleeved on the corresponding pivot 113 and abuts against the side wall of the movable member 118 and the corresponding movable groove 114a. For example, the reset member 119 can be a spring.

[0047] Therefore, the above-mentioned arrangement can further improve the stability of the folding member 141 rotating relative to the base 110.

[0048] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, each folding assembly 140 further includes a first cover 143 and a second cover 144. The first cover 143 connects to and covers the folding member 141, and the second cover 144 is rotatably connected to the first cover 143, covering the base 110 and the rotating member 142.

[0049] Therefore, the aesthetics of the folding mechanism 100 can be improved by using the first cover 143 and the second cover 144.

[0050] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 This application also provides a terminal device 1000, including two supports 200, a flexible screen 300, and the aforementioned folding mechanism 100. The two supports 200 are respectively disposed on both sides of a base 110 and rotatably connected to the base 110. Each support 200 has a support groove 200a. The flexible screen 300 is disposed on the folding mechanism 100, and both ends of the flexible screen 300 are slidably accommodated in the two support grooves 200a. For example, the terminal device 1000 can be a mobile phone, tablet, laptop computer, etc.

[0051] In the folding mechanism 100 of the terminal device 1000, the limiting body 1422 of the rotating member 142 and the stop body 132 of the stop member 130 form a stop engagement, which can prevent the rotating member 142 from disengaging from the slide groove 110a, thereby improving the safety of the terminal device 1000.

[0052] In this embodiment, each support 200 includes a housing 210 and a support portion 220. The housing 210 has an open receiving groove 210a. The receiving groove 210a has a receiving side wall 210b and a receiving top wall 210c connected to the receiving side wall 210b. The support portion 220 is arranged along the periphery of the receiving side wall 210b, and the support portion 220 and the receiving top wall 210c are spaced apart. The flexible screen 300 is disposed on the support portion 220 and located between the support portion 220 and the receiving top wall 210c.

[0053] When the aforementioned terminal device 1000 is in a flattened state (see [link]). Figure 6 The top walls 210c of the two supports 200 are flush with each other, and the flexible screen 300 is laid on the two support parts 220 and the folding mechanism 100. When the flexible screen 300 needs to be folded, the two supports 200 are rotated, which in turn drives the folding parts 141 of the two folding mechanisms 100 to rotate, thereby realizing the rotation of the folding mechanism 100 and the two supports 200, ultimately forming a shape as shown in the image. Figure 8 The folded state shown.

[0054] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this application can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this application. Therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this application is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced within this application.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A folding mechanism, characterized in that, include: Base; The support member is provided on the base and has two symmetrical and spaced sliding grooves; Two stop members are provided corresponding to the two slides. Each stop member includes a guide body and a stop body connected to the guide body. The guide body is connected to the side of the support member away from the base and forms a first opening and a second opening with the support member. The first opening and the second opening are respectively connected to the slides and located on opposite sides of the guide body. The two second openings are located between the two first openings. The stop body is provided corresponding to the first opening. and Two sets of folding assemblies are rotatably connected to the base. Each set of folding assemblies includes a folding member and a rotating member connected to the folding member. The folding member is rotatably connected to the base. Two rotating members are correspondingly provided with two stop members. Each rotating member includes a rotating body rotatably connected to the corresponding slide groove and a limiting body connected to the end of the rotating body away from the folding member. When the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the rotating body is housed in the corresponding slide groove, and the limiting body protrudes from the corresponding second opening. When the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the limiting body is housed in the corresponding slide groove and abuts against the stop body, and the rotating body is located outside the corresponding slide groove.

2. The folding mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support member and the two stops are an integral structure, and / or the rotating body and the limiting body are an integral structure.

3. The folding mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the chute has an arc-shaped cross-section, and the radius of the circle containing the bottom wall of the chute gradually increases from the second opening to the first opening.

4. The folding mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The base includes: A base shell, on which a fixing groove is formed, and the support member is accommodated in the fixing groove; The mounting component is located in the fixing groove and spaced apart from the support component; Two pivots are respectively provided in correspondence with the two folding components, and each pivot is movably inserted through the mounting component and the corresponding folding component.

5. The folding mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The base also includes: A fixing member is provided in the fixing groove and located between the mounting member and the support member; A retaining member is provided in the fixing groove and located between the mounting member and the fixing member; An elastic element is disposed in the fixing groove, and the two ends of the elastic element respectively abut against the mounting member and the abutting member; The rotating shaft passes sequentially through the mounting member, the supporting member, the folding member, and the fixing member. When the folding mechanism changes from a flattened state to a folded state, the folding member rotates to push the supporting member to compress the elastic member.

6. The folding mechanism as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The base also includes: Two gears are provided in the fixing groove and located between the abutment and the fixing member. Each gear is rotatably connected to the abutment and the fixing member respectively. One of the folding members meshes with one of the gears, and the other folding member meshes with the other gear.

7. The folding mechanism as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the folding elements includes: A torque arm is connected to the rotating component and located on one side of the base; A folding body, one end of which is connected to the torque arm, and the other end of which is sleeved on the rotating shaft and meshes with one of the gears.

8. The folding mechanism as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The fastener has two movable slots, which are spaced apart and connected to the fixed slots respectively. The base also includes a movable component and two reset components. The two rotating shafts, the two reset components and the two movable slots are respectively arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. Each movable component is sleeved on the two rotating shafts, and each reset component is located in the corresponding movable slot and sleeved on the corresponding rotating shaft. The two ends of each reset component elastically abut against the sidewalls of the movable component and the corresponding movable slot, respectively. Each of the folding components also includes a linkage component. Two linkage components are configured one-to-one with two movable components. One end of each linkage component is connected to the torque arm, and the other end of each linkage component is sleeved on the corresponding rotating shaft and abuts against the side wall of the movable component and the corresponding movable groove.

9. The folding mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each set of folding components also includes: The first cover connects to and covers the folding member; The second cover is rotatably connected to the first cover and covers the base and the rotating component.

10. A terminal device, characterized in that, include: The folding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; Two supports are respectively located on both sides of the base and rotatably connected to the base, and each support is provided with a support groove; and A flexible screen is disposed in the folding mechanism, and the two ends of the flexible screen are respectively slidably accommodated in the two support grooves.

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