Foldable projector
The foldable projector design addresses the challenges of size and heat dissipation in conventional projectors by enabling a compact, portable structure with improved heat management, ensuring ease of use and extended lifespan.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN YIXIN OPTOELECTRONICS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Conventional projectors are large, heavy, and have poor heat dissipation, making them inconvenient to move and carry, with low use stability and service life.
A foldable projector design with a pivotally connected projection module and auxiliary module, including a power supply and speaker module, allowing for a compact structure when folded and optimal heat dissipation when unfolded.
Facilitates portability and storage while enhancing heat dissipation and use stability, improving the projector's operational lifespan.
Smart Images

Figure 2026123748000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of projection devices, and particularly to a foldable projector.
Background Art
[0002] A projector is a device that can project videos, images, or characters onto a projection screen and is currently widely applied in places such as homes, conference rooms, schools, or movie theaters. However, conventional projectors are large in volume and heavy in weight, making them inconvenient to move and carry. With the development of technology, people have put forward higher requirements for the volume and portability of projectors. However, existing projectors have complex structures and many required components, so how to reduce the volume and improve the convenience of use has become a difficult problem to be solved currently.
[0003] In response to the above problems, in the related art, there are multiple types of projectors that can reduce volume and are easy to carry. For example, in the prior art with the application number 201721019860.5, a foldable device and a projection device using the same are provided. By connecting both the base and the outer shell provided with the projector to a folding mechanism, when the folding mechanism is deformed, the volume of the device can be reduced and it becomes easy to carry. However, the common problems existing in this projection device and conventional improved projectors are that the heat dissipation performance is poor, and after long-term use, the internal temperature of the projector is too high, resulting in low use stability and service life.
[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to design a foldable projector to solve the problems existing in the prior art.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a foldable projector, which can facilitate portability, storage, and use, optimize the heat dissipation performance, and enhance the use stability and service life. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention This invention adopts a foldable projector technology that comprises a projection module and an auxiliary module that are electrically connected, wherein the projection module is pivotally connected to the auxiliary module, thereby enabling the projection module and the auxiliary module to form a foldable structure.
[0007] Preferably, the auxiliary module comprises a power supply module, a speaker module, and a first folding member, wherein both the speaker module and the power supply module are integrated and mounted on the first folding member and are electrically connected to the projection module, and the first folding member is pivotally connected to the projection module.
[0008] Preferably, the auxiliary module comprises a power supply module, a speaker module, a first folding member, and a second folding member, wherein both the speaker module and the power supply module are electrically connected to the projection module, and both ends of the second folding member are pivotally connected to the projection module and the first folding member, respectively, the power supply module is attached to the first folding member, and the speaker module is attached to the second folding member.
[0009] Preferably, the first folding member comprises a first folding case and a first pivot connection mechanism, wherein the first folding case is provided with the power supply module and is pivotally connected to the second folding member by the first pivot connection mechanism.
[0010] Preferably, the first pivot connection mechanism comprises a first rotational shaft cover and a first rotational shaft, the first rotational shaft cover being connected to the projection module and rotatably connected to the second folding member by the first rotational shaft.
[0011] Preferably, the second folding member comprises a second folding case and a second pivot connection mechanism, wherein the second folding case is provided with the speaker module and is rotatably connected to the projection module by the second pivot connection mechanism.
[0012] Preferably, the second pivot connection mechanism comprises a second rotating shaft cover and a second rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft cover being connected to the second folding member and rotatably connected to the first folding member by the second rotating shaft.
[0013] Preferably, the projection module is provided with a first harness passage hole, the second rotating shaft cover is provided with a second harness passage hole, and the second folding member is provided with a third harness passage hole. The transmission harness in the second folding member passes through the third harness passage hole, the second harness passage hole, and the first harness passage hole and is connected to the motherboard in the projection module.
[0014] Preferably, the second folding case is provided with a fourth harness passage hole, the first rotating shaft cover is provided with a fifth harness passage hole, and the first folding case is provided with a sixth harness passage hole. The conductive harness in the first folding member is inserted into the sixth harness passage hole, the fifth harness passage hole, the fourth harness passage hole, the third harness passage hole, the second harness passage hole, and the first harness passage hole, and is electrically connected to the motherboard in the projection module.
[0015] Preferably, the power supply module is a battery pack. [Effects of the Invention]
[0016] The beneficial effects of the foldable projector according to the present invention are as follows: When folded, the projection module and the auxiliary module are tightly connected, forming a compact structure with a small occupied volume, making it easy for the user to store and carry. On the other hand, when the foldable projector is unfolded for use, the projection module can rotate along a direction away from the auxiliary module, so the auxiliary module can avoid the heat dissipation route of the projection module. This allows the projection module to have sufficient space for heat dissipation, reducing the cost of heat dissipation and contributing to the overall operational stability and lifespan of the foldable projector. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable projector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when it is unfolded. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the folded structure of a foldable projector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the first rotating shaft cover according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along point AA in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second folding case according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention at a first viewing angle. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a projection module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of the second rotating shaft cover according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along the BB location in Figure 7. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second folding case according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention at a second viewing angle. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first folding case according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of the folded structure of a foldable projector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0018] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings and examples. It can be understood that the specific examples described here are only for interpreting the present invention and do not limit the present invention. For the sake of easy explanation, only the parts related to the present invention are shown in the drawings, and the whole structure is not shown.
[0019] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "connected", "connected to", and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated. It may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. It may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. It may also be the relationship of internal communication between two elements or the interaction between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific situation.
[0020] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the fact that the first feature is "above" or "below" the second feature may include that the first feature and the second feature are in direct contact, or may include that the first feature and the second feature are not in direct contact and are in contact through other features therebetween. Further, the fact that the first feature is "above", "above and "upper surface" of the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The fact that the first feature is "below", "below" and "lower surface" of the second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.
[0021] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "up," "down," "right," and "left," which refer to directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions and positional relationships shown in the drawings and are merely for the purpose of facilitating explanation and simplifying operation. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements mentioned have a specific direction, or that they must be configured and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are merely used for distinction in the description and do not carry any special meaning.
[0022] The technical proposal according to the present invention will be introduced below in conjunction with the drawings and two specific embodiments.
[0023] Example 1 In conjunction with the figures shown in Figures 1 to 10, an embodiment of the present invention provides a foldable projector comprising a conductively connected projection module 1 and an auxiliary module 2, the projection module 1 and the auxiliary module 2 being pivotally connected, thereby enabling them to form a foldable structure. On the other hand, when the foldable projector is in the folded state, the projection module 1 and the auxiliary module 2 are tightly connected to form a compact structure, and because the resulting compact structure occupies a smaller volume, it is easier for the user to store and carry.
[0024] In this embodiment, the projection module 1 mainly comprises a driver board, a control motherboard, a display panel, a light source, a lens, and a heatsink. The driver board, display panel, light source, and heatsink are all connected to the control motherboard. The driver board can distribute the power transmitted by the control motherboard to the display panel, light source, and heatsink. The control motherboard controls the display panel to generate an image and controls the light source to turn it on, thereby generating a sufficiently strong beam of light from the light source to illuminate the image and project it onto the screen. By controlling the heatsink to turn it on, heat is dissipated from the heat-generating area (mainly concentrated at the light source), preventing the area from becoming too hot and affecting the operating performance of the foldable projector.
[0025] The heat sink may also be a heat dissipation structure such as a cooling fan or cooling fins, and as long as the volume of the heat sink structure is kept small and the heat dissipation requirements are met, this embodiment is not limited to this.
[0026] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the auxiliary module 2 specifically comprises a power supply module, a speaker module, a first folding member 21, and a second folding member 22. In this embodiment, the power supply module is preferably a battery pack. Because the energy density of the battery pack is high, the volume and weight of the power supply module can be reduced accordingly, meeting the need for a lightweight and portable folding projector. Furthermore, because the battery pack can provide power for a long period of time, the folding projector has long durability and provides a better user experience. In addition, because the power supply module is easy to charge and charges quickly, the folding projector can be quickly restored to working capacity after the power is depleted, further improving the user experience.
[0027] In one embodiment of this design, the power supply module is electrically connected to a driver board within the projection module 1, and the speaker module is electrically connected to a motherboard within the projection module 1, thereby allowing the motherboard to control the on / off state of the speaker module. Both ends of the second folding member 22 are pivotally connected to the projection module 1 and the first folding member 21, respectively, and the power supply module is attached to the first folding member 21, while the speaker module is attached to the second folding member 22.
[0028] The above configuration allows the projection module 1, power supply module, and speaker module to be independently separated into three parts, forming the foldable projector as a three-fold projector. In this way, after unfolding the foldable projector, the projection module 1, power supply module, and speaker module do not gather in the same case space but can be dispersed from each other, thereby reducing mutual interference and influence during operation. Furthermore, after unfolding the foldable projector, the projection module 1 can rotate in a direction away from the power supply module and speaker module, so that the power supply module and speaker module can avoid the heat dissipation route of the projection module 1. This gives the projection module 1 sufficient space for heat dissipation, lowers the cost of heat dissipation, and is advantageous in improving the overall operational stability and lifespan of the foldable projector.
[0029] Specifically, the first folding member 21 according to this embodiment comprises a first folding case 211 and a first pivot connection mechanism 212. The first folding case 211 has a chamber for housing a power supply module, protecting the power supply module. Furthermore, since the first folding case 211 is rotatably connected to the second folding member 22 by the first pivot connection mechanism 212, the first folding member 21 can rotate along a direction toward or away from the second folding member 22. With the above installation, when the first folding member 21 is supported and installed on horizontal ground, and the second folding member 22 is rotated relative to the first folding member 21, the second folding member 22 can move the projection module 1 upward or downward along the vertical direction, thereby enabling the projection module Joule 1 can be adjusted to the optimal height for use.
[0030] More specifically, relating to Figures 3 to 5, the first pivot connection mechanism 212 comprises a first rotating shaft cover 2121 and a first rotating shaft. In one embodiment according to this embodiment, the first rotating shaft cover 2121 is a long, block-shaped structure, one end of which can be fixedly connected to the second folding member 22 by a locking member, and first relay holes 21211 are opened inward on both sides of the first rotating shaft cover 2121 along its length. The second folding member 22 has a first mounting groove 2211 at one end, and the first mounting groove 2211 has one second relay hole 2212 on each of its side walls, the first rotating shaft cover 2121 is inserted into the first mounting groove 2211, and the second relay holes 2212 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the first relay holes 21211, and there are two first rotating shafts, and each second relay hole 2212 is rotatably connected to the first relay hole 21211 by the first rotating shaft.
[0031] The above installation effectively simplifies the structure of the first pivot connection mechanism 212, reduces the difficulty of installation, and ensures that the first folding member 21 is stably rotated and connected to the second folding member 22. Furthermore, the installation of the first rotating shaft cover 2121 optimizes the spatial layout of the first folding member 21 and the second folding member 22, allowing them to be folded more compactly and closely together, and avoids situations where complete storage becomes impossible due to the end of the second folding member 22 interfering with the folding of the first folding member 21.
[0032] Specifically, the second folding member 22 according to this embodiment comprises a second folding case 221 and a second pivot connection mechanism 222. The second folding case 221 has a chamber for housing a speaker module and protects the speaker module. Since the first mounting groove 2211 described above is provided at one end of the second folding case 221, the second folding case 221 can be rotatably connected to the first folding case 211 by the first pivot connection mechanism 212. Furthermore, since the other end of the second folding case 221 can be rotatably connected to the projection module 1 by the second pivot connection mechanism 222, the projection module 1 is rotatable relative to the second folding member 22.
[0033] With the above installation, the first folding member 21 is supported on horizontal ground, and after the second folding member 22 is rotated to a certain angle relative to the first folding member 21, the projection module 1 can continue to rotate relative to the second folding member 22, thereby enabling the projection module 1 to extend to a higher projection height. Furthermore, since the second folding member 22 can rotate to a certain angle relative to the first folding member 21, and the projection module 1 can rotate to a certain angle relative to the second folding member 22, the projection angle of the projection module 1 can be further increased, making it possible to achieve projection within a 360° range.
[0034] More specifically, relating to Figures 7 to 9, the second pivot connection mechanism 222 comprises a second rotating shaft cover 2221 and a second rotating shaft. In one embodiment according to this embodiment, in order to facilitate mass production and reduce costs, the structure of the second rotating shaft cover 2221 is the same as the structure of the first rotating shaft cover 2121. The second rotating shaft cover 2221 is fixedly connected to the projection module 1 at one end by a locking member, and third relay holes 22211 are opened inward along the length of the second rotating shaft cover 2221 on both sides thereof. The second folding case 221 is provided with a second mounting groove 2213 at the other end, and one fourth relay hole 2214 is provided on each side wall of the second mounting groove 2213. The second rotating shaft cover 2221 is inserted into the second mounting groove 2213, and the third relay hole 22211 is provided in one-to-one correspondence with the fourth relay hole 2214. Two second rotating shafts are provided, and each fourth relay hole 2214 is rotatably connected to the third relay hole 22211 by the second rotating shaft.
[0035] The above installation also simplifies the structure of the second pivot connection mechanism 222, and the projection module 1 and This ensures that the second folding member 22 and the other member are stably rotatably connected, and also ensures that the two can be connected in a completely tight fit, making it even easier to store and carry the folding projector.
[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer shell of the projection module 1, the first folding member 21, and the second folding member 22 all have a flat, rectangular shell structure. As a result, after the three are folded, the overall structure becomes more compact, further reducing the volume occupied by the folding projector in space. This makes it applicable to applications where space is limited, and it is easier to carry and move, thus broadening its applicability. In addition, the flat design effectively increases the heat dissipation area of the projection module 1, thereby achieving a better heat dissipation effect with the help of a heat sink.
[0037] In this embodiment, referring to Figures 5, 6, and 8, the projection module 1 is provided with a first harness passage hole 11, the second rotating shaft cover 2221 is further provided with a second harness passage hole 22212, and the second folding case 221 is provided with a third harness passage hole 2215. The transmission harness in the speaker module located inside the second folding member 22 passes sequentially through the third harness passage hole 2215, the second harness passage hole 22212, and the first harness passage hole 11 before being connected to the motherboard inside the projection module 1. This layout facilitates the management of the transmission harness in the speaker module and avoids complex wiring operations. Furthermore, regardless of whether the folding projector is in an extended or compressed state, the first rotating shaft cover 2121 provides protection to the transmission harness, preventing it from being exposed to the external environment and preventing external factors from damaging it.
[0038] More specifically, in this embodiment, referring to Figures 4, 9, and 10, the second folding case 221 is provided with a fourth harness passage hole 2216, the first rotating shaft cover 2121 is provided with a fifth harness passage hole 21212, and the first folding case 211 is provided with a sixth harness passage hole 2111. The conductive harness in the battery pack located inside the first folding case 211 passes sequentially through the sixth harness passage hole 2111, the fifth harness passage hole 21212, the fourth harness passage hole 2216, the third harness passage hole 2215, the second harness passage hole 22212, and the first harness passage hole 11 before being connected to the motherboard in the projection module 1. This facilitates power supply to the power supply module for the projection module 1 and the speaker module. With the above installation, the layout of the conductive harness in the battery pack becomes more rational and safer. The restraint and protection of the conductive harness by the six harness passage holes described above ensures that the conductive harness is less likely to loosen or come off, and the risk of the conductive harness being rubbed and worn out by the external environment is avoided.
[0039] Example 2 Referring to Figure 11, this embodiment provides a foldable projector that differs from Embodiment 1 in the following respects: In this embodiment, the foldable projector comprises only a first folding member 21, which is directly rotatably connected to the projection module 1, and the speaker module and power supply module are both integrated and mounted on the first folding member 21. As a result, the projection module 1, power supply module and speaker module are independently divided into two parts, forming a two-fold type projector. With the above setup, after unfolding the foldable projector, the projection module 1 can also be separated from the power supply module, thereby achieving a technical effect that improves the heat dissipation performance of the projection module 1, further reducing the space occupied when the foldable projector is unfolded or folded, making it easier to use and carry, and expanding its range of application.
[0040] Therefore, a person skilled in the art can, according to the demands of actual operating conditions, provide a speaker module and power supply. The modules can be jointly integrated within the first folding member 21, or they can be provided separately within the first folding member 21 and the second folding member 22, and the present invention is not specifically limited to this.
[0041] Furthermore, for projectors that include other types of modules in addition to the projection module 1, speaker module, and power supply module, a method of independently providing different modules on different folding members, as in Example 1, may be used to design a projector with a larger number of folding layers. This allows multiple modules to be independent when unfolded and used, rather than being integrated and attached with the projection module 1, thereby improving the heat dissipation performance and efficiency of the projection module 1. After folding, multiple modules can be folded together and closely packed, satisfying the requirement for easy storage and portability.
[0042] In this specification, reference terms such as “several examples” and “other examples” mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with such examples are included in at least one example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same examples. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be appropriately combined in any one or more examples.
[0043] It is clear that the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples given to clearly illustrate the present invention and do not limit the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious modifications, adjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. There is neither need nor method to list all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the claims of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0044] 1...Projection module, 11...First harness passage hole, 2...Auxiliary module, 21...First folding member, 22...Second folding member 211...First folding case, 2111...Sixth harness pass-through hole, 212...First pivot connection mechanism, 2121...First rotating shaft cover, 21211...First relay hole, 21212...Fifth harness pass-through hole 221...Second folding case, 2211...First mounting groove, 2212...Second relay hole, 2213...Second mounting groove, 2214...Fourth relay hole, 2215...Third harness passage hole, 2216...Fourth harness passage hole, 222...Second pivot connection mechanism, 2221...Second rotating shaft cover, 22211...Third relay hole, 22212...Second harness passage hole, 222...Third harness passage hole, 223...Second mounting groove, 2231...Fourth relay hole
Claims
1. The projection module (1) and auxiliary module (2) are electrically connected, and the projection module (1) is pivotally connected to the auxiliary module (2), thereby enabling the projection module (1) and the auxiliary module (2) to form a foldable structure. A foldable projector characterized by the following features.
2. The auxiliary module (2) comprises a power supply module, a speaker module, and a first folding member (21), both of which are integrated and mounted on the first folding member (21) and both are electrically connected to the projection module (1), and the first folding member (21) is pivotably connected to the projection module (1). The foldable projector according to feature 1.
3. The auxiliary module (2) comprises a power supply module, a speaker module, a first folding member (21), and a second folding member (22). Both the speaker module and the power supply module are electrically connected to the projection module (1). Both ends of the second folding member (22) are pivotally connected to the projection module (1) and the first folding member (21), respectively. The power supply module is attached to the first folding member (21), and the speaker module is attached to the second folding member (22). The foldable projector according to feature 1.
4. The first folding member (21) comprises a first folding case (211) and a first pivot connection mechanism (212), wherein the first folding case (211) has the power supply module inside and is pivotally connected to the second folding member (22) by the first pivot connection mechanism (212). The foldable projector according to feature 3.
5. The first pivot connection mechanism (212) comprises a first rotation shaft cover (2121) and a first rotation shaft, the first rotation shaft cover (2121) being connected to the projection module (1) and rotatably connected to the second folding member (22) by the first rotation shaft. The foldable projector according to feature 4.
6. The second folding member (22) comprises a second folding case (221) and a second pivot connection mechanism (222), wherein the second folding case (221) houses the speaker module and is rotatably connected to the projection module (1) by the second pivot connection mechanism (222). The foldable projector according to feature 5.
7. The second pivot connection mechanism (222) comprises a second rotating shaft cover (2221) and a second rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft cover (2221) being connected to the second folding member (22) and rotatably connected to the first folding member (21) by the second rotating shaft. The foldable projector according to feature 6.
8. The projection module (1) is provided with a first harness passage hole (11), the second rotating shaft cover (2221) is provided with a second harness passage hole (22212), and the second folding member (22) is provided with a third harness passage hole (2215). The transmission harness inside the second folding member (22) passes through the third harness passage hole (2215), the second harness passage hole (22212), and the first harness passage hole (11) and is connected to the motherboard inside the projection module (1). The foldable projector according to feature 7.
9. The folding projector according to claim 8, characterized in that the second folding case (221) is provided with a fourth harness passage hole (2216), the first rotating shaft cover (2121) is provided with a fifth harness passage hole (21212), the first folding case is provided with a sixth harness passage hole (2111), the conductive harness in the first folding member (21) is inserted into the sixth harness passage hole (2111), the fifth harness passage hole (21212), the fourth harness passage hole (2216), the third harness passage hole (2215), the second harness passage hole (22212), and the first harness passage hole (11), and is electrically connected to the motherboard in the projection module (1).
10. The power supply module is a battery pack. A foldable projector according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the above.