Foldable projector

The foldable projector addresses bulkiness and heat dissipation issues by allowing the projection module to rotate away from the auxiliary module for improved heat dissipation, facilitating easy storage and use.

JP7721201B1Active Publication Date: 2025-08-12SHENZHEN YIXIN OPTOELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025070171
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2025-01-17
Filing Date
2025-04-22
Publication Date
2025-08-12
Estimated Expiration
2045-04-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional projectors are bulky and heavy, making them inconvenient to move and carry, and suffer from poor heat dissipation performance leading to reduced operational stability and lifespan.

Method used

A foldable projector design with a conductively connected projection module and auxiliary module that forms a compact structure when folded, allowing the projection module to rotate away from the auxiliary module for improved heat dissipation when unfolded.

Benefits of technology

The design enables easy storage and carrying while enhancing operational stability and lifespan by optimizing heat dissipation performance.

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Abstract

To provide a foldable projector that is easy to carry, store and use, has optimized heat dissipation performance, and can improve stability and service life. [Solution] The foldable projector includes a projection module and an auxiliary module, which form a foldable structure so that after folding, the projection module and the auxiliary module are closely connected to form a compact structure, and the foldable projector occupies a smaller volume, making it easier for users to store and carry. When the foldable projector is unfolded for use, the projection module can be rotated away from the auxiliary module, so that the auxiliary module can avoid the heat dissipation route of the projection module, allowing the projection module to have enough space to dissipate heat, reducing heat dissipation costs and improving the operating stability and lifespan of the entire foldable projector.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of projection equipment, and in particular to folding projectors. [Background technology]

[0002] A projector is a device that can project video, images, or text onto a projection screen for display, and is currently widely used in places such as homes, conference rooms, schools, and movie theaters. However, conventional projectors are bulky and heavy, making them inconvenient to move and carry. With the development of technology, people are placing higher demands on the volume and portability of projectors. However, existing projectors have complex structures and require many components, so how to reduce the volume and improve the convenience of use has become a difficult problem to solve.

[0003] To address the above-mentioned issues, the related art has provided several types of projectors that are compact and easy to carry. For example, the prior art, application number 201721019860.5, provides a foldable device and a projection device using the same, in which both the base and the outer shell on which the projector is mounted are connected to a folding mechanism, so that when the folding mechanism is deformed, the device can be reduced in volume and made easy to carry. However, a common problem with this projection device and conventional improved projectors is poor heat dissipation performance, which causes the internal temperature of the projector to become too high after long-term use, resulting in poor operational stability and reduced service life.

[0004] With this in mind, there is a need to design a foldable projector that solves the problems that exist in the prior art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a foldable projector that is easy to carry, store, and use, while optimizing heat dissipation performance, improving operational stability, and increasing service life. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To this end, the present invention provides The projector employs a technical solution known as a foldable projector, which comprises a conductively connected projection module and an auxiliary module, and 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, the speaker module and the power supply module are all integrally attached to the first folding member and are all conductively 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, the speaker module and the power supply module are both conductively connected to the projection module, 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 pivotal connection mechanism, the first folding case having the power supply module disposed therein and being pivotally connected to the second folding member by the first pivotal connection mechanism.

[0010] Preferably, the first pivot connection mechanism comprises a first rotation shaft cover and a first rotation shaft, the first rotation shaft cover being connected to the projection module and pivotally connected to the second folding member by the first rotation shaft.

[0011] Preferably, the second folding member comprises a second folding case and a second pivotal connection mechanism, the second folding case having the speaker module disposed therein and being pivotally connected to the projection module by the second pivotal 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 pivotally connected to the first folding member by the second rotating shaft.

[0013] Preferably, the projection module is provided with a first harness passing hole, the second rotating shaft cover is provided with a second harness passing hole, and the second folding member is provided with a third harness passing hole, and a transmission harness in the second folding member passes through the third harness passing hole, the second harness passing hole, and the first harness passing hole, and is connected to a 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, and 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 conductively 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: After the foldable projector is folded, the projection module and auxiliary module are closely connected to form a compact structure that occupies a small volume, making it easy for users to store and carry. Meanwhile, when the foldable projector is unfolded for use, the projection module can rotate away from the auxiliary module, allowing the auxiliary module to avoid the heat dissipation route of the projection module, providing ample space for heat dissipation, reducing heat dissipation costs and contributing to improving the operational stability and lifespan of the entire foldable projector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a folding projector according to a first embodiment of the present invention when unfolded; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a structural diagram of a foldable projector according to a first embodiment of the present invention when folded; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first rotating shaft cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the second folding case according to the first embodiment of the present invention at a first viewing angle. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a projection module according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second rotating shaft cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the second folding case according to the first embodiment of the present invention at a second viewing angle. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a first folding case according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a structural diagram of a foldable projector according to a second embodiment of the present invention when folded. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings and examples. It will be understood that the specific examples described here are merely for the purpose of explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For ease of explanation, only parts relevant to the present invention are shown in the drawings, and the entire structure is not shown.

[0019] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense, and may refer to, for example, a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integration, a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, internal communication between two elements, or an 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 circumstances.

[0020] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or may include contact between the first and second features via another feature between them without direct contact. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "on the upper surface" of a second feature may include the first feature being directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or may simply indicate that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "on the lower surface" of a second feature may include the first feature being directly below and diagonally below the second feature, or may simply indicate that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0021] In the description of the present embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," and other orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are merely used to facilitate the description and simplify the operation. They do not indicate or imply that the referenced devices or elements must have a specific orientation, be configured and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are merely used to distinguish between the above and other terms in the description, and do not have any special meaning.

[0022] The following describes the technical solution of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings and two specific embodiments.

[0023] Example 1 1 to 10 , an embodiment of the present invention provides a foldable projector including a conductively connected projection module 1 and an auxiliary module 2, which are pivotally connected to each other, allowing them to form a foldable structure. Meanwhile, when the foldable projector is in a folded state, the projection module 1 and the auxiliary module 2 are closely connected to each other to form a compact structure that occupies a smaller volume, making it easier for users to store and carry.

[0024] In this embodiment, the projection module 1 mainly includes a driver board, a control motherboard, a display panel, a light source, a lens, and a heat sink, all of which are connected to the control motherboard. The driver board distributes power transmitted by the control motherboard to the display panel, light source, and heat sink. The control motherboard controls the display panel to generate an image, and turns on the light source so that the light source can generate a sufficiently strong light beam to illuminate the image and project it onto the screen. The heat sink is turned on to dissipate heat from the heat-generating location (mainly concentrated at the light source), preventing the heat-generating location from being too hot and affecting the operating performance of the foldable projector.

[0025] In addition, the heat sink may be a heat dissipation structure such as a heat dissipation fan or heat dissipation fins, as long as it can ensure that the volume of the heat sink structure is small and meet the heat dissipation demand, and this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0026] 1 and 2, the auxiliary module 2 specifically includes 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. The high energy density of the battery pack allows the volume and weight of the power supply module to be reduced, thereby meeting the need for portable use of the foldable projector. Furthermore, the battery pack can provide a long-lasting power supply, ensuring the foldable projector's durability and a better user experience. Furthermore, the power supply module is easy to charge and has a fast charging speed, which further ensures that the foldable projector can quickly recover its operating capacity after running out of power, further improving the user experience.

[0027] In one implementation of this embodiment, the power supply module is conductively connected to the driver board in the projection module 1, and the speaker module is conductively connected to the motherboard in the projection module 1, so that the speaker module is turned on and off by the motherboard. 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, and the speaker module is attached to the second folding member 22.

[0028] This arrangement allows the projection module 1, power supply module, and speaker module to be separated into three independent parts, forming the folding projector into a three-fold projector. In this way, after the folding projector is unfolded, the projection module 1, power supply module, and speaker module are not concentrated within the same case but can be dispersed, thereby reducing mutual interference and influence during operation. Furthermore, after the folding projector is unfolded, the projection module 1 can rotate away from the power supply module and speaker module, allowing the power supply module and speaker module to avoid the heat dissipation route of the projection module 1. This allows the projection module 1 to have sufficient space for heat dissipation, reducing heat dissipation costs and improving the overall operating stability and lifespan of the folding projector.

[0029] Specifically, the first folding member 21 of this embodiment includes a first folding case 211 and a first pivot connection mechanism 212. The first folding case 211 has a chamber for accommodating and protecting the power supply module. The first folding case 211 can be pivotally connected to the second folding member 22 by the first pivot connection mechanism 212, so that the first folding member 21 can be pivoted toward or away from the second folding member 22. With this arrangement, the first folding member 21 is supported on a horizontal ground, and when the second folding member 22 is pivoted relative to the first folding member 21, the second folding member 22 can move the projection module 1 up or down in the vertical direction, thereby improving the projection module 1. Joule 1 can be adjusted to the optimum height for use.

[0030] More specifically, in combination with the illustrations shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first pivot connection mechanism 212 includes a first rotating shaft cover 2121 and a first rotating shaft. In one embodiment of this embodiment, the first rotating shaft cover 2121 has a long block-like 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 the length direction of the first rotating shaft cover 2121. 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 two side walls. The first rotating shaft cover 2121 is inserted into the first mounting groove 2211, and the second relay holes 2212 correspond one-to-one to the first relay holes 21211. Two first rotating shafts are provided, and each second relay hole 2212 is rotatably connected to the first relay hole 21211 by the first rotating shaft.

[0031] This arrangement effectively simplifies the structure of the first pivot connection mechanism 212, reducing installation difficulty, and also ensures that the first folding member 21 is stably pivotally 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 the first folding member 21 and the second folding member 22 to be more compactly close together after being folded, and avoiding a situation in which the end of the second folding member 22 interferes with the folding of the first folding member 21, making it impossible to completely fold it.

[0032] Specifically, the second folding member 22 in this embodiment comprises a second folding case 221 and a second pivot connection mechanism 222. The second folding case 221 has a chamber for accommodating the speaker module and protecting the speaker module. The second folding case 221 has the above-mentioned first mounting groove 2211 at one end thereof, so that the second folding case 221 can be rotatably connected to the first folding case 211 by the first pivot connection mechanism 212. 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, so that the projection module 1 can be rotatably connected to the second folding member 22.

[0033] With the above-mentioned installation, the first folding member 21 is supported on a horizontal surface, and after the second folding member 22 is rotated at 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 be extended to a higher projection height. Furthermore, because the second folding member 22 can rotate at a certain angle relative to the first folding member 21 and the projection module 1 can rotate at a certain angle relative to the second folding member 22, the projection angle of the projection module 1 can be further increased, allowing projection to be achieved within a 360° range.

[0034] More specifically, in combination with what is shown in Figures 7 to 9, the second pivot connection mechanism 222 includes a second rotating shaft cover 2221 and a second rotating shaft, and in one embodiment of this embodiment, the structure of the second rotating shaft cover 2221 is the same as that of the first rotating shaft cover 2121 to facilitate mass production and reduce costs. One end of the second rotating shaft cover 2221 can be fixedly connected to the projection module 1 by a locking member, and third relay holes 22211 are opened inward on both sides along the length of the second rotating shaft cover 2221. The second folding case 221 has a second mounting groove 2213 at the other end, and the second mounting groove 2213 has one fourth relay hole 2214 on each of its side walls. The second rotating shaft cover 2221 is inserted into the second mounting groove 2213, and the third relay holes 22211 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the fourth relay holes 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] This arrangement also simplifies the structure of the second pivot connection mechanism 222, and allows the projection module 1 and This ensures that the second folding member 22 is stably connected to the projector in a pivotal manner, and also ensures that the two can be connected in a completely tight contact manner, making it 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, so that after the three are folded, the overall structure is more compact, which allows the folding projector to take up less space and be more adaptable to applications where space is limited, making it easier to carry and transport, and broadening its applicability.In addition, the flat design also effectively increases the heat dissipation area of the projection module 1, which, with the help of a heat sink, achieves a better heat dissipation effect.

[0037] 5, 6, and 8, in this embodiment, the projection module 1 is provided with a first harness passing hole 11, the second rotating shaft cover 2221 is further provided with a second harness passing hole 22212, and the second folding case 221 is provided with a third harness passing hole 2215. The transmission harness of the speaker module located in the second folding member 22 passes through the third harness passing hole 2215, the second harness passing hole 22212, and the first harness passing hole 11 in sequence before being connected to the motherboard in the projection module 1. This layout facilitates management of the transmission harness of the speaker module and avoids complex wiring operations. Furthermore, whether the folding projector is in an extended or compressed state, the first rotating shaft cover 2121 protects the transmission harness, preventing it from being exposed to the external environment and damaging it due to external factors.

[0038] More specifically, in this embodiment, referring to Figures 4, 9 and 10, the second folding case 221 is provided with a fourth harness passing hole 2216, the first rotating shaft cover 2121 is provided with a fifth harness passing hole 21212, and the first folding case 211 is provided with a sixth harness passing hole 2111. The conductive harness in the battery pack located in the first folding case 211 passes through the sixth harness passing hole 2111, the fifth harness passing hole 21212, the fourth harness passing hole 2216, the third harness passing hole 2215, the second harness passing hole 22212 and the first harness passing hole 11 in sequence, and is then connected to the motherboard in the projection module 1, thereby facilitating the power supply module to supply power to the projection module 1 and the speaker module. The above-mentioned installation makes the layout of the conductive harness in the battery pack more rational and safer, and the six harness passage holes restrain and protect the conductive harness, ensuring that the conductive harness is less likely to loosen or come off and avoiding the risk of the conductive harness being rubbed and worn by the external environment.

[0039] Example 2 11 , this embodiment provides a foldable projector that differs from the first embodiment in the following respects: in this embodiment, the foldable projector only includes a first folding member 21, which is directly pivotally connected to the projection module 1, and the speaker module and power supply module are all integrally attached to the first folding member 21, such that the projection module 1, power supply module, and speaker module are independently separated into two parts to form a two-fold projector. This allows the projection module 1 to be separated from the power supply module after the foldable projector is unfolded, which also achieves the technical effect of improving the heat dissipation performance of the projection module 1 and further reduces the space occupied by the foldable projector when unfolded or folded, making it easier to use and carry and broader in scope of application.

[0040] Therefore, those skilled in the art can select the speaker module and power supply according to the needs of the actual operating situation. The modules may be integrated together in the first folding member 21 or may be respectively provided in the first folding member 21 and the second folding member 22, and the present invention is not specifically limited thereto.

[0041] Furthermore, for projectors that include other types of modules in addition to the projection module 1, speaker module, and power supply module, the folding projector can be designed to have more folding layers by using the method of independently mounting different modules on different folding members as in Example 1. In this way, when unfolded and used, the multiple modules can be independent rather than integrated with the projection module 1, improving the heat dissipation performance and efficiency of the projection module 1. After folding, the multiple modules can be folded tightly together, meeting the requirements for easy storage and portability.

[0042] In the description herein, references to "some embodiments," "other embodiments," and the like mean that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In the description herein, schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0043] It is clear that the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are merely examples given to clearly explain 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 no need or method to list all the embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included within the scope of 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 passage hole, 212...First pivot connection mechanism, 2121...First rotating shaft cover, 21211...First relay hole, 21212...Fifth harness passage 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 projector includes a projection module (1) and an auxiliary module (2) that are electrically connected to each other, and the projection module (1) is pivotally connected to the auxiliary module (2), thereby allowing the projection module (1) and the auxiliary module (2) to form a folding structure; The auxiliary module (2) includes a power supply module, a speaker module, a first folding member (21), and a second folding member (22), the speaker module and the power supply module are both 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). A foldable projector.

2. The first folding member (21) comprises a first folding case (211) and a first pivotal connection mechanism (212), the first folding case (211) having the power supply module therein and being pivotally connected to the second folding member (22) by the first pivotal connection mechanism (212).

2. The folding projector according to claim 1.

3. The first pivot connection mechanism (212) comprises a first rotation shaft cover (2121) and a first rotation shaft, the first rotation shaft cover (2121) is connected to the second folding member (22), and the first folding member (21) is pivotally connected to the second folding member (22) by the first rotation shaft.

3. The folding projector according to claim 2.

4. The second folding member (22) comprises a second folding case (221) and a second pivotal connection mechanism (222), the second folding case (221) has the speaker module provided therein and is pivotally connected to the projection module (1) by the second pivotal connection mechanism (222).

4. The folding projector according to claim 3.

5. the second pivot connection mechanism (222) comprises a second rotation shaft cover (2221) and a second rotation shaft, the second rotation shaft cover (2221) is connected to the projection module (1), and the second folding member (22) is pivotally connected to the projection module (1) by the second rotation shaft; 5. The foldable projector according to claim 4.

6. The projection module (1) is provided with a first harness passing hole (11), the second rotation shaft cover (2221) is provided with a second harness passing hole (22212), and the second folding member (22) is provided with a third harness passing hole (2215), and the transmission harness in the second folding member (22) passes through the third harness passing hole (2215), the second harness passing hole (22212) and the first harness passing hole (11) and is connected to a motherboard in the projection module (1).

6. The folding projector according to claim 5.

7. 7. The folding projector of claim 6, wherein the second folding case (221) is provided with a fourth harness passing hole (2216), the first rotating shaft cover (2121) is provided with a fifth harness passing hole (21212), and the first folding case is provided with a sixth harness passing hole (2111), and the conductive harness in the first folding member (21) is inserted into the sixth harness passing hole (2111), the fifth harness passing hole (21212), the fourth harness passing hole (2216), the third harness passing hole (2215), the second harness passing hole (22212) and the first harness passing hole (11), and is conductively connected to the motherboard in the projection module (1).

8. The power supply module is a battery pack.

2. The folding projector according to claim 1.

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