Folding mechanism and folding terminal

Abstract

The present application provides a folding mechanism and a folding terminal. In the folding mechanism, a button can move between a first position and a second position relative to a base. If a hovering function does not need to be used, the button may be shifted to the first position, and when the folding mechanism is opened or closed to be within a hovering angle range, a first protruding part and a first friction piece are spaced apart, and the first friction piece does not contact a first protruding part of a first swing arm, that is, the first friction piece does not interfere with the rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base, and the folding mechanism opens and closes smoothly, thereby improving the opening and closing hand feel of the folding terminal and improving the user experience. When the hovering function needs to be used, the button may be shifted to the second position, and when the folding mechanism is opened or closed to be within the hovering angle range, the first protruding part contacts the first friction piece and friction is generated between the two components, and a friction force generated between the first protruding part and the first friction piece can enable the first swing arm to maintain a certain angle, so that the folding mechanism achieves a hovering effect.

Description

Foldable mechanism and foldable terminal

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on August 17, 2023, with application number 202311044296.2 and application name “Foldable Mechanism and Foldable Terminal”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of foldable terminals, and in particular to a foldable mechanism and a foldable terminal. Background Art

[0003] With technological advancements, the era of large-screen smart devices has arrived. Foldable devices, with their large screens and portability, are gaining popularity. Currently, foldable devices often utilize a folding mechanism to achieve folding and unfolding. However, existing foldable mechanisms with hovering functions often experience lag during opening and closing, impacting the user experience.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a foldable mechanism and a foldable terminal, which are used to improve the opening and closing feel of the foldable terminal and enhance the user experience.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a foldable mechanism, comprising a base, a first friction member, a first swing arm, and a button, wherein the first friction member is mounted on an inner side of the base, the first swing arm comprises a first rotating portion and a first protrusion, the first rotating portion being rotatably connected to the base and located on a top side of the first friction member and disposed opposite the first friction member, the first protrusion being disposed on a surface of the first rotating portion and disposed around a rotational center of the first rotating portion, and the button being mounted on the base and movable relative to the base between a first position and a second position;

[0007] When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is in the first position, the first protrusion and the first friction member are spaced apart;

[0008] When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is in the second position, the first protrusion and the first friction member rub against each other.

[0009] In the foldable mechanism shown in the present application, the button can be moved between a first position and a second position relative to the base. If the hovering function is not needed, the button can be toggled to the first position. When the foldable mechanism is opened and closed to the hovering angle range, the first protrusion and the first friction member are spaced apart, and the first friction member does not contact the first protrusion of the first swing arm, that is, the first friction member does not interfere with the rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base. The opening and closing of the foldable mechanism is smooth, which helps to improve the opening and closing feel of the foldable terminal and enhance the user experience.

[0010] When the hovering function is needed, the button can be moved to the second position. When the foldable mechanism is opened and closed to the hovering angle range, the first protrusion and the first friction member come into contact and rub against each other. The friction force generated between the first protrusion and the first friction member can enable the first swing arm to maintain a certain angle, thereby enabling the foldable mechanism to achieve a hovering effect.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first friction member includes a mounting portion, a friction portion, and a free portion, wherein the mounting portion is mounted on the base, the friction portion is fixedly connected to one side of the mounting portion and is disposed opposite to the first rotating portion, and the free portion is fixedly connected to a side of the friction portion facing away from the mounting portion;

[0012] The base is provided with a sliding hole, which communicates the inner side and the outer side of the base and is arranged opposite to the button;

[0013] The foldable mechanism also includes a support block, which is inserted into the sliding hole and fixedly connected to the button and can move relative to the base under the drive of the button;

[0014] When the key is in the first position, the support block and the free portion are offset, and the friction portion and the first protrusion are spaced apart. The friction portion can be horizontal relative to the base, and the distance between the friction portion and the first rotating portion is large. During the rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base, the first protrusion and the friction portion do not contact each other, thereby ensuring smooth rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base.

[0015] When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is in the second position, the support block abuts the free portion, and the friction portion and the first protrusion rub against each other. The friction portion is tilted relative to the base, and the distance between the friction portion and the first rotating portion is small. During the rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base, the first protrusion and the friction portion come into contact and rub against each other. The friction force generated between the first protrusion and the friction portion can maintain the first swing arm at a certain angle, thereby achieving the hovering effect of the foldable mechanism.

[0016] In one embodiment, the support block includes a support surface facing away from the key, and the support block is provided with a stop portion, which is provided on a side of the support block facing away from the key and protrudes relative to the support surface;

[0017] When the button is in the second position, the supporting surface abuts against the free portion, and the stopping portion is located on a side of the free portion facing the first position.

[0018] When the button moves from the first position toward the second position, the stop portion can stop the free portion of the friction member, avoiding the problem that the button moves too far and the support block cannot support the free portion, thereby ensuring the reliability of the foldable mechanism when switching between not implementing the hovering function and using the hovering function.

[0019] In one embodiment, the support block also includes a transition surface, which is connected to the support surface. In the direction from the first position to the second position, the distance between the transition surface and the support surface becomes larger and larger. When the key is in the first position, the transition surface is located on the side of the support surface facing the free portion.

[0020] When the button moves from the first position to the second position, the transition surface can guide the support block into the bottom side of the free portion, avoiding damage caused by hard contact between the support block and the free portion, thereby ensuring the reliability of the foldable mechanism.

[0021] In one embodiment, the base is provided with a limiting portion, which is arranged on the inner side of the base. The limiting portion includes a limiting part, which is located on the top side of the free part and is arranged opposite to the free part.

[0022] The limiting portion can limit the movement distance of the free portion toward the limiting portion, thereby preventing the free portion from undergoing large deformation and affecting the rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base, ensuring the smooth rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base, and helping to improve the opening and closing feel of the foldable terminal and enhance the user experience.

[0023] In one embodiment, the foldable mechanism also includes a second swing arm, the second swing arm includes a second rotating part, and the second rotating part is rotatably connected to the base. When the foldable mechanism switches between the unfolded state and the folded state, the rotation direction of the first swing arm relative to the base is a first direction, and the rotation direction of the second swing arm relative to the base is a second direction, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0024] When the foldable mechanism switches between the unfolded state and the folded state, if the first swing arm rotates counterclockwise relative to the base, the second swing arm rotates clockwise relative to the base; if the first swing arm rotates clockwise relative to the base, the second swing arm rotates counterclockwise relative to the base.

[0025] It should be noted that both the first swing arm and the second swing arm can rotate relative to the base, which helps ensure the rotational stability of the foldable mechanism when switching between the folded state and the unfolded state. It is understood that in other embodiments, the foldable mechanism may include only the first swing arm without the second swing arm, or the foldable mechanism may include only the second swing arm without the first swing arm, that is, only one side of the foldable mechanism may be able to swing relative to the base, and this application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0026] In one embodiment, the foldable mechanism further includes a second friction member mounted on an inner side of the base, located on a bottom side of the second rotating portion, and disposed opposite the second rotating portion. The second swing arm further includes a second protrusion disposed on a surface of the second rotating portion and disposed around a rotation center of the second rotating portion.

[0027] When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is in the first position, the second protrusion and the second friction member are spaced apart;

[0028] When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is in the second position, the second protrusion and the second friction member rub against each other.

[0029] In the present application, the hovering function of the foldable terminal is realized by utilizing the structural cooperation between the button, the first friction member and the first protrusion of the first swing arm, and the structural cooperation between the second friction member and the second protrusion of the second swing arm. The foldable mechanism has a simple structure, a small size and a low cost. Moreover, the user can easily switch between using the hovering function and not using the hovering function. The hovering function can be quickly switched by toggling the button, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0030] In one embodiment, the foldable mechanism further includes a synchronization component, which is mounted on the base and is used to drive the first swing arm and the second swing arm to rotate synchronously relative to the base.

[0031] In one embodiment, the foldable mechanism includes a damping assembly, which includes a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a first elastic member, a second elastic member, a damping bracket, a first swing arm and a second swing arm. The first rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft, the first elastic member, the second elastic member and the damping bracket are all installed on the inner side of the base. The first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are spaced apart and arranged opposite to each other. The damping bracket is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. The first elastic member and the second elastic member are located on the same side of the damping bracket. The first elastic member is sleeved on the first rotating shaft, and the second elastic member is sleeved on the second rotating shaft. The first swing arm is sleeved on the first rotating shaft, and respectively abuts against the opposite ends of the first elastic member of the damping bracket, and is hinged to the damping bracket. The second swing arm is sleeved on the second rotating shaft, and respectively abuts against the opposite ends of the second elastic member of the damping bracket, and is hinged to the damping bracket.

[0032] In other words, the first swing arm and the second swing arm are both damping swing arms in the damping assembly, and the hovering function of the foldable mechanism can be achieved without adding additional swing arms, which helps to simplify the structure of the foldable mechanism.

[0033] In one embodiment, the button moves relative to the base between a first position and a second position along the Y-axis, which helps reduce the size of the foldable mechanism in the X-axis and Z-axis directions. The Y-axis direction is the length direction of the base.

[0034] In one embodiment, the base is provided with a mounting groove, the opening of which is located on the bottom surface of the base, and the key is mounted in the mounting groove and is movable relative to the base within the mounting groove. The key can reuse the height space of the mounting groove, thereby reducing the height space occupied by the key.

[0035] In one embodiment, the hovering angle range is greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 125°.

[0036] In one embodiment, the hovering angle range is greater than or equal to 60° and less than or equal to 120°.

[0037] In a second aspect, the present application provides a foldable terminal, comprising a first shell, a second shell, and any one of the above-mentioned foldable mechanisms, wherein the foldable mechanism is connected between the first shell and the second shell.

[0038] In the foldable mechanism adopted by the foldable terminal shown in the present application, the button can be moved between a first position and a second position relative to the base. If the hovering function is not needed, the button can be toggled to the first position. When the foldable mechanism is opened and closed to the hovering angle range, the first protrusion and the first friction member are spaced apart, and the first friction member does not contact the first protrusion of the first swing arm, that is, the first friction member does not interfere with the rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base. The opening and closing of the foldable mechanism is smooth, which helps to improve the opening and closing feel of the foldable terminal and enhance the user experience.

[0039] When the hovering function is needed, the button can be toggled to the second position. When the foldable mechanism is opened and closed to the hovering angle range, the first protrusion and the first friction member come into contact and rub against each other. The friction force generated between the first protrusion and the first friction member can enable the first swing arm to maintain a certain angle, thereby allowing the foldable terminal to achieve a hovering effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application will be described below.

[0041] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first foldable terminal in a folded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable terminal shown in FIG1 in an unfolded state;

[0043] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the foldable terminal shown in FIG2 ;

[0044] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the foldable device in the foldable terminal shown in FIG3 ;

[0045] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the foldable mechanism in the foldable device shown in FIG4 ;

[0046] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable mechanism shown in FIG5 at another angle;

[0047] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the foldable mechanism shown in FIG5 ;

[0048] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the foldable mechanism shown in FIG7;

[0049] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable mechanism shown in FIG8 at another angle;

[0050] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of the button assembly in the foldable mechanism shown in FIG7;

[0051] FIG11 is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the foldable mechanism shown in FIG5 , wherein the button is in the first position;

[0052] FIG12 is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the foldable mechanism shown in FIG5 , wherein the button is in the second position;

[0053] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of the friction member in the foldable mechanism shown in FIG7;

[0054] FIG14 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the foldable device in the foldable terminal shown in FIG3 , wherein the key is in the first position;

[0055] FIG15 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the foldable device in the foldable terminal shown in FIG3 , wherein the button is in the second position;

[0056] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of the swing arm in the foldable mechanism shown in FIG7;

[0057] FIG17 is a simplified structural diagram of the friction member and the swing arm of the foldable mechanism in the foldable device shown in FIG15 ;

[0058] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the damping assembly in the foldable mechanism shown in FIG7 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0060] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a structural diagram of a foldable terminal 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application in a folded state, and Figure 2 is a structural diagram of the foldable terminal 1000 shown in Figure 1 in an unfolded state.

[0061] The foldable terminal 1000 can be a foldable electronic product such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, personal computer, multimedia player, e-book reader, laptop computer, vehicle-mounted device, or wearable device. In this embodiment, the foldable terminal 1000 is a foldable mobile phone. That is, the foldable terminal 1000 is a mobile phone that can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0062] For ease of description, the width direction of the foldable terminal 1000 shown in Figure 1 is defined as the X-axis direction, the length direction of the foldable terminal 1000 is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the thickness direction of the foldable terminal 1000 is defined as the Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are mutually perpendicular. For example, the extension direction of the rotation axis of the foldable terminal 1000 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. That is, the foldable terminal 1000 can be relatively unfolded or folded about the Y-axis direction.

[0063] It should be noted that the qualifiers such as parallel and perpendicular mentioned in the embodiments of the present application regarding relative positional relationships are all based on the current state of the art, rather than being absolutely strict definitions in a mathematical sense. A small amount of deviation is allowed, and both approximately parallel and approximately perpendicular are acceptable. For example, A and B are parallel, which means that A and B are parallel or approximately parallel, and the angle between A and B can be between 0 degrees and 10 degrees. For example, A and B are perpendicular, which means that A and B are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular, and the angle between A and B can be between 80 degrees and 100 degrees.

[0064] FIG1 shows a foldable terminal 1000 in a folded state. At this point, the size of the foldable terminal 1000 along the X-axis is relatively small, making it easy to carry. FIG2 shows a foldable terminal 1000 in an unfolded state. For example, the unfolding angle α of the foldable terminal 1000 shown in FIG2 is 180 degrees. In other words, the foldable terminal 1000 shown in FIG1 is in a flattened state. At this point, the size of the foldable terminal 1000 along the X-axis is relatively large, providing a larger display area.

[0065] It should be noted that the angles illustrated in the embodiments of this application are all allowed to have slight deviations. For example, the unfolding angle α of the foldable terminal 1000 shown in Figure 2 is 180 degrees, which means that α can be 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees, such as 170 degrees, 175 degrees, 185 degrees, and 190 degrees. The angles illustrated in the examples below should be understood in the same way.

[0066] It should be understood that the foldable terminal 1000 shown in the embodiment of the present application is a terminal that can be folded once. In other embodiments, the foldable terminal 1000 can also be a terminal that can be folded multiple times (more than twice). In this case, the foldable terminal 1000 can include multiple parts, and two adjacent parts can be folded relatively close to each other until the foldable terminal 1000 is in a folded state, and the two adjacent parts can also be unfolded relatively away from each other until the foldable terminal 1000 is in an unfolded state.

[0067] Please refer to FIG. 3 , which is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the foldable terminal 1000 shown in FIG. 2 .

[0068] The foldable terminal 1000 includes a foldable device 100 and a display screen 200, which is mounted on the foldable device 100. The display screen 200 includes a display surface 201 facing away from the foldable device 100. The display surface 201 is used to display information such as text, images, or videos. In this embodiment, the display screen 200 includes a first display portion 210, a second display portion 220, and a foldable portion 230. The foldable portion 230 is connected between the first and second display portions 210 and 220. The foldable portion 230 is bendable about the Y-axis.

[0069] As shown in Figure 1, when the foldable terminal 1000 is in the folded state, both the foldable device 100 and the display screen 200 are folded, the first display portion 210 and the second display portion 220 are positioned opposite each other, and the foldable portion 230 is bent. In this state, the exposed area of ​​the display screen 200 is relatively small, significantly reducing the probability of damage to the display screen 200 and effectively protecting the display screen 200.

[0070] As shown in Figure 2, when the foldable terminal 1000 is in a flattened state, both the foldable device 100 and the display screen 200 are flattened. The first display portion 210 and the second display portion 220 are relatively flat, and the foldable portion 230 is flat without bending. At this time, the angle between the first display portion 210 and the second display portion 220, the angle between the first display portion 210 and the foldable portion 230, and the angle between the second display portion 220 and the foldable portion 230 are all α. The display screen 200 has a large display area, realizing a large-screen display for the foldable terminal 1000 and improving the user experience.

[0071] It should be understood that the foldable terminal 1000 shown in the embodiment of the present application is folded inwardly, and when the foldable terminal 1000 is in the folded state, the display screen 200 is located on the inner side of the foldable device 100. In other embodiments, the foldable terminal 1000 can also be folded in an outwardly folding manner, and when the foldable terminal 1000 is in the folded state, the display screen 200 is located on the outer side of the foldable device 100.

[0072] Please refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 . FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the foldable device 100 in the foldable terminal 1000 shown in FIG. 3 .

[0073] The foldable device 100 includes a first housing 110, a second housing 120, and a folding mechanism 130. The folding mechanism 130 is connected between the first and second housings 110, 120 to achieve a rotational connection between the first and second housings 110, 120. Specifically, the first housing 110 supports a first display portion 210, and the second housing 120 supports a second display portion 220. In other words, the first display portion 210 is mounted on the first housing 110, and the second display portion 220 is mounted on the second housing 120. The folding mechanism 130 is disposed opposite the folding portion 230.

[0074] The first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can rotate relative to each other through the foldable mechanism 130, so that the foldable device 100 can switch between the folded state and the unfolded state. Specifically, the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can rotate relative to each other to be arranged relative to each other, so that the foldable device 100 is in the folded state, as shown in Figure 1. At this time, the foldable mechanism 130 is in the folded state. The first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can also rotate relative to each other to be relatively flattened, so that the foldable terminal 1000 is in the flattened state, as shown in Figure 2. At this time, the angle between the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 is α, and the foldable mechanism 130 is in the flattened state.

[0075] The first housing 110 is provided with a first receiving groove 1101, which is located on the side of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120. The opening of the first receiving groove 1101 is located on the top surface of the first housing 110. The first receiving groove 1101 is recessed from the top surface to the bottom surface of the first housing 110 and extends through the side surface of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120. The side surface of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120 is the left side surface of the first housing 110.

[0076] It should be noted that the directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "front" and "back" used in the embodiment of the present application to describe the foldable terminal 1000 are mainly explained based on the display orientation of the foldable terminal 1000 in Figure 2, with the direction facing the positive direction of the Z axis as "top", the direction facing the negative direction of the Z axis as "bottom", the direction facing the positive direction of the X axis as "right", the direction facing the negative direction of the X axis as "left", the direction facing the positive direction of the Y axis as "back", and the direction facing the negative direction of the Y axis as "front". It does not constitute a limitation on the orientation of the foldable terminal 1000 in actual application scenarios.

[0077] In addition, the first housing 110 is further provided with a first mounting portion 140. The first mounting portion 140 is disposed on the bottom wall of the first receiving groove 1101 and is located between the side surface of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120 and the side wall surface of the first receiving groove 1101. The first mounting portion 140 is spaced apart from both the side surface of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120 and the side wall surface of the first receiving groove 1101. Specifically, the first mounting portion 140 extends from the bottom wall surface of the first receiving groove 1101 toward the opening of the first receiving groove 1101. Exemplarily, the first mounting portion 140 is in the shape of a square block, with its length parallel to the Y-axis.

[0078] The first mounting portion 140 includes a first side surface and a second side surface. The first side surface is the surface of the first mounting portion 140 facing away from the sidewall of the first receiving groove 1101, and the second side surface is disposed opposite the first side surface. The first mounting portion 140 is provided with a first sliding hole 1401, the opening of which is located on the first side surface. The first sliding hole 1401 is recessed from the first side surface toward the second side surface and extends through the second side surface.

[0079] The second shell 120 has the same structure as the first shell 110 and is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the foldable mechanism 130. The second shell 120 is provided with a second receiving groove 1201, which is located on the side of the second shell 120 facing the first shell 110. The opening of the second receiving groove 1201 is located on the top surface of the second shell 120. The second receiving groove 1201 is recessed from the top surface to the bottom surface of the second shell 120 and passes through the side of the second shell 120 facing the first shell 110. The side of the second shell 120 facing the first shell 110 is the right side of the second shell 120. In addition, the second shell 120 is further provided with a second mounting portion 150, which is provided with a second sliding hole 1501. It should be noted that the structures of the second mounting portion 150 and the second sliding hole 1501 can refer to the relevant descriptions of the first mounting portion 140 and the first sliding hole 1401 respectively, and will not be repeated here.

[0080] When the foldable device 100 is in a flattened state, that is, when the angle α between the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 is formed, the first receiving groove 1101 of the first shell 110 and the second receiving groove 1201 of the second shell 120 enclose a receiving space 1301. The foldable mechanism 130 is mounted in the receiving space 1301 and is slidably connected to both the first shell 110 and the second shell 120. Part of the foldable mechanism 130 is mounted in the first receiving groove 1101 of the first shell 110 and is slidably connected to the first mounting portion 140, while part of the foldable mechanism 130 is mounted in the second receiving groove 1201 of the second shell 120 and is slidably connected to the second mounting portion 150.

[0081] At present, foldable terminals often use a foldable mechanism to achieve folding, unfolding and hovering. However, due to factors such as the use environment, usage time and product batches, the existing foldable mechanism often has a jamming phenomenon during the opening and closing process, affecting the user experience. Moreover, due to the manufacturing tolerance of components or the wear of components caused by long-term use, if the foldable terminal is unfolded and used for a period of time and then adjusted to a hovering state, the hovering state is likely to not be able to maintain stability, which will also cause the foldable terminal to have a jamming feeling during the opening and closing process, affecting the user experience. It should be noted that the "opening and closing process" mentioned in the description of the foldable terminal in this application refers to the "process of switching between the folded state and the unfolded state."

[0082] Next, the structure of the foldable mechanism 130 in the foldable terminal 1000 according to the embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0083] Please refer to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the foldable mechanism 130 in the foldable device 100 shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable mechanism 130 shown in Figure 5 at another angle. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the decomposed structure of the foldable mechanism 130 shown in Figure 5.

[0084] The foldable mechanism 130 includes a base 10, a rotating shaft 20, a key assembly 30, a friction member 40, a swing arm 50, and a synchronization member 60. The rotating shaft 20, the key assembly 30, the friction member 40, the swing arm 50, and the synchronization member 60 are all mounted on the inner side of the base 10. Exemplarily, the base 10 extends along the Y-axis direction, that is, the length direction of the base 10 is the Y-axis direction. There are two rotating shafts 20, and the two rotating shafts 20 are parallel and spaced apart. Exemplarily, the axes of the two rotating shafts 20 are both parallel to the Y-axis direction. The two rotating shafts 20 are respectively a first rotating shaft 21 and a second rotating shaft 22. The key assembly 30 can slide relative to the base 10. Exemplarily, the key assembly 30 can move along the Y-axis direction relative to the base 10.

[0085] There are two friction members 40, each located on the bottom side of the two rotating shafts 20 and spaced apart from the rotating shafts 20. Along the X-axis, the two friction members 40 are spaced apart from each other. The two friction members 40 are a first friction member 41 and a second friction member 42. The first friction member 41 is located on the bottom side of the first rotating shaft 21 and spaced apart from the first rotating shaft 21. The second friction member 42 is located on the bottom side of the second rotating shaft 22 and spaced apart from the second rotating shaft 22.

[0086] Two swing arms 50 are mounted on the two rotating shafts 20, spaced apart along the X-axis, and rotatably connected to the base 10. The two swing arms 50 are a first swing arm 51 and a second swing arm 52. The first swing arm 51 is mounted on the first rotating shaft 21, and the second swing arm 52 is mounted on the second rotating shaft 22. A synchronization assembly 60 is mounted on the two rotating shafts 20 and rotatably connected to the base 10. The synchronization assembly 60 enables the two rotating shafts 20 to rotate synchronously relative to the base 10, thereby causing the two swing arms 50 to rotate synchronously relative to the base 10.

[0087] When the foldable mechanism 130 switches between the folded state and the unfolded state, the first swing arm 51 rotates in a first direction relative to the base 10, and the second swing arm 52 rotates in a second direction relative to the base 10, which is opposite to the first direction. For example, when the foldable mechanism 130 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first swing arm 51 rotates counterclockwise relative to the base 10, and the second swing arm 52 rotates clockwise relative to the base 10. When the foldable mechanism 130 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first swing arm 51 rotates clockwise relative to the base 10, and the second swing arm 52 rotates counterclockwise relative to the base 10.

[0088] It should be noted that both the first swing arm 51 and the second swing arm 52 are rotatable relative to the base 10, which helps ensure the rotational stability of the foldable mechanism 130 when switching between the folded state and the unfolded state. It is understood that in other embodiments, the foldable mechanism 130 may include only the first swing arm 51 without the second swing arm 52, or the foldable mechanism 130 may include only the second swing arm 52 without the first swing arm 51. In other words, only one side of the foldable mechanism 130 may be rotatable relative to the base 10. This application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0089] Please refer to Figures 7, 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a partial structural diagram of the foldable mechanism 130 shown in Figure 7, and Figure 9 is a structural diagram of the foldable mechanism 130 shown in Figure 8 at another angle. The foldable mechanism 130 shown in Figure 8 shows the base 10, the rotating shaft 20 and the synchronization assembly 60.

[0090] The base 10 includes a shaft cover 11, a first bracket 12, and a second bracket 13. The first bracket 12 and the second bracket 13 are both fixedly connected to the shaft cover 11. For example, the first bracket 12, the second bracket 13, and the third bracket 14 can be fixedly connected to the shaft cover 11 by screws or other fixing members. In other embodiments, the shaft cover 11, the first bracket 12, and the second bracket 13 can be integrally formed.

[0091] In this embodiment, the shaft cover 11 extends along the Y-axis direction. The shaft cover 11 is provided with an assembly groove 111, an avoidance groove 112, an avoidance notch 113, a mounting hole (not marked in the figure), a mounting groove 114 and a sliding hole 115. The opening of the assembly groove 111 and the opening of the avoidance groove 112 are both located on the top surface of the shaft cover 11. The assembly groove 111 and the avoidance groove 112 are both recessed from the top surface of the shaft cover 11 toward the bottom surface of the shaft cover 11. Among them, the assembly groove 111 includes a first groove side wall surface 1111, a second groove side wall surface 1112 and a groove bottom wall surface 1113. There are two first groove side wall surfaces 1111, and along the X-axis direction, the two first groove side wall surfaces 1111 are spaced apart and arranged opposite to each other. The second groove side wall surface 1112 faces the avoidance groove 112 and is connected between the two first groove side wall surfaces 1111. The groove bottom wall surface 1113 connects the two first groove side wall surfaces 1111 and the second groove side wall surface 1112. Along the Y-axis direction, the avoidance groove 112 is located on one side of the assembly groove 111 and is spaced apart from the assembly groove 111.

[0092] The opening of the escape notch 113 is located on the circumferential side of the shaft cover 11. The escape notch 113 is recessed from the outer surface of the shaft cover 11 toward the first groove sidewall 1111, penetrates the first groove sidewall 1111, and communicates with the assembly groove 111. There are two escape notches 113: a first escape notch 1131 and a second escape notch 1132. The first escape notch 1131 penetrates one first groove sidewall 1111, and the second escape notch 1132 penetrates the other first groove sidewall 1111.

[0093] The opening of the mounting hole is located on the second groove side wall surface 1112. The mounting hole is recessed from the second groove side wall surface 1112 toward the avoidance groove 112 and extends through the avoidance groove 112 toward the groove side wall surface of the assembly groove 111. There are four mounting holes, namely two first mounting holes and two second mounting holes. Along the X-axis, the two first mounting holes are spaced apart, and the two second mounting holes are located between the two first mounting holes and are spaced apart from the first mounting holes. Exemplarily, both the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole are circular holes, and the aperture of the first mounting hole is larger than the aperture of the second mounting hole.

[0094] The opening of the mounting groove 114 is located on the bottom surface of the shaft cover 11. The mounting groove 114 is recessed from the bottom surface of the shaft cover 11 toward the top surface of the shaft cover 11. The mounting groove 114 is rectangular, and the extension direction of the mounting groove 114 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The opening of the sliding hole 115 is located on the bottom wall surface 1113 of the groove. The sliding hole 115 is recessed from the bottom wall surface 1113 of the groove toward the bottom surface of the shaft cover 11, and passes through the bottom wall surface of the groove 114. There are two sliding holes 115. Along the X-axis direction, the first sliding hole 1151 and the second sliding hole 1152 are spaced apart. The first sliding hole 1151 is close to the first avoidance gap 1131, and the second sliding hole 1152 is close to the second avoidance gap 1132. Exemplarily, the sliding hole 115 is in the shape of an elongated strip, and the length direction of the sliding hole 115 is parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0095] In addition, the shaft cover 11 is provided with a limiting portion 116 and a fixing portion 117. The limiting portion 116 and the fixing portion 117 are both provided on the bottom wall surface 1113 of the groove, and both extend from the bottom wall surface 1113 of the groove toward the opening of the assembly groove 111. The limiting portion 116 includes a connecting portion 1161 and a limiting portion 1162. The connecting portion 1161 is connected to the bottom wall surface 1113. There are two limiting portions 1162. Along the thickness direction of the connecting portion 1161, the two limiting portions 1162 are respectively fixedly connected to opposite sides of the connecting portion 1161. Exemplarily, the connecting portion 1161 and the limiting portion 1162 can be integrally formed. The two limiting portions 1162 are respectively a first limiting portion 1163 and a second limiting portion 1164. The first limiting portion 1163 is located at the top side of the first sliding hole 1151, and the second limiting portion 1164 is located at the top side of the second sliding hole 1152. Exemplarily, the limiting portion 116 is T-shaped, and the connecting portion 1161 and the limiting portion 1162 are both planar plate-shaped.

[0096] There are two fixing parts 117. Along the X-axis direction, the two fixing parts 117 are respectively located on opposite sides of the limiting part 116, and are both spaced apart from the limiting part 116. Among them, the two fixing parts 117 are respectively a first fixing part 1171 and a second fixing part (not shown in the figure). The first fixing part 1171 is close to the first avoidance gap 1131, and the second fixing part is close to the second avoidance gap 1132. Each fixing part 117 is provided with a first fixing hole 1172, and the first fixing hole 1172 is located on the surface of the fixing part 117 facing the opening of the assembly groove 111. The first fixing hole 1172 is recessed from the surface of the fixing part 117 facing the opening of the assembly groove 111 in a direction away from the opening of the assembly groove 111. Exemplarily, the first fixing hole 1172 is a circular hole.

[0097] The first bracket 12 and the second bracket 13 are both mounted on the assembly groove 111 and are spaced apart from each other along the Y-axis direction. The first bracket 12 is provided with a third mounting hole (not marked in the figure), and the opening of the third mounting hole is located on the surface of the first bracket 12 facing the second bracket 13. The third mounting hole is recessed from the surface of the first bracket 12 facing the second bracket 13 to the surface away from the second bracket 13, and passes through the surface of the first bracket 12 away from the second bracket 13. There are two third mounting holes, and the two third mounting holes are spaced apart from each other along the X-axis direction. Exemplarily, the third mounting hole is a circular hole. In some other embodiments, the third mounting hole may not pass through the surface of the first bracket 12 away from the second bracket 13.

[0098] The second bracket 13 is provided with a connecting hole (not marked in the figure) and a fourth mounting hole (not marked in the figure). The connecting hole passes through the second bracket 13 along the Y-axis direction. There are two connecting holes, and along the X-axis direction, the two connecting holes are spaced apart from each other, and are respectively arranged corresponding to the two first mounting holes, and are respectively arranged corresponding to the two third mounting holes. The opening of the fourth mounting hole is located on the surface of the second bracket 13 away from the first bracket 12. The fourth mounting hole is recessed from the surface of the second bracket 13 away from the first bracket 12 toward the direction of the first bracket 122. There are two fourth mounting holes, and along the X-axis direction, the two fourth mounting holes are located between the two connecting holes, and are spaced apart from the connecting holes, and are spaced apart from each other. The two fourth mounting holes are respectively arranged corresponding to the two second mounting holes. Exemplarily, the connecting hole and the fourth mounting hole are both circular holes, the central axis of the connecting hole, the central axis of the first mounting hole and the central axis of the third mounting hole coincide, and the central axis of the fourth mounting hole coincides with the central axis of the second mounting hole.

[0099] Both rotating shafts 20 are mounted in the mounting slot 111. Along the X-axis, the two rotating shafts 20 are located on opposite sides of the stopper 116 and are spaced apart from the stopper 116. Specifically, each rotating shaft 20 passes through a first mounting hole, a connecting hole, and a third mounting hole. The first rotating shaft 21 is located near the first avoidance notch 1131, and the second rotating shaft 22 is located near the second avoidance notch 1132.

[0100] The synchronization assembly 60 is mounted in the assembly slot 111 and is located between the second bracket 13 and the second slot sidewall 1112. The synchronization assembly 60 is used to drive the first swing arm 51 and the second swing arm 52 to rotate synchronously relative to the base 10. In this embodiment, the synchronization assembly 60 includes four gears 61. The four gears 61 are arranged in sequence along the X-axis, and adjacent gears 61 are meshed with each other. The four gears 61 are a first gear 62, a second gear 63, and two third gears 64. The first gear 62 is mounted on the first rotating shaft 21, and the second gear 63 is mounted on the second rotating shaft 22. One end of each third gear 64 is mounted in a second mounting hole, and the other end is mounted in a fourth mounting hole.

[0101] When the first rotating shaft 21 drives the first gear 62 to rotate relative to the base 10, the first gear 62 drives the two third gears 64 to rotate relative to the base 10. The third gears 64 then drive the second gear 53 to rotate relative to the base 10. Finally, the second gear 53 drives the second rotating shaft 22 to rotate relative to the base 10, thereby achieving synchronous rotation of the first rotating shaft 21 and the second rotating shaft 22. It should be noted that the process of the four gears 61 driving the first rotating shaft 21 to rotate relative to the base 10 when the second rotating shaft 22 rotates relative to the base 10 is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0102] Please refer to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 . FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of the button assembly 30 in the foldable mechanism 130 shown in FIG. 7 .

[0103] The button assembly 30 includes a button 31 and a support block 32, and the support block 32 is fixedly connected to the button 31. The button 31 is installed in the mounting groove 114 and can slide between a first position and a second position relative to the base 10 in the mounting groove 114. The button 31 is arranged opposite to the two sliding holes 115. For example, the button 31 can slide between a first position and a second position relative to the base 10 in the mounting groove 114 along the Y-axis direction. The button 31 is provided with a fifth mounting hole 311, and the opening of the fifth mounting hole 311 is located on the top surface of the button 31. The fifth mounting hole 311 is recessed from the top surface to the bottom surface of the button 31. There are two fifth mounting holes 311, and along the X-axis direction, the two fifth mounting holes 311 are spaced apart from each other and are respectively arranged corresponding to the two sliding holes 115.

[0104] There are two support blocks 32, namely a first support block 33 and a second support block 34. The first support block 33 is inserted through the first sliding hole 1151 and extends into one of the fifth mounting holes 311, and is fixedly connected to the button 31. The second support block 34 is inserted through the second sliding hole 1152 and extends into the other fifth mounting hole 311, and is fixedly connected to the button 31. The first support block 33 is located on the bottom side of the first limiting portion 1163, and the second support block 34 is located on the bottom side of the second limiting portion 1164. When the button 31 slides between the first position and the second position relative to the base 10 in the mounting slot 114, the first support block 33 can slide relative to the first limiting portion 1163 driven by the button 31, and the second support block 34 can slide relative to the second limiting portion 1164 driven by the button 31.

[0105] Each support block 32 includes an auxiliary surface 321, a support surface 322, and a transition surface 323. The auxiliary surface 321, the support surface 322, and the transition surface 323 all face the stopper 1162. Along the Y-axis, the auxiliary surface 321 and the support surface 322 are arranged sequentially. The support surface 322 is located on the top side of the auxiliary surface 321, and the transition surface 323 connects the auxiliary surface 321 and the support surface 322. From the first position to the second position, the distance between the transition surface 323 and the support surface 322 increases. Exemplarily, the transition surface 323 is an inclined surface, or a curved surface. When the button 31 moves from the first position to the second position, the transition surface 323 guides the support block 32 to the bottom side of the friction member 40, preventing damage from hard contact between the support block 32 and the friction member 40, thereby ensuring the reliability of the foldable mechanism 130.

[0106] In addition, each support block 32 is provided with a stopper 324. The stopper 324 is located on the side of the support block 32 facing away from the button 31 and protrudes relative to the support surface 322. Specifically, the stopper 324 is located on the side of the support surface 322 facing away from the transition surface 323. Ideally, the stopper 324 is square-shaped.

[0107] Please refer to Figures 11 and 12 together. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the partial cross-sectional structure of the foldable mechanism 130 shown in Figure 5, wherein the button 31 is in the first position. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the partial cross-sectional structure of the foldable mechanism 130 shown in Figure 5, wherein the button 31 is in the second position.

[0108] When the button 31 is in the first position, along the Y-axis, the support surface 322 of the first support block 33 is located on one side of the first limiting portion 1163 and is exposed relative to the first limiting portion 1163. The support surface 322 of the second support block 34 is located on one side of the second limiting portion 1164 and is exposed relative to the second limiting portion 1164. The auxiliary surface 321 and transition surface 323 of the first support block 33 are both located on the side of the support surface 322 of the first support block 33 facing the first friction member 41, while the auxiliary surface 321 and transition surface 323 of the second support block 34 are both located on the side of the support surface 322 of the second support block 34 facing the second friction member 42.

[0109] At this time, the auxiliary surface 321 and / or the transition surface 323 of the first support block 33 may be located on the bottom side of the first limiting portion 1163, or the auxiliary surface 321 and / or the transition surface 323 of the first support block 33 may both be exposed relative to the first limiting portion 1163, and the auxiliary surface 321 and / or the transition surface 323 of the second support block 34 may be located on the bottom side of the first limiting portion 1163, or the auxiliary surface 321 and / or the transition surface 323 of the second support block 34 may both be exposed relative to the first limiting portion 1163.

[0110] When the button 31 is in the second position, the support surface 322 of the first support block 33 is located on the bottom side of the first limiting portion 1162, spaced from and opposite to the first limiting portion 1163. The support surface 322 of the second support block 34 is located on the bottom side of the second limiting portion 1164, spaced from and opposite to the second limiting portion 1164. The stopper 324 of the first support block 33 is located on the side of the first friction member 41 facing the first position, while the stopper 324 of the second support block 34 is located on the side of the second friction member 42 facing the first position. The stopper 324 of the two support blocks 32 can respectively stop the two friction members 40, preventing the button 31 from moving too far from the first position to the second position, which could result in the two support blocks 32 being unable to support the friction members 40. This ensures the reliability of the foldable mechanism 130 in switching between the non-hovering and hovering functions.

[0111] Please refer to FIG. 8 , FIG. 10 and FIG. 13 . FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of the friction member 40 in the foldable mechanism 130 shown in FIG. 7 .

[0112] The two friction members 40 are fixedly connected to the two fixed portions 117, respectively. Each friction member 40 includes a mounting portion 43, a free portion 44, a friction portion 45, a first intermediate portion 46, and a second intermediate portion 47. The mounting portion 43 is fixedly connected to the fixed portion 117. The mounting portion 43 is defined by a second fixing hole 431, which extends through the mounting portion 43 along its thickness. Furthermore, the foldable mechanism 130 includes two fixing members 70, each of which is disposed through a second fixing hole 431 and fixedly connected to the wall of the first fixing hole 1172, thereby assembling each friction member 40 with a fixed portion 117.

[0113] The free portion 44 is spaced apart from the assembly portion 43 and is located on the bottom side of a limiting portion 1162. The friction portion 45 is located on top of the assembly portion 43 and the free portion 44. The first intermediate portion 46 is fixedly connected between the assembly portion 43 and the friction portion 45. The second intermediate portion 47 is fixedly connected between the friction portion 45 and the free portion 44. For example, the assembly portion 43, the free portion 44, the friction portion 45, the first intermediate portion 46, and the second intermediate portion 47 can be integrally formed. For example, the friction member 40 can be an elastic plate.

[0114] In this embodiment, the assembly portion 43 of the first friction member 41 is fixedly connected to the first fixed portion 1171, and the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41 is located at the bottom side of the first limiting portion 1163. The assembly portion 43 of the second friction member 42 is fixedly connected to the second fixed portion, and the free portion 44 of the second friction member 42 is located at the bottom side of the second limiting portion 1164.

[0115] Please refer to Figures 14 and 15 together. Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the foldable device 100 in the foldable terminal 1000 shown in Figure 3, wherein the button 31 is in the first position. Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the foldable device 100 in the foldable terminal 1000 shown in Figure 3, wherein the button 31 is in the second position.

[0116] When the button 31 is in the first position, along the Y-axis, the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41 is offset from the first support block 33, and the free portion 44 of the second friction member 42 is offset from the second support block 34. Furthermore, along the Y-axis, the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41 is spaced apart from the support surface 322 of the first support block 33, and the free portion 44 of the second friction member 42 is spaced apart from the support surface 322 of the second support block 34. At this point, the friction portion 45 of the first friction member 41 and the friction portion 45 of the second friction member 42 are both horizontal relative to the base 10.

[0117] When the button 31 is in the second position, the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41 is located between the first limiting portion 1163 and the first support block 33, with the first support block 33 abutting the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41. The free portion 44 of the second friction member 42 is located between the second limiting portion 1163 and the second support block 34, with the second support block 34 abutting the free portion 44 of the second friction member 42. Furthermore, the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41 is located between the first limiting portion 1163 and the support surface 322 of the first support block 33, with the support surface 322 of the first support block 33 abutting the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41. The free portion 44 of the second friction member 42 is located between the second limiting portion 1163 and the support surface 322 of the second support block 34, with the support surface 322 of the second support block 34 abutting the free portion 44 of the second friction member 42. At this point, the friction portions 45 of the first friction member 41 and the second friction member 42 are both tilted relative to the base 10.

[0118] It can be understood that the first limiting portion 1163 can limit the upward movement distance of the free portion 44 of the first friction member 41, and the second limiting portion 1164 can limit the upward movement distance of the free portion 44 of the second friction member 42, thereby preventing the two friction members 40 from undergoing a large upward deformation under the abutment of the two support blocks 32 and affecting the rotation of the two swing arms 50, ensuring the smoothness of the rotation of the two swing arms 50 relative to the base 10, helping to improve the opening and closing feel of the foldable terminal 1000 and enhance the user experience.

[0119] Please refer to FIG. 8 and FIG. 16 . FIG. 16 is a schematic structural diagram of the swing arm 50 in the foldable mechanism 130 shown in FIG. 7 .

[0120] Both swing arms 50 are mounted in the mounting slot 111 and extend out of the mounting slot 111 through the clearance notch 113. The swing arms 50 and the gear 61 of the synchronization assembly 60 are circumferentially limited by a plane. Driven by the rotating shaft 20, the swing arms 50 can rotate relative to the base 10 following the gear 61. The first swing arm 51 comprises a first rotating portion 511, a first sliding portion 512, a first connecting portion 513, and a first protruding portion 514. The first rotating portion 511 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 21 and is located on the top side of the first friction member 41, facing the friction portion 45 of the first friction member 41. The first connecting portion 513 is connected between the first rotating portion 511 and the first sliding portion 512. The first protruding portion 514 is disposed on the outer surface of the first rotating portion 511 and surrounds the rotation center of the first rotating portion 511. The first rotating portion 511, the first sliding portion 512, the first connecting portion 513, and the first protruding portion 514 can be integrally formed. It can be understood that the rotation center of the first rotating portion 511 is the central axis of the first rotating shaft 21 .

[0121] The first rotating part 511 includes a first sub-rotating part 515 and a second sub-rotating part 516. Specifically, the first sub-rotating part 515 and the second sub-rotating part 516 are both sleeved on the first rotating shaft 21. Along the Y-axis direction, the first sub-rotating part 515 and the second sub-rotating part 516 are arranged at intervals from each other. The second sub-rotating part 516 has a first hinge surface 517, and the first hinge surface 517 is a surface facing the first sub-rotating part 515. Among them, the first hinge surface 517 includes a plurality of crests and a plurality of troughs, and the plurality of crests and the plurality of troughs are arranged alternately. Exemplarily, the first sub-rotating part 515 and the second sub-rotating part 516 are both roughly cylindrical. The first connecting part 513 is penetrated through the avoidance gap 113. The first protrusion 514 is provided on the outer surface of the first sub-rotating part 515 and is arranged around the first sub-rotating part 515.

[0122] Please refer to Figures 13 and 14 together. In the first swing arm 51, the first rotating portion 511 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 21, and the first sliding portion 512 is inserted into the first sliding hole 1401 and can slide relative to the first shell 110 in the first sliding hole 1401 to achieve a sliding connection between the foldable mechanism 130 and the first shell 110. The first connecting portion 513 is inserted into the first avoidance gap 1131.

[0123] The second swing arm 52 includes a second rotating portion 521, a second sliding portion 522, a second connecting portion 523, and a second protrusion 524. The second rotating portion 521 is sleeved on the second rotating shaft 22 and located on the top side of the second friction member 42, opposite the friction portion 45 of the second friction member 42. The first sliding portion 512 is inserted into the second sliding hole 1501 and can slide relative to the second housing 120 within the second sliding hole 1501 to achieve a sliding connection between the foldable mechanism 130 and the second housing 120. The second connecting portion 523 is connected between the second rotating portion 521 and the second sliding portion 522 and is inserted into the second relief notch 1132. The second protrusion 524 is provided on the outer surface of the second rotating portion 521 and is arranged around the rotation center of the second rotating portion 521. It should be noted that the relevant structures of the second swing arm 52 can be referred to the description of the first swing arm 51 above and will not be repeated here.

[0124] Please also refer to FIG. 17 , which is a simplified structural diagram of the friction member 40 and the swing arm 50 of the foldable mechanism 130 in the foldable device 100 shown in FIG. 15 .

[0125] When the button 31 is in the first position S1, the friction portions 45 of the two friction members 40 are horizontal relative to the base 10. The distances between the friction portion 45 of the first friction member 41 and the first rotating portion 511 of the first swing arm 51, and between the friction portion 45 of the second friction member 42 and the second rotating portion 521 of the second swing arm 52, are relatively large. During the rotation of the two swing arms 50 relative to the base 10, when the foldable mechanism 130 is within the hovering angle range, the first protrusion 514 of the first swing arm 51 does not contact the friction portion 45 of the first friction member 41, and the second protrusion 524 of the second swing arm 52 does not contact the friction portion 45 of the second friction member 42. In other words, the friction portions 45 of the two friction members 40 do not affect the rotation of the two swing arms 50 relative to the base 10. The rotation of the two swing arms 50 relative to the base 10 is smooth, and the opening and closing of the foldable terminal 1000 feels smooth, enhancing the user experience.

[0126] When the button 31 is in the first position S1, the friction portion 45 of the friction member 40 is in an inclined state relative to the base 10. The distance between the friction portion 45 of the first friction member 41 and the first rotating portion 511 of the first swing arm 51, and the distance between the friction portion 45 of the second friction member 42 and the second rotating portion 521 of the second swing arm 52 are reduced. When the two swing arms 50 rotate relative to the base 10, when the foldable mechanism 130 is within the hovering angle range, the first protrusion 514 of the first swing arm 51 and the friction portion 45 of the first friction member 41 rub against each other. The second protrusion 524 of the second swing arm 52 rubs against the friction portion 45 of the second friction member 42. The friction force generated between the first protrusion 514 of the first swing arm 51 and the friction portion 45 of the first friction member 41 enables the first swing arm 51 to maintain a certain angle. The friction force generated between the second protrusion 524 of the second swing arm 52 and the friction portion 45 of the second friction member 42 enables the second swing arm 52 to maintain a certain angle, thereby placing the foldable terminal 1000 in a semi-expanded state, that is, enabling the foldable terminal 1000 to hover. Exemplarily, the hovering angle range of the foldable mechanism 130 is greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 125°, or the hovering angle range of the foldable mechanism 130 is greater than or equal to 60° and less than or equal to 120°.

[0127] Please refer to FIG. 6 , FIG. 7 and FIG. 18 . FIG. 18 is a partial structural diagram of the damping assembly 80 in the foldable mechanism 130 shown in FIG. 7 .

[0128] In this embodiment, the foldable mechanism 130 includes a damping assembly 80, which is mounted on the base 10 and sleeved around the two rotating shafts 20, rotatably connected to the base 10. Specifically, the damping assembly 80 is mounted in the avoidance groove 112 and located between the first bracket 12 and the second bracket 13. Along the Y-axis, the damping assembly 80 and the synchronization assembly 60 are spaced apart. The damping assembly 80 can be folded or unfolded relative to the base 10.

[0129] When the foldable mechanism 130 is in the folded state, the damping assembly 80 is in the folded state. When the foldable mechanism 130 is in the unfolded state, the damping assembly 80 is in the unfolded state. When the foldable mechanism 130 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the damping assembly 80 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state. When the foldable mechanism 130 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the damping assembly 80 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0130] It should be noted that the damping assembly 80 can provide a damping force. During the use of the foldable terminal 1000, for example, when the foldable terminal 1000 is in a folded state or a flat state, or when the foldable terminal 1000 switches between the folded state and the unfolded state, the user can clearly feel the damping force provided by the damping assembly 80, thereby providing a better hand feel and improving the user experience.

[0131] The damping assembly 80 includes two swing arms 50, a damping bracket 81, two elastic members 82, and two washers 83. The damping bracket 81, the two elastic members 82, and the two washers 83 are all located between the first sub-rotating portion 515 and the second sub-rotating portion 516 of the swing arms 50. The damping bracket 81 is mounted on the two rotating shafts 20 and is hingedly connected to the first rotating portions 511 of the two swing arms 50. The damping bracket 81 has two second hinge surfaces 811. The two second hinge surfaces 811 face the second bracket 13 and are spaced apart from each other along the X-axis. They are respectively hingedly connected to the first hinge surfaces 517 of the two swing arms 50. The second hinge surfaces 811 include multiple crests and troughs, which are arranged alternately.

[0132] When the foldable mechanism 130 moves from a folded state to a flattened state, that is, when the foldable mechanism 130 moves from a folded state to a flattened state, and when the foldable terminal 1000 moves from a folded state to a flattened state, the peak of the first hinge surface 517 of each swing arm 50 enters the trough of the second hinge surface 811, and the peak of each second hinge surface 811 also enters the trough of the first hinge surface 517 of each swing arm 50. At this time, the damping force generated by the rotation of the two swing arms 50 is relatively small, allowing users to experience the feeling of the foldable terminal 1000 being fully flattened.

[0133] The two elastic members 82 are both located on the side of the damping bracket 81 facing away from the first hinge surface 517 and are respectively mounted on the two rotating shafts 20. The two elastic members 82 are respectively a first elastic member 84 and a second elastic member 85. The first elastic member 84 is mounted on the first rotating shaft 21, with its two ends respectively contacting the damping bracket 81 and the first swing arm 51. The second elastic member 85 is mounted on the second rotating shaft 22, with its two ends respectively contacting the damping bracket 81 and the second swing arm 52. For example, the elastic members 82 may be springs. The two washers 83 may be respectively located on the side of the two elastic members 82 facing away from the damping bracket 81, and are respectively mounted on the two rotating shafts 20, and are respectively clamped between an elastic member 82 and the second sub-rotating portion 516 of the swing arm 50.

[0134] It should be noted that in this embodiment, both swing arms 50 serve as damping swing arms for the foldable mechanism 130, eliminating the need for adding new swing arms to achieve the hovering function of the foldable mechanism 130. This helps simplify the structure of the foldable mechanism 130. In other embodiments, the two swing arms 50 may not serve as damping swing arms for the foldable mechanism 130, but may be other swing arms that can be connected to the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. This application does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0135] Referring to Figures 11, 12, 14 and 15, when the user is using the foldable terminal 1000 shown in this embodiment, if the hovering function is not needed, the button 31 can be toggled to the first position. The supporting surfaces 322 of the two supporting blocks 32 are exposed relative to the two limiting portions 1162 respectively. When the foldable terminal 1000 is opened and closed, the friction portions 45 of the two friction members 40 will not contact the first protrusions 514 of the two swing arms 50. That is, the friction portions 45 of the two friction members 40 will not interfere with the rotation of the two swing arms 50, and the foldable terminal 1000 can be opened and closed smoothly.

[0136] When the user needs to use the hovering function, the button 31 can be toggled to the second position, and the supporting surfaces 322 of the two supporting blocks 32 can respectively abut the free portions 44 of the two friction members 40, so that the friction portions 45 of the two friction members 40 are tilted relative to the base 10, thereby reducing the distance between the friction portions 45 of the two friction members 40 and the first protrusions 514 of the two swing arms 50. When the foldable terminal 1000 is opened and closed to the hovering angle range, the friction portions 45 of the two friction members 40 can respectively contact and rub against the first protrusions 514 of the two swing arms 50. The friction force generated by the friction portions 45 and the first protrusions 514 can enable the two swing arms 50 to maintain a certain angle, thereby achieving a hovering effect.

[0137] In the foldable mechanism 130 of the foldable terminal 1000 shown in this embodiment, the hovering function of the foldable terminal 1000 is implemented by utilizing the structural coordination between the button 31, the support block 32, the first friction member 41, and the first protrusion 514 of the first swing arm 51, as well as the structural coordination between the second friction member 42 and the second protrusion 524 of the second swing arm 52. The foldable mechanism 130 has a simple structure, a small size, and a low cost. Moreover, the user can easily switch between using the hovering function and not using the hovering function. The hovering function can be quickly switched by toggling the button 31, which helps to improve the user experience.

[0138] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application; the embodiments of this application and the features of the embodiments can be combined with each other unless there is a conflict. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A foldable mechanism, characterized in that, The invention comprises a base, a first friction member, a first swing arm and a button, wherein the first friction member is installed on the inner side of the base, the first swing arm comprises a first rotating part and a first protruding part, the first rotating part is rotatably connected to the base, is located on the top side of the first friction member, and is arranged opposite to the first friction member, the first protruding part is arranged on the surface of the first rotating part, and is arranged around the rotation center of the first rotating part, the button is installed on the base, and can move between a first position and a second position relative to the base; When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is at the first position, the first protrusion is spaced apart from the first friction member; When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is at the second position, the first protrusion and the first friction member rub against each other.

2. The foldable mechanism according to claim 1, wherein The first friction member comprises an assembly part, a friction part and a free part, the assembly part is mounted on the base, the friction part is fixedly connected to one side of the assembly part and arranged opposite to the first rotating part, and the free part is fixedly connected to one side of the friction part away from the assembly part; The base is provided with a sliding hole, the sliding hole communicates the inner side and the outer side of the base and is arranged opposite to the button; The foldable mechanism further includes a support block, which is inserted into the sliding hole and fixedly connected to the button and can move relative to the base under the drive of the button; When the button is in the first position, the support block and the free portion are staggered, and the friction portion and the first protruding portion are spaced apart; When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is at the second position, the support block abuts against the free portion, and the friction portion and the first protrusion rub against each other.

3. The foldable mechanism according to claim 2, wherein The support block includes a support surface away from the button, and the support block is provided with a stopper, the stopper is provided on a side of the support block away from the button and protrudes relative to the support surface; When the button is in the second position, the supporting surface abuts against the free portion, and the stop portion is located on a side of the free portion facing the first position.

4. The foldable mechanism according to claim 3, wherein The support block also includes a transition surface, which is connected to the support surface. In the direction from the first position to the second position, the distance between the transition surface and the support surface becomes larger and larger. When the key is in the first position, the transition surface is located on the side of the support surface facing the free portion.

5. The foldable mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The base is provided with a limiting portion, the limiting portion is arranged on the inner side of the base, the limiting portion includes a limiting part, the limiting part is located on the top side of the free part and is arranged opposite to the free part.

6. The foldable mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The foldable mechanism also includes a second swing arm, which includes a second rotating part, and the second rotating part is rotatably connected to the base. When the foldable mechanism switches between the unfolded state and the folded state, the rotation direction of the first swing arm relative to the base is a first direction, and the rotation direction of the second swing arm relative to the base is a second direction, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

7. The foldable mechanism according to claim 6, wherein The foldable mechanism further includes a second friction member, which is installed on the inner side of the base, located at the bottom side of the second rotating part, and is arranged opposite to the second rotating part. The second swing arm further includes a second protrusion, which is arranged on the surface of the second rotating part and is arranged around the rotation center of the second rotating part; When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is in the first position, the second protrusion is arranged at an interval from the second friction member; When the foldable mechanism is within the hovering angle range and the button is in the second position, the second protrusion and the second friction member rub against each other.

8. The collapsible mechanism according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The foldable mechanism further includes a synchronization component, which is installed on the base and is used to drive the first swing arm and the second swing arm to rotate synchronously relative to the base.

9. The foldable mechanism according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The foldable mechanism includes a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a first elastic member, a second elastic member, a damping bracket, the first swing arm and the second swing arm. The first rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft, the first elastic member, the second elastic member and the damping bracket are all installed on the inner side of the base. The first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are arranged at an interval and opposite to each other. The damping bracket is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. The first elastic member and the second elastic member are located on the same side of the damping bracket. The first elastic member is sleeved on the first rotating shaft, and the second elastic member is sleeved on the second rotating shaft. The first swing arm is sleeved on the first rotating shaft, and respectively abuts against the opposite ends of the first elastic member with the damping bracket, and is hinged to the damping bracket. The second swing arm is sleeved on the second rotating shaft, and respectively abuts against the opposite ends of the second elastic member with the damping bracket, and is hinged to the damping bracket.

10. The foldable mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The button moves between the first position and the second position relative to the base along the Y-axis direction, and the Y-axis direction is the length direction of the base.

11. The foldable mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The base is provided with an installation groove, the opening of the installation groove is located on the bottom surface of the base, the button is installed in the installation groove and can move relative to the base in the installation groove.

12. The foldable mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The hovering angle range is greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 125°.

13. A foldable terminal, characterized in that, It includes a first housing, a second housing and the foldable mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and the foldable mechanism is connected between the first housing and the second housing.

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