CN115250299A

CN115250299A - Folding mechanism and electronic equipment

Info

Publication number: CN115250299A
Application number: CN202110448404.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 徐正一; 牛林辉; 刘婷; 马春军; 李云勇; 管城豪
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-04-25
Filing date: 2021-04-25
Publication date: 2022-10-28
Also published as: WO2022228158A1

Abstract

The application discloses folding mechanism and electronic equipment. The folding mechanism connects the first shell and the second shell so as to enable the first shell and the second shell to be unfolded or folded relatively. The folding mechanism comprises a main shaft, a first connecting arm, a first ball and a first elastic component. The first rotating end of the first connecting arm is connected with the first shell. The second rotating end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected with the main shaft. At least part of the process that electronic equipment is expanding or folding, the relative main shaft rotation of second rotation end of first linking arm, first elastic component takes place deformation to extrude first ball to the second rotation end of first linking arm. The first ball rolls relative to the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. Therefore, the folding mechanism can reduce the rotating speed of the first shell and the second shell, so that the flexible screen of the electronic equipment is protected, and the reliability of the flexible screen of the electronic equipment is improved.

Description

Folding mechanism and electronic equipment

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of foldable electronic products, and in particular, to a folding mechanism and an electronic device.

Background

The foldable mobile phone is increasingly popular with users because it has a large display area in the unfolded state and is miniaturized in the folded state. A conventional folding handset includes a flexible screen, a first housing, a second housing, and a folding mechanism. The first shell and the second shell are used for bearing the flexible screen. The folding mechanism is connected between the first shell and the second shell. The folding mechanism is used for unfolding or folding the first shell and the second shell relatively and unfolding or folding the flexible screen. However, in the process of folding or unfolding, the conventional folding mechanism is easy to cause the first housing and the second housing to unfold or fold at a higher speed due to improper operation of a user, so that the flexible screen is damaged.

Disclosure of Invention

The application provides a folding mechanism and electronic equipment. The folding mechanism can be applied to a folding device of an electronic device. The electronic device may further comprise a flexible screen mounted to the folding means. The folding mechanism can reduce the folding or unfolding speed of the first shell and the second shell in the unfolding or folding process, so that the flexible screen is protected, the reliability of the flexible screen is improved, and the flexible screen and the electronic equipment have long service life.

In a first aspect, the present application provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a folding mechanism, a first housing, and a second housing. The folding mechanism is connected with the first shell and the second shell. The folding mechanism comprises a main shaft, a first connecting arm, a first ball and a first elastic component. The first link arm includes a first rotating end and a second rotating end. The first rotating end of the first connecting arm is connected with the first shell. The second rotating end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected with the main shaft. The first ball and the first elastic component are arranged on the main shaft.

When the electronic device is in the flattening state, the first ball is located between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, the first elastic component abuts against the first ball, and the first ball abuts against the second rotating end of the first connecting arm.

Electronic equipment is at the at least partial in-process that expandes or fold, and the relative main shaft of second rotation end of first linking arm rotates, and first elastic component takes place to deform, and the second rotation end of first linking arm is rolled to first ball relatively. The deformation of the first elastic component comprises the following conditions: one is that when the electronic device is in the flat state, the first elastic component is in the natural state (i.e. the compression amount of the first elastic component is zero), and during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device, the compression amount of the first elastic component changes to be in the compressed state. Alternatively, when the electronic device is in the flattened state, the first elastic component is in the compressed state (i.e., the amount of compression of the first elastic component is not zero), and the amount of compression of the first elastic component may or may not be changed during at least a part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device. In other embodiments, the deformation of the first elastic element may include other conditions.

It is understood that when the electronic device is unfolded or folded at least partially, the first elastic component is deformed, and the first ball bearing can be pressed towards the second rotating end of the first connecting arm by the first elastic component. The frictional force between the first ball and the second rotating end of the first link arm can be increased to a large extent. In this way, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm is not easy to rotate relative to the main shaft during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device. Thus, this friction may impede the folding of the electronic device to some extent. When the electronic equipment is in a flattening state, the stability of the electronic equipment is better. It should be noted that the hindering of the folding of the electronic device may be that when the user needs to fold the electronic device, the user applies a force to the electronic device, and when the force applied by the user does not overcome the friction force, the electronic device cannot be folded.

In addition, compared with the scheme that the first elastic component directly acts on the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, the sliding relationship between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm can be converted into the rolling manner by the first ball arranged between the second rotating end of the first connecting arm and the first elastic component, so that the friction loss between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm is reduced.

In addition, compared with the scheme that the first ball and the first elastic assembly are arranged in the first shell or the second shell, the weight of the first shell or the second shell can be reduced on one hand by arranging the first ball and the first elastic assembly in the main shaft, so that the light setting of the first shell and the second shell is facilitated, and the difficulty in relative unfolding or folding of the first shell and the second shell is reduced; on the other hand, the folding mechanisms are distributed more intensively, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization rate of the electronic equipment.

In one implementation, the first resilient component is in a compressed state when the electronic device is in a flattened state.

It is understood that the first elastic member may press the first ball bearing toward the second rotation end of the first link arm when the electronic device is in a flattened state. The frictional force between the first ball and the second rotating end of the first link arm can be increased to a large extent. Therefore, when the electronic equipment is in a flattening state, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm is not easy to rotate relative to the main shaft. Thus, this friction may impede the folding of the electronic device to some extent. When the electronic equipment is in a flattening state, the stability of the electronic equipment is better. It should be noted that the blocking of the folding of the electronic device may be that when the user needs to fold the electronic device, the user applies a force to the electronic device, and when the force applied by the user does not overcome the friction force, the electronic device cannot be folded.

In an implementable manner, the direction of deformation of the first resilient component is parallel to the direction of elongation of the main shaft.

In one implementation, the second rotational end of the first link arm includes an arcuate arm. The arc arm of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected with the main shaft. The arc-shaped arm of the first connecting arm has a first side surface. The first side surface is convexly provided with a first convex block.

When the electronic equipment is in a flattening state, the first ball supports against the first side surface.

The first rolling ball rolls relative to the first bump during the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device.

It can be understood that when the electronic device is folded from the flat state to the closed state, the first rolling ball rolls relative to the first bump. When the folding angle of the electronic device is small, the first ball can roll to the lower position of the first bump of the first connecting arm again under the action of the first bump of the first connecting arm. Therefore, the electronic equipment can be automatically unfolded to be in a flat state when the folding angle of the electronic equipment is small through the matching of the first ball and the first bump.

In addition, when the electronic equipment is converted from the closing state to the flattening state, the first ball rolls relative to the first bump. When the flattening angle of the electronic equipment is large (close to a flattening state), the first ball rolls from the high position of the first bump of the first connecting arm to the low position of the first bump of the first connecting arm, the rolling speed of the first ball is high, and a user can experience the hand feeling of flattening in place.

In one implementation, the first projection of the first link arm has a first inclined surface. The first inclined surface is connected with the first side surface of the first connecting arm. When the electronic device is in a flat state, the first ball abuts against the first inclined surface of the first connecting arm.

It is understood that, when the first elastic member applies a force to the first inclined surface of the first connection arm through the first ball, the first connection arm may receive a supporting force in a thickness direction of the electronic device (also referred to as a flattening supporting force). The supporting force can prevent the second rotating end of the first connecting arm from rotating relative to the main shaft to some extent, that is, the supporting force can prevent the electronic device from folding to some extent. Therefore, the supporting force can ensure that the electronic equipment has better stability when being in a flattening state.

In one implementation, the second rotating end of the first link arm includes a second tab. The second bump is arranged on the first side surface of the first connecting arm in a protruding mode. The second bump is spaced from the first bump.

When the electronic device is in a flattened state, at least one part of the first ball is positioned between the first lug and the second lug.

It can be appreciated that by providing a second protrusion at the second rotational end of the first link arm, the second protrusion of the first link arm can cooperate with the first protrusion to limit the first ball in the first direction. The first direction is a direction in which the first bump faces the second bump.

In one implementation, a spindle includes a base and a first housing. The first shell is fixedly connected to the base. The first housing and the base together enclose a first accommodating space, a first rolling groove and a first arc-shaped groove which are sequentially communicated.

The first elastic component is arranged in the first accommodating space. At least part of the first ball is connected with the first rolling groove in a rolling way. The arc arm of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the first arc groove.

It will be appreciated that the engagement of the arcuate arms of the first link arm with the first arcuate slot of the spindle may form a virtual spindle rotational connection. The second rotating end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected with the main shaft through the virtual shaft, the design difficulty of the folding mechanism can be reduced, the size requirement on the folding mechanism is low, and the folding mechanism and the folding device are light and thin.

In addition, the first ball may be restrained in the second direction by the base and the first housing by rolling at least a part of the first ball in the first rolling groove. The second direction is a direction in which the first housing faces the base.

In one implementation, the folding mechanism further includes a second connecting arm and a second ball. The second connecting arm includes a first rotating end and a second rotating end. The first rotating end of the second connecting arm is connected with the second shell. The second rotating end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected with the main shaft. The second ball is arranged on the main shaft and is arranged at intervals with the first ball.

When the electronic device is in a flattening state, the second ball is located between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the second connecting arm, the first elastic component abuts against the second ball, and the second ball abuts against the second rotating end of the second connecting arm.

And during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic equipment, the second rotating end of the second connecting arm rotates relative to the main shaft, and the second ball rolls relative to the second rotating end of the second connecting arm.

It is understood that, when the electronic device is unfolded or folded at least partially, the first elastic component deforms, and the first elastic component can press the second ball toward the second rotation end of the second connection arm. The frictional force between the second ball and the second rotating end of the second connecting arm can be increased to a large extent. In this way, the second rotating end of the second connecting arm is not easy to rotate relative to the main shaft during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device. Thus, this friction may impede the folding of the electronic device to some extent. When the electronic equipment is in a flattening state, the stability of the electronic equipment is better. It should be noted that the hindering of the folding of the electronic device may be that when the user needs to fold the electronic device, the user applies a force to the electronic device, and when the force applied by the user does not overcome the friction force, the electronic device cannot be folded.

In addition, compare in the scheme that first elastic component directly acts on the second of second linking arm and rotates the end, this embodiment is through setting up the second ball between the second of second linking arm rotates the end and first elastic component, and the second ball can be rotated the sliding relation conversion between the end with the second of second linking arm and is rolled the mode to reduce the friction loss between the second of first elastic component and second linking arm and rotate the end.

In addition, compared with the scheme that the second ball is arranged in the first shell or the second shell, the weight of the first shell or the second shell can be reduced on one hand by arranging the second ball in the main shaft, so that the light setting of the first shell and the second shell is facilitated, and the difficulty in relative unfolding or folding of the first shell and the second shell is reduced; on the other hand, the folding mechanisms are distributed more intensively, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization rate of the electronic equipment.

In addition, the first elastic component can extrude the second rotating end of the first connecting arm through the first ball and can extrude the second rotating end of the second connecting arm through the second ball, and the first elastic component has the effect of being multipurpose.

In one implementation, the first resilient assembly includes a first bracket and a first resilient member. The first elastic component deforms and the first elastic element deforms. The first support is slidably connected with the main shaft. The first support comprises a first abutting part and a first guide part. The first guide part is fixedly connected with the first butting part. The first elastic element is sleeved on the first guide part. One end of the first elastic piece abuts against the first abutting part, and the other end abuts against the main shaft. A part of the first ball is contacted with the first butting part, and the first butting part is arranged between the first ball and the first elastic piece. A part of the second ball is contacted with the first abutting part, and the first abutting part is arranged between the second ball and the first elastic piece.

It can be understood that the first elastic component has a simpler structure and is easy to implement.

In an implementation manner, the first abutting portion of the first bracket is provided with a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove which are arranged at an interval. A part of the first ball contacts with the first holding portion, including: a part of the first ball is in contact with the first limit groove. A part of the second ball contacts with the first holding part, including: and a part of the second ball is positioned in the second limiting groove.

It can be understood that the groove wall of the first limiting groove can prevent the first ball from rolling out of the first limiting groove, that is, the first limiting groove has a limiting effect on the first ball. In addition, the cell wall of second spacing groove can avoid the second ball to roll out of the second spacing groove, also the second spacing groove has the spacing effect to the second ball.

In one implementation, the folding mechanism further includes a third ball and a second resilient component. The third ball and the second elastic component are both arranged on the main shaft.

When the electronic device is in a flattening state, the third ball is located between the second elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, the second elastic component abuts against the third ball, and the third ball abuts against the second rotating end of the first connecting arm.

At least part of the process that electronic equipment is expanding or folding, the deformation takes place for the second elastic component, and the second rotation end of third ball relative first linking arm rolls, and the deformation direction of second elastic component is opposite with the deformation direction of first elastic component. The deformation of the second elastic component comprises the following conditions: one is that when the electronic device is in the flat state, the second elastic component is in the natural state (i.e. the compression amount of the second elastic component is zero), and during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device, the compression amount of the second elastic component changes to be in the compressed state. Alternatively, when the electronic device is in the flattened state, the second elastic element is in the compressed state (i.e., the amount of compression of the second elastic element is not zero), and the amount of compression of the second elastic element may or may not change during at least a portion of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device. In other embodiments, the deformation of the second elastic element may include other conditions.

It will be appreciated that the second resilient member may be adapted to press the third ball towards the second pivot end of the first link arm when the second resilient member is deformed during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device. The frictional force between the third ball and the second rotating end of the first link arm can be increased to a large extent. In this way, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm is not easy to rotate relative to the main shaft during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device. Thus, this friction may impede the folding of the electronic device to some extent. When the electronic equipment is in a flattening state, the stability of the electronic equipment is better. It should be noted that the blocking of the folding of the electronic device may be that when the user needs to fold the electronic device, the user applies a force to the electronic device, and when the force applied by the user does not overcome the friction force, the electronic device cannot be folded.

In addition, compared with the scheme that the second elastic component directly acts on the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, the third ball is arranged between the second rotating end of the first connecting arm and the second elastic component, and the sliding relation between the second elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm can be converted into a rolling mode through the third ball, so that the friction loss between the second elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm is reduced.

In addition, compared with the scheme that the third ball and the second elastic assembly are arranged in the first shell or the second shell, the third ball and the second elastic assembly are arranged in the main shaft, so that the weight of the first shell or the second shell can be reduced on one hand, the light-weight arrangement of the first shell and the second shell is facilitated, and the difficulty of relative expansion or folding of the first shell and the second shell is further reduced; on the other hand, the folding mechanisms are distributed more intensively, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization rate of the electronic equipment.

In addition, the deformation direction of the second elastic component is opposite to that of the first elastic component, so that the force of the first elastic component and the force of the second elastic component on the second rotating end of the first connecting arm can be offset or reduced, and the first connecting arm is guaranteed to have better stability. On the other hand, the symmetry of the folded structure can be improved.

In an implementable manner, the first ball is disposed apart from the second rotating end of the first link arm when the electronic device is in the closed state. At this time, on the one hand, the first link arm is no longer subjected to the damping force of the first elastic member. On the other hand, the length of the second rotating end of the first connecting arm can be set to be shorter, and the probability that the second rotating end of the first connecting arm interferes with the main shaft is lower.

In one implementation, the folding mechanism further comprises a first mount and a second mount. The first fixing frame is fixedly connected with the first shell. The second fixing frame is fixedly connected with the second shell. The first rotating end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected with the first fixing frame. The first rotating end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected with the second fixing frame.

In an achievable form, the first turning end of the first connecting arm is provided with a turning hole. The first fixing frame is provided with a rotating hole. The rotating shaft is rotatably connected with the first fixing frame at least through a rotating hole of the first fixing frame. The rotating shaft is rotatably connected with the first connecting arm at least through a rotating hole at the first rotating end.

In one implementation, the folding mechanism further includes a first swing arm and a second swing arm. The first swing arm includes a rotating end and a movable end. The rotating end of the first swing arm is rotatably connected with the main shaft. The movable end of the first swing arm is connected with the first fixing frame in a sliding mode. The second swing arm includes a rotating end and a movable end. The rotating end of the second swing arm is rotatably connected with the main shaft. The movable end of the second swing arm is connected with the second fixing frame in a sliding manner.

In one implementation, the folding mechanism further comprises a plurality of gears. Each gear is rotatably connected with the main shaft. Two adjacent gears intermeshing, the rotation end of first swing arm passes through the rotation end of a plurality of gear engagement second swing arm.

In one implementation, the folding mechanism further includes a first support plate and a second support plate. The first supporting plate slides and is rotatably connected with the movable end of the first swing arm. The first supporting plate is rotatably connected with the first fixing frame. The second supporting plate slides and is rotatably connected with the movable end of the second swing arm. The second supporting plate is rotatably connected with the second fixing frame.

When the electronic equipment is in a flattening state, the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate are respectively positioned on two sides of the main shaft. When the electronic equipment is in a closed state, the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate are arranged oppositely.

In one implementation, the movable end of the first swing arm includes a first slider, a second slider, a first rotating block, and a second rotating block. The first sliding block and the second sliding block are arranged at intervals. The first rotating block is arranged on the first sliding block. The second rotating block is arranged on the second sliding block. The first rotating block and the second rotating block are both provided with rotating shaft holes. The rotating shaft hole of the first rotating block and the rotating shaft hole of the second rotating block are oppositely arranged. The first sliding block of the first swing arm is connected to the first sliding groove of the first fixing frame in a sliding mode. The second sliding block of the first swing arm is connected to the second sliding groove of the first fixing frame in a sliding mode. The first support plate is provided with a first arc-shaped hole. The first arc-shaped hole is positioned between the first rotating block and the second rotating block of the first swing arm. One end of the pin shaft is rotatably or fixedly connected to the first rotating block. The other end of the pin shaft rotates or is fixedly connected with a rotating shaft hole of the second rotating block. The middle part of the pin shaft is connected with the first arc-shaped hole in a sliding mode.

In a second aspect, the present application provides a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism comprises a main shaft, a first connecting arm, a first ball and a first elastic component. The second rotating end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected with the main shaft. The first ball and the first elastic component are arranged on the main shaft.

When the folding mechanism is in a flattening state, the first ball is located between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, the first elastic component abuts against the first ball, and the first ball abuts against the second rotating end of the first connecting arm.

Folding mechanism is in the at least partial in-process that expandes or fold, and the relative main shaft of the second rotation end of first linking arm rotates, and first elastic component takes place to deform, and the second rotation end of the relative first linking arm of first ball rolls. The deformation of the first elastic component comprises the following conditions: one is that when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the first elastic component is in the natural state (i.e. the compression of the first elastic component is zero), and during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism, the compression of the first elastic component changes to be in the compressed state. Alternatively, the first elastic element may be in a compressed state (i.e., the amount of compression of the first elastic element is not zero) when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, and the amount of compression of the first elastic element may or may not be variable during at least a portion of the unfolding or folding of the folding mechanism. In other embodiments, the deformation of the first elastic element may include other conditions.

It will be appreciated that the first resilient member may be deformed during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism, and the first resilient member may be adapted to urge the first ball towards the second pivot end of the first link arm. The frictional force between the first ball and the second rotating end of the first link arm can be increased to a large extent. Thus, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm is not easy to rotate relative to the main shaft during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism. Thus, this friction may impede folding of the folding mechanism to some extent. When the folding mechanism is in the flattening state, the stability of the folding mechanism is better.

In an achievable manner, the direction of deformation of the first resilient component is parallel to the direction of length extension of the main shaft.

In one achievable form, the first resilient component is in a compressed state when the folding mechanism is in the flattened state.

It will be appreciated that the first resilient component may urge the first ball bearing towards the second rotational end of the first link arm when the folding mechanism is in the flattened state. The frictional force between the first ball and the second rotating end of the first link arm can be increased to a large extent. Thus, when the folding mechanism is in the flattening state, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm is not easy to rotate relative to the main shaft. Thus, this friction may impede folding of the folding mechanism to some extent. When the folding mechanism is in the flattening state, the stability of the folding mechanism is better.

When the folding mechanism is in a flattening state, the first ball is abutted against the first side face.

During the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism, the first ball rolls relative to the first lug.

It will be appreciated that the first ball rolls against the first tab when the folding mechanism is folded from the flat condition to the closed condition. When the folding angle of the folding mechanism is smaller, the first ball can roll to the lower position of the first bump of the first connecting arm again under the action of the first bump of the first connecting arm. Therefore, the electronic equipment can be automatically unfolded to be in a flat state when the folding angle of the electronic equipment is small through the matching of the first ball and the first bump.

In addition, when the folding mechanism is converted from the closing state to the flattening state, the first ball rolls relative to the first lug. When the flattening angle of the folding mechanism is large (close to a flattening state), the first ball rolls from the high position of the first bump of the first connecting arm to the low position of the first bump of the first connecting arm, the rolling speed of the first ball is high, and a user can experience hand feeling of flattening in place.

In one realizable manner, the first projection of the first connecting arm has a first inclined face. The first inclined surface is connected with the first side surface of the first connecting arm. When the folding mechanism is in a flattening state, the first ball bearing is abutted against the first inclined surface of the first connecting arm.

It is to be understood that, when the first elastic member applies a force to the first inclined surface of the first link arm via the first ball, the first link arm may receive a supporting force in a thickness direction of the folding mechanism (also referred to as a flattening supporting force). The supporting force can prevent the second rotating end of the first connecting arm from rotating relative to the main shaft to a certain extent, that is, the supporting force can prevent the folding mechanism from folding to a certain extent. Therefore, the supporting force can ensure that the folding mechanism has better stability when being in a flattening state.

In one implementation, the second rotating end of the first link arm includes a second tab. The second bump is arranged on the first side surface of the first connecting arm in a protruding mode. The second bump is spaced from the first bump. When the folding mechanism is in the flattening state, at least one part of the first ball is positioned between the first lug and the second lug.

It will be appreciated that by providing the second protrusion at the second rotational end of the first link arm, the second protrusion of the first link arm can cooperate with the first protrusion to position the first ball in the first direction. The first direction is a direction in which the first bump faces the second bump.

It will be appreciated that the engagement of the arcuate arms of the first link arm with the first arcuate slot of the spindle may form a virtual spindle rotational connection. The second rotating end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected with the main shaft through the virtual shaft, so that the design difficulty of the folding mechanism can be reduced, the size requirement on the folding mechanism is low, and the folding mechanism and the folding device are light and thin.

In one implementation, the folding mechanism further includes a second connecting arm and a second ball. The second rotating end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected with the main shaft. The second ball is arranged on the main shaft.

When the folding mechanism is in a flattening state, the second ball is positioned between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the second connecting arm, the first elastic component abuts against the second ball, and the second ball abuts against the second rotating end of the second connecting arm.

When the folding mechanism is unfolded or folded at least in part, the second rotating end of the second connecting arm rotates relative to the main shaft, the first elastic assembly deforms, and the second ball rolls relative to the second rotating end of the second connecting arm.

It will be appreciated that the first resilient member is deformable during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism, and the first resilient member is adapted to urge the second ball towards the second pivot end of the second link arm. The frictional force between the second ball and the second rotating end of the second connecting arm can be increased to a large extent. Thus, the second rotating end of the second connecting arm is not easy to rotate relative to the main shaft during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism. Thus, this friction may impede folding of the folding mechanism to some extent. When the folding mechanism is in the flattening state, the stability of the electronic equipment is better.

In one implementation, the first resilient assembly includes a first bracket and a first resilient member. The first elastic component deforms and the first elastic element deforms. The first support is slidably connected with the main shaft. The first support comprises a first abutting part and a first guide part. The first guide part is fixedly connected with the first butting part. The first elastic element is sleeved on the first guide part. One end of the first elastic piece abuts against the first abutting part, and the other end abuts against the main shaft. A part of the first ball is contacted with the first abutting part, and the first abutting part is arranged between the first ball and the first elastic piece. A part of the second ball is contacted with the first abutting part, and the first abutting part is arranged between the second ball and the first elastic piece.

It can be appreciated that the first resilient component is relatively simple in construction and easy to implement.

In one implementation, the folding mechanism further comprises a third ball and a second resilient component. The third ball and the second elastic component are both arranged on the main shaft.

When the folding mechanism is in a flattening state, the third ball is positioned between the second elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, the second elastic component supports against the third ball, and the third ball supports against the second rotating end of the first connecting arm.

The folding mechanism is at the at least partial in-process that expandes or fold, and the deformation takes place for the second elastic component, and the second rotation end of third ball relative first linking arm rolls, and the deformation direction of second elastic component is opposite with the deformation direction of first elastic component. The deformation of the second elastic component comprises the following conditions: one is that when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the second elastic component is in the natural state (i.e. the compression amount of the second elastic component is zero), and during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism, the compression amount of the second elastic component changes to be in the compressed state. Alternatively, the second elastic element is in a compressed state (i.e., the amount of compression of the second elastic element is not zero) when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, and the amount of compression of the second elastic element may or may not be changed during at least a portion of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism. In other embodiments, the deformation of the second elastic element may include other conditions.

In one implementation, the first ball is disposed apart from the second pivot end of the first link arm when the folding mechanism is in the closed state.

It will be appreciated that the second resilient member may be deformed during at least part of the unfolding or folding of the folding mechanism, and the second resilient member may be adapted to urge the third ball towards the second pivot end of the first link arm. The frictional force between the third ball and the second rotating end of the first link arm can be increased to a large extent. Thus, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm is not easy to rotate relative to the main shaft during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism. Thus, this friction may impede folding of the folding mechanism to some extent. When the folding mechanism is in the flattening state, the stability of the folding mechanism is better. It should be noted that the blocking of the folding mechanism from folding may be when the user desires to fold the folding mechanism, the user applying a force to the folding mechanism, and the folding mechanism may not be able to fold when the force applied by the user does not overcome the friction.

In addition, compared with the scheme that the third ball and the second elastic assembly are arranged in the first shell or the second shell, the third ball and the second elastic assembly are arranged in the main shaft, so that the weight of the first shell or the second shell can be reduced on one hand, the light-weight arrangement of the first shell and the second shell is facilitated, and the difficulty of relative expansion or folding of the first shell and the second shell is further reduced; on the other hand, the folding mechanisms are distributed more intensively, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization rate of the folding mechanisms.

In a realizable manner, the first ball is disposed apart from the second rotating end of the first link arm when the folding mechanism is in the closed state. At this time, on the one hand, the first link arm is no longer subjected to the damping force of the first elastic member. On the other hand, the length of the second rotating end of the first connecting arm can be set to be shorter, and the probability that the second rotating end of the first connecting arm interferes with the spindle is lower.

In one implementation, the folding mechanism further comprises a first mount and a second mount. The first fixing frame is used for fixedly connecting the first shell. The second fixing frame is used for fixedly connecting the second shell. The first rotating end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected with the first fixing frame. The first rotating end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected with the second fixing frame.

In one implementation, the folding mechanism further comprises a plurality of gears. Each gear is rotatably connected with the main shaft. Two adjacent gears are meshed with each other, and the rotating end of the first swing arm is meshed with the rotating end of the second swing arm through a plurality of gears.

When the folding mechanism is in a flattening state, the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate are respectively positioned on two sides of the main shaft. When the folding mechanism is in a closed state, the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate are arranged oppositely.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in a flattened state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded schematic view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 in a closed state;

FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 3 at line A1-A1;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded schematic view of the folding device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exploded schematic view of the folding mechanism shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded schematic view of the spindle shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8a is a schematic view of the spindle shown in FIG. 7 at another angle;

FIG. 8b is a schematic view of a portion of the spindle shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the first end of the base shown in FIG. 8 a;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the first housing shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the spindle shown in FIG. 8b, taken along line A2-A2;

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the spindle shown in FIG. 8b, taken along line A3-A3;

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the spindle shown in FIG. 8b, taken along line A4-A4;

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the spindle shown in FIG. 8b, taken along line A5-A5;

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the spindle shown in FIG. 8b, taken along line A6-A6;

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the spindle shown in FIG. 8b, taken along line A7-A7;

FIG. 17 is a schematic structural view of the first and second holders shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the first mount shown in FIG. 17 at another angle;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged schematic view of the portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 19 at A8;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of the first and second link arms shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of the first and second link arms of FIG. 21 at an alternative angle;

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of the first and second link arms of FIG. 21 at yet another angle;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of a portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of a portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 26 taken along line A9-A9;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 27 in a closed position;

FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the first stop member shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 30 is a schematic structural view of the first and second stop members shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 31 is a partial block diagram of the folding device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 32 is an enlarged schematic view of the portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 31 at B1;

FIG. 33a is a schematic view of the partially folded device of FIG. 31 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 33b is an enlarged schematic view of the portion of the folding device 1 shown in FIG. 33a at M;

FIG. 34 is a partial block diagram of the folding device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged schematic view of the portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 34 at B2;

FIG. 36 is a schematic view of the partially folded apparatus shown in FIG. 34 in a closed position;

FIG. 37 is a schematic structural view of the first swing arm, the gear module and the second swing arm shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 38 is a partial block diagram of the folding device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged schematic view of the portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 38 at B3;

FIG. 40 is a schematic view of a portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 38 taken along line B4-B4;

FIG. 42 is a schematic view of the construction of the first and second support plates shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 43 is a schematic view of the first and second support plates shown in FIG. 42 at another angle;

fig. 44 is an enlarged schematic view of the first support plate of fig. 43 at B5;

FIG. 45 is a schematic view of the folding device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 46 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 45 taken along line B6-B6;

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 46 in a closed position;

FIG. 48 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 45 taken along line B7-B7;

figure 49 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding device shown in figure 48 in a closed position.

Detailed Description

The following embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings of the embodiments of the present application.

In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the term "connected" is to be interpreted broadly, unless explicitly stated or limited otherwise, and for example, "connected" may or may not be detachably connected; may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate. The term "fixedly connected" may refer to the relative positions of the two parts connected to each other. The "rotation connection" may be connected to each other and can rotate relatively after being connected. The "sliding connection" may be connected to each other and can slide relative to each other after being connected. "rolling" may be a compound motion of rotation and displacement. The directional terms used in the embodiments of the present application, such as "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," etc., are used solely in reference to the orientation of the figures, and thus are used for better and clearer illustration and understanding of the embodiments of the present application, rather than to indicate or imply that the device or element so referred to must be constructed and operated in a particular orientation and, therefore, should not be taken as limiting the embodiments of the present application.

"plurality" means at least two.

Referring to fig. 1 to 4, fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device 100 in a flattened state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a partially exploded schematic view of the electronic device 100 shown in fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device 100 shown in fig. 1 in a closed state. Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device 100 shown in fig. 3 at line A1-A1.

The electronic device 100 comprises a folding apparatus 1 and a flexible screen 2. The flexible screen 2 is used for displaying images. The flexible screen 2 is fixedly connected with the folding device 1. The folding device 1 can unfold or fold the flexible screen 2 to enable the electronic apparatus 100 to be switched between a flat state and a closed state. It should be understood that when the electronic apparatus 100 is in the flat state, correspondingly, the folding device 1 is also in the flat state. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, correspondingly, the folding apparatus 1 is also in the closed state. Thus, when the electronic device 100 is in the flat state, the electronic device 100 has a larger display area and the viewing experience of the user is better. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the plane size of the electronic device 100 is small, which is convenient for the user to carry. The electronic device 100 may be a foldable electronic product such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, and a notebook computer. The electronic device 100 of the embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 4 is illustrated by taking a mobile phone as an example.

For convenience of description, the thickness direction of the electronic apparatus 100 is defined as the Z-axis direction, and the extending direction of the rotation axis of the electronic apparatus 100 is defined as the Y-axis direction, that is, the width direction of the electronic apparatus 100 is defined as the Y-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Y-axis and the Z-axis is the X-axis, i.e., the length direction of the electronic device 100 is the X-axis. It is understood that the coordinate system of the electronic device 100 can be flexibly configured according to specific requirements. In the present embodiment, when the direction of the rotation axis of the electronic apparatus 100 is the Y-axis direction, the folding device 1 can relatively unfold or fold the flexible screen 2 along the Y-axis direction. In this way, when the electronic apparatus 100 is in the closed state, the size of the electronic apparatus 100 in the X-axis direction becomes small.

Referring to fig. 5 in conjunction with fig. 1 to 4, fig. 5 is a partially exploded view of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 2. The folding device 1 includes a folding mechanism 101, a first housing 102, and a second housing 103. The folding mechanism 101 is connected between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103. The folding mechanism 101 is used to unfold or fold the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 relative to each other.

As shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2, when the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 are unfolded to a flat state, the electronic device 100 is in the flat state, and the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 may be at an angle of 180 °. In other embodiments, the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 may also have a slight deviation from 180 °, such as 165 °, 177 °, or 185 °.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, when the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 are folded relatively to the closed state, the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 can be folded together, and there is no large gap between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103. Thus, the electronic device 100 has better appearance experience and better waterproof, dustproof and foreign object prevention performances. The condition that the first shell 102 and the second shell 103 are folded includes the condition that the two are abutted against each other, and can also include the condition that a small gap is formed between the two. When there is a small gap between the first casing 102 and the second casing 103, some foreign objects outside the electronic device 100 may not enter between the first casing 102 and the second casing 103 through the gap.

The first housing 102 and the second housing 103 may also be relatively unfolded or folded to an intermediate state, so that the electronic device 100 is in the intermediate state, and the intermediate state may be any state between the unfolded state and the closed state.

Referring to fig. 1, fig. 2 and fig. 4 again, the flexible screen 2 includes a first non-bending portion 21, a bending portion 22 and a second non-bending portion 23. The bent portion 22 is connected between the first non-bent portion 21 and the second non-bent portion 23. In both fig. 1 and 2, the first non-bent portion 21, the bent portion 22, and the second non-bent portion 23 are schematically and simply divided by a broken line. The first non-bent portion 21 of the flexible screen 2 is fixedly connected to the first housing 102. The second non-bending portion 23 is fixedly connected to the second housing 103. In the process of relatively unfolding or folding the first housing 102 and the second housing 103, the first housing 102 may drive the first non-bending portion 21 to move, the second housing 103 may drive the second non-bending portion 23 to move, the first non-bending portion 21 and the second non-bending portion 23 are relatively unfolded or folded, and the bending portion 22 may deform.

It can be understood that, because the first non-bending portion 21 is fixedly connected to the first casing 102, and the second non-bending portion 23 is fixedly connected to the second casing 103, when the first casing 102 and the second casing 103 are relatively unfolded or folded, the relative unfolding and folding actions between the first non-bending portion 21 and the second non-bending portion 23 can be accurately controlled, so that the folding process and the movement form of the flexible screen 2 are controllable, and the reliability is high.

As shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2, when the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 are relatively unfolded to a flat state (i.e. the electronic device 100 is in the flat state), the first non-bending portion 21, the bending portion 22, and the second non-bending portion 23 of the flexible screen 2 may be 180 °. In other embodiments, the first non-bent portion 21, the bent portion 22, and the second non-bent portion 23 may also have a slight deviation from 180 °, such as 165 °, 177 °, or 185 °.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, when the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 are in a closed state (i.e., the electronic device is in the closed state), the first non-bending portion 21 and the second non-bending portion 23 are substantially parallel and close to each other, and the bending portion 22 is bent. At this time, the flexible screen 2 is substantially shaped like a "water drop". In addition, the flexible screen 2 is located between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103.

Referring to fig. 6, fig. 6 is an exploded view of the folding mechanism 101 shown in fig. 5. The folding mechanism 101 includes a main shaft 11, a first fixing frame 12, a second fixing frame 13, a first support plate 14, a second support plate 15, a first connecting arm 16, a second connecting arm 17, a first stop member 18, a second stop member 19, a first swing arm 31, a second swing arm 32, and a gear module 33. Illustratively, the extending direction of the length of the main shaft 11 is the Y-axis direction.

The first fixing frame 12, the second fixing frame 13, the first connecting arm 16, the second connecting arm 17, the first stopping member 18, the second stopping member 19, the first swing arm 31, the second swing arm 32 and the gear module 33 may form a first connecting assembly together. Illustratively, the first connection assembly may serve as the bottom connection assembly of the folding mechanism 101. The folding mechanism 101 may also include a second connection assembly. The second connection assembly may serve as the top connection assembly of the folding mechanism 101. The folding mechanism 101 may further include a third connecting assembly, which may be a middle connecting assembly of the folding mechanism 101. The third connecting assembly may not include the first stop member 18, the second stop member 19 or the gear module 33, and may also include the first stop member 18, the second stop member 19 or the gear module 33. The first connecting assembly, the second connecting assembly and the third connecting assembly are connected with the main shaft 11, the first supporting plate 14 and the second supporting plate 15.

Illustratively, the second connecting member may be the same or similar structure, a symmetrical or partially symmetrical structure, or a different structure than the first connecting member. The third connecting assembly is located between the first connecting assembly and the second connecting assembly. In some embodiments, the second connecting component and the first connecting component are in a central symmetrical structure, and the basic design of the component structure of the second connecting component, the design of the connection relationship between the components, and the design of the connection relationship between the components and other structures besides the components can all refer to the related schemes of the first connecting component, and at the same time, the second connecting component and the first connecting component are allowed to have slightly different detailed structures or position arrangements of the components.

Illustratively, the second connecting assembly may include a first fixing frame 12b, a second fixing frame 13b, a first connecting arm 16b, a second connecting arm 17b, a first stopper 18b, a second stopper 19b, a first swing arm 31b, a second swing arm 32b, and a gear module 33b. The structure of each component of the second connecting assembly and the connection relationship between each component and the main shaft 11, the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 can be referred to the related description of the first connecting assembly correspondingly. The third connecting assembly may include a first fixing frame 12c, a second fixing frame 13c, a first connecting arm 16c, a second connecting arm 17c, a first swing arm 31c, and a second swing arm 32c. The structure of each component of the third connecting assembly and the connection relationship between each component and the main shaft 11, the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 can be referred to the related description of the first connecting assembly correspondingly. The embodiment of the present application is not described in detail. In other embodiments, the folding mechanism 101 may also include the first connecting component and other connecting components, and the structures of the other connecting components may be the same as or different from the structures of the first connecting component, which is not strictly limited in this application.

It should be understood that the first holder 12 of the first connecting assembly, the first holder 12b of the second connecting assembly and the first holder 12c of the third connecting assembly may be separate structural members from each other or may be portions of a unitary structural member. The second fixing frame 13 of the first connecting assembly, the second fixing frame 13b of the second connecting assembly and the second fixing frame 13c of the third connecting assembly may be independent structural members, or may be multiple parts of an integrated structural member.

Referring to fig. 7 and 8a in conjunction with fig. 6, fig. 7 is a partially exploded view of the spindle 11 shown in fig. 6. Fig. 8a is a schematic view of the spindle 11 shown in fig. 7 at another angle. The main shaft 11 includes a base 111, a first housing 112, a second housing 113, a third housing 114, and a main housing 115. The base 111 has a first support surface 104. The first support surface 104 is also a first support surface of the spindle 11. The first support surface 104 may be planar.

The base 111 may be an integrally formed structural member, or may be an integrally formed structure formed by assembling. The base 111 includes a first end portion 111a, a middle portion 111b, and a second end portion 111c connected in sequence. It should be noted that, in order to clearly and conveniently describe the specific structure of the base 111, fig. 7 and 8a schematically show the first end portion 111a, the middle portion 111b and the second end portion 111c. The first end 111a of the base 111 may be matingly connected to the first connection assembly. The second end 111c of the base 111 may be matingly connected with the second connection assembly. The middle portion 111b of the base 111 may be cooperatively coupled with a third connecting assembly.

Illustratively, the first end 111a of the base 111 and the second end 111c of the base 111 may be the same or similar structure, a symmetrical or partially symmetrical structure, or different structures. In some embodiments, the first end 111a of the base 111 and the second end 111c of the base 111 are in a central symmetrical structure. Thus, the base 111 has a simple overall structure and low processing cost. In addition, it is advantageous to improve the symmetry of the base 111. It should be understood that the basic design of the component structure of the second end 111c of the base 111, the design of the connection relationship between the components, and the design of the connection relationship between the components and the structure other than the assembly can all refer to the related scheme of the first end 111a of the base 111, and at the same time, the second end 111c of the base 111 and the first end 111a of the base 111 can be slightly different in the detailed structure or position arrangement of the components.

Illustratively, the second housing 113 may be the same or similar structure, a symmetrical or partially symmetrical structure, or a different structure than the first housing 112. In some embodiments, the second housing 113 and the first housing 112 may be a central symmetrical structure. Thus, the main shaft 11 has a simple overall structure and low machining cost. In addition, it is advantageous to improve the symmetry of the main shaft 11. It should be understood that the basic design of the component structure of the second housing 113, the design of the connection relationship between the components, and the design of the connection relationship between the components and other structures besides the assembly can all refer to the related schemes of the first housing 112, while allowing the second housing 113 and the first housing 112 to have a slightly different detailed structure or position arrangement of the components.

Referring to fig. 8b, and referring to fig. 7 and 8a, fig. 8b is a partial structural schematic view of the spindle 11 shown in fig. 6. The first housing 112 is fixedly coupled to the first end 111a of the base 111. The first housing 112 faces away from the first supporting surface 104 of the base 111. Illustratively, the first housing 112 is fixedly coupled to the first end 111a of the base 111 by fasteners (screws, pins, or screws) passing through the first housing 112 and the first end 111a of the base 111. In other embodiments, the first housing 112 and the first end 111a of the base 111 may be fixedly connected to each other by bonding, welding, or the like.

Referring to fig. 8b again, and referring to fig. 7 and 8a, the second housing 113 is fixedly connected to the second end 111c of the base 111. At this time, when the second end 111c of the base 111 is fittingly connected with the second connection assembly, the second housing 113 may be used to cover a part of the second connection assembly to protect the second connection assembly. In addition, the third housing 114 is fixedly coupled to the middle portion 111b of the base 111. At this time, when the middle portion 111b of the base 111 is fittingly coupled with the third coupling assembly, the third housing 114 may be used to cover a part of the third coupling assembly to protect the third coupling assembly.

Referring to fig. 4 again, and referring to fig. 7 and fig. 8a, the main housing 115 is fixedly connected to the base 111 and covers the first housing 112, the second housing 113 and the third housing 114. At this time, the first, second, and

third housings

112, 113, and 114 are located between the base 111 and the main housing 115. Thus, the overall strength of the main shaft 11 is better. Illustratively, the main housing 115 may be fixedly coupled to the base 111 by a snap-fit manner. In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, part of the main housing 115 is exposed to the outside of the electronic device 100. The outer surface of the main shell 115 is smooth, and roughness is small, so that the external consistency of the electronic device 100 is improved, and the user experience of the electronic device 100 is improved.

Referring to fig. 9, fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of the first end 111a of the base 111 shown in fig. 8 a. The portion of the first end 111a of the base 111 facing away from the first supporting surface 104 may form a plurality of groove structures and bump structures. These configurations enable the first end 111a of the base 111 to form a plurality of mating surfaces, such as a first concave curved surface 1111 (the first curved surface 1111 can include a plurality of concave curved surfaces), a first convex curved surface 1112, a second convex curved surface 1113, a second concave curved surface 1114 (the second curved surface 1114 can include a plurality of concave curved surfaces), and a third concave curved surface 1115 (the third curved surface 1115 can include a plurality of concave curved surfaces).

Referring to fig. 10, fig. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of the first housing 112 shown in fig. 7. The first housing 112 is bent to form an inner space 112a of the first housing 112. The inner space 112a is located inside the first housing 112. The inner space 112a of the first housing 112 may form a plurality of groove structures and protrusion structures, which allow the first housing 112 to form a plurality of mating surfaces. For example, the first curved surface 1121 (the first curved surface 1121 may include a plurality of concave curved surfaces), the first curved surface 1122, the second curved surface 1123, the second curved surface 1124 (the second curved surface 1124 may include a plurality of concave curved surfaces), and the third curved surface 1125 (the third curved surface 1125 may include a plurality of concave curved surfaces).

In addition, the first housing 112 is further provided with a plurality of first rotating shaft slots 1126 arranged at intervals and a plurality of second rotating shaft slots 1127 arranged at intervals. The third curved surface 1125 is located between the first and second

rotation axis slots

1126 and 1127. The plurality of first rotation shaft grooves 1126 and the plurality of second rotation shaft grooves 1127 are respectively disposed opposite to each other in a one-to-one correspondence, that is, one first rotation shaft groove 1126 and one second rotation shaft groove 1127 are disposed opposite to each other.

It is understood that the mating surface of the first housing 112 and the mating surface of the first end portion 111a of the base 111 can be mated with each other to collectively form a plurality of connection structures of the main shaft 11 for connection with the first connection assembly. In this way, when the first end 111a of the base 111 is coupled with the first connection assembly, the first housing 112 can be used to cover a part of the first connection assembly to protect the first connection assembly.

Referring to FIG. 11 in conjunction with FIGS. 9 and 10, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the spindle 11 shown in FIG. 8b along line A2-A2. The spindle 11 has a first accommodation space 1161. A portion of the first end 111a of the base 111 and a portion of the first housing 112 together enclose a first accommodating space 1161. Part of the surface of the first accommodating space 1161 includes a part of the first curved surface 1111 of the base 111 and a part of the first curved surface 1121 of the first housing 112.

Referring to FIG. 12, in conjunction with FIGS. 9 and 10, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the spindle 11 shown in FIG. 8b along line A3-A3. The main shaft 11 has a first rolling groove 1162 and a second rolling groove 1163. The partial first curved surface 1111 of the base 111 and the partial first curved surface 1121 of the first housing 112 together enclose a first rolling groove 1162 and a second rolling groove 1163.

Referring to FIG. 13 in conjunction with FIGS. 9 and 10, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the spindle 11 shown in FIG. 8b along line A4-A4. The spindle 11 also has a first arcuate slot 1164. One end of the first arc-shaped groove 1164 is communicated to the outside space of the main spindle 11. The center of the first arc-shaped slot 1164 is far away from the first housing 112 and close to the base 111. The first arc surface 1112 of the base 111 and the first arc surface 1122 of the first housing 112 together enclose a first arc-shaped slot 1164.

In addition, the spindle 11 has a second arc-shaped slot 1165. One end of the second arc-shaped groove 1165 communicates with the outside space of the main shaft 11. The center of the second arc-shaped slot 1165 is far away from the first housing 112 and close to the base 111. The second arc surface 1113 of the base 111 and the second arc surface 1123 of the first housing 112 together enclose a second arc-shaped slot 1165.

Referring to FIG. 14, in conjunction with FIGS. 9 and 10, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the spindle 11 shown in FIG. 8b along line A5-A5. The main shaft 11 also has a third rolling groove 1166 and a fourth rolling groove 1167. The portion of the second curved surface 1114 of the base 111 and the portion of the second curved surface 1124 of the first housing 112 cooperatively define a third rolling groove 1166 and a fourth rolling groove 1167.

Referring to FIG. 15 in conjunction with FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the spindle 11 shown in FIG. 8b along line A6-A6. The spindle 11 also has a second housing space 1168. A portion of the first end 111a of the base 111 and a portion of the first housing 112 together enclose a second accommodating space 1168. Part of the surface of the second accommodating space 1168 includes a part of the second curved surface 1114 of the base 111 and a part of the second curved surface 1124 of the first housing 112.

Referring to FIG. 16 in conjunction with FIGS. 9 and 10, FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the spindle 11 shown in FIG. 8b taken along line A7-A7. The spindle 11 further has a third accommodation space 1169. The third curved surface 1115 of the base 111 and the third curved surface 1125 of the first housing 112 together enclose a third accommodating space 1169. Both ends of the third accommodating space 1169 communicate with the outer space of the spindle 11.

Illustratively, the first accommodation space 1161, the first rolling groove 1162, the first arc-shaped groove 1164, the third rolling groove 1166, and the second accommodation space 1168 are in communication with each other.

Illustratively, the first accommodating space 1161, the second rolling groove 1163, the second arc-shaped groove 1165, the fourth rolling groove 1167 and the second accommodating space 1168 are in communication with each other.

Referring to fig. 17 and 18, fig. 17 is a schematic structural view of the first fixing frame 12 and the second fixing frame 13 shown in fig. 6. Fig. 18 is a schematic structural view of the first fixing frame 12 shown in fig. 17 at another angle. The first fixing frame 12 includes a top surface 121, a bottom surface 122, a first side surface 123 and a second side surface 124. The top surface 121 is disposed opposite the bottom surface 122. The first side 123 is opposite the second side 124. The first side 123 and the second side 124 are located between the top 121 and the bottom 122.

The first fixing frame 12 is provided with a first side hole 1251 and a second side hole 1252 which are arranged at an interval. The first side hole 1251 and the second side hole 1252 each form an opening in the top surface 121, the bottom surface 122, and the first side surface 123. In addition, the first fixing frame 12 is further provided with a first rotation hole 1253, a second rotation hole 1254 and a rotation groove 1255. The rotation groove 1255 is opened at the bottom surface 122. The first rotation hole 1253 communicates with the first side hole 1251. The second rotation hole 1254 communicates the first side hole 1251 and the second side hole 1252. The rotation groove 1255 communicates with the second side hole 1252. The first and second rotation holes 1253 and 1254 are oppositely disposed. The second rotation hole 1254 is disposed opposite to the rotation groove 1255.

The first fixing frame 12 may further include a first sliding groove 1261 and a second sliding groove 1262 disposed opposite to each other. The first slide groove 1261 and the second slide groove 1262 each form an opening at the first side surface 123. The first fixing frame 12 is further provided with a first movable notch 1263. First activity gap 1263 forms an opening in top surface 121, bottom surface 122, and first side surface 123. The first activity notch 1263 communicates the first slide groove 1261 and the second slide groove 1262.

Wherein, the first fixing frame 12 is further provided with a first arc-shaped slot 127. First arcuate slot 127 forms an opening in top surface 121. Wherein the first arc-shaped slot 127 may also form an opening in the surface connecting the first side 123 and the second side 124. The number of the first arc-shaped grooves 127 may be one or more.

In addition, the first fixing frame 12 may be further provided with fastening holes 128. The number of the fastening holes 128 may be one or more.

In this embodiment, the first fixing frame 12 and the second fixing frame 13 may have the same structure, a mirror-symmetrical structure, a partially mirror-symmetrical structure, a central-symmetrical structure, a partially central-symmetrical structure, or different structures, which is not strictly limited in this application. In the present embodiment, the second fixing frame 13 and the first fixing frame 12 are partially mirror-symmetrical. The arrangement of the second fixing frame 13 can refer to the arrangement of the first fixing frame 12. For example, the second fixing frame 13 is also provided with a first side hole 1351, a second side hole 1352, a first rotation hole 1353, a second rotation hole 1354, and a rotation slot 1355. Specifically, this embodiment is not described again.

Referring to fig. 19 and 20, fig. 19 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 2. Fig. 20 is an enlarged schematic view of the portion of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 19 at A8. The first fixing frame 12 is fixedly connected to the first housing 102. Illustratively, the first housing 102 is provided with a first fixing groove 1025. The first housing 102 includes a first portion 1021, a second portion 1022, a third portion 1023, and a fourth portion 1024. The second portion 1022 connects the first portion 1021. The height of the first portion 1021 in the Z-axis direction is greater than the height of the second portion 1022 in the Z-axis direction, that is, there is a height difference between the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 in the Z-axis direction. At this time, the first portion 1021 and the second portion 1022 are formed substantially step-like in the Z-axis direction. In addition, the third portion 1023 has one side connected to the first portion 1021 and one side connected to the second portion 1022. The fourth section 1024 is disposed opposite to the third section 1023. The fourth portion 1024 has one side connected to the first portion 1021 and one side connected to the second portion 1022. Thus, the side 1021a of the first part 1021, the surface 1022a of the second part 1022, the side 1023a of the third part 1023, and the side 1024a of the fourth part 1024 define a first fixing groove 1025.

The first fixing frame 12 is disposed in the first fixing groove 1025 and is fixedly connected to the first housing 102. The first fixing frame 12 is fixedly connected to the first housing 102 by fastening members (screws, pins or screws) passing through the fastening holes 128 of the first fixing frame 12 and the fastening holes 1022 of the first housing 102 (see fig. 5). The top surface 121 of the first holder 12 faces away from the bottom wall of the first fixing groove 1025. The bottom surface 122 of the first fixing frame 12 faces the bottom wall of the first fixing groove 1025.

In other embodiments, the first fixing frame 12 may be mounted in the first fixing groove 1025 by welding, adhesion, or snap connection.

In other embodiments, a matching structure of the positioning column and the positioning hole may be further disposed between the first fixing frame 12 and the first housing 102 to improve the connection stability therebetween. The present application does not strictly limit the connection structure between the first fixing frame 12 and the first housing 102.

In the present embodiment, the connection relationship between the second fixing frame 13 and the second housing 103 can refer to the connection relationship between the first fixing frame 12 and the first housing 102. Details are not described herein.

Referring to fig. 21 and 22, fig. 21 is a schematic structural diagram of the first connecting arm 16 and the second connecting arm 17 shown in fig. 6. Fig. 22 is a schematic view of the first connecting arm 16 and the second connecting arm 17 shown in fig. 21 at another angle. The first link arm 16 includes a first rotating end 16a and a second rotating end 16b connected to the first rotating end 16a.

In the present embodiment, the first rotation end 16a of the first link arm 16 is provided with a side hole 168, a first rotation hole 1691 and a second rotation hole 1692. The side hole 168 divides the first rotation end 16a of the first link arm 16 into a first rotation block 1681 and a second rotation block 1682. The first rotation hole 1691 is provided to the first rotation block 1681. The second rotation hole 1692 is provided to the second rotation block 1682. The first rotation hole 1691 and the second rotation hole 1692 are both communicated with the side hole 168, and the first rotation hole 1691 is disposed opposite to the second rotation hole 1692. In other embodiments, the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 may have other configurations.

In the present embodiment, the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 includes an arc-shaped arm 161, a first protrusion 162, a second protrusion 163, a third protrusion 164, and a fourth protrusion 165. The first bump 162, the second bump 163, the third bump 164, and the fourth bump 165 may have an arc shape, or may have other shapes. In other embodiments, the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 may not include the first protrusion 162, the second protrusion 163, the third protrusion 164, and the fourth protrusion 165.

The arc-shaped arm 161 includes a first arc surface 1611, a second arc surface 1612, a connection surface 1613, a first side surface 1614, and a second side surface 1615. The connection surface 1613 is connected between the first and second arc surfaces 1611 and 1612. The first side surface 1614 is connected between the first arc surface 1611 and the second arc surface 1612. The second side surface 1615 is connected between the first arc surface 1611 and the second arc surface 1612. The connection surface 1613 is connected between the first side surface 1614 and the second side surface 1615. The connection surface 1613 may include a first sub-surface 1613a and a second sub-surface 1613b spaced apart from each other. The first sub-surface 1613a is connected to the first side surface 1614. Second sub-surface 1613b is connected to second side surface 1615. The first arc surface 1611 is opposite to the second arc surface 1612. The second side 1615 is disposed opposite the first side 1614.

Additionally, the arcuate arm 161 may be provided with a notch 1616. At this time, the ends of the arc-shaped arms 161 form two jaws. The notch 1616 opens at the first arcuate surface 1611 and the connecting surface 1613. The notch 1616 of the curved arm 161 is used to avoid interference of the curved arm 161 with some of the mechanisms of the folding mechanism 101. When the arc-shaped arm 161 is not provided with the notch 1616, the connecting surface 1613 is a continuous surface, i.e., the first sub-surface 1613a and the second sub-surface 1613b are connected to each other.

In the present embodiment, the first bump 162 and the second bump 163 are protruded from the first side surface 1614 at an interval. The second protrusion 163 is disposed near the first rotation end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 compared to the first protrusion 162. The distance between the second projection 163 and the first rotating end 16a of the first link arm 16 is smaller than the distance between the first projection 162 and the first rotating end 16a of the first link arm 16. The first bump 162 has a first inclined surface 1621 adjacent to the second bump 163. At this time, the first inclined surface 1621 faces the first rotating end 16a of the first link arm 16. The first inclined surface 1621 is connected to the first lateral surface 1614 of the arc-shaped arm 161, and an angle between the first inclined surface 1621 and the first lateral surface 1614 of the arc-shaped arm 161 may be an obtuse angle.

Referring to fig. 23 in conjunction with fig. 21 and 22, fig. 23 is a schematic structural view of the first connecting arm 16 and the second connecting arm 17 shown in fig. 21 at another angle. The third bump 164 and the fourth bump 165 are protruded from the second side surface 1615 at intervals. The fourth protrusion 165 is disposed near the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16, compared to the third protrusion 164. The distance between the fourth projection 165 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is smaller than the distance between the third projection 164 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. The third bump 164 has a second inclined surface 1641 adjacent to the fourth bump 165. At this time, the second inclined surface 1641 faces the first rotating end 16a of the first link arm 16. The second inclined surface 1641 is connected to the second side surface 1615 of the curved arm 161, and an angle between the second inclined surface 1641 and the second side surface 1615 of the curved arm 161 may be an obtuse angle.

Illustratively, the second connecting arm 17 and the first connecting arm 16 may be of the same or similar construction, symmetrical or partially symmetrical construction, or of different construction. In some embodiments, the second connecting arm 17 and the first connecting arm 16 may have a central symmetrical structure. It should be understood that the basic design of the component structure of the second connecting arm 17, the design of the connection relationship between the components, and the design of the connection relationship between the components and other structures besides the assembly can all refer to the related solution of the first connecting arm 16, while allowing the second connecting arm 17 and the first connecting arm 16 to have a little difference in the detailed structure or position arrangement of the components.

Referring to fig. 21 and 22 again, the second connecting arm 17 includes a first rotating end 17a and a second rotating end 17b connected to the first rotating end 17a.

In the present embodiment, the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 includes the side hole 178, the first rotating hole 1791 and the second rotating hole 1792. The side hole 178 divides the first rotational end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 into a first rotational block 1781 and a second rotational block 1782. The first rotation hole 1791 is provided in the first rotation block 1781. The second rotation hole 1792 is provided to the second rotation block 1782. Both the first and second rotation holes 1791 and 1792 communicate with the side hole 178, and the first rotation hole 1791 is disposed opposite to the second rotation hole 1792. In other embodiments, the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 may have other configurations.

In the present embodiment, the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 includes an arc-shaped arm 171, a first protrusion 172, a second protrusion 173, a third protrusion 174, and a fourth protrusion 175. The first protrusion 172, the second protrusion 173, the third protrusion 174, and the fourth protrusion 175 may be arc-shaped, or may have other shapes. In other embodiments, the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 may not include the first protrusion 172, the second protrusion 173, the third protrusion 174, and the fourth protrusion 175.

The arc-shaped arm 171 includes a first arc surface 1711, a second arc surface 1712, a connecting surface 1713, a first side surface 1714, and a second side surface 1715. The connection surface 1713 is connected between the first and second arc surfaces 1711 and 1712. First side 1714 is connected between first arc 1711 and second arc 1712. Second side 1715 is connected between first cambered surface 1711 and second cambered surface 1712. The connecting surface 1713 is connected between the first side surface 1714 and the second side surface 1715. The connection surface 1713 may include a first sub-surface 1713a and a second sub-surface 1713b that are spaced apart. The first sub-surface 1713a is connected to the first side surface 1714. Second sub-surface 1713b is connected to second side surface 1715. The first cambered surface 1711 and the second cambered surface 1712 are arranged oppositely. The first side 1714 is disposed opposite the second side 1715.

In addition, the arc arm 171 is further provided with a notch 1716. At this point, the ends of the arcuate arms 171 form two jaw notches 1716 that open into the first arcuate surface 1711 and the connecting surface 1713. The notches 1716 of the arcuate arms 171 are used to avoid interference of the arcuate arms 171 with some of the mechanisms of the folding mechanism 101. When the arc-shaped arm 171 is not provided with the notch 1716, the connecting surface 1713 is a continuous surface, i.e., the first sub-surface 1713a and the second sub-surface 1713b are connected to each other.

In this embodiment, the first protrusion 172 and the second protrusion 173 are protruded from the first side surface 1714 at an interval. The second protrusion 173 is disposed closer to the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 than the first protrusion 172. The distance between the second protrusion 173 and the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 is smaller than the distance between the first protrusion 172 and the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17. The first bump 172 has a first inclined surface 1721 adjacent to the second bump 173. At this time, the first inclined surface 1721 faces the first rotating end 17a of the second link arm 17. The first inclined surface 1721 is connected to the first side surface 1714 of the arc-shaped arm 171, and an angle between the first inclined surface 1721 and the first side surface 1714 of the arc-shaped arm 171 may be an obtuse angle.

Referring to fig. 23 again, with reference to fig. 21 and 22, the third protrusions 174 and the fourth protrusions 175 are alternatively protruded from the second side surface 1715. The fourth protrusion 175 is disposed near the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17, as compared to the third protrusion 174. The distance between the fourth projection 175 and the first rotational end 17a of the second link arm 17 is smaller than the distance between the third projection 174 and the first rotational end 17a of the second link arm 17. The third protrusion 174 has a second inclined surface 1741 adjacent to the fourth protrusion 175. At this time, the second inclined surface 1741 faces the first rotating end 17a of the second link arm 17. The second angled surface 1741 is connected to the second lateral surface 1715 of the arc-shaped arm 171, and an angle between the second angled surface 1741 and the second lateral surface 1715 of the arc-shaped arm 171 may be an obtuse angle.

Referring to fig. 24 in conjunction with fig. 17 and 21, fig. 24 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 2. The first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame 12. First rotary block 1681 of first connecting arm 16 is disposed in first side hole 1251 of first fixing frame 12. The second rotary block 1682 of the first connecting arm 16 is disposed in the second side hole 1252 of the first fixing frame 12.

The first pivot hole 1253 of the first holder 12, the first pivot hole 1691 of the first link arm 16, the second pivot hole 1254 of the first holder 12, the second pivot hole 1692 of the first link arm 16, and the pivot groove 1255 of the first holder 12 are disposed in this order to face each other. The first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is rotatably coupled to the first fixing frame 12 through the rotation shaft 108 by passing the rotation shaft 108 through the first rotation hole 1253 of the first fixing frame 12, the first rotation hole 1691 of the first connecting arm 16, the second rotation hole 1254 of the first fixing frame 12, the second rotation hole 1692 of the first connecting arm 16, and the rotation groove 1255 of the first fixing frame 12. Illustratively, both ends of the rotating shaft 108 may be fixed in the first rotating hole 1253 of the first fixing frame 12 and the rotating groove 1255 of the first fixing frame 12, respectively.

In other embodiments, when the folding mechanism 101 has other structures, the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 can also be fixedly connected to the first fixing frame 12.

Referring to fig. 24 in conjunction with fig. 17 and 21, the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 is rotatably connected to the second fixing frame 13. The first rotation block 1781 of the second connecting arm 17 is disposed in the first side hole 1351 of the second fixing frame 13. The second rotating block 1782 of the second connecting arm 17 is disposed in the second side hole 1352 of the second fixing frame 13.

Further, the first rotation hole 1353 of the second holder 13, the first rotation hole 1791 of the second connecting arm 17, the second rotation hole 1354 of the second holder 13, the second rotation hole 1792 of the second connecting arm 17, and the rotation groove 1355 of the second holder 13 are oppositely disposed in this order. The first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 is rotatably coupled to the second holder 13 by a rotating shaft by passing the rotating shaft through the first rotating hole 1353 of the second holder 13, the first rotating hole 1791 of the second connecting arm 17, the second rotating hole 1354 of the second holder 13, the second rotating hole 1792 of the second connecting arm 17, and the rotating groove 1355 of the second holder 13. For example, both ends of the rotation shaft may be fixed in the first rotation hole 1353 of the second fixing frame 13 and the rotation groove 1355 of the second fixing frame 13, respectively.

In other embodiments, when the folding mechanism 101 has other structures, the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 can also be fixedly connected to the second fixing frame 13.

Referring to fig. 25, fig. 25 is a partial structural schematic view of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 2. The second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16 is rotatably connected to the first housing 112. The second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 is rotatably connected to the first housing 112. At this time, the first housing 112 is located between the first case 102 and the second case 103.

Illustratively, when the electronic device 100 is in the flat state, a portion of the first casing 112 is located in the first fixing groove 1025 of the first housing 102, and another portion of the first casing 112 is located in the second fixing groove 1035 of the second housing 103. Thus, the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 may shield the first casing 112.

Referring to fig. 26 in conjunction with fig. 25, fig. 26 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 2. When the base 111 is fixedly connected with the first housing 112, the main shaft 11 is located between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103. Furthermore, the first supporting surface 104 of the base 111 faces away from the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17. The base 111 may cover the second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16 and the second rotating end 17b of the second link arm 17.

In addition, the base 111 is provided with a plurality of escape holes 1119. The number of the escape holes 1119 is not limited to four as illustrated in fig. 26. When the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the two claws of the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 can respectively extend into the two avoiding holes 1119. The two claws of the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 can respectively extend into the two escape holes 1119. Therefore, by disposing the avoiding hole 1119 on the base 111, the notch 1616 is disposed at the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 and the notch 1716 is disposed at the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17, so that when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the interference between the base 111 and the second rotating ends 16b and 17b of the first connecting arm 16 and the second connecting arm 17 can be avoided.

Referring to FIG. 27 in conjunction with FIG. 26, FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding device 1 shown in FIG. 26 taken along line A9-A9. The arc arm 161 of the first connecting arm 16 can be disposed in the first arc groove 1164 of the spindle 11 to enable the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 to be rotatably connected to the spindle 11.

When the electronic device 100 is in the flat state, and correspondingly, the folding mechanism 101 is in the flat state, the arc-shaped arm 161 of the first connecting arm 16 can rotate into the first arc-shaped slot 1164. In addition, the main shaft 11 is located between the first fixing frame 12 and the second fixing frame 13. The main shaft 11 is spaced from the first fixing frame 12. The main shaft 11 is arranged at a distance from the second fixing frame 13. In addition, the first fixing frame 12 and the second fixing frame 13 may be at 180 °. In other embodiments, the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 may also have a slight deviation from 180 °, such as 165 °, 177 °, or 185 °.

Referring to fig. 28, fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the partially folded device 1 shown in fig. 27 in a closed state. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, and correspondingly, the folding mechanism 101 is in the closed state, the arc-shaped arm 161 of the first connecting arm 16 can be partially or completely rotated out of the first arc-shaped slot 1164. In addition, the first fixing frame 12 and the second fixing frame 13 can be close to each other, and the first fixing frame 12 and the second fixing frame 13 are disposed opposite to each other.

In the present embodiment, the engagement of the arc arm 161 of the first connection arm 16 with the first arc groove 1164 of the main shaft 11 forms a virtual shaft rotation connection structure. The second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 is rotatably connected with the main shaft 11 through a virtual shaft, so that the design difficulty of the folding mechanism 101 can be reduced, the size requirement on the folding mechanism 101 is low, and the folding mechanism 101 and the folding device 1 are light and thin. In other embodiments, the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 and the main shaft 11 may also be rotatably connected through a solid shaft, which is not strictly limited in the embodiments of the present application.

Referring again to fig. 27, the arc-shaped arm 171 of the second connecting arm 17 can be disposed in the second arc-shaped slot 1165 of the spindle 11, so that the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 can be rotatably connected to the spindle 11. When the electronic device 100 is in the flat state, and correspondingly, the folding mechanism 101 is in the flat state, the arc-shaped arm 171 of the second connecting arm 17 can rotate into the second arc-shaped slot 1165. The second connecting arm 17 may be 180 ° from the first connecting arm 16. In other embodiments, the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 may also have a slight deviation from 180 °, such as 165 °, 177 °, 185 °, or the like.

Referring to fig. 28 again, when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, and correspondingly, the folding mechanism 101 is in the closed state, the arc-shaped arm 171 of the second connecting arm 17 can be partially or completely rotated out of the first arc-shaped slot 1165. The second connecting arm 17 and the first connecting arm 16 can be close to each other, and the second connecting arm 17 is arranged opposite to the first connecting arm 16.

In this embodiment, the engagement of the arc-shaped arm 171 of the second connecting arm 17 with the second arc-shaped slot 1165 of the spindle 11 forms a virtual axis rotational connection structure. The second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 is rotatably connected with the main shaft 11 through a virtual shaft, so that the design difficulty of the folding mechanism 101 can be reduced, the size requirement on the folding mechanism 101 is low, and the folding mechanism 101 and the folding device 1 are light and thin. In other embodiments, the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 and the main shaft 11 may also be rotatably connected through a solid shaft, which is not strictly limited in the embodiments of the present application.

Referring to fig. 26 to 28, since the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame 12, and the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11, the first fixing frame 12 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 via the first connecting arm 16. In addition, since the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 is rotatably connected to the second fixing frame 13, and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11, the second fixing frame 13 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 through the second connecting arm 17.

As can be seen from the above, the first fixing frame 12 is fixedly connected to the first housing 102, and the second fixing frame 13 is fixedly connected to the second housing 103. At this time, when the first fixing frame 12 rotates relative to the main shaft 11 through the first connecting arm 16 and the second fixing frame 13 rotates relative to the main shaft 11 through the second connecting arm 17, the first housing 102 may rotate relative to the second housing 103, that is, the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 may be relatively unfolded or folded.

Referring to fig. 29, fig. 29 is an exploded view of the first stopper 18 shown in fig. 6. The first stopper 18 includes a first bracket 181, a first elastic member 182, a first ball 183, and a second ball 184. The first bracket 181, the first ball 183, and the second ball 184 may have a rigid structure and are not easily deformed by an external force. The first elastic member 182 is an elastic structure and is easily deformed by an external force. The first bracket 181 and the first elastic member 182 may constitute a first elastic assembly 180. First resilient member 180 may be deformed. The first elastic member 180 may be deformed by the first elastic member 182.

In the present embodiment, the first elastic member 182 may be a spring.

In other embodiments, the first elastic member 182 may also be an elastic sheet, or a flexible member (e.g., an elastic rubber block) having elastic force.

In other embodiments, the first stopper 18 may not include the first bracket 181. For example, an elastic rubber block is used as a whole as an alternative embodiment of the first bracket 181 and the spring.

In the present embodiment, the number of the first elastic members 182 is four. In other embodiments, the number of the first elastic members 182 may also be one, two or three. The specific embodiment is not limited.

Referring to fig. 29 again, the first bracket 181 includes a first abutting portion 1811 and a first guiding portion 1812. The first guide portion 1812 is connected to the first abutting portion 1811.

Illustratively, the first abutting portion 1811 is elongated. The first abutting portion 1811 includes a first end 1811a and a second end 1812b.

Illustratively, the number of the first guide portions 1812 is the same as the number of the first elastic members 182, i.e., the number of the first guide portions 1812 of the present embodiment is four. The four first guide portions 1812 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the first abutting portion 1811. One of the first guiding portions 1812 is disposed opposite to the first end 1811a of the first supporting portion 1811, and the other of the first guiding portions 1812 is disposed opposite to the second end 1812b of the first supporting portion 1811. The first bracket 181 is substantially "comb" shaped. In other embodiments, the number of the first guiding portions 1812 opposite to the first end portion 1811a of the first abutting portion 1811 may be more than one. The number of the first guide portions 1812 disposed opposite to the second end portion 1812b of the first abutting portion 1811 may be more than one.

In addition, the first abutting portion 1811 is provided with a first limiting groove 1813 and a second limiting groove 1814 which are arranged at intervals. The openings of the first limiting groove 1813 and the second limiting groove 1814 are formed on the surface of the first abutting portion 1811 far from the first guiding portion 1812. Illustratively, the first limiting groove 1813 is located at the first end 1811a of the first abutting portion 1811, and the second limiting groove 1814 is located at the second end 1812b of the first abutting portion 1811.

Referring to fig. 30 in conjunction with fig. 29, fig. 30 is a schematic structural view of the first stopper 18 and the second stopper 19 shown in fig. 6. The first elastic element 182 is disposed around the first guiding portion 1812 of the first bracket 181 and abuts against the first abutting portion 1811. For example, one end of the first elastic member 182 may be fixedly connected to the first abutting portion 1811 by welding or bonding.

In this embodiment, the four first elastic members 182 can be sleeved with the four first guiding portions 1812 in a one-to-one correspondence. Further, in the length direction of the first guide portion 1812, the length of the first elastic member 182 in a natural state (i.e., an undeformed state) is greater than the length of the first guide portion 1812. Thus, when the first elastic member 182 is sleeved on the first guiding portion 1812, the first elastic member 182 can extend relative to the first guiding portion 1812.

For example, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the closed state, or the intermediate state, a part of the first rolling balls 183 may be disposed in the first stopper groove 1813. At this time, the first balls 183 may contact the first end 1811a of the first holding portion 1811. The first ball 183 may roll with respect to the groove wall of the first stopper groove 1813. The first limiting groove 1813 can prevent the first ball 183 from rolling out of the first limiting groove 1813. The rolling direction of the first balls 183 may be any direction.

For example, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the closed state, or the intermediate state, a part of the second rolling balls 184 may be disposed in the second limit groove 1814. At this time, the second ball 184 may contact the second end 1812b of the first abutting portion 1811. The second ball 184 may roll against the groove wall of the second stopper groove 1814. The second ball retainer 1814 can prevent the second ball 184 from rolling out of the second retainer 1814. The rolling direction of the second rolling balls 184 may be any direction.

In the present embodiment, the second stopper 19 and the first stopper 18 may be the same or similar structure, symmetrical or partially symmetrical structure, or different structures. In some embodiments, the second stop member 19 and the first stop member 18 are in a central symmetrical structure, and the basic design of the component structure of the second stop member 19, the design of the connection relationship between the components, and the design of the connection relationship between the components and other structures besides the assembly can all refer to the related schemes of the first stop member 18, and at the same time, the second stop member 19 and the first stop member 18 are allowed to have a little difference in the detailed structure or position arrangement of the components. Illustratively, the second stopper 19 may include a second bracket 191, a second elastic member 192, a third ball 193, and a fourth ball 194. The second bracket 191 and the second elastic member 192 may form a second elastic member 190.

Referring to fig. 31 and 32 in conjunction with fig. 11, fig. 31 is a partial structural view of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 2. Fig. 32 is an enlarged schematic view of the portion of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 31 at B1. The first stopper 18 is disposed in the first accommodating space 1161 of the spindle 11. The first accommodating space 1161 may be defined by the first housing 112 and the base 111. Fig. 31 does not show the base 111 in order to show the first stopper 18 in fig. 31.

The first abutting portion 1811 is disposed between the first ball 183 and the first elastic member 182. The first abutting portion 1811 is also disposed between the second ball 184 and the first elastic member 182. The first guide portion 1812 of the first bracket 181 is located at a side of the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181 far from the first connecting arm 16 and the second connecting arm 17. The other end of the first elastic member 182 abuts against the wall surface of the first housing 112. It can be understood that when a force in the Y-axis negative direction is applied to the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181, the first bracket 181 can slide in the Y-axis negative direction relative to the first housing 112, and the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181 presses the first elastic member 182. The first elastic member 182 may be deformed in the negative Y-axis direction.

Referring to fig. 32 in conjunction with fig. 12, a portion of the first rolling balls 183 is disposed in the first rolling groove 1162. The first ball 183 may roll with respect to the groove wall of the first rolling groove 1162. When the first rolling balls 183 are disposed in the first rolling grooves 1162, the first rolling balls 183 abut against the base 111 and the first housing 112 in the Z-axis direction. In the X-axis direction, the first ball 183 abuts against the first housing 112. Thus, the base 111 and the first housing 112 may restrict the first ball 183 from moving in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

In addition, a part of the second ball 184 is disposed in the second rolling groove 1163. The second ball 184 may roll with respect to the groove wall of the second rolling groove 1163. When the second rolling balls 184 are disposed in the second rolling grooves 1163, the second rolling balls 184 are abutted against the base 111 and the first housing 112 in the Z-axis direction. In the X-axis direction, the second rolling ball 184 abuts against the first housing 112. Thus, the base 111 and the first housing 112 may restrict the second ball 184 from moving in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

Referring to fig. 32 again, with reference to fig. 21 and 12, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, at least a portion of the first ball 183 is located between the first bump 162 and the second bump 163. The first ball 183 is located on a side of the first projection 162 of the first connecting arm 16 near the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. The distance between the first ball 183 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is smaller than the distance between the first projection 162 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. In addition, the first ball 183 abuts against the first inclined surface 1621 of the first protrusion 162 of the first connecting arm 16 (see fig. 22). Illustratively, the first ball 183 may also abut against the arc-shaped arm 161 of the first connecting arm 16. The first ball 183 can also abut against the second protrusion 163 of the first connecting arm 16.

In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in the flat state, the first elastic member 182 is deformed, and the first elastic member 182 is in the compressed state, and the compression amount of the first elastic member 182 is the first compression amount. At this time, the first elastic member 182 applies a force in the positive Y-axis direction to the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181. At this time, the first bracket 181 and the first link arm 16 may limit the first ball 183 in the Y-axis direction.

It is understood that when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, on one hand, the first elastic member 182 is in the compressed state, and the first elastic member 182 can apply a force in the positive direction of the Y axis to the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181; on the other hand, the first ball 183 abuts against the first inclined surface 1621 of the first protrusion 162 of the first connecting arm 16 (see fig. 22). At this time, the first elastic member 182 may press the first ball 183 toward the second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16. The first elastic member 182 may apply a force to the second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16 through the first ball 183. The frictional force between the first ball 183 and the second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16 can be increased to a large extent. Thus, when the electronic apparatus 100 is in the flattened state, the second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16 is not easily rotated with respect to the main shaft 11. Thus, this friction may impede the folding of the electronic device 100 to some extent. When the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the stability of the electronic device 100 is better. It should be noted that the obstructing of the folding of the electronic device 100 may be that when the user needs to fold the electronic device 100, the user applies a force to the electronic device 100, and when the force applied by the user does not overcome the friction force, the electronic device 100 cannot be folded.

In addition, when the first elastic member 182 applies a force to the second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16 through the first ball 183, the first link arm 16 may receive a supporting force in the positive direction of the Z-axis (also referred to as a flat supporting force). The supporting force may hinder the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 from rotating relative to the main shaft 11 to some extent, that is, the supporting force may hinder the electronic device 100 from folding to some extent. Therefore, the supporting force can ensure that the electronic device 100 has better stability when being in a flattened state.

In addition, when the first ball 183 abuts against the second protrusion 163 of the first connecting arm 16, the second protrusion 163 of the first connecting arm 16 can limit the first ball 183 to prevent the first ball 183 from rolling along the X-axis direction.

Referring to fig. 33a and 33b in conjunction with fig. 32, fig. 33a is a schematic structural view of the portion of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 31 in a closed state. Figure 33b is an enlarged schematic view at M of the part of the folding device 1 shown in figure 33 a. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the first ball 183 is located on a side of the first protrusion 162 of the first connecting arm 16 away from the second protrusion 163 of the first connecting arm 16, that is, a distance between the first ball 183 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is greater than a distance between the first protrusion 162 of the first connecting arm 16 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. The first ball 183 is provided separately from the first link arm 16, and there is a gap between the first ball 183 and the first link arm 16, and the first ball 183 does not contact the first link arm 16. At this time, the first rolling balls 183 are not in contact with the first connection arm 16 during the part of the electronic apparatus 100 that is being unfolded or folded.

In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the first elastic member 182 is deformed, and the first elastic member 182 is still in the compressed state, and the compression amount of the first elastic member 182 is the second compression amount. The second compression amount is less than the first compression amount. At this time, the first elastic member 182 still applies a force in the positive Y-axis direction to the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181. The first rolling ball 183 abuts against the groove wall of the first rolling groove 1162 (see the position of 1162 in fig. 10). At this time, the groove walls of the first bracket 181 and the first rolling groove 1162 may limit the first ball 183 in the Y-axis direction.

In other embodiments, when the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 adopts other structures, the first ball 183 may abut against the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state. At this time, the first rolling balls 183 are all in contact with the first connection arm 16 during the process of flattening or folding the electronic device 100.

Referring to fig. 31 to fig. 33b, when the electronic device 100 is switched from the flat state to the closed state, the first housing 102 is folded with respect to the second housing 103. The first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 rotates relative to the first fixing frame 12. The second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16 rotates relative to the main shaft 11. The first ball 183 rolls with respect to the second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16. The first ball 183 is switched from a position between the first projection 162 of the first link arm 16 and the second projection 163 of the first link arm 16 to a position on a side of the first projection 162 of the first link arm 16 away from the second projection 163 of the first link arm 16. It should be appreciated that during partial folding of the electronic device 100, the first rollerball 183 rolls over the first tab 162 of the first link arm 16. The first protrusion 162 of the first link arm 16 may roll the first ball 183 in the Y-axis negative direction. The first ball 183 may press the first bracket 181. The first bracket 181 is slidable with respect to the first housing 112 in the Y-axis negative direction. The first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181 presses the first elastic member 182. The first elastic member 182 may be deformed in the negative Y-axis direction. At this time, the first elastic member 182 may press the first ball 183 toward the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16. The first elastic member 182 may apply a force to the second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16 through the first ball 183, thereby further increasing a frictional force between the first ball 183 and the first link arm 16. The first housing 102 is folded at a slower speed with respect to the second housing 103. Thus, on the one hand, the flexible screen 2 fixed to the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 is not easily damaged by collision due to improper operation by the user, and on the other hand, the user can feel a damping force clearly during folding or unfolding. The damping force can enable a user to experience better hand feeling, so that the user experience is improved.

In addition, when the electronic apparatus 100 is folded from the unfolded state to the closed state, the first rolling ball 183 is shifted from a position between the first projection 162 of the first connection arm 16 and the second projection 163 of the first connection arm 16 to a position on a side of the first projection 162 of the first connection arm 16 away from the second projection 163 of the first connection arm 16. When the folding angle of the electronic device 100 is small, the first ball 183 can roll again to a position between the first protrusion 162 of the first connecting arm 16 and the second protrusion 163 of the first connecting arm 16 under the action of the first protrusion 162 of the first connecting arm 16. Therefore, the first ball 183 is engaged with the first bump 162, so that the electronic device 100 can be automatically unfolded to the flat state when the folding angle of the electronic device 100 is small.

In addition, when the electronic apparatus 100 is switched from the closed state to the flattened state, the first ball 183 is switched from a position on a side of the first projection 162 of the first connection arm 16 away from the second projection 163 of the first connection arm 16 to a position between the first projection 162 of the first connection arm 16 and the second projection 163 of the first connection arm 16. When the flattening angle of the electronic device 100 is large (close to the flattened state), the first rolling ball 183 rolls from the high position of the first protrusion 162 of the first connection arm 16 to the low position of the first protrusion 162 of the first connection arm 16, the rolling speed of the first rolling ball 183 is fast, and the user can experience the hand feeling of being flattened in place.

In addition, compared to the solution that the first elastic member 182 directly acts on the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16, the present embodiment may convert the sliding relationship between the first elastic member 182 and the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 into the rolling manner by disposing the first ball 183 between the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 and the first elastic member 182, so as to reduce the friction loss between the first elastic member 182 and the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16.

In addition, when the electronic apparatus 100 is in the closed state, the first ball 183 is disposed apart from the first connection arm 16, and the first connection arm 16 is no longer subjected to the damping force of the first elastic member 182.

Referring to fig. 32 again in combination with fig. 21, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, at least a portion of the second ball 184 is located between the first protrusion 172 of the second connecting arm 17 and the second protrusion 173 of the second connecting arm 17. The second ball 184 is located on the side of the first projection 172 of the second connecting arm 17 near the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17. The distance between the second ball 184 and the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 is smaller than the distance between the first projection 172 of the second connecting arm 17 and the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17. In addition, the second ball 184 abuts against the first inclined surface 1721 of the first protrusion 172 of the second connecting arm 17 (see fig. 22). Illustratively, the second ball 184 may also abut against the arc-shaped arm 171 of the second connecting arm 17. The second ball 184 can also abut against the second protrusion 173 of the second connecting arm 17.

In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in the flat state, the first elastic member 182 is deformed, and the first elastic member 182 is in the compressed state. At this time, the first elastic member 182 applies a force in the positive Y-axis direction to the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181. At this time, the first bracket 181 and the second connecting arm 17 may limit the second ball 184 in the Y-axis direction.

It is understood that when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, on one hand, the first elastic member 182 is in the compressed state, and the first elastic member 182 can apply a force in the positive direction of the Y axis to the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181; on the other hand, the second ball 184 abuts against the first inclined surface 1721 of the first protrusion 172 of the second connecting arm 17 (see fig. 22). At this time, the first elastic member 182 may press the second ball 184 toward the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17. The first elastic member 182 may apply a force to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 through the second ball 184. The frictional force between the second ball 184 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 can be increased to a large extent. Thus, when the electronic apparatus 100 is in the flattened state, the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 is not easily rotated with respect to the main shaft 11. Thus, this friction may impede the folding of the electronic device 100 to some extent. When the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the stability of the electronic device 100 is better.

In addition, when the first elastic member 182 applies a force to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 through the second ball 184, the second connecting arm 17 may receive a supporting force in the positive direction of the Z-axis (also referred to as a flattening supporting force). The supporting force may hinder the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 from rotating relative to the main shaft 11 to some extent, that is, the supporting force may hinder the electronic device 100 from folding to some extent. Therefore, the supporting force can ensure that the electronic device 100 has better stability when being in a flattened state.

In addition, when the second ball 184 abuts against the second protrusion 173 of the second connecting arm 17, the second protrusion 173 of the second connecting arm 17 can also limit the second ball 184 to prevent the second ball 184 from rolling along the X-axis direction.

When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the positional relationship of the second ball 184 with respect to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 can be referred to the positional relationship of the first ball 183 with respect to the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16. And will not be described in detail herein.

It is understood that when the electronic device 100 is switched from the flat state to the closed state, the first housing 102 is folded with respect to the second housing 103. The first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 rotates relative to the second holder 13. The second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 rotates relative to the main shaft 11. During the partial folding process of the electronic device 100, the second rolling ball 184 rolls against the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 and rolls against the first protrusion 172. The second ball 184 rolls over the first protrusion 172 of the second link arm 17. The first elastic member 182 may be deformed in the negative Y-axis direction. At this time, the first elastic member 182 may press the second ball 184 toward the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17. The first elastic member 182 may apply a force to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 through the second ball 184 to further increase the frictional force between the second ball 184 and the second connecting arm 17. The first housing 102 is folded at a slower speed with respect to the second housing 103. Thus, on the one hand, the flexible screen 2 fixed to the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 is not easily damaged by collision due to improper operation by the user, and on the other hand, the user can feel a damping force significantly during folding or unfolding. The damping force can enable a user to experience better hand feeling, so that the user experience is improved.

In addition, compared to the solution that the first elastic member 182 directly acts on the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17, the second ball 184 of the present embodiment can convert the sliding relationship between the first elastic member 182 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 into the rolling manner by disposing the second ball 184 between the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 and the first elastic member 182, so as to reduce the friction loss between the first elastic member 182 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17.

In addition, through the matching of the second ball 184 and the first bump 172 of the second connecting arm 17, on one hand, when the folding angle of the electronic device 100 is small, the electronic device 100 can be automatically unfolded to be in a flat state, and on the other hand, the user can also experience the hand feeling of being flat in place. And are not described in detail herein.

Referring to fig. 34 and 35 in conjunction with fig. 15, fig. 34 is a partial structural view of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 2. Fig. 35 is an enlarged schematic view of the portion of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 34 at B2. The second stopper 19 is disposed in the second accommodating space 1168 of the spindle 11. It should be noted that the second housing space 1168 is defined by the first housing 112 and the base 111. Fig. 34 does not show the base 111 in order to show the second stopper 19 in fig. 34.

The second guiding portion 1912 of the second bracket 191 is located on a side of the second abutting portion 1911 of the second bracket 191 away from the first connecting arm 16 and the second connecting arm 17. The second supporting portion 1911 is disposed between the third ball 193 and the second elastic member 192. The second supporting portion 1911 is also disposed between the fourth ball 194 and the second elastic element 192. The other end of the second elastic member 192 abuts against the wall surface of the first housing 112. It can be understood that when a force in the positive Y-axis direction is applied to the second abutting portion 1911 of the second support 191, the second support 191 can slide in the positive Y-axis direction relative to the first housing 112, and the second abutting portion 1911 of the second support 191 presses the second elastic member 192. The second elastic member 192 can be deformed in the positive Y-axis direction.

Illustratively, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the second elastic member 192 is in a compressed state. At this time, the second elastic member 192 may apply a force in the Y-axis negative direction to the second retaining portion 1911 of the second holder 191.

Referring to fig. 35 again in conjunction with fig. 14, a portion of the third ball 193 is disposed in the third rolling groove 1166. The third ball 193 may roll with respect to the groove wall of the third rolling groove 1166. When the third ball 193 is disposed in the third rolling groove 1166, the third ball 193 abuts against the base 111 and the first housing 112 in the Z-axis direction. In the X-axis direction, the third ball 193 abuts against the first housing 112. Thus, the base 111 and the first housing 112 can restrict the third balls 193 from moving in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

In addition, a part of the fourth ball 194 is disposed in the fourth rolling groove 1167. The fourth ball 194 may roll with respect to the groove wall of the fourth rolling groove 1167. When the fourth rolling balls 194 are disposed in the fourth rolling grooves 1167, the fourth rolling balls 194 are abutted against the base 111 and the first housing 112 in the Z-axis direction. In the X-axis direction, the fourth ball 194 abuts against the first housing 112. Thus, the base 111 and the first housing 112 may restrict the fourth ball 194 from moving in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

Referring to fig. 35 again, with reference to fig. 23 and fig. 14, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, at least a portion of the third ball 193 is located between the third bump 164 of the first connecting arm 16 and the fourth bump 165 of the first connecting arm 16. The third ball 193 is located on a side of the third projection 164 of the first link arm 16 adjacent to the first rotation end 16a of the first link arm 16. The distance between the third ball 193 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is smaller than the distance between the third projection 164 of the first connecting arm 16 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. In addition, the third ball 193 abuts against the second inclined surface 1641 of the third bump 164 of the first connecting arm 16. Illustratively, the third ball 193 may also abut against the arc-shaped arm 161 of the first connecting arm 16. The third ball 193 can also abut against the fourth protrusion 165 of the first connecting arm 16.

In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the second elastic element 192 is deformed, and the second elastic element 192 is in the compressed state, and the amount of compression of the second elastic element 192 is a third amount of compression. At this time, the second elastic member 192 applies a biasing force in the Y-axis negative direction to the second abutting portion 1911 of the second holder 191. At this time, the second holder 191 and the first link arm 16 may limit the third ball 193 in the Y-axis direction.

It is understood that when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, on the one hand, the second elastic element 192 is in the compressed state, and the second elastic element 192 may apply a force in the negative Y-axis direction to the second abutting portion 1911 of the second support 191; on the other hand, the third ball 193 abuts against the second inclined surface 1641 of the third protrusion 164 of the first connecting arm 16 (see fig. 23). At this time, the second elastic member 192 may press the third ball 193 toward the second rotation end 16b of the first link arm 16. The second elastic member 192 may apply a force to the second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16 through the third ball 193. The frictional force between the third ball 193 and the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 can be increased to a large extent. Thus, when the electronic apparatus 100 is in the flattened state, the second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16 is not easily rotated with respect to the main shaft 11. Thus, this friction may impede the folding of the electronic device 100 to some extent. When the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the stability of the electronic device 100 is better.

In addition, when the second elastic member 192 applies a force to the second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16 through the third ball 193, the first link arm 16 may receive a supporting force in the positive direction of the Z-axis (also referred to as a flat supporting force). The supporting force may hinder the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 from rotating relative to the main shaft 11 to some extent, that is, the supporting force may hinder the electronic device 100 from folding to some extent. Therefore, the supporting force can ensure that the electronic device 100 has better stability when being in a flattened state.

In addition, when the third ball 193 abuts against the fourth protrusion 165 of the first connecting arm 16, the fourth protrusion 165 of the first connecting arm 16 can limit the third ball 193 to prevent the third ball 193 from rolling along the X-axis direction.

Referring to fig. 36 in conjunction with fig. 35, fig. 36 is a structural schematic diagram of the portion of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 34 in a closed state. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the third ball 193 is located on a side of the third protrusion 164 of the first connecting arm 16 away from the fourth protrusion 165 of the first connecting arm 16, that is, a distance between the third ball 193 and the fourth protrusion 165 of the first connecting arm 16 is greater than a distance between the third protrusion 164 of the first connecting arm 16 and the fourth protrusion 165 of the first connecting arm 16. The third ball 193 is provided separately from the first connecting arm 16. There is a gap between the third ball 193 and the first link arm 16, and the third ball 193 and the first link arm 16 are not in contact with each other. At this time, during the part of the electronic apparatus 100 that is unfolded or folded, there is no contact between the third ball 193 and the first link arm 16.

In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the second elastic member 192 is deformed, and the second elastic member 192 is still in the compressed state, and the compression amount of the second elastic member 192 is a fourth compression amount. The fourth compression amount is less than the third compression amount. At this time, the second elastic member 192 still applies a force in the Y-axis negative direction to the second abutting portion 1911 of the second holder 191. The third ball 193 abuts against the groove wall of the third rolling groove 1166 (see the position 1166 in fig. 10). At this time, the groove walls of the second holder 191 and the third rolling groove 1166 may limit the third ball 193 in the Y-axis direction.

In other embodiments, when the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 adopts other structures, the third ball 193 may abut against the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state. At this time, the third rolling balls 193 are all in contact with the first connection arm 16 when the electronic device 100 is in a process of being unfolded or folded.

Referring to fig. 34 to fig. 36, when the electronic device 100 is switched from the flat state to the closed state, the first housing 102 is folded with respect to the second housing 103. The first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 rotates relative to the first fixing frame 12. The second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16 rotates relative to the main shaft 11. The third ball 193 rolls with respect to the second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16. The third ball 193 rolls with respect to the third bump 164. It should be appreciated that during partial folding of the electronic device 100, the third ball 193 rolls over the third tab 164 of the first linkage arm 16. The third tab 164 of the first link arm 16 may roll the third ball 193 in the positive Y-axis direction. The third ball 193 may press the second bracket 191. The second holder 191 can slide relative to the first housing 112 and in the positive Y-axis direction. The second abutting portion 1911 of the second bracket 191 presses the second elastic member 192. The second elastic member 192 may be deformed in the positive Y direction. At this time, the second elastic member 192 may press the third ball 193 toward the second rotation end 16b of the first link arm 16. The second elastic member 192 may apply a force to the second rotating end 16b of the first link arm 16 through the third ball 193, thereby further increasing a frictional force between the third ball 193 and the first link arm 16. The first housing 102 is folded at a slower speed with respect to the second housing 103. Thus, on the one hand, the flexible screen 2 fixed to the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 is not easily damaged by collision due to improper operation by the user, and on the other hand, the user can feel a damping force significantly during folding or unfolding. The damping force can enable a user to experience better hand feeling, so that the user experience is improved.

In addition, through the cooperation of the third rolling ball 193 and the third bump 164 of the first connecting arm 16, on one hand, when the folding angle of the electronic device 100 is small, the electronic device 100 can be automatically unfolded to be in a flat state, and on the other hand, the user can also experience the hand feeling of being flat in place. And are not described in detail herein.

In addition, compared to the solution that the second elastic member 192 directly acts on the second rotation end 16b of the first connecting arm 16, the present embodiment may convert the sliding relationship between the first elastic member 182 and the second rotation end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 into the rolling manner by disposing the third ball 193 between the second rotation end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 and the second elastic member 192, so as to reduce the friction loss between the second elastic member 192 and the second rotation end 16b of the first connecting arm 16.

Referring to fig. 35 again, and referring to fig. 23, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, at least a portion of the fourth ball 194 is located between the third protrusion 174 of the second connecting arm 17 and the fourth protrusion 175 of the second connecting arm 17. The fourth ball 194 is located on a side of the third protrusion 174 of the second connecting arm 17 close to the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17, that is, the distance between the fourth ball 194 and the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 is smaller than the distance between the third protrusion 174 of the second connecting arm 17 and the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17. In addition, the fourth ball 194 abuts against the second inclined surface 1741 of the third protrusion 174 of the second connecting arm 17. For example, the fourth ball 194 may also abut against the arc-shaped arm 171 of the second connecting arm 17. The fourth ball 194 can also abut against the fourth protrusion 175 of the second connecting arm 17.

In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the second elastic member 192 is deformed, and the second elastic member 192 is in the compressed state. At this time, the second elastic member 192 applies a biasing force in the Y-axis negative direction to the second abutting portion 1911 of the second holder 191. At this time, the second support 1911 and the second connection arm 17 may limit the fourth ball 194 in the Y-axis direction.

It is understood that when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, on the one hand, the second elastic element 192 is in the compressed state, and the second elastic element 192 may apply a force in the negative Y-axis direction to the second abutting portion 1911 of the second support 191; on the other hand, the fourth ball 194 abuts against the second inclined surface 1741 of the third protrusion 174 of the second connecting arm 17 (see fig. 23). At this time, the second elastic member 192 may press the fourth ball 194 toward the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17. The second elastic member 192 may apply a force to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 through the fourth ball 194. The frictional force between the fourth ball 194 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 can be increased to a large extent. Thus, when the electronic apparatus 100 is in the flattened state, the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 is not easily rotated with respect to the main shaft 11. Thus, this friction may impede the folding of the electronic device 100 to some extent. When the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the stability of the electronic device 100 is better.

In addition, when the second elastic member 192 applies a force to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 through the fourth ball 194, the second connecting arm 17 may receive a supporting force in the positive direction of the Z-axis (also referred to as a flattening supporting force). The supporting force may hinder the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 from rotating relative to the main shaft 11 to some extent, that is, the supporting force may hinder the electronic device 100 from folding to some extent. Therefore, the supporting force can ensure that the electronic device 100 has better stability when being in a flattened state.

In addition, when the fourth ball 194 abuts against the fourth protrusion 175 of the second connecting arm 17, the fourth protrusion 175 of the second connecting arm 17 can also limit the fourth ball 194 to prevent the fourth ball 194 from rolling along the X-axis direction.

When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the positional relationship of the fourth ball 194 with respect to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 can be referred to the positional relationship of the third ball 193 with respect to the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16. And will not be described in detail herein.

It is understood that when the electronic device 100 is switched from the flat state to the closed state, the first housing 102 is folded with respect to the second housing 103. The first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 rotates relative to the second fixing frame 13. The second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 rotates relative to the main shaft 11. During the partial folding process of the electronic device 100, the fourth rolling ball 194 rolls with respect to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 and rolls with respect to the third protrusion 174. At this time, the fourth ball 194 rolls over the third projection 174 of the second connecting arm 17. The second elastic member 192 may be deformed in the positive Y-axis direction. At this time, the second elastic member 192 may press the fourth ball 194 toward the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17. The second elastic member 192 may apply a force to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 through the fourth ball 194 to further increase the frictional force between the fourth ball 194 and the second connecting arm 17. The first housing 102 is folded at a slower speed with respect to the second housing 103. Thus, on the one hand, the flexible screen 2 fixed to the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 is not easily damaged by collision due to improper operation by the user, and on the other hand, the user can feel a damping force significantly during folding or unfolding. The damping force can enable a user to experience better hand feeling, so that the user experience is improved.

In addition, compared to the solution that the second elastic element 192 directly acts on the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17, the present embodiment can convert the sliding relationship between the second elastic element 192 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 into the rolling manner by providing the fourth ball 194 between the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 and the second elastic element 192, so as to reduce the friction loss between the second elastic element 192 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17.

In addition, through the matching of the fourth rolling ball 194 and the third projection 174 of the second connecting arm 17, on one hand, when the folding angle of the electronic device 100 is small, the electronic device 100 can be automatically unfolded to be in a flat state, and on the other hand, a user can also experience a hand feeling of being flat in place. And are not described in detail herein.

Referring to fig. 37, fig. 37 is a schematic structural diagram of the first swing arm 31, the gear module 33 and the second swing arm 32 shown in fig. 6. The first swing arm 31 includes a rotating end 311 and a movable end 312. The first swing arm 31 may be an integrally formed structural member to have high structural strength.

Among them, the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31 includes a gear portion 3111 and a rotating shaft portion 3112. The gear of the gear portion 3111 is located on its peripheral side. The shaft portion 3112 may include two portions protruding from both ends of the gear portion 3111.

In addition, the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 includes a first slider 3121, a second slider 3122, a first rotation block 3123, a second rotation block 3124, and a first movable notch 3125. The first rotation block 3123 is provided to the first slider 3121. The second rotating block 3124 is provided to the second slider 3122. The first movable notch 3123 separates the first slider 3121 and the second slider 3122. At this time, the first slider 3121 and the second slider 3122 are disposed at an interval. The first rotating block 3123 and the second rotating block 3124 are provided with a rotating shaft hole 3126. The rotating shaft holes 3126 of the first rotating block 3123 and the second rotating block 3124 are communicated with the first movable notch 3125.

It is understood that the second swing arm 32 and the first swing arm 31 may have the same structure, a mirror-symmetrical structure, a partially mirror-symmetrical structure, a centrally-symmetrical structure, a partially centrally-symmetrical structure, or different structures, which is not strictly limited in this application. In the present embodiment, the arrangement of the structure of the second swing arm 32 can refer to the arrangement of the structure of the first swing arm 31. For example, the second swing arm 32 includes a rotating end 321 and a movable end 322. The rotation end 321 of the second swing arm 32 includes a gear portion 3211 and a rotation shaft portion 3212. The gear of the gear portion 3211 is located on the periphery side thereof. The rotating shaft 3212 may include two portions protruding from two ends of the gear portion 3211. And are not described in detail herein.

Referring to fig. 37 again, the gear module 33 includes a plurality of gears 331, two adjacent gears 331 of the plurality of gears 331 are engaged with each other, and the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31 is engaged with the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 through the plurality of gears 331. Illustratively, the plurality of gears 331 may be arranged in a string, adjacent two gears 331 are engaged with each other, and two gears 331 located at both ends are engaged with the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31 and the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32, respectively. Among them, the gear 331 may include a gear portion 3311 and a rotation shaft portion 3312. The rotation shaft portion 3312 may include two portions, respectively located at both ends of the gear portion 3311. It can be understood that the number, size, etc. of the gears 331 of the gear module 33 can be designed according to the specific form, size, etc. of the product, which is not strictly limited in this application.

Referring to fig. 38 in conjunction with fig. 16, fig. 38 is a partial structural view of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 2. The rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31, the gear module 33, and the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 are disposed on the spindle 11, and may be disposed in the third accommodating space 1169 of the spindle 11, for example. It should be noted that the third accommodating space 1169 is defined by the first shell 112 and the base 111. Fig. 38 does not show the base 111 in order to show the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31, the gear module 33, and the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 in fig. 38.

Referring to fig. 39 in conjunction with fig. 37 and 38, fig. 39 is an enlarged view of the portion of the folding apparatus 1 shown in fig. 38 at B3. One rotating shaft portion 3112 of the first swing arm 31 is disposed in the first rotating shaft groove 1126 of the first housing 112, and the other rotating shaft portion 3112 of the first swing arm 31 is disposed in the second rotating shaft groove 1127 of the first housing 112, so that the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31 can be rotatably coupled to the spindle 11.

In addition, one rotation shaft portion 3212 of the rotation end 321 of the second swing arm 32 may be disposed in the first rotation shaft groove 1126 of the first housing 112, and the other rotation shaft portion 3212 of the rotation end 321 of the second swing arm 32 may be disposed in the second rotation shaft groove 1127 of the first housing 112, so that the rotation end 321 of the second swing arm 32 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11.

The two rotary shaft portions 3312 of the gear 331 may be provided in the first rotary shaft groove 1126 and the second rotary shaft groove 1127 of the first housing 112, respectively, so that each gear 331 of the gear module 33 may be rotatably connected to the main shaft 11.

In this embodiment, the wall surface of the first housing 112 can limit the rotation end 311 of the first swing arm 31, the gear module 33, and the rotation end 321 of the second swing arm 32 in the Y-axis direction.

Referring to fig. 40, and referring to fig. 38 and 39, fig. 40 is a partial structural schematic view of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 2. When the base 111 is fixedly connected to the first housing 112, the base 111 can cover the rotating shaft 3112 of the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31, the rotating shaft 3312 of the plurality of gears 331, and the rotating shaft 3212 of the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32, so as to limit the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31, the gear module 33, and the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 in the Z-axis direction. Thus, the fitting relationship between the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31, the gear module 33, and the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 and the main shaft 11 is more stable, and the reliability of the folding mechanism 101 is higher.

Referring to fig. 38 again, the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 is slidably connected to the first fixing frame 12. In addition, the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11. Thus, the first fixing frame 12 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 11 by the first swing arm 31, and can be moved in a direction approaching or departing from the main shaft 11 by the first swing arm 31.

In addition, the movable end 322 of the second swing arm 32 is slidably connected to the second fixed frame 13. The rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11. Thus, the second fixed frame 13 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 11 by the second swing arm 32, and can be moved in a direction approaching or departing from the main shaft 11 by the second swing arm 32.

In addition, as can be seen from the above, the first housing 102 is fixedly connected to the first fixing frame 12, and the second housing 103 is fixedly connected to the second fixing frame 13. At this time, when the first fixing frame 12 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11 through the first swing arm 31, and the second fixing frame 13 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11 through the second swing arm 32, the first housing 102 may rotate relative to the second housing 103, that is, the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 may be relatively unfolded or folded. In addition, when the first holder 12 is moved in a direction approaching or separating from the main shaft 11 by the first swing arm 31, and the second holder 13 is moved in a direction approaching or separating from the main shaft 11 by the second swing arm 32, the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 may also be moved in a direction approaching or separating from the main shaft 11.

Referring to fig. 41 in conjunction with fig. 17 and 37, fig. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 38 taken along line B4-B4. The partially movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 is located in the first movable notch 1263 of the first stationary frame 12. The first slider 3121 of the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 is disposed in the first slide groove 1261 of the first fixed frame 12 and is slidable on the first slide groove 1261. The second slider 3122 of the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 is disposed on the second sliding groove 1262 of the first fixed frame 12, and is slidable on the second sliding groove 1262. Thus, the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 can be slidably connected to the first fixed frame 12. It is understood that the connection relationship between the movable end 322 of the second swing arm 32 and the second mount 13 can be referred to the connection relationship between the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 and the first mount 12. And are not described in detail herein.

Referring to fig. 42, fig. 42 is a schematic structural view of the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 shown in fig. 6. The first support plate 14 has a second support surface 105. The second support surface 105 may be planar. The second support plate 15 has a third support face 106. The third support surface 106 may be planar.

Referring to fig. 43 in conjunction with fig. 42, fig. 43 is a schematic structural view of the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 shown in fig. 42 at another angle. The first support plate 14 also has a first fixing surface 107. The first fixing surface 107 is disposed opposite to the second supporting surface 105.

Referring to fig. 44 in conjunction with fig. 43, fig. 44 is an enlarged view of the first support plate 14 shown in fig. 43 at a position B5. The first support plate 14 includes a first movable block 141 and a first rotation arm 142. Fig. 43 illustrates two first rotation arms 142 and one first movable block 141. The first movable block 141 and the first rotation arm 142 are both located on the first fixed surface 107. Wherein, the first movable block 141 has a first arc-shaped hole 143. The first movable block 141 and the first rotation arm 142 of the first support plate 14 together form a connection structure. The first support plate 14 may include a plurality of connection structures arranged at intervals.

The second support plate 15 and the first support plate 14 may have the same structure, a mirror-symmetrical structure, a partially mirror-symmetrical structure, a central-symmetrical structure, a partially central-symmetrical structure, or different structures, which is not strictly limited in this application. In the present embodiment, the second support plate 15 and the first support plate 14 have a mirror-symmetrical structure. The arrangement of the structure of the second support plate 15 can be referred to the arrangement of the structure of the first support plate 14. And are not described in detail herein.

Referring to fig. 45 in conjunction with fig. 40, fig. 45 is a schematic structural diagram of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 2. The first supporting plate 14 is disposed on the top surface 121 of the first fixing frame 12. The second supporting plate 15 is disposed on the top surface 131 of the second fixing frame 13. The spindle 11 is located between a first support plate 14 and a second support plate 15. The second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14, the first support surface 104 of the spindle 11 and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 all face towards the same side. The second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14 faces away from the first holder 12. The third supporting surface 106 of the second supporting plate 15 faces away from the second fixing frame 13.

Referring to fig. 2, when the electronic device 100 is in the flat state, the main shaft 11 is located in the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15, and the second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14, the first support surface 104 of the main shaft 11, and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 support the bending portion 22 of the flexible screen 2 together, so that when the bending portion 22 is touched, the bending portion 22 is not easily damaged or dented due to external force, and the reliability of the flexible screen 2 is further improved.

Illustratively, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the first support surface 104 of the spindle 11, the second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14, and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 are flush. At this time, the bending portion 22 of the flexible screen 2 has better flatness, and the user experience is higher.

As shown in fig. 4, when the electronic apparatus 100 is in the closed state, the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 are located between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103, and the second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14 and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 are disposed to face each other. The second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14 is arranged obliquely with respect to the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15. The first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 are substantially V-shaped. The second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14 and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 support the bent portion 22 so that the bent portion 22 is formed substantially in a "water droplet" shape.

Referring to FIG. 46 in conjunction with FIG. 37, FIG. 46 is a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding device 1 shown in FIG. 45 taken along line B6-B6. The movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 is slidably and rotatably connected to the first support plate 14. Illustratively, the first movable block 141 of the first support plate 14 is located at the first movable notch 3125 of the first swing arm 31. The first movable block 141 of the first support plate 14 is located between the first rotation block 3123 and the second rotation block 3124 of the first swing arm 31. In addition, the rotation shaft holes 3126 of the first rotation block 3123 and the second rotation block 3124 are disposed opposite to the first arc-shaped hole 143 of the first support plate 14. By passing the pin 109 through the rotation shaft hole 3126 of the first rotation block 3123, the first arc-shaped hole 143 of the first support plate 14, and the rotation shaft hole 3126 of the second rotation block 3124. The middle portion of the pin 109 can slide and rotate in the first arc-shaped hole 143 of the first support plate 14.

Illustratively, one end of the pin 109 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft hole 3126 of the first rotating block 3123, and the other end is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft hole 3126 of the second rotating block 3124.

Illustratively, one end of the pin 109 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft hole 3126 of the first rotating block 3123, and the other end is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft hole 3126 of the second rotating block 3124.

Referring to fig. 46 again, when the electronic device 100 is in the flat state, the pin 109 is located at the end wall of the first arc-shaped hole 143 away from the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31.

Referring to fig. 47, fig. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 46 in a closed state. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the pin 109 is located at the end wall of the first arc-shaped hole 143 near the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31.

In this embodiment, the movable end 322 of the second swing arm 32 is rotatably and slidably connected to the second support plate 15. The connection between the movable end 322 of the second swing arm 32 and the second support plate 15 can be referred to as the connection between the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 and the first support plate 14. And will not be described in detail herein.

Referring to FIG. 48 in conjunction with FIG. 17, FIG. 48 is a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding device 1 shown in FIG. 45 taken along line B7-B7. The first support plate 14 is also rotatably connected to the first fixing frame 12. In the present embodiment, the first rotating arm 142 of the first supporting plate 14 is disposed in the first arc-shaped slot 127 of the first fixing frame 12, and the first rotating arm 142 having an arc shape can rotate in the first arc-shaped slot 127 of the first fixing frame 12 to form a virtual axis rotating connection relationship between the arc-shaped arm and the arc-shaped slot, so that the first rotating arm 142 of the first supporting plate 14 is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame 12. The first supporting plate 14 is connected with the first fixing frame 12 through a virtual shaft, so that the first supporting plate 14 and the first fixing frame 12 can be made thinner, which is beneficial to the thinning of the folding device 1. In other embodiments, the first support plate 14 and the first fixing frame 12 may be rotatably connected by a solid shaft.

Referring to fig. 48 again, when the electronic device 100 is in the flat state, the first rotating arm 142 of the first supporting plate 14 can be partially rotated into the first arc-shaped slot 127 of the first fixing frame 12.

Referring to fig. 49, fig. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding device 1 shown in fig. 48 in a closed state. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the first rotating arm 142 of the first supporting plate 14 can rotate into the first arc-shaped slot 127 of the first fixing frame 12.

In this embodiment, the second supporting plate 15 is rotatably connected to the second fixing frame 13. The connection between the second supporting plate 15 and the second fixing frame 13 can be referred to the connection between the first supporting plate 14 and the first fixing frame 12. And will not be described in detail herein.

Referring to fig. 46 and 48, when the electronic device 100 is in the flat state, the first fixing frame 12 and the second fixing frame 13 are in the open position relative to the main shaft 11, and the main shaft 11 is located between the first fixing frame 12 and the second fixing frame 13. The first rotating arm 142 of the first supporting plate 14 is partially rotated out of the first arc-shaped slot 127 of the first fixing frame 12. The pin 109 is located at the end wall of the first arc-shaped hole 143 of the first support plate 14 away from the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31. The positional relationship between the second support plate 15 and the second fixing frame 13 and the second swing arm 32 can be referred to the positional relationship between the first support plate 14 and the first fixing frame 12 and the first swing arm 31. At this time, the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 are unfolded relative to each other, and in the open position, the second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14, the first support surface 104 of the spindle 11, and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 may be flush with each other. As shown in fig. 2, the second supporting surface 105 of the first supporting plate 14, the first supporting surface 104 of the spindle 11 and the third supporting surface 106 of the second supporting plate 15 may collectively support the bent portion 22 of the flexible screen 2.

Referring to fig. 47 and fig. 49, when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the first fixing frame 12 and the second fixing frame 13 are in the closed position relative to the main shaft 11, and the first fixing frame 12 and the second fixing frame 13 are close to each other. The first rotating arm 142 of the first supporting plate 14 is completely rotated into the first arc-shaped slot 127 of the first fixing frame 12. The pin 109 is located at the end wall of the first arc-shaped hole 143 of the first support plate 14 near the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31. The positional relationship between the second support plate 15 and the second fixing frame 13 and the second swing arm 32 can be referred to the positional relationship between the first support plate 14 and the first fixing frame 12 and the first swing arm 31. At this time, the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 are folded relatively, and in the closed position, the second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14 and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 are disposed relatively and away from each other in a direction approaching the main shaft 11. As shown in fig. 4, the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 may make the bent portion 22 of the flexible screen 2 to be "water drop".

Referring to fig. 46 to fig. 49, in the process of switching the electronic device 100 between the flat state and the closed state, the first fixing frame 12 and the second fixing frame 13 switch from the open position to the closed position. The movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 can drive the first movable block 141 of the first support plate 14 to move relative to the main shaft 11. At this time, the pin 109 moves from the end of the first arc-shaped hole 143 away from the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31 to the end wall of the first arc-shaped hole 143 close to the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31. The first rotating arm 142 of the first supporting plate 14 is switched from a state of being partially located in the first arc-shaped groove 127 of the first fixing frame 12 to a state of being completely rotated into the first arc-shaped groove 127 of the first fixing frame 12. The first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 are switched from the open position to the closed position. The movement pattern of the second support plate 15 can be referred to the movement pattern of the first support plate 14. Details are not described herein.

The embodiment describes a folding mechanism 101 and an electronic device 100. The folding mechanism 101 may be applied to the electronic apparatus 100. The folding mechanism 101 enables the flexible screen 2 to be unfolded or folded to enable the electronic device 100 to be switched between a flattened state and a closed state. The folding mechanism 101 can reduce the risk of pulling or squeezing the flexible screen 2 in the process of unfolding or folding to protect the flexible screen 2, improve the reliability of the flexible screen 2, and enable the flexible screen 2 to have a long service life.

The above description is only for the specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of the changes or substitutions within the technical scope of the present application, and shall be covered by the scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic apparatus (100) comprising a folding mechanism (101), a first housing (102), and a second housing (103), the folding mechanism (101) connecting the first housing (102) and the second housing (103);

the folding mechanism (101) comprises a main shaft (11), a first connecting arm (16), a first ball (183) and a first elastic component (180);

the first connecting arm (16) comprises a first rotating end (16 a) and a second rotating end (16 b), the first rotating end (16 a) of the first connecting arm (16) is connected with the first shell (102), the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16) is rotatably connected with the main shaft (11), and the first ball (183) and the first elastic component (180) are arranged on the main shaft (11);

when the electronic device (100) is in a flat state, the first ball (183) is located between the first elastic component (180) and the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16), the first elastic component (180) abuts against the first ball (183), and the first ball (183) abuts against the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16);

during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device (100), the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16) rotates relative to the main shaft (11), the first elastic component (180) deforms, and the first rolling ball (183) rolls relative to the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16).

2. Electronic device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the direction of deformation of the first elastic component (180) is parallel to the direction of length extension of the main axis (11).

3. The electronic device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16) comprises an arc-shaped arm (161), the arc-shaped arm (161) of the first connecting arm (16) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11), the arc-shaped arm (161) of the first connecting arm (16) has a first side surface (1614), and the first side surface (1614) is convexly provided with the first protrusion (162);

when the electronic device (100) is in a flat state, the first ball bearing (183) abuts against the first side face (1614);

the first rolling ball (183) rolls relative to the first bump (162) during the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device (100).

4. The electronic device (100) of claim 3, wherein the first bump (162) of the first connecting arm (16) has a first inclined face (1621), the first inclined face (1621) connecting the first side face (1614) of the first connecting arm (16);

when the electronic device (100) is in a flat state, the first ball (183) abuts against the first inclined surface (1621) of the first connecting arm (16).

5. The electronic device (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16) comprises a second protrusion (163), the second protrusion (163) is protruded from the first side surface (1614) of the first connecting arm (16), and the second protrusion (163) is spaced apart from the first protrusion (162);

at least a portion of the first ball bearing (183) is located between the first bump (162) and the second bump (163) when the electronic device (100) is in a flattened state.

6. The electronic device (100) according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the spindle (11) comprises a base (111) and a first housing (112), the first housing (112) is fixedly connected to the base (111), and the first housing (112) and the base (111) jointly enclose a first accommodating space (1161), a first rolling groove (1162) and a first arc-shaped groove (1164) which are sequentially communicated;

the first elastic assembly (180) is arranged in the first accommodating space (1161), at least part of the first ball (183) is connected to the first rolling groove (1162) in a rolling manner, and the arc-shaped arm (161) of the first connecting arm (16) is rotatably connected to the first arc-shaped groove (1164).

7. The electronic device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the folding mechanism (101) further comprises a second connecting arm (17) and a second ball (184);

the second connecting arm (17) comprises a first rotating end (17 a) and a second rotating end (17 b), the first rotating end (17 a) of the second connecting arm (17) is connected with the second shell (103), the second rotating end (17 b) of the second connecting arm (17) is rotatably connected with the main shaft (11), and the second ball (184) is arranged on the main shaft (11) and is spaced from the first ball (183);

when the electronic device (100) is in a flattened state, the second ball (184) is located between the first elastic component (180) and the second rotating end (17 b) of the second connecting arm (17), the first elastic component (180) abuts against the second ball (184), and the second ball (184) abuts against the second rotating end (17 b) of the second connecting arm (17);

during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device (100), the second rotating end (17 b) of the second connecting arm (17) rotates relative to the main shaft (11), and the second ball (184) rolls relative to the second rotating end (17 b) of the second connecting arm (17).

8. The electronic device (100) of claim 7, wherein the first elastic component (180) comprises a first bracket (181) and a first elastic member (182), the first bracket (181) is slidably connected to the main shaft (11), the first bracket (181) comprises a first abutting portion (1811) and a first guide portion (1812), and the first guide portion (1812) is fixedly connected to the first abutting portion (1811);

the first elastic piece (182) is sleeved on the first guide part (1812), one end of the first elastic piece (182) abuts against the first abutting part (1811), and the other end abuts against the main shaft (11);

a part of the first ball (183) is in contact with the first holding portion (1811), and the first holding portion (1811) is disposed between the first ball (183) and the first elastic member (182);

a part of the second ball (184) contacts the first retaining portion (1811), and the first retaining portion (1811) is disposed between the second ball (184) and the first elastic member (182).

9. The electronic device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first abutting portion (1811) of the first bracket (181) is provided with a first limiting groove (1813) and a second limiting groove (1814) which are arranged at intervals;

a portion of the first ball (183) is in contact with the first holding portion (1811), and includes: a portion of the first ball (183) is in contact with the first stopper groove (1813);

a portion of the second ball (184) is in contact with the first holding portion (1811), and includes: a portion of the second ball (184) is located within the second retaining groove (1814).

10. The electronic device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the folding mechanism (101) further comprises a third ball (193) and a second elastic component (190), wherein the third ball (193) and the second elastic component (190) are both arranged on the main shaft (11);

when the electronic device (100) is in a flattened state, the third ball (193) is located between the second elastic component (190) and the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16), the second elastic component (190) abuts against the third ball (193), and the third ball (193) abuts against the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16);

during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device (100), the second elastic component (190) deforms, the third ball (193) rolls relative to the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16), and the deformation direction of the second elastic component (190) is opposite to the deformation direction of the first elastic component (180).

11. The electronic device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first ball (183) is disposed apart from the second rotation end (16 b) of the first link arm (16) when the electronic device (100) is in the closed state.

12. The electronic device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the folding mechanism (101) further comprises a first mount (12) and a second mount (13), the first mount (12) being fixedly connected to the first housing (102), the second mount (13) being fixedly connected to the second housing (103);

the first rotating end (16 a) of the first connecting arm (16) is rotatably connected with the first fixing frame (12), and the first rotating end (17 a) of the second connecting arm (17) is rotatably connected with the second fixing frame (13).

13. The electronic device (100) of claim 12, wherein the first rotating end (16 a) of the first connecting arm (16) is provided with a rotating hole;

the first fixing frame (12) is provided with a rotating hole;

the rotating shaft (108) is rotatably connected with the first fixing frame (12) at least through a rotating hole of the first fixing frame (12);

the rotating shaft is rotatably connected with the first connecting arm (16) at least through a rotating hole of the first rotating end (16 a).

14. The electronic device (100) of claim 13, wherein the folding mechanism (101) further comprises a first swing arm (31) and a second swing arm (32);

the first swing arm (31) comprises a rotating end (311) and a movable end (312), the rotating end (311) of the first swing arm (31) is rotatably connected with the main shaft (11), and the movable end (312) of the first swing arm (31) is slidably connected with the first fixed frame (12); the second swing arm (32) comprises a rotating end (321) and a movable end (322), the rotating end (321) of the second swing arm (32) is connected with the main shaft (11) in a rotating mode, and the movable end (322) of the second swing arm (32) is connected with the second fixing frame (13) in a sliding mode.

15. The electronic device (100) of claim 14, wherein the folding mechanism (101) further comprises a plurality of gears (331), each gear (331) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11), two adjacent gears (331) are engaged with each other, and the rotating end (311) of the first swing arm (31) is engaged with the rotating end (321) of the second swing arm (32) through the plurality of gears (331).

16. The electronic device (100) of claim 14, wherein the folding mechanism (101) further comprises a first support plate (14) and a second support plate (15);

the first supporting plate (14) is connected with a movable end (312) of the first swing arm (31) in a sliding and rotating mode, and the first supporting plate (14) is connected with the first fixing frame (12) in a rotating mode; the second supporting plate (15) is connected with the movable end (322) of the second swing arm (32) in a sliding and rotating mode, and the second supporting plate (15) is connected with the second fixing frame (13) in a rotating mode;

when the electronic equipment (100) is in a flattening state, the first supporting plate (14) and the second supporting plate (15) are respectively positioned at two sides of the main shaft (11); when the electronic device (100) is in a closed state, the first support plate (14) and the second support plate (15) are arranged oppositely.

17. The electronic device (100) according to claim 16, wherein the movable end (312) of the first swing arm (31) comprises a first slider (3121), a second slider (3122), a first rotation block (3123) and a second rotation block (3124), the first slider (3121) and the second slider (3122) are disposed at intervals, the first rotation block (3123) is disposed on the first slider (3121), the second rotation block (3124) is disposed on the second slider (3122), the first rotation block (3123) and the second rotation block (3124) are each provided with a rotation shaft hole (3126), the rotation shaft hole (3126) of the first rotation block (3123) and the rotation shaft hole (3126) of the second rotation block (3124) are disposed opposite to each other;

the first sliding block (3121) of the first swing arm (31) is slidably connected to the first sliding groove (1261) of the first fixed frame (12), and the second sliding block (3122) of the first swing arm (31) is slidably connected to the second sliding groove (1262) of the first fixed frame (12);

the first supporting plate (14) is provided with a first arc-shaped hole (143), the first arc-shaped hole (143) is located between a first rotating block (3123) and a second rotating block (3124) of the first swing arm (31), one end of a pin shaft (109) is rotated or fixedly connected to the first rotating block (3123), the other end of the pin shaft (109) is rotated or fixedly connected to a rotating shaft hole (3126) of the second rotating block (3124), and the middle of the pin shaft (109) is slidably connected to the first arc-shaped hole (143).

18. A folding mechanism (101) comprising a main shaft (11), a first connecting arm (16), a first ball (183) and a first elastic member (180);

the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16) is rotatably connected with the main shaft (11), and the first ball (183) and the first elastic assembly (180) are arranged on the main shaft (11);

when the folding mechanism (101) is in a flat state, the first ball (183) is located between the first elastic component (180) and the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16), the first elastic component (180) abuts against the first ball (183), and the first ball (183) abuts against the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16);

during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism (101), the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16) rotates relative to the main shaft (11), the first elastic component (180) deforms, and the first ball (183) rolls relative to the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16).

19. The folding mechanism (101) of claim 18, wherein the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16) comprises an arc-shaped arm (161), the arc-shaped arm (161) of the first connecting arm (16) is rotatably connected with the main shaft (11), the arc-shaped arm (161) of the first connecting arm (16) has a first lateral surface (1614), and the first lateral surface (1614) is convexly provided with the first protrusion (162);

when the folding mechanism (101) is in a flat state, the first ball (183) abuts against the first side surface (1614);

during the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism (101), the first rolling ball (183) rolls relative to the first lug (162).

20. The folding mechanism (101) of claim 19 wherein the first tab (162) of the first link arm (16) has a first inclined surface (1621), the first inclined surface (1621) connecting the first side surface (1614) of the first link arm (16);

when the folding mechanism (101) is in a flat state, the first ball (183) abuts against the first inclined surface (1621) of the first connecting arm (16).

21. The folding mechanism (101) of claim 19 or 20, wherein the second pivot end (16 b) of the first link arm (16) comprises a second projection (163), the second projection (163) protruding from the first side surface (1614) of the first link arm (16), the second projection (163) being spaced apart from the first projection (162);

at least a portion of the first ball (183) is located between the first tab (162) and the second tab (163) when the folding mechanism (101) is in a flattened state.

22. The folding mechanism (101) according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the spindle (11) comprises a base (111) and a first housing (112), the first housing (112) is fixedly connected to the base (111), and the first housing (112) and the base (111) jointly enclose a first housing space (1161), a first rolling groove (1162) and a first arc-shaped groove (1164) which are communicated in sequence;

23. The folding mechanism (101) according to any of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that said folding mechanism (101) further comprises a second connecting arm (17) and a second ball (184);

the second rotating end (17 b) of the second connecting arm (17) is rotatably connected with the main shaft (11), and the second ball (184) is arranged on the main shaft (11);

when the folding mechanism (101) is in a flat state, the second ball (184) is located between the first elastic component (180) and the second rotating end (17 b) of the second connecting arm (17), the first elastic component (180) abuts against the second ball (184), and the second ball (184) abuts against the second rotating end (17 b) of the second connecting arm (17);

during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism (101), the second rotating end (17 b) of the second connecting arm (17) rotates relative to the main shaft (11), the first elastic component (180) deforms, and the second ball (184) rolls relative to the second rotating end (17 b) of the second connecting arm (17).

24. The folding mechanism (101) according to claim 23, wherein said first elastic member (180) comprises a first bracket (181) and a first elastic member (182), said first bracket (181) is slidably connected to said main shaft (11), said first bracket (181) comprises a first abutting portion (1811) and a first guiding portion (1812), said first guiding portion (1812) is connected to said first abutting portion (1811);

a part of the first ball (183) is in contact with the first abutting portion (1811), and the first abutting portion (1811) is arranged between the first ball (183) and the first elastic piece (182);

a part of the second ball (184) contacts with the first holding portion (1811), and the first holding portion (1811) is disposed between the second ball (184) and the first elastic member (182).

25. The folding mechanism (101) according to any of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that said folding mechanism (101) further comprises a third ball (193) and a second elastic assembly (190), said third ball (193) and said second elastic assembly (190) being provided to said spindle (11);

when the folding mechanism (101) is in a flattened state, the third ball (193) is positioned between the second elastic component (190) and the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16), the second elastic component (190) abuts against the third ball (193), and the third ball (193) abuts against the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16);

during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism (101), the second elastic assembly (190) deforms, the third ball (193) rolls relative to the second rotating end (16 b) of the first connecting arm (16), and the deformation direction of the second elastic assembly (190) is opposite to that of the first elastic assembly (180).

26. The folding mechanism (101) of any of claims 18 to 25, wherein the first ball (183) is disposed apart from the second rotational end (16 b) of the first link arm (16) when the folding mechanism (101) is in a closed state.