CN217718537U - Folding mechanism and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The application discloses folding mechanism and electronic equipment. The folding mechanism comprises a middle shell, a first supporting plate and a second supporting plate. The first supporting plate and the second supporting plate are both rotatably connected with the middle shell. The rotation center of the relative rotation between the first supporting plate and the middle shell is positioned at the top of the middle shell. The rotation center of the relative rotation of the second support plate and the middle shell is positioned at the top of the middle shell, and the top of the middle shell is one side of the top surface of the middle shell, which is far away from the bottom surface of the middle shell. When the folding mechanism is in a flattening state, the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate are respectively positioned at two sides of the middle shell. When the folding mechanism is in a closed state, the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate are arranged oppositely, the screen containing space is surrounded by the mesochite, the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate, and the screen containing space is towards the top surface of the mesochite. The application can hold the kink of the flexible screen of bigger volume in the appearance screen space to avoid appearing damaging because of the less flexible screen that leads to in the flexible screen space of holding.

Description

Folding mechanism and electronic equipment

Technical Field

The application relates to the technical field of foldable electronic products, in particular to a folding mechanism and electronic equipment.

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 with the first shell and the second shell. The folding mechanism is used for enabling the first shell and the second shell to be unfolded or folded oppositely and enabling the flexible screen to be unfolded or folded. However, the screen accommodating space of the folding mechanism is small, so that the flexible screen is easily extruded by the folding mechanism in the folding or unfolding process, the flexible screen is easy to damage, and the service life of the flexible screen is shortened.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The application provides a hold great folding mechanism in screen space 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.

In a first aspect, the present application provides a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism comprises a middle shell, a first supporting plate and a second supporting plate. The first supporting plate and the second supporting plate are both rotatably connected with the middle shell, the rotating center of the first supporting plate and the middle shell, which rotates relatively, is located at the top of the middle shell, the rotating center of the second supporting plate and the middle shell, which rotates relatively, is located at the top of the middle shell, and the top of the middle shell is one side of the top surface of the middle shell, which is far away from the bottom surface of the middle shell.

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 mesochite, when the folding mechanism is in a closing state, the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate are oppositely arranged, a screen accommodating space is defined by the mesochite, the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate, and the screen accommodating space is oriented to the top surface of the mesochite.

It can be understood that, in the present embodiment, the rotation center of the first supporting plate and the middle shell is disposed at the top of the middle shell, and the rotation center of the second supporting plate and the middle shell is disposed at the top of the middle shell, so that when the folding mechanism is in the closed state, the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate can be disposed far away from the middle shell to a greater extent. At this time, the screen accommodating space enclosed by the first support plate, the middle shell and the second support plate is larger. The flexible screen containing space can contain the bending part of the flexible screen with larger volume, so that the flexible screen is prevented from being damaged due to the fact that the flexible screen containing space is small.

In one possible implementation, the first support plate includes a first plate and a first transmission arm. First transmission arm includes stiff end and rotation end, and the stiff end of first transmission arm can be dismantled and connect in first plate, and the rotation end of first transmission arm rotates and connects the mesochite.

It can be understood that, in the present embodiment, the first support plate is configured as two detachably connected parts, that is, the first plate and the first transmission arm, so that in the process of assembling the first support plate to the middle shell, the rotating end of the first transmission arm may be assembled to the middle shell first, and then the fixed end of the first transmission arm may be assembled to the first plate. Therefore, the assembly process of the first supporting plate and the middle shell is simple. Particularly, when the first supporting plate needs to be rotatably connected with the middle shell in multiple positions, the embodiment may provide a plurality of first driving arms, so that each first driving arm may be sequentially assembled with the middle shell and then assembled with the first plate in the process of assembling the first supporting plate with the middle shell. Compared with the mode that the first supporting plate is assembled on the middle shell at multiple positions at the same time, the assembling process of the embodiment is particularly simple.

In a possible implementation manner, the middle shell comprises a main shell and a fixed seat, and the fixed seat is detachably connected to the main shell. An arc-shaped groove is defined by one part of the main shell and one part of the fixed seat, at least part of the rotating end of the first transmission arm is arc-shaped, and at least part of the rotating end of the first transmission arm is arranged in the arc-shaped groove and rotates relative to the groove wall of the arc-shaped groove.

It can be understood that, in the present embodiment, the middle shell is configured as two detachably connected parts, that is, the main shell and the fixing seat, so that in the process of assembling the first supporting plate to the middle shell, the rotating end of the first driving arm may be assembled to the main shell first, and then the fixing seat may be fixed to the main shell. Therefore, the assembly process of the first supporting plate and the middle shell is simple.

In addition, compared with the arc-shaped groove directly formed in the main shell, the arc-shaped groove of the embodiment can be enclosed by the main shell and the fixing seat which are detachably connected, and the preparation process is simple and easy to realize.

In a possible implementation manner, the fixing base is provided with a movable space, the opening of the movable space is located on the top surface and the bottom surface of the fixing base, the fixing base is provided with a second bump, and the second bump is located in the movable space. The main shell is provided with a first lug, the first lug and the second lug are arranged oppositely, and the first lug and the second lug enclose an arc-shaped groove.

It can be understood that the fixing seat of the embodiment has a compact structure, and is beneficial to realizing miniaturization.

In a possible implementation, the rotating end of the first driving arm is provided with a second concave portion, the opening of the second concave portion is located on the surface of the rotating end of the first driving arm facing the main shell, and the bottom wall of the second concave portion is arc-shaped. The fixing seat is provided with a first arc-shaped arm, the first arc-shaped arm is arranged in the second concave portion, and the first arc-shaped arm and the bottom wall of the second concave portion rotate relatively.

It can be understood that the first arc-shaped arm of the fixing seat is matched with the second concave part of the rotating end of the first transmission arm, so that the connection stability of the rotating end of the first transmission arm and the fixing seat can be further improved, and the folding mechanism is more stable in the process of flattening or folding.

In one possible implementation, the main housing is provided with a first fixing groove, and at least a part of the fixing seat is located in the first fixing groove. It can be understood that, by locating at least a portion of the fixing seat in the first fixing groove, so that the fixing seat and the main shell have an overlapping portion in the thickness direction, the slim arrangement of the middle shell is facilitated.

In a possible implementation, the main housing is provided with a second recess, the opening of which is located at the top surface of the main housing and at the first side surface of the main housing. When the folding mechanism is in a closed state, the side portion of the first plate rotates out of the second groove, and when the folding mechanism is in a flattening state, the side portion of the first plate rotates into the second groove.

It can be understood that when folding mechanism is in the closure state, folding mechanism is in the exhibition flat state, and the lateral part of first plate changes over into the second recess, and first backup pad is more compact with the mesochite is arranged, and the gap between first backup pad and the mesochite is less. When the folding mechanism is in a closed state, the side part of the first plate is rotated out of the second groove, and the screen accommodating space enclosed by the first supporting plate, the middle shell and the second supporting plate is larger.

In one possible implementation, the folding mechanism includes a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm. The first connecting arm is rotatably connected with the middle shell and is connected with the first supporting plate in a sliding mode. The second connecting arm is rotatably connected with the middle shell and is connected with the second supporting plate in a sliding mode.

It can be understood that, this application is through setting up first linking arm and second linking arm, and rotate first linking arm and connect the mesochite, and the first backup pad of sliding connection, the second linking arm rotates and connects the mesochite, and sliding connection second backup pad, thereby utilize the mesochite, first backup pad, the second backup pad, the motion form of first linking arm and second linking arm realizes folding mechanism's exhibition or folding, and then when folding mechanism was applied to electronic equipment, electronic equipment can realize from exhibition flat state to switching between the closed state, or switching between self-closing state to exhibition flat state. The folding mechanism of this application's simple structure, the part is less, can reduce cost to a great extent on the one hand and drop into, and on the other hand motion is comparatively simple, easier volume production.

In a possible implementation manner, the first connecting arm includes a first connecting arm body and a first rotating shaft, the first connecting arm body is located on the same side of the first end portion of the middle shell and the first end portion of the first supporting plate, and the first connecting arm body is slidably connected to the first supporting plate. The mesochite is equipped with first recess, and first pivot is partly located in the first recess, and first pivot is at first recess internal rotation.

It can be understood that, compare in setting up between mesochite and first backup pad and dodge the district to set up first connecting arm in the scheme of dodging the district, this implementation is through setting up first connecting arm body in the same one side of the first tip of mesochite and the first tip of first backup pad, thereby make first backup pad when relative mesochite rotates, first connecting arm is difficult to influence the rotation of first backup pad, also can avoid first connecting arm, take place to interfere between mesochite and the first backup pad to a great extent. In addition, this implementation mode can make arranging between first connecting arm, mesochite and the first backup pad compacter through setting up first connecting arm body in the same one side of the first end of mesochite and the first end of first backup pad. Thus, when the folding mechanism is applied to an electronic device, the folding mechanism occupies less space.

In a possible implementation, the middle shell is provided with a holding groove, an opening of the holding groove is located on the top surface of the middle shell, and the holding groove is communicated with the first groove. Folding mechanism includes the damping piece, and the damping piece is fixed in the holding tank in, and the damping piece wraps up the partly of first pivot, and the damping piece is used for increasing the frictional force that first pivot received at the rotation in-process.

It can be understood that, this implementation mode is through setting up the damping piece to when folding mechanism is applied to electronic equipment, and when electronic equipment changed from the flat-open state to the closed state, perhaps changed from the closed state to the flat-open state between, first connecting arm rotated relatively the mesochite, and the first pivot of first connecting arm received great frictional force, and the speed that first connecting arm rotated relatively the mesochite is slower. Thus, the first housing rotates relatively slowly with respect to the middle case. The flexible screen is not easy to be damaged by local collision due to the fact that the rotating speed of the first shell and the second shell is too high. Therefore, the flexible screen of the embodiment has high reliability and long service life.

In a possible implementation manner, the first connecting arm body is provided with a first sliding groove, the first support plate is provided with a first protrusion, and the first protrusion slides in the first sliding groove.

It can be understood that this implementation mode is through the cooperation relation of first arch and spout to realize the connected mode of first connecting arm and first backup pad, the connected mode of first connecting arm and first backup pad is comparatively simple.

In a possible implementation manner, the first connecting arm is provided with a first stop groove, the first stop groove has a first end wall and a second end wall which are oppositely arranged, and the middle shell comprises a first convex part which is arranged in the first stop groove and slides in the first stop groove. When the folding mechanism is in a flattening state, the first convex part is in contact with the first end wall of the first stop groove, and when the folding mechanism is in a closing state, the first convex part is in contact with the second end wall of the first stop groove.

It is understood that the first protrusion may contact the first end wall of the first stopper groove of the first link arm when the folding mechanism is unfolded to the unfolded state. Therefore, the first end wall of the first stop groove of the first connecting arm can limit the first supporting plate to continue to be unfolded, so that the problem that the first supporting plate is folded over is avoided, and the position of the first supporting plate in the flattening state is accurately controlled.

When the folding mechanism is folded to the closed state, the first protrusion of the first support plate may contact the second end wall of the first stopper groove of the first connection arm. Therefore, the second end wall of the first stop groove of the first connecting arm can limit the first supporting plate to be continuously folded, so that the problem that the first supporting plate is folded too much is avoided, and the position of the first supporting plate in a closed state is accurately controlled.

In one possible implementation, the second connecting arm engages with the first connecting arm. Like this, when the relative mesochite of first linking arm rotated, when the relative mesochite of second linking arm rotated, first linking arm can realize synchronous rotation with the second linking arm.

In a second aspect, the present application provides an electronic device. The electronic device comprises a first shell, a second shell and the folding mechanism, wherein the folding mechanism is connected with the first shell and the second shell. The folding mechanism is used for enabling the first shell and the second shell to be folded or unfolded relatively. The flexible screen comprises a first non-bending part, a bending part and a second non-bending part which are sequentially arranged, wherein the first non-bending part is fixed on the first shell, and the second non-bending part is fixed on the second shell. When the folding mechanism is in the flattening state, the first supporting plate, the middle shell and the second supporting plate support the bending part, and when the folding mechanism is in the closing state, the bending part is positioned in the screen accommodating space.

It can be understood that, because the appearance screen space that first backup pad, mesochite and second backup pad enclose is great, holds the kink that the screen space can the flexible screen of holding bigger volume to avoid because of the less flexible screen damage that leads to of holding space appears in the flexible screen.

In one possible implementation, the folding mechanism includes a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm. The first connecting arm is rotatably connected with the middle shell and is connected with the first supporting plate in a sliding mode. The second connecting arm is rotatably connected with the middle shell and is connected with the second supporting plate in a sliding mode. The first connecting arm is fixed on the first shell, and the second connecting arm is fixed on the second shell. At least part of the first connecting arm and at least part of the second connecting arm are arranged in a staggered mode with the flexible screen.

It can be understood that at least part of the first connecting arm and at least part of the second connecting arm are arranged in a staggered mode with the flexible screen, so that when the first connecting arm rotates, the influence of the first connecting arm on the flexible screen is small, and when the second connecting arm rotates, the influence of the second connecting arm on the flexible screen is small.

In one possible implementation, the first housing includes a frame and a middle plate, the frame connects the middle plate, and the frame surrounds the middle plate. The middle plate of the first shell is fixed by the first non-bending part, and at least part of the first connecting arm is fixed with the frame. It will be appreciated that at least a portion of the first connecting arm is fixedly attached to the bezel of the first housing such that at least a portion of the first connecting arm is offset from the flexible screen. Thus, when the first connecting arm rotates, the influence of the first connecting arm on the flexible screen is small.

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 diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 in an intermediate state;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 in a closed state;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 4 at line A1-A1;

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded schematic view of the folding device shown in FIG. 2;

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

FIG. 8 is an exploded schematic view of the center housing shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a partial schematic structural view of the main housing shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the fixing base shown in FIG. 8 at a different angle;

FIG. 11a is an assembled view of the fixing base and the main housing shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11b is a cross-sectional view of the mid-shell shown in FIG. 11a taken along line A2-A2;

fig. 12 is an exploded view of the first support plate shown in fig. 7;

FIG. 13 is a partial schematic structural view of the first plate member shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the first drive arm of FIG. 12 at a different angle;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the middle shell of FIG. 10 assembled with the first and second support plates;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the mid-shell, first support plate and second support plate shown in FIG. 15 taken along line A3-A3;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the portion of the folding mechanism shown in FIG. 16 in a closed position;

FIG. 18a is a cross-sectional view of the mid-shell, first support plate and second support plate of FIG. 15 taken along line A4-A4;

FIG. 18b is a schematic view of the portion of the folding mechanism shown in FIG. 18a in a closed position;

FIG. 19a is a cross-sectional view of the mid-shell, first support plate and second support plate of FIG. 15 taken along line A5-A5;

FIG. 19b is a schematic view of the portion of the folding mechanism shown in FIG. 19a in a closed position;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the first and second link arms shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a portion of the folding mechanism shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding mechanism shown in FIG. 21 taken along line A6-A6;

FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding mechanism shown in FIG. 21 taken along line A7-A7;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of the portion of the folding mechanism shown in FIG. 23 in a closed position;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the first and second housings shown in FIG. 6 at another angle;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged schematic view of the first and second housings shown in FIG. 25 at B1;

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a portion of the folding device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged schematic view of the folding device shown in FIG. 27 at B2;

FIG. 29 is a partial cross-sectional view of the folding device illustrated in FIG. 28 at line A8-A8;

FIG. 30 is a schematic view of the assembly of the partially folded device of FIG. 28 with a flexible screen;

FIG. 31 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 30 at the line A9-A9;

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the electronic device shown in FIG. 2;

fig. 33 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device shown in fig. 31 in a closed state.

Detailed Description

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

In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the term "connected" should be interpreted broadly, unless explicitly stated or limited otherwise, for example, "connected" may or may not be detachably connected; may be directly connected or may be indirectly connected through an intermediate. The term "fixedly connected" may refer to the relative positions of the two parts connected to each other. The "rotational connection" may be connected to each other and may be capable of relative rotation after the connection. The "sliding connection" may be connected to each other and can slide relative to each other after being connected. 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 and fig. 2, fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device 1 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure in a flattened state. Fig. 2 is a partially exploded schematic view of the electronic device 1 shown in fig. 1. The electronic device 1 comprises a folding means 1000 and a flexible screen 2000. The flexible screen 2000 is used to display images. The flexible screen 2000 is fixedly connected to the folding device 1000. The folding device 1000 is used to move the flexible screen 2000 so as to unfold or fold the flexible screen 2000.

It is understood that when the folding device 1000 is in the unfolded state, the electronic apparatus 1 is in the flattened state. At this point, the flexible screen 2000 is unfolded with the folding device 1000 in a flattened configuration.

Referring to fig. 3, fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device 1 shown in fig. 1 in an intermediate state. When the folding device 1000 is in the process of being opened or closed, the electronic apparatus 1 is in the intermediate state. At this time, the flexible screen 2000 is unfolded or closed with the folding device 1000 and is in a bent configuration.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, fig. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device 1 shown in fig. 1 in a closed state. Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 shown in fig. 4 at the line A1-A1. When the folding device 1000 is in the closed state, the electronic apparatus 1 is in the closed state. At this point, the flexible screen 2000 is closed with the folding device 1000 and in the folded configuration.

It is understood that the intermediate state of the electronic device 1 is any one state between the flat state and the closed state. For convenience of description, fig. 3 illustrates only one intermediate state of the electronic apparatus 1.

When the electronic device 1 is in the flat state, the electronic device 1 has a larger display area, and the viewing experience of the user is better. When the electronic device 1 is in the closed state, the plane size of the electronic device 1 is small, which is convenient for the user to carry. The electronic device 1 may be a foldable electronic product such as a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, and a personal computer. The electronic device 1 of the embodiment shown in fig. 1 is illustrated by taking a notebook computer as an example.

For convenience of description, an extending direction of the rotation axis of the electronic apparatus 1 is exemplarily defined as a Y-axis direction. The thickness direction of the electronic apparatus 1 is the Z-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Y-axis and the Z-axis is the X-axis. It will be appreciated that the coordinate system of the electronic device 1 may also be flexibly set according to specific requirements. In the present embodiment, when the direction of the rotation axis of the electronic device 1 is the Y-axis direction, the folding device 1000 can relatively unfold or fold the flexible screen 2000 along the Y-axis direction. In this way, when the electronic apparatus 1 is in the closed state, the size of the electronic apparatus 1 in the X-axis direction becomes small.

Referring to fig. 6, fig. 6 is a partially exploded view of the folding device 1000 shown in fig. 2. The folding device 1000 includes a folding mechanism 100, a first housing 200, and a second housing 300. The folding mechanism 100 connects the first housing 200 and the second housing 300. The folding mechanism 100 is used to unfold or fold the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 relative to each other.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are unfolded to the open state, the electronic device 1 is in the flat state, and the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 may be at an angle of 180 °. In other embodiments, the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 may also have a slight deviation from 180 °, such as 165 °, 177 °, or 185 °.

As shown in fig. 3, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are in the process of being opened or folded, the electronic device 1 is in an intermediate state, and the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are disposed at an angle. For example, the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 may be at an angle of 30 °, 90 °, 100 °, or 120 °.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are folded to the closed state, the electronic device 1 is in the closed state, the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can be folded to each other, and the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are disposed oppositely. Thus, the electronic device 1 has better appearance experience and better waterproof, dustproof and foreign matter prevention performance. The case where the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are folded includes a case where the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 contact each other (i.e., a case where there is no gap), and may also include a case where there is a small gap between the two according to the requirement of screen reliability. When there is a small gap between the first casing 200 and the second casing 300, some foreign objects outside the electronic device 1 may not enter between the first casing 200 and the second casing 300 through the gap.

Referring to fig. 1 and fig. 2 again, the flexible screen 2000 includes a first non-bending portion 2100, a bending portion 2200, and a second non-bending portion 2300. The bent portion 2200 is connected between the first non-bent portion 2100 and the second non-bent portion 2300. Fig. 1 and 2 are both schematically illustrated by dashed lines to distinguish the first non-bending portion 2100, the bending portion 2200, and the second non-bending portion 2300. First non-bent portion 2100 of flexible screen 2000 is fixedly connected to first housing 200. The second non-bending portion 2300 is fixedly connected to the second housing 300. In the process of opening or closing the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 relatively, the first housing 200 can drive the first non-bending portion 2100 to move, the second housing 300 can drive the second non-bending portion 2300 to move, and the bending portion 2200 can deform during the process of opening or closing the first non-bending portion 2100 and the second non-bending portion 2300 relatively.

Referring to fig. 1 and fig. 2 again, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are in an open state (i.e., the electronic device 1 is in a flat state), the first non-bending portion 2100, the bending portion 2200 and the second non-bending portion 2300 of the flexible screen 2000 may be disposed in a plane. In other embodiments, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are in the open state, the first non-bending portion 2100, the bending portion 2200, and the second non-bending portion 2300 may not be absolutely planar. For example, a small portion of the flexible screen 2000 exhibits a curved configuration.

Referring to fig. 3 again, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are in an opening or closing process (i.e., the electronic device 1 is in an intermediate state), the first non-bending portion 2100 and the second non-bending portion 2300 of the flexible screen 2000 may be disposed at an included angle. For example, the included angle between the first and second non-bent portions 2100 and 2300 may be 30 °, 90 °, 100 °, 120 °, or the like.

Referring to fig. 4 and fig. 5, when the first casing 200 and the second casing 300 are in the closed state (i.e. the electronic device 1 is in the closed state), the flexible screen 2000 is located between the first casing 200 and the second casing 300. The first non-bending portion 2100 and the second non-bending portion 2300 may be parallel to each other and may be folded together. The bending portion 2200 may be bent. Illustratively, the flexible screen 2000 is substantially "drop-shaped".

Referring to fig. 7 in conjunction with fig. 6, fig. 7 is a partially exploded view of the folding mechanism 100 shown in fig. 6. The folding mechanism 100 includes a middle case 10, a first support plate 20, a second support plate 30, a first connecting arm 40, a second connecting arm 50, and a damping member 70. In the present embodiment, the extending direction of the length of the middle case 10, the extending direction of the length of the first support plate 20, and the extending direction of the length of the second support plate 30 may be the Y-axis direction. In other embodiments, the extending direction of the length of the middle case 10, the extending direction of the length of the first support plate 20, and the extending direction of the length of the second support plate 30 may be freely set as required.

Wherein the first connecting arm 40, the second connecting arm 50 and the damper 70 may together constitute a first connecting assembly 100a. Illustratively, the first connection assembly 100a may serve as a bottom connection assembly of the folding mechanism 100. The folding mechanism 100 may also include a second connection assembly 100b. The second connection assembly 100b may serve as the top connection assembly of the folding mechanism 100. The first connection assembly 100a and the second connection assembly 100b are connected to the middle case 10, the first support plate 20, and the second support plate 30.

Illustratively, the second connection assembly 100b may be the same or similar structure, a symmetrical or partially symmetrical structure, or a different structure than the first connection assembly 100a. In some embodiments, the second connecting component 100b and the first connecting component 100a are symmetrical structures, and the basic design of the component structure of the second connecting component 100b, the design of the connection relationship between the components, and the design of the connection relationship between the components and the structures other than the components can refer to the related scheme of the first connecting component 100a, and at the same time, the second connecting component 100b and the first connecting component 100a are allowed to have a little difference in the detailed structure or position arrangement of the components.

Illustratively, the second connection assembly 100b may include a first connection arm 40b, a second connection arm 50b, and a damper 70b. The structure of the components of the second connection assembly 100b and the connection relationship between the components and the middle shell 10, the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 can be referred to the related description of the first connection assembly 100a correspondingly. The embodiment of the present application is not described in detail.

In other embodiments, the folding mechanism 100 may not include the damping member 70.

Referring to fig. 8, fig. 8 is an exploded view of the middle case 10 shown in fig. 7. The middle case 10 includes a main case 101 and a fixing base 61. The number of the fixing seats 61 may be one or more. When the number of the fixing seats 61 is plural, the number of the fixing seats 61 is not limited to three illustrated in fig. 8.

Referring to fig. 9, fig. 9 is a partial structural schematic view of the main casing 101 shown in fig. 8. The main casing 101 includes a base 11, a first end plate 12, and a second end plate 13. The first end plate 12 and the second end plate 13 are connected to both ends of the base 11, respectively. It is understood that the main housing 101 may be a unitary structural member, i.e., the base 11, the first end plate 12, and the second end plate 13 are integrally formed as a unitary structural member. The main housing 101 may also be a spliced structural member. For example, the base 11, the first end plate 12 and the second end plate 13 may be formed as a single structural member by a splicing method (e.g., a mortise and tenon process) or a fixing method (e.g., a welding, bonding, etc.). In particular, the present application is not limited.

It is understood that the first end plate 12 and a portion of the base 11 may constitute the first end 10a of the main housing 101. The second end plate 13 and a portion of the base 11 may constitute the second end 10b of the main casing 101. Part of the base 11 may constitute the middle portion 10c of the main casing 101. The first end 10a of the main housing 101 may be used to connect with a first connection assembly 100a (see fig. 7). The second end 10b of the main housing 101 may be used to connect with a second connection assembly 100b (see fig. 7).

Illustratively, the first end 10a of the main housing 101 and the second end 10b of the main housing 101 may be the same or similar structure, a symmetrical or partially symmetrical structure, or different structures. In some embodiments, the first end 10a of the main casing 101 and the second end 10b of the main casing 101 are symmetrical structures. Thus, the main housing 101 has a simple overall structure and low processing cost. The first end portion 10a of the main casing 101 is described below as an example with reference to the drawings.

Referring again to fig. 9, the main housing 101 includes a top surface 111 and a bottom surface 112 disposed oppositely, and a first side surface 113 and a second side surface 114 disposed oppositely. The first side surface 113 and the second side surface 114 are connected between the top surface 111 and the bottom surface 112. The main housing 101 further includes a first end surface 121. The first end surface 121 connects between the top surface 111 and the bottom surface 112, and also connects between the first side surface 113 and the second side surface 114. The first end face 121 is located at the first end plate 12. It is understood that the bottom surface 112 of the main casing 101 constitutes the bottom surface 112 of the middle casing 10.

In the present embodiment, the main casing 101 is provided with a receiving groove 115. The opening of the receiving groove 115 is located on the top surface 111 of the base 11. The main casing 101 is further provided with a first groove 116 and a second groove 117 which are arranged at intervals. The opening of the first recess 116 is located at the top surface 111 of the base 11 and the first end surface 121 of the first end plate 12. The first groove 116 communicates with the accommodation groove 115. The opening of the second groove 117 is located at the top surface 111 of the base 11 and the first side surface 113 of the base 11. It is understood that the first groove 116 and the partial receiving groove 115 of the present embodiment may constitute a rotation portion of the main casing 101. In other embodiments, the rotating portion of the main casing 101 may have another structure (for example, a rotating shaft structure). In particular, the present application is not limited.

In the present embodiment, the main casing 101 is further provided with a third groove 118 and a fourth groove 119 disposed at an interval. The third recess 118 may be located between the first recess 116 and the fourth recess 119 and spaced apart from each other. The receiving grooves 115 may be located between the third groove 118 and the fourth groove 119 and spaced apart from each other. The arrangement of the third groove 118 can be referred to the arrangement of the first groove 116. The arrangement of the fourth groove 119 can be referred to the arrangement of the second groove 117.

It is understood that the third groove 118 and the partial receiving groove 115 of the present embodiment may constitute another rotation portion of the main casing 101. In other embodiments, another rotating portion of the main casing 101 may have another structure (e.g., a rotating shaft structure). In particular, the present application is not limited.

Referring to fig. 9 again, the main housing 101 further includes a first protrusion 122 and a second protrusion 123 disposed at an interval. The first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 123 are located at the first end face 121 of the first end plate 12.

Illustratively, the base 11 is further provided with a first fixing groove 110. The opening of the first fixing groove 110 may be located at the top surface 111 of the base 11. The first fixing groove 110 may communicate the second groove 117 and the fourth groove 119.

Illustratively, the base 11 further includes a first tab 124. The top surface of the first bump 124 may be a cambered surface. The first protrusion 124 is disposed in the first fixing groove 110. The number of the first bumps 124 may be one or more. When the number of the first bumps 124 is plural, the plural first bumps 124 are disposed at intervals. In one embodiment, the number of the first bumps 124 may be four. Two of the first protrusions 124 may be located on one side of the base 11, and the other two first protrusions 124 may be located on the other side of the base 11.

Illustratively, the main case 101 is further provided with fastening holes 125. The fastening hole 125 may be positioned on the fixing block in the first fixing groove 110.

Referring to fig. 10, fig. 10 is a schematic structural view of the fixing base 61 shown in fig. 8 at different angles. The holder 61 includes a top surface 610 and a bottom surface 610a. The top surface 610 may be planar. The bottom surface 610a may be a curved surface.

The holder 61 comprises a first arc-shaped arm 611 and a second arc-shaped arm 612 arranged facing away from each other. The first arc-shaped arm 611 and the second arc-shaped arm 612 may be two side portions of the fixing base 61, respectively.

Illustratively, the fixing base 61 is provided with a plurality of movable spaces 613 arranged at intervals. The active space 613 may penetrate the top surface 610 and the bottom surface 610a. In one embodiment, the number of active spaces 613 may be four. Two movable spaces 613 are respectively located at two sides of the first arc-shaped arm 611. Two other movable spaces 613 are respectively located at two sides of the second arc-shaped arm 612.

Illustratively, the fixing base 61 has a second projection 614. The bottom surface of the second bump 614 may be a curved surface. The number of the second bumps 614 may be the same as the number of the active spaces 613. In one embodiment, the number of the second bumps 614 is four. The four second bumps 614 are disposed in the four active spaces 613 in a one-to-one correspondence. The arc surface of each second protrusion 614 faces the active space 613.

Illustratively, the fixing base 61 has fastening holes 615. Fastening hole 615 may be located at a middle region of fixing base 61.

Referring to fig. 11a and fig. 11b, and referring to fig. 9 and fig. 10, fig. 11a is an assembly diagram of the fixing base 61 and the main casing 101 shown in fig. 8. Fig. 11b is a cross-sectional view of the mid-shell 10 shown in fig. 11a at line A2-A2. The holder 61 is detachably attached to the main housing 101. At least a portion of the fixing base 61 is located in the first fixing groove 110 of the main casing 101. Illustratively, the fixing base 61 may be fixed to the main casing 101 by a fastener (screw, pin, or the like). Specifically, the fastening member may pass through the fastening hole 615 of the fixing base 61 and the fastening hole 125 of the main case 101, and fasten the fixing base 61 to the main case 101. The top surface 610 of the holder 61 and the top surface 111 of the main casing 101 constitute the top surface 101a of the middle casing 10.

In other embodiments, the fixing base 61 may be formed as an integrally formed structural member with the main housing 101.

In other embodiments, the fixing base 61 may be non-detachably connected to the main housing 101. For example, the fixing base 61 is connected to the main casing 101 by bonding or welding.

In one embodiment, the top surface 610 of the fixing base 61 is in the same plane as the top surface 111 of the main housing 101. At this time, the flatness of the top surface 101a of the middle case 10 is preferable.

In one embodiment, the first protrusion 124 of the main casing 101 is disposed opposite to the second protrusion 614 of the fixing base 61, and encloses the arc-shaped slot 616. When the number of the first protrusions 124 and the second protrusions 614 is multiple, the first protrusions 124 and the second protrusions 614 are disposed opposite to each other in a one-to-one correspondence, and enclose the arc-shaped slot 616. The centerline of the arcuate slot 616 is schematically shown in FIG. 11b by dashed lines. The centerline may be lengthwise parallel to the arcuate slot 616 and through the center of the arcuate slot 616. In other embodiments, the arcuate slot 616 may be formed in other manners. For example, directly on the main housing 101, or directly on the holder 61.

The arc center S1 of the arc-shaped slot 616 is located on the side of the top surface 610 of the fixing base 61 away from the bottom surface 112 of the main casing 101, that is, the arc center S1 of the arc-shaped slot 616 is located on the top of the middle casing 10. Wherein the arc center S1 of the arc-shaped groove 616 may be a point having the same distance as each point on the center line of the arc-shaped groove 616. It can be understood that the number of the arc-shaped slots 616 enclosed by the fixing base 61 and the main shell 101 in fig. 11b is four. The arc centers S1 of the four arc-shaped slots 616 may be in the same plane, but some tolerance is allowed.

Referring to fig. 12, fig. 12 is an exploded view of the first support plate 20 shown in fig. 7. The first support plate 20 includes a first plate 202 and a first drive arm 62. The number of the first transmission arms 62 may be one or more. When the number of the first transmission arms 62 is plural, the number of the first transmission arms 62 is not limited to three illustrated in fig. 12.

Referring to fig. 13, fig. 13 is a partial structural view of the first plate 202 shown in fig. 12. The first plate 202 includes a plate body 21, a first projection 22, and a second projection 23.

In the present embodiment, the plate body 21 includes a top surface 211 and a bottom surface 212 disposed oppositely, a first end surface 213 and a second end surface 214 disposed oppositely, and a first side surface 215 and a second side surface 216 disposed oppositely. The first end surface 213 and the second end surface 214 are connected between the top surface 211 and the bottom surface 212. The first side surface 215 and the second side surface 216 are connected between the top surface 211 and the bottom surface 212, and between the first end surface 213 and the second end surface 214. In other embodiments, the plate body 21 may have a structure with other shapes.

In this embodiment, the first side surface 215 of the first plate 202 may be an arc surface. Thus, the side portion 201 where the first side surface 215 of the first plate member 202 is located is substantially in the shape of a rotating shaft. At this time, the side portion 201 of the first plate 202 constitutes a turning portion of the first plate 202. In other embodiments, the rotating portion of the first plate 202 may have other configurations (e.g., a groove configuration).

In the present embodiment, the first protrusion 22 may be connected to the first end surface 213 of the plate body 21. The second protrusion 23 may be connected to the second end surface 214 of the plate body 21. It is understood that the first plate 202 may be a unitary structural member, i.e., the plate body 21, the first protrusion 22 and the second protrusion 23 are integrally formed as a structural member. The first plate member 202 may also be a splice structure. For example, the plate body 21, the first protrusion 22 and the second protrusion 23 may be formed as an integral structural member by a splicing method (e.g., mortise and tenon process) or a fixing method (e.g., welding, bonding, etc.). In particular, the present application is not limited. Illustratively, the first protrusion 22 and the second protrusion 23 are each cylindrical.

It is to be understood that both the first projection 22 and the second projection 23 of the present embodiment may constitute the sliding portion of the first plate member 202. In other embodiments, the sliding portion of the first plate 202 may have other structures (e.g., a sliding groove structure).

It should be noted that the first protrusion 22 and the partial plate body 21 form the first end 20a of the first plate 202. The second projection 23 and a part of the plate body 21 constitute the second end 20b of the first plate member 202. The partial plate body 21 constitutes the middle portion 20c of the first plate member 202. The first end 20a of the first plate 202 may be used to connect with the first connection assembly 100a (see fig. 7). The second end 20b of the first plate 202 may be used to connect with a second connection assembly 100b (see fig. 7).

Referring to fig. 13 again, the first plate 202 is provided with a second fixing groove 26. The openings of the second fixing groove 26 are located at the top surface 211, the bottom surface 212, the first side surface 215, and the second side surface 216 of the first plate member 202. The number of the second fixing grooves 26 may be the same as the number of the first driving arms 62 (see fig. 12).

Exemplarily, the first plate 202 may be provided with the fastening hole 27. The fastening hole 27 is provided in the second fixing groove 26. The number of fastening holes 27 in each of the second fixing grooves 26 is not limited to three as illustrated in fig. 13. Illustratively, three fastening holes 27 may be arranged in a triangle.

Referring to fig. 14, fig. 14 is a schematic structural view of the first transmission arm 62 shown in fig. 12 at different angles. The first transmission arm 62 includes a fixed end 621 and a rotating end 622. The fixed end 621 and the rotating end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 are fixed to each other. Illustratively, the first drive arm 62 may be an integrally formed structural member.

For example, the fixed end 621 of the first transmission arm 62 may have a plate-shaped structure. The fixed end 621 of the first transmission arm 62 may be provided with a fastening hole 6211. The fastening hole 6211 may penetrate the top surface 620 and the bottom surface 620a of the first transmission arm 62. The number of fastening holes 6211 is not limited to three as illustrated in fig. 14. Illustratively, three fastening holes 6211 may be arranged in a triangular pattern.

Illustratively, the rotating end 622 of the first drive arm 62 includes a top face 6221, a bottom face 6222, a first end face 6223, and a second end face 6224. The top face 6221 can be planar. The bottom surface 6222 can be an arcuate surface. The bottom face 6222 is attached to the top face 6221. The first and second end faces 6223, 6224 are connected between the top and bottom faces 6221, 6222. Wherein the top face 6221 of the rotating end 622 of the first drive arm 62 is a portion of the top face 620 of the first drive arm 62. The bottom surface 6222 of the rotating end 622 of the first drive arm 62 is part of the bottom surface 620b of the first drive arm 62.

Illustratively, the rotating end 622 of the first drive arm 62 is provided with a first recess 623. The opening of the first recess 623 is located at the top face 6221. The bottom wall of the first recess 623 may be a curved surface. The number of the first recesses 623 may be one or more. When the number of the first recesses 623 is plural, the plural first recesses 623 are arranged at intervals. In one embodiment, the number of first recesses 623 is two. The opening of one first recess 623 is also located at the first end face 6223, and the opening of the other first recess 623 is also located at the second end face 6224. In this way, a portion of the rotating end 622 of the first transmission arm 62, at which the first recess 623 is provided, has an arc shape, that is, in the present embodiment, a portion of the rotating end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 has an arc shape.

In the present embodiment, the first recess 623 covers a portion of the top face 6221 at the opening of the top face 6221. In other embodiments, all of the first recesses 623 open at the top face 6221 can cover the entire top face 6221.

Illustratively, the first drive arm 62 is provided with a second recess 624. The opening of the second recess 624 may be located at the bottom face 6222. The bottom wall 6241 of the second recess 624 is an arc surface. In one embodiment, the second recess 624 may also extend through the top face 6221.

Referring to fig. 15 and 16, fig. 15 is an assembly view of the middle shell 10, the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 shown in fig. 10. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the middle shell 10, the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 shown in fig. 15 at a line A3-A3.

The fixed end 621 of the first driving arm 62 is detachably connected to the first plate 202 and is located in the second fixing groove 26 of the first plate 202. For example, the fixed end 621 of the first transmission arm 62 may be fixed to the first plate 202 by a fastener (screw, pin, or the like). Specifically, the fastener may pass through the fastening hole 6211 of the fixed end 621 of the first transmission arm 62 and the fastening hole 27 of the first plate 202 and fasten the first transmission arm 62 to the first plate 202.

In other embodiments, the first drive arm 62 may be formed as an integrally formed structural member with the first plate 202.

In other embodiments, the first drive arm 62 may also be non-removably attached to the first plate 202. For example, the first transmission arm 62 is connected to the first plate 202 by bonding, welding, or the like.

In one embodiment, the top surface 620 of the first drive arm 62 may be coplanar with the top surface 211 of the first plate member 202. At this time, the flatness of the top surface of the first support plate 20 is preferable.

Referring again to fig. 15 and 16, the second support plate 30 and the first support plate 20 may be of the same or similar structure, of a symmetrical or partially symmetrical structure, or of different structures. In some embodiments, the second support plate 30 and the first support plate 20 are symmetrical structures, and the basic design of the component structure of the second support plate 30, 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 refer to the related schemes of the first support plate 20, and at the same time, the second support plate 30 and the first support plate 20 are allowed to have a little difference in the detailed structure or position arrangement of the components. The first support plate 20 will be described as an example.

The structures of the middle case 10 and the first support plate 20 are described above in detail with reference to the associated drawings. The connection relationship between the middle case 10 and the first support plate 20 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring again to fig. 15 and 16, the rotating end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 is rotatably connected to the middle case 10. The rotating end 622 of the first drive arm 62 may rotate within the arcuate slot 616. At this time, since the arc center S1 of the arc-shaped slot 616 is located at the top of the middle shell 10, the rotation center (located at the same position as the arc center S1) of the rotation end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 and the middle shell 10 which rotate relatively is also located at the top of the middle shell 10, that is, at the side of the top surface 101a of the middle shell 10 away from the bottom surface 112 of the middle shell 10.

In this embodiment, most of the space within the arcuate slot 616 accommodates the rotating end 622 of the first drive arm 62 when the folding mechanism 100 is in the flattened state. In one embodiment, the top surface 620 of the first drive arm 62 and the top surface 610 of the fixed base 61 may be in the same plane.

Referring to fig. 17, fig. 17 is a schematic structural view of the portion of the folding mechanism 100 shown in fig. 16 in a closed state. When the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed position, a portion of the rotating end 622 of the first drive arm 62 rotates out of the arcuate slot 616. It can be understood that, since the rotation center of the rotation end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 and the middle case 10 relative to each other is located at the top of the middle case 10, when the folding mechanism 100 is folded from the flat state to the closed state, the rotation end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 moves in a direction away from the middle case 10 during the rotation relative to the middle case 10. Specifically, fig. 17 illustrates the positions of the center of gravity of the rotating end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 in two states. When the folding mechanism 100 is in the unfolded state, the position of the center of gravity of the rotating end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 is M1. When the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, the position of the center of gravity of the rotating end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 is M2. Thus, in the Z-axis direction, the first transmission arm 62 moves a distance in a direction away from the middle shell 10 by a vertical distance d between M1 and M2.

It should be appreciated that the flattening process of the folding mechanism 100 is the reverse of the folding process of the folding mechanism 100. Thus, when the folding mechanism 100 is folded from the closed state to the unfolded state, the first transmission arm 62 moves in a direction approaching the middle case 10 during the rotation of the rotating end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 relative to the middle case 10.

In the present embodiment, the connection manner of the rotating end 632 of the second transmission arm 63 and the middle shell 10 can be referred to the connection manner of the rotating end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 and the middle shell 10. For example, the rotation end 632 of the second transmission arm 63 and the rotation center S2 (see fig. 16) of the middle housing 10 are located at the top of the middle housing 10. And will not be described in detail herein. Thus, when the folding mechanism 100 is folded from the unfolded state to the closed state, the second transmission arm 63 rotates relative to the middle case 10, and the second transmission arm 63 moves in a direction away from the middle case 10. When the folding mechanism 100 is folded from the closed state to the unfolded state, the second transmission arm 63 moves in a direction approaching the middle case 10 during the rotation of the rotating end 632 of the second transmission arm 63 relative to the middle case 10.

Referring to fig. 16 again, when the folding mechanism 100 is in the unfolded state, the first transmission arm 62 and the second transmission arm 63 may be located at two sides of the fixing base 61, and the top surface 610 of the fixing base 61, the top surface 620 of the first transmission arm 62, and the top surface 630 of the second transmission arm 63 face the same side. In one embodiment, the top surface 610 of the fixed base 61, the top surface 620 of the first transmission arm 62, and the top surface 630 of the second transmission arm 63 may be on the same plane.

When the folding mechanism 100 is in the flattened state, the first plate 202 and the second plate 302 may be located on both sides of the main housing 101. The top surface 211 of the first plate member 202, the top surface 311 of the second plate member 302, and the top surface 111 of the main casing 101 face the same side. In one embodiment, the top surface 211 of the first plate member 202, the top surface 311 of the second plate member 302, and the top surface 111 of the main housing 101 may be in the same plane.

It can be understood that, since the fixing base 61 and the main housing 101 are two parts of the middle housing 10, the first driving arm 62 and the first plate 202 are two parts of the first supporting plate 20, and the second driving arm 63 and the second plate 302 are two parts of the second supporting plate 30, when the folding mechanism 100 is in the flat state, the first supporting plate 20 and the second supporting plate 30 are located at two sides of the middle housing 10.

Referring to fig. 17 again, when the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, the first transmission arm 62 and the second transmission arm 63 may be disposed close to each other. The first transmission arm 62 is disposed opposite to the second transmission arm 63.

The first plate 202 and the second plate 302 may be disposed adjacent to each other when the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state. The first plate 202 is disposed opposite the second plate 302.

It will be appreciated that since the first drive arm 62 and the first plate 202 are two parts of the first support plate 20 and the second drive arm 63 and the second plate 302 are two parts of the second support plate 30, the first support plate 20 is disposed opposite the second support plate 30 when the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed position. At this time, the first and second support plates 20 and 30 may enclose a screen accommodating space 102 with the middle case 10.

Referring to fig. 16 and 17, when the folding mechanism 100 is folded from the unfolded state to the closed state, the first transmission arm 62 and the second transmission arm 63 rotate relative to the fixing base 61, and the first transmission arm 62 and the second transmission arm 63 move in a direction away from the middle shell 10 during the rotation process. At this time, since the first transmission arm 62 is fixed to the first plate member 202 and the second transmission arm 63 is fixed to the second plate member 302, the first plate member 202 and the second plate member 302 can also rotate relative to the middle case 10 and move in a direction away from the middle case 10 during the rotation.

It will be appreciated that the first and second support plates 20, 30 may also rotate relative to the center shell 10 and, during rotation, move in a direction away from the center shell 10 as the folding mechanism 100 is folded from the flat-out condition to the closed condition.

When the folding mechanism 100 is unfolded from the closed state to the unfolded state, the first transmission arm 62 and the second transmission arm 63 rotate relative to the fixed seat 61, and the first transmission arm 62 and the second transmission arm 63 move in a direction approaching the middle shell 10. At this time, since the first transmission arm 62 is fixed to the first plate member 202 and the second transmission arm 63 is fixed to the second plate member 302, the first plate member 202 and the second plate member 302 can also rotate relative to the middle case 10 and move in a direction approaching the middle case 10 during the rotation.

It will be appreciated that the first and second support plates 20, 30 can also rotate relative to the center shell 10 as the folding mechanism 100 is unfolded from the closed position to the flat position and, during rotation, move in a direction adjacent to the center shell 10.

Referring to fig. 18a, fig. 18a is a cross-sectional view of the middle shell 10, the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 shown in fig. 15 at a line A4-A4. When the folding mechanism 100 is in the unfolded state, the side portion 201 of the first plate member 202 is turned into the second groove 117 of the middle shell 10 (fig. 9 also illustrates the second groove 117 at a different angle), and the side portion 301 of the second plate member 302 is turned into the fourth groove 119 of the middle shell 10 (fig. 9 also illustrates the fourth groove 119 at a different angle). Thus, the gap between the first plate 202 and the middle shell 10 is small, so as to ensure that the first plate 202 and the middle shell 10 have better flatness.

Referring to fig. 18b, fig. 18b is a schematic structural view of the portion of the folding mechanism 100 shown in fig. 18a in a closed state. When the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, the side 201 of the first plate 202 is rotated out of the second groove 117 of the middle shell 10, and the side 301 of the second plate 302 is also rotated out of the fourth groove 119 of the middle shell 10.

Referring to fig. 18a and 18b, when the folding mechanism 100 is folded from the unfolded state to the closed state, the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 rotate relative to the middle case 10 and move in a direction away from the middle case 10 during the rotation, and the moving distance is d. When the folding mechanism 100 is unfolded from the closed state to the unfolded state, the first and second support plates 20 and 30 rotate relative to the middle case 10 and, during the rotation, move in a direction close to the middle case 10. Wherein the first and second support plates 20 and 30 move by a distance d in the Z-axis direction. Fig. 18b schematically shows the center of gravity of the side portion 201 of the first panel 202 when the folded structure 100 is in the unfolded state by means of point N1, and the center of gravity of the side portion 201 of the first panel 202 when the folded structure 100 is in the closed state by means of point N2. Thus, compared to the solution that the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 do not move in the direction away from and close to each other during the rotation process of the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 relative to the middle shell 10, the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 of the present embodiment move in the direction away from the middle shell 10 when the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, so that the screen accommodating space 102 enclosed by the first support plate 20, the second support plate 30 and the middle shell 10 is larger.

Referring to fig. 19a, fig. 19a is a cross-sectional view of the middle shell 10, the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 shown in fig. 15 at a line A5-A5. The first arc-shaped arm 611 of the fixed base 61 is disposed in the second recess 624 of the rotating end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 (fig. 14 illustrates the second recess 624 at different angles). The first arc-shaped arm 611 of the fixed seat 61 can rotate relative to the bottom wall 6241 of the second recess 624. It can be understood that, in the present embodiment, when the rotating end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 rotates relative to the fixed seat 61, the second concave portion 624 can rotate relative to the first arc-shaped arm 611 of the fixed seat 61, that is, the first arc-shaped arm 611 is fixed relative to the middle shell 10, and the bottom wall 6241 of the second concave portion 624 rotates relative to the middle shell 10.

In the present embodiment, most of the space in the second recess 624 accommodates the first arc-shaped arm 611 of the holder 61 when the folding mechanism 100 is in the flattened state.

Referring to fig. 19b, fig. 19b is a schematic structural view of the portion of the folding mechanism 100 shown in fig. 19a in a closed state. When the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, at least a portion of the first arcuate arm 611 has rotated out of the second recess 624.

It can be understood that, in the present embodiment, the first arc-shaped arm 611 of the fixing seat 61 and the second concave portion 624 of the rotating end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 are mutually matched, so that the connection stability of the rotating end 622 of the first transmission arm 62 and the fixing seat 61 can be further improved, and the folding mechanism 100 can be more stable in the process of flattening or folding.

Referring to fig. 20, fig. 20 is an enlarged view of the first connecting arm 40 and the second connecting arm 50 shown in fig. 7. The first link arm 40 includes a first link arm body 41 and a first rotation shaft 42. The first rotating shaft 42 is connected to the first link arm body 41. The first rotating shaft 42 may be integrally formed with the first connecting arm body 41, or may be fixedly connected to each other (e.g., welded, adhered, etc.). In the present embodiment, the first rotating shaft 42 and a part of the first link arm body 41 may constitute a rotating portion of the first link arm 40.

The first connecting arm body 41 includes a top surface 411 and a bottom surface 412 disposed oppositely, and a first side surface 413 and a second side surface 414 disposed oppositely. First side 413 and second side 414 are connected between top 411 and bottom 412. The first rotating shaft 42 is connected to the first side 413 of the first connecting arm body 41.

In one embodiment, the first link arm body 41 includes a first runner 415. The opening of the first runner 415 is located at the first side 413. The first runner 415 includes first and second oppositely disposed end walls 4151 and 4152. The first end wall 4151 may be disposed proximate the top surface 411. The second end wall 4152 may be disposed proximate the bottom surface 412.

In the present embodiment, the first slide slot 415 may constitute a sliding portion of the first connection arm 40. In other embodiments, the sliding portion of the first connecting arm 40 may also adopt other structures, such as a protrusion structure (see the structure of the first protrusion 22 of the first support plate 20 in fig. 10).

In one embodiment, the first link arm body 41 includes a first stop slot 416. The opening of the first stop slot 416 is also located at the first side 413. The first stop slots 416 may be located between the first sliding slots 415 and the first rotating shaft 42, and are spaced apart from each other. The first stop slot 416 may be arcuate in shape. The arc center of the first stop slot 416 may coincide with the position of the first rotation axis 42. The first stop slot 416 includes first and second oppositely disposed end walls 4161 and 4162. First end wall 4161 may be disposed proximate top surface 411. The second end wall 4162 may be disposed proximate the bottom surface 412.

In one embodiment, the rotating portion of the first link arm body 41 may be gear-shaped.

In one embodiment, the first connecting arm body 41 is provided with a fastening hole 417. The opening of the fastening hole 417 is located at the top surface 411 of the first connecting arm body 41. It should be understood that the number of the fastening holes 417 is not limited to three as illustrated in fig. 20.

Referring to fig. 20 again, the second connecting arm 50 includes a second connecting arm main body 51 and a second rotating shaft 52. The second rotating shaft 52 is connected to the second connecting arm main body 51. The second rotating shaft 52 may be integrally formed with the second connecting arm main body 51, or may be fixedly connected to each other (e.g., welded, adhered, etc.). In the present embodiment, the second rotating shaft 52 and a part of the second connecting arm main body 51 may constitute a rotating portion of the second connecting arm 50.

The second link arm body 51 includes oppositely disposed top and bottom surfaces 511 and 512 and oppositely disposed first and second side surfaces 513 and 514. First side 513 and second side 514 are connected between top 511 and bottom 512. Wherein the second rotating shaft 52 can be connected to the first side 513 of the second connecting arm main body 51.

In one embodiment, the second connecting arm body 51 includes a second runner 515. The opening of the second runner 515 is located at the first side 513. The second runner 515 includes a first end wall 5151 and a second end wall 5152 that are oppositely disposed. The first end wall 5151 may be disposed proximate the top surface 511. The second end wall 5152 can be disposed proximate the bottom surface 512.

In the present embodiment, the second slide groove 515 may constitute a sliding portion of the second connecting arm 50. In other embodiments, the sliding portion of the second connecting arm 50 may also adopt other structures, such as a convex structure.

In one embodiment, the second link arm body 51 includes a second stop slot 516. The opening of the second stop slot 516 is also located at the first side 513. The second stopping slots 516 may be disposed between the second sliding slot 515 and the second rotating shaft 52 and spaced apart from each other. The second stop slot 516 may be arcuate. The arc center of the second stop groove 516 may coincide with the position of the second rotation shaft 52. The second stop groove 516 includes a second end wall 5161 and a second end wall 5162 that are oppositely disposed. The second end wall 5161 may be disposed proximate the top surface 511. The second end wall 5162 may be disposed proximate the bottom surface 512.

In one embodiment, the rotating portion of the second connecting arm main body 51 may be gear-shaped.

In one embodiment, the second connection arm body 51 is provided with fastening holes 517. The opening of the fastening hole 517 is located on the top surface 511 of the second connection arm main body 51. It should be understood that the number of the fastening holes 517 is not limited to three as illustrated in fig. 20.

In the present embodiment, the second connection arm 50 and the first connection arm 40 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 the present application. In some embodiments, the second connecting arm 50 and the first connecting arm 40 are symmetrical structures. The basic design of the component structure of the second connecting arm 50, 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 be referred to the related scheme of the first connecting arm 40, and at the same time, the second connecting arm 50 and the first connecting arm 40 are allowed to have a little difference in the detailed structure or position arrangement of the components.

Referring to fig. 21 and 22, fig. 21 is a partial structural schematic view of the folding mechanism 100 shown in fig. 6. Fig. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding mechanism 100 shown in fig. 21 at line A6-A6. The first link arm body 41 of the first link arm 40 is located on a side of the first end plate 12 of the middle case 10 away from the base 11, that is, the first link arm body 41 is located on a side close to the first end 10a of the middle case 10.

The first connection arm 40 is rotatably connected to the middle case 10. In the present embodiment, a portion of the first rotating shaft 42 of the first connecting arm 40 is disposed in the first groove 116 of the middle housing 10 (fig. 9 illustrates the first groove 116 at a different angle), and a portion of the first rotating shaft is disposed in the receiving groove 115 of the middle housing 10 (fig. 9 illustrates the receiving groove 115 at a different angle). The first shaft 42 can rotate relative to the groove wall of the first groove 116 and the groove wall of the accommodating groove 115.

In other embodiments, when the receiving groove 115 is not formed in the base 11, the first rotating shaft 42 of the first connecting arm 40 can rotate in the first groove 116.

In other embodiments, the first connecting arm 40 and the middle shell 10 may be rotated in other manners. For example, the first shaft 42 of the first connecting arm 40 is replaced with the first groove 116. The first recess 116 and a part of the receiving groove 115 of the middle case 10 are replaced with the first rotation shaft 42.

Referring to fig. 21 and 22 again, the second connecting arm body 51 of the second connecting arm 50 is located on a side of the first end plate 12 of the middle shell 10 away from the base 11 of the middle shell 10, that is, the second connecting arm body 51 of the second connecting arm 50 is located on a side close to the first end 10a of the middle shell 10.

The second connecting arm 50 is rotatably connected to the middle case 10. In the present embodiment, a part of the second rotating shaft 52 of the second connecting arm 50 is disposed in the third groove 118 (fig. 9 illustrates the second groove 117 at a different angle) of the middle shell 10, and a part is disposed in the receiving groove 115 of the middle shell 10. The second shaft 52 can rotate relative to the groove wall of the third groove 118 and the groove wall of the accommodating groove 115.

In other embodiments, when the base 11 is not disposed in the receiving groove 115, the second rotating shaft 52 of the second connecting arm 50 can rotate in the third groove 118.

Referring to fig. 21 and 22 again, the damper 70 is provided with a first holding groove 71 and a second holding groove 72 which are spaced apart from each other. In one embodiment, the damping member 70 may be made of stainless steel, powder, diamond, or the like.

The damping member 70 is fixed to the base 11, and the damping member 70 is disposed in the accommodating groove 115. Illustratively, the damping member 70 may be fixed to the groove wall of the receiving groove 115 by glue.

In addition, a part of the first rotating shaft 42 of the first connecting arm 40 is disposed in the first clamping groove 71 of the damper 70. The first rotating shaft 42 of the first connecting arm 40 can rotate relative to the wall of the first holding groove 71. For example, the first rotating shaft 42 of the first connecting arm 40 may have an interference fit with a groove wall of the first clamping groove 71, so that the first rotating shaft 42 of the first connecting arm 40 may have a large friction force during rotation. A portion of the second rotating shaft 52 of the second connecting arm 50 is disposed in the second clamping groove 72 of the damping member 70. The second rotating shaft 52 of the second connecting arm 50 can be in interference fit with the groove wall of the second clamping groove 72, so that the second rotating shaft 52 of the second connecting arm 50 is subjected to a large friction force during rotation. It can be understood that when the first rotating shaft 42 of the first connecting arm 40 rotates relative to the middle shell 10 and the second rotating shaft 52 of the second connecting arm 50 rotates relative to the middle shell 10, the first rotating shaft 42 of the first connecting arm 40 and the second rotating shaft 52 of the second connecting arm 50 are subjected to a large friction force, the first connecting arm 40 rotates relatively to the middle shell 10 at a slow speed, and the second connecting arm 50 rotates relatively to the middle shell 10 at a slow speed.

Referring again to fig. 21 and 22, the first link arm 40 engages the second link arm 50. Thus, when the first connecting arm 40 rotates relative to the middle case 10 and the second connecting arm 50 rotates relative to the middle case 10, the first connecting arm 40 and the second connecting arm 50 can rotate synchronously.

The connection relationship between the first connecting arm 40 and the middle shell 10 and the connection relationship between the second connecting arm 50 and the middle shell 10 are described in detail with reference to the related drawings, and the connection relationship between the first connecting arm 40 and the first support plate 20 and the connection relationship between the second connecting arm 50 and the second support plate 30 are described in detail with reference to the related drawings.

Referring to FIG. 23 in conjunction with FIG. 21, FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the portion of the folding mechanism 100 shown in FIG. 21 taken along line A7-A7. The first connecting arm 40 is slidably connected to the first support plate 20.

In one embodiment, the first protrusion 22 of the first support plate 20 (fig. 13 illustrates the first protrusion 22 at a different angle) is disposed on the first sliding slot 415 of the first connection arm 40 (fig. 20 illustrates the first sliding slot 415 at a different angle). The first protrusion 22 of the first support plate 20 can slide in the first sliding slot 415.

In other embodiments, the sliding portions of the first connecting arms 40 and the first support plate 20 may be configured in other ways. For example, the first slide slot 415 of the first link arm 40 is replaced with the first protrusion 22. The first protrusion 22 of the first support plate 20 is replaced with a first slide slot 415.

Referring to fig. 23 again, the second connecting arm 50 is slidably connected to the second supporting plate 30. The connection between the second connecting arm 50 and the second supporting plate 30 can be referred to the connection between the first connecting arm 40 and the first supporting plate 20. And are not described in detail herein.

Referring to fig. 23 again, when the folding mechanism 100 is in the unfolded state, the first protrusion 22 of the first support plate 20 is disposed near the first end wall 4151 of the first sliding groove 415. In the first embodiment, the first protrusion 22 may contact the first end wall 4151 of the first slide groove 415.

Referring to fig. 24, fig. 24 is a schematic structural view of a portion of the folding mechanism 100 shown in fig. 23 in a closed state. When the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, the first protrusion 22 of the first support plate 20 is disposed adjacent to the second end wall 4152 of the first sliding slot 415 of the first connecting arm 40. In the first embodiment, the first protrusion 22 of the first support plate 20 may contact the second end wall 4152 of the first slide groove 415 of the first connection arm 40.

Referring to fig. 23 to 24, when the folding mechanism 100 is transformed from the unfolded state to the closed state, the first protrusion 22 of the first support plate 20 slides from a position close to the first end wall 4151 of the first sliding slot 415 of the first connecting arm 40 to a position close to the second end wall 4152 of the first sliding slot 415 of the first connecting arm 40. It should be appreciated that the process of transitioning the folding mechanism 100 from the closed state to the flattened state is the reverse of the process of transitioning the folding mechanism 100 from the flattened state to the closed state. And will not be described in detail herein. In addition, the moving process of the second supporting plate 30 and the second connecting arm 50 can be referred to the moving process of the first supporting plate 20 and the first connecting arm 40. And will not be described in detail herein.

Referring to fig. 23 to 24 in combination with fig. 16 and 17, when the folding mechanism 100 is folded from the unfolded state to the closed state, the first connecting arm 40 and the second connecting arm 50 both rotate relative to the middle shell 10, the first connecting arm 40 can drive the first plate 202 to rotate relative to the middle shell 10, the second connecting arm 50 can drive the second plate 302 to rotate relative to the middle shell 10, the first plate 202 can drive the first driving arm 62 to rotate relative to the middle shell 10, and the second plate 302 can drive the second driving arm 63 to rotate relative to the middle shell 10. The first and second transmission arms 62 and 63 move in a direction away from the middle case 10 during rotation relative to the middle case 10. At this time, the first transmission arm 62 may drive the first plate 202 to move in a direction away from the middle case 10, and the second transmission arm 63 may drive the second plate 302 to move in a direction away from the middle case 10.

Referring to fig. 23 again, the first protrusion 122 of the middle shell 10 (fig. 9 illustrates the first protrusion 122 at a different angle) is further disposed in the first stop slot 416 of the first connecting arm 40 (fig. 20 illustrates the first stop slot 416 at a different angle). The first protrusion 122 is slidable within the first stop slot 416 of the first link arm 40. The second protrusion 123 of the middle case 10 is also disposed in the second stop groove 516 of the second connecting arm 50 (fig. 20 illustrates the second stop groove 516 under different angles). The second protrusion 123 is slidable in the second stop groove 516 of the second connecting arm 50.

Referring to fig. 23 again, when the folding mechanism 100 is unfolded to the unfolded state, the first protrusion 122 of the middle shell 10 (can contact with the first end wall 4161 of the first stop groove 416 of the first connecting arm 40, and the second protrusion 123 of the middle shell 10 can contact with the first end wall 5161 of the second stop groove 516 of the second connecting arm 50. Thus, the first connecting arm 40 and the second connecting arm 50 are not unfolded any more, and the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 are not unfolded any more, so as to avoid the problem of the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 being folded too much, i.e. accurately controlling the positions of the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 in the unfolded state.

Referring to fig. 24 again, when the folding mechanism 100 is folded to the closed state, the first protrusion 122 of the middle housing 10 can contact the second end wall 4162 of the first stop slot 416 of the first connecting arm 40, and the second protrusion 123 of the middle housing 10 can contact the second end wall 5162 of the second stop slot 516 of the second connecting arm 50. In this way, the first connecting arm 40 and the second connecting arm 50 are not folded any more, and the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 are not folded any more, so as to avoid the problem of over-folding of the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30, i.e. accurately controlling the positions of the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 in the closed state.

Referring to fig. 25 and 26, fig. 25 is a schematic structural view of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 shown in fig. 6 at another angle. Fig. 26 is an enlarged schematic view of the first and second housings 200 and 300 shown in fig. 25 at B1. The first housing 200 includes a bezel 210 and a middle plate 220. The middle plate 220 is connected to an inner surface of the bezel 210, and the bezel 210 is disposed around a portion of the middle plate 220. Illustratively, the bezel 210 is substantially "U" shaped. In this embodiment, the first housing 200 is a unitary structure, that is, the first housing 200 may be integrally formed by injection molding or other processes. In other embodiments, the frame 210 and the middle plate 220 of the first housing 200 may be formed by welding or bonding. It should be noted that fig. 25 schematically distinguishes the frame 210 and the middle plate 220 by dotted lines.

In one embodiment, the first housing 200 may be made of stainless steel, magnesium aluminum alloy, or the like.

In one embodiment, the middle plate 220 includes a first portion 2201 and a second portion 2202. The second portion 2202 is connected to one side of the first portion 2201. In the Z-axis direction, the height of the first portion 2201 is greater than the height of the second portion 2202. At this time, the middle plate 220 is substantially stepped.

In one embodiment, the bezel 210 includes a frame portion 2101 and a connection portion 2102. The connecting portion 2102 connects the frame portion 2101 and the middle plate 220. Illustratively, the height of the frame 2101 may be greater than the height of the connecting portion 2102 in the Z-axis direction.

In one embodiment, attachment portion 2102 includes a first end 2103 and a second end (not shown). The first end 2103 and the second end of the connecting portion 2102 are respectively located on both sides of the middle plate 220. Illustratively, the first end 2103 of the connecting portion 2102 and the second end of the connecting portion 2102 may be of the same or similar structure, of a symmetrical or partially symmetrical structure, or of a different structure. In some embodiments, the first end 2103 of the connecting portion 2102 and the second end of the connecting portion 2102 are symmetrical. The present embodiment will be described by taking the first end 2103 of the connecting portion 2102 as an example.

Referring to fig. 25 and 26 again, the first end 2103 of the connecting portion 2102 is provided with an avoiding space 2105. In addition, the first end 2103 of the connecting portion 2102 is also provided with a fastening hole 2106. The fastening hole 2106 communicates with the escape space 2105. It should be understood that the number of fastening holes 2106 is not limited to the three illustrated in fig. 25 and 26.

Illustratively, the second housing 300 may be the same or similar structure, a symmetrical or partially symmetrical structure, or a different structure than the first housing 200. In some embodiments, the second housing 300 and the first housing 200 are symmetrical, and the basic design of the component structure of the second housing 300, 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 200, while allowing the second housing 300 and the first housing 200 to have a slightly different detailed structure or position arrangement of the components.

Referring to fig. 27 and 28, fig. 27 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the folding device 1000 shown in fig. 2. Fig. 28 is an enlarged schematic view of the folding device 1000 shown in fig. 27 at B2. The first connection arm 40 is fixed to the first housing 200. The second connecting arm 50 is fixed to the second housing 300.

In the present embodiment, the first link arm main body 41 of the first link arm 40 is fixed to the connecting portion 2102 of the bezel 210 of the first housing 200. At this time, the first link arm body 41 is offset from the middle plate 220 of the first housing 200 in the X-Y plane. In addition, the first rotating shaft 42 of the first connecting arm 40 may be disposed opposite to the second portion 2202 of the middle plate 220. In addition, the first support plate 20 may be disposed opposite to the middle plate 220. In other embodiments, the positions of the first and second support plates 20 and 40 are not particularly limited.

In addition, the folding device 1000 may also include end caps (not shown). The end cap may be fixed to the connection portion 2102 of the rim 210 of the first housing 200. The end cap may cover the first link arm body 41 to prevent the first link arm body 41 from being exposed with respect to the first housing 200. It can be understood that, by being arranged in the Z-axis direction, the height of the frame portion 2101 may be greater than the height of the connecting portion 2102, so that when the end cover is fixed to the connecting portion 2102, the height of the end cover does not easily exceed the height of the frame portion 2101 in the Z-axis direction, thereby ensuring that the bezel 210 has a better appearance. In other embodiments, the folding device 1000 may not include end caps. At this time, the folding device 1000 may cover the first link arm body 41 by other schemes.

In the present embodiment, the connecting position of the second connecting arm 50 and the second casing 300 can be set in a manner that can be referred to the connecting position of the first connecting arm 40 and the first casing 200. And will not be described in detail herein. The end cover may be fixedly connected to the connection portion 3102 of the bezel 310 of the second housing 300. The cover is used to cover the second connection arm main body 51 of the second connection arm 50 to prevent the second connection arm main body 51 from being exposed with respect to the second casing 300.

Referring to fig. 29 in conjunction with fig. 28, fig. 29 is a partial cross-sectional view of the folding device 1000 shown in fig. 28 taken along line A8-A8. The first link arm main body 41 of the first link arm 40 is located in the escape space 2105 of the link portion 2102 of the bezel 210 (the escape space 2105 is illustrated at a different angle in fig. 26). In one embodiment, the shape of the escape space 2105 may be substantially the same as the shape of the first connecting arm 40, such that when the first connecting arm 40 is secured to the connecting portion 2102, the first connecting arm 40 and the connecting portion 2102 form a unitary body.

In addition, the plurality of fastening holes 417 of the first link arm main body 41 and the plurality of fastening holes 2106 of the connecting portion 2102 are disposed to be opposed to each other in one-to-one correspondence. Illustratively, a fastener (not shown) is fastened into the fastening hole 417 of the first link arm main body 41 and the fastening hole 2106 of the link 2102. The fasteners may be screws, rivets, or the like. It should be understood that the connection manner of the second connecting arm 50 and the second housing 300 can refer to the connection manner of the first connecting arm 40 and the first housing 200, and the detailed description is omitted here.

Referring to fig. 30 in conjunction with fig. 28, fig. 30 is a schematic view of the assembly of the partially folded device 1000 and the flexible screen 2000 shown in fig. 28. The first non-bending portion 2100 of the flexible screen 2000 is fixed to the middle plate 220 of the first housing 200 (mainly referring to fig. 25). The second non-bending portion 2300 of the flexible screen 2000 is fixed to the middle plate 320 of the second housing 300 (mainly referring to fig. 25).

In this embodiment, the flexible screen 2000 is disposed to be offset from the borders 210 and 310 of the first and second housings 200 and 300 on the X-Y plane, that is, the borders 210 and 310 of the first and second housings 200 and 300 are not disposed to overlap with the flexible screen 2000 on the X-Y plane. It can be understood that, since the first connecting arm main body 41 is fixedly connected to the frame 210 of the first casing 200, and the second connecting arm main body 51 is fixedly connected to the frame 310 of the second casing 300, the first connecting arm main body 41 and the second connecting arm main body 51 are also arranged in a staggered manner with respect to the flexible screen 2000 in the X-Y plane. Thus, when the first connecting arm 40 and the second connecting arm 50 rotate, the first connecting arm 40 and the second connecting arm 50 have less influence on the flexible screen 2000.

Referring to fig. 31 and 32, fig. 31 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 shown in fig. 30 at a line A9-A9. Fig. 32 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the electronic apparatus 1 shown in fig. 2. The first non-bent portion 2100 of the flexible screen 2000 is fixed to the first portion 2201 of the middle plate 220 of the first housing 200. The second non-bent portion 2300 of the flexible screen 2000 is fixed to the first portion 3201 of the middle plate 320 of the second housing 300. In other embodiments, when the middle plate 220 has other structures, the first non-bending portion 2100 of the flexible screen 2000 may be fixed at other positions of the middle plate 220.

Referring to fig. 31 and 32 again, when the electronic device 1 is in the flat state, the first support plate 20, the middle shell 10 and the second support plate 30 support the bending portion 2200 of the flexible screen 2000 together, so that when the bending portion 2200 is touched, the bending portion 2200 is not easily damaged or dented due to external force, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible screen 2000. At this time, the first support plate 20 is spaced apart from the second portion 2202 of the middle plate 220 of the first housing 200, and the first support plate 20 is spaced apart from the second portion 2202 of the middle plate 220 of the first housing 200. The second support plate 30 is spaced apart from the second portion 3202 of the middle plate 320 of the second housing 300, and the second support plate 30 is away from the second portion 3202 of the middle plate 320 of the second housing 300.

Illustratively, when the electronic device 1 is in a flat state, the top surface 211 of the first plate 20, the top surface 111 of the middle case 10, the top surface 311 of the second plate 302, the top surface 610 of the fixing base 61, the top surface 620 of the first transmission arm 62, and the top surface 630 of the second transmission arm 63 are in the same plane. At this time, the bending portion 2200 of the flexible screen 2000 has better flatness, and the user experience is higher.

Referring to fig. 33, fig. 33 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 shown in fig. 31 in a closed state. When the electronic device 1 is in the closed state, the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 are located between the first casing 200 and the second casing 300, and the bent portion 2200 of the flexible screen 2000 is located in the screen accommodating space 102 enclosed by the first support plate 20, the middle casing 10 and the second support plate 30. The bent portion 2200 of the flexible panel 2000 is formed substantially in a "droplet" shape. In addition, the first support plate 20 is disposed adjacent to the second portion 2202 of the middle plate 220 of the first housing 200, and the second support plate 30 is disposed adjacent to the second portion 3202 of the middle plate 320 of the second housing 300.

It can be understood that, since the screen accommodating space 102 enclosed by the first support plate 20, the middle shell 10 and the second support plate 30 is relatively large, the screen accommodating space 102 can accommodate the bent portion 2200 of the flexible screen 2000 with a larger volume, thereby preventing the flexible screen 2000 from being damaged due to the relatively small space for accommodating the flexible screen 2000.

Referring to fig. 31 and 32, when electronic device 1 is switched from the flat state to the closed state, first support plate 20 is adjacent to second portion 2202 of middle plate 220 of first housing 200, and second support plate 30 is adjacent to second portion 3202 of middle plate 320 of second housing 300. When electronic apparatus 1 is switched from the closed state to the flattened state, first support plate 20 is away from second portion 2202 of middle plate 220 of first housing 200, and second support plate 30 is away from second portion 3202 of middle plate 320 of second housing 300. It is understood that, by providing the middle plate 220 of the first housing 200 with a step shape and the middle plate 320 of the second housing 300 with a step shape, the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 have an active space when the electronic apparatus 1 is switched from the flat state to the closed state or from the closed state to the flat state.

Referring to fig. 31 and fig. 32 in combination with fig. 22, in the present embodiment, a damping member 70 is disposed in the folding mechanism 100, so that when the electronic device 1 is switched from the unfolded state to the closed state, or from the closed state to the unfolded state, the first connecting arm 40 rotates relative to the middle casing 10, and when the second connecting arm 50 rotates relative to the middle casing 10, the first rotating shaft 42 of the first connecting arm 40 and the second rotating shaft 52 of the second connecting arm 50 receive a large friction force, the first connecting arm 40 rotates relatively to the middle casing 10 at a slow speed, and the second connecting arm 50 rotates relatively to the middle casing 10 at a slow speed. Thus, the first casing 200 rotates at a slower speed with respect to the middle case 10, and the second casing 300 rotates at a slower speed with respect to the middle case 10. The flexible screen 2000 is not easily damaged by the local collision of the flexible screen 2000 due to the fast rotation of the first and second housings 200 and 300. Therefore, the flexible screen 2000 of the embodiment has high reliability, and the flexible screen 2000 has a long service life.

It can be understood that this application rotates the connection through setting up first connecting arm 40 the mesochite 10, and sliding connection first backup pad 20, second connecting arm 50 rotates the connection mesochite 10, and sliding connection second backup pad 30, first backup pad 20 with second backup pad 30 all rotates the connection the mesochite to utilize the motion form of first connecting arm 40, second connecting arm 50 first backup pad 20 and second backup pad 30 to realize folding device 1000's exhibition or folding, and then realize electronic equipment 1 from the exhibition flat state to change between the closed state, perhaps change between the self-closing state to the exhibition flat state. The folding device 1000 of the application has the advantages of simple structure, fewer components, capability of reducing the cost and investment to a greater extent, simple motion mode and easiness in mass production.

In addition, the first support plate 20 and the center of rotation S1 of the middle shell 10 are arranged at the top of the middle shell 10, and the second support plate 30 and the center of rotation S2 of the middle shell 10 are arranged at the top of the middle shell 10, so that when the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, the first support plate 20 and the second support plate 30 can be far away from the middle shell 10 to a large extent, and the screen accommodating space 102 enclosed by the first support plate 20, the middle shell 10 and the second support plate 30 is large. In this way, the screen accommodating space 102 can accommodate the bent portion 2200 of the flexible screen 2000 with a larger volume, so as to avoid damage to the flexible screen 2000 due to a smaller space for accommodating the flexible screen 2000.

A folding mechanism 100 is described in detail above in connection with the associated figures. The folding mechanism 100 includes two support plates, a first support plate 20 and a second support plate 30. In other embodiments, the folding mechanism 100 may include a third support plate (not shown) and a fourth support plate (not shown). It is understood that the fourth support plate and the third support plate may be of the same or similar construction, of a symmetrical or partially symmetrical construction, or of different constructions. In some embodiments, the fourth support plate and the third support plate are symmetrical structures.

Wherein, the third backup pad is located the first backup pad and keeps away from one side of mesochite. The third support plate is slidably connected to the first support plate. The end part of the third supporting plate is also rotatably connected with the first connecting arm. In addition, the fourth supporting plate is positioned on the side of the second supporting plate far away from the middle shell. The fourth support plate is slidably connected to the second support plate. The end part of the fourth supporting plate is also rotatably connected with a second connecting arm.

In other embodiments, the folding structure 100 may also include a greater number of support panels. Such as the fifth support plate, the sixth support plate, \8230 \8230andthe pth support plate. P is an integer greater than 4. The arrangement mode of the (2S + 1) support plate can refer to the arrangement mode of the third support plate. The arrangement mode of the second support plate can be referred to that of the fourth support plate. S is an integer greater than 2. And are not described in detail herein.

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 think 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 (16)

1. A folding mechanism (100) comprising a middle shell (10), a first support plate (20) and a second support plate (30);

the first support plate (20) and the second support plate (30) are rotatably connected with the middle shell (10), the rotating center (S1) of the first support plate (20) and the middle shell (10) which rotate relatively is positioned at the top of the middle shell (10), the rotating center (S2) of the second support plate (30) and the middle shell (10) which rotate relatively is positioned at the top of the middle shell (10), and the top of the middle shell (10) is the side, away from the bottom surface (112) of the middle shell (10), of the top surface (101 a) of the middle shell (10);

when folding mechanism (100) is in the exhibition flat state, first backup pad (20) with second backup pad (30) are located respectively the both sides of mesochite (10), when folding mechanism (100) is in the closure state, first backup pad (20) with second backup pad (30) set up relatively, mesochite (10) first backup pad (20) with second backup pad (30) enclose and hold screen space (102), top surface (101 a) orientation of mesochite (10) hold screen space (102).

2. The folding mechanism (100) of claim 1, wherein the first support plate (20) includes a first plate (202) and a first drive arm (62);

the first transmission arm (62) comprises a fixed end (621) and a rotating end (622), the fixed end (621) of the first transmission arm (62) is detachably connected to the first plate (202), and the rotating end (622) of the first transmission arm (62) is rotatably connected to the middle shell (10).

3. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that said middle shell (10) comprises a main shell (101) and a fixed seat (61), said fixed seat (61) being removably connected to said main shell (101);

an arc-shaped groove (616) is defined by one part of the main shell (101) and one part of the fixed seat (61), at least part of the rotating end (622) of the first transmission arm (62) is arc-shaped, and at least part of the rotating end (622) of the first transmission arm (62) is arranged in the arc-shaped groove (616) and rotates relative to the groove wall of the arc-shaped groove (616).

4. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 3, wherein the fixed seat (61) is provided with a movable space (613), the opening of the movable space (613) is located on the top surface (610) and the bottom surface (610 a) of the fixed seat (61), the fixed seat (61) is provided with a second projection (614), and the second projection (614) is located in the movable space (613);

the main shell (101) is provided with a first lug (124), the first lug (124) and the second lug (614) are oppositely arranged, and the first lug (124) and the second lug (614) enclose the arc-shaped groove (616).

5. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the rotating end (622) of the first transmission arm (62) is provided with a second recess (624), the opening of the second recess (624) being located on the surface of the rotating end (622) of the first transmission arm (62) facing the main casing (101), the bottom wall (6241) of the second recess (624) being arc-shaped;

the fixed seat (61) is provided with a first arc-shaped arm (611), and the first arc-shaped arm (611) is arranged in the second concave part (624) and rotates relative to the bottom wall (6241) of the second concave part (624).

6. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the main housing (101) is provided with a first fixation groove (110), at least a part of the fixation seat (61) being located in the first fixation groove (110).

7. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said main casing (101) is provided with a second groove (117), the opening of said second groove (117) being located at the top surface (111) of said main casing (101) and at the first side surface (113) of said main casing (101);

when the folding mechanism (100) is in a closed state, the side portion (201) of the first plate (202) rotates out of the second groove (117), and when the folding mechanism (100) is in a flat state, the side portion (201) of the first plate (202) rotates into the second groove (117).

8. The folding mechanism (100) according to any of the claims from 1 to 4, characterized in that said folding mechanism (100) comprises a first connecting arm (40) and a second connecting arm (50), said first connecting arm (40) being rotatably connected to said middle shell (10) and slidably connected to said first support plate (20), said second connecting arm (50) being rotatably connected to said middle shell (10) and slidably connected to said second support plate (30).

9. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that said first connecting arm (40) comprises a first connecting arm body (41) and a first rotating shaft (42), said first connecting arm body (41) being located on the same side of said first end (10 a) of said middle shell (10) and said first end (20 a) of said first support plate (20), said first connecting arm body (41) being slidably connected to said first support plate (20);

the middle shell (10) is provided with a first groove (116), a part of the first rotating shaft (42) is arranged in the first groove (116), and the first rotating shaft (42) rotates in the first groove (116).

10. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that said middle shell (10) is provided with a housing groove (115), the opening of said housing groove (115) being located at the top surface (101 a) of said middle shell (10), said housing groove (115) communicating with said first recess (116);

the folding mechanism (100) comprises a damping piece (70), the damping piece (70) is fixed in the accommodating groove (115), the damping piece (70) wraps a part of the first rotating shaft (42), and the damping piece (70) is used for increasing the friction force to which the first rotating shaft (42) is subjected in the rotating process.

11. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that said first connecting arm body (41) is provided with a first runner (415), said first support plate (20) having a first projection (22), said first projection (22) sliding inside said first runner (415).

12. The folding mechanism (100) of claim 8 wherein said first link arm (40) is provided with a first stop slot (416), said first stop slot (416) having oppositely disposed first and second end walls (4161, 4162), said center housing (10) including a first protrusion (122), said first protrusion (122) being disposed within said first stop slot (416) and sliding within said first stop slot (416);

the first protrusion (122) contacts a first end wall (4161) of the first stop slot (416) when the folding mechanism (100) is in the unfolded state, and the first protrusion (122) contacts a second end wall (4162) of the first stop slot (416) when the folding mechanism (100) is in the closed state.

13. The folding mechanism (100) of claim 8, wherein the second connecting arm (50) engages with the first connecting arm (40).

14. An electronic device (1) comprising a first housing (200), a second housing (300) and a folding mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the folding mechanism (100) connecting the first housing (200) and the second housing (300), the folding mechanism (100) being configured to fold or unfold the first housing (200) and the second housing (300) relative to each other;

the flexible screen (2000) comprises a first non-bending part (2100), a bending part (2200) and a second non-bending part (2300) which are sequentially arranged, wherein the first non-bending part (2100) is fixed on the first shell (200), and the second non-bending part (2300) is fixed on the second shell (300);

when the folding mechanism (100) is in a flat state, the first supporting plate (20), the middle shell (10) and the second supporting plate (30) support the bending part (2200), and when the folding mechanism (100) is in a closed state, the bending part (2200) is located in the screen accommodating space (102).

15. The electronic device (1) according to claim 14, wherein the folding mechanism (100) comprises a first connecting arm (40) and a second connecting arm (50), the first connecting arm (40) is rotatably connected to the middle housing (10) and slidably connected to the first supporting plate (20), the second connecting arm (50) is rotatably connected to the middle housing (10) and slidably connected to the second supporting plate (30), the first connecting arm (40) is fixed to the first housing (200), and the second connecting arm (50) is fixed to the second housing (300);

at least part of the first connecting arm (40) and at least part of the second connecting arm (50) are arranged in a staggered mode with the flexible screen (2000).

16. The electronic device (1) of claim 15, wherein the first housing (200) comprises a bezel (210) and a middle plate (220), the bezel (210) connects the middle plate (220), and the bezel (210) surrounds the middle plate (220);

the first non-bent portion (2100) fixes a middle plate (220) of the first housing (200), and at least a part of the first connecting arm (40) fixes the bezel (210).

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