Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment. The rotating shaft mechanism comprises a main shaft assembly and a damping assembly. The main shaft assembly comprises a first shaft body and a second shaft body, and a first limiting groove is arranged on the circumferential surface of the first shaft body. The damping assembly is located between the circumferential surface of the first shaft body and the circumferential surface of the second shaft body, and the damping assembly comprises one or more damping groups. Each damping group comprises an elastic member and a first ball. The first ball is located at the first end of the elastic member, and the first ball is abutted to the circumferential surface of the first shaft body through the elastic force of the elastic member. The second end of the elastic member is elastically connected to the circumferential surface of the second shaft body. During rotation of the first shaft body, the first ball rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the first shaft body and can be positioned in the first limiting groove. The rotating shaft mechanism provided by the application solves the problem that the rotating shaft mechanism in the prior art is not smooth enough when folding and the experience is not good.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic equipment technology, and in particular to a rotating shaft mechanism and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] As flexible foldable screen technology matures, flexible foldable terminal products have become a major trend. Foldable terminal products (such as foldable phones, foldable tablets, and foldable computers) need to meet high reliability, a good user experience, and an attractive appearance. The hinge mechanism, as a core functional component of foldable terminal products, relies heavily on the performance of the damping mechanism for its reliability and user experience. The damping mechanism controls the opening and closing of the hinge mechanism, providing damping and protection to ensure even force distribution during operation. Currently, hinge mechanisms on the market are not smooth enough during folding, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a pivot mechanism to solve the problem that the pivot mechanism in the prior art is not smooth enough during folding and has a poor user experience.

[0004] This application also provides an electronic device.

[0005] The rotating shaft mechanism described in this application includes a main shaft assembly and a damping assembly;

[0006] The spindle assembly includes a first spindle and a second spindle, which are arranged opposite to each other at a distance, and a first limiting groove is provided on the circumferential surface of the first spindle;

[0007] The damping assembly is located between the circumferential surfaces of the first shaft and the second shaft. It is understood that the circumferential surface of the first shaft is the surface around which the first shaft surrounds its axis, and the circumferential surface of the second shaft is the surface around which the second shaft surrounds its axis. The damping assembly includes one or more damping groups, each damping group including an elastic element and a first ball. The first ball is located at a first end of the elastic element, and the elastic force of the elastic element holds the first ball against the circumferential surface of the first shaft. A second end of the elastic element, opposite the first end, is elastically connected to the circumferential surface of the second shaft.

[0008] During the rotation of the first shaft, the first ball rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the first shaft and can be positioned within the first limiting groove.

[0009] The pivot mechanism described in this application involves placing a damping assembly between the circumferential surfaces of the first and second shafts. This allows the first ball bearing of the damping assembly to be positioned at the first end of the elastic element of the damping assembly. The elastic force of the elastic element holds the first ball bearing against the circumferential surface of the first shaft. During rotation of the first shaft, the first ball bearing rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the first shaft and is positioned within the first limiting groove, thus achieving the locking mechanism and maintaining the pivot mechanism in a flattened state. Because the first ball bearing is circular, the contact area between the first ball bearing and the circumferential surface of the first shaft and the first limiting groove is small during rotation, resulting in low friction. This makes the rolling of the first ball bearing between the circumferential surface of the first shaft and the first limiting groove smoother, improving the folding and unfolding experience of the pivot mechanism. Furthermore, the rolling wear between the first ball bearing and the circumferential surface of the first shaft and the first limiting groove is minimal, effectively extending the lifespan of the damping assembly. Meanwhile, when the first ball enters the first limiting groove, the elastic element provides a thrust to the first ball to push it into the first limiting groove. During this process, the user can clearly perceive the change in force, thereby obtaining information that the rotating shaft mechanism is in a flattened state, thus improving the user experience.

[0010] In one embodiment, each damping assembly further includes a second ball bearing located at the second end of the elastic element. The elastic force of the elastic element holds the second ball bearing against the circumferential surface of the second shaft. A second limiting groove is provided on the circumferential surface of the second shaft. During the rotation of the second shaft, the second ball bearing rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the second shaft and can be positioned within the second limiting groove to achieve the locking of the rotating shaft mechanism, thereby keeping the rotating shaft mechanism in a flattened state. That is, when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a flattened state, both ends of the elastic element are held against the first shaft and the second shaft by the ball bearings, and the first shaft and the second shaft are locked together to ensure balanced force between the first shaft and the second shaft, and to ensure a more secure locking between the first shaft and the second shaft. Since the second ball bearing is circular, the contact area between the second ball bearing and the circumferential surface of the second shaft and the second limiting groove is small during the rotation of the second shaft, resulting in low friction. Therefore, the second ball bearing rolls more smoothly between the circumferential surface of the second shaft and the second limiting groove, improving the folding and unfolding experience of the rotating shaft mechanism. Furthermore, the rolling wear between the second ball and the circumferential surface of the second shaft and the second limiting groove is small, effectively improving the lifespan of the damping assembly. Simultaneously, when the second ball enters the second limiting groove, the elastic element provides a thrust to the second ball, pushing it into the groove. During this process, the user can clearly perceive the change in force, thus obtaining information that the rotating shaft mechanism is in a flattened state, improving the user experience.

[0011] In one embodiment, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member, which are rotatable relative to each other. The first rotating member is fixedly connected to the first shaft, and the second rotating member is fixedly connected to the second shaft. The first shaft and the second shaft rotate as the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate, respectively. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in a flattened state, the first rotating member and the second rotating member are relatively flattened, the first ball is located in the first limiting groove, and the second ball is located in the second limiting groove. The rotating shaft mechanism comprises a first shaft on the first rotating member, a second shaft on the second rotating member, and a damping component between the first and second shafts. When the first and second rotating members rotate relative to each other, they respectively drive the first and second shafts to rotate relative to each other. During rotation, the first ball bearing abuts against the circumferential surface of the first shaft, and the second ball bearing abuts against the circumferential surface of the second shaft. When the rotating shaft mechanism is in a flattened state, the first and second rotating members are relatively flattened, and the first ball bearing enters the first limiting groove of the first shaft to achieve locking, and the second ball bearing enters the second limiting groove of the second shaft to achieve locking, so that the first and second rotating members remain in a flattened state. When the first ball and the second ball enter the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove respectively, the elastic element will provide a thrust to the first ball and the second ball to push them into the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove respectively. During this process, the user can clearly perceive the change in force, thereby obtaining information that the first rotating component and the second rotating component are in a flattened state, thus improving the user experience.

[0012] In one embodiment, a third limiting groove, spaced apart from the first limiting groove, is further provided in the rotational direction of the first shaft; a fourth limiting groove, spaced apart from the second limiting groove, is further provided in the rotational direction of the second shaft. It is understood that the rotational direction of the first shaft is the direction of rotation about its axis, and the rotational direction of the second shaft is the direction of rotation about its axis. When the first rotating component and the second rotating component are folded, the first ball bearing is located in the third limiting groove, and the second ball bearing is located in the fourth limiting groove. By engaging the first ball bearing with the third limiting groove and the second ball bearing with the fourth limiting groove, the first and second rotating components are secured when folded, ensuring they are in a folded state for easy storage and improved user experience.

[0013] In one embodiment, the spindle assembly further includes a first synchronous gear and a second synchronous gear that mesh with each other. The first and second rotating members have their respective ends equipped with the first and second rotating gears. The first synchronous gear meshes with the first rotating gear, and the second synchronous gear meshes with the second rotating gear. The first and second synchronous gears are positioned between the first and second rotating members to achieve synchronous rotation between them. The relative rotation of the first and second rotating members can be understood as follows: when the first rotating member rotates relative to the second rotating member, the second rotating member also rotates relative to the first rotating member; when the first rotating member rotates away from the second rotating member, the second rotating member also rotates away from the first rotating member. Of course, in other embodiments, the first and second rotating members can also be directly meshed.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first shaft is disposed at the axial end of the first rotating gear, and the second shaft is disposed at the axial end of the second rotating gear. It is understood that the axial directions of the first and second rotating gears are respectively the directions in which their axes extend; the axis of the first rotating gear is collinear with the axis of the first shaft, and the axis of the second rotating gear is collinear with the axis of the second shaft. The first and second shafts are respectively disposed at the axial ends of the first and second rotating gears so that the first and second shafts rotate as the first and second rotating members rotate, respectively.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first rotating member has a first shaft on both sides perpendicular to the first axis, and the second rotating member has a second shaft on both sides perpendicular to the second axis. A damping assembly is provided between the first and second shafts on the same side. The first axis is the axis around which the first rotating member rotates, and it is also the axis of the first rotating gear. The second axis is the axis around which the second rotating member rotates, and it is also the axis of the second rotating gear. That is, there are two first shafts and two second shafts. The two first shafts are respectively located on both sides of the first rotating gear, and the two second shafts are respectively located on both sides of the second rotating gear. The two first shafts and two second shafts are arranged opposite each other, and the damping assembly is provided between the first and second shafts on the same side. By providing the first shaft and the second shaft on both sides of the first and second rotating gears respectively, the damping assembly provided between the first shaft and the opposite second shaft maintains force balance on both sides of the first and second rotating gears. Of course, in other embodiments, there may be only one first shaft and one second shaft.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first shaft has a plurality of spaced-apart first limiting grooves along its extending direction, and the second shaft has a plurality of spaced-apart second limiting grooves along its extending direction; the plurality of damping groups are spaced-apart corresponding to the distribution positions of the plurality of first limiting grooves and the plurality of second limiting grooves. It is understood that by providing a plurality of damping groups between the first shaft and the second shaft, a sufficiently large force is provided to effectively lock the first rotating member and the second rotating member into place.

[0017] In one embodiment, the damping assembly further includes a positioning member disposed between the first ball and the elastic member. The positioning member includes a first positioning groove, in which the first ball is partially received. A first end of the elastic member is connected to the side of the positioning member facing away from the first positioning groove. In other words, the positioning member is used to position the first ball and the elastic member, ensuring that the first ball and the elastic member are aligned and that the elastic member provides sufficient elastic force to the first ball, allowing the first ball to roll from the circumferential surface of the first shaft into the first limiting groove for locking, or to roll out of the first limiting groove to allow the first rotating member and the second rotating member to rotate relative to each other.

[0018] In one embodiment, the positioning member includes a positioning post disposed on the side of the positioning member facing away from the first positioning groove, and the positioning post extends into the first end of the elastic member. The positioning post is used to position the elastic member, prevent the elastic member from deflecting, and ensure that the elastic member can provide sufficient elastic force to the first ball, so that the first ball rolls from the circumferential surface of the first shaft into the first limiting groove to achieve positioning.

[0019] In one embodiment, the spindle assembly further includes a pair of retaining members disposed on both sides of the damping assembly for fixing the positioning member. The positioning member further includes a second positioning groove, which, along with the first positioning groove, is located on opposite sides of the positioning member and communicates with the first positioning groove. A first end of the elastic member is located within the second positioning groove and abuts against the first ball bearing. When the elastic member undergoes elastic deformation, the elastic member and the first ball bearing move relative to the positioning member. The second positioning groove limits the elastic member to prevent it from skewing, ensuring that the elastic member provides sufficient elastic force to the first ball bearing. The positioning member is only used to maintain the relative alignment between the elastic member and the first ball bearing; its position does not change when the elastic member deforms.

[0020] In one embodiment, the positioning member further includes a second positioning groove, which, along with the first positioning groove, is located on opposite sides of the positioning member. The elastic member is partially housed within the second positioning groove, and its elastic force is transmitted to the first ball bearing through the positioning member. In other words, the positioning member not only maintains the relative alignment between the elastic member and the first ball bearing but also transmits the force between them. The second positioning groove cooperates with the positioning post to limit the first end of the elastic member, preventing it from skewing and ensuring that the elastic member provides sufficient elastic force to the first ball bearing.

[0021] In one embodiment, the spindle assembly further includes a pair of retaining members disposed on both sides of the damping assembly. Each retaining member includes a groove, and the positioning member includes sliders on both sides, the sliders being located within the grooves. When the elastic member undergoes elastic deformation, the sliders slide within the grooves. Because the elastic deformation of the elastic member differs when the first ball enters the first limiting groove and when the first ball abuts against the circumferential surface of the first shaft, the positioning member located between the elastic member and the first ball will also be positioned differently due to the different elastic deformations of the elastic member. The retaining members are used to retain the positioning member, and the grooves provide a certain displacement space for the positioning member to ensure that the positioning member remains balanced during sliding, thereby enabling the first rotating member and the second rotating member to achieve proper positioning.

[0022] In one embodiment, the two ends of the retaining member are respectively connected to the first shaft and the second shaft, and the first shaft and the second shaft are rotatable relative to the retaining member. That is, the retaining member is connected between the first shaft and the second shaft to achieve a limiting position. Of course, in other embodiments, the retaining member can also be connected to other components of the rotating shaft mechanism to achieve a limiting position.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first ball is fixed in the first positioning groove, that is, the first ball cannot roll in the first positioning groove.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first ball can roll within the first positioning groove. Thus, when the first ball rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the first shaft, it not only rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the first shaft but also rolls itself. Consequently, when the first ball rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the first shaft, the contact points between the first ball and the circumferential surface of the first shaft are different at different positions. This makes the rolling of the first ball between the circumferential surfaces of the first shaft not only smoother but also prevents the first ball from deforming due to wear in only one area during rolling, effectively improving the lifespan of the damping assembly.

[0025] In one embodiment, the positioning member includes a bearing portion for bearing the portion of the first ball protruding from the first positioning groove, thereby maintaining the alignment of the first ball with the elastic member and facilitating the installation of the first ball between the first shaft and the second shaft.

[0026] In one embodiment, the damping assembly includes a guide sleeve with a through hole. The elastic element is located inside the guide sleeve, and its first end abuts against a portion of the first ball located within the through hole. In other words, the guide sleeve is used to position the first ball and the elastic element, ensuring that the first ball and the elastic element are aligned and that the elastic element provides sufficient elastic force to the first ball, allowing the first ball to roll from the circumferential surface of the first shaft into the first limiting groove for locking, or to roll out of the first limiting groove to allow the first rotating element and the second rotating element to rotate relative to each other.

[0027] In one embodiment, the rotating shaft mechanism includes a receiving portion, which comprises an upper shell and a lower shell, the upper shell and the lower shell being closed together; the spindle assembly and the damping assembly are received between the upper shell and the lower shell. The upper shell and the lower shell serve two purposes: firstly, to house the aforementioned components, ensuring a neat appearance for the rotating shaft mechanism; secondly, to hold and fix the relevant components housed in the receiving space between the upper shell and the lower shell, ensuring the assembly and connection of the relevant components located in the receiving space.

[0028] The electronic device described in this application includes a first housing, a second housing, a flexible screen, and the aforementioned hinge mechanism. The first housing and the second housing are located on both sides of the hinge mechanism. The first housing is connected to the first shaft, and the second housing is connected to the second shaft. The flexible screen is disposed on the first housing, the hinge mechanism, and the second housing. The electronic device with the aforementioned hinge mechanism can maintain its position in both a flattened and folded state. Folding and flattening are smoother, and the mechanism is more abrasion-resistant, has a longer lifespan, and improves the rotation experience of the electronic device, resulting in a superior user experience.

[0029] The pivot mechanism described in this application involves placing a damping assembly between the circumferential surfaces of the first and second shafts. This allows the first ball bearing of the damping assembly to be positioned at the first end of the elastic element of the damping assembly. The elastic force of the elastic element holds the first ball bearing against the circumferential surface of the first shaft. During rotation of the first shaft, the first ball bearing rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the first shaft and is positioned within the first limiting groove, thus achieving the locking mechanism and maintaining its flattened state. Because the first ball bearing is circular, the contact area between the first ball bearing and the circumferential surface of the first shaft and the first limiting groove is small during rotation, resulting in low friction. This allows the first ball bearing to roll more smoothly between the circumferential surface of the first shaft and the first limiting groove, improving the folding and unfolding experience of the pivot mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a rotating shaft mechanism in the shown electronic device;

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism shown;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The exploded structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism shown;

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partially exploded structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism shown.

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the folded state of the rotating shaft mechanism shown;

[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the damping component of the rotating shaft mechanism shown.

[0038] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the clamping component of the rotating shaft mechanism shown;

[0039] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows another angle of the clamping component.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] This application provides an electronic device, including but not limited to mobile phones, tablets, laptops, e-readers, wearable devices, and in-vehicle devices. This electronic device can be folded and unfolded. This application uses a foldable mobile phone as an example for specific illustration.

[0044] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The electronic device 1000 includes a pivot mechanism 100, a first housing 200, a second housing 300, and a flexible screen 400. The pivot mechanism 100 is connected to the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 on opposite sides, so that the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can rotate relative to each other or in opposite directions via the pivot mechanism 100. The flexible screen 400 is disposed on the first housing 200, the pivot mechanism 100, and the second housing 300. The flexible screen 400 can be used to display information and provide an interactive interface for users. The flexible screen 400 can be fixedly connected to the first housing 200, the pivot mechanism 100, and the second housing 300 by means of adhesive dispensing or other methods. The first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can respectively form installation spaces for installing electronic components of the electronic device 1000 such as circuit boards, batteries, receivers, speakers, and cameras. The circuit board can integrate electronic components such as the main controller, storage unit, antenna module, and power management module of the electronic device 1000, while the battery can power the flexible screen 400, circuit board, receiver, speaker, camera and other electronic components.

[0045] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a rotating shaft mechanism 100 of the electronic device 1000 shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial structural schematic diagram of the pivot mechanism 100 is shown. The electronic device 1000 switches between a flattened state and a folded state through the pivot mechanism 100. The pivot mechanism 100 includes a first connecting member 101, a second connecting member 102, a main shaft assembly 10, a first rotating member 11, and a second rotating member 12. The main shaft assembly 10 acts as a pivot and also serves as a support. The first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 are located on both sides of the main shaft assembly 10, and the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 can rotate relative to each other. The first connecting member 101 and the second connecting member 102 are fixedly connected to the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12, and can rotate relative to or away from each other through the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12. The first housing 200 is fixedly connected to the first connector 101, and the second housing 300 is fixedly connected to the second connector 102. In some cases, the first connector 101 and the first housing 200 can also be integrally formed, and the second connector 102 and the second housing 300 can also be integrally formed. That is to say, the first connector can be understood as part of the first housing, and the second connector can be understood as part of the second housing.

[0046] When the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 rotate towards each other until they overlap (overlapping means that their sides can fit together without gaps or are spaced apart), the electronic device 1000 is in a folded state. Conversely, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 rotate backwards from their overlapping state until they reach their limit position (i.e., when they can no longer rotate backwards, at which point the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are flattened), the electronic device 1000 is in a flattened state. When the electronic device 1000 is fully flattened, the flexible screen 400 is also flattened, giving the electronic device 1000 a large-screen display effect. In the folded state, the first housing 200 is stacked on top of the second housing 300, and the flexible screen 400 is sandwiched between the first housing 200 and the second housing 300. The hinge mechanism 100 can maintain its position in both the flattened and folded states, making folding and flattening smoother, more abrasion-resistant, and longer-lasting, thus improving the rotation experience of the hinge mechanism 100 and providing a better user experience.

[0047] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows the exploded structure of the rotating shaft mechanism. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows a partially exploded view of the rotating shaft mechanism. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft mechanism 100 further includes a damping component 20, which can be disposed within the main shaft assembly 10. Specifically, the main shaft assembly 10 may include a first shaft 13 and a second shaft 14. The first shaft 13 includes a circumferential surface, which is the surface around which the first shaft 13 surrounds its axis a. The second shaft 14 includes a circumferential surface, which is the surface around which the second shaft 14 surrounds its axis b. Figure 4 In the illustrated scenario, the circumferential surfaces of the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 are arc surfaces. In other implementation scenarios, the circumferential surfaces of the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 may also be non-arc surfaces. The first shaft 13 is fixedly connected to the first rotating member 11, and the second shaft 14 is fixedly connected to the second rotating member 12. The first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 are spaced apart and opposite to each other, rotating as the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 rotate, respectively. A first limiting groove 131 is provided on the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13, and a second limiting groove 141 is provided on the circumferential surface of the second shaft 14. The damping assembly 20 is located between the circumferential surfaces of the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14. The damping assembly 20 may include at least one damping group 21. In one possible implementation scenario, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, each damping assembly 21 may include an elastic element 211, a first ball 212, and a second ball 213. The first ball 212 is located at the first end 2111 of the elastic element 211, and the elastic force of the elastic element 211 holds the first ball 212 against the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13. The second end 2112 of the elastic element 211, opposite to the first end 2111, is elastically connected to the circumferential surface of the second shaft 14 through the second ball 213. That is, the second ball 213 is located at the second end 2112 of the elastic element 211, and the elastic force of the elastic element 211 holds the second ball 213 against the circumferential surface of the second shaft 14. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the damping assembly 21, the first shaft 13, and the second shaft 14 of the electronic device 1000 in a flattened state. During the rotation of the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14, the first ball 212 rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13 and can be positioned within the first limiting groove 131, while the second ball 213 rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the second shaft 14 and can be positioned within the second limiting groove 141, so that the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 are in a flattened state.

[0048] In another possible implementation, the damping assembly 21 may include an elastic element 211 and a first ball bearing 212. In one possible implementation of this scenario, the second shaft 13 can rotate with the second rotating member 13, which is the same principle as the damping assembly 21 including the elastic element 211, the first ball bearing 212, and the second ball bearing 213. Specifically, the first ball bearing 212 is located at the first end 2111 of the elastic element 211, and the elastic force of the elastic element 211 holds the first ball bearing 212 against the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13. The second end 2112 of the elastic element 211 directly abuts against the second shaft 14. When the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 rotate, the first ball bearing 212 rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13 and can be positioned within the first limiting groove 131, while the second end 2112 can slide relative to the circumferential surface of the second shaft 14. In another possible implementation of this scenario, the second shaft 14 may not rotate with the second rotating member 12. This implementation differs from the principle of the implementation scenario where the damping assembly 21 includes the elastic member 211, the first ball 212, and the second ball 213. Specifically, when the first shaft 13 rotates, the second shaft 14 does not rotate. The first ball 212 rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13 and can be positioned within the first limiting groove 131. The second end 2112 is directly fixed to the second shaft 14. When the second shaft does not rotate, the second shaft can be understood as part of the housing, and the end of the elastic member 211 facing away from the first ball 212 is fixed to the housing of the rotating shaft mechanism 100.

[0049] Understandably, in both implementation scenarios of a damping group with two balls and a damping group with one ball, the motion principle and connection relationship between each ball and the first shaft 13 or the second shaft 14 are similar. Therefore, the following description will take the damping group 21, which includes the elastic element 211, the first ball 212, and the second ball 213, as an example.

[0050] The embodiments of this application use a first ball bearing 212 to engage with a first limiting groove 131 and a second ball bearing 213 to engage with a second limiting groove 141, so that when the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 are flattened, the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 are engaged, thereby improving the user experience.

[0051] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows the folded state of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. In this embodiment, the first shaft 13 may further include a third limiting groove 135, which is spaced apart from the first limiting groove 131 in the rotation direction of the first shaft 13. The second shaft 14 includes a fourth limiting groove 145, which is spaced apart from the second limiting groove 141 in the rotation direction of the second shaft 14. It can be understood that the rotation direction of the first shaft 13 is the direction of its rotation around axis a, and the rotation direction of the second shaft 14 is the direction of its rotation around axis b. When the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 are folded, the first ball bearing 212 is located in the third limiting groove 135, and the second ball bearing 213 is located in the fourth limiting groove 145. The first ball bearing 212 is engaged with the third limiting groove 135, and the second ball bearing 213 is engaged with the fourth limiting groove 145, so that when the first rotating component 11 and the second rotating component 12 are folded, the first rotating component 11 and the second rotating component 12 are engaged, so that the first rotating component 11 and the second rotating component 12 are in a folded state, which is convenient for users to store and improves the user experience.

[0052] In one possible implementation of this application, the first limiting groove 131, the second limiting groove 141, the third limiting groove 135, and the fourth limiting groove 145 are all spherical grooves, specifically 1 / 2 spherical grooves, to adapt to the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 respectively, so that the balls can slide into and roll out of the limiting grooves better, so that the rotating shaft mechanism 100 can be positioned more smoothly and the user experience can be improved.

[0053] In another possible implementation of this application embodiment, the first limiting groove 131, the second limiting groove 141, the third limiting groove 135, and the fourth limiting groove 145 can also be 3 / 4 or 1 / 4 spherical grooves, etc., and the shapes of the first limiting groove 131, the second limiting groove 141, the third limiting groove 135, and the fourth limiting groove 145 can also be cylindrical grooves or other shapes of grooves. The shapes of the first limiting groove 131, the second limiting groove 141, the third limiting groove 135, and the fourth limiting groove 145 may be the same or different.

[0054] In this embodiment, the elastic element 211 is a spring or other elastic element besides a spring, and the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 are both steel balls or balls made of materials other than steel. The first ball 212, the second ball 213 and the elastic element 211 have a simple structure and are easy to process.

[0055] When the first shaft 13 has both a first limiting groove 131 and a third limiting groove 135, and the second shaft 14 has both a second limiting groove 141 and a fourth limiting groove 145, when the electronic device 1000 switches from a folded state to a flattened state, the first housing 200 drives the first rotating member 11 to rotate away from the second housing 300, and the first rotating member 11 drives the first shaft 13 to rotate synchronously. The second housing 300 drives the second rotating member 12 to rotate away from the first housing 200, and the second rotating member 12 drives the second shaft 14 to rotate synchronously. Simultaneously, the third limiting groove 135 rotates with the first shaft 13 toward a position away from the first ball 212 until the first ball 212 rolls out of the third limiting groove 135 and faces the first limiting groove 131. The first ball 212 enters the first limiting groove 131 under the push of the elastic member 211 to achieve locking. The fourth limiting groove 145 rotates with the second shaft 14 toward a position away from the second ball 213 until the second ball 213 rolls out of the fourth limiting groove 145 and faces the second limiting groove 141. The second ball 213 enters the second limiting groove 141 under the push of the elastic member 211 to achieve locking. In other words, both ends of the elastic element 211 are held between the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 by ball bearings. When the first rotating element 11 and the second rotating element 12 are flattened relative to each other, the first rotating element 11 and the second rotating element 12 are respectively locked in place by the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 to ensure that the force between the first rotating element 11 and the second rotating element 12 is balanced, and to ensure that the locking between the first rotating element 11 and the second rotating element 12 is more secure, thereby improving the user experience. When the first ball bearing 212 is partially aligned with the first limiting groove 131 and the second ball bearing 213 is partially aligned with the second limiting groove 141, the first ball bearing 212 and the second ball bearing 213 will automatically enter the first limiting groove 131 and the second limiting groove 141 respectively under the thrust of the elastic element 211, thereby making the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 relatively flattened, so that the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 achieve an automatic flattening effect to a certain extent.

[0056] When the electronic device 1000 switches from a flattened state to a folded state, the first housing 200 drives the first rotating component 11 to rotate relative to the second housing 300, and the first rotating component 11 drives the first shaft 13 to rotate synchronously. The second housing 300 drives the second rotating component 12 to rotate relative to the first housing 200, and the second rotating component 12 drives the second shaft 14 to rotate synchronously. Simultaneously, the first limiting groove 131 rotates with the first shaft 13 toward a position away from the first ball 212 until the first ball 212 rolls out of the first limiting groove 131 and faces the third limiting groove 135. The first ball 212 enters the third limiting groove 135 under the push of the elastic member 211 to achieve locking. The second limiting groove 141 rotates with the second shaft 14 toward a position away from the second ball 213 until the second ball 213 rolls out of the second limiting groove 141 and faces the fourth limiting groove 145. The second ball 213 enters the fourth limiting groove 145 under the push of the elastic member 211 to achieve locking. The electronic device 1000 switches to the folded state. In other words, when the first rotating component 11 and the second rotating component 12 are folded relative to each other, the first rotating component 11 and the second rotating component 12 are respectively locked in place by the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 to ensure that the force between the first rotating component 11 and the second rotating component 12 is balanced, and to ensure that the locking between the first rotating component 11 and the second rotating component 12 is more secure, thereby improving the user experience. When the first ball 212 and the third limiting groove 135 are partially aligned and the second ball 213 and the fourth limiting groove are partially aligned, the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 will automatically enter the third limiting groove 135 and the fourth limiting groove 145 respectively under the pushing force of the elastic member 211, thereby causing the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 to fold relative to each other, so that the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 achieve an automatic folding effect to a certain extent.

[0057] Of course, in other embodiments, the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 may also be provided with multiple limiting grooves in their rotation direction so that the rotating shaft mechanism 100 can also be locked in the state between the folded state and the flattened state or in the flipped state. For example, the locking can be achieved when the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 are 15 degrees, 45 degrees, 75 degrees or 135 degrees apart.

[0058] In one possible implementation of this application, the first shaft 13 may only have a first limiting groove 131, and / or the second shaft 14 may only have a second limiting groove 141. The rotating shaft mechanism 100 is positioned by other structures when in the folded state.

[0059] The rotating shaft mechanism 100 of this application comprises a first shaft 13 mounted on a first rotating member 11 and a second shaft 14 mounted on a second rotating member 12. A damping assembly 20 is disposed between the circumferential surfaces of the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14, allowing the damping assembly 20 to engage with the rotating shaft mechanism 100, thus maintaining the rotating shaft mechanism 100 in a folded or flattened state. Specifically, when the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 are relatively flattened, the first ball bearing 212 engages in the first limiting groove 131 of the first shaft 13, and the second ball bearing 213 engages in the second limiting groove 141 of the second shaft 14. When the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 are relatively folded, the first ball bearing 212 engages in the third limiting groove 135 of the first shaft 13, and the second ball bearing 213 engages in the fourth limiting groove 145 of the second shaft 14, thus maintaining the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 in either a flattened or folded state. Because the first ball bearing 212 and the second ball bearing 213 are circular, during the rotation of the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14, the contact areas between the first ball bearing 212 and the first ball bearing 213 and the first limiting groove 131 and the third limiting groove 135 of the first shaft 13, and the contact areas between the first ball bearing 212 and the second ball bearing 213 and the second shaft 14 and the second limiting groove 141 and the fourth limiting groove 145, respectively, are small, resulting in low friction. As a result, the first ball bearing 212 rolls more smoothly between the first shaft 13 and the first limiting groove 131 and the third limiting groove 135, and the second ball bearing 213 rolls more smoothly between the second shaft 14 and the second limiting groove 141 and the fourth limiting groove 145, thus improving the folding and unfolding experience of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. Furthermore, during the rotation of the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12, the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 experience minimal rolling wear between the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13, the first limiting groove 131 and the third limiting groove 135, and the circumferential surface of the second shaft 14, the second limiting groove 141 and the fourth limiting groove 145, respectively, effectively improving the lifespan of the damping assembly 20. Simultaneously, when the first ball 212 enters the first limiting groove 131 or the third limiting groove 135 and the second ball 213 enters the second limiting groove 141 or the fourth limiting groove 145, the elastic element 211 provides a pushing force to the first ball 212 and the second ball 213, so as to push the first ball 212 into the first limiting groove 131 or the third limiting groove 135 and the second ball 213 into the second limiting groove 141 or the fourth limiting groove 145. During this process, the user can clearly perceive the change in force, thereby obtaining information that the rotating shaft mechanism 100 is in a flattened state or a folded state, that is, information that the first rotating element 11 and the second rotating element 12 are in a flattened state or a folded state, thus improving the user experience.

[0060] like Figure 4As shown, the rotating shaft mechanism 100 may further include a receiving portion 30, which may include a lower shell 31 and an upper shell 32, with the upper shell 31 covering the lower shell 32. The spindle assembly 10 and the damping assembly 20 are received between the lower shell 31 and the upper shell 32. Specifically, the lower shell 31 includes a central portion 311 and side portions 312, with the side portions 312 located on both sides of the central portion 311. The first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 can be partially received in the central portion 311, while the damping assembly 20, the first rotating shaft 13, and the second rotating shaft 14 are located in the side portions 312. The upper shell 32 and the lower shell 31 serve two purposes: firstly, to house the aforementioned components and ensure the neat appearance of the rotating shaft mechanism 100; secondly, the upper shell 32 and the lower shell 31 also serve to hold and fix the relevant components housed in the receiving portion 30, ensuring the assembly and connection of the relevant components located in the receiving portion 30.

[0061] The lower shell 31 may include a first slot 313, a second slot 314, a first clearance slot 315, and a second clearance slot 316 located in the middle portion 311. The first slot 313 and the second slot 314 are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the lower shell 31. There are two first clearance slots 315, located between the first slot 313 and the second slot 314 and respectively close to the first slot 313 and the second slot 314. The second clearance slot 316 is located between the two first clearance slots 315. The first rotating member 11 is partially located in the first slot 313 and extends into the first clearance slot 315, and is pressed and limited between the upper shell 32 and the lower shell 31 by the upper shell 32. The second rotating member 12 is partially located in the second slot 314 and extends into the second clearance slot 316, and is pressed and limited between the upper shell 32 and the lower shell 31 by the upper shell 32. In other words, the first clearance groove 315 is used to avoid some of the first rotating component 11 and the second rotating component 12, so that the first rotating component 11 and the second rotating component 12 can rotate flexibly relative to each other. The second clearance groove 316 is used to avoid other rotating components. In this embodiment, the upper shell 32 and the lower shell 31 are fixedly connected by screws, but they can also be connected by other methods, such as clamping, welding and bonding.

[0062] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the first rotating member 11 may include a first connecting part 111 and a first rotating gear 112. Both ends of the first rotating gear 112 are provided with first mounting holes 113. The first shaft 13 can be fixed in the first mounting holes 113. The first connecting part 111 is located outside the receiving part 30 and is connected to the first connecting member 101. The part of the first rotating member 11 that connects the first connecting part 111 and the first rotating gear 112 is engaged in the first slot 313. The first rotating gear 112 is located in the corresponding first clearance slot 315. The second rotating member 12 may include a second connecting portion 121 and a second rotating gear 122. The first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122 are respectively located at opposite ends of the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12. Both ends of the second rotating gear 122 have second mounting holes 123 along their axial direction. The second shaft 14 can be fixed within the second mounting holes 123. The second connecting portion 121 is located outside the receiving portion 30 and is connected to the second connecting member 102. The portion of the second rotating member 12 connecting the second connecting portion 121 and the second rotating gear 122 engages in the second slot 314. The second rotating gear 122 is located within its corresponding first clearance slot 315. It can be understood that the axial directions of the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122 are respectively the directions in which their axes extend. The axis of the first rotating gear 112 is collinear with the axis a of the first shaft 13, and the axis of the second rotating gear 122 is collinear with the axis b of the second shaft 14.

[0063] In this embodiment, the teeth of the first rotating gear 112 may be located only in the half-circumference where the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122 mesh, and the teeth of the second rotating gear 122 may be located only in the half-circumference where the second rotating gear 122 and the first rotating gear 112 mesh. While ensuring that the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 are folded or flattened relative to each other, the thickness of the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 is reduced, thereby reducing the thickness of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the electronic device 1000. Of course, in other embodiments, the teeth of the first rotating gear 112 may also be located on the periphery outside the meshing contact area between the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122, and the teeth of the second rotating gear 122 may also be located on the periphery outside the meshing contact area between the second rotating gear 122 and the first rotating gear 112.

[0064] In one possible implementation of this embodiment, the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122 are in direct meshing contact. In another possible implementation of this embodiment, the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122 are indirect meshing contact. Specifically, the spindle assembly 10 may further include a first synchronous gear 15 and a second synchronous gear 16 that mesh with each other. The first synchronous gear 15 and the second synchronous gear 16 are located within the second clearance groove 316. The first synchronous gear 15 meshes with the first rotating member 11, and the second synchronous gear 16 meshes with the second rotating member 12. Specifically, the first synchronous gear 15 meshes with the first rotating gear 112, and the second synchronous gear 16 meshes with the second rotating gear 122. The first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 are rotatably connected via the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122. The first synchronous gear 15 and the second synchronous gear 16 are positioned between the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 to achieve synchronous rotation between the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12. The relative rotation of the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 can be understood as follows: when the first rotating member 11 rotates relative to the second rotating member 12, the second rotating member 12 also rotates relative to the first rotating member 11; when the first rotating member 11 rotates away from the second rotating member 12, the second rotating member 12 also rotates away from the first rotating member 11.

[0065] In this embodiment, the elastic force direction of the elastic element 211 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122. Of course, in other embodiments, the elastic force direction of the elastic element 211 can also be parallel to the axial direction of the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122. The first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 are also adaptively configured so that the elastic element 211 cooperates with the first ball bearing 212 and the second ball bearing 213 to lock the first rotating element 11 and the second rotating element 12 in a relatively flattened state and a folded state. However, the direction of the elastic force of the elastic element 211 being parallel to the axis of the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122, compared to the direction of the elastic force of the elastic element 211 being perpendicular to the axis of the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122, is not conducive to the miniaturization of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. This is because when the direction of the elastic force of the elastic element 211 is parallel to the axis of the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122, torque is required to achieve locking, and the size of the parts that cooperate with the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 needs to be set to be larger. However, when the direction of the elastic force of the elastic element 211 is perpendicular to the axis of the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122, locking is not achieved by torque, so the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 can be set to be smaller, saving space and facilitating the miniaturization of the rotating shaft mechanism 100.

[0066] The first shaft 13 may include a first main body 132 and a first mounting end 133. The first mounting end 133 may be fixed in a first mounting hole 113, and a first limiting groove 131 is provided on the first main body 132. The second shaft 14 may include a connected second main body 142 and a second mounting end 143. The second mounting end 143 may be fixed in a second mounting hole 123, and a second limiting groove 141 is provided on the second main body 142. Of course, in other embodiments, the first shaft 13 and the first rotating gear 112 are integrally formed, and the second shaft 14 and the second rotating gear 122 are integrally formed.

[0067] In this embodiment, the damping component 20 may further include a positioning element or a guide sleeve. The positioning element or guide sleeve may be disposed between the first ball 212 and the elastic element 211, and between the second ball 213 and the elastic element 211, to ensure relative alignment between the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 and the elastic element 211. The positioning element or guide sleeve in this embodiment has multiple implementations, as detailed below:

[0068] In one implementation, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 , Figure 7 yes Figure 4The diagram shows the structure of the damping assembly of the rotating shaft mechanism. The positioning element 22 can be located between the first ball 212 and the elastic element 211, and between the second ball 213 and the elastic element 211. The opposing sides of the positioning element 22 can each have a first positioning groove 221 and a second positioning groove 222. For ease of distinction, the positioning element 22 located between the first ball 212 and the elastic element 211 is designated as positioning element 22a, and the positioning element 22 located between the second ball 213 and the elastic element 211 is designated as positioning element 22b. The first ball 212 is partially housed in the first positioning groove 221 of the positioning element 22a, and the first end 2111 of the elastic element 211 is partially located in the second positioning groove 222 of the positioning element 22a. The second ball 213 is partially housed in the first positioning groove 221 of the positioning element 22b, and the second end 2112 of the elastic element 211 is partially located in the second positioning groove 222 of the positioning element 22b. In other words, the positioning member 22 is used to position the first ball 212 and the elastic member 211, and to position the second ball 213 and the elastic member 211. That is, the positioning member 22 plays the role of ensuring that the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 are aligned with the elastic member 211, and ensuring that the elastic member 211 can provide sufficient elastic force to the first ball 212 and the second ball 213, so that the first ball 212 rolls from the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13 into the first limiting groove 131 to achieve locking, and the second ball 213 rolls from the circumferential surface of the second shaft 14 into the second limiting groove 141 to achieve locking, or the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 roll out of the first limiting groove 131 and the second limiting groove 141 respectively to achieve relative rotation of the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12.

[0069] In another possible implementation of this embodiment, the positioning member 22 may only include a first positioning groove 221, with the first ball 212 partially housed within the first positioning groove 221, and the first end 2111 of the elastic member 211 connected to the side of the positioning member 22 facing away from the first positioning groove 221. The first end 2111 of the elastic member 211 can be connected to the side of the positioning member 22 facing away from the first positioning groove 221 by means of bonding, snap-fitting, or other connection methods. In this implementation, a positioning member is provided only between the first ball 212 and the elastic member 211, or only between the second ball 213 and the elastic member 211.

[0070] The positioning member 22 may further include a positioning post 223, which is located on the side of the positioning member 22 facing away from the first positioning groove 221. Specifically, the positioning post 223 is located in the second positioning groove 222 and extends into the first end 2111 of the elastic member 211. That is, the groove wall of the second positioning groove 222 surrounds the positioning post 223. The positioning post 223 is used to cooperate with the second positioning groove 222 to position the first end 2111 of the elastic member 211, preventing the elastic member 211 from deflecting and ensuring that the elastic member 211 can provide sufficient elastic force to the first ball 212 and the second ball 213, so that the first ball 212 rolls from the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13 into the first limiting groove 131 to achieve locking, and the second ball 213 rolls from the circumferential surface of the second shaft 14 into the second limiting groove 141 to achieve locking. Of course, in other embodiments, the positioning member 22 may not have a positioning post.

[0071] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 8 , Figure 8 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows the structural schematic of the clamping element of the rotating shaft mechanism. The positioning element 22 also includes a slider 225, which is disposed on opposite sides of the positioning element 22. The main shaft assembly 10 also includes a clamping element 17, which is disposed on both sides of the positioning element 22 of the damping assembly 21. The two ends of the clamping element 17 are respectively connected to the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14, and the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 can rotate relative to the clamping element 17. That is, there are two clamping elements 17 between each opposite first shaft 13 and second shaft 14. In this embodiment, the retaining member 17 includes a groove 171 and two through holes 172 located on both sides of the groove 171. The first main body 132 may also have two first edge portions 134 at both ends, with a first limiting groove 131 located between the two first edge portions 134. The second main body 142 may also have two second edge portions 144 at both ends, with a second limiting groove 141 located between the two second edge portions 144. The first edge portion 134 of the first shaft 13 and the second edge portion 144 of the second shaft 14 are respectively located within their corresponding through holes 172 to achieve the limiting of the retaining member 17. The groove 171 is used to accommodate the corresponding slider 225. That is, the slider 225 extends into the groove 171 and cooperates with the groove 171 of the retaining member 17 to keep the positioning member 22 balanced during the deformation of the elastic member 211, thereby achieving good positioning of the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12. In other implementations of this embodiment, the number of sliders 225 may be one or more. The retaining member 17 can also be a single unit, located on one side of the positioning member 22. The retaining member 17 can also be fixed between the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 by bonding or other means. Alternatively, the retaining member 17 can also be connected to other components of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 to achieve limiting.

[0072] Please refer to another implementation of this embodiment as well. Figure 9 , Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows another angle of the clamping member. The bearings of the first synchronous gear 15 and the second synchronous gear 16 can also be rolledly connected to the clamping member 17 adjacent to them. Specifically, the surface of the clamping member 17 near the first rotating member 11 facing the first synchronous gear 15 and the second synchronous gear 16 can be provided with fixing holes 173, and the bearings of the first synchronous gear 15 and the second synchronous gear 16 are respectively located in their corresponding fixing holes 173. That is to say, the clamping member 17 near the first rotating member 11, while clamping the positioning member 22, also serves to fix the first synchronous gear 15 and the second synchronous gear 16, so that the first synchronous gear 15 and the second synchronous gear 16 are more stably connected between the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12, thereby assisting in good rotation between the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12. Of course, in other implementations, the first synchronous gear 15 and the second synchronous gear 16 can also be fixed by other structures, such as by the upper shell 32 or the lower shell 31, or by a structure provided on the lower shell 31.

[0073] In one possible implementation of this embodiment, the opposing sides of the positioning member 22 are respectively provided with a first positioning groove 221 and a second positioning groove 222. The first positioning groove 221 and the second positioning groove 222 are not connected. The elastic force of the elastic member 211 is transmitted to the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 through the positioning members 22a and 22b, respectively. That is, the positioning members 22a and 22b are not only used to maintain the relative alignment between the elastic member 211 and the first ball 212 and the second ball 213, but also to transmit the force between the elastic member 211 and the first ball 212 and the second ball 213, respectively. Specifically, the slider 225 of the positioning members 22a and 22b on the same side is located in the corresponding slide groove 171 and can slide relative to the slide groove 171. Because the elastic deformation of the elastic element 211 is different when the first ball 212 enters the first limiting groove 131 and when the first ball 212 abuts against the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13, or in other words, the elastic deformation of the elastic element 211 is different when the second ball 213 enters the second limiting groove 141 and when the second ball 213 abuts against the circumferential surface of the second shaft 14, the positioning element 22a located between the elastic element 211 and the first ball 212 and the positioning element 22b located between the elastic element 211 and the second ball 213 will also be located in different positions due to the different elastic deformation of the elastic element 211. The retaining element 17 is used to retain the positioning element 22, and the slide groove 171 provides a certain displacement space for the positioning element 22 to ensure that the positioning element 22 remains balanced during rolling, thereby enabling the first rotating element 11 and the second rotating element 12 to achieve good positioning.

[0074] In another possible implementation of this application embodiment, the second positioning grooves 222 of positioning members 22a and 22b are both connected to the first positioning groove 221. The first end 2111 of the elastic member 211 is located in the second positioning groove 222 of positioning member 22a and abuts against the first ball 212. The second end 2112 of the elastic member 211 is located in the second positioning groove 222 of positioning member 22b and abuts against the second ball 213. When the elastic member 211 undergoes elastic deformation, the positions of positioning members 22a and 22b are fixed by the retaining members 17 provided on both sides of positioning members 22a and 22b. Specifically, the slider 225 of positioning members 22a and 22b on the same side is fixed in the corresponding sliding groove 171. The elastic member 211, the first ball 212, and the second ball 213 move relative to positioning members 22a and 22b, respectively. The second positioning grooves 222 of positioning members 22a and 22b are used to limit the two ends of the elastic member 211 so that the elastic member 211 will not be deflected, ensuring that the elastic member 211 can provide sufficient elastic force to the first ball 212 and the second ball 213. That is to say, the positioning member 22 is only used to maintain the relative alignment between the elastic member 211 and the first ball 212, and its position will not change when the elastic member 211 deforms.

[0075] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 7 The positioning member 22 may also include a bearing portion 224, which is located on the side of the positioning member 22 with the first positioning groove 221. The bearing portion 224 of the positioning member 22a is used to bear the portion of the first ball 212 that is exposed in the first positioning groove 221, and the bearing portion 224 of the positioning member 22b is used to bear the portion of the second ball 213 that is exposed in the first positioning groove 221. While keeping the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 aligned with the elastic member 211, it is convenient for the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 to be installed between the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14.

[0076] In another implementation, please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another rotating shaft mechanism 100 provided in this application embodiment. In this embodiment, the positioning member 22 is disposed between the first ball 212 and the elastic member 211, and between the second ball 213 and the elastic member 211. The positioning member 22 may include a first positioning groove 221 and a positioning post 223. The positioning post 223 is disposed on the side of the positioning member 155 facing away from the first positioning groove 221. For ease of distinction, the positioning element 22 located between the first ball 212 and the elastic element 211 is called positioning element 22a, and the positioning element 22 located between the second ball 213 and the elastic element 211 is called positioning element 22b. The first end 2111 of the elastic element 211 is sleeved around the positioning post 223 of the positioning element 22a. The first ball 212 is partially received in the first positioning groove 221 of the positioning element 22a. The second end 2112 of the elastic element 211 is sleeved around the positioning post 223 of the positioning element 22b. The second ball 213 is partially received in the first positioning groove 221 of the positioning element 22b. In other words, the positioning element 22 is used to position the first ball 212, the second ball 213, and the elastic element 211. The positioning element 22 ensures that the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 are aligned with the elastic element 211, and that the elastic element 211 provides sufficient elastic force to the first ball 212 and the second ball 213. This allows the first ball 212 to roll from the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13 into the first limiting groove 131 for locking, and the second ball 213 to roll from the circumferential surface of the second shaft 14 into the second limiting groove 141 for locking, or allows the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 to roll out of the first limiting groove 131 and the second limiting groove 141 respectively, enabling the first rotating element 11 and the second rotating element 12 to rotate relative to each other. Of course, in another implementation of this embodiment, the positioning element 22 is provided only between the first ball 212 and the elastic element 211, or only between the second ball 213 and the elastic element 211. In another implementation of this embodiment, a retaining member can be provided for fixing the positioning member 22, so that the positioning member 22 can be more stably clamped between the first ball 212, the second ball 213 and the elastic member 211.

[0077] In the above-described embodiments of the positioning element 22, the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 can roll within the first positioning grooves 221 of the positioning elements 22a and 22b, respectively. Therefore, when the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 roll relative to the circumferential surfaces of the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14, respectively, they not only roll relative to the circumferential surfaces of the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14, but also roll themselves. Thus, when the first ball 212 rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13, the contact position between the first ball 212 and the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13 varies at different positions. When the ball 213 rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the second shaft 14, the contact positions between the ball 213 and the circumferential surface of the second shaft 14 are different at different positions. This makes the rolling of the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 between the circumferential surfaces of the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 smoother, and also prevents the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 from deforming due to wear in only one area during rolling, effectively improving the lifespan of the damping assembly 20. When the first positioning groove and the second positioning groove are not connected, or when the positioning member 22 includes the first positioning groove 221 and the positioning post 223, the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 can also be fixed in the first positioning groove 221 of the positioning member 22a and the positioning member 22b respectively. That is, the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 cannot roll in the first positioning groove 221 of the positioning member 22a and the positioning member 22b respectively.

[0078] In another implementation, please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of another rotating shaft mechanism 100 provided in this application embodiment. The damping component 20 in this embodiment may include a guide sleeve 23, which has a through hole 231. The first end 2111 of the elastic member 211 partially abuts against a first ball 212 located in the through hole 231, and the second end 2112 of the elastic member 211 partially abuts against a second ball 213 located in the through hole 231. In other words, the guide sleeve 23 is used to position the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 relative to the elastic member 211. That is, the guide sleeve 23 plays the role of ensuring that the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 are aligned with the elastic member 211, and ensuring that the elastic member 211 can provide sufficient elastic force to the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 so that the first ball 212 rolls from the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13 into the first limiting groove 131 to achieve locking, and the second ball 213 rolls from the circumferential surface of the second shaft 14 into the second limiting groove 141 to achieve locking, or the first ball 212 and the second ball 213 roll out of the first limiting groove 131 and the second limiting groove 141 respectively to achieve relative rotation of the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of damping groups 21 can also be multiple. Correspondingly, to adapt to the number of damping groups 21, the number of first limiting grooves 131 and second limiting grooves 141 can also be multiple. The first limiting grooves 131 are spaced apart in the extension direction of the first shaft 13, and the second limiting grooves 141 are spaced apart in the extension direction of the second shaft 14. The multiple damping groups 21 are spaced apart corresponding to the distribution positions of the multiple first limiting grooves 131 and the multiple second limiting grooves 141. That is, the distribution positions of the multiple damping groups 21 correspond one-to-one with the distribution positions of the multiple first limiting grooves 131 and the multiple second limiting grooves 141. During the rotation of the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14, the multiple first balls 212 roll relative to the circumferential surface of the first shaft 13 and can be positioned in the corresponding first limiting grooves 131, and the multiple second balls 213 roll relative to the circumferential surface of the second shaft 14 and can be positioned in the corresponding second limiting grooves 141. Correspondingly, there are multiple third limiting grooves 135 and multiple fourth limiting grooves 145, each corresponding to one of the multiple damping groups 21.

[0080] In one possible implementation of this scenario, the positioning element 22 disposed between the first ball 212 and the elastic element 211, or between the second ball 213 and the elastic element 211, can be one or more. When there is one positioning element 22, one positioning element 22 corresponds to multiple first balls 212 / second balls 213 and multiple elastic elements 211. The positioning element 22 includes multiple first positioning grooves 221 adapted to the first ball 212 or second ball 213 and multiple second positioning grooves 222 adapted to the elastic element 211. That is, the multiple first positioning grooves 221 correspond one-to-one with the multiple first balls 212 / second balls 213, and the multiple second positioning grooves 222 correspond one-to-one with the multiple elastic elements 211. When there are multiple positioning elements 22, the multiple positioning elements 22 correspond one-to-one with the multiple first balls 212 / second balls 213 and multiple elastic elements 211. That is, one positioning element 22 includes one first positioning groove 221 and one second positioning groove 222. Similarly, the guide sleeves located between the first ball 212 and the elastic member 211 and between the second ball 213 and the elastic member 211 can also be one or more.

[0081] like Figure 5 and Figure 7The damping group 21, the first limiting groove 131, the second limiting groove 141, the third limiting groove 135, and the fourth limiting groove 145 shown are all in threes. Correspondingly, the positioning member has three first positioning grooves 221 and three second positioning grooves 222, with the three first positioning grooves 221 and the three second positioning grooves 222 arranged alternately to correspond to their respective damping groups 21. In fact, the number of damping groups 21, the first limiting groove 131, the second limiting groove 141, the third limiting groove 135, and the fourth limiting groove 145 can be set by one or more according to actual needs. The number of first positioning grooves 221 and second positioning grooves 222 on the positioning member 22 can be set according to actual needs. It can be understood that setting one or more damping groups 21 between the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 has the same effect. The difference is that setting multiple damping groups 21 can provide greater force to ensure the effective locking of the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12. By providing a plurality of damping groups 21 between the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14, a sufficiently large force is provided to enable the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12 to be effectively locked in place.

[0082] In one possible implementation of this application embodiment, the first rotating member 11 may also have a first shaft 13 on both sides perpendicular to the first axis. The first shaft 13 is connected to the two opposite axial ends of the first rotating gear 112. The first axis is the axis around which the first rotating member 11 rotates, and the first axis is also the axis of the first rotating gear 112. The two opposite axial ends of the first rotating gear 112 are the two ends of the first rotating gear 112 in the axial direction. The second rotating member 12 has a second shaft 14 on both sides perpendicular to the second axis. The second shaft 14 is connected to the two opposite axial ends of the second rotating gear 122. The second axis is the axis around which the second rotating member 12 rotates, and the second axis is also the axis of the second rotating gear 122. The first axis and the second axis are parallel. The two opposite axial ends of the second rotating gear 122 are the two ends in the axial direction of the second rotating gear 122. A damping component 20 is provided between the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14, that is, a damping component 20 is provided between the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 located on the same axial end side of the first rotating gear 112. In other words, two first shafts 13 are respectively disposed on both sides of the first rotating gear 112, and two second shafts 14 are respectively disposed on both sides of the second rotating gear 122. The two first shafts 13 and two second shafts 14 are arranged opposite each other, and a damping assembly 20 is provided between the first shafts 13 and second shafts 14 on the same side. The number of damping groups in the damping assemblies 20 on both sides of the first rotating gear 112 can be the same or different. By disposing of the first shafts 13 and second shafts 14 on both sides of the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122 respectively, the damping assembly 20 disposed between the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 opposite to it maintains force balance on both sides of the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122. The first shafts 13 and second shafts 14 are respectively disposed at the axial ends of the first rotating gear 112 and the second rotating gear 122 so that the first shafts 13 and the second shafts 14 rotate with the first rotating member 11 and the second rotating member 12, respectively.

[0083] In another possible implementation of this application embodiment, a first shaft 13 is provided on one side of the first rotating member 11 perpendicular to the first axis. The first shaft 13 is connected to one axial end of the first rotating gear 112. The first axis is the axis around which the first rotating member 11 rotates, and it is also the axis of the first rotating gear 112. The axial end of the first rotating gear 112 is the end of the first rotating gear 112 in the axial direction. A second shaft 14 is provided on one side of the second rotating member 12 perpendicular to the second axis. The second shaft 14 is connected to one axial end of the second rotating gear 122. The second axis is the axis around which the second rotating member 12 rotates, and it is also the axis of the second rotating gear 122. The first axis and the second axis are parallel. The first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14 are both located on the same side of the first rotating gear 112. The axial end of the second rotating gear 122 is the end of the second rotating gear 122 in the axial direction. A damping assembly 20 is provided between the first shaft 13 and the second shaft 14.

[0084] The above are merely some embodiments and implementation methods of this application. The scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A rotating shaft mechanism, characterized in that, Includes spindle assembly and damping assembly; The spindle assembly includes a first spindle and a second spindle, which are arranged opposite to each other at a distance. The first spindle has a first limiting groove on its circumferential surface, and the second spindle has a second limiting groove on its circumferential surface. The damping assembly is located between the circumferential surface of the first shaft and the circumferential surface of the second shaft; the damping assembly includes one or more damping groups, each damping group including an elastic element, a first ball and a second ball, the first ball being located at a first end of the elastic element, the second ball being located at a second end of the elastic element, the second end of the elastic element being opposite to the first end of the elastic element, the first ball being held against the circumferential surface of the first shaft by the elastic force of the elastic element, and the second ball being held against the circumferential surface of the second shaft by the elastic force of the elastic element; During the rotation of the first shaft, the first ball rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the first shaft and can be positioned within the first limiting groove; during the rotation of the second shaft, the second ball rolls relative to the circumferential surface of the second shaft and can be positioned within the second limiting groove.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping assembly further includes a positioning element disposed between the first ball and the elastic element. The positioning element includes a first positioning groove, in which the first ball is partially housed. The first end of the elastic element is connected to the side of the positioning element facing away from the first positioning groove.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning element further includes a positioning post, which is located on the side of the positioning element facing away from the first positioning groove and extends into the first end of the elastic element.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spindle assembly further includes a pair of retaining members, which are disposed on both sides of the damping group for fixing the positioning member; the positioning member further includes a second positioning groove, which is located on opposite sides of the positioning member and communicates with the first positioning groove. The first end of the elastic member is located in the second positioning groove and abuts against the first ball. When the elastic member undergoes elastic deformation, the elastic member and the first ball move relative to the positioning member.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning element further includes a second positioning groove, which is located on opposite sides of the positioning element, and the elastic element is partially housed in the second positioning groove. The elastic force of the elastic element is transmitted to the first ball through the positioning element.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The spindle assembly further includes a pair of retaining members disposed on both sides of the damping group. Each retaining member includes a groove, and the positioning member includes sliders on both sides, with the sliders located within the grooves. When the elastic member undergoes elastic deformation, the sliders slide within the grooves.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 4 or 6, characterized in that, The two ends of the clamping member are respectively connected to the first shaft and the second shaft, and the first shaft and the second shaft are rotatable relative to the clamping member.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The positioning element includes a support portion for supporting the portion of the first ball that protrudes from the first positioning groove.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping assembly includes a guide sleeve with a through hole, the elastic element is located inside the guide sleeve, and the first end abuts against a first ball located in the through hole.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 2, 3, 5, and 7, characterized in that, The first ball is fixed in the first positioning groove.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The first ball can roll within the first positioning groove.

12. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first shaft has a plurality of spaced first limiting grooves along its extension direction, and the second shaft has a plurality of spaced second limiting grooves along its extension direction; the plurality of damping groups are spaced apart corresponding to the distribution positions of the plurality of first limiting grooves and the plurality of second limiting grooves.

13. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism further includes a first rotating component and a second rotating component, which are capable of rotating relative to each other. The first rotating component is fixedly connected to the first shaft, and the second rotating component is fixedly connected to the second shaft. The first shaft and the second shaft rotate as the first rotating component and the second rotating component rotate, respectively. When the first rotating component and the second rotating component are flattened relative to each other, the first ball is located in the first limiting groove, and the second ball is located in the second limiting groove.

14. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first shaft is provided with a third limiting groove that is spaced apart from the first limiting groove in the rotation direction; the second shaft is provided with a fourth limiting groove that is spaced apart from the second limiting groove in the rotation direction; when the first rotating member and the second rotating member are folded, the first ball is located in the third limiting groove and the second ball is located in the fourth limiting groove.

15. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The spindle assembly further includes a first synchronous gear and a second synchronous gear that mesh with each other. The first rotating member and the second rotating member are respectively provided with a first rotating gear and a second rotating gear at opposite ends. The first synchronous gear meshes with the first rotating gear, and the second synchronous gear meshes with the second rotating gear.

16. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first shaft is located at the axial end of the first rotating gear, and the second shaft is located at the axial end of the second rotating gear.

17. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The first rotating member has a first shaft on both sides perpendicular to the first axis, and the second rotating member has a second shaft on both sides perpendicular to the second axis. The damping assembly is provided between the first shaft and the second shaft on the same side. The first axis is the axis around which the first rotating member rotates, and the second axis is the axis around which the second rotating member rotates.

18. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism includes a receiving section, which includes an upper shell and a lower shell, the upper shell and the lower shell being closed together; the main shaft assembly and the damping assembly are received between the upper shell and the lower shell.

19. An electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes a first housing, a second housing, a flexible screen, and a rotating shaft mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-18. The first housing and the second housing are located on both sides of the rotating shaft mechanism. The first housing is connected to the first shaft, and the second housing is connected to the second shaft. The flexible screen is disposed on the first housing, the rotating shaft mechanism, and the second housing.

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