Folding device and electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides a folding device and an electronic device. The folding device includes: a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a connecting base, a first rotating arm assembly, a second rotating arm assembly, a first door panel support member, and a second door panel support member; during the process of the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotating towards each other, the first rotating member slides relative to the first rotating arm assembly, and the second rotating member slides relative to the second rotating arm assembly, and respectively drives the first door panel support member and the second door panel support member to rotate, so as to form a receiving space between the first door panel support member, the second door panel support member and the connecting base. The folding device and the electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application have a receiving space for receiving the foldable part of the foldable electronic device, and the flexible screen after folding is closely attached, making the whole machine thinner after folding, and being able to effectively prevent foreign objects from entering, thereby improving the service life of the electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and particularly to a folding device and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] At present, with the increasing development of electronic device technology, users have higher and higher demands for electronic devices with large sizes and easy portability. Therefore, electronic devices with foldable displays have received extensive attention. Among them, the folding screen can be unfolded during use to provide a larger display area, and can be switched to a folded state when not in use, which is convenient for users to carry.

[0003] A foldable electronic device generally needs to rely on a folding device to achieve folding. Since the folding screen is relatively fragile, to ensure that the folding screen is not pulled or squeezed, there will be a large deformation in the bending part of the middle rotating shaft of the overall appearance of the product, making the flexible screen after folding unable to fit tightly. The thickness of the bending part is greater than the overall thickness of the whole machine, and the appearance effect is poor; and there is a large gap between the mutually folded screens, and the folded electronic device is thicker and it is difficult to prevent foreign objects from entering, reducing the service life of the foldable electronic device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a folding device and an electronic device, which have a receiving space for receiving the foldable part of the foldable electronic device, and the flexible screen after folding fits tightly, making the folded whole machine thinner, and can effectively prevent foreign objects from entering, improving the service life of the electronic device.

[0005] In a first aspect, a folding device is provided, which is applied to a foldable electronic device. The folding device includes: a first rotating member 110, a second rotating member 120, and a connecting base 130; the connecting base 130 is located between the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120, and the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 are rotatable relative to the connecting base 130; the axes around which the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 rotate are respectively parallel to the length direction of the connecting base 130; a first rotating arm assembly, including two first rotating arms 140, the two first rotating arms 140 are respectively arranged at both ends of the first rotating member 110 perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base 130, each first rotating arm 140 is rotatably connected to the connecting base 130 and is slidable relative to the first rotating member 110; a second rotating arm assembly, including two second rotating arms 150, the two second rotating arms 150 are respectively arranged at both ends of the second rotating member 120 perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base 130, each second rotating arm 150 is rotatably connected to the connecting base 130 and is slidable relative to the second rotating member 120; a first door panel support member 180, one end of which is slidably connected to the first rotating member 110 and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the connecting base 130; a second door panel support member 190, one end of which is slidably connected to the second rotating member 120 and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the connecting base 130; wherein, during the process of the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 rotating towards each other to a first position, the first rotating arm assembly and the second rotating arm assembly are driven to rotate towards each other to the first position, the first rotating member 110 slides relative to the first rotating arm assembly, the second rotating member 120 slides relative to the second rotating arm assembly, and the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 also respectively drive the first door panel support member 180 and the second door panel support member 190 to rotate towards each other to a second position, so that a receiving space is formed among the first door panel support member 180, the second door panel support member 190, and the connecting base 130, and the foldable part of the flexible display screen 200 of the foldable electronic device is received in the receiving space.

[0006] Through the folding device provided by the embodiment of the present application, during the folding process, the first rotating member and the second rotating member respectively drive the first rotating arm assembly and the second rotating arm assembly to rotate. At the same time, the first rotating member slides relative to the first rotating arm assembly, the second rotating member slides relative to the second rotating arm, and respectively drives the first door panel support member and the second door panel support member to rotate, so that the foldable device forms a receiving space for receiving the foldable part of the flexible display screen, thereby protecting the flexible display screen from being damaged, and the flexible display screen can be fully attached, making the folded whole machine thinner and preventing foreign objects from entering the folded gap, so as to effectively protect the flexible display screen and improve the service life of the electronic device.

[0007] In a possible design, the folding device further includes: first racks 161 respectively and fixedly arranged at two ends of the first rotating member 110 perpendicular to the length direction of the connection base 130, a first transmission gear 162 rotatably connected to the first rotating arm 140, and first fixed gears 163 respectively and fixedly arranged at two ends of the connection base 130 in the length direction. The first rack 161 meshes with the first transmission gear 162, and the first transmission gear 162 meshes with the first fixed gear 163; second racks 171 respectively and fixedly arranged at two ends of the second rotating member 120 perpendicular to the length direction of the connection base 130, a second transmission gear 172 rotatably connected to the second rotating arm 150, and second fixed gears 173 respectively and fixedly arranged at two ends of the connection base 130 in the length direction. The second rack 171 meshes with the second transmission gear 172, and the second transmission gear 172 meshes with the second fixed gear 173; wherein, during the process that the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 rotate towards each other to the first position, the first rotating arm assembly and the second rotating arm assembly rotate towards each other, the first transmission gear 162 rotates relative to the first fixed gear 163, the first rotating member 110 slides relative to the first rotating arm assembly through the meshing transmission of the first transmission gear 162 and the first rack 161, the second transmission gear 172 rotates relative to the second fixed gear 173, and the second rotating member 120 slides relative to the second rotating arm assembly through the meshing transmission of the second transmission gear 172 and the second rack 171.

[0008] In the embodiment of the present application, during the process that the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate towards each other, the transmission gear rotates relative to the fixed gear, and the rack meshes with the transmission gear to make the first rotating member slide relative to the first rotating arm assembly and the second rotating member slide relative to the second rotating arm assembly. Through the meshing transmission of the rack and gear, during the folding process of the foldable electronic device, the rotation angles of the two rotating members and the sliding distances between the rotating members and the rotating arm assemblies maintain a linear relationship, that is, the rotating members and the rotating arm assemblies can move according to a set ratio, so as to avoid excessive extrusion and pulling of the flexible display screen during the folding process, keep the flexible display screen flat during rotation, especially when the set ratio is appropriate, the length of the flexible screen can be kept constant, thereby improving the reliability of folding.

[0009] In the embodiment of the present application, during the process of the two rotating members rotating towards each other, they respectively drive the two rotating arm assemblies to rotate, and the rotation of the rotating arm assemblies drives the transmission gear to rotate. The transmission gear is in meshing transmission with the rack and the fixed gear respectively, so that the rotation of the rotating member and the sliding of the rotating member relative to the rotating arm assembly are synchronized, and there is a proportional relationship between the rotation angle of the rotating member and the sliding displacement of the rotating member relative to the rotating arm assembly, thereby ensuring that the flexible screen remains flat throughout the entire movement process and will not arch due to only sliding without rotating or only rotating without sliding.

[0010] In a possible design, each of the first rotating arms 140 includes a first rotating head 141 and a first sliding rod 142. One end of the first rotating head 141 is fixedly connected to the first sliding rod 142, and the other end is rotatably connected to the connection base 130. The first transmission gear 162 is rotatably arranged on the first rotating head 141; each of the second rotating arms 150 includes a second rotating head 151 and a second sliding rod 152. One end of the second rotating head 151 is fixedly connected to the second sliding rod 152, and the other end is rotatably connected to the connection base 130. The second transmission gear 172 is rotatably arranged on the second rotating head 151; the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 respectively include an activity space for accommodating the first sliding rod 142 and the second sliding rod 152 to slide.

[0011] In the embodiment of the present application, the activity space for the sliding rod to slide can be arranged on the rotating member, or part of the space is provided by the rotating member and part of the space is provided by the rotating arm to jointly form the activity space, or the activity space is provided by an external sliding cover. The activity space can be located at the middle position, above or below the middle position between the rotating member and the rotating arm assembly, etc.

[0012] In a possible design, the folding device further includes: a first sliding cover assembly, the first sliding cover assembly includes two first sliding covers 115, the two first sliding covers 115 are respectively fixedly arranged at both ends of the first rotating member 110 in the length direction perpendicular to the connection base 130, and an activity space for the first sliding rod 142 to slide is formed between each first sliding cover 115 and the first rotating member 110; a second sliding cover assembly, the second sliding cover assembly includes two second sliding covers 125, the two second sliding covers 125 are respectively fixedly arranged at both ends of the second rotating member 120 in the length direction perpendicular to the connection base 130, and an activity space for the second sliding rod 152 to slide is formed between each second sliding cover 125 and the second rotating member 120.

[0013] According to the folding device provided by the embodiments of the present application, a first sliding cover and a second sliding cover are respectively and fixedly arranged on the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and an activity space for the sliding rod to slide is formed between the rotating member and the sliding cover, so that it can be ensured that the rotating member can only slide horizontally relative to the rotating arm assembly and cannot slide vertically, thereby improving the reliability of folding.

[0014] By reasonably setting the lengths of the first sliding cover, the second sliding cover, the first rotating head, and the second rotating head, when the folding device is flattened, the side walls of the first sliding cover and the first rotating head just abut against each other, and the side walls of the second sliding cover and the second rotating head just abut against each other. When the folding device is folded, a gap can be formed between the side walls of the first sliding cover and the first rotating head and between the side walls of the second sliding cover and the second rotating head.

[0015] In the embodiments of the present application, the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover can be respectively arranged on the side walls of the first rotating member and the second rotating member by means of screw connection, snap connection, etc., and the present application does not limit this.

[0016] In the embodiments of the present application, the activity space for the sliding rod to slide can be arranged on the rotating member, or in the sliding cover, or part of the space is provided by the rotating member and part of the space is provided by the sliding cover to jointly form the activity space, and the present application does not limit this.

[0017] In a possible design, first grooves are respectively provided at both ends of the first rotating member 110 perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base 130, second grooves are respectively provided at both ends of the second rotating member 120 perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base 130, each first rotating arm 140 is provided with a first protrusion, and each second rotating arm 150 is provided with a second protrusion; wherein, the first groove is slidably connected with the first protrusion, and the second groove is slidably connected with the second protrusion.

[0018] In the embodiments of the present application, the grooves can also be arranged in the rotating arm assembly, and the protrusions are arranged in the rotating member, so that the protrusions and the grooves form a sliding clamping structure. Or, grooves and protrusions are arranged in the rotating arm assembly, and corresponding protrusions and grooves are arranged in the rotating member, so that the protrusions and the grooves form a sliding clamping structure. It should be understood that any sliding clamping structure can be adopted between the rotating arm assembly and the rotating member, and the present application does not limit this.

[0019] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific positions of the protrusions and the grooves in the rotating member or the rotating arm assembly. For example, they can be located at the middle position, above or below the two ends of the rotating member perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base, or at the middle position, above or below the rotating arm, etc.

[0020] In a possible design, at both ends of the first rotating member 110 perpendicular to the length direction of the connection base 130, first ball head plungers 116 for providing damping to the sliding of the first sliding rod 142 are respectively provided. One or more limiting grooves for accommodating the ball heads of the first ball head plungers 116 are provided on the first sliding rod 142. At both ends of the second rotating member 120 perpendicular to the length direction of the connection base 130, second ball head plungers 126 for providing damping to the sliding of the second sliding rod 152 are respectively provided. One or more limiting grooves for accommodating the ball heads of the second ball head plungers 126 are provided on the second sliding rod 152.

[0021] In the embodiment of the present application, by providing ball head plungers to provide damping to the sliding of the sliding rod, a constant folding feel can be provided to the user. When folded to a predetermined position (such as the fully folded state or the flattened state), the ball heads in the ball head plungers will be snapped into the in-place grooves, thereby providing in-place force feedback and in-place sound feedback to the user, providing tips for the two states of folding and flattening, and improving the user experience.

[0022] In a possible design, first sliding grooves 111 are respectively provided at both ends of the first rotating member 110 perpendicular to the length direction of the connection base 130. First sliding pins 181 are respectively provided at both ends of the first door panel support member 180 in the length direction. The first sliding pins 181 are slidably disposed in the first sliding grooves 111. Second sliding grooves 121 are respectively provided at both ends of the second rotating member 120 perpendicular to the length direction of the connection base 130. Second sliding pins 191 are respectively provided at both ends of the second door panel support member 190 in the length direction. The second sliding pins 191 are slidably disposed in the second sliding grooves 121.

[0023] In the embodiment of the present application, by correspondingly providing combinations such as sliding grooves and sliding pins, the sliding connection between the door panel and the rotating member is realized. In other embodiments, the sliding pins can also be provided on the rotating member, and correspondingly, the sliding grooves can be provided on the door panel. The embodiment of the present application does not limit how to make a sliding connection between the door panel and the rotating member. The embodiment of the present application realizes the sliding connection between the door panel and the rotating member through the sliding grooves and sliding pins, which does not require too much space while ensuring smooth sliding, and is beneficial to improving the internal structural layout of the electronic device.

[0024] In a possible design, the first sliding groove 111 and the second sliding groove 121 are inclined upward in a direction away from the length direction of the connection base 130.

[0025] In other embodiments, the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove may also be arranged in other directions. For example, the directions of the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove may be parallel to the bearing surface direction of the rotating member, or the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are inclined downward in a direction away from the rotation axis direction. The present application does not limit this. At this time, the first door panel support member, the second door panel support member, and the connection base are substantially rectangular or trapezoidal structures.

[0026] In a possible design, the connection base 130 includes: a connecting bridge 132; connecting lugs 131 respectively fixed at both ends in the length direction of the connecting bridge 132. One end of the first door panel support member 180 is rotatably connected to the connecting lug 131, and one end of the second door panel support member 190 is rotatably connected to the connecting lug 131; wherein, in the process of the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 rotating towards each other to the third position, driving the first rotating arm 140 and the second rotating arm 150 to rotate towards each other to the third position, the first rotating member 110 slides relative to the first rotating arm 140, the second rotating member 120 slides relative to the second rotating arm 140, and respectively drives the first door panel support member 180 and the second door panel support member 190 to rotate towards each other to the fourth position, so that the first door panel support member 180 and the second door panel support member 190 are flush docked and located above the connecting bridge 132 to support the surface of the flexible display screen 200 to be flat.

[0027] In this technical solution, in the process of the foldable electronic device rotating from the folded state to the flattened state, the rotating member drives the rotating arm assembly to rotate, and the rotating member slides relative to the rotating arm assembly, and respectively drives the door panel support member to rotate, so that the two door panel support members can be flush docked and located above the connecting bridge, so that the door panel support member can provide support for the flexible display screen, so that the surface of the foldable part of the flexible display screen is flat.

[0028] In a possible design, the folding device further includes a folding synchronization component 1010. The folding synchronization component 1010 includes a first synchronization gear 1011 fixedly arranged on each of the first rotating arms 140 and a second synchronization gear 1012 arranged on each of the second rotating arms 150. The first synchronization gear 1011 and the second synchronization gear 1012 are in gear meshing transmission.

[0029] In the embodiments of the present application, through the folding synchronization component, the synchronous movement of the two rotating members can be realized, so that the flexible display screen is not easily damaged during the folding process, thereby improving the folding reliability of the foldable electronic device. The first synchronization gear and the second synchronization gear are meshed with each other, which may be directly meshed or indirectly meshed. The present application does not limit this.

[0030] In a possible design, the teeth of the first synchronizing gear 1011 are provided on a partial circumference of the first synchronizing gear 1011, and the teeth of the second synchronizing gear 1012 are provided on a partial circumference of the second synchronizing gear 1012.

[0031] In this technical solution, the teeth of the first synchronizing gear and the second synchronizing gear are provided on a partial circumference, so that the angle between the rotating parts can be limited between 0 degrees and 180 degrees, preventing the electronic device from being reversely folded in the flattened state and improving the stability of the foldable electronic device in the folded state and the flattened state.

[0032] In a possible design, the folding synchronization assembly 1010 further includes a third transmission gear 1013 and a fourth transmission gear 1014. The first synchronizing gear 1011 is in gear transmission with the second synchronizing gear 1012 through the third transmission gear 1013 and the fourth transmission gear 1014.

[0033] In a possible design, the folding device further includes: an end cover fixedly arranged on the connection base and covering the folding synchronization assembly; the third transmission gear is rotatably connected to the first rotating arm and / or the end cover; the fourth transmission gear is rotatably connected to the second rotating arm and / or the end cover.

[0034] In a possible design, the folding device further includes: a first shielding member 197, one end of the first shielding member 197 is slidably connected to the first rotating member 110, and the other end is fixedly connected to the connection base 130. The first shielding member 197 is used to shield the gap formed between the first rotating member 110 and the connection base 130 when the first rotating member 110 rotates relative to the connection base 130; a second shielding member 198, one end of the second shielding member 198 is slidably connected to the second rotating member 120, and the other end is fixedly connected to the connection base 130. The second shielding member 198 is used to shield the gap formed between the second rotating member 120 and the connection base 130 when the second rotating member 198 rotates relative to the connection base 130.

[0035] Optionally, the shielding member can be an elastic metal sheet, such as a stainless steel sheet or a copper sheet. One end of the elastic metal sheet is fixedly connected to the connection base, and the other end extends into the rotating member and remains slidably connected to the rotating member. When the folding device is folded, the elastic metal sheet can slide outward relative to the rotating member, and after being flattened, the elastic metal sheet can slide into the rotating member. To ensure smooth retraction and extension, the elastic metal sheet can be connected to the rotating member through a spring.

[0036] Optionally, the shielding member may be made of a flexible material, with both ends fixedly connected to the rotating member and the connecting base 130 respectively. When the folding device is folded, the flexible material is stretched out, and when the folding device is flattened, the flexible material can form wrinkles. For example, the flexible material may be leather or rubber, etc.

[0037] In a second aspect, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device further includes a flexible display screen covering the folding device. The flexible display screen includes a first display portion fixed to the first rotating member 110, a second display portion fixed to the second rotating member 120, and a foldable display portion located between the first display portion and the second display portion.

[0038] In a possible design, the electronic device further includes a first functional device fixed to the first rotating member 110, and the flexible display screen covers the first functional device; the electronic device further includes a second functional device and a circuit board. The second functional device is fixed to the second rotating member 120, and the circuit board connects the first functional device and the second functional device, and the flexible display screen covers the second functional device and the circuit board. Description of the Drawings

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of the electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 3 is a rear view of the folding device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figure 4 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the folding device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Figure 5 is another exploded structural schematic diagram of the folding device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0044] Figure 6 is Figure 4 a partial enlarged schematic diagram of area A in

[0045] Figure 7 is Figure 5 a partial enlarged schematic diagram of area B in

[0046] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the connection relationship between the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly when the folding device is in a flattened state.

[0047] Figure 9Among (a)-(d) are schematic structural diagrams of different cross-sections of the electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application in the folded state. Detailed implementation manners

[0048] Hereinafter, the technical solutions in the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments.

[0049] Hereinafter, terms such as "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features.

[0050] It should also be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same component or the same part. For the same parts in the embodiments of the present application, only one of the parts or components may be marked with a reference numeral in the figure. It should be understood that the reference numerals are also applicable to other identical parts or components.

[0051] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication with each other; it may be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific situations.

[0052] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "side", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the installed orientation or positional relationship, and is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the indicated device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the present application.

[0053] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the term "and / or" only describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0054] An example embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, which can be any device with communication and / or storage functions, such as smart devices like mobile phones, tablet computers, watches, e-readers, laptop computers, in-vehicle devices, Internet TVs, wearable devices, etc.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 which is a schematic diagram of the electronic device 1000 provided by an example embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 which is an exploded schematic diagram of the electronic device 1000 provided by an example embodiment of the present application.

[0056] As Figure 1 and 2 shown, the electronic device 1000 provided by an example embodiment of the present application includes a folding device 100 and a flexible display screen 200, and the flexible display screen 200 covers the folding device 100. The flexible display screen 200 includes a first display portion 210 fixed to a first rotating member 110, a second display portion 220 fixed to a second rotating member 120, and a foldable display portion 230 located between the first display portion 210 and the second display portion 220.

[0057] The flexible display screen is also called a foldable display screen. Currently, the flexible screen has attracted much attention due to its unique characteristics and great potential. Compared with traditional screens, the flexible screen has the characteristics of strong flexibility and bendability, which can provide users with new interaction methods based on the bendable characteristics and can meet users' more needs for electronic devices.

[0058] The flexible display screen 200 includes a display panel, and the display panel can adopt any one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an active matrix organic light-emitting diode or an active-matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED), a flexible light-emitting diode (FLED), a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), etc. The present application does not make any limitations in this regard.

[0059] Figure 3 which is a rear view of the folding device 100 provided by an example embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 which is an exploded schematic diagram of the folding device 100 provided by an example embodiment of the present application, Figure 5 which is another exploded schematic diagram of the folding device 100 provided by an example embodiment of the present application.Figure 6 is Figure 4 A partial enlarged schematic view of area A in Figure 7 is Figure 5 A partial enlarged schematic view of area B in

[0060] Combined with the attached Figures 1-7 , the folding device 100 may include:

[0061] A first rotating member 110, a second rotating member 120, and a connecting base 130;

[0062] The connecting base 130 is located between the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120. The first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 can rotate relative to the connecting base 130, and the axes around which the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 rotate are respectively parallel to the length direction of the connecting base 130;

[0063] A first rotating arm assembly, including two first rotating arms 140. The two first rotating arms 140 are respectively arranged at both ends of the first rotating member 110 perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base 130. Each first rotating arm 140 is rotatably connected to the connecting base 130 and can slide relative to the first rotating member 110;

[0064] A second rotating arm assembly, including two second rotating arms 150. The two second rotating arms 150 are respectively arranged at both ends of the second rotating member 120 perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base 130. Each second rotating arm 150 is rotatably connected to the connecting base 130 and can slide relative to the second rotating member 120;

[0065] A first door panel support member 180, with one end slidably connected to the first rotating member 110 and the other end rotatably connected to the connecting base 130;

[0066] A second door panel support member 190, with one end slidably connected to the second rotating member 120 and the other end rotatably connected to the connecting base 130;

[0067] Wherein, in the process of the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 rotating towards each other to the first position, the first rotating arm assembly and the second rotating arm assembly are driven to rotate towards each other to the first position. The first rotating member 110 slides relative to the first rotating arm assembly, the second rotating member 120 slides relative to the second rotating arm assembly, and the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 also respectively drive the first door panel support member 180 and the second door panel support member 190 to rotate towards each other to the second position, so that a receiving space is formed among the first door panel support member 180, the second door panel support member 190, and the connecting base 130, and the foldable part of the flexible display screen 200 of the foldable electronic device is received in the receiving space.

[0068] In the embodiment of the present application, two first rotating arms 140 are respectively rotatably connected to two ends of the connecting base 130 in the length direction, so that the two first rotating arms 140 and the connecting base 130 form a U-shaped structure, and this U-shaped structure is used to hold the first rotating member 110.

[0069] Similarly, two second rotating arms 150 are respectively rotatably connected to two ends of the connecting base 130 in the length direction, so that the two second rotating arms 150 and the connecting base 130 form a U-shaped structure, and this U-shaped structure is used to hold the second rotating member 120.

[0070] The width of this U-shaped structure is adapted to the widths of the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120, and the rotating arm assembly can slide relative to the rotating member. Here, the rotating arm assembly and the rotating member can slide relative to each other, which means that they can be in contact with each other but not fixed, and under the action of an external force, they can have relative displacement.

[0071] On the one hand, the two first rotating arms 140 and the connecting base 130 clamp the first rotating member 110, and the first rotating arm 140 and the first rotating member 110 rotate synchronously. On the other hand, under the action of an external force, the first rotating member 110 can slide relative to the first rotating arm 140 in a direction away from or close to the connecting base 130.

[0072] Similarly, the two second rotating arms 150 can clamp the second rotating member 120 through the connecting base 130, and the second rotating arm 150 and the second rotating member 120 rotate synchronously. Under the action of an external force, the second rotating member 120 can slide relative to the second rotating arm 150 in a direction away from or close to the connecting base 130.

[0073] The embodiment of the present application does not limit how the first rotating arm 140 and the second rotating arm 150 are rotatably connected to the connecting base 130. For example, the rotation connection between them can be realized through a rotating shaft. One end of this rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the connecting base 130, and the other end is rotatably connected to the first rotating arm 140, so as to realize the rotational connection between the first rotating arm 140 and the connecting base 130. Or, one end of this rotating shaft can also be rotatably connected to the connecting base 130, and the other end is fixedly connected to the first rotating arm 140, so as to realize the rotational connection between the first rotating arm 140 and the connecting base 130.

[0074] It should be understood that the first position in the embodiments of the present application may be the position where the first rotating member and the second rotating member are located when the foldable electronic device is in the folded state. It should be understood that when the electronic device is in the fully folded state, the planes where the first rotating member and the second rotating member are located are parallel to each other. The second position in the embodiments of the present application may be the position where the first door panel support member and the second door panel support member are located when the foldable electronic device is in the folded state. When the first door panel support member and the second door panel support member are in the second position, a receiving space for receiving the foldable part of the flexible display screen 200 of the foldable electronic device is formed between them and the base. It should be understood that when the electronic device is in the fully folded state, there is a certain included angle between the first door panel support member and the second door panel support member, and the receiving space is similar to a water droplet shape.

[0075] Through the folding device provided by the embodiments of the present application, during the folding process, the first rotating member and the second rotating member drive the first rotating arm assembly and the second rotating arm assembly to rotate respectively. At the same time, the first rotating member slides relative to the first rotating arm assembly, and the second rotating member slides relative to the second rotating arm, and drives the first door panel support member and the second door panel support member to rotate respectively, so that the folding device forms a receiving space for receiving the foldable part of the flexible display screen, thereby protecting the flexible display screen from being damaged, and the flexible display screen can be fully attached, making the folded whole machine thinner, and foreign objects cannot enter the gaps after folding, so as to effectively protect the flexible display screen and improve the service life of the electronic device.

[0076] In order to ensure the reliability of the folding process of the electronic device and avoid damage to the flexible display screen during the folding process, a set of rack and pinion transmission components are provided in the embodiments of the present application, such as Figures 5-7 shown, the folding device 100 may further include:

[0077] A first rack 161 fixedly arranged at both ends of the first rotating member 110 perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base 130, a first transmission gear 162 rotatably connected to the first rotating arm 140, and first fixed gears 163 fixedly arranged at both ends of the connecting base 130 in the length direction. The first rack 161 meshes with the first transmission gear 162, and the first transmission gear 162 meshes with the first fixed gear 163;

[0078] A second rack 171 fixedly arranged at both ends of the second rotating member 120 perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base 130, a second transmission gear 172 rotatably connected to the second rotating arm 150, and second fixed gears 173 fixedly arranged at both ends of the connecting base 130 in the length direction. The second rack 171 meshes with the second transmission gear 172, and the second transmission gear 172 meshes with the second fixed gear 173;

[0079] Among them, during the process that the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 rotate towards each other to the first position, the first rotating arm assembly and the second rotating arm assembly rotate towards each other. The first transmission gear 162 rotates relative to the first fixed gear 163. The first rotating member 110 slides relative to the first rotating arm assembly through the meshing transmission of the first transmission gear 162 and the first rack 161. The second transmission gear 172 rotates relative to the second fixed gear 173. The second rotating member 120 slides relative to the second rotating arm assembly through the meshing transmission of the second transmission gear 172 and the second rack 171.

[0080] For example, during the folding process of the electronic device, the first transmission gear 162 rotates clockwise relative to the first fixed gear 163, that is, the first transmission gear 162 climbs upward along the first fixed gear 163. At the same time, the first transmission gear 162 and the first rack 161 are in meshing transmission, and the first rack 161 converts the rotational motion into a linear motion, thereby pushing the first rotating member 110 to slide relative to the first rotating arm assembly towards the side away from the connection base 130. Due to the precise meshing relationship between the gear and the rack, the angle of rotation of the first rotating member 110 and the sliding distance between the first rotating member 110 and the rotating arm assembly can maintain a linear relationship, that is, the first rotating member 110 and the rotating arm assembly can move according to a set ratio.

[0081] Similarly, during the meshing transmission of the rack and the gear, the second rotating member 120 slides relative to the second rotating arm assembly towards the side away from the connection base 130.

[0082] In the embodiment of the present application, during the process that the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate towards each other, the transmission gear rotates relative to the fixed gear, and the rack is in meshing transmission with the transmission gear, so that the first rotating member slides relative to the first rotating arm assembly, and the second rotating member slides relative to the second rotating arm assembly. Through the meshing transmission of the rack and the gear, during the folding process of the foldable electronic device, the angles of rotation of the two rotating members and the sliding distances between the rotating members and the rotating arm assemblies maintain a linear relationship, that is, the rotating members and the rotating arm assemblies can move according to a set ratio, thereby avoiding excessive extrusion and pulling of the flexible display screen during the folding process, making the flexible display screen flat when rotating. Especially when the set ratio is appropriate, the length of the flexible screen can be kept constant, thereby improving the reliability of folding.

[0083] In the embodiments of the present application, during the process of the two rotating members rotating towards each other, they respectively drive the two rotating arm assemblies to rotate, and the rotation of the rotating arm assemblies drives the transmission gears to rotate. The transmission gears are respectively meshed with the rack and the fixed gear for transmission, so that the rotation of the rotating member and the sliding of the rotating member relative to the rotating arm assembly are synchronized, and there is a proportional relationship between the rotation angle of the rotating member and the sliding displacement of the rotating member relative to the rotating arm assembly, thereby ensuring that the flexible screen remains flat throughout the entire movement process and will not arch due to only sliding without rotating or only rotating without sliding.

[0084] Figure 8 Figure 4 is a schematic connection diagram of the first rotating assembly 160 and the second rotating assembly 170 of the folding device 100 in the flattened state. As Figure 8 shown, when the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 rotate towards each other, they drive the foldable display portion 230 to bend. At this time, the first fixed gear 163 remains stationary, the first transmission gear 162 rotates relative to the first fixed gear 163, and drives the first rack 161 to move. The first rack 161 converts the rotational motion into a linear motion, thereby pushing the first rotating member 110 to slide outward relative to the first rotating arm assembly (i.e., in the direction away from the connection base 130).

[0085] Similarly, the second fixed gear 173 remains stationary, the second transmission gear 172 rotates relative to the second fixed gear 173, and drives the second rack 171 to move. The second rack 171 converts the rotational motion into a linear motion, thereby pushing the second rotating member 120 to slide outward relative to the second rotating arm assembly (i.e., in the direction away from the connection base 130).

[0086] In the embodiments of the present application, during the process of the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 rotating towards each other, they drive the first door panel support member 180 and the second door panel support member 190 to rotate respectively. At the same time, the first rotating member 110 slides relative to the first door panel support member 180, and the second rotating member 120 slides relative to the second door panel support member 190. As Figure 6 、 7 shown, in this embodiment, two first sliding grooves 111 may be respectively provided at both ends of the first rotating member 110 in the length direction perpendicular to the connection base 130, and two first sliding pins 181 may be respectively provided at both ends of the first door panel support member 180 in the length direction. The first sliding pins 181 are slidably disposed in the first sliding grooves 111. Two second sliding grooves 121 may be respectively provided at both ends of the second rotating member 120 in the length direction perpendicular to the connection base 130, and two second sliding pins 191 may be respectively provided at both ends of the second door panel support member 190 in the length direction. The second sliding pins 191 are slidably disposed in the second sliding grooves 121.

[0087] That is to say, in the embodiments of the present application, by correspondingly setting combinations such as a sliding groove and a sliding pin, the sliding connection between the door panel and the rotating member is realized. In other embodiments, the sliding pin can also be arranged on the rotating member, and the corresponding sliding groove can be arranged on the door panel, which can also realize the sliding connection between the two. The embodiments of the present application do not limit how to perform the sliding connection between the door panel and the rotating member. The embodiments of the present application realize the sliding connection between the door panel and the rotating member through the sliding groove and the sliding pin, which does not occupy too much space while ensuring smooth sliding, and is beneficial to improving the internal structural layout of the electronic device 1000.

[0088] When the first rotating member 110 rotates relative to the second rotating member 120, the first rotating member 110 drives the first sliding pin 181 to slide in the first sliding groove 111, and the second rotating member 121 drives the second sliding pin 151 to slide in the second sliding groove 122.

[0089] In the embodiments of the present application, first rotating pins 182 can be respectively arranged at both ends in the length direction of the first door panel support member 180, and the first rotating pins 182 are rotatably arranged on the connection base 130. Second rotating pins 192 can be respectively arranged at both ends in the length direction of the second door panel support member 190, and the second rotating pins 192 are rotatably arranged on the connection base 130. Thus, the first door panel support member 180 and the second door panel support member 190 are rotatably connected to the connection base 130. In other embodiments, the rotational connection between the two can also be achieved by other means, and the present application does not limit this.

[0090] During the folding operation of the folding device 100, it drives the foldable display portion 230 to bend, and drives the first rotating member 110 to slide relative to the first rotating arm assembly to the side away from the connection base 130, and the second rotating member 120 to slide relative to the second rotating arm assembly to the side away from the connection base 130 through the rotating assembly, and respectively drives the first door panel support member 180 to rotate around the first rotating pin 182, and the second door panel support member 190 to rotate around the second rotating pin 192. At the same time, the first sliding groove 111 moves relative to the first sliding pin 181 to the side away from the connection base 130, and relative sliding occurs between the two. The second sliding groove 121 moves relative to the second sliding pin 191 to the side away from the connection base 130, and relative sliding also occurs between the two. Thus, a receiving space for receiving the foldable display portion 230 is formed between the first door panel support member 180, the second door panel support member 190 and the connection base 130.

[0091] The embodiments of the present application do not limit how the first door panel support member 180 and the second door panel support member 190 are rotatably connected to the connection base 130.

[0092] Further, the connection base 130 provided in the embodiment of the present application may include two connection lugs 131 and a connecting bridge 132. The two ends of the connecting bridge 132 in the length direction are fixedly connected to the two connection lugs 131 respectively. One end of the first door panel support 180 is rotatably connected to the connection lug 131, and one end of the second door panel support 180 is rotatably connected to the connection lug 131;

[0093] Wherein, in the process that the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 rotate towards each other to the third position, the first rotating arm 140 and the second rotating arm 150 are driven to rotate towards each other to the third position. The first rotating member 110 slides relative to the first rotating arm 140, and the second rotating member 120 slides relative to the second rotating arm 140, and respectively drives the first door panel support 180 and the second door panel support 190 to rotate towards each other to the fourth position, so that the first door panel support 180 and the second door panel support 190 are flatly docked and located above the connecting bridge 132 to support the surface of the flexible display screen 200 to be flat.

[0094] The third position can be understood as the position where the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 are located when the folding device is flattened. At this time, the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 should be in the same plane.

[0095] Similarly, the fourth position can be understood as the position where the first door panel support 180 and the second door panel support 190 are located when the folding device is flattened. At this time, the first door panel support 180 and the second door panel support 190 are in the same plane and are flatly docked, and are located above the connecting bridge 132. Thus, the first door panel support 180 and the second door panel support 190 can provide a supporting effect for the foldable part of the flexible display screen 200 and make the surface of the foldable part flat.

[0096] In the embodiment of the present application, the reliable connection between the connection lug 131 and the connecting bridge 132 can be realized by screws 133, and the present application does not limit this. The first rotating pin 182 and the second rotating pin 192 can be rotatably connected to the connection lug 131.

[0097] As Figure 7 shown, the first sliding groove 111 and the second sliding groove 121 are inclined upward in the direction away from the length direction of the connection base 130 (i.e., inclined towards the bearing surface of the rotating member), so that when the first rotating member 110 rotates relative to the second rotating member 120, a receiving space is formed among the first door panel support 180, the second door panel support 190 and the connection base 130 to receive the foldable display part 230.

[0098] Figure 9 is a schematic structural diagram of different cross-sections of the electronic device 1000 in the folded state. As Figure 9As shown in [d], after the first door panel support member 180 and the second door panel support member 190 drive the flexible display screen 200 to fold, the foldable display portion 230 of the flexible display screen 200 is not completely closed and folded, but generally forms a water droplet-like structure. The first door panel support member 180 and the second door panel support member 190 incline towards each other, and a generally water droplet-shaped receiving space is formed between the first door panel support member 180, the second door panel support member 190 and the connection base 130, and this receiving space is used to receive the foldable display portion 230 of the flexible display screen 200.

[0099] In other embodiments, the first sliding groove 111 and the second sliding groove 121 can also be arranged in other directions. For example, the directions of the first sliding groove 111 and the second sliding groove 121 can be parallel to the bearing surface direction of the rotating member, or the first sliding groove 111 and the second sliding groove 121 are inclined downward in a direction away from the length direction perpendicular to the connection base 130, and the present application does not make any limitations in this regard. At this time, the first door panel support member 180, the second door panel support member 190 and the connection base 130 are generally in a rectangular or trapezoidal structure.

[0100] As Figure 6 、 7 shown, each first rotating arm 140 includes a first rotating head 141 and a first sliding rod 142. One end of the first rotating head 141 is fixedly connected to the first sliding rod 142, and the other end is rotatably connected to the connection base 130. The first transmission gear 162 is rotatably arranged on the first rotating head 141.

[0101] Each second rotating arm 150 includes a second rotating head 151 and a second sliding rod 152. One end of the second rotating head 151 is fixedly connected to the second sliding rod 152, and the other end is rotatably connected to the connection base 130. The second transmission gear 172 is rotatably arranged on the second rotating head 151.

[0102] The first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 respectively include an activity space for accommodating the first sliding rod 142 and the second sliding rod 152 to slide.

[0103] In the embodiments of the present application, the activity space for the sliding rod to slide can be arranged on the rotating member, or part of the space is provided by the rotating member and part of the space is provided by the rotating arm to jointly form this activity space, or the activity space is provided by an external sliding cover. This activity space can be located at the middle position, above the middle position or below the middle position between the rotating member and the rotating arm assembly, etc.

[0104] In order to enable relative sliding between the rotating member and the rotating arm assembly, the embodiments of the present application also provide a sliding cover assembly. As Figures 1-5 shown, the folding device 100 may further include:

[0105] The first sliding cover assembly includes two first sliding covers 115, which are respectively and fixedly arranged at two ends of the first rotating member 110 in the length direction perpendicular to the connecting base 130. An activity space for the first sliding rod 142 to slide is formed between each first sliding cover 115 and the first rotating member 110;

[0106] The second sliding cover assembly includes two second sliding covers 125, which are respectively and fixedly arranged at two ends of the second rotating member 120 in the length direction perpendicular to the connecting base 130. An activity space for the second sliding rod 152 to slide is formed between each second sliding cover 125 and the second rotating member 120.

[0107] According to the folding device 100 provided by the embodiment of the present application, the first sliding cover 115 and the second sliding cover 125 are respectively and fixedly arranged on the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120, and an activity space for the sliding rod to slide is formed between the rotating member and the sliding cover. In this way, it can be ensured that the rotating member can only slide relative to the rotating arm in the horizontal direction and cannot slide in the vertical direction, thereby improving the reliability of folding.

[0108] By reasonably setting the lengths of the first sliding cover 115, the second sliding cover 125, the first rotating head 141, and the second rotating head 151, when the folding device 100 is flattened, the side walls of the first sliding cover 115 and the first rotating head 141 just abut against each other, and the side walls of the second sliding cover 125 and the second rotating head 151 just abut against each other.

[0109] As Figure 9 shown in a, when the folding device 100 is folded, gaps can be formed between the side walls of the first sliding cover ********** and the first rotating head 141, and between the side walls of the second sliding cover 125 and the second rotating head 151.

[0110] In the embodiment of the present application, the first sliding cover 115 and the second sliding cover 125 can be respectively arranged on the side walls of the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 by means of screw connection, snap connection, etc. The present application does not limit this.

[0111] In the embodiment of the present application, the activity space for the sliding rod to slide can also be arranged on the rotating member, or arranged in the sliding cover, or part of the space is provided by the rotating member and part of the space is provided by the sliding cover to jointly form the activity space. The present application does not limit this.

[0112] It should be noted that there seems to be an incomplete or incorrect expression in the middle of line where "**********" is shown. Please check and correct it if necessary.In another possible implementation, the two ends of the first rotating member 110 perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base 130 are respectively provided with first grooves, and the two ends of the second rotating member 120 perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base 130 are respectively provided with second grooves. Each first rotating arm 140 is provided with a first protrusion, and each second rotating arm 150 is provided with a second protrusion. Wherein, the first groove is slidably connected with the first protrusion, and the second protrusion is slidably connected with the second groove, so that the first rotating member 110 and the first sliding rod 142 can slide relatively, and the second rotating member 120 and the second sliding rod 152 can slide relatively.

[0113] In the embodiments of the present application, the groove may also be provided in the rotating arm assembly, and the protrusion may be provided in the rotating member, so that the protrusion and the groove form a sliding clamping structure. Or, the groove and the protrusion are provided in the rotating arm assembly, and the corresponding protrusion and groove are provided in the rotating member, so that the protrusion and the groove form a sliding clamping structure. It should be understood that any sliding clamping structure may be adopted between the rotating arm assembly and the rotating member, and the present application does not limit this.

[0114] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific positions of the protrusion and the groove in the rotating member or the rotating arm assembly. For example, they may be located at the middle position, above or below the two ends of the rotating member perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base, or at the middle position, above or below the rotating arm, etc.

[0115] As Figure 5 、 6 、8, 9c shown, the two ends of the first rotating member 110 perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base 130 may be respectively provided with first ball head plungers 116 for providing damping for the sliding of the first sliding rod 142. The ball head of the first ball head plunger 116 abuts against the first sliding rod 142 and is in rolling connection therewith. One or more limiting grooves 143 for accommodating the ball head of the first ball head plunger 116 are provided on the first sliding rod 142. The two ends of the second rotating member 120 perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base 130 may be respectively provided with second ball head plungers 126 for providing damping for the sliding of the second sliding rod 152. The ball head of the second ball head plunger 126 abuts against the second sliding rod 152 and is in rolling connection therewith. One or more limiting grooves 143 for accommodating the ball head of the second ball head plunger 126 are provided on the second sliding rod 152.

[0116] For example, two limiting grooves are provided on each first sliding rod 142, namely a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove, and two limiting grooves are provided on each second sliding rod 152, namely a third limiting groove and a fourth limiting groove. When the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 are completely folded, the first ball plunger 116 and the second ball plunger 126 are respectively located in the second limiting groove and the third limiting groove. When the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 are changed from the completely folded state to the flattened state, the first ball plunger 116 slides from the second limiting groove to the first limiting groove, and the second ball plunger slides from the third limiting groove to the fourth limiting groove.

[0117] It should be understood that the groove can be a shape similar to a hemispherical shape. During the folding and flattening process of the folding device, when the ball plunger enters the groove, it will be affected by a driving force, so that when the folding device is about to be folded and flattened, the ball plunger can be automatically slid into the groove under the action of the driving force.

[0118] For example, a spring can be provided above the ball plunger. When the ball plunger enters the groove, the spring can push the ball plunger into the groove.

[0119] In the embodiment of the present application, by providing a ball plunger to provide damping for the sliding of the sliding rod, a constant folding feel can be provided for the user. When folded to a predetermined position (such as the fully folded state or the flattened state), the ball head in the ball plunger will be popped into the in-place groove, so as to provide in-place force feedback and in-place sound feedback to the user, providing prompts for the two states of folding and flattening for the user, and improving the user experience.

[0120] The folding device 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application can also achieve the folding synchronization of the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120. Specifically, as Figures 5-7 , as shown in FIG. 9b, the folding device 100 may further include a folding synchronization component 1010. The folding synchronization component 1010 includes a first synchronization gear 1011 fixedly provided on each first rotating arm 140 and a second synchronization gear 1012 provided on each second rotating arm 150. The first synchronization gear 1011 and the second synchronization gear 1012 are meshed with each other to achieve synchronous rotation. That is to say, the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 can rotate synchronously relative to the connection base 130.

[0121] In the embodiment of the present application, through the folding synchronization component, the synchronous movement of the two rotating members can be realized, so that the flexible display screen is not easily damaged during the folding process, thereby improving the folding reliability of the foldable electronic device.

[0122] In a possible implementation, the teeth of the first synchronization gear 1011 are arranged on a partial circumference of the first synchronization gear 1011, and the teeth of the second synchronization gear 1012 are arranged on a partial circumference of the second synchronization gear 1012.

[0123] In this technical solution, the teeth of the first synchronization gear and the second synchronization gear are arranged on a partial circumference, so that the angle between the rotating parts can be limited between 0 degrees and 180 degrees, preventing the electronic device from being reversely folded in the flattened state and improving the stability of the foldable electronic device in the folded state and the flattened state.

[0124] Here, the first synchronization gear 1011 and the second synchronization gear 1012 mesh with each other, which can be direct meshing or indirect meshing, and the present application does not limit this.

[0125] In an embodiment of the present application, when the first synchronization gear 1011 and the second synchronization gear 1012 are indirectly meshed, as Figure 6 、 7 , shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, the folding synchronization assembly 1010 further includes a third transmission gear 1013 and a fourth transmission gear 1014. The first synchronization gear 1011 is in gear transmission with the second synchronization gear 1012 through the third transmission gear 1013 and the fourth transmission gear 1014, thereby realizing the synchronous rotation of the first synchronization gear 1011 and the second synchronization gear 1012, that is, realizing the synchronous rotation of the first rotating part 110 and the second rotating part 120.

[0126] To achieve an aesthetic design of the folding device, as Figure 6 、 7 , shown in FIG. 9a, the folding device 100 may further include:

[0127] An end cover 199, fixedly arranged on the connection base 130, covering the folding synchronization assembly 1010 and flush with the first sliding cover 115 and the second sliding cover 125, thereby achieving a simple and aesthetic structure of the folding device 100.

[0128] At this time, the third transmission gear 1013 can be rotatably connected to the first rotating arm 140 and / or the end cover 199 through a rotating shaft; and the fourth transmission gear 1014 can be rotatably connected to the second rotating arm 150 and / or the end cover 199 through a rotating shaft.

[0129] To block the gap between the rotating part and the base and make the structure of the folding device compact and aesthetic, as Figure 9 c and 9d, the folding device 100 may further include:

[0130] The first shielding member 197, one end of the first shielding member 197 is slidably connected to the first rotating member 110, and the other end is fixedly connected to the connection base 130. The first shielding member 197 is used to shield the gap formed between the first rotating member 110 and the connection base 130 when the first rotating member 110 rotates relative to the connection base 130;

[0131] The second shielding member 198, one end of the second shielding member 198 is slidably connected to the second rotating member 120, and the other end is fixedly connected to the connection base 130. The second shielding member 198 is used to shield the gap formed between the second rotating member 120 and the connection base 130 when the second rotating member 120 rotates relative to the connection base 130;

[0132] In a possible implementation manner, the shielding member can be an elastic metal sheet, such as a stainless steel sheet or a copper sheet. One end of the elastic metal sheet is fixedly connected to the connection base 130, and the other end extends into the rotating member and remains slidably connected to the rotating member. When the folding device 100 is folded, the elastic metal sheet can slide outward of the rotating member, and after being flattened, the elastic metal sheet can slide into the rotating member. To ensure smooth retraction and extension, the elastic metal sheet can be connected to the rotating member through a spring.

[0133] In another possible implementation manner, the shielding member can be composed of a flexible material, and both ends are fixedly connected to the rotating member and the connection base 130 respectively. When the folding device 100 is folded, the flexible material is stretched, and after the folding device 100 is flattened, the flexible material can form wrinkles. For example, the flexible material can be leather or rubber, etc.

[0134] The embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device 1000, and the electronic device 1000 further includes a flexible display screen 200 covering the folding device. The flexible display screen 200 includes a first display portion fixed to the first rotating member 110, a second display portion fixed to the second rotating member 120, and a foldable display portion located between the first display portion and the second display portion.

[0135] Furthermore, the electronic device 1000 further includes a first functional device fixed to the first rotating member 110, and the flexible display screen 200 covers the first functional device. The electronic device 1000 further includes a second functional device and a circuit board. The second functional device is fixed to the second rotating member 120, and the circuit board connects the first functional device and the second functional device. The flexible display screen 200 covers the second functional device and the circuit board.

[0136] The first functional device can be at least one of a battery, a main board, a speaker, or a receiver, etc.

[0137] The second functional device may be at least one of a camera module, an antenna, a memory, a power connector, a headphone connector, etc.

[0138] The circuit board may be a flexible circuit board. The circuit board provides electrical signals for the first functional device and the second functional device.

[0139] As described above, it is only the specific implementation manner of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and all should be covered within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding device, applied to a foldable electronic device, characterized in that, The folding device includes: a first rotating member (110), a second rotating member (120), and a connecting base (130); The connecting base (130) is located between the first rotating member (110) and the second rotating member (120), and the first rotating member (110) and the second rotating member (120) are rotatable relative to the connecting base (130); the axes around which the first rotating member (110) and the second rotating member (120) rotate are respectively parallel to the length direction of the connecting base (130); a first rotating arm assembly, including two first rotating arms (140), the two first rotating arms (140) are respectively disposed at two ends of the first rotating member (110) perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base (130), each first rotating arm (140) is rotatably connected to the connecting base (130) and is slidable relative to the first rotating member (110); a second rotating arm assembly, including two second rotating arms (150), the two second rotating arms (150) are respectively disposed at two ends of the second rotating member (120) perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base (130), each second rotating arm (150) is rotatably connected to the connecting base (130) and is slidable relative to the second rotating member (120); a first door panel support member (180), one end of which is slidably connected to the first rotating member (110) and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the connecting base (130); a second door panel support member (190), one end of which is slidably connected to the second rotating member (120) and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the connecting base (130); Wherein, during the process that the first rotating member (110) and the second rotating member (120) rotate towards each other to a first position, the first rotating arm assembly and the second rotating arm assembly are driven to rotate towards each other, the first rotating member (110) slides relative to the first rotating arm assembly, the second rotating member (120) slides relative to the second rotating arm assembly, and the first rotating member (110) and the second rotating member (120) also respectively drive the first door panel support member (180) and the second door panel support member (190) to rotate towards each other to a second position, so that a receiving space is formed among the first door panel support member (180), the second door panel support member (190) and the connecting base (130), and the foldable part of the flexible display screen (200) of the foldable electronic device is received in the receiving space.

2. The folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The folding device further includes: The first rack bars (161) respectively and fixedly arranged at two ends of the first rotating member (110) perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base (130), the first transmission gears (162) rotatably connected to the first rotating arms (140), and the first fixed gears (163) respectively and fixedly arranged at two ends of the connecting base (130) in the length direction, wherein the first rack bars (161) are meshed with the first transmission gears (162), and the first transmission gears (162) are meshed with the first fixed gears (163); The second rack bars (171) respectively and fixedly arranged at two ends of the second rotating member (120) perpendicular to the length direction of the connecting base (130), the second transmission gears (172) rotatably connected to the second rotating arms (150), and the second fixed gears (173) respectively and fixedly arranged at two ends of the connecting base (130) in the length direction, wherein the second rack bars (171) are meshed with the second transmission gears (172), and the second transmission gears (172) are meshed with the second fixed gears (173); Wherein, in the process that the first rotating member (110) and the second rotating member (120) rotate towards each other to the first position, the first rotating arm assembly and the second rotating arm assembly rotate towards each other, the first transmission gear (162) rotates relative to the first fixed gear (163), the first rotating member (110) slides relative to the first rotating arm assembly through the meshing transmission of the first transmission gear (162) and the first rack bar (161), the second transmission gear (172) rotates relative to the second fixed gear (173), and the second rotating member (120) slides relative to the second rotating arm assembly through the meshing transmission of the second transmission gear (172) and the second rack bar (171).

3. The folding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the first rotating arms (140) includes a first rotating head (141) and a first sliding rod (142), one end of the first rotating head (141) is fixedly connected to the first sliding rod (142), the other end is rotatably connected to the connecting base (130), and the first transmission gear (162) is rotatably arranged on the first rotating head (141); Each of the second rotating arms (150) includes a second rotating head (151) and a second sliding rod (152), one end of the second rotating head (151) is fixedly connected to the second sliding rod (152), the other end is rotatably connected to the connecting base (130), and the second transmission gear (172) is rotatably arranged on the second rotating head (151); The first rotating member (110) and the second rotating member (120) respectively include an activity space for accommodating the first sliding rod (142) and the second sliding rod (152) to slide; 4. The folding device according to claim 3, wherein The folding device further includes: The first sliding cover assembly, the first sliding cover assembly includes two first sliding covers (115), the two first sliding covers (115) are respectively fixedly arranged at two ends of the first rotating member (110) in the length direction perpendicular to the connecting base (130), and an activity space for the first sliding rod (142) to slide is formed between each first sliding cover (115) and the first rotating member (110); The second sliding cover assembly, the second sliding cover assembly includes two second sliding covers (125), the two second sliding covers (125) are respectively fixedly arranged at two ends of the second rotating member (120) in the length direction perpendicular to the connecting base (130), and an activity space for the second sliding rod (152) to slide is formed between each second sliding cover (125) and the second rotating member (120).

5. The folding device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, At two ends of the first rotating member (110) in the length direction perpendicular to the connecting base (130), first ball plungers (116) for providing damping for the sliding of the first sliding rod (142) are respectively arranged, and one or more limiting grooves for accommodating the ball heads of the first ball plungers (116) are arranged on the first sliding rod (142); At two ends of the second rotating member (120) in the length direction perpendicular to the connecting base (130), second ball plungers (126) for providing damping for the sliding of the second sliding rod (152) are respectively arranged, and one or more limiting grooves for accommodating the ball heads of the second ball plungers (126) are arranged on the second sliding rod (152).

6. The folding device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, At two ends of the first rotating member (110) in the length direction perpendicular to the connecting base (130), first sliding grooves (111) are respectively arranged, at two ends of the first door panel support member (180) in the length direction, first sliding pins (181) are respectively arranged, and the first sliding pins (181) are slidably arranged in the first sliding grooves (111); At two ends of the second rotating member (120) in the length direction perpendicular to the connecting base (130), second sliding grooves (121) are respectively arranged, at two ends of the second door panel support member (190) in the length direction, second sliding pins (191) are respectively arranged, and the second sliding pins (191) are slidably arranged in the second sliding grooves (121).

7. The folding device according to claim 6, wherein The first sliding groove (111) and the second sliding groove (121) are inclined upward in the direction away from the length direction of the connecting base (130).

8. The folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The connecting base (130) includes: A connecting bridge (132); Connecting lugs (131) respectively fixed at two ends of the connecting bridge (132) in the length direction, one end of the first door panel support member (180) is rotatably connected to the connecting lug (131), and one end of the second door panel support member (190) is rotatably connected to the connecting lug (131); During the process that the first rotating member (110) and the second rotating member (120) rotate towards each other to the third position, the first rotating arm (140) and the second rotating arm (150) are driven to rotate towards each other to the third position. The first rotating member (110) slides relative to the first rotating arm (140), and the second rotating member (120) slides relative to the second rotating arm (150), and respectively drive the first door panel support member (180) and the second door panel support member (190) to rotate towards each other to the fourth position, so that the first door panel support member (180) and the second door panel support member (190) are flatly butted and located above the connecting bridge (132) to support the surface of the flexible display screen (200) to be flat.

9. The folding device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that The folding device further includes a folding synchronization component (1010). The folding synchronization component (1010) includes a first synchronization gear (1011) fixedly arranged on each of the first rotating arms (140), and a second synchronization gear (1012) arranged on each of the second rotating arms (150). The first synchronization gear (1011) and the second synchronization gear (1012) are in gear meshing transmission.

10. The folding device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The teeth of the first synchronization gear (1011) are arranged on a part of the circumference of the first synchronization gear (1011), and the teeth of the second synchronization gear (1012) are arranged on a part of the circumference of the second synchronization gear (1012).

11. The folding device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The folding synchronization component (1010) further includes a third transmission gear (1013) and a fourth transmission gear (1014). The first synchronization gear (1011) is in gear transmission with the second synchronization gear (1012) through the third transmission gear (1013) and the fourth transmission gear (1014).

12. The folding device according to claim 11, wherein, The folding device further includes: An end cover (199) fixedly arranged on the connection base (130) to cover the folding synchronization component (1010); The third transmission gear (1013) is rotatably connected to the first rotating arm (140) and / or the end cover (199); The fourth transmission gear (1014) is rotatably connected to the second rotating arm (150) and / or the end cover (199).

13. The folding device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The folding device further includes: A first shielding member (197), one end of the first shielding member (197) is slidably connected to the first rotating member (110), and the other end is fixedly connected to the connection base (130). The first shielding member (197) is used to shield the gap formed between the first rotating member (110) and the connection base (130) when the first rotating member (110) rotates relative to the connection base (130). A second shielding member (198), one end of the second shielding member (198) is slidably connected to the second rotating member (120), and the other end is fixedly connected to the connection base (130). The second shielding member (198) is configured to shield a gap formed between the second rotating member (120) and the connection base (130) when the second rotating member (120) rotates relative to the connection base (130).

14. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a folding device as described in any one of claims 1-13. The electronic device further includes a flexible display screen covering the folding device. The flexible display screen includes a first display portion fixed to the first rotating member (110), a second display portion fixed to the second rotating member (120), and a foldable display portion located between the first display portion and the second display portion.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein The electronic device further includes a first functional device fixed to the first rotating member (110), and the flexible display screen covers the first functional device; The electronic device further includes a second functional device and a circuit board. The second functional device is fixed to the second rotating member (120), the circuit board connects the first functional device and the second functional device, and the flexible display screen covers the second functional device and the circuit board.

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