Folding devices and electronic devices

Abstract

The present application provides a folding device and an electronic device. The rotating mechanism is connected between the first shell and the second shell, and can be deformed so that the first shell and the second shell rotate relative to each other. The first sliding member and the second sliding member are respectively used to support the first non-bending portion and the second non-bending portion of the flexible display screen, and are respectively slidably connected to the first shell and the second shell. The first push plate and the second push plate are respectively connected to the two sides of the rotating mechanism, and are respectively slidably connected to the first shell and the second shell, so as to slide relative to the first shell and the second shell when the first shell and the second shell rotate relative to each other. The middle part of the first rocker arm is rotatably connected to the first shell, one end of the first rocker arm is rotatably and slidably connected to the first sliding member, and the other end of the first rocker arm is rotatably connected to the first push plate. The middle part of the second rocker arm is rotatably connected to the second shell, one end of the second rocker arm is rotatably and slidably connected to the second sliding member, and the other end of the second rocker arm is rotatably connected to the second push plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of foldable electronic products, and in particular to a folding device and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0002] Existing electronic devices often use foldable flexible displays to achieve large-screen displays. However, when these displays are repeatedly switched between the unfolded and closed positions, they often slip relative to the housing, causing arching, which can damage the display and affect the normal use of the electronic device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present application provides a folding device and an electronic device to avoid the problem of a flexible display screen being arched due to multiple foldings, thereby ensuring the normal use of the electronic device.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a folding device for supporting a flexible display screen. The folding device includes a first housing, a second housing, a rotation mechanism, a first push plate, a second push plate, a first sliding member, a second sliding member, a first rocker arm, and a second rocker arm. The rotation mechanism is connected between the first housing and the second housing, and the rotation mechanism can deform to cause the first housing and the second housing to fold or unfold relative to each other, that is, to cause the first housing and the second housing to rotate relative to each other.

[0005] The first sliding member is used to support the first non-bending portion of the flexible display and is slidably connected to the first housing. The first push plate is connected to one side of the rotating mechanism and is slidably connected to the first housing, so as to slide relative to the first housing when the first and second housings are folded or unfolded relative to each other. The middle portion of the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the first housing, one end of the first swing arm is rotatably and slidably connected to the first sliding member, and the other end of the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the first push plate.

[0006] It should be understood that the "one end" and the "other end" of the first rocker arm refer to two positions in the first rocker arm that are connected to the first sliding member and the first push plate. These two positions can be solid structures, such as partial structures of the first rocker arm, or they can be non-solid structures, such as holes or grooves in the first rocker arm, as long as a "connecting rod mechanism" can be formed between the first sliding member, the first rocker arm and the first push plate.

[0007] In the embodiments of the present application, the first sliding member, the first rocker arm, and the first push plate form a "linkage mechanism" in that the first push plate can be pushed to slide relative to the first housing, thereby causing the first rocker arm to rotate relative to the first housing, thereby driving the first sliding member to slide relative to the first housing. In this case, the first push plate and the first sliding member slide in opposite directions relative to the first housing.

[0008] The second sliding member is used to support the second non-bending portion of the flexible display and is slidably connected to the second housing. The second push plate is connected to the other side of the rotating mechanism and is slidably connected to the second housing, so as to slide relative to the second housing when the first and second housings are folded or unfolded relative to each other. The middle portion of the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the second housing, one end of the second swing arm is rotatably and slidably connected to the second sliding member, and the other end of the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the second push plate.

[0009] It should be understood that the "one end" and the "other end" of the second rocker arm refer to the two positions in the second rocker arm that are connected to the second sliding member and the second push plate. These two positions can be solid structures, such as partial structures of the second rocker arm, or they can be non-solid structures, such as holes or grooves in the second rocker arm, as long as a "connecting rod mechanism" can be formed between the second sliding member, the second rocker arm and the second push plate.

[0010] In this embodiment of the present application, the second sliding member, the second rocker arm, and the second push plate form a "linkage mechanism" in that the second push plate can be pushed to slide relative to the second housing, thereby causing the second rocker arm to rotate relative to the second housing, thereby driving the second sliding member to slide relative to the second housing. In this case, the second push plate and the second sliding member slide in opposite directions relative to the second housing.

[0011] In the folding device shown in the embodiment of the present application, when the first and second shells are folded or unfolded relative to each other, the first push plate slides relative to the first shell to drive the first swing arm to rotate relative to the first shell, thereby driving the first sliding member to slide relative to the first shell. Simultaneously, the second push plate slides relative to the second shell to drive the second swing arm to rotate relative to the second shell, thereby driving the second sliding member to slide relative to the first shell. In other words, when the first and second shells are folded or unfolded relative to each other, the first sliding member and the second sliding member slide relative to each other, respectively.

[0012] When the folding device is folded, the first sliding member and the second sliding member can assist the flexible display screen in bending, sliding and shifting, which helps to reduce the stress between the layers, improve the shifting problem between the layers of the flexible display screen, and avoid the occurrence of delamination or arching of the flexible display screen after multiple folding.

[0013] When the folding device is unfolded, the first sliding member and the second sliding member can help the flexible display screen to be fully flattened, which helps to improve the surface quality of the flexible display screen.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first rocker arm includes a first rocker plate and a first rocker arm fixed to the first rocker plate, the first rocker plate is rotatably and slidably connected to the first sliding member, the first rocker arm is rotatably connected to the first push plate, and the rotation center of the first rocker arm relative to the first shell is offset from the geometric center of the first rocker plate.

[0015] When the first shell rotates relative to the second shell, the first push plate slides relative to the first shell to push the first rocker arm and the first swing plate to rotate, thereby driving the first sliding member to slide relative to the first shell. At this time, the sliding distance of the first push plate relative to the first shell is greater than the sliding distance of the first sliding member relative to the first shell, which is equivalent to using the large-stroke sliding of the first push plate to achieve a small-stroke sliding of the first sliding member, which is conducive to precise control of the sliding stroke of the first sliding member.

[0016] It should be understood that the sliding distance between the first sliding member and the first housing can be adjusted by the eccentric distance between the rotation center of the first swing arm and the geometric center of the first swing plate.

[0017] The second rocker arm includes a second rocker plate and a second rocker arm fixed to the second rocker plate. The second rocker plate is rotatably and slidably connected to the second sliding member. The second rocker arm is rotatably connected to the second push plate. The rotation center of the second rocker arm relative to the second shell is offset from the geometric center of the second rocker plate.

[0018] When the second shell rotates relative to the first shell, the second push plate slides relative to the second shell to push the second rocker arm and the second swing plate to rotate, thereby driving the second sliding member to slide relative to the second shell. At this time, the sliding distance of the second push plate relative to the second shell is greater than the sliding distance of the second sliding member relative to the second shell, which is equivalent to using the large stroke sliding of the second push plate to achieve a small stroke sliding of the second sliding member, which is conducive to precise control of the sliding stroke of the second sliding member.

[0019] It should be understood that the sliding distance between the second sliding member and the second housing can be adjusted by the eccentric distance between the rotation center of the second swing rod and the geometric center of the second swing plate.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first push plate is provided with a first sliding hole, the opening of the first sliding hole is located on the top surface of the first push plate, and the first rocker arm is provided with a first sliding portion, the first sliding portion is connected to the bottom surface of the first rocker arm and is slidably installed in the first sliding hole.

[0021] It should be understood that the directional terms "top" and "bottom" involved in the embodiments of the present application are based on the electronic device being in a flattened state, with the direction close to the flexible display screen as the "top" and the direction away from the flexible display screen as the "bottom". They do not constitute a limitation on the electronic device in actual application scenarios.

[0022] The first sliding hole penetrates the first push plate along the thickness direction of the first push plate.

[0023] Exemplarily, the first sliding hole is an elongated hole. When the first housing rotates relative to the second housing, the first push plate slides relative to the first housing, driving the first swing arm to rotate. At this time, the first sliding hole portion slides along the length direction of the first sliding hole and slides relative to the first housing along the width direction of the first sliding hole.

[0024] The second push plate is provided with a second sliding hole, the opening of the second sliding hole is located on the top surface of the second push plate, and the second swing rod is provided with a second sliding portion, which is connected to the bottom surface of the second swing rod and slidably installed in the second sliding hole.

[0025] The second sliding hole penetrates the second push plate along the thickness direction of the second push plate.

[0026] Exemplarily, the second sliding hole is an elongated hole. When the second housing rotates relative to the first housing, the second push plate slides relative to the second housing, driving the second swing arm to rotate. At this time, the second sliding portion slides along the length direction of the second sliding hole and slides relative to the second housing along the width direction of the second sliding hole.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first rocker arm is provided with a first fixing hole, the opening of the first fixing hole is located on the top surface of the first rocker arm, the first sliding member includes a first supporting plate and a first pin shaft slidably connected to the first supporting plate, the first supporting plate is used to support the first non-bending portion, the first pin shaft is passed through the first fixing hole, and is fixed to the first rocker arm.

[0028] The first fixing hole penetrates the first rocking rod along the thickness direction of the first rocking rod.

[0029] Exemplarily, the first pin can slide relative to the first supporting plate along a Y-axis direction, wherein the Y-axis direction is the length direction of the electronic device, and the X-axis direction is the width direction of the electronic device.

[0030] When the first swing arm rotates relative to the first housing, it drives the first pin to move. At this time, the first pin slides relative to the first supporting plate along the Y-axis direction, and drives the first supporting plate to slide relative to the first housing along the X-axis direction.

[0031] The second rocker arm is provided with a second fixing hole, the opening of the second fixing hole is located on the top surface of the second rocker arm, the second sliding member includes a second supporting plate and a second pin shaft slidably connected to the second supporting plate, the second supporting plate is used to support the second non-bending portion, the second pin shaft is passed through the second fixing hole, and is fixed to the second rocker arm.

[0032] The second fixing hole penetrates the second rocker arm along the thickness direction of the second rocker arm.

[0033] Exemplarily, the second pin can slide relative to the second supporting plate along the Y-axis direction, where the Y-axis direction is the length direction of the electronic device and the X-axis direction is the width direction of the electronic device.

[0034] When the second swing arm rotates relative to the second housing, it drives the second pin to move. At this time, the second pin slides relative to the second supporting plate along the Y-axis direction, and drives the second supporting plate to slide relative to the second housing along the X-axis direction.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first sliding member further includes a first washer fixedly attached to the first supporting plate. The first washer has a sliding hole, the opening of which is located on the bottom surface of the first washer. The first pin is slidably mounted in the sliding hole of the first washer. In other words, the first pin is slidably connected to the first supporting plate via the first washer, thereby improving the assembly stability between the first pin and the first supporting plate.

[0036] The sliding hole of the first gasket penetrates the first gasket along the thickness direction of the first gasket.

[0037] Exemplarily, the sliding hole of the first gasket is an elongated hole, and the length direction of the sliding hole of the first gasket is parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0038] The second sliding member further includes a second washer fixedly attached to the first supporting plate. The second washer has a sliding hole defined therein. The opening of the sliding hole is located on the bottom surface of the second washer. The second pin is slidably mounted in the sliding hole of the second washer. In other words, the second pin is slidably connected to the second supporting plate via the second washer, thereby improving the assembly stability between the second pin and the second supporting plate.

[0039] The sliding hole of the second gasket passes through the second gasket along the thickness direction of the second gasket.

[0040] Exemplarily, the second sliding hole is an elongated hole, and the length direction of the second sliding hole is parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first housing is provided with a first retaining groove, the opening of the first retaining groove being located on the top surface of the first housing, and the first sliding member further comprises a first hook fixed to the first supporting plate, the first hook being slidably mounted in the first retaining groove. Exemplarily, the first hook can slide in the first retaining groove along the X-axis.

[0042] The second housing is provided with a second retaining groove, the opening of which is located on the top surface of the second housing. The second sliding member further includes a second hook fixed to the second supporting plate, the second hook being slidably mounted in the second retaining groove. For example, the second hook can slide in the second retaining groove along the X-axis direction.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first sliding member further includes a third gasket, which is fixed between the first supporting plate and the first hook to increase the assembly stability between the first hook and the first supporting plate.

[0044] The second sliding member further includes a fourth gasket fixed between the second supporting plate and the second hook to increase the assembly stability between the second hook and the second supporting plate.

[0045] In one embodiment, the folding device further includes a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate. One end of the first pressure plate is fixed to the first housing, and the other end is pressed against the bottom surface of the first swing arm to assist in securing the first swing arm and preventing it from falling off the first housing. One end of the second pressure plate is fixed to the second housing, and the other end is pressed against the bottom surface of the second swing arm to assist in securing the second swing arm and preventing it from falling off the second housing.

[0046] In one embodiment, the rotating mechanism includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a first fixed plate, and a second fixed plate, the first rotating member being fixedly connected to the first push plate, the second rotating member being fixedly connected to the second push plate, the first fixed plate being slidably connected to the first rotating member and fixedly connected to the first housing, and the second fixed plate being slidably connected to the second rotating member and fixedly connected to the second housing;

[0047] When the rotating mechanism rotates, the first rotating member drives the first push plate to slide relative to the first fixed plate, and the second rotating member drives the second push plate to slide relative to the second fixed plate.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first rotating member, the second rotating member, the first fixed plate, and the second fixed plate are each two, the two first fixed plates are fixed to the first housing at intervals, each first rotating member is slidably connected to one first fixed plate, the two second fixed plates are fixed to the second housing at intervals, and each second rotating member is slidably connected to one second fixed plate;

[0049] There are two first push plates and two second push plates. Each first push plate is fixedly connected to a first rotating member, and each second push plate is fixedly connected to a second rotating member.

[0050] In one embodiment, a storage space is provided on one side of the first shell near the rotating mechanism. When the first shell and the second shell are folded relative to each other, at least a portion of the second shell is accommodated in the storage space to reduce the volume of the folding device in the folded state, making it easier to carry and store.

[0051] In a second aspect, the present application provides an electronic device comprising a flexible display and any of the above-described folding devices, wherein the flexible display comprises a first non-bending portion, a bending portion, and a second non-bending portion connected in sequence, wherein the periphery of the first non-bending portion is fixedly connected to the first housing, the middle portion of the first non-bending portion is fixedly connected to the first sliding member, the bending portion is directly opposite the rotation mechanism, the periphery of the second non-bending portion is fixedly connected to the second housing, and the middle portion of the second non-bending portion is fixedly connected to the second sliding member. During the relative folding and unfolding of the first and second housings, the bending portion can deform.

[0052] In the embodiments of the present application, when the electronic device is folded, the first and second sliding members can assist the flexible display screen in bending, sliding, and shifting, helping to reduce stress between layers, improve the shifting problem between layers of the flexible display screen, and avoid delamination or arching of the flexible display screen after multiple folding. When the electronic device is unfolded, the first and second sliding members can assist the flexible display screen in fully flattening, helping to improve the surface quality of the flexible display screen.

[0053] In one embodiment, the flexible display screen includes a flexible display panel and a flexible cover plate, the periphery of the flexible cover plate is fixed to the first shell and the second shell, the flexible display panel is fixed to the middle of the flexible cover plate, and the flexible display panel includes a first part, a second part and a third part connected in sequence, the first part is fixed to the first sliding member, the second part is opposite to the rotating mechanism, and the third part is fixed to the second sliding member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the background technology, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application or the background technology will be described below.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in an unfolded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the electronic device shown is in a folded state;

[0057] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the electronic device shown;

[0058] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a flexible display screen in the electronic device shown;

[0059] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible display screen in the electronic device shown at another angle;

[0060] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a first sliding member in the electronic device shown;

[0061] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The schematic structural diagram of the first sliding member shown is at another angle;

[0062] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the first sliding member taken along AA is shown;

[0063] Figure 9 yes Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of the second sliding member in the electronic device shown at another angle;

[0064] Figure 10 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the flexible display screen, the first sliding member and the second sliding member in the electronic device shown;

[0065] Figure 11 yes Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a first housing of a folding device in the electronic device shown;

[0066] Figure 12 yes Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a second housing of a folding device in the electronic device shown;

[0067] Figure 13 yes Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a rotating mechanism of a folding device in the electronic device shown;

[0068] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 The first shell shown, Figure 12 The second housing and Figure 13 The front structural diagram of the rotating mechanism after assembly is shown;

[0069] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the back structure of the structure shown;

[0070] Figure 16 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the back structure of the folding device in the electronic device shown;

[0071] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of region B in the structure shown;

[0072] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 The structure shown is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along CC;

[0073] Figure 19 yes Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of the D region in the structure shown;

[0074] Figure 20 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device shown at another angle;

[0075] Figure 21 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of the electronic device shown;

[0076] Figure 22 yes Figure 20 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the electronic device shown is taken along EE. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] The following embodiments of the present application are described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0078] See also Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 1 is a structural diagram of an electronic device 100 in an unfolded state provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The electronic device 100 is in a folded state. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the electronic device 100 is shown.

[0079] The electronic device 100 may be a foldable electronic product such as a foldable mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or wearable device. The embodiments of the present application are described using the example of a foldable mobile phone as an example. For ease of description below, the length direction of the electronic device 100 is defined as the X-axis direction, the width direction of the electronic device 100 is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the thickness direction of the electronic device 100 is defined as the Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are mutually perpendicular.

[0080] Electronic device 100 includes a folding device 10 and a flexible display screen 20. The flexible display screen 20 is used to display information such as text or images. The flexible display screen 20 is mounted on the folding device 10. Specifically, the folding device 10 supports the flexible display screen 20. The folding device 10 includes a first slider 30, a second slider 40, a first housing 50, a rotation mechanism 60, and a second housing 70. The rotation mechanism 60 is connected between the first housing 50 and the second housing 70. The rotation mechanism 60 is capable of deforming to allow the first housing 50 and the second housing 70 to unfold or fold relative to each other. Specifically, the rotation mechanism 60 allows the first housing 50 and the second housing 70 to rotate relative to each other. This allows the folding device 10 to fold and unfold. The first slider 30 is connected between the flexible display screen 20 and the first housing 50 and is slidably connected to the first housing 50. The second slider 40 is connected between the flexible display screen 20 and the second housing 70 and is slidably connected to the second housing 70. The first slider 30 and the second slider 40 are spaced apart from each other along the X-axis.

[0081] In this embodiment, a storage space 501 is provided on one side of the first housing 50 near the rotation mechanism 60. For example, the thickness (dimension along the Z-axis shown in the figure) of a portion of the first housing 50 is smaller than the thickness of another portion of the first housing 50. That is, a portion of the first housing 50 is recessed to form the storage space 501. When the second housing 70 is unfolded relative to the first housing 50, it can be rotated out of the storage space 501. When the second housing 70 is folded relative to the first housing 50, it can be rotated into the storage space 501. In this case, the second housing 70 can be completely accommodated in the storage space 501, or the second housing 70 can be partially accommodated in the storage space 501. That is, the second housing 70 is at least partially accommodated in the storage space 501, so that the second housing 70 and the first housing 50 can reuse the distance in the thickness direction (i.e., the Z-axis shown in the figure). This makes the electronic device 100 smaller in size (having a smaller thickness dimension) and easier for the user to carry and store.

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown, the second shell 70 and the first shell 50 are relatively unfolded to the open state, that is, the folding device 10 is in the open state, so that the electronic device 100 is in the open state. At this time, the first sliding member 30 and the second sliding member 40 drive the flexible display screen 20 to unfold relative to each other, that is, the flexible display screen 20 is in the flattened state. Exemplarily, when the first shell 50 and the second shell 70 are in the open state, the angle between the first shell 50 and the second shell 70 can be approximately 180°. In some other embodiments, when the first shell 50 and the second shell 70 are in the open state, the angle between the two can also be approximately 180° (that is, there is a slight deviation), such as 160°, 170° or 190°.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the second housing 70 and the first housing 50 are folded relative to each other to a closed state, that is, the folding device 10 is in a closed state, so that the electronic device 100 is in a closed state. At this time, the first sliding member 30 and the second sliding member 40 drive the flexible display 20 to fold relative to each other, and the flexible display 20 is located outside the folding device 10.

[0084] In addition, the first shell 50 and the second shell 70 can also be relatively unfolded or folded to an intermediate state, that is, the folding device 10 is in an intermediate state, so that the electronic device 100 is in an intermediate state. The intermediate state can be any state between the open state and the closed state.

[0085] In this embodiment, the flexible display screen 20 can be unfolded and folded along with the folding device 10. When the electronic device 100 is in the open state, the flexible display screen 20 is in a flattened state, and the flexible display screen 20 can display full screen, so that the electronic device 100 has a larger display area, thereby improving the user's viewing and operating experience. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the electronic device 100 has a smaller planar size (with a smaller width), making it easier for the user to carry and store.

[0086] It will be appreciated that this embodiment is described using the example of "the rotation center of the electronic device 100 being parallel to the width direction of the electronic device 100 (i.e., the Y-axis direction in the figure)". In this case, the electronic device 100 can rotate left and right, and the folding and unfolding of the electronic device 100 affects the length dimension of the electronic device 100. In other embodiments, the rotation center of the electronic device 100 may also be parallel to the length direction of the electronic device 100 (i.e., the X-axis direction in the figure). In this case, the electronic device 100 can rotate up and down, and the folding and unfolding of the electronic device 100 affects the width dimension of the electronic device 100.

[0087] The flexible display screen 20 includes a first non-bending portion 20a, a bending portion 20b, and a second non-bending portion 20c, arranged in sequence. The periphery of the first non-bending portion 20a is fixed to the first housing 50, the middle portion of the first non-bending portion 20a is fixed to the first slider 30, and the bending portion 20b faces the rotating mechanism 60. The periphery of the second non-bending portion 20c is fixed to the second housing 70, and the middle portion of the second non-bending portion 20c is fixed to the second slider 40. During the relative folding and unfolding of the first housing 50 and the second housing 70, the first slider 30 drives the first non-bending portion 20a to slide relative to the first housing 50, and the second slider 40 drives the second non-bending portion 20c to slide relative to the second housing 70, causing the bending portion 20b to deform.

[0088] Among them, the flexible display screen 20 can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode or an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MID) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MID) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MID) display screen, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen.

[0089] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the flexible display screen 20 in the electronic device 100 is shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The structure diagram of the flexible display screen 20 in the electronic device 100 is shown at another angle.

[0090] The flexible display screen 20 includes a flexible cover plate 21 and a flexible display panel 22. The flexible cover plate 21 covers the display surface 221 of the flexible display panel 22 to protect the flexible display panel 22. Specifically, the periphery of the flexible cover plate 21 is fixed to the first housing 50 and the second housing 70, and the flexible display panel 22 is fixed to the middle of the flexible cover plate 21. For example, the flexible cover plate 21 can be fixed to the folding device 10 by bonding, and the flexible display panel 22 can be fixed to the flexible cover plate 21 by bonding.

[0091] The flexible cover 21 includes a first portion 21a, a second portion 21b, and a third portion 21c connected in sequence. The first portion 21a of the flexible cover 21 is mounted on the first housing 50, and the third portion 21c of the flexible cover 21 is mounted on the second housing 70. The second portion 21b of the flexible cover 21 is deformable.

[0092] The flexible display panel 22 includes a first portion 22a, a second portion 22b, and a third portion 22c, which are connected in sequence. The first portion 22a of the flexible display panel 22 is fixedly connected to the first portion 21a of the flexible cover plate 21, and together with the first portion 21a of the flexible cover plate 21, they form a first non-bending portion 20a. The second portion 22b of the flexible display panel 22 is fixedly connected to the second portion 21b of the flexible cover plate 21, and together with the second portion 21b of the flexible cover plate 21, they form a bending portion 20b. The third portion 22c of the flexible display panel 22 is mounted on the third portion 21c of the flexible cover plate 21, and together with the third portion 21c of the flexible cover plate 21, they form a second non-bending portion 20c.

[0093] It should be noted that the electronic device 100 may further include multiple functional modules (not shown in the figure), and the multiple functional modules may be housed inside the folding device 10. The multiple functional modules of the electronic device 100 may include, but are not limited to, a motherboard, a processor, a memory, a battery, a camera module, a speaker module, a microphone module, an antenna module, a sensor module, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the number, type, location, etc. of the functional modules of the electronic device 100.

[0094] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The schematic structural diagram of the first sliding member 30 in the electronic device 100 is shown. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The structure diagram of the first sliding member 30 shown is at another angle.

[0095] The first sliding member 30 includes a first supporting plate 31, a first gasket 33, a third gasket 32, a first hook 34, and a first pin 35. The third gasket 32, the first gasket 33, and the first hook 34 are located on the same side of the first supporting plate 31. Specifically, the first hook 34 is fixed to the first supporting plate 31. The first pin 35 is slidably connected to the first supporting plate 31. The first hook 34 is fixed to the first supporting plate 31 via the third gasket 32. The first pin 35 is slidably connected to the first supporting plate 31 via the first gasket 33.

[0096] Illustratively, there are six third gaskets 32 and six first hooks 34, and each first hook 34 is fixed to the first supporting plate 31 via a third gasket 32. There are two first gaskets 33 and two first pins 35, and each first pin 35 is fixed to the first supporting plate 31 via a first gasket 33. In other embodiments, there may be two, three, four, five, or seven or more third gaskets 32 and first hooks 34, and there may be three or more first gaskets 33 and pins 34, and this application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0097] The first supporting plate 31 is a steel sheet. It should be understood that, due to the relatively thin thickness of the steel sheet (between 0.5 mm and 3 mm), the provision of the third washer 32 and the first washer 33 increases the reliability of the connection between the first hook 34 and the first pin 35 and the first supporting plate 31, thereby improving the overall strength of the first sliding member 30.

[0098] In this embodiment, the first supporting plate 31 is generally rectangular. The first supporting plate 31 includes a first edge 31a and a second edge 31b that are oppositely disposed, and a third edge 31c and a fourth edge 31d that are connected between the first edge 31a and the second edge 31b. The first edge 31a and the second edge 31b are parallel to the X-axis, while the third edge 31c and the fourth edge 31d are parallel to the Y-axis.

[0099] The first supporting plate 31 is provided with a first fixing hole 311, a second fixing hole 312, and a receiving hole 313. The openings of the first fixing hole 311, the second fixing hole 312, and the receiving hole 313 are all located on the top surface 314 of the first supporting plate 31. The first fixing hole 311, the second fixing hole 312, and the receiving hole 313 all extend from the top surface 314 of the first supporting plate 31 to the bottom surface 315 and penetrate the bottom surface 315 of the first supporting plate 31. In other words, the first fixing hole 311, the second fixing hole 312, and the receiving hole 313 all penetrate the first supporting plate 31 along the thickness direction of the first supporting plate 31 (i.e., the Z-axis direction shown in the figure).

[0100] It should be noted that the directional terms such as "top" and "bottom" used in the electronic device 100 of this embodiment are mainly based on the position of the electronic device 100 in the attached Figure 3 The display orientation in the figure is explained, with the positive direction of the Z axis as the top and the negative direction of the Z axis as the bottom, which does not constitute a limitation on the orientation of the electronic device 100 in actual application scenarios.

[0101] There are multiple first fixing holes 311, which are arranged at intervals along the edge of the first supporting plate 31 and are used to secure the third gasket 32. Exemplarily, there are 12 first fixing holes 311, with every two first fixing holes 311 forming a first fixing hole group, and each first fixing hole group is used to secure one third gasket 32. That is, the 12 first fixing holes 311 form six first fixing hole groups, each of which is used to secure six third gaskets 32. Two first fixing hole groups are arranged at intervals along the X-axis on the first edge 31a, two first fixing hole groups are arranged at intervals along the X-axis on the second edge 31b, and two first fixing hole groups are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis on the third edge 31c. In other embodiments, each first fixing hole 311 may be used to secure one third gasket 32, or there may be two, three, four, five, or more than seven first fixing holes 311, which are not specifically limited in this application.

[0102] There are multiple second fixing holes 312, and the multiple second fixing holes 312 are arranged at intervals on the edge of the first supporting plate 31 for fixing the first gasket 33. Exemplarily, there are 4 second fixing holes 312, and every two second fixing holes 312 form a second fixing hole group, and each second fixing hole group is used to fix one first gasket 33. That is, the four second fixing holes 312 form two second fixing hole groups, and the two second fixing hole groups are respectively used to fix two first gaskets 33. Among them, the two second fixing hole groups are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction on the third edge 31c. The two second fixing hole groups are respectively located on both sides of the two first fixing hole groups, and are arranged at intervals from the first fixing hole groups. In some other embodiments, each second fixing hole 312 can also be used to fix one first gasket 33, or there can be 1 or more than 3 second fixing holes 312, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0103] There are multiple receiving holes 313, which are spaced apart and arranged along the edge of the first supporting plate 31. For example, there are two receiving holes 313, which are spaced apart and arranged along the Y-axis along the third edge 31c. Each receiving hole 313 is located between two second fixing holes 312 of a second fixing hole group and is spaced apart from the second fixing holes 312. In other embodiments, there may be more than three receiving holes 33, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0104] The third gasket 32 is generally rectangular and plate-shaped. It is provided with positioning posts 321, which are connected to the top surface (not labeled) of the third gasket 32 and extend from the top surface away from the bottom surface (not labeled). There are two positioning posts 321, spaced apart from each other.

[0105] Specifically, the third gasket 32 is fixed to the bottom surface 315 of the first supporting plate 31. The top surface of the third gasket 32 contacts the bottom surface 315 of the first supporting plate 31. Exemplarily, the third gasket 32 is fixed to the first supporting plate 31 by welding. In other embodiments, the third gasket 32 may also be fixed to the first supporting plate 31 using fasteners such as screws or bolts.

[0106] The two positioning posts 321 of the third gasket 32 extend from the bottom surface 315 toward the top surface 314 of the first supporting plate 31, respectively, into the two first fixing holes 311 of the first fixing hole group. The positioning posts 321 are then secured to the first fixing holes 311 by welding, thereby securing the third gasket 32 to the first supporting plate 31. At this point, the top surfaces (not shown) of the positioning posts 321 of the third gasket 32 are flush with the top surface 314 of the first supporting plate 31, or alternatively, the top surfaces of the positioning posts 321 of the third gasket 32 are located on the side of the top surface 314 of the first supporting plate 31 that faces the bottom surface 315. In other words, the top surfaces of the positioning posts 321 of the third gasket 32 do not protrude beyond the top surface 314 of the first supporting plate 31, facilitating assembly of the first sliding member 30 with other components.

[0107] The first hook 34 is located on a side of the third gasket 32 facing away from the first supporting plate 31 and is secured to the third gasket 32. The first hook 34 is secured to the bottom surface (not shown) of the third gasket 32. For example, the first hook 34 can be secured to the third gasket 32 by welding or adhesive bonding. In other embodiments, the third gasket 32 and the first hook 34 can be an integrally formed structural member, which can be secured to the first supporting plate 31 by welding.

[0108] In this embodiment, the first hook 34 is roughly "L"-shaped. The first hook 34 includes a fixing portion 341 and a hook portion 342 fixed to the fixing portion 341. The fixing portion 341 is fixed to the bottom surface of the third gasket 32, and extends from the bottom surface of the third gasket 32 in a direction away from the third gasket 32 (i.e., the Z-axis direction in the figure). The hook portion 342 is fixed to one end of the fixing portion 341 away from the third gasket 32, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the fixing portion 341. The fixing portion 341 and the hook portion 342 are integrally formed to increase the overall strength of the first hook 34. In some other embodiments, the first supporting plate 31 and the first hook 34 can also be formed by stamping the edge of the steel sheet to simplify the forming process of the first sliding member 30.

[0109] Please also refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the first sliding member 30 is shown along AA.

[0110] The first gasket 33 is generally rectangular in shape. It is provided with a sliding hole 331, the opening of which is located on the bottom surface (not labeled) of the first gasket 33. The sliding hole 331 extends from the bottom surface to the top surface (not labeled) of the first gasket 33 and penetrates the bottom surface of the first gasket 33. In other words, the sliding hole 331 penetrates the first gasket 33 along its thickness (Z-axis direction in the figure). The sliding hole 331 is an elongated, strip-shaped hole, with its length parallel to the Y-axis.

[0111] In addition, the first gasket 33 is further provided with a limiting boss 332, a receiving hole 333, and a positioning post 334. The limiting boss 332 and the positioning post 333 are both connected to the top surface of the first gasket 33. Specifically, the limiting boss 332 is connected to the middle area of the bottom surface of the first gasket 33. The opening of the receiving hole 333 is located on the bottom surface of the limiting boss 332 (not marked in the figure). The receiving hole 333 extends from the bottom surface of the limiting boss 332 toward the bottom surface of the first gasket 33, and the receiving hole 333 is connected to the sliding hole 331. The positioning post 334 is connected to the edge area of the bottom surface of the first gasket 33. The positioning post 334 extends from the bottom surface of the first gasket 33 toward the direction away from the top surface. There are two positioning posts 334, one on each side of the limiting boss 332.

[0112] Specifically, the first gasket 33 is fixed to the bottom surface 315 of the first supporting plate 31. The top surface of the first gasket 33 contacts the bottom surface 315 of the first supporting plate 31. Exemplarily, the first gasket 33 is fixed to the first supporting plate 31 by welding. In other embodiments, the first gasket 33 may also be fixed to the first supporting plate 31 using fasteners such as screws or bolts.

[0113] In the direction from the bottom surface 315 to the top surface 314 of the first supporting plate 31, the limiting boss 332 of the first gasket 33 is inserted into the receiving hole 313 of the first supporting plate 31, and the two positioning posts 334 respectively extend into the two second fixing holes 312 of the second fixing hole group. The positioning posts 334 are then fixed to the second fixing holes 312 by welding, thereby securing the first gasket 33 to the first supporting plate 31. At this time, the top surfaces of the limiting boss 332 and positioning posts 334 of the first gasket 33 are flush with the top surface 314 of the first supporting plate 31, or the top surfaces of the limiting boss 332 and positioning posts 334 are located on the side of the top surface 314 of the first supporting plate 31 facing the bottom surface 315. In other words, the top surfaces of the limiting boss 332 and positioning posts 334 do not protrude from the bottom surface 315 of the first supporting plate 31, thereby facilitating the assembly of the first sliding member 30 with other components.

[0114] Furthermore, the first pin 35 is slidably mounted in the sliding hole 331 of the first gasket 33. For example, along the direction from the bottom surface 315 to the top surface 314 of the first carrier plate 31, the first pin 35 sequentially passes through the receiving hole 333 and the sliding hole 331 of the first gasket 33, and a portion of the first pin 35 protrudes from the bottom surface of the first gasket 33. The width of the sliding hole 331 of the first gasket 33 (i.e., the dimension along the X-axis shown in the figure) is equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the first pin 35. This limits the relative sliding displacement of the first pin 35 and the first gasket 33 along the width direction of the sliding hole 331 (i.e., the X-axis shown in the figure), so that the first pin 35 can only slide relative to the first gasket 33 along the length direction of the sliding hole 331 (i.e., the Y-axis shown in the figure).

[0115] In this embodiment, the first pin 35 is provided with a flange 351 and a retaining groove 352. The flange 351 is disposed at the top of the first pin 35 and surrounds the first pin 35. Specifically, the flange 351 is received in the receiving hole 333 of the first gasket 33 and can slide within the receiving hole 333 along with the first pin 35. The flange 351 abuts against the bottom wall of the receiving hole 333 to prevent the first pin 35 from disengaging from the sliding hole 331 of the first gasket 33, thereby increasing the assembly stability between the first pin 35 and the first gasket 33. The top surface of the flange 351 is flush with the top surface 314 of the first supporting plate 31, or the top surface of the flange 351 is located on the side of the top surface 314 of the first supporting plate 31 facing the bottom surface 315. In other words, the top surface of the flange 351 does not protrude from the top surface 314 of the first supporting plate 31, facilitating assembly of the first sliding member 30 with other components.

[0116] The retaining groove 352 is provided at the bottom of the first pin 35. The retaining groove 352 opens on the circumference of the first pin 35 and extends from the circumference of the first pin 35 toward the center of the first pin 35. Specifically, the retaining groove 352 is formed by a partial depression in the circumference of the first pin 35. The retaining groove 352 is an annular groove. Specifically, at least a portion of the retaining groove 352 protrudes relative to the bottom surface of the first gasket 33.

[0117] See also Figure 9 , Figure 9 yes Figure 3 The structure diagram of the second sliding member 40 in the electronic device 100 is shown at another angle.

[0118] The second sliding member 40 includes a second supporting plate 41, a second gasket 43, a fourth gasket 42, a second hook 44, and a second pin 45. The fourth gasket 42, the second gasket 43, and the first hook 34 are located on the same side of the second supporting plate 41. The second hook 44 is fixed to the second supporting plate 41, and the second pin 45 is slidably connected to the second supporting plate 45. The second hook 44 is fixed to the second supporting plate 41 via the fourth gasket 42, and the second pin 45 is slidably connected to the second supporting plate 41 via the second gasket 43. Exemplarily, there are six fourth gaskets 42 and six second hooks 44, each of which is fixed to the second supporting plate 41 via one fourth gasket 42. There are two second gaskets 43 and two second pins 45, each of which is fixed to the second supporting plate 41 via one second gasket 43. The structures of the second supporting plate 41, fourth gasket 42, second gasket 43, second hook 44, and second pin 45 of the second sliding member 40 are substantially the same as the structures of the first supporting plate 31, third gasket 32, first gasket 33, first hook 34, and first pin 35 of the first sliding member 30. That is, the structures of the various components of the second sliding member 40 can be referred to the above description of the structures of the various components of the first sliding member 30, and will not be repeated here.

[0119] See also Figure 10 , Figure 10 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the flexible display screen 20, the first sliding member 30 and the second sliding member 40 in the electronic device 100.

[0120] The first sliding member 30 and the second sliding member 40 are fixed to the flexible display screen 20 at intervals. The first sliding member 30 supports the first non-bending portion 20a of the flexible display screen 20, and the second sliding member 40 supports the second non-bending portion 20c of the flexible display screen 20. Specifically, the first sliding member 30 and the second sliding member 40 are fixed to the flexible display panel 22 of the flexible display screen 20. The first sliding member 30 is fixed to the first portion 22a of the flexible display panel 22, and the second sliding member 40 is fixed to the third portion 22c of the flexible display panel 22. Exemplarily, the first sliding member 30 and the second sliding member 40 may be mirror-symmetrical with respect to the second portion 22b of the flexible display panel 22. At this time, the top surface 314 of the first supporting plate 31 of the first sliding member 30 and the top surface 415 of the second supporting plate 41 of the second sliding member 40 are in contact with the surface of the flexible display panel 22 facing away from the flexible cover plate 21 (i.e., the non-display surface of the flexible display panel 22). For example, the first supporting plate 31 of the first sliding member 30 and the second supporting plate 41 of the second sliding member 40 may be fixed to the flexible display panel 22 by bonding.

[0121] In this embodiment, the top surface of the positioning column 321, the top surface of the limiting boss 332, the top surface of the positioning column 334 and the top surface of the flange portion 351 of the first pin shaft 35 in the first sliding member 30 do not protrude from the first supporting plate 31, and the top surface of the positioning column, the top surface of the limiting boss, the top surface of the positioning column and the top surface of the flange portion of the second pin shaft 45 in the second sliding member 40 do not protrude from the top surface of the second supporting plate 41, thereby improving the flatness of the contact surface between the first sliding member 30 and the second sliding member 40 and the flexible display panel 22, which is beneficial to improving the connection stability between the first sliding member 30 and the second sliding member 40 and the flexible display panel 22.

[0122] See also Figure 11 , Figure 11 yes Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of the first shell 50 of the folding device 10 in the electronic device 100 is shown.

[0123] The first housing 50 is generally rectangular. It includes a top surface 502 and a bottom surface 503 disposed opposite each other, and a first side surface 504 and a second side surface 505 connecting the top surface 502 and the bottom surface 503. The first side surface 504 is the surface of the first housing 50 facing away from the second housing 70 and is disposed opposite the second side surface 505. The first side surface 504 is an arc-shaped surface to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the first housing 50.

[0124] The first housing 50 is provided with a receiving groove 506 and a fixing groove 507. The receiving groove 506 is used to receive part of the rotating mechanism 60. The opening of the receiving groove 506 is located on the second side surface 505. The receiving groove 506 extends from the second side surface 505 toward the first side surface 504 and passes through the top surface 502 of the first housing 50. The fixing groove 507 is used to fix the first portion 21a (such as the first portion 21a of the flexible cover 21) Figure 4 The opening of the fixing groove 507 is located on the top surface 502 of the first housing 50. The fixing groove 507 extends from the top surface 502 to the bottom surface 503 of the first housing 50 and passes through the side wall of the receiving groove 506 to communicate with the receiving groove 506.

[0125] The first housing 50 is further provided with a first sliding hole 508 and a second sliding hole 509. The first sliding hole 508 is used to receive the first portion 22a (eg, Figure 4 As shown). The opening of the first sliding hole 508 is located at the bottom wall of the fixed groove 507. The first sliding hole 508 extends from the bottom wall of the fixed groove 507 to the bottom surface 503 of the first housing 50, and passes through the side wall of the receiving groove 506 to communicate with the receiving groove 506. The second sliding groove 509 is used to receive the first supporting plate 31 of the first sliding member 30 (as shown). Figure 7The opening of the second sliding groove 509 is located at the bottom wall of the first sliding hole groove 508. The second sliding groove 509 extends from the bottom wall of the first sliding hole groove 508 toward the bottom surface 503 of the first housing 50, and penetrates the groove side wall of the receiving groove 506 to communicate with the receiving groove 506.

[0126] The first housing 50 is further provided with a first avoidance groove 510 and a first retaining groove 511. The first avoidance groove 510 is used to receive the third gasket 32 (such as the first slide 30) of the first sliding member 30. Figure 7 As shown). The opening of the first avoidance groove 510 is located at the bottom wall of the second sliding groove 509, and the extension direction of the first avoidance groove 510 is from the bottom wall of the second sliding groove 509 to the bottom surface 503 of the first shell 50. There are multiple first avoidance grooves 510, and the openings of the multiple first avoidance grooves 510 are arranged at intervals from each other on the bottom wall of the second sliding groove 509. Exemplarily, there are 6 first avoidance grooves 510, and each first avoidance groove 510 is used to accommodate a third gasket 32. It should be understood that the shape of the first avoidance groove 510 is not limited to Figure 11 The square groove shown can also be a circular groove or other special-shaped groove.

[0127] The first holding groove 511 is used for slidingly installing the first hook 34 (such as Figure 7 As shown in FIG5 , the opening of the first holding groove 511 is located on the top surface 501 of the first shell 50. Specifically, the opening of the first holding groove 511 is located on the bottom wall of the first avoidance groove 510, and the extension direction of the first holding groove 511 is from the bottom wall of the first avoidance groove 510 to the bottom surface 503 of the first shell 50, and passes through the bottom surface 503 of the first shell 50. The side wall of the first holding groove 511 partially protrudes to form a snap portion 512, and the snap portion 512 is used to engage with the hook portion 342 of the first hook 34 to prevent the first hook 34 from falling off from the first holding groove 511. Exemplarily, there are six first holding grooves 511, and the opening of each first holding groove 511 is located on the bottom wall of a first avoidance groove 510, and each first holding groove 511 is used to accommodate a first hook 34.

[0128] The first housing 50 is further provided with a second avoidance groove 513 and a sleeve hole 514. The second avoidance groove 513 is used to receive the first gasket 33 (such as Figure 7As shown). The opening of the second avoidance groove 513 is located on the bottom wall of the second sliding groove 509 and is spaced apart from the opening of the first avoidance groove 510. The extension direction of the second avoidance groove 513 is from the bottom wall of the second sliding groove 509 to the bottom surface 503 of the first shell 50. There are multiple second avoidance grooves 513, and the openings of the multiple second avoidance grooves 513 are arranged at intervals from each other on the bottom wall of the second sliding groove 509. For example, there are two second avoidance grooves 513, and each second avoidance groove 513 is used to accommodate a first gasket 33. It should be understood that the shape of the second avoidance groove 513 is not limited to Figure 11 The square groove shown can also be a circular groove or other special-shaped groove.

[0129] The opening of the sleeve hole 514 is located at the bottom wall of the second avoidance groove 513. The sleeve hole 514 extends from the bottom wall of the second avoidance groove 513 toward the bottom surface 503 of the first housing 50 and penetrates the bottom surface 503 of the first housing 50. Exemplarily, there are two sleeve holes 514, each opening is located at the bottom wall of a second avoidance groove 513, and each sleeve hole 514 is used to accommodate a first pin 35.

[0130] See also Figure 12 , Figure 12 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the second shell 70 of the folding device 10 in the electronic device 100.

[0131] The second housing 70 is generally rectangular. The first housing 70 includes a top surface 702 and a bottom surface 703 disposed opposite each other, and a first side surface 704 and a second side surface 705 connecting the top surface 702 and the bottom surface 703. The first side surface 704 is the surface of the second housing 70 facing away from the first housing 50 and is disposed opposite the second side surface 705. The first side surface 704 is an arc-shaped surface to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the second housing 70.

[0132] The second housing 70 is provided with a receiving slot 706, a fixing slot 707, a first sliding hole slot 708, a second sliding slot 709, a first avoidance slot 710, a second retaining slot 711, a second avoidance slot 713, and a sleeve hole 714. Specifically, the receiving slot 706 of the second housing 70 is used to accommodate part of the rotating mechanism 60. The fixing slot 707 of the second housing 70 is used to fix the third portion 21c of the flexible cover 21. The first sliding hole slot 708 is used to accommodate the third portion 22c of the flexible display panel 22. The second sliding slot 709 is used to accommodate the second supporting plate 41 of the second sliding member 40. The first avoidance slot 710 is used to accommodate the fourth gasket 42 of the second sliding member 40. The second retaining slot 711 is used to accommodate the second hook 44 of the second sliding member 40. The second avoidance slot 713 is used to accommodate the second gasket 43 of the second sliding member 40. The sleeve hole 714 of the second housing 70 is used to accommodate the second pin 45 of the second sliding member 40.

[0133] The structures of the receiving slot 706, fixing slot 707, first sliding hole slot 708, second sliding slot 709, first avoidance slot 710, second retaining slot 711, second avoidance slot 713, and sleeve hole 714 of the second housing 70 are substantially the same as the structures of the receiving slot 506, fixing slot 507, first sliding hole slot 508, second sliding slot 509, first avoidance slot 510, first retaining slot 511, second avoidance slot 513, and sleeve hole 514 of the first housing 50. That is, the description of each slot or hole in the second housing 70 can refer to the description of each slot or hole in the first housing 50 above and will not be repeated here. For example, each slot or hole in the second housing 70 can be mirror-symmetrical to each slot or hole in the first housing 50 relative to the rotation mechanism 60.

[0134] See also Figure 13 , Figure 13 yes Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the rotating mechanism 60 of the folding device 10 in the electronic device 100 .

[0135] The rotating mechanism 60 includes a first rotating member 62, a second rotating member 63, a first fixed plate 64, and a second fixed plate 65. The first rotating member 62 and the second rotating member 63 are located on both sides of the rotating mechanism 60. During the rotation of the rotating mechanism 60, the first rotating member 62 and the second rotating member 63 can rotate relative to each other so that the folding device 10 is relatively folded or relatively unfolded. Exemplarily, there are two first rotating members 62 and two second rotating members 63, and the two first rotating members 62 are located on one side of the rotating mechanism 60 and are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction. The two second rotating members 63 are located on the other side of the rotating mechanism 60 and are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction. In some other embodiments, the number of the first rotating member 62 and / or the second rotating member 63 can also be one or more than three, and one or more than three first rotating members 62 are provided on one side of the rotating mechanism 60, and / or one or more than three second rotating members 63 are provided on the other side of the rotating mechanism 60.

[0136] The first rotating member 62 is provided with a slide groove 621. The opening of the slide groove 621 is located on the surface of the first rotating member 62 away from the second rotating member 63. The slide groove 621 extends from the surface of the first rotating member 62 away from the second rotating member 63 toward the second rotating member 63 and passes through the top surface of the first rotating member 62. The slide groove 621 includes two opposing sidewalls, each of which is provided with a slideway (not shown).

[0137] The first fixed plate 64 is slidably connected to the first rotating member 62. That is, the first fixed plate 64 is connected to the first rotating member 62 and can slide relative to the first rotating member 62. The first fixed plate 64 is provided with a fixing hole 641 and a sliding ear 642. The opening of the fixing hole 641 is located on the bottom surface of the first fixed plate 64. The extension direction of the fixing hole 641 is from the bottom surface of the first fixed plate 64 toward the top surface, and passes through the top surface of the first fixed plate 64. That is, the fixing hole 641 passes through the first fixed plate 64 along the thickness direction of the first fixed plate 64. Exemplarily, there are four fixing holes 641, and the four fixing holes 641 are arranged at intervals from each other on the first fixed plate 64. In some other embodiments, there may be one, two, three or more fixing holes 641, and this application does not make any specific restrictions on this.

[0138] Two sliding ears 642 are connected to the two side surfaces of the first fixed plate 64. The two sliding ears 642 are slidably connected to the two slideways of the first rotating member 63, allowing the first fixed plate 64 and the first rotating member 62 to slide relative to each other. During the rotation of the rotating mechanism 60, the first fixed plate 64 and the first rotating member 62 can slide relative to each other.

[0139] The second rotating member 63 is provided with a slide groove 631. The slide groove 631 includes two opposing sidewalls, each of which is provided with a slideway (not shown). The structure of the slide groove 631 of the second rotating member 63 is substantially the same as that of the slide groove 621 of the first rotating member 62. That is, the structure of the slide groove 631 of the second rotating member 63 can be referred to in the above description of the structure of the slide groove 621 of the first rotating member 62.

[0140] The second fixed plate 65 is slidably connected to the second rotating member 63. The second fixed plate 65 is provided with a fixing hole 651 and a sliding ear 652. The structure of the fixing hole 651 and the sliding ear 652 of the second fixed plate 65 is substantially the same as that of the fixing hole 651 and the sliding ear 652 of the first fixed plate 64. That is, the structure of the fixing hole 651 and the sliding ear 652 of the second fixed plate 65 can be referred to the structural description of the fixing hole 641 and the sliding ear 642 of the first fixed plate 64 described above. The two sliding ears 652 of the second fixed plate 65 are respectively slidably connected to the two slideways of the second rotating member 63, so that the second fixed plate 65 and the second rotating member 63 can slide relative to each other. During the rotation of the rotating mechanism 60, the second fixed plate 65 and the second rotating member 63 can slide relative to each other.

[0141] See also Figure 14 and Figure 15 , Figure 14 yes Figure 11 The first shell 50 shown Figure 12 The second housing 70 and Figure 13 The front structural diagram of the rotating mechanism 60 after assembly is shown. Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the back structure of the structure shown.

[0142] The rotating mechanism 60 is connected between the first shell 50 and the second shell 70. Specifically, the rotating mechanism 60 is partially accommodated in the receiving groove 506 of the first shell 50, and the rotating mechanism 60 is partially accommodated in the receiving groove 706 of the second shell 70. The first rotating member 62 and the first fixing plate 64 are located on the back side of the first shell 50. The first fixing plate 64 is fixed to the first shell 50. Exemplarily, the first fixing plate 64 is fixed to the support plate 66 by means of fixing members 67 (such as screws or bolts). Among them, along the direction from the bottom surface to the top surface of the first shell 50, the four fixing members 67 respectively pass through the four fixing holes 641 (such as screws or bolts) of the first fixing plate 64. Figure 13 As shown in FIG, the first fixing plate 64 is fixed to the first housing 50. At this time, the first retaining groove 511 and the sleeve hole 514 of the first housing 50 are exposed relative to the first rotating member 62 and the first fixing plate 64.

[0143] The second rotating member 63 and the second fixing plate 65 are located on the back side of the second housing 70. The second fixing plate 65 is fixed to the second housing 70. For example, the second fixing plate 65 is fixed to the support plate 66 by means of fixing members 68 (such as screws or bolts). In the direction from the bottom surface to the top surface of the second housing 70, the four fixing members 68 respectively pass through the four fixing holes 651 (such as screws or bolts) of the second fixing plate 65. Figure 13 As shown in FIG, the second fixing plate 65 is fixed to the second housing 70. At this time, the second retaining groove 711 and the sleeve hole 714 of the second housing 70 are exposed relative to the second rotating member 63 and the second fixing plate 65.

[0144] like Figure 15 As shown, when the first shell 50 and the second shell 70 are in the open state, the first fixing plate 64 is exposed relative to the first rotating member 62 , and the second fixing plate 65 is exposed relative to the second rotating member 63 .

[0145] When the first shell 50 and the second shell 70 are folded relative to each other, the first rotating member 62 can slide relative to the first fixed plate 64 (along the L1 direction shown in the figure), that is, the first rotating member 62 can slide relative to the first shell 50 (along the L1 direction shown in the figure), and the second rotating member 63 can slide relative to the second fixed plate 65 (along the L2 direction shown in the figure), that is, the second rotating member 63 can slide relative to the second shell 70 (along the L2 direction shown in the figure).

[0146] See also Figure 16 and Figure 17 , Figure 16 yes Figure 3 The back structure diagram of the folding device 10 in the electronic device 100 is shown. Figure 17 yes Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of region B in the shown structure.

[0147] The folding device 10 also includes a first auxiliary mechanism 80 and a second auxiliary mechanism 90. The first auxiliary mechanism 80 is connected to the first shell 50 and the first rotating member 62. The second auxiliary mechanism 90 is connected to the second shell 70 and the second rotating member 63. Exemplarily, there are two first auxiliary mechanisms 80 and two second auxiliary mechanisms 90. The two first auxiliary mechanisms 80 are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction, and each first auxiliary mechanism 80 is connected to a first rotating member 62. The two second auxiliary mechanisms 90 are arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction, and each second auxiliary mechanism 90 is connected to a second rotating member 63. In some other embodiments, there may be one first auxiliary mechanism 80 and / or more than three second auxiliary mechanisms 90.

[0148] Please also refer to Figure 18 , Figure 18 yes Figure 17 The structure shown is a schematic diagram of the cross-section taken along CC.

[0149] The first auxiliary mechanism 80 includes a first rocker arm 81, a first pressure plate 82, a first compression spring (not shown), and a first push plate 84. The first rocker arm 81 includes a first rocker plate 811 and a first rocker arm 812 fixedly connected to the first rocker plate 811. The first rocker plate 811 has a geometric centerline OO. The first rocker plate 811 is provided with a first boss 813 and a second boss 814. The first boss 813 is connected to the top surface (not shown) of the first rocker plate 811 and protrudes from the top surface of the first rocker plate 811 in a direction away from the bottom surface (not shown). The second boss 814 is connected to the bottom surface of the first rocker plate 811 and protrudes from the bottom surface of the first rocker plate 811 in a direction away from the top surface. The geometric centerline of the first boss 813 and the second boss 814 coincides with the geometric centerline OO of the first rocker plate 811. In addition, the second boss 814 is provided with a supporting portion 816. The abutting portion 816 is connected to the bottom surface of the second boss 814 (not shown) and is arranged around a portion of the edge of the second boss 814. It should be understood that the shapes of the first boss 813 and the second boss 814 are not limited to Figure 15 The cylindrical shape shown can also be other shapes such as a truncated cone.

[0150] The first swing plate 811 is also provided with a first fixing hole 815 for accommodating part of the first pin 35 of the first sliding member 30. The opening of the first fixing hole 815 is located on the top surface of the first boss 813 (not marked in the figure). The extension direction of the first fixing hole 815 is from the top surface of the first boss 813 to the bottom surface of the second boss 814 (not marked in the figure), and the first fixing hole 815 passes through the bottom surface of the second boss 814. The first fixing hole 815 is a circular hole and has a geometric center line O`-O`. Among them, the geometric center line O`-O` of the first fixing hole 815 is the rotation center of the first swing rod 81 relative to the first shell 50, and is spaced apart from the geometric center line OO of the first swing plate 811. That is, the geometric center line O`-O` of the first fixing hole 815 does not coincide with the geometric center line OO of the first swing plate 811. It should be understood that the shape of the first swing plate 811 is not limited to Figure 15 The disc shape shown can also be other shapes such as a square disc.

[0151] The first rocker arm 812 is connected to the edge of the first rocker plate 811 and extends away from the edge of the first rocker plate 811. The first rocker arm 812 has a sliding portion 817. The sliding portion 817 is connected to the bottom surface (not shown) of the first rocker arm 812 and extends away from the top surface (not shown). The sliding portion 817 is cylindrical.

[0152] The first pressing plate 82 is provided with an avoidance hole 821 and a fixing hole 822. The avoidance hole 821 is located at one end of the first pressing plate 82. The opening of the avoidance hole 821 is located on the top surface of the first pressing plate 82 (not marked in the figure), and the extension direction of the avoidance hole 821 is from the top surface of the first pressing plate 82 to the bottom surface (not marked in the figure), and the avoidance hole 821 passes through the bottom surface of the first pressing plate 82. That is, the avoidance hole 821 passes through the first pressing plate 82 along the thickness direction of the first pressing plate 82. In addition, the avoidance hole 821 also passes through the circumferential surface of the first pressing plate 82 (not marked in the figure), and the avoidance hole 821 is a hole adapted to the second boss 814.

[0153] The fixing hole 822 is located at the other end of the first pressing plate 82. The opening of the fixing hole 822 is located on the bottom surface of the first pressing plate 82. The fixing hole 822 extends from the bottom surface to the top surface of the first pressing plate 82, and the fixing hole 822 passes through the top surface of the first pressing plate 82. In other words, the fixing hole 822 passes through the first pressing plate 82 along its thickness direction.

[0154] The first push plate 84 is provided with a first sliding hole 841, the opening of which is located on the top surface (not labeled) of the first push plate 84. The first sliding hole 841 extends from the top surface to the bottom surface (not labeled) of the first push plate 84 and penetrates the bottom surface of the first push plate 84. In other words, the first sliding hole 841 penetrates the first push plate 84 along its thickness. The first sliding hole 841 is an elongated hole, with its length parallel to the Y-axis.

[0155] Illustratively, the first push plate 84 includes a main body 842 and an extension 843 fixedly connected to the main body 842. The main body 842 is configured to be fixedly connected to the first rotating member 62. The extension 843 is fixedly connected to an edge of the main body 842 and extends away from the edge of the main body 842. The slider 841 is disposed on the extension 843.

[0156] The first auxiliary mechanism 80 is mounted on the bottom side of the first housing 50. Specifically, the middle portion of the first swing arm 81 is rotatably connected to the first housing 50. One end of the first swing arm 81 is rotatably and slidably connected to the first sliding member 30. The other end of the first swing arm 81 is rotatably connected to the first push plate 84. The first boss 813 of the first swing arm 81 is embedded in the sleeve hole 514 of the first housing 50. The second boss 814 of the first swing arm 81 is protruding from the bottom surface of the first housing 50. The first fixing hole 815 of the first swing arm 81 is connected to the sleeve hole 514 of the first housing 50.

[0157] It should be understood that the "one end" and "the other end" of the first rocker arm 81 refer to two locations in the first rocker arm 81 that are connected to the first sliding member 30 and the first push plate 84. These two locations can be physical structures, such as partial structures of the first rocker arm 81, or they can be non-physical structures, such as holes or grooves in the first rocker arm 81, as long as a "linkage mechanism" is formed between the first sliding member 30, the first rocker arm 81, and the first push plate 84. The "linkage mechanism" formed by the first sliding member 30, the first rocker arm 81, and the first push plate 84 means that by pushing the first push plate 84 to slide relative to the first housing 50, the first rocker arm 81 can be pushed to rotate relative to the first housing 50, thereby driving the first sliding member 30 to slide relative to the first housing 50. At this time, the sliding directions of the first push plate 81 and the first sliding member 30 relative to the first housing 50 are opposite.

[0158] One end of the first pressure plate 82 is fixed to the bottom surface of the first housing 50. Exemplarily, the first pressure plate 82 is fixed to the first housing 50 by means of a fixing member (such as a screw or bolt) 85. The fixing member 85 passes through the fixing hole 822 of the first pressure plate 82 in the direction from the bottom surface to the top surface of the first housing 50 to fix the first pressure plate 82 to the bottom surface of the first housing 50. At this time, the other end of the first pressure plate 82 is pressed against the first swing plate 811 of the first swing arm 81, and the avoidance hole 821 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second boss 814 to assist in fixing the first swing arm 81. At this time, the first swing arm 81 is rotatably connected to the first housing 50, so that the first swing arm 81 and the first housing 50 form a revolute pair. That is, the first swing arm 81 is connected to the first housing 50 and can rotate relative to the first housing 50.

[0159] The first push plate 84 is fixedly connected to the first rotating member 62 so as to slide relative to the first fixed plate 64 under the drive of the first rotating member 62. Specifically, the main body 842 of the first push plate 84 is fixedly connected to the first rotating member 62 and at least partially covers the first rotating member 62. For example, the main body 842 of the first push plate 84 can be fixedly connected to the first rotating member 62 by welding or other means. The first sliding hole 841 of the first push plate 84 is sleeved around the outer periphery of the sliding portion 817 of the first rocker arm 81, and the sliding portion 817 of the first rocker arm 81 can slide within the first sliding hole 841 of the first push plate 84, thereby forming a sliding pair between the first rocker arm 81 and the rotating mechanism 60.

[0160] When the rotating mechanism 60 rotates, the first push plate 84 slides relative to the first fixed plate 64, and the sliding portion 817 of the first rocker arm 81 slides relative to the first push plate 84 in the first sliding hole 841 of the first rocker arm 84, thereby pushing the first rocker plate 811 of the first rocker arm 81 to rotate relative to the first shell 50.

[0161] When the first shell 50 and the second shell 70 are folded relative to each other, the first push plate 84 slides toward the end of the first fixed plate 64 away from the middle of the rotating mechanism 60, and the sliding portion 817 of the first rocker arm 81 slides relative to the first push plate 84 in the first sliding hole 841 of the first push plate 84, thereby pushing the first rocker plate 811 of the first rocker arm 81 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction (W1 direction in the figure).

[0162] When the first shell 50 and the second shell 70 are unfolded relative to each other, the first push plate 84 slides toward the first fixed plate 64 toward one end of the middle of the rotating mechanism 60, and the sliding portion 817 of the first rocker arm 81 slides relative to the first push plate 84 in the first sliding hole 841 of the first push plate 84, thereby pushing the first rocker plate 811 of the first rocker arm 81 to rotate in the clockwise direction (the direction of W2 in the figure).

[0163] See also Figure 19 , Figure 19 yes Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of region D in the shown structure.

[0164] The second auxiliary mechanism 90 includes a second rocker arm 91, a second pressure plate 92, a second compression spring (not shown), and a second push plate 94. The structures of the second rocker arm 91, second pressure plate 92, second compression spring, and second push plate 94 in the second auxiliary mechanism 90 are substantially the same as the structures of the first rocker arm 81, first pressure plate 82, first compression spring, and first push plate 84 in the first auxiliary mechanism 80. Specifically, the structures of the second rocker arm 91, second pressure plate 92, second compression spring, and second push plate 94 in the second auxiliary structure 90 can be referenced to the description of the structures of the first rocker arm 81, first pressure plate 82, first compression spring, and first push plate 84 in the first auxiliary mechanism 80.

[0165] Specifically, the second auxiliary mechanism 90 is mounted on the bottom side of the second housing 70. Specifically, the middle portion of the second rocker arm 91 is rotatably connected to the second housing 70. One end of the second rocker arm 91 is rotatably and slidably connected to the second sliding member 40. The other end of the second rocker arm 91 is rotatably connected to the second push plate 94. The first boss (not shown) of the second rocker arm 91 is embedded in a sleeve hole (not shown) of the second housing 70. The second boss 914 of the second rocker arm 91 protrudes from the bottom surface (not shown) of the second housing 70. Furthermore, the receiving hole 915 of the second rocker arm 91 is connected to the sleeve hole (not shown) of the second housing 70. The geometric centerline of the receiving hole 915 of the second rocker arm 91 serves as the rotation center of the second rocker arm 91 relative to the second housing 70 and does not coincide with the geometric centerline of the second rocker plate (not shown) of the second rocker arm 91.

[0166] It should be understood that the "one end" and "the other end" of the second rocker arm 91 refer to two locations within the second rocker arm 91 that are connected to the second slider 30 and the second push plate 94. These two locations can be physical structures, such as partial structures of the second rocker arm 91, or non-physical structures, such as holes or slots in the second rocker arm 91, as long as a "linkage mechanism" is formed between the second slider 40, the second rocker arm 91, and the second push plate 94. The "linkage mechanism" formed by the second slider 40, the second rocker arm 91, and the second push plate 94 means that by pushing the second push plate 94 to slide relative to the second housing 70, the second rocker arm 91 can be rotated relative to the second housing 70, thereby driving the second slider 30 to slide relative to the second housing 70. At this time, the second push plate 91 and the second slider 30 slide in opposite directions relative to the second housing 70.

[0167] One end of the second pressure plate 92 is fixed to the bottom surface of the second housing 70 (not shown). Exemplarily, the second pressure plate 92 is fixed to the second housing 70 by means of a fixing member (such as a screw or bolt) 95. The fixing member 95 passes through the fixing hole 922 of the second pressure plate 92 in the direction from the bottom surface to the top surface of the second housing 70 to fix the second pressure plate 92 to the bottom surface of the second housing 70. At this time, the other end of the second pressure plate 92 is pressed against the swing plate of the second swing arm 91, and the avoidance hole 921 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second boss 914 to assist in fixing the second swing arm 91. At this time, the second swing arm 91 is rotatably connected to the second housing 70, so that the second swing arm 91 and the second housing 70 form a revolving pair. That is, the second swing arm 91 is connected to the second housing 70 and can rotate relative to the second housing 70.

[0168] The second push plate 94 is fixedly connected to the second rotating member 63 so as to slide relative to the second fixed plate 65 under the drive of the second rotating member 63. Specifically, the main body 942 of the second push plate 94 is fixedly connected to the second rotating member 63 and at least partially covers the second rotating member 63. For example, the main body 942 of the second push plate 94 can be fixedly connected to the second rotating member 63 by welding or other means. The second sliding hole 941 of the second push plate 94 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the sliding portion 917 of the second rocker arm 91, and the sliding portion 917 of the second rocker arm 91 can slide within the second sliding hole 941 of the second push plate 94, thereby forming a sliding pair between the second rocker arm 91 and the rotating mechanism 60.

[0169] When the rotating mechanism 60 rotates, the second push plate 94 slides relative to the second fixed plate 65, and the sliding portion 917 of the second rocker arm 91 slides relative to the second push plate 94 in the second sliding hole 941 of the second rocker arm 94, thereby pushing the rocker plate 911 of the second rocker arm 91 to rotate relative to the second shell 70.

[0170] When the second shell 70 and the first shell 50 are folded relative to each other, the second push plate 94 slides toward the end of the second fixed plate 65 away from the middle of the rotating mechanism 60, and the sliding portion 917 of the second rocker arm 91 slides relative to the second push plate 94 in the second sliding hole 941 of the second rocker arm 94, thereby pushing the rocker plate 911 of the second rocker arm 91 to rotate in the clockwise direction (W3 direction in the figure).

[0171] When the second shell 70 and the first shell 50 are relatively unfolded, the second push plate 94 slides toward the second fixed plate 65 toward one end of the middle of the rotating mechanism 60, and the sliding portion 917 of the second rocker arm 91 slides relative to the second push plate 94 in the second sliding hole 941 of the second rocker arm 94, thereby pushing the rocker plate 911 of the second rocker arm 91 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction (the direction of W4 shown in the figure).

[0172] See also Figure 4 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the flexible display screen 20 is mounted on the folding device 10. Specifically, the flexible cover plate 21 of the flexible display screen 20 is mounted on the folding device 10. The periphery of the first portion 21a of the flexible cover plate 21 is mounted on the fixing groove 507 of the first shell 50, and the periphery of the third portion 21c of the flexible cover plate 21 is mounted on the fixing groove 707 of the second shell 70. The bottom surface of the flexible cover plate 21 contacts the bottom wall of the fixing groove 507 of the first shell 50 and the bottom wall of the fixing groove 707 of the second shell 70. Exemplarily, the flexible cover plate 21 is fixed to the first shell 50 and the second shell 70 by bonding.

[0173] The first portion 22a of the flexible display panel 22 is received in the first sliding hole 508 of the first housing 50 and is slidable within the first sliding hole 508 of the first housing 50. The third portion 22c of the flexible display panel 22 is received in the first sliding hole 708 of the second housing 70 and is slidable within the first sliding hole 708 of the second housing 70. The circumferential surface of the first portion 22a of the flexible display panel 22 does not contact the sidewalls of the first sliding hole 508 of the first housing 50, and the circumferential surface of the third portion 22c of the flexible display panel 22 does not contact the sidewalls of the first sliding hole 508 of the first housing 50, thereby preventing the flexible display panel 22 from colliding with the sidewalls of the first sliding hole 508 of the first housing 50 and / or the sidewalls of the first sliding hole 708 of the second housing 70, thereby preventing deformation and damage to the flexible display panel 22.

[0174] See also Figures 20 to 22 , Figure 20 yes Figure 1 The structure diagram of the electronic device 100 shown is from another angle. Figure 21 yes Figure 2The schematic diagram of the partial cross-sectional structure of the electronic device 100 is shown. Figure 22 yes Figure 20 The structure shown is a schematic diagram of the cross-section taken along EE.

[0175] The first sliding member 30 is fixed to the first portion 22a (eg, Figure 10 ), and is slidably connected to the first housing 50. That is, the first sliding member 30 is connected to the first housing 50 and can slide relative to the first housing 50 to drive the first portion 22a of the flexible display panel 22 to slide relative to the first housing 50 along the X-axis direction.

[0176] Specifically, the first carrying plate 31 is received in the second sliding groove 509 (eg, Figure 11 ) and can slide within the second sliding groove 509. The third gasket 32 is received in the first avoidance groove 510 of the first shell 50 and can slide within the first avoidance groove 510. The first hook 34 is received in the first retaining groove 511 of the first shell 50 and can slide within the first retaining groove 511 of the first shell 50, so that the first sliding member 30 and the first shell 50 form a sliding pair. The retaining portion 342 of the first hook 34 engages with the snap portion 512 on the side wall of the first retaining groove 511.

[0177] Furthermore, the first gasket 33 is received in the second avoidance groove 513 of the first housing 50 and is slidable within the second avoidance groove 513. The first pin 35 passes through the sleeve hole 514 of the first housing 50 and the first fixing hole 815 of the first rocker arm 81, such that the bottom of the first pin 35 is exposed relative to the second boss 814 of the first rocker arm 81. The retaining groove 352 of the first pin 35 is at least partially exposed from the bottom surface of the second boss 814 of the first rocker arm 81. The retaining spring 83 of the first auxiliary mechanism 80 is retained in the retaining groove 352 of the first pin 35 and abuts against the bottom surface of the second boss 814, thereby limiting the displacement of the first pin 35 in the Z-axis direction.

[0178] The second sliding member 40 is fixed to the third portion 22c (eg Figure 10 ), and is slidably connected to the second housing 70. That is, the second sliding member 40 is connected to the second housing 70 and can slide relative to the second housing 70 to drive the third portion 22c of the flexible display panel 22 to slide relative to the second housing 70 along the X-axis direction. Specifically, the second carrying plate 41 is received in the second sliding groove 709 (as shown in FIG. Figure 11), and can slide within the second sliding groove 709. The fourth gasket 42 is received in the first avoidance groove 710 of the second housing 70 and can slide within the first avoidance groove 710. The second hook 44 is received in the second retaining groove 711 of the second housing 70 and can slide within the second retaining groove 711 of the second housing 70, thereby forming a sliding pair between the second sliding member 40 and the second housing 70. The retaining portion 442 of the second hook 44 engages with the snap portion 712 on the side wall of the second retaining groove 711.

[0179] Furthermore, the second gasket 43 is received in the second avoidance groove 713 of the second housing 70 and is slidable within the second avoidance groove 713. The second pin 45 passes through the sleeve hole 714 of the second housing 70 and the receiving hole 915 of the second rocker arm 91, such that the bottom of the second pin 45 is exposed relative to the second boss 914 of the second rocker arm 91. The retaining groove 452 of the second pin 45 is at least partially exposed from the bottom surface of the second boss 914 of the second rocker arm 91. The retaining spring 93 of the second auxiliary mechanism 90 is retained in the retaining groove 452 of the second pin 45 and abuts against the bottom surface of the second boss 914, thereby limiting the displacement of the second pin 45 in the Z-axis direction.

[0180] In the electronic device 100 shown in this embodiment, the flexible cover 21 of the flexible display 20 is fixed to the folding device 10. The first portion 22a and the third portion 22c of the flexible display panel 22 are respectively fixed to the first slider 30 and the second slider 40. The first slider 30 and the second slider 40 are respectively slidably connected to the first housing 50 and the second housing 70. When the first housing 50 and the second housing 70 rotate relative to each other, the first push plate 84 of the first auxiliary mechanism 80 pushes the first swing arm 81 to swing, driving the first pin 35 of the first slider 30 to move, thereby achieving reciprocating motion between the first slider 30 and the first housing 50. The second push plate 94 of the second auxiliary mechanism 90 pushes the second swing arm 91 to swing, driving the second pin 45 of the second slider 40 to move, thereby achieving reciprocating motion between the second slider 40 and the second housing 70.

[0181] When the first shell 50 and the second shell 70 are folded relative to each other, the first push plate 84 in the first auxiliary mechanism 80 pushes the first swing plate 811 of the first swing rod 81 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction, thereby pushing the first pin 35 of the first sliding member 30 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. At this time, the first supporting plate 31 slides relative to the first pin 35 along the Y-axis direction, so that the first sliding member 30 drives the first non-bending portion 20a of the flexible display screen 20 to slide toward the bending portion 20b. The second push plate 94 in the second auxiliary mechanism 90 pushes the swing plate 911 of the second swing rod 91 to rotate in the clockwise direction, thereby The second pin 45 of the second sliding member 40 is pushed to rotate in the clockwise direction. At this time, the second supporting plate 41 slides relative to the second pin 45 along the Y-axis direction, so that the second sliding member 40 drives the second non-bending portion 20c of the flexible display screen 20 toward the bending portion 20b. That is, the first sliding member 30 and the second sliding member 40 can assist the flexible display screen 20 in bending, sliding and shifting when the electronic device 100 is folded, reduce stress, improve the shifting problem between the layers of the flexible display screen 20, and avoid the delamination and arching of the flexible display screen 20 of the electronic device 100 after multiple folding.

[0182] When the first shell 50 is unfolded relative to the second shell 70, the first push plate 84 in the first auxiliary mechanism 80 pushes the first swing plate 811 of the first swing arm 81 to rotate in the clockwise direction, thereby pushing the first pin 35 to rotate in the clockwise direction. At this time, the first supporting plate 31 slides relative to the first pin 35 along the Y-axis direction, so that the first sliding member 30 drives the first non-bending portion 20a of the flexible display screen 20 to slide in the direction away from the bending portion 20b. The second push plate 94 in the second auxiliary mechanism 90 pushes the swing plate 911 of the second swing arm 91 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction, thereby pushing the second pin 45 of the second sliding member 40 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. At this time, the second supporting plate 41 slides relative to the second pin 45 along the Y-axis direction, so that the second sliding member 40 drives the second non-bending portion 20c of the flexible display screen 20 to slide in the direction away from the bending portion 20b, so that the flexible display panel 22 is fully flattened when the electronic device 100 is unfolded, which helps to improve the surface quality of the flexible display screen 20.

[0183] Furthermore, because the first rocker arm 81 in the first auxiliary mechanism 80 is eccentrically positioned relative to the rotation center of the first housing 50 and the first rocker plate 811, during the relative folding or unfolding of the first housing 50 and the second housing 70, the sliding distance of the first push plate 84 relative to the first housing 50 is greater than the sliding distance of the first slider 30 (i.e., the first non-bent portion 20a) relative to the first housing 50. This is equivalent to using the long-stroke sliding of the first push plate 84 to achieve a short-stroke sliding of the first slider 30, which facilitates improved control of the sliding stroke of the first slider 30. It will be appreciated that the relative sliding distance between the first slider 30 and the first housing 50 can also be controlled by adjusting the eccentric distance between the first rocker arm 81 and the first rocker plate 811 relative to the rotation center of the first housing 50. Similarly, the relative sliding distance between the second slider 40 and the second housing 70 can also be controlled by adjusting the eccentric distance between the second rocker arm 91 and the second rocker arm 911 in the second auxiliary mechanism 90.

[0184] It should be noted that during the folding or unfolding process of the electronic device 100 shown in this embodiment, when the first non-bending portion 20a and the second non-bending portion 20c of the flexible display 20 slide to their maximum sliding distance, the flexible display 20 is not damaged and continues to operate normally. In other words, the maximum sliding distance of the first non-bending portion 20a and the second non-bending portion 20c is within the elastic deformation range of the flexible display 20.

[0185] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application; the embodiments of this application and the features of the embodiments can be combined with each other unless there is a conflict. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding device for carrying a flexible display screen, characterized in that: It includes a first housing, a second housing, a rotating mechanism, a first push plate, a second push plate, a first sliding member, a second sliding member, a first swing rod and a second swing rod; The rotating mechanism is connected between the first shell and the second shell, and the rotating mechanism can be deformed to make the first shell and the second shell fold or unfold relative to each other; The first sliding member is used to support the first non-bending portion of the flexible display screen and is slidably connected to the first housing; The first push plate is connected to one side of the rotating mechanism and is slidably connected to the first shell, so as to slide relative to the first shell when the first shell and the second shell are relatively folded or relatively unfolded; The middle portion of the first swing link is rotatably connected to the first housing, one end of the first swing link is rotatably and slidably connected to the first sliding member, and the other end of the first swing link is rotatably connected to the first push plate; The second sliding member is used to support the second non-bending portion of the flexible display screen and is slidably connected to the second housing; The second push plate is connected to the other side of the rotating mechanism and is slidably connected to the second shell so as to slide relative to the second shell when the first shell and the second shell are relatively folded or relatively unfolded; The middle portion of the second swing rod is rotatably connected to the second housing, one end of the second swing rod is rotatably and slidably connected to the second sliding member, and the other end of the second swing rod is rotatably connected to the second push plate.

2. The folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first swing arm includes a first swing plate and a first rocker arm fixedly connected to the first swing plate. The first swing plate is rotatably and slidably connected to the first sliding member. The first rocker arm is rotatably connected to the first push plate. The first swing arm is offset from the geometric center of the first swing plate relative to the rotation center of the first housing. The second rocker arm includes a second rocker plate and a second rocker arm fixed to the second rocker plate. The second rocker plate is rotatably and slidably connected to the second sliding member. The second rocker arm is rotatably connected to the second push plate. The second rocker arm is offset from the geometric center of the second rocker plate relative to the rotation center of the second shell.

3. The folding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first push plate is provided with a first sliding hole, the opening of which is located on the top surface of the first push plate; the first swing arm is provided with a first sliding portion, the first sliding portion is connected to the bottom surface of the first swing arm and is slidably mounted in the first sliding hole; The second push plate is provided with a second sliding hole, the opening of the second sliding hole is located on the top surface of the second push plate, and the second rocker arm is provided with a second sliding portion, the second sliding portion is connected to the bottom surface of the second rocker arm and is slidably installed in the second sliding hole.

4. The folding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first swing arm is provided with a first fixing hole, the opening of the first fixing hole is located on the top surface of the first swing arm, the first sliding member includes a first supporting plate and a first pin slidably connected to the first supporting plate, the first supporting plate is used to support the first non-bending portion, the first pin is passed through the first fixing hole and is fixed to the first swing arm; The second rocker arm is provided with a second fixing hole, the opening of the second fixing hole is located on the top surface of the second rocker arm, the second sliding member includes a second supporting plate and a second pin shaft slidably connected to the second supporting plate, the second supporting plate is used to support the second non-bending portion, the second pin shaft is passed through the second fixing hole and is fixed to the second rocker arm.

5. The folding device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first swing arm is provided with a first fixing hole, the opening of the first fixing hole is located on the top surface of the first swing arm, the first sliding member includes a first supporting plate and a first pin slidably connected to the first supporting plate, the first supporting plate is used to support the first non-bending portion, the first pin is passed through the first fixing hole and is fixed to the first swing arm; The second rocker arm is provided with a second fixing hole, the opening of the second fixing hole is located on the top surface of the second rocker arm, the second sliding member includes a second supporting plate and a second pin shaft slidably connected to the second supporting plate, the second supporting plate is used to support the second non-bending portion, the second pin shaft is passed through the second fixing hole and is fixed to the second rocker arm.

6. The folding device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first sliding member further includes a first gasket fixedly connected to the first supporting plate, the first gasket is provided with a sliding hole, the opening of the sliding hole of the first gasket is located on the bottom surface of the first gasket, and the first pin is slidably installed in the sliding hole of the first gasket; The second sliding member also includes a second gasket fixed to the first supporting plate. The second gasket is provided with a sliding hole. The opening of the sliding hole of the second gasket is located on the bottom surface of the second gasket. The second pin shaft is slidably installed in the sliding hole of the second gasket.

7. The folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first sliding member further includes a first gasket fixedly connected to the first supporting plate, the first gasket is provided with a sliding hole, the opening of the sliding hole of the first gasket is located on the bottom surface of the first gasket, and the first pin is slidably installed in the sliding hole of the first gasket; The second sliding member also includes a second gasket fixed to the first supporting plate. The second gasket is provided with a sliding hole. The opening of the sliding hole of the second gasket is located on the bottom surface of the second gasket. The second pin shaft is slidably installed in the sliding hole of the second gasket.

8. The folding device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first housing is provided with a first retaining groove, the opening of the first retaining groove is located on the top surface of the first housing, the first sliding member further comprises a first hook fixedly connected to the first supporting plate, the first hook is slidably mounted in the first retaining groove; The second shell is provided with a second holding groove, the opening of the second holding groove is located on the top surface of the second shell, and the second sliding member further includes a second hook fixedly connected to the second supporting plate, and the second hook is slidably installed in the second holding groove.

9. The folding device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The first housing is provided with a first retaining groove, the opening of the first retaining groove is located on the top surface of the first housing, the first sliding member further comprises a first hook fixedly connected to the first supporting plate, the first hook is slidably mounted in the first retaining groove; The second shell is provided with a second holding groove, the opening of the second holding groove is located on the top surface of the second shell, and the second sliding member further includes a second hook fixedly connected to the second supporting plate, and the second hook is slidably installed in the second holding groove.

10. The folding device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first sliding member further includes a third gasket fixedly connected between the first supporting plate and the first hook. The second sliding member further includes a fourth gasket fixedly connected between the second supporting plate and the second hook.

11. The folding device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first sliding member further includes a third gasket fixedly connected between the first supporting plate and the first hook. The second sliding member further includes a fourth gasket fixedly connected between the second supporting plate and the second hook.

12. The folding device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5-8, 10 and 11, characterized in that: The folding device also includes a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate, one end of the first pressure plate is fixed to the first shell, and the other end is pressed against the bottom surface of the first rocker arm, and one end of the second pressure plate is fixed to the second shell, and the other end is pressed against the bottom surface of the second rocker arm.

13. The folding device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The folding device also includes a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate, one end of the first pressure plate is fixed to the first shell, and the other end is pressed against the bottom surface of the first rocker arm, and one end of the second pressure plate is fixed to the second shell, and the other end is pressed against the bottom surface of the second rocker arm.

14. The folding device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The folding device also includes a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate, one end of the first pressure plate is fixed to the first shell, and the other end is pressed against the bottom surface of the first rocker arm, and one end of the second pressure plate is fixed to the second shell, and the other end is pressed against the bottom surface of the second rocker arm.

15. The folding device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The folding device also includes a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate, one end of the first pressure plate is fixed to the first shell, and the other end is pressed against the bottom surface of the first rocker arm, and one end of the second pressure plate is fixed to the second shell, and the other end is pressed against the bottom surface of the second rocker arm.

16. The folding device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5-8, 10, 11 and 13-15, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism includes a guide shaft, a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a first fixed plate, and a second fixed plate, the guide shaft being located between the first shell and the second shell, the first rotating member being connected to one side of the guide shaft and fixed to the first push plate, the second rotating member being connected to the other side of the guide shaft and fixed to the second push plate, the first rotating member and the second rotating member being able to rotate relative to each other via the guide shaft, the first fixed plate being slidably connected to the first rotating member and fixed to the first shell, the second fixed plate being slidably connected to the second rotating member and fixed to the second shell; When the rotating mechanism rotates, the first rotating member drives the first push plate to slide relative to the first fixed plate, and the second rotating member drives the second push plate to slide relative to the second fixed plate.

17. The folding device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism includes a guide shaft, a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a first fixed plate, and a second fixed plate, the guide shaft being located between the first shell and the second shell, the first rotating member being connected to one side of the guide shaft and fixed to the first push plate, the second rotating member being connected to the other side of the guide shaft and fixed to the second push plate, the first rotating member and the second rotating member being able to rotate relative to each other via the guide shaft, the first fixed plate being slidably connected to the first rotating member and fixed to the first shell, the second fixed plate being slidably connected to the second rotating member and fixed to the second shell; When the rotating mechanism rotates, the first rotating member drives the first push plate to slide relative to the first fixed plate, and the second rotating member drives the second push plate to slide relative to the second fixed plate.

18. The folding device according to claim 4, characterized in that The rotating mechanism includes a guide shaft, a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a first fixed plate, and a second fixed plate, the guide shaft being located between the first shell and the second shell, the first rotating member being connected to one side of the guide shaft and fixed to the first push plate, the second rotating member being connected to the other side of the guide shaft and fixed to the second push plate, the first rotating member and the second rotating member being able to rotate relative to each other via the guide shaft, the first fixed plate being slidably connected to the first rotating member and fixed to the first shell, the second fixed plate being slidably connected to the second rotating member and fixed to the second shell; When the rotating mechanism rotates, the first rotating member drives the first push plate to slide relative to the first fixed plate, and the second rotating member drives the second push plate to slide relative to the second fixed plate.

19. The folding device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism includes a guide shaft, a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a first fixed plate, and a second fixed plate, the guide shaft being located between the first shell and the second shell, the first rotating member being connected to one side of the guide shaft and fixed to the first push plate, the second rotating member being connected to the other side of the guide shaft and fixed to the second push plate, the first rotating member and the second rotating member being able to rotate relative to each other via the guide shaft, the first fixed plate being slidably connected to the first rotating member and fixed to the first shell, the second fixed plate being slidably connected to the second rotating member and fixed to the second shell; When the rotating mechanism rotates, the first rotating member drives the first push plate to slide relative to the first fixed plate, and the second rotating member drives the second push plate to slide relative to the second fixed plate.

20. The folding device according to claim 12, characterized in that The rotating mechanism includes a guide shaft, a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a first fixed plate, and a second fixed plate, the guide shaft being located between the first shell and the second shell, the first rotating member being connected to one side of the guide shaft and fixed to the first push plate, the second rotating member being connected to the other side of the guide shaft and fixed to the second push plate, the first rotating member and the second rotating member being able to rotate relative to each other via the guide shaft, the first fixed plate being slidably connected to the first rotating member and fixed to the first shell, the second fixed plate being slidably connected to the second rotating member and fixed to the second shell; When the rotating mechanism rotates, the first rotating member drives the first push plate to slide relative to the first fixed plate, and the second rotating member drives the second push plate to slide relative to the second fixed plate.

21. The folding device according to claim 16, characterized in that There are two of each of the first rotating member, the second rotating member, the first fixing plate, and the second fixing plate. The two first fixing plates are fixed to the first housing at intervals, and the two second fixing plates are fixed to the second housing at intervals. Each of the first rotating members is slidably connected to one of the first fixing plates, and each of the second rotating members is slidably connected to one of the second fixing plates. There are two of each of the first push plates and the second push plates. Each of the first push plates is fixedly connected to one of the first rotating members, and each of the second push plates is fixedly connected to one of the second rotating members.

22. The folding device according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that: There are two of each of the first rotating member, the second rotating member, the first fixing plate, and the second fixing plate. The two first fixing plates are fixed to the first housing at intervals, and the two second fixing plates are fixed to the second housing at intervals. Each of the first rotating members is slidably connected to one of the first fixing plates, and each of the second rotating members is slidably connected to one of the second fixing plates. There are two of each of the first push plates and the second push plates. Each of the first push plates is fixedly connected to one of the first rotating members, and each of the second push plates is fixedly connected to one of the second rotating members.

23. The folding device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5-8, 10, 11, 13-15 and 17-21, characterized in that A receiving space is provided on a side of the first shell close to the rotating mechanism. When the first shell and the second shell are folded relative to each other, at least a portion of the second shell is received in the receiving space.

24. The folding device according to claim 3, characterized in that A receiving space is provided on a side of the first shell close to the rotating mechanism. When the first shell and the second shell are folded relative to each other, at least a portion of the second shell is received in the receiving space.

25. The folding device according to claim 4, characterized in that A receiving space is provided on a side of the first shell close to the rotating mechanism. When the first shell and the second shell are folded relative to each other, at least a portion of the second shell is received in the receiving space.

26. The folding device according to claim 9, characterized in that A receiving space is provided on a side of the first shell close to the rotating mechanism. When the first shell and the second shell are folded relative to each other, at least a portion of the second shell is received in the receiving space.

27. The folding device according to claim 12, characterized in that A receiving space is provided on a side of the first shell close to the rotating mechanism. When the first shell and the second shell are folded relative to each other, at least a portion of the second shell is received in the receiving space.

28. The folding device according to claim 16, characterized in that A receiving space is provided on a side of the first shell close to the rotating mechanism. When the first shell and the second shell are folded relative to each other, at least a portion of the second shell is received in the receiving space.

29. The folding device according to claim 22, characterized in that A receiving space is provided on a side of the first shell close to the rotating mechanism. When the first shell and the second shell are folded relative to each other, at least a portion of the second shell is received in the receiving space.

30. An electronic device, characterized in that: It includes a flexible display screen and a folding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the flexible display screen includes a first non-bending portion, a bending portion, and a second non-bending portion connected in sequence, the periphery of the first non-bending portion is fixed to the first shell, the middle portion of the first non-bending portion is fixed to the first sliding member, the periphery of the second non-bending portion is fixed to the second shell, and the middle portion of the second non-bending portion is fixed to the second sliding member, and the bending portion can be deformed during the process of relative folding and relative unfolding of the first shell and the second shell.

31. The electronic device according to claim 30, characterized in that The flexible display screen includes a flexible display panel and a flexible cover plate, the periphery of the flexible cover plate is fixed to the first shell and the second shell, the flexible display panel is fixed to the middle part of the flexible cover plate, and the flexible display panel includes a first part, a second part and a third part connected in sequence, the first part is fixed to the first sliding member, the second part is opposite to the rotating mechanism, and the third part is fixed to the second sliding member.

Images