Folding device and electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a folding device and an electronic device. The folding device comprises a first shell, a first support plate and a middle shell arranged in sequence in the direction in which a flexible display screen extends, and further comprises a first fixing frame, a first transmission arm and a first rotating arm. The first fixing frame is fixed to the first shell. The first transmission arm is rotationally connected to the middle shell and has a first axis as a rotation center, is slidingly connected to the first fixing frame and is slidingly connected to the first support plate. The first rotating arm is rotationally connected to the middle shell and has a second axis as a rotation center, and is rotationally connected to the first fixing frame. The second axis and the first axis are not collinear. The first support plate is rotationally connected to the first fixing frame and can be driven by the first transmission arm to rotate relative to the middle shell, so as to switch the first shell, the first support plate and the middle shell between a flat state and a folded state. The technical scheme of the application has a structure for actively driving the support plate to move, can make the support plate move smoothly and stably, and has high reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of foldable electronic products technology, and more particularly to a folding device and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] As flexible foldable screen technology matures, folding devices capable of supporting flexible displays have become a major trend. Folding devices need to meet high reliability and a good user experience. Folding devices generally include two housings and a rotating mechanism connected between the two housings. The rotating mechanism can control the relative folding or unfolding of the two housings through deformation, and drive the flexible display to fold and unfold.

[0003] The rotating mechanism of a folding device typically includes two motion support plates connected to the two housings respectively. These two support plates can support the screen in the unfolded state and form a space to accommodate the screen in the folded state. However, traditional rotating mechanisms lack an active drive structure to move the support plates, making them prone to jamming and stuck during operation, resulting in low reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of this application provide a folding device and an electronic device. The folding device has an active driving structure that actively drives the motion support plate to move, which enables the motion support plate to obtain sufficient driving force during the movement process and to move smoothly and stably with high reliability.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a folding device, the folding device comprising a first housing, a first support plate and a middle housing arranged sequentially in the direction in which the flexible display screen extends for supporting the flexible display screen; the folding device further comprises a first fixing frame, a first transmission arm and a first rotating arm;

[0006] The first fixed frame is fixed to the first housing, the first transmission arm is rotatably connected to the middle housing with the rotation center being the first axis, the first transmission arm is slidably connected to the first fixed frame, and the first transmission arm is slidably connected to the first support plate;

[0007] The first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the middle shell and its rotation center is the second axis. The first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame. The second axis and the first axis are not collinear.

[0008] The first support plate is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame. The first support plate can be driven to rotate relative to the middle shell by the first transmission arm through the sliding of the first transmission arm relative to the first fixed frame, so that the first shell, the first support plate and the middle shell can switch between a flattened state and a folded state.

[0009] It should be noted that the flattened state can be understood as the first housing and the first support plate not rotating relative to the middle housing, so that the first housing, the first support plate, and the middle housing are flush and jointly support the flexible display screen. For example, in the flattened state, the first housing, the first support plate, and the middle housing can be arranged in a straight line. The folded state can be understood as the first housing and the first support plate rotating relative to the middle housing, so that the first housing and the first support plate are set at an angle to the middle housing to form a receiving space for accommodating the flexible display screen. For example, in the folded state, the first housing, the first support plate, and the middle housing can be arranged in an arc shape.

[0010] It is understandable that the first transmission arm can rotate relative to the middle shell. In other words, the first transmission arm has a center of rotation, and the center of rotation of the first transmission arm is the first axis. The center of rotation of the first transmission arm (the first axis) is the center of rotation of the first transmission arm relative to the middle shell, which can be understood as a straight line that allows the first transmission arm to rotate within an angle range of 0° to 90° relative to the middle shell. The first rotating arm can also rotate relative to the middle shell. In other words, the first rotating arm has a center of rotation, and the center of rotation of the first rotating arm is the second axis. The center of rotation of the first rotating arm (the second axis) is the center of rotation of the first rotating arm relative to the middle shell, which can be understood as a straight line that allows the first rotating arm to rotate within an angle range of 0° to 90° relative to the middle shell.

[0011] The first axis and the second axis are not collinear; in other words, they are misaligned due to a distance difference. Therefore, when the first rotating arm and the first transmission arm rotate relative to the middle shell, the first rotating arm will rotate ahead of the first transmission arm, and the first transmission arm will rotate behind the first rotating arm.

[0012] Therefore, by utilizing the phase difference principle, which causes a phase difference in the rotation between the first axis and the second axis, relative sliding can occur between the first transmission arm and the first fixed frame during the rotation of the first transmission arm and the first rotating arm.

[0013] Based on the above description, it should be understood that the first transmission arm is rotatably connected to the middle shell and slidably connected to the first fixed frame, thus forming a linkage-slider structure. The first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the middle shell and rotatably connected to the first fixed frame, thus forming a linkage structure. Therefore, the connection between the first fixed frame and the middle shell can be achieved through the linkage-slider structure and the linkage structure. Under this architecture, the folding device has fewer parts, simpler mating relationships and positions, and easier-to-manufacture and assemble components, which is beneficial for mass production. Furthermore, the first fixed frame is also linked to the first shell, thus giving the folding device as a whole better tensile and compressive strength.

[0014] Furthermore, the folding device controls the movement trajectory of the first fixed frame and the first housing through the first transmission arm and the first rotating arm. This allows the first fixed frame to move the first housing closer to the middle housing during folding, and the first fixed frame to move the first housing away from the middle housing during unfolding. In other words, it enables the inward pulling motion of the housing during the change from a flattened to a closed state, and the outward pushing motion of the housing during the change from a closed to a flattened state. This allows the folding device to deform the flexible display screen during unfolding or folding, reducing the risk of pulling or squeezing the flexible display screen, protecting it, improving its reliability, and extending the service life of the flexible display screen and electronic devices.

[0015] The first support plate is movably connected to the sliding end of the first transmission arm, so that during the relative folding or unfolding of the first and second housings, the first support plate and the sliding end of the first transmission arm slide and rotate relative to each other. Thus, when the first transmission arm slides relative to the first fixed frame, the first support plate can be driven by the first transmission arm to follow its movement.

[0016] Based on this, the first transmission arm can serve as the active driving structure for the first support plate. When the first transmission arm slides relative to the first fixed frame, it causes the first support plate to follow the movement. In other words, the first transmission arm can directly drive the first support plate to move, thereby enabling the first support plate to have sufficient thrust for stable and smooth movement, minimizing the possibility of jamming or jamming during the movement of the first support plate, and ensuring high reliability.

[0017] It should be understood that the first support plate can move with the first transmission arm. On the one hand, this allows for high control precision and low backlash in the movement of the first support plate. On the other hand, it better meets the support requirements of the flexible display screen, thus forming a strong support for the bending part of the flexible display screen together with the middle shell when the folding device is in the flattened, intermediate, and closed states. This makes the flexible display screen less susceptible to damage under external forces, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible display screen and extending the service life of the flexible display screen and electronic equipment.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first transmission arm includes a sliding end, the sliding end of the first transmission arm includes a first sliding body, the peripheral side of the first sliding body is recessed inward to form a first recessed area, the first support plate includes a first plate body and a first guide structure protruding from the first plate body, the first guide structure is connected to the first recessed area, and the first guide structure and the first sliding body are slidable relative to each other.

[0019] Therefore, the first recessed area can not only accommodate the first shaft, but also the first guide structure of the first support plate, thereby facilitating the connection between the first shaft and the first guide structure, saving the space occupied by the rotating mechanism, and helping to achieve the thinning and lightening of the folding device and electronic devices using the folding device.

[0020] Furthermore, the first guide structure and the first sliding body can slide relative to each other. Therefore, the first support plate can move with the first transmission arm; that is, the first support plate can be driven to rotate relative to the middle shell by the sliding of the first transmission arm relative to the first fixed frame. This ensures that the first support plate always has sufficient driving force due to being driven by the first transmission arm, resulting in smooth movement during operation. This allows the first support plate to move into position during the relative folding or unfolding of the first and second shells, which helps improve the protective performance of the flexible display screen.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first guide structure is provided with a first track groove, and the sliding end of the first transmission arm further includes a first shaft. One end of the first shaft is connected to one side of the first recessed area, the first shaft passes through the first track groove, and the other end of the first shaft is connected to the other side of the first recessed area. The first shaft can slide within the first track groove.

[0022] Therefore, the first shaft can be substantially located in the first recessed area, and the first shaft can also be connected to the first track groove of the first support plate. In other words, the first sliding body can be connected to the first support plate through the first shaft. That is, the first transmission arm can be connected to the first support plate through the first shaft. This allows the first recessed area to not only accommodate the first shaft, but also part of the structure of the first support plate, thereby facilitating the connection between the first shaft and the first sliding body, as well as the connection between the first shaft and the first support plate, saving space occupied by the rotating mechanism, and contributing to the thinning and lightening of folding devices and electronic devices using folding devices.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first track groove extends through the front and back of the first guide structure, but does not extend through the peripheral side of the first guide structure.

[0024] Thus, the first track groove can form a closed structure, and due to its closed characteristics, the first shaft can only slide back and forth within its restricted activity space, which plays the role of limiting the first shaft and can effectively prevent the first shaft from accidentally leaving the first track groove.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the extension path of the first trajectory groove includes an arc shape or a straight line shape.

[0026] For example, the extension path of the first track groove is arc-shaped, thus making the shape of the first track groove arc-shaped. Therefore, by adjusting the curvature of the first track groove, on the one hand, the movement trajectory of the first support plate can be directly controlled, resulting in high control precision and low hysteresis during the movement of the first support plate. This avoids the problem of the first support plate pulling or squeezing the flexible display screen when it moves to certain angles, effectively improving the screen stress of the flexible display screen. On the other hand, the movement trajectory of the flexible display screen can be indirectly adjusted, allowing the curvature of the first track groove to better adapt to the movement trajectory of the flexible display screen, realizing the adjustable function of the flexible display screen's movement trajectory.

[0027] Alternatively, the extension path of the first track groove is straight, thus making the shape of the first track groove linear.

[0028] Therefore, the extension path of the first track groove can be designed so that the intermediate movement process, i.e., the movement trajectory, of the first support plate during the relative folding and unfolding of the first and second shells can be designed. This allows control over the movement trajectory of the flexible display screen during this process, avoiding excessive local stress in the flexible display screen and effectively improving the screen stress of the flexible display screen. It should be understood that the extension path of the first track groove is not limited to the aforementioned arc or straight line shape, but can also be one or more combinations of curves, straight lines, and broken lines. The embodiments of this application do not strictly limit this.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the extension path of the first track groove is adjustable. That is, the trajectory of the first track groove can be adjusted.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the first fixing bracket is provided with a first slide groove, the sidewall of the first slide groove has a recessed guide space, the front and back of the first sliding body are provided with a first flange, the first flange is connected to the guide space of the first slide groove, and the first flange can slide relative to the first slide groove.

[0031] Thus, the first sliding body and the first sliding groove can form a slider-groove structure. Through the cooperation between the first flange of the first sliding body and the guide space of the first sliding groove, the relative sliding action between the first sliding body and the first sliding groove is easier to achieve and the control precision is higher.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the first fixed frame is provided with a first rotating groove, the first rotating groove is arc-shaped, and the first support plate further includes a first rotating structure disposed on the first plate body. The first rotating structure and the first guide structure are located on the same side of the first plate body, and the first rotating structure is arc-shaped and installed in the first rotating groove.

[0033] The first support plate is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame through the cooperation of the first rotating structure and the first rotating groove.

[0034] Thus, through the relative movement of the first rotating structure and the first rotating groove, the first support plate and the first fixed frame are rotatably connected via a virtual axis. This architecture features a simple rotating connection structure, occupies little space, and facilitates the miniaturization of folding devices and electronic devices.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first rotating structure includes a first baffle and a first arc-shaped arm protruding from the first plate. The first arc-shaped arm is connected to one side of the first baffle and is also connected to the first rotating groove and can slide within the first rotating groove. The first baffle is used to support the first arc-shaped arm.

[0036] For example, the first arc-shaped arm may be crescent-shaped. The first baffle is used to support the first arc-shaped arm to increase the strength of the first rotating structure and prevent the rotating mechanism from failing due to breakage or damage of the first arc-shaped arm during rotation.

[0037] For example, the first baffle and the first arc-shaped arm can be integrally formed. The first rotating structure formed by integral forming has fewer assembly steps, which helps to save production time and costs.

[0038] It is understandable that when the first support plate is driven by the first transmission arm and moves accordingly, the first arc-shaped arm can rotate within the first rotating groove. The ability of the first arc-shaped arm to rotate within the first rotating groove can be understood as the first arc-shaped arm reciprocating within the groove; that is, the first arc-shaped arm can slide from one end of the first rotating groove to the other end, and then slide back from the other end to one end, repeating this process. In other words, the first arc-shaped arm is rotatably connected to the first rotating groove.

[0039] Therefore, through the cooperation between the first arc-shaped arm and the first rotating groove, when the first transmission arm slides relative to the first fixed frame 21, the first transmission arm can drive the first support plate to rotate relative to the middle shell. That is, during the sliding process of the first transmission arm, the first support plate can rotate accordingly.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the rotation center of the first rotating structure is located in the neutral layer of the flexible display screen.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the folding device further includes a second support plate and a second housing, wherein the first support plate and the second support plate are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the middle housing, and the second housing and the first housing are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the middle housing.

[0042] Therefore, in the extension direction of the flexible display screen, the first housing, the first support plate, the middle housing, the second support plate, and the second housing are arranged sequentially. This allows the first housing, the first support plate, the middle housing, the second support plate, and the second housing to work together to support the flexible display screen in the folded, intermediate, and closed states of the folding device, resulting in high reliability.

[0043] It should be noted that the flattened state can be understood as the second housing and the second support plate not rotating relative to the middle housing, so that the second housing, the second support plate, and the middle housing are flush and jointly support the flexible display screen. For example, in the flattened state, the second housing, the second support plate, and the middle housing can be arranged in a straight line. The folded state can be understood as the second housing and the second support plate rotating relative to the middle housing, so that the second housing and the second support plate are set at an angle to the middle housing to form a receiving space for accommodating the flexible display screen. For example, in the folded state, the second housing, the second support plate, and the middle housing can be arranged in an arc shape.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the folding device further includes a second fixing frame, a second transmission arm, and a second transmission arm;

[0045] The second fixed frame is fixed to the second housing, the second transmission arm is rotatably connected to the middle housing and the rotation center is the third axis, the second transmission arm is slidably connected to the second fixed frame, and the second transmission arm is slidably connected to the second support plate;

[0046] The second rotating arm is rotatably connected to the middle shell and its rotation center is the fourth axis. The second rotating arm is rotatably connected to the second fixed frame. The fourth axis and the third axis are not collinear.

[0047] The second support plate is rotatably connected to the second fixed frame. The second support plate can be driven to rotate relative to the middle shell by the second transmission arm through the sliding of the second transmission arm relative to the second fixed frame, so that the second shell, the second support plate and the middle shell can switch between a flattened state and a folded state.

[0048] In one possible implementation, when the first housing and the second housing are folded to a closed state, the first support plate, the middle shell, and the second support plate together form a receiving space for accommodating the flexible display screen; when the first housing and the second housing are unfolded to an open state, the first support plate, the middle shell, and the second support plate are flush to support the flexible display screen.

[0049] Therefore, the first support plate, the middle shell, and the second support plate can work together to provide strong support for the flexible display screen in various forms, making the flexible display screen less prone to denting under external forces, which helps reduce the risk of damage to the display screen, improves the reliability of the flexible display screen, and gives the flexible display screen and electronic devices a longer service life.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the second axis is closer to the edge of the middle shell near the first shell relative to the first axis;

[0051] The fourth axis is closer to the edge of the middle shell near the second shell than the third axis.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the folding device further includes a first rotation assist component, which includes a second shaft and a first elastic element. The first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame via the second shaft, and the first elastic element is sleeved on the second shaft and elastically abuts against the first fixed frame and the first support plate.

[0053] It is understandable that there will be movement gaps at the connection points of the various kinematically related parts within the rotating mechanism. These gaps can cause angular deviations between the first and second support plates during their rotation relative to the central shell. Consequently, when the folding device is in the closed state, the included angle between the first and second support plates may not reach the designed angle. For example, the included angle between the first and second support plates may be smaller than the designed angle, thus compressing the flexible display screen, increasing local stress, and making the flexible display screen more prone to damage. Therefore, adding a first rotation auxiliary component can minimize the possibility that the included angle between the first and second support plates will not reach the designed angle due to the movement gaps between parts, ensuring that the included angle between the first and second support plates is at the optimal designed angle.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the first elastic element is a torsion spring having two free ends. One free end of the torsion spring is connected to the first fixing frame, and the other free end of the torsion spring is connected to the first support plate.

[0055] For example, the first elastic element is a torsion spring, which has two free ends. One free end of the torsion spring is connected to the first fixed frame and its position relative to the first fixed frame remains fixed. The other free end of the torsion spring is connected to the first support plate and its position relative to the first support plate remains fixed. In other words, one free end of the torsion spring is fixedly connected to the first fixed frame, and the other free end of the torsion spring is fixedly connected to the first support plate. For example, the free end of the torsion spring fixed to the first fixed frame can be fixed to the first fixed frame by means of adhesive, snap-fit, etc., and the free end of the torsion spring fixed to the first support plate can be fixed to the first support plate by snapping into the corresponding locking structure on the first support plate. However, it should be understood that the way the torsion spring is fixed to the first fixed frame and the first support plate can be designed according to actual needs, and the embodiments of this application do not impose strict limitations on this.

[0056] Therefore, the torsion of the torsion spring can act on the first support plate, thereby adding a pulling force to the first support plate in the direction of the first fixing frame. In the closed state of the folding device, this pulling force can eliminate the angular deviation caused by the movement gaps of the various parts, so that the movement of the first support plate reaches the design angle, thereby ensuring that the included angle between the first support plate and the second support plate meets the design requirements. The structure is simple and has excellent performance.

[0057] Secondly, this application provides an electronic device, which includes a flexible display screen and a folding device as described above, wherein the flexible display screen is fixed to the folding device. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0059] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the electronic device shown.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the folding device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded view of the folding device is shown.

[0062] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of region A of the folding device shown;

[0063] Figure 6 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the flattened structure of the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 7 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the folded state structure of the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating mechanism of the folding device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0066] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged schematic diagram of region B of the folding device shown;

[0067] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first fixed frame of the rotating mechanism shown;

[0068] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the folded state of the rotating mechanism shown;

[0069] Figure 12 yes Figure 8 Another cross-sectional view of the folded state of the rotating mechanism shown;

[0070] Figure 13 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of the rotating mechanism shown;

[0071] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 An exploded view of part of the rotating mechanism shown;

[0072] Figure 15 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first support plate of the rotating mechanism shown;

[0073] Figure 16 yes Figure 8 A simplified schematic diagram of the rotation center of the first support plate of the rotating mechanism shown.

[0074] Figure 17 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second support plate of the rotating mechanism shown;

[0075] Figure 18 yes Figure 8 A simplified schematic diagram of the rotation center of the second support plate of the rotating mechanism shown.

[0076] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of the flattened state of the rotating mechanism of the folding device provided in the embodiment of this application, taken along line DD.

[0077] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view along line DD of the intermediate state of the rotating mechanism of the folding device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0078] Figure 21This is a cross-sectional view of the folded state of the rotating mechanism of the folding device provided in the embodiment of this application, taken along line DD. Detailed Implementation

[0079] The specific embodiments of this application will now be clearly described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0080] Please see Figure 1 This application provides an electronic device 2000, which is foldable. The electronic device 2000 can be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, tablet computer, e-reader, laptop computer, in-vehicle device, etc. For ease of understanding, this application uses a mobile phone, an electronic device with a wide user base and diverse application scenarios, as an example for illustration, but it is not intended to be limiting.

[0081] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electronic device 2000 includes a folding device 1000 and a flexible display screen 1100. The folding device 1000 can be unfolded to a flat state, folded to a closed state, or in an intermediate state between the two, thus achieving the foldable performance of the electronic device 2000. The flexible display screen 1100 is fixed to the folding device 1000 and can be used to display information and provide an interactive interface for the user. It unfolds as the folding device 1000 unfolds and folds as the folding device 1000 folds. For example, the flexible display screen 1100 can be fixed to the folding device 1000 by dispensing adhesive.

[0082] It should be noted that, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The purpose of this illustration is solely to depict the connection relationship between the folding device 1000 and the flexible display screen 1100, and is not to specifically limit the connection positions, specific structures, or quantities of the various devices. Furthermore, the structures illustrated in the embodiments of this application do not constitute a specific limitation on the electronic device 2000. In other embodiments of this application, the electronic device 2000 may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or split certain components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0083] Please refer to the following: Figures 2-5 The folding device 1000 includes a rotating mechanism 100, a first housing 200, and a second housing 300. The rotating mechanism 100 is connected between the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 and is deformable to fold or unfold the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 relative to each other. In other words, the rotating mechanism enables relative movement between the first housing 200 and the second housing 300.

[0084] For example, the first housing 200 has a first mounting groove 210 on the side near the rotating mechanism 100, and the second housing 300 has a second mounting groove 310 on the side near the rotating mechanism 100. The first mounting groove 210 and the second mounting groove 310 surround and form a mounting space capable of accommodating the rotating mechanism 100. The rotating mechanism 100 is accommodated in the mounting space and is connected to both the first housing 200 and the second housing 300.

[0085] In embodiments of this application, the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can be unfolded relative to each other to a flattened state, so that the electronic device 2000 is in a flattened state. Exemplarily, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are in the flattened state, the included angle between them can be approximately 180° (a slight deviation is also allowed, such as 175°, 178°, or 185°). The first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can also be folded relative to each other to a closed state, so that the electronic device 2000 is in a closed state. Exemplarily, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are in the closed state, they can be completely closed to be parallel to each other (a slight deviation is also allowed). The first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can also be rotated relative to each other to move closer to each other (folded) or further away from each other (unfolded) to an intermediate state, so that the electronic device 2000 is in an intermediate state, wherein the intermediate state can be any state between the flattened state and the closed state. For example, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are in an intermediate state, the included angle between them can be 135°, 90° or 45°.

[0086] Thus, the electronic device 2000 can switch between a flattened state and a closed state by being driven by the rotating mechanism 100, and maintain both the flattened and closed states.

[0087] When the electronic device 2000 is in its flattened state, its planar dimensions are relatively large, and the flexible display screen 1100 is also flattened. In this state, the flexible display screen 1100 can display in full screen, thus the electronic device 2000 has a large display area, providing a large-screen display effect and improving the user experience. When the electronic device 2000 is in its folded state, its planar dimensions are smaller, making it easier for users to store and carry. For example, the electronic device 2000 can use a folding device 1000 to fold the flexible display screen 1100 inward. In this case, the flexible display screen 1100 can be sandwiched between the first housing 200 and the second housing 300, meaning that the flexible display screen 1100 can be located inside the folding device 1000 and is thus enclosed by the folding device 1000. Alternatively, the electronic device 2000 can use a folding device 1000 to fold the flexible display screen 1100 outward. In this case, the flexible display screen 1100 can be exposed to the outside as the external structure of the electronic device 2000. That is, the flexible display screen 1100 can be located outside the folding device 1000 and present a state of wrapping the folding device 1000.

[0088] Specifically, please refer to [link / reference] again. Figure 2 The flexible display screen 1100 includes a first non-bending portion 1110, a bending portion 1120, and a second non-bending portion 1130 connected in sequence. The first non-bending portion 1110 is fixed to the first housing 200, and the second non-bending portion 1130 is fixed to the second housing 300. During the relative folding and unfolding of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300, the bending portion 1120 deforms. Exemplarily, the flexible display screen 1100 can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini-organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) display screen, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen.

[0089] In the embodiments of this application, the electronic device 2000 optimizes the rotating mechanism 100 of the folding device 1000 so that the rotating structure has an active driving structure that actively drives the motion support plate to move. This allows the motion support plate to obtain sufficient driving force during the movement so that it can move smoothly and stably, with high reliability, which is beneficial to improving the user experience. The details will be explained below.

[0090] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The rotating mechanism 100 includes a middle shell 10, a motion connection assembly 20, a first support plate 30, and a second support plate 40.

[0091] It is understood that, in the direction of extension of the flexible display screen, the first housing 200, the first support plate 30, the middle housing 10, the second support plate 40, and the second housing 300 are arranged sequentially. For example, the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the middle housing 10, and the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the middle housing 10. However, it should be understood that symmetrical distribution refers to symmetrical distribution in position, not that the two support plates and the two housings have completely identical shapes and structures; their structures can be the same or different.

[0092] Therefore, the first shell 200, the first support plate 30, the middle shell 10, the second support plate 40 and the second shell 300 can jointly support the flexible display screen 1100 in the folded state, intermediate state and closed state of the folding device 1000, with high reliability.

[0093] The middle shell 10 is able to remain stationary during the relative folding and unfolding of the first shell 200 and the second shell 300. In other words, during the relative folding and unfolding of the first shell 200 and the second shell 300, the middle shell 10 can maintain its own position without change, that is, the middle shell 10 is relatively stationary, while the first shell 200 and the second shell 300 can both rotate relative to the middle shell 10, and when the first shell 200 and the second shell 300 are folded to a closed state, the middle shell 10 is located between the first shell 200 and the second shell 300.

[0094] Motion connection assembly 20 connects the first housing 200, the middle housing 10, and the second housing 300. Exemplarily, there are two motion connection assemblies 20, spaced apart along the length of the middle housing 10 (i.e., the width of the electronic device 2000). The two motion connection assemblies 20 can be connected to the top and bottom of the middle housing 10, respectively. Alternatively, there can be one motion connection assembly 20, connected to the middle of the middle housing 10 and connected to the middle of the first housing 200 and the middle of the second housing 300. It should be understood that the structure of the rotating mechanism 100 can have various combinations and variations, and the embodiments of this application do not strictly limit this.

[0095] The first support plate 30 is located on the side of the middle shell 10 facing the first shell 200, and is connected to the motion connection assembly 20. The second support plate 40 is located on the side of the middle shell 10 facing the second shell 300, and is also connected to the motion connection assembly 20. Thus, the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 can be located on the same side of the two motion connection assemblies 20 and are both connected to the two motion connection assemblies 20. They can move with the movement of the two motion connection assemblies 20 to cooperate with the first shell 200, the middle shell 10, and the second shell 300 to support or accommodate the flexible display screen 1100.

[0096] Please refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 7 Specifically, when the electronic device 2000 is in a flattened state, the first housing 200, the first support plate 30, the middle housing 10, the second support plate 40, and the second housing 300 are flush and jointly support the flexible display screen 1100, making the flexible display screen 1100 flatter and less prone to damage from external touch, thus improving the reliability of the flexible display screen 1100. When the electronic device 2000 is in a closed state, the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can be completely closed to be parallel to each other, so that the first housing 200, the first support plate 30, the middle housing 10, the second support plate 40, and the second housing 300 together form a receiving space to accommodate the flexible display screen 1100, thereby maintaining consistency with the ideal closed shape of the flexible display screen 1100 and providing better support performance for the closed flexible display screen 1100. It should be understood that the flexible display screen 1100 can be attached to the first housing 200, the first support plate 30, the middle housing 10, the second support plate 40, and the second housing 300.

[0097] The specific structure and connection relationship of the motion connection component 20 will be described in detail below.

[0098] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9The motion connection assembly 20 includes a first fixed frame 21, a first transmission arm 22, a first rotating arm 23, a second fixed frame 24, a second transmission arm 25, and a second rotating arm 26.

[0099] The first fixing frame 21 may be provided with multiple fastening holes. The first fixing frame 21 can be fixed to the first housing 200 through the one-to-one correspondence between multiple fasteners and multiple fastening holes. That is, the rotating mechanism 100 achieves the connection relationship with the first housing 200 through the first fixing frame 21.

[0100] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The first fixed frame 21 may also be provided with a first sliding groove 211, which can be used to realize a sliding connection with the corresponding structure on the first transmission arm 22. For example, the first sliding groove 211 has two oppositely arranged sidewalls, which are recessed to jointly form a guide space 212 of the first sliding groove 211. That is, the sidewalls of the first sliding groove 211 may have a recessed guide space 212 to guide the sliding direction of the corresponding structure on the first transmission arm 22, making the relative sliding action between the first fixed frame 21 and the first transmission arm 22 easier to achieve and providing higher control precision.

[0101] The end of the first fixed frame 21 is provided with a first rotating groove 213. The first rotating groove 213 is arc-shaped and can rotate with the corresponding structure on the first support plate 30 to form a virtual shaft rotational connection between the first fixed frame 21 and the first support plate 30, ensuring that the corresponding structure on the first transmission arm 22 does not shift when rotating, so as to ensure the stability of the rotating mechanism 100 when opening and closing.

[0102] It is understood that the first fixing frame 21 is rotatable relative to the middle shell 10, and the first fixing frame 21 is also fixed to the first shell 200. Therefore, the movement of the first fixing frame 21 can drive the movement of the first shell 200. For example, when the first fixing frame 21 rotates relative to the middle shell 10, it will drive the first shell 200 to rotate together relative to the middle shell 10.

[0103] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The second fixing frame 24 may be provided with multiple fastening holes. The second fixing frame 24 can be fixed to the second housing 300 through the one-to-one correspondence between multiple fasteners and multiple fastening holes. That is, the rotating mechanism 100 achieves the connection relationship with the second housing 300 through the second fixing frame 24.

[0104] The second fixed frame 24 may also be provided with a second sliding groove 241, which can be used to achieve a sliding connection with the corresponding structure on the second transmission arm 25. For example, the second sliding groove 241 has two oppositely arranged sidewalls, which are recessed to jointly form a guide space 242 of the second sliding groove 241. That is, the sidewalls of the second sliding groove 241 may have a recessed guide space 242 to guide the sliding direction of the corresponding structure on the second transmission arm 25, making the relative sliding action between the second fixed frame 24 and the second transmission arm 25 easier to achieve and providing higher control precision.

[0105] The end of the second fixed frame 24 is provided with a second rotating groove 243. The second rotating groove 243 is arc-shaped and can rotate with the corresponding structure on the second support plate 40 to form a virtual shaft rotational connection between the second fixed frame 24 and the second support plate 40, ensuring that the corresponding structure on the second transmission arm 25 does not shift when rotating, so as to ensure the stability of the rotating mechanism 100 when opening and closing.

[0106] It is understood that the second fixing frame 24 is rotatable relative to the middle shell 10, and the second fixing frame 24 is also fixed to the second shell 300. Therefore, the movement of the second fixing frame 24 can drive the movement of the second shell 300. For example, when the second fixing frame 24 rotates relative to the middle shell 10, it will drive the second shell 300 to rotate together relative to the middle shell 10.

[0107] Based on the above description, when the first fixing frame 21 and the second fixing frame 24 both rotate relative to the middle shell 10 and move closer or further away from each other, the first shell 200 can be driven by the first fixing frame 21 to rotate relative to the middle shell 10, and the second shell 300 can be driven by the second fixing frame 24 to rotate relative to the middle shell 10, thereby realizing the relative folding or relative unfolding of the first shell 200 and the second shell 300.

[0108] Please refer to it again. Figure 5 In the embodiments of this application, the first fixed frame 21 can be rotatably connected to the middle shell 10 via the first rotating arm 23. Specifically, one end of the first rotating arm 23 is connected to the first fixed frame 21, and this end of the first rotating arm 23 can rotate relative to the first fixed frame 21. The other end of the first rotating arm 23 is connected to the middle shell 10, and this other end of the first rotating arm 23 can rotate relative to the middle shell 10. In other words, one end of the first rotating arm 23 is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 21, and the other end of the first rotating arm 23 is rotatably connected to the middle shell 10.

[0109] For example, one end of the first rotating arm 23 can be rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 21 via a real shaft. The other end of the first rotating arm 23 can be provided with an arc-shaped arm, and the middle shell 10 can be provided with an arc-shaped groove. The arc-shaped arm is installed in the arc-shaped groove, and through the relative movement of the two, the first rotating arm 23 and the middle shell 10 are rotatably connected via a virtual shaft. Alternatively, the first rotating arm 23 and the middle shell 10 can also be rotatably connected via a real shaft. This embodiment of the application does not strictly limit this.

[0110] Please refer to the following: Figure 13 and Figure 14 In one possible implementation, the rotating mechanism 100 further includes a first rotating auxiliary component 50, which includes a second shaft 51 and a first elastic element 52. The first rotating arm 23 is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 21 via the second shaft 51, and the first elastic element 52 is sleeved on the second shaft 51 and elastically abuts against the first fixed frame 21 and the first support plate 30.

[0111] It is understandable that there will be movement gaps at the connection points of the various kinematically related parts within the rotating mechanism 100. These movement gaps will cause angular deviations in the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 during their rotation relative to the middle shell 10. Consequently, when the folding device 1000 is in the closed state, the included angle between the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 may not reach the designed angle. For example, the included angle between the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 may be smaller than the designed angle, thus compressing the flexible display screen 1100, increasing the local stress on the flexible display screen 1100, and making the flexible display screen 1100 more susceptible to damage. Therefore, adding the first rotating auxiliary component 50 can minimize the possibility that the included angle between the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 will not reach the designed angle due to the movement gaps between the parts, and can ensure that the included angle between the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 is at the optimal designed angle.

[0112] For example, the first elastic element 52 is a torsion spring with two free ends. One free end of the torsion spring is connected to the first fixing frame 21 and its position relative to the first fixing frame 21 remains fixed. The other free end of the torsion spring is connected to the first support plate 30 and its position relative to the first support plate 30 remains fixed. In other words, one free end of the torsion spring is fixedly connected to the first fixing frame 21, and the other free end of the torsion spring is fixedly connected to the first support plate 30. For example, the free end of the torsion spring fixed to the first fixing frame 21 can be fixed to the first fixing frame 21 by means of adhesive bonding, snap-fitting, etc., and the free end of the torsion spring fixed to the first support plate 30 can be fixed to the first support plate 30 by snapping into the corresponding locking structure on the first support plate 30. However, it should be understood that the way the torsion spring is fixed to the first fixing frame 21 and the first support plate 30 can be designed according to actual needs, and the embodiments of this application do not impose strict limitations on this.

[0113] Therefore, the torsion of the torsion spring can act on the first support plate 30, thereby adding a pulling force to the first support plate 30 in the direction of the first fixing frame 21. In the closed state of the folding device 1000, this pulling force can eliminate the angular deviation caused by the movement gap of each part, so that the movement of the first support plate 30 reaches the design angle, thereby making the included angle between the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 meet the design requirements. The structure is simple and the performance is excellent.

[0114] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The second fixed frame 24 is rotatably connected to the middle shell 10 via the second rotating arm 26. Specifically, one end of the second rotating arm 26 is connected to the second fixed frame 24, and this end is rotatable relative to the second fixed frame 24. The other end of the second rotating arm 26 is connected to the middle shell 10, and this other end is rotatable relative to the middle shell 10. In other words, one end of the second rotating arm 26 is rotatably connected to the second fixed frame 24, and the other end is rotatably connected to the middle shell 10.

[0115] For example, one end of the second rotating arm 26 can be rotatably connected to the second fixed frame 24 via a real shaft. The other end of the second rotating arm 26 can be provided with an arc-shaped arm, and the middle shell 10 can be provided with an arc-shaped groove. The arc-shaped arm is installed in the arc-shaped groove, and through the relative movement of the two, the second rotating arm 26 and the middle shell 10 are rotatably connected via a virtual shaft. Alternatively, the second rotating arm 26 and the middle shell 10 can also be rotatably connected via a real shaft. This embodiment of the application does not strictly limit this.

[0116] It is understood that the specific connection between the second rotating arm 26 and the second fixed frame 24 can be referred to the first rotating auxiliary component 50 between the first rotating arm 23 and the first fixed frame 21 mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0117] Thus, a rotational connection relationship can be formed between "first rotating arm 23 - first fixed frame 21 - first shell 200" and "second rotating arm 26 - second fixed frame 24 - second shell 300", so that the first fixed frame 21 and the second fixed frame 24 can rotate relative to the middle shell 10 by the drive of the first rotating arm 23 and the second rotating arm 26, so as to realize the relative folding and relative unfolding of the first shell 200 and the second shell 300.

[0118] In the embodiments of this application, when the first fixed frame 21 is rotated relative to the middle shell 10 by the first rotating arm 23, the first transmission arm 22 can slide relative to the first fixed frame 21. Furthermore, when the second fixed frame 24 is rotated relative to the middle shell 10 by the second rotating arm 26, the second transmission arm 25 can slide relative to the second fixed frame 24. The sliding principle of the first transmission arm 22 sliding relative to the first fixed frame 21 and the second transmission arm 25 sliding relative to the second fixed frame 24 will be explained below.

[0119] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The first transmission arm 22 includes a sliding end 221 and a rotating end 222. The sliding end 221 of the first transmission arm 22 is slidably connected to the first fixed frame 21, and the rotating end 222 of the first transmission arm 22 is rotatably connected to the middle shell 10. Exemplarily, the rotating end 222 of the first transmission arm 22 may be provided with an arc-shaped arm, and the middle shell 10 may be provided with an arc-shaped groove. The arc-shaped arm is installed in the arc-shaped groove, and through relative movement (e.g., sliding) between the two, the first transmission arm 22 and the middle shell 10 are rotatably connected via a virtual axis. Alternatively, the first transmission arm 22 and the middle shell 10 may also be rotatably connected via a real axis; this embodiment of the application does not strictly limit this.

[0120] Therefore, the first transmission arm 22 can rotate relative to the middle shell 10. In other words, the first transmission arm 22 has a center of rotation, and the center of rotation of the first transmission arm 22 is the first axis C1. The center of rotation of the first transmission arm 22 (the first axis C1) is the center of rotation of the first transmission arm 22 relative to the middle shell 10, which can be understood as a straight line that allows the first transmission arm 22 to rotate within an angle range of 0° to 90° relative to the middle shell 10. The first rotating arm 23 can also rotate relative to the middle shell 10. In other words, the first rotating arm 23 has a center of rotation, and the center of rotation of the first rotating arm 23 is the second axis C2. The center of rotation of the first rotating arm 23 (the second axis C2) is the center of rotation of the first rotating arm 23 relative to the middle shell 10, which can be understood as a straight line that allows the first rotating arm 23 to rotate within an angle range of 0° to 90° relative to the middle shell 10.

[0121] The first axis C1 is further away from the edge of the middle shell 10 near the first housing 200 relative to the second axis C2. This edge of the middle shell 10 near the first housing 200 can be understood as the edge of the long side of the middle shell 10 closest to the first housing 200, that is, the edge of the middle shell 10 located in the width direction of the electronic device 2000 and facing the first housing 200. In other words, there is a distance difference between the first axis C1 and the second axis C2.

[0122] That is, the first axis C1 and the second axis C2 are not collinear, and they are misaligned due to the distance difference between them. Based on this, when the first rotating arm 23 and the first transmission arm 22 rotate relative to the middle shell 10, the first rotating arm 23 will rotate ahead of the first transmission arm 22, and the first transmission arm 22 will lag behind the first rotating arm 23.

[0123] Therefore, by utilizing the phase difference principle of the misaligned first axis C1 and second axis C2 to generate a phase difference in their rotation, relative sliding can occur between the first transmission arm 22 and the first fixed frame 21 during the rotation of the first transmission arm 22 and the first rotating arm 23.

[0124] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 Specifically, the sliding end 221 of the first transmission arm 22 includes a first sliding body 223 and a first shaft 224. The first sliding body 223 includes a front side 225, a back side 226, and a peripheral side 227 connecting the front side 225 and the back side 226. The front side 225, the back side 226, and the peripheral side 227 of the first sliding body 223 are connected to each other to form the outer surface of the first sliding body 223. Both the front side 225 and the back side 226 of the first sliding body 223 are provided with a first flange 228. The first flange 228 is connected to the guide space 212 of the first slide groove 211, and the first flange 228 can slide relative to the first slide groove 211.

[0125] Thus, the first sliding body 223 and the first sliding groove 211 can form a slider-groove structure. Through the cooperation of the first flange 228 of the first sliding body 223 and the guide space 212 of the first sliding groove 211, the relative sliding action of the first sliding body 223 and the first sliding groove 211 is easier to achieve and the control precision is higher.

[0126] In the embodiments of this application, the first sliding body 223 is not only connected to the first fixed frame 21, but also to the first support plate 30. Specifically, the peripheral side surface 227 of the first sliding body 223 is recessed inward to form a first recessed area 229, thereby making the first sliding body 223 present a "U" shape. One end of the first shaft 224 is connected to one side of the first recessed area 229, and the other end of the first shaft 224 is connected to the other side of the first recessed area 229.

[0127] Therefore, the first shaft 224 can be substantially located in the first recessed area 229, and the first shaft 224 can also be connected to the corresponding structure of the first support plate 30. In other words, the first sliding body 223 can be connected to the first support plate 30 through the first shaft 224. That is, the first transmission arm 22 can be connected to the first support plate 30 through the first shaft 224. Thus, the first recessed area 229 can not only accommodate the first shaft 224, but also a part of the structure of the first support plate 30, thereby facilitating the connection between the first shaft 224 and the first sliding body 223, as well as the connection between the first shaft 224 and the first support plate 30, saving the space occupied by the rotating mechanism 100, and contributing to the thinning and lightening of the folding device 1000 and the electronic device 2000 using the folding device 1000.

[0128] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The second transmission arm 25 includes a sliding end 251 and a rotating end 252. The sliding end 251 of the second transmission arm 25 is slidably connected to the second fixed frame 24, and the rotating end 252 of the second transmission arm 25 is rotatably connected to the middle shell 10. Exemplarily, the rotating end 252 of the second transmission arm 25 may be provided with an arc-shaped arm, and the middle shell 10 may be provided with an arc-shaped groove. The arc-shaped arm is installed in the arc-shaped groove, and through relative movement (e.g., sliding) between the two, the second transmission arm 25 and the middle shell 10 are rotatably connected via a virtual axis. Alternatively, the second transmission arm 25 and the middle shell 10 may also be rotatably connected via a real axis; this embodiment of the application does not strictly limit this.

[0129] Therefore, the second transmission arm 25 can rotate relative to the middle shell 10. In other words, the second transmission arm 25 has a center of rotation, and the center of rotation of the second transmission arm 25 is the third axis C3. The center of rotation of the second transmission arm 25 (the third axis C3) is the center of rotation of the second transmission arm 25 relative to the middle shell 10, which can be understood as a straight line that allows the second transmission arm 25 to rotate within an angle range of 0° to 90° relative to the middle shell 10. The second rotating arm 26 can also rotate relative to the middle shell 10. In other words, the second rotating arm 26 has a center of rotation, and the center of rotation of the second rotating arm 26 is the fourth axis C4. The center of rotation of the second rotating arm 26 (the fourth axis C4) is the center of rotation of the second rotating arm 26 relative to the middle shell 10, which can be understood as a straight line that allows the second rotating arm 26 to rotate within an angle range of 0° to 90° relative to the middle shell 10.

[0130] The third axis C3 is further away from the edge of the middle shell 10 near the second shell 300 than the fourth axis C4. This edge of the middle shell 10 near the second shell 300 can be understood as the edge of the long side of the middle shell 10 closest to the second shell 300, that is, the edge of the middle shell 10 located in the width direction of the electronic device 2000 and facing towards the second shell 300. In other words, there is a distance difference between the third axis C3 and the fourth axis C4.

[0131] That is, the third axis C3 and the fourth axis C4 are not collinear, and they are misaligned due to the distance difference between them. Based on this, when the second rotating arm 26 and the second transmission arm 25 rotate relative to the middle shell 10, the second rotating arm 26 will rotate ahead of the second transmission arm 25, and the second transmission arm 25 will rotate behind the second rotating arm 26.

[0132] Therefore, by utilizing the phase difference principle of the misaligned third axis C3 and fourth axis C4 to generate a phase difference in their rotation, relative sliding can occur between the second transmission arm 25 and the second fixed frame 24 during the rotation of the second transmission arm 25 and the second rotating arm 26.

[0133] Specifically, the sliding end 251 of the second transmission arm 25 includes a second sliding body 253 and a third shaft 254. The second sliding body 253 includes a front side, a back side, and a peripheral side connecting the front side and the back side. The front side, back side, and peripheral side of the second sliding body 253 are connected to each other to form the outer surface of the second sliding body 253. The front side and the back side of the second sliding body 253 are each provided with a second flange. The second flange is connected to the guide space 242 of the second slide groove 241, and the second flange can slide relative to the second slide groove 241.

[0134] Thus, the second sliding body 253 and the second sliding groove 241 can form a slider-groove structure. Through the cooperation between the second flange of the second sliding body 253 and the guide space 242 of the second sliding groove 241, the relative sliding action of the second sliding body 253 and the second sliding groove 241 is easier to achieve and the control precision is higher.

[0135] In the embodiments of this application, the second sliding body 253 is not only connected to the second fixed frame 24, but also to the second support plate 40. Specifically, the peripheral side of the second sliding body 253 is recessed inward to form a second recessed area, thereby making the second sliding body 253 present a "U" shape. One end of the third shaft 254 is connected to one side of the second recessed area, and the other end of the third shaft 254 is connected to the other side of the second recessed area.

[0136] Therefore, the third shaft 254 can be substantially located in the second recessed area, and since the third shaft 254 can also be connected to the corresponding structure of the second support plate 40, the second sliding body 253 can be connected to the second support plate 40 through the third shaft 254. That is, the second transmission arm 25 can be connected to the second support plate 40 through the third shaft 254. This allows the second recessed area to accommodate not only the third shaft 254 but also part of the structure of the second support plate 40, thereby facilitating the connection between the third shaft 254 and the second sliding body 253, as well as the connection between the third shaft 254 and the second support plate 40. This saves space occupied by the rotating mechanism 100 and helps to achieve a thinner and lighter design for the folding device 1000 and the electronic device 2000 using the folding device 1000.

[0137] Based on the above description, it should be understood that the first transmission arm 22 is rotatably connected to the middle shell 10 and slidably connected to the first fixed frame 21, thus forming a connecting rod-slider structure. The first rotating arm 23 is rotatably connected to the middle shell 10 and rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 21, thus forming a connecting rod structure. The second transmission arm 25 is rotatably connected to the middle shell 10 and slidably connected to the second fixed frame 24, thus forming a connecting rod-slider structure. The second rotating arm 26 is rotatably connected to the middle shell 10 and rotatably connected to the second fixed frame 24, thus forming a connecting rod structure.

[0138] Therefore, the rotating mechanism 100 can connect the first fixed frame 21 and the second fixed frame 24 to the middle shell 10 through the connecting rod-slider structure and the connecting rod structure. With this architecture, the rotating mechanism 100 has fewer parts, simpler mating relationships and positions, and its components are easier to manufacture and assemble, which is beneficial for mass production. Furthermore, the first fixed frame 21 is also linked to the first shell 200, and the second fixed frame 24 is also linked to the second shell 300, thus giving the rotating mechanism 100 better overall tensile and compressive strength.

[0139] Furthermore, the rotating mechanism 100 controls the movement trajectory of the first fixed frame 21 and the first housing 200 through the first transmission arm 22 and the first rotating arm 23, and controls the movement trajectory of the second fixed frame 24 and the second housing 300 through the second transmission arm 25 and the second rotating arm 26. This allows the first fixed frame 21 to move the first housing 200 closer to the middle housing 10, and the second fixed frame 24 to move the second housing 300 closer to the middle housing 10, during the folding process of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300. Conversely, during the unfolding process of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300, the first fixed frame 21 to move the first housing 200 away from the middle housing 10, and the second fixed frame 24 to move the second housing 300 away from the middle housing 10. That is, the rotating mechanism 100 can realize the inward pulling motion of the housing during the process of the folding device 1000 changing from the flat state to the closed state, and the outward pushing motion of the housing during the process of the folding device 1000 changing from the closed state to the flat state. This enables the flexible display screen 1100 to deform during the unfolding or folding process, thereby reducing the risk of pulling or squeezing the flexible display screen 1100, protecting the flexible display screen 1100, improving the reliability of the flexible display screen 1100, and giving the flexible display screen 1100 and electronic device 2000 a longer service life.

[0140] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the embodiments of this application, the first support plate 30 is movably connected to the sliding end 221 of the first transmission arm 22. During the relative folding or unfolding of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300, the first support plate 30 slides and rotates relative to the sliding end 221 of the first transmission arm 22. Thus, when the first transmission arm 22 slides relative to the first fixed frame 21, the first support plate 30 can be driven by the first transmission arm 22 to move accordingly. That is, the first support plate 30 can be driven by the first transmission arm 22 to rotate relative to the middle shell 10 through the sliding of the first transmission arm 22 relative to the first fixed frame 21, so that the first housing 200, the first support plate 30, and the middle shell 10 can switch between a flattened state and a folded state.

[0141] It should be noted that the flattened state can be understood as the first housing 200 and the first support plate 30 not rotating relative to the middle housing 10, so that the first housing 200, the first support plate 30, and the middle housing 10 are flush and jointly support the flexible display screen 1100. For example, in the flattened state, the first housing 200, the first support plate 30, and the middle housing 10 can be arranged in a straight line. The folded state can be understood as the first housing 200 and the first support plate 30 rotating relative to the middle housing 10, so that the first housing 200 and the first support plate 30 are set at an angle to the middle housing 10, forming a receiving space for accommodating the flexible display screen 1100. For example, in the folded state, the first housing 200, the first support plate 30, and the middle housing 10 can be arranged in an arc shape.

[0142] The second support plate 40 is movably connected to the sliding end 251 of the second transmission arm 25. During the relative folding or unfolding of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300, the second support plate 40 slides and rotates relative to the sliding end 251 of the second transmission arm 25. Thus, when the second transmission arm 25 slides relative to the second fixed frame 24, the second support plate 40 is driven by the second transmission arm 25 to move accordingly. That is, the second support plate 40 can be driven by the second transmission arm 25 to rotate relative to the middle housing 10 through the sliding of the second transmission arm 25 relative to the second fixed frame 24, thereby switching the second housing 300, the second support plate 40, and the middle housing 10 between a flattened state and a folded state.

[0143] It should be noted that the flattened state can be understood as the second housing 300 and the second support plate 40 not rotating relative to the middle housing 10, so that the second housing 300, the second support plate 40, and the middle housing 10 are flush and jointly support the flexible display screen 1100. For example, in the flattened state, the second housing 300, the second support plate 40, and the middle housing 10 can be arranged in a straight line. The folded state can be understood as the second housing 300 and the second support plate 40 rotating relative to the middle housing 10, so that the second housing 300 and the second support plate 40 are set at an angle to the middle housing 10, forming a receiving space for accommodating the flexible display screen 1100. For example, in the folded state, the second housing 300, the second support plate 40, and the middle housing 10 can be arranged in an arc shape.

[0144] Based on this, the first transmission arm 22 can serve as the active driving structure for the first support plate 30. When the first transmission arm 22 slides relative to the first fixed frame 21, it causes the first support plate 30 to move accordingly. In other words, the first transmission arm 22 can directly drive the first support plate 30 to move, thereby enabling the first support plate 30 to have sufficient thrust for stable and smooth movement, minimizing the possibility of jamming or stuck during the movement of the first support plate 30, and ensuring high reliability. The second transmission arm 25 can serve as the active driving structure for the second support plate 40. When the first transmission arm 22 slides relative to the second fixed frame 24, it causes the second support plate 40 to move accordingly. In other words, the second transmission arm 25 can directly drive the second support plate 40 to move, thereby enabling the second support plate 40 to have sufficient thrust for stable and smooth movement, minimizing the possibility of jamming or stuck during the movement of the second support plate 40, and ensuring high reliability.

[0145] It should be understood that the first support plate 30 can move with the first transmission arm 22, and the second support plate 40 can move with the second transmission arm 25. On the one hand, this enables high control precision and low backlash in the movement process of the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40. On the other hand, it better meets the support requirements of the flexible display screen 1100, so that when the folding device 1000 is in the flattened, intermediate, and closed states, it can work with the middle shell 10 to form strong support for the bending portion 1120 of the flexible display screen 1100, making the flexible display screen 1100 less susceptible to damage under external forces, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible display screen 1100 and extending the service life of the flexible display screen 1100 and the electronic device 2000.

[0146] Please see Figure 15 The first support plate 30 includes a first plate body 31, a first guide structure 32, and a first rotating structure 33. The first guide structure 32 and the first rotating structure 33 protrude from the first plate body 31, and both are located on the same side of the first plate body 31 facing the middle shell 10. The first rotating structure 33 is closer to the end of the first plate body 31 than the first guide structure 32. The first support plate 30 is slidably connected to the first transmission arm 22 through the first guide structure 32, and rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 21 through the first rotating structure 33.

[0147] For example, there are two of each of the first guide structure 32 and the first rotating structure 33, with one first guide structure 32 and one first rotating structure 33 arranged alternately at the top of the first plate 31, and the other first guide structure 32 and the other first rotating structure 33 arranged alternately at the bottom of the first plate 31. It should be understood that the number and arrangement of the first guide structure 32 and the first rotating structure 33 can have various combinations and variations, and the embodiments of this application do not strictly limit this.

[0148] In one possible implementation, the first support plate 30 can be an integrally formed structural component. The integrally formed first support plate 30 has fewer assembly steps, which helps to save production time and costs.

[0149] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The first guide structure 32 is connected to the first recessed area 229. Thus, the first recessed area 229 can not only accommodate the first shaft 224, but also accommodate the first guide structure 32 of the first support plate 30. This facilitates the connection between the first shaft 224 and the first guide structure 32, saves space occupied by the rotating mechanism 100, and helps to achieve the thinning and lightening of the folding device 1000 and the electronic device 2000 using the folding device 1000.

[0150] Furthermore, the first guide structure 32 and the first sliding body 223 can slide relative to each other. That is, the first support plate 30 and the first transmission arm 22 can slide relative to each other. Thus, the first support plate 30 can move with the first transmission arm 22; that is, the first support plate 30 can be driven by the first transmission arm 22 to rotate relative to the middle shell 10 through the sliding of the first transmission arm 22 relative to the first fixed frame 21. This ensures that the first support plate 30 always has sufficient driving force due to being driven by the first transmission arm 22, enabling it to have good smoothness of movement during motion. This allows the first support plate 30 to move into position during the relative folding or unfolding of the first shell 200 and the second shell 300, which is beneficial for improving the protective performance of the flexible display screen 1100.

[0151] Please refer to it again. Figure 15 The first guide structure 32 includes a front side 321, a back side 322, and a peripheral side side 323 connecting the front side 321 and the back side 322. The front side 321, the back side 322, and the peripheral side side 323 of the first guide structure 32 are connected to each other to form the outer surface of the first guide structure 32. For example, the first guide structure 32 is crescent-shaped.

[0152] The first guide structure 32 is provided with a first track groove 324, which penetrates the front side 321 and the back side 322 of the first guide structure 32, but does not penetrate the peripheral side 323 of the first guide structure 32. The first track groove 324 is used to allow the first shaft 224 to slide within it.

[0153] Thus, the first track groove 324 can form a closed structure, and due to its closed characteristics, the first shaft 224 can only slide back and forth within its restricted activity space, which plays the role of limiting the first shaft 224 and can effectively prevent the first shaft 224 from accidentally leaving the first track groove 324.

[0154] Specifically, one end of the first shaft 224 is connected to one side of the first recessed area 229, the first shaft 224 passes through the first track groove 324, and the other end of the first shaft 224 is connected to the other side of the first recessed area 229. The first shaft 224 can slide in the first track groove 324. That is, the first shaft 224 passes through the first track groove 324 and can slide along the extension track of the first track groove 324. In other words, the sliding end 221 of the first transmission arm 22 can slide relative to the first support plate 30.

[0155] It is understandable that during the sliding process of the first transmission arm 22 relative to the first fixed frame 21, the first shaft 224 can slide within the first track groove 324, so that the first support plate 30 follows the movement. That is, during the relative folding and unfolding of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300, the first transmission arm 22 can drive the first support plate 30 to rotate relative to the middle housing 10.

[0156] Therefore, by setting the first track groove 324, the sliding motion of the first shaft 224 in the first track groove 324 can be converted into the relative motion between the first transmission arm 22 and the first support plate 30, realizing the active driving function of the first transmission arm 22 actively driving the first support plate 30 to move, thus diversifying the performance of the first transmission arm 22, making it highly practical and widely applicable.

[0157] In the embodiments of this application, the shape of the extension path of the first track groove 324 can be adjusted according to the trajectory shape required for the flexible display screen 1100 to fold and unfold and / or the actual movement requirements of the first support plate 30, so as to realize the adjustable function of the movement trajectory of the flexible display screen 1100. In other words, the extension path of the first track groove 324 is adjustable. That is, the trajectory of the first track groove 324 can be adjusted.

[0158] In one possible implementation, the extension path of the first track groove 324 is arc-shaped, thus making the shape of the first track groove 324 arc-shaped. Therefore, by adjusting the curvature of the first track groove 324, on the one hand, the movement trajectory of the first support plate 30 can be directly controlled, resulting in high control precision and low hysteresis during the movement of the first support plate 30. This avoids the first support plate 30 causing pulling or squeezing problems on the flexible display screen 1100 when it moves to certain angles, effectively improving the screen stress of the flexible display screen 1100. On the other hand, the movement trajectory of the flexible display screen 1100 can be indirectly adjusted, allowing the curvature of the first track groove 324 to better adapt to the movement trajectory of the flexible display screen 1100, achieving an adjustable movement trajectory function for the flexible display screen 1100.

[0159] In another possible implementation, the extension path of the first track groove 324 is straight, so that the shape of the first track groove 324 is linear.

[0160] Therefore, the extension path of the first track groove 324 can be designed so that the intermediate movement process, i.e., the movement trajectory, of the first support plate 30 during the relative folding and unfolding of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can be designed. This allows control over the movement trajectory of the flexible display screen 1100 during this process, avoiding excessive local stress in the flexible display screen 1100 and effectively improving the screen stress of the flexible display screen 1100. It should be understood that the extension path of the first track groove 324 is not limited to the aforementioned arc or straight line shape, but can also be one or more combinations of curves, straight lines, and broken lines. The embodiments of this application do not strictly limit this.

[0161] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 15 The first rotating structure 33 and the first guiding structure 32 are located on the same side of the first plate 31. The first rotating structure 33 is arc-shaped and installed in the first rotating groove 213. The first support plate 30 is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 21 through the cooperation of the first rotating structure 33 and the first rotating groove 213.

[0162] Thus, through the relative movement of the first rotating structure 33 and the first rotating groove 213, the first support plate 30 and the first fixed frame 21 are rotatably connected via a virtual axis. Under this architecture, the rotating connection structure is simple and occupies little space, which is conducive to reducing the thickness of the rotating mechanism 100, making it easier to achieve a thinner and lighter design for the folding device 1000 and the electronic device 2000.

[0163] Please see Figure 16 It is understood that the flexible display screen 1100 is attached to the first housing 200 and the first support plate 30, and the rotation center E1 of the first rotating structure 33 is located on the flexible display screen 1100. The rotation center can be understood as a straight line or axis that enables the first rotating structure 33 to rotate around it.

[0164] Therefore, the rotation center of the first support plate 30 (i.e., the rotation center of the first rotating structure 33) can be located at the flexible display screen 1100. This ensures that the length of the flexible display screen 1100 remains constant during the rotation of the first support plate 30, preventing the screen from being stretched or compressed during bending and controlling the bending radius of the flexible display screen 1100. This minimizes damage to the flexible display screen 1100 during bending, resulting in high reliability.

[0165] For example, the rotation center E1 of the first rotating structure 33 is located in the neutral layer of the flexible display screen 1100, so that the flexible display screen 1100 can maintain a constant length. It should be understood that during the bending process of the flexible display screen 1100, the outer layer of the flexible display screen 1100 is subjected to tensile force, and the inner layer of the flexible display screen 1100 is subjected to compressive force. On the cross-section of the outer and inner layers of the flexible display screen 1100, there exists a transition layer that is neither subjected to tensile force nor compressive force; the stress in this transition layer is almost zero. This transition layer is the neutral layer of the flexible display screen 1100. In other words, the neutral layer of the flexible display screen 1100 refers to the layer formed at all locations where the internal tangential stress of the flexible display screen 1100 is zero when the flexible display screen 1100 undergoes bending deformation. The length of the neutral layer of the flexible display screen 1100 remains unchanged during the bending process, the same as before bending.

[0166] It should be noted that, Figure 16 The description of the rotation center E1 of the first rotating structure 33 is merely illustrative and does not constitute a specific limitation on the connection positions, specific structures, or quantities of each component. The inner and outer layers of the flexible display screen 1100 can be selected according to the inward or outward folding state of the flexible display screen 1100, and no specific restrictions are imposed on this.

[0167] Please continue reading. Figure 5 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 15 In this embodiment, the first rotating structure 33 includes a first baffle 331 protruding from the first plate 31 and a first arcuate arm 332. The first arcuate arm 332 is connected to one side of the first baffle 331 and is also connected to and can slide within the first rotating groove 213. For example, the first arcuate arm 332 may be crescent-shaped. The first baffle 331 is used to support the first arcuate arm 332 to increase the strength of the first rotating structure 33 and prevent the rotating mechanism 100 from failing due to breakage or damage of the first arcuate arm 332 during rotation.

[0168] In one possible implementation, the first baffle 331 and the first arc-shaped arm 332 can be integrally formed. The first rotating structure 33 formed by integral forming has fewer assembly steps, which helps to save production time and costs.

[0169] It is understandable that when the first support plate 30 is driven by the first transmission arm 22 and moves accordingly, the first arc-shaped arm 332 can rotate within the first rotation groove 213. The ability of the first arc-shaped arm 332 to rotate within the first rotation groove 213 can be understood as the first arc-shaped arm 332 reciprocating within the first rotation groove 213; that is, the first arc-shaped arm 332 can slide from one end of the first rotation groove 213 to the other end, and then slide back from the other end to one end of the first rotation groove 213, repeating this process. In other words, the first arc-shaped arm 332 is rotatably connected to the first rotation groove 213.

[0170] Therefore, through the cooperation between the first arc-shaped arm 332 and the first rotating groove 213, when the first transmission arm 22 slides relative to the first fixed frame 21, the first transmission arm 22 can drive the first support plate 30 to rotate relative to the middle shell 10. That is, during the sliding process of the first transmission arm 22, the first support plate 30 can rotate accordingly.

[0171] Please see Figure 17 The second support plate 40 includes a second plate body 41, a second guide structure 42, and a second rotating structure 43. The second guide structure 42 and the second rotating structure 43 protrude from the second plate body 41 and are both located on the same side of the second plate body 41 facing the middle shell 10. The second rotating structure 43 is closer to the end of the second plate body 41 than the second guide structure 42. The second support plate 40 is slidably connected to the second transmission arm 25 via the second guide structure 42 and rotatably connected to the second fixed frame 24 via the second rotating structure 43.

[0172] For example, there are two of each of the second guide structure 42 and the second rotating structure 43, with one second guide structure 42 and one second rotating structure 43 arranged alternately at the top of the second plate 41, and the other second guide structure 42 and the other second rotating structure 43 arranged alternately at the bottom of the second plate 41. It should be understood that the number and arrangement of the second guide structure 42 and the second rotating structure 43 can have various combinations and variations, and the embodiments of this application do not strictly limit this.

[0173] In one possible implementation, the second support plate 40 can be an integrally formed structural component. The integrally formed second support plate 40 has fewer assembly steps, which helps to save production time and costs.

[0174] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 , Figure 11 and Figure 12The second guide structure 42 is connected to the second recessed area. Thus, the second recessed area can not only accommodate the third shaft 254, but also the second guide structure 42 of the second support plate 40. This facilitates the connection between the third shaft 254 and the second guide structure 42, saves space occupied by the rotating mechanism 100, and helps to achieve the thinning and lightening of the folding device 1000 and the electronic device 2000 using the folding device 1000.

[0175] Furthermore, the second guide structure 42 and the second sliding body 253 can slide relative to each other. That is, the second support plate 40 and the second transmission arm 25 can slide relative to each other. Thus, the second support plate 40 can move with the second transmission arm 25; that is, the second support plate 40 can be driven by the second transmission arm 25 to rotate relative to the middle shell 10 through the sliding of the second transmission arm 25 relative to the second fixed frame 24. This ensures that the second support plate 40 always has sufficient driving force due to being driven by the second transmission arm 25, enabling smooth movement during operation. This allows the second support plate 40 to move into position during the relative folding or unfolding of the second shell 300, which is beneficial for improving the protective performance of the flexible display screen 1100.

[0176] Please refer to it again. Figure 17 The second guide structure 42 includes a front side 421, a back side 422, and a peripheral side 423 connecting the front side 421 and the back side 422. The front side 421, the back side 422, and the peripheral side 423 of the second guide structure 42 are connected to each other to form the outer surface of the second guide structure 42. For example, the second guide structure 42 is crescent-shaped.

[0177] The second guide structure 42 is provided with a second track groove 424, which penetrates the front side 421 and the back side 422 of the second guide structure 42, but does not penetrate the peripheral side 423 of the second guide structure 42. The second track groove 424 is used to allow the third shaft 254 to slide within it.

[0178] Thus, the second track groove 424 can form a closed structure, and due to its closed characteristics, the third shaft 254 can only slide back and forth within its restricted activity space, which plays the role of limiting the third shaft 254 and can effectively prevent the third shaft 254 from accidentally leaving the second track groove 424.

[0179] Specifically, one end of the third shaft 254 is connected to one side of the second recessed area, the third shaft 254 passes through the second track groove 424, and the other end of the third shaft 254 is connected to the other side of the second recessed area. The third shaft 254 can slide in the second track groove 424. That is, the third shaft 254 is inserted into the second track groove 424 and can slide along the extension track of the second track groove 424. In other words, the sliding end 251 of the second transmission arm 25 can slide relative to the second support plate 40.

[0180] It is understandable that during the sliding process of the second transmission arm 25 relative to the second fixed frame 24, the third shaft 254 can slide within the second track groove 424, so that the second support plate 40 follows the movement. That is, during the relative folding and unfolding of the second housing 300, the second transmission arm 25 can drive the second support plate 40 to rotate relative to the middle housing 10.

[0181] Therefore, by setting the second track groove 424, the sliding motion of the third shaft 254 in the second track groove 424 can be converted into the relative motion between the second transmission arm 25 and the second support plate 40, realizing the active driving function of the second transmission arm 25 actively driving the second support plate 40, diversifying the performance of the second transmission arm 25, making it highly practical and widely applicable.

[0182] In the embodiments of this application, the shape of the extension path of the second track groove 424 can be adjusted according to the trajectory shape required for the flexible display screen 1100 to fold and unfold and / or the actual movement requirements of the second support plate 40, so as to realize the adjustable function of the movement trajectory of the flexible display screen 1100. In other words, the extension path of the second track groove 424 is adjustable. That is, the trajectory of the second track groove 424 can be adjusted.

[0183] In one possible implementation, the extension path of the second track groove 424 is arc-shaped, thus making the shape of the second track groove 424 arc-shaped. Therefore, by adjusting the curvature of the second track groove 424, on the one hand, the movement trajectory of the second support plate 40 can be directly controlled, resulting in high control precision and low hysteresis during the movement of the second support plate 40. This avoids the second support plate 40 causing pulling or squeezing problems on the flexible display screen 1100 when it moves to certain angles, effectively improving the screen stress of the flexible display screen 1100. On the other hand, the movement trajectory of the flexible display screen 1100 can be indirectly adjusted, allowing the curvature of the second track groove 424 to better adapt to the movement trajectory of the flexible display screen 1100, achieving an adjustable movement trajectory function for the flexible display screen 1100.

[0184] In another possible implementation, the extension path of the second track groove 424 is straight, so that the shape of the second track groove 424 is linear.

[0185] Therefore, the extension path of the second track groove 424 can be designed so that the intermediate movement process, i.e., the movement trajectory, of the second support plate 40 during the relative folding and unfolding of the second housing 300 and the second housing 300 can be designed. This allows control over the movement trajectory of the flexible display screen 1100 during this process, avoiding excessive local stress in the flexible display screen 1100 and effectively improving the screen stress of the flexible display screen 1100. It should be understood that the extension path of the second track groove 424 is not limited to the aforementioned arc or straight line shape, but can also be one or more combinations of curves, straight lines, and broken lines. The embodiments of this application do not strictly limit this.

[0186] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 17 The second rotating structure 43 and the second guiding structure 42 are located on the same side of the second plate 41. The second rotating structure 43 is arc-shaped and installed in the second rotating groove 243. The second support plate 40 and the second fixed frame 24 are rotatably connected through the cooperation of the second rotating structure 43 and the second rotating groove 243.

[0187] Thus, through the relative movement of the second rotating structure 43 and the second rotating groove 243, the second support plate 40 and the second fixed frame 24 are rotatably connected via a virtual axis. Under this architecture, the rotating connection structure is simple and occupies little space, which is conducive to reducing the thickness of the rotating mechanism 100, making it easier to achieve a thinner and lighter design for the folding device 1000 and the electronic device 2000.

[0188] Please see Figure 18 It is understood that the flexible display screen 1100 is attached to the second housing 300 and the second support plate 40, and the rotation center E2 of the second rotating structure 43 is located on the flexible display screen 1100. The rotation center can be understood as a straight line or axis that enables the second rotating structure 43 to rotate around it.

[0189] Therefore, the rotation center of the second support plate 40 (i.e., the rotation center of the second rotating structure 43) can be located at the flexible display screen 1100. This ensures that the length of the flexible display screen 1100 remains constant during the rotation of the first support plate 30, preventing the screen from being stretched or compressed during bending and controlling the bending radius of the flexible display screen 1100. This minimizes damage to the flexible display screen 1100 during bending, resulting in high reliability.

[0190] For example, the rotation center E2 of the second rotating structure 43 is located in the neutral layer of the flexible display screen 1100, so that the flexible display screen 1100 can maintain a constant length. It should be understood that during the bending process of the flexible display screen 1100, the outer layer of the flexible display screen 1100 is subjected to tensile force, and the inner layer of the flexible display screen 1100 is subjected to compressive force. However, there exists a transition layer on the cross-section of the outer and inner layers of the flexible display screen 1100 that is neither subjected to tensile force nor compressive force; the stress in this transition layer is almost zero. This transition layer is the neutral layer of the flexible display screen 1100. In other words, the neutral layer of the flexible display screen 1100 refers to the layer formed at all locations where the internal tangential stress is zero when the flexible display screen 1100 undergoes bending deformation. The length of the neutral layer of the flexible display screen 1100 remains unchanged during the bending process, the same as before bending.

[0191] It should be noted that, Figure 18 The description of the rotation center E2 of the second rotating structure 43 is merely illustrative and does not constitute a specific limitation on the connection position, specific structure, and quantity of each component.

[0192] In one possible implementation, the rotation center E2 of the second rotating structure 43 is symmetrically arranged with the rotation center E1 of the first rotating structure 33. That is, the two are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the flexible display screen 1100.

[0193] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 17 The second rotating structure 43 includes a second baffle 431 and a second arcuate arm 432 protruding from the second plate 41. The second arcuate arm 432 is connected to one side of the second baffle 431 and is also connected to and can slide within the second rotating groove 243. For example, the second arcuate arm 432 may be crescent-shaped. The second baffle 431 supports the second arcuate arm 432 to increase the strength of the second rotating structure 43 and prevent the rotating mechanism 100 from failing due to breakage or damage to the second arcuate arm 432 during rotation.

[0194] In one possible implementation, the second baffle 431 and the second arc-shaped arm 432 can be integrally formed. The integrally formed second rotating structure 43 has fewer assembly steps, which helps to save production time and costs.

[0195] It is understandable that when the second support plate 40 is driven by the second transmission arm 25 and moves accordingly, the second arc-shaped arm 432 can rotate within the second rotation groove 243. The rotation of the second arc-shaped arm 432 within the second rotation groove 243 can be understood as the second arc-shaped arm 432 reciprocating within the second rotation groove 243; that is, the second arc-shaped arm 432 can slide from one end of the second rotation groove 243 to the other end, and then slide back from the other end to one end of the second rotation groove 243, repeating this process. In other words, the second arc-shaped arm 432 is rotatably connected to the second rotation groove 243.

[0196] Therefore, through the cooperation between the second arc-shaped arm 432 and the second rotating groove 243, when the second transmission arm 25 slides relative to the second fixed frame 24, the second transmission arm 25 can drive the second support plate 40 to rotate relative to the middle shell 10. That is, during the sliding process of the second transmission arm 25, the second support plate 40 can rotate accordingly.

[0197] Please refer to the following: Figure 19 , Figure 20 and Figure 21 Based on the above description, it should be understood that the first support plate 30 is slidably connected to the first transmission arm 22 and rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 21, so that when the first transmission arm 22 slides relative to the first fixed frame 21, it can rotate relative to the middle shell 10 along with the first transmission arm 22. The second support plate 40 is slidably connected to the second transmission arm 25 and rotatably connected to the second fixed frame 24, so that when the second transmission arm 25 slides relative to the second fixed frame 24, it can rotate relative to the middle shell 10 along with the second transmission arm 25.

[0198] Therefore, the rotating mechanism 100 can achieve the rotational movement of the first support plate 30 relative to the middle shell 10 by being driven by the first track groove 324 of the first transmission arm 22, and the rotational movement of the second support plate 40 relative to the middle shell 10 by being driven by the second track groove 424 of the second transmission arm 25. This allows the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 to be flush with the middle shell 10, thus achieving the function of flattening and supporting the flexible display screen 1100; or, the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 can both rotate relative to the middle shell 10 towards each other, thus achieving the function of folding and storing the flexible display screen 1100. The included angle between the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 can be within the range of 0° to 180° (slight deviations are also allowed, such as 182° or 185°), and the rotation angle of each of the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 can be within the range of 0° to 90° (slight deviations are also allowed, such as 92° or 95°).

[0199] Please refer to it again. Figure 6 and Figure 7Specifically, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are folded together to a closed state, the first support plate 30, the middle housing 10, and the second support plate 40 together form a receiving space for accommodating the flexible display screen 1100. For example, the first support plate 30, the middle housing 10, and the second support plate 40 can together form a teardrop-shaped receiving space, which can be used to accommodate the bent portion 1120 of the flexible display screen 1100.

[0200] When the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are unfolded to the open state, the first support plate 30, the middle housing 10, and the second support plate 40 are flush to support the flexible display screen 1100. For example, the first support plate 30, the middle housing 10, and the second support plate 40 can jointly support the bent portion 1120 of the flexible display screen 1100, making the flexible display screen 1100 flatter and less prone to damage from external force, effectively improving the reliability of the flexible display screen 1100.

[0201] Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, when the folding device 1000 is in a closed state, that is, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are folded to a closed state, the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 can form a three-section enclosure together with the middle housing 10, providing a strong, approximately arc-shaped support for the bent portion 1120 of the flexible display screen 1100. On the one hand, this allows the closed shape of the bent portion 1120 of the flexible display screen 1100 to be closer to the ideal closed shape. Therefore, the folding device 1000 can provide more optimized support for the closed flexible display screen 1100, so that the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can be completely closed, minimizing the possibility of gaps in the closed shape of the entire device. On the other hand, the bending portion 1120 of the flexible display screen 1100 can maintain a certain bending radius, so that the minimum folding radius of the flexible display screen 1100 can meet the design requirements. The screen shape of the flexible display screen 1100 is controllable, which can better protect the flexible display screen 1100 and avoid damage caused by excessive bending, tension, or pressure.

[0202] When the folding device 1000 is in the unfolded state, that is, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are unfolded to a flattened state, the first support plate 30 and the second support plate can form a three-section flat structure together with the middle housing 10 to provide a strong, approximately straight support for the bending portion 1120 of the flexible display screen 1100. This allows the flattened shape of the bending portion 1120 of the flexible display screen 1100 to have better flatness. Therefore, the folding device 1000 can provide more optimized support for the flattened flexible display screen 1100.

[0203] Based on the above description, in the embodiments of this application, the first support plate 30, the middle shell 10 and the second support plate 40 of the rotating mechanism 100 of the folding device 1000 can jointly provide strong support for the flexible display screen 1100 in various forms, making the flexible display screen 1100 less prone to denting under external force, which helps to reduce the risk of damage to the display screen, improves the reliability of the flexible display screen 1100, and makes the flexible display screen 1100 and the electronic device 2000 have a longer service life.

[0204] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A folding device, characterized in that, The folding device includes a first housing, a first support plate, and a middle housing arranged sequentially in the direction in which the flexible display screen extends; the folding device also includes a first fixing frame, a first transmission arm, and a first rotating arm. The first fixed frame is fixed to the first housing, the first transmission arm is rotatably connected to the middle housing with the rotation center being the first axis, the first transmission arm is slidably connected to the first fixed frame, and the first transmission arm is slidably connected to the first support plate; The first transmission arm includes a sliding end, the sliding end of the first transmission arm includes a first sliding body, the peripheral side of the first sliding body is recessed inward to form a first recessed area, the first support plate includes a first plate body and a first guide structure protruding from the first plate body, the first guide structure is connected to the first recessed area, and the first guide structure and the first sliding body can slide relative to each other. The first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the middle shell and its rotation center is the second axis. The first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame. The second axis and the first axis are not collinear. The first support plate is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame. The first support plate can be driven to rotate relative to the middle shell by the first transmission arm through the sliding of the first transmission arm relative to the first fixed frame, so that the first shell, the first support plate and the middle shell can switch between a flattened state and a folded state.

2. The folding device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first guide structure is provided with a first track groove, and the sliding end of the first transmission arm also includes a first shaft. One end of the first shaft is connected to one side of the first recessed area, the first shaft passes through the first track groove, and the other end of the first shaft is connected to the other side of the first recessed area. The first shaft can slide in the first track groove.

3. The folding device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first track groove penetrates the front and back of the first guide structure, but does not penetrate the peripheral side of the first guide structure.

4. The folding device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The extension path of the first trajectory groove can be arc-shaped or straight-line-shaped.

5. The folding device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixed frame is provided with a first slide groove, the side wall of the first slide groove has a recessed guide space, the front and back of the first sliding body are provided with a first flange, the first flange is connected to the guide space of the first slide groove, and the first flange can slide relative to the first slide groove.

6. The folding device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixed frame is provided with a first rotating groove, which is arc-shaped. The first support plate also includes a first rotating structure disposed on the first plate body. The first rotating structure and the first guide structure are located on the same side of the first plate body. The first rotating structure is arc-shaped and installed in the first rotating groove. The first support plate is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame through the cooperation of the first rotating structure and the first rotating groove.

7. The folding device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The first rotating structure includes a first baffle and a first arc-shaped arm protruding from the first plate. The first arc-shaped arm is connected to one side of the first baffle and is also connected to the first rotating groove and can slide within the first rotating groove. The first baffle is used to support the first arc-shaped arm.

8. The folding device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The rotation center of the first rotating structure is located in the neutral layer of the flexible display screen.

9. The folding device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The folding device further includes a second support plate and a second housing, wherein the first support plate and the second support plate are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the middle housing, and the second housing and the first housing are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the middle housing.

10. The folding device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The folding device also includes a second fixed frame, a second transmission arm, and a second rotating arm; The second fixed frame is fixed to the second housing, the second transmission arm is rotatably connected to the middle housing and the rotation center is the third axis, the second transmission arm is slidably connected to the second fixed frame, and the second transmission arm is slidably connected to the second support plate; The second rotating arm is rotatably connected to the middle shell and its rotation center is the fourth axis. The second rotating arm is rotatably connected to the second fixed frame. The fourth axis and the third axis are not collinear. The second support plate is rotatably connected to the second fixed frame. The second support plate can be driven to rotate relative to the middle shell by the second transmission arm through the sliding of the second transmission arm relative to the second fixed frame, so that the second shell, the second support plate and the middle shell can switch between a flattened state and a folded state.

11. The folding device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, When the first housing and the second housing are folded to a closed state, the first support plate, the middle shell, and the second support plate together form a receiving space for accommodating the flexible display screen; when the first housing and the second housing are unfolded to an open state, the first support plate, the middle shell, and the second support plate are flush to support the flexible display screen.

12. The folding device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The second axis is closer to the edge of the middle shell near the first shell relative to the first axis; The fourth axis is closer to the edge of the middle shell near the second shell than the third axis.

13. The folding device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The folding device further includes a first rotation auxiliary component, which includes a second shaft and a first elastic element. The first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame via the second shaft. The first elastic element is sleeved on the second shaft and elastically abuts against the first fixed frame and the first support plate.

14. The folding device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The first elastic element is a torsion spring, which has two free ends. One free end of the torsion spring is connected to the first fixed frame, and the other free end of the torsion spring is connected to the first support plate.

15. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a flexible display screen and a folding device as described in any one of claims 1-14, wherein the flexible display screen is fixed to the folding device.

Images