Folding device and electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a folding device and an electronic device, relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and aims to solve the technical problem of poor use effect of foldable electronic devices. The folding device provided by the application comprises a main shaft, a first support and a second support located on the two sides of the main shaft along the width direction, a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod, a first swing arm and a second swing arm, a first supporting plate and a second supporting plate. When the first support and the second support rotate towards each other, the length of the accommodating space of the folding device for accommodating the folding part of the flexible screen can be elongated. When the first support and the second support rotate away from each other, the length of the accommodating space of the folding device for accommodating the folding part of the flexible screen can be shortened, and a supporting surface for supporting the flexible screen can also be formed. Therefore, the device will not cause tensile force, compression force and other forces to the flexible screen during folding and unfolding, so that the use effect and safety of the electronic device are improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The foldable electronic device includes a housing, a folding mechanism, and a flexible screen. The housing comprises a left housing and a right housing, with a folding assembly located between them. The flexible screen is mounted on both the left and right housings. When the left and right housings are folded by the folding assembly, the flexible screen folds as well, resulting in a folded state where the electronic device is smaller and easier to store. When the left and right housings are unfolded by the folding assembly, the flexible screen unfolds as well, resulting in an unfolded state where the electronic device has a larger display screen, improving the user experience.

[0003] Currently, in existing foldable electronic devices, the length of the folding device remains unchanged during the folding process. When the foldable electronic device is folded, the folding device cannot provide enough space for the flexible screen, and it will cause pulling or squeezing of the flexible screen at the folding position, resulting in creases or even damage to the flexible screen. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a folding device and an electronic device that can reduce the stretching or squeezing of the flexible screen during the folding process.

[0005] A first aspect of this application provides a folding device, the folding device comprising:

[0006] spindle;

[0007] A support assembly, the support assembly including a first support and a second support arranged on both sides of the main shaft along the width direction of the main shaft;

[0008] A linkage assembly includes a first link and a second link arranged on both sides of the main shaft along the width direction of the main shaft. The first link and the second link are rotatable relative to the main shaft, and the first link has a first outer end portion away from the main shaft, and the second link has a second outer end portion away from the main shaft. A first bracket is slidable relative to the first link, and the second bracket is slidable relative to the second link.

[0009] A swing arm assembly includes a first swing arm and a second swing arm arranged on both sides of the main shaft along the width direction of the main shaft, the first swing arm and the second swing arm being rotatable relative to the main shaft; a first bracket is rotatably connected to the first swing arm via a first rotating shaft, and a second bracket is rotatably connected to the second swing arm via a second rotating shaft;

[0010] A support plate assembly, comprising a first support plate and a second support plate arranged on both sides of the main shaft along the width direction of the main shaft; the first support plate is rotatably connected to the first bracket and slidably connected to the first swing arm or the first connecting rod and is rotatable relative to it; the second support plate is rotatably connected to the second bracket and slidably connected to the second swing arm or the second connecting rod and is rotatable relative to it.

[0011] Wherein, the rotation axes of the first connecting rod and the first swing arm on the main shaft are parallel to each other and do not coincide, and the rotation axes of the second connecting rod and the second swing arm on the main shaft are parallel to each other and do not coincide;

[0012] The folding device includes at least a folded state and an unfolded state. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the first outer end is in a first position and the second outer end is in a second position. The axis of the first rotating shaft is located on the side away from the main shaft at the first position, and the axis of the second rotating shaft is located on the side away from the main shaft at the second position.

[0013] When the first bracket and the second bracket rotate relative to each other, the first bracket drives the first connecting rod and the first swing arm to rotate around the main axis, and drives the end of the first support plate near the main axis to move away from the main axis. The second bracket drives the second connecting rod and the second swing arm to rotate around the main axis, and drives the end of the second support plate near the main axis to move away from the main axis, so that when the first support plate and the second support plate rotate to the folded state, they form a preset angle and together with the main axis, they form a screen-enclosing space.

[0014] In this design, the distances between the first pivot of the first swing arm and the main shaft, and between the second pivot of the second swing arm and the main shaft, are both increased. This reduces the arc of the first swing arm near the main shaft during the folding process, and also reduces the arc of the second swing arm near the main shaft. This lowers the risk of interference between the first swing arm near the main shaft and the first support plate, and also lowers the risk of interference between the second swing arm near the main shaft and the second support plate. As a result, the first support plate does not need to have clearance holes for avoiding the first swing arm, and the second support plate does not need to have clearance holes for avoiding the second swing arm. This further improves the structural strength of the first and second support plates and the reliability of their support for the flexible screen. Furthermore, when the first pivot is located outside the first position (away from the main shaft), it prevents the first bracket from jamming with the first connecting rod during rotation, and ensures a larger distance between the first pivot and the main shaft. This prevents the first swing arm from jamming with the first support plate during the folding process. Similarly, when the second pivot is located outside the second position (away from the main shaft), it prevents the second bracket from jamming with the second connecting rod during rotation, and ensures a larger distance between the second pivot and the main shaft. This prevents the second swing arm from jamming with the second support plate during the folding process. Therefore, the positions of the first and second pivots in this application prevent interference between the swing arm assembly and the support plate assembly while the folding device is operating normally. This avoids the need for clearance holes on the support plate assembly to accommodate the swing arm assembly, thus improving the reliability of the folding device in supporting the flexible screen.

[0015] In one possible design, one of the first connecting rod and the first bracket is provided with a first slider, and the other is provided with a first track, and the first slider can slide along the first track;

[0016] In the second connecting rod and the second bracket, one is provided with a second slider and the other is provided with a second track, and the second slider can slide along the second track;

[0017] The first track has a third outer end that is away from the main shaft, the second track has a fourth outer end that is away from the main shaft, the axis of the first rotating shaft is located on the side of the third outer end that is away from the main shaft, and the axis of the second rotating shaft is located on the side of the fourth outer end that is away from the main shaft.

[0018] The first bracket has a fifth outer end portion remote from the main shaft, and the second bracket has a sixth outer end portion remote from the main shaft;

[0019] The first rotating shaft is disposed at the fifth outer end, and the second rotating shaft is disposed at the sixth outer end.

[0020] In this solution, when the axis of the first rotating shaft is located at the fifth outer end of the first support away from the main shaft and the axis of the second rotating shaft is located at the sixth outer end of the second support away from the main shaft, since the fifth outer end is the position with the largest distance between the first support and the main shaft and the sixth outer end is the position with the largest distance between the second support and the main shaft, the distance between the first rotating shaft and the main shaft and the distance between the second rotating shaft and the main shaft can be increased. This can prevent interference between the swing arm assembly and the support plate assembly, avoid setting avoidance holes on the support plate assembly to avoid the swing arm assembly, and improve the reliability of the folding device in supporting the flexible screen.

[0021] In one possible design, the first swing arm has a seventh outer end portion remote from the main shaft, and the second swing arm has an eighth outer end portion remote from the main shaft;

[0022] The first rotating shaft is disposed at the seventh outer end, and the second rotating shaft is disposed at the eighth outer end.

[0023] In this solution, when the axis of the first rotating shaft is located at the seventh outer end of the first swing arm away from the main shaft and the axis of the second swing arm is located at the eighth outer end of the second swing arm away from the main shaft, since the seventh outer end is the position with the largest distance between the first swing arm and the main shaft and the eighth outer end is the position with the largest distance between the second swing arm and the main shaft, the distance between the first rotating shaft (the rotating shaft between the first swing arm and the first bracket) and the main shaft can be increased, and the distance between the second rotating shaft (the rotating shaft between the second swing arm and the second bracket) and the main shaft can also be increased. This can prevent interference between the swing arm assembly and the support plate assembly, avoid setting avoidance holes on the support plate assembly to avoid the swing arm assembly, and improve the reliability of the folding device in supporting the flexible screen.

[0024] In one possible design, the first support has a fifth outer end portion away from the main shaft, the second support has a sixth outer end portion away from the main shaft, the first swing arm has a seventh outer end portion away from the main shaft, and the second swing arm has an eighth outer end portion away from the main shaft.

[0025] The fifth outer end and the seventh outer end are rotatably connected by the first rotating shaft, and the sixth outer end and the eighth outer end are rotatably connected by the second rotating shaft.

[0026] In this design, the axis of the first rotating shaft is located at the position where the distance between the first swing arm and the first support and the main shaft is the largest, and the axis of the second rotating shaft is located at the position where the distance between the second swing arm and the second support and the main shaft is the largest. Therefore, the distance between the first rotating shaft and the main shaft is relatively large, and the distance between the second rotating shaft and the main shaft is also relatively large. This can prevent interference between the swing arm assembly and the support plate assembly, avoid setting avoidance holes on the support plate assembly to avoid the swing arm assembly, and improve the reliability of the folding device in supporting the flexible screen.

[0027] In one possible design, the main shaft is provided with a first arc-shaped groove and a second arc-shaped groove on both sides along the width direction, the first swing arm is provided with a first rotating part, and the second swing arm is provided with a second rotating part.

[0028] The first rotating part can move along the first arc-shaped groove, and the second rotating part can move along the second arc-shaped groove.

[0029] In this design, the relative rotation of the first swing arm and the main shaft is achieved through the cooperation of the first rotating part and the first arc-shaped groove, and the relative rotation of the second swing arm and the main shaft is achieved through the cooperation of the second rotating part and the second arc-shaped groove. This ensures high reliability of the relative rotation between the first swing arm and the main shaft, and between the second swing arm and the main shaft. Furthermore, by changing the centers of the first and second arc-shaped grooves, the rotation centers of the first and second swing arms can be changed, thus facilitating control of their movement trajectories. Simultaneously, the virtual axis connection method allows the connection structure between the first swing arm and the main shaft to be hidden within the main shaft, thereby improving the integration and user experience of the folding device.

[0030] In one possible design, the first bracket is provided with a third arc-shaped groove, and the first support plate is provided with a third rotating part, which can slide along the third arc-shaped groove so that the first support plate can rotate relative to the first bracket.

[0031] The second bracket is provided with a fourth arc-shaped groove, and the second support plate is provided with a fourth rotating part. The fourth rotating part can slide along the fourth arc-shaped groove so that the second support plate can rotate relative to the second bracket.

[0032] In this solution, the relative rotation between the first support plate and the first bracket is achieved through the cooperation of the third rotating part and the third arc-shaped groove, and the relative rotation between the second support plate and the second bracket is achieved through the cooperation of the fourth rotating part and the fourth arc-shaped groove. This results in high reliability of the relative rotation between the first support plate and the first bracket, and between the second support plate and the second bracket. Furthermore, the connection method using virtual shafts allows the third rotating part, the third arc-shaped groove, the fourth rotating part, and the fourth arc-shaped groove to be hidden, thereby improving the overall integrity of the folding device.

[0033] In one possible design, the folding device further includes a tensioning assembly, which, when the folding device is in the unfolded state, drives the first support and the second support to move in opposite directions.

[0034] In this solution, when the folding device is in the unfolded state, the tensioning component can provide tension force, thereby pushing the first bracket and the second bracket away from each other, so that the folding device is kept in the unfolded state and the flexible screen is flattened, that is, the creases of the flexible screen are flattened, thereby further reducing the creases of electronic devices.

[0035] In one possible design, the tensioning assembly includes two tensioning groups, one between the first connecting rod and the first bracket and the other between the second connecting rod and the second bracket, each tensioning group including a pusher and a drive.

[0036] When the folding device is in the unfolded state, under the action of the driving member in each tensioning group, the pushing member in each tensioning group pushes the first bracket and the second bracket to move in opposite directions.

[0037] In one possible design, each tensioning assembly further includes a guide member, each guide member in each tensioning assembly having a guide hole, and each pusher member in each tensioning assembly including a sliding portion, the sliding portion in each tensioning assembly slidingly engaging with the guide hole to limit the stroke of the pusher member in the tensioning assembly.

[0038] In this solution, in each tensioning assembly, the guide and the drive are located at both ends of the pusher. That is, the guide is located at the end closest to the support assembly. When the sliding part of the pusher slides into the guide hole of the guide, the guide can limit the movement stroke of the pusher, preventing excessive thrust on the support assembly when the movement stroke of the pusher is too large, thus improving the reliability of the support assembly. In addition, the guide can also guide the movement of the pusher and prevent the pusher from deviating.

[0039] In one possible design, the drive element in each tensioning assembly is an elastic element, and one end of the elastic element in each tensioning assembly is connected to the push element in the tensioning assembly, and the other end is connected to the first link or the second link.

[0040] In this design, when the folding device is in the unfolded state, the elastic elements of each tensioning assembly are in a compressed state. This means the elastic element has an outward (away from the main axis) elastic force along the width direction of the main axis. This elastic force acts on the connecting rod assembly and the support assembly, thereby driving the support assembly to move outward (away from the main axis) along the width direction of the main axis, promoting the flattening of the folding device. During the folding process, as the support assembly slides outward (away from the main axis) relative to the connecting rod assembly, it can reduce the compression of the elastic elements in each tensioning assembly, restore their initial state, or extend them. This reduces the thrust exerted by the pushing element of each tensioning assembly on the support assembly or releases the thrust on the support assembly. When the folding device is in the folded state, the components of the tensioning assembly retract into the inner cavities of the support assembly and the connecting rod assembly. Therefore, the tensioning assembly does not occupy the external space of the folding device, improving the overall integrity of the folding device.

[0041] In one possible design, the folding device further includes a synchronizing gear set comprising a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, and a fourth gear arranged along the width direction of the main shaft, wherein the first gear meshes with the third gear, the second gear meshes with the fourth gear, and the third gear meshes with the fourth gear.

[0042] The main shaft includes a connected inner main shaft and an outer main shaft, and the synchronous gear set is located between the inner main shaft and the outer main shaft along the height direction of the main shaft;

[0043] The first support plate has a first extension section extending toward the main shaft along the width direction of the main shaft, and the second support plate has a second extension section extending toward the main shaft along the width direction of the main shaft. The two ends of the main inner shaft along the width direction of the main shaft have a first notch adapted to the first extension section and a second notch adapted to the second extension section, respectively.

[0044] Along the length of the main shaft, the first gear is disposed at at least one end of the first connecting rod and is offset from the first extension segment; the second gear is disposed at at least one end of the second connecting rod and is offset from the second extension segment.

[0045] In this design, along the length of the main shaft, the first gear is located at at least one end of the first connecting rod, such that the first gear is offset from the first notch along the length of the main shaft. The second gear is located at at least one end of the second connecting rod, such that the second gear is offset from the second notch along the length of the main shaft. Simultaneously, the first support plate is provided with a first extension section extending toward the main shaft along the width direction, and the second support plate is provided with a second extension section extending toward the main shaft along the width direction. The first extension section is adapted to the first notch of the main inner shaft, and the second extension section is adapted to the second notch of the main inner shaft, allowing the first extension section to fill the first notch and the second extension section to fill the second notch. When the first support plate, the second support plate, and the main inner shaft form a support surface for supporting the flexible screen, the opening of the support surface can be reduced, thereby improving the support reliability of the folding device.

[0046] In one possible design, the folding device further includes a synchronizing gear set comprising a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, and a fourth gear arranged along the width direction of the main shaft, wherein the first gear meshes with the third gear, the second gear meshes with the fourth gear, and the third gear meshes with the fourth gear.

[0047] The main shaft includes a connected inner main shaft and an outer main shaft. Along the height direction of the main shaft, the synchronous gear set is located between the inner main shaft and the outer main shaft. The inner main shaft has a first notch and a second notch at its two ends along the width direction of the main shaft, respectively.

[0048] The first connecting rod has a first platform at one end near the main shaft, and the second connecting rod has a second platform at one end near the main shaft. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, at least a portion of the first platform is located in the first notch, and at least a portion of the second platform is located in the second notch, so that the first platform, the second platform, the first support plate, and the second support plate form a support surface for supporting the flexible screen.

[0049] In this solution, when the folding device is in the unfolded state, the first platform fills the first notch of the main inner shaft (i.e., the gap between the first support plate and the main shaft), and the second platform fills the second notch of the main inner shaft (i.e., the gap between the second support plate and the main shaft). That is, the first support plate, the first platform, the main shaft, the second platform, and the second support plate form a plane for supporting the flexible screen. By setting the first platform and the second platform, the reliability of the folding device in supporting the flexible screen at the connection between the support plate assembly and the connecting rod assembly can be improved.

[0050] In one possible design, the first link is provided with a first stop and a third stop, and the second link is provided with a second stop and a fourth stop;

[0051] When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the first stop abuts against the first bracket to restrict the relative movement of the first bracket and the first connecting rod along the width direction of the main shaft, and the second stop abuts against the second bracket to restrict the relative movement of the second bracket and the second connecting rod along the width direction of the main shaft.

[0052] When the folding device is in the folded state, the third stop abuts against the first support plate to restrict the relative movement of the first connecting rod and the first support plate along the height direction of the main shaft, and the fourth stop abuts against the second support plate to restrict the relative movement of the second connecting rod and the second support plate along the height direction of the main shaft.

[0053] In this design, when the electronic device falls from its unfolded state, the mutual contact between the first stop and the first support, and the mutual contact between the second stop and the second support, prevents the first and second supports from approaching each other along the width direction of the main shaft, thereby maintaining the folding device in its unfolded state and improving the reliability of the folding device and the electronic device in the unfolded state. When the electronic device falls from its folded state, the mutual contact between the third stop and the first support plate, and the mutual contact between the fourth stop and the second support plate, prevents the first and second support plates from being impacted by the main shaft in the height direction, thus improving the reliability of the folding device and the electronic device in the folded state.

[0054] In one specific embodiment, the first stop block and the third stop block protrude from the first connecting rod along the length direction of the main shaft, and the second stop block and the fourth stop block protrude from the second connecting rod along the length direction of the main shaft;

[0055] The first support plate is provided with a fifth stop extending along the height direction of the main shaft, and the second support plate is provided with a sixth stop extending along the height direction of the main shaft.

[0056] When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the first stop abuts against the end face of the first bracket near the main shaft, and the second stop abuts against the end face of the second bracket near the main shaft.

[0057] When the folding device is in the folded state, the third stop block abuts against the fifth stop block, and the fourth stop block abuts against the sixth stop block.

[0058] In this design, when the folding device is in the unfolded state, the first stop abuts against the end face of the first bracket near the main shaft, and the second stop abuts against the end face of the second bracket near the main shaft. This eliminates the need to change the structure of the first and second brackets, thus simplifying the structure of the folding device. When the folding device is in the folded state, since the first support plate has a fifth stop and the second support plate has a sixth stop, the third stop abuts against the fifth stop of the first support plate, and the fourth stop abuts against the sixth stop of the second support plate. This facilitates the abutment between the first connecting rod and the first support plate, as well as the abutment between the second connecting rod and the second support plate.

[0059] In one possible design, the first support plate is provided with a third track, and the second support plate is provided with a fourth track;

[0060] The first connecting rod or the first swing arm is provided with a first pin that can slide along the third track, and the second connecting rod or the second swing arm is provided with a second pin that can slide along the fourth track;

[0061] The third track has a first end and a second end that are arranged opposite to each other, and the fourth track has a third end and a fourth end that are arranged opposite to each other, wherein the second end is located between the first end and the main shaft, and the fourth end is located between the third end and the main shaft;

[0062] When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the first pin is located at the first end and the second pin is located at the third end. When the folding device is in the folded state, the first pin is located at the second end and the second pin is located at the fourth end.

[0063] In this solution, during the process of switching the folding device from the unfolded state to the folded state, that is, during the process of the first support 11 and the second support rotating towards each other (i.e., the relative rotation of the first support and the second support approaching each other), the first pin slides from the first end of the third track to the second end, and the second pin slides from the third end of the fourth track to the fourth end. Since the second end is closer to the main shaft than the first end, during this process, the first support plate can slide relative to the first connecting rod or the first swing arm in a direction away from the main shaft, and the second support plate can slide relative to the second connecting rod or the second swing arm in a direction away from the main shaft, thereby increasing the outline length of the aforementioned accommodating space. During the process of switching the folding device from the folded state to the unfolded state, that is, during the process of the first bracket and the second bracket rotating in opposite directions, the first pin slides from the second end of the third track to the first end, and the second pin slides from the fourth end of the fourth track to the third end. Since the fourth end is closer to the main shaft than the third end, during this process, the first support plate can slide relative to the first connecting rod or the first swing arm in a direction close to the main shaft, and the second support plate can slide relative to the second connecting rod or the second swing arm in a direction close to the main shaft, thereby reducing the outline length of the aforementioned accommodating space.

[0064] A second aspect of this application provides an electronic device, the electronic device comprising: a first housing, a second housing, a flexible screen, and a folding device as described above;

[0065] The first housing and the second housing are located on both sides of the folding device. The first housing is fixedly connected to the first bracket located on the same side, and the second housing is fixedly connected to the second bracket located on the same side.

[0066] The flexible screen covers the first housing, the second housing, and the folding device, and is fixedly connected to the first housing and the second housing.

[0067] In this design, the folding device enables the electronic device to be in either an unfolded or folded state. During the transition from the unfolded to the folded state, the first and second rotating frames, connected to the first and second housings, can rotate in opposite directions while moving away from the fixed frame. This increases the folding device's accommodating space in the folded state, reducing the pressure exerted on the flexible screen and improving its reliability. Furthermore, sufficient accommodating space prevents the flexible screen from arching within this space, enhancing its flatness in the folded state.

[0068] In one possible design, the flexible screen is at least partially fixedly connected to the support plate assembly.

[0069] In one possible design, the flexible screen includes a third region, a fourth region, and a fifth region, with the fifth region located between the third and fourth regions. The support plate assembly includes a first support plate and a second support plate arranged along the width direction of the fixing frame. The third region is not fixedly connected to the first support plate, the fourth region is not fixedly connected to the second support plate, and the fifth region is not fixedly connected to the folding device. In this solution, when the electronic device is in a folded state, the third, fourth, and fifth regions form a teardrop-shaped structure after folding, i.e., the folded portion is teardrop-shaped, and the fifth region is semi-circular after folding. Since the third, fourth, and fifth regions of the flexible screen are not fixedly connected to the folding device, the folding device can be prevented from stretching the flexible screen during folding or unfolding, thus improving the reliability of the flexible screen.

[0070] In one possible design, the flexible screen includes a third region, a fourth region, and a fifth region, with the fifth region located between the third and fourth regions. The support plate assembly includes a first support plate and a second support plate arranged along the width direction of the fixing frame. The third region is fixedly connected to the first support plate, the fourth region is fixedly connected to the second support plate, and the fifth region is not fixedly connected to the support device. In this solution, when the electronic device is in a folded state, the fifth region forms a semi-circular arc. When the third region is fixedly connected to the first support plate and the fourth region is fixedly connected to the second support plate, during the folding or unfolding process of the electronic device, the third region can move with the first support plate, and the fourth region can move with the second support plate. That is, the third region and the first support plate have no relative movement, improving the flatness of the folded part of the flexible screen during unfolding and folding, and reducing the risk of flexible screen failure.

[0071] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0072] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the unfolding and folding of a portion of a flexible screen in a specific embodiment of the prior art.

[0073] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided in this application in a specific embodiment, wherein the folding device is in a folded state;

[0074] Figure 3 An exploded view of the electronic device described in this application in one specific embodiment, wherein the folding device is in an unfolded state;

[0075] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A partial view of a cross-sectional view of an electronic device in a particular embodiment;

[0076] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A partial view of a cross-sectional view of an electronic device in another specific embodiment;

[0077] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A partial view of a cross-sectional view of an electronic device in a particular embodiment;

[0078] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the folding device in one specific embodiment, wherein the folding device is in the unfolded state;

[0079] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Exploded view;

[0080] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the folding device in the folded state;

[0081] Figure 10 for Figure 7 Exploded view of a portion of the folding device in the diagram;

[0082] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The schematic diagram of the folding device shown in one specific embodiment;

[0083] Figure 12 for Figure 10 The schematic diagram of the folding device shown in another specific embodiment;

[0084] Figure 13 for Figure 7 Side view;

[0085] Figure 14 for Figure 9 Side view;

[0086] Figure 15 for Figure 9 A partial cross-sectional view of the swing arm assembly;

[0087] Figure 16 for Figure 15 Side view;

[0088] Figure 17 for Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the folding device in the unfolded state;

[0089] Figure 18 for Figure 17 Schematic diagrams of the first and second swing arms;

[0090] Figure 19 for Figure 18 Side view;

[0091] Figure 20 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the assembly of the components after removing the first support plate;

[0092] Figure 21 for Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the folding device at the link assembly;

[0093] Figure 22 for Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of the folding device in the unfolded state;

[0094] Figure 23 for Figure 22 Side view;

[0095] Figure 24 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a partial structure;

[0096] Figure 25 for Figure 24 Schematic diagram;

[0097] Figure 26 for Figure 24 Exploded view of the intermediate tensioning component;

[0098] Figure 27 for Figure 24 A cross-sectional view showing the folding device in the unfolded state;

[0099] Figure 28 for Figure 27 A cross-sectional view of the folding device in the folded state;

[0100] Figure 29 for Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the folding device at the synchronous gear set;

[0101] Figure 30 for Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the structure of the synchronous damping component;

[0102] Figure 31 for Figure 30 Exploded view;

[0103] Figure 32 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first or second link in one specific embodiment of 20;

[0104] Figure 33 for Figure 32 Side view;

[0105] Figure 34 for Figure 29 A partial view, wherein the first link or the second link is Figure 33 The structure shown;

[0106] Figure 35 for Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first or second link in another specific embodiment;

[0107] Figure 36 for Figure 29 A partial view, wherein the first link and the second link are Figure 36 The structure shown;

[0108] Figure 37 for Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the folding device at the first and second stops;

[0109] Figure 38 for Figure 37 A structural schematic diagram of the first or second support plate in the middle;

[0110] Figure 39 for Figure 38 Side view.

[0111] Figure label:

[0112] 1'- Flexible screen;

[0113] 1-Folding device; 111-First bracket; 111a-First track; 111b-Third arc groove; 111c-Fifth outer end; 112-Second bracket; 112a-Second track; 112b-Fourth arc groove; 112c-Sixth outer end; 113-Rotating shaft cover;

[0114] 12-Swing arm assembly, 121-First swing arm, 121a-First rotating shaft, 121b-First rotating part, 121c-First pin, 121d-Third rotating shaft, 121e-Seventh outer end; 122-Second swing arm, 122a-Second rotating shaft, 122b-Second rotating part, 122c-Second pin, 122d-Fourth rotating shaft, 122e-Eighth outer end;

[0115] 13-Link assembly, 131-First link, 131a-First slider, 131b-First platform, 131c-First stop, 131d-Third stop, 131e-Fifth pivot, 131f-First outer end; 132-Second link, 132a-Second slider, 132b-Second platform, 132c-Second stop, 132d-Fourth stop, 132e-Sixth pivot, 132f-Second outer end, 134-Mounting cavity, 134a-Mounting post;

[0116] 14-Main shaft, 141-Main inner shaft, 141a-First notch, 141b-Second notch, 142-Main outer shaft, 143-First arc groove, 144-Second arc groove;

[0117] 15-Tensioning assembly, 151-Pushing component, 151a-Boss, 151b-Sliding part, 152-Driver, 153-Guide component, 153a-Guide hole;

[0118] 16-Synchronous damping assembly, 161-First gear, 162-Second gear, 163-Third gear, 164-Fourth gear, 165-Second concave-convex surface, 166-Snap-fit ​​component, 1661-Washer, 167-First elastic component, 168-Third pin, 168a-Slot, 169-Cam;

[0119] 171-First support plate, 1711-Third rotating part, 1712-Fifth stop, 1713-Third track, 1714-First extension section, 172-Second support plate, 1721-Fourth rotating part, 1722-Sixth stop, 1723-Fourth track, 1724-Second extension section, 174-Accommodation space;

[0120] 2-Flexible screen, 21-First area, 22-Second area, 23-Third area, 24-Fourth area, 25-Fifth area, 26-Folded part;

[0121] 31-First shell, 311-First groove, 32-Second shell, 321-Second groove;

[0122] A - First position, B - Second position, C - Third outer end, D - Fourth outer end.

[0123] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0124] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0125] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a partial structure of a flexible screen 1' in the prior art, which is the part of the flexible screen 1' that cooperates with the folding assembly. When the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the outer length of this part of the flexible screen 1' is L1, and the inner length is L2. At this time, L1=L2, meaning that in the unfolded state, the length of the flexible screen 1' is the same at all points, and the flexible screen 1' is not subjected to stretching or compression. When the flexible screen 1' is driven by the folding assembly... Figure 1 As shown by the arrow, after folding, the inner length L2 of the flexible screen 1´ becomes L4, and the outer length L1 becomes L3, where L4 < L2 and L3 > L1. That is, during the folding process, the inner side of the flexible screen 1´ is compressed and the outer side is stretched. The length of the middle layer of the flexible screen 1´ along the thickness direction changes during the folding process, which leads to the risk of damage to the flexible screen 1´ due to repeated stretching and compression during multiple foldings.

[0126] To address this technical problem, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, and embodiments of this application provide such... Figure 2The electronic devices shown include, for example, mobile phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops, in-vehicle computers, foldable display devices, foldable displays, wearable devices, and any other device with a foldable screen function. This application does not impose any special limitations on the specific form of the aforementioned electronic devices. For ease of explanation, the following description uses a mobile phone as an example. Specific embodiments of the electronic devices described in this application will be used to illustrate the present application.

[0127] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the electronic device includes a folding device 1, a screen, a first housing 31, and a second housing 32. The screen can be a flexible screen 2, used to display images, videos, etc. The specific type of the flexible screen 2 in this application is not limited. For example, the flexible screen 2 can be an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display. As a self-emissive display, AMOLED does not require a backlight module (BLM). Therefore, when the substrate in the AMOLED display is made of a flexible resin material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the AMOLED display can have bendable characteristics. For example, the flexible screen 2 can also be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) display, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display, etc.

[0128] like Figure 3As shown, the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 are spaced apart, and the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 can also be the mid-frame structure of the electronic device. The first housing 31 and the second housing 32 are used to install components such as batteries, circuit boards, cameras, headphones, earpieces, buttons, and batteries of the electronic device. The first housing 31 and the second housing 32 are also used to support the flexible screen 2, that is, the flexible screen 2 is fixedly connected (e.g., pasted) to the first housing 31 and the second housing 32, so that the flexible screen 2 remains as flat as possible during use and protects the non-display surface of the flexible screen 2. The folding device 1 is located between the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 and is connected to the first housing 31 and the second housing 32. Specifically, as shown... Figure 3 As shown, the first housing 31 is provided with a first groove 311, and the second housing 32 is provided with a second groove 321. A part of the folding device 1 is installed in the first groove 311 and another part is installed in the second groove 321. In some possible embodiments, the folding device 1 can be connected to the first groove 311 and the second groove 321 by means of screws or the like.

[0129] During the use of the electronic device, the folding device 1 includes at least the following: Figure 4 , Figure 5 The folding state shown and Figure 6 In the unfolded state shown, the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 are approximately on the same plane, making the flexible screen 2 approximately planar. At this time, the flexible screen 2 is exposed, allowing the user to operate it and display images or videos, thus achieving a large-screen display and improving the user's viewing experience. Furthermore, when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 can rotate towards each other (i.e., relative rotation where the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 move closer to each other), thereby enabling the folding device 1 to fold. During the folding process, the ends of the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 furthest from the folding device 1 move closer together, causing the electronic device to... Figure 4 The folded state shown is illustrated in this embodiment, where the electronic device has a flexible screen with an inward folding structure. In this folded state, the flexible screen 2 is located within the space enclosed by the folded first housing 31 and second housing 32. At this time, the flexible screen 2 is not exposed, and the user cannot operate it, making the electronic device easy to store and carry. Furthermore, when the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the first housing 31 and second housing 32 can rotate (in the opposite direction to the rotation direction during folding), thereby causing the folding device 1 to unfold, allowing the electronic device to be in the folded state. Figure 6 The unfolded state is shown. Therefore, in this application, the folding device 1 is used to realize the folding and unfolding of the electronic device.

[0130] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structures illustrated in the embodiments of this application do not constitute a specific limitation on the electronic device. In other possible embodiments of this application, the electronic device may include more components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements.

[0131] like Figure 3 As shown, the flexible screen 2 may include a first part 21, a second part 22, and a third part 23, a fourth part 24, and a fifth part 25 located between them. The first part 21 corresponds to and is connected to the first housing 31, the second part 22 corresponds to and is connected to the second housing 32, and the third part 23, fourth part 24, and fifth part 25 correspond to the folding device 1. During the folding process of the folding device 1, the third part 23, fourth part 24, and fifth part 25 are folded to form a shape as shown in the image. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The folded portion 26 of the flexible screen 2 shown.

[0132] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the folding device 1 forms a receiving space 174 after folding. The folded part 26 of the flexible screen 2 is received in the receiving space 174, and the remaining part is received in the first housing 31 and the second housing 32. In order to improve the service life and reliability of the flexible screen 2, it is necessary to reduce or eliminate the pulling and squeezing of the folded part 26 during the unfolding and folding process. That is, it is necessary to ensure that the folded part 26 is not pulled by external force during the unfolding process and is not squeezed by external force during the folding process.

[0133] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the portion of the folding device 1 that engages with the folding portion 26 of the flexible screen 2 along the width direction Y of the main axis 14 has a first length. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the folding device 1 is in the folded state, it forms a receiving space 174 for accommodating the folded portion 26 of the flexible screen 2, and the outline length (perimeter) of the receiving space 174 is a second length, wherein the first length is less than the second length. Therefore, the folding device 1 can accommodate the folded portion 26 of the flexible screen 2 from... Figure 6 The unfolded state shown has been switched to Figure 4 or Figure 5 During the folding process shown, the outline length of the part of the folding device 1 that cooperates with the folding part 26 increases, thereby enabling the folding device 1 to provide sufficient space to accommodate the folding part 26 of the flexible screen 2 in the folded state, reducing the pulling and squeezing of the folding part 26 by the folding device 1 during the folding process, and reducing the risk of functional failure of the flexible screen 2.

[0134] In this application, the folding part 26 is specifically protected from external compression and stretching during the folding process by the folding device 1. For example... Figures 7-9 As shown, the folding device 1 includes a main shaft 14 and a bracket assembly, a connecting rod assembly 13, a swing arm assembly 12, and a support plate assembly connected to the main shaft 14. The main shaft 14 is positioned relative to the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 of the electronic device (see attached diagram). Figure 5 The folding device 1 is fixed and folds or unfolds around the main shaft 14. The extension direction of the main shaft 14 is defined as the length direction X of the main shaft 14. In the electronic device in the unfolded state (please refer to the appendix) Figure 6 The arrangement direction of the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 is defined as the width direction Y of the main shaft 14, and the direction perpendicular to both the length direction X and the width direction Y of the main shaft 14 is defined as the height direction Z of the main shaft 14.

[0135] It should be noted that, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the folding device 1 may include multiple support assemblies, multiple swing arm assemblies 12 and multiple link assemblies 13. The multiple support assemblies are distributed along the length direction X of the main shaft 14, the multiple swing arm assemblies 12 are distributed along the length direction X of the main shaft 14, and the multiple link assemblies 13 are distributed along the length direction X of the main shaft 14. At the same time, the first support plate 171 and the second support plate 172 are respectively connected to each support assembly, swing arm assembly 12 and link assembly 13.

[0136] At the same time, such as Figures 10-12As shown, the linkage assembly 13 includes a first link 131 and a second link 132 arranged on both sides of the main shaft 14 along the width direction Y. The first link 131 and the second link 132 are rotatable relative to the main shaft 14. That is, the first link 131 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 14 through a fifth rotating shaft 131e, and the second link 132 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 14 through a sixth rotating shaft 132e. The swing arm assembly 12 includes a first swing arm 121 and a second swing arm 122 arranged on both sides of the main shaft 14 along the width direction Y. The first swing arm 121 and the second swing arm 122 are rotatable relative to the main shaft 14. That is, the first swing arm 121 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 14 through a third rotating shaft 121d, and the second swing arm 122 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 14 through a fourth rotating shaft 122d. The bracket assembly includes a first bracket 111 and a second bracket 112 arranged on both sides of the main shaft 14 along the width direction Y. The first support 111 is slidable relative to the first connecting rod 131 along the first track 111a, and the first support 111 is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 121 via the first rotating shaft 121a. The second support 112 is slidable relative to the second connecting rod 132 along the second track 112a, and the second support 112 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 122 via the second rotating shaft 122a. The fifth rotating shaft 131e (the rotation center of the first connecting rod 131 relative to the main shaft 14) and the third rotating shaft 121d (the rotation center of the first swing arm 121 relative to the main shaft 14) are parallel to each other and do not coincide.

[0137] like Figure 10 As shown, the support plate assembly is used to connect with the flexible screen 2 of the electronic device, thereby enabling the flexible screen 2 to be folded or unfolded under the action of the folding device 1. The support plate assembly includes a first support plate 171 and a second support plate 172 arranged along the width Y direction of the main shaft 14 on both sides of the main shaft 14. The first support plate 171 and the second support plate 172 are used to connect with the flexible screen 2 of the electronic device, and the first support plate 171, the second support plate 172, and the main shaft 14 form the aforementioned receiving space 174. Specifically, the first support plate 171 and the second support plate 172 are used to connect with the folded portion of the flexible screen 2 (the connection method can be adhesive). The first support plate 171 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 111, meaning the first support plate 171 can rotate relative to the first bracket 111. At the same time, the first support plate 171 is slidably connected to the first swing arm 121 or the first connecting rod 131 and can rotate relative to it. The second support plate 172 is rotatably connected to the second bracket 112, meaning the second support plate 172 can rotate relative to the second bracket 112. At the same time, the second support plate 172 is slidably connected to the second swing arm 122 or the second connecting rod 132 and can rotate relative to it.

[0138] Specifically, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, in the folding device 1, the first swing arm 121, the first connecting rod 131, and the first bracket 111 form a crank-slider mechanism, and the second swing arm 122, the second connecting rod 132, and the second bracket 112 form a crank-slider mechanism. Figure 11 In the embodiment shown, the first support plate 171 is slidably connected to the first swing arm 121 and can rotate relative to it, and the second support plate 172 is slidably connected to the second swing arm 122 and can rotate relative to it. Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the first support plate 171 is slidably connected to the first connecting rod 131 and can rotate relative to it, and the second support plate 172 is slidably connected to the second connecting rod 132 and can rotate relative to it. Taking the crank-slider mechanism composed of the first swing arm 121, the first connecting rod 131, and the first bracket 111 as an example, when an external force is applied to the first bracket 111 to make it rotate, due to the sliding engagement between the first bracket 111 and the first connecting rod 131, the first bracket 111 can drive the first connecting rod 131 to rotate around the fifth rotating shaft 131e. At the same time, since the first bracket 111 is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 121, the first bracket 111 drives the first swing arm 121 to rotate around the third rotating shaft 121d during its rotation. Since the fifth rotating shaft 131e does not coincide with the third rotating shaft 121d, the first bracket 111 slides relative to the first connecting rod 131, causing the included angle between the first bracket 111 and the first swing arm 121 to change (i.e., the first bracket 111 and the first swing arm 121 move relative to each other), thereby causing the linkage mechanism composed of the first bracket 111 and the first swing arm 121 to lengthen or shorten.

[0139] Simultaneously, the first support plate 171 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 111, and the first support plate 171 is slidably connected to the first connecting rod 131 or the first swing arm 121 and can rotate relative to it. Therefore, during the rotation of the first connecting rod 131 and the first swing arm 121, the first support plate 171 can be driven to rotate relative to the first bracket. Specifically, when the first swing arm 121 is slidably connected to the first support plate 171 and can rotate relative to it, after the angle between the first swing arm 121 and the first bracket 111 changes, due to the sliding engagement between the first swing arm 121 and the first support plate 171, the first support plate 171 can be driven to rotate and slide relative to the first bracket 111; when the first connecting rod 131 is slidably connected to the first support plate 171 and can rotate relative to it, after the first bracket 111 slides relative to the first connecting rod 131, due to the sliding engagement between the first connecting rod 131 and the first support plate 171, the first support plate 171 can be driven to rotate and slide relative to the first bracket 111.

[0140] Specifically, when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state and folding, such as Figure 13As shown, an external force acts on the first support 111, causing it to rotate clockwise, which in turn drives the first connecting rod 131 and the first swing arm 121 to rotate clockwise. During this process, the angle between the first support 111 and the first swing arm 121 increases, thereby causing the linkage mechanism formed by the first support 111 and the first swing arm 121 to extend, and causing the first support plate 171 to rotate relative to the first support 111 and slide outward. The movement process of the second support 112, the second connecting rod 132, and the second swing arm 122 is similar, and will not be described again here. After the folding device 1 is folded, it forms as shown in the figure. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, by rotating and sliding the first support plate 171 and the second support plate 172 outward, the outline length of the above-mentioned accommodating space 174 can be increased, so that the folding device 1 can provide enough space to accommodate the folded part 26 of the flexible screen 2 in the folded state, reducing the pulling and squeezing of the folded part 26 by the folding device 1 during the folding process, and reducing the risk of functional failure of the flexible screen 2.

[0141] During the unfolding process of folding device 1, such as Figure 13 As shown, an external force acts on the first support 111, causing it to rotate counterclockwise, which in turn drives the first connecting rod 131 and the second swing arm 121 to rotate counterclockwise. During this process, the angle between the first support 111 and the first swing arm 121 decreases, thereby shortening the linkage mechanism formed by the first support 111 and the first swing arm 121, and causing the first support plate 171 to rotate relative to the first support 111 and slide inward. The movement process of the second support 112, the second connecting rod 132, and the second swing arm 122 is similar and will not be described in detail here. After the folding device 1 is unfolded, it forms as shown in the figure. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, by rotating the first support plate 171 and the second support plate 172 and sliding them inward, the outline length of the above-mentioned accommodating space 174 can be reduced, so that the folding device 1 can avoid pulling the flexible screen 2 in the unfolded state, thereby reducing the risk of the flexible screen 2 malfunctioning.

[0142] In one specific embodiment, please refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The fifth rotating shaft 131e (the rotation center of the first connecting rod 131 relative to the main shaft 14) and the third rotating shaft 121d (the rotation center of the first swing arm 121 relative to the main shaft 14) are parallel to each other and do not coincide. Specifically, the fifth rotating shaft 131e and the third rotating shaft 121d have a preset distance along the height direction Z of the main shaft 14. Of course, the fifth rotating shaft 131e and the third rotating shaft 121d can also have a preset distance in other directions, so that the two do not coincide.

[0143] like Figures 15-17 As shown, and please refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12The first pivot 121a is the rotation center of the first swing arm 121 around the first support 111. During the folding process of the folding device 1, the first swing arm 121 rotates around the first pivot 121a. When the distance between the first pivot 121a and the main shaft 14 is too small, the arc of the end of the first swing arm 121 away from the first pivot 121a (i.e., the end closer to the main shaft 14) is large. At this time, there is a risk that the end of the first swing arm 121 close to the main shaft 14 will interfere with the first support plate 171. When the two interfere, it is necessary to set a clearance hole in the first support plate 171 to avoid the first swing arm 121. After setting the clearance hole, the structural strength of the first support plate 171 and its support performance for the flexible screen 2 will decrease, affecting the service life of the electronic device. Similarly, when the distance between the second pivot 122a and the main shaft 14 is too small, it is also necessary to set a clearance hole in the second support plate 172, which will decrease the structural strength of the second support plate 172 and its support performance for the flexible screen 2.

[0144] To solve this technical problem, the distances between the first pivot 121a of the first swing arm 121 and the main shaft 14, and between the second pivot 122a of the second swing arm 122 and the main shaft 14, can be increased. This reduces the arc of the end of the first swing arm 121 near the main shaft 14 during the folding process, and also reduces the arc of the end of the second swing arm 122 near the main shaft 14. This reduces the risk of interference between the end of the first swing arm 121 near the main shaft 14 and the first support plate 171, and the end of the second swing arm 122 near the main shaft 14 and the second support plate 172. This eliminates the need for clearance holes in the first support plate 171 and the second support plate 172 to avoid interference with the second swing arm 122, thereby improving the structural strength of the first and second support plates 171 and the reliability of their support for the flexible screen 2.

[0145] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first pivot 121a is located at any position that prevents interference between the first swing arm 121 and the first support plate 171 during the folding process of the folding device 1, and the second pivot 122a is located at any position that prevents interference between the second swing arm 122 and the second support plate 172 during the folding process of the folding device 1. To further prevent interference between the first swing arm 121 and the first support plate 171, and between the second swing arm 122 and the second support plate 172, the greater the distance between the first pivot 121a and the main shaft 14, the better; the greater the distance between the second pivot 122a and the main shaft 14, the better.

[0146] In one possible design, such as Figure 20 As shown, and please refer to the appendix. Figure 10The first connecting rod 131 has a first outer end 131f away from the main shaft 14, and the second connecting rod 132 has a second outer end 132f away from the main shaft 14. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the first outer end 131f is in a first position A, and the second outer end 132f is in a second position (not shown in the figure). The first position A is the position where the distance between the first connecting rod 131 and the main shaft 14 is the largest during the folding or unfolding process of the folding device 1, and the second position is the position where the distance between the second connecting rod 132 and the main shaft 14 is the largest during the folding or unfolding process of the folding device 1. The axis L1 of the first rotating shaft 121a is located on the side away from the main shaft 14 in the first position A, and the axis L2 of the second rotating shaft 122a is located on the side away from the main shaft 14 in the second position. That is, the length of the first swing arm 121 extending along the width direction Y of the main shaft 14 is at least greater than the length of the first connecting rod 131 extending along the width direction Y of the main shaft 14, and the length of the second swing arm 122 extending along the width direction Y of the main shaft 14 is at least greater than the length of the second connecting rod 132 extending along the width direction Y of the main shaft 14.

[0147] Figure 20 In the illustrated embodiment, when the first pivot 121a is located outside the first position A (away from the main shaft 14), the first support 111 will not jam with the first connecting rod 131 during rotation, and the distance between the first pivot 121a and the main shaft 14 is relatively large. This prevents the first swing arm 121 from jamming with the first support plate 171 during the folding process of the folding device 1. When the second pivot 122a is located outside the second position (away from the main shaft 14), the second support 112 will not jam with the second connecting rod 132 during rotation, and the distance between the second pivot 122a and the main shaft 14 is relatively large. This prevents the second swing arm 122 from jamming with the second support plate 172 during the folding process of the folding device 1. Therefore, the positions of the first pivot 121a and the second pivot 122a in this embodiment prevent interference between the swing arm assembly 12 and the support plate assembly while the folding device 1 is operating normally. This avoids the need to provide clearance holes for the swing arm assembly 12 on the support plate assembly, improving the reliability of the folding device 1 in supporting the flexible screen 2.

[0148] Specifically, such as Figure 21 As shown, and please refer to Figure 10In the first connecting rod 131 and the first bracket 111, one is provided with a first slider 131a and the other is provided with a first track 111a. The first slider 131a can slide along the first track 111a. In the second connecting rod 132 and the second bracket 112, one is provided with a second slider 132a and the other is provided with a second track 112a. The second slider 132a can slide along the second track 112a. The first track 111a has a third outer end C away from the main shaft 14, and the second track 112a has a fourth outer end D away from the main shaft 14. At this time, the axis L1 of the first rotating shaft 121a is located on the side away from the main shaft 14 of the third outer end C, and the axis of the second rotating shaft 122a is located on the side away from the main shaft 14 of the fourth outer end D.

[0149] Figure 21 In the illustrated embodiment, a first track 111a is disposed on a first support 111, and a first slider 131a of a first connecting rod 131 can slide along the first track 111a. A second track 112a is disposed on a second support 112, and a second slider 132a of a second connecting rod 132 can slide along the second track 112a. When the length of the first track 111a is insufficient, it will affect the sliding stroke of the first slider 131a, thereby affecting the relative sliding distance between the first connecting rod 131 and the first support 111, causing the folding device 1 to malfunction. Similarly, when the length of the second track 112a is insufficient, it will affect the relative sliding distance between the second connecting rod 132 and the second support 112. To solve this technical problem, typically, the length of the first track 111a is greater than or equal to the sliding stroke of the first slider 131a, and the length of the second track 112a is greater than or equal to the sliding stroke of the second slider 132a.

[0150] Specifically, the third outer end C of the first track 111a is flush with the first outer end 131f of the first connecting rod 131, or the third outer end C is located on the side of the first outer end 131f away from the main shaft 14. In this case, the length of the first track 111a is sufficient and will not restrict the relative movement between the first connecting rod 131 and the first support 111. Similarly, the fourth outer end D of the second track 111a is flush with the second outer end 132f of the second connecting rod 132, or the fourth outer end D is located on the side of the second outer end 132f away from the main shaft 14. In this case, the length of the second track 112a is sufficient and will not restrict the relative movement between the second connecting rod 132 and the second support 112.

[0151] Based on this, when the axis of the first pivot 121a of the first swing arm 121 and the first support 111 is located on the side away from the main shaft 14 at the third outer end C, the first pivot 121a is located on the side away from the main shaft 14 at the first outer end 131f of the first connecting rod 131. Similarly, when the axis of the second pivot 122a of the second swing arm 122 and the second support 112 is located on the side away from the main shaft 14 at the fourth outer end D, the second pivot 122a is located on the side away from the main shaft at the second outer end 132f of the second connecting rod 132. In this embodiment, the positions of the first pivot 121a and the second pivot 122a ensure that the folding device 1 can prevent interference between the swing arm assembly 12 and the support plate assembly while operating normally (preventing jamming). This avoids the need to provide clearance holes for the swing arm assembly 12 on the support plate assembly, thereby improving the reliability of the folding device 1 in supporting the flexible screen 2.

[0152] Among them, such as Figure 21 In the embodiment shown, the first track 111a passes through the first support 111, and the second track 112a passes through the second support 112.

[0153] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 20 As shown, the first bracket 111 has a fifth outer end portion 111c away from the main shaft 14, and the second bracket 112 has a sixth outer end portion 112c away from the main shaft 14. The fifth outer end portion 111c is the outline of the outermost end of the first bracket 111, and the sixth outer end portion 112c is the outline of the outermost end of the second bracket 112. The first rotating shaft 121a is located at the fifth outer end portion 111c, and the second rotating shaft 122a is located at the sixth outer end portion 112c. That is, the axis L1 of the first rotating shaft 121a is flush with the outline of the fifth outer end portion 111c, and the axis of the second rotating shaft 122a is flush with the outline of the sixth outer end portion 112c. At this time, the first outer end portion 131f of the first bracket 111 (please refer to the appendix) Figure 10 The fifth outer end 111c of the first bracket 111 is flush with the first outer end 131f, or the fifth outer end 111c is located on the side of the first outer end 131f away from the main shaft 14. The second outer end 132f of the second connecting rod 132 (please refer to...) Figure 10 The sixth outer end 112c of the second support 112 is flush with the sixth outer end 112c, or the sixth outer end 112c is located on the side of the second outer end 132f away from the main shaft 14.

[0154] In this embodiment, when the axis of the first rotating shaft 121a is located at the fifth outer end 111c of the first support 111 away from the main shaft 14 and the axis of the second rotating shaft 122a is located at the sixth outer end 112c of the second support 112 away from the main shaft 14, since the fifth outer end 111c is the position with the largest distance between the first support 111 and the main shaft 14 and the sixth outer end 112c is the position with the largest distance between the second support 112 and the main shaft 14, the distance between the first rotating shaft 121a and the main shaft 14 and the distance between the second rotating shaft 122a and the main shaft 14 can be increased. This can prevent the swing arm assembly 12 from interfering with the support plate assembly, avoid setting avoidance holes on the support plate assembly to avoid the swing arm assembly 12, and improve the support reliability of the folding device 1 for the flexible screen 2.

[0155] Additionally, the first swing arm 121 has a seventh outer end portion 121e located away from the main shaft 14, and the second swing arm 122 has an eighth outer end portion 122e located away from the main shaft 14. The seventh outer end portion 121e is the outline of the outermost end of the first swing arm 121, and the eighth outer end portion 122e is the outline of the outermost end of the second swing arm 122. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fifth outer end portion 111c of the first support 111 can be located on the side of the seventh outer end portion 121e of the first swing arm 121 located away from the main shaft 14, and the sixth outer end portion 112c of the second support 112 can be located on the side of the eighth outer end portion 122e of the second swing arm 122 located away from the main shaft 14.

[0156] In yet another specific embodiment, such as Figure 17 As shown, the first swing arm 121 has a seventh outer end 121e away from the main shaft 14, and the second swing arm 122 has an eighth outer end 122e away from the main shaft 14. The seventh outer end 121e is the outline of the outermost end of the first swing arm 121, and the eighth outer end 122e is the outline of the outermost end of the second swing arm 122. The first rotating shaft 121a is located at the seventh outer end 121e, and the second rotating shaft 122a is located at the eighth outer end 122e. That is, the axis L1 of the first rotating shaft 121a is flush with the outline of the seventh outer end 121e, and the axis of the second rotating shaft 122a is flush with the outline of the eighth outer end 122e. At this time, the first outer end 131f of the first connecting rod 131 (please refer to the appendix) Figure 10 The seventh outer end 121e of the first swing arm 121 is flush with the first outer end 131f, or the seventh outer end 121e is located on the side of the first outer end 131f away from the main shaft 14, and the second outer end 132f of the second connecting rod 132 (see reference) Figure 10 The eighth outer end 122e of the second swing arm 122 is flush with the second outer end 122, or the eighth outer end 122e is located on the side of the second outer end 132f away from the main shaft 14.

[0157] In this embodiment, when the axis of the first rotating shaft 121a is located at the seventh outer end 121e of the first swing arm 121 away from the main shaft 14 and the axis of the second swing arm 122 is away from the eighth outer end 122e of the main shaft 14, since the seventh outer end 121e is the position with the largest distance between the first swing arm 121 and the main shaft 14, and the eighth outer end 122e is the position with the largest distance between the second swing arm 122 and the main shaft 14, the distance between the first rotating shaft 121a (the rotating shaft between the first swing arm 121 and the first support 111) and the main shaft 14 can be increased, and the distance between the second rotating shaft 122a (the rotating shaft between the second swing arm 122 and the second support 112) and the main shaft 14 can also be increased. This can prevent the swing arm assembly 12 from interfering with the support plate assembly, avoid setting avoidance holes on the support plate assembly to avoid the swing arm assembly 12, and improve the support reliability of the folding device 1 for the flexible screen 2.

[0158] In addition, in this embodiment, the seventh outer end 121e of the first swing arm 121 may be located on the side away from the main shaft 14 of the fifth outer end 111c of the first bracket 111, and the eighth outer end 122e of the second swing arm 122 may be located on the side away from the main shaft 14 of the sixth outer end 112c of the second bracket 112.

[0159] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 17 As shown, the fifth outer end 111c of the first bracket 111 and the seventh outer end 121e of the first swing arm 121 are rotatably connected by the first rotating shaft 121a, and the sixth outer end 112c of the second bracket 112 and the eighth outer end 122e of the second swing arm 122 are rotatably connected by the second rotating shaft 122a. That is, the axis of the first rotating shaft 121a is located on the contour line of the fifth outer end 111c and the contour line of the seventh outer end 121e, and the axis of the second rotating shaft 122a is located on the contour line of the sixth outer end 112c and the contour line of the eighth outer end 122e. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the seventh outer end 121e of the first swing arm 121 can be flush with the fifth outer end 111c of the first bracket 111, and the eighth outer end 122e of the second swing arm 122 can be flush with the sixth outer end 112c of the second bracket 112. That is, the first swing arm 121 extends to the outer end of the first bracket 111 and is rotatably connected to the first bracket 111 at their ends away from the main axis 14, and the second swing arm 122 extends to the outer end of the second bracket 112 and is rotatably connected to the second bracket 112 at their ends away from the main axis 14. At this time, the first outer end 131f of the first connecting rod 131 (please refer to the appendix) Figure 10The seventh outer end 121e of the first swing arm 121 and the fifth outer end 111c of the first bracket 111 are flush with each other, or the seventh outer end 121e and the fifth outer end 111c are located on the side of the first outer end 131f away from the main shaft 14, and the second outer end 132f of the second connecting rod 132 (see reference) Figure 10 The eighth outer end 122e of the second swing arm 122 and the sixth outer end 112c of the second bracket 112 are flush with each other, or the eighth outer end 122e and the sixth outer end 112c are located on the side of the second outer end 132f away from the main shaft 14.

[0160] In this embodiment, the axis of the first rotating shaft 121a is located at the position where the distance between the first swing arm 121 and the first support 111 and the main shaft 14 is the largest. The axis of the second rotating shaft 122a is located at the position where the distance between the second swing arm 122 and the second support 112 and the main shaft 14 is the largest. Therefore, the distance between the first rotating shaft 121a and the main shaft 14 is relatively large, and the distance between the second rotating shaft 122a and the main shaft 14 is also relatively large. This can prevent interference between the swing arm assembly 12 and the support plate assembly, avoid setting avoidance holes on the support plate assembly to avoid the swing arm assembly 12, and improve the support reliability of the folding device 1 for the flexible screen 2.

[0161] Of course, the positions of the first rotating shaft 121a and the second rotating shaft 122a include, but are not limited to, the positions described in the above embodiments. Any position that can prevent the swing arm assembly 12 from interfering with the support plate assembly is within the protection scope of this application.

[0162] The connection structure between the connecting rod assembly 13 and the main shaft, as well as the connection structure between the connecting rod assembly 13 and the support assembly, will be described in detail below.

[0163] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 10 The first connecting rod 131 is slidably connected to the first support 111 via the first slider 131a and the first track 111a. The second connecting rod 132 is slidably connected to the second support 112 via the second slider 132a and the second track 112a. The first slider 131a can be set on the first connecting rod 131, the first track 111a can be set on the first support 111, the second slider 132a can be set on the second connecting rod 132, and the second track 112a can be set on the second support 112.

[0164] Among them, such as Figure 21 As shown, the first track 111a and the second track 112a are inclined, so that the first support 111 slides inclined relative to the first connecting rod 131 and the second support 112 slides inclined relative to the second connecting rod 132, reducing the risk of the first support 111 and the first connecting rod 131 and the second support 112 and the second connecting rod 132 getting stuck during the unfolding or folding of the folding device 1.

[0165] In addition, the cross-sectional shapes of the first slider 131a, the first track 111a, the second slider 132a and the second track 112a can be cross-shaped, trapezoidal, triangular, etc., and this application does not limit them.

[0166] On the other hand, such as Figure 20 As shown, the main shaft 14 has a shaft hole (not shown in the figure), and the first connecting rod 131 is connected to a fifth rotating shaft 131e, which passes through the shaft hole, thereby realizing the rotational connection between the first connecting rod 131 and the main shaft 14. The fifth rotating shaft 131e can be a pin or other structure. In this embodiment, the rotational connection structure between the second connecting rod 132 and the main shaft 14 can be the same as the rotational connection structure between the first connecting rod 131 and the main shaft 14, and will not be described again here.

[0167] The connection structure between the swing arm assembly 12 and the main shaft, and the connection structure between the swing arm assembly 12 and the support assembly are described in detail below. Specifically, one end of the first swing arm 121 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 14, and the other end is rotatably connected to the first support 111. One end of the second swing arm 122 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 14, and the other end is rotatably connected to the second support 112.

[0168] In one specific embodiment, the first swing arm 121 and the main shaft 14, and the second swing arm 122 and the main shaft 14, can be rotatably connected by virtual axes, as shown in the following specific structure:

[0169] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the main shaft 14 has a first arc-shaped groove 143 and a second arc-shaped groove 144 respectively provided on both sides along the width direction Y, as... Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the first swing arm 121 is provided with a first rotating part 121b, and the second swing arm 122 is provided with a second rotating part 122b. The first rotating part 121b can move within the first arc-shaped groove 143, and the second rotating part 122b can move within the second arc-shaped groove 144. The first arc-shaped groove 143 and the second arc-shaped groove 144 can be a quarter-circle, a third-circle, etc. Those skilled in the art can adapt and adjust the specific parameters of the first arc-shaped groove 143 and the second arc-shaped groove 144 according to actual needs; this application does not impose specific limitations in this regard.

[0170] In this embodiment, the relative rotation of the first swing arm 121 and the main shaft 14 is achieved through the cooperation of the first rotating part 121b and the first arc-shaped groove 143. That is, during the movement of the first rotating part 121b along the first arc-shaped groove 143, the first swing arm 121 rotates relative to the main shaft 14, and the rotation center of the two is the center of the first arc-shaped groove 143. That is, the center of the first arc-shaped groove 143 is the third rotating shaft 121d mentioned above. Therefore, the third rotating shaft 121d is a virtual axis. The relative rotation of the second swing arm 122 and the main shaft 14 is achieved through the cooperation of the second rotating part 122b and the second arc-shaped groove 144. That is, during the movement of the second rotating part 122b along the second arc-shaped groove 143, the second swing arm 122 rotates relative to the main shaft 14, and the rotation center of the two is the center of the second arc-shaped groove 144. That is, the center of the second arc-shaped groove 144 is the fourth rotating shaft 122d mentioned above. Therefore, the fourth rotating shaft 122d is a virtual axis.

[0171] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, when the first swing arm 121 and the second swing arm 122 rotate relative to each other (the folding device 1 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state), at least a portion of the first rotating part 121b leaves the first arcuate groove 143, and at least a portion of the second rotating part 122b leaves the second arcuate groove 144; as Figure 17 As shown, when the first swing arm 121 and the second swing arm 122 rotate in opposite directions (the folding device 1 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state), at least a portion of the first rotating part 121b enters the first arc-shaped groove 143, and at least a portion of the second rotating part 122b enters the second arc-shaped groove 144. Furthermore, when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state... Figure 17 When fully unfolded, the first rotating part 121b is adapted to the first arc-shaped groove 143, thereby restricting the first swing arm 121 to the first position, and the second rotating part 122b is adapted to the second arc-shaped groove 144, thereby restricting the second swing arm 122 to the first position, thereby improving the reliability of the folding device when it is in the unfolded state.

[0172] Therefore, when the first rotating part 121b cooperates with the first arc-shaped groove 143 to achieve relative rotation between the first swing arm 121 and the main shaft 14, and the second rotating part 122b cooperates with the second arc-shaped groove 144 to achieve relative rotation between the second swing arm 122 and the main shaft 14, the reliability of the relative rotation between the first swing arm 121 and the main shaft 14, and between the second swing arm 122 and the main shaft 14, is high. Furthermore, by changing the centers of the first arc-shaped groove 143 and the second arc-shaped groove 144, the rotation centers of the first swing arm 121 and the second swing arm 122 can be changed, thus facilitating the control of the movement trajectories of the first and second swing arms 121 and 122. Simultaneously, through the virtual axis connection method, the connection structure between the first swing arm 122 and the main shaft 14 can be hidden within the main shaft 14, thereby improving the integration and user experience of the folding device 1.

[0173] Among them, such as Figures 15-17 In the illustrated embodiment, the main shaft 14 may include a separate and fixedly connected inner main shaft 141 and outer main shaft 142. One of the inner main shaft 141 and the outer main shaft 142 is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion, and the other is provided with an arc-shaped recess. The arc-shaped protrusion and the arc-shaped recess form the aforementioned first arc-shaped groove 143 and second arc-shaped groove 144. Alternatively, the main shaft 14 may also be a one-piece structure. When the main shaft 14 includes a separate inner main shaft 141 and outer main shaft 142, it facilitates the connection between the swing arm assembly 12 and the connecting rod assembly 13 and the main shaft 14.

[0174] In another specific embodiment, the first swing arm 121 and the main shaft 14, and the second swing arm 122 and the main shaft 14 can also be rotatably connected in other ways, such as by a pin connection.

[0175] In the above embodiments, as Figure 16 As shown, the folding device 1 may also include a pivot cover 131, in which the main shaft 14 is installed, and at least a portion of the first bracket 111 and the second bracket 112 extends out of the pivot cover 131.

[0176] On the other hand, in one specific embodiment, the first swing arm 121 and the first bracket 111, and the second swing arm 122 and the second bracket 112, can be rotatably connected by a pin, as shown in the following specific structure:

[0177] like Figures 15-17 In the embodiment shown, the first swing arm 121 and the first support 111 are rotatably connected by the first rotating shaft 121a, that is, the rotation center of the first swing arm 121 and the first support 111 is the first rotating shaft 121a, and the second swing arm 122 and the second support 112 are rotatably connected by the second rotating shaft 122a, that is, the rotation center of the second swing arm 122 and the second support 112 is the second rotating shaft 122a.

[0178] Specifically, such as Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the first swing arm 121 has a shaft hole at the end away from the main shaft 14, and the first bracket 111 also has a shaft hole. The first rotating shaft 121a (which can be a pin) passes through the two shaft holes, so that the first bracket 111 and the first swing arm 121 can rotate relative to each other around the first rotating shaft 121a. Similarly, the second swing arm 121 has a shaft hole at the end away from the main shaft 14, and the second bracket 112 also has a shaft hole. The second rotating shaft 122a (which can be a pin) passes through the two shaft holes, so that the second bracket 112 and the second swing arm 122 can rotate relative to each other around the second rotating shaft 122a.

[0179] In another specific embodiment, the first bracket 111 and the first swing arm 121, and the second bracket 112 and the second swing arm 122 can also be rotatably connected in other ways, such as the virtual axis connection method described above. This application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0180] The connection structure between the support plate assembly and the bracket assembly is described in detail below. In one specific embodiment, the first support plate 171 and the first bracket 111 can be connected by a virtual axis, and the second support plate 172 and the second bracket 112 can also be connected by a virtual axis.

[0181] For details, please refer to the appendix. Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 20 The first bracket 111 is provided with a third arc-shaped groove 111b, and the first support plate 171 is provided with a third rotating part 1711. The third rotating part 1711 can slide along the third arc-shaped groove 111b so that the first support plate 171 can rotate relative to the first bracket 111. The second bracket 112 is provided with a fourth arc-shaped groove 112b, and the second support plate 172 is provided with a fourth rotating part 1721. The fourth rotating part 1721 can slide along the fourth arc-shaped groove 112b so that the second support plate 172 can rotate relative to the second bracket 112.

[0182] In this embodiment, the relative rotation between the first support plate 171 and the first bracket 111 is achieved through the cooperation of the third rotating part 1711 and the third arc-shaped groove 111b, and the relative rotation between the second support plate 172 and the second bracket 112 is achieved through the cooperation of the fourth rotating part 1721 and the fourth arc-shaped groove 112b. This ensures high reliability of the relative rotation between the first support plate 171 and the first bracket 111, and between the second support plate 172 and the second bracket 112. Furthermore, the connection method using virtual axes allows the third rotating part 1711, the third arc-shaped groove 111b, the fourth rotating part 1721, and the fourth arc-shaped groove 112b to be hidden, thereby improving the overall integrity of the folding device 1.

[0183] In another specific embodiment, the first support plate 171 and the first bracket 111, and the second support plate 172 and the second bracket 112 can also be rotatably connected in other ways, such as by a pin connection.

[0184] In addition, in this folding device 1, the sliding connection and relative rotation between the first support plate 171 and the first connecting rod 131 or the first swing arm 121, and the sliding connection and relative rotation between the second support plate 172 and the second connecting rod 132 or the second swing arm 122 are achieved by the following structure.

[0185] Specifically, such as Figure 16 , Figure 22 and Figure 23As shown, the first support plate 171 is provided with a third track 1713, and the first connecting rod 131 or the first swing arm 121 is provided with a first pin 121c, which is slidably engaged with the third track 1713; the second support plate 172 is provided with a fourth track 1723, and the second connecting rod 132 or the second swing arm 122 is provided with a second pin 122c, which is slidably engaged with the fourth track 1723. During the process of the first bracket 111 and the second bracket 112 rotating towards each other (relative rotation of the first bracket 111 and the second bracket 112 approaching each other), the first pin 121c slides from the end of the third track 1713 away from the main shaft 14 to the end of the third track 1713 close to the main shaft 14, and the second pin 122c slides from the end of the fourth track 1723 away from the main shaft 14 to the end of the fourth track 1723 close to the main shaft 14. Furthermore, the third track 1713 is used to guide the relative sliding between the first support plate 171 and the first connecting rod 131 or the first swing arm 121, and the fourth track 1723 is used to guide the relative sliding between the second support plate 172 and the second connecting rod 132 or the second swing arm 122.

[0186] Of course, the third track can also be set on the first connecting rod or the first swing arm, the first pin can also be set on the first support plate, the fourth track can also be set on the second connecting rod or the second swing arm, and the second pin can also be set on the second support plate. This application does not limit the setting position of the track and the pin.

[0187] Furthermore, along the length direction X of the main shaft 14, the first support plate 171 may be provided with multiple third tracks 1713. Correspondingly, the first connecting rod 131 or the first swing arm 121 may be provided with multiple first pins 121c. The first pins 121c are engaged with the third tracks 1713, thereby improving the reliability of the sliding connection between the first support plate 171 and the first connecting rod 131 or the first swing arm 121. Along the length direction X of the main shaft 14, the second support plate 172 may be provided with multiple fourth tracks 1723. The second connecting rod 132 or the second swing arm 122 may be provided with multiple second pins 122c. The second pins 122c are engaged with the fourth tracks 1723, thereby improving the reliability of the sliding connection between the second support plate 172 and the second connecting rod 132 or the second swing arm 122.

[0188] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 16 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the third track 1713 has a first end and a second end arranged opposite to each other, and the fourth track 1723 has a third end and a fourth end arranged opposite to each other. The second end is closer to the main shaft 14 than the first end, and the fourth end is closer to the main shaft 14 than the third end. When the folding device 1 is in the position shown... Figure 23 and Figure 24 In the unfolded state shown, the first pin 121c engages with the third track 1713 at the first end, and the second pin 122c engages with the fourth track 1723 at the third end; when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state as shown... Figure 17 In the folded state shown, the first pin 121c engages with the third track 1713 at the second end, and the second pin 122c engages with the fourth track 1723 at the fourth end.

[0189] When the folding device 1 is from Figure 22 and Figure 23 The unfolded state shown has been switched to Figure 16 During the folding process shown, i.e., during the relative rotation of the first support 111 and the second support 112 towards each other (i.e., the relative rotation of the first support 111 and the second support 112 towards each other), the first pin 121c slides from the first end to the second end of the third track 1713, and the second pin 122c slides from the third end to the fourth end of the fourth track 1723. Since the second end is closer to the main shaft 14 than the first end, during this process, the first support plate 171 can slide relative to the first connecting rod 131 or the first swing arm 121 in a direction away from the main shaft 14. The movement process of the second support plate 172 is similar to that of the first support plate 171, and will not be described again here, thereby increasing the outline length of the aforementioned accommodating space 174. When the folding device 1 moves from... Figure 16 The folded state shown has been switched to Figure 22 and Figure 23 During the unfolded state shown, that is, during the rotation of the first support 111 and the second support 112 in opposite directions, the first pin 121c slides from the second end of the third track 1713 to the first end, and the second pin 122c slides from the fourth end of the fourth track 1723 to the third end. Since the fourth end is closer to the main shaft 14 than the third end, during this process, the first support plate 171 can slide relative to the first connecting rod 131 or the first swing arm 121 in a direction close to the main shaft 14. The movement process of the second support plate 172 is similar to that of the first support plate 171, and will not be described again here, thereby reducing the outline length of the aforementioned accommodating space 174.

[0190] Specifically, such as Figure 16 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 In the embodiment shown, the third track 1713 is an arc-shaped or inclined structure, and the fourth track 1723 is an arc-shaped or inclined structure. In this case, the third track 1713 allows the first support plate 171 to slide relative to the first connecting rod 131 or the first swing arm 121 while rotating relative to it, preventing the two from getting stuck. The fourth track 1723 allows the second support plate 172 to slide relative to the second connecting rod 132 or the second swing arm 122 while rotating relative to it, preventing the two from getting stuck.

[0191] Additionally, the first pin 121c can be located on the first connecting rod 131 or the first swing arm 121, and the second pin 122c can be located on the second connecting rod 132 or the second swing arm 122, such as... Figure 16 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 In the embodiment shown, the first pin 121c is disposed on the first swing arm 121, and the second pin 122c is disposed on the second swing arm 122. Since the first swing arm 121 and the second swing arm 122 can not only rotate relative to the main shaft 14, but also slide relative to the main shaft 14 (the first rotating part 121b moves along the first arc groove 143, and the second rotating part 122b moves along the second arc groove 144), the size of the third track 1713 and the fourth track 1723 can be reduced when the first pin 121c is disposed on the first swing arm 121 and the second pin 122c is disposed on the second swing arm 122.

[0192] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, the folding device 1 also includes a tensioning component 15, which is disposed between the connecting rod assembly 13 and the support plate assembly. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the tensioning component 15 can provide tension force, thereby pushing the first bracket 111 and the second bracket 112 away from each other, so that the folding device 1 is maintained in the unfolded state and the flexible screen 2 is flattened, that is, the creases of the flexible screen 2 are flattened, thereby further reducing the creases of the electronic device. The specific structure of the tensioning component 15 is described in detail below.

[0193] Specifically, such as Figures 26-28 As shown, the tensioning assembly 15 includes two tensioning groups. One tensioning group is located between the first connecting rod 131 and the first support 111, and another tensioning group is located between the second connecting rod 132 and the second support 112. Each tensioning group includes a pusher 151 and a drive member 152. The drive member 152 of each tensioning group is connected to the connecting rod assembly 13. When the folding device 1 is in the position shown... Figure 27 In the unfolded state, the drive member 15 of each tensioning group can apply a first thrust to the push member 151 in the tensioning group, thereby pushing the push member 151 in the tensioning group to move away from the main shaft 14. Specifically, the drive member 152 in the tensioning group located between the first link 131 and the first bracket 111 is connected to the first link 131, and the drive member 152 in the tensioning group located between the second link 132 and the second bracket 112 is connected to the second link 131. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the push members 151 in the two tensioning groups respectively push the first bracket 111 and the second bracket 112 away from each other.

[0194] In one specific embodiment, such as Figures 26-28As shown, the driving member 152 in each tensioning group is an elastic member, and one end of the driving member 152 in each tensioning group is connected to the first connecting rod 131 and the second connecting rod 132, and the other end is connected to the pushing member 151 in the tensioning group. Specifically, the first connecting rod 131 or the second connecting rod 132 has a mounting cavity 134, and a mounting post 134a is provided in the mounting cavity 134. The pushing member 151 in each tensioning group has a boss 151a, and one end of the driving member 152 in each tensioning group can be fitted into the mounting post 134a, and the other end abuts against the boss 151a of the pushing member 151 in the tensioning group.

[0195] When the folding device 1 is in Figure 27 In the unfolded state shown, the drive member 152 (elastic member) in each tensioning group is in a compressed state, that is, the drive member 152 has an elastic force outward (away from the main shaft 14) along the width direction Y of the main shaft 14. This elastic force acts on the linkage assembly 13 and the support assembly, thereby driving the support assembly to have a tendency to move outward (away from the main shaft 14) along the width direction Y of the main shaft 14, promoting the flattening of the folding device 1. During the folding process, as the support assembly slides outward (away from the main shaft 14) relative to the linkage assembly 13, it can reduce the compression of the drive member 152 in each tensioning group, or restore it to its initial state or extend it, thereby reducing the thrust of the push member 151 in the tensioning group on the support assembly or releasing the thrust of the push member 151 in the tensioning group on the support assembly; when the folding device 1 is in such a state... Figure 28 When in the folded state shown, each component of the tensioning assembly 15 retracts into the inner cavity of the bracket assembly and the connecting rod assembly 13, that is, the tensioning assembly 15 does not occupy the external space of the folding device 151, thereby improving the overall appearance of the folding device 1.

[0196] Of course, the driving element 152 in each tensioning group can also be implemented by other structures, such as magnetic elements or springs. Specifically, the pushing element 151 in each tensioning group is connected to a first magnetic element, and the support assembly is connected to a second magnetic element, and the first magnetic element and the corresponding second magnetic element in each tensioning group repel each other. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the first magnetic element and the corresponding second magnetic element in each tensioning group approach each other and repel each other, promoting the flattening of the folding device 1; when the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the first magnetic element and the corresponding second magnetic element in each tensioning group move away from each other, and the repulsive force between them decreases. Therefore, this application does not limit the specific structure of the driving element 152 in each tensioning group.

[0197] More specifically, such as Figures 26-28As shown, each tensioning assembly also includes a guide member 153, which is provided with a guide hole 153a. The pusher member 151 in each tensioning assembly includes a sliding part 151b, which slides in cooperation with the guide hole 153a.

[0198] In this embodiment, in each tensioning group, the guide 153 and the drive 152 are located at both ends of the pusher 151. That is, the guide 153 in each tensioning group is located at one end close to the support assembly. When the sliding part 151b of the pusher 151 in each tensioning group slides into the guide hole 153a of the guide 153 in the tensioning group, the guide 153 in the tensioning group can limit the movement stroke of the pusher 151, preventing the excessive thrust on the support assembly when the movement stroke of the pusher 151 in each tensioning group is too large, thus improving the reliability of the support assembly. In addition, the guide 153 in the tensioning group can also guide the movement of the pusher 151 in the tensioning group, preventing the pusher 151 from deviating.

[0199] In the above embodiments, as Figure 29 As shown, the folding device 1 may also include a synchronous gear set, which is used to transmit the movement between the first link 131 and the second link 132, so that the first link 131 and the second link 132 move synchronously during the folding and unfolding process, thereby making the first support 111 and the second support 112 move synchronously, improving the stability and reliability of the folding device 1 and the electronic equipment during the unfolding and folding process.

[0200] Specifically, such as Figure 29 As shown, the synchronous gear set includes a first gear 161 and a second gear 162 that mesh with each other. The first gear 161 is connected to the first connecting rod 131 via the aforementioned fifth rotating shaft 131e. During the rotation of the first gear 161, the first connecting rod 131 can rotate around the fifth rotating shaft 131e. Similarly, as... Figure 29 As shown, the second gear 162 and the second connecting rod 132 are connected by a sixth rotating shaft 132e. During the rotation of the second gear 162, the second connecting rod 132 can rotate around the sixth rotating shaft 132e.

[0201] In this embodiment, the first gear 161 and the first connecting rod 131 rotate around the same axis (the fifth axis 131e), and the second gear 162 and the second connecting rod 132 rotate around the same axis (the sixth axis 132e), thereby achieving synchronous rotation of the first gear 161 and the first connecting rod 131, and the second gear 162 and the second connecting rod 132. The first connecting rod 131 is connected to the first bracket 111, and the second connecting rod 132 is connected to the second bracket 112, thereby achieving synchronous rotation of the first bracket 111 and the second bracket 112.

[0202] like Figure 29 As shown, the synchronous gear set may further include a third gear 163 and a fourth gear 164. The third gear 163 meshes with the first gear 161, and the fourth gear 164 meshes with the second gear 162. The first gear 161, the third gear 163, the fourth gear 164, and the second gear 162 are arranged along the width direction Y of the main shaft 14. In this embodiment, by adding the third gear 163 and the fourth gear 164 that mesh with the first gear 161 and the second gear 162, it is possible to achieve the meshing of the first gear 161 and the second gear 162 while also reducing the diameter of the first gear 161 and the second gear 162. This reduces the space occupied by the synchronous gear set along the width direction Y and the thickness direction Z of the main shaft 14, which is beneficial for miniaturizing and thinning the folding device 1.

[0203] Of course, the above-mentioned synchronous gear set does not necessarily have to be implemented by four meshing gears. It can also be other structures, such as two meshing gears or more than four meshing gears. This application does not limit the specific structure of the synchronous gear set.

[0204] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 30 and Figure 31As shown, the folding device 1 also includes a synchronous damping component 16, which is connected to the first support 111 and the second support 112 (including direct or indirect connection). When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the synchronous damping component 16 can provide a first damping force, which can act on the first support 111 and the second support 112 to provide resistance to the relative rotation of the first support 111 and the second support 112 towards each other (relative rotation of the first support 111 and the second support 112 approaching each other), so that the folding device 1 can be maintained in the unfolded state. When the folding device 1 needs to switch from the unfolded state to the folded state, the user needs to apply a driving force to the first support 111 and the second support 112 to overcome the first damping force, so that the first support 111 and the second support 112 can overcome the first damping force, thereby allowing the folding device 1 to switch to the folded state. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the first damping component 191 provides a second damping force, which acts on the first bracket 111 and the second bracket 112, thereby providing resistance to the opposite rotation of the first bracket 111 and the second bracket 112, allowing the folding device 1 to remain in the folded state. When the folding device 1 needs to switch from the folded state to the unfolded state, the user needs to apply a driving force to the first bracket 111 and the second bracket 112 to overcome the second damping force, allowing the folding device 1 to switch to the unfolded state. Simultaneously, during the folding or unfolding process, when the first bracket 111 and the second bracket 112 rotate towards each other (relative rotation where the first bracket 111 and the second bracket 112 move closer together) or away from each other (rotation where the first bracket 111 and the second bracket 112 move away from each other), the first damping component 191 also provides a third damping force, thereby providing torque during the unfolding and folding of the electronic device and improving the user experience during the unfolding and folding process. The magnitudes of the first damping force and the second damping force can be the same or different, and the third damping force can be smaller than the first damping force and the second damping force.

[0205] The folding device 1 may include a plurality of synchronous damping components 16, and each synchronous damping component 16 is arranged at intervals along the length direction X of the main shaft 14.

[0206] The specific structure of the synchronous damping component 16 is described below.

[0207] like Figure 30 and Figure 31As shown, the synchronous damping assembly 16 includes the aforementioned synchronous gear set and a cam 169. The cam 169 and the first gear 161 and second gear 162 of the synchronous gear set are distributed along the length direction X of the main shaft 14. Cams 169 can be provided on both sides of the first gear 161 and second gear 162 along the length direction X of the main shaft 14. The cams 169 and the synchronous gear set are arranged opposite to each other along the length direction X of the main shaft 14. Wherein, as... Figure 32 As shown, the cam 169 has a first concave-convex surface at the end of the synchronous gear set along the length direction X of the main shaft 14. Correspondingly, the end of the synchronous gear set opposite to the cam 169 is provided with a second concave-convex surface 165. The first concave-convex surface and the second concave-convex surface 165 can mesh.

[0208] At the same time, such as Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, the synchronous damping assembly 16 may further include a first elastic element 167, wherein the elastic deformation direction of the first elastic element 167 is parallel to the length direction X of the main shaft 14, and the first elastic element 167 is located on the side of the cam 169 away from the synchronous gear set. One end of the first elastic element 167 along the length direction Y of the main shaft 14 is connected to the cam 169, and the other end is connected to the main shaft 14. That is, when the first elastic element 167 elastically deforms, it can apply a spring force along the length direction X of the main shaft 14 to the cam 169. When the synchronous gear set has cams 169 on both sides along the length direction X of the main shaft 14, the synchronous damping assembly 16 includes two sets of first elastic elements 167, and the two sets of first elastic elements 167 respectively cooperate with the two sets of cams 169. The first elastic element 167 is in a compressed state.

[0209] It is understood that during the engagement of the first concave-convex surface of the cam 169 with the second concave-convex surface 165 of the synchronous gear set, at least the following three situations are included: First, the convex surface of the first concave-convex surface engages with the convex surface of the second concave-convex surface 165. In this case, the cam 169 moves toward the corresponding first elastic member 167 and compresses the first elastic member 167, causing the first elastic member 167 to have a first deformation. At this time, the first elastic member 167 in the compressed state can apply a first elastic force to the synchronous gear set through the cam 169; Second, the convex surface of the first concave-convex surface engages with the concave surface of the second concave-convex surface 165, or the concave surface of the first concave-convex surface engages with the convex surface of the second concave-convex surface 165. In one configuration, the first elastic element 167, under compression, can apply a second elastic force to the synchronous gear set via the cam 169. The first elastic element 167 has a second deformation amount, which is less than the first deformation amount, and the second elastic force is less than the first elastic force. Alternatively, the concave surface of the first concave-convex surface 165 engages with the concave surface of the second concave-convex surface 165. In this configuration, the first elastic element 167, under compression, can apply a third elastic force to the synchronous gear set via the cam 169. The first elastic element 167 has a third deformation amount, which is less than the first deformation amount and less than the second deformation amount, and the third elastic force is less than the first elastic force and less than the second elastic force.

[0210] In this embodiment, the magnitude of the damping force applied by the synchronous damping component 16 is determined by the magnitude of the elastic force of the first elastic element 167. When the first bracket 111 and the second bracket 112 drive the first connecting rod 131 and the second connecting rod 132 to rotate, the synchronous gear set can rotate accordingly, thereby changing the mating position of the first concave-convex surface and the second concave-convex surface 165. The mating position of the two switches between the above three situations.

[0211] In a first embodiment, when the folding device 1 is in a folded or unfolded state, it can be in the first case described above. In this case, when the folding device 1 needs to switch between the folded and unfolded states, the applied external force needs to be able to overcome the first elastic force of the first elastic element 167. Furthermore, during the switching process between the folded and unfolded states, the folding device 1 can be in the second or third case described above, i.e., during the folding or unfolding process, the synchronous damping component 16 can provide a damping force of the same magnitude as the second or third elastic force. In a second embodiment, when the folding device 1 is in a folded or unfolded state, it can be in the second case described above. In this case, when the folding device 1 needs to switch between the folded and unfolded states, the applied external force needs to be able to overcome the second elastic force of the first elastic element 167. Furthermore, during the switching process between the folded and unfolded states, the folding device 1 can be in the third case described above, i.e., during the folding or unfolding process, the synchronous damping component 16 can provide a damping force of the same magnitude as the third elastic force.

[0212] In addition, during the engagement of the first concave-convex surface and the second concave-convex surface 165, the two surfaces are engaged at an angle. That is, the interaction force between the first concave-convex surface and the second concave-convex surface 165 is perpendicular to the angle (concave or convex surface). This interaction force acting on the angle (concave or convex surface) can generate a component force that drives the synchronous gear set to rotate, thereby generating a driving force that drives the first connecting rod 131 and the second connecting rod 132 to rotate towards each other (relative rotation where the first connecting rod 131 and the second connecting rod 132 move closer to each other) or to rotate away from each other (the first connecting rod 131 and the second connecting rod 132 move away from each other), so that the folding device 1 can automatically fold or unfold.

[0213] The synchronous damping assembly 16 may include multiple cams 169, and the number of cams 169 may be the same as the number of synchronous gear sets, so that each synchronous gear set can be subjected to damping force.

[0214] At the same time, such as Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, the synchronous damping assembly 16 also includes a snap-fit ​​member 166 and a plurality of third pins 168 extending along the length direction X of the main shaft 14. The third pins 168 pass through the synchronous gear set, allowing the synchronous gear set to rotate around the third pins 168. The aforementioned cam 169 and the first elastic member 167 are fitted onto the third pins 168. Simultaneously, a slot 168a is provided at the end of the third pin 168 away from the synchronous gear set. This slot 168a is used to snap into the snap-fit ​​member 166, thereby clamping the components of the synchronous damping assembly 16 through the snap-fit ​​member 166 and compressing the first elastic member 167. A gasket 1661 is connected to the snap-fit ​​member 166, which buffers the impact force between the snap-fit ​​member 166 and the third pins 168.

[0215] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 8As shown, the main shaft 14 includes an inner main shaft 141 and an outer main shaft 142, which are connected to form a receiving cavity. The synchronous gear set is located in the receiving cavity. The first gear 161 and the second gear 162 of the synchronous gear set are respectively connected to the first connecting rod 131 and the second connecting rod 132. Normally, the first gear 161 is located at the middle of the first connecting rod 131 along the length direction X of the main shaft 14, and the second gear 162 is located at the middle of the second connecting rod 132 along the length direction X of the main shaft 14. In order to prevent the inner main shaft 141 from interfering with the first gear 161 and the second gear 162, a first notch 141a and a second notch 141b are respectively provided at both ends of the inner main shaft 141 along the width direction Y of the main shaft 14. The first notch 141a is used to avoid the first gear 161 of the first connecting rod 131, and the second notch 141b is used to avoid the second gear 162 of the second connecting rod 132. Therefore, the support surface formed by the folding device 1 for supporting the flexible screen 2 has openings (i.e., the first notch 141a and the second notch 141b) at the positions of the first gear 161 and the second gear 162, resulting in low reliability of support for the flexible screen 2.

[0216] To solve this technical problem, such as Figures 32-34 As shown, along the length direction X of the main shaft 14, the first gear 161 is located at at least one end of the first connecting rod 131, such that the first gear 161 is offset from the first notch 141a along the length direction X of the main shaft 14, and the second gear 162 is located at at least one end of the second connecting rod 132, such that the second gear 162 is offset from the second notch 141b along the length direction X of the main shaft 14. Meanwhile, as... Figure 8 and Figure 22 As shown, the first support plate 171 is provided with a first extension section 1714 extending toward the main shaft 14 in the width direction Y, and the second support plate 172 is provided with a second extension section 1724 extending toward the main shaft 14 in the width direction Y. The first extension section 1714 is adapted to the first notch 141a of the main inner shaft 141, and the second extension section 1724 is adapted to the second notch 141b of the main inner shaft 141, so that the first extension section 1714 can fill the first notch 141a and the second extension section 1724 can fill the second notch 141b. When the first support plate 171, the second support plate 172 and the main inner shaft 14 form a support surface for supporting the flexible screen 2, the opening of the support surface can be reduced, thereby improving the support reliability of the folding device 1.

[0217] Among them, such as Figure 20As shown, when both ends of the first connecting rod 131 along the length direction X of the main shaft 14 are provided with first gears 161, the first extension 1714 of the first support plate 171 is located between the two first gears 161. Similarly, when both ends of the second connecting rod 132 along the length direction X of the main shaft 14 are provided with second gears 162, the second extension 1724 of the second support plate 172 is located between the two second gears 162. When the first connecting rod 131 is provided with a first gear 161 at one end along the length direction X of the main shaft 14, the first extension 1714 of the first support plate 171 and the first gear 161 are arranged along the length direction X of the main shaft 14. When the second connecting rod 132 is provided with a second gear 162 at one end along the length direction X of the main shaft 14, the second extension 1724 of the second support plate 172 and the second gear 162 are arranged along the length direction X of the main shaft 14.

[0218] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 35 and Figure 36 As shown, the first connecting rod 131 has a first platform 131b at one end near the main shaft 14, and the second connecting rod 132 has a second platform 132b at one end near the main shaft 14. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, at least a portion of the first platform 131b is located in the first notch 141a of the main inner shaft 141, and at least a portion of the second platform 132b is located in the second notch 141b of the main inner shaft 141, so that the first platform 131b, the second platform 132b, the first support plate 171 and the second support plate 172 are flush.

[0219] In this embodiment, when the folding device 1 is in the position Figure 36 In the unfolded state shown, the first platform 131b fills the first notch 141a of the main inner shaft 141 (i.e., the gap between the first support plate 171 and the main shaft 14), and the second platform 132b fills the second notch 141b of the main inner shaft 141 (i.e., the gap between the second support plate 172 and the main shaft 14). That is, the first support plate 171, the first platform 131b, the main shaft 14, the second platform 132b and the second support plate 172 form a plane for supporting the flexible screen 2. By setting the first platform 131b and the second platform 132b, the reliability of the folding device 1 in supporting the flexible screen 2 at the connection between the support plate assembly and the connecting rod assembly 13 can be improved.

[0220] In this embodiment, the first platform 131b functions similarly to the first extension 1714 of the first support plate 171, and the second platform 132b functions similarly to the second extension 1724 of the second support plate 172.

[0221] Of course, this application does not limit the specific structure of the first extension segment 1714, the second extension segment 1724, the first platform 131b and the second platform 132b, as long as they can fill the first gap 141a and the second gap 141b of the main inner shaft 141.

[0222] In summary, the folding device 1 of this application does not require a through hole on the support plate assembly to avoid the swing arm assembly 12, thereby improving the support reliability of the folding device 1 for the flexible screen 2 at the connection between the swing arm assembly 12 and the support plate assembly. At the same time, the folding device 1 reduces the gap between the support plate assembly and the main shaft 14, thereby improving the support reliability of the folding device 1 for the flexible screen 2 at the connection between the connecting rod assembly 13 and the support plate assembly, and reducing the risk of damage to the flexible screen 2 due to the opening in the folding device 1 during the use of electronic devices.

[0223] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 32 and Figure 37 As shown, the first link 131 is provided with a first stop 131c, and the second link 132 is provided with a second stop 132c. The folding device 1 is in the position shown. Figure 38 In the unfolded state, the first stop 131c abuts against the first support 111, thereby restricting the relative movement of the first link 131 and the first support 111 along the width direction Y of the main axis 14. The second stop 132c abuts against the second support 112, thereby restricting the relative movement of the second link 132 and the second support 112 along the width direction Y of the main axis 14. Therefore, when the electronic device is dropped, the mutual abutment of the first stop 131c and the first support 111, and the second stop 132c and the second support 112, prevents the first support 111 and the second support 112 from approaching each other along the width direction Y of the main axis 14, thus maintaining the folding device 1 in its unfolded state. Figure 37 The unfolded state shown improves the reliability of the folding device 1 and the electronic equipment in the unfolded state. At this time, the force transmission chain of the folding device 1 is: the support assembly, the connecting rod assembly 13 and the swing arm assembly 12, and the main shaft 14. The impact force transmitted to the main shaft 14 can be reduced by the mutual abutment of the support assembly and the connecting rod assembly 13.

[0224] Specifically, such as Figure 32 As shown, the first stop 131c protrudes from the first connecting rod 131 along the length X of the main shaft 14, and the second stop 132c protrudes from the second connecting rod 132 along the length X of the main shaft 14. Both ends of the first connecting rod 131 and both ends of the second connecting rod 132 can be provided with the first stop 131c along the length X of the main shaft 14. Please refer to... Figure 20 and Figure 37As shown, when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the first stop 131c abuts against the end face of the first bracket 111 near the main shaft 14, and the second stop 132c abuts against the end face of the second bracket 112 near the main shaft 14.

[0225] In this embodiment, the location, number, and shape of the first stop 131c in the first link 131 are not limited, as long as it can abut against the first support 111 in the unfolded state. Furthermore, the abutment position between the first support 111 and the first stop 131c in the unfolded state is also not limited. For example, a stop adapted to the first stop 131c can be provided on the first support 111, and this stop does not contact the first stop 131c of the first link 131 when the folding device 1 is in the folded state, but abuts against the first stop 131c of the first link 131 when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state. Similarly, the second stop 132c of the second link 131 is not limited, nor is the abutment position between the second stop 132c and the second support 112.

[0226] like Figure 32 As shown, the first link 131 is also provided with a third stop 131d, and the second link 132 is also provided with a fourth stop 132d. When the folding device 1 is in the position... Figure 21 In the folded state shown, the third stop 131d abuts against the first support plate 171, thereby restricting the first connecting rod 131 from moving along the height direction Z of the main shaft 14 when the folding device 1 is in the folded state. The fourth stop 132d abuts against the second support plate 172, thereby restricting the second connecting rod 132 from moving along the height direction Z of the main shaft 14 when the folding device 1 is in the folded state. At this time, when the electronic device is dropped, the mutual abutment of the third stop 131d with the first support plate 171 and the fourth stop 132d with the second support plate 172 prevents the first support plate 171 and the second support plate 172 from being subjected to [a certain force / damage]. Figure 21 When an impact force is applied in the direction of the arrow shown, this impact force strikes the main shaft 14, thereby improving the reliability of the folding device 1 and the electronic device in the folded state. At this time, the force transmission chain of the folding device 1 is: bracket assembly, support plate assembly, connecting rod assembly 13 and swing arm assembly 12, and main shaft 14. Through the mutual abutment of the support plate assembly and connecting rod assembly 13, the impact force transmitted to the main shaft 14 can be reduced.

[0227] Specifically, such as Figure 32 As shown, the third stop 131d protrudes from the first connecting rod 131 along the length X of the main shaft 14, and the fourth stop 132d protrudes from the second connecting rod 132 along the length X of the main shaft 14. The third stop 131d can be provided at both ends of the first connecting rod 131, and the fourth stop 132d can be provided at both ends of the second connecting rod 132 along the length X of the main shaft 14. Figure 38 and Figure 39 As shown, the first support plate 171 may be provided with a fifth stop 1712, and the second support plate 172 may be provided with a sixth stop 1722, and the fifth stop 1712 and the sixth stop 1722 extend downward along the height direction Z of the main shaft 14.

[0228] When the folding device 1 is in the position as follows Figure 38 In the unfolded state shown, the fifth stop 1712 of the first support plate 171 is separated from the third stop 131d of the first connecting rod 131 (the two are not in contact), and the sixth stop 1722 of the second support plate 172 is separated from the fourth stop 132d of the second connecting rod 132 (the two are not in contact). When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state as shown... Figure 22 In the folded state shown, the fifth stop 1712 of the first support plate 171 abuts against the third stop 131d of the first connecting rod 131, and the sixth stop 1722 of the second support plate 172 abuts against the fourth stop 132d of the second connecting rod 132, thereby realizing the abutment between the first support plate 171 and the first connecting rod 131, and the abutment between the second support plate 172 and the second connecting rod 132.

[0229] In this embodiment, the location, number, and shape of the third stop 131d in the first link 131 are not limited, as long as it can abut against the first support plate 171 in the folded state. Furthermore, the abutment position between the first support plate 171 and the first stop 131d in the folded state is also not limited. Similarly, the fourth stop 132d of the second link 131 is not limited, nor is the abutment position between the fourth stop 132d and the second support plate 172.

[0230] In another specific embodiment, the first stop 131c and the third stop 131d can also be disposed on the first swing arm 121, and correspondingly, the second stop 132c and the fourth stop 132d can also be disposed on the second swing arm 122. Therefore, when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the first swing arm 121 abuts against the first bracket 111 through the first stop 131c, and the second swing arm 122 abuts against the second bracket 112 through the second stop 132c; when the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the first swing arm 121 abuts against the first support plate 171 through the third stop 131d, and the second swing arm 122 abuts against the second support plate 172 through the fourth stop 132d.

[0231] Furthermore, embodiments of this application also provide an electronic device, such as... Figure 3As shown, the electronic device includes any one of the various implementations of the folding device 1 described above, and also includes a first housing 31, a second housing 32, and a flexible screen 2 fixedly connected to the two housings, wherein the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 are located on both sides of the folding device 1, and the first housing 31 is fixedly connected to the first bracket 111 located on the same side.

[0232] like Figure 3 As shown, the flexible screen 2 includes a first region 21, a second region 22, a third region 23, a fourth region 24, and a fifth region 25. The first region 21 is connected to the first housing 31 (specifically, it can be adhesively bonded), and the second region 22 is connected to the second housing 32 (specifically, it can be adhesively bonded). The third region 23, the fourth region 24, and the fifth region 25 correspond to the folding device 1, meaning that the accommodating space 174 of the folding device 1 is used to accommodate the third region 23, the fourth region 24, and the fifth region 25, thus forming the folded portion 26 of the flexible screen 2. Specifically, the third region 23 corresponds to the first support plate 171, the fourth region 24 corresponds to the second support plate 172, and the fifth region 25 corresponds to the main shaft 14.

[0233] The following describes the specific connection method between the support plate 17 and the flexible screen 2.

[0234] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the third region 23 is not fixedly connected to the first support plate 171, the fourth region 24 is not fixedly connected to the second support plate 172, and the fifth region 25 is not fixedly connected to the main shaft 14. In this embodiment, when the electronic device is in a folded state, the third region 23, the fourth region 24, and the fifth region 25 form a teardrop-shaped structure after folding, that is, the folded part 26 is teardrop-shaped, and the fifth region 25 is semi-circular after folding.

[0235] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the third region 23 is fixedly connected to the first support plate 171 (specifically, it can be glued), the fourth region 24 is fixedly connected to the second support plate 172 (specifically, it can be glued), and the fifth region 25 is not fixedly connected to the main shaft 14. At this time, when the electronic device is in a folded state, the fifth region 25 forms a semi-circular arc.

[0236] In this embodiment, when the third region 23 is fixedly connected to the first support plate 171 and the fourth region 24 is fixedly connected to the second support plate 172, during the folding or unfolding process of the electronic device, the third region 23 can move with the first support plate 171 and the fourth region 24 can move with the second support plate 172. That is, the third region 23 and the first support plate 171 have no relative movement, which improves the flatness of the folded part 26 of the flexible screen 2 during unfolding and folding, and reduces the risk of failure of the flexible screen 2.

[0237] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding device, characterized in that, The folding device includes: spindle; A support assembly, the support assembly including a first support and a second support arranged on both sides of the main shaft along the width direction of the main shaft; A linkage assembly includes a first link and a second link arranged on both sides of the main shaft along the width direction of the main shaft. The first link and the second link are rotatable relative to the main shaft, and the first link has a first outer end portion away from the main shaft, and the second link has a second outer end portion away from the main shaft. A first bracket is slidable relative to the first link, and the second bracket is slidable relative to the second link. A swing arm assembly includes a first swing arm and a second swing arm arranged on both sides of the main shaft along the width direction of the main shaft, the first swing arm and the second swing arm being rotatable relative to the main shaft; a first bracket is rotatably connected to the first swing arm via a first rotating shaft, and a second bracket is rotatably connected to the second swing arm via a second rotating shaft; A support plate assembly, comprising a first support plate and a second support plate arranged on both sides of the main shaft along the width direction of the main shaft; the first support plate is rotatably connected to the first bracket and slidably connected to the first swing arm or the first connecting rod and is rotatable relative to it; the second support plate is rotatably connected to the second bracket and slidably connected to the second swing arm or the second connecting rod and is rotatable relative to it. Wherein, the rotation axes of the first connecting rod and the first swing arm on the main shaft are parallel to each other and do not coincide, and the rotation axes of the second connecting rod and the second swing arm on the main shaft are parallel to each other and do not coincide; The folding device includes at least a folded state and an unfolded state. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the first outer end is in a first position and the second outer end is in a second position. The axis of the first rotating shaft is located on the side away from the main shaft at the first position, and the axis of the second rotating shaft is located on the side away from the main shaft at the second position. When the first bracket and the second bracket rotate relative to each other, the first bracket drives the first connecting rod and the first swing arm to rotate around the main axis, and drives the end of the first support plate near the main axis to move away from the main axis. The second bracket drives the second connecting rod and the second swing arm to rotate around the main axis, and drives the end of the second support plate near the main axis to move away from the main axis, so that when the first support plate and the second support plate rotate to the folded state, they form a preset angle and together with the main axis, they form a screen-enclosing space.

2. The folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first connecting rod and the first bracket, one is provided with a first slider and the other is provided with a first track, and the first slider can slide along the first track; in the second connecting rod and the second bracket, one is provided with a second slider and the other is provided with a second track, and the second slider can slide along the second track. The first track has a third outer end that is away from the main shaft, the second track has a fourth outer end that is away from the main shaft, the axis of the first rotating shaft is located on the side of the third outer end that is away from the main shaft, and the axis of the second rotating shaft is located on the side of the fourth outer end that is away from the main shaft.

3. The folding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first bracket has a fifth outer end portion remote from the main shaft, and the second bracket has a sixth outer end portion remote from the main shaft; The first rotating shaft is disposed at the fifth outer end, and the second rotating shaft is disposed at the sixth outer end.

4. The folding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first swing arm has a seventh outer end portion remote from the main shaft, and the second swing arm has an eighth outer end portion remote from the main shaft; The first rotating shaft is disposed at the seventh outer end, and the second rotating shaft is disposed at the eighth outer end.

5. The folding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first bracket has a fifth outer end portion away from the main shaft, the second bracket has a sixth outer end portion away from the main shaft, the first swing arm has a seventh outer end portion away from the main shaft, and the second swing arm has an eighth outer end portion away from the main shaft; The fifth outer end and the seventh outer end are rotatably connected by the first rotating shaft, and the sixth outer end and the eighth outer end are rotatably connected by the second rotating shaft.

6. The folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The folding device also includes a tensioning component, which, when the folding device is in the unfolded state, drives the first support and the second support to move in opposite directions.

7. The folding device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The tensioning assembly includes two tensioning groups, one of which is provided between the first connecting rod and the first bracket, and the other between the second connecting rod and the second bracket. Each tensioning group includes a pusher and a drive. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, under the action of the driving member in each tensioning group, the pushing member in each tensioning group pushes the first bracket and the second bracket to move in opposite directions.

8. The folding device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each tensioning assembly further includes a guide member, each guide member in each tensioning assembly is provided with a guide hole, and each pusher member in each tensioning assembly includes a sliding portion, the sliding portion in each tensioning assembly slidingly engaging with the guide hole to limit the stroke of the pusher member in the tensioning assembly.

9. The folding device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The driving element in each tensioning assembly is an elastic element, and one end of the elastic element in each tensioning assembly is connected to the pushing element in the tensioning assembly, and the other end is connected to the first link or the second link.

10. The folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The folding device further includes a synchronizing gear set, which includes a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, and a fourth gear arranged along the width direction of the main shaft. The first gear meshes with the third gear, the second gear meshes with the fourth gear, and the third gear meshes with the fourth gear. The main shaft includes a connected inner main shaft and an outer main shaft, and the synchronous gear set is located between the inner main shaft and the outer main shaft along the height direction of the main shaft; The first support plate has a first extension section extending toward the main shaft along the width direction of the main shaft, and the second support plate has a second extension section extending toward the main shaft along the width direction of the main shaft. The two ends of the main inner shaft along the width direction of the main shaft have a first notch adapted to the first extension section and a second notch adapted to the second extension section, respectively. Along the length of the main shaft, the first gear is disposed at at least one end of the first connecting rod and is offset from the first extension segment; the second gear is disposed at at least one end of the second connecting rod and is offset from the second extension segment.

11. The folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The folding device further includes a synchronizing gear set, which includes a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, and a fourth gear arranged along the width direction of the main shaft. The first gear meshes with the third gear, the second gear meshes with the fourth gear, and the third gear meshes with the fourth gear. The main shaft includes a connected inner main shaft and an outer main shaft. Along the height direction of the main shaft, the synchronous gear set is located between the inner main shaft and the outer main shaft. The inner main shaft has a first notch and a second notch at its two ends along the width direction of the main shaft, respectively. The first connecting rod has a first platform at one end near the main shaft, and the second connecting rod has a second platform at one end near the main shaft. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, at least a portion of the first platform is located in the first notch, and at least a portion of the second platform is located in the second notch, so that the first platform, the second platform, the first support plate, and the second support plate form a support surface for supporting the flexible screen.

12. The folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The first connecting rod is provided with a first stop and a third stop, and the second connecting rod is provided with a second stop and a fourth stop; When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the first stop abuts against the first bracket to restrict the relative movement of the first bracket and the first connecting rod along the width direction of the main shaft, and the second stop abuts against the second bracket to restrict the relative movement of the second bracket and the second connecting rod along the width direction of the main shaft. When the folding device is in the folded state, the third stop abuts against the first support plate to restrict the relative movement of the first connecting rod and the first support plate along the height direction of the main shaft, and the fourth stop abuts against the second support plate to restrict the relative movement of the second connecting rod and the second support plate along the height direction of the main shaft.

13. The folding device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first stop block and the third stop block protrude from the first connecting rod along the length direction of the main shaft, and the second stop block and the fourth stop block protrude from the second connecting rod along the length direction of the main shaft; The first support plate is provided with a fifth stop extending along the height direction of the main shaft, and the second support plate is provided with a sixth stop extending along the height direction of the main shaft. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the first stop abuts against the end face of the first bracket near the main shaft, and the second stop abuts against the end face of the second bracket near the main shaft. When the folding device is in the folded state, the third stop block abuts against the fifth stop block, and the fourth stop block abuts against the sixth stop block.

14. The folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The first support plate is provided with a third track, and the second support plate is provided with a fourth track; The first connecting rod or the first swing arm is provided with a first pin that can slide along the third track, and the second connecting rod or the second swing arm is provided with a second pin that can slide along the fourth track; The third track has a first end and a second end that are arranged opposite to each other, and the fourth track has a third end and a fourth end that are arranged opposite to each other, wherein the second end is located between the first end and the main shaft, and the fourth end is located between the third end and the main shaft; When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the first pin is located at the first end and the second pin is located at the third end. When the folding device is in the folded state, the first pin is located at the second end and the second pin is located at the fourth end.

15. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes: a first housing, a second housing, a flexible screen, and a folding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 14; The first housing and the second housing are located on both sides of the folding device. The first housing is fixedly connected to the first bracket located on the same side, and the second housing is fixedly connected to the second bracket located on the same side. The flexible screen covers the first housing, the second housing, and the folding device, and is fixedly connected to the first housing and the second housing.

16. The electronic device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The flexible screen is fixedly connected to at least a portion of the support plate assembly.

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