Folding mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

The present application discloses a folding mechanism and an electronic device. The folding mechanism connects a first housing and a second housing to enable the first housing and the second housing to be relatively unfolded or folded. The folding mechanism includes a main shaft, a first connecting arm, a first ball, and a first elastic component. A first rotating end of the first connecting arm is connected to the first housing. A second rotating end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft. During at least part of the process of the electronic device being unfolded or folded, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm rotates relative to the main shaft, the first elastic component deforms, and presses the first ball towards the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. The first ball rolls relative to the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. In this way, the folding mechanism can reduce the rotation speed of the first housing and the second housing, thereby protecting the flexible screen of the electronic device and improving the reliability of the flexible screen of the electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Folding mobile phones are becoming increasingly popular among users because they have a large display area in the unfolded state and are miniaturized in the folded state. Traditional folding mobile phones include a flexible screen, a first housing, a second housing, and a folding mechanism. The first housing and the second housing are used to carry the flexible screen. The folding mechanism is connected between the first housing and the second housing. The folding mechanism is used to relatively unfold or fold the first housing and the second housing, and to unfold or fold the flexible screen. However, during the folding or unfolding process of the traditional folding mechanism, it is easy to cause the first housing and the second housing to unfold or fold at a relatively fast speed due to improper user operation, thereby damaging the flexible screen. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a folding mechanism and an electronic device. The folding mechanism can be applied to the folding device of the electronic device. The electronic device may further include a flexible screen installed on the folding device. During the unfolding or folding process, the folding mechanism can reduce the folding or unfolding speed of the first housing and the second housing, thereby protecting the flexible screen, improving the reliability of the flexible screen, and enabling the flexible screen and the electronic device to have a longer service life.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a folding mechanism, a first housing, and a second housing. The folding mechanism is connected between the first housing and the second housing. The folding mechanism includes a main shaft, a first connecting arm, a first ball, and a first elastic component. The first connecting arm includes a first rotating end and a second rotating end. The first rotating end of the first connecting arm is connected to the first housing. The second rotating end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The first ball and the first elastic component are both disposed on the main shaft.

[0005] When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first ball is located between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. The first elastic component abuts against the first ball, and the first ball abuts against the second rotating end of the first connecting arm.

[0006] During at least part of the process of the electronic device unfolding or folding, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm rotates relative to the main shaft, the first elastic component deforms, and the first ball rolls relative to the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. The deformation of the first elastic component includes the following situations: One is that when the electronic device is in a flattened state, the first elastic component is in a natural state (that is, the compression amount of the first elastic component is zero). During at least part of the process of the electronic device unfolding or folding, the compression amount of the first elastic component changes to be in a compressed state. Another is that when the electronic device is in a flattened state, the first elastic component is in a compressed state (that is, the compression amount of the first elastic component is not zero). During at least part of the process of the electronic device unfolding or folding, the compression amount of the first elastic component can change or remain unchanged. In other embodiments, the deformation of the first elastic component can also include other situations.

[0007] It can be understood that when the electronic device is unfolding or folding during at least part of the process, the first elastic component deforms, and the first elastic component can squeeze the first ball towards the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. The frictional force between the first ball and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm can be increased to a large extent. In this way, during at least part of the process of the electronic device unfolding or folding, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm is not easily rotated relative to the main shaft. Therefore, this frictional force can hinder the folding of the electronic device to a certain extent. When the electronic device is in a flattened state, the stability of the electronic device is better. It should be noted that hindering the folding of the electronic device means that when the user needs to fold the electronic device and applies a force to the electronic device, when the force applied by the user does not overcome this frictional force, the electronic device cannot be folded.

[0008] In addition, compared with the solution where the first elastic component directly acts on the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, in this embodiment, by arranging the first ball between the second rotating end of the first connecting arm and the first elastic component, the first ball can convert the sliding relationship between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm into a rolling manner, thereby reducing the frictional loss between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm.

[0009] In addition, compared with the solution of arranging the first ball and the first elastic component in the first housing or the second housing, in this application, by arranging both the first ball and the first elastic component inside the main shaft, on the one hand, the weight of the first housing or the second housing can be reduced, which is beneficial to the lightweight setting of the first housing and the second housing, and further reduces the difficulty of the first housing and the second housing unfolding or folding relative to each other; on the other hand, the distribution of the folding mechanism is relatively concentrated, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization rate of the electronic device.

[0010] In a realizable manner, when the electronic device is in a flattened state, the first elastic component is in a compressed state.

[0011] It can be understood that when the electronic device is in the flattened state, the first elastic component can squeeze the first ball towards the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. The frictional force between the first ball and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm can be increased to a large extent. In this way, when the electronic device is in the flattened state, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm is not easily rotated relative to the main shaft. Therefore, this frictional force can hinder the folding of the electronic device to a certain extent. When the electronic device is in the flattened state, the stability of the electronic device is better. It should be noted that hindering the folding of the electronic device means that when the user needs to fold the electronic device and applies a force to the electronic device, if the force applied by the user does not overcome this frictional force, the electronic device cannot be folded.

[0012] In a feasible manner, the deformation direction of the first elastic component is parallel to the length extension direction of the main shaft.

[0013] In a feasible manner, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm includes an arc-shaped arm. The arc-shaped arm of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The arc-shaped arm of the first connecting arm has a first side surface. A first convex block is protruded on the first side surface.

[0014] When the electronic device is in the flattened state, the first ball abuts against the first side surface.

[0015] During the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device, the first ball rolls relative to the first convex block.

[0016] It can be understood that when the electronic device starts to fold from the flattened state to the closed state, the first ball rolls relative to the first convex block. When the folding angle of the electronic device is small, the first ball can roll back to the lower part of the first convex block of the first connecting arm under the action of the first convex block of the first connecting arm. Therefore, through the cooperation of the first ball and the first convex block, when the folding angle of the electronic device is small, the electronic device can be automatically unfolded to the flattened state.

[0017] In addition, when the electronic device is converted from the closed state to the flattened state, the first ball rolls relative to the first convex block. When the flattening angle of the electronic device is large (close to the flattened state), the first ball rolls from the higher part of the first convex block of the first connecting arm to the lower part of the first convex block of the first connecting arm, and the rolling speed of the first ball is relatively fast, which can enable the user to experience the feeling of reaching the flattened state in place.

[0018] In a feasible manner, the first convex block of the first connecting arm has a first inclined surface. The first inclined surface is connected to the first side surface of the first connecting arm. When the electronic device is in the flattened state, the first ball abuts against the first inclined surface of the first connecting arm.

[0019] It can be understood that when the first elastic component applies a force to the first inclined surface of the first connecting arm through the first ball, the first connecting arm can receive a supporting force (also known as a flattening supporting force) in the thickness direction of the electronic device. This supporting force can, to a certain extent, hinder the relative rotation of the second rotating end of the first connecting arm with respect to the main shaft, that is, this supporting force can, to a certain extent, hinder the folding of the electronic device. Therefore, this supporting force can ensure that the electronic device has better stability when in the flattened state.

[0020] In a feasible manner, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm includes a second bump. The second bump protrudes from the first side surface of the first connecting arm. The second bump is spaced apart from the first bump.

[0021] When the electronic device is in the flattened state, at least a part of the first ball is located between the first bump and the second bump.

[0022] It can be understood that by providing the second bump at the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, the second bump of the first connecting arm can cooperate with the first bump to limit the first ball in the first direction. The first direction is the direction in which the first bump faces the second bump.

[0023] In a feasible manner, the main shaft includes a base and a first outer shell. The first outer shell is fixedly connected to the base. The first outer shell and the base jointly enclose a first receiving space, a first rolling groove, and a first arc groove that are sequentially communicated.

[0024] The first elastic component is disposed in the first receiving space. At least a part of the first ball is rotatably connected to the first rolling groove. The arc-shaped arm of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the first arc groove.

[0025] It can be understood that the cooperation between the arc-shaped arm of the first connecting arm and the first arc groove of the main shaft can form a virtual axis rotational connection structure. The second rotating end of the first connecting arm and the main shaft are rotationally connected through the virtual axis, which can reduce the design difficulty of the folding mechanism, have lower dimensional requirements for the folding mechanism, and is beneficial to the thinness and lightness of the folding mechanism and the folding device.

[0026] In addition, by rotatably connecting at least a part of the first ball to the first rolling groove, the base and the first outer shell can be used to limit the first ball in the second direction. The second direction is the direction in which the first outer shell faces the base.

[0027] In a feasible manner, the folding mechanism further includes a second connecting arm and a second ball. The second connecting arm includes a first rotating end and a second rotating end. The first rotating end of the second connecting arm is connected to the second housing. The second rotating end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The second ball is disposed on the main shaft and is spaced apart from the first ball.

[0028] When the electronic device is in a flattened state, the second ball is located between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the second connecting arm. The first elastic component abuts against the second ball, and the second ball abuts against the second rotating end of the second connecting arm.

[0029] During at least part of the process of the electronic device unfolding or folding, the second rotating end of the second connecting arm rotates relative to the main shaft, and the second ball rolls relative to the second rotating end of the second connecting arm.

[0030] It can be understood that during at least part of the process of the electronic device unfolding or folding, the first elastic component deforms, and the first elastic component can squeeze the second ball towards the second rotating end of the second connecting arm. The frictional force between the second ball and the second rotating end of the second connecting arm can be increased to a large extent. In this way, during at least part of the process of the electronic device unfolding or folding, the second rotating end of the second connecting arm is not easily rotated relative to the main shaft. Therefore, this frictional force can hinder the folding of the electronic device to a certain extent. When the electronic device is in a flattened state, the stability of the electronic device is better. It should be noted that hindering the folding of the electronic device means that when the user needs to fold the electronic device and applies a force to the electronic device, if the force applied by the user does not overcome this frictional force, the electronic device cannot be folded.

[0031] In addition, compared with the solution in which the first elastic component directly acts on the second rotating end of the second connecting arm, in this embodiment, by arranging the second ball between the second rotating end of the second connecting arm and the first elastic component, the second ball can convert the sliding relationship between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the second connecting arm into a rolling mode, thereby reducing the frictional loss between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the second connecting arm.

[0032] In addition, compared with the solution of arranging the second ball in the first housing or the second housing, in this application, by arranging the second ball inside the main shaft, on the one hand, the weight of the first housing or the second housing can be reduced, which is beneficial to the lightweight setting of the first housing and the second housing, and further reduces the difficulty of the relative unfolding or folding of the first housing and the second housing; on the other hand, the distribution of the folding mechanism is relatively concentrated, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization rate of the electronic device.

[0033] In addition, the first elastic component can squeeze the second rotating end of the first connecting arm through the first ball and can also squeeze the second rotating end of the second connecting arm through the second ball. The first elastic component has the effect of "one thing with multiple uses".

[0034] In an implementable manner, the first elastic component includes a first bracket and a first elastic member. The deformation of the first elastic component is the deformation of the first elastic member. The first bracket is slidably connected to the main shaft. The first bracket includes a first abutting portion and a first guiding portion. The first guiding portion is fixedly connected to the first abutting portion. The first elastic member is sleeved on the first guiding portion. One end of the first elastic member abuts against the first abutting portion, and the other end abuts against the main shaft. A part of the first ball contacts the first abutting portion, and the first abutting portion is disposed between the first ball and the first elastic member. A part of the second ball contacts the first abutting portion, and the first abutting portion is disposed between the second ball and the first elastic member.

[0035] It can be understood that the structure of the first elastic component is relatively simple and easy to implement.

[0036] In an implementable manner, the first abutting portion of the first bracket is provided with a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove which are spaced apart. A part of the first ball contacts the first abutting portion, including: a part of the first ball contacts the first limiting groove. A part of the second ball contacts the first abutting portion, including: a part of the second ball is located in the second limiting groove.

[0037] It can be understood that the groove wall of the first limiting groove can prevent the first ball from rolling out of the first limiting groove, that is, the first limiting groove has the function of limiting the first ball. In addition, the groove wall of the second limiting groove can prevent the second ball from rolling out of the second limiting groove, that is, the second limiting groove has the function of limiting the second ball.

[0038] In an implementable manner, the folding mechanism further includes a third ball and a second elastic component. The third ball and the second elastic component are both disposed on the main shaft.

[0039] When the electronic device is in a flattened state, the third ball is located between the second elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. The second elastic component abuts against the third ball, and the third ball abuts against the second rotating end of the first connecting arm.

[0040] During at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device, the second elastic component deforms, the third ball rolls relative to the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, and the deformation direction of the second elastic component is opposite to that of the first elastic component. The deformation of the second elastic component includes the following situations: One is that when the electronic device is in a flattened state, the second elastic component is in a natural state (that is, the compression amount of the second elastic component is zero), and during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device, the compression amount of the second elastic component changes to be in a compressed state. Another is that when the electronic device is in a flattened state, the second elastic component is in a compressed state (that is, the compression amount of the second elastic component is not zero), and during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device, the compression amount of the second elastic component can change or remain unchanged. In other embodiments, the deformation of the second elastic component may also include other situations.

[0041] It can be understood that when the second elastic component deforms during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device, the second elastic component can squeeze the third ball towards the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. The frictional force between the third ball and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm can be increased to a large extent. In this way, during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm is not easily rotated relative to the main shaft. Therefore, this frictional force can hinder the folding of the electronic device to a certain extent. When the electronic device is in a flattened state, the stability of the electronic device is better. It should be noted that hindering the folding of the electronic device means that when the user needs to fold the electronic device and applies a force to the electronic device, when the force applied by the user does not overcome this frictional force, the electronic device cannot be folded.

[0042] In addition, compared with the solution where the second elastic component directly acts on the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, in this embodiment, by arranging the third ball between the second rotating end of the first connecting arm and the second elastic component, the third ball can convert the sliding relationship between the second elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm into a rolling mode, thereby reducing the frictional loss between the second elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm.

[0043] In addition, compared with the solution of arranging the third ball and the second elastic component in the first housing or the second housing, in this application, by arranging both the third ball and the second elastic component inside the main shaft, on the one hand, the weight of the first housing or the second housing can be reduced, which is beneficial to the lightweight setting of the first housing and the second housing, and further reduces the difficulty of relative unfolding or folding of the first housing and the second housing; on the other hand, the distribution of the folding mechanism is relatively concentrated, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization rate of the electronic device.

[0044] In addition, by setting the deformation direction of the second elastic component to be opposite to that of the first elastic component, the force exerted on the second rotating end of the first connecting arm by the first elastic component and the second elastic component can be offset or reduced, thereby ensuring better stability of the first connecting arm. On the other hand, the symmetry of the folding structure can be improved.

[0045] In an implementable manner, when the electronic device is in the closed state, the first ball is separately arranged from the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. At this time, on the one hand, the first connecting arm no longer receives the damping force of the first elastic member. On the other hand, the length of the second rotating end of the first connecting arm can be set shorter, and the probability of interference between the second rotating end of the first connecting arm and the main shaft is lower.

[0046] In an implementable manner, the folding mechanism further includes a first fixing frame and a second fixing frame. The first fixing frame is fixedly connected to the first housing. The second fixing frame is fixedly connected to the second housing. The first rotating end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame. The first rotating end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the second fixing frame.

[0047] In an implementable manner, the first rotating end of the first connecting arm is provided with a rotating hole. The first fixing frame is provided with a rotating hole. The rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame at least through the rotating hole of the first fixing frame. The rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the first connecting arm at least through the rotating hole of the first rotating end.

[0048] In an implementable manner, the folding mechanism further includes a first swing arm and a second swing arm. The first swing arm includes a rotating end and a movable end. The rotating end of the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The movable end of the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first fixing frame. The second swing arm includes a rotating end and a movable end. The rotating end of the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The movable end of the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second fixing frame.

[0049] In an implementable manner, the folding mechanism further includes a plurality of gears. Each gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft. Two adjacent gears are meshed with each other, and the rotating end of the first swing arm is meshed with the rotating end of the second swing arm through the plurality of gears.

[0050] In an implementable manner, the folding mechanism further includes a first support plate and a second support plate. The first support plate is slidably and rotatably connected to the movable end of the first swing arm. The first support plate is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame. The second support plate is slidably and rotatably connected to the movable end of the second swing arm. The second support plate is rotatably connected to the second fixing frame.

[0051] When the electronic device is in the flattened state, the first support plate and the second support plate are respectively located on both sides of the main shaft. When the electronic device is in the closed state, the first support plate and the second support plate are arranged opposite to each other.

[0052] In an implementable manner, the movable end of the first swing arm includes a first slider, a second slider, a first rotating block, and a second rotating block. The first slider and the second slider are arranged at intervals. The first rotating block is arranged on the first slider. The second rotating block is arranged on the second slider. The first rotating block and the second rotating block are both provided with shaft holes. The shaft hole of the first rotating block and the shaft hole of the second rotating block are arranged opposite to each other. The first slider of the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first chute of the first fixing frame. The second slider of the first swing arm is slidably connected to the second chute of the first fixing frame. The first support plate has a first arc-shaped hole. The first arc-shaped hole is located between the first rotating block and the second rotating block of the first swing arm. One end of the pin shaft is rotatably or fixedly connected to the first rotating block. The other end of the pin shaft is rotatably or fixedly connected to the shaft hole of the second rotating block. The middle part of the pin shaft is slidably connected to the first arc-shaped hole.

[0053] In a second aspect, a folding mechanism provided by the present application includes a main shaft, a first connecting arm, a first ball, and a first elastic component. The second rotating end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The first ball and the first elastic component are both arranged on the main shaft.

[0054] When the folding mechanism is in a flattened state, the first ball is located between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. The first elastic component abuts against the first ball, and the first ball abuts against the second rotating end of the first connecting arm.

[0055] During at least part of the process of unfolding or folding the folding mechanism, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm rotates relative to the main shaft, the first elastic component deforms, and the first ball rolls relative to the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. The deformation of the first elastic component includes the following situations: One is that when the folding mechanism is in a flattened state, the first elastic component is in a natural state (that is, the compression amount of the first elastic component is zero). During at least part of the process of unfolding or folding the folding mechanism, the compression amount of the first elastic component changes to be in a compressed state. Another is that when the folding mechanism is in a flattened state, the first elastic component is in a compressed state (that is, the compression amount of the first elastic component is not zero). During at least part of the process of unfolding or folding the folding mechanism, the compression amount of the first elastic component can change or remain unchanged. In other embodiments, the deformation of the first elastic component may also include other situations.

[0056] It can be understood that when the folding mechanism is in at least part of the unfolding or folding process, the first elastic component deforms, and the first elastic component can squeeze the first ball towards the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. The frictional force between the first ball and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm can be increased to a large extent. In this way, during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm is not easily rotated relative to the main shaft. Therefore, this frictional force can hinder the folding of the folding mechanism to a certain extent. When the folding mechanism is in a flattened state, the stability of the folding mechanism is relatively good.

[0057] In addition, compared with the solution in which the first elastic component directly acts on the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, in this embodiment, by arranging the first ball between the second rotating end of the first connecting arm and the first elastic component, the first ball can convert the sliding relationship between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm into a rolling mode, thereby reducing the frictional loss between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm.

[0058] In addition, compared with the solution in which the first ball and the first elastic component are arranged in the first housing or the second housing, in this application, by arranging both the first ball and the first elastic component inside the main shaft, on the one hand, the weight of the first housing or the second housing can be reduced, which is beneficial to the lightweight setting of the first housing and the second housing, and further reduces the difficulty of relative unfolding or folding of the first housing and the second housing; on the other hand, the distribution of the folding mechanism is relatively concentrated, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization rate of the electronic device.

[0059] In an implementable manner, the deformation direction of the first elastic component is parallel to the length extension direction of the main shaft.

[0060] In an implementable manner, when the folding mechanism is in a flattened state, the first elastic component is in a compressed state.

[0061] It can be understood that when the folding mechanism is in a flattened state, the first elastic component can squeeze the first ball towards the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. The frictional force between the first ball and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm can be increased to a large extent. In this way, when the folding mechanism is in a flattened state, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm is not easily rotated relative to the main shaft. Therefore, this frictional force can hinder the folding of the folding mechanism to a certain extent. When the folding mechanism is in a flattened state, the stability of the folding mechanism is relatively good.

[0062] In an implementable manner, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm includes an arc-shaped arm. The arc-shaped arm of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The arc-shaped arm of the first connecting arm has a first side surface. A first convex block is protruded on the first side surface.

[0063] When the folding mechanism is in a flattened state, the first ball abuts against the first side surface.

[0064] During the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism, the first ball rolls relative to the first convex block.

[0065] It can be understood that when the folding mechanism folds from the flattened state to the closed state, the first ball rolls relative to the first convex block. When the folding angle of the folding mechanism is small, the first ball can roll back to the lower part of the first convex block of the first connecting arm under the action of the first convex block of the first connecting arm. Therefore, through the cooperation between the first ball and the first convex block, when the folding angle of the electronic device is small, the electronic device can automatically unfold to the flattened state.

[0066] In addition, when the folding mechanism switches from the closed state to the flattened state, the first ball rolls relative to the first convex block. When the flattening angle of the folding mechanism is large (close to the flattened state), the first ball rolls from the higher part of the first convex block of the first connecting arm to the lower part of the first convex block of the first connecting arm, and the rolling speed of the first ball is relatively fast, enabling the user to experience the feeling of being flattened in place.

[0067] In a feasible manner, the first convex block of the first connecting arm has a first inclined surface. The first inclined surface is connected to the first side surface of the first connecting arm. When the folding mechanism is in the flattened state, the first ball abuts against the first inclined surface of the first connecting arm.

[0068] It can be understood that when the first elastic component applies a force to the first inclined surface of the first connecting arm through the first ball, the first connecting arm can receive a supporting force (also called the flattening supporting force) in the thickness direction of the folding mechanism. This supporting force can, to a certain extent, prevent the second rotating end of the first connecting arm from rotating relative to the main shaft, that is, this supporting force can, to a certain extent, prevent the folding mechanism from folding. Therefore, this supporting force can ensure that the folding mechanism has better stability when in the flattened state.

[0069] In a feasible manner, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm includes a second convex block. The second convex block protrudes from the first side surface of the first connecting arm. The second convex block and the first convex block are arranged at intervals. When the folding mechanism is in the flattened state, at least a part of the first ball is located between the first convex block and the second convex block.

[0070] It can be understood that by providing the second convex block at the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, the second convex block of the first connecting arm can cooperate with the first convex block to limit the first ball in the first direction. The first direction is the direction from the first convex block towards the second convex block.

[0071] In a feasible manner, the main shaft includes a base and a first outer shell. The first outer shell is fixedly connected to the base. The first outer shell and the base jointly enclose a first receiving space, a first rolling groove, and a first arc-shaped groove that are sequentially communicated.

[0072] The first elastic component is disposed in the first accommodation space. At least a part of the first ball is in rolling connection with the first rolling groove. The arc-shaped arm of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the first arc-shaped groove.

[0073] It can be understood that the cooperation between the arc-shaped arm of the first connecting arm and the first arc-shaped groove of the main shaft can form a virtual axis rotational connection structure. The second rotating end of the first connecting arm and the main shaft are rotationally connected through the virtual axis, which can reduce the design difficulty of the folding mechanism, has lower requirements for the size of the folding mechanism, and is beneficial to the thinness and lightness of the folding mechanism and the folding device.

[0074] In addition, by rolling at least a part of the first ball in the first rolling groove, the base and the first housing can be used to limit the first ball in the second direction. The second direction is the direction in which the first housing faces the base.

[0075] In an implementable manner, the folding mechanism further includes a second connecting arm and a second ball. The second rotating end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The second ball is disposed on the main shaft.

[0076] When the folding mechanism is in the flattened state, the second ball is located between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the second connecting arm. The first elastic component abuts against the second ball, and the second ball abuts against the second rotating end of the second connecting arm.

[0077] During at least a part of the process of unfolding or folding the folding mechanism, the second rotating end of the second connecting arm rotates relative to the main shaft, the first elastic component deforms, and the second ball rolls relative to the second rotating end of the second connecting arm.

[0078] It can be understood that when the folding mechanism is in at least a part of the process of unfolding or folding, the first elastic component deforms, and the first elastic component can squeeze the second ball towards the second rotating end of the second connecting arm. The frictional force between the second ball and the second rotating end of the second connecting arm can be increased to a large extent. In this way, during at least a part of the process of unfolding or folding the folding mechanism, the second rotating end of the second connecting arm is not easily rotated relative to the main shaft. Therefore, this frictional force can hinder the folding of the folding mechanism to a certain extent. When the folding mechanism is in the flattened state, the stability of the electronic device is better.

[0079] In addition, compared with the solution in which the first elastic component directly acts on the second rotating end of the second connecting arm, in this embodiment, by arranging the second ball between the second rotating end of the second connecting arm and the first elastic component, the second ball can convert the sliding relationship between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the second connecting arm into a rolling manner, thereby reducing the frictional loss between the first elastic component and the second rotating end of the second connecting arm.

[0080] In addition, compared with the solution of arranging the second ball in the first housing or the second housing, in the present application, by arranging the second ball in the main shaft, on the one hand, the weight of the first housing or the second housing can be reduced, which is beneficial to the lightweight setting of the first housing and the second housing, and further reduces the difficulty of the relative unfolding or folding of the first housing and the second housing; on the other hand, the distribution of the folding mechanism is relatively concentrated, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization rate of the electronic device.

[0081] In addition, the first elastic component can not only press the second rotating end of the first connecting arm through the first ball, but also press the second rotating end of the second connecting arm through the second ball, and the first elastic component has the effect of "one thing with multiple uses".

[0082] In a feasible manner, the first elastic component includes a first bracket and a first elastic member. The deformation of the first elastic component is the deformation of the first elastic member. The first bracket is slidably connected to the main shaft. The first bracket includes a first abutting portion and a first guiding portion. The first guiding portion is fixedly connected to the first abutting portion. The first elastic member is sleeved on the first guiding portion. One end of the first elastic member abuts against the first abutting portion, and the other end abuts against the main shaft. A part of the first ball contacts the first abutting portion, and the first abutting portion is arranged between the first ball and the first elastic member. A part of the second ball contacts the first abutting portion, and the first abutting portion is arranged between the second ball and the first elastic member.

[0083] It can be understood that the structure of the first elastic component is relatively simple and easy to implement.

[0084] In a feasible manner, the first abutting portion of the first bracket is provided with a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove which are arranged at intervals. A part of the first ball contacts the first abutting portion, including: a part of the first ball contacts the first limiting groove. A part of the second ball contacts the first abutting portion, including: a part of the second ball is located in the second limiting groove.

[0085] It can be understood that the groove wall of the first limiting groove can prevent the first ball from rolling out of the first limiting groove, that is, the first limiting groove has the function of limiting the first ball. In addition, the groove wall of the second limiting groove can prevent the second ball from rolling out of the second limiting groove, that is, the second limiting groove has the function of limiting the second ball.

[0086] In a feasible manner, the folding mechanism further includes a third ball and a second elastic component. The third ball and the second elastic component are both arranged on the main shaft.

[0087] When the folding mechanism is in a flattened state, the third ball is located between the second elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, the second elastic component abuts against the third ball, and the third ball abuts against the second rotating end of the first connecting arm.

[0088] During at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism, the second elastic component deforms, the third ball rolls relative to the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, and the deformation direction of the second elastic component is opposite to that of the first elastic component. The deformation of the second elastic component includes the following situations: One is that when the folding mechanism is in the flattened state, the second elastic component is in the natural state (that is, the compression amount of the second elastic component is zero). During at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism, the compression amount of the second elastic component changes to be in the compressed state. Another is that when the folding mechanism is in the flattened state, the second elastic component is in the compressed state (that is, the compression amount of the second elastic component is not zero). During at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism, the compression amount of the second elastic component may change or may remain unchanged. In other embodiments, the deformation of the second elastic component may also include other situations.

[0089] In an implementable manner, when the folding mechanism is in the closed state, the first ball is arranged separately from the second rotating end of the first connecting arm.

[0090] It can be understood that when the folding mechanism is in at least part of the unfolding or folding process and the second elastic component deforms, the second elastic component can squeeze the third ball towards the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. The frictional force between the third ball and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm can be increased to a large extent. In this way, during at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism, the second rotating end of the first connecting arm is not easily rotated relative to the main shaft. Therefore, this frictional force can hinder the folding of the folding mechanism to a certain extent. When the folding mechanism is in the flattened state, the stability of the folding mechanism is better. It should be noted that hindering the folding of the folding mechanism means that when a user needs to fold the folding mechanism and applies a force to the folding mechanism, when the force applied by the user does not overcome this frictional force, the folding mechanism cannot fold.

[0091] In addition, compared with the solution where the second elastic component directly acts on the second rotating end of the first connecting arm, in this embodiment, by arranging the third ball between the second rotating end of the first connecting arm and the second elastic component, the third ball can convert the sliding relationship between the second elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm into a rolling mode, thereby reducing the frictional loss between the second elastic component and the second rotating end of the first connecting arm.

[0092] In addition, compared with the solution of arranging the third ball and the second elastic component in the first housing or the second housing, in this application, by arranging both the third ball and the second elastic component in the main shaft, on the one hand, the weight of the first housing or the second housing can be reduced, which is beneficial to the lightweight setting of the first housing and the second housing, and further reduces the difficulty of relative unfolding or folding of the first housing and the second housing; on the other hand, the distribution of the folding mechanism is relatively concentrated, which is beneficial to improving the space utilization rate of the folding mechanism.

[0093] In addition, by setting the deformation direction of the second elastic component to be opposite to that of the first elastic component, the force on the second rotating end of the first connecting arm by the first elastic component and the second elastic component can be offset or reduced, thereby ensuring better stability of the first connecting arm. On the other hand, the symmetry of the folding structure can be improved.

[0094] In an implementable manner, when the folding mechanism is in the closed state, the first ball is separately arranged from the second rotating end of the first connecting arm. At this time, on the one hand, the first connecting arm is no longer subject to the damping force of the first elastic member. On the other hand, the length of the second rotating end of the first connecting arm can be set shorter, and the probability of interference between the second rotating end of the first connecting arm and the main shaft is relatively low.

[0095] In an implementable manner, the folding mechanism further includes a first fixing frame and a second fixing frame. The first fixing frame is used for fixedly connecting the first housing. The second fixing frame is used for fixedly connecting the second housing. The first rotating end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame. The first rotating end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the second fixing frame.

[0096] In an implementable manner, the first rotating end of the first connecting arm is provided with a rotating hole. The first fixing frame is provided with a rotating hole. The rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame at least through the rotating hole of the first fixing frame. The rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the first connecting arm at least through the rotating hole of the first rotating end.

[0097] In an implementable manner, the folding mechanism further includes a first swing arm and a second swing arm. The first swing arm includes a rotating end and a movable end. The rotating end of the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The movable end of the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first fixing frame. The second swing arm includes a rotating end and a movable end. The rotating end of the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The movable end of the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second fixing frame.

[0098] In an implementable manner, the folding mechanism further includes a plurality of gears. Each gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft. Two adjacent gears are meshed with each other, and the rotating end of the first swing arm is meshed with the rotating end of the second swing arm through the plurality of gears.

[0099] In an implementable manner, the folding mechanism further includes a first support plate and a second support plate. The first support plate is slidably and rotatably connected to the movable end of the first swing arm. The first support plate is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame. The second support plate is slidably and rotatably connected to the movable end of the second swing arm. The second support plate is rotatably connected to the second fixing frame.

[0100] When the folding mechanism is in the flattened state, the first support plate and the second support plate are respectively located on both sides of the main shaft. When the folding mechanism is in the closed state, the first support plate and the second support plate are arranged opposite to each other.

[0101] In an implementable manner, the movable end of the first swing arm includes a first slider, a second slider, a first rotating block and a second rotating block. The first slider and the second slider are arranged at intervals. The first rotating block is arranged on the first slider. The second rotating block is arranged on the second slider. Both the first rotating block and the second rotating block are provided with rotating shaft holes. The rotating shaft holes of the first rotating block and the second rotating block are arranged opposite to each other. The first slider of the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first chute of the first fixing frame. The second slider of the first swing arm is slidably connected to the second chute of the first fixing frame. The first support plate has a first arc-shaped hole. The first arc-shaped hole is located between the first rotating block and the second rotating block of the first swing arm. One end of the pin shaft is rotatably or fixedly connected to the first rotating block. The other end of the pin shaft is rotatably or fixedly connected to the rotating shaft hole of the second rotating block. The middle part of the pin shaft is slidably connected to the first arc-shaped hole. Description of the Drawings

[0102] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0103] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a partial exploded view of the electronic device shown in;

[0104] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device shown in a closed state;

[0105] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device shown in at line A1-A1;

[0106] Figure 5 is Figure 2 a partial exploded view of the folding device shown in;

[0107] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a disassembled view of the folding mechanism shown in;

[0108] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a partial exploded view of the main shaft shown in;

[0109] Figure 8a is Figure 7 a schematic view of the main shaft shown from another angle;

[0110] Figure 8b is Figure 6 a schematic view of a partial structure of the main shaft shown;

[0111] Fig. 9 is Figure 8a a schematic view of the structure of the first end portion of the base shown;

[0112] Fig.10 is Figure 7 a schematic view of the structure of the first outer shell shown;

[0113] Fig.11 is Figure 8b a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial main shaft along line A2 - A2 shown;

[0114] Fig.12 is Figure 8b a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial main shaft along line A3 - A3 shown;

[0115] Fig.13 is Figure 8b a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial main shaft along line A4 - A4 shown;

[0116] Fig.14 is Figure 8b a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial main shaft along line A5 - A5 shown;

[0117] Fig.15 is Figure 8b a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial main shaft along line A6 - A6 shown;

[0118] Fig.16 is Figure 8b a schematic cross-sectional view of a partial main shaft along line A7 - A7 shown;

[0119] Fig.17 is Figure 6 a schematic view of the structure of the first fixing bracket and the second fixing bracket shown;

[0120] Fig.18 is Fig.17 a schematic view of the first fixing bracket shown from another angle;

[0121] Fig.19 is Figure 2 a schematic view of a partial structure of the folding device shown;

[0122] Fig. 20 is Fig.19Enlarged schematic view of the partial folding device shown at A8;

[0123] Fig.21 is Figure 6 Schematic structural view of the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm shown;

[0124] Fig. 22 is Fig.21 Schematic structural view of the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm shown at another angle;

[0125] Fig.23 is Fig.21 Schematic structural view of the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm shown at yet another angle;

[0126] Fig.24 is Figure 2 Schematic partial structural view of the folding device shown;

[0127] Fig.25 is Figure 2 Schematic partial structural view of the folding device shown;

[0128] Fig.26 is Figure 2 Schematic partial structural view of the folding device shown;

[0129] Fig. 27 is Fig.26 Cross-sectional view of the partial folding device shown at A9 - A9;

[0130] Fig.28 is Fig. 27 Cross-sectional view of the partial folding device shown when in the closed state;

[0131] Fig.29 is Figure 6 Exploded schematic view of the first stop member shown;

[0132] Fig.30 is Figure 6 Schematic structural view of the first stop member and the second stop member shown;

[0133] Fig.31 is Figure 2 Schematic partial structural view of the folding device shown;

[0134] Fig.32 is Fig.31 Enlarged schematic view of the partial folding device shown at B1;

[0135] Fig.33a is Fig.31 Schematic structural view of the partial folding device shown when in the closed state;

[0136] Fig.33b is Fig.33a An enlarged schematic view of the partial folding device 1 shown at M;

[0137] Fig.34 is Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the folding device shown;

[0138] Fig.35 is Fig.34 An enlarged schematic view of the partial folding device shown at B2;

[0139] Fig.36 is Fig.34 A structural schematic view of the partial folding device shown in the closed state;

[0140] Fig.37 is Figure 6 A structural schematic view of the first swing arm, gear module and second swing arm shown;

[0141] Fig.38 is Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the folding device shown;

[0142] Fig.39 is Fig.38 An enlarged schematic view of the partial folding device shown at B3;

[0143] Fig.40 is Figure 2 A partial structural schematic view of the folding device shown;

[0144] Fig.41 is Fig.38 A sectional view of the partial folding device shown along the B4 - B4 line;

[0145] Fig.42 is Figure 6 A structural schematic view of the first support plate and the second support plate shown;

[0146] Fig.43 is Fig.42 A structural schematic view of the first support plate and the second support plate shown from another angle;

[0147] Fig.44 is Fig.43 An enlarged schematic view of the first support plate shown at B5;

[0148] Fig.45 is Figure 2 A structural schematic view of the folding device shown;

[0149] Fig.46 is Fig.45 A partial sectional schematic view of the partial folding device shown along the B6 - B6 line;

[0150] Fig.47 is Fig.46 A sectional view of the partial folding device shown in the closed state;

[0151] Fig.48 is Fig.45 A partial sectional view of the partial folding device shown at the B7 - B7 line;

[0152] Fig.49 is Fig.48 A sectional view of the partial folding device shown in the closed state. Detailed implementation manners

[0153] The following describes each of the following embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0154] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non - detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Among them, "fixed connection" can be a connection where the relative position relationship remains unchanged after connection. "Rotational connection" can be a connection where the components can rotate relative to each other after connection. "Sliding connection" can be a connection where the components can slide relative to each other after connection. "Rolling" can be a composite movement of rotation and displacement. The orientation terms mentioned in the embodiments of the present application, such as "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., are only references to the direction of the drawings. Therefore, the orientation terms used are for better and clearer description and understanding of the embodiments of the present application, rather than indicating or implying that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation to the embodiments of the present application.

[0155] "Plural" means at least two.

[0156] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an electronic device 100 provided by the embodiment of the present application in a flattened state. Figure 2 is Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the electronic device 100 shown. Figure 3 is Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the electronic device 100 in a closed state. Figure 4 is Figure 3 A partial sectional view of the electronic device 100 shown at the A1 - A1 line.

[0157] The electronic device 100 includes a folding device 1 and a flexible screen 2. The flexible screen 2 is used to display images. The flexible screen 2 is fixedly connected to the folding device 1. The folding device 1 can expand or fold the flexible screen 2 so that the electronic device 100 can be switched between a flattened state and a closed state. It should be understood that when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, correspondingly, the folding device 1 is also in the flattened state. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, correspondingly, the folding device 1 is also in the closed state. In this way, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the electronic device 100 has a larger display area and a better viewing experience for users. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the planar size of the electronic device 100 is smaller, which is convenient for users to carry. Among them, the electronic device 100 can be a foldable electronic product such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a personal computer, a laptop computer, etc. Figures 1 to 4 The electronic device 100 of the illustrated embodiment is described by taking a mobile phone as an example.

[0158] For ease of description, it is defined that the thickness direction of the electronic device 100 is the Z-axis direction, and the extending direction of the rotation axis of the electronic device 100 is the Y-axis direction, that is, the width direction of the electronic device 100 is the Y-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is the X-axis direction, that is, the length direction of the electronic device 100 is the X-axis. It can be understood that the coordinate system of the electronic device 100 can also be flexibly set according to specific requirements. In this embodiment, when the direction of the rotation axis of the electronic device 100 is the Y-axis direction, the folding device 1 can expand or fold the flexible screen 2 relative to the Y-axis direction. In this way, when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the size of the electronic device 100 in the X-axis direction becomes smaller.

[0159] Please refer to Figure 5 and in combination with Figures 1 to 4 shown, Figure 5 is Figure 2 a partial exploded view of the folding device 1 shown. The folding device 1 includes a folding mechanism 101, a first housing 102, and a second housing 103. The folding mechanism 101 is connected between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103. The folding mechanism 101 is used to relatively expand or fold the first housing 102 and the second housing 103.

[0160] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, when the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 are relatively expanded to the flattened state, the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, and the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 can be at 180°. In other embodiments, there may be a slight deviation of 180° between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103, such as 165°, 177°, or 185°, etc.

[0161] As Figure 3And Figure 4 As shown, when the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 are folded relative to each other to the closed state, the electronic device 100 is in the closed state. The first housing 102 and the second housing 103 can be closed together, and there is no large gap between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103. In this way, the appearance experience of the electronic device 100 is better, and the waterproof, dustproof, and foreign object prevention performance is better. The situation where the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 are closed together includes the situation where they are in contact with each other, and can also include the situation where there is a small gap between them. When there is a small gap between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103, some foreign objects outside the electronic device 100 will not enter between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 through this gap.

[0162] Wherein, the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 can also be relatively unfolded or folded to an intermediate state, so that the electronic device 100 is in the intermediate state. The intermediate state can be any state between the unfolded state and the closed state.

[0163] Please refer to again Figure 1 、 Figure 2 And Figure 4 , the flexible screen 2 includes a first non-bending portion 21, a bending portion 22, and a second non-bending portion 23. The bending portion 22 is connected between the first non-bending portion 21 and the second non-bending portion 23. Figure 1 And Figure 2 Both simply schematically distinguish the first non-bending portion 21, the bending portion 22, and the second non-bending portion 23 with dotted lines. The first non-bending portion 21 of the flexible screen 2 is fixedly connected to the first housing 102. The second non-bending portion 23 is fixedly connected to the second housing 103. During the relative unfolding or folding of the first housing 102 and the second housing 103, the first housing 102 can drive the first non-bending portion 21 to move, the second housing 103 can drive the second non-bending portion 23 to move, the first non-bending portion 21 and the second non-bending portion 23 are relatively unfolded or folded, and the bending portion 22 can deform.

[0164] It can be understood that since the first non-bending portion 21 is fixedly connected to the first housing 102 and the second non-bending portion 23 is fixedly connected to the second housing 103, when the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 are relatively unfolded or folded, the relative unfolding and folding movements between the first non-bending portion 21 and the second non-bending portion 23 can be accurately controlled, so that the folding process and movement form of the flexible screen 2 are controllable and the reliability is relatively high.

[0165] Such as Figure 1 And Figure 2As shown, when the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 are relatively unfolded to a flattened state (i.e., the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state), the first non-bending portion 21, the bending portion 22, and the second non-bending portion 23 of the flexible screen 2 can form 180°. In other embodiments, the first non-bending portion 21, the bending portion 22, and the second non-bending portion 23 may have a slight deviation relative to 180°, such as 165°, 177°, or 185°, etc.

[0166] As Figure 3 shown Figure 4 when the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 are in a closed state (i.e., the electronic device is in a closed state), the first non-bending portion 21 and the second non-bending portion 23 are substantially parallel and close to each other, and the bending portion 22 is in a bent shape. At this time, the shape of the flexible screen 2 is generally in a "water droplet" shape. In addition, the flexible screen 2 is located between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103.

[0167] Please refer to Figure 6 which Figure 6 is Figure 5 an exploded view of the folding mechanism 101 shown. The folding mechanism 101 includes a main shaft 11, a first fixing bracket 12, a second fixing bracket 13, a first support plate 14, a second support plate 15, a first connecting arm 16, a second connecting arm 17, a first stop member 18, a second stop member 19, a first swing arm 31, a second swing arm 32, and a gear module 33. Exemplarily, the extending direction of the length of the main shaft 11 is the Y-axis direction.

[0168] Among them, the first fixing bracket 12, the second fixing bracket 13, the first connecting arm 16, the second connecting arm 17, the first stop member 18, the second stop member 19, the first swing arm 31, the second swing arm 32, and the gear module 33 can jointly form a first connecting component. Exemplarily, the first connecting component can be used as the bottom connecting component of the folding mechanism 101. The folding mechanism 101 may further include a second connecting component. The second connecting component can be used as the top connecting component of the folding mechanism 101. The folding mechanism 101 may further include a third connecting component, and the third connecting component can be used as the middle connecting component of the folding mechanism 101. The third connecting component may not include the first stop member 18, the second stop member 19, or the gear module 33, or may include the first stop member 18, the second stop member 19, or the gear module 33. The first connecting component, the second connecting component, and the third connecting component are all connected to the main shaft 11, the first support plate 14, and the second support plate 15.

[0169] Exemplarily, the second connection component and the first connection component may have the same or similar structures, symmetric or partially symmetric structures, or different structures. The third connection component is located between the first connection component and the second connection component. In some embodiments, the second connection component and the first connection component are centrosymmetric structures. For the basic design of the component structure of the second connection component, the design of the connection relationship between components, and the design of the connection relationship between components and other structures outside the component, the relevant solutions of the first connection component can be referred to. At the same time, it is allowed that there are some differences in the detailed structure or position arrangement of components between the second connection component and the first connection component.

[0170] Exemplarily, the second connection component may include a first fixing bracket 12b, a second fixing bracket 13b, a first connecting arm 16b, a second connecting arm 17b, a first stop member 18b, a second stop member 19b, a first swing arm 31b, a second swing arm 32b, and a gear module 33b. The component structures of each component of the second connection component and the connection relationships between each component and the main shaft 11, the first support plate 14, and the second support plate 15 can be correspondingly referred to the relevant descriptions of the first connection component. The third connection component may include a first fixing bracket 12c, a second fixing bracket 13c, a first connecting arm 16c, a second connecting arm 17c, a first swing arm 31c, and a second swing arm 32c. The component structures of each component of the third connection component and the connection relationships between each component and the main shaft 11, the first support plate 14, and the second support plate 15 can be correspondingly referred to the relevant descriptions of the first connection component. The embodiments of the present application will not be elaborated herein. In other embodiments, the folding mechanism 101 may also include a first connection component and other connection components, and the structures of the other connection components may be the same as or different from the structure of the first connection component. The present application does not make strict limitations on this.

[0171] It should be understood that the first fixing bracket 12 of the first connection component, the first fixing bracket 12b of the second connection component, and the first fixing bracket 12c of the third connection component may be independent structural members of each other, or may be multiple parts of an integral structural member. The second fixing bracket 13 of the first connection component, the second fixing bracket 13b of the second connection component, and the second fixing bracket 13c of the third connection component may be independent structural members of each other, or may be multiple parts of an integral structural member.

[0172] Please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8a in combination with Figure 6 shown, Figure 7 which is Figure 6 a partial exploded view of the main shaft 11 shown in Figure 8a which is Figure 7Schematic diagram of the main shaft 11 shown at another angle. The main shaft 11 includes a base 111, a first outer shell 112, a second outer shell 113, a third outer shell 114, and a main outer shell 115. The base 111 has a first support surface 104. The first support surface 104 is also the first support surface of the main shaft 11. The first support surface 104 can be a flat surface.

[0173] Among them, the base 111 can be an integrally formed structural member or can form an integrated structure by an assembly method. The base 111 includes a first end 111a, a middle part 111b, and a second end 111c that are connected in sequence. It should be noted that in order to clearly and conveniently describe the specific structure of the base 111, Figure 7 and Figure 8a the first end 111a, the middle part 111b, and the second end 111c of the base 111 are schematically given. The first end 111a of the base 111 can be cooperatively connected with the first connection assembly. The second end 111c of the base 111 can be cooperatively connected with the second connection assembly. The middle part 111b of the base 111 can be cooperatively connected with the third connection assembly.

[0174] Exemplarily, the first end 111a and the second end 111c of the base 111 can be of the same or similar structure, symmetric or partially symmetric structure, or different structures. In some embodiments, the first end 111a and the second end 111c of the base 111 are centrosymmetric structures. In this way, the overall structure of the base 111 is relatively simple and the processing cost is low. In addition, it is beneficial to improve the symmetry of the base 111. It should be understood that for the basic design of the component structure of the second end 111c of the base 111, the design of the connection relationship between components, and the design of the connection relationship between components and other structures outside the components, the relevant solutions of the first end 111a of the base 111 can be referred to, while allowing some differences in the detailed structure or position arrangement of the components between the second end 111c and the first end 111a of the base 111.

[0175] Exemplarily, the second outer shell 113 and the first outer shell 112 can be of the same or similar structure, symmetric or partially symmetric structure, or different structures. In some embodiments, the second outer shell 113 and the first outer shell 112 can be centrosymmetric structures. In this way, the overall structure of the main shaft 11 is relatively simple and the processing cost is low. In addition, it is beneficial to improve the symmetry of the main shaft 11. It should be understood that for the basic design of the component structure of the second outer shell 113, the design of the connection relationship between components, and the design of the connection relationship between components and other structures outside the components, the relevant solutions of the first outer shell 112 can be referred to, while allowing some differences in the detailed structure or position arrangement of the components between the second outer shell 113 and the first outer shell 112.

[0176] Please refer to Figure 8b, and in combination with Figure 7 and Figure 8a as shown, Figure 8b is Figure 6 a partial structural schematic diagram of the main shaft 11 shown. The first outer shell 112 is fixedly connected to the first end portion 111a of the base 111. The first outer shell 112 faces away from the first support surface 104 of the base 111. Exemplarily, by passing fasteners (screws, pins or bolts) through the first outer shell 112 and the first end portion 111a of the base 111, the first outer shell 112 is fixedly connected to the first end portion 111a of the base 111. In other embodiments, the first outer shell 112 and the first end portion 111a of the base 111 can also be fixedly connected to each other by means of adhesion, welding, etc.

[0177] Please refer to again Figure 8b , and in combination with Figure 7 and Figure 8a as shown, the second outer shell 113 is fixedly connected to the second end portion 111c of the base 111. At this time, when the second end portion 111c of the base 111 is cooperatively connected with the second connection assembly, the second outer shell 113 can be used to cover some components of the second connection assembly to protect the second connection assembly. In addition, the third outer shell 114 is fixedly connected to the middle portion 111b of the base 111. At this time, when the middle portion 111b of the base 111 is cooperatively connected with the third connection assembly, the third outer shell 114 can be used to cover some components of the third connection assembly to protect the third connection assembly.

[0178] Please refer to again Figure 4 , and in combination with Figure 7 and Figure 8a as shown, the main outer shell 115 is fixedly connected to the base 111 and covers the first outer shell 112, the second outer shell 113 and the third outer shell 114. At this time, the first outer shell 112, the second outer shell 113 and the third outer shell 114 are located between the base 111 and the main outer shell 115. In this way, the overall strength of the main shaft 11 is better. Exemplarily, the main outer shell 115 can be fixedly connected to the base 111 by a snap-fit method. In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in a closed state, a part of the main outer shell 115 is exposed outside the electronic device 100. By setting the outer surface of the main outer shell 115 to be smooth and having a small roughness, it is beneficial to improve the external consistency of the electronic device 100, and further improve the user experience of the electronic device 100.

[0179] Please refer to Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 is Figure 8aSchematic diagram of the structure of the first end portion 111a of the base 111 shown. The portion of the first end portion 111a of the base 111 facing away from the first support surface 104 may form a plurality of groove structures and bump structures. These structures cause the first end portion 111a of the base 111 to form a plurality of mating surfaces, such as a concave first curved surface 1111 (the first curved surface 1111 may include a plurality of concave arc surfaces), a convex first arc surface 1112, a convex second arc surface 1113, a concave second curved surface 1114 (the second curved surface 1114 may include a plurality of concave arc surfaces), and a concave third curved surface 1115 (the third curved surface 1115 may include a plurality of concave arc surfaces).

[0180] Please refer to Fig.10 , Fig.10 is Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first housing 112 shown. The first housing 112 is bent to form an inner space 112a of the first housing 112. The inner space 112a is located inside the first housing 112. The inner space 112a of the first housing 112 may form a plurality of groove structures and bump structures, and these structures cause the first housing 112 to form a plurality of mating surfaces. For example, a concave first curved surface 1121 (the first curved surface 1121 may include a plurality of concave arc surfaces), a concave first arc surface 1122, a concave second arc surface 1123, a concave second curved surface 1124 (the second curved surface 1124 may include a plurality of concave arc surfaces), and a concave third curved surface 1125 (the third curved surface 1125 may include a plurality of concave arc surfaces).

[0181] In addition, the first housing 112 is further provided with a plurality of first rotating shaft grooves 1126 arranged at intervals and a plurality of second rotating shaft grooves 1127 arranged at intervals. The third curved surface 1125 is located between the first rotating shaft groove 1126 and the second rotating shaft groove 1127. The plurality of first rotating shaft grooves 1126 and the plurality of second rotating shaft grooves 1127 are respectively arranged opposite to each other one by one, that is, one first rotating shaft groove 1126 is arranged opposite to one second rotating shaft groove 1127.

[0182] It can be understood that the mating surfaces of the first housing 112 and the mating surfaces of the first end portion 111a of the base 111 can cooperate with each other to jointly form a plurality of connection structures of the main shaft 11 for connecting with the first connection component. In this way, when the first end portion 111a of the base 111 is cooperatively connected with the first connection component, the first housing 112 can be used to cover some components of the first connection component to protect the first connection component.

[0183] Please refer to Fig.11 , and in combination with Fig. 9 and Fig.10 shown, Fig.11 is Figure 8bSchematic cross-sectional view of a partial main shaft 11 shown along line A2-A2. The main shaft 11 has a first receiving space 1161. A partial first end portion 111a of the base 111 and a partial first outer shell 112 jointly enclose to form the first receiving space 1161. Among them, a partial surface of the first receiving space 1161 includes a partial first curved surface 1111 of the base 111 and a partial first curved surface 1121 of the first outer shell 112.

[0184] Please refer to Fig.12 , and in combination with Fig. 9 and Fig.10 shown, Fig.12 is Figure 8b Schematic cross-sectional view of a partial main shaft 11 shown along line A3-A3. The main shaft 11 has a first rolling groove 1162 and a second rolling groove 1163. A partial first curved surface 1111 of the base 111 and a partial first curved surface 1121 of the first outer shell 112 jointly define the first rolling groove 1162 and the second rolling groove 1163.

[0185] Please refer to Fig.13 , and in combination with Fig. 9 and Fig.10 shown, Fig.13 is Figure 8b Schematic cross-sectional view of a partial main shaft 11 shown along line A4-A4. The main shaft 11 further has a first arc-shaped groove 1164. One end of the first arc-shaped groove 1164 communicates with the outer space of the main shaft 11. The center of the first arc-shaped groove 1164 is far from the first outer shell 112 and close to the base 111. The first arc surface 1112 of the base 111 and the first arc surface 1122 of the first outer shell 112 jointly define the first arc-shaped groove 1164.

[0186] In addition, the main shaft 11 further has a second arc-shaped groove 1165. One end of the second arc-shaped groove 1165 communicates with the outer space of the main shaft 11. The center of the second arc-shaped groove 1165 is far from the first outer shell 112 and close to the base 111. The second arc surface 1113 of the base 111 and the second arc surface 1123 of the first outer shell 112 jointly define the second arc-shaped groove 1165.

[0187] Please refer to Fig.14 , and in combination with Fig. 9 and Fig.10 shown, Fig.14 is Figure 8b Schematic cross-sectional view of a partial main shaft 11 shown along line A5-A5. The main shaft 11 further has a third rolling groove 1166 and a fourth rolling groove 1167. A partial second curved surface 1114 of the base 111 and a partial second curved surface 1124 of the first outer shell 112 jointly define the third rolling groove 1166 and the fourth rolling groove 1167.

[0188] Please refer to Fig.15 , and in combination with Fig. 9 and Fig.10 as shown Fig.15 is Figure 8b A schematic cross-sectional view of a partial main shaft 11 along line A6-A6 as shown. The main shaft 11 further has a second receiving space 1168. A partial first end portion 111a of the base 111 and a partial first outer shell 112 jointly enclose to form the second receiving space 1168. Among them, a partial surface of the second receiving space 1168 includes a partial second curved surface 1114 of the base 111 and a partial second curved surface 1124 of the first outer shell 112.

[0189] Please refer to Fig.16 and in combination with Fig. 9 and Fig.10 as shown Fig.16 is Figure 8b A schematic cross-sectional view of a partial main shaft 11 along line A7-A7 as shown. The main shaft 11 further has a third receiving space 1169. A third curved surface 1115 of the base 111 and a third curved surface 1125 of the first outer shell 112 jointly enclose the third receiving space 1169. Both ends of the third receiving space 1169 communicate with the outer space of the main shaft 11.

[0190] Exemplarily, the first receiving space 1161, the first rolling groove 1162, the first arc groove 1164, the third rolling groove 1166 and the second receiving space 1168 communicate with each other.

[0191] Exemplarily, the first receiving space 1161, the second rolling groove 1163, the second arc groove 1165, the fourth rolling groove 1167 and the second receiving space 1168 communicate with each other.

[0192] Please refer to Fig.17 and Fig.18 , Fig.17 is Figure 6 A schematic structural view of the first fixing bracket 12 and the second fixing bracket 13 as shown. Fig.18 is Fig.17 A schematic structural view of the first fixing bracket 12 from another angle as shown. The first fixing bracket 12 includes a top surface 121, a bottom surface 122, a first side surface 123 and a second side surface 124. The top surface 121 and the bottom surface 122 are arranged in opposite directions. The first side surface 123 and the second side surface 124 are arranged in opposite directions. The first side surface 123 and the second side surface 124 are located between the top surface 121 and the bottom surface 122.

[0193] Among them, the first fixing bracket 12 is provided with a first side hole 1251 and a second side hole 1252 which are arranged at intervals. The first side hole 1251 and the second side hole 1252 both form openings on the top surface 121, the bottom surface 122 and the first side surface 123. In addition, the first fixing bracket 12 is further provided with a first rotating hole 1253, a second rotating hole 1254 and a rotating groove 1255. The rotating groove 1255 forms an opening on the bottom surface 122. The first rotating hole 1253 communicates with the first side hole 1251. The second rotating hole 1254 communicates with the first side hole 1251 and the second side hole 1252. The rotating groove 1255 communicates with the second side hole 1252. The first rotating hole 1253 and the second rotating hole 1254 are oppositely arranged. The second rotating hole 1254 is oppositely arranged with the rotating groove 1255.

[0194] The first fixing bracket 12 may further be provided with a first sliding groove 1261 and a second sliding groove 1262 which are oppositely arranged. The first sliding groove 1261 and the second sliding groove 1262 both form openings on the first side surface 123. The first fixing bracket 12 is further provided with a first movable notch 1263. The first movable notch 1263 forms openings on the top surface 121, the bottom surface 122 and the first side surface 123. The first movable notch 1263 communicates with the first sliding groove 1261 and the second sliding groove 1262.

[0195] Among them, the first fixing bracket 12 is further provided with a first arc groove 127. The first arc groove 127 forms an opening on the top surface 121. Among them, the first arc groove 127 may further form an opening on the surface connecting the first side surface 123 and the second side surface 124. The number of the first arc grooves 127 may be one or more.

[0196] In addition, the first fixing bracket 12 may further be provided with fastening holes 128. The number of the fastening holes 128 may be one or more.

[0197] In this embodiment, the first fixing bracket 12 and the second fixing bracket 13 may have the same structure, a mirror-symmetric structure, a partially mirror-symmetric structure, a central-symmetric structure, a partially central-symmetric structure or different structures, and the present application does not strictly limit this. In this embodiment, the second fixing bracket 13 and the first fixing bracket 12 are in a partially mirror-symmetric structure. The setting manner of the structure of the second fixing bracket 13 may refer to the setting manner of the structure of the first fixing bracket 12. For example, the second fixing bracket 13 is also provided with a first side hole 1351, a second side hole 1352, a first rotating hole 1353, a second rotating hole 1354 and a rotating groove 1355. Specifically, this embodiment will not be elaborated herein.

[0198] Please refer to Fig.19 and Fig. 20 , Fig.19 is Figure 2 a partial structural schematic diagram of the folding device 1 shown in Fig. 20 is Fig.19An enlarged schematic view of the partial folding device 1 shown at A8. The first fixing frame 12 is fixedly connected to the first housing 102. Exemplarily, the first housing 102 is provided with a first fixing groove 1025. The first housing 102 includes a first part 1021, a second part 1022, a third part 1023, and a fourth part 1024. The second part 1022 is connected to the first part 1021. The height of the first part 1021 in the Z-axis direction is greater than the height of the second part 1022 in the Z-axis direction, that is, there is a height difference between the first part 1021 and the second part 1022 in the Z-axis direction. At this time, the first part 1021 and the second part 1022 substantially form a stepped shape in the Z-axis direction. In addition, one side of the third part 1023 is connected to the first part 1021, and one side is connected to the second part 1022. The fourth part 1024 is disposed opposite to the third part 1023. One side of the fourth part 1024 is connected to the first part 1021, and one side is connected to the second part 1022. In this way, the side surface 1021a of the first part 1021, the surface 1022a of the second part 1022, the side surface 1023a of the third part 1023, and the side surface 1024a of the fourth part 1024 enclose the first fixing groove 1025.

[0199] Wherein, the first fixing frame 12 is located in the first fixing groove 1025 and is fixedly connected to the first housing 102. Among them, by passing a fastener (screw, pin or bolt) through the fastening hole 128 of the first fixing frame 12 and the fastening hole 1022 of the first housing 102 (please refer to Figure 5 ), the first fixing frame 12 is fixedly connected to the first housing 102. The top surface 121 of the first fixing frame 12 faces away from the bottom wall of the first fixing groove 1025. The bottom surface 122 of the first fixing frame 12 faces the bottom wall of the first fixing groove 1025.

[0200] In other embodiments, the first fixing frame 12 can also be installed in the first fixing groove 1025 by means of welding, bonding, snap connection, etc.

[0201] In other embodiments, a matching structure of positioning columns and positioning holes can also be provided between the first fixing frame 12 and the first housing 102 to improve the connection stability between them. The present application does not strictly limit the connection structure between the first fixing frame 12 and the first housing 102.

[0202] In this embodiment, the connection relationship between the second fixing frame 13 and the second housing 103 can refer to the connection relationship between the first fixing frame 12 and the first housing 102. Specific details are not described here again.

[0203] Please refer to Fig.21 and Fig. 22 , Fig.21 is Figure 6Schematic structural diagram of the first connecting arm 16 and the second connecting arm 17 shown. Fig. 22 is Fig.21 Schematic structural diagram of the first connecting arm 16 and the second connecting arm 17 shown from another angle. The first connecting arm 16 includes a first rotating end 16a and a second rotating end 16b connected to the first rotating end 16a.

[0204] In this embodiment, the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is provided with a side hole 168, a first rotating hole 1691 and a second rotating hole 1692. The side hole 168 divides the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 into a first rotating block 1681 and a second rotating block 1682. The first rotating hole 1691 is provided in the first rotating block 1681. The second rotating hole 1692 is provided in the second rotating block 1682. The first rotating hole 1691 and the second rotating hole 1692 both communicate with the side hole 168, and the first rotating hole 1691 and the second rotating hole 1692 are oppositely arranged. In other embodiments, the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 may also adopt other structures.

[0205] In this embodiment, the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 includes an arc-shaped arm 161, a first convex block 162, a second convex block 163, a third convex block 164 and a fourth convex block 165. The shapes of the first convex block 162, the second convex block 163, the third convex block 164 and the fourth convex block 165 may be arc-shaped or other shapes. In other embodiments, the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 may not include the first convex block 162, the second convex block 163, the third convex block 164 and the fourth convex block 165.

[0206] Wherein, the arc-shaped arm 161 includes a first arc surface 1611, a second arc surface 1612, a connecting surface 1613, a first side surface 1614 and a second side surface 1615. The connecting surface 1613 is connected between the first arc surface 1611 and the second arc surface 1612. The first side surface 1614 is connected between the first arc surface 1611 and the second arc surface 1612. The second side surface 1615 is connected between the first arc surface 1611 and the second arc surface 1612. The connecting surface 1613 is connected between the first side surface 1614 and the second side surface 1615. The connecting surface 1613 may include a first sub-surface 1613a and a second sub-surface 1613b arranged at intervals. The first sub-surface 1613a is connected to the first side surface 1614. The second sub-surface 1613b is connected to the second side surface 1615. The first arc surface 1611 and the second arc surface 1612 are arranged back to back. The second side surface 1615 and the first side surface 1614 are arranged back to back.

[0207] In addition, the arc-shaped arm 161 may also be provided with a notch 1616. At this time, two claws are formed at the end of the arc-shaped arm 161. The notch 1616 forms an opening between the first arc surface 1611 and the connecting surface 1613. The notch 1616 of the arc-shaped arm 161 is used to prevent the arc-shaped arm 161 from interfering with some mechanisms of the folding mechanism 101. When the arc-shaped arm 161 is not provided with the notch 1616, the connecting surface 1613 is a continuous surface, that is, the first sub-surface 1613a and the second sub-surface 1613b are connected to each other.

[0208] In this embodiment, the first convex block 162 and the second convex block 163 are convexly provided on the first side surface 1614 at intervals. Compared with the first convex block 162, the second convex block 163 is disposed closer to the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. The distance between the second convex block 163 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is less than the distance between the first convex block 162 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. The first convex block 162 has a first inclined surface 1621 close to the second convex block 163. At this time, the first inclined surface 1621 faces the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. The first inclined surface 1621 is connected to the first side surface 1614 of the arc-shaped arm 161, and the angle between the first inclined surface 1621 and the first side surface 1614 of the arc-shaped arm 161 may be an obtuse angle.

[0209] Please refer to Fig.23 , and in combination with Fig.21 with Fig. 22 as shown, Fig.23 is Fig.21 a schematic structural diagram of the first connecting arm 16 and the second connecting arm 17 at another angle as shown. The third convex block 164 and the fourth convex block 165 are convexly provided on the second side surface 1615 at intervals. Compared with the third convex block 164, the fourth convex block 165 is disposed closer to the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. The distance between the fourth convex block 165 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is less than the distance between the third convex block 164 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. The third convex block 164 has a second inclined surface 1641 close to the fourth convex block 165. At this time, the second inclined surface 1641 faces the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. The second inclined surface 1641 is connected to the second side surface 1615 of the arc-shaped arm 161, and the angle between the second inclined surface 1641 and the second side surface 1615 of the arc-shaped arm 161 may be an obtuse angle.

[0210] Exemplarily, the second connecting arm 17 and the first connecting arm 16 may have the same or similar structures, symmetric or partially symmetric structures, or different structures. In some embodiments, the second connecting arm 17 and the first connecting arm 16 may be centrosymmetric structures. It should be understood that for the basic design of the component structure of the second connecting arm 17, the design of the connection relationship between components, and the design of the connection relationship between components and other structures outside the component, the relevant solutions of the first connecting arm 16 can be referred to, while allowing some differences in the detailed structure or position arrangement of the components between the second connecting arm 17 and the first connecting arm 16.

[0211] Please refer to again Fig.21 and Fig. 22 , the second connecting arm 17 includes a first rotating end 17a and a second rotating end 17b connected to the first rotating end 17a.

[0212] In this embodiment, the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 includes a side hole 178, a first rotating hole 1791, and a second rotating hole 1792. The side hole 178 divides the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 into a first rotating block 1781 and a second rotating block 1782. The first rotating hole 1791 is provided in the first rotating block 1781. The second rotating hole 1792 is provided in the second rotating block 1782. Both the first rotating hole 1791 and the second rotating hole 1792 communicate with the side hole 178, and the first rotating hole 1791 and the second rotating hole 1792 are arranged oppositely. In other embodiments, the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 may also have other structures.

[0213] In this embodiment, the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 includes an arc-shaped arm 171, a first convex block 172, a second convex block 173, a third convex block 174, and a fourth convex block 175. The shapes of the first convex block 172, the second convex block 173, the third convex block 174, and the fourth convex block 175 may be arc-shaped or other shapes. In other embodiments, the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 may not include the first convex block 172, the second convex block 173, the third convex block 174, and the fourth convex block 175.

[0214] Among them, the arc-shaped arm 171 includes a first arc surface 1711, a second arc surface 1712, a connecting surface 1713, a first side surface 1714, and a second side surface 1715. The connecting surface 1713 is connected between the first arc surface 1711 and the second arc surface 1712. The first side surface 1714 is connected between the first arc surface 1711 and the second arc surface 1712. The second side surface 1715 is connected between the first arc surface 1711 and the second arc surface 1712. The connecting surface 1713 is connected between the first side surface 1714 and the second side surface 1715. The connecting surface 1713 may include a first sub-surface 1713a and a second sub-surface 1713b that are spaced apart. The first sub-surface 1713a is connected to the first side surface 1714. The second sub-surface 1713b is connected to the second side surface 1715. The first arc surface 1711 and the second arc surface 1712 are arranged back to back. The first side surface 1714 and the second side surface 1715 are arranged back to back.

[0215] In addition, the arc-shaped arm 171 is also provided with a notch 1716. At this time, two claw notches 1716 are formed at the end of the arc-shaped arm 171, and an opening is formed in the first arc surface 1711 and the connecting surface 1713. The notch 1716 of the arc-shaped arm 171 is used to prevent the arc-shaped arm 171 from interfering with some mechanisms of the folding mechanism 101. When the arc-shaped arm 171 is not provided with the notch 1716, the connecting surface 1713 is a continuous surface, that is, the first sub-surface 1713a and the second sub-surface 1713b are connected to each other.

[0216] In this embodiment, the first bump 172 and the second bump 173 are convexly provided on the first side surface 1714 at intervals. Compared with the first bump 172, the second bump 173 is arranged closer to the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17. The distance between the second bump 173 and the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 is less than the distance between the first bump 172 and the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17. The first bump 172 has a first inclined surface 1721 close to the second bump 173. At this time, the first inclined surface 1721 faces the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17. The first inclined surface 1721 is connected to the first side surface 1714 of the arc-shaped arm 171, and the angle between the first inclined surface 1721 and the first side surface 1714 of the arc-shaped arm 171 may be an obtuse angle.

[0217] Please refer to again Fig.23 and in combination with Fig.21 and Fig. 22As shown, the third bump 174 and the fourth bump 175 are protruded from the second side surface 1715 at intervals. Compared with the third bump 174, the fourth bump 175 is disposed closer to the first rotation end 17a of the second connecting arm 17. The distance between the fourth bump 175 and the first rotation end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 is less than the distance between the third bump 174 and the first rotation end 17a of the second connecting arm 17. The third bump 174 has a second inclined surface 1741 close to the fourth bump 175. At this time, the second inclined surface 1741 faces the first rotation end 17a of the second connecting arm 17. The second inclined surface 1741 is connected to the second side surface 1715 of the arc-shaped arm 171, and the angle between the second inclined surface 1741 and the second side surface 1715 of the arc-shaped arm 171 can be an obtuse angle.

[0218] Please refer to Fig.24 , and in combination with Fig.17 and Fig.21 as shown, Fig.24 is Figure 2 a partial structural schematic diagram of the folding device 1 shown. The first rotation end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame 12. The first rotation block 1681 of the first connecting arm 16 is disposed in the first side hole 1251 of the first fixing frame 12. The second rotation block 1682 of the first connecting arm 16 is disposed in the second side hole 1252 of the first fixing frame 12.

[0219] In addition, the first rotation hole 1253 of the first fixing frame 12, the first rotation hole 1691 of the first connecting arm 16, the second rotation hole 1254 of the first fixing frame 12, the second rotation hole 1692 of the first connecting arm 16, and the rotation groove 1255 of the first fixing frame 12 are sequentially disposed opposite to each other. By passing the rotating shaft 108 through the first rotation hole 1253 of the first fixing frame 12, the first rotation hole 1691 of the first connecting arm 16, the second rotation hole 1254 of the first fixing frame 12, the second rotation hole 1692 of the first connecting arm 16, and the rotation groove 1255 of the first fixing frame 12, the first rotation end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame 12 through the rotating shaft 108. Exemplarily, both ends of the rotating shaft 108 can be respectively fixed in the first rotation hole 1253 of the first fixing frame 12 and the rotation groove 1255 of the first fixing frame 12.

[0220] In other embodiments, when the folding mechanism 101 is of other structures, the first rotation end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 can also be fixedly connected to the first fixing frame 12.

[0221] Please refer to Fig.24 again, and in combination with Fig.17 and Fig.21As shown, the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 is rotatably connected to the second fixing bracket 13. The first rotating block 1781 of the second connecting arm 17 is arranged in the first side hole 1351 of the second fixing bracket 13. The second rotating block 1782 of the second connecting arm 17 is arranged in the second side hole 1352 of the second fixing bracket 13.

[0222] In addition, the first rotating hole 1353 of the second fixing bracket 13, the first rotating hole 1791 of the second connecting arm 17, the second rotating hole 1354 of the second fixing bracket 13, the second rotating hole 1792 of the second connecting arm 17, and the rotating groove 1355 of the second fixing bracket 13 are arranged opposite to each other in sequence. By passing a rotating shaft through the first rotating hole 1353 of the second fixing bracket 13, the first rotating hole 1791 of the second connecting arm 17, the second rotating hole 1354 of the second fixing bracket 13, the second rotating hole 1792 of the second connecting arm 17, and the rotating groove 1355 of the second fixing bracket 13, the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 is rotatably connected to the second fixing bracket 13 through the rotating shaft. Exemplarily, both ends of the rotating shaft can be respectively fixed in the first rotating hole 1353 of the second fixing bracket 13 and the rotating groove 1355 of the second fixing bracket 13.

[0223] In other embodiments, when the folding mechanism 101 has other structures, the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 can also be fixedly connected to the second fixing bracket 13.

[0224] Please refer to Fig.25 , Fig.25 which is Figure 2 a partial structural schematic diagram of the folding device 1 shown. The second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 is rotatably connected to the first outer shell 112. The second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 is rotatably connected to the first outer shell 112. At this time, the first outer shell 112 is located between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103.

[0225] Exemplarily, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, a part of the first outer shell 112 is located in the first fixing groove 1025 of the first housing 102, and another part of the first outer shell 112 is located in the second fixing groove 1035 of the second housing 103. In this way, the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 can shield the first outer shell 112.

[0226] Please refer to Fig.26 , and in combination with Fig.25 shown, Fig.26 which is Figure 2Partial structural schematic diagram of the folding device 1 shown. When the base 111 is fixedly connected to the first outer shell 112, the main shaft 11 is located between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103. In addition, the first support surface 104 of the base 111 faces away from the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17. The base 111 can cover the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17.

[0227] In addition, the base 111 is provided with a plurality of avoidance holes 1119. The number of the avoidance holes 1119 is not limited to Fig.26 the four shown in the illustration. When the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the two claws of the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 can respectively extend into two of the avoidance holes 1119. The two claws of the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 can respectively extend into two of the avoidance holes 1119. Therefore, by providing the avoidance holes 1119 in the base 111, the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 is provided with a notch 1616 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 is provided with a notch 1716, so that when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, interference between the base 111 and the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 can be avoided.

[0228] Please refer to Fig. 27 and in combination with Fig.26 shown, Fig. 27 is Fig.26 the sectional view of the partial folding device 1 shown in A9 - A9. The arc-shaped arm 161 of the first connecting arm 16 can be arranged in the first arc-shaped groove 1164 of the main shaft 11, so that the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11.

[0229] When the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, correspondingly, the folding mechanism 101 is in the flattened state, and the arc-shaped arm 161 of the first connecting arm 16 can be rotated into the first arc-shaped groove 1164. In addition, the main shaft 11 is located between the first fixing frame 12 and the second fixing frame 13. The main shaft 11 is spaced from the first fixing frame 12. The main shaft 11 is spaced from the second fixing frame 13. In addition, the first fixing frame 12 and the second fixing frame 13 can be at 180°. In other embodiments, the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 can also have a slight deviation of 180°, such as 165°, 177° or 185°, etc.

[0230] Please refer to Fig.28 , Fig.28 is Fig. 27The cross-sectional view when the partial folding device 1 shown is in the closed state. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, correspondingly, the folding mechanism 101 is in the closed state, and the arc-shaped arm 161 of the first connecting arm 16 can partially or completely rotate out of the first arc-shaped groove 1164. In addition, the first fixing bracket 12 and the second fixing bracket 13 can approach each other, and the first fixing bracket 12 and the second fixing bracket 13 are arranged oppositely.

[0231] In this embodiment, the cooperation between the arc-shaped arm 161 of the first connecting arm 16 and the first arc-shaped groove 1164 of the main shaft 11 forms a virtual axis rotational connection structure. The second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 and the main shaft 11 are rotationally connected through a virtual axis, which can reduce the design difficulty of the folding mechanism 101, has relatively low dimensional requirements for the folding mechanism 101, and is beneficial to the thinning and lightening of the folding mechanism 101 and the folding device 1. In some other embodiments, the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 and the main shaft 11 can also be rotationally connected through a physical axis, and the embodiments of the present application do not strictly limit this.

[0232] Please refer to again Fig. 27 The arc-shaped arm 171 of the second connecting arm 17 can be arranged in the second arc-shaped groove 1165 of the main shaft 11 so that the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 is rotationally connected to the main shaft 11. When the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, correspondingly, the folding mechanism 101 is in the flattened state, and the arc-shaped arm 171 of the second connecting arm 17 can rotate into the second arc-shaped groove 1165. The second connecting arm 17 and the first connecting arm 16 can be at 180°. In other embodiments, there may also be a slight deviation of 165°, 177°, 185°, etc. between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 relative to 180°.

[0233] Please refer to again Fig.28 When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, correspondingly, the folding mechanism 101 is in the closed state, and the arc-shaped arm 171 of the second connecting arm 17 can partially or completely rotate out of the first arc-shaped groove 1165. The second connecting arm 17 and the first connecting arm 16 can approach each other, and the second connecting arm 17 and the first connecting arm 16 are arranged oppositely.

[0234] In this embodiment, the cooperation between the arc-shaped arm 171 of the second connecting arm 17 and the second arc-shaped groove 1165 of the main shaft 11 forms a virtual axis rotational connection structure. The second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 and the main shaft 11 are rotationally connected through a virtual axis, which can reduce the design difficulty of the folding mechanism 101, has relatively low dimensional requirements for the folding mechanism 101, and is beneficial to the thinning and lightening of the folding mechanism 101 and the folding device 1. In some other embodiments, the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 and the main shaft 11 can also be rotationally connected through a physical axis, and the embodiments of the present application do not strictly limit this.

[0235] Please refer to Figure 26 to Figure 28 as well. Since the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame 12, and the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11, the first fixing frame 12 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 through the first connecting arm 16. Additionally, since the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 is rotatably connected to the second fixing frame 13, and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11, the second fixing frame 13 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 through the second connecting arm 17.

[0236] As can be seen from the above, the first fixing frame 12 is fixedly connected to the first housing 102, and the second fixing frame 13 is fixedly connected to the second housing 103. At this time, when the first fixing frame 12 rotates relative to the main shaft 11 through the first connecting arm 16 and the second fixing frame 13 rotates relative to the main shaft 11 through the second connecting arm 17, the first housing 102 can rotate relative to the second housing 103, that is, the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 can be relatively unfolded or relatively folded.

[0237] Please refer to Fig.29 , Fig.29 which is Figure 6 an exploded view of the first stop member 18 shown. The first stop member 18 includes a first bracket 181, a first elastic member 182, a first ball 183, and a second ball 184. The first bracket 181, the first ball 183, and the second ball 184 can be rigid structures and are not easily deformed under external forces. The first elastic member 182 is an elastic structure and is easily deformed under external forces. The first bracket 181 and the first elastic member 182 can form a first elastic assembly 180. The first elastic assembly 180 can be deformed. The deformation of the first elastic assembly 180 can be the deformation of the first elastic member 182.

[0238] In this embodiment, the first elastic member 182 can be a spring.

[0239] In other embodiments, the first elastic member 182 can also be a spring sheet, or a flexible member with elasticity (such as an elastic rubber block), etc.

[0240] In other embodiments, the first stop member 18 may not include the first bracket 181. For example, using an elastic rubber block as a whole as an alternative embodiment of the first bracket 181 and the spring.

[0241] In this embodiment, the number of the first elastic members 182 is four. In other embodiments, the number of the first elastic members 182 can also be one, two, or three. The specific number in this embodiment is not limited.

[0242] Please refer to again Fig.29 The first bracket 181 includes a first abutting portion 1811 and a first guiding portion 1812. The first guiding portion 1812 is connected to the first abutting portion 1811.

[0243] Exemplarily, the first abutting portion 1811 is strip-shaped. The first abutting portion 1811 includes a first end portion 1811a and a second end portion 1812b.

[0244] Exemplarily, the number of the first guiding portions 1812 is the same as the number of the first elastic members 182, that is, the number of the first guiding portions 1812 in this embodiment is four. The four first guiding portions 1812 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the first abutting portion 1811. One first guiding portion 1812 is disposed opposite to the first end portion 1811a of the first abutting portion 1811, and one first guiding portion 1812 is disposed opposite to the second end portion 1812b of the first abutting portion 1811. The first bracket 181 is generally in a "comb" shape. In other embodiments, the number of the first guiding portions 1812 disposed opposite to the first end portion 1811a of the first abutting portion 1811 may also be greater than one. The number of the first guiding portions 1812 disposed opposite to the second end portion 1812b of the first abutting portion 1811 may also be greater than one.

[0245] In addition, the first abutting portion 1811 is provided with a first limiting groove 1813 and a second limiting groove 1814 which are arranged at intervals. The openings of the first limiting groove 1813 and the second limiting groove 1814 are both formed on the surface of the first abutting portion 1811 away from the first guiding portion 1812. Exemplarily, the first limiting groove 1813 is located at the first end portion 1811a of the first abutting portion 1811, and the second limiting groove 1814 is located at the second end portion 1812b of the first abutting portion 1811.

[0246] Please refer to Fig.30 and in combination with Fig.29 shown in Fig.30 is Figure 6 a schematic structural view of the first stop member 18 and the second stop member 19 shown in. The first elastic member 182 is sleeved on the first guiding portion 1812 of the first bracket 181 and abuts against the first abutting portion 1811. Exemplarily, one end of the first elastic member 182 may also be fixedly connected to the first abutting portion 1811 by welding or bonding or the like.

[0247] In this embodiment, the four first elastic members 182 can be sleeved on the four first guiding portions 1812 one by one. In addition, in the length direction of the first guiding portion 1812, the length of the first elastic member 182 in the natural state (that is, the state without deformation) is greater than the length of the first guiding portion 1812. Thus, when the first elastic member 182 is sleeved on the first guiding portion 1812, the first elastic member 182 can extend out relative to the first guiding portion 1812.

[0248] Exemplarily, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, a closed state, or an intermediate state, some of the first balls 183 can be disposed in the first limiting groove 1813. At this time, the first balls 183 can contact the first end portion 1811a of the first abutting portion 1811. The first balls 183 can roll relative to the groove wall of the first limiting groove 1813. The first limiting groove 1813 can prevent the first balls 183 from rolling out of the first limiting groove 1813. The rolling direction of the first balls 183 can be any direction.

[0249] Exemplarily, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, a closed state, or an intermediate state, some of the second balls 184 can be disposed in the second limiting groove 1814. At this time, the second balls 184 can contact the second end portion 1812b of the first abutting portion 1811. The second balls 184 can roll relative to the groove wall of the second limiting groove 1814. The second limiting groove 1814 can prevent the second balls 184 from rolling out of the second limiting groove 1814. The rolling direction of the second balls 184 can also be any direction.

[0250] In this embodiment, the second stop member 19 and the first stop member 18 can have the same or similar structures, symmetric or partially symmetric structures, or different structures. In some embodiments, the second stop member 19 and the first stop member 18 are centrosymmetric structures. For the basic design of the component structure of the second stop member 19, the design of the connection relationship between components, and the design of the connection relationship between components and other structures outside the component, the relevant solutions of the first stop member 18 can be referred to. At the same time, it is allowed that there are some differences in the detailed structure or position arrangement of the components between the second stop member 19 and the first stop member 18. Exemplarily, the second stop member 19 can include a second bracket 191, a second elastic member 192, a third ball 193, and a fourth ball 194. The second bracket 191 and the second elastic member 192 can form a second elastic assembly 190.

[0251] Please refer to Fig.31 and Fig.32 in combination with Fig.11 shown, Fig.31 which is Figure 2 a partial structural diagram of the folding device 1 shown. Fig.32 which is Fig.31 an enlarged schematic view of a part of the folding device 1 shown at B1. The first stop member 18 is disposed in the first receiving space 1161 of the main shaft 11. The first receiving space 1161 can be jointly defined by the first outer shell 112 and the base 111. Fig.31 In order to be able to show the first stop member 18, Fig.31 the base 111 is not shown.

[0252] Among them, the first abutting portion 1811 is disposed between the first ball 183 and the first elastic member 182. The first abutting portion 1811 is also disposed between the second ball 184 and the first elastic member 182. The first guiding portion 1812 of the first bracket 181 is located on a side of the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181 away from the first connecting arm 16 and the second connecting arm 17. The other end of the first elastic member 182 abuts against the wall surface of the first housing 112. It can be understood that when a force in the negative Y-axis direction is applied to the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181, the first bracket 181 can slide relative to the first housing 112 in the negative Y-axis direction, and the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181 presses the first elastic member 182. The first elastic member 182 can be deformed in the negative Y-axis direction.

[0253] Please refer to Fig.32 , and in combination with Fig.12 shown in, a part of the first ball 183 is disposed in the first rolling groove 1162. The first ball 183 can roll relative to the groove wall of the first rolling groove 1162. When the first ball 183 is disposed in the first rolling groove 1162, in the Z-axis direction, the first ball 183 abuts against the base 111 and the first housing 112. In the X-axis direction, the first ball 183 abuts against the first housing 112. In this way, the base 111 and the first housing 112 can limit the movement of the first ball 183 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0254] In addition, a part of the second ball 184 is disposed in the second rolling groove 1163. The second ball 184 can roll relative to the groove wall of the second rolling groove 1163. When the second ball 184 is disposed in the second rolling groove 1163, in the Z-axis direction, the second ball 184 abuts against the base 111 and the first housing 112. In the X-axis direction, the second ball 184 abuts against the first housing 112. In this way, the base 111 and the first housing 112 can limit the movement of the second ball 184 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0255] Please refer to again Fig.32 , and in combination with Fig.21 and Fig.12 shown in, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, at least a part of the first ball 183 is located between the first bump 162 and the second bump 163. The first ball 183 is located on a side of the first bump 162 of the first connecting arm 16 close to the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. The distance between the first ball 183 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is less than the distance between the first bump 162 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. In addition, the first ball 183 abuts against the first inclined surface 1621 of the first bump 162 of the first connecting arm 16 (please refer to Fig. 22) Exemplarily, the first ball 183 may also abut against the arc-shaped arm 161 of the first connecting arm 16. The first ball 183 may also abut against the second bump 163 of the first connecting arm 16.

[0256] In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the first elastic member 182 is deformed, and the first elastic member 182 is in a compressed state. The compression amount of the first elastic member 182 is the first compression amount. At this time, the first elastic member 182 exerts a force on the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181 in the positive Y-axis direction. At this time, in the Y-axis direction, the first bracket 181 and the first connecting arm 16 can limit the first ball 183.

[0257] It can be understood that when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, on the one hand, the first elastic member 182 is in a compressed state, and the first elastic member 182 can exert a force on the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181 in the positive Y-axis direction; on the other hand, the first ball 183 abuts against the first inclined surface 1621 of the first bump 162 of the first connecting arm 16 (please refer to Fig. 22 ). At this time, the first elastic member 182 can squeeze the first ball 183 towards the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16. The first elastic member 182 can exert a force on the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 through the first ball 183. The frictional force between the first ball 183 and the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 can be increased to a large extent. In this way, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 is not easily rotated relative to the main shaft 11. Therefore, this frictional force can hinder the folding of the electronic device 100 to a certain extent. When the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the stability of the electronic device 100 is better. It should be noted that hindering the folding of the electronic device 100 means that when the user needs to fold the electronic device 100, the user exerts a force on the electronic device 100. When the force exerted by the user does not overcome this frictional force, the electronic device 100 cannot be folded.

[0258] In addition, when the first elastic member 182 exerts a force on the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 through the first ball 183, the first connecting arm 16 can receive a supporting force in the positive Z-axis direction (also called a flattening supporting force). This supporting force can hinder the rotation of the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 relative to the main shaft 11 to a certain extent, that is, this supporting force can hinder the folding of the electronic device 100 to a certain extent. Therefore, this supporting force can ensure that the electronic device 100 has better stability when in a flattened state.

[0259] In addition, when the first ball 183 abuts against the second bump 163 of the first connecting arm 16, the second bump 163 of the first connecting arm 16 can also limit the position of the first ball 183 to prevent the first ball 183 from rolling in the X-axis direction.

[0260] Please refer to Fig.33a and Fig.33b and in combination with Fig.32 as shown in Fig.33a which is Fig.31 a schematic structural view of the partial folding device 1 shown in the figure when it is in the closed state. Fig.33b which is Fig.33a an enlarged schematic view of the partial folding device 1 shown in the figure at M. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the first ball 183 is located on the side of the first bump 162 of the first connecting arm 16 away from the second bump 163 of the first connecting arm 16, that is, the distance between the first ball 183 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is greater than the distance between the first bump 162 of the first connecting arm 16 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. The first ball 183 is separately arranged from the first connecting arm 16, there is a gap between the first ball 183 and the first connecting arm 16, and the first ball 183 does not contact the first connecting arm 16. At this time, during the partial process of flattening or folding the electronic device 100, the first ball 183 does not come into contact with the first connecting arm 16.

[0261] In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the first elastic member 182 is deformed and is still in a compressed state, and the compression amount of the first elastic member 182 is the second compression amount. The second compression amount is less than the first compression amount. At this time, the first elastic member 182 still exerts a force in the positive Y-axis direction on the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181. The first ball 183 abuts against the groove wall of the first rolling groove 1162 (please refer to Fig.10 the position indicated by 1162 in

[0262] In other embodiments, when the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 adopts other structures, the first ball 183 can also abut against the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state. At this time, during the process of flattening or folding the electronic device 100, the first ball 183 comes into contact with the first connecting arm 16.

[0263] Please refer to Figure 31 to Figure 33b, when the electronic device 100 is converted from the flattened state to the closed state, the first housing 102 folds relative to the second housing 103. The first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 rotates relative to the first fixing bracket 12. The second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 rotates relative to the main shaft 11. The first ball 183 rolls relative to the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16. The first ball 183 switches from a position between the first protrusion 162 and the second protrusion 163 of the first connecting arm 16 to a position on the side of the first protrusion 162 of the first connecting arm 16 that is away from the second protrusion 163 of the first connecting arm 16. It should be understood that during a partial folding process of the electronic device 100, the first ball 183 rolls over the first protrusion 162 of the first connecting arm 16. The first protrusion 162 of the first connecting arm 16 can cause the first ball 183 to roll in the negative Y-axis direction. The first ball 183 can squeeze the first bracket 181. The first bracket 181 can slide relative to the first outer shell 112 and in the negative Y-axis direction. The first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181 squeezes the first elastic member 182. The first elastic member 182 can deform in the negative Y-axis direction. At this time, the first elastic member 182 can squeeze the first ball 183 towards the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16. The first elastic member 182 can apply a force to the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 through the first ball 183, thereby further increasing the frictional force between the first ball 183 and the first connecting arm 16. The folding speed of the first housing 102 relative to the second housing 103 is slow. In this way, on the one hand, the flexible screen 2 fixed to the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 is not easily damaged by improper user operation during a collision, and on the other hand, when the user folds or unfolds the electronic device 100, the user can clearly feel the damping force. This damping force can enable the user to experience a better feel, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0264] In addition, when the electronic device 100 starts to fold from the flattened state to the closed state, the first ball 183 switches from a position between the first protrusion 162 and the second protrusion 163 of the first connecting arm 16 to a position on the side of the first protrusion 162 of the first connecting arm 16 that is away from the second protrusion 163 of the first connecting arm 16. When the folding angle of the electronic device 100 is small, the first ball 183 can roll back to a position between the first protrusion 162 and the second protrusion 163 of the first connecting arm 16 under the action of the first protrusion 162 of the first connecting arm 16. Therefore, through the cooperation of the first ball 183 and the first protrusion 162, when the folding angle of the electronic device 100 is small, the electronic device 100 can automatically unfold to the flattened state.

[0265] In addition, when the electronic device 100 is switched from the closed state to the flattened state, the first ball 183 moves from a position on the side of the first bump 162 of the first connecting arm 16 that is away from the second bump 163 of the first connecting arm 16 to a position between the first bump 162 and the second bump 163 of the first connecting arm 16. When the flattening angle of the electronic device 100 is relatively large (close to the flattened state), the first ball 183 rolls from a higher position of the first bump 162 of the first connecting arm 16 to a lower position of the first bump 162 of the first connecting arm 16, and the rolling speed of the first ball 183 is relatively fast, enabling the user to experience the feel of being flattened in place.

[0266] In addition, compared with the solution in which the first elastic member 182 directly acts on the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16, in this embodiment, by providing the first ball 183 between the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 and the first elastic member 182, the first ball 183 can convert the sliding relationship between the first elastic member 182 and the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 into a rolling manner, thereby reducing the frictional loss between the first elastic member 182 and the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16.

[0267] In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the first ball 183 is separately arranged from the first connecting arm 16, and the first connecting arm 16 is no longer subject to the damping force of the first elastic member 182.

[0268] Please refer to again Fig.32 and in combination with Fig.21 As shown, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, at least a part of the second ball 184 is located between the first bump 172 and the second bump 173 of the second connecting arm 17. The second ball 184 is located on the side of the first bump 172 of the second connecting arm 17 that is close to the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17. The distance between the second ball 184 and the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 is less than the distance between the first bump 172 and the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17. In addition, the second ball 184 abuts against the first inclined surface 1721 of the first bump 172 of the second connecting arm 17 (please refer to Fig. 22 ). Exemplarily, the second ball 184 can also abut against the arc-shaped arm 171 of the second connecting arm 17. The second ball 184 can also abut against the second bump 173 of the second connecting arm 17.

[0269] In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the first elastic member 182 is deformed and in a compressed state. At this time, the first elastic member 182 exerts a force on the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181 in the positive Y-axis direction. At this time, in the Y-axis direction, the first bracket 181 and the second connecting arm 17 can limit the second ball 184.

[0270] It can be understood that when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, on the one hand, the first elastic member 182 is in a compressed state, and the first elastic member 182 can exert a force on the first abutting portion 1811 of the first bracket 181 in the positive Y-axis direction; on the other hand, the second ball 184 abuts against the first inclined surface 1721 of the first convex block 172 of the second connecting arm 17 (please refer to Fig. 22 ). At this time, the first elastic member 182 can squeeze the second ball 184 towards the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17. The first elastic member 182 can exert a force on the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 through the second ball 184. The frictional force between the second ball 184 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 can be increased to a large extent. In this way, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 is not easily rotated relative to the main shaft 11. Therefore, this frictional force can hinder the folding of the electronic device 100 to a certain extent. When the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the stability of the electronic device 100 is better.

[0271] In addition, when the first elastic member 182 exerts a force on the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 through the second ball 184, the second connecting arm 17 can receive a supporting force in the positive Z-axis direction (also called the flattening supporting force). This supporting force can hinder the rotation of the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 relative to the main shaft 11 to a certain extent, that is, this supporting force can hinder the folding of the electronic device 100 to a certain extent. Therefore, this supporting force can ensure that the electronic device 100 has better stability when in the flattened state.

[0272] In addition, when the second ball 184 abuts against the second convex block 173 of the second connecting arm 17, the second convex block 173 of the second connecting arm 17 can also limit the second ball 184 to prevent the second ball 184 from rolling in the X-axis direction.

[0273] When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the positional relationship of the second ball 184 relative to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 can refer to the positional relationship of the first ball 183 relative to the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16. This will not be elaborated here.

[0274] It can be understood that when the electronic device 100 is switched from the flattened state to the closed state, the first housing 102 is folded relative to the second housing 103. The first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 rotates relative to the second fixing bracket 13. The second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 rotates relative to the main shaft 11. During the partial folding process of the electronic device 100, the second ball 184 rolls relative to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 and also relative to the first bump 172. The second ball 184 rolls over the first bump 172 of the second connecting arm 17. The first elastic member 182 can be deformed in the negative Y-axis direction. At this time, the first elastic member 182 can squeeze the second ball 184 towards the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17. The first elastic member 182 can apply a force to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 through the second ball 184 to further increase the frictional force between the second ball 184 and the second connecting arm 17. The folding speed of the first housing 102 relative to the second housing 103 is slower. In this way, on the one hand, the flexible screen 2 fixed on the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 is not easily damaged by improper user operation, and on the other hand, when the user folds or unfolds, the user can clearly feel the damping force. This damping force can enable the user to experience a better feel, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0275] In addition, compared with the solution where the first elastic member 182 directly acts on the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17, in this embodiment, by arranging the second ball 184 between the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 and the first elastic member 182, the second ball 184 can convert the sliding relationship between the first elastic member 182 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 into a rolling manner, thereby reducing the frictional loss between the first elastic member 182 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17.

[0276] In addition, through the cooperation of the second ball 184 and the first bump 172 of the second connecting arm 17, on the one hand, when the folding angle of the electronic device 100 is small, the electronic device 100 can be automatically unfolded to the flattened state, and on the other hand, the user can also experience the feel of being flattened in place. Specifically, it will not be elaborated here.

[0277] Please refer to Fig.34 and Fig.35 and in combination with Fig.15 shown, Fig.34 which is Figure 2 a partial structural diagram of the folding device 1 shown. Fig.35 which is Fig.34An enlarged schematic view of the partial folding device 1 shown at B2. The second stop member 19 is disposed in the second receiving space 1168 of the main shaft 11. It should be noted that the second receiving space 1168 is jointly defined by the first housing 112 and the base 111. Fig.34 In order to be able to show the second stop member 19, Fig.34 the base 111 is not shown.

[0278] Among them, the second guiding portion 1912 of the second bracket 191 is located on the side of the second abutting portion 1911 of the second bracket 191 away from the first connecting arm 16 and the second connecting arm 17. The second abutting portion 1911 is disposed between the third ball 193 and the second elastic member 192. The second abutting portion 1911 is also disposed between the fourth ball 194 and the second elastic member 192. The other end of the second elastic member 192 abuts against the wall surface of the first housing 112. It can be understood that when a force in the positive Y-axis direction is applied to the second abutting portion 1911 of the second bracket 191, the second bracket 191 can slide relative to the first housing 112 in the positive Y-axis direction, and the second abutting portion 1911 of the second bracket 191 presses the second elastic member 192. The second elastic member 192 can be deformed in the positive Y-axis direction.

[0279] Exemplarily, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the second elastic member 192 is in a compressed state. At this time, the second elastic member 192 can apply a force in the negative Y-axis direction to the second abutting portion 1911 of the second bracket 191.

[0280] Please refer to again Fig.35 and in combination with Fig.14 as shown, a part of the third ball 193 is disposed in the third rolling groove 1166. The third ball 193 can roll relative to the groove wall of the third rolling groove 1166. When the third ball 193 is disposed in the third rolling groove 1166, in the Z-axis direction, the third ball 193 abuts against the base 111 and the first housing 112. In the X-axis direction, the third ball 193 abuts against the first housing 112. In this way, the base 111 and the first housing 112 can limit the movement of the third ball 193 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0281] In addition, a part of the fourth ball 194 is disposed in the fourth rolling groove 1167. The fourth ball 194 can roll relative to the groove wall of the fourth rolling groove 1167. When the fourth ball 194 is disposed in the fourth rolling groove 1167, in the Z-axis direction, the fourth ball 194 abuts against the base 111 and the first housing 112. In the X-axis direction, the fourth ball 194 abuts against the first housing 112. In this way, the base 111 and the first housing 112 can limit the movement of the fourth ball 194 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0282] Please refer to again Fig.35 , and in combination with Fig.23 and Fig.14 As shown, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, at least a part of the third ball 193 is located between the third bump 164 of the first connecting arm 16 and the fourth bump 165 of the first connecting arm 16. The third ball 193 is located on the side of the third bump 164 of the first connecting arm 16 close to the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. The distance between the third ball 193 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 is less than the distance between the third bump 164 of the first connecting arm 16 and the first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16. In addition, the third ball 193 abuts against the second inclined surface 1641 of the third bump 164 of the first connecting arm 16. Exemplarily, the third ball 193 may also abut against the arc-shaped arm 161 of the first connecting arm 16. The third ball 193 may also abut against the fourth bump 165 of the first connecting arm 16.

[0283] In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the second elastic member 192 is deformed, and the second elastic member 192 is in a compressed state. The compression amount of the second elastic member 192 is the third compression amount. At this time, the second elastic member 192 exerts a force on the second abutting portion 1911 of the second bracket 191 in the negative Y-axis direction. At this time, in the Y-axis direction, the second bracket 191 and the first connecting arm 16 can limit the third ball 193.

[0284] It can be understood that when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, on the one hand, the second elastic member 192 is in a compressed state, and the second elastic member 192 can exert a force on the second abutting portion 1911 of the second bracket 191 in the negative Y-axis direction; on the other hand, the third ball 193 abuts against the second inclined surface 1641 of the third bump 164 of the first connecting arm 16 (please refer to Fig.23 ). At this time, the second elastic member 192 can squeeze the third ball 193 towards the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16. The second elastic member 192 can exert a force on the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 through the third ball 193. The frictional force between the third ball 193 and the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 can be increased to a large extent. In this way, when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 is not easily rotated relative to the main shaft 11. Therefore, this frictional force can hinder the folding of the electronic device 100 to a certain extent. When the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the stability of the electronic device 100 is relatively good.

[0285] In addition, when the second elastic member 192 applies a force to the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 through the third ball 193, the first connecting arm 16 can receive a supporting force (also known as a flattening supporting force) in the positive Z-axis direction. This supporting force can, to a certain extent, prevent the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 from rotating relative to the main shaft 11, that is, this supporting force can, to a certain extent, prevent the electronic device 100 from folding. Therefore, this supporting force can ensure that the electronic device 100 has better stability when in the flattened state.

[0286] In addition, when the third ball 193 abuts against the fourth bump 165 of the first connecting arm 16, the fourth bump 165 of the first connecting arm 16 can also limit the third ball 193 to prevent the third ball 193 from rolling in the X-axis direction.

[0287] Please refer to Fig.36 , and in combination with Fig.35 shown in Fig.36 is Fig.34 a schematic structural diagram of a partial folding device 1 in a closed state shown in the figure. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the third ball 193 is located on the side of the third bump 164 of the first connecting arm 16 away from the fourth bump 165 of the first connecting arm 16, that is, the distance between the third ball 193 and the fourth bump 165 of the first connecting arm 16 is greater than the distance between the third bump 164 and the fourth bump 165 of the first connecting arm 16. The third ball 193 is separately arranged from the first connecting arm 16. There is a gap between the third ball 193 and the first connecting arm 16, and the third ball 193 does not contact the first connecting arm 16. At this time, during part of the process of flattening or folding the electronic device 100, the third ball 193 does not contact the first connecting arm 16.

[0288] In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the second elastic member 192 is deformed, and the second elastic member 192 is still in a compressed state. The compression amount of the second elastic member 192 is the fourth compression amount. The fourth compression amount is less than the third compression amount. At this time, the second elastic member 192 still applies a force in the negative Y-axis direction to the second abutting portion 1911 of the second bracket 191. The third ball 193 abuts against the groove wall of the third rolling groove 1166 (refer to the position indicated by 1166 in Fig.10 ). At this time, in the Y-axis direction, the second bracket 191 and the groove wall of the third rolling groove 1166 can limit the third ball 193.

[0289] In other embodiments, when the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 adopts other structures, the third ball 193 can also abut against the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state. At this time, during the flattening or folding process of the electronic device 100, the third ball 193 comes into contact with the first connecting arm 16.

[0290] Please refer to Figure 34 to Figure 36 , when the electronic device 100 is converted from the flattened state to the closed state, the first housing 102 folds relative to the second housing 103. The first rotating end 16a of the first connecting arm 16 rotates relative to the first fixing frame 12. The second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 rotates relative to the main shaft 11. The third ball 193 rolls relative to the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16. The third ball 193 rolls relative to the third bump 164. It should be understood that during the partial folding process of the electronic device 100, the third ball 193 rolls over the third bump 164 of the first connecting arm 16. The third bump 164 of the first connecting arm 16 can cause the third ball 193 to roll in the positive Y-axis direction. The third ball 193 can squeeze the second bracket 191. The second bracket 191 can slide relative to the first outer shell 112 and in the positive Y-axis direction. The second abutting portion 1911 of the second bracket 191 squeezes the second elastic member 192. The second elastic member 192 can be deformed in the positive Y direction. At this time, the second elastic member 192 can squeeze the third ball 193 towards the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16. The second elastic member 192 can apply a force to the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 through the third ball 193, thereby further increasing the friction force between the third ball 193 and the first connecting arm 16. The folding speed of the first housing 102 relative to the second housing 103 is slower. In this way, on the one hand, the flexible screen 2 fixed on the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 is not easily damaged by improper user operation, and on the other hand, when the user folds or unfolds, the user can clearly feel the damping force. This damping force can enable the user to experience a better feel, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0291] In addition, through the cooperation of the third ball 193 and the third bump 164 of the first connecting arm 16, on the one hand, when the folding angle of the electronic device 100 is small, the electronic device 100 can be automatically unfolded to the flattened state, and on the other hand, the user can also experience the feel of being flattened in place. Details are not elaborated here.

[0292] In addition, compared with the solution where the second elastic member 192 directly acts on the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16, in this embodiment, a third ball 193 is provided between the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 and the second elastic member 192. The third ball 193 can convert the sliding relationship between the first elastic member 182 and the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16 into a rolling manner, thereby reducing the frictional loss between the second elastic member 192 and the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16.

[0293] Please refer to again Fig.35 and in combination with Fig.23 As shown, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, at least a part of the fourth ball 194 is located between the third protrusion 174 and the fourth protrusion 175 of the second connecting arm 17. The fourth ball 194 is located on the side of the third protrusion 174 of the second connecting arm 17 close to the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17, that is, the distance between the fourth ball 194 and the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 is less than the distance between the third protrusion 174 and the first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17. In addition, the fourth ball 194 abuts against the second inclined surface 1741 of the third protrusion 174 of the second connecting arm 17. Exemplarily, the fourth ball 194 can also abut against the arc-shaped arm 171 of the second connecting arm 17. The fourth ball 194 can also abut against the fourth protrusion 175 of the second connecting arm 17.

[0294] In addition, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the second elastic member 192 is deformed and the second elastic member 192 is in a compressed state. At this time, the second elastic member 192 exerts a force on the second abutting portion 1911 of the second bracket 191 in the negative Y-axis direction. At this time, in the Y-axis direction, the second bracket 1911 and the second connecting arm 17 can limit the fourth ball 194.

[0295] It can be understood that when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, on the one hand, the second elastic member 192 is in a compressed state, and the second elastic member 192 can exert a force on the second abutting portion 1911 of the second bracket 191 in the negative Y-axis direction; on the other hand, the fourth ball 194 abuts against the second inclined surface 1741 of the third protrusion 174 of the second connecting arm 17 (please refer to Fig.23) At this time, the second elastic member 192 can squeeze the fourth ball 194 towards the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17. The second elastic member 192 can apply a force to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 through the fourth ball 194. The frictional force between the fourth ball 194 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 can be increased to a large extent. In this way, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 is not easily rotated relative to the main shaft 11. Therefore, this frictional force can hinder the folding of the electronic device 100 to a certain extent. When the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the stability of the electronic device 100 is better.

[0296] In addition, when the second elastic member 192 applies a force to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 through the fourth ball 194, the second connecting arm 17 can receive a supporting force (also known as a flattening supporting force) in the positive Z-axis direction. This supporting force can hinder the rotation of the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 relative to the main shaft 11 to a certain extent, that is, this supporting force can hinder the folding of the electronic device 100 to a certain extent. Therefore, this supporting force can ensure that the electronic device 100 has better stability when in a flattened state.

[0297] In addition, when the fourth ball 194 abuts against the fourth convex block 175 of the second connecting arm 17, the fourth convex block 175 of the second connecting arm 17 can also limit the fourth ball 194 to prevent the fourth ball 194 from rolling in the X-axis direction.

[0298] When the electronic device 100 is in a closed state, the positional relationship of the fourth ball 194 relative to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 can refer to the positional relationship of the third ball 193 relative to the second rotating end 16b of the first connecting arm 16. This will not be elaborated here.

[0299] It can be understood that when the electronic device 100 is switched from the flattened state to the closed state, the first housing 102 folds relative to the second housing 103. The first rotating end 17a of the second connecting arm 17 rotates relative to the second fixing bracket 13. The second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 rotates relative to the main shaft 11. During the partial folding process of the electronic device 100, the fourth ball 194 rolls relative to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 and also relative to the third convex block 174. At this time, the fourth ball 194 rolls over the third convex block 174 of the second connecting arm 17. The second elastic member 192 can be deformed in the positive Y-axis direction. At this time, the second elastic member 192 can squeeze the fourth ball 194 towards the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17. The second elastic member 192 can apply a force to the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 through the fourth ball 194 to further increase the frictional force between the fourth ball 194 and the second connecting arm 17. The folding speed of the first housing 102 relative to the second housing 103 is slow. In this way, on the one hand, the flexible screen 2 fixed on the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 is not easily damaged by improper user operation, and on the other hand, when the user folds or unfolds, the user can clearly feel the damping force. This damping force can enable the user to experience a better feel, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0300] In addition, compared with the solution where the second elastic member 192 directly acts on the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17, in this embodiment, by arranging the fourth ball 194 between the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 and the second elastic member 192, the fourth ball 194 can convert the sliding relationship between the second elastic member 192 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17 into a rolling manner, thereby reducing the frictional loss between the second elastic member 192 and the second rotating end 17b of the second connecting arm 17.

[0301] In addition, through the cooperation of the fourth ball 194 and the third convex block 174 of the second connecting arm 17, on the one hand, when the folding angle of the electronic device 100 is small, the electronic device 100 can automatically unfold to the flattened state, and on the other hand, the user can also experience the feel of being flattened in place. Details are not described here again.

[0302] Please refer to Fig.37 , Fig.37 is Figure 6 the structural schematic diagram of the first swing arm 31, the gear module 33 and the second swing arm 32 shown. The first swing arm 31 includes a rotating end 311 and a movable end 312. The first swing arm 31 can be an integrally formed structural member to have higher structural strength.

[0303] Among them, the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31 includes a gear portion 3111 and a rotating shaft portion 3112. The gear of the gear portion 3111 is located on its circumferential side. The rotating shaft portion 3112 may include two parts, which are respectively convexly provided at both ends of the gear portion 3111.

[0304] In addition, the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 includes a first slider 3121, a second slider 3122, a first rotating block 3123, a second rotating block 3124 and a first movable notch 3125. The first rotating block 3123 is provided on the first slider 3121. The second rotating block 3124 is provided on the second slider 3122. The first movable notch 3123 separates the first slider 3121 and the second slider 3122. At this time, the first slider 3121 and the second slider 3122 are arranged at intervals. Both the first rotating block 3123 and the second rotating block 3124 are provided with rotating shaft holes 3126. The rotating shaft holes 3126 of the first rotating block 3123 and the second rotating block 3124 are both communicated with the first movable notch 3125.

[0305] It can be understood that the second swing arm 32 and the first swing arm 31 may have the same structure, a mirror-symmetric structure, a partially mirror-symmetric structure, a centrosymmetric structure, a partially centrosymmetric structure or different structures, and the present application does not strictly limit this. In this embodiment, the setting manner of the structure of the second swing arm 32 can refer to the setting manner of the structure of the first swing arm 31. For example, the second swing arm 32 includes a rotating end 321 and a movable end 322. The rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 includes a gear portion 3211 and a rotating shaft portion 3212. The gear of the gear portion 3211 is located on its circumferential side. The rotating shaft portion 3212 may include two parts, which are respectively convexly provided at both ends of the gear portion 3211. Specifically, it will not be elaborated here.

[0306] Please refer to again Fig.37 , the gear module 33 includes a plurality of gears 331. Two adjacent gears 331 among the plurality of gears 331 are meshed with each other. The rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31 meshes with the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 through the plurality of gears 331. Exemplarily, the plurality of gears 331 may be arranged in a row, two adjacent gears 331 are meshed with each other, and the two gears 331 located at both ends are respectively meshed with the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31 and the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32. Among them, the gear 331 may include a gear portion 3311 and a rotating shaft portion 3312. The rotating shaft portion 3312 may include two parts, which are respectively located at both ends of the gear portion 3311. It can be understood that the number, size, etc. of the gears 331 of the gear module 33 can be designed according to the specific form, size, etc. of the product, and the present application does not strictly limit this.

[0307] Please refer to Fig.38 , and in combination with Fig.16 shown, Fig.38 is Figure 2 Partial structural diagram of the folding device 1 shown. The rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31, the gear module 33, and the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 are arranged on the main shaft 11, and can be arranged in the third receiving space 1169 of the main shaft 11, for example. It should be noted that the third receiving space 1169 is jointly enclosed by the first housing 112 and the base 111. Fig.38 In order to be able to show the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31, the gear module 33, and the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32, Fig.38 the base 111 is not shown.

[0308] Please refer to Fig.39 , and in combination with Fig.37 and Fig.38 shown, Fig.39 is Fig.38 An enlarged schematic diagram of a part of the folding device 1 shown at B3. One rotating shaft portion 3112 of the first swing arm 31 is arranged in the first rotating shaft groove 1126 of the first housing 112, and the other rotating shaft portion 3112 of the first swing arm 31 is arranged in the second rotating shaft groove 1127 of the first housing 112, so that the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 11.

[0309] In addition, one rotating shaft portion 3212 of the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 can be arranged in the first rotating shaft groove 1126 of the first housing 112, and the other rotating shaft portion 3212 of the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 is arranged in the second rotating shaft groove 1127 of the first housing 112, so that the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11.

[0310] In addition, the two rotating shaft portions 3312 of the gear 331 can also be respectively arranged in the first rotating shaft groove 1126 and the second rotating shaft groove 1127 of the first housing 112, so that each gear 331 of the gear module 33 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 11.

[0311] In this embodiment, the wall surface of the first housing 112 can limit the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31, the gear module 33, and the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 in the Y-axis direction.

[0312] Please refer to Fig.40 , and in combination with Fig.38 and Fig.39 shown, Fig.40 is Figure 2Partial structural schematic diagram of the folding device 1 shown. When the base 111 is fixedly connected to the first housing 112, the base 111 can cover the rotating shaft portion 3112 of the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31, the rotating shaft portions 3312 of the plurality of gears 331, and the rotating shaft portion 3212 of the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32, thereby limiting the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31, the gear module 33, and the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 in the Z-axis direction. In this way, the cooperation relationship between the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31, the gear module 33, and the rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 and the main shaft 11 is more stable, and the reliability of the folding mechanism 101 is higher.

[0313] Please refer to again Fig.38 , the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 is slidably connected to the first fixing frame 12. In addition, the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11. In this way, the first fixing frame 12 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 11 through the first swing arm 31 and move in the direction of approaching or moving away from the main shaft 11 through the first swing arm 31.

[0314] In addition, the movable end 322 of the second swing arm 32 is slidably connected to the second fixing frame 13. The rotating end 321 of the second swing arm 32 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11. In this way, the second fixing frame 13 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 11 through the second swing arm 32 and move in the direction of approaching or moving away from the main shaft 11 through the second swing arm 32.

[0315] In addition, as can be seen from the above, the first fixing frame 12 is fixedly connected to the first housing 102, and the second fixing frame 13 is fixedly connected to the second housing 103. At this time, when the first fixing frame 12 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11 through the first swing arm 31 and the second fixing frame 13 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11 through the second swing arm 32, the first housing 102 can rotate relative to the second housing 103, that is, the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 can be relatively unfolded or relatively folded. In addition, when the first fixing frame 12 moves in the direction of approaching or moving away from the main shaft 11 through the first swing arm 31 and the second fixing frame 13 moves in the direction of approaching or moving away from the main shaft 11 through the second swing arm 32, the first housing 102 and the second housing 103 can also move in the direction of approaching or moving away from the main shaft 11.

[0316] Please refer to Fig.41 , and in combination with Fig.17 and Fig.37 shown, Fig.41 is Fig.38The sectional view of the partially folded device 1 shown at the B4 - B4 line. A part of the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 is located in the first movable notch 1263 of the first fixing frame 12. In addition, the first slider 3121 of the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 is arranged in the first sliding groove 1261 of the first fixing frame 12 and can slide in the first sliding groove 1261. The second slider 3122 of the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 is arranged in the second sliding groove 1262 of the first fixing frame 12 and can slide in the second sliding groove 1262. In this way, the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 can be slidably connected to the first fixing frame 12. It can be understood that for the connection relationship between the movable end 322 of the second swing arm 32 and the second fixing frame 13, reference can be made to the connection relationship between the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 and the first fixing frame 12. Details are not elaborated here.

[0317] Please refer to Fig.42 , Fig.42 is Figure 6 The schematic structural diagram of the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 shown. The first support plate 14 has a second support surface 105. The second support surface 105 can be a flat surface. The second support plate 15 has a third support surface 106. The third support surface 106 can be a flat surface.

[0318] Please refer to Fig.43 , and in combination with Fig.42 shown, Fig.43 is Fig.42 The schematic structural diagram of the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 shown from another angle. The first support plate 14 further has a first fixing surface 107. The first fixing surface 107 is arranged opposite to the second support surface 105.

[0319] Please refer to Fig.44 , and in combination with Fig.43 shown, Fig.44 is Fig.43 The enlarged schematic diagram of the first support plate 14 shown at B5. The first support plate 14 includes a first movable block 141 and a first rotating arm 142. Fig.43 Schematically shows two first rotating arms 142 and a first movable block 141. Both the first movable block 141 and the first rotating arm 142 are located on the first fixing surface 107. Among them, the first movable block 141 has a first arc-shaped hole 143. The first movable block 141 and the first rotating arm 142 of the first support plate 14 together form a connection structure. The first support plate 14 can include a plurality of connection structures arranged at intervals.

[0320] Among them, the second support plate 15 and the first support plate 14 can be of the same structure, mirror-symmetric structure, partially mirror-symmetric structure, centrosymmetric structure, partially centrosymmetric structure or different structures, and the present application does not strictly limit this. In this embodiment, the second support plate 15 and the first support plate 14 are in a mirror-symmetric structure. The setting manner of the structure of the second support plate 15 can refer to the setting manner of the structure of the first support plate 14. Specifically, it will not be elaborated here.

[0321] Please refer to Fig.45 , and in combination with Fig.40 as shown, Fig.45 is Figure 2 a schematic structural view of the folding device 1 shown. The first support plate 14 is disposed on the top surface 121 of the first fixing frame 12. The second support plate 15 is disposed on the top surface 131 of the second fixing frame 13. The main shaft 11 is located between the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15. The second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14, the first support surface 104 of the main shaft 11, and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 all face the same side. The second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14 faces away from the first fixing frame 12. The third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 faces away from the second fixing frame 13.

[0322] In combination with Figure 2 as shown, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the main shaft 11 is located between the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15, and the second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14, the first support surface 104 of the main shaft 11, and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 jointly support the bent portion 22 of the flexible screen 2. Thus, when the bent portion 22 is touched, the bent portion 22 is not easily damaged or pitted due to external force touch, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible screen 2.

[0323] Exemplarily, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the first support surface 104 of the main shaft 11, the second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14, and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 are flush. At this time, the flatness of the bent portion 22 of the flexible screen 2 is better, and the user experience is higher.

[0324] In combination with Figure 4As shown, when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 are located between the first housing 102 and the second housing 103. The second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14 and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 are arranged face to face. The second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14 is inclined relative to the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15. The first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 are substantially in a V shape. The second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14 and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 support the bent portion 22, so that the bent portion 22 substantially forms a "droplet" shape.

[0325] Please refer to Fig.46 , and in combination with Fig.37 shown, Fig.46 is Fig.45 a partial cross-sectional schematic view of the partial folding device 1 shown at the B6-B6 line. The movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 is slidably and rotatably connected to the first support plate 14. Exemplarily, the first movable block 141 of the first support plate 14 is located in the first movable notch 3125 of the first swing arm 31. The first movable block 141 of the first support plate 14 is located between the first rotating block 3123 and the second rotating block 3124 of the first swing arm 31. Additionally, the shaft holes 3126 of the first rotating block 3123 and the second rotating block 3124 are both oppositely arranged with respect to the first arc-shaped hole 143 of the first support plate 14. By passing the pin shaft 109 through the shaft hole 3126 of the first rotating block 3123, the first arc-shaped hole 143 of the first support plate 14, and the shaft hole 3126 of the second rotating block 3124. The middle part of the pin shaft 109 can slide and rotate in the first arc-shaped hole 143 of the first support plate 14.

[0326] Exemplarily, one end of the pin shaft 109 is fixedly connected to the shaft hole 3126 of the first rotating block 3123, and the other end is fixedly connected to the shaft hole 3126 of the second rotating block 3124.

[0327] Exemplarily, one end of the pin shaft 109 is rotatably connected to the shaft hole 3126 of the first rotating block 3123, and the other end is rotatably connected to the shaft hole 3126 of the second rotating block 3124.

[0328] Please refer to again Fig.46 , when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the pin shaft 109 is located at the end wall of the first arc-shaped hole 143 away from the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31.

[0329] Please refer to Fig.47 , Fig.47 is Fig.46Cross-sectional view of the partially folded device 1 shown in the closed state. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the pin shaft 109 is located at the end wall of the first arc-shaped hole 143 near the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31.

[0330] In this embodiment, the movable end 322 of the second swing arm 32 rotates and is slidably connected to the second support plate 15. The connection manner of the movable end 322 of the second swing arm 32 to the second support plate 15 can refer to the connection manner of the movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 to the first support plate 14. This will not be elaborated here.

[0331] Please refer to Fig.48 , and in combination with Fig.17 shown, Figure 48 is Figure 45 Partial cross-sectional schematic view of the partially folded device 1 shown at the B7-B7 line. The first support plate 14 is also rotatably connected to the first fixing frame 12. In this embodiment, the first rotating arm 142 of the first support plate 14 is disposed in the first arc-shaped groove 127 of the first fixing frame 12. The arc-shaped first rotating arm 142 can rotate in the first arc-shaped groove 127 of the first fixing frame 12 to form a virtual axis rotational connection relationship between the arc-shaped arm and the arc-shaped groove, so that the first rotating arm 142 of the first support plate 14 is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame 12. The first support plate 14 and the first fixing frame 12 are connected by a virtual axis, so that the first support plate 14 and the first fixing frame 12 can be made thinner, which is beneficial to the thinning of the folding device 1. In other embodiments, the first support plate 14 and the first fixing frame 12 can also be rotatably connected by a solid axis.

[0332] Please refer to again Figure 48 , when the electronic device 100 is in the flattened state, the first rotating arm 142 of the first support plate 14 can partially rotate into the first arc-shaped groove 127 of the first fixing frame 12.

[0333] Please refer to Figure 49 , Figure 49 is Figure 48 Cross-sectional view of the partially folded device 1 shown in the closed state. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the first rotating arm 142 of the first support plate 14 can completely rotate into the first arc-shaped groove 127 of the first fixing frame 12.

[0334] In this embodiment, the second support plate 15 is rotatably connected to the second fixing frame 13. The connection manner of the second support plate 15 to the second fixing frame 13 can refer to the connection manner of the first support plate 14 to the first fixing frame 12. This will not be elaborated here.

[0335] Please refer to together Figure 46 and Figure 48, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the first fixing bracket 12 and the second fixing bracket 13 are in an open position relative to the main shaft 11, and the main shaft 11 is located between the first fixing bracket 12 and the second fixing bracket 13. A part of the first rotating arm 142 of the first support plate 14 rotates out of the first arc-shaped groove 127 of the first fixing bracket 12. The pin shaft 109 is located on the end wall of the first arc-shaped hole 143 of the first support plate 14 away from the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31. The positional relationship between the second support plate 15, the second fixing bracket 13, and the second swing arm 32 can refer to the positional relationship between the first support plate 14, the first fixing bracket 12, and the first swing arm 31. At this time, the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 are relatively unfolded and in an open position, and the second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14, the first support surface 104 of the main shaft 11, and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 can be flush. Referring to Figure 2 As shown, the second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14, the first support surface 104 of the main shaft 11, and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 can jointly support the bent portion 22 of the flexible screen 2.

[0336] Please refer to Figure 47 and Figure 49 , when the electronic device 100 is in a closed state, the first fixing bracket 12 and the second fixing bracket 13 are in a closed position relative to the main shaft 11, and the first fixing bracket 12 and the second fixing bracket 13 are close to each other. The first rotating arm 142 of the first support plate 14 completely rotates into the first arc-shaped groove 127 of the first fixing bracket 12. The pin shaft 109 is located on the end wall of the first arc-shaped hole 143 of the first support plate 14 close to the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31. The positional relationship between the second support plate 15, the second fixing bracket 13, and the second swing arm 32 can refer to the positional relationship between the first support plate 14, the first fixing bracket 12, and the first swing arm 31. At this time, the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 are relatively folded and in a closed position, the second support surface 105 of the first support plate 14 and the third support surface 106 of the second support plate 15 are arranged oppositely, and are away from each other in the direction close to the main shaft 11. Referring to Figure 4 As shown, the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 can make the bent portion 22 of the flexible screen 2 present a "water droplet" shape.

[0337] Please refer to together Figures 46 to 49During the conversion process between the flattened state and the closed state of the electronic device 100, the first fixing bracket 12 and the second fixing bracket 13 are converted from the open position to the closed position. The movable end 312 of the first swing arm 31 can drive the first movable block 141 of the first support plate 14 to move relative to the main shaft 11. At this time, the pin shaft 109 moves from the end of the first arc-shaped hole 143 away from the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31 to the end wall of the first arc-shaped hole 143 close to the rotating end 311 of the first swing arm 31. The first rotating arm 142 of the first support plate 14 is converted from the state of partially located in the first arc-shaped groove 127 of the first fixing bracket 12 to the state of completely turning into the first arc-shaped groove 127 of the first fixing bracket 12. The first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 are converted from the open position to the closed position. The movement mode of the second support plate 15 can refer to the movement mode of the first support plate 14. Details are not described here again.

[0338] This embodiment introduces a folding mechanism 101 and an electronic device 100. The folding mechanism 101 can be applied to the electronic device 100. The folding mechanism 101 can enable the flexible screen 2 to be unfolded or folded, so that the electronic device 100 can be converted between the flattened state and the closed state. During the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism 101, the risk of pulling or squeezing the flexible screen 2 can be reduced to protect the flexible screen 2, improve the reliability of the flexible screen 2, and enable the flexible screen 2 to have a long service life.

[0339] The above is only the specific implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device (100), characterized in that, It includes a folding mechanism (101), a first housing (102) and a second housing (103), and the folding mechanism (101) connects the first housing (102) and the second housing (103); The folding mechanism (101) includes a main shaft (11), a first connecting arm (16), a first ball (183) and a first elastic component (180); The first connecting arm (16) includes a first rotating end (16a) and a second rotating end (16b). The first rotating end (16a) of the first connecting arm (16) is connected to the first housing (102), the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11), and the first ball (183) and the first elastic component (180) are both arranged on the main shaft (11); When the electronic device (100) is in a flattened state, the first ball (183) is located between the first elastic component (180) and the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16). The first elastic component (180) abuts against the first ball (183), and the first ball (183) abuts against the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16); During at least part of the process of unfolding or folding the electronic device (100), the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16) rotates relative to the main shaft (11), the first elastic component (180) deforms, and the first ball (183) rolls relative to the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16); The first elastic component (180) includes a first bracket (181) and a first elastic member (182). The first bracket (181) is slidably connected to the main shaft (11). The first bracket (181) includes a first abutting portion (1811) and a first guiding portion (1812), and the first guiding portion (1812) is fixedly connected to the first abutting portion (1811); The first elastic member (182) is sleeved on the first guiding portion (1812). One end of the first elastic member (182) abuts against the first abutting portion (1811), and the other end abuts against the main shaft (11); A part of the first ball (183) is in contact with the first abutting portion (1811), and the first abutting portion (1811) is arranged between the first ball (183) and the first elastic member (182); The second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16) includes an arc-shaped arm (161), a first bump (162), and a second bump (163). The arc-shaped arm (161) of the first connecting arm (16) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11). The arc-shaped arm (161) of the first connecting arm (16) has a first side surface (1614). The first bump (162) and the second bump (163) of the first connecting arm (16) protrude from the first side surface (1614) of the first connecting arm (16), and the first bump (162) and the second bump (163) of the first connecting arm (16) are spaced apart; When the electronic device (100) is in a flattened state, at least a part of the first ball (183) is located between the first bump (162) and the second bump (163) of the first connecting arm (16); When the electronic device (100) is in a closed state, the first ball (183) is located on a side of the first bump (162) of the first connecting arm (16) away from the second bump (163) of the first connecting arm (16); During the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device (100), the first ball (183) rolls relative to the first bump (162).

2. The electronic device (100) according to claim 1, wherein The deformation direction of the first elastic component (180) is parallel to the length extension direction of the main shaft (11).

3. The electronic device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the electronic device (100) is in a flattened state, the first ball (183) abuts against the first side surface (1614).

4. The electronic device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first bump (162) of the first connecting arm (16) has a first inclined surface (1621), and the first inclined surface (1621) connects the first side surface (1614) of the first connecting arm (16); When the electronic device (100) is in a flattened state, the first ball (183) abuts against the first inclined surface (1621) of the first connecting arm (16).

5. The electronic device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The main shaft (11) includes a base (111) and a first outer shell (112). The first outer shell (112) is fixedly connected to the base (111). The first outer shell (112) and the base (111) jointly enclose a first accommodation space (1161), a first rolling groove (1162), and a first arc-shaped groove (1164) that are sequentially communicated; The first elastic component (180) is disposed in the first accommodation space (1161). At least a part of the first ball (183) is in rolling connection with the first rolling groove (1162), and the arc-shaped arm (161) of the first connecting arm (16) is rotatably connected to the first arc-shaped groove (1164).

6. The electronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The folding mechanism (101) further includes a second connecting arm (17) and a second ball (184); The second connecting arm (17) includes a first rotating end (17a) and a second rotating end (17b). The first rotating end (17a) of the second connecting arm (17) is connected to the second housing (103), and the second rotating end (17b) of the second connecting arm (17) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11). The second ball (184) is disposed on the main shaft (11) and is spaced apart from the first ball (183). When the electronic device (100) is in a flattened state, the second ball (184) is located between the first elastic component (180) and the second rotating end (17b) of the second connecting arm (17). The first elastic component (180) abuts against the second ball (184), and the second ball (184) abuts against the second rotating end (17b) of the second connecting arm (17). During at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device (100), the second rotating end (17b) of the second connecting arm (17) rotates relative to the main shaft (11), and the second ball (184) rolls relative to the second rotating end (17b) of the second connecting arm (17).

7. The electronic device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, A part of the second ball (184) is in contact with the first abutting portion (1811), and the first abutting portion (1811) is disposed between the second ball (184) and the first elastic member (182).

8. The electronic device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first abutting portion (1811) of the first bracket (181) is provided with a first limiting groove (1813) and a second limiting groove (1814) which are spaced apart from each other. A part of the first ball (183) is in contact with the first abutting portion (1811), including: a part of the first ball (183) is in contact with the first limiting groove (1813). A part of the second ball (184) is in contact with the first abutting portion (1811), including: a part of the second ball (184) is located in the second limiting groove (1814).

9. The electronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The folding mechanism (101) further includes a third ball (193) and a second elastic component (190). The third ball (193) and the second elastic component (190) are both disposed on the main shaft (11). When the electronic device (100) is in a flattened state, the third ball (193) is located between the second elastic component (190) and the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16). The second elastic component (190) abuts against the third ball (193), and the third ball (193) abuts against the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16). During at least part of the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device (100), the second elastic component (190) is deformed, the third ball (193) rolls relative to the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16), and the deformation direction of the second elastic component (190) is opposite to the deformation direction of the first elastic component (180).

10. The electronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, When the electronic device (100) is in a closed state, the first ball (183) is separately arranged from the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16).

11. The electronic device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The folding mechanism (101) further includes a first fixing bracket (12) and a second fixing bracket (13). The first fixing bracket (12) is fixedly connected to the first housing (102), and the second fixing bracket (13) is fixedly connected to the second housing (103). The first rotating end (16a) of the first connecting arm (16) is rotatably connected to the first fixing bracket (12), and the first rotating end (17a) of the second connecting arm (17) is rotatably connected to the second fixing bracket (13).

12. The electronic device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first rotating end (16a) of the first connecting arm (16) is provided with a rotating hole. The first fixing bracket (12) is provided with a rotating hole. The rotating shaft (108) is rotatably connected to the first fixing bracket (12) at least through the rotating hole of the first fixing bracket (12). The rotating shaft (108) is rotatably connected to the first connecting arm (16) at least through the rotating hole of the first rotating end (16a).

13. The electronic device (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The folding mechanism (101) further includes a first swing arm (31) and a second swing arm (32). The first swing arm (31) includes a rotating end (311) and a movable end (312). The rotating end (311) of the first swing arm (31) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11), and the movable end (312) of the first swing arm (31) is slidably connected to the first fixing bracket (12). The second swing arm (32) includes a rotating end (321) and a movable end (322). The rotating end (321) of the second swing arm (32) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11), and the movable end (322) of the second swing arm (32) is slidably connected to the second fixing bracket (13).

14. The electronic device (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The folding mechanism (101) further includes a plurality of gears (331). Each gear (331) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11), and two adjacent gears (331) are meshed with each other. The rotating end (311) of the first swing arm (31) meshes with the rotating end (321) of the second swing arm (32) through the plurality of gears (331).

15. The electronic device (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The folding mechanism (101) further includes a first support plate (14) and a second support plate (15). The first support plate (14) is slidably and rotatably connected to the movable end (312) of the first swing arm (31), and the first support plate (14) is rotatably connected to the first fixing bracket (12). The second support plate (15) is slidably and rotatably connected to the movable end (322) of the second swing arm (32), and the second support plate (15) is rotatably connected to the second fixing bracket (13). When the electronic device (100) is in a flattened state, the first support plate (14) and the second support plate (15) are respectively located on both sides of the main shaft (11). When the electronic device (100) is in a closed state, the first support plate (14) and the second support plate (15) are oppositely arranged.

16. The electronic device (100) according to claim 15, wherein The movable end (312) of the first swing arm (31) includes a first slider (3121), a second slider (3122), a first rotating block (3123) and a second rotating block (3124). The first slider (3121) and the second slider (3122) are arranged at intervals. The first rotating block (3123) is arranged on the first slider (3121), and the second rotating block (3124) is arranged on the second slider (3122). The first rotating block (3123) and the second rotating block (3124) are both provided with a shaft hole (3126). The shaft hole (3126) of the first rotating block (3123) and the shaft hole (3126) of the second rotating block (3124) are arranged opposite to each other; The first slider (3121) of the first swing arm (31) is slidably connected to the first chute (1261) of the first fixing frame (12), and the second slider (3122) of the first swing arm (31) is slidably connected to the second chute (1262) of the first fixing frame (12); The first support plate (14) has a first arc-shaped hole (143). The first arc-shaped hole (143) is located between the first rotating block (3123) and the second rotating block (3124) of the first swing arm (31). One end of the pin shaft (109) is rotatably or fixedly connected to the first rotating block (3123), and the other end of the pin shaft (109) is rotatably or fixedly connected to the shaft hole (3126) of the second rotating block (3124). The middle part of the pin shaft (109) is slidably connected to the first arc-shaped hole (143).

17. A folding mechanism (101), characterized in that, It includes a main shaft (11), a first connecting arm (16), a first ball (183) and a first elastic component (180); The second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11), and the first ball (183) and the first elastic component (180) are both arranged on the main shaft (11); When the folding mechanism (101) is in a flattened state, the first ball (183) is located between the first elastic component (180) and the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16). The first elastic component (180) abuts against the first ball (183), and the first ball (183) abuts against the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16); During at least part of the process of unfolding or folding the folding mechanism (101), the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16) rotates relative to the main shaft (11), the first elastic component (180) deforms, and the first ball (183) rolls relative to the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16); The first elastic component (180) includes a first bracket (181) and a first elastic member (182). The first bracket (181) is slidably connected to the main shaft (11). The first bracket (181) includes a first abutting portion (1811) and a first guiding portion (1812), and the first guiding portion (1812) is connected to the first abutting portion (1811). The first elastic member (182) is sleeved on the first guiding portion (1812). One end of the first elastic member (182) abuts against the first abutting portion (1811), and the other end abuts against the main shaft (11). A part of the first ball (183) is in contact with the first abutting portion (1811), and the first abutting portion (1811) is disposed between the first ball (183) and the first elastic member (182). The second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16) includes an arc-shaped arm (161), a first bump (162), and a second bump (163). The arc-shaped arm (161) of the first connecting arm (16) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11). The arc-shaped arm (161) of the first connecting arm (16) has a first side surface (1614). The first bump (162) and the second bump (163) of the first connecting arm (16) protrude from the first side surface (1614) of the first connecting arm (16), and the first bump (162) and the second bump (163) of the first connecting arm (16) are spaced apart. When the folding mechanism (101) is in the flattened state, at least a part of the first ball (183) is located between the first bump (162) and the second bump (163) of the first connecting arm (16). When the folding mechanism (101) is in the closed state, the first ball (183) is located on a side of the first bump (162) of the first connecting arm (16) away from the second bump (163) of the first connecting arm (16). During the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism (101), the first ball (183) rolls relative to the first bump (162).

18. The folding mechanism (101) according to claim 17, characterized in that, When the folding mechanism (101) is in the flattened state, the first ball (183) abuts against the first side surface (1614).

19. The folding mechanism (101) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first bump (162) of the first connecting arm (16) has a first inclined surface (1621), and the first inclined surface (1621) is connected to the first side surface (1614) of the first connecting arm (16). When the folding mechanism (101) is in the flattened state, the first ball (183) abuts against the first inclined surface (1621) of the first connecting arm (16).

20. The folding mechanism (101) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The main shaft (11) includes a base (111) and a first outer shell (112). The first outer shell (112) is fixedly connected to the base (111). The first outer shell (112) and the base (111) together enclose a first receiving space (1161), a first rolling groove (1162), and a first arc-shaped groove (1164) that are sequentially communicated. The first elastic component (180) is disposed in the first accommodation space (1161), at least a part of the first ball (183) is in rolling connection with the first rolling groove (1162), and the arc-shaped arm (161) of the first connecting arm (16) is rotatably connected to the first arc-shaped groove (1164).

21. The folding mechanism (101) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that, The folding mechanism (101) further includes a second connecting arm (17) and a second ball (184); The second rotating end (17b) of the second connecting arm (17) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11), and the second ball (184) is disposed on the main shaft (11); When the folding mechanism (101) is in a flattened state, the second ball (184) is located between the first elastic component (180) and the second rotating end (17b) of the second connecting arm (17), the first elastic component (180) abuts against the second ball (184), and the second ball (184) abuts against the second rotating end (17b) of the second connecting arm (17); During at least a part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism (101), the second rotating end (17b) of the second connecting arm (17) rotates relative to the main shaft (11), the first elastic component (180) is deformed, and the second ball (184) rolls relative to the second rotating end (17b) of the second connecting arm (17).

22. The folding mechanism (101) according to claim 21, characterized in that, A part of the second ball (184) is in contact with the first abutting portion (1811), and the first abutting portion (1811) is disposed between the second ball (184) and the first elastic member (182).

23. The folding mechanism (101) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that, The folding mechanism (101) further includes a third ball (193) and a second elastic component (190), and both the third ball (193) and the second elastic component (190) are disposed on the main shaft (11); When the folding mechanism (101) is in a flattened state, the third ball (193) is located between the second elastic component (190) and the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16), the second elastic component (190) abuts against the third ball (193), and the third ball (193) abuts against the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16); During at least a part of the unfolding or folding process of the folding mechanism (101), the second elastic component (190) is deformed, the third ball (193) rolls relative to the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16), and the deformation direction of the second elastic component (190) is opposite to the deformation direction of the first elastic component (180).

24. The folding mechanism (101) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that, When the folding mechanism (101) is in a closed state, the first ball (183) is separately disposed from the second rotating end (16b) of the first connecting arm (16).

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