Folding device and electronic device

Abstract

The present application discloses a folding device and an electronic device. The folding device is used to carry a flexible display screen of an electronic device. The folding device includes a first shell, a second shell and a folding assembly, the folding assembly connects the first shell and the second shell, and can make the first shell and the second shell relatively unfold to an open state or relatively fold to a closed state. The folding assembly includes a central axis, a first connecting frame, a second connecting frame, a first elastic member and a second elastic member. The first connecting frame is slidably connected to the first shell and does not separate from the first shell, and the two ends of the first elastic member contact the first connecting frame and the first shell respectively. The second connecting frame is slidably connected to the second shell and does not separate from the second shell, and the two ends of the second elastic member contact the second connecting frame and the second shell respectively. When the folding device is in an open state, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are in a compressed state to prop up the bending portion of the flexible display screen, so that the flatness of the bending portion of the flexible display screen is better and the service life is longer.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In recent years, flexible display screens have been widely used in various foldable electronic devices due to their characteristics such as being thin, light, and not easily broken. Among them, the foldable electronic device also includes a folding device for carrying the flexible display screen. The folding device can be unfolded to an open state or folded to a closed state, and the flexible display screen unfolds or folds along with the folding device. However, the bending part of the flexible display screen is prone to arching and being damaged when the electronic device is in the open state, resulting in a shorter service life of the flexible display screen. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present application is to provide a folding device and an electronic device. The folding device is used to carry a flexible display screen. When the folding device is in the open state, the flatness of the bending part of the flexible display screen is better, the flexible display screen is not easily damaged, has higher reliability, and a longer service life.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a folding device that can be applied to an electronic device with a flexible display screen. The folding device is used to carry the flexible display screen. The folding device includes a first housing, a second housing, and a folding assembly. The folding assembly connects the first housing and the second housing and can relatively unfold the first housing and the second housing to an open state or relatively fold them to a closed state. The folding assembly includes a central axis, a first connecting frame, and a second connecting frame. The first connecting frame is rotatably connected to the central axis, the second connecting frame is rotatably connected to the central axis, and the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame can relatively unfold or relatively fold. The folding assembly further includes a first elastic member and a second elastic member. The first connecting frame is slidably connected to the first housing and does not detach from the first housing. Two ends of the first elastic member respectively contact the first connecting frame and the first housing. The second connecting frame is slidably connected to the second housing and does not detach from the second housing. Two ends of the second elastic member respectively contact the second connecting frame and the second housing. When the folding device is in the open state, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are in a compressed state.

[0005] In the present application, since the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame can relatively unfold or relatively fold, the first connecting frame is connected to the first housing and does not detach from the first housing, and the second connecting frame is connected to the second housing and does not detach from the second housing. Therefore, the first connecting frame can drive the first housing to move, and the second connecting frame can drive the second housing to move, so that the first housing and the second housing are relatively unfolded to an open state or relatively folded to a closed state through the folding assembly.

[0006] When the folding device is in an open state, the elastic force generated by the first elastic member pushes the first shell away from the first connecting frame, absorbing the sliding gap between the first shell and the first connecting frame. The elastic force generated by the second elastic member pushes the second shell away from the second connecting frame, absorbing the sliding gap between the second shell and the second connecting frame. Therefore, the folding device can realize the outward pushing action of the first shell and the second shell. The folding device can flatten the flexible display screen and avoid the problem of the flexible display screen arching in the middle due to long-term bending, so as to improve the flatness and reliability of the flexible display screen and extend the service life of the flexible display screen.

[0007] Among them, since the folding device can realize the inward pulling movement of the connecting frame during the change from the open state to the closed state, and the outward pushing movement of the connecting frame during the change from the closed state to the open state, the folding device can realize the inward pulling movement of the shell during the change from the open state to the closed state, and the outward pushing movement of the shell during the change from the closed state to the open state, so that the folding device can realize the deformation movement with the flexible display screen as the neutral plane or the position close to the flexible display screen as the neutral plane during the unfolding or folding process, thereby reducing the risk of pulling or squeezing the flexible display screen, protecting the flexible display screen, improving the reliability of the flexible display screen, and making the flexible display screen and the electronic device have a longer service life.

[0008] In addition, since the first connecting frame is slidably connected to the first shell, there is a sliding gap between the two, and the second connecting frame is slidably connected to the second shell, there is also a sliding gap between the two. The above-mentioned sliding gap can make the length of the folding device and the length of the flexible display screen easier to adapt during the movement of the electronic device, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the folding device and reducing the risk of pulling or squeezing the flexible display screen, improving the reliability of the folding device and the flexible display screen, and making the electronic device have a longer service life.

[0009] In some possible implementations, when the folding device is in a closed state, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are in a compressed state. At this time, the elastic force generated by the first elastic member and the second elastic member can also achieve the purpose of absorbing the sliding gap, so that the flexible display screen is stretched open by the folding device without wrinkles or arches, so as to have higher reliability.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the first shell has a first limiting groove, the first limiting groove includes a first side wall and a second side wall that are oppositely arranged, and the first side wall is located between the second side wall and the central axis; the second shell has a second limiting groove, the second limiting groove includes a third side wall and a fourth side wall that are oppositely arranged, and the third side wall is located between the fourth side wall and the central axis.

[0011] The folding assembly further includes a first limiting block and a second limiting block; the first limiting block is fixedly connected to the first connecting frame and is located in the first limiting groove. Under the elastic force of the first elastic member, the first limiting block abuts against the first side wall and forms a gap with the second side wall; the second limiting block is fixedly connected to the second connecting frame and is located in the second limiting groove. Under the elastic force of the second elastic member, the second limiting block abuts against the third side wall and forms a gap with the fourth side wall.

[0012] In this implementation, by sliding the first limiting block in the first limiting groove of the first housing and being limited between the first side wall and the second side wall, and the first limiting block is fixedly connected to the first connecting frame, the first connecting frame is prevented from detaching from the first housing; by sliding the second limiting block in the second limiting groove of the second housing and being limited between the third side wall and the fourth side wall, and the second limiting block is fixedly connected to the second connecting frame, the second connecting frame is prevented from detaching from the second housing. The connection structure between the first connecting frame and the first housing and the connection structure between the second connecting frame and the second housing are simple and easy to implement, which is beneficial to reducing the manufacturing difficulty and cost of the folding device.

[0013] In some possible implementation manners, the first connecting frame has a first fastening hole, the first limiting block has a second fastening hole, the second fastening hole is aligned with the first fastening hole, the first housing further includes a first through hole, the first through hole communicates with the first limiting groove and covers the second fastening hole. The folding assembly further includes a first fastener, and the first fastener can extend into the second fastening hole and the first fastening hole through the first through hole to lock the first limiting block and the first connecting frame.

[0014] In this implementation, the first limiting block and the first connecting frame adopt a split design structure, so that the first limiting block can be first installed in the first limiting groove, then the first connecting frame is slid into the first housing, the first fastening hole is aligned with the second fastening hole, and then the first fastener extends into the second fastening hole and the first fastening hole through the first through hole, thereby locking the first limiting block and the first connecting frame. This assembly method is simple and easy to implement. At this time, the first limiting block is fixedly connected to the first connecting frame, and the first limiting block is limited in the first limiting groove, so the first connecting frame does not detach from the first housing.

[0015] In some possible implementation manners, the first connecting frame includes a first guiding column, and the first elastic member is sleeved on the first guiding column to deform along the extending direction of the first guiding column. In this implementation, the first guiding column can guide the deformation direction of the first elastic member when the first elastic member is stressed and deformed, so as to reduce the risk of damage or failure of the first elastic member and improve the reliability.

[0016] Among them, the second connecting frame may include a second guiding column, and a second elastic member is sleeved on the second guiding column to deform along the extending direction of the second guiding column. In this implementation, when the second elastic member is stressed and deformed, the second guiding column can guide the deformation direction of the second elastic member to reduce the risk of damage or failure of the second elastic member and improve the reliability.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the folding assembly further includes a first connecting arm, a first transmission arm, and a first linkage arm. The first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the first connecting frame and slidably connected to the central axis. The first linkage arm is rotatably connected to the central axis and slidably connected to the second connecting frame. The first transmission arm is mounted on the central axis and connects the first connecting arm and the first linkage arm.

[0018] The folding assembly further includes a second connecting arm, a second transmission arm, and a second linkage arm. The second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the second connecting frame and slidably connected to the central axis. The second linkage arm is rotatably connected to the central axis and slidably connected to the first connecting frame. The second transmission arm is mounted on the central axis and connects the second connecting arm and the second linkage arm.

[0019] In this implementation, the first connecting arm, the first transmission arm, and the first linkage arm and the second connecting arm, the second transmission arm, and the second linkage arm form an interlocking structure, enabling the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame to rotate relative to the central axis to be relatively unfolded to the open state or relatively folded to the closed state. At the same time, the folding assembly has better mechanical tensile strength and mechanical anti-extrusion ability.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the central axis and the first linkage arm are rotatably connected through a virtual axis structure, and the first transmission arm and the first connecting arm and the first linkage arm are rotatably connected through a solid axis structure.

[0021] In this implementation, by cleverly setting the rotation structures between different components, the occupied space and thickness of the first connecting chain and the central axis are smaller, which is beneficial to reducing the thickness of the folding assembly, making it easier to make the folding device and the electronic device thinner and lighter.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the folding device further includes a first damping member, which is mounted on the first linkage arm or the second connecting frame and is used to provide a damping force during the relative sliding process of the first linkage arm and the second connecting frame. Among them, the folding device further includes a second damping member, which is mounted on the second linkage arm or the first connecting frame and is used to provide a damping force during the relative sliding process of the second linkage arm and the first connecting frame.

[0023] In this implementation, since the folding device is provided with a first damping member and a second damping member, the first damping member is used to provide a damping force during the relative sliding of the first linkage arm and the second connecting frame, and the second damping member is used to provide a damping force during the relative sliding of the second linkage arm and the first connecting frame. That is, during the process of the first connecting frame driving the first housing to rotate relative to the central axis and the second connecting frame driving the second housing to rotate relative to the central axis, the first damping member and the second damping member provide a certain damping force, enabling the user to experience a better operating feeling of the mechanism.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the folding device further includes a synchronization component. The synchronization component is installed on the central axis and is respectively connected to the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame at both ends. The synchronization component is used to keep the rotation angles of the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame synchronized during the movement of the folding device.

[0025] In this implementation, since the folding device is provided with a synchronization component, the synchronization component is used to keep the rotation angles of the first connecting frame and the second connecting frame synchronized during the movement of the folding device. The first connecting frame drives the first housing to rotate, and the second connecting frame drives the second housing. Therefore, the synchronization component can keep the first housing and the second housing synchronized during the movement of the folding device to improve the user experience.

[0026] In some possible implementations, the folding device further includes a first support plate and a second support plate. The first support plate is fixedly connected to the second linkage arm, and the second support plate is fixedly connected to the first linkage arm. During the movement of the folding device, the first support plate moves with the first linkage arm, and the second support plate moves with the second linkage arm. Therefore, the first linkage arm can directly control the movement trajectory of the second support plate, and the second linkage arm can directly control the movement trajectory of the first support plate, so that the control accuracy of the first support plate and the second support plate during the movement of the folding device is high and the backlash is small, thereby accurately realizing expansion and contraction during the rotation of the folding device to meet the support requirements of the flexible display screen.

[0027] Among them, when the folding device is in the open state, part of the central axis is exposed through the gap between the first support plate and the second support plate. The first support plate, the central axis and the second support plate are used to jointly support the bending part of the flexible display screen to improve the flatness and reliability of the bending part of the flexible display screen. The support surface of the first support plate can be flush with the support surface of the second support plate.

[0028] Among them, when the folding device is in the closed state, the central axis is exposed between the first support plate and the second support plate. The support surface of the first support plate and the support surface of the second support plate are arranged opposite to each other and can be parallel to each other. The first support plate, the central axis and the second support plate jointly support the bending part of the flexible display screen, making it difficult for the flexible display screen to concave under the user's holding or pressing actions, so as to improve the reliability of the flexible display screen.

[0029] In a second aspect, the present application also provides an electronic device, including a flexible display screen and the folding device of any one of the above. The flexible display screen includes a first non-bending portion, a bending portion, and a second non-bending portion arranged in sequence. The first non-bending portion is fixed to the first housing, and the second non-bending portion is fixed to the second housing. During the process of the relative unfolding or relative folding of the first housing and the second housing, the bending portion deforms.

[0030] In the present application, the flexible display screen can be unfolded or folded along with the folding device. When the electronic device is in the open state, the flexible display screen is in a flattened form and can be fully displayed, enabling the electronic device to have a larger display area to improve the user's viewing experience. When the electronic device is in the closed state, the planar size of the electronic device is smaller, facilitating user carrying and storage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application when in the open state;

[0032] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device shown when in the intermediate state;

[0033] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device shown when in the closed state;

[0034] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the folding device shown;

[0035] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a partial exploded structural diagram of the folding assembly shown;

[0036] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a partial exploded structural diagram of the folding assembly shown;

[0037] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a schematic structural diagram of the folding assembly shown from another angle;

[0038] Figure 8 is Figure 6 a schematic structural diagram of the first connection assembly shown;

[0039] Figure 9 is Figure 8 an exploded structural diagram of the first connection assembly shown;

[0040] Figure 10 is Figure 8Schematic diagram of the structure of the first connection component shown from another angle;

[0041] Figure 11 is Figure 10 Exploded schematic diagram of the first connection component shown;

[0042] Figure 12 is Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the folding component shown;

[0043] Figure 13 is Figure 12 Partial schematic diagram of the folding component shown;

[0044] Figure 14 is Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structure of the folding component shown from another angle;

[0045] Figure 15 is Figure 14 Partial structure schematic diagram of the folding component shown;

[0046] Figure 16 is Figure 12 Cross-sectional structure schematic diagram of the folding component shown cut along A - A;

[0047] Figure 17 is Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the structure shown in the closed state;

[0048] Figure 18 is Figure 12 Cross-sectional structure schematic diagram of the folding component shown cut along B - B;

[0049] Figure 19 is Figure 18 Schematic diagram of the structure shown in the closed state;

[0050] Figure 20 is Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the folding component when in the closed state;

[0051] Figure 21 is Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the folding device shown from another angle;

[0052] Figure 22 is Figure 21 Partial exploded structure schematic diagram of the folding device shown;

[0053] Figure 23 is Figure 4 Cross-sectional structure schematic diagram of the partial structure of the folding device shown cut along C - C;

[0054] Figure 24 is Figure 4Schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a partial structure of the folding device shown, taken along section D-D;

[0055] Figure 25 is Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a partial structure of the folding device shown, taken along section E-E;

[0056] Figure 26 is Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a partial structure of the folding device shown, taken along section F-F. Detailed implementation manners

[0057] The following describes each of the following embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0058] The embodiments of the present application provide a folding device and an electronic device. The electronic device includes a folding device and a flexible display screen fixed to the folding device. The folding device can be unfolded to an open state, folded to a closed state, or in an intermediate state between the open state and the closed state. The flexible display screen unfolds or folds with the folding device. By optimizing the folding device, the electronic device enables the bending portion of the flexible display screen to maintain better flatness in the open state, avoiding problems such as arching, so as to improve the reliability of the flexible display screen and enable the flexible display screen and the electronic device to have a longer service life.

[0059] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 which is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device 100 provided in the embodiments of the present application in an open state, Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device 100 shown in an intermediate state, Figure 3 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device 100 shown in a closed state. The electronic device 100 can be an electronic product such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wearable device, etc. In this embodiment, the electronic device 100 is taken as an example of a mobile phone for illustration.

[0060] The electronic device 100 includes a folding device 10 and a flexible display screen 20. The folding device 10 includes a first housing 1, a second housing 2, and a folding assembly 3. The folding assembly 3 connects the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 and can relatively unfold the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 to an open state or relatively fold them to a closed state. That is, the first housing 1, the folding assembly 3, and the second housing 2 are connected in sequence. Through the movement of the folding assembly 3, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can rotate relative to each other to unfold or fold.

[0061] As Figure 1As shown, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be relatively unfolded to an open state, so that the electronic device 100 is in an open state. Exemplarily, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are in the open state, they can be approximately at 180° (a slight deviation is also allowed, such as 165°, 177° or 185°). As Figure 2 As shown, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be relatively rotated (unfolded or folded) to an intermediate state, so that the electronic device 100 is in an intermediate state. As Figure 3 As shown, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be relatively folded to a closed state, so that the electronic device 100 is in a closed state. Exemplarily, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are in the closed state, they can be completely closed to be parallel to each other (a slight deviation is also allowed). Among them, Figure 2 As shown, the intermediate state can be any state between the open state and the closed state. Therefore, the electronic device 100 can be switched between the open state and the closed state through the movement of the folding assembly 3.

[0062] In some embodiments, the flexible display screen 20 is used to display images. Exemplarily, the flexible display screen 20 can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode display screen, a quantum dot light emitting diodes (QLED) display screen, etc.

[0063] The flexible display screen 20 includes a first non-bending portion 201, a bending portion 202, and a second non-bending portion 203 arranged in sequence. The flexible display screen 20 is fixed to the folding device 10. For example, the flexible display screen 20 can be adhered to the folding device 10 through an adhesive layer. The first non-bending portion 201 of the flexible display screen 20 is fixed to the first housing 1, and the second non-bending portion 203 is fixed to the second housing 2. During the relative unfolding or relative folding of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, the bending portion 202 deforms. As Figure 1 As shown, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are in the open state, the flexible display screen 20 is in a flattened form; as Figure 2As shown, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are in an intermediate state, the flexible display screen 20 is in an intermediate state between the flattened state and the closed state; as Figure 3 shown, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are in the closed state, the flexible display screen 20 is in the closed state. Among them, when the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the flexible display screen 20 can be located outside the folding device 10, and the flexible display screen 20 can be generally U-shaped.

[0064] In this embodiment, the flexible display screen 20 can be unfolded or folded along with the folding device 10. When the electronic device 100 is in the open state, the flexible display screen 20 is in the flattened state and can be fully displayed, so that the electronic device 100 has a larger display area to improve the user's viewing experience. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, the planar size of the electronic device 100 is smaller (has a smaller width dimension), which is convenient for the user to carry and store.

[0065] It can be understood that this embodiment is described by taking "the rotation center of the electronic device 100 is parallel to the width direction of the electronic device 100" as an example. At this time, the electronic device 100 can rotate left and right, and the unfolding or folding of the electronic device 100 affects the width dimension of the electronic device 100. In some other embodiments, the rotation center of the electronic device 100 can also be parallel to the length direction of the electronic device 100. At this time, the electronic device 100 can rotate up and down, and the unfolding or folding of the electronic device 100 affects the length dimension of the electronic device 100.

[0066] Please refer to Figures 4 to 7 , Figure 4 is Figure 1 the schematic structural diagram of the folding device 10 shown, Figure 5 is Figure 4 the partial exploded structural diagram of the folding assembly 3 shown, Figure 6 is Figure 5 the partial exploded structural diagram of the folding assembly 3 shown, Figure 7 is Figure 6 the structural diagram of the folding assembly 3 shown from another angle. Among them, the partial structures of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are not shown in the drawings of the present application to simplify the drawings and more clearly show the main structure of the folding device 10.

[0067] In some embodiments, the folding assembly 3 includes a central axis 31, a first connection assembly 32, a second connection assembly 33, a first support plate 34, and a second support plate 35.

[0068] Exemplarily, the central axis 31 is located between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. Both the first connection assembly 32 and the second connection assembly 33 connect the first housing 1, the central axis 31, and the second housing 2. Through the movement of the first connection assembly 32 and the second connection assembly 33, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can rotate relative to the central axis 31. Among them, the first connection assembly 32 and the second connection assembly 33 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the central axis 31 and can serve as end connection assemblies. For example, they can be respectively connected to the top and bottom of the central axis 31. In this embodiment, through the coordinated movement of the first connection assembly 32 and the second connection assembly 33, the movement of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 relative to the central axis 31 is more stable and reliable.

[0069] Among them, the first connection assembly 32 and the second connection assembly 33 can have the same structure, mirror-symmetrical structure, centrosymmetric structure, or other different structures. In the embodiments of the present application, the first connection assembly 32 and the second connection assembly 33 are taken as examples for illustration, and the first connection assembly 32 will be mainly described later. In some other embodiments, the folding assembly 3 can further include a middle connection assembly. The middle connection assembly can be connected to the middle of the central axis 31 and connect the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 to increase the reliability of the folding device 10. The structure of the middle connection assembly can be the same as, partially the same as, or completely different from the structure of the first connection assembly 32. The embodiments of the present application do not strictly limit this.

[0070] Exemplarily, the first support plate 34 is located on the side of the central axis 31 facing the first housing 1, and the second support plate 35 is located on the side of the central axis 31 facing the second housing 2. The first support plate 34 and the second support plate 35 connect the first connection assembly 32 and the second connection assembly 33 to move along with the first connection assembly 32 and the second connection assembly 33 during the movement of the folding device 10. The first support plate 34, the central axis 31, and the second support plate 35 can jointly support the bent portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20 to improve the reliability of the bent portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20.

[0071] Exemplarily, the first housing 1 has a first support surface 11, and the first support surface 11 is used to support the flexible display screen 20. The second housing 2 has a second support surface 21, and the second support surface 21 is used to support the flexible display screen 20. When the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are relatively unfolded to the open state, the first support surface 11 can be flush with the second support surface 21 to better support the flexible display screen 20, making the flexible display screen 20 flatter and conducive to improving the user experience. Among them, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be integrally formed structural members or composite structural members assembled by multiple structural members. The first support surface 11 and the second support surface 21 can be relatively complete and continuous planes or can have structures such as notches and through holes.

[0072] Please refer to Figures 8 to 11 , Figure 8 which is Figure 6 a schematic structural view of the first connection component 32 shown in Figure 9 and Figure 8 a schematic exploded view of the first connection component 32 shown in Figure 10 and Figure 8 a schematic structural view of the first connection component 32 shown in another angle Figure 11 and Figure 10 a schematic exploded view of the first connection component 32 shown in

[0073] In some embodiments, the first connection component 32 includes a first connection frame 321, a second connection frame 322, a first connection arm 323, a first transmission arm 324, a first linkage arm 325, a second connection arm 326, a second transmission arm 327, a second linkage arm 328, a first damping member 329, a second damping member 3210, a synchronization component 3220, a first elastic member 3230, a second elastic member 3240, a first limiting block 3250, and a second limiting block 3260.

[0074] Exemplarily, the first connection arm 323 includes a first end 323a and a second end 323b. The first end 323a of the first connection arm 323 is rotatably connected to the first connection frame 321, and the two can be rotatably connected through a solid shaft structure. Herein, when two components are rotatably connected through a solid shaft structure, it means that the two components rotate relative to each other through a solid rotating shaft. The rotating shaft has a rotation center, and the two components rotate relative to this rotation center. The rotating shaft can be a structural member independent of the two components or fixedly connected to one of the structural members. Herein, some rotating shafts are omitted in the drawings of the present application. The first linkage arm 325 includes a first end 325a and a second end 325b. The first end 325a of the first linkage arm 325 is slidably connected to the second connection frame 322. The first transmission arm 324 includes a first end 324a and a second end 324b. The first end 324a of the first transmission arm 324 is connected to the second end 323b of the first connection arm 323, and the second end 324b of the first transmission arm 324 is connected to the second end 325b of the first linkage arm 325, that is, the first transmission arm 324 connects the first connection arm 323 and the first linkage arm 325. Herein, the first transmission arm 324 can be a connecting rod structure. The first end 324a of the first transmission arm 324 is rotatably connected to the second end 323b of the first connection arm 323, and the second end 324b of the first transmission arm 324 is rotatably connected to the second end 325b of the first linkage arm 325. Herein, the first transmission arm 324 and the first connection arm 323 and the first linkage arm 325 can be rotatably connected through a solid shaft structure. In some other embodiments, the first transmission arm 324 can also be a structure such as a chain or a connecting belt.

[0075] The second connecting arm 326 includes a first end 326a and a second end 326b. The first end 326a of the second connecting arm 326 is rotatably connected to the second connecting frame 322, and the two can be rotatably connected through a solid shaft structure. The second linkage arm 328 includes a first end 328a and a second end 328b. The first end 328a of the second linkage arm 328 is slidably connected to the first connecting frame 321. The second transmission arm 327 includes a first end 327a and a second end 327b. The first end 327a of the second transmission arm 327 is connected to the second end 326b of the second connecting arm 326, and the second end 327b of the second transmission arm 327 is connected to the second end 328b of the second linkage arm 328, that is, the second transmission arm 327 connects the second connecting arm 326 and the second linkage arm 328. Among them, the second transmission arm 327 can be a connecting rod structure. The first end 327a of the second transmission arm 327 is rotatably connected to the second end 326b of the second connecting arm 326, and the second end 327b of the second transmission arm 327 is rotatably connected to the second end 328b of the second linkage arm 328. Among them, the second transmission arm 327 and the second connecting arm 326 and the second linkage arm 328 can be rotatably connected through a solid shaft structure. In some other embodiments, the first transmission arm 324 can also be a structure such as a chain or a connecting belt.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first connecting arm 323, the first transmission arm 324 and the first linkage arm 325 form a first connecting chain, and the second transmission arm 327, the second connecting arm 326 and the second linkage arm 328 form a second connecting chain. An interlocking structure is formed between the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322 through the first connecting chain and the second connecting chain. During the movement of the folding assembly 3, the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322 are linked. Among them, the first connecting chain and the second connecting chain can be a centrosymmetric structure.

[0077] Exemplarily, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the first damping member 329 is installed on the first linkage arm 325 to provide a damping force during the relative sliding process of the first linkage arm 325 and the second connecting frame 322. For example, the second connecting frame 322 is provided with a first chute 322a, a first bayonet 322b and a second bayonet 322c. The first bayonet 322b and the second bayonet 322c are spaced apart from each other and communicate with the first chute 322a. The second connecting frame 322 includes a first convex block 322d that separates the first bayonet 322b from the second bayonet 322c. The first end 325a of the first linkage arm 325 is provided with a first installation groove 325c, and the first damping member 329 is installed in the first installation groove 325c. The first end 325a of the first linkage arm 325 is installed in the first chute 322a to slidably connect with the second connecting frame 322, and a part of the first damping member 329 is snapped into the first bayonet 322b or the second bayonet 322c.

[0078] In this embodiment, during the movement of the folding device 10, the first linkage arm 325 and the second connecting frame 322 slide relative to each other, and the first damping member 329 abuts against the first bump 322d to generate a damping force. In some other embodiments, the first damping member 329 can also be installed on the second connecting frame 322 to provide a damping force during the relative sliding of the first linkage arm 325 and the second connecting frame 322. At this time, the first linkage arm 325 can form a bump, and during the relative sliding of the first linkage arm 325 and the second connecting frame 322, the first damping member 329 abuts against the bump to generate a damping force.

[0079] Exemplarily, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the second damping member 3210 is installed on the second linkage arm 328 to provide a damping force during the relative sliding of the second linkage arm 328 and the first connecting frame 321. For example, the first connecting frame 321 is provided with a second chute 321a, a third bayonet 321b, and a fourth bayonet 321c. The third bayonet 321b and the fourth bayonet 321c are spaced apart from each other and communicate with the second chute 321a. The first connecting frame 321 includes a second bump 321d that separates the third bayonet 321b from the fourth bayonet 321c. The first end 328a of the second linkage arm 328 is provided with a second mounting groove 328c, and the second damping member 3210 is installed in the second mounting groove 328c. The first end 328a of the second linkage arm 328 is installed in the second chute 321a to slidably connect to the first connecting frame 321, and the second damping member 3210 is partially engaged with the third bayonet 321b or the fourth bayonet 321c.

[0080] In this embodiment, during the movement of the folding device 10, the second linkage arm 328 and the first connecting frame 321 slide relative to each other, and the second damping member 3210 abuts against the second bump 321d to generate a damping force. In some other embodiments, the second damping member 3210 can also be installed on the first connecting frame 321 to provide a damping force during the relative sliding of the second linkage arm 328 and the first connecting frame 321. At this time, the second linkage arm 328 can form a bump, and during the relative sliding of the second linkage arm 328 and the first connecting frame 321, the second damping member 3210 abuts against the bump to generate a damping force.

[0081] Exemplarily, as Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the synchronization component 3220 includes a first swing arm 3220a, a second swing arm 3220b, a plurality of synchronization gears 3220c, and a damping component 3220d. The first swing arm 3220a includes a first end and a second end, and the first end of the first swing arm 3220a is slidably connected to the first connecting frame 321. The second swing arm 3220b includes a first end and a second end, and the second end of the second swing arm 3220b is slidably connected to the second connecting frame 322. The number of the synchronization gears 3220c can be two, four, etc. The plurality of synchronization gears 3220c mesh with each other, and the plurality of synchronization gears 3220c mesh with the second end of the first swing arm 3220a and the second end of the second swing arm 3220b. The damping component 3220d is connected to the second end of the first swing arm 3220a, the plurality of synchronization gears 3220c, and the second end of the second swing arm 3220b, and is used to provide a damping force during the relative movement of the first swing arm 3220a, the synchronization gears 3220c, and the second swing arm 3220b.

[0082] Wherein, the damping component 3220d may include a plurality of rotating shafts 3220e. The second end of the first swing arm 3220a is mounted on one of the rotating shafts 3220e, the second end of the second swing arm 3220b is mounted on another rotating shaft 3220e, and the plurality of synchronization gears 3220c are respectively mounted on other different rotating shafts 3220e. The first swing arm 3220a, the second swing arm 3220b, and the plurality of synchronization gears 3220c are all rotatably connected to the damping component 3220d.

[0083] Exemplarily, as Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, the first connecting frame 321 may include a first guiding column 321e, and the first elastic member 3230 is sleeved on the first guiding column 321e to deform along the extending direction of the first guiding column 321e. That is to say, when the first elastic member 3230 is stressed and deformed, the first guiding column 321e can guide the deformation direction of the first elastic member 3230 to reduce the risk of damage or failure of the first elastic member 3230 and improve the reliability. Wherein, the number of the first guiding columns 321e is multiple, and the multiple first guiding columns 321e are arranged at intervals of each other. The number of the first elastic members 3230 can be multiple, and the multiple first elastic members 3230 are respectively sleeved on different first guiding columns 321e and are arranged at intervals of each other.

[0084] Wherein, the first limiting block 3250 is fixedly connected to the first connecting frame 321. For example, the first limiting block 3250 can be fixed to the first connecting frame 321 by a fastener (not shown in the figure), and the fastener can be but not limited to a screw, a rivet, etc. Wherein, the first limiting block 3250 can be arranged close to the first elastic member 3230. The number of the first limiting blocks 3250 can be one or more.

[0085] Exemplarily, the second connecting bracket 322 may include a second guiding post 322e, and a second elastic member 3240 is sleeved on the second guiding post 322e to deform along the extending direction of the second guiding post 322e. That is, when the second elastic member 3240 is stressed and deformed, the second guiding post 322e can guide the deformation direction of the second elastic member 3240 to reduce the risk of damage or failure of the second elastic member 3240 and improve the reliability. Wherein, the number of the second guiding posts 322e is multiple, and the multiple second guiding posts 322e are arranged at intervals of each other. The number of the second elastic members 3240 may be multiple, and the multiple second elastic members 3240 are respectively sleeved on different second guiding posts 322e and are arranged at intervals of each other.

[0086] Wherein, the second limiting block 3260 is fixedly connected to the second connecting bracket 322. For example, the second limiting block 3260 can be fixed to the second connecting bracket 322 by a fastener (not shown in the figure), and the fastener can be but not limited to a screw, a rivet, etc. Wherein, the second limiting block 3260 can be arranged close to the second elastic member 3240. Wherein, the second limiting block 3260 can be arranged close to the second elastic member 3240. The number of the second limiting blocks 3260 can be one or more.

[0087] Please refer to Figures 12 to 15 , Figure 12 is Figure 5 the schematic structural view of the folding assembly 3 shown in Figure 13 is Figure 12 the partial schematic view of the folding assembly 3 shown in Figure 14 is Figure 12 the schematic structural view of the folding assembly 3 shown in another angle, Figure 15 is Figure 14 the partial structural schematic view of the folding assembly 3 shown in

[0088] In some embodiments, the first connecting assembly 32 is connected to the central shaft 31. The central shaft 31 includes an outer shell 311 and an inner shell 312. The outer shell 311 and the inner shell 312 cooperate to form a plurality of installation spaces, and the first connecting chain, the second connecting chain and the synchronization assembly 3220 can be installed in different installation spaces to connect the central shaft 31. The outer shell 311 and the inner shell 312 can be fixedly connected by fasteners, etc., and the two cooperate to prevent the first connecting assembly 32 from falling off.

[0089] Among them, the second end 323b of the first connecting arm 323, the first transmission arm 324, and the second end 325b of the first linkage arm 325 are installed on the central shaft 31. The second end 326b of the second connecting arm 326, the second transmission arm 327, and the second end 328b of the second linkage arm 328 are installed on the central shaft 31. The damping member 3220d of the synchronization assembly 3220, the second end of the first swing arm 3220a, and the second end of the second swing arm 3220b are installed on the central shaft 31. Both the first swing arm 3220a and the second swing arm 3220b are rotatably connected to the central shaft 31. In this embodiment, the synchronization assembly 3220 is installed on the central shaft 31, and both ends of the synchronization assembly 3220 are respectively connected to the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322.

[0090] Please refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 , Figure 16 is Figure 12 a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the folding assembly 3 shown in the cross-section along A-A, Figure 17 is Figure 16 a schematic structure diagram of the structure shown in the closed state.

[0091] In some embodiments, the second end 323b of the first connecting arm 323 is slidably connected to the central shaft 31, and the second end 325b of the first linkage arm 325 is rotatably connected to the central shaft 31. In this embodiment, the first connecting arm 323 is rotatably connected to the first connecting frame 321 and slidably connected to the central shaft 31. The first linkage arm 325 is rotatably connected to the central shaft 31 and slidably connected to the second connecting frame 322. The first transmission arm 324 is installed on the central shaft 31 and connects the first connecting arm 323 and the first linkage arm 325. During the movement of the folding device 10, the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322 rotate relative to the central shaft 31, and the two can be relatively unfolded to the open state or relatively folded to the closed state.

[0092] Exemplarily, the central shaft 31 and the first linkage arm 325 can be rotatably connected through a virtual shaft structure. Among them, when two components are rotatably connected through a virtual shaft structure, it means that the two components do not achieve relative rotation through a physical rotating shaft, but through the structure of an arc-shaped arm and an arc-shaped groove to achieve relative rotational movement around the rotation center.

[0093] Exemplarily, the sliding trajectory of the second end 323b of the first connecting arm 323 in the central axis 31 is arc-shaped. For example, the central axis 31 can form an arc-shaped groove by the cooperation of the arc-shaped surface of its outer shell 311 and the arc-shaped surface of the inner shell 312. A rotating shaft (not shown in the figure) connected to the second end 323b of the first connecting arm 323 slides in this arc-shaped groove to define the sliding trajectory of the second end 323b of the first connecting arm 323 as arc-shaped. In some other embodiments, the sliding trajectory of the second end 323b of the first connecting arm 323 in the central axis 31 can also be linear or spline curve-shaped, and this embodiment does not strictly limit this.

[0094] Among them, the rotation center when the second end 323b of the first connecting arm 323 rotates relative to the central axis 31 is different from the rotation center position when it rotates relative to the first transmission arm 324. Among them, the rotation center when the second end 323b of the first connecting arm 323 rotates relative to the first transmission arm 324 can be located at or near the end of the second end 323b of the first connecting arm 323.

[0095] Please refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 , Figure 18 is Figure 12 the schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the folding assembly 3 cut along B-B as shown, Figure 19 is Figure 18 the schematic structure diagram of the structure shown in the closed state.

[0096] In some embodiments, the second end 326b of the second connecting arm 326 is slidably connected to the central axis 31, and the second end 328b of the second linkage arm 328 is rotatably connected to the central axis 31. In this embodiment, the second connecting arm 326 is rotatably connected to the second connecting frame 322 and slidably connected to the central axis 31. The second linkage arm 328 is rotatably connected to the central axis 31 and slidably connected to the first connecting frame 321. The second transmission arm 327 is installed on the central axis 31 and connects the second connecting arm 326 and the second linkage arm 328. During the movement of the folding device 10, the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322 rotate relative to the central axis 31, and the two can be relatively unfolded to the open state or relatively folded to the closed state.

[0097] Exemplarily, the central axis 31 and the second linkage arm 328 can be rotatably connected through a virtual axis structure. Exemplarily, the sliding trajectory of the second end 326b of the second connecting arm 326 in the central axis 31 is arc-shaped. For example, the central axis 31 can cooperate with the arc-shaped surface of its outer shell 311 and the arc-shaped surface of the inner shell 312 to form an arc-shaped groove, and a rotating shaft (not shown in the figure) connected to the second end 326b of the second connecting arm 326 slides in this arc-shaped groove to define the sliding trajectory of the second end 326b of the second connecting arm 326 as arc-shaped. In some other embodiments, the sliding trajectory of the second end 326b of the second connecting arm 326 in the central axis 31 can also be linear or spline curve-shaped, and this embodiment does not strictly limit this.

[0098] Among them, the rotation center when the second end 326b of the second connecting arm 326 rotates relative to the central axis 31 is different from the rotation center position when it rotates relative to the second transmission arm 327. Among them, the rotation center when the second end 326b of the second connecting arm 326 rotates relative to the second transmission arm 327 can be located at or near the end of the second end 326b of the second connecting arm 326.

[0099] In the embodiment of the present application, as Figures 16 to 19 shown, the first connecting arm 323, the first transmission arm 324, and the first linkage arm 325 and the second connecting arm 326, the second transmission arm 327, and the second linkage arm 328 form an interlocking structure, so that the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322 can rotate relative to the central axis 31 to be relatively unfolded to the open state or relatively folded to the closed state, and at the same time, the folding assembly 3 has better mechanism tensile strength and mechanism anti-extrusion ability.

[0100] In addition, during the process of the relative folding of the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322, the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322 move in the direction close to the central axis 31; during the relative unfolding process of the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322, the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322 move in the direction away from the central axis 31. At this time, the length dimension of the folding assembly 3 can remain consistent or relatively close during the movement process, so as to better support the bending part 202 of the flexible display screen 20, reduce the risk of pulling or squeezing the flexible display screen 20, and improve the reliability and service life of the flexible display screen 20 and the electronic device 100. Among them, the length dimension of the folding assembly 3 refers to the dimension from the end of the first connecting frame 321 facing away from the central axis 31, passing through the central axis 31, and extending to the end of the second connecting frame 322 facing away from the central axis 31, and this dimension is a dynamic dimension and changes with the movement of the folding assembly 3.

[0101] In addition, the first linkage arm 325 is rotationally connected to the central axis 31 through a virtual axis structure, and the first connecting arm 323 and the first transmission arm 324, as well as the first transmission arm 324 and the first linkage arm 325, are rotationally connected through a solid axis structure. By ingeniously setting the rotational structures between different components, the occupied space and thickness of the first connecting chain and the central axis 31 are relatively small, which is beneficial to reducing the thickness of the folding assembly 3, making it easier for the folding device 10 and the electronic device 100 to achieve thinness and lightness.

[0102] Among them, as Figures 12 to 15 shown, the synchronization component 3220 is installed on the central axis 31 and is respectively connected to the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322 at both ends. The synchronization component 3220 is used to keep the rotation angles of the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322 synchronized during the movement of the folding device 10. Since the second end of the first swing arm 3220a and the second end of the second swing arm 3220b are engaged through a plurality of synchronization gears 3220c, the second ends of both the first swing arm 3220a and the second swing arm 3220b are rotationally connected to the central axis 31, the first end of the first swing arm 3220a is slidably connected to the first connecting frame 321, and the first end of the second swing arm 3220b is slidably connected to the second connecting frame 322. Therefore, during the relative unfolding or relative folding process of the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322, the first swing arm 3220a and the second swing arm 3220b can control the rotation angles of the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322 relative to the central axis 31 to be consistent, making the rotational movements of the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322 have synchronism and consistency, and the folding and unfolding actions of the folding assembly 3 have better symmetry, which is beneficial to improving the user experience.

[0103] Please refer to Figure 5 、 Figure 7 and Figure 20 , Figure 20 which Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the folding assembly 3 in a closed state as shown.

[0104] In some embodiments, as Figure 5 shown, when the folding device 10 is in an open state, part of the central axis 31 is exposed through the gap between the first support plate 34 and the second support plate 35. The support surface 341 of the first support plate 34 can be flush with the support surface 351 of the second support plate 35. The first support plate 34, the central axis 31, and the second support plate 35 are used to jointly support the bent portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20 to improve the flatness and reliability of the bent portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20.

[0105] As Figure 20As shown, when the folding device 10 is in the closed state, the central axis 31 is exposed between the first support plate 34 and the second support plate 35. The support surface 341 of the first support plate 34 and the support surface 351 of the second support plate 35 are arranged back to back, and the two can be parallel to each other. The first support plate 34, the central axis 31 and the second support plate 35 jointly support the bent portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20, so that the flexible display screen 20 is not easily concave under the holding or pressing action of the user, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible display screen 20.

[0106] Exemplarily, the first support plate 34 can be fixedly connected to the second linkage arm 328, and the second support plate 35 can be fixedly connected to the first linkage arm 325. During the movement of the folding device 10, the first support plate 34 moves with the first linkage arm 325, and the second support plate 35 moves with the second linkage arm 328. Among them, as Figure 7 shown, the first support plate 34 includes a first plate body 342 and a first fixing block 343 fixed to the first plate body 342. The support surface 341 of the first support plate 34 is formed on the side of the first plate body 342 facing away from the first fixing block 343. The second support plate 35 includes a second plate body 352 and a second fixing block 353 fixed to the second plate body 352. The support surface 351 of the second support plate 35 is formed on the side of the second plate body 352 facing away from the second fixing block 353. The first linkage arm 325 of the first connection assembly 32 is provided with a first fixing portion 325d, and the second linkage arm 328 is provided with a second fixing portion 328d. The first fixing block 343 can be fixed to the second fixing portion 328d by a fastener or an adhesive. For example, fastening holes can be opened at both the first fixing block 343 and the second fixing portion 328d, and the first fixing block 343 can be locked with the second fixing portion 328d by passing a fastener through the fastening holes. Fastening holes can be opened at both the second fixing block 353 and the first fixing portion 325d, and the second fixing block 353 can be fixed to the first fixing portion 325d by a fastener or an adhesive. Among them, the connection manner between the first support plate 34 and the second support plate 35 and the second connection assembly 33 can refer to the connection manner with the first connection assembly 32.

[0107] In this embodiment, the first support plate 34 and the second linkage arm 328 are fixed to each other, and the second support plate 35 and the first linkage arm 325 are fixed to each other. Therefore, the second linkage arm 328 can directly control the movement trajectory of the first support plate 34, and the first linkage arm 325 can directly control the movement trajectory of the second support plate 35, so that the control accuracy of the first support plate 34 and the second support plate 35 during the movement of the folding device 10 is high and the backlash is small, so as to accurately realize expansion and contraction during the rotation of the folding device 10 to meet the support requirements of the flexible display screen 20.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 21and Figure 22 , Figure 21 is Figure 4 a schematic structural view of the folding device 10 shown at another angle, Figure 22 is Figure 21 a partial exploded structural view of the folding device 10 shown.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first connecting frame 321 is slidably connected to the first housing 1 and does not disengage from the first housing 1, and the second connecting frame 322 is slidably connected to the second housing 2 and does not disengage from the second housing 2. Among them, the sliding connection between the first connecting frame 321 and the first housing 1 and between the second connecting frame 322 and the second housing 2 can be achieved through a slide rail structure, such as a matching structure of a slider and a chute. For example, the first connecting frame 321 can be provided with a slider and / or a chute, and the first housing 1 can be provided with a chute and / or a slider, and the cooperation between the slider and the chute realizes the sliding connection between the first connecting frame 321 and the first housing 1. The second connecting frame 322 can be provided with a slider and / or a chute, and the second housing 2 can be provided with a chute and / or a slider, and the cooperation between the slider and the chute realizes the sliding connection between the second connecting frame 322 and the second housing 2. In some other embodiments, the sliding connection between the first connecting frame 321 and the first housing 1 and between the second connecting frame 322 and the second housing 2 can also be achieved through other structures, and the present application does not strictly limit this. Among them, the above-mentioned matching structure of the slider and the chute can have various implementation structures and positional relationships, and the embodiments of the present application do not strictly limit this.

[0110] Among them, the first connecting frame 321 can be prevented from disengaging from the first housing 1 through a limiting structure, such as a matching structure of a limiting groove and a limiting block, or a snap-fit structure of two members that can move relative to each other but do not disengage; or the first connecting frame 321 can be prevented from disengaging from the first housing 1 through a connecting member, such as a deformable elastic connecting member (such as a spring, etc.), or a bendable and non-extendable connecting member (such as a rope, a chain, etc.). The present application does not strictly limit the specific implementation structure for the first connecting frame 321 not to disengage from the first housing 1. Similarly, the second connecting frame 322 can also be prevented from disengaging from the second housing 2 through a limiting structure or a connecting member, and the present application does not strictly limit this.

[0111] In this embodiment, through the first connecting chain and the second connecting chain, the first connecting frame 321 is rotatably connected to the central axis 31, and the second connecting frame 322 is rotatably connected to the central axis 31. The first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322 can be relatively unfolded or relatively folded. Since the first connecting frame 321 is connected to the first housing 1 and does not separate from the first housing 1, and the second connecting frame 322 is connected to the second housing 2 and does not separate from the second housing 2, the first connecting frame 321 can drive the first housing 1 to move, and the second connecting frame 322 can drive the second housing 2 to move, so that the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are relatively unfolded to the open state or relatively folded to the closed state through the folding assembly 3.

[0112] Among them, since the folding device 10 can achieve the inner pulling movement of the connecting frame during the change from the open state to the closed state, and the outer pushing movement of the connecting frame during the change from the closed state to the open state of the folding device 10, the folding device 10 can achieve the inner pulling movement of the housing during the change from the open state to the closed state, and the outer pushing movement of the housing during the change from the closed state to the open state of the folding device 10. During the unfolding or folding of the folding device 10, a deformation movement with the flexible display screen 20 as the neutral plane or a position close to the flexible display screen 20 as the neutral plane can be achieved, thereby reducing the risk of pulling or squeezing the flexible display screen 20, protecting the flexible display screen 20, improving the reliability of the flexible display screen 20, and enabling the flexible display screen 20 and the electronic device 100 to have a long service life.

[0113] In addition, since the first connecting frame 321 is slidably connected to the first housing 1 and there is a sliding gap therebetween, and the second connecting frame 322 is slidably connected to the second housing 2 and there is also a sliding gap therebetween, the above-mentioned sliding gap can make the length of the folding device 10 more easily adapted to the length of the flexible display screen 20 during the movement of the electronic device 100, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the folding device 10, reducing the risk of pulling or squeezing the flexible display screen 20, improving the reliability of the folding device 10 and the flexible display screen 20, and enabling the electronic device 100 to have a long service life.

[0114] It can be understood that in this application, the first connecting frame 321 does not separate from the first housing 1, and the second connecting frame 322 does not separate from the second housing 2, which means that during the normal use of the electronic device 100, the connection relationship of non-separation is maintained between the two. In some other use scenarios, such as during maintenance, disassembly and assembly, etc., it is allowed for the first connecting frame 321 to separate from the first housing 1 and the second connecting frame 322 to separate from the second housing 2.

[0115] In the embodiments of the present application, since the folding device 10 is provided with a first damping member 329 and a second damping member 3210, the first damping member 329 is used to provide a damping force during the relative sliding of the first linkage arm 325 and the second connecting frame 322, and the second damping member 3210 is used to provide a damping force during the relative sliding of the second linkage arm 328 and the first connecting frame 321. That is, during the process of the first connecting frame 321 driving the first housing 1 to rotate relative to the central axis 31 and the second connecting frame 322 driving the second housing 2 to rotate relative to the central axis 31, the first damping member 329 and the second damping member 3210 provide a certain damping force, enabling the user to experience a better mechanism operation feeling.

[0116] In addition, since the folding device 10 is provided with a synchronization component 3220, the synchronization component 3220 is used to keep the rotation angles of the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322 synchronized during the movement of the folding device 10. The first connecting frame 321 drives the first housing 1 to rotate, and the second connecting frame 322 drives the second housing 2. Therefore, the synchronization component 3220 can keep the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 synchronized during the movement of the folding device 10 to improve the user experience.

[0117] Please refer to Figure 23 and Figure 24 , Figure 23 is Figure 4 a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a partial structure of the folding device 10 shown in FIG. Figure 24 is Figure 4 a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a partial structure of the folding device 10 shown in FIG. along the D-D section. Among them, Figure 23 and Figure 24 the first support plate 34 and the second support plate 35 of the folding assembly 3 are not shown in FIG.

[0118] In some embodiments, the two ends of the first elastic member 3230 of the folding assembly 3 respectively contact the first connecting frame 321 and the first housing 1, and the two ends of the second elastic member 3240 respectively contact the second connecting frame 322 and the second housing 2. When the folding device 10 is in the open state, the first connecting frame 321 and the second connecting frame 322 are located on both sides of the central axis 31, and the first elastic member 3230 and the second elastic member 3240 are in a compressed state.

[0119] In this embodiment, when the folding device 10 is in the open state, the elastic force generated by the first elastic member 3230 pushes the first shell 1 away from the first connecting frame 321, absorbing the sliding gap between the first shell 1 and the first connecting frame 321, and the elastic force generated by the second elastic member 3240 pushes the second shell 2 away from the second connecting frame 322, absorbing the sliding gap between the second shell 2 and the second connecting frame 322. Therefore, the folding assembly 3 can realize the outward pushing action of the first shell 1 and the second shell 2, and the folding device 10 can flatten the flexible display screen 20 (see Figure 1 ), to avoid the problem of the flexible display screen 20 being arched in the middle due to long-term bending, so as to improve the flatness and reliability of the flexible display screen 20.

[0120] In some embodiments, when the folding device 10 is in a closed state, the first elastic member 3230 and the second elastic member 3240 may also be in a compressed state. At this time, the elastic force generated by the first elastic member 3230 and the second elastic member 3240 can also achieve the purpose of absorbing the sliding gap, so that the flexible display screen 20 is stretched open by the folding device 10, and is not prone to wrinkles or arches, so as to have higher reliability.

[0121] It is understandable that during the movement of the folding device 10, the states of the first elastic member 3230 and the second elastic member 3240 may change, for example, between a compressed state and a natural state, or the degree of compression may change, and this is not strictly limited in the embodiment of the present application. The degree of compression of the first elastic member 3230 and the second elastic member 3240 in the open state and the closed state may be the same or different, and this is not strictly limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0122] Please refer to Figure 25 and Figure 26 , Figure 25 yes Figure 4 The schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a part of the folding device 10 is shown along the EE section. Figure 26 yes Figure 4 The schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the partial structure of the folding device 10 is shown along the FF section. Figure 23 and Figure 24 The first support plate 34 and the second support plate 35 of the folding assembly 3 are not shown.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first housing 1 has a first limiting groove 12, the first limiting groove 12 includes a first side wall 121 and a second side wall 122 that are oppositely disposed, and the first side wall 121 is located between the second side wall 122 and the central axis 31. The second housing 2 has a second limiting groove 22, the second limiting groove 22 includes a third side wall 221 and a fourth side wall 222 that are oppositely disposed, and the third side wall 221 is located between the fourth side wall 222 and the central axis 31.

[0124] The folding assembly 3 further includes a first limiting block 3250 and a second limiting block 3260. The first limiting block 3250 is fixedly connected to the first connecting frame 321 and is located in the first limiting groove 12. Under the elastic force of the first elastic member 3230, the first limiting block 3250 abuts against the first side wall 121 and forms a gap with the second side wall 122. The second limiting block 3260 is fixedly connected to the second connecting frame 322 and is located in the second limiting groove 22. Under the elastic force of the second elastic member 3240, the second limiting block 3260 abuts against the third side wall 221 and forms a gap with the fourth side wall 222.

[0125] In this embodiment, by sliding the first limiting block 3250 in the first limiting groove 12 of the first housing 1 and being limited between the first side wall 121 and the second side wall 122, and the first limiting block 3250 is fixedly connected to the first connecting frame 321, the first connecting frame 321 is prevented from detaching from the first housing 1; by sliding the second limiting block 3260 in the second limiting groove 22 of the second housing 2 and being limited between the third side wall 221 and the fourth side wall 222, and the second limiting block 3260 is fixedly connected to the second connecting frame 322, the second connecting frame 322 is prevented from detaching from the second housing 2. In this embodiment, the connection structure between the first connecting frame 321 and the first housing 1 and the connection structure between the second connecting frame 322 and the second housing 2 are simple and easy to implement, which is beneficial to reducing the manufacturing difficulty and cost of the folding device 10.

[0126] It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, when the first limiting block 3250 abuts against the first side wall 121 and there is no gap between them, it is considered that the gap between the first connecting frame 321 and the first housing 1 is absorbed; when the second limiting block 3260 abuts against the third side wall 221 and there is no gap between them, it is considered that the gap between the second connecting frame 322 and the second housing 2 is absorbed.

[0127] In some embodiments, as Figure 25 shown, the first connecting frame 321 has a first fastening hole 321f, the first limiting block 3250 has a second fastening hole 3250a, and the second fastening hole 3250a is aligned with the first fastening hole 321f. The first housing 1 further includes a first through hole 13, the first through hole 13 communicates with the first limiting groove 12 and covers the second fastening hole 3250a. The folding assembly 3 further includes a first fastener 36, and the first fastener 36 can extend into the second fastening hole 3250a and the first fastening hole 321f through the first through hole 13 to lock the first limiting block 3250 and the first connecting frame 321.

[0128] In this embodiment, the first limiting block 3250 and the first connecting frame 321 are designed with a split structure, so that the first limiting block 3250 can be first inserted into the first limiting groove 12, and then the first connecting frame 321 is slid into the first housing 1. The first fastening hole 321f is aligned with the second fastening hole 3250a. Then, the first fastener 36 extends through the first through hole 13 into the second fastening hole 3250a and the first fastening hole 321f, thereby locking the first limiting block 3250 and the first connecting frame 321. This assembly method is simple and easy to implement. At this time, the first limiting block 3250 is fixedly connected to the first connecting frame 321, and the first limiting block 3250 is limited in the first limiting groove 12, so the first connecting frame 321 does not separate from the first housing 1.

[0129] Among them, the first limiting block 3250 is located between the first connecting frame 321 and the first housing 1. The stacking direction of the three can be perpendicular to the sliding direction of the first connecting frame 321 and the first housing 1, so as to prevent the first connecting frame 321 from separating from the first housing 1 when the first limiting block 3250 is fixed to the first connecting frame 321.

[0130] In some embodiments, as Figure 26 shown, the second connecting frame 322 has a third fastening hole 322f, and the second limiting block 3260 has a fourth fastening hole 3260a. The third fastening hole 322f is aligned with the fourth fastening hole 3260a. The second housing 2 further includes a second through hole 23. The second through hole 23 communicates with the second limiting groove 22 and covers the fourth fastening hole 3260a. The folding assembly 3 further includes a second fastener 37. The second fastener 37 can extend through the second through hole 23 into the fourth fastening hole 3260a and the third fastening hole 322f to lock the second limiting block 3260 and the second connecting frame 322.

[0131] In this embodiment, the second limiting block 3260 and the second connecting frame 322 are designed with a split structure, so that the second limiting block 3260 can be first inserted into the second limiting groove 22, and then the second connecting frame 322 is slid into the second housing 2. The fourth fastening hole 3260a is aligned with the third fastening hole 322f. Then, the second fastener 37 extends through the second through hole 23 into the fourth fastening hole 3260a and the third fastening hole 322f, thereby locking the second limiting block 3260 and the second connecting frame 322. This assembly method is simple and easy to implement. At this time, the second limiting block 3260 is fixedly connected to the second connecting frame 322, and the second limiting block 3260 is limited in the second limiting groove 22, so the second connecting frame 322 does not separate from the second housing 2.

[0132] Among them, the second limiting block 3260 is located between the second connecting frame 322 and the second housing 2, and the stacking direction of the three can be perpendicular to the sliding direction of the second connecting frame 322 and the second housing 2, so as to prevent the second connecting frame 322 from detaching from the second housing 2 when the second limiting block 3260 is fixed to the second connecting frame 322.

[0133] It can be understood that the connection structures of the first connecting frame 321 and the first housing 1 and the second connecting frame 322 and the second housing 2 described above are all exemplary structures. It is also possible to prevent the first connecting frame 321 from detaching from the first housing 1 and the second connecting frame 322 from detaching from the second housing 2 through other structures. The embodiments of the present application do not make strict limitations in this regard.

[0134] The above description is only a specific embodiment 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, such as reducing or adding structural members, changing the shape of structural members, etc., which should all be covered within the protection scope of the present application; without conflict, the embodiments of the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding device (10), characterized in that, it includes a first housing (1), a second housing (2) and a folding assembly (3), the folding assembly (3) connects the first housing (1) and the second housing (2), and can relatively unfold the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) to an open state or relatively fold them to a closed state; the folding assembly (3) includes a central shaft (31), a first connecting frame (321) and a second connecting frame (322), the first connecting frame (321) is rotatably connected to the central shaft (31), the second connecting frame (322) is rotatably connected to the central shaft (31), and the first connecting frame (321) and the second connecting frame (322) can relatively unfold or relatively fold; the folding assembly (3) further includes a first elastic member (3230) and a second elastic member (3240), the first connecting frame (321) is slidably connected to the first housing (1) and does not detach from the first housing (1), both ends of the first elastic member (3230) respectively contact the first connecting frame (321) and the first housing (1), the second connecting frame (322) is slidably connected to the second housing (2) and does not detach from the second housing (2), both ends of the second elastic member (3240) respectively contact the second connecting frame (322) and the second housing (2); when the folding device (10) is in the open state, the first elastic member (3230) and the second elastic member (3240) are in a compressed state; the first housing (1) has a first limiting groove (12), the first limiting groove (12) includes a first side wall (121) and a second side wall (122) arranged oppositely, and the first side wall (121) is located between the second side wall (122) and the central shaft (31); the second housing (2) has a second limiting groove (22), the second limiting groove (22) includes a third side wall (221) and a fourth side wall (222) arranged oppositely, and the third side wall (221) is located between the fourth side wall (222) and the central shaft (31); the folding assembly (3) further includes a first limiting block (3250) and a second limiting block (3260); the first limiting block (3250) is fixedly connected to the first connecting frame (321) and is located in the first limiting groove (12), under the elastic force of the first elastic member (3230), the first limiting block (3250) abuts against the first side wall (121) and forms a gap with the second side wall (122); the second limiting block (3260) is fixedly connected to the second connecting frame (322) and is located in the second limiting groove (22), under the elastic force of the second elastic member (3240), the second limiting block (3260) abuts against the third side wall (221) and forms a gap with the fourth side wall (222).

2. The folding device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the folding device (10) is in the closed state, the first elastic member (3230) and the second elastic member (3240) are in a compressed state.

3. The folding device (10) according to claim 1, wherein, the first connecting frame (321) has a first fastening hole (321f), the first limiting block (3250) has a second fastening hole (3250a), the second fastening hole (3250a) faces the first fastening hole (321f), the first housing (1) further includes a first through hole (13), the first through hole (13) communicates with the first limiting groove (12) and covers the second fastening hole (3250a); the folding assembly (3) further includes a first fastener (36), and the first fastener (36) can extend into the second fastening hole (3250a) and the first fastening hole (321f) through the first through hole (13) to lock the first limiting block (3250) and the first connecting frame (321).

4. The folding device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the first connecting frame (321) includes a first guiding post (321e), and the first elastic member (3230) is sleeved on the first guiding post (321e) to deform along the extending direction of the first guiding post (321e).

5. The folding device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the folding assembly (3) further includes a first connecting arm (323), a first transmission arm (324) and a first linkage arm (325), the first connecting arm (323) is rotatably connected to the first connecting frame (321) and slidably connected to the central shaft (31), the first linkage arm (325) is rotatably connected to the central shaft (31) and slidably connected to the second connecting frame (322), the first transmission arm (324) is mounted on the central shaft (31) and connects the first connecting arm (323) and the first linkage arm (325); the folding assembly (3) further includes a second connecting arm (326), a second transmission arm (327) and a second linkage arm (328), the second connecting arm (326) is rotatably connected to the second connecting frame (322) and slidably connected to the central shaft (31), the second linkage arm (328) is rotatably connected to the central shaft (31) and slidably connected to the first connecting frame (321), the second transmission arm (327) is mounted on the central shaft (31) and connects the second connecting arm (326) and the second linkage arm (328).

6. The folding device (10) according to claim 5, wherein, the central shaft (31) and the first linkage arm (325) are rotatably connected through a virtual shaft structure, and the first transmission arm (324) and the first connecting arm (323) and the first linkage arm (325) are rotatably connected through a solid shaft structure.

7. The folding device (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The folding device (10) further includes a first damping member (329). The first damping member (329) is installed on the first linkage arm (325) or the second connecting frame (322) and is configured to provide a damping force during the relative sliding of the first linkage arm (325) and the second connecting frame (322).

8. The folding device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the folding device (10) further includes a synchronization assembly (3220). The synchronization assembly (3220) is installed on the central axis (31), and its two ends are respectively connected to the first connecting frame (321) and the second connecting frame (322). The synchronization assembly (3220) is configured to keep the rotation angles of the first connecting frame (321) and the second connecting frame (322) synchronized during the movement of the folding device (10).

9. The folding device (10) according to claim 5, wherein, the folding device (10) further includes a first support plate (34) and a second support plate (35). The first support plate (34) is fixedly connected to the second linkage arm (328), and the second support plate (35) is fixedly connected to the first linkage arm (325). When the folding device (10) is in the open state, a part of the central axis (31) is exposed through the gap between the first support plate (34) and the second support plate (35).

10. An electronic device (100), wherein, it includes a flexible display screen (20) and the folding device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The flexible display screen (20) includes a first non-bending portion (201), a bending portion (202), and a second non-bending portion (203) arranged in sequence. The first non-bending portion (201) is fixed to the first housing (1), and the second non-bending portion (203) is fixed to the second housing (2). During the relative unfolding or relative folding of the first housing (1) and the second housing (2), the bending portion (202) deforms.

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