Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment

Abstract

This application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device. It relates to the field of foldable screen electronic device technology. It mainly aims to improve a hinge mechanism whose length can change as the flexible screen is folded. The hinge mechanism includes a main body, a first door panel, a second door panel, and a middle door panel, as well as a first swing arm and a second swing arm; wherein the first swing arm, the main body, and the first door panel can form a crank-slider mechanism, and the second swing arm, the main body, and the second door panel also form a crank-slider mechanism. Furthermore, the middle door panel can move relative to the main body under the action of at least one of the first door panel, the second door panel, the first swing arm, and the second swing arm, thereby increasing or decreasing the length of the hinge mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic equipment technology, and more particularly to a rotating shaft mechanism and an electronic device having the rotating shaft mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, foldable screens are widely used in mobile devices, such as foldable phones and foldable tablets. In these mobile devices, foldable screens are mainly achieved by combining a flexible screen with a hinge mechanism. During the use of these mobile devices, the repeated folding of the flexible screen may cause damage.

[0003] To extend the lifespan of flexible screens and improve the reliability of foldable electronic devices, the folding portion of the flexible screen needs to possess a certain degree of curvature deformation. Furthermore, the uniformity of curvature throughout the folding portion also significantly impacts its lifespan. The key to achieving both the desired curvature deformation and uniform curvature in the folding portion of the flexible screen lies in the hinge mechanism of the electronic device. Therefore, designing a hinge mechanism to improve the reliability of flexible screens is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device having the hinge mechanism, with the main objective of providing a hinge mechanism whose length can change as the electronic device is folded and unfolded.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] In one aspect, this application provides a hinge mechanism that can be applied in foldable electronic devices with flexible screens, such as foldable screen phones, foldable screen tablets, and other devices.

[0007] The rotating mechanism includes a main body, a first door panel, a second door panel, and a middle door panel, as well as a first swing arm and a second swing arm. The first door panel, the second door panel, and the middle door panel are located on the same side of the main body. The first door panel and the second door panel are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the middle door panel. The first swing arm and the second swing arm are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the main body. The end of the first swing arm closer to the main body is rotatably connected to the main body. One end of the first door panel is rotatably connected to the end of the first swing arm away from the main body, and the other end is slidably connected to the main body. The end of the second swing arm closer to the main body is rotatably connected to the main body. One end of the second door panel is rotatably connected to the end of the second swing arm away from the main body, and the other end is slidably connected to the main body. In this way, the first swing arm, the main body, and the first door panel can form a crank-slider mechanism. Similarly, the second swing arm, the main body, and the second door panel also form a crank-slider mechanism. In addition, at least one of the first door panel, the second door panel, the first swing arm, and the second swing arm is provided with a support portion. When the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate toward each other, the first swing arm drives the end of the first door panel near the main body to move away from the main body, and the second swing arm drives the end of the second door panel near the main body to move away from the main body, so that the support portion separates from the middle door panel and the middle door panel moves toward the main body. When the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate away from each other, the first swing arm drives the end of the first door panel near the main body to move toward the main body, and the second swing arm drives the end of the second door panel near the main body to move toward the main body, so that the support portion abuts against the middle door panel and drives the middle door panel to move away from the main body.

[0008] In the pivot mechanism provided in this application, since the first and second door panels located on both sides of the middle door panel can rotate in opposite directions relative to the main body under the drive of the corresponding first and second swing arms, when the flexible screen is set on the side of the first door panel, the middle door panel and the second door panel away from the main body, the electronic device can be folded when the first and second door panels rotate towards the main body, and conversely, the electronic device can be unfolded when the first and second door panels rotate away from the main body.

[0009] Furthermore, in the pivot mechanism structure provided in this application, the intermediate door panel located between the first and second door panels is not fixed but can move relative to the main body. When the first and second door panels rotate towards each other, that is, when the electronic device switches from a flattened state to a folded state, the intermediate door panel moves closer to the main body. In this way, the length of the pivot mechanism can be increased, and the first, intermediate, and second door panels will form a nearly triangular cavity. The flexible screen portion that is folded and close to the pivot mechanism will be placed within the formed cavity and will not be squeezed. Therefore, the phenomenon of damage to the flexible screen due to repeated folding and squeezing can be avoided.

[0010] When the first and second door panels rotate in opposite directions, that is, when the electronic device rotates from a folded state to a flattened state, the middle door panel moves away from the main body. This shortens the length of the previously increased pivot mechanism until the first door panel, the middle door panel, and the second door panel are in the same plane, thus supporting the flattened flexible screen.

[0011] The driving structure for moving the middle door panel provided in this application is achieved through a support portion of at least one of the first door panel, second door panel, first swing arm, and second swing arm. That is, as the first door panel, second door panel, first swing arm, and second swing arm rotate, the support portion abuts against and separates from the middle door panel, driving the middle door panel closer to or further away from the main body. Compared to an additional driving structure, this application uses mechanical linkage, which simplifies the structure of the entire rotating shaft mechanism and is easier to implement.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate towards each other, causing the first door panel and the second door panel to rotate towards each other to a first position. At this position, the first door panel, the middle door panel, and the second door panel form a screen-accommodating space. The first position can be understood as the position of the first door panel and the second door panel when the electronic device is in a closed state. At this time, the first door panel and the second door panel can form a preset angle, while the middle door panel sinks to a preset position. The three of them can form a triangular but open space, in which the bent part of the flexible screen is accommodated.

[0013] In other words, when the first and second swing arms rotate towards each other until the electronic device is in a closed state, the length of the rotating shaft mechanism increases to increase the radius of curvature of the flexible screen and prevent the flexible screen from being squeezed.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate in opposite directions, causing the first door panel and the second door panel to rotate in opposite directions to the second position, at which point the first door panel, the middle door panel, and the second door panel are on the same plane to form a support surface.

[0015] In other words, driven by the first and second swing arms, the first door panel, the middle door panel, and the second door panel can be on the same plane to support the flattened flexible screen, allowing users to operate on the flattened flexible screen.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, both the first door panel and the second door panel are provided with support parts.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, both the first and second swing arms are provided with support parts.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first door panel, the second door panel, the first swing arm, and the second swing arm are all provided with support parts.

[0019] Since the first and second door panels are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the middle door panel, and the first and second swing arms are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main body, the balance of the support for the middle door panel can be improved, allowing the middle door panel to move stably.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the movement of the first and second swing arms toward each other includes a first stage, a second stage, and a third stage that occur sequentially. In the first stage, the support portions of the first and second door panels abut against the middle door panel, while the support portions of the first and second swing arms separate from the middle door panel. In the second stage, the support portions of the first and second swing arms abut against the middle door panel. In the third stage, the support portions of the first and second door panels, the first and second swing arms, and the second swing arm separate from the middle door panel.

[0021] Due to the relative connections between the first door panel, the first swing arm, the main body, the second door panel, and the second swing arm, the movement speed of the middle door panel can be controlled if the supporting parts of any of the first door panel, the second door panel, the first swing arm, and the second swing arm can exert a force on the middle door panel. For example, in the initial stage of the electronic device moving from a flattened state to a closed state, the middle door panel can move quickly under the control of the supporting parts of the first and second door panels to make enough room to avoid the flexible screen from arching. As the flexible screen continues to fold, the middle door panel will reduce its movement speed under the control of the supporting parts of the first and second swing arms to prevent the middle door panel from releasing too quickly, which could cause excessive stress at the bending point of the flexible screen or even damage from being pulled.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the pivot mechanism further includes a telescopic traction member, one end of which is fixed to the main body and the other end of which is fixed to the middle door panel. The traction member is used to drive the middle door panel to move toward the main body.

[0023] As the first and second door panels move toward each other relative to the main body, causing the electronic device to fold, the middle door panel is close to the main body and is pulled by the retractable tensioning component. This maintains the triangular accommodating space structure formed by the first, second, and middle door panels, preventing the middle door panel from moving away from the main body and squeezing the flexible screen.

[0024] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the retractable tension member includes a spring. Of course, other elastic structures are also possible.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the pivot mechanism further includes a guide structure for guiding the middle door panel to move relative to the main body in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the middle door panel.

[0026] Because any of the structures—the first door panel, the second door panel, the first swing arm, and the second swing arm—may not always ensure that the force applied to the middle door panel is perpendicular to the length direction of the middle door panel, it can cause the middle door panel to shift. Therefore, a guide structure is introduced to guide the vertical linear movement of the middle door panel.

[0027] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the guide structure includes: a guide hole formed in the main body and a guide block slidably disposed in the guide hole; the guide hole extends in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the middle door panel; and the guide block is fixed to the middle door panel.

[0028] In the above technical solution, the guide block is fixed relative to the middle door panel, and the guide hole is opened on the main body. The middle door panel is guided to move linearly by sliding the guide block within the guide hole. It is understood that in other embodiments, the guide block is placed on the main body, and the guide hole is opened on the middle door panel. In summary, the linear movement of the middle door panel is guided by the sliding cooperation of the guide block and the guide hole.

[0029] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the guide hole has a blocking part at the opening near the middle door panel, the pulling member is disposed in the guide hole, the guide block has a blind hole opened from the surface near the middle door panel toward the bottom surface of the guide hole, one end of the pulling member is fixed to the blocking part, and the other end abuts against the bottom surface of the blind hole.

[0030] In this way, the guide hole not only serves to accommodate the guide block, but also hides the traction component inside.

[0031] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first door panel, the second door panel, and the middle door panel each have two opposing surfaces, one of which serves as a support surface to support the flexible screen, and the other surface facing away from the support surface. The surface of the middle door panel facing away from the support surface is opposite to the main body. The surfaces of the first and second door panels facing away from the support surface have extensions that extend toward the side of the middle door panel opposite to the main body. These extensions have a first protrusion protruding toward the middle door panel to form support portions for the first and second door panels.

[0032] By providing first protrusions on the extensions of both the first and second door panels, the extensions of the first and second door panels abut against the middle door panel, thereby causing the middle door panel to move relative to the main body.

[0033] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, door panel grooves are provided on the extensions of the first door panel and the extensions of the second door panel. A sliding shaft is provided in the door panel groove, and the sliding shaft is fixedly connected to the main body. The sliding shaft slides relative to the door panel groove, thereby realizing the sliding connection between the first door panel, the second door panel and the main body.

[0034] By providing a first protrusion on the extensions of the first and second door panels for abutting against the intermediate door panel, the intermediate door panel is moved. Simultaneously, sliding grooves can be formed on the extensions of the first and second door panels to achieve a sliding connection between the first door panel and the main body. Compared to a separate structure for forming door panel sliding grooves, the structure presented in this application is more simplified.

[0035] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the ends of the first and second swing arms near the main body have second bosses protruding toward a surface of the opposite main body of the middle door panel to form a support portion of the first and second swing arms.

[0036] That is, by setting a second protrusion on both the first and second swing arms, so as to abut against the middle door panel, the middle door panel is moved relative to the main body.

[0037] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the main body is provided with a first arc-shaped protrusion and a second arc-shaped protrusion; the end of the first swing arm near the main body forms a first arc arm with an arc-shaped structure, and the first arc arm has a first arc-shaped groove for assembling the first arc-shaped protrusion; the first arc-shaped protrusion slides relative to the first arc-shaped groove to realize the rotational connection between the first swing arm and the main body; the end of the second swing arm near the main body forms a second arc arm with an arc-shaped structure, and the second arc arm has a second arc groove for assembling the second arc-shaped protrusion; the second arc-shaped protrusion slides relative to the second arc groove to realize the rotational connection between the second swing arm and the main body; a second boss is provided on the first arc arm and the second arc arm.

[0038] That is, by setting an arc-shaped groove on the arc arm near the main body and setting an arc-shaped protrusion on the main body, the first swing arm and the second swing arm can rotate relative to the main body through the relative sliding of the arc-shaped groove and the arc-shaped groove. In addition, the second protrusion for abutting against the middle door panel is also set on the arc arm. The structure is compact and simplifies the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0039] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the side of the first door panel opposite to the main body has a first door panel arc-shaped protrusion extending toward the first swing arm, and the first swing arm has a third arc-shaped groove for assembling the first door panel arc-shaped protrusion. The first door panel arc-shaped protrusion slides relative to the third arc-shaped groove to achieve a rotational connection between the first door panel and the first swing arm. The side of the second door panel opposite to the main body has a second door panel arc-shaped protrusion extending toward the second swing arm, and the second swing arm has a fourth arc-shaped groove for assembling the second door panel arc-shaped protrusion. The second door panel arc-shaped protrusion slides relative to the fourth arc-shaped groove to achieve a rotational connection between the second door panel and the second swing arm.

[0040] Similar to the structure of the rotational connection between the first and second swing arms and the main body, the rotational connection between the first door panel and the first swing arm is achieved through the rotational cooperation of the arc-shaped protrusion and the arc-shaped slot, and the rotational connection between the second door panel and the second swing arm. This rotational connection method has a simple structure and is easy to implement.

[0041] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes a synchronization structure, which is slidably connected to the first swing arm and the second swing arm respectively, and the synchronization structure is used to realize the synchronous reverse rotation of the first swing arm and the second swing arm.

[0042] By setting a synchronous structure, the first door panel and the second door panel can rotate synchronously in opposite directions. That is, the first door panel and the second door panel can rotate synchronously towards each other and synchronously away from each other. When the shaft mechanism of this structure is applied to electronic devices, it can significantly improve the user experience.

[0043] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the synchronization structure includes a gear transmission structure, for example, including a first gear connecting rod, a first driven gear, a second driven gear, and a second gear connecting rod that mesh externally in sequence. Specifically, one end of the first gear connecting rod is slidably connected to the end of the first swing arm away from the main body, and the other end forms a first meshing tooth. The first driven gear meshes externally with the first meshing tooth, and the second driven gear meshes externally with the first driven gear. One end of the second gear connecting rod is slidably connected to the end of the second swing arm away from the main body, and the other end forms a second meshing tooth. The second driven gear meshes externally with the second meshing tooth.

[0044] Of course, some possible implementations may also include an even number of driven gears.

[0045] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the pivot mechanism further includes an end cap, which is disposed on the side of the main body away from the first door panel, the middle door panel and the second door panel, and the main body and the end cap are relatively fixed.

[0046] When a hinge mechanism with end caps is applied to an electronic device, the end caps can be exposed when the first and second housings are folded, thus avoiding gaps or openings in the appearance and improving the overall aesthetics of the electronic device.

[0047] Secondly, this application also provides an electronic device, including a first housing and a second housing, a flexible screen and a rotating mechanism in any implementation of the first aspect, wherein the first housing is fixedly connected to a first swing arm and the second housing is fixedly connected to a second swing arm; the first housing includes a first surface and the second housing includes a second surface, the flexible screen continuously covers the first surface of the first housing, the rotating mechanism and the second surface of the second housing, and the flexible screen is fixedly connected to the first surface of the first housing and the second surface of the second housing respectively.

[0048] In the electronic device provided in this application, since it includes the pivot mechanism described in the first aspect above, when the first housing and the second housing move towards each other, not only will the first and second door panels in the pivot mechanism rotate, but the intermediate door panel located between the first and second door panels will also move towards the main body, providing sufficient space for the folded flexible screen and preventing the flexible screen from being squeezed and deformed. Conversely, when the first housing and the second housing move away from each other, causing the flexible screen to unfold, the intermediate door panel will move away from the main body until the first door panel, the intermediate door panel, and the second door panel are in the same plane to support the unfolded flexible screen.

[0049] Furthermore, the drive structure that drives the middle door panel to move uses a support part on at least one of the following structures: a rotating first swing arm, a first door panel, a second swing arm, or a second door panel. This simplifies the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0050] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the flexible screen is composed of a first region, a second region, a third region, a fourth region, and a fifth region arranged consecutively; the first region is fixedly connected to the first surface of the first housing; the second region is fixedly connected to the surface of the first door panel facing the flexible screen; the third region is arranged opposite to the middle door panel and is movable relative to the middle door panel; the fourth region is fixedly connected to the surface of the second door panel facing the flexible screen; and the fifth region is fixedly connected to the second surface of the second housing.

[0051] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the pivot mechanism includes an end cap; when the electronic device is unfolded, the end cap is concealed within a first housing and a second housing; when the electronic device is folded, the end cap is exposed outside the first housing and the second housing to fill the gap between the first housing and the second housing.

[0052] In other words, regardless of whether the electronic device is folded or unfolded, the first and second housings appear to be seamlessly closed from the device's perspective, thus enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the display device.

[0053] In the second possible implementation, the electronic device includes a mobile terminal, such as a foldable phone, foldable tablet, foldable e-reader, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1a An exploded view of an electronic device in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 1b An exploded view of an electronic device in a flattened state after the flexible screen has been removed, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0056] Figure 1cThis is a rear view of an electronic device in a flattened state, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of an electronic device in a flattened state, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0058] Figure 3a A structural diagram of an electronic device in an intermediate state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 3b A side view of an electronic device in an intermediate state, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 4 This application provides a structural diagram of an electronic device in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0061] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an outward-folding electronic device in its flattened state.

[0062] Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of an outward-folding electronic device in the closed state.

[0063] Figure 6a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an inward-folding electronic device in its flattened state.

[0064] Figure 6b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an inward-folding electronic device when it is in the closed state.

[0065] Figure 7a A state diagram of the flexible screen and the pivot mechanism when the electronic device provided in the embodiment of this application is in a flattened state;

[0066] Figure 7b A state diagram of the flexible screen and the rotating shaft mechanism when the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application is in a closed state;

[0067] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism of an existing electronic device when it is in a flattened state.

[0068] Figure 9 An exploded view of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the crank sliding principle formed by the first swing arm, the main body, and the first door plate in a rotating shaft mechanism provided in this application embodiment;

[0070] Figure 11 A state diagram of the crank sliding formed by the first swing arm, the main body and the first door panel in a rotating shaft mechanism provided in this application embodiment at a certain moment during motion;

[0071] Figure 12 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between a first swing arm and a second swing arm when flattened, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 13 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between a first swing arm and a second swing arm at a position between flattening and folding, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 14 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between a first swing arm and a second swing arm during folding, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 15 A structural diagram of a portion of a first swing arm provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 16 A structural diagram of a main body portion provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 17 A structural diagram of a first swing arm provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 18 A structural diagram of a portion of a first swing arm provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 19 A structural diagram of a first door panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 20 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship of a first door panel, a first swing arm, and a second door panel when unfolded, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0080] Figure 21 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship of a first door panel, a first swing arm, and a second door panel at a position between flattening and folding, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 22 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between a first door panel, a first swing arm, and a second door panel during folding, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 23a A structural diagram of a first door panel groove provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 23b A structural diagram of another first door panel groove provided in the first door panel according to an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 23c A structural diagram of another first door panel groove provided in the first door panel according to an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 24 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between a middle door panel, a main body, and a tie member, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 25 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship of a first swing arm driving the middle door panel to move, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 26 A structural diagram of a portion of a first swing arm provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 27 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship of a first door panel driving an intermediate door panel to move, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 28 A simplified schematic diagram illustrating how a first swing arm drives a middle door panel to move, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0090] Figure 29 An exploded view of an intermediate door panel, main body, and guide structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 30 A cross-sectional view of the connection between a middle door panel, a main body, and a guide structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0092] Figure 31 A structural diagram of a synchronization structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0093] Figure 32 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the synchronization structure and the first and second swing arms provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0094] Figure 33 This is a structural diagram of a device with two sets of synchronization structures provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0095] Figure label:

[0096] 1000 - Rotating shaft mechanism; 2000 - First housing; 2001 - First surface; 2002 - Third surface; 3000 - Second housing; 3001 - Second surface; 3002 - Fourth surface; 4000 - Flexible screen;

[0097] 11-Middle door panel; 12-First door panel; 13-Second door panel; 14-Main body; 151-First swing arm; 152-Second swing arm; 16-Sliding shaft; 171-First gear connecting rod; 1711-First meshing tooth; 172-Second gear connecting rod; 1721-Second meshing tooth; 173-First driven gear; 174-Second driven gear; 175-First connecting shaft; 176-Second connecting shaft; 177-Third connecting shaft; 178-Fourth connecting shaft; 19-Pin shaft; 201-First synchronization structure; 202-Second synchronization structure; 21-End cover; 22-Guide block; 23-Pulling component; 24-Guide hole; 25-Connecting component; 26-Blind hole;

[0098] 121 - Extension; 12a - First door panel arc-shaped protrusion; 12b - First door panel slide groove; 12c - Boss; 13b - Second door panel slide groove; 14a - First arc-shaped protrusion; 14b - Second arc-shaped protrusion; 141 - Covering part; 1511 - Bracket; 1512 - Arc arm; 151a - First arc-shaped slot; 151b - Mounting hole; 151c - Third arc-shaped slot; 151d - First track groove; 151e - Support part; 151f - Boss; 152a - Second arc-shaped slot; 152d - Second track groove. Detailed Implementation

[0099] The following embodiments of this application will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0100] This application provides a foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device can include various electronic devices with a flexible screen and capable of changing the unfolded or folded form of the flexible screen and itself. Under different usage requirements, the foldable electronic device can be unfolded to a flattened state, folded to a closed state, or in an intermediate state between the flattened and closed states. That is, the foldable electronic device has at least two states: a flattened state and a closed state. In some cases, it may further include a third state, namely, an intermediate state between the flattened and closed states. It is understood that the intermediate state is not a unique state, but can be any one or more states between the flattened and closed states of the electronic device.

[0101] For example, foldable electronic devices can be, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, e-book readers, cameras, wearable devices, and home electronic devices. For ease of understanding, in the embodiments of this application, foldable electronic devices are described using mobile phones as an example.

[0102] Reference Figure 1a and Figure 1b , Figure 1a An exploded view of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1b An exploded view of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of this application, without the flexible screen. (In conjunction with...) Figure 1a and Figure 1b Foldable electronic devices may include a hinge mechanism 1000, a first housing 2000, a second housing 3000, and a flexible screen 4000.

[0103] The first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 and are respectively connected to the rotating shaft mechanism 1000. The rotating shaft mechanism 1000 can move so that the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are folded or unfolded relative to each other.

[0104] The first housing 2000 and / or the second housing 3000 can each form an installation space for mounting electronic components such as circuit boards, batteries, receivers, speakers, and cameras. The circuit board can integrate electronic components such as the main controller, storage unit, antenna module, and power management module of the electronic device, while the battery can power the flexible screen 4000, circuit board, receiver, speaker, and camera. The first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 can be of equal or unequal thickness; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0105] In one possible design, both the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 may have mounting spaces, distributing the electronic components of the aforementioned electronic device within the two housings. In another possible design, mounting spaces may be provided only in the first housing 2000, concentrating the electronic components of the aforementioned electronic device within the first housing 2000; alternatively, both the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 may have mounting spaces, but with most of the components of the aforementioned electronic device housed in the first housing 2000 and a smaller portion housed in the second housing 3000, making the second housing 3000 lighter and thus allowing for easier folding and unfolding.

[0106] Reference Figure 1b and Figure 1c , Figure 1cThis is a schematic diagram of the back structure of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the first housing 2000 has a first surface 2001 and a third surface 2002 disposed opposite to the first surface 2001, and the second housing 3000 has a second surface 3001 and a fourth surface 3002 disposed opposite to the second surface 3001. The first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 can jointly support the flexible screen 4000, while the third surface 2002 of the first housing 2000 and the fourth surface 3002 of the second housing 3000 can serve as the exterior surfaces of the electronic device. Furthermore, it is understood that in some application scenarios, a display screen can also be disposed on the third surface 2002 of the first housing 2000 and / or the fourth surface 3002 of the second housing 3000. This display screen can be a flexible screen or a non-flexible screen, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0107] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device in which the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are unfolded to a flattened state. In this embodiment, when the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are in the flattened state, they are referred to together. Figure 1a and Figure 2 The first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 are on the same plane. At this time, the included angle between the first surface 2001 and the second surface 3001 can be approximately 180° (a certain angular tolerance is also allowed, for example, the included angle between the first surface 2001 and the second surface 3001 is 165°, 177° or 185°).

[0108] Refer to together Figure 3a and Figure 3b , Figure 3a The diagram shows the structure of an electronic device with the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 rotated (unfolded or folded) relative to each other to an intermediate state. Figure 3b The image shown is a side view of an electronic device with the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 rotated (unfolded or folded) relative to each other to an intermediate state. Figure 3a The flexible screen 4000 is omitted to facilitate the display of the two housings in the intermediate state. At this time, the electronic device can be in any state between the flattened state and the closed state. For example, the included angle between the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 can be, for example, 130° to 150°.

[0109] Also refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device in which the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are folded together to a closed state. (This can be referred to in conjunction with the diagram.) Figure 1a and Figure 4 When the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are in a closed state, the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 face each other or are away from each other (depending on the folding method). At this time, there may be a small angle between the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 or they may be parallel to each other so that the two housings can be completely closed (a certain angular tolerance is also allowed).

[0110] The flexible screen 4000 can be used to display information and provide an interactive interface for users. In various embodiments of this application, the flexible screen 4000 may be, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MLED) screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) screen, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) screen, etc.

[0111] Further reference Figure 1a and Figure 2 The flexible screen 4000 continuously covers the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000, the hinge mechanism 1000, and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 of the foldable electronic device. The flexible screen 4000 can be divided into continuous regions A, B, C, D, and E, where regions B, C, and D include the bent portion when folded. Region A corresponds to the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and can be fixedly connected to it. Region E corresponds to the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 and can be fixedly connected to it. It should be noted that the boundary lines of regions B, C, and D shown in the figure are only exemplary and can be adjusted according to the specific design of the hinge mechanism 1000.

[0112] As mentioned earlier, the electronic device can switch between a flattened state and a closed state through the movement of the pivot mechanism 1000. The flexible screen 4000 can be folded or unfolded along with the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000. Generally, foldable electronic devices fold in two ways: outward folding and inward folding. Outward folding means that during the transition from a flattened state to a closed state, and also in the closed state, the flexible screen 4000 remains on the outside of the electronic device. That is, the flexible screen 4000 is still visible to the user during folding and in the closed state, and the user can still perform some operations on the flexible screen 4000 in the closed state. In other words, as mentioned above, the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 can move away from each other, and when the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are in the closed state, the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 are separated from each other. (See also...) Figure 5a and Figure 5b , Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an outward-folding electronic device in its flattened state. Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of the outward-folding electronic device in its closed state. When the electronic device is closed, the flexible screen 4000 is located on the outside of the device. It is understandable that, without adjustment, the outward-folding electronic device will... Figures 5a to 5b During the process, the rotation radius of the flexible screen 4000 will be larger than that of the pivot mechanism 1000, resulting in excessive stretching of the flexible screen 4000. Therefore, the design of the outward-folding pivot mechanism 1000 needs to consider how to avoid or reduce this stretching as much as possible.

[0113] Conversely, the inward-folding design means that during the transition from a flattened to a closed state of the electronic device, and while the device is closed, the flexible screen 4000 remains inside the device. In other words, during the folding process, the flexible screen 4000 gradually becomes invisible to the user until, in the closed state, it is completely hidden between the two housings. This is similar to what was described above: the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 can move towards each other, and when the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are closed, their first surfaces 2001 and 3001 face each other. (See also...) Figure 6a and Figure 6b , Figure 6a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an inward-folding electronic device in its flattened state. Figure 6bThis is a schematic diagram of an inward-folding electronic device in its closed state. When the electronic device is closed, the flexible screen 4000 is located on the inside of the device. It can be understood that the inward-folding electronic device folds during the folding process (i.e., from...). Figures 6a to 6b During the process, the flexible screen 4000 is folded in half. The maximum bending degree that the flexible screen 4000 can withstand is limited, therefore there exists a corresponding critical radius of curvature R (or a critical radius of curvature range). Once the radius of curvature at the bending point of the flexible screen 4000 is less than this critical radius of curvature R, it is very easy for the flexible screen 4000 to break and become unusable. Furthermore, even if the radius of curvature at the bending point is greater than the critical radius of curvature, if the radius of curvature of the hinge mechanism 1000 of the electronic device is too small, it will also lead to problems such as wrinkles, creases, and misalignment of internal layers in the flexible screen. Therefore, the design of the hinge mechanism 1000 of the inward-folding electronic device needs to maximize the radius of curvature at the bending point of the flexible screen 4000, thereby reducing the pressure on the flexible screen 4000.

[0114] It's easy to understand that, on the one hand, increasing the distance between the two shells in the folded state increases the radius of curvature, preventing the flexible screen 4000 from being folded directly in half. The larger the distance between the two shells, the larger the radius of curvature at the bending point of the flexible screen 4000, resulting in less pressure on it; conversely, the smaller the distance, the smaller the radius of curvature at the bending point, leading to greater pressure and more noticeable creases. On the other hand, a larger distance between the two shells also increases the thickness of the electronic device in the folded state, affecting its portability. Furthermore, this distance makes it easier for dust and foreign objects to enter, potentially damaging and abrading the flexible screen, affecting its lifespan, and also impacting the lifespan of the hinge mechanism.

[0115] Based on the problems of the inward-folding foldable electronic devices mentioned above, this application provides a foldable electronic device and a hinge mechanism suitable for the electronic device. It aims to improve the portability of the electronic device and provide a larger capacity for the flexible screen 4000 during the folding process and in the closed state, thereby increasing the radius of curvature at the bending position of the flexible screen 4000 and reducing the risk of the flexible screen 4000 being crushed and damaged.

[0116] The following is a brief introduction to the main components and related mechanisms that may be involved in the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 provided in this application. The specific structure and implementation principle of each part will be further explained in detail later.

[0117] Figure 7a and Figure 7bA simplified schematic diagram is shown of the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 provided in this application in two different states. Among them, Figure 7a The diagram shows the state of the flexible screen 4000 and the hinge mechanism 1000 when the electronic device is in a flattened state. Figure 7b The diagram shows the state of the flexible screen 4000 and the rotating mechanism 1000 when the electronic device is in the closed state.

[0118] Refer to together Figure 7a and Figure 7b The pivot mechanism 1000 provided in this application includes a first door panel 12, a second door panel 13, and a middle door panel 11. The first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 are arranged on opposite sides of the middle door panel 11, that is, the middle door panel 11 is sandwiched between the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13. The pivot mechanism 1000 also includes a main body 14, and the first door panel 12, the middle door panel 11, and the second door panel 13 are located on the same side of the main body 14. This can be understood as follows: Figure 7a The first door panel 12 has opposing A1 and B1 surfaces, the second door panel 13 has opposing A2 and B2 surfaces, and the middle door panel 11 has opposing A3 and B3 surfaces. Surfaces A1, A2, and A3 are on the same side, and surfaces B1, B2, and B3 are on the same side. The main body 14 is located on one side of surfaces B1, B2, and B3, while the flexible screen 4000 is located on one side of surfaces A1, A2, and A3.

[0119] In the rotating mechanism 1000 provided in this application, the first door panel 12 can rotate relative to the main body 14, and the second door panel 13 can also rotate relative to the main body 14, and the rotation direction of the first door panel 12 is opposite to the rotation direction of the second door panel 13. The first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 rotating in opposite directions can include two states: the first state is when the electronic device is folded, the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 rotate towards each other (or are referred to as relative); the second state is when the electronic device is unfolded, the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 rotate away from each other.

[0120] In addition, in the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 provided in this application, during the rotation of the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13, the middle door panel 11 can move towards the main body 14 or away from the main body 14.

[0121] like Figure 7a When the electronic device is in a flattened state, the first door panel 12, the middle door panel 11, and the second door panel 13 are in the same plane and support the flattened flexible screen 4000. When the electronic device changes from a flattened state to a closed state, such as Figures 7a to 7bAs shown, the first door panel 12 rotates relative to the main body 14 in the rotation direction P1, and the second door panel 13 rotates relative to the main body 14 in the opposite direction P2. That is, the ends of the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 furthest from the main body approach each other, while the ends of the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 closest to the main body move away from each other, causing the flexible screen 4000 to bend between the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13. Furthermore, as the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 approach each other relative to the main body 14, the middle door panel 11 rotates along... Figure 7b The direction P3 shown moves closer to the main body 14. For example, the distance between the middle door panel 11 and the main body 14 can be adjusted by... Figure 7a D1 is reduced to Figure 7b D2. Thus, the first door panel 12, the middle door panel 11, and the second door panel 13 form a near-triangular receiving cavity, within which the flexible screen 4000 is housed, and can be teardrop-shaped. It can be understood that by moving the middle door panel 11 towards the main body 14, a sufficiently large receiving space can be provided for the flexible screen 4000, thereby increasing the radius of curvature at the bending point of the flexible screen 4000 and reducing the risk of the flexible screen 4000 being crushed or damaged.

[0122] Conversely, when an electronic device changes from a closed state to a flattened state, such as Figures 7b to 7a As shown, the first door panel 12 rotates relative to the main body 14 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction P1, and the second door panel 13 rotates relative to the main body 14 in a direction opposite to the direction P2. That is, the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 move away from each other, causing the flexible screen 4000 to unfold. As the ends of the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 move away from the main body 14, the middle door panel 11 rotates along... Figure 7b The shown direction moves away from the main body 14 in the opposite direction to P3 until the first door panel 12, the middle door panel 11 and the second door panel 13 move to be in the same plane to support the flattened flexible screen 4000.

[0123] Based on the above description of the structure of the pivot mechanism 1000 provided in this application, and the description of the motion relationship between the various structures in the pivot mechanism 1000, it can be seen that in the pivot mechanism 1000 provided in this application, not only can the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 rotate relative to the main body 14, but the middle door panel 11 can also rise and fall relative to the main body 14, so that the length of the pivot mechanism 1000 can change. That is, when the flexible screen 4000 is folded, the length of the pivot mechanism 1000 can be lengthened, making room for the flexible screen 4000, increasing the radius of curvature at the bending position of the flexible screen 4000, and avoiding compression of the part of the flexible screen 4000 near the pivot mechanism 1000. When the flexible screen 4000 is unfolded, the length of the pivot mechanism 1000 can be shortened. In other words, the pivot mechanism 1000 can ensure that the length of the flexible screen 4000 remains basically unchanged when it is at any angle during the folding process, that is, it will not be compressed or stretched.

[0124] In some existing implementation methods, such as Figure 8 , Figure 8 The diagram shown is a simplified schematic of a conventional electronic device. In this device, a flexible screen 4000 is slidably mounted on a first housing 2000 and a second housing 3000. If the electronic device is folded multiple times, the flexible screen 4000 may experience wear or even damage due to repeated sliding. However, in the electronic device provided in this application, part of the flexible screen 4000 is fixedly connected to the first housing 2000, and another part of the flexible screen 4000 is fixedly connected to the second housing 3000. Compared to this,... Figure 8 The sliding configuration of the flexible screen 4000 shown in this application will significantly reduce the wear and tear on the flexible screen 4000, thereby increasing the number of times the flexible screen can be folded, increasing the service life of the flexible screen 4000, and improving the performance of the electronic device.

[0125] Combined Figure 8 Since the flexible screen 4000 is slidably mounted on the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000, the edges of the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 have exposed areas for accommodating the sliding space of the flexible screen 4000 (e.g., Figure 8 The Q region mentioned above, thus reducing the screen-to-body ratio of the flexible screen 4000 on the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000. However, compared to the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 provided in this application... Figure 8 The structure shown does not require setting a Q region, in and Figure 8 Given that the electronic devices shown are of similar external dimensions, this application can provide a larger flexible screen 4000 to provide a larger display area.

[0126] Figure 9A feasible structure for a rotating shaft mechanism 1000 is presented. Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the pivot mechanism 1000. In addition to the first door panel 12, the second door panel 13, the middle door panel 11, and the main body 14, the pivot mechanism 1000 also includes a first swing arm 151 and a second swing arm 152, which are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the door panel main body 14.

[0127] In this configuration, one end of the first swing arm 151 is rotatably connected to the main body 14, and the other end is fixed relative to the first housing 2000. One end of the first door panel 12 is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 151, and the other end of the first door panel 12 is slidably connected to the main body 14. One end of the second swing arm 152 is rotatably connected to the main body 14, and the other end is fixed relative to the second housing 3000. One end of the second door panel 13 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 152, and the other end of the second door panel 13 is slidably connected to the main body 14.

[0128] Combination Figure 10 The main body 14, the first swing arm 151, and the first door panel 12 constitute a crank-sliding mechanism. When an external force is applied to the first swing arm 151, causing it to rotate relative to the main body 14, due to the rotational engagement between the first door panel 12 and the first swing arm 151, and the sliding engagement between the first door panel 12 and the main body 14, when the first swing arm 151 moves along... Figure 11 When the first door panel 12 rotates clockwise from the solid line position A1 to the dashed line position A2, it also moves from the solid line position B1 to the dashed line position B2. In this way, when the first swing arm 151 rotates relative to the main body 14, it will cause the first door panel 12 to rotate relative to the main body 14. That is, the first swing arm 151 also causes the first door panel 12 to rotate, so that the first door panel 12 slides relative to the main body 14 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first swing arm 151, thereby causing the end of the first door panel 12 closest to the main body 14 to move away from the main body 14.

[0129] Similarly, the main body 14, the second swing arm 152, and the second door panel 13, and the above-mentioned Figure 10 , Figure 11 Similarly, it also constitutes a crank-sliding mechanism. That is, when an external force is applied to the second swing arm 152 to make it rotate relative to the main body 14, due to the rotational engagement between the second door panel 13 and the second swing arm 152, and the sliding engagement between the second door panel 13 and the main body 14, the second door panel 12 will also be driven to rotate when the second swing arm 152 rotates.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first swing arm 151 may include one or more, and the second swing arm 152 may also include one or more. In the implementation of this application, as... Figure 9A rotating shaft mechanism 1000 including two first swing arms 151 and two second swing arms 152 is provided. When there are multiple first swing arms 151 and two swing arms 152, the first swing arms 151 and the second swing arms 152 can be arranged at intervals.

[0131] The connection structure between the first door panel 12, the first swing arm 151, and the main body 14 will be described in detail below. The connection structure between the second door panel 13, the second swing arm 152, and the main body 14 can be referred to the description of the connection structure between the first door panel 12, the first swing arm 151, and the main body 14.

[0132] The rotational connection between the first swing arm 151 and the main body 14 has several possible structures; three different rotational connection structures are shown below. Of course, other rotational connection structures are also possible.

[0133] Example 1, Figure 12 A rotating connection structure is provided. In this embodiment, the main body 14 is provided with an arc-shaped first arc protrusion 14a, and the end of the first swing arm 151 near the main body 14 is provided with a first arc-shaped groove 151a. The first arc protrusion 14a is fitted into the first arc-shaped groove 151a. The relative rotation between the first arc protrusion 14a and the first arc-shaped groove 151a can realize the rotation between the first swing arm 151 and the main body 14.

[0134] Figure 12 The diagram shows the positional relationship between the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 and the main body 14 when the electronic device is in a flattened state. Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 and the main body 14 when the electronic device is in an intermediate state. When the electronic device is in an intermediate state... Figures 12 to 13 During the folding process, the ends of the first swing arm 151 that are away from the main body 14 and the ends of the second swing arm 152 that are away from the main body 14 gradually move away from the main body 14. Figure 14 This diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 and the main body 14 when the electronic device is in the closed state. When the electronic device is in the closed state... Figures 13 to 14 During the continued folding process, the ends of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 that are furthest from the main body 14 move further away from the main body 14. To improve the stability of the rotation of the first swing arm 151 and the main body 14, such as... Figure 15 , Figure 15 A partial structural diagram of the first swing arm 151 is shown. The first swing arm 151 has two first arc-shaped slots 151a symmetrically arranged on both sides. Correspondingly, as... Figure 16 , Figure 16A partial structural diagram of the main body 14 is shown. The main body 14 is provided with two first arc-shaped protrusions 14a, and two first arc-shaped slots 151a are connected to the two first arc-shaped protrusions 14a in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0135] Continue to combine Figure 15 and Figure 16 Two first arc-shaped protrusions 14a clamp the end of the first swing arm 151 between them. In this way, the two first arc-shaped protrusions 14a also serve a limiting function. Specifically, when the first swing arm 151 and the main body 14 rotate relative to each other, it can prevent the first swing arm 151 from rotating along the axis of rotation (e.g., ...). Figure 16 The first swing arm 151 rotates smoothly relative to the main body 14 by moving in the L1 direction. Furthermore, this ensures that the flexible screen 4000 does not shift along the rotation axis when folded or unfolded, improving the user experience of the electronic device.

[0136] When using Figure 15 and Figure 16 In the rotating connection structure shown, the first arc-shaped groove 151a can be a quarter-circle groove, a third-circle groove, etc. The first arc-shaped protrusion 14a can be a quarter-circle protrusion, a third-circle protrusion, etc. Those skilled in the art can make adaptive adjustments to the specific parameters of the first arc-shaped groove 151a and the first arc-shaped protrusion 14a according to actual needs, and this application does not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0137] In Example 2, a first arc-shaped protrusion can be provided on the first swing arm 151, and a first arc-shaped slot can be provided on the main body 14. The first arc-shaped protrusion on the first swing arm 151 cooperates with the first arc-shaped slot on the main body 14 to achieve relative rotation between the first swing arm 151 and the main body 14. In other words, Example 2 achieves the same rotational connection effect by swapping the positions of the first arc-shaped protrusion and the first arc-shaped slot compared to Example 1. Therefore, the structure of the first arc-shaped protrusion and the first arc-shaped slot can be set with reference to Example 1, which will not be elaborated here.

[0138] Example 3: The first swing arm 151 and the main body 14 can be rotatably connected by a rotating shaft. For example, shaft holes are opened on both the main body 14 and the first swing arm 151, and a rotating shaft inserted into the shaft hole is used to rotatably connect the two.

[0139] The rotation structure of the second swing arm 152 and the main body 14 can refer to the rotation structure of the first swing arm 151 and the main body 14 described above. Of course, other structures can also be used to achieve rotation. For example, Figure 16 The main body 14 is provided with a second arc-shaped protrusion 14b, and correspondingly, the second swing arm 152 is provided with a second arc-shaped slot for assembling the second arc-shaped protrusion 14b.

[0140] It should be noted that, in order to ensure that the flexible screen 4000 can fold and unfold symmetrically, the rotation axis of the second swing arm 152 on the main body 14 can be set parallel to the rotation axis of the first swing arm 151 on the main body 14. For example, as Figure 16 The rotation axis L1 of the first arc-shaped slot 151a and the first arc-shaped protrusion 14a is parallel to the rotation axis L2 of the second arc-shaped protrusion 14b and the second arc-shaped slot.

[0141] The structures of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 can be implemented in various ways. For example, such as Figure 17 , Figure 17 One feasible structure of the first swing arm 151 is shown, wherein the first swing arm 151 includes a support 1511 and an arc-shaped arm 1512. The support 1511 and the arc arm 1512 can be two independent parts, fixed relative to each other by a connector such as bolts. In another possible design, the support 1511 and the arc arm 1512 can also be a one-piece molded structure.

[0142] The aforementioned first arc-shaped slot 151a can be formed on the arc arm 1512, and the bracket 1511 can be fixedly connected to the first housing 2000. For example, as Figure 17 Mounting holes 151b can be provided on the bracket 1511, and the first housing 101 can be fixedly connected to the bracket 1511 of the first swing arm 151 by a connector such as a rivet installed in the mounting hole 151b.

[0143] To simplify the manufacturing process, the second swing arm 152 can be selected to have the same structure as the first swing arm 151. Of course, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 can also adopt other types of structures.

[0144] The rotatable connection between the first door panel 12 and the first swing arm 151 can also have various achievable structures. For example, such as... Figure 18 , Figure 18 A partial structural schematic diagram of the first swing arm 151 is shown, on which a third arc-shaped slot 151c is provided. Figure 19 , Figure 19 A structural schematic diagram of the first door panel 12 is shown. The first door panel 12 is a plate structure, and the first door panel 12 has opposing first surfaces (A1 surface) and second surfaces (B1 surface). An arc-shaped protrusion 12a is provided on the side of the first door panel 12 opposite to the main body 14. Figure 7a and Figure 19An arc-shaped protrusion 12a can be provided on the B1 surface of the first door panel 12. The arc-shaped protrusion 12a is fitted into the third arc-shaped slot 151c, thus achieving a rotational connection between the first swing arm 151 and the first door panel 12. To ensure the stability of the relative rotation between the first door panel 12 and the first swing arm 151, such as... Figure 19 Multiple arc-shaped protrusions 12a can be provided on the first door panel 12, and the multiple arc-shaped protrusions 12a are rotatably connected to multiple first swing arms 151 one-to-one. In some other alternative embodiments, a rotating shaft can also be used for rotatable connection.

[0145] When the first swing arm 151 includes a bracket 1511 and an arc-shaped arm 1512, the arc-shaped arm 1512 is close to the main body 14 and rotatably connected to the main body 14. Then, as... Figure 18 The third arc-shaped slot 151c can be formed on the bracket 1511 away from the main body 14. The rotation direction of the first door panel 12 around the bracket 1511 and the rotation direction of the bracket 1511 itself can be in the same direction. For example, when the bracket 1511 itself rotates clockwise, the first door panel 12 rotates clockwise around the bracket 1511; when the bracket 1511 itself rotates counterclockwise, the first door panel 12 rotates counterclockwise around the bracket 1511.

[0146] Similarly, the rotational connection structure between the second door panel 13 and the second swing arm 152 can be referred to the rotational connection structure between the first door panel 12 and the first swing arm 151, and will not be described again here.

[0147] In order to achieve a sliding connection between the first door panel 12 and the main body 14, such as Figure 20 , Figure 20 The diagram illustrates the connection relationships between the first door panel 12 and the first swing arm 151, and between the first door panel 12 and the main body 14, when the electronic device is in a flattened state. It also illustrates the connection relationships between the second door panel 13 and the second swing arm 152, and between the second door panel 13 and the main body 14. (See also...) Figure 19 and Figure 20 An extension 121 is provided on the side of the first door panel 12 opposite to the main body 14, and the extension 121 extends toward the side of the middle door panel 11 closer to the main body 14. A first door panel groove 12b is formed on the extension 121. Specifically, an extension 121 may be provided on the B2 surface of the first door panel 12, and the extension 121 extends toward the side of the middle door panel 11 closer to the main body 14. A first door panel groove 12b is formed on the extension 121. A sliding shaft 16 is fitted inside the first door panel groove 12b, and the sliding shaft 16 is fixed relative to the main body 14. The sliding connection between the first door panel 12 and the main body 14 is realized through the sliding engagement of the sliding shaft 16 and the first door panel groove 12b. Figure 20In the structure shown, the sliding connection between the sliding shaft 16 and the first door panel groove 12b is achieved through a sliding engagement. In other embodiments, a slider that can slide along the first door panel groove 12b of the first door panel 12 can also be provided on the main body 14, and the slider can be designed as an integral part of the main body 14.

[0148] Similarly, the sliding connection structure between the second door panel 13 and the main body 14 can refer to the sliding connection structure between the first door panel 12 and the main body 14, and will not be described in detail here. For example, it can also adopt... Figure 19 and Figure 20 The sliding fit structure between the sliding shaft and the sliding groove.

[0149] Figure 20 The positions of the first swing arm 151, the second swing arm 152, the first door panel 12, and the second door panel 13 when the electronic device is in a flattened state are also given. Figure 21 The positions of the first swing arm 151, the second swing arm 152, the first door panel 12, and the second door panel 13 are given when the electronic device is folded to its intermediate state. Figure 20 and Figure 21 A comparison shows that the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 rotate toward each other, and the sliding shaft 16 moves along the first door panel slide groove 12b, so that the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 also rotate toward each other. Figure 22 The positions of the first swing arm 151, the second swing arm 152, the first door panel 12, and the second door panel 13 are given when the electronic device is in the closed state. At this time, the sliding shaft 16 slides to the end of the first door panel groove 12b and abuts against the corresponding door panel. It can be seen that during the process of the electronic device changing from the flat state to the closed state, the sliding shaft 16 slides from the end of the first door panel groove 12b away from the main body 14 to the end of the first door panel groove 12b closer to the main body 14.

[0150] The aforementioned first door panel groove 12b can be configured in various ways. For example, such as... Figure 23a , Figure 23b and Figure 23c Three different arc-shaped structures of the first door panel groove 12b are given, by Figures 23a to 23c The bending radius of the first door panel slide groove 12b gradually decreases. When the bending radius of the first door panel slide groove 12b is smaller, the rotational speed of the door panel (first door panel 12 or second door panel 13) is greater when the electronic device is folded and unfolded. Therefore, when designing this pivot mechanism, the bending radius of the first door panel slide groove 12b can be selected according to the rotational speed requirements of the door panel. In some other possible implementations, the first door panel slide groove 12b can also be other structural forms, such as linear, bent, etc.

[0151] Since the intermediate door panel 11 located between the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 needs to move relative to the main body 14 when the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 rotate relative to the main body 14, thereby changing the length dimension of the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 and preventing the flexible screen 4000 from being squeezed or stretched. Therefore, the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 may also include a drive structure for driving the intermediate door panel 11 to move. When the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 rotate toward each other, the drive structure drives the intermediate door panel 11 to move toward the main body 14; when the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 rotate away from each other, the drive structure drives the intermediate door panel 11 to move away from the main body 14.

[0152] In other words, when the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 rotate towards each other relative to the main body 14 until the electronic device is in a closed state, the drive structure will move the middle door panel 11 to a first position closer to the main body 14, thus increasing the length of the entire pivot mechanism 1000. In the first position, the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 form a preset angle, and the first door panel 12, the middle door panel 11, and the second door panel 13 form a triangular-like receiving cavity, providing space for the flexible screen 4000 near the pivot mechanism 1000, ensuring that the flexible screen 4000 maintains its length during folding. When the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 rotate away from the main body 14 until the electronic device is in a flattened state, the drive structure will move the middle door panel 11 to a second position away from the main body 14, shortening the length of the entire pivot mechanism 1000. In the second position, the first door panel 12, the middle door panel 11, and the second door panel 13 are in the same plane, allowing the flexible screen 4000 to lie flat on them.

[0153] The rotating shaft mechanism 1000 provided in this application also includes a telescopic pulling member. Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft mechanism 1000, illustrating the connection relationship between the main body 14, the intermediate door panel 11, and the retractable pulling member 23. One end of the pulling member 23 is fixed to the intermediate door panel 11, and the other end is fixedly connected to the main body 14. When the intermediate door panel 11 moves relative to the main body 14, the retractable pulling member 23 applies a force towards the main body 14 to the intermediate door panel 11, thereby causing the intermediate door panel 11 to move towards the main body 14.

[0154] To ensure that the pulling force of the pulling member 23 is symmetrical with respect to the middle door panel 11, such as Figure 24 Multiple tension members 23 can be used, and these multiple tension members 23 are symmetrically arranged on the side of the middle door panel 11.

[0155] The retractable tension member 23 has a variety of selectable structures. For example, such as... Figure 24 The tensioning element 23 is a spring. Of course, other telescopic elements can also be selected.

[0156] The drive structure that causes the middle door panel 11 to move away from the main body 14 can be implemented in various ways. In some alternative embodiments, the drive structure can be an electric drive structure (e.g., a linear motor), a hydraulic drive structure (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder), or a pneumatic drive structure (e.g., a pneumatic cylinder). In other embodiments, since the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13, as well as the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152, all move relative to the middle door panel 11 during the folding and unfolding of the electronic device, in one possible embodiment of this application, one or more of the moving first door panel 12, the second door panel 13, the first swing arm 151, and the second swing arm 152 can be used to exert a force on the middle door panel 11 to move the middle door panel 11 away from the main body 14. This simplifies the structure of the entire pivot mechanism 1000 and makes implementation easier. The following is a detailed description of how at least one of the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13, and the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152, can act as a drive structure to move the middle door panel 11 relative to the main body 14.

[0157] During the flattening or closing process of the electronic device, if any one of the first door panel 12, the second door panel 13, the first swing arm 151, or the second swing arm 152 rotates relative to the main body 14, then at least one of these rotating structures can be used to apply a force to the intermediate door panel 11, causing the intermediate door panel 11 to move. For example, as... Figure 25 , Figure 25 A schematic diagram is shown showing the structure in which the first swing arm 151 drives the middle door panel 11 to move away from the main body 14. That is, during the movement of the electronic device from the closed state to the flattened state, the end of the first swing arm 151 near the main body 14 forms a support part 151e, which abuts against the side of the middle door panel 11 near the main body 14. As the first swing arm 151 rotates, the support part 151e pushes the middle door panel 11 to move away from the main body 14.

[0158] In one possible design, such as Figure 26 , Figure 26 This is a partial structural diagram of the first swing arm 151, combined with... Figure 25 and Figure 26 The arc arm 1512 of the first swing arm 151 can be used as the support part 151e. Specifically, a boss 151f can be provided at the end of the arc arm 1512. That is, the boss 151f, which rotates synchronously with the first swing arm 151, abuts against the middle door panel 11 to drive the middle door panel 11 to move away from the main body 14.

[0159] In some possible designs, one of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 can be used as the driving structure. In other possible designs, to improve the balance of the movement of the middle door panel 11, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 can be used together to drive the middle door panel 11 to move. The process and structural design of the second swing arm 152 driving the middle door panel 11 are similar to those of the first swing arm 151, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0160] When the rotating first swing arm 151 and second swing arm 152 are used as the driving structure, the electronic device moves from the closed state to the flattened state in the rear section. The first swing arm 151 and second swing arm 152 abut against the middle door panel 11 to push the middle door panel 11 away from the main body 14. Conversely, when the electronic device switches from the flattened state to the closed state in the front section, the first swing arm 151 and second swing arm 152 abut against the middle door panel 11. As the first swing arm 151 and second swing arm 152 continue to rotate, they no longer abut against the middle door panel 11, the pushing force on the middle door panel 11 is removed, and the middle door panel 11 will move towards the main body 14 under the action of the retractable traction member 23.

[0161] When the rotating first door panel 12 moves the middle door panel 11 away from the main body 14, a support portion is formed on the side of the first door panel 12 facing the main body 14. Alternatively, the support portion can be described as being formed on the side of the first door panel 12 facing the main body 14. During the movement of the electronic device from a closed state to a flattened state, when the first door panel 12 rotates relative to the main body 14, the support portion of the first door panel 12 abuts against the side of the middle door panel 11 closest to the main body 14, pushing the middle door panel 11 to move away from the main body 14.

[0162] In one possible design, such as Figure 27 , Figure 27 A schematic diagram is shown illustrating the structure in which the first door panel 12 drives the middle door panel 11 to move away from the main body 14. In this embodiment, a boss 12c protruding towards the middle door panel 11 can be formed at the end of the extension 121 of the first door panel 12, which has a first door panel groove 12b. That is, the middle door panel 11 is driven to move away from the main body 14 by the boss 12c, which rotates synchronously with the first door panel 12, abutting against it. In another possible design, a support portion can be separately provided on the side of the first door panel 12 closer to the main body 14, and this support portion and the extension portion with the first door panel groove are two independent structures.

[0163] Similar to using the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 as the driving structure, in some possible designs, one of the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 can be used as the driving structure. In other possible designs, to improve the balance of the movement of the middle door panel 11, the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 can jointly drive the middle door panel 11 to move. The process and structural design of the second door panel 13 driving the middle door panel 11 are similar to those of the first door panel 12 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0164] When the rotating first door panel 12 and second door panel 13 are used as the driving structure, the electronic device moves from the closed state to the flattened state in the rear section. The first door panel 12 and second door panel 13 abut against the middle door panel 11 to push the middle door panel 11 away from the main body 14. Conversely, when the electronic device switches from the flattened state to the closed state in the front section, the first door panel 12 and second door panel 13 abut against the middle door panel 11. As the first door panel 12 and second door panel 13 continue to rotate, they no longer abut against the middle door panel 11, the pushing force on the middle door panel 11 is removed, and the middle door panel 11 moves towards the main body 14 under the action of the retractable traction member.

[0165] In some cases, if only the first rocker arm 151 and the second rocker arm 152 are used to push the middle door panel 11 away from the main body 14, when the electronic device switches from the flat state to the closed state in the initial stage, the middle door panel 11 cannot move quickly toward the main body 14 because the rotation speed of the first rocker arm 151 and the second rocker arm 152 is relatively slow. This will cause the flexible screen 4000 to arch away from the middle door panel 11.

[0166] In other cases, if only the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 are used to push the middle door panel 11 away from the main body 14, during the movement of the electronic device from the flat state to the closed state, as the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 rotate, after the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 change from contact to non-contact, the middle door panel 11 will move rapidly towards the main body 14 under the pull of the pulling member. In this way, the part of the flexible screen 4000 near the middle door panel 11 will lack support and have greater stress, which may cause damage to the flexible screen 4000.

[0167] To prevent or reduce the degree of arching of the flexible screen 4000 and to prevent excessive stress on the flexible screen 4000, this embodiment of the application can use the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 as driving structures to move the middle door panel 11 away from the main body 14. Simultaneously, the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 can also be used as driving structures to move the middle door panel 11 away from the main body 14. Furthermore, during the process of switching the electronic device from a closed state to a flattened state, the pushing action of the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 on the middle door panel 11 lags behind the pushing action of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 on the middle door panel 11.

[0168] Specifically, in the initial stage of the electronic device moving from a flattened state to a closed state, the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 support the middle door panel 11. Because the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 rotate relatively quickly relative to the main body 14, this rapid rotation causes the middle door panel 11 to also move rapidly towards the main body 14, creating space for the flexible screen 4000 and preventing arching near the middle door panel 11. With this design, in the later stage of the electronic device moving from a closed state to a flattened state, i.e., when the flexible screen 4000 is nearly flattened, the rapidly rotating first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 push the middle door panel 11 to quickly become coplanar with the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13, thus supporting the flexible screen 4000.

[0169] During the movement of the electronic device from a flattened state to a closed state, after the support of the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 on the middle door panel 11 is removed, the middle door panel 11 is then supported again by the rotating first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152. This is because the rotational speeds of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 are both lower than the rotational speeds of the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13. When the support of the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 on the middle door panel 11 is removed, using the slower-rotating first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 to support the middle door panel 11 reduces the moving speed of the middle door panel 11 and avoids stress concentration in the flexible screen 4000 caused by excessively rapid force removal.

[0170] In summary, during the movement of the electronic device provided in this application from a flattened state to a closed state, the middle door panel 11 has three movement stages. In the first stage, the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 rotate towards each other, and the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 rotate towards each other. The supporting parts of the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 that abut against the middle door panel 11 gradually separate from the middle door panel 11, causing the middle door panel 11 to move closer to the main body 14 at a speed of V1. In the second stage, as the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13, as well as the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 continue to rotate, the supporting parts of the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 and the supporting parts of the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 gradually separate from the middle door panel 11, causing the middle door panel 11 to move closer to the main body 14 at a speed of V1. The middle door panel 11 separates, and the supporting parts of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 abut against the middle door panel 11, controlling the middle door panel 11 to continue approaching the main body 14 at a speed of V2 less than V1; in the third stage, as the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13, as well as the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 continue to rotate, the supporting parts of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 also separate from the middle door panel 11, and the middle door panel 11 continues to move towards the main body 14 under the pulling force of the traction member. Finally, the first door panel 12, the second door panel 13 and the middle door panel 11 form a triangular-like receiving cavity, and the flexible screen 4000 is contained in the receiving cavity.

[0171] Accordingly, during the movement of the electronic device provided in this application embodiment from a closed state to a flattened state, the middle door panel 11 also has three movement stages. In the first stage, the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 rotate in opposite directions, and the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 rotate in opposite directions. The middle door panel 11 remains stationary under the pull of the pulling member. In the second stage, as the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13, as well as the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 continue to rotate, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 remain stationary under the pull of the pulling member. The support portion of 52 abuts against the middle door panel 11, breaking the tension of the pull member on the middle door panel 11, and pushing the middle door panel 11 to move away from the main body 14 at a speed of V3; in the third stage, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 separate from the middle door panel 11, and the support portions of the first door panel 12 and the second door panel 13 abut against the middle door panel 11, pushing the middle door panel 11 to continue moving away from the main body 14 at a speed of V4 greater than V3, until the first door panel 12, the middle door panel 11 and the second door panel 13 are coplanar.

[0172] The above describes a drive structure that uses a first swing arm 151 and a second swing arm 152, along with a first door panel 12 and a second door panel 13, to move the middle door panel 11. In other embodiments, one of the first swing arms 151 and 152, and one of the first door panels 12 and 13, can be used together as the drive structure to move the middle door panel 11. However, to ensure stable and balanced movement of the middle door panel 11, a drive structure that uses both the first swing arm 151 and 152, along with the first door panel 12 and 13, can be used together to move the middle door panel 11.

[0173] In the pivot mechanism 1000 provided in this application, when a retractable pulling member is included, during the movement of the electronic device from a closed state to a flattened state, after the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 both abut against the middle door panel 11, the pulling force of the pulling member on the middle door panel 11 must first be broken before the middle door panel 11 can be moved away from the main body 14. Therefore, the elastic force of the retractable pulling member on the middle door panel 11 cannot be too large. For example, when the thrust of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 in moving the middle door panel 11 is f, the elastic force of the retractable pulling member on the middle door panel 11 needs to be less than f. In this way, the middle door panel 11 will move away from the main body 14 under the push of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152.

[0174] In some cases, because the forces exerted by the first door panel 12, the second door panel 13, the first swing arm 151, or the second swing arm 152 on the middle door panel 11 are not always perpendicular to the middle door panel 11, the movement direction of the middle door panel 11 can easily become unstable. For example, referring to... Figure 28 , Figure 28 A simplified schematic diagram shows the positional relationship when the first swing arm 151 rotates to abut against the middle door panel 11 and is in a certain position. At this position, the force exerted by the rotating first swing arm 151 on the middle door panel 11 may be F. This force F can be decomposed into vertical F1 and horizontal F2. Therefore, when the rotating first swing arm 151 drives the middle door panel 11 to move, it may be difficult to ensure that the middle door panel 11 moves in a straight line along the P4 direction perpendicular to the middle door panel 11.

[0175] Based on this possibility, the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 also includes a guide structure for guiding the intermediate door panel 11 to move in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the intermediate door panel 11. Here, the length direction of the intermediate door panel 11 is parallel to the axis of rotational connection between the first swing arm 151 and the main body 14. The intermediate door panel 11 moves in a direction perpendicular to its length direction, that is, the intermediate door panel 11 moves up and down along a straight line during the lifting and lowering process to ensure the stability of the movement.

[0176] The guide structure has a variety of implementable structures. In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 29 , Figure 29 To illustrate the connection relationship between the middle door panel 11, the main body 14, and the guide structure, and Figure 29 This is an exploded view. The guide structure includes a guide block 22 mounted on the middle door panel 11. The guide block 22 and the middle door panel 11 can be two independent structures, for example, as shown below. Figure 29 As shown, the guide block 22 and the middle door panel 11 can be fixedly connected by the connector 25. Alternatively, in another possible design, the guide block 22 and the middle door panel 11 are integrally formed. The guide structure also includes a guide hole 24 formed in the main body 14, the extension direction of the guide hole 24 being perpendicular to the middle door panel 11, so that the guide block 22 sliding in the guide hole 24 will drive the middle door panel 11 away from or towards the main body 14 in a direction perpendicular to it.

[0177] Figure 30 This is a cross-sectional view of the pivot mechanism, used to illustrate the connection relationship between the middle door panel 11, the main body 14, and the pulling member 23. (In conjunction with...) Figure 29 and Figure 30 When the pivot mechanism includes a retractable pulling member 23, a guide block 22, and a guide hole 24, the opening of the guide hole 24 near the middle door panel 11 can have a blocking portion 141. In this case, the radial dimension at the opening of the guide hole 24 is smaller than the radial dimension inside the guide hole 24, and the pulling member 23 is hidden within the guide hole 24. In one possible design, such as... Figure 29 A blind hole 26 that does not penetrate to the bottom of the guide block 24 can be opened in the guide block 24. One end of the pulling member 23 is fixedly connected to the blocking part 141, and the other end abuts against the bottom surface of the blind hole 26.

[0178] In order to enable the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 to move synchronously relative to the pivot mechanism 1000 during the folding and unfolding of the electronic device, in one embodiment provided in this application, the pivot mechanism 1000 may also include a synchronization structure to realize synchronous opposite rotation and synchronous opposite rotation between the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000.

[0179] The structure of a synchronization structure can take many forms. For example, such as... Figure 31 As shown, Figure 31A possible synchronization structure is shown. This synchronization structure may include a gear transmission structure, through which the first swing arm 151 is connected to the second swing arm 152. That is, when the first swing arm 151 rotates relative to the main body 14, the gear transmission structure drives the second swing arm 152 to rotate synchronously in the opposite direction. Consequently, the first housing 2000, fixedly connected to the first swing arm 151, and the second housing 3000, fixedly connected to the second swing arm 152, can rotate synchronously in the opposite direction.

[0180] like Figure 31 The gear transmission structure may include a first gear connecting rod 171 and a second gear connecting rod 172. One end of the first gear connecting rod 171 is slidably connected to a first rocker arm 151, and the other end of the first gear connecting rod 171 has a first meshing tooth 1711. One end of the second gear connecting rod 172 is slidably connected to a second rocker arm 152, and the other end of the second gear connecting rod 172 has a second meshing tooth 1721. In one feasible design, the gear transmission structure may also include an even number of driven gears, for example, it may include two, four, or six driven gears. Figure 31 The example provided includes two driven gears, namely a first driven gear 173 and a second driven gear 174. The first driven gear 173 and the second driven gear 174 are externally meshed. The first driven gear 173 also externally meshes with a first meshing tooth 1711 on a first gear connecting rod 171, and the second driven gear 174 externally meshes with a second meshing tooth 1721 on a second gear connecting rod 172. In another feasible design, the first meshing tooth 1711 directly meshes with the second meshing tooth 1721. That is, when the first gear connecting rod 171 rotates, it directly drives the second gear connecting rod 172 to move in the opposite direction, causing the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 to move in opposite directions, thereby enabling the first housing and the second housing to converge or separate.

[0181] exist Figure 31 In the synchronization structure shown, the rotation axes of the first gear connecting rod 171, the first driven gear 173, the second driven gear 174, and the second gear connecting rod 172 all need to be parallel to the rotation axes of the first swing arm 151 on the main body 14 and the rotation axes of the second swing arm 152 on the main body 14.

[0182] To achieve a sliding connection between the first gear connecting rod 171 and the first rocker arm 151, such as Figure 32 , Figure 32This is used to illustrate the sliding connection between the first gear connecting rod 171 and the first swing arm 151, and to illustrate the sliding connection between the second gear connecting rod 172 and the second swing arm 152. The first gear connecting rod 171 and the first swing arm 151 are connected by a pin 19, which is fixed to the first gear connecting rod 171. Furthermore, the first swing arm 151 has a first track groove 151d for the pin 19 to slide in. The sliding connection between the first gear connecting rod 171 and the first swing arm 151 is achieved through the sliding engagement between the pin 19 and the first track groove 151d.

[0183] Similarly, in order to achieve a sliding connection between the second gear connecting rod 172 and the second rocker arm 152, such as Figure 32 The second gear connecting rod 172 and the second swing arm 151 are connected by a pin 19, which is fixed to the second gear connecting rod 172. The second swing arm 152 has a second track groove 152d for sliding of the pin 19, thus realizing the sliding connection between the second gear connecting rod 172 and the second swing arm 152.

[0184] The following is combined with Figure 31 The working process of this synchronization structure is described below. If the first swing arm 151 moves along... Figure 31 When rotating clockwise as shown, the sliding engagement between the pin 191 and the first track groove 151d drives the first gear connecting rod 171 to rotate clockwise. The rotating first gear connecting rod 171 drives the first driven gear 173 to rotate counterclockwise. The first driven gear 173 drives the second driven gear 174, which meshes with the outside, to rotate clockwise. The second driven gear 174 then drives the second gear connecting rod 172 to rotate counterclockwise, driving the second swing arm 152 to rotate counterclockwise. Finally, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 rotate synchronously in opposite directions, realizing the folding of the flexible screen.

[0185] Conversely, if the first swing arm 151 along Figure 31 When rotated counterclockwise as shown, the first gear connecting rod 171 rotates counterclockwise. The rotating first gear connecting rod 171 drives the first driven gear 173 to rotate clockwise. The first driven gear 173 drives the second driven gear 174, which meshes with the outside, to rotate counterclockwise. The second driven gear 174 then drives the second gear connecting rod 172 to rotate clockwise, driving the second swing arm 152 to rotate clockwise. Finally, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 rotate synchronously in opposite directions, realizing the flattening of the flexible screen.

[0186] In some implementations, when there are at least two first swing arms 151, correspondingly, at least two sets of synchronization structures are required, and multiple sets of synchronization structures are connected one-to-one with multiple first swing arms 151. For example, in Figure 33The diagram shows two sets of synchronization structures, namely a first synchronization structure 201 and a second synchronization structure 202. The first synchronization structure 201 is connected to one of the two first swing arms, and the second synchronization structure 202 is connected to the other of the two first swing arms.

[0187] If the synchronization structure has multiple sets, such as Figure 33 When each synchronization structure includes a gear transmission structure, the first gear connecting rod 171 in the first synchronization structure and the first gear connecting rod 171 in the second synchronization structure are coaxially arranged via a first connecting shaft 175. Similarly, the second gear connecting rod 172 in the first synchronization structure and the second gear connecting rod 172 in the second synchronization structure are coaxially arranged via a second connecting shaft 176, the first driven gear 173 in the first synchronization structure and the first driven gear 173 in the second synchronization structure are coaxially arranged via a third connecting shaft 177, and the second driven gear 174 in the first synchronization structure and the second driven gear 174 in the second synchronization structure are coaxially arranged via a fourth connecting shaft 178. In this way, when the two first swing arms 151 rotate synchronously, they will drive the two second swing arms 152 to rotate synchronously in opposite directions.

[0188] Reference Figure 2 The flexible screen 4000 continuously covers the first housing 2000, the hinge mechanism 1000, and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 of the foldable electronic device, along with the hinge mechanism 1000 provided in the above embodiments. Specifically, region A corresponds to the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and is fixedly connected to it; region E corresponds to the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 and is fixedly connected to it. Region B is fixedly connected to the first door panel 12 of the hinge mechanism; region D is fixedly connected to the second door panel 13 of the hinge mechanism; and region C is opposite to the middle door panel 11 and is movable relative to the middle door panel 11.

[0189] The rotating shaft mechanism 1000 provided in this application also includes an end cap 21, on which the main body 14 is fixed. Figure 2 As shown, when the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are unfolded, the end face of the first housing 2000 is close to the end face of the second housing 3000. The pivot mechanism 1000, which includes the end cover 21, is hidden inside the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000. In other words, the pivot mechanism 1000 is not visible from the outside of the electronic device, which improves the aesthetics of the mobile terminal. Figure 4When the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are folded into a closed state, the end cap 21 of the pivot mechanism 1000 is exposed, filling the gap between the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000, thus ensuring the aesthetic appearance of the electronic device. In other words, regardless of whether the electronic device is in a closed or unfolded state, the internal structure is hidden, and the overall structure has a complete and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0190] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0191] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A rotating shaft mechanism, characterized in that, include: main body; The first door panel, the second door panel, and the middle door panel are located on the same side of the main body, and the first door panel and the second door panel are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the middle door panel. A first swing arm and a second swing arm are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the main body; The end of the first swing arm closer to the main body is rotatably connected to the main body, and one end of the first door panel is rotatably connected to the end of the first swing arm away from the main body, while the other end is slidably connected to the main body. One end of the second swing arm near the main body is rotatably connected to the main body, and one end of the second door panel is rotatably connected to the end of the second swing arm away from the main body, while the other end is slidably connected to the main body. The first door panel, the second door panel, the first swing arm, and the second swing arm are all provided with support parts; When the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate toward each other, the first swing arm drives the end of the first door panel near the main body to move away from the main body, and the second swing arm drives the end of the second door panel near the main body to move away from the main body, so that the support part separates from the middle door panel and the middle door panel moves toward the main body; When the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate in opposite directions, the first swing arm drives the end of the first door panel closest to the main body to move in a direction close to the main body, and the second swing arm drives the end of the second door panel closest to the main body to move in a direction close to the main body, so that the support part abuts against the middle door panel and drives the middle door panel to move away from the main body. During the process of the first swing arm and the second swing arm moving towards each other, there are three stages that appear in sequence: a first stage, a second stage, and a third stage. In the first stage, the support portion of the first door panel and the support portion of the second door panel both abut against the middle door panel, and the support portion of the first swing arm and the support portion of the second swing arm both separate from the middle door panel. In the second stage, the support portion of the first swing arm and the support portion of the second swing arm both abut against the middle door panel; In the third stage, the support portion of the first door panel, the support portion of the second door panel, the support portion of the first swing arm, and the support portion of the second swing arm are all separated from the intermediate door panel.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate in opposite directions, causing the first door panel and the second door panel to rotate in opposite directions to the first position, the first door panel, the middle door panel and the second door panel form a screen enclosure space.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate in opposite directions, causing the first door panel and the second door panel to rotate in opposite directions to the second position, the first door panel, the middle door panel and the second door panel are on the same plane to form a support surface.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism also includes: A retractable traction member, one end of which is fixed to the main body and the other end of which is fixed to the middle door panel, is used to drive the middle door panel to move closer to the main body.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism also includes: A guide structure is provided to guide the middle door panel to move relative to the main body in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the middle door panel.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guiding structure includes: A guide hole is formed in the main body and a guide block is slidably disposed in the guide hole; The guide hole extends in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the middle door panel; The guide block is fixed to the middle door panel.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide hole has a blocking part near the opening of the middle door panel. The pulling member is disposed in the guide hole. The guide block has a blind hole opened from the surface near the middle door panel toward the bottom surface of the guide hole. One end of the pulling member is fixed to the blocking part, and the other end abuts against the bottom surface of the blind hole.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Both the first door panel and the second door panel have extensions on their sides relative to the main body. The extensions extend toward the side of the middle door panel opposite to the main body. The extensions have a first protrusion protruding toward the middle door panel to form the support portion of the first door panel and the support portion of the second door panel.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, Both the extension of the first door panel and the extension of the second door panel are provided with door panel sliding grooves. A sliding shaft is provided in the door panel sliding groove. The sliding shaft is fixedly connected to the main body and slides relative to the door panel sliding groove, thereby realizing the sliding connection between the first door panel and the second door panel and the main body.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first swing arm and the second swing arm have a second boss protruding toward the side of the middle door panel opposite to the body at their ends near the main body, so as to form the support portion of the first swing arm and the support portion of the second swing arm.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that, The main body is provided with a first arc-shaped protrusion and a second arc-shaped protrusion; The first swing arm has an arc-shaped first arc arm at one end near the main body, and the first arc arm has a first arc-shaped groove for assembling the first arc-shaped protrusion; the first arc-shaped protrusion slides relative to the first arc-shaped groove to realize the rotational connection between the first swing arm and the main body; The second swing arm has a second arc arm with an arc structure at one end near the main body, and the second arc arm has a second arc groove for assembling the second arc protrusion. The second arc-shaped protrusion slides relative to the second arc-shaped slot, thereby realizing the rotational connection between the second swing arm and the main body; The second boss is provided on the first arc arm and the second arc arm.

12. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first door panel has a first arc-shaped protrusion extending toward the first swing arm on one side opposite to the main body. The first swing arm is provided with a third arc-shaped slot for assembling the first door panel arc-shaped protrusion. The first door panel arc-shaped protrusion slides relative to the third arc-shaped slot to realize the rotational connection between the first door panel and the first swing arm. The second door panel has an arc-shaped protrusion on one side relative to the main body, which extends toward the second swing arm. The second swing arm has a fourth arc-shaped groove for assembling the arc-shaped protrusion of the second door panel. The arc-shaped protrusion of the second door panel slides relative to the fourth arc-shaped groove, thereby realizing the rotational connection between the second door panel and the second swing arm.

13. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism also includes: A synchronization structure is provided, which is slidably connected to the first swing arm and the second swing arm respectively, and is used to realize the synchronous reverse rotation of the first swing arm and the second swing arm.

14. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 13, characterized in that, The synchronization structure includes: A first gear connecting rod, one end of which is slidably connected to the end of the first swing arm away from the main body, and the other end of which forms a first meshing tooth; The first driven gear meshes externally with the first meshing gear; The second driven gear meshes externally with the first driven gear; The second gear connecting rod has one end slidably connected to the end of the second swing arm away from the main body, and the other end of the second gear connecting rod forms a second meshing tooth, with the second driven gear externally meshing with the second meshing tooth.

15. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: The first housing, the second housing, the flexible screen, and the rotating shaft mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 14; Wherein, the first housing is fixedly connected to the first swing arm, and the second housing is fixedly connected to the second swing arm; The first housing includes a first surface, the second housing includes a second surface, the flexible screen continuously covers the first surface of the first housing, the rotating shaft mechanism and the second surface of the second housing, and the flexible screen is fixedly connected to the first surface of the first housing and the second surface of the second housing respectively.

16. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The flexible screen consists of a first region, a second region, a third region, a fourth region, and a fifth region that are continuously arranged. The first region is fixedly connected to the first surface of the first housing; the second region is fixedly connected to the surface of the first door panel facing the flexible screen. The third region is disposed opposite to the middle door panel and is movable relative to the middle door panel; the fourth region is fixedly connected to the surface of the second door panel facing the flexible screen; the fifth region is fixedly connected to the second surface of the second housing.

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