Folding device and electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a folding device for supporting a flexible screen, which comprises a bendable mechanism and a folding assisting assembly. The bendable mechanism comprises a middle hinge and two rotating hinges connected to opposite sides of the middle hinge, and the flexible screen is attached to the front surface of the middle hinge and the rotating hinges. The folding assisting assembly comprises a linkage mechanism and a limiting mechanism. The linkage mechanism is connected to the middle hinge and the two rotating hinges. The limiting mechanism comprises a pushing piece, a bearing piece and an elastic piece provided on the linkage mechanism. The elastic piece provides elastic force for the mutual abutment between the bearing piece and the pushing piece. The rotating hinge rotates relative to the middle hinge through the linkage mechanism to realize the flattening or bending of the bendable mechanism. The pushing piece rotates relative to the bearing piece, and the frictional resistance between the pushing piece and the bearing piece can position the rotating hinge at a specific angle relative to the middle hinge. The application also provides an electronic device provided with the folding device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flexible screen support, and more particularly to a folding device for supporting a flexible screen and an electronic device equipped with the folding device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of display devices, flexible displays that can be bent have emerged, enabling the design of foldable electronic devices such as foldable phones and foldable displays. These flexible displays typically use hinge mechanisms to support the bending points. However, existing foldable electronic devices generally only have two states: unfolded or folded, and cannot achieve multi-angle positioning. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a folding device capable of multi-angle limiting and an electronic device equipped with the folding device.

[0004] This application provides a folding device for supporting a flexible screen. The folding device includes a bendable mechanism and a folding aid assembly. The bendable mechanism includes a central hinge and two rotating hinges connected to opposite sides of the central hinge. The flexible screen is fitted to the central hinge and the rotating hinges. The folding aid assembly includes a linkage mechanism and a limiting mechanism. The linkage mechanism is connected to the central hinge and the two rotating hinges. The limiting mechanism includes a pushing member, a holding member, and an elastic member disposed on the linkage mechanism. The elastic member provides elastic force between the holding member and the pushing member to abut against each other. The rotating hinges rotate relative to the central hinge through the linkage mechanism. The pushing member rotates relative to the holding member. The frictional resistance between the pushing member and the holding member allows the rotating hinge to be positioned at a specific angle relative to the central hinge.

[0005] This application also provides an electronic device, which includes a flexible screen, a housing, and the folding device. The housing includes two frames, the folding device is disposed between the two frames, and the flexible screen is disposed on the housing and the folding device. The flexible screen is bent or flattened with the folding device.

[0006] The folding device of the electronic device disclosed in this application includes a bendable mechanism and a folding aid component. The folding aid component includes a linkage mechanism and a limiting mechanism connected to the linkage mechanism. The elastic element of the limiting mechanism elastically pushes against the pushing element. When the bendable mechanism is bent, the rotating hinge rotates relative to the central hinge through the linkage mechanism to achieve bending or flattening of the bendable mechanism. The frictional resistance between the pushing element and the supporting element enables the rotating hinge to be positioned at a specific angle relative to the central hinge. Therefore, the bendable mechanism can achieve multi-angle limitation during bending or flattening, allowing the flexible screen attached to the bendable mechanism to achieve multi-angle limitation during bending or flattening, which is convenient to use and improves the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0008] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an electronic device in one embodiment of this application;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the three-dimensional structure of the casing and flexible screen of the electronic device.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding device in an electronic device;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding device from another perspective;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A partially exploded 3D structural diagram of the folding device in the image;

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding device from another perspective;

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A further exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding device in the diagram;

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A further exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding device in the diagram;

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An exploded view of the three-dimensional structure of the bendable mechanism in the diagram;

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the bendable mechanism from another perspective;

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 An enlarged three-dimensional structural diagram of one of the folding components;

[0019] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding aid component from another perspective;

[0020] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 An exploded view of the three-dimensional structure of the folding aid component;

[0021] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 An exploded view of the three-dimensional structure of the folding aid component;

[0022] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 A three-dimensional exploded view of the linkage mechanism and the limiting mechanism in the diagram;

[0023] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 A three-dimensional exploded view of the linkage mechanism and the limiting mechanism in the diagram;

[0024] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A three-dimensional sectional view of the assembled linkage mechanism and limiting mechanism;

[0025] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A front view of the linkage mechanism in the middle;

[0026] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the linkage mechanism in its first bent state;

[0027] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the linkage mechanism in the first bending state;

[0028] Figure 21 yes Figure 17 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the linkage mechanism in its second bending state;

[0029] Figure 22 yes Figure 21A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the linkage mechanism in the second bending state;

[0030] Figure 23 yes Figure 7 An exploded three-dimensional diagram of the turning mechanism and part of the bendable mechanism of one of the folding aid components.

[0031] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the auxiliary turning mechanism and the bendable mechanism from another perspective;

[0032] Figure 25 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional sectional view of the folding device in the diagram;

[0033] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 A front view of the folding device in the middle;

[0034] Figure 27 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional sectional view of the folding device in the diagram;

[0035] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 A front view of the folding device in the middle;

[0036] Figure 29 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device when it is bent 90 degrees.

[0037] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding device in an electronic device;

[0038] Figure 31 yes Figure 30 A cross-sectional view of the folding device at the linkage mechanism;

[0039] Figure 32 yes Figure 30 A cross-sectional view of the folding device at the auxiliary turning mechanism;

[0040] Figure 33 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device when it is bent 180 degrees.

[0041] Figure 34 yes Figure 33 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding device in an electronic device;

[0042] Figure 35 yes Figure 34 A cross-sectional view of the folding device at the linkage mechanism;

[0043] Figure 36 yes Figure 34 A cross-sectional view of the folding device at the auxiliary turning mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] Furthermore, the following descriptions of various embodiments are based on the accompanying illustrations and are used to illustrate specific embodiments that can be implemented in this application. Directional terms used in this application, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and "side," are merely for reference to the accompanying illustrations. Therefore, the directional terms used are for better and clearer explanation and understanding of this application, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "linked," and "set on" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0047] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 6 , Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an electronic device 100 in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the housing 20 and flexible screen 30 of the electronic device 100; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding device 50 of the electronic device 100 in the diagram; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the folding device 50 from another perspective; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding device 50 in the diagram; Figure 6 yes Figure 5A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the folding device 50 from another perspective. In one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device 100 includes a housing 20, a folding device 50, and a flexible screen 30 disposed on the housing 20 and the folding device 50. The housing 20 includes two frames 21, and the folding device 50 is connected between the two frames 21. The flexible screen 30 is disposed on the two frames 21 and the folding device 50. The flexible screen 30 includes a bendable region 31 corresponding to the folding device 50, and two non-bendable regions 33 connected to opposite sides of the bendable region 31. The folding device 50 supports the bendable region 31 of the flexible screen 30, and the flexible screen 30 bends or flattens with the folding device 50. The bendable region 31 can be bent into a U-shape, a teardrop shape, or other shapes. In this embodiment, the bendable region 31 can be bent into a teardrop shape.

[0048] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A further exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding device 50 in the diagram; Figure 8 yes Figure 6A further exploded perspective view of the folding device 50. The folding device 50 includes a bendable mechanism 52 and folding aid components 54 connected to the bendable mechanism 52. The number of folding aid components can be two or more. In this embodiment, the number of folding aid components 54 is three, with two folding aid components 54 disposed at opposite ends of the back of the bendable mechanism 52, and the other folding aid component 54 disposed in the middle of the back of the bendable mechanism 52. The bendable mechanism 52 includes a central hinge 521 and two rotating hinges 523 connected to opposite sides of the central hinge 521. The flexible screen 30 is attached to the central hinge 521 and the rotating hinges 523; specifically, the back of the flexible screen 30 is attached to the front of the central hinge 521 and the rotating hinges 523. Each folding aid component 54 includes a linkage mechanism 55, a limiting mechanism 56, and a rotation aid mechanism 57. The linkage mechanism 55 is located between the limiting mechanism 56 and the rotation aid mechanism 57. The linkage mechanism 55 is connected to the central hinge 521 and the two rotating hinges 523. The limiting mechanism 56 includes a pushing member 562, a holding member 563, and an elastic member 565 disposed on the linkage mechanism 55. The elastic member 565 provides a spring force for mutual abutment between the holding member 563 and the pushing member 562. The rotating hinges 523 are connected to the linkage mechanism. The mechanism 55 rotates relative to the central hinge 521. Specifically, one rotating hinge 523 rotates relative to the central hinge 521, which drives another rotating hinge 523 to rotate synchronously relative to the central hinge 521 through the linkage mechanism 55, so as to realize the flattening or bending of the bendable mechanism 52. The pushing member 562 rotates relative to the supporting member 563, and the frictional resistance between the pushing member 562 and the supporting member 563 can position the rotating hinge 523 relative to the central hinge 521 at a specific angle.

[0049] In some embodiments, the folding device 50 includes two folding aid components 54 disposed at opposite ends of the back side of the bendable mechanism 52.

[0050] In some embodiments, the folding device 50 includes one or more folding aid components 54 disposed on the back side of the bendable mechanism 52.

[0051] In this embodiment, the front side refers to the side facing the same direction as the light-emitting surface of the flexible screen 30, and the back side refers to the side facing away from the light-emitting surface of the flexible screen 30. The electronic device 100 is, for example, but not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, monitors, LCD panels, OLED panels, televisions, smartwatches, VR headsets, automotive displays, and any other products and components with display functions. In the description of this embodiment, "connection" includes both direct and indirect connections. For example, a connection between A and B includes a direct connection between A and B or a connection through a third element C or more other elements. Connections also include integrated connections and non-integrated connections. An integrated connection means that A and B are formed and connected as a single unit, while a non-integrated connection means that A and B are not formed and connected as a single unit.

[0052] The folding device 50 of the electronic device 100 of the present invention includes a bendable mechanism 52 and a folding aid component 54. The folding aid component 54 includes a linkage mechanism 55 and a limiting mechanism 56 connected to the linkage mechanism 55. The elastic member 565 of the limiting mechanism 56 elastically pushes against the supporting member 563 against the pushing member 562. When the bendable mechanism 52 bends, one rotating hinge 523 bends relative to the middle hinge 521 through the linkage mechanism 55, thereby realizing the bending of the bendable mechanism 52. The frictional resistance between the pushing member 562 and the supporting member 563 enables the rotating hinge 523 to be positioned relative to the middle hinge 521 at a specific angle, that is, the included angle between the two rotating hinges 523 is a specific angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. When the bendable mechanism 52 is flattened, one rotating hinge 523, relative to the central hinge 521, is flattened synchronously relative to the central hinge 521 via the linkage mechanism 55, thereby achieving the flattening of the bendable mechanism 52. The frictional resistance between the pushing member 562 and the holding member 563 allows the rotating hinge 523 to be positioned at a specific angle relative to the central hinge 521, i.e., the included angle between the two rotating hinges 523 is a specific angle between 180 degrees and 0 degrees. Therefore, the bendable mechanism 52 can achieve multi-angle limitation during bending or flattening, allowing the flexible screen 30 attached to the bendable mechanism 52 to be limited at multiple angles during bending or flattening, making it convenient to use and improving the user experience.

[0053] Please refer to the following: Figures 7-10 , Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An exploded three-dimensional diagram of the bendable mechanism 52 of the folding device 50 in the diagram. Figure 10 yes Figure 9A three-dimensional structural diagram of the bendable mechanism 52 from another perspective. The central hinge 521 includes a strip-shaped first hinge body 5210 and a cover 5218 connected to the back of the first hinge body 5210. The first hinge body 5210 includes a front side and a back side 5211 facing away from the front side. The back side 5211 of the first hinge body 5210 is provided with a positioning area 5212 for positioning the folding aid component 54. In this embodiment, the back side 5211 of the first hinge body 5210 is provided with three first connecting areas 5212, of which two first connecting areas 5212 are located at opposite ends of the back side 5211 of the first hinge body 5210, and the other first connecting area 5212 is located in the middle of the back side 5211 of the first hinge body 5210. The three folding aid components 54 are respectively connected to the three first connecting areas 5212. Each first connection region 5212 includes a first mounting portion 5213, a second mounting portion and a third mounting portion located at opposite ends of the first mounting portion 5213. The first mounting portion 5213 corresponds to the linkage mechanism 55 of the folding aid component 54, the second mounting portion corresponds to the limiting mechanism 56 of the folding aid component 54, and the third mounting portion corresponds to the rotation aid mechanism 57. The first mounting portion 5213 has clearance grooves 52130 on opposite sides, each groove 52130 used to accommodate a portion of the linkage mechanism 55. The second mounting portion has a receiving groove 5214 for accommodating the supporting member 563 and the elastic member 565, and a connecting hole 5215 at the end of the second mounting portion away from the first mounting portion 5213. The third mounting portion has a first arc surface 5216; specifically, two first arc surfaces 5216 are provided on opposite sides of the third mounting portion, and the third mounting portion also has several connecting holes 5215. The first hinge body 5210 has stop blocks 5217 protruding from opposite sides at one end of each first connection area 5212. The cover 5218 is a strip frame, and the inner surface of the cover 2518 is provided with a plurality of mutually spaced support blocks 2519 and a plurality of gaskets along its length. When the cover 2518 covers the back of the first hinge body 5210, the support blocks 2519 abut against the back of the first hinge body 2510, and the plurality of gaskets abut against the folding aid component 54, so that the connection between the folding aid component 54 and the bendable mechanism 52 is more secure.

[0054] Each rotating hinge 523 includes a strip-shaped second hinge body 5230 and a second connecting region 5232 disposed on the back surface 5231 of the second hinge body 5230. In this embodiment, the back surface 5231 of the second hinge body 5230 is provided with three second connecting regions 5232, wherein two second connecting regions 5232 are located at opposite ends of the second hinge body 5230, and the other second connecting region 5232 is located in the middle of the second hinge body 5230. The second connecting region 5232 is used to connect the linkage mechanism 55 and the rotation mechanism 57 of the corresponding folding aid component 54. Each second connection region 5232 includes a first connection portion 5233 and a second connection portion 5236. Both the first connection portion 5233 and the second connection portion 5236 are arc-shaped blocks provided on the back surface 5231. The first connection portion 5233 is provided with an arc-shaped first guide groove 5234, which passes through the first connection portion 5233 along the length direction of the rotating hinge 523. The second connection portion 5236 is provided with an arc-shaped second guide groove 5237. The axis of the first guide groove 5234 is parallel to the axis of the second guide groove 5237, and the first guide groove 5234 is closer to the middle hinge 521 than the second guide groove 5237. On the side of the second hinge body 5230 near the middle hinge 521, a stop groove 5235 is provided between every two adjacent second connection regions 5232. The stop groove 5235 corresponds to a stop block 5217.

[0055] Please refer to the following: Figures 11-16 , Figure 11 yes Figure 8 An enlarged three-dimensional structural diagram of one of the folding aid components 54 of the folding device 50; Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding aid component 54 from another perspective; Figure 13 yes Figure 11 An exploded view of the three-dimensional structure of the folding aid component 54; Figure 14 yes Figure 12 An exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding aid component 54; Figure 15 yes Figure 13 An exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the linkage mechanism 55 and the limiting mechanism 56 in the diagram; Figure 16 yes Figure 14An exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the linkage mechanism 55 and the limiting mechanism 56 is shown. The pushing member 562 includes a first cam 5620, and the holding member 563 includes a second cam 5630. The first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 are rotatably abutting against each other. When the first cam 5620 rotates relative to the second cam 5630, the first cam 5620 rotatably pushes the second cam 5630 away from or towards the first cam 5620, and the elastic member 565 is compressed. The frictional resistance between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 can limit the pushing member 562 to a specific angle relative to the holding member 563. Specifically, the first cam 5620 includes a circular sleeve and a concave-convex surface provided at one end of the sleeve. The concave-convex surface includes a first protrusion 5624 and a first recess 5625, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the circumference of the sleeve. The number of first protrusions 5624 and the number of first recesses 5625 can be set as needed. For example, the first cam 5620 may include one first protrusion 5624 and one first recess 5625, two first protrusions 5624 and two first recesses 5625, three first protrusions 5624 and three first recesses 5625, or four first protrusions 5624 and four first recesses 5625, etc.

[0056] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the linkage mechanism 55 includes two rotating shafts 551, two connecting rods 552 respectively connected to the two rotating shafts 551, and a gear assembly 554 located between the two connecting rods 552. Each connecting rod 552 is provided with a first gear 5521 meshing with the gear assembly 554. The diameter of the pitch circle of the first gear 5521 is larger than the outer diameter of the first cam 5620. Each connecting rod 552 is connected to the pusher 562, and the two first cams 5620 are respectively sleeved on the two rotating shafts 551. The abutment 563 includes two second cams 5630, which are slidably mounted on the two rotating shafts 551 respectively. The ends of the two connecting rods 552 away from the first cam 5620 are respectively connected to the two rotating hinges 523. The connecting rods 552 rotate with the rotating hinges 523 relative to the middle hinge 521 to drive the rotating shafts 551 and the first cam 5620 to rotate relative to the second cams 5630.

[0057] Specifically, the rotating shaft 551 includes a shaft body 5510 and a positioning ring 5512 located at one end of the shaft body 5510. A positioning portion 5513 is provided on the shaft body 5510 near the positioning ring 5512. The connecting rod 552 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 551 through the positioning portion 5513. In this embodiment, the positioning portion 5513 is a positioning surface located on the outer wall of the shaft body 5510 and extending axially along the shaft body 5510. A connecting section 5515 is formed at the end of the shaft body 5510 near the positioning ring 5512. The connecting section 5515 is used to connect to the auxiliary rotation mechanism 57. A slot 5516 is provided at the end of the shaft body 5510 away from the connecting section 5515. The slot 5516 is located on the outer peripheral wall of the shaft body 5510 and surrounds the shaft body 5510 circumferentially.

[0058] The connecting rod 552 also includes a sleeve 5522 and a connecting rod 5523 connected to the outer peripheral wall of the sleeve 5522. The sleeve 5522 is used to fit onto the shaft 5510. The pushing member 562 is connected to one end of the sleeve 5522. Specifically, the sleeve of the first cam 5620 is connected to the sleeve 5522, and the sleeve of the first cam 5620 and the sleeve 5522 are coaxial. The outer diameter of the sleeve 5522 is larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve of the first cam 5620. The first gear 5521 is disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the sleeve 5522. Specifically, the first gear 5521 is located on the side away from the connecting rod 5523, and the axis of the first gear 5521 is colinear with the axis of the sleeve 5522. In this embodiment, the teeth of the first gear 5521 are arranged circumferentially around the sleeve 5522 with a rotation angle of 90 degrees, that is, the first gear 5521 is provided on the outer circumferential wall of one-quarter of the sleeve 5522; preferably, the first gear 5521 has 14 teeth arranged in one revolution around the sleeve 5522. The pusher 562 is provided at the end of the sleeve 5522 away from the first gear 5521, and the axis of the sleeve 5522 is collinear with the axis of the first cam 5620 of the pusher 562. The sleeve 5522 has an oblong shaft hole 5524, and the rotating shaft 551 can be positioned on the positioning part 5513 after being inserted into the shaft hole 5524 of the sleeve 5522. Guide strips 5525 are respectively protruding on opposite sides of the connecting rod 5523, and the guide strips 5525 extend along the length direction of the connecting rod 5523.

[0059] The gear assembly 554 includes two meshing second gears 5542. The first gears 5521 of the two connecting rods 552 mesh with the two second gears 5542 respectively. The pitch circle diameter of the second gears 5542 is smaller than that of the first gears 5521, and the number of teeth in a circle of the second gears 5542 is less than that in a circle of the first gears 5521. In this embodiment, the first gear 5521 has 14 teeth in a circle, and the second gear 5542 has 10 teeth in a circle. Within a certain width and height space of the rotating shaft 551, the diameter of the pitch circle of the first gear 5521 is increased by the two second gears 5542 positioned between the two rotating shafts 551. This increases the outer diameter of the first cam 5620, allowing for greater frictional torque between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630, and reducing fatigue wear of the first cam 5620, thereby extending its service life. The gear assembly 554 also includes two rotating shafts 5544, and two second gears 5542 are respectively fixedly sleeved on the middle of the two rotating shafts 5544. A stop ring 5545 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the rotating shaft 5544 near one end, and a groove 5547 is provided on the other end of the outer peripheral wall of the rotating shaft 5544 away from the stop ring 5545.

[0060] The linkage mechanism 55 further includes a first positioning element 555, and the limiting mechanism 56 further includes a second positioning element 566. The first positioning element 555 is connected to one end of the two rotating shafts 551, and the second positioning element 566 is connected to the other opposite ends of the two rotating shafts 551. The connecting rod 552, the pushing element 562, the holding element 563, and the elastic element 565 are located between the first positioning element 555 and the second positioning element 566. Specifically, the first positioning element 555 is a rectangular positioning piece. The two opposite ends of the rectangular positioning piece are respectively provided with through holes 5552. The middle part of the rectangular positioning piece is provided with two spaced shaft holes 5554 between the two through holes 5552. The axis of the through holes 5552 is parallel to the axis of the shaft holes 5554. The through holes 5552 are used for the shaft body 5510 to be rotatably inserted, and the shaft holes 5554 are used for the end of the rotating shaft 5544 to be rotatably inserted. The two opposite end faces of the first positioning element 555 are set as arc surfaces. The linkage mechanism 55 also includes two U-shaped buckles 557, which are used to engage with the slots 5547 of the rotating shaft 5544.

[0061] The abutment 563 also includes a connecting portion 5632 and two second cams 5630 disposed at opposite ends of the connecting portion 5632. The elastic member 565 is located between the second positioning member 566 and the abutment 563. The rotating shaft 551 can rotate relative to the abutment 563, and the abutment 563 can slide along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 551. Specifically, the second cam 5630 includes a circular sleeve and a concave-convex surface at one end of the sleeve. The concave-convex surface includes a second protrusion 5634 and a second recess 5635, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the circumference of the sleeve. The number of second protrusions 5634 and second recesses 5635 on the second cam 5630 is the same as the number of first recesses 5625 and first protrusions 5624 on the first cam 5620, such that the first protrusions 5624 engage with the second recesses 5635, and the second protrusions 5634 engage with the first recesses 5625. The connecting portion 5632 is provided with two shaft holes 5636, and the axis of the second cam 5630 is parallel to the axis of the shaft holes 5636.

[0062] The second positioning component 566 includes a rectangular positioning piece 5661, an extension rod 5663 protruding from the middle of one side of the positioning piece 5661, and an extension piece 5664 protruding from the opposite side of the positioning piece 5661. The positioning piece 5661 has circular through holes 5665 at its opposite ends, and the extension direction of the extension rod 5663 is parallel to the axis of the circular through holes 5665. The opposite end faces of the positioning piece 5661 are arc-shaped. The extension piece 5664 has connecting holes 5667.

[0063] The limiting mechanism 56 further includes a friction element 567 fixedly sleeved on the rotating shaft 551, the friction element 567 being clamped between the second positioning element 566 and the elastic element 565. Specifically, the friction element 567 is a circular friction plate, with a positioning hole 5672 formed in the center of the friction plate. The friction element 567 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 551 through the positioning hole 5672. Preferably, the two opposite sides of the friction element 567 are respectively provided with a plurality of holes 5674, which can increase the frictional resistance of the friction element 567. In some embodiments, the two opposite sides of the friction element 567 may also be provided with a plurality of protrusions, which can increase the frictional resistance of the friction element 567.

[0064] The limiting mechanism 56 further includes a washer 568, which is slidably sleeved on the two rotating shafts 551 and located between the elastic member 565 and the friction member 567. Specifically, the washer 568 is rectangular, with its opposite ends being arc surfaces. The washer 568 has three through holes 5682, two of which are located at opposite ends and the other at the middle. The limiting mechanism 56 also includes two C-shaped buckles 569, which are used to engage with the slots 5516 of the rotating shafts 551. In this embodiment, the elastic member 565 includes a first spring 5651 and a second spring 5653 sleeved on each rotating shaft 551, with the second spring 5653 located between the washer 568 and the abutment member 563.

[0065] Please refer to the following: Figures 15-18 , Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A three-dimensional sectional view of the assembled linkage mechanism 55 and limiting mechanism 56; Figure 18 yes Figure 17A front view of the linkage mechanism 55. When assembling the linkage mechanism 55 and the limiting mechanism 56, the ends of the two rotating shafts 551 furthest from the positioning ring 5512 are respectively inserted into the two through holes 5552 of the first positioning member 555 until the first positioning member 555 stops against the positioning ring 5512 of the rotating shaft 551; the gear assembly 554 is positioned between the two connecting rods 552, and the two second gears 5542 respectively mesh with the two first gears 5521, wherein the stop rings 5545 of the two rotating shafts 5544 and the pushing member 562 are located on the same side; the two rotating shafts 551... The ends away from the positioning ring 5512 are respectively inserted into the sleeves 5522 of the two connecting rods 552, and the ends of the two rotating shafts 5544 of the gear assembly 554 with slots 5547 are respectively inserted into the two shaft holes 5554 of the first positioning member 555, until the slots 5547 of each rotating shaft 5544 pass through the corresponding shaft holes 5554, that is, the slots 5547 are exposed on the side of the first positioning member 555 away from the connecting rod 552; at this time, each first cam 5620 and the corresponding first gear 5521 rotate on the same shaft 551. Two snap fasteners 557 are respectively snapped into the slots 5547 of the two rotating shafts 5544, with the snap fasteners 557 abutting against the side of the first positioning member 555 to prevent the rotating shafts 5544 from disengaging from the shaft holes 5554; the abutting member 563 is sleeved on the two rotating shafts 551 so that the two second cams 5630 of the abutting member 563 are rotatably abutting against the two first cams 5620 respectively. Specifically, the ends of the two rotating shafts 551 with slots 5516 are respectively inserted into the inner cavities of the two second cams 5630 of the abutting member 563, and the two rotating shafts 5544 are respectively inserted into the two shaft holes 5636 of the abutting member 563, until the stop ring 5545 abuts against the side of the connecting part 5632; the two first springs 5651 are respectively sleeved on the two rotating shafts 551, and the second springs 5653 are placed... Place the first spring 5651 between the two first springs 5651; put the washer 568 on the two rotating shafts 551, so that the first spring 5651 and the second spring 5663 are clamped between the abutment 563 and the washer 568; put the two friction members 565 on the two rotating shafts 551 respectively, and then insert the extension rod 5663 of the second positioning member 566 through the through hole 5682 in the middle of the washer ring and the washer 568 into the inner cavity of the second spring 5663, so that the ends of the two rotating shafts 551 with the slots 5516 pass through the two circular through holes 5665 of the second positioning member 566 respectively, until the slots 5516 of each rotating shaft 551 protrude from the corresponding circular through hole 5665 away from the side of the extension rod 5663; then snap the two C-shaped buckles 569 into the slots 5516 of the two rotating shafts 551 respectively.At this time, the two C-shaped buckles 569 respectively abut against the side of the positioning piece 5661 away from the extension rod 5663, and the elastic element 565 is in a compressed state, that is, the elastic element 565 has a pre-spring force, the first spring 5651 has a pre-spring force F0, and the second spring 5653 has a pre-spring force F1; each first cam 5620 can rotate and abut against the corresponding second cam 5630, that is, the first protrusion 5624 is accommodated in the second recess 5625, and the second protrusion 5634 is accommodated in the first recess 5625; the axial force F on the first cam 5620, the second cam and 5630 and the friction element 567 on each rotating shaft 551 is equal to the sum of the pre-spring force F0 of the first spring 5651 and half of the pre-spring force F1 of the second spring 5653, that is, F=F0+1 / 2*F1.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first spring 5651 and the second spring 5653 are of the same type, that is, the first spring 5651 and the second spring 5653 are the same, that is, the first spring 5651 and the second spring 5653 both have a preload force F0; the axial force on the first cam 5620, the second cam and 5630 on each rotating shaft 551 and on the friction member 567 is F=F0*3 / 2.

[0067] In some embodiments, the second spring 5653 may be omitted. In this case, the axial force of the first cam 5620, the second cam and 5630 on each rotating shaft 551 and the friction member 567 is equal to the pre-elastic force of the first elastic member 5651, i.e., F = F0.

[0068] Please refer to the following: Figures 15-22 , Figure 19 yes Figure 17 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the first bending state of the linkage mechanism 55 in the middle; Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A cross-sectional view of the linkage mechanism 55 in the first bending state; Figure 21 yes Figure 17 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the second bending state of the linkage mechanism 55 in the middle; Figure 22 yes Figure 21The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the linkage mechanism 55 in its second bent state. When the linkage mechanism 55 is bent from its flattened state, one connecting rod 552 is bent relative to the abutment 563 toward another connecting member 552. This connecting rod 552 rotates along the axis of its corresponding rotating shaft 551, causing the corresponding rotating shaft 551, the first gear 5521, and the abutment 562 to rotate along the axis of the rotating shaft 551. Specifically, the rotating shaft 551 rotates within the through hole 5552 corresponding to the abutment 563. The rotating first gear 5521, through the gear assembly 554, drives the other first gear 5521 to rotate. The rotation of the other first gear 5521 drives the corresponding rotating shaft 551 and the sleeve. 5522, the pushing member 562 and the connecting rod 5523 rotate, thereby causing the two connecting rods 552 of the linkage mechanism 55 to move closer to each other synchronously; at the same time, the pushing member 562 on each connecting rod 552 rotates relative to the supporting member 563, causing the first cam 5620 of the pushing member 562 to rotatably push against the second cam, and the supporting member 563 slides along the axial direction of the rotation shaft 551 to compress the elastic member 565. The elastic member 565 elastically pushes against the pad 568, causing the friction member 567 to be clamped between the pad 568 and the second positioning member 566, and the friction member 567 rotates relative to the pad 568 and the second positioning member 566 with the corresponding rotation shaft 551.

[0069] In the above process, the axial force on the first cam 5620, the second cam 5630 and the friction element 567 on each rotating shaft 551 is equal to the sum of the elastic force of the first elastic element 5651 and half of the elastic force of the second elastic element 5653; the frictional resistance between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 and / or the frictional resistance of the two friction elements 567 can limit the two connecting rods 552 to a specific angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. Specifically, during the bending process of the angle between the two connecting rods 552 of the linkage mechanism 55 from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, the pushing member 562 pushes the sliding member 563, and the supporting member 563 pushes the elastic member 565 to deform elastically, causing the compression of the elastic member 565 to gradually increase. This gradually increases the elastic force of the elastic member 565, thereby gradually increasing the frictional resistance between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 and the frictional resistance of the friction member 567. This allows the two connecting rods 552 to be limited to a specific angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees. Figure 19 and Figure 20This indicates that the two connecting rods 552 are bent and limited to a 90-degree angle. During the bending process of the angle between the two connecting rods 552 of the linkage mechanism 55 from 90 degrees to 180 degrees, the elastic element 565 elastically pushes against the sliding of the supporting element 563 along the rotation axis 551. The compression of the elastic element 565 gradually decreases, so that the elastic force of the elastic element 565 gradually decreases. This gradually reduces the frictional resistance between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630, as well as the frictional resistance of the friction element 567, while still ensuring that the two connecting rods 552 are limited to a specific angle between 90 degrees and 180 degrees. Figure 21 and Figure 22 This indicates that the two connecting rods 552 are bent towards each other and limited to 180 degrees. The frictional resistance between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 on each rotating shaft 551 corresponds to the torque M1, and the frictional resistance of each friction surface of the friction element 567 is M2. Therefore, the total frictional torque of each rotating shaft 551 is M = M1 + 2 * M2.

[0070] In other applications, the two connecting rods 552 can rotate together in opposite directions, with each connecting rod 552 rotating along the axis of its corresponding rotation shaft 551. This rotation drives the corresponding rotation shaft 551, the first gear 5521, and the pushing member 562 to rotate along the axis of the rotation shaft 551. The two first gears 5521 together drive the two second gears 5542 of the gear assembly 554 to rotate, thereby causing the two connecting rods 552 of the linkage mechanism 55 to synchronously approach each other. Simultaneously... The pusher 562 on each link 552 rotates relative to the support 563, causing the first cam 5620 of the pusher 562 to rotatably push against the second cam. The support 563 slides along the axial direction of the rotation shaft 551 and squeezes the elastic member 565. The elastic member 565 elastically pushes against the pad 568, causing the friction member 567 to be clamped between the pad 568 and the second positioning member 566. The friction member 567 rotates relative to the pad 568 and the second positioning member 566 with the corresponding rotation shaft 551.

[0071] When the linkage mechanism 55 is unfolded from its fully bent state, one of the connecting rods 552 is unfolded away from the other connecting rod 552 relative to the abutment 563. This connecting rod 552 rotates along the axis of the rotating shaft 551, causing the corresponding rotating shaft 551, the first gear 5521, and the abutment 562 to rotate along the axis of the rotating shaft 551. Specifically, the rotating shaft 551 rotates within the through hole 5552 corresponding to the abutment 563. The rotating first gear 5521, through the gear assembly 554, drives the other first gear 5521 to rotate. The rotation of the other first gear 5521 drives the corresponding rotating shaft 551 and the sleeve 55. 22. The pushing member 562 and the connecting rod 5523 rotate, thereby causing the two connecting rods 552 of the linkage mechanism 55 to move away from each other synchronously; at the same time, the pushing member 562 on each connecting rod 552 rotates relative to the supporting member 563, causing the first cam 5620 of the pushing member 562 to rotatably push against the second cam 5630, the elastic member 565 elastically pushes against the pad 568 and the supporting member 563, causing the supporting member 563 to slide along the axial direction of the rotation shaft 551, the friction member 567 is clamped between the pad 568 and the second positioning member 566, and the friction member 567 rotates relative to the pad 568 and the second positioning member 566 with the corresponding rotation shaft 551.

[0072] During the above process, the axial force on the first cam 5620, the second cam 5630 and the friction element 567 on each rotating shaft 551 is equal to the sum of the elastic force of the first elastic element 5651 and half of the elastic force of the second elastic element 5653; the frictional torque between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 and / or the frictional resistance of the two friction elements 567 can limit the two connecting rods 552 to a specific angle between 180 degrees and 0 degrees. Specifically, during the bending process of the two connecting rods 552 of the linkage mechanism 55 from 180 degrees to 90 degrees, the pushing member 562 pushes the sliding member 563, and the supporting member 563 pushes the elastic member 565 to deform elastically, causing the compression of the elastic member 565 to gradually increase. This gradually increases the elastic force of the elastic member 565, thereby gradually increasing the frictional resistance between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 and the frictional resistance of the friction member 567. This allows the two connecting rods 552 to be limited between 180 degrees and 90 degrees. During the unfolding process of the angle between the two connecting rods 552 of the linkage mechanism 55 from 90 degrees to 0 degrees, the elastic element 565 elastically pushes against the supporting element 563 and slides along the rotation axis 551. The compression of the elastic element 565 gradually decreases, so that the elastic force of the elastic element 565 gradually decreases, so that the frictional resistance between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 and the frictional resistance of the friction element 567 gradually decrease, but it can still ensure that the two connecting rods 552 can be limited to a specific angle between 90 degrees and 0 degrees.

[0073] In other applications, the two connecting rods 552 can rotate together in a direction away from each other, with each connecting rod 552 rotating along the axis of its corresponding rotation shaft 551. This drives the corresponding rotation shaft 551, the first gear 5521, and the pushing member 562 to rotate along the axis of the rotation shaft 551. The two first gears 5521 together drive the two second gears 5542 of the gear assembly 554 to rotate, thereby causing the two connecting rods 552 of the linkage mechanism 55 to move away from each other and flatten out. Simultaneously... The pusher 562 on each link 552 rotates relative to the support 563, causing the first cam 5620 of the pusher 562 to rotatably push the second cam 5630. The support 563 slides along the axial direction of the rotation shaft 551 and squeezes the elastic member 565. The elastic member 565 elastically pushes against the pad 568, causing the friction member 567 to be clamped between the pad 568 and the second positioning member 566. The friction member 567 rotates relative to the pad 568 and the second positioning member 566 with the corresponding rotation shaft 551.

[0074] In some embodiments, the second elastic element 5653 may be omitted. During the bending or unfolding process of the linkage mechanism 55, the axial force on the first cam 5620, the second cam 5630 and the friction element 567 on each rotating shaft 551 is equal to the elastic force of the first elastic element 5651.

[0075] Please refer to the following: Figures 7-8 and Figures 23-24 , Figure 23 yes Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the folding aid component 50, including the folding aid mechanism 57 and part of the bendable mechanism 52. Figure 24 yes Figure 23The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the auxiliary rotation mechanism 57 and the bendable mechanism 52. The auxiliary rotation mechanism 57 includes a rotating member 571. The first end of the rotating member 571 is rotatably connected to the central hinge 521, and the opposite second end of the rotating member 571 is connected to the rotating hinge 523. The rotating hinge 523 rotates relative to the central hinge 521 to drive the rotating member 571 to rotate relative to the central hinge 521. Specifically, the auxiliary rotation mechanism 57 includes two rotating members 571. Each rotating member 571 includes a rotating part 5711 and a connecting part 5715 connected to the rotating part 5711. The rotating part 5711 is located at the first end of the rotating member 571, and the connecting part 5715 is located at the second end of the rotating member 571. The rotating part 5711 is rotatably connected to the central hinge 521, and the connecting part 5713 is connected to the rotating hinge 523. The rotating part 5711 is in the shape of an arcuate plate. The rotating part 5711 includes an arcuate first auxiliary rotating surface 5712 and a second auxiliary rotating surface 5713 opposite to the first auxiliary rotating surface 5712. The second auxiliary rotating surface 5713 is parallel to the first auxiliary rotating surface 5712. The first auxiliary rotating surface 5712 is used to fit against the first arcuate surface 5216 of the central hinge 521. When the first auxiliary rotating surface 5712 fits against the first arcuate surface 5216, the center lines of the first auxiliary rotating surface 5712 and the first arcuate surface 5216 are collinear. The connecting part 5715 is a sheet-like structure extending from one side of the rotating part 5711 along the axis perpendicular to the first auxiliary rotating surface 5712. The connecting part 5715 extends two extension rods 5716 away from the side of the rotating part 5711. Each extension rod 5716 has a rotating cylinder 5717 at its end. The axes of the two rotating cylinders 5717 are collinear and parallel to the axis of the first auxiliary rotating surface 5712.

[0076] The rotation-assisting mechanism 57 further includes a mounting member 573, and a connecting portion 5711 is clamped between the mounting member 573 and the central hinge 521. The mounting member 573 is provided with a second arc surface 5730 that mates with the second rotation-assisting surface 5713. Specifically, the mounting member 573 includes a rectangular mounting block 5731, and the second arc surface 5730 is provided on the surface of the mounting block 5731 facing the rotating member 571. In this embodiment, two second arc surfaces 5730 are provided on the surface of the mounting block 5731 facing the rotating member 571, and the two second arc surfaces 5730 are located on opposite sides of the mounting block 5731. Positioning hooks 5733 are respectively protruded from both ends of the second arc surfaces 5730 on the surface of the mounting block 5731 facing the rotating member 571. The mounting block 5731 has several connecting through holes 5735, one of which is located between two second arc surfaces 5730, and the other connecting through holes 5735 are located around the two second arc surfaces 5730. The end face of the mounting block 5731 facing the folding aid assembly 54 has connecting holes 5736.

[0077] The folding aid assembly 54 also includes two connecting frames 58, each connecting frame 58 for connecting the rotating member 571 and the connecting rod 552 to the rotating hinge 523. The connecting frame 58 includes a rectangular connecting plate 581, a first connecting portion 583 and a second connecting portion 585 disposed on the same surface of the connecting plate 581. The first connecting portion 583 includes two spaced-apart protrusions 5831 on the connecting plate 581, with guide grooves 5833 on opposite sides of the two protrusions 583. The second connecting portion 583 includes three spaced-apart protrusions 5851 on the connecting plate 581, with a receiving groove 5833 formed between each pair of adjacent protrusions 5851; each protrusion 5851 has a shaft hole 5854 at its end, and the axes of these shaft holes 5854 are collinear. An arc-shaped guide plate 586 protrudes from the end of the first connecting portion 583, and the guide plate 586 can cooperate with the second guide groove 5237 of the rotating hinge 523.

[0078] Please refer to the following: Figures 7-14 and Figures 23-28 , Figure 25 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional sectional view of the folding device 50 in the diagram; Figure 26 yes Figure 25 A front view of the folding device 50 in the middle; Figure 27 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional sectional view of the folding device 50 in the diagram; Figure 28 yes Figure 27A front view of the folding device 50. When assembling the folding aid component 54 to the bendable mechanism 52, two rotating hinges 523 are placed on opposite sides of the first hinge body 5210, with the two rotating hinges 523 and the first hinge body 5210 placed side by side. Each linkage mechanism 55 and limiting mechanism 56 is placed on the corresponding positioning area 5212. Specifically, the linkage mechanism 55 is placed on the first mounting part 5213, and the two connecting rods 552 correspond to the clearance grooves 52130 respectively. The limiting mechanism 56 is placed on the second mounting part of the positioning area 5212, and the two first springs 5651 are respectively received in the two receiving grooves 5214, with the connecting hole 5667 of the second positioning member 566 facing the connecting hole 5215. Two rotating parts 571 of the rotating mechanism 57 are placed on the third mounting portion of the corresponding positioning area 5212, so that the first auxiliary rotating surface 5712 of the rotating part 571 is in contact with the first arc surface 5216; each mounting part 573 is covered on the positioning area 5212 corresponding to the first hinge body 5210. Specifically, the mounting part 573 is covered on the rotating part 571 of the auxiliary rotating mechanism 57, the connecting section 5515 of the two rotating shafts 551 is respectively inserted into the two connecting holes 5736 of the mounting part 573, the two second arc surfaces 5730 of the mounting part 573 are in contact with the second auxiliary rotating surfaces 5713 of the two rotating portions 5711, and the mounting part 573 has several connecting through holes 5735. Each of the mounting parts 573 has a positioning hook 5733 that engages with the opposite sides of the first hinge body 5210, and several locking fasteners pass through the connecting holes 5667 and the connecting through holes 5735 to lock into the corresponding connecting holes 5215. The two connecting frames 58 are respectively connected to the two second connecting areas 5232. Specifically, the guide plate 586 of the connecting frame 58 is slidably inserted into the second guide groove 5237 of the second connecting part 5236, and the first connecting part 5233 is accommodated in the corresponding receiving groove 5833 of the connecting frame 58. The guide strip 5525 of each connecting rod 552 is slidably inserted into the receiving groove 583 of the corresponding first connecting part 583. In step 3, insert the two rotating cylinders 5717 of each rotating component 571 into the two receiving slots 5833 of the corresponding connecting frame 58 until the shaft hole 5854 of the protrusion 5851, the inner cavity of the rotating cylinder 5717, and the first guide groove 5234 are aligned. Insert the rotating shaft 587 into the shaft hole 5854, the inner cavity of the rotating cylinder 5717, and the first guide groove 5234, so that the rotating component 571 and the connecting rod 552 are connected to the rotating hinge 523 through the connecting frame 58. Each stop block 5217 abuts against the stop groove 5235 of the rotating hinge 523, so that the front faces of the two rotating hinges 523 and the middle hinge 521 are coplanar, preventing the rotating hinge 523 from bending backward relative to the middle hinge 521. Then connect the cover 5218 to the back of the first hinge body 5210, so that the cover 5218 covers the mounting component 573.The rotation axis between the rotating member 571 and the central hinge 521 is parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft 551, and the rotation axis is closer to the front of the central hinge 521 than the axis of the rotating shaft 551; that is, the axis of the first auxiliary rotation surface 5712 or the second auxiliary rotation surface 5713 of the rotating member 571 is parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft 551, and the axis of the first auxiliary rotation surface 5712 or the second auxiliary rotation surface 5713 is closer to the front of the central hinge 521 than the axis of the rotating shaft 551.

[0079] Please refer to the following: Figures 1-4 The assembled folding device 50 is placed between two frames 21, and the two rotating hinges 523 are fixedly connected to the two frames 21 on the side away from the central hinge 521. At this time, the front faces of the two frames 21, the front face of the central hinge 521, and the front face of the rotating hinge 523 are coplanar. The back face of the flexible screen 30 is connected to the front face of the two frames 21 and the front face of the folding device 50. The bendable area 31 faces the folding device 50, and the two non-bendable areas 33 face the front faces of the two frames 21 respectively. When the flexible screen 30 is in a flattened state, the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 are in contact with each other, and the elastic member 565 has a pre-spring force that pushes against the holding member 563 to limit the bendable mechanism 52 to remain in a flattened state. The included angle between the connecting rods 5523 of the two connecting rods 552 is 0 degrees. Since the front of the central hinge 521 is a complete surface and there is no step difference in the central hinge 521, the flexible screen 30 will not be impacted by the step difference when it is flattened. The flexible screen 30 will not have defects such as color spots or bright spots, ensuring the reliability of the flexible screen 30. At the same time, it also improves the touch feel of the flexible screen 30 and enhances the user experience.

[0080] Please refer to the following: Figures 29 to 36When bending the electronic device 100, a bending force is applied to at least one of the two frames 21 of the electronic device 100, causing the rotating hinge 523 connected to the two frames 21 to rotate in a direction that is close to each other. The bending of the folding device 50 is achieved by the three folding aid components 54, and the bendable area 31 of the flexible screen 30 bends with the bendable mechanism 52. Specifically, if a bending force is applied to one of the frame bodies 21, the frame body 21 will cause the corresponding rotating hinge 253 to rotate relative to the central hinge 251 towards the side closer to the flexible screen 30; causing the guide strip 5525 of each connecting member 552 to slide in the guide groove 5833 of the corresponding first connecting part 583; the sleeve 5522 of the connecting member 552, the rotating shaft 551, the first gear 5521, and the pushing member 562 will rotate along the axis of the rotating shaft 551; the rotating first gear 5521 will drive another first gear 5521 to rotate through the gear combination 554; the rotation of the other first gear 5521 will drive the corresponding rotating shaft 551. The sleeve 5522, the pusher 562, and the connecting rod 5523 rotate, thereby causing the two connecting rods 552 of the linkage mechanism 55 to move closer to each other synchronously. At the same time, the pusher 562 on each connecting rod 552 rotates relative to the abutment 563, causing the first cam 5620 of the pusher 562 to rotatably push against the second cam 5630. The abutment 563 slides along the axial direction of the rotation shaft 551 and squeezes the elastic member 565. The elastic member 565 elastically pushes against the pad 568, causing the friction member 567 to be clamped between the pad 568 and the second positioning member 566. The friction member 567 rotates relative to the pad 568 and the second positioning member 566 with the corresponding rotation shaft 551. During the bending process of the linkage mechanism 55, the rotating cylinder 5717 of the rotating component 571 rotates relative to the connecting frame 58 along the rotating shaft 587. The first auxiliary rotating surface 5712 and the second auxiliary rotating surface 5713 of the rotating part 5711 rotate relative to the corresponding first arc surface 5216 and second arc surface 5730, respectively, so as to realize the mutual approach of the two rotating hinges 523, so that the folding device 50 is in a bent state. The bendable area 31 of the flexible screen 30 bends with the folding device 50 until the front sides of the two non-bending areas 33 of the flexible screen 30 are in contact with each other, and the bendable area 31 is bent into a teardrop shape, thereby realizing the seamless folding of the electronic device 100.

[0081] In the above process, the sum of the frictional torque between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 and the frictional resistance of the two friction elements 567 is greater than the rebound force of the flexible screen 30, so that the rotating hinge 523 is positioned at a specific angle relative to the central hinge 521, which can limit the two frames 21 to a specific angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. That is, if the rebound force of the flexible screen 30 is M0, within a certain angle range (50°-130°), the total frictional torque M is ensured to be greater than or equal to the sum of the rebound force and the increase in the hovering safety torque, that is, M≥M0+ΔM, where ΔM is the increase in the hovering safety torque. Specifically, during the bending process of the two connecting rods 552 of the linkage mechanism 55 from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, the pushing member 562 pushes the sliding member 563, and the member 563 compresses the elastic member 565, causing the elastic member 565 to deform elastically, thus gradually increasing the compression of the elastic member 565. This gradually increases the elastic force of the elastic member 565, causing the frictional resistance between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 and the frictional resistance of the friction member 567 to gradually increase. The bendable area 31 of the flexible screen 30 gradually bends and forms a rebound force. The frictional resistance of the folding device 50 is greater than the rebound force of the flexible screen 30, so that the rotating hinge 523 is positioned at a specific angle relative to the middle hinge 521, allowing the two frames 21 to be limited to a specific angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees. Figure 29 This indicates that the two frames 21 are bent and confined at 90 degrees, meaning the included angle between the two non-bending areas 33 of the flexible screen 30 is 90 degrees. During the bending process from 90 degrees to 180 degrees between the two frames 21, the elastic element 565 elastically pushes against the supporting element 563 sliding along the rotation axis 551, and the compression of the elastic element 565 gradually decreases, so that the elastic force of the elastic element 565 gradually decreases, and the frictional resistance between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 and the frictional resistance of the friction element 567 gradually decreases. However, the frictional resistance of the folding device 50 is still greater than the rebound force of the flexible screen 30, which ensures that the two frames 21 can be confined at a specific angle between 90 degrees and 180 degrees. Figure 35 This means that the two frames 21 are bent and confined at 180 degrees, that is, the two non-bending areas 33 of the flexible screen 30 are parallel to each other; the bendable area 31 of the flexible screen 30 is bent into a teardrop shape, reducing the duty cycle of the bendable area 31 after bending, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the electronic device 100.

[0082] In some embodiments, the friction element 567 in the folding aid component 54 can be omitted. It is sufficient that the frictional torque between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 is greater than the rebound force of the flexible screen 30, so that the rotating hinge 523 can be positioned at a specific angle relative to the central hinge 521.

[0083] In other bending methods of the electronic device 100, bending forces can be applied to both frames 21 at the same time. The two frames 21 drive the two rotating hinges 21 to rotate relative to the side closer to the flexible screen 30, and the bending of the electronic device 100 is achieved through the folding device 50.

[0084] When it is necessary to flatten the electronic device 100, one of the frames 21 is pulled outward, so that the two rotating hinges 21 connected to the two frames 21 rotate in a direction away from each other. Specifically, an outward pulling force is applied to one of the frames 21 of the electronic device 100. This causes the corresponding rotating hinge 253 to rotate relative to the central hinge 251 away from the flexible screen 30. This causes the guide strip 5525 of each link 552 to slide in the guide groove 5833 of the corresponding first connecting part 583. The sleeve 5522, rotating shaft 551, first gear 5521, and pushing member 562 of the connecting member 552 rotate along the axis of the rotating shaft 551. The rotating first gear 5521 drives another first gear 5521 to rotate via the gear assembly 554. The rotation of the other first gear 5521 drives the corresponding rotating shaft 551, sleeve 5522, pushing member 562, and link 5523 to rotate, thereby causing the two links 552 of the linkage mechanism 55 to move away from each other. Simultaneously, the pushing member 562 on each link 552 rotates relative to the supporting member 563, causing the pushing member to... The first cam 5620 of component 562 rotatably pushes against the second cam 5630. The elastic component 565 elastically abuts against the spacer 568 and the holding component 563, causing the holding component 563 to slide along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 551. The friction component 567 is clamped between the spacer 568 and the second positioning component 566, and the friction component 567 rotates relative to the spacer 568 and the second positioning component 566 with the corresponding rotating shaft 551. During the bending process of the linkage mechanism 55, the rotating cylinder 5717 of the rotating component 571 rotates relative to the connecting frame 58 along the rotating shaft 587. The first auxiliary rotating surface 5712 and the second auxiliary rotating surface 5713 of the rotating part 5711 of the rotating component 571 rotate relative to the corresponding first arc surface 5216 and the second arc surface 5730, respectively, so as to realize that the two rotating hinges 523 move away from each other, so that the folding device 50 unfolds, and the bendable area 31 of the flexible screen 30 unfolds with the folding device 50 until the flexible screen 30 is flattened.

[0085] During the above process, the frictional resistance between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 and the frictional torque of the two friction elements 567 are greater than the rebound force of the flexible screen 30, so that the rotating hinge 523 is positioned at a specific angle relative to the middle hinge 521, and the two frames 21 are limited to a specific angle between 180 degrees and 0 degrees. Specifically, during the bending process of the two connecting rods 552 of the linkage mechanism 55 from 180 degrees to 90 degrees, the pushing member 562 pushes the sliding member 563, and the supporting member 563 pushes the elastic member 565 to deform elastically, so that the compression of the elastic member 565 gradually increases, so that the elastic force of the elastic member 565 gradually increases, and the frictional resistance between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 and the frictional resistance of the friction member 567 gradually increases. The frictional resistance of the folding device 50 is greater than the rebound force of the flexible screen 30, so that the rotating hinge 523 is positioned at a specific angle relative to the middle hinge 521, so that the two frames 21 can be limited to a specific angle between 180 degrees and 90 degrees. During the bending process from 90 degrees to 0 degrees between the two frames 21, the elastic element 565 elastically pushes against the supporting element 563 and slides along the rotation axis 551. The compression of the elastic element 565 gradually decreases, so that the elastic force of the elastic element 565 gradually decreases. This causes the frictional resistance between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 and the frictional resistance of the friction element 567 to gradually decrease. However, the frictional resistance of the folding device 50 is still greater than the rebound force of the flexible screen 30, so that the rotating hinge 523 is positioned at a specific angle relative to the middle hinge 521, which ensures that the two frames 21 can be limited to a specific angle between 90 degrees and 0 degrees.

[0086] In other bending methods of the electronic device 100, an outward pulling force can be applied to both frames 21 at the same time. The two frames 21 respectively drive the two rotating hinges 21 to rotate relative to the side away from the flexible screen 30, and the electronic device 100 can be unfolded by the folding device 50.

[0087] The folding device 50 of the electronic device 100 of the present invention achieves synchronous bending or unfolding through three folding aid components 54. Since the elastic element 565 in the folding aid component 54 can provide a large axial force, there is a large frictional torque between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630, and the friction element 567 also has a large frictional resistance. Therefore, the total frictional torque of the folding device 50 formed by the sum of the frictional torque between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 and the frictional resistance of the friction element 567 is large enough to achieve the bending limit of the electronic device 100 at a specific angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees, and realize the hovering function of the whole machine.

[0088] In some embodiments, the second spring 5653 of each folding aid component 54 may be omitted. In this case, the frictional torque between the first cam 5620 and the second cam 5630 is greater than the rebound force of the bendable area of ​​the flexible screen 30, so that the rotating hinge 523 is positioned at a specific angle relative to the central hinge 521.

[0089] In some embodiments, flexible screens of different specifications and stacks can be adapted by modifying the number of the first and second cams of the folding aid component 54 and the number of friction elements.

[0090] The above are the embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the embodiments of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A folding device for supporting a flexible screen, characterized in that, The folding device includes: A bendable mechanism includes a central hinge and two rotating hinges connected to opposite sides of the central hinge. The central hinge includes a strip-shaped first hinge body with a first connecting area on its back side. Stop blocks protrude from opposite sides at one end of the first connecting area. The rotating hinges include a strip-shaped second hinge body and a second connecting area on its back side. The second connecting area includes a first connecting portion with an arc-shaped first guide groove. A stop groove is provided between every two adjacent second connecting areas on the side of the second hinge body near the central hinge. The stop groove corresponds to the stop block, and the stop block abuts against the stop groove of the rotating hinge. The flexible screen is attached to the central hinge and the rotating hinges. A folding aid assembly includes a linkage mechanism, a limiting mechanism, a connecting frame, and a rotating component. The linkage mechanism connects the central hinge joint to two rotating hinge joints. The limiting mechanism includes a pushing member, a holding member, and an elastic member disposed on the linkage mechanism. The elastic member provides a spring force for mutual abutment between the holding member and the pushing member. The rotating hinge joints rotate relative to the central hinge joint via the linkage mechanism. The connecting frame includes a rectangular connecting plate and a second connecting portion disposed on the connecting plate. The second connecting portion includes a protrusion on the connecting plate. The rotating member comprises a rotating part and a connecting part connected to the rotating part. The connecting part extends two extension rods away from the rotating part. Each extension rod has a rotating cylinder at its end. The rotating shaft is inserted into the shaft hole, the inner cavity of the rotating cylinder, and the first guide groove. The pushing member rotates relative to the supporting member. The frictional resistance between the pushing member and the supporting member enables the rotating hinge to be positioned at a specific angle relative to the middle hinge.

2. The folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the bending process of the folding device from 0 degrees to 90 degrees, the pushing member pushes the supporting member to slide, and the supporting member squeezes the elastic member, causing the compression of the elastic member to gradually increase and the elastic force of the elastic member to gradually increase; during the bending process of the folding device from 90 degrees to 180 degrees, the elastic member elastically pushes the supporting member to slide, the compression of the elastic member to gradually decrease and the elastic force of the elastic member to gradually decrease.

3. The folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing member includes a first cam, and the holding member includes a second cam, wherein the first cam and the second cam are rotatably abutting against each other.

4. The folding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The frictional torque between the first cam and the second cam is greater than the rebound force of the flexible screen, so that the rotating hinge is positioned at a specific angle relative to the central hinge.

5. The folding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism includes two rotating shafts, two connecting rods respectively connected to the two rotating shafts, and a gear assembly located between the two connecting rods. Each connecting rod is provided with a first gear meshing with the gear assembly. Each connecting rod is connected to the pushing member, so that the two first cams are respectively sleeved on the two rotating shafts. The pushing member includes two second cams, which are slidably sleeved on the two rotating shafts. The two connecting rods are respectively connected to the two rotating hinges. The connecting rods rotate with the rotating hinges to drive the rotating shafts and the first cams to rotate relative to the second cams.

6. The folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first cam and the first gear share the same rotation axis, and the diameter of the pitch circle of the first gear is larger than the outer diameter of the first cam.

7. The folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism further includes a first positioning component, and the limiting mechanism further includes a second positioning component. The first positioning component is connected to one end of the two rotating shafts, and the second positioning component is connected to the other opposite ends of the two rotating shafts. The connecting rod, the pushing component, the supporting component, and the elastic component are located between the first positioning component and the second positioning component.

8. The folding device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The abutment further includes a connecting portion and two second cams disposed at opposite ends of the connecting portion, the elastic element is located between the second positioning element and the abutment, and the rotating shaft is rotatable relative to the abutment.

9. The folding device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism further includes a friction element fixedly sleeved on the rotating shaft, the friction element being clamped between the second positioning element and the elastic element.

10. The folding device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sum of the frictional torque between the first cam and the second cam and the frictional resistance of the two friction elements is greater than the rebound force of the flexible screen, so that the rotating hinge is positioned at a specific angle relative to the central hinge.

11. The folding device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism also includes a gasket, which is slidably sleeved on the two rotating shafts and is located between the elastic member and the friction member.

12. The folding device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The elastic element includes a first spring sleeved on each of the rotating shafts, and the axial force on the first cam, the second cam, and the friction element on each of the rotating shafts is equal to the elastic force of the first spring.

13. The folding device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The elastic element further includes a second spring located between the gasket and the abutment, wherein the axial force on the first cam, the second cam, and the friction element on each of the rotating shafts is equal to the spring force of the first spring plus half the spring force of the second spring.

14. The folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gear assembly includes two meshing second gears, and the first gears of the two connecting rods mesh with the two second gears respectively. The pitch circle diameter of the second gear is smaller than the pitch circle diameter of the first gear.

15. The folding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first cam has a first protrusion and a first recess along its circumference, and the second cam has a second protrusion and a second recess along its circumference. The first protrusion engages with the second recess, and the second protrusion engages with the first recess.

16. The folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The folding aid assembly also includes a rotating aid mechanism connected to the end of the linkage mechanism away from the limiting mechanism. The first end of the rotating member is rotatably connected to the central hinge, and the opposite second end of the rotating member is connected to the rotating hinge. The rotating hinge rotates relative to the central hinge to drive the rotating member to rotate relative to the central hinge.

17. The folding device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The rotation axis between the rotating component and the central hinge is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft, and the rotation axis is closer to the central hinge than the axis of rotation.

18. The folding device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The rotating part is located at the first end of the rotating member. The rotating part includes a first arc-shaped auxiliary rotating surface. The middle hinge is provided with a first arc surface that cooperates with the first auxiliary rotating surface. The axis of the first auxiliary rotating surface and the first arc surface are collinear.

19. The folding device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The rotating part further includes a second rotating surface that is opposite to the first rotating surface and is parallel to the first rotating surface; the rotating mechanism further includes a mounting member connected to the central hinge, the connecting part being clamped between the mounting member and the central hinge, and the mounting member having a second arc surface that mates with the second rotating surface.

20. An electronic device, characterized in that it comprises a flexible screen, a housing, and a folding device according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein the housing comprises two frames, the folding device is disposed between the two frames, the flexible screen is disposed on the housing and the folding device, and the flexible screen bends or flattens with the folding device.

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