Folding mechanism, housing and foldable electronic device

Abstract

The application relates to a folding mechanism, a casing and a foldable electronic device. The folding mechanism comprises a base and a folding assembly, the folding assembly comprising a support, a fixed frame and a driving arm, the fixed frame being rotationally connected with the base, the support being rotationally connected with the fixed frame, one end of the driving arm being rotationally connected with the base, and the other end being slidingly connected with the support and the fixed frame; a plurality of folding assemblies are distributed on opposite sides of the base; the folding mechanism is converted between an unfolded state and a folded state along with the movement of the plurality of folding assemblies relative to the base; in the folded state, the plurality of supports are located on the same side of the base and jointly enclose a containing space with the base, and the containing space can provide a larger space for the bending area of the flexible display screen, so that the bending radius of the bending area is increased, and the bending radius is prevented from being too small to be over-bent to generate a crease. In addition, the casing fixedly connected with the fixed frame can be directly rotated relative to the base without conversion through other forms of movement, so that the virtual rotation position is avoided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of terminal, in particular to a folding mechanism, a casing and a foldable electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The current foldable electronic device includes a flexible display screen and two casings connected movably, the flexible display screen is installed on the two casings and is unfolded or folded with the relative movement of the two casings, thereby having a variable display area. However, when the flexible display screen is folded, the bending area corresponding to the connection of the two casings is prone to appear creases due to the extrusion of the two casings. SUMMARY

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide a folding mechanism capable of protecting the flexible display screen, and further provide a casing and a foldable electronic device.

[0004] A folding mechanism, comprising:

[0005] a base; and

[0006] a folding assembly, comprising a support, a fixing frame and a driving arm, the fixing frame is rotationally connected with the base, the support is rotationally connected with the fixing frame, one end of the driving arm is rotationally connected with the base, and the other end is slidingly connected with the support and the fixing frame;

[0007] wherein the folding assembly is multiple, and the multiple folding assemblies are distributed on opposite sides of the base; with the movement of the multiple folding assemblies relative to the base, the folding mechanism is converted between an unfolded state and a folded state, and in the folded state, the multiple supports are located on the same side of the base and jointly enclose a receiving space with the base.

[0008] In the folding mechanism, in the process of rotating the fixing frame relative to the base, the fixing frame acts on the support through the driving arm, so that the support moves relative to the base, thereby converting the folding mechanism between the folded state and the unfolded state under the cooperation of the multiple folding assemblies. In the folded state, the multiple supports in the multiple folding assemblies are located on the same side of the base and jointly enclose a receiving space with the base. The receiving space can provide a larger space for the bending area of the flexible display screen to smoothly bend, so that the bending radius of the bending area is increased, avoiding the bending radius of the bending area being too small to be over-folded and appearing creases, thereby protecting the flexible display screen. In addition, since the fixing frame is directly rotationally connected with the base, and after the fixing frame is fixedly connected with the casing, the casing can be directly rotated relative to the base around a fixed rotation axis without the need for conversion through other movement forms, avoiding the problem of virtual rotation position, and improving the user experience.

[0009] In one of the embodiments, the support member comprises a support plate, a first connecting member and a second connecting member, the support plate is used to enclose the receiving space, the first connecting member is fixedly connected with the support plate and rotatably connected with the fixing frame, and the second connecting member is fixedly connected with the support plate and slidably connected with the driving arm.

[0010] In one of the embodiments, one of the first connecting member and the fixing frame is provided with a first arc-shaped slot, and the other is provided with a first arc-shaped limiting member, the first arc-shaped limiting member is accommodated in the first arc-shaped slot and moves along the first arc-shaped slot, so that the first connecting member is rotatably connected with the fixing frame.

[0011] In one of the embodiments, one of the second connecting member and the driving arm is provided with an arc-shaped first guide slot, and the other is provided with a first connecting column, the first connecting column extends into the first guide slot and slides along the first guide slot, and can move to the two ends of the first guide slot in the folded state and the unfolded state respectively.

[0012] In one of the embodiments, one of the driving arm and the fixing frame is provided with an arc-shaped second guide slot, and the other is provided with a second connecting column, the second connecting column extends into the second guide slot and slides along the second guide slot, and can move to the two ends of the second guide slot in the folded state and the unfolded state respectively.

[0013] In one of the embodiments, the first connecting column and the second connecting column are both arranged on the driving arm and coaxially arranged; the first connecting column penetrates through the driving arm and is connected with the second connecting column.

[0014] In one of the embodiments, the fixing frame comprises a support and a connecting arm, one end of the connecting arm is fixedly connected with the support, the other end is rotatably connected with the base, and the support is rotatably connected with the support member.

[0015] In one of the embodiments, one of the base and the connecting arm is provided with a second arc-shaped slot, and the other is provided with a second arc-shaped limiting member, the second arc-shaped limiting member is accommodated in the second arc-shaped slot and moves along the second arc-shaped slot, so that the connecting arm is rotatably connected with the base.

[0016] In one of the embodiments, the support members have support surfaces for enclosing the receiving space, the support surfaces of all the support members on one side of the base are coplanar to define a first plane, and the support surfaces of all the support members on the other side of the base are coplanar to define a second plane; in the unfolded state, the first plane is coplanar with the second plane, and in the folded state, the first plane is disposed obliquely to the second plane, and the distance between the first plane and the second plane gradually increases as it gradually approaches the base.

[0017] In one of the embodiments, the base comprises a seat body and an intermediate support plate, the folding assemblies are connected to the seat body, and the intermediate support plate is mounted to the seat body and cooperates with the support members to enclose the receiving space.

[0018] In one of the embodiments, the intermediate support plate is movable relative to the seat body to approach or move away from the seat body.

[0019] A housing comprises:

[0020] two housings; and

[0021] the folding mechanism as described above is connected between the two housings; the fixing frames of all the folding assemblies on one side of the base are connected to one of the housings, and the fixing frames of all the folding assemblies on the other side of the base are connected to the other housing; in the folded state, the two housings are stacked.

[0022] A foldable electronic device comprises:

[0023] the housing as described above; and

[0024] a flexible display screen having a bending region and two planar regions, the two planar regions are respectively located on opposite sides of the bending region; the flexible display screen is arranged in the housing, and the two planar regions are respectively arranged in the two housings, the bending region is arranged in the folding mechanism and accommodated in the receiving space in the folded state.

[0025] In the aforementioned foldable electronic device, after the folding mechanism transitions from an unfolded state to a folded state, multiple support members from the multiple folding components are located on the same side of the base, forming a receiving space together with the base. This receiving space provides ample room for the flexible display's bending area to bend smoothly, increasing the bending radius and preventing over-folding and creases caused by an excessively small bending radius. Furthermore, since the mounting bracket is directly rotatably connected to the base, and the mounting bracket is fixedly connected to the housing, the housing can rotate directly relative to the base around a fixed axis without requiring other forms of motion, avoiding rotational play and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of this application in one state, where the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the foldable electronic device in another state, where the folding mechanism is in a folded state.

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the foldable electronic device after the flexible display screen has been removed.

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the casing structure.

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure of the folding mechanism in the housing when it is in the folded state.

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the structural schematics of the folding mechanism in the housing from two different perspectives.

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the folding mechanism in the housing is shown.

[0034] Figure 8 for Figure 7An exploded view of the remaining structure after removing the support plate and the intermediate support plate from the illustrated folding mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to make the above objectives, features and advantages of the present application more clear and easily understood, the specific embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be practiced in a number of different ways without some of the specific details, and it is understood that the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments described below.

[0036] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the purpose of facilitating the description of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present application.

[0037] In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined with "first", "second", etc. can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited.

[0038] In the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connecting", "connecting", "fixing" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or it can be integrated; it can be mechanically connected, or it can be electrically connected; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise explicitly limited. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0039] In this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, a first feature "on" or "under" a second feature can be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Also, the first feature "over", "above" and "on top of" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or only means that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than the second feature. The first feature "under", "below" and "underneath" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or only means that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than the second feature.

[0040] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "on" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there can be an intermediate element. When an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there can be an intermediate element. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "left", "right", and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation.

[0041] As used herein, "electronic device" refers to, but is not limited to, a device capable of receiving and / or transmitting communication signals via any one or more of the following connection means:

[0042] (1) via a wired line connection means, such as via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), a digital cable, a direct cable connection;

[0043] (2) via a wireless interface means, such as a cellular network, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a digital television network such as a DVB-H network, a satellite network, an AM-FM broadcast transmitter.

[0044] An electronic device configured to communicate via a wireless interface can be referred to as a "mobile terminal". Examples of mobile terminals include, but are not limited to, the following electronic devices:

[0045] (1) a satellite telephone or a cellular telephone;

[0046] (2) a Personal Communications System (PCS) terminal that can combine a cellular radiotelephone with data processing, facsimile, and data communications capabilities;

[0047] (3) Radio telephone, pager, Internet / intranet access, web browser, notepad, calendar, personal digital assistant (PDA) equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver;

[0048] (4) Conventional above-knee and / or palm-sized receivers;

[0049] (5) Conventional knee-mounted and / or handheld wireless telephone transceivers, etc.

[0050] Combination Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this application protects a folding mechanism 100, which has a folded state (e.g., Figure 2 (as shown) and unfolded state (as shown) Figure 1 As shown in the figure, it can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. Further, this application also protects a housing 10, which includes a folding mechanism 100 and two housings 300. The folding mechanism 100 is connected between the two housings 300, thereby connecting the two housings 300 together. Still further, this application also protects a foldable electronic device, which includes a flexible display screen 20 and a housing 10. The flexible display screen 20 is disposed on the housing 10, and the housing 10 can support the flexible display screen 20. As the state of the folding mechanism 100 changes, the two housings 10 move relative to each other, causing the flexible display screen 20 to be folded or unfolded. Specifically, the foldable electronic device can be, but is not limited to, electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets, or portable electronic devices such as smartwatches and e-readers. In the embodiments of this application, a mobile phone is used as an example for explanation.

[0051] Specifically, the folding mechanism 100 includes a base 110 and folding components 120 connected to the base 110. The folding component 120 includes a support member 130, a fixing frame 140, and a drive arm 150. The fixing frame 140 is rotatably connected to the base 110, the support member 130 is rotatably connected to the fixing frame 140, and one end of the drive arm 150 is rotatably connected to the base 110, while the other end is slidably connected to both the support member 130 and the fixing frame 140. Multiple folding components 120 are distributed on opposite sides of the base 110. As the multiple folding components 120 move relative to the base 110, the folding mechanism 100 transitions between an unfolded state and a folded state. In the folded state, the multiple support members 130 are located on the same side of the base 110 and together with the base 110, form a receiving space 160.

[0052] The base 110 has a length direction along the X-axis, a width direction along the Y-axis, and a thickness direction along the Z-axis. The base 110 is connected with the folding assemblies 120 on both sides along the width direction, and the folding assemblies 120 can be two or any number of more. Specifically in the present application, the number of the folding assemblies 120 on both sides of the base 110 is equal, and all the folding assemblies 120 on one side of the base 110 are arranged opposite to all the folding assemblies 120 on the other side of the base 110. The opposite arrangement of the two folding assemblies 120 can be understood as that the two folding assemblies 120 only have a spacing in the width direction and no spacing in the length direction, or can be understood as that there is a symmetry plane perpendicular to the Y-axis between the two folding assemblies 120, and the two folding assemblies 120 are mirror arranged about the symmetry plane.

[0053] In other embodiments, the number of the folding assemblies 120 on both sides of the base 110 can also be unequal. For example, the number of the folding assemblies 120 can be three, and at this time, one folding assembly 120 is arranged on one side of the base 110 along the width direction, and two folding assemblies 120 are arranged on the other side of the base 110. In other embodiments, the plurality of folding assemblies 120 can also be distributed on both sides of the base 110 along the length direction of the base 110. For example, the number of the folding assemblies 120 is three, and at this time, one folding assembly 120 is arranged on one side of the base 110 along the width direction, and two folding assemblies 120 are arranged on the other side of the base 110, and the three folding assemblies 120 are distributed in a triangular shape, and there is a spacing between any two adjacent folding assemblies 120 along the length direction of the base 110. For another example, the number of the folding assemblies 100 can be four, and at this time, two folding assemblies 120 can be arranged on both sides of the base 110 along the width direction, and the four folding assemblies 120 can be distributed in an isosceles trapezoidal shape. It should be noted that only two folding assemblies 120 are shown in the drawings of the present application, and in other embodiments, other folding assemblies 120 along the length direction of the base 110 are not shown.

[0054] It can be understood that, in the process of rotating the fixed frame 140 relative to the base 110, the fixed frame 140 acts on the support 130 through the driving arm 150, so that the support 130 moves relative to the base 110 to have a first limit position and a second limit position. It can be understood that, when the support 130 moves relative to the base 110 to the first limit position and the second limit position, the fixed frame 140 also rotates relative to the base 110 to the two limit positions. Further, when the supports 130 of the plurality of folding assemblies 120 are all located at the first limit position, the folding mechanism 100 is in an unfolded state, and when the supports 130 of the plurality of folding assemblies 120 are all located at the second limit position, the folding mechanism 100 is in a folded state. Further, when the folding mechanism 100 is in the folded state, the plurality of supports 130 are located on the same side of the base 110 along the thickness direction and together with the base 110 enclose the accommodation space 160.

[0055] It can be understood that, when the folding mechanism 100 is connected between the two housings 300, the fixed frames 140 of all the folding assemblies 120 located on one side of the base 110 are connected with one of the housings 300, and the fixed frames 140 of all the folding assemblies 120 located on the other side of the base 110 are connected with the other housing 300. In this way, the folding assemblies 120 located on the same side of the base 110 are connected together by the same housing 300, thereby realizing synchronous movement.

[0056] Again refer to Figures 1 to 6 , specifically, the flexible display screen 20 has a bending area 21 and two planar areas 22, and the two planar areas 22 are respectively located on opposite sides of the bending area 21. The two planar areas 22 are respectively arranged on the two housings 300, and the bending area 21 is arranged on the folding mechanism 100. In this way, when the folding mechanism 100 is in the folded state, the two housings 300 are stacked, or it can be understood that, when the folding mechanism 100 is in the folded state, the two housings 300 can be regarded as two pages of book paper stacked together, so that the flexible display screen 20 is folded between the two housings 300, and at this time, the two housings 300 can protect the flexible display screen 20. For the flexible display screen 20, when it is folded, the two planar areas 22 are substantially adhered together, and the bending area 21 is bent and accommodated in the accommodation space 160, so that the accommodation space 160 provides a larger space for the bending area 21 to smoothly bend, so that the bending radius of the bending area 21 increases, avoiding the bending radius of the bending area 21 being too small and being over-folded to have a crease.

[0057] In addition, since the fixed frame 140 is rotationally connected with the base 110, and the fixed frame 140 is used for fixed connection with the housing 300, therefore, the housing 300 can directly realize smooth rotary motion relative to the base 110 about a fixed axis, without the need for conversion through other motion forms, avoiding the problem of rotary virtual position.

[0058] In some embodiments, the support 130 has a support surface 131 for enclosing the receiving space 160. In the unfolded state, the support surfaces 131 of all the supports 130 located on one side of the base 110 are coplanar to define a first plane 132, and the support surfaces 131 of all the supports 130 located on the other side of the base 110 are coplanar to define a second plane 133. In the unfolded state, the first plane 132 is coplanar with the second plane 133 (as shown in FIG. 1), and in the folded state, the first plane 132 and the second plane 133 are inclined and the distance between them gradually increases as it gradually approaches the base 110 (as shown in FIG. 2). Figure 3 Figure 2

[0059] It can be understood that each fixed frame 140 located on the same side of the base 110 is connected to the same housing 300, so that each fixed frame 140 can move synchronously, thereby enabling each support 130 to move synchronously. Further, in the present application, the support surface 131 is a plane, so that the support surfaces 131 of each support 130 located on the same side of the base 110 are coplanar and can always remain coplanar as each support 130 moves. Thus, on one side of the base 110, the plane in which the support surfaces 131 of each support 130 are located is defined as the first plane 132, and on the other side of the base 110, the plane in which the support surfaces 131 of each support 130 are located is defined as the second plane 133, and as the plurality of folding assemblies 120 move relative to the base 110, the angle between the first plane 132 and the second plane 133 changes.

[0060] Further, in the unfolded state, the first plane 132 is coplanar with the second plane 133, at which time the flexible display 20 is unfolded on the housing 10, thereby achieving a large-screen display effect. In the folded state, the first plane 132 and the second plane 133 are inclined, and the distance between them gradually increases as it gradually approaches the base 110, so that the receiving space 160 gradually shrinks as it gradually moves away from the base 110 to form a shape similar to a water droplet, and the bending region 21 of the flexible display 20 has a larger space for bending near the base 110 to avoid being over-bent to appear creases.

[0061] It can be understood that in other embodiments, the support surface 131 can also not be a plane, for example, the support surface 131 is a wavy curved surface, at which time each support surface 131 can still define the first plane 132 and the second plane 133 on both sides of the base 110. In other embodiments, in the unfolded state, the first plane 132 can also not be coplanar with the second plane 133, but form an angle.

[0062] ​​In particular, in the embodiments of the present application, the base 110 comprises a seat body 111 and an intermediate support plate 112, the folding assembly 120 is connected to the seat body 111, the intermediate support plate 112 is installed on the seat body 111 and cooperates with the support surfaces 131 of the two support members 130 to enclose the accommodation space 160. It can be understood that the intermediate support plate 112 is a structural member connected to the seat body 111 and used to cooperate with the support members 130 to enclose the accommodation space 160, and at the same time, the intermediate support plate 112 can also support the bending area 21. For example, the intermediate support plate 112 can abut against the bending area 21 of the flexible display screen 20, avoid the concave deformation of the bending area 21 when being touched in the unfolded state, and make the bending area 21 conform to the shape of the accommodation space 160 to bend with a larger bending radius in the folded state.

[0063] In particular, in the embodiments of the present application, the intermediate support plate 112 is movable relative to the seat body 111 to approach or move away from the seat body 111. It can be understood that the intermediate support plate 112 is lifted or lowered relative to the seat body 111 along the thickness direction of the base 110 to approach or move away from the seat body 111, so that the intermediate support plate 112 can always abut against the bending area 21 of the flexible display screen 20 during folding or unfolding of the flexible display screen 20. Further, an elastic member (not shown) can be arranged between the intermediate support plate 112 and the seat body 111, so that the elastic member exerts an elastic force on the intermediate support plate 112 towards the bending area 21, and thus the intermediate support plate 112 moves relative to the seat body 111 under the combined action of the bending area 21 and the elastic member.

[0064] In particular, during the conversion from the folded state to the unfolded state, the intermediate support plate 112 gradually moves away from the seat body 111 under the elastic force of the elastic member, and the surface of the intermediate support plate 112 can be flush with the support surfaces 131 to support the flexible display screen 20. During the conversion from the unfolded state to the folded state, the intermediate support plate 112 gradually approaches the seat body 111 under the pressure of the bending area 21 and overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member, and the intermediate support plate 112 gradually guides the bending area 21 to bend and deform to be accommodated in the accommodation space 160. In other embodiments, the intermediate support plate 112 can also be fixed relative to the seat body 111, and at this time, the intermediate support plate 112 can be fixed at the position farthest from the seat body 111 in the foregoing embodiments, so that the intermediate support plate 112 can always abut against the bending area 21 of the flexible display screen 20.

[0065] In combination Figures 5 to 8As shown, specifically in the present application, the support 130 comprises a support plate 134, a first connecting piece 135 and a second connecting piece 136, the support plate 134 is used to enclose the receiving space 160, the first connecting piece 135 is fixedly connected with the support plate 134 and rotatably connected with the fixing frame 140, and the second connecting piece 136 is fixedly connected with the support plate 134 and slidably connected with the driving arm 150. Further, the support surface 131 is located on the support plate 134. The first connecting piece 135 and the support plate 134, and the second connecting piece 136 and the support plate 134 can be connected together by an integral molding or riveting or spot welding or adhesive process, and the first connecting piece 135 and the support plate 134, and the second connecting piece 136 and the support plate 134 can also be connected together by a threaded structure such as a screw or a bolt. In the embodiment of the present application, the support plate 134 can be extended to have a larger area, so that each support 130 located on the same side of the base 110 shares one support plate 134.

[0066] Specifically in the embodiment of the present application, the first connecting piece 135 is provided with a first circular arc groove 137, the fixing frame 140 is fixedly provided with a first circular arc limiting piece 141, the first circular arc limiting piece 141 is accommodated in the first circular arc groove 137 and moves along the first circular arc groove 137, so that the first connecting piece 135 is rotatably connected with the fixing frame 140. It can be understood that the first circular arc limiting piece 141 and the first circular arc groove 137 extend in the same center and radius to form a circular arc, so that the first circular arc limiting piece 141 is just accommodated in the inside of the first circular arc groove 137 and is fitted with the inner wall surface of the first circular arc groove 137 to move along the arc-shaped track defined by the first circular arc groove 137, so that the first connecting piece 135 and the fixing frame 140 are relatively rotatable. In other embodiments, the first circular arc limiting piece 141 can be provided on the first connecting piece 135, and the first circular arc groove 137 can be provided on the fixing frame 140.

[0067] Specifically in the embodiment of the present application, the second connecting piece 136 is provided with an arc-shaped first guide groove 138, the driving arm 150 is provided with a first connecting column 151, the first connecting column 151 extends into the first guide groove 138 and slides along the first guide groove 138, and can move to the two ends of the first guide groove 138 in the folded state and the unfolded state respectively. Specifically, the first connecting column 151 slides along the first guide groove 138, at the two ends of the first guide groove 138, the first connecting column 151 abuts against the inner wall surface of the first guide groove 138, so that the two ends of the first guide groove 138 become two limit positions of the first connecting column 151 sliding in the first guide groove 138. At the same time, when the first connecting column 151 slides to the two ends of the first guide groove 138, the driving arm 150 also rotates to two limit positions relative to the base 110. In other embodiments, the first connecting column 151 can be provided on the second connecting piece 136, and the first guide groove 138 can be provided on the driving arm 150.

[0068] It should be noted that, in the process of rotating the fixed frame 140 relative to the base 110, the fixed frame 140 acts on the driving arm 150 to rotate the driving arm 150 relative to the base 110. For the first connecting column 151, it needs to rotate relative to the base 110 on the driving arm 150, and also needs to act on the inner wall surface of the first guide slot 138 after being accommodated in the first guide slot 138, so as to force the support 130 to rotate relative to the fixed frame 140. Thus, the support 130 moves along the set track under the cooperation of the fixed frame 140 and the driving arm 150.

[0069] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the fixed frame 140 is provided with an arc-shaped second guide slot 145, and the driving arm 150 is provided with a second connecting column 152 which extends into the second guide slot 145 and slides along the second guide slot 145 and can move to the two ends of the second guide slot 145 in the folded state and the unfolded state respectively. Specifically, the second connecting column 152 slides along the second guide slot 145, and at the two ends of the second guide slot 145, the second connecting column 152 abuts against the inner wall surface of the second guide slot 145, so that the two ends of the second guide slot 145 become the two limit positions of the second connecting column 152 sliding in the second guide slot 145. At the same time, when the second connecting column 152 slides to the two ends of the second guide slot 145, the driving arm 150 also rotates relative to the base 110 to the two limit positions. In other embodiments, the second connecting column 152 can be arranged on the fixed frame 140, and the second guide slot 145 can be arranged on the driving arm 150.

[0070] It should be noted that, in the process of rotating the fixed frame 140 relative to the base 110, the fixed frame 140 acts on the driving arm 150 to rotate the driving arm 150 relative to the base 110. For the first connecting column 151, it needs to rotate relative to the base 110 on the driving arm 150, and also needs to act on the inner wall surface of the first guide slot 138 after being accommodated in the first guide slot 138, so as to force the support 130 to rotate relative to the fixed frame 140. Thus, the support 130 moves along the set track under the cooperation of the fixed frame 140 and the driving arm 150.

[0071] Specifically in the present application, the first connecting column 151 and the second connecting column 152 are arranged on the driving arm 150, and the first connecting column 151 and the second connecting column 152 are coaxially arranged, the first connecting column 151 penetrates the driving arm 150 and is connected with the second connecting column 152. Alternatively, it can be understood that the first connecting column 151 and the second connecting column 152 can be integrally formed, and the whole obtained by the integral forming is penetrated through the driving arm 150, and the two ends protrude out of the driving arm 150 to obtain the first connecting column 151 and the second connecting column 152. In other embodiments, the first connecting column 151 and the second connecting column 152 can also be arranged non-coaxially, at this time, the first connecting column 151 and the second connecting column 152 move along two different curved trajectories respectively.

[0072] Specifically in the present application, the first connecting column 151 and the second connecting column 152 are arranged on the driving arm 150, and the first connecting column 151 and the second connecting column 152 are coaxially arranged, the first connecting column 151 penetrates the driving arm 150 and is connected with the second connecting column 152. Alternatively, it can be understood that the first connecting column 151 and the second connecting column 152 can be integrally formed, and the whole obtained by the integral forming is penetrated through the driving arm 150, and the two ends protrude out of the driving arm 150 to obtain the first connecting column 151 and the second connecting column 152. In other embodiments, the first connecting column 151 and the second connecting column 152 can also be arranged non-coaxially, at this time, the first connecting column 151 and the second connecting column 152 move along two different curved trajectories respectively.

[0073] Specifically, the base 110 is provided with a receiving groove 113, one end of the driving arm 150 is in a cylindrical shape and is limited in the receiving groove 113 and rotates relative to the base 110 in the receiving groove 113. Elastic members (not shown) such as elastic sheets or elastic washers can be arranged on both ends of the part of the driving arm 150 in the cylindrical shape, so that the elastic members abut against the inner wall of the driving arm 150 and the receiving groove 113, thereby elastically acting on the driving arm 150 through the elastic members, so that the driving arm 150 has a movement resistance relative to the base 110, and thereby the driving arm 150 exerts a damping action force on the fixed frame 140. Specifically, a rotating shaft (not shown) can also be arranged between the driving arm 150 and the base 110, and the driving arm 150 rotates relative to the base 110 around the rotating shaft. A torsional spring or the like can be sleeved on the rotating shaft, and elastically acts on the driving arm 150 through the elastic member, so that the driving arm 150 exerts a damping action force on the fixed frame 140.

[0074] Continuing to refer to Figures 5 to 8In particular, in the embodiments of the present application, the fixing frame 140 comprises a support 142 and a connecting arm 143, one end of the connecting arm 143 is fixedly connected with the support 142, the other end is rotatably connected with the base 110, and the support 142 is rotatably connected with the supporting member 130. Specifically, the connecting arm 143 and the support 142 are connected together by a threaded structure such as a screw or a bolt and cannot move relative to each other. Alternatively, the connecting arm 143 and the support 142 can be fixedly connected together by a riveting or spot welding or adhesive process. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the support 142 and the connecting arm 143 can be integrally formed to obtain the fixing frame 140. Specifically, the support 142 is rotatably connected with the first connecting member 135, the first circular arc groove 137 is formed in the first connecting member 135, and the first circular arc limiting member 141 is arranged on the support 142.

[0075] In particular, in the embodiments of the present application, the base 110 is provided with a second circular arc groove 114, the connecting arm 143 is provided with a second circular arc limiting member 144, the second circular arc limiting member 144 is accommodated in the second circular arc groove 114 and moves along the second circular arc groove 114, so that the connecting arm 143 is rotatably connected with the base 110. It can be understood that the second circular arc limiting member 144 and the second circular arc groove 114 extend in the same center and radius to form a circular arc, so that the second circular arc limiting member 144 is just accommodated in the second circular arc groove 114 and is in close contact with the inner wall surface of the second circular arc groove 114 to move along the arc-shaped track defined by the second circular arc groove 114, so that the base 110 and the connecting arm 143 are relatively rotatable. In other embodiments, the second circular arc limiting member 144 can be arranged on the base 110, and the second circular arc groove 114 can be formed in the connecting arm 143. Specifically, the second circular arc groove 114 is formed in the seat body 111, and since the seat body 111 has a relatively large volume, it is beneficial to form the second circular arc groove 114, so that the volume of the connecting arm 143 can be relatively small.

[0076] Specifically, the rotation axis of the driving arm 150 relative to the base 110 and the rotation axis of the connecting arm 143 relative to the base 110 need to be parallel and not collinear. Specifically, the second guide groove 145 is formed in the support 142, and the first circular arc limiting member 141 is arranged on the support 142. Specifically, the rotatable connection between the support 142 and the supporting member 130 and the sliding connection between the support 142 and the driving arm 150 are respectively located on both sides of the connecting arm 143, so that the fixing frame 140 can move stably relative to the base 110. Specifically, the sliding connection between the supporting member 130 and the driving arm 150 and the rotatable connection between the supporting member 130 and the fixing frame 140 are respectively located on both sides of the fixing frame 140, so that the supporting member 130 can move stably.

[0077] It should be noted that the support plate 134 in the support 130 is flat, and needs to avoid interference with the driving arm 150 and the connecting arm 143 during rotation of the driving arm 150 relative to the base 110 and rotation of the connecting arm 143 relative to the base 110. Thus, a groove or hole can be formed in the support plate 134 for avoidance, or the support plate 134 can be formed by splicing multiple structures.

[0078] Again referring to Figures 1 to 5 In the embodiments of the present application, the base 110 further includes a decorative shell 115 which is sleeved on the periphery of the seat body 111 and can have a more beautiful appearance. Specifically, in the folded state, the two shells 300 are stacked together, and the decorative shell 115 is exposed to the two shells 300, thereby serving as the side of the foldable electronic device.

[0079] Specifically, the shell 300 includes a main body 310 and a shielding portion 320. The main body 310 can have a hollow box structure, and the internal space is used to accommodate various electronic components required for the flexible display screen 20 to display, such as power supply, circuit board, etc. In addition, the side surface of the main body 310 is fixedly connected with the fixing frame 140 and cannot move relative to the fixing frame 140, so that the main body 310 rotates relative to the base 110. The shielding portion 320 is connected with the main body 310 and protrudes from the main body 310, so as to be arranged in an "L" shape with the main body 310. In the unfolded state, the two shells 300 are fitted together to form a recess 330 accommodating the folding mechanism 100. At this time, the shielding portions 320 of the two shells 300 jointly form the bottom wall of the recess 330, and shield the folding mechanism 100 to avoid exposure of the folding mechanism 100. During the conversion from the unfolded state to the folded state, the shielding portions 320 of the two shells 300 respectively move along the outer wall surface of the base 110, and in the folded state, abut against the opposite two side surfaces of the base 110 in the width direction, and shield the folding assembly 120 to avoid exposure of the folding assembly 120.

[0080] In combination with Figures 1 to 8In the process of rotating the fixed frame 140 relative to the base 110, the fixed frame 140 acts on the support 130 through the driving arm 150 to move the support 130 relative to the base 110, so that the folding mechanism 100 is converted between the folded state and the unfolded state under the cooperation of the plurality of folding assemblies 120. In the folded state, the plurality of supports 130 in the plurality of folding assemblies 120 are located on the same side of the base 110 and jointly enclose the accommodation space 160 with the base 110, and the accommodation space 160 provides a larger space for the bending area 21 of the flexible display screen 20 to bend smoothly, so that the bending radius of the bending area 21 is increased, and the bending area 21 is prevented from being over-bent to appear a crease, thereby protecting the flexible display screen 20. In addition, since the fixed frame 140 is rotatably connected with the base 110, and the fixed frame 140 is fixedly connected with the shell 300, the shell 300 can be directly rotated relative to the base 110 around a fixed rotation axis without the need for conversion through other motion forms, thereby avoiding the problem of virtual rotation position and improving the user experience.

[0081] Further, the folding mechanism of the present application is simple and convenient to assemble, which facilitates batch production and control, improves production efficiency, and reduces production cost.

[0082] The technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described, but as long as the combinations of the technical features do not contradict, they should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0083] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation manners of the present application, and the description is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be understood as a limitation on the patent scope of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary skilled persons in the art, some modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these are within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of the present application should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A folding mechanism, characterized by, The utility model relates to a folding mechanism, comprising: a base; and a folding assembly comprising a support, a fixed frame and a driving arm, the fixed frame being rotatably connected to the base, the support being rotatably connected to the fixed frame, one end of the driving arm being rotatably connected to the base, and the other end being slidably connected to the support and the fixed frame; wherein the folding assembly is a plurality of, the plurality of folding assemblies are distributed on opposite sides of the base; as the plurality of folding assemblies move relative to the base, the folding mechanism is switched between an unfolded state and a folded state, in the folded state, the plurality of supports are located on the same side of the base and together with the base enclose a storage space; the support comprises a support plate, a first connecting piece and a second connecting piece, the support plate is used to enclose the storage space, the first connecting piece is fixedly connected to the support plate and rotatably connected to the fixed frame, and the second connecting piece is fixedly connected to the support plate and slidably connected to the driving arm; the second connecting piece and one of the driving arms are provided with an arc-shaped first guide slot, and the other is provided with a first connecting column, the first connecting column extends into the first guide slot and slides along the first guide slot, and can move to both ends of the first guide slot in the folded state and the unfolded state respectively; one of the driving arm and the fixed frame is provided with an arc-shaped second guide slot, and the other is provided with a second connecting column, the second connecting column extends into the second guide slot and slides along the second guide slot, and can move to both ends of the second guide slot in the folded state and the unfolded state respectively; the support has a support surface for enclosing the storage space, the support surfaces of all the supports located on one side of the base are coplanar to define a first plane, and the support surfaces of all the supports located on the other side of the base are coplanar to define a second plane; in the unfolded state, the first plane is coplanar with the second plane, and in the folded state, the first plane and the second plane are inclined and the distance between them gradually increases as they gradually approach the base.

2. The folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein one of the first connecting piece and the fixed frame is provided with a first circular arc slot, and the other is provided with a first circular arc limiting piece, the first circular arc limiting piece is accommodated in the first circular arc slot and moves along the first circular arc slot, so that the first connecting piece and the fixed frame are rotatably connected.

3. The folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein The first connecting column and the second connecting column are both arranged on the driving arm and coaxially arranged; the first connecting column penetrates through the driving arm and is connected with the second connecting column.

4. The folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein, the fixed frame comprises a support and a connecting arm, one end of the connecting arm is fixedly connected to the support, and the other end is rotatably connected to the base, the support is rotatably connected to the support.

5. The folding mechanism of claim 4, wherein, one of the base and the connecting arm is provided with a second circular arc slot, and the other is provided with a second circular arc limiting piece, the second circular arc limiting piece is accommodated in the second circular arc slot and moves along the second circular arc slot, so that the connecting arm and the base are rotatably connected.

6. The folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The base comprises a seat body and an intermediate support plate, the folding assembly is connected to the seat body, the intermediate support plate is installed on the seat body and cooperates with the plurality of support pieces to form the accommodation space.

7. The folding mechanism of claim 6, wherein, The intermediate support plate is movable relative to the seat body to approach or move away from the seat body.

8. A housing, characterized by The folding mechanism comprises: two housings; and the folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is connected between the two housings; all the fixing frames of the folding assemblies on one side of the base are connected to one of the housings, and all the fixing frames of the folding assemblies on the other side of the base are connected to the other housing; in the folded state, the two housings are stacked.

9. A foldable electronic device, characterized by The folding mechanism comprises: the housing according to claim 8; and a flexible display screen having a bending area and two planar areas, the two planar areas are respectively located on opposite sides of the bending area; the flexible display screen is arranged in the housing, and the two planar areas are respectively arranged in the two housings, the bending area is arranged in the folding mechanism and accommodated in the accommodation space in the folded state.

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