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 folding assemblies; the folding assembly comprises a support, a fixed frame and a connecting slide rod, the fixed frame is rotationally connected with the base, the support is rotationally connected with the fixed frame, one end of the connecting slide rod is rotationally connected with the base, and the other end is slidingly connected with the support; 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, the containing space can provide a larger space for the bending area of the flexible display screen, the bending radius of the bending area is increased, and the problem of over-bending and creases caused by too small bending radius is avoided. 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, and the problem of rotation virtual 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 position of the two casings is easily pressed by the two casings and appears a crease. 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 connecting slide rod, the fixing frame is rotationally connected with the base, the support is rotationally connected with the fixing frame, one end of the connecting slide rod is rotationally connected with the base and the other end is slidingly connected with the support;

[0007] wherein the folding assembly is multiple, 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, 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 connecting slide rod, 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 bend smoothly, so that the bending radius of the bending area is increased, avoiding the bending radius of the bending area being too small and being over-folded to appear a crease, 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 and a connecting member, the support plate is used to enclose the receiving space, and the connecting member is fixedly connected with the support plate and rotatably connected with the fixing frame.

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

[0011] In one of the embodiments, the support plate and the connecting member jointly enclose a sliding slot, and part of the connecting sliding rod is accommodated in the sliding slot and slides along the sliding slot.

[0012] In one of the embodiments, one of the connecting sliding rod and the base is provided with a second circular-arc slot, and the other is provided with a second circular-arc limiting member, the second circular-arc limiting member is accommodated in the second circular-arc slot and moves along the second circular-arc slot, so that the connecting sliding rod is rotatably connected with the base.

[0013] 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, and the other end is rotatably connected with the base, and the support is rotatably connected with the support member.

[0014] In one of the embodiments, one of the base and the connecting arm is provided with a third circular-arc slot, and the other is provided with a third circular-arc limiting member, the third circular-arc limiting member is accommodated in the third circular-arc slot and moves along the third circular-arc slot, so that the connecting arm is rotatably connected with the base.

[0015] In one of the embodiments, the folding assembly comprises a damping arm, one end of the damping arm is rotatably connected with the base, and the other end is slidably connected with the fixing frame; when the fixing frame rotates relative to the base, the damping arm exerts a damping force on the fixing frame.

[0016] In one of the embodiments, one of the damping arm and the fixing frame is provided with an arc-shaped guide slot, and the other is provided with a connecting column, the connecting column extends into the guide slot and slides along the guide slot, and can move to both ends of the guide slot in the folded state and the unfolded state respectively.

[0017] 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 and the second plane are disposed obliquely and the distance therebetween gradually increases as it gradually approaches the base.

[0018] In one of the embodiments, the base comprises a seat body and an intermediate support plate, the folding assembly is 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.

[0019] A housing comprises:

[0020] Two housings; and

[0021] The folding mechanism 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 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, and the bending region is arranged in the folding mechanism and accommodated in the receiving space in the folded state.

[0025] In the foldable electronic device described above, after the folding mechanism is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, the support members of the plurality of folding assemblies are located on the same side of the base and cooperates with the base to enclose the receiving space, which can provide a larger space for the bending region of the flexible display screen to bend smoothly, so that the bending radius of the bending region is increased, avoiding the bending radius of the bending region being too small and being over-folded to appear creases. In addition, since the fixing frame is directly connected with the base, and the fixing frame is fixedly connected with the housing, the housing can be directly rotated relative to the base around a fixed rotation axis without the need for conversion through other motion forms, avoiding the problem of rotation virtual position, and improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or prior art description will be briefly introduced as follows. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description only only some embodiments of the present application, and for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative labor.

[0027] Figure 1 The structure schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in another state is shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the folding mechanism is in the folding state from the unfolded state of FIG. 4 to the folding state;

[0028] Figure 2 The structure schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in another state is shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the folding mechanism is in the folding state from the unfolded state of FIG. 4 to the folding state; Figure 1 Figure 1

[0029] Figure 3 The structure schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in another state is shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the folding mechanism is in the folding state from the unfolded state of FIG. 4 to the folding state; Figure 1

[0030] The structure schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in another state is shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the folding mechanism is in the folding state from the unfolded state of FIG. 4 to the folding state; Figure 4 Figure 3 The structure schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in another state is shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the folding mechanism is in the folding state from the unfolded state of FIG. 4 to the folding state;

[0031] Figure 5 Figure 1 The structure schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in another state is shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the folding mechanism is in the folding state from the unfolded state of FIG. 4 to the folding state;

[0032] Figure 6 The structure schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in another state is shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the folding mechanism is in the folding state from the unfolded state of FIG. 4 to the folding state; Figure 5

[0033] The structure schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in another state is shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the folding mechanism is in the folding state from the unfolded state of FIG. 4 to the folding state; Figure 7 Figure 5 The structure schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in another state is shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the folding mechanism is in the folding state from the unfolded state of FIG. 4 to the folding state;

[0034] Figure 8 Figure 5 The structure schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in another state is shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the folding mechanism is in the folding state from the unfolded state of FIG. 4 to the folding state;

[0035] Figure 9 The structure schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in another state is shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the folding mechanism is in the folding state from the unfolded state of FIG. 4 to the folding state; Figure 8

[0036] The structure schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in another state is shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the folding mechanism is in the folding state from the unfolded state of FIG. 4 to the folding state; Figure 10 Figure 9 The structure schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device in another state is shown in FIG. 5, at this time, the folding mechanism is in the folding state from the unfolded state of FIG. 4 to the folding state;

[0037] ​​​​​​​​In order to make the above objectives, features and advantages of the present application more clear and understandable, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present application is made 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 many different ways from what is described herein, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but should be understood to include all possible embodiments that can be made within the scope of the present application.

[0038] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "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 therefore should not be construed or implied to 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 should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0039] In addition, the terms "first", "second" are only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed or implied to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly indicate the number of the technical features referred to. Therefore, the features defined with "first", "second" 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.

[0040] In the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connection", "connection", "fixing" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be fixed connection, or detachable connection, or integral; it can be mechanical connection, or electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through 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.

[0041] In the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the first feature is "on" or "under" the second feature, which can be direct contact between the first and second features, or indirect contact between the first and second features through intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature "above", "above" and "above" the second feature can be directly above or obliquely above the first feature, or only indicate that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature "below", "below" and "below" the second feature can be directly below or obliquely below the first feature, or only indicate that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0042] It is to be understood that when an element such as a layer, region or substrate is referred to as being "on" or "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements can also be present. In addition, it will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region or substrate is referred to as being "connected" to or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements can also be present. As used herein, the term "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", and similar terms are used for purposes of description and are not meant to be limiting.

[0043] 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:

[0044] (1) wired connection means, such as via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), a digital cable, a direct cable connection;

[0045] (2) 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.

[0046] 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:

[0047] (1) a satellite telephone or a cellular telephone;

[0048] (2) a Personal Communications System (PCS) terminal that can combine a cellular radiotelephone with data processing, facsimile, and data communications capabilities;

[0049] (3) a radiotelephone, a pager, an Internet / Intranet access, a Web browser, a notepad, a calendar, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver;

[0050] (4) a conventional laptop and / or palmtop receiver;

[0051] (5) a conventional laptop and / or palmtop radiotelephone transceiver, etc.

[0052] In combination Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the drawings, the present application protects a folding mechanism 100, which has a folded state (as shown in FIG. 1A) and an unfolded state (as shown in FIG. 1B), and can be converted between the folded state and the unfolded state. Further, the present application also protects a case 10, which comprises the folding mechanism 100 and two housings 300, the folding mechanism 100 being connected between the two housings 300, thereby connecting the two housings 300 together. Still further, the present application also protects a foldable electronic device, which comprises a flexible display screen 20 and the case 10, the flexible display screen 20 being provided in the case 10, the case 10 being capable of supporting the flexible display screen 20, and the two cases 10 moving relative to each other with the state of the folding mechanism 100 changing, so that the flexible display screen 20 is folded or unfolded. Specifically, the foldable electronic device can be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or other electronic device, or a smart watch, an e-book reader, or other portable electronic device. In the embodiments of the present application, a mobile phone is taken as an example for illustration. Figure 3 Figure 1 In combination As shown in the drawings, specifically, the folding mechanism 100 comprises a base 110 and a folding assembly 120 connected with the base 110. The folding assembly 120 comprises a support 130, a fixed frame 140, and a connecting slide rod 150, the fixed frame 140 being rotationally connected with the base 110, the support 130 being rotationally connected with the fixed frame 140, one end of the connecting slide rod 150 being rotationally connected with the base 110, and the other end of the connecting slide rod 150 being slidingly connected with the support 130. There are a plurality of folding assemblies 120, and the plurality of folding assemblies 120 are distributed on opposite sides of the base 110. With the plurality of folding assemblies 120 moving relative to the base 110, the folding mechanism 100 is converted between the unfolded state and the folded state. In the folded state, the plurality of supports 130 are located on the same side of the base 110, and together with the base 110 enclose a receiving space 160.

[0053] Figures 6 to 8 The base 110 is provided with a length direction along the X axis, a width direction along the Y axis, and a thickness direction along the Z axis. The folding assemblies 120 are connected on both sides of the base 110 in the width direction, and the folding assemblies 120 can be two or any number of more than two. 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 relative 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 do not have a 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 image arranged about the symmetry plane.

[0054] The base 110 is provided with a length direction along the X axis, a width direction along the Y axis, and a thickness direction along the Z axis. The folding assemblies 120 are connected on both sides of the base 110 in the width direction, and the folding assemblies 120 can be two or any number of more than two. 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 relative 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 do not have a 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 image arranged about the symmetry plane. ​

[0055] In other embodiments, the number of folding assemblies 120 on the two sides of the base 110 can also be unequal. For example, the number of folding assemblies 120 can be three, and 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 along the width direction. In other embodiments, the plurality of folding assemblies 120 can also be arranged on the two sides of the base 110 along the length direction of the base 110 in a spaced and alternating manner. For example, the number of folding assemblies 120 can be three, and 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 along the width direction, and the three folding assemblies 120 are arranged in a triangular manner, 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 folding mechanisms 100 can be four, and two folding assemblies 120 are arranged on each side of the base 110 along the width direction, and the four folding assemblies 120 are arranged in an isosceles trapezoidal manner. It should be noted that only two folding assemblies 120 are shown in the drawings of the present application, and other folding assemblies 120 are not shown in the drawings of the present application.

[0056] It can be understood that, during the rotation of the fixing frame 140 relative to the base 110, the fixing frame 140 acts on the support 130 through the connecting slide rod 150, so that the support 130 moves relative to the base 110 and has 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 fixing 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.

[0057] It can be understood that, when the folding mechanism 100 is connected between the two housings 300, the fixing 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 fixing 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, so as to realize synchronous movement.

[0058] Again referring to Figures 1 to 8In particular, the flexible display 20 has a bending area 21 and two planar areas 22, which 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 arranged in a stacked manner, 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 a book stacked together, so that the flexible display 20 is folded between the two housings 300. At this time, the two housings 300 can protect the flexible display 20. For the flexible display 20, when it is folded, the two planar areas 22 are substantially attached together, and the bending area 21 is bent and accommodated in the accommodation space 160. In this way, 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 is increased, and the bending area 21 is prevented from being over-folded to have a crease due to a too small bending radius.

[0059] In addition, since the fixing frame 140 is rotationally connected with the base 110, and the fixing frame 140 is used to connect the housings 300, the housings 300 can directly realize smooth rotation relative to the base 110 about a fixed axis without the need for conversion through other motion forms, thereby avoiding the problem of rotation virtual position.

[0060] In some embodiments, the support 130 has a support surface 131 for surrounding the accommodation 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. 1A), and in the folded state, the first plane 132 and the second plane 133 are arranged in an inclined manner, and the distance between the two gradually increases as it gradually approaches the base 110 (as shown in FIG. 1B). Figure 5 Figure 4

[0061] ​​It can be understood that each fixing frame 140 located at the same side of the base 110 is connected with the same shell 300, so that each fixing 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 at the same side of the base 110 are coplanar and can always keep coplanar with the movement of each support 130. Thus, on one side of the base 110, the plane where the support surfaces 131 of each support 130 are located is defined as a first plane 132, and on the other side of the base 110, the plane where the support surfaces 131 of each support 130 are located is defined as a second plane 133. With the movement of the plurality of folding assemblies 120 relative to the base 110, the included angle between the first plane 132 and the second plane 133 changes.

[0062] Further, in the unfolded state, the first plane 132 and the second plane 133 are coplanar, at this time, the flexible display screen 20 is unfolded on the shell 10, thereby realizing 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 accommodation space 160 gradually shrinks as it gradually moves away from the base 110, and has a shape similar to a water droplet, and the bending area 21 of the flexible display screen 20 has a larger space for bending near the base 110 to avoid being over-bent and appearing creases.

[0063] 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 this time, each support surface 131 can still define the first plane 132 and the second plane 133 on the two 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 included angle.

[0064] Specifically, in the embodiments of the present application, the base 110 includes 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 supports 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 enclose the accommodation space 160 with the support 130, at the same time, the intermediate support plate 112 can also play a supporting role on 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 bending area 21 from being deformed with a concave shape when being touched in the unfolded state, and enable the bending area 21 to bend with a larger bending radius in the folded state to conform to the shape of the accommodation space 160.

[0065] Specifically, in the present application, the intermediate support plate 112 is movably connected with the seat body 111 to be able to ascend and descend, so as to ensure that the intermediate support plate 112 keeps abutting against the bending area 21 of the flexible display screen 20 at all times during the folding or unfolding of the flexible display screen 20. Further, the intermediate support plate 112 ascends and descends along the thickness direction of the base 110 relative to the seat body 111. 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. Thus, the intermediate support plate 112 moves relative to the seat body 111 under the joint action of the bending area 21 and the elastic member. Specifically, 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 surface 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 moves towards the seat body 111 under the compression of the bending area 21, overcoming 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. At this time, the intermediate support plate 112 can be fixed at the highest position of the relative ascent of the seat body 111 in the foregoing embodiments, so as to also ensure that the intermediate support plate 112 keeps abutting against the bending area 21 of the flexible display screen 20 at all times.

[0066] Specifically, in the present application, the support member 130 includes a support plate 134 and a connecting member 135. The support plate 134 is used to enclose the accommodation space 160. The connecting member 135 is fixedly connected with the support plate 134 and rotatably connected with the fixed frame 140. Further, the support surface 131 is located on the support plate 134. The connecting member 135 and the support plate 134 can be fixedly connected together through a riveting or spot welding or adhesive process. The connecting member 135 and the support plate 134 can also be connected together through a threaded structure such as a screw or a bolt. In the embodiments of the present application, the support plate 134 can be extended to have a larger area, so that the support members 130 located on the same side of the base 110 share one support plate 134.

[0067] In combination Figures 7 to 10As shown, specifically, the support plate 134 and the connecting piece 135 jointly enclose the sliding groove 136, and part of the connecting sliding rod 150 is accommodated in the sliding groove 136 and slides along the sliding groove 136. Thus, the support plate 134 needs to enclose the sliding groove 136 between the support plate 134 and the connecting piece 135 while being fixedly connected with the connecting piece 135. In this way, compared with the scheme that the support piece 130 is integrally formed, the scheme that the support piece 130 is divided into the support plate 134 and the connecting piece 135 is easier to be demolded and is convenient for processing and manufacturing. Specifically, the sliding groove 136 is in a strip shape, one end of the connecting sliding rod 150 extends in a strip shape and can be accommodated in the sliding groove 136 and is matched with the sliding groove 136, so that the connecting sliding rod 150 slides along the sliding groove 136, and the sliding groove 136 guides the connecting sliding rod 150.

[0068] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the 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 connecting piece 135 is rotationally 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 a circular-arc shape with the same center and radius, so that the first circular-arc limiting piece 141 is just accommodated in the inside of the first circular-arc groove 137 and is matched 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 connecting piece 135 and the fixing frame 140 are relatively rotated. In other embodiments, the first circular-arc limiting piece 141 can be arranged on the connecting piece 135, and the first circular-arc groove 137 can be arranged on the fixing frame 140.

[0069] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the base 110 is provided with a second circular-arc groove 113, the connecting sliding rod 150 is fixedly provided with a second circular-arc limiting piece 151, the second circular-arc limiting piece 151 is accommodated in the second circular-arc groove 113 and moves along the second circular-arc groove 113, so that the connecting sliding rod 150 is rotationally connected with the base 110. It can be understood that the second circular-arc limiting piece 151 and the second circular-arc groove 113 extend in a circular-arc shape with the same center and radius, so that the second circular-arc limiting piece 151 is just accommodated in the inside of the second circular-arc groove 113 and is matched with the inner wall surface of the second circular-arc groove 113 to move along the arc-shaped track defined by the second circular-arc groove 113, so that the base 110 and the connecting sliding rod 150 are relatively rotated. In other embodiments, the second circular-arc limiting piece 151 can be arranged on the base 110, and the second circular-arc groove 113 can be arranged on the connecting sliding rod 150.

[0070] Specifically, the second circular arc slot 113 is arranged on the seat body 111. Since the seat body 111 has a relatively large volume, the second circular arc slot 113 can be arranged, so that the volume of the connecting slide rod 150 can be relatively small. Alternatively, if the second circular arc slot 113 is arranged on the connecting slide rod 150, the volume of the connecting slide rod 150 will be relatively large.

[0071] Further, the connecting slide rod 150 comprises a first sliding part 152 and a second sliding part 153 connected with the first sliding part 152. The first sliding part 152 is accommodated in the slide slot 136 and slides along the slide slot 136 to achieve the sliding connection with the support 130. The second circular arc limiting part 151 is arranged on the second sliding part 153 and extends to the first sliding part 152 to connect with the first sliding part 152. The first sliding part 152 slides relative to the support 130 and can abut against the entity structure part surrounding the second circular arc slot 113 in the unfolded state, thereby constituting a movement limit position of the connecting slide rod 150. It can be understood that, in the unfolded state, the connecting slide rod 150 cannot continue to move because it abuts against the seat body 111, and thus the support 130, the fixed frame 140 and the shell 300 cannot continue to move.

[0072] Specifically, the connecting slide rod 150 is rotationally connected with the base 110 and has a rotation axis, and the direction in which the connecting slide rod 150 slides relative to the support 130 is perpendicular to the rotation axis. In this way, during the rotation of the connecting slide rod 150 relative to the base 110, the connecting slide rod 150 can slide along the slide slot 136 relative to the support 130.

[0073] Continuing to refer to Figures 7 to 10 Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the fixed 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, and the other end is rotationally connected with the base 110. The support 142 is rotationally connected with the support 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 fixed frame 140. Specifically, the support 142 is rotationally connected with the connecting piece 135, the first circular arc slot 137 is arranged on the connecting piece 135, and the first circular arc limiting part 141 is arranged on the support 142.

[0074] Specifically in the embodiments of the present application, the base 110 is provided with a third arc slot 114, and the connecting arm 143 is fixedly provided with a third arc limiting piece 144, which is accommodated in the third arc slot 114 and moves along the third arc slot 114, so that the connecting arm 143 is rotationally connected with the base 110. It can be understood that the third arc limiting piece 144 and the third arc slot 114 extend in the same circle center and radius to form an arc shape, so that the third arc limiting piece 144 is just accommodated in the third arc slot 114 and is in close contact with the inner wall surface of the third arc slot 114 to move along the arc track defined by the third arc slot 114, so that the base 110 and the connecting arm 143 are relatively rotated. In other embodiments, the third arc limiting piece 144 can be provided on the base 110, and the third arc slot 114 can be provided on the connecting arm 143. Specifically, the third arc slot 114 is provided on the seat body 111, and since the seat body 111 has a relatively large volume, it is beneficial to provide the third arc slot 114, so that the volume of the connecting arm 143 can be relatively small.

[0075] Specifically in the embodiments of the present application, the folding assembly 120 includes a damping arm 170, one end of which is rotationally connected with the base 110, and the other end of which is slidingly connected with the fixing frame 140. When the fixing frame 140 rotates relative to the base 110, the damping arm 170 applies a damping force to the fixing frame 140. It can be understood that when the fixing frame 140 rotates relative to the base 110 to two limit positions, the damping arm 170 applies a movement resistance to the fixing frame 140 to hinder the rotation of the fixing frame 140 relative to the base 110, so that the fixing frame 140 can be stably maintained at the two limit positions relative to the base 110, and the folding mechanism 100 can be stably maintained in the unfolded state and the folded state, so as to facilitate the user to use. In addition, during the rotation of the fixing frame 140 relative to the base 110, the damping arm 170 can still apply a damping force to the fixing frame 140, so that the fixing frame 140 can be slowly moved relative to the base 110, and the folding mechanism 100 can be slowly converted between the unfolded state and the folded state, so as to avoid the state conversion too fast and damage the folding mechanism 100.

[0076] Further, the damping arm 170 is provided with a connecting column 171, the fixing frame 140 is provided with an arc-shaped guide slot 145, the connecting column 171 extends into the guide slot 145 and slides along the guide slot 145, and can move to two ends of the guide slot 145 in the folded state and the unfolded state respectively. Specifically, the connecting column 171 slides along the guide slot 145, and at the two ends of the guide slot 145, the connecting column 171 abuts against the inner wall surface of the guide slot 145, so that the two ends of the guide slot 145 become two limit positions of the connecting column 171 sliding in the guide slot 145, and at the same time, when the connecting column 171 slides to the two ends of the guide slot 145, the fixing frame 140 also rotates to two limit positions relative to the base 110. In other embodiments, the connecting column 171 can also be arranged on the fixing frame 140, and the guide slot 145 is arranged on the damping arm 170.

[0077] It should be noted that, for the connecting column 171, it needs to rotate relative to the base 110 on the damping arm 170, and also needs to rotate relative to the base 110 on the fixing frame 140 after being accommodated in the guide slot 145. In the case that the rotation axis of the fixing frame 140 rotating relative to the base 110 is different from the rotation axis of the damping arm 170 rotating relative to the base 110, the movement track of the connecting column 171 needs to be obtained through the intersection of the movement tracks of the fixing frame 140 and the damping arm 170, and then the shape of the guide slot 145 is matched with the movement track of the connecting column 171.

[0078] Specifically, a rotating shaft (not shown) is arranged between the damping arm 170 and the base 110, and the damping arm 170 rotates relative to the base 110 around the rotating shaft. An elastic member such as a torsion spring can be sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the elastic member elastically acts on the damping arm 170, so that the damping arm 170 exerts a damping force on the fixing frame 140.

[0079] Specifically, the base 110 is provided with a containing slot 116, and the end of the damping arm 170 away from the connecting column 171 is cylindrical and is limited in the containing slot 116 and rotates relative to the base 110 in the containing slot 116. In the embodiment provided with the rotating shaft, the rotating shaft can be arranged at the end of the damping arm 170 away from the connecting column 171.

[0080] Specifically, the rotation axis of the damping arm 170 rotating relative to the base 110 and the rotation axis of the connecting arm 143 rotating relative to the base 110 need to be parallel and not collinear.

[0081] It should be noted that the support plate 134 in the support 130 is flat, and needs to avoid interference with the damping arm 170, the connecting slide rod 150, and the connecting arm 143 during rotation of the damping arm 170 relative to the base 110, rotation of the connecting slide rod 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 multiple structures.

[0082] Again referring to Figures 1 to 6 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.

[0083] Specifically, the shell 300 includes a main body part 310 and a shielding part 320. The main body part 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 part 310 is fixedly connected with the fixing frame 140 and cannot move relative to the fixing frame 140, so that the main body part 310 rotates relative to the base 110. The shielding part 320 is connected with the main body part 310 and protrudes from the main body part 310, so as to be arranged in an "L" shape with the main body part 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 parts 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 parts 320 of the two shells 300 respectively move along the outer wall surface of the base 110 and abut against the opposite two side surfaces of the base 110 in the width direction in the folded state, and shield the folding assembly 120 to avoid exposure of the folding assembly 120.

[0084] In combination with Figures 1 to 10The folding mechanism 100 of the present application, 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 connecting slide rod 150, so that the support 130 moves 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, and 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 together with the base 110 to form a containing space 160, and the containing 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-folded to appear creases, 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 about a fixed rotation axis without the need for conversion through other motion forms, avoiding the problem of virtual rotation position, and improving the user experience.

[0085] Further, in the present application, the connecting slide rod 150 is rotatable relative to the base 110, the connecting arm 143 is rotatable relative to the base 110, and the connecting piece 135 is rotatable relative to the bracket 142, all of which are connected without using a rotation shaft, which is simple and convenient to assemble, facilitates batch production and control, and can improve production efficiency and reduce production cost.

[0086] 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.

[0087] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation manners of the present application, and the description is more specific and detailed, but it should not be understood as a limitation on the patent scope of the application. It should be noted that for ordinary skilled persons in the art, without departing from the concept of the present application, a number of modifications and improvements can be made, which are within the 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 plurality of folding assemblies, each folding assembly comprising a support, a fixed frame rotatably connected to the base, the support rotatably connected to the fixed frame, and a connecting slide rod rotatably connected to the base at one end and slidably connected to the support at the other end; wherein the folding assemblies are distributed on opposite sides of the base, and the folding mechanism is switchable between an unfolded state and a folded state, in which the supports are located on the same side of the base and together enclose a storage space with the base; the support comprises a support plate for enclosing the storage space and a connecting piece fixedly connected to the support plate and rotatably connected to the fixed frame; a sliding groove is formed between the support plate and the connecting piece, and the connecting slide rods are accommodated in the sliding groove and slide along the sliding groove; the support plates of the supports on one side of the base are coplanar to define a first plane, and the support plates of the supports 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 inclined to the second plane, and the distance between the first plane and the second plane gradually increases as it approaches the base; 2. The folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein, one of the connecting piece and the fixed frame is provided with a first circular arc groove, 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 groove and moves along the first circular arc groove, so that the connecting piece and the fixed frame are rotatably connected; 3. The folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein, one of the connecting slide rod and the base is provided with a second circular arc groove, 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 groove and moves along the second circular arc groove, so that the connecting slide rod and the base are rotatably connected; 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, and 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 third circular arc groove, and the other is provided with a third circular arc limiting piece, the third circular arc limiting piece is accommodated in the third circular arc groove and moves along the third circular arc groove, so that the connecting arm and the base are rotatably connected; 6. The folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein, the folding assembly comprises a damping arm, one end of the damping arm is rotatably connected to the base, and the other end is slidably connected to the fixed frame; as the fixed frame rotates relative to the base, the damping arm exerts a damping force on the fixed frame.

7. The folding mechanism of claim 6, wherein, one of the damping arm and the fixed frame is provided with an arc-shaped guide groove, and the other is provided with a connecting column, the connecting column extends into the guide groove and slides along the guide groove, and can move to both ends of the guide groove in the folded state and the unfolded state respectively.

8. 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.

9. A housing, characterized by Comprise: Two housings; And The folding mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 8 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.

10. A foldable electronic device, characterized by Comprise: The housing of claim 9; 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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