Rotating shaft device, folding housing and electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a rotating shaft device, which comprises a supporting mechanism, a rotating assembly and a driven mechanism, the supporting mechanism comprises two side supports; the rotating assembly comprises a positioning seat and rotating mechanisms arranged on opposite sides of the positioning seat, the rotating mechanisms comprise a first rotating piece, a second rotating piece and a connecting piece, one end of the first rotating piece is rotatably connected to the positioning seat, the opposite end of the first rotating piece is rotatably connected to the connecting piece, one end of the second rotating piece is rotatably connected to the positioning seat, the opposite end of the second rotating piece is rotatably connected to the connecting piece, a first rotating axis line between the first rotating piece and the connecting piece is parallel to a second rotating axis line between the second rotating piece and the connecting piece; the driven mechanism comprises a driven piece connected to the side supports, the driven piece is slidably and rotatably connected to the positioning seat. The application also provides a folding shell provided with the rotating shaft device and an electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flexible component support, and more particularly to a pivot device for supporting a flexible component, a foldable housing provided with the pivot device, and an electronic device provided with the foldable housing. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of display equipment, flexible displays have emerged, and foldable phones equipped with these displays are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique shapes and diverse functions. Currently, flexible displays employ both inward and outward folding mechanisms. Foldable phones in these technologies generally use hinge mechanisms for support; however, most current hinge structures are relatively wide and occupy a significant amount of space, hindering the miniaturization of foldable phones. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a rotating shaft device, a folding housing provided with the rotating shaft device, and an electronic device provided with the folding housing.

[0004] This application provides a rotating shaft device, which includes a support mechanism, a rotating assembly, and a driven mechanism. The support mechanism includes two side support members. The rotating assembly includes a positioning seat and rotating mechanisms disposed on opposite sides of the positioning seat. Each rotating mechanism includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member, and a connecting member. One end of the first rotating member is rotatably connected to the positioning seat, and the other end of the first rotating member away from the positioning seat is rotatably connected to the connecting member. One end of the second rotating member is rotatably connected to the positioning seat, and the other end of the second rotating member away from the positioning seat is rotatably connected to the connecting member. A first rotation axis between the first rotating member and the connecting member is parallel to the axis between the second rotating member and the connecting member. The second rotation axis; the driven mechanism includes a driven member connected to the side support member, the driven member being slidably and rotatably connected to the positioning seat; the side support member being rotatably connected to the connecting member; when the two connecting members approach each other, the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate relative to the positioning seat and the connecting member and approach each other, the driven member sliding and rotating relative to the positioning seat, so that the two side support members fold towards each other; when the two connecting members move away from each other, the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate relative to the positioning seat and the connecting member and move away from each other, the driven member sliding and rotating relative to the positioning seat, so that the two side support members unfold towards each other.

[0005] This application also provides a folding housing, which includes a pivot device and two frames. The pivot device is located between the two frames, and the two frames are respectively connected to the connecting parts of the two rotating mechanisms of the pivot device.

[0006] This application also provides an electronic device, which includes a flexible component and a folding housing, wherein the flexible component is disposed on the folding housing.

[0007] In the rotating shaft device of the present invention, the first rotation axis between the first rotating member and the connecting member is parallel to the second rotation axis between the second rotating member and the connecting member, and the auxiliary member is connected to the side support member. The auxiliary member is slidably and rotatably connected to the positioning seat, so that the various components of the rotating shaft device are compactly connected and the overall width of the rotating shaft device is small, thereby reducing the internal space occupied by the rotating shaft device in the folding shell. This is not only beneficial to the layout of other components such as motherboards or batteries in electronic devices, but also beneficial to the development of miniaturization. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the electronic device in the first embodiment of this application;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding housing and flexible components of an electronic device.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the three-dimensional structure of the folded shell in the diagram;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the folded shell from another perspective;

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Enlarged three-dimensional structure diagram of the rotating shaft device in the image;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating shaft device from another perspective;

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating shaft device in the diagram;

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating shaft device from another perspective;

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A further exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating shaft device in the diagram;

[0018] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating shaft device from another perspective;

[0019] Figure 11 yes Figure 5 A three-dimensional sectional view of the rotating shaft device from another perspective;

[0020] Figures 12-15 yes Figure 5 A three-dimensional sectional view of different parts of the rotating shaft device;

[0021] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 A cross-sectional structural diagram of the rotating shaft device in the middle;

[0022] Figure 17 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the electronic device in a fully bent state;

[0023] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating shaft device in the diagram;

[0024] Figures 19-22 yes Figure 18 A three-dimensional sectional view of different parts of the rotating shaft device;

[0025] Figure 23 yes Figure 21 A cross-sectional structural diagram of the rotating shaft device in the middle;

[0026] Figure 24 This is an exploded perspective view of the rotating shaft device in the second embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating shaft device from another perspective;

[0028] Figure 26 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft device in the third embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 27 yes Figure 26 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating shaft device from another perspective;

[0030] Figure 28 This is an exploded perspective view of the rotating shaft device in the fourth embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 29 yes Figure 28 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating shaft device from another perspective. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] Furthermore, the following descriptions of various embodiments are based on the accompanying illustrations and are used to illustrate specific embodiments that can be implemented in this application. Directional terms used in this application, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and "side," are merely for reference to the accompanying illustrations. Therefore, the directional terms used are for better and clearer explanation and understanding of this application, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "linked," and "set on" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 7 The electronic device 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention includes a folding housing 20 and a flexible component 30 disposed on the folding housing 20. The flexible component 30 can be a flexible display screen, a flexible touch screen, or a flexible touch display screen, or a flexible component fixedly attached to a flexible support plate, such as a flexible display screen or a flexible touch screen attached to a flexible steel plate. The flexible component 30 bends or flattens with the folding housing 20. The folding housing 20 includes two frames 21 and a pivot device 22 connecting the two frames 21. The two frames 21 are folded or flattened through the pivot device 22. The flexible component 30 includes a bendable area 31 corresponding to the pivot device 22, and two non-bendable areas 33 connected to opposite sides of the bendable area 31. The two non-bendable areas 33 of the flexible component 30 can be fixed to the front of the two frames 21 respectively, and the bendable area 31 is attached to the front of the pivot device 22. The bendable area 31 of the flexible component 30 can be bent or flattened with the pivot device 22.

[0036] The rotating shaft device 22 includes a support mechanism 23, a rotating assembly 25, and a driven mechanism 26, with the driven mechanism 26 connected to the rotating assembly 25. The support mechanism 23 includes two side support members 233 located on opposite sides of the front of the rotating assembly 25. These two side support members 233 can be bent or flattened relative to each other. The two side support members 233 can be symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged; in this embodiment, they are symmetrically arranged. The rotating assembly 25 includes a positioning seat 251 and rotating mechanisms 253 located on opposite sides of the positioning seat 251. The two rotating mechanisms 253 can be symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged; in this embodiment, they are symmetrically arranged. The two side support members 233 are located on opposite sides of the positioning seat 251 and are respectively connected to the two rotating mechanisms 253. When the two side supports 233 are flattened, their front surfaces are coplanar with the front surface of the positioning seat 251, so that the flexible component 30 can fit against the front surfaces of the positioning seat 251 and the side supports 233. The rotating mechanism 253 includes a first rotating component 254, a second rotating component 255, and a connecting component 256. One end of the first rotating component 254 is rotatably connected to the positioning seat 251, and the other end of the first rotating component 254 away from the positioning seat 251 is rotatably connected to the connecting component 256. One end of the second rotating component 255 is rotatably connected to the positioning seat 251, and the other end of the second rotating component 255 away from the positioning seat 251 is rotatably connected to the connecting component 256. The first rotation axis C1 between the first rotating component 254 and the connecting component 256 is parallel to the second rotation axis C2 between the second rotating component 255 and the connecting component 256; that is, the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 are misaligned and do not coincide. The driven mechanism 26 includes a driven member 262 connected to the side support member 233. The driven member 262 is slidably and rotatably connected to the positioning seat 251. The side support member 233 is rotatably connected to a corresponding connecting member 256. The rotation of the connecting member 256 relative to the positioning seat 251 can drive the first rotating member 254 and the second rotating member 255 to rotate, thereby causing the side support member 233 to rotate relative to the rotating mechanism 253 and the driven member 262 to slide and rotate relative to the positioning seat 251, so that the two side support members 233 bend or unfold towards each other.

[0037] In some embodiments, the support mechanism 23 may further include a central support member disposed between the two side supports 233. When the support mechanism 23 is in a flattened state, the front faces of the two side supports 233 and the central support member are coplanar, and the bendable region 31 of the flexible member 30 fits against the front faces of the central support member and the side supports 233. When the support mechanism 23 is in a folded state, the front faces of the two side supports 233 and the central support member form a space with a teardrop or U-shaped cross-section.

[0038] The two frames 21 of the electronic device 100 are respectively connected to the two connectors 256 of the rotating shaft device 22. The frames 21 drive the first rotating member 254 and the second rotating member 255 to rotate relative to the positioning seat 251 through the connectors 256, thereby driving the two side support members 233 to rotate relative to the rotating mechanism 253. At the same time, the driven members 262 on the side support members 233 slide and rotate relative to the positioning seat 251 to realize the relative bending or relative unfolding of the two side support members 233. The flexible member 30 bends or flattens with the support mechanism 23, and the bendable area 31 can be bent into a U-shape, a teardrop shape, or other shapes. In this embodiment, the bendable area 31 can be bent into a teardrop shape.

[0039] In this embodiment, the front side refers to the side facing the same direction as the light-emitting surface of the flexible component 30, and the back side refers to the side facing away from the light-emitting surface of the flexible component 30. The electronic device 100 is, for example, but not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, displays, LCD panels, OLED panels, televisions, smartwatches, VR headsets, automotive displays, and any other products and components with display functions. In the description of this embodiment, "connection" includes both direct and indirect connections. For example, a connection between A and B includes a direct connection between A and B or a connection through a third element C or more other elements. Connections also include integrated connections and non-integrated connections. An integrated connection means that A and B are integrally formed and connected, while a non-integrated connection means that A and B are not integrally formed and connected.

[0040] The rotating shaft device 22 of the electronic device 100 of the present invention includes a support mechanism 23, a rotating assembly 25 and a driven mechanism 26. One end of the first rotating member 254 of the rotating assembly 25 is rotatably connected to the positioning seat 251, and the other end of the first rotating member 254 away from the positioning seat 251 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 256. One end of the second rotating member 255 is rotatably connected to the positioning seat 251, and the other end of the second rotating member 255 away from the positioning seat 251 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 256. One end of the driven member 262 is connected to the corresponding side support member 233, and the driven member 262 is slidably and rotatably connected to the positioning seat 251. During the process of the two frames 21 folding and moving closer to each other or unfolding and moving away from each other, the connector 256 drives the first rotating member 254 and the second rotating member 255 to rotate relative to the positioning seat 251. The rotating mechanism 253 drives the side support member 233 to rotate relative to the connector 256, and the driven member 262 on the side support member 233 slides and rotates relative to the positioning seat 251, so that the two side support members 233 fold or unfold relative to each other, thereby realizing the folding or unfolding of the flexible member 30.

[0041] First, since the first rotation axis C1 between the first rotating member 254 and the connecting member 256 is parallel to the second rotation axis C2 between the second rotating member 255 and the connecting member 256, and the auxiliary member 262 is connected to the side support member 233, and the auxiliary member 262 is slidably and rotatably connected to the positioning seat 251, the various components of the rotating shaft device 22 are compactly connected, and the overall width of the rotating shaft device 22 is small. This reduces the internal space occupied by the rotating shaft device 22 in the folding housing 20, which is not only beneficial to the layout of other components such as the motherboard or battery in the electronic device 100, but also beneficial to miniaturization. Second, compared with the prior art that supports flexible parts through a hinge mechanism, the rotating shaft device 22 of this application has a simple structure, lower manufacturing cost, higher reliability of connections between components, and improved overall strength.

[0042] The rotating shaft device 22 in this embodiment includes a rotating component 25 and a driven mechanism 26; the rotating component 25 and the driven mechanism 26 constitute an integral structure, which is disposed on the back of the support mechanism 23.

[0043] In some embodiments, the rotating shaft device 22 may also include two rotating components 25 and two driven mechanisms 26. The two rotating components 25 and the two driven mechanisms 26 respectively form two integral structures, and the two integral structures are respectively disposed at intervals on the back of the support mechanism 23. Preferably, the two integral structures are respectively disposed at opposite ends on the back of the support mechanism 23.

[0044] In some embodiments, the rotating shaft device 22 may also include three or more rotating components 25 and three or more driven mechanisms 26. Each rotating component 25 and one of the driven mechanisms 26 form an integral structure, that is, three or more rotating components 25 and three or more driven mechanisms 26 form three or more integral structures. The three or more integral structures are respectively disposed on the back of the support mechanism 23 and are spaced apart along the length direction of the support mechanism 23.

[0045] like Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, the first rotation axis C1 between the first rotating member 254 and the connecting member 256 on the same side of the positioning seat 251 is farther away from the positioning seat 251 than the second rotation axis C2 between the second rotating member 255 and the connecting member 256. That is, the first rotation axis C1 is parallel to the second rotation axis C2, and the second rotation axis C2 is closer to the positioning seat 251 than the first rotation axis C1. The parallel spacing between the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 in the first direction facilitates a compact connection between the first rotating member 254, the second rotating member 255, the connecting member 256, and the positioning seat 251. The first rotation axis C1 is parallel to both the rotation axis between the first rotating member 254 and the positioning seat 251 and the rotation axis between the second rotating member 255 and the positioning seat 251.

[0046] The connector 256 includes a connecting plate 2560. A first rotating member 254 and a second rotating member 255 are rotatably connected to the front side of the connecting plate 2560. The first rotation axis C1 is further away from the connecting plate 2560 than the second rotation axis C2. The first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 are parallel and spaced apart in a second direction, which facilitates a compact connection between the first rotating member 254, the second rotating member 255, the connector 256, and the positioning seat 251. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction and parallel to the width direction of the rotating device 22, while the second direction is parallel to the thickness direction of the rotating device 22.

[0047] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the connecting parts 256 on both sides of the rotating shaft device 22 are fixedly connected to the two frames 21 respectively. When one frame 21 is folded or unfolded relative to the other frame 21, it can drive the corresponding rotating mechanism 253 to rotate relative to the positioning seat 251. The rotating mechanism 253 rotates to drive the two side support members 233 to rotate relative to the connecting parts 256. The driven member 262 on the side support member 233 rotates and slides relative to the positioning seat 251 until the two side support members 233 are bent into a teardrop shape or unfolded into a horizontal shape. The bendable area 31 of the flexible member 30 is folded into a teardrop shape or unfolded into a horizontal shape along with the bendable area 31.

[0048] like Figures 2-4As shown, the frame 21 includes a front face 211, a back face 213, two opposite sides 214, and two end faces 215. A pivot device 22 connects the two adjacent end faces 215 of the two frames 21. The bendable area 31 of the flexible member 30 is attached to the front face of the pivot device 22, and the non-bending area 33 of the flexible member 30 is connected to the front face 211 of the frame 21. Each frame 21 has a receiving groove 216 on its end face 215 facing the pivot device 22. The receiving groove 216 passes through the front face 211 of the frame 21, and its opposite ends extend to the opposite sides 214 of the frame 21. The opposite sides of the pivot device 22 are respectively accommodated in the receiving grooves 216 of the two frames 21, and each connector 256 is fixedly connected to the corresponding frame 21. The back face 213 of the frame 21 has several receiving spaces (not shown in the figure) for mounting electronic devices such as circuit boards and batteries.

[0049] Please refer to the following: Figures 5-10The side support member 233 is a rectangular plate. The side of the side support member 233 away from the positioning seat 251 is connected to the connector 256 through a first arc groove 2334 and a first arc rail 2562. The axis of the first arc groove 2334 is collinear with the axis of rotation between the side support member 233 and the connector 256. The first arc groove 2334 is provided on one of the side support member 233 and the connector 256, and the first arc rail 2562 is provided on the other of the connector 256 and the side support member 233. In this embodiment, the side support member 233 includes a rectangular side support plate 2330, and the connector 256 is rotatably connected to the side support plate 2330. Specifically, the side support plate 2330 includes a front side 2331, a back side 2332 facing away from the front side 2331, and two opposing side sides 2335, one side side 2335 facing the positioning seat 251 and the other side side 2335 facing away from the positioning seat 251. The side support member 233 is provided with a guide slider 2333, and the guide slider 2333 is provided with a first arc groove 2334. The connecting member 256 is provided with a first arc rail 2562 that can be slidably accommodated in the first arc groove 2334. The connecting member 256 and the side support member 233 rotate relative to each other along the first arc groove 2334. Specifically, a guide slider 2333 protrudes from the back surface 2332 of the side support member 233, away from the positioning seat 251. The guide slider 2333 is an arc-shaped block, and a first arc groove 2334 is formed on the side surface of the guide slider 2333. One end of the first arc groove 2334 penetrates the surface of the guide slider 2333 away from the positioning seat 251, and the other end of the first arc groove 2334 extends to the back surface 2332 of the side support plate 2330. The first arc groove 2334 bends away from the back surface 2332. Specifically, the middle part of the first arc groove 2334 bends away from the back surface 2332. The side support 233 is provided with a guide slider 2333 at at least one end of the connector 256. The guide slider 2333 is provided with a first arc groove 2334 on the side facing the connector 256. The connector 256 is provided with a first arc rail 2562 on the end face facing the guide slider 2333. The first arc rail 2562 is slidably accommodated in the first arc groove 2334.

[0050] In some embodiments, the side support member 233 is provided with guide sliders 2333 at opposite ends of the connector 256, and the two sides facing each other of the two guide sliders 2333 are provided with first arc grooves 2334. The axis lines of the two first arc grooves 2334 are collinear, and one end of the first arc groove 2334 passes through the guide slider 2333 away from the surface of the positioning seat 251. The two opposite ends of the connector 256 are respectively provided with first arc rails 2562, and the two first arc rails 2562 are slidably accommodated in the two first arc grooves 2334.

[0051] In some embodiments, the side support member 233 is provided with guide sliders 2333 at opposite ends of the connector 256, and the two sides facing the two guide sliders 2333 are provided with first arc rails 2562, and the axis lines of the two first arc rails 2562 are collinear; the two opposite ends of the connector 256 are provided with first arc grooves 2334, and the two first arc rails 2562 are slidably accommodated in the two first arc grooves 2334.

[0052] In some embodiments, the connector 256 is provided with two or more first arc rails 2562, the axis lines of the two or more first arc rails 2562 are collinear, and the side support 233 is provided with two or more first arc grooves 2334 respectively corresponding to the two or more first arc rails 2562, and the two or more first arc rails 2562 are rotatably accommodated in the two or more first arc grooves 2334 respectively.

[0053] In some embodiments, the back of the side support member 233 is provided with two guide sliders 2333, and the two opposite sides of the two guide sliders 2333 are respectively provided with first arc grooves 2334. The axis lines of the two first arc grooves 2334 are collinear. One end of the first arc groove 2334 penetrates the surface of the guide slider 2333 away from the side support plate 2330, and the first arc groove 2334 bends away from the back side 2332. The connector 256 is provided with two first arc rails 2562 corresponding to the two first arc grooves 2334 respectively. The two first arc rails 2562 are slidably accommodated in the two first arc grooves 2334 respectively.

[0054] The driven mechanism 26 includes a driven member 262 and a driven shaft 264. The driven member 262 is rotatably and slidably connected to the positioning seat 251 via the driven shaft 264. One end of the driven member 262 is connected to the side support member 233. The driven member 262 and the positioning seat 251 are slidably and rotatably connected via the driven shaft 264. Specifically, the driven member 262 on the side support member 233 and the positioning seat 251 are connected by the driven shaft 264 and the driven groove 2620. The axis of the driven shaft 264 is parallel to the first rotation axis C1. The driven shaft 264 slidably and rotatably passes through the driven groove 2620. The driven shaft 264 is located in one of the positioning seat 251 and the driven member 262, and the driven groove 2620 is located in the other of the driven member 262 and the positioning seat 251. In this embodiment, the driven shaft 264 is connected to the positioning seat 251, and the driven groove 2620 is provided on the driven member 262. Specifically, the driven member 262 is an extension strip connected to the side support plate 2330 near the positioning seat 251. The extension strip is provided with an inclined driven groove 2620. Specifically, when the side support member 233 is flattened relative to the positioning seat 251, the driven groove 2620 extends inclined upward from the side near the side support member 233 toward the positioning seat 251; upward refers to the same direction as the light emission direction of the flexible member 30. It can be understood that the driven groove 2620 extends toward the positioning seat 251 in a first direction, and at the same time, the driven groove 2620 extends away from the positioning seat in a second direction. One end of the driven shaft 264 is connected to the positioning seat 251, and the other end of the driven shaft 264 passes through the driven groove 2620. During the bending or flattening of the two side supports 233, the driven shaft 264 rotates and slides in the driven groove 2620. Preferably, the extension strip extends obliquely from the side of the side support plate 2330 near the positioning seat 251 to the side away from the side support plate 2330 and the positioning seat 251, and the driven groove 2620 extends along the extension direction of the extension strip, with the opposite ends of the driven groove 2620 extending to the opposite ends of the extension strip. Further, one end of the extension strip is fixedly connected to the side 2335 of the side support plate 2330 facing the positioning seat 251, and the opposite end of the extension strip extends obliquely to the side away from the back 2332 of the side support plate 2330, with the driven groove 2620 extending along the extension direction of the extension strip, and the opposite ends of the driven groove 2620 extending to the opposite ends of the extension strip.

[0055] In this embodiment, the driven groove 2620 passes through the opposite sides of the driven member 262. The driven groove 2620 includes a first limiting section 2621 and a second limiting section 2623 located at its opposite ends. The first limiting section 2621 is closer to the side support plate 2330 than the second limiting section 2623. When the two side support members 233 are in a flattened state, the driven shaft 264 is positioned at the first limiting section 2621 (e.g., ...). Figure 15(as shown), to prevent the side support 233 from folding back and damaging the flexible component 30; when both side support 233 are in a fully folded state, the driven shaft 264 is positioned at the second limiting section 2623 (as shown). Figure 22 As shown in the figure, this is to prevent the side support 233 from further folding and damaging the flexible member 30. Preferably, the end face of the follower 262 away from the side support plate 2330 is set as an arc surface to avoid the end of the follower 262 scratching the flexible member 30.

[0056] It should be noted that the driven mechanism 26 in this embodiment includes two driven members 262 and two driven shafts 264. Specifically, the two side supports 233 of the rotating shaft device 22 are respectively provided with driven members 262 on the side near the positioning seat 251, and the positioning seat 251 is provided with two driven shafts 264 spaced apart from each other on the end near the driven members 262. The two driven shafts 264 are respectively slidably and rotatably inserted into the driven grooves 2620 of the two driven members 262. Preferably, the two driven members 262 are offset in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis C1, which can avoid mutual interference between the two driven members 262 during the bending or unfolding of the two side supports 233, and can reduce the width of the two side supports 233, thereby reducing the overall width of the rotating shaft device 22 and reducing the internal space occupied by the rotating shaft device 22 in the folding housing 20. This is not only beneficial for the layout of other components such as the motherboard or battery, but also beneficial for miniaturization.

[0057] In some embodiments, the driven groove 2620 on the driven member 262 and the driven shaft 264 on the positioning seat 251 can be interchanged. Specifically, the driven groove 2620 on the driven member 262 can also be provided on the positioning seat 251, and the driven shaft 264 can also be connected to the driven member 262. Specifically, the surface of the positioning seat 251 facing the driven member 262 is provided with the driven groove 2620, one end of the driven shaft 264 is fixedly connected to the driven member 262, and the other end of the driven shaft 264 is slidably and rotatably accommodated in the driven groove 2620; during the bending or unfolding process of the rotating shaft device 22, the driven shaft 264 slides and rotates in the driven groove 2620.

[0058] Please refer to the following: Figures 7-10The first rotating member 254 and the positioning seat 251 are connected by a second arc groove 2511 and a second arc rail 2541. The axis of the second arc groove 2511 is collinear with the axis of rotation between the first rotating member 254 and the positioning seat 251. The second arc groove 2511 is located on one of the positioning seat 251 and the first rotating member 254, and the second arc rail 2541 is located on the other. The axis of the second arc groove 2511 is collinear with the axis of rotation of the second arc rail 2541, and the axis of rotation of the second arc rail 2541 is collinear with the axis of rotation between the first rotating member 254 and the positioning seat 251. In this embodiment, the positioning base 251 has a second arc groove 2511 on each of its two opposite sides, and the first rotating member 254 has a second arc rail 2541 corresponding to the second arc groove 2511 on its end away from the connecting member 256, so that the first rotating member 254 and the positioning base 251 can rotate relative to each other along the second arc groove 2511.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second arc groove may also be provided on the first rotating member 254, and the second arc rail may also be provided on the positioning seat 251, with the second arc rail slidably accommodated in the second arc groove. Specifically, the first rotating member 254 has a second arc groove at the end away from the connecting member 256, and the positioning seat 251 has a second arc rail corresponding to the second arc groove.

[0060] The second rotating component 255 and the positioning seat 251 are connected by a third arcuate groove 2512 and a third arcuate rail 2552. The axis of the third arcuate groove 2512 is collinear with the axis of rotation between the second rotating component 255 and the positioning seat 251. The third arcuate groove 2512 is located in one of the positioning seat 251 and the second rotating component 255, and the third arcuate rail 2552 is located in the other of the second rotating component 255 and the positioning seat 251. The axis of the third arcuate groove 2512 is collinear with the axis of rotation of the third arcuate rail 2552, and the axis of rotation of the third arcuate rail 2552 is collinear with the axis of rotation between the second rotating component 255 and the positioning seat 251. In this embodiment, the positioning seat 251 is provided with a third arc groove 2512 on both sides opposite to the end away from the second arc groove 2511. Each second rotating member 255 is provided with a third arc rail 2552 corresponding to the third arc groove 2512 at the end away from the connecting member 256, so that the second rotating member 255 and the positioning seat 251 can rotate relative to each other along the third arc groove 2512.

[0061] In some embodiments, the third arc groove 2512 may also be provided on the second rotating member 255, and the third arc rail 2552 may also be provided on the positioning seat 251, with the third arc rail 2552 slidably accommodated in the third arc groove 2512. Specifically, the second rotating member 255 has a third arc groove at one end away from the connecting member 256, and the positioning seat 251 has a third arc rail corresponding to the third arc groove, with the third arc rail slidably accommodated in the third arc groove.

[0062] like Figures 7-11 As shown, in this embodiment, the positioning base 251 includes a first base 2510 and a second base 2516 that can be interlocked. The ends of the first rotating member 254 and the second rotating member 255 away from the connecting member 256 are clamped between the first base 2510 and the second base 2516. Both the first rotating member 254 and the second rotating member 255 can rotate relative to the first base 2510 and the second base 2516. The first base 2510 is a rectangular block. The first base 2510 includes a front surface 2514 facing the second base 2516. Second arc grooves 2511 are respectively provided on opposite sides of one end of the front surface 2514, and third arc grooves 2152 are respectively provided on opposite sides of the other end of the front surface 2514 away from the second arc grooves 2511. The axis of the second arc groove 2511 on the same side of the first seat 2510 can be parallel or collinear with the axis of the third arc groove 2512. In this embodiment, the axis of the first arc groove 2511 on the same side of the first seat 2510 is parallel to the axis of the third arc groove 2512. In some embodiments, the axis of the first arc groove 2511 on the same side of the first seat 2510 is collinear with the axis of the third arc groove 2512. The first seat 2510 has a first clearance groove 2513 on the side of each second arc groove 2511 away from the other second arc groove 2511. The first clearance groove 2513 is used to avoid the first rotating member 254. The first seat 2510 has a first clearance groove 2513 on the side of each third arc groove 2512 away from the other third arc groove 2512. The first clearance groove 2513 is used to avoid the second rotating member 255. The first base 2510 has two spaced connecting holes 2515 on its end face near the third arc groove 2512, and two driven shafts 264 are respectively connected to the two connecting holes 2515. In some embodiments, the driven shafts 264 may be integrally formed on the first base 2510, or the driven shafts 264 may be fixed to the first base 2510 by adhesive bonding or other means.

[0063] Preferably, the first seat 2510 has a protrusion at one end of its end face near the third arc groove 2512. One connecting hole 2515 is located on the surface of the protrusion away from the third arc groove 2512, and another connecting hole 2515 is located on the end face away from the protrusion. Therefore, the two connecting holes 2515 are not located on the same surface, causing the driven shafts 264, which are respectively connected to the two connecting holes 2515, to be misaligned along the axis parallel to the third arc groove 2512. A positioning block is located at the end of the front face 2514 of the first seat 2510 away from the second arc groove 2511. The positioning block is used to position the second seat 2516 onto the first seat 2510. The second seat 2516 is a rectangular block, including a back side facing the first seat 2510 and a front side facing away from the back side. One end of the back side of the second seat 2516 has a first arcuate convex surface 2517 on each of its opposite sides, and the other end of the back side of the second seat 2516 has a second arcuate convex surface 2518 on each of its opposite sides. The axis of the first arcuate convex surface 2517 on the same side of the second seat 2516 can be parallel or coincident with the axis of the second arcuate convex surface 2518. In this embodiment, the axis of the first arcuate convex surface 2517 on the same side of the second seat 2516 is parallel to the axis of the second arcuate convex surface 2518. The second seat 2516 has second clearance grooves 2519 on both sides of each first arcuate convex surface 2517 and on both sides of each second arcuate convex surface 2518. The second clearance grooves 2519 are used to avoid the second arcuate rail 2541 and the third arcuate rail 2552. When the first seat 2510 and the second seat 2516 are engaged, the two first arcuate convex surfaces 2517 are respectively aligned with the second arcuate grooves 2511, and the two second arcuate convex surfaces 2518 are respectively aligned with the third arcuate grooves 2512.

[0064] like Figures 7-10 As shown, the end of the first rotating member 254 away from the positioning seat 251 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 256, and the end of the second rotating member 255 away from the positioning seat 251 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 256. Specifically, the first rotating member 254 and the connecting member 256 are rotatably connected by the cooperation of a first connecting shaft 2501 and a first connecting hole 2503. The first connecting shaft 2501 is located in one of the first rotating member 254 and the connecting member 256, and the first connecting hole 2503 is located in the other of the first rotating member 254 and the connecting member 256. The end of the second rotating member 255 away from the positioning seat 251 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 256 by the cooperation of a second connecting shaft 2502 and a second connecting hole 2504. The second connecting shaft 2502 is located in one of the second rotating member 255 and the connecting member 256, and the second connecting hole 2504 is located in the other of the second rotating member 255 and the connecting member 256.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first rotating member 254 includes a second arc-shaped rail 2541, a connecting portion 2542, and a supporting portion 2543 connecting the second arc-shaped rail 2541 and the connecting portion 2542. The second arc-shaped rail 2541 is rotatably connected to the positioning seat 251, and the connecting portion 2542 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 256. The second arc-shaped rail 2541 is an arc-shaped block. The back side of the arc-shaped block is slidably attached to the inner surface of the second arc-shaped groove 2511 of the first seat 2510, and the front side of the arc-shaped block is slidably attached to the first arc-shaped convex surface 2517 of the second seat 2516. The connecting portion 2542 has a shaft hole 2544 at one end away from the second arc track 2541, along a direction parallel to the axis of the second arc track 2541. The first connecting shaft 2501 passes through the shaft hole 2544, and the connecting portions 2542 extend from opposite ends of the first connecting shaft 2501. The axis of the first connecting shaft 2501 is parallel to the axis of the second arc track 2541. In this embodiment, the support portion 2543 is an arc-shaped strip, and its opposite ends are respectively connected to one end of the second arc track 2541 and one end of the connecting portion 2542. Preferably, the side of the connecting portion 2542 facing away from the second arc track 2541 forms an arc surface, which is beneficial for the first rotating member 254 to rotate relative to the connecting member 256.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first connecting shaft 2501 and the first rotating member 254 are integrally formed, which facilitates processing and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first connecting shaft 2501 may also be disposed on the connector 256, and the first connecting hole 2503 may be disposed on the first rotating member 254. The first connecting shaft 2501 is rotatably connected to the first connecting hole 2503 of the connecting portion 2542 of the first rotating member 254. The first connecting shaft 2501 may be integrally formed with the connector 256.

[0068] The second rotating component 255 includes a third arcuate rail 2552, a connecting portion 2553, and a support portion 2555 connecting the third arcuate rail 2552 and the connecting portion 2553. The third arcuate rail 2552 is rotatably connected to the positioning seat 251, and the connecting portion 2553 is rotatably connected to the connecting component 256. The third arcuate rail 2552 is an arcuate block. The back side of the arcuate block is slidably attached to the inner surface of the third arcuate groove 2512 of the first seat 2510, and the front side of the arcuate block is slidably attached to the second arcuate convex surface 2518 of the second seat 2516. The end of the connecting portion 2553 away from the third arc track 2552 has a shaft hole 2554 along a direction parallel to the axis of the third arc track 2552. The second connecting shaft 2502 passes through the shaft hole 2554, and the connecting portion 2553 extends from opposite ends of the second connecting shaft 2502. The axis of the second connecting shaft 2502 is parallel to the axis of the third arc track 2552. Preferably, the side of the connecting portion 2553 away from the third arc track 2552 forms an arc surface, which is beneficial for the second rotating member 254 to rotate relative to the connecting member 256.

[0069] In some embodiments, the second connecting shaft 2502 and the second rotating member 255 are integrally formed, which facilitates processing and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0070] In some embodiments, the second connecting shaft 2502 may also be disposed on the connector 256, and the second connecting hole 2504 may be disposed on the second rotating member 255. The second connecting shaft 2502 is rotatably connected to the second connecting hole 2504 of the connecting portion 2542 of the second rotating member 255. The second connecting shaft 2502 may be integrally formed with the connector 256.

[0071] In some embodiments, the second arc groove 2511 on the positioning seat 251 and the second arc rail 2541 on the first rotating member 254 can be interchanged. For example, an arc groove can be provided on the second arc rail 2541, and an arc rail corresponding to the arc groove can be provided on the positioning seat 251. The arc rail is rotatably inserted into the arc groove, and the axis of rotation of the arc groove, the axis of rotation of the arc rail, and the axis of rotation between the first rotating member 254 and the positioning seat 251 are collinear.

[0072] In some embodiments, the third arc groove 2512 on the positioning seat 251 and the third arc rail 2552 on the third rotating member 255 can be interchanged. For example, an arc groove can be provided on the third arc rail 2552, and an arc rail corresponding to the arc groove can be provided on the positioning seat 251. The arc rail is rotatably inserted into the arc groove, and the axis of rotation of the arc groove, the axis of rotation of the arc rail, and the axis of rotation between the third rotating member 255 and the positioning seat 251 are collinear.

[0073] like Figures 7-10As shown, the connector 256 is strip-shaped, and at least one end of the connecting plate 2560 is provided with a first arcuate rail 2562, which is rotatably accommodated in the first arcuate groove 2334 of the side support member 233. The surface of the connecting plate 2560 facing the side support member 233 (i.e., the front) is provided with a pair of mutually spaced first connecting portions 2564 and a pair of mutually spaced second connecting portions 2565. The connecting portion 2542 of the first rotating member 254 is rotatably connected between the pair of first connecting portions 2564, and the connecting portion 2553 of the second rotating member 255 is rotatably connected between the pair of second connecting portions 2565. In this embodiment, a pair of first connecting portions 2564 are first lugs protruding from the front surface of the connecting plate 2560, and a first connecting hole 2503 is provided at the end of the first lug away from the connecting plate 2560; a pair of second connecting portions 2565 are second lugs protruding from the front surface of the connecting plate 2560, and a second connecting hole 2504 is provided at the second lug. The connecting plate 2560 is provided with a clearance groove between the pair of second connecting portions 2565. The clearance groove is used to avoid the connecting portion 2553 of the second rotating member 255, so as to prevent the second rotating member 255 from being unable to rotate relative to the connecting member 256.

[0074] like Figures 7-10 As shown, the rotating shaft device 22 also includes a back cover 28, and a positioning seat 251 is connected to the back cover 28. Specifically, the back cover 28 is a strip frame with a receiving groove 280. The positioning seat 251 is accommodated in the receiving groove 280 and fixedly connected to the back cover 28. Preferably, the back cover 28 has a mounting portion (not shown) on the inner surface of the receiving groove 280, and the positioning seat 251 is connected to the mounting portion. The connection between the positioning seat 251 and the mounting portion can be achieved by, but is not limited to, screwing, snap-fitting, or gluing.

[0075] Please refer to the following: Figures 5-15When assembling the rotating shaft device 22, the ends of the connecting portions 2542 of the two first rotating members 254 away from the second arc rail 2541 are respectively housed between a pair of first connecting portions 2564 of the two connecting members 256, so that the two first connecting shafts 2501 are respectively inserted into the shaft holes 2544 and the corresponding first connecting holes 2503 of the two connecting portions 2542, so that the two first connecting members 254 are rotatably connected to the two connecting members 256; the ends of the connecting portions 2553 of the two second rotating members 255 away from the third arc rail 2552 are respectively housed between a pair of second connecting portions 2565 of the two connecting members 256, so that the two second connecting shafts 2502 are respectively inserted into the shaft holes 2554 and the corresponding second connecting holes 2504 of the two connecting portions 2553, so that the two second rotating members 255 are rotatably connected to the two connecting members 256. The second arc tracks 2541 of the two first rotating members 254 are respectively housed in the two second arc grooves 2511 of the first base 2510, and the third arc tracks 2552 of the two second rotating members 255 are respectively housed in the two third arc grooves 2512 of the first base 2510. Then, the second base 2516 is placed over the first base 2510, such that the two first arc convex surfaces 2517 of the second base 2516 are respectively attached to the front surfaces of the two second arc tracks 2541, and the two second arc convex surfaces 2518 are respectively attached to the front surfaces of the two third arc tracks 2552, so that the first rotating members 254 and the second rotating members 255 are rotatably connected to the positioning base 251. At this time, the rotation axis C3 between the first rotating member 254 and the positioning base 251 is parallel and spaced apart from the rotation axis C4 between the second rotating member 255 and the positioning base 251.

[0076] Two driven shafts 264 are respectively inserted into the two connecting holes 2515 of the positioning seat 2510; two side supports 233 are respectively placed on opposite sides of the front of the rotating assembly 25, so that the two driven shafts 264 are respectively inserted into the driven grooves 2620 of the two side supports 233, and the first arc rails 2562 of the two connectors 256 are respectively slidably accommodated in the first arc grooves 2334 of the two side supports 233.

[0077] The rotating assembly 25 is placed in the back cover 28, and the positioning seat 251 is connected to the back cover 28. When the two side supports 233 are flattened, the front surfaces of the two side supports 233 are coplanar with the front surfaces of the positioning seat 251. The first arc track 2562 is rotatably accommodated in the corresponding first arc groove 2334. The driven shaft 264 is slidably and rotatably inserted into the driven groove 2620, and the driven shaft 264 is positioned in the first limiting section 2621 of the driven groove 2620 to prevent the side supports 233 from unfolding further and folding back. When the two side supports 233 are bent, the front of the two side supports 233 and the front of the positioning seat 251 together form a teardrop-shaped space. The first arc track 2562 is rotatably accommodated in the corresponding first arc groove 2334. The driven shaft 264 is slidably and rotatably inserted into the driven groove 2620, and the driven shaft 264 is positioned in the second limiting section of the driven groove 2620 to prevent the side supports 233 from bending further.

[0078] like Figure 7 and Figure 16 As shown, when the rotating shaft device 22 is in a flattened state, the first distance L1 between the rotation axis C3 between the first rotating member 254 and the positioning seat 251 and the first rotation axis C1 between the first rotating member 254 and the connecting member 256 is greater than the second distance L2 between the rotation axis C4 between the second rotating member 255 and the positioning seat 251 and the second rotation axis C2 between the second rotating member 255 and the connecting member 256. The first distance L1 is the distance between the first rotation axis C1 and the rotation axis C3 along the flattening direction, and the second distance L2 is the distance between the second rotation axis C2 and the rotation axis C4 along the flattening direction. Specifically, the first rotation axis C1 is the axis of the first connecting shaft 2501, the second rotation axis C2 is the axis of the second connecting shaft 2502, the rotation axis C3 between the first rotating component 254 and the positioning seat 251 is the axis of the virtual axis, and the rotation axis C4 between the second rotating component 255 and the positioning seat 251 is the axis of the virtual axis. The first rotation axis C1, the second rotation axis C2, the rotation axis C3, and the rotation axis C4 are parallel to each other. The rotation axis C3 and the rotation axis C4 are closer to the flexible component than the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2. The first rotation axis C1 is closer to the flexible component than the second rotation axis C2. In other words, the first rotation axis C1 is farther away from the connecting plate 2560 than the second rotation axis C2.

[0079] In some embodiments, the rotation axis C3 between the first rotating member 254 and the positioning seat 251 may also be collinear with the rotation axis C4 between the second rotating member 255 and the positioning seat 251.

[0080] When the connecting member 256 drives the first rotating member 254 and the second rotating member 255 to rotate relative to the positioning seat 251, the rotation of the rotating mechanism 253 drives the side support member 233 to rotate relative to the connecting member 256. At the same time, the driven shaft 264 rotates and slides in the corresponding driven groove 2620, so that the two side support members 233 bend or unfold relative to each other. Specifically, the first rotating member 254 rotates relative to the positioning seat 251 through the second arc track 2541 and the second arc groove 2511, and the second rotating member 255 rotates relative to the positioning seat 251 through the third arc track 2552 and the third arc groove 2512, so as to drive the driven member 262 on the side support member 233 to rotate and slide relative to the corresponding driven shaft 264. The first arc track 2562 of the connecting member 256 is rotatably connected to the corresponding first arc groove 2334, so as to realize the mutual bending or unfolding of the two side support members 233.

[0081] like Figures 18-22 When the rotating shaft device 22 is bent from its flattened state, one of the connecting members 256 is bent relative to the positioning seat 251 toward the other connecting member 256. One connecting member 256 drives the second arc track 2541 of the first rotating member 254 to rotate in the second arc groove 2511 of the positioning seat 251, and drives the third arc track 2552 of the second rotating member 255 to rotate in the third arc groove 2512 of the positioning seat 251. Simultaneously, it drives the side support member 233 to move relative to the positioning seat 251, that is, the first arc track 2562 of the connecting member 256... The side support member 233 rotates in the first arc groove 2334; at the same time, the driven shaft 264 on the positioning seat 251 slides and rotates in the driven groove 2620 of the corresponding driven member 262. The driven shaft 264 gradually moves from the first limiting section 2621 of the driven groove 2620 to the second limiting section 2623, so that the side support members 233 on both sides of the positioning seat 251 move closer to each other until the driven shaft 264 is limited to the second limiting section 2623 of the driven groove 2620. The two side support members 233 and the positioning seat 251 form a teardrop shape in cross section.

[0082] like Figure 7 , Figure 15 and Figure 16As shown, during the bending process of the side support member 233 relative to the positioning seat 251, the first arc track 2562 slides in the first arc groove 2334. At the same time, the driven shaft 264 slides and rotates in the driven groove 2620, causing the driven shaft 264 to gradually move from the first limiting section 2621 of the driven groove 2620 to the second limiting section 2623. Simultaneously, the first rotating member 254 and the second rotating member 255 on opposite sides of the positioning seat 251 move closer to each other, causing the first rotation axis C1 on opposite sides of the positioning seat 251 to move closer to each other and the second rotation axis C2 on opposite sides of the positioning seat 251 to move closer to each other, until the front of the two side support members 233 and the front of the positioning seat 251 form a space with a teardrop-shaped cross-section.

[0083] In other bending methods, the two connecting pieces 256 can be rotated together in opposite directions. The two first rotating pieces 254 are brought closer together by rotating relative to each other through the second arc rail 2541 and the corresponding second arc groove 2511. The two second rotating pieces 255 are brought closer together by rotating relative to each other through the third arc rail 2552 and the corresponding third arc groove 2512. The first arc rail 2562 of each connecting piece 256 slides in the corresponding first arc groove 2334. At the same time, the driven piece 262 on each side support 233 slides and rotates along the corresponding driven shaft 264. Specifically, the rotating shaft 264 gradually moves from the first limiting section 2621 of the driven groove 262 to the second limiting section 2623 so that the two side support pieces 233 are brought closer together until the driven shaft 264 is positioned in the second limiting section 2623. At this time, the front of the two side support pieces 233 and the front of the positioning seat 251 form a teardrop-shaped cross section.

[0084] When the rotating shaft device 22 is flattened from its bent state, one of the connecting members 256 is unfolded relative to the positioning seat 251 away from the other connecting member 256. One connecting member 256 drives the second arc track 2541 of the first rotating member 254 to rotate in the second arc groove 2511 of the positioning seat 251, and drives the third arc track 2552 of the second rotating member 255 to rotate in the third arc groove 2512 of the positioning seat 251. Simultaneously, it drives the side support member 233 to move relative to the positioning seat 251, that is, the first arc track 2562 of the connecting member 256 moves to the side... The side support member 233 rotates in the first arc groove 2334 of the support member 233; at the same time, the driven shaft 264 on the positioning seat 251 slides and rotates in the driven groove 2620 of the corresponding driven member 262. Specifically, the driven shaft 264 gradually moves from the second limiting section 2623 of the driven groove 2620 to the first limiting section 2621, so that the side support members 233 on both sides of the positioning seat 251 unfold each other until the driven shaft 264 is limited to the first limiting section 2621 of the driven groove 2620; at this time, the two side support members 233 and the positioning seat 251 are flattened.

[0085] like Figure 7 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, during the flattening process of the side support member 233 relative to the positioning seat 251, the first arc track 2562 slides in the first arc groove 2334. Simultaneously, the driven shaft 264 slides and rotates in the driven groove 2620, causing the driven shaft 264 to gradually move from the second limiting section 2623 of the driven groove 2620 to the first limiting section 2621. At the same time, the first rotating member 254 and the second rotating member 255 on opposite sides of the positioning seat 251 move away from each other, causing the first rotation axis C1 on opposite sides of the positioning seat 251 to move away from each other, and the second rotation axis C2 on opposite sides of the positioning seat 251 to move away from each other, until the two side support members 233 are successfully flattened, making the front surfaces of the two side support members 233 coplanar with the front surface of the positioning seat 251.

[0086] In other usage methods, the two connectors 256 can be rotated together in a direction away from each other. The two first rotating members 254 are moved away from each other by rotating relative to the corresponding second arc groove 2511 through the second arc rail 2541. The two second rotating members 255 are moved away from each other by rotating relative to the corresponding third arc groove 2512 through the third arc rail 2552. The first arc rail 2562 of each connector 256 slides in the corresponding first arc groove 2334. At the same time, the driven member 262 on each side support 233 slides and rotates along the corresponding driven shaft 264. The driven shaft 264 gradually moves from the second limiting section 2623 of the driven groove 262 to the first limiting section 2621, so that the two side support members 233 are moved away from each other until the driven shaft 264 is positioned in the first limiting section 2621. At this time, the front of the two side support members 233 is flush with the front of the positioning seat 251.

[0087] Please refer to the following: Figures 1-4The installed pivot device 22 is placed between the two frames 21. The connectors 256 on opposite sides of the back cover 28 are respectively housed in the receiving slots 216 of the two frames 21, and the two connectors 256 are respectively fixedly connected to the two frames 21. At this time, the front faces 211 of the two frames 21, the front faces of the two side support members 233, and the front faces 2311 of the positioning seat 251 are coplanar. The back of the flexible member 30 is connected to the front faces 211 of the two frames 21 and the front face of the pivot device 22; specifically, the bendable area 31 is attached to the front face of the pivot device 22, and the two non-bendable areas 33 are respectively attached to the front faces of the two frames 21. The driven member 262 and the positioning seat 251 are connected by a sliding and rotating engagement between the driven shaft 264 and the driven groove 2620. The side support member 233 and the connecting member 256 are connected by a first arc track 2562 and a first arc groove 2334. The two driven members 262 are misaligned with each other. Therefore, the connection between the components in the rotating shaft device 22 can be made compact, thereby reducing the overall width of the rotating shaft device 22, reducing the internal space occupied by the housing 20, which is beneficial to the layout of other components such as the motherboard or battery, and is beneficial to the miniaturization of the electronic device 100.

[0088] Please refer to the following: Figures 11-22 When bending the electronic device 100, a bending force is applied to at least one of the two frames 21 of the electronic device 100, causing the rotating mechanism 253 connected to the two frames 21 to rotate in a direction that is close to each other. The bending of the rotating shaft device 22 is achieved through the rotating component 25 and the driven member 262, and the bendable area 31 of the flexible member 30 bends with the rotating shaft device 22. Specifically, a bending force is applied to one of the frames 21, causing the corresponding connector 256 to rotate relative to the positioning seat 251. The rotation of the connector 256 causes the first rotating member 254 and the second rotating member 255 to rotate relative to the positioning seat 251 towards the side closer to the flexible member 30. At the same time, the connector 256 causes the first arc track 2562 to rotate in the first arc groove 2334 of the side support member 233. The driven shaft 264 on the positioning seat 251 slides and rotates in the driven groove 2620 of the corresponding driven member 262, causing the rotating mechanisms 253 on both sides of the positioning seat 251 to rotate relative to each other and move closer together, so as to drive the two side supports 233 to move closer together until the two side supports 233 and the positioning seat 251 form a teardrop shape in cross section. The bendable area 31 of the flexible member 30 bends with the rotating shaft device 22 until the bendable area 31 bends into a teardrop shape, thereby realizing the folding of the electronic device 100.

[0089] During the bending process of the electronic device 100, the bendable area 31 of the flexible component 30 is bent into a teardrop shape, reducing the duty cycle of the bendable area 31 after bending, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the electronic device 100.

[0090] In other bending methods of the electronic device 100, bending forces can be applied to both frames 21 at the same time. The two frames 21 drive the two rotating mechanisms 253 to rotate towards the side closer to the flexible member 30, and drive the two side support members 233 to move closer to each other. The bending of the electronic device 100 is achieved through the rotating shaft device 22.

[0091] When the electronic device 100 needs to be flattened, one of the frames 21 is pulled outward, causing the two rotating mechanisms 253 connected to the two frames 21 to rotate in a direction away from each other. Specifically, an outward pulling force is applied to one of the frames 21 of the electronic device 100, which causes the corresponding first rotating member 254 to rotate relative to the positioning seat 251 in a direction away from the flexible member 30, and causes the corresponding second rotating member 255 to rotate relative to the positioning seat 251 in a direction away from the flexible member 30. One of the connecting members 256 drives the side support member 233 to move relative to the positioning seat 251, so that the side support member 233 drives the driven member 262 to slide and rotate relative to the driven shaft 264 on the positioning seat 251, that is, the driven shaft 264 on the positioning seat 251 slides and rotates in the driven groove 2620; at the same time, the connecting member 256 drives the first arc track 2562 to rotate in the corresponding first arc groove 2334, so that the side support members 233 on both sides of the positioning seat 251 unfold relative to each other until the two side support members 233 and the positioning seat 251 are flattened, and the bendable area 31 of the flexible member 30 unfolds with the rotating shaft device 22 until the flexible member 30 is flattened.

[0092] In other ways of unfolding the electronic device 100, an outward pulling force can be applied to both frames 21 at the same time. The two frames 21 drive the two rotating mechanisms 253 to rotate relative to the side away from the flexible member 30, so that the two side support members 233 rotate relative to the side away from the flexible member 30, and the electronic device 100 is unfolded through the rotating shaft device 22.

[0093] The rotating shaft device 22 of the electronic device 100 of the present invention achieves bending or unfolding through the rotating assembly 25 and the driven mechanism 26. Since the first rotation axis C1 between the first rotating member 254 and the connecting member 256 is parallel and misaligned with the second rotation axis C2 between the second rotating member 255 and the connecting member 256, and the side support member 233 and the positioning seat 251 are connected to the driven shaft 264 through an inclined driven groove 2620, and the two driven members 262 are misaligned, the connections between the components in the rotating shaft device 22 are compact, thereby reducing the overall width of the rotating shaft device 22, reducing the internal space occupied by the housing 20, and facilitating the layout of other components such as the motherboard or battery. Furthermore, the rotating shaft device 22 has a robust structure, improving the overall strength of the electronic device 100.

[0094] Please see Figure 24and Figure 25 The structure of the rotating shaft device 22a in the second embodiment of this application is similar to that of the rotating shaft device 22 in the first embodiment described above. The difference is that the first rotating member 254 and the side support member 233 of the rotating shaft device 22a in the second embodiment are connected by a first limiting groove and a first limiting part. The first limiting groove is provided in one of the first rotating member 254 and the side support member 233, and the first limiting part is provided in the other of the first rotating member 254 and the side support member 233. In this embodiment, a limiting block 2337 protrudes from the back surface 2332 of the side support member 233 corresponding to the first rotating member 254. The limiting block 2337 has an arc-shaped first limiting groove 2338, which penetrates the two opposite sides of the limiting block 2337 and bends and extends towards the side closer to the positioning seat 251. The surface of the first rotating member 254 facing the limiting block 2337 is provided with a first limiting part 2540, which is slidably and rotatably inserted into the first limiting groove 2338. Specifically, the surface of the connecting part 2542 facing the limiting block 2337 is provided with a connecting hole away from the second arc track 2541, and the first limiting part 2540 is connected to the connecting hole. In this embodiment, a connecting cylinder protrudes from the surface of the connecting part 2542 facing the limiting block 2337 away from the second arc track 2541, and the first limiting part 2540 is connected to the inner cavity of the connecting cylinder; further, the first limiting part 2540 is a first limiting shaft inserted and fixed in the inner cavity of the connecting cylinder, and the axis of the first limiting shaft is parallel to the axis of the second arc track 2541. One end of the first limiting part 2540 is fixedly connected to the connecting part 2542, and the other end of the first limiting part 2540 is slidably and rotatably inserted into the first limiting groove 2338 of the side support member 233.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first limiting portion 2540 may also be integrally formed with the first rotating member 254. During the folding or flattening process, the first limiting portion 2540 slides and rotates along the first limiting groove 2338.

[0096] Preferably, the first limiting groove 2338 is an arc-shaped groove, comprising a first limiting segment 2338a and a second limiting segment 2338b located at opposite ends. The first limiting segment 2338a is closer to the positioning seat 251 than the second limiting segment 2338b. The first limiting shaft is located at the end of the first rotating member 254 away from the positioning seat 251, and the axis of the first limiting shaft is parallel to the first rotation axis C1. When the two side supports 233 are in a flattened state, the first limiting shaft is positioned at the second limiting segment 2338b to prevent the side supports 233 from folding back and damaging the flexible member 30. When the two side supports 233 are in a fully folded state, the first limiting shaft is positioned at the first limiting segment 2338a to prevent the side supports 233 from folding further and damaging the flexible member 30. During the bending process of the rotating shaft device 22a, the first limiting part 2540 on the first rotating member 254 slides and rotates in the first limiting groove 2338, and the first limiting part 2540 moves from the second limiting section 2338b to the first limiting section 2338a; during the flattening process of the rotating device 22c, the first limiting part 2540 on the first rotating member 254 slides and rotates in the first limiting groove 2338, and the first limiting part 2540 moves from the first limiting section 2338a to the second limiting section 2338b.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first limiting portion 2540 on the first rotating member 254 and the first limiting groove 2338 on the side support member 233 can be interchanged; specifically, the first limiting groove can be provided on the surface of the first rotating member 254 facing the limiting block 2337, and the limiting block 2337 of the side support member 233 is provided with a first limiting shaft that can be movably inserted into the first limiting groove. During the bending or unfolding process of the rotating shaft device 22c, the first limiting shaft slides and rotates in the first limiting groove.

[0098] This application also provides an electronic device equipped with a rotating shaft device 22a, the electronic device including a rotating device 22a, two frames connected to connectors 256 on opposite sides of the rotating shaft device 22a, and a flexible member 30 covering the frames and the rotating shaft device 22a.

[0099] Please see Figure 26 and Figure 27The structure of the rotating shaft device 22b in the third embodiment of this application is similar to that of the rotating shaft device 22 in the first embodiment described above. The difference is that the second rotating member 255 and the side support member 233 of the rotating shaft device 22b in the third embodiment are connected by a second limiting groove and a second limiting part. The second limiting groove is provided in one of the second rotating member 255 and the side support member 233, and the second limiting part is provided in the other of the second rotating member 255 and the side support member 233. In this embodiment, a limiting block 2337 protrudes from the back surface 2332 of the side support member 233 corresponding to the second rotating member 255. The limiting block 2337 has an arc-shaped second limiting groove 2339. The second limiting groove 2339 penetrates the two opposite sides of the limiting block 2337 and bends and extends towards the side closer to the positioning seat 251. The second rotating member 255 has a second limiting part 2550 on its surface facing the limiting block 2337. The second limiting part 2550 is slidably and rotatably inserted into the second limiting groove 2339. During the folding or flattening process, the second limiting part 2550 slides and rotates along the second limiting groove 2339 of the rotating shaft device 22b.

[0100] Preferably, the second limiting groove 2339 is an arc-shaped groove, comprising a first limiting segment 2339a and a second limiting segment 2339b located at opposite ends. The first limiting segment 2339a is closer to the positioning seat 251 than the second limiting segment 2339b. The second limiting part 2550 includes a second limiting shaft passing through the second limiting groove 2339. The second limiting shaft is located at the end of the second rotating member 255 away from the positioning seat 251, and the axis of the second limiting shaft is parallel to the second rotation axis C2. When the two side supports 233 are in a flattened state, the second limiting shaft is positioned at the second limiting segment 2339b to prevent the side supports 233 from folding back and damaging the flexible member 30. When the two side supports 233 are in a fully folded state, the second limiting shaft is positioned at the first limiting segment 2339a to prevent the side supports 233 from folding further and damaging the flexible member 30. During the bending process of the rotating shaft device 22b, the second limiting part 2550 on the second rotating member 255 slides and rotates in the second limiting groove 2339, and the second limiting part 2550 moves from the second limiting section 2339b to the first limiting section 2339a; during the flattening process of the rotating device 22b, the second limiting part 2550 on the second rotating member 255 slides and rotates in the second limiting groove 2339, and the second limiting part 2550 moves from the first limiting section 2339a to the second limiting section 2339b.

[0101] In some embodiments, the second limiting portion 2550 on the second rotating member 255 and the second limiting groove 2339 on the side support member 233 can be interchanged. Specifically, a second limiting groove can be provided on the side of the second rotating member 255 facing the limiting block 2337, and a second limiting shaft that can be movably inserted into the second limiting groove is provided on the limiting block 2337 of the side support member 233. During the bending or unfolding process of the rotating shaft device 22b, the second limiting shaft slides and rotates in the second limiting groove.

[0102] This application also provides an electronic device equipped with a pivot device 22b, the electronic device including the pivot device 22b, two frames connected to the connecting members 256 on opposite sides of the pivot device 22b, and a flexible member 30 covering the frames and the pivot device 22b.

[0103] Please refer to the following: Figure 28 and Figure 29The structure of the rotating shaft device 22c in the fourth embodiment of this application is similar to that of the rotating shaft device 22 in the first embodiment described above. The difference is that: the first rotating member 254 and the side support member 233 of the rotating shaft device 22c in the fourth embodiment are connected by a first limiting groove and a first limiting part. The first limiting groove is provided in one of the first rotating member 254 and the side support member 233, and the first limiting part is provided in the other of the first rotating member 254 and the side support member 233; and the second rotating member 255 and the side support member 233 of the rotating shaft device 22c are connected by a second limiting groove and a second limiting part. The second limiting groove is provided in one of the second rotating member 255 and the side support member 233, and the second limiting part is provided in the other of the second rotating member 255 and the side support member 233. In this embodiment, the back surface 2332 of the side support member 233 is provided with limiting blocks 2337 corresponding to the first rotating member 254 and the second rotating member 255, respectively. An arc-shaped first limiting groove 2338 is formed on the limiting block 2337 corresponding to the first rotating member 254. The first limiting groove 2338 penetrates the two opposite sides of the limiting block 2337 and bends and extends towards the side closer to the positioning seat 251. An arc-shaped second limiting groove 2339 is formed on the limiting block 2337 corresponding to the second rotating member 255. The second limiting groove 2339 penetrates the two opposite sides of the limiting block 2337 and bends and extends towards the side closer to the positioning seat 251. The first rotating member 254 has a first limiting part 2540 on its surface facing the limiting block 2337. The first limiting part 2540 is slidably and rotatably inserted into the first limiting groove 2338. The second rotating member 255 has a second limiting part 2550 on its surface facing the limiting block 2337. The second limiting part 2550 is slidably and rotatably inserted into the second limiting groove 2339. During the folding or flattening process of the rotating shaft device 22e, the first limiting part 2540 slides and rotates along the first limiting groove 2338, while the second limiting part 2550 slides and rotates along the second limiting groove 2339.

[0104] Preferably, both the first limiting groove 2338 and the second limiting groove 2339 are arc-shaped grooves. The first limiting groove 2338 includes a first limiting segment 2338a and a second limiting segment 2338b located at opposite ends of the groove, with the first limiting segment 2338a being closer to the positioning seat 251 than the second limiting segment 2338b. The second limiting groove 2339 includes a first limiting segment 2339a and a second limiting segment 2339b located at opposite ends of the groove, with the first limiting segment 2339a being closer to the positioning seat 251 than the second limiting segment 2339b. The first limiting part 2540 includes a first limiting shaft passing through the first limiting groove 2338. The first limiting shaft is located at the end of the first rotating member 254 away from the positioning seat 251, and the axis of the first limiting shaft is parallel to the first rotation axis C1. The second limiting shaft is located at the end of the second rotating member 255 away from the positioning seat 251, and the axis of the second limiting shaft is parallel to the second rotation axis C2. The axis of the first limiting shaft is parallel to the axis of the second limiting shaft, and the axis of the first limiting shaft is parallel to the rotation axis between the first rotating member 254 and the positioning seat.

[0105] When the two side supports 233 are in a flattened state, the first limiting shaft is positioned at the second limiting segment 2338b of the first limiting groove 2338 and the second limiting shaft is positioned at the second limiting segment 2339b of the second limiting groove 2339 to prevent the side supports 233 from folding back and damaging the flexible component 30; when the two side supports 233 are in a fully folded state, the first limiting shaft is positioned at the first limiting segment 2338a of the first limiting groove 2338 and the second limiting shaft is positioned at the first limiting segment 2339a of the second limiting groove 2339 to prevent the side supports 233 from folding further and damaging the flexible component 30. During the bending process of the rotating shaft device 22c, the first limiting part 2540 on the first rotating member 254 slides and rotates in the first limiting groove 2338, and the first limiting part 2540 moves from the second limiting segment 2338b to the first limiting segment 2338a. At the same time, the second limiting part 2550 on the second rotating member 255 slides and rotates in the second limiting groove 2339, and the second limiting part 2550 moves from the second limiting segment 2339b to the first limiting segment 2339a. During the flattening process of the rotating device 22c, the first limiting part 2540 on the first rotating member 254 slides and rotates in the first limiting groove 2338, and the first limiting part 2540 moves from the first limiting segment 2338a to the second limiting segment 2338b. At the same time, the second limiting part 2550 on the second rotating member 255 slides and rotates in the second limiting groove 2339, and the second limiting part 2550 moves from the first limiting segment 2339a to the second limiting segment 2339b.

[0106] This application also provides an electronic device equipped with a pivot device 22c, the electronic device including the pivot device 22c, two frames connected to the connecting members 256 on opposite sides of the pivot device 22c, and a flexible member 30 covering the frames and the pivot device 22c.

[0107] The above are the embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the embodiments of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rotating shaft device, characterized in that, The rotating shaft device includes: The support mechanism includes two side support members; A rotating assembly includes a positioning seat and rotating mechanisms disposed on opposite sides of the positioning seat. Each rotating mechanism includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member, and a connecting member. One end of the first rotating member is rotatably connected to the positioning seat, and the other end of the first rotating member, away from the positioning seat, is rotatably connected to the connecting member. One end of the second rotating member is rotatably connected to the positioning seat, and the other end of the second rotating member, away from the positioning seat, is rotatably connected to the connecting member. A first rotation axis between the first rotating member and the connecting member is parallel to a second rotation axis between the second rotating member and the connecting member. The driven mechanism includes a driven member connected to the side support member, and the driven member is slidably and rotatably connected to the positioning seat; The side support member is rotatably connected to the connector; when the two connectors approach each other, the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate relative to the positioning seat and the connector and approach each other, and the driven member slides and rotates relative to the positioning seat, so that the two side support members fold together; when the two connectors move away from each other, the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate relative to the positioning seat and the connector and move away from each other, and the driven member slides and rotates relative to the positioning seat, so that the two side support members unfold together.

2. The rotating shaft device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning seat and the driven member are connected by a driven shaft and a driven groove. The driven shaft slides and rotates through the driven groove. The axis of the driven shaft is parallel to the first axis of rotation. The driven shaft is located in one of the positioning seat and the driven member, and the driven groove is located in the other of the driven member and the positioning seat.

3. The rotating shaft device according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the driven shaft is connected to the positioning seat, the driven member is provided with an inclined driven groove, and the other end of the driven shaft passes through the driven groove; during the process of the two side support members bending or unfolding towards each other, the driven shaft rotates and slides in the driven groove.

4. The rotating shaft device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the side support is flattened relative to the positioning seat, the driven groove extends upwards and towards the positioning seat from the side near the side support.

5. The rotating shaft device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The side support member includes a side support plate, and the driven member includes an extension strip disposed on the side of the side support plate near the positioning seat. The driven groove is disposed on the extension strip and includes a first limiting section and a second limiting section at opposite ends. The first limiting section is closer to the side support plate than the second limiting section. When the two side support members are in a fully folded state, the driven shaft is positioned at the second limiting section. When the two side support members are in a flattened state, the driven shaft is positioned at the first limiting section.

6. The rotating shaft device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The extension strip extends obliquely from the side support plate toward the side away from the connector, the driven groove extends along the extension direction of the extension strip, and the two opposite ends of the driven groove extend to the opposite ends of the extension strip.

7. The rotating shaft device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two side supports are respectively provided with the driven members on the side near the positioning seat, and the two driven members are offset in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis.

8. The rotating shaft device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first rotation axis is farther away from the positioning seat than the second rotation axis.

9. The rotating shaft device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connector includes a connecting plate, and the first rotating member and the second rotating member are rotatably connected to the front side of the connecting plate, wherein the first rotation axis is further away from the connecting plate than the second rotation axis.

10. The rotating shaft device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first rotating member and the side support member are connected by a first limiting groove and a first limiting part, wherein the first limiting groove is provided in one of the first rotating member and the side support member, and the first limiting part is provided in the other of the first rotating member and the side support member; and / or the second rotating member and the side support member are connected by a second limiting groove and a second limiting part, wherein the second limiting groove is provided in one of the second rotating member and the side support member, and the second limiting part is provided in the other of the second rotating member and the side support member.

11. The rotating shaft device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first limiting groove includes a first limiting segment and a second limiting segment located at opposite ends thereto. The first limiting segment is closer to the positioning seat than the second limiting segment. The first limiting part includes a first limiting shaft passing through the first limiting groove. When the two side supports are in a fully folded state, the first limiting shaft is positioned at the first limiting segment. When the two side supports are in a flattened state, the first limiting shaft is positioned at the second limiting segment.

12. The rotating shaft device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second limiting groove includes a first limiting segment and a second limiting segment located at opposite ends thereto. The first limiting segment is closer to the positioning seat than the second limiting segment. The second limiting part includes a second limiting shaft passing through the second limiting groove. When the two side supports are in a fully folded state, the second limiting shaft is positioned at the first limiting segment. When the two side supports are in a flattened state, the second limiting shaft is positioned at the second limiting segment.

13. The rotating shaft device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first rotating member and the connecting member are connected by a first connecting shaft and a first connecting hole, wherein the first connecting shaft is located in one of the first rotating member and the connecting member, and the first connecting hole is located in the other of the first rotating member and the connecting member; the second rotating member and the connecting member are connected by a second connecting shaft and a second connecting hole, wherein the second connecting shaft is located in one of the second rotating member and the connecting member, and the second connecting hole is located in the other of the second rotating member and the connecting member.

14. The rotating shaft device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side support member away from the positioning seat is connected to the connector through a first arc groove and a first arc rail. The axis of the first arc groove is collinear with the axis of rotation between the side support member and the connector. The first arc groove is provided in one of the side support member and the connector, and the first arc rail is provided in the other of the side support member and the connector.

15. The rotating shaft device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first rotating component and the positioning seat are connected by a second arc groove and a second arc rail, and the axis of the second arc groove is collinear with the axis of rotation between the first rotating component and the positioning seat. The second arc groove is provided in one of the positioning seat and the first rotating member, and the second arc rail is provided in the other of the positioning seat and the first rotating member.

16. The rotating shaft device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second rotating component and the positioning seat are connected by a third arc groove and a third arc rail, and the axis of the third arc groove is collinear with the axis of rotation between the second rotating component and the positioning seat. The third arc groove is provided in one of the positioning seat and the second rotating member, and the third arc rail is provided in the other of the positioning seat and the second rotating member.

17. The rotating shaft device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The rotation axis between the first rotating member and the positioning seat is parallel or collinear with the rotation axis between the second rotating member and the positioning seat.

18. A folding shell, characterized in that, The folding housing includes a pivot device as described in any one of claims 1-17 and two frames, the pivot device being located between the two frames, and the two frames being respectively connected to the connecting parts of the two rotating mechanisms of the pivot device.

19. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a flexible element and a folding housing as described in claim 18, wherein the flexible element is disposed on the folding housing.

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