Folding device and electronic device

Abstract

This application discloses a folding device and an electronic device. The folding device has a flattened state and a folded state. The folding device includes a first support plate, a middle support plate, a second support plate, a main shaft, a first gear connecting rod, and a second gear connecting rod. The sliding of the middle support plate relative to the main shaft is achieved through the meshing of the first tooth on the middle support plate with the first gear on the first gear connecting rod, and the meshing of the second tooth on the middle support plate with the second gear on the second gear connecting rod. The folding device provided by this application has the advantages of simplified structure and thinner size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to electronic devices with flexible screens, and more particularly to a folding device and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of flexible screen technology, foldable devices based on flexible screens have become an emerging technological innovation point in the industry. Electronic devices with foldable functions often use folding devices to achieve folding and unfolding between the main components. However, existing foldable devices often require a large number of components to achieve folding and unfolding, resulting in a complex structure of the foldable mechanism, which is not conducive to the lightweight design of foldable terminals. How to design a foldable device with a simplified structure and thinner size has become the direction of industry research and development. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a folding device and an electronic device.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a folding device for realizing the relative folding and unfolding of an electronic device with a flexible screen. The folding device includes a first support plate, a middle support plate, a second support plate, a main shaft, a first rotating shaft connecting rod, a second rotating shaft connecting rod, a first gear connecting rod, and a second gear connecting rod.

[0005] The first support plate and the second support plate are distributed on both sides of the main shaft. One end of the first rotating shaft connecting rod is rotatably connected to the first support plate and the other end is rotatably connected to the main shaft. One end of the second rotating shaft connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second support plate and the other end is rotatably connected to the main shaft.

[0006] The middle support plate and the main shaft are slidably connected. The middle support plate includes a first tooth and a second tooth. When the folding device is in the flattened state, the first tooth faces the first support plate, and the second tooth faces the second support plate. The first support plate, the middle support plate, and the second support plate are used together to support the flexible screen in the flattened state.

[0007] The first gear connecting rod includes a first gear and a first connecting rod. The first gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the first gear meshes with the first tooth of the middle support plate. The first connecting rod is slidably connected to the first support plate. The second gear connecting rod includes a second gear and a second connecting rod. The second gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second gear meshes with the second tooth of the middle support plate. The second connecting rod is slidably connected to the second support plate.

[0008] The first rotation axis of the first rotating shaft connecting rod relative to the main shaft is different from the second rotation axis of the first gear of the first gear connecting rod relative to the main shaft, but both are along the axial direction of the main shaft;

[0009] The third rotation axis of the second rotating shaft connecting rod relative to the main shaft is different from the fourth rotation axis of the second gear of the second gear connecting rod relative to the main shaft, but both are along the axial direction of the main shaft;

[0010] During the relative folding process of the first support plate and the second support plate, the first rotating shaft connecting rod and the second rotating shaft connecting rod rotate relative to the main shaft, the first support plate slides relative to the first connecting rod, the second support plate slides relative to the second connecting rod, the first gear and the first tooth mesh, and the second gear and the second tooth mesh, so that the middle support plate slides relative to the main shaft, and the sliding direction is: the middle support plate moves away from the flexible screen.

[0011] This application connects the first and second support plates to the main shaft via a first and second rotating shaft connecting rod, respectively, enabling rotational connection between the first and second support plates relative to the main shaft. Furthermore, it connects the middle support plate and the first and second support plates via a first and second gear connecting rod. During the unfolding or folding process of the folding device, as the first and second support plates rotate relative to the main shaft, the first and second gear connecting rods can drive the middle support plate to slide relative to the main shaft. Simultaneously, the different axial orientations of the first and second rotating shaft connecting rods and the first and second gear connecting rods allow the first and second rotating shaft connecting rods to slide relative to the first and second support plates away from the main shaft during folding. This increases the overall length of the folding device. In the folded state, the middle support plate can sink relative to the main shaft, and the first and second support plates slide away from the main shaft, increasing the space and providing accommodation for the flexible screen.

[0012] In addition, the structure of this application also facilitates simplified structural design and miniaturization. Specifically, the folding device provided in this application achieves movement of the middle support plate relative to the main shaft during folding and unfolding through the meshing between the middle support plate and the first tooth, the second tooth and the first gear connecting rod and the second gear connecting rod. The meshing structure between the first tooth and the first gear connecting rod, and the meshing structure between the second tooth and the second gear connecting rod, not only drive the movement of the middle support plate, but also enable the first and second support plates to rotate synchronously. The gear meshing structure can also provide damping force during the folding and unfolding process of the folding device. Therefore, such a meshing structure can achieve multiple functions, and the folding device does not require additional synchronization and damping mechanisms, which is conducive to simplifying the structure and reducing the size of the folding device.

[0013] In one possible implementation, during the relative unfolding of the first and second support plates, the first and second rotating shafts rotate relative to the main shaft, the first support plate slides relative to the first connecting rod, the second support plate slides relative to the second connecting rod, the first gear meshes with its first tooth, and the second gear meshes with its second tooth. This causes the middle support plate to slide relative to the main shaft, with the sliding direction being towards the flexible screen. This solution defines the relative unfolding process of the first and second support plates, the motion principle of the folding device, and allows the middle support plate to enhance its support function for the flexible screen in the unfolded state, resulting in better structural stability of the folding device.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first rotating shaft connecting rod includes a first rotating arm, which has an arc-shaped structure. The main shaft includes a first arc-shaped sliding groove. The first rotating arm and the first arc-shaped sliding groove cooperate to achieve a rotational connection between the first rotating shaft connecting rod and the main shaft. This solution defines a specific scheme for the rotational connection between the first rotating shaft connecting rod and the main shaft, which is achieved through a virtual rotating shaft. The cooperation of the first arc-shaped sliding groove and the first rotating arm constitutes a virtual rotating shaft structure. In another possible implementation, the first rotating shaft connecting rod includes a shaft hole. The first rotating shaft connecting rod is rotatably connected to the first support plate through the shaft hole and a first shaft passing through the shaft hole. This solution defines a specific connection scheme between the first rotating shaft connecting rod and the first support plate. The rotational connection between the two is achieved through the first rotating shaft, which is simple and ensures the stability and reliability of the overall structure.

[0015] In one possible implementation, in the folded state of the folding device, a space is formed between the first support plate and the second support plate, and the flexible screen within the space enclosed by the first support plate, the middle support plate, and the second support plate is U-shaped. This solution defines a specific application environment for the folding device, specifically for use in three-fold or four-fold electronic devices. The space formed between the first support plate and the second support plate can be used to accommodate the main body of the electronic device, accommodating one main body (for three-fold products) or two main bodies (for four-fold products).

[0016] In one possible implementation, the main shaft includes a receiving portion with an accommodating space for accommodating the middle support plate. The receiving portion includes an open end and a bottom wall, which are arranged opposite to each other in a first direction, the first direction being the thickness direction of the folding device in its flattened state. In the folded state, the middle support plate is located within the accommodating space, and a clearance space is formed between the middle support plate and the open end, the clearance space being used to accommodate a portion of the flexible screen. This solution, by embedding the bent portion of the flexible screen in the folded state into the accommodating space of the main shaft, conceals the gap between the bent portion of the flexible screen and the middle support plate, preventing it from being exposed. This solution results in a compact folding structure for the electronic device, better fit, and no obvious holes, thus improving the user experience.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the second rotation axis is closer to the bottom wall than the first rotation axis, and the fourth rotation axis is closer to the bottom wall than the third rotation axis. This solution defines the positional relationship between the second and first rotation axes, as well as the positional relationship between the third and fourth rotation axes, providing a specific rotational connection scheme that facilitates the design of a thinner folding device.

[0018] In one possible implementation, in the folded state, all or more than 80% of the gap formed between the intermediate support plate and the flexible screen is located within the clearance space. This solution can result in a more compact folding device structure.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the middle support plate and the bottom wall are in contact in the folded state. The design of the middle support plate contacting the bottom wall in the folded state of the folding device obtained by this solution not only makes the overall structure thinner, but the contact between the middle support plate and the main shaft also increases the strength of both the main shaft and the middle support plate, making them less prone to deformation.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the first direction is the thickness direction of the middle support plate. The middle support plate includes a first part and a second part, the thickness of the first part being greater than the thickness of the second part. The first part and the second part are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction of the middle support plate. The first tooth and the second tooth are disposed on the first part, and the first tooth and the second tooth are arranged opposite to each other along the width direction of the middle support plate. The length and width directions of the middle support plate are both perpendicular to the first direction. This solution limits the middle support plate to have a first part and a second part with different thicknesses, emphasizing that the first tooth and the second tooth are disposed on the thicker first part. Since the dimensions of the first tooth and the second tooth in the first direction can affect the travel of the middle support plate during the switching process between the folded and unfolded states, in order to ensure that the middle support plate can have a large travel and highlight the thin design of the overall structure of the folding device, the thickness of the first part is set to be greater than the thickness of the second part. This allows for the adjustment of the dimensions of the first tooth and the second tooth in the first direction. At the same time, since the second part is thinner, the overall weight of the middle support plate is lighter, which is beneficial to achieving a lightweight and thin design of the folding device.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the bottom wall includes a first bottom and a second bottom. In the folded state, the first bottom contacts the first part, and the second bottom contacts the second part. The first direction is the thickness direction of the bottom wall, and the thickness of the first bottom is less than the thickness of the second bottom. A stepped structure is formed between the surface of the first bottom that contacts the first part and the surface of the second bottom that contacts the second part. This solution is based on the design of the first part and the second part with different thicknesses of the middle support plate. The thicknesses of the first bottom and the second bottom of the main shaft are set to be different. The thinner first bottom contacts the first part, and the thicker second bottom contacts the second part. In this way, when the main shaft and the middle support plate are combined, i.e., in the folded state, the main shaft and the middle support plate together form a structure with uniform thickness. The overall weight distribution of the folding device is uniform, and the strength and structural stability of the folding device can be guaranteed while ensuring structural simplicity.

[0022] In one possible implementation, along the width direction of the middle support plate, the first part includes a first mating part, a main body, and a second mating part connected in sequence. The first tooth is located on the surface of the first mating part opposite to the main body, and the second tooth is located on the surface of the second mating part opposite to the main body. The main body and the second part are connected and have the same width. The first part includes a first sliding fit structure and a second sliding fit structure. The first sliding fit structure is located at the adjacent position of the first mating part and the main body or at the first mating part. The second sliding fit structure is located at the adjacent position of the second mating part and the main body or at the second mating part. The first sliding fit structure is used to cooperate with a first limiting structure on the main shaft, and the second sliding fit structure is used to cooperate with a second limiting structure on the main shaft to limit the relative sliding between the middle support plate and the main shaft. This solution limits the placement of the first sliding fit structure to the first mating part or the adjacent position between the first mating part and the main body, making the first sliding fit structure closer to the first tooth. Similarly, the second sliding fit part is placed closer to the second tooth. This helps to ensure the smoothness of the meshing between the first tooth and the first gear, as well as the smoothness of the meshing between the second tooth and the second gear. It can be understood that the design of the first tooth and the second tooth being closer to the sliding fit structure can ensure that the structural shape of the first tooth and the second gear is not easily deformed, and can also ensure the accuracy of the positioning of the first tooth and the second gear, which naturally improves the reliability and smoothness of their meshing with the gear.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first sliding fit structure includes a first guide hole, the second sliding fit structure includes a second guide hole, the first limiting structure includes a first guide post, the second limiting structure includes a second guide post, the first guide hole and the first guide post cooperate, and the second guide hole and the second guide post cooperate. This solution defines a specific sliding fit scheme, which, through the cooperation of the guide hole and the guide post, facilitates the assembly of the support plate and the main shaft, and simultaneously provides a sliding guide function, giving the folding device the advantages of simple structure and small size.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first sliding fit structure further includes two first sliding grooves, and the second sliding fit structure further includes two second sliding grooves. Along the length of the middle support plate, the two first sliding grooves are distributed on both sides of the first guide hole, and the two second sliding grooves are distributed on both sides of the second guide hole. Both the two first sliding grooves and the two second sliding grooves form openings at the edges of the first portion. The first limiting structure further includes two first limiting posts, and the second limiting structure further includes two second limiting posts. Along the length of the main shaft, the two first limiting posts are distributed on both sides of the first guide post, and the two second limiting posts are distributed on both sides of the second guide post. The two first limiting posts respectively engage with the two first sliding grooves, and the two second limiting posts respectively engage with the two second sliding grooves. This solution provides a specific sliding fit scheme that can provide smooth limiting in the sliding direction, ensuring the reliability of the meshing between the first tooth and the first gear, and between the second tooth and the second gear.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the second part has a first opening along the thickness direction of the middle support plate. The middle support plate includes a bottom surface and a top surface arranged opposite to each other, and the first opening penetrates through the bottom surface and the top surface. The first opening is used to accommodate a portion of the first pivot connecting rod in the flattened state of the folding device. This solution, through the cooperation of a portion of the first pivot connecting rod and the first opening, interconnects the first pivot connecting rod and the middle support plate in the flattened state, which can improve the overall structural stability of the folding device. Furthermore, since a portion of the first pivot connecting rod is coplanar with the top surface, the first pivot connecting rod and the middle support plate can jointly support the flexible screen, increasing the support force at the middle support plate.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the second part has a second opening that penetrates both the bottom and top surfaces. In the flattened state, one end of the second rotating arm is located within the second opening, and part of the second rotating arm is coplanar with the top surface. This solution, through the cooperation of the second rotating arm and the second opening, interconnects the second rotating shaft and the central support plate in the flattened state, improving the overall structural stability of the folding device. Furthermore, the coplanarity of one end of the second rotating arm with the top surface allows the second rotating arm and the central support plate to jointly support the flexible screen, enhancing the support force at the central support plate.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the main shaft includes a first outer side and a second outer side disposed opposite to each other. The first outer side faces the first support plate, and the second outer side faces the second support plate. The main shaft also includes a first gear base and a second gear base. The first gear base is located between the receiving portion and the first outer side, and the second gear base is located between the second outer side and the receiving portion. The first gear is rotatably connected to the first gear base, and the second gear is rotatably connected to the second gear base. This solution, by placing the first gear base between the first outer side and the receiving portion, and placing the second gear base between the second outer side and the receiving portion, with the first gear base and the second gear base distributed on the left second sides of the middle support plate, does not occupy the thickness space of the middle support plate, thus achieving a thinner design for the folding device.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first gear connecting rod includes a first gear shaft, the first gear is fixed on the first gear shaft, the first gear shaft and the first gear base are rotatably connected, one end of the first gear shaft has a first cam structure, the folding device further includes a first additional shaft and a first elastic element sleeved on the first additional shaft, the first additional shaft is located at one end of the first gear shaft in the axial direction, one end of the first additional shaft has a second cam structure, the first elastic element is elastically connected between the second cam structure and the main shaft, the second cam structure cooperates with the first cam structure so that the first elastic element stores or releases elastic potential energy during the rotation of the first gear relative to the main shaft, the elastic potential energy is used to drive the first gear to rotate. This solution, through the cooperation of the first cam structure of the first gear connecting rod and the second cam structure at one end of the first additional shaft, utilizes the first elastic element to store or release elastic potential energy, thereby realizing the automatic opening and closing of the first support plate and the second support plate. Moreover, the first additional shaft and the first elastic element provided in this solution are located in the axial position of the first gear shaft of the first gear connecting rod, which also does not occupy the thickness space of the middle support plate, thus realizing a thinner design of the folding device.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the second gear connecting rod includes a second gear shaft, the second gear is fixed on the second shaft, and the second gear shaft and the second gear base are rotatably connected. The folding device further includes a second additional shaft and a second elastic element sleeved on the second additional shaft. The second additional shaft is located at one end of the second gear shaft in the axial direction. One end of the second additional shaft and one end of the second gear shaft are engaged by a cam structure, so that the second elastic element stores or releases elastic potential energy during the rotation of the second gear relative to the main shaft. The elastic potential energy is used to drive the second gear to rotate. This solution, through the cam structure engagement between one end of the second gear connecting rod and the second additional shaft, utilizes the second elastic element to store or release elastic potential energy, thereby achieving automatic opening and closing of the first and second support plates. Moreover, the second additional shaft and the second elastic element provided in this solution are located in the axial position of the second gear shaft of the second gear connecting rod, which also does not occupy the thickness space of the middle support plate, enabling a thinner design for the folding device.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the first support plate includes a first connecting rod groove, with the first connecting rod and the first connecting rod groove slidingly engaged. The sliding trajectory of the first connecting rod within the first connecting rod groove is either linear or arc-shaped. This solution, by defining the relative sliding trajectory between the first connecting rod and the first connecting rod groove, can be either linear or arc-shaped. By varying the sliding trajectory, the relative opening and closing speed of the first and second support plates and the positioning of the specific folding position can be adjusted.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the first connecting rod includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment slides into a groove in the first connecting rod, and the second segment connects the first gear and the first segment, forming an angle between the second segment and the first segment. This solution, by setting the first connecting rod as a two-segment structure with an angle between the two segments, can be understood as the first and second segments not being collinear. The size of the angle can be used to adjust the specific trajectory and speed of the first support plate during rotation.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the first support plate and the second support plate are distributed on both sides of the main shaft in the width direction. The length direction of the main shaft is perpendicular to the width direction. A first end wall and a second end wall are formed at both ends of the main shaft in the length direction, respectively. The accommodating space is formed between the first end wall and the second end wall. The middle support plate is an integral structure, and the outer contour of the middle support plate matches the shape of the accommodating space. This solution defines the middle support plate as an integral structure and forms an accommodating space between the first end wall and the second end wall of the main shaft. That is, this accommodating space extends through most of the axial area of ​​the main shaft. It can be deduced that the length dimension of the middle support plate is close to the length dimension of the main shaft. The integral structure makes the overall structure of the folding device simpler and more compact, which is beneficial for the small-size design of the folding device.

[0033] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, including a first body, a second body, a flexible screen, and a folding device provided in any possible implementation of the first aspect. The first body is fixedly connected to a first support plate, the second body is fixedly connected to a second support plate, and the flexible screen is fixedly connected to the first body and the second body. The first body, the first support plate, the middle support plate, the second support plate, and the first and second bodies jointly support the flexible screen.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the electronic device further includes a third body that is foldable relative to the second body. In the folded state of the electronic device, the space between the first and second bodies is at least used to accommodate the third body. This solution provides a three- or four-fold electronic device, in which the third body is housed in the space between the first and second bodies in the folded state. This limitation defines the folding device as a large hinge structure in the electronic device, and correspondingly, the rotatable connection between the third and second bodies is a small hinge.

[0035] In one possible implementation, a portion of the flexible screen is fixedly connected to the first support plate, a portion of the flexible screen is fixedly connected to the second support plate, and the flexible screen and the middle support plate are not connected.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the flexible screen and the central support plate do not contact each other. This solution defines the specific arrangement of the flexible screen. Because the flexible screen and the central support plate do not contact each other, this solution limits the flexible screen at the position of the central support plate to a free state, allowing the flexible screen to form a naturally bent shape when folded.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the electronic device further includes a fourth body rotatably connected to the first body, wherein in the folded state of the electronic device, the space between the first body and the second body is used to accommodate the third body and the fourth body. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device in a flattened state according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the electronic device in a folded state;

[0040] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the electronic device in a folded state;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in one embodiment of this application in an unfolded state;

[0042] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment provides a schematic diagram of the first and second bodies in a folded state in an electronic device.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a simplified diagram of the mechanism of a folding device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a simplified diagram of the mechanism of a folding device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a simplified diagram of the mechanism of a folding device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application in a flattened state;

[0047] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application in a folded state;

[0048] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application in a flattened state;

[0049] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0050] Figure 13 This is a side view of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application in its flattened state;

[0051] Figure 14 This is a side view of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application, taken from below.

[0052] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the first support plate of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A partially enlarged view of the first support plate shown;

[0054] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the middle support plate of a folding device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A partial enlarged view of the central support plate shown;

[0056] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 A partial enlarged view of the central support plate shown;

[0057] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the main shaft of a folding device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A magnified view of the main shaft shown;

[0059] Figure 22 yes Figure 20 A magnified view of the main shaft shown;

[0060] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the first gear connecting rod of a folding device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 24 This is a simplified diagram of the mechanism of the first gear connecting rod of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the first gear connecting rod, the first additional shaft, and related structures of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 A schematic diagram showing the first gear connecting rod, the first additional shaft, and related structures assembled to the main shaft;

[0064] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the first pivot connecting rod of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional position of the first gear connecting rod in the unfolded state of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0066] Figure 29 yes Figure 28 The cross-sectional view shown is a schematic diagram of the folded state.

[0067] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional position of the first pivot link in the unfolded state of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 31 yes Figure 30 The cross-sectional view shown is a schematic diagram of the folded state.

[0069] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of a folding device provided in one embodiment of this application combined with a flexible screen. Detailed Implementation

[0070] Explanation of terms

[0071] Parallelism: The parallelism defined in this application is not limited to absolute parallelism. This definition of parallelism can be understood as basic parallelism, allowing for situations where the parallelism is not absolute due to factors such as assembly tolerances, design tolerances, and structural flatness. These situations may lead to the sliding mating part and the first door panel not being absolutely parallel, but this application also defines such situations as parallelism.

[0072] Perpendicularity: The perpendicularity defined in this application is not limited to an absolute perpendicular intersection (with an included angle of 90 degrees). It is permissible for non-absolute perpendicular intersections caused by factors such as assembly tolerances, design tolerances, and structural flatness. It is permissible for errors within a small angular range, such as an assembly error range of 80 to 100 degrees, which can all be understood as a perpendicular relationship.

[0073] Flattened state: Electronic devices with folding function include two or three (or more) main bodies. The flattened state can be understood as the angle between adjacent main bodies of the electronic device being close to 180 degrees. It is not limited to an absolute 180-degree angle between adjacent main bodies. It is permissible that the angle between them is not equal to 180 degrees due to factors such as assembly tolerance, design tolerance, and structural flatness. For example, it can be an angle greater than 180 degrees, such as 183 degrees, or an angle less than 180 degrees, such as 178 degrees.

[0074] Folded state: Electronic devices with folding function include two or three (or more) main bodies. Folded state can be understood as the adjacent main bodies of the electronic device being in a nearly parallel stacked relationship, not limited to an absolute parallel relationship, referring to the aforementioned definition of parallel.

[0075] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] The electronic device provided in the specific embodiments of this application can be a portable terminal with foldable functionality, such as a mobile phone. Please refer to the following: Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device 100 in a flattened state according to a specific embodiment of this application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the electronic device 100 in a folded state; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the electronic device 100 in a folded state. In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 is a three-fold folding screen device. The electronic device 100 includes a first main body 101, a second main body 102, and a third main body 103. Folding devices 10 and 20 are provided between the first main body 101 and the second main body 102, and between the second main body 102 and the third main body 103. These folding devices 10 and 20 can be understood as devices with a pivot structure. The folding devices 10 and 20 can switch between a flattened state and a folded state, that is, the folding devices 10 and 20 can deform. The electronic device 100 switches between a flattened state, a one-fold state, and a folded state through the deformation of the folding devices 10 and 20. The first main body 101, the second main body 102, and the third main body 103, as well as the folding devices 10 and 20 connecting them, are all provided with different parts of the flexible screen 104 of the electronic device. This allows the electronic device 100 to obtain a larger display interface in the flattened state and a smaller size in the folded state, making it portable.

[0077] In other embodiments, the electronic device provided in this application may also be a four-fold device, the electronic device further comprising a fourth body, the fourth body being rotatably connected to the first body, and in the folded state of the electronic device, the space between the first body and the second body is used to accommodate the third body and the fourth body.

[0078] Define the thickness direction of electronic device 100 as the first direction A1, the length direction as the second direction A2, and the width direction as the third direction A3. The axial direction of folding devices 10 and 20 is the width direction of electronic device 100, i.e., the third direction A3. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The direction perpendicular to the paper is the third direction (A3).

[0079] The flexible screen 104 is used to display images, videos, etc. The flexible screen 104 is bendable. For example, the flexible screen 104 can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) flexible screen, an active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) flexible screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) flexible screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) flexible screen, a microorganic light-emitting diode (MOLED) flexible screen, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) flexible screen, etc. The flexible screen 104 can integrate touch functionality. The electronic device 100 can respond to a user's gesture of touching the flexible screen 104, activating the corresponding part of the flexible screen 104.

[0080] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates the disassembled state of the three main components of the electronic device 100 and the flexible screen 104, which is an integrated screen structure. In the flattened state, the first main component 101, the second main component 102, and the third main component 103 are arranged sequentially along the second direction A2 of the electronic device 100, and the flexible screen 104 is unfolded, forming the complete display interface of the electronic device 100. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the folding device 10 between the first main body 101 and the second main body 102 is in a flattened state, and the portion of the flexible screen corresponding to the folding device 10 between the first main body 101 and the second main body 102 is part of the complete display interface. Similarly, the folding device 20 between the second main body 102 and the third main body 103 is also in a flattened state, and the portion of the flexible screen corresponding to the folding device 20 between the second main body 102 and the third main body 103 is part of the complete display interface. In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the electronic device 100 as a whole is flat, and the display interface is planar. In another embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the electronic device 100 as a whole may include an arc-shaped portion, and the display interface may include an arc-shaped surface.

[0081] See Figure 2To conveniently represent the folded state of electronic devices, Figure 2 The flexible screen is omitted. In the folded state of the electronic device 100, the folding device 10 is in a flattened state, the folding device 20 is in a folded state, the first main body 101 and the second main body 102 are in a flattened state, and the second main body 102 and the third main body 103 are in a stacked folded state. A portion of the flexible screen is provided between the second main body 102 and the third main body 103. The flexible screen at the position of the folding device 20 can be teardrop-shaped. The portion of the flexible screen opposite the first main body 101 is exposed and can be used to display video or images.

[0082] See Figure 3 To conveniently indicate the folded state of electronic device 100, Figure 3 The flexible screen is omitted. In the folded state, both folding devices 10 and 20 are folded. The first main body 101 is stacked on the side of the third main body 103 facing away from the second main body 102. The portion of the flexible screen corresponding to the first main body 101 is located between the third main body 103 and the first main body 101 and is not visible. In the folded state, the electronic device 100 is smaller in size along the second direction A2 and larger in size along the first direction A1. The overall outline of the electronic device 100 is smaller, making it easier to carry.

[0083] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 100 in an unfolded state according to one embodiment. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment provides a schematic diagram of the first body 101 and the second body 102 in a folded state in the electronic device 100. In one embodiment, Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment can be a three-fold electronic device, meaning the electronic device includes three main bodies and two folding mechanisms, but only two main bodies and one folding mechanism are shown. In other embodiments, the electronic device 100 can also be a two-fold electronic device, meaning it includes only two main bodies and one folding mechanism.

[0084] See Figure 4 and Figure 5 The electronic device 100 includes a first body 101, a second body 102, a flexible screen 104, and a folding device 10. The folding device 10 is fixedly connected to the first body 101 and also fixedly connected to the second body 102. The flexible screen 104 covers the first body 101, the folding device 10, and the second body 102. The folding device 10 has a folded state and a flattened state. Figure 4 The diagram shows the folding device 10 in its flattened state, with the first main body 101 and the second main body 102 distributed on opposite sides of the folding device 10. Figure 4 (The left and right sides shown). Figure 5 The image shows the folding device 10 in its folded state, as shown. Figure 5 As shown, in the folded state, the first main body 101 and the second main body 102 are stacked and spaced apart, and are located on the same side of the folding device 10. An interval space G is formed between the first main body 101 and the second main body 102. This interval space G can be used to accommodate a third main body, or it can be empty.

[0085] Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a simplified diagram of the folding device 10 provided in this application. The folding device 10 includes a first support plate 11, a middle support plate 12, a second support plate 13, a main shaft 14, a first gear connecting rod 15, a second gear connecting rod 16, a first rotating shaft connecting rod 17, and a second rotating shaft connecting rod 18. The main shaft 14 can be a mounting base, and the other structures are mounted on the main shaft 14. The first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13 are distributed on both sides of the main shaft 14. The first support plate 11 and the main shaft 14 are rotatably connected via the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17, and the second support plate 13 and the main shaft 14 are rotatably connected via the second rotating shaft connecting rod 18. The middle support plate 12 is slidably connected to the main shaft 14. Specifically, the middle support plate 12 can slide relative to the main shaft 14 along a first direction A1 (i.e., the thickness direction of the folding device 10). The middle support plate 12 includes a first tooth 121 and a second tooth 122. In the flattened state, the first tooth 121 faces the first support plate 11, and the second tooth 122 faces the second support plate 13. The first gear link 15 includes a first gear 151 and a first link 152 interconnected. The first gear 151 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 14, and the first gear 151 meshes with the first tooth 121. The first link 152 is slidably connected to the first support plate 11. The second gear link 16 includes a second gear 161 and a second link 162 interconnected. The second gear 161 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 14, and the second gear 161 meshes with the second tooth 122. The second link 162 is slidably connected to the second support plate 13. During the relative folding or unfolding of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13, the meshing between the first gear 151 and the first tooth 121, and the meshing between the second gear 161 and the second tooth 122, allows the middle support plate 12 to slide relative to the main shaft 14. The meshing between the first gear 151 and the first tooth 121, and the meshing between the second gear 161 and the second tooth 122, ensures the synchronous opening and closing of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13, that is, the rotation of the first support plate 11 relative to the main shaft 14 and the rotation of the second support plate 13 relative to the main shaft 14 are synchronized.

[0086] Figure 6 , Figure 7and Figure 8 The difference between the embodiments shown lies in the specific structures of the first link 152 and the second link 162. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, both the first link 152 and the second link 162 of the folding device 10 are straight. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the first link 152 and the second link 162 of the folding device are bent. Figure 8 The first link 152 and the second link 162 of the folding device in the illustrated embodiment are also bent, but the direction of bending is different from that of the first link 152 and the second link 162. Figure 7 The implementation methods shown are different. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiments shown, the specific angle of the bend between the first link 152 and the second link 162 is not limited to the state shown in the figure.

[0087] This application connects the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13 to the main shaft 14 via a first rotating shaft connecting rod 17 and a second rotating shaft connecting rod 18, respectively, to achieve a rotatable connection between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13 and the main shaft 14. Furthermore, it connects the middle support plate 12 and the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13 via a first gear connecting rod 15 and a second gear connecting rod 16. This allows the first gear connecting rod 15 and the second gear connecting rod 16 to drive the middle support plate 12 to slide relative to the main shaft during the unfolding or folding process of the folding device, as the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13 rotate relative to the main shaft 14. Simultaneously, the different axial configurations of the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17 and the second rotating shaft connecting rod 18 and the first gear connecting rod 15 and the second gear connecting rod 16 allow the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17 and the second rotating shaft connecting rod 18 to drive the first gear connecting rod 15 and the second gear connecting rod 16 to slide relative to the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13 away from the main shaft 14 during the folding process. This increases the overall length of the folding device. In the folded state, the middle support plate 12 can sink relative to the main shaft, and the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13 can slide away from the main shaft 14, increasing the space and thus providing a space to accommodate the flexible screen.

[0088] In addition, the structure of this application also facilitates simplified structural design and miniaturization. Specifically, the meshing structure between the first tooth 121 and the first gear connecting rod 15, and the meshing structure between the second tooth 122 and the second gear connecting rod 16, not only drive the middle support plate 12 to move, but also enable the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13 to rotate synchronously. The gear meshing structure can also provide damping force for the folding device 10 during folding and unfolding. Therefore, this meshing structure can achieve multiple functions, and the folding device 10 does not need to be equipped with an additional synchronous rotation mechanism and damping mechanism, which is conducive to simplifying the structure and miniaturizing the size of the folding device 10.

[0089] As can be seen, the mechanisms and connections on the left and right sides are basically similar. Therefore, for the sake of simplicity, the following description will mainly focus on the structural connection relationship on one side, and the other side will not be described in detail.

[0090] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application in its flattened state. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application in a folded state. Figure 11 This is an exploded perspective view of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application in its flattened state. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0091] See Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13 are distributed on both sides of the main shaft 14. Specifically, the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13 can have the same structure and can be symmetrically distributed on both sides of the main shaft 14. The first support plate 11 includes a first support surface S1, the middle support plate 12 includes a second support surface S2, and the second support plate 13 includes a third support surface S3. In the flattened state, as... Figure 9 As shown, the second support surface S2 is connected between the first support surface S1 and the third support surface S3, and the three can be coplanar so that the flexible screen can present a flat display interface when it is flattened.

[0092] In one embodiment, in the flattened state, the second support surface S2 of the middle support plate 12 is flush with a portion of the outer surface of the main shaft 14. This can be understood as the middle support plate 12 being located within the accommodating space of the main shaft 14, and the second support surface S2 of the middle support plate 12 being coplanar with a portion of the outer surface of the main shaft 14. Figure 13 This is a side view of the folding device 10 in its flattened state. Figure 14 This is a side view of the folding device 10 from below. Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the view shown, only the first support plate 11, the second support plate 13 and the main shaft 14 can be seen, but the middle support plate 12 cannot be seen because the middle support plate 12 is located inside the main shaft 14 and is obscured by the main shaft 14.

[0093] The first support plate 11 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 14, and the second support plate 13 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 14. During the process of switching the folding device 10 from a flattened state to a folded state, the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13 rotate synchronously relative to the main shaft 14. Figure 9Based on the flattened state shown, the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13 rotate synchronously by a preset angle, causing the folding device 10 to transform into a folded state. For example, the preset angle can be 90 degrees, or close to 90 degrees (e.g., the preset angle falls within the range of 75-105 degrees). Figure 10 As shown, in the folded state, the first support surface S1 of the first support plate 11 and the third support surface S3 of the second support plate 13 are arranged relatively spaced apart. In one specific embodiment, the first support surface S1 and the third support surface S3 can be parallel to each other. In the folded state, the middle support plate 12 sinks into the interior of the main shaft 14, and the second support surface S2 of the middle support plate 12 is located inside the main shaft 14. In this way, by moving the middle support plate 12, a clearance space is provided for the flexible screen in the bending area, and the flexible screen can bend naturally without being squeezed or constrained by any structural features. Moreover, the part of the flexible screen corresponding to the second support surface S2 can be accommodated inside the main shaft 14. The bent part of the flexible screen is U-shaped, and the gap between the bent part and the middle support plate 12 can also be located inside the main shaft 14 and covered by the main shaft 14, so that the folding device 10 has no obvious gaps in the folded state.

[0094] See Figure 11 and Figure 12 In one embodiment, the middle support plate 12 and the first support plate 11 are connected by a first gear connecting rod 15, and the middle support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 are connected by a second gear connecting rod 16. The first tooth 121 and the second tooth 122 on the middle support plate 12 are both rack structures. The first gear 151 of the first gear connecting rod 15 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 14 and meshes with the first tooth 121 of the middle support plate 12. The second gear 161 of the second gear connecting rod 16 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 14 and meshes with the second tooth 122 of the middle support plate 12. Through the relative opening and closing of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13, the middle support plate 12 can be driven to slide relative to the main shaft 14. Specifically, the middle support plate 12 can reciprocate relative to the main shaft 14 along a first direction A1 (i.e., the thickness direction of the folding device). The first support plate 11 and the main shaft 14 are rotatably connected by a first rotating shaft connecting rod 17, and the second support plate 13 and the main shaft are rotatably connected by a second rotating shaft connecting rod 18. This application does not limit the specific rotational connection scheme between the first support plate 11, the second support plate 13, and the main shaft 14. It can be a rotational connection scheme of a virtual rotating shaft, such as an arc arm, or a rotational connection scheme of a solid rotating shaft structure combined with a sliding structure.

[0095] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the first support plate of a folding device provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A partially enlarged view of the first support plate shown. (See attached image.) Figure 15 and Figure 16The first support plate 11 is generally elongated, and its extension direction is a third direction A3 (i.e., the width direction of the folding device). The first support plate 11 includes a first support body 111, a first limiting end 112, and a second limiting end 113. The first limiting end 112 and the second limiting end 113 are distributed on the third direction A3 at opposite edges of the first support body 111. Figure 4 As shown, the first limiting end 112 and the second limiting end 113 are located on the side of the first support body 111 away from the main shaft 14, and the first body 101 is provided with two limiting grooves 1011. Figure 4 Only one limiting groove 1011 is shown. These two limiting grooves 1011 are used to accommodate the first limiting end 112 and the second limiting end 113, respectively. The first limiting end 112 and the second limiting end 113 cooperate with the limiting groove 1011 to limit and fix the first support plate 11 and the first body 101. Specifically, the first limiting end 112 and the second limiting end 113 can be provided with fixing holes, and the first limiting end 112 and the second limiting end 113 can be fixedly connected to the first body 101 by fasteners such as screws.

[0096] One surface of the first support body 111 is a first support surface S1. The first support body 111 is also used for sliding connection with the first connecting rod 152 of the first gear connecting rod 15, and for rotatable connection with the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17. Specifically, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 15 and Figure 16 The first support body 111 is provided with a first connecting rod groove 114. The first connecting rod 152 of the first gear connecting rod 15 slides in cooperation with the first connecting rod groove 114. The sliding trajectory of the first connecting rod 152 in the first connecting rod groove 114 can be linear or arc-shaped. In one embodiment, see reference to the following. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The sliding trajectory defined by the first connecting rod groove 114 can be either the second direction A2 in the flattened state or the first direction A1 in the folded state. The first connecting rod groove 114 includes a first receiving area 1141, a first slide rail 1142, and a second slide rail 1143. The first receiving area 1141 is used to receive the main body of the first connecting rod 152, and the first slide rail 1142 and the second slide rail 1143 are used to receive two sliding parts of the first connecting rod 152, which protrude from the two sides of the main body of the first connecting rod 152. The first support body 111 is also provided with a rotating connection part 115, which is rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17. Specifically, the rotating connection part 115 is provided with a first shaft hole 1152, and the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17 cooperates with the first shaft and the first shaft hole 1152 to realize the rotating connection between the rotating connection part 115 and the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17. The axial direction of the first shaft hole 1152 is the third direction A3.

[0097] The first connecting rod groove 114 and the rotating connection portion 115 are arranged adjacent to each other on the first support body 111 in the third direction A3. In one specific embodiment, the first support body 111 is provided with three first connecting rod grooves 114 and three rotating connection portions 115. The first of the three rotating connection portions 115 is adjacent to the first limiting end 112, the second of the three rotating connection portions 115 is adjacent to the second limiting end 113, and the third of the three rotating connection portions 115 is located at the middle position of the first support body 111 in the third direction A3. This middle position can be understood as having a certain distance from both the first limiting end 112 and the second limiting end 113. However, the distance from the middle position to the first limiting end 112 and the distance from the second limiting end 113 can be equal or there can be a distance difference. This distance difference can be a small dimensional range affected by factors such as design tolerances and structural design avoidance. The three first connecting rod grooves 114 are respectively arranged adjacent to the three rotating connection portions 115. In other embodiments, there may be two, four or more first link slides 114 and rotating connection parts 115. The specific number can be determined according to the size of the electronic device in the third direction A3. For example, for electronic devices with smaller size in the third direction A3, only two first link slides 114 and rotating connection parts 115 in the folding device can be provided. For larger electronic devices, more are required to ensure smooth opening and closing.

[0098] The first supporting main body 111 is also equipped with multiple fixing parts 116, see reference. Figure 15 In one specific embodiment, the number of fixing parts 116 is twice the number of rotating connecting parts 115, and one fixing part 116 is provided on each side of each rotating connecting part 115. The fixing parts 116 are used for fixed connection with the first body of the electronic device. Figure 16 As shown, each rotating connection 115 has a fixing part 116 on both sides along the third direction A3. This design helps to ensure the stability and reliability of the rotating connection between the rotating connection 115 and the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17.

[0099] The structure of the second support plate 13 is similar to that of the first support plate 11, and will not be described in detail here.

[0100] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the middle support plate 12 of a folding device provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 18 and Figure 19 yes Figure 17 A partial enlarged view of the middle support plate 12 shown. Figure 18 and Figure 19 The difference lies in the labeling used for different structural features. (See also...) Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19The central support plate 12 is generally elongated, with its length direction being the third direction A3. In one specific embodiment, the central support plate 12 includes a first part 12A and a second part 12B. The thickness of the first part 12A is greater than the thickness of the second part 12B. The thickness of the first part 12A refers to its dimension in the first direction A1, and the thickness of the second part 12B refers to its dimension in the first direction A1. The length and width directions of the central support plate 12 are both perpendicular to the first direction A1. The first part 12A and the second part 12B are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction (i.e., the third direction A3) of the central support plate 12. The first tooth 121 and the second tooth 122 are arranged on the first part 12A, and the first tooth 121 and the second tooth 122 are arranged opposite to each other along the width direction of the central support plate 12, which is the second direction A2. Specifically, as... Figure 19 As shown, the first part 12A includes a top surface S4, a bottom surface S5, and four side surfaces connecting the top surface S4 and the bottom surface S5. The four side surfaces include a first side surface S6 and a third side surface S7 arranged opposite each other, and a second side surface S8 and a fourth side surface S9 arranged opposite each other. A first tooth 121 is disposed on the first side surface S6, and a second tooth 122 is disposed on the third side surface S7. The second side surface S8 and the fourth side surface S9 are integrally connected to the second part 12B. The top surface S4 of the first part 12A can be a portion of the second support surface S2 (in conjunction with...). Figure 9 In one specific implementation, such as Figure 17 As shown, there are three first parts 12A, which are spaced apart along the length of the middle support plate 12 (i.e., the third direction A3). There are four second parts 12B, which are also spaced apart along the length of the middle support plate 12 (i.e., the third direction A3). Each two adjacent second parts 12B are connected by a first part 12A.

[0101] See Figure 18 Along the width direction of the middle support plate 12, the first part 12A includes a first mating part 12A1, a main body 12A2, and a second mating part 12A3 connected in sequence, such as... Figure 18As shown, two dashed lines L1 and L2 divide the first part 12A into three sub-regions: the first mating part 12A1, the main body 12A2, and the second mating part 12A3. In one embodiment, the two dashed lines L1 and L2 are parallel to each other and extend in the third direction A3. The first tooth 121 is located on the surface of the first mating part 12A1 opposite to the main body 12A2, and the second tooth 122 is located on the surface of the second mating part 12A3 opposite to the main body 12A2. In one embodiment, the main body 12A2 and the second part 12B are connected and of equal width, which can be understood as the edges of the two dashed lines L1 and L2 and the second part 12B coinciding.

[0102] The first part 12A includes a first sliding fit structure 123 and a second sliding fit structure 124. The first sliding fit structure 123 is located at the adjacent position of the first fitting part 12A1 and the main body 12A2 or at the first fitting part 12A1. The second sliding fit structure 124 is located at the adjacent position of the second fitting part 12A3 and the main body 12A2 or at the second fitting part 12A3. The first sliding fit structure 123 is used to cooperate with the corresponding limiting structure on the main shaft 14, and the second sliding fit structure 124 is used to cooperate with the corresponding limiting structure on the main shaft 14 to guide the relative sliding between the middle support plate 12 and the main shaft 14.

[0103] The first sliding fit structure 123 includes a first guide hole 1231, and the second sliding fit structure 124 includes a second guide hole 1241. The first sliding fit structure 123 also includes two first sliding grooves 1232, and the second sliding fit structure 124 also includes two second sliding grooves 1242. Along the length direction of the middle support plate 12, the two first sliding grooves 1232 are distributed on both sides of the first guide hole 1231, and the two second sliding grooves 1242 are distributed on both sides of the second guide hole 1241. Both the two first sliding grooves 1232 and the two second sliding grooves 1242 form openings at the edge of the first portion 12A.

[0104] The second part 12B has a first opening 125 and a second opening 126. Along the thickness direction of the middle support plate 12, the second part 12B includes a bottom surface 12B1 and a top surface 12B2 disposed opposite to each other. The first opening 125 and the second opening 126 penetrate the bottom surface 12B1 and the top surface 12B2. In the width direction of the middle support plate 12, the first opening 125 and the second opening 126 are arranged at intervals. The first opening 125 is adjacent to the edge of the second part 12B facing the first support plate 11, and the second opening 126 is adjacent to the edge of the second part 12B facing the second support plate 13. The first opening 125 is used to accommodate a portion of the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17, and the second opening 126 is used to accommodate a portion of the second rotating shaft connecting rod 18.

[0105] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the main shaft 14 of a folding device provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A partially enlarged view of the main shaft 14 shown. (See also...) Figure 20 and Figure 21 The main shaft 14 is elongated in shape and serves as the central mounting base for the folding device. The central support plate 12, the first gear connecting rod 15, the second gear connecting rod 16, the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17, and the second rotating shaft connecting rod 18 are all mounted on the main shaft 14, forming a modular structure that can be assembled into a single unit. The main shaft 14 includes a top surface S141 and a bottom surface S142 opposite to each other, and a first outer surface S143 and a second outer surface S144 connecting the top surface S141 and the bottom surface S142. The top surface S141 faces the flexible screen, the bottom surface S142 faces away from the flexible screen, the first outer surface S143 faces the first support plate 11, and the second outer surface S144 faces the second support plate 13. (See reference...) Figure 20 The main shaft 14 includes a receiving portion 141, which has a receiving space 142 for accommodating the middle support plate 12. Along the length of the main shaft 14, the receiving portion 141 extends from a first end E1 to a second end E2, with the first end E1 and the second end E2 being the two ends of the main shaft 14 along its length. Along the width of the main shaft 14, the receiving portion 141 is located in the middle region of the main shaft 14, that is, it is spaced apart from the first outer surface S143, and also spaced apart from the second outer surface S144. Here, "spaced apart" can be understood as the two features not being adjacent, but separated by other features.

[0106] The receiving portion 141 includes an open end 143 and a bottom wall 144, which are disposed opposite to each other in a first direction A1 (i.e., the thickness direction of the main shaft 14), where the first direction A1 is the thickness direction of the folding device in its flattened state. The open end 143 is formed on the top surface S141 of the main shaft 14, which can be understood as the receiving space 142 of the receiving portion 141 being a groove structure provided on the top surface S141 of the main shaft. In one embodiment, as... Figure 21 As shown, the bottom wall 144 of the receiving part 141 includes a first bottom 1441 and a second bottom 1442. The thickness of the first bottom 1441 is less than the thickness of the second bottom 1442. A stepped structure is formed at the connection between the first bottom 1441 and the second bottom 1442.

[0107] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the first bottom 1441 (i.e., the surface of the first bottom 1441 facing the receiving space 142) is planar, and the inner surface of the second bottom 1442 (i.e., the surface of the second bottom 1442 facing the receiving space 142) is planar. In other embodiments, the inner surfaces of the first bottom 1441 and the second bottom 1442 can be curved structures, such as concave curved surfaces. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the first bottom 1441 (i.e., the surface of the first bottom 1441 facing away from the receiving space 142) can be a planar structure or a convex curved structure. The outer surfaces of the first bottom 1441 and the second bottom 1442 are coplanar, meaning that there is no step transition at the connection between the outer surfaces of the first bottom 1441 and the second bottom 1442, but they are interconnected into a complete plane or curved surface. The outer surfaces of the first bottom 1441 and the second bottom 1442 provided by this solution can serve as the outer surfaces of electronic devices. That is, the outer surfaces of the first bottom 1441 and the second bottom 1442 are not obscured by other structures, which is conducive to achieving the thinning of electronic devices while improving the customer's experience.

[0108] In one implementation, such as Figure 21As shown, the main shaft 14 includes a first limiting structure 145 and a second limiting structure 146. The first limiting structure 145 includes a first guide post 1451 and two first limiting posts 1452. The second limiting structure 146 includes a second guide post 1461 and two second limiting posts 1462. Along the length direction of the main shaft 14 (i.e., the third direction A3), the two first limiting posts 1452 are distributed on both sides of the first guide post 1451, and the two second limiting posts 1462 are distributed on both sides of the second guide post 1461. In one specific embodiment, both the first guide post 1451 and the second guide post 1461 are cylindrical structures, and the bottom end faces of the first guide post 1451 and the second guide post 1461 are connected to the bottom wall 144 of the receiving part 141. The outer surfaces of the first guide post 1451 and the second guide post 1461 are independently located in the receiving space 142 and are not connected to other structures. The top end faces of the first guide post 1451 and the second guide post 1461 face the same direction as the top surface of the main shaft S141, and the top end faces of the first guide post 1451 and the second guide post 1461 can be used to support the flexible screen. In one specific embodiment, parts of the side surfaces of the two first limiting posts 1452 and the two second limiting posts 1462 are interconnected with the sidewall of the receiving part 141, and the bottom end faces of the two first limiting posts 1452 and the two second limiting posts 1462 are connected to the bottom wall 144 of the receiving part 141. The top end faces of the two first limiting posts 1452 and the two second limiting posts 1462 face the same direction as the top surface of the main shaft S141, and the top end faces of the two first limiting posts 1452 and the two second limiting posts 1462 can also be used to support the flexible screen.

[0109] In one implementation, such as Figure 22 As shown, the main shaft 14 also includes a first gear base 147 and a second gear base 148. The first gear base 147 is located between the receiving portion 141 and the first outer surface S143, and the second gear base 148 is located between the second outer surface S144 and the receiving portion 141. The first gear base 147 is used to assemble the first gear 151, and the second gear base 148 is used to assemble the second gear 161. A first limiting structure 145 is located at the intersection of the first gear base 147 and the receiving portion 141, and a second limiting structure 146 is located at the intersection of the second gear base 148 and the receiving portion 141. It can be understood that, in one embodiment, the first limiting structure 145 and the second limiting structure 146 are respectively arranged adjacent to the first gear 151 and the second gear 161. This scheme can improve the stability of the meshing between the first gear 151 and the first tooth 121, and improve the stability of the meshing between the second gear 161 and the second tooth 122. The first gear 151 is rotatably connected to the first gear base 147, and the second gear 161 is rotatably connected to the second gear base 148.

[0110] In one specific embodiment, the first gear base 147 and the second gear base 148 are recessed structures provided on the top surface S141 of the main shaft, that is, the first gear base 147 and the second gear base 148 are formed in the area between the top surface S141 and the bottom surface S142 of the main shaft. This design is beneficial to achieving a thinner folding device. Since the accommodating space 142, the first gear base 147 and the second gear base 148 are all recessed structures provided on the top surface S141 of the main shaft, the middle support plate 12, the first gear 151 and the second gear 161 are all assembled in the area between the top surface S141 and the bottom surface S142 of the main shaft. The thickness of the main shaft 14 is the thickness of the folding device in the flattened state. Therefore, this application can obtain a folding device with a thinner design.

[0111] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 22As shown, the main shaft 14 also includes a first adapter 149 and a second adapter 1410. The first adapter 149 is located between the first outer surface S143 and the receiving portion 141, and the second adapter 1410 is located between the second outer surface S144 and the receiving portion 141. The first adapter 149 is located on one side of the first gear base 147 along the length direction of the main shaft 14, and the second adapter 1410 is located on one side of the second gear base 148 along the length direction of the main shaft 14. In one specific embodiment, the first adapter 149 includes a pair of first arc-shaped slide grooves 1492. The openings of the pair of first arc-shaped slide grooves 1492 are arranged opposite to each other. The area between the openings of the pair of first arc-shaped slide grooves 1492 is used to accommodate part of the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17. The pair of first arc-shaped slide grooves 1492 are used to cooperate with the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17 and define the sliding trajectory of the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17 during the opening and closing of the folding device. The second adapter 1410 includes a pair of second arc-shaped slides 1412, the openings of which are opposite each other. The area between the openings of the pair of second arc-shaped slides 1412 is used to accommodate a portion of the second pivot link 18. The pair of second arc-shaped slides 1412 are used to cooperate with the second pivot link 18 and define the sliding trajectory of the second pivot link 18 during the opening and closing of the folding device. The internal space of the pair of first arc-shaped slides 1492 communicates with the receiving space 142 of the receiving part 141, so that when the folding device is in the flattened state, a portion of the first pivot link 17 can enter the receiving space 142. Similarly, the internal space of the pair of second arc-shaped slides 1412 communicates with the receiving space 142 of the receiving part 141, so that when the folding device is in the flattened state, a portion of the second pivot link 18 can enter the receiving space 142. In this embodiment, by setting the first adapter 149 and the second adapter 1410 as an arc-shaped groove structure, the first adapter 149 and the second adapter 1410 are formed in the area between the top surface S141 and the bottom surface S142 of the main shaft, which is beneficial to the thin design of the folding device.

[0112] In one specific implementation, such as Figure 22 As shown, the main shaft 14 is also provided with a first shaft groove 1413 and a second shaft groove 1414. The first shaft groove 1413 is located between the first outer surface S143 and the receiving portion 141, and the second shaft groove 1414 is located between the second outer surface S144 and the receiving portion 141. In the length direction of the main shaft 14, the first shaft groove 1413 is located on the side of the first gear base 147 away from the first transition portion 149, and the second shaft groove 1414 is located on the side of the second gear base 148 away from the second transition portion 1410. The internal space of the first shaft groove 1413 communicates with the internal space of the first gear base 147, and the internal space of the second shaft groove 1414 communicates with the internal space of the second gear base 148.

[0113] In one specific implementation, see [reference] Figure 20 The main shaft 14 includes a central shaft C extending along a third direction A3. The main shaft 14 is a symmetrical structure centered on this central shaft C. Specifically, the first gear base 147 and the second gear base 148 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the central shaft C, the first adapter 149 and the second adapter 1410 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the central shaft C, and the first shaft groove 1413 and the second shaft groove 1414 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the central shaft C.

[0114] In one specific implementation, see [reference] Figure 20 On the third direction A3, the spindle 14 has three first gear bases 147 and two gear bases 148, which are spaced apart. One of the first gear bases 147 and two gear bases 148 is located near the first end E1 of the spindle 14, another is located near the second end E2 of the spindle 14, and the third is located in the middle area between the first end E1 and the second end E2. Correspondingly, there are three first transition parts 149 and three second transition parts 1410, and three first shaft grooves 1413 and three second shaft grooves 1414.

[0115] Figure 23 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the first gear linkage 15 of a folding device according to one embodiment. (See also...) Figure 23 The first gear connecting rod 15 includes a first gear 151, a first gear shaft 153, and a first connecting rod 152 interconnected as one unit. The first gear 151 is fixed to the periphery of the first gear shaft 153. One end of the first connecting rod 152 is fixedly connected to the first gear 151, and the first connecting rod 152 is used to cooperate with the first connecting rod slide groove 114 on the first support plate 11. The first connecting rod 152 includes a main body portion 1521 and a pair of sliding portions 1522. Along the extending direction of the first gear shaft 153, the pair of sliding portions 1522 are respectively located on opposite sides of the main body portion 1521. The extending direction of the first gear shaft 153 is consistent with the third direction A3 (the length direction of the main shaft 14).

[0116] See Figure 23 and Figure 24 In one embodiment, the main body 1521 of the first connecting rod 152 includes a first segment 1523 and a second segment 1524. The second segment 1524 is connected between the first gear 151 and the first segment 1523. A pair of sliding portions 1522 are located on both sides of the first segment 1523. That is, the first segment 1523 is used to slide and engage with the first connecting rod groove 114. An included angle θ is formed between the second segment 1524 and the first segment 1523.

[0117] See Figure 23In one embodiment, the first gear connecting rod 15 further includes a first cam structure 154, which is located at one end of the first gear shaft 153.

[0118] See Figure 25 and Figure 26 , Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the first gear connecting rod 15, the first additional shaft 181, and related structures of the folding device provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 26 yes Figure 25 The diagram shows the first gear connecting rod 15, the first auxiliary shaft 191, and related structures assembled to the main shaft 14. In one embodiment, the folding device further includes the first auxiliary shaft 191 and a first elastic element 192 sleeved on the first auxiliary shaft 191. The first elastic element 192 can be a spring. The first auxiliary shaft 191 is located at one end in the axial direction of the first gear shaft 153. One end of the first auxiliary shaft 191 has a second cam structure 194. The first elastic element 192 is elastically connected between the second cam structure 194 and the main shaft 14. The second cam structure 194 and the first cam structure 194 cooperate to allow the first elastic element 192 to store or release elastic potential energy during the rotation of the first gear 151 relative to the main shaft 14. The elastic potential energy is used to drive the first gear 151 to rotate.

[0119] Specifically, the second cam structure 194 includes a cam seat 1941 and a mating end 1942. The cam seat 1941 is fixedly connected to one end of the first additional shaft 191. The mating end 1942 and the cam seat 1941 are an integral structure. The mating end 1942 is located at the end of the cam seat 1941 away from the first additional shaft 191.

[0120] The second gear connecting rod 16 also has a second additional shaft, a second elastic element, and a corresponding cam structure on one side. The specific structural design is similar to the first additional shaft 191, first elastic element 192, and first cam structure 154 on one side of the first gear connecting rod 15. The specific structure of the second gear connecting rod 16 is the same as that of the first gear connecting rod 15. The structural relationship between the second additional shaft, the second elastic element, and the second gear is the same as that between the first additional shaft, the first elastic element, and the first gear, and will not be described again.

[0121] In summary, the second gear connecting rod 16 includes a second shaft, the second gear 161 is fixed on the second shaft, the second shaft and the second gear base 148 are rotatably connected, the folding device also includes a second additional shaft and a second elastic element sleeved on the second additional shaft, the second additional shaft is located at one end in the axial direction of the second shaft, one end of the second additional shaft and one end of the second shaft are engaged by a cam structure so that the second elastic element stores or releases elastic potential energy during the rotation of the second gear relative to the main shaft, the elastic potential energy is used to drive the second gear to rotate.

[0122] Figure 27 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the first pivot linkage 17 of a folding device according to one embodiment. (See also...) Figure 27 The first rotating shaft connecting rod 17 includes a first shaft hole 171, a connecting arm 173, and a first rotating arm 172 interconnected as one unit. In one embodiment, the connecting arm 173 has a flat plate structure and is fixedly connected between the first shaft hole 171 and the first rotating arm 172. The first shaft hole 171 can be a sleeve-shaped structure, used to cooperate with a pin (the pin is inserted into the sleeve-shaped first shaft and fixedly connected to the first shaft) to rotatably connect the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17 to the first support plate 11. The first rotating arm 172 has an arc-shaped arm structure, and the virtual rotating axis of the first rotating arm 172 is located at the center of the arc-shaped arm.

[0123] The specific structure of the second rotating shaft connecting rod 18 is similar to that of the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17, and will not be described in detail again.

[0124] See Figure 11 and Figure 12 This application describes the assembly process of a folding device 10 provided in one embodiment. This application is not limited to the following order. The specific assembly process can be adjusted by changing the order of each step.

[0125] The first step is to assemble the middle support plate 12 into the receiving space 142 of the main shaft 14. Specifically, the sliding connection between the middle support plate 12 and the main shaft 14 is limited by the cooperation of the first sliding fit structure 123 on the middle support plate 12 and the first limiting structure 145 on the main shaft 14, and by the cooperation of the second sliding fit structure 124 on the middle support plate 12 and the second limiting structure 146 on the main shaft 14.

[0126] The second step involves assembling the first gear connecting rod 15 into the first gear base 147 of the main shaft 14. Specifically, the first gear shaft 153 of the first gear connecting rod 15 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 14; for example, a pin can be used to achieve a shaft connection between the two. After assembling the first gear shaft 153, the first gear 151 and the first tooth 121 on the middle support plate 12 are in a meshing relationship. Similarly, the second gear connecting rod 16 is assembled into the second gear base 148 of the main shaft 14 to achieve a meshing relationship between the second gear 161 and the second tooth 122 on the middle support plate 12.

[0127] The third step involves assembling the first additional shaft 191, the first elastic element 192, and the second cam structure 194 into a single unit to form an energy storage mechanism. This energy storage mechanism is then assembled into the first shaft groove 1413 of the main shaft 14, allowing the second cam structure 194 and the first cam structure 154 to engage. This enables the first elastic element 192 to store or release elastic potential energy during the rotation of the first gear 151 relative to the main shaft 14, and the elastic potential energy is used to drive the first gear 151 to rotate. The second additional shaft, the second elastic element, and the cam structure connected to the second additional shaft can be assembled in the same way, and the energy storage mechanism formed by them is assembled into the second shaft groove 1414. It is ensured that the cam structure on the second additional shaft engages with the corresponding cam structure at one end of the second shaft on the second gear connecting rod 16, so that the second elastic element stores or releases elastic potential energy during the rotation of the second gear relative to the main shaft, and the elastic potential energy is used to drive the second gear to rotate.

[0128] Fourth, assemble the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17 to the first support plate 11. The first rotating shaft connecting rod 17 is rotatably connected to the rotating connection part 115 by passing a pin through the first shaft hole 171 and the first shaft hole 1152 on the first support plate 11. The second rotating shaft connecting rod 18 can be rotatably connected to the second support plate 13 in the same manner.

[0129] The fifth step is to connect the first support plate 11 and the main shaft 14. Specifically, the first connecting rod 152 of the first gear connecting rod 15 is inserted into the first connecting rod groove 114 of the first support plate 11 to achieve the engagement of the first connecting rod 152 with the first connecting rod groove 114 on the first support plate 11; at the same time, the first rotating arm 172 of the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17 is inserted into the first arc-shaped groove 1492 of the first adapter part 149 of the main shaft 14 to achieve the rotational connection between the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17 and the main shaft 14.

[0130] The sixth step is to connect the second support plate 13 and the main shaft to achieve a rotatable connection between the second connecting rod 162 of the second gear connecting rod 16 and the second support plate 13, and to achieve a rotatable connection between the second rotating shaft connecting rod 18 and the main shaft.

[0131] The folding device can be assembled by following the above steps. The folding device is assembled into a modular structure, as shown in the reference. Figure 4 Then, the first body 101 and the first support plate 11 of the electronic device are fixedly connected, and the second body 102 and the second support plate 13 of the electronic device are fixedly connected.

[0132] Next, different cross-sectional views will be used to illustrate the coordination relationship between the various structural parts of the folding device in the flattened and folded states. Figure 28 , Figure 29 , Figure 30 and Figure 31 This is a cross-sectional view of a folding device 10 provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0133] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional position of the first gear connecting rod 15 when the folding device is in the flattened state. Figure 29 for Figure 28 The cross-sectional view shown is a schematic diagram of the folded state. (See attached image.) Figure 28 In the flat state, the first guide hole 1231 is located at the top of the first guide post 1451 (i.e., the position of the first guide post 1451 adjacent to the opening end 143 of the receiving portion 141 of the main shaft 14), and the second guide hole 1241 is located at the top of the second guide post 1461. There is a gap between the middle support plate 12 and the main shaft 14. This gap is only used to provide the movement stroke of the middle support plate 12 during the switching between the flattened and folded states. That is, no synchronous rotation mechanism (e.g., synchronous gear) is provided between the middle support plate 12 and the main shaft 14 in the thickness direction of the folding device. In the flattened state, along the second direction A2, the first gear 151 is located between the first connecting rod 152 and the middle support plate 12, and the second gear 161 is located between the second connecting rod 162 and the middle support plate 12. The first support plate 11, the middle support plate 12, and the second support plate 13 together define a surface for supporting the flexible screen. In its flattened state, the first connecting rod 152, the first gear 151, the middle support plate 12, the second gear 161, and the second connecting rod 162 are sequentially connected to form a flat, plate-like structure. (See reference...) Figure 29In the folded state, the first guide hole 1231 is located at the bottom of the first guide post 1451 (i.e., the position of the first guide post 1451 near the bottom wall 144 of the receiving part 141 of the main shaft 14), the second guide hole 1241 is located at the bottom of the second guide post 1461, and the middle support plate 12 is adjacent to the main shaft 14. It can be understood that the middle support plate 12 and the main shaft 14 can be in a close fit or maintain a small gap. This application can achieve the connection between the middle support plate 12 and the main shaft 14 as a whole by designing that the middle support plate 12 and the main shaft 14 are in contact in the folded state, thus ensuring the strength of the folding device. During the transition from the flattened state to the folded state, the first connecting rod 152 slides relative to the first support plate 11 in the first connecting rod slide groove 114, and the second connecting rod 162 slides relative to the second support plate 13 in the second connecting rod slide groove 134. In the folded state, the first connecting rod 152, the first gear 151, the middle support plate 12, the second gear 161, and the second connecting rod 162 are connected in sequence to form a U-shaped structure. That is, the first link 152 and the second link 162 are arranged at intervals relative to each other, and the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13 are also arranged at intervals relative to each other. The first support plate 11 is used to connect the first body of the electronic device, and the second support plate 13 is used to connect the second body of the electronic device. The space between the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13 can be used to accommodate the third body of the electronic device.

[0134] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional position of the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17 when the folding device is in the flattened state. Figure 31 for Figure 30 The cross-sectional view shown is a schematic diagram of the folded state. (See attached image.) Figure 30The second rotating shaft connecting rod 18 includes a second shaft 181, a second connecting arm 183, and a second rotating arm 182. The second connecting arm 183 is connected to the second shaft 181 and the second rotating arm 182. The first shaft hole 171 of the first rotating shaft connecting rod 17 and the first support plate 11 are rotatably connected by a pin. The second shaft 181 of the second rotating shaft connecting rod 18 and the second support plate 13 are rotatably connected by a pin. Part of the first rotating arm 172 is located in the first opening 125 of the second part 12B of the middle support plate 12, and part of the second rotating arm 182 is located in the second opening 126 of the second part of the middle support plate 12. Part of the first rotating arm 172 and the top surface of the middle support plate 12 are coplanar, and part of the second rotating arm 182 and the top surface of the middle support plate 12 are coplanar. The first rotating arm 172 fills the first opening 125, and the second rotating arm 182 fills the second opening 126. Thus, the first rotating arm 172 and the second rotating arm 182 can also be used to support the flexible screen. The first rotating arm 172 is located in the first arc-shaped slide groove 1492 of the main shaft 14, and the second rotating arm 182 is located in the second arc-shaped slide groove 1412 of the main shaft 14. During the transition from the flattened state to the folded state, the first rotating arm 172 slides within the first arc-shaped slide groove 1492, and the second rotating arm 182 slides within the second arc-shaped slide groove 1412. (Refer to the folding device for details.) Figure 31 The middle support plate 12 moves to contact the main shaft 14, the first rotating arm 172 moves away from the first opening 125, and the second rotating arm 182 moves away from the second opening 126, so that both the first opening 125 and the second opening 126 are empty. Part of the first arc-shaped slide 1492 is also empty (i.e., this part of the first arc-shaped slide 1492 does not accommodate the first rotating arm 172), and part of the second arc-shaped slide 1412 is also empty (i.e., this part of the second arc-shaped slide 1412 does not accommodate the second rotating arm 182).

[0135] See Figure 29 and Figure 31The bottom wall 144 of the receiving section 141 includes a first bottom 1441 and a second bottom 1442, wherein the thickness of the first bottom 1441 is less than the thickness of the second bottom 1442. The middle support plate 12 includes a first portion 12A and a second portion 12B, wherein the thickness of the first portion 12A is greater than the thickness of the second portion 12B. The thickness defined here refers to the dimension of the folding device in the first direction A1. In the folded state, the first bottom 1441 contacts the first portion 12A of the middle support plate 12, and the second bottom 1442 contacts the second portion 12B of the middle support plate 12. This application achieves better strength while saving space in the folding device by setting different thicknesses for the first bottom 1441 and the second bottom 1442, and also setting different thicknesses for the first portion 12A and the second portion 12B. However, in the folded state, the combined thickness of the first bottom 1441 and the first portion 12A can be equal to the combined thickness of the second bottom 1442 and the second portion 12B.

[0136] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of a folding device provided in one embodiment of this application, combined with a flexible screen, a first main body, and a second main body. (See attached diagram.) Figure 32 The first main body 101 and the first support plate 11 are fixedly connected, and the second main body 102 and the second support plate 13 are fixedly connected. In the folded state, the first main body 101 and the second main body 102 are arranged opposite to each other, and the main shaft 14 is connected between the first main body 101 and the second main body 102. Part of the outer surface of the main shaft 14 constitutes the outer surface of the electronic device. Figure 32 When the electronic device shown is in a flattened state, the first body 101 and the second body 102 cover part of the main shaft 14. The first body 101 and the second body 102 can contact each other at the middle position of the main shaft 14. This design allows the electronic device to have a complete appearance in a flattened state, with no gap between the first body 101 and the second body 102, thus improving the customer experience. A portion of the flexible screen 104 is fixedly connected to the first main body 101, and a portion of the flexible screen 104 is fixedly connected to the second main body 102. When the electronic device is folded, the flexible screen 104 contacts the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 13. The flexible screen 104 has a bent portion 1041, and a gap is formed between the bent portion 1041 and the middle support plate 12. In other words, the middle support plate 12 and the flexible screen 104 do not contact each other. This can be understood as the middle support plate 12 providing sufficient clearance for the bent portion 1041 of the flexible screen 104, allowing the bent portion 1041 to bend naturally without constraint. Figure 32As shown, in one embodiment of the folding device provided in this application, in the folded state, the middle support plate 12 is located within the receiving space 142 of the receiving portion 141 of the main shaft 14, and a clearance space G0 is formed between the middle support plate 12 and the opening end 143 of the receiving portion 141. The clearance space G0 is used to accommodate a portion of the flexible screen (i.e., the bent portion 1041). The first gap G1 and the second gap G2 formed between the bent portion 1041 and the middle support plate 12 are both located inside the main shaft 14, and the first gap G1 and the second gap G2 are both part of the clearance space G0. It can be understood that... Figure 32 The portion below the location of the dotted line L0 in the diagram represents the internal space of the main shaft 14. The dotted line L0 can be the location of the opening end 143 of the receiving portion 141 of the main shaft 14. Since the bent portion 1041 of the flexible screen extends into the internal space of the main shaft 14 in the folded state, the first gap G1 and the second gap G2 between the bent portion 1041 and the middle support plate 12 both fall inside the receiving space 142 of the main shaft 14. Thus, the first gap G1 and the second gap G2 between the bent portion 1041 and the middle support plate 12 are not visible from the outside of the electronic device, resulting in no holes being generated at the folded position when the electronic device is folded, providing a good user experience.

[0137] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and various numerical designations used herein are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0138] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0139] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A folding device for realizing the relative folding and unfolding of electronic devices with flexible screens, characterized in that, The folding device includes a first support plate, a middle support plate, a second support plate, a main shaft, a first rotating shaft connecting rod, a second rotating shaft connecting rod, a first gear connecting rod, and a second gear connecting rod. The first support plate and the second support plate are distributed on both sides of the main shaft. One end of the first rotating shaft connecting rod is rotatably connected to the first support plate and the other end is rotatably connected to the main shaft. One end of the second rotating shaft connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second support plate and the other end is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The middle support plate and the main shaft are slidably connected. The middle support plate includes a first tooth and a second tooth. When the folding device is in the flattened state, the first tooth faces the first support plate, and the second tooth faces the second support plate. The first support plate, the middle support plate, and the second support plate are used together to support the flexible screen in the flattened state. The first gear connecting rod includes a first gear and a first connecting rod. The first gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the first gear meshes with the first tooth of the middle support plate, and the first connecting rod is slidably connected to the first support plate. The second gear connecting rod includes a second gear and a second connecting rod. The second gear is rotatably connected to the main shaft, the second gear meshes with the second tooth of the middle support plate, and the second connecting rod is slidably connected to the second support plate. The first rotation axis of the first rotating shaft connecting rod relative to the main shaft is different from the second rotation axis of the first gear of the first gear connecting rod relative to the main shaft and is parallel to each other; The third rotation axis of the second rotating shaft connecting rod relative to the main shaft is different from the fourth rotation axis of the second gear of the second gear connecting rod relative to the main shaft and is parallel to each other; During the relative folding process of the first support plate and the second support plate, the first and second rotating shafts rotate relative to the main shaft, the first support plate slides relative to the first connecting rod, the second support plate slides relative to the second connecting rod, the first gear meshes with the first tooth, and the second gear meshes with the second tooth, so that the middle support plate slides relative to the main shaft, and the direction of sliding is: the middle support plate moves away from the flexible screen.

2. The folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the relative unfolding of the first support plate and the second support plate, the first and second rotating shafts rotate relative to the main shaft, the first support plate slides relative to the first connecting rod, the second support plate slides relative to the second connecting rod, the first gear meshes with the first tooth, and the second gear meshes with the second tooth, so that the middle support plate slides relative to the main shaft, and the sliding direction is: the middle support plate is towards the flexible screen.

3. The folding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first rotating shaft connecting rod includes a first rotating arm, which has an arc-shaped structure. The main shaft includes a first arc-shaped sliding groove. The first rotating arm and the first arc-shaped sliding groove cooperate to realize the rotational connection between the first rotating shaft connecting rod and the main shaft.

4. The folding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first rotating shaft connecting rod includes a shaft hole, and the first rotating shaft connecting rod is rotatably connected to the first support plate through the shaft hole and a first shaft passing through the shaft hole.

5. The folding device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, In the folded state of the folding device, a gap is formed between the first support plate and the second support plate, so that the flexible screen in the space enclosed by the first support plate, the middle support plate and the second support plate is U-shaped.

6. The folding device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The main shaft includes a receiving part, which has a receiving space for accommodating the middle support plate. The receiving part includes an open end and a bottom wall, which are arranged opposite to each other in a first direction, which is the thickness direction of the folding device in the flattened state. In the folded state, the middle support plate is located within the receiving space, and a clearance space is formed between the middle support plate and the open end. The clearance space is used to accommodate part of the flexible screen.

7. The folding device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second rotation axis is closer to the bottom wall than the first rotation axis, and the fourth rotation axis is closer to the bottom wall than the third rotation axis.

8. The folding device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, In the folded state, the middle support plate and the bottom wall are in contact.

9. The folding device according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The first direction is the thickness direction of the middle support plate. The middle support plate includes a first part and a second part. The thickness of the first part is greater than the thickness of the second part. The first part and the second part are arranged adjacent to each other along the length direction of the middle support plate. The first tooth and the second tooth are arranged on the first part. The first tooth and the second tooth are arranged opposite to each other along the width direction of the middle support plate. The length direction and the width direction of the middle support plate are both perpendicular to the first direction.

10. The folding device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bottom wall includes a first bottom and a second bottom. In the folded state, the first bottom and the first part are in contact, and the second bottom and the second part are in contact. The first direction is the thickness direction of the bottom wall. The thickness of the first bottom is less than the thickness of the second bottom. A stepped structure is formed between the surface of the first bottom that contacts the first part and the surface of the second bottom that contacts the second part.

11. The folding device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The main shaft is also provided with a first limiting structure and a second limiting structure; Along the width direction of the middle support plate, the first part includes a first mating part, a main body, and a second mating part connected in sequence. The first tooth is located on the surface of the first mating part opposite to the main body, and the second tooth is located on the surface of the second mating part opposite to the main body. The main body and the second part are connected and have the same width. The first part includes a first sliding fit structure and a second sliding fit structure. The first sliding fit structure is located at the adjacent position of the first mating part and the main body or at the first mating part. The second sliding fit structure is located at the adjacent position of the second mating part and the main body or at the second mating part. The first sliding fit structure is used to cooperate with the first limiting structure, and the second sliding fit structure is used to cooperate with the second limiting structure to limit the relative sliding between the middle support plate and the main shaft.

12. The folding device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first sliding fit structure includes a first guide hole, the second sliding fit structure includes a second guide hole, the first limiting structure includes a first guide post, the second limiting structure includes a second guide post, the first guide hole and the first guide post are fitted together, and the second guide hole and the second guide post are fitted together.

13. The folding device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first sliding fit structure further includes two first sliding grooves, and the second sliding fit structure further includes two second sliding grooves. Along the length direction of the middle support plate, the two first sliding grooves are distributed on both sides of the first guide hole, and the two second sliding grooves are distributed on both sides of the second guide hole. Both the two first sliding grooves and the two second sliding grooves form openings at the edge position of the first part. The first limiting structure further includes two first limiting posts, and the second limiting structure further includes two second limiting posts. Along the length direction of the main shaft, the two first limiting posts are distributed on both sides of the first guide post, and the two second limiting posts are distributed on both sides of the second guide post. The two first limiting posts respectively cooperate with the two first sliding grooves, and the two second limiting posts respectively cooperate with the two second sliding grooves.

14. The folding device according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, The second part is provided with a first opening along the thickness direction of the middle support plate. The middle support plate includes a bottom surface and a top surface arranged opposite to each other. The first opening penetrates the bottom surface and the top surface. The first opening is used to accommodate part of the first rotating shaft connecting rod in the flattened state of the folding device. The first rotating shaft connecting rod includes a first rotating arm rotatably connected to the main shaft. The first rotating arm has an arc-shaped structure. In the flattened state of the folding device, one end of the first rotating arm is located in the first opening, and part of the first rotating arm is coplanar with the top surface.

15. The folding device according to any one of claims 6-14, characterized in that, The main shaft includes a first outer side and a second outer side disposed opposite to each other. The first outer side faces the first support plate, and the second outer side faces the second support plate. The main shaft also includes a first gear base and a second gear base. The first gear base is located between the receiving part and the first outer side, and the second gear base is located between the second outer side and the receiving part. The first gear is rotatably connected to the first gear base, and the second gear is rotatably connected to the second gear base.

16. The folding device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first gear connecting rod includes a first gear shaft, the first gear is fixed on the first gear shaft, the first gear shaft and the first gear base are rotatably connected, one end of the first gear shaft has a first cam structure, the folding device also includes a first additional shaft and a first elastic element sleeved on the first additional shaft, the first additional shaft is located at one end of the first gear shaft in the axial direction, one end of the first additional shaft has a second cam structure, the first elastic element is elastically connected between the second cam structure and the main shaft, the second cam structure and the first cam structure cooperate to make the first elastic element store or release elastic potential energy during the rotation of the first gear relative to the main shaft, the elastic potential energy is used to drive the first gear to rotate.

17. The folding device according to any one of claims 6-16, characterized in that, The main shaft forms a first end wall and a second end wall at its two ends along its length, and the accommodating space is formed between the first end wall and the second end wall. The middle support plate is an integral structure, and the outer contour of the middle support plate matches the shape of the accommodating space.

18. The folding device according to any one of claims 1-17, characterized in that, The first support plate includes a first connecting rod groove, the first connecting rod and the first connecting rod groove are slidably engaged, and the sliding trajectory of the first connecting rod in the first connecting rod groove is straight or arc-shaped.

19. The folding device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first connecting rod includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment and the first connecting rod slide groove are slidably engaged. The second segment is connected between the first gear and the first segment, and an angle is formed between the second segment and the first segment.

20. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a first body, a second body, a flexible screen, and a folding device as described in any one of claims 1-19, wherein the first body is fixedly connected to the first support plate, the second body is fixedly connected to the second support plate, and the flexible screen is fixedly connected to the first body and the second body.

21. The electronic device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The electronic device further includes a third body, which is foldable relative to the second body. In the folded state of the electronic device, the space between the first body and the second body is at least used to accommodate the third body.

22. The electronic device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, A portion of the flexible screen is fixedly connected to the first support plate, a portion of the flexible screen is fixedly connected to the second support plate, and the flexible screen and the middle support plate are not connected.

23. The electronic device according to claim 22, characterized in that, When the electronic device is folded, the flexible screen and the central support plate do not come into contact.

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