Foldable electronic devices

Abstract

The present application provides a foldable electronic device, which relates to the technical field of electronic products. The foldable electronic device is provided with a plurality of rotating shaft mechanisms on the back of the foldable screen, so that the rotating shaft mechanisms are arranged opposite to each other in pairs, and the two rotating shaft mechanisms arranged opposite to each other are located on the same straight line. Each shell is connected between every two rotating shaft mechanisms adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and the intermediate connecting member is connected between the proximal ends of each rotating shaft mechanism close to each other. The intermediate connecting member can be bent, and the intermediate connecting member can realize the foldable electronic device to be folded or unfolded around two rotating shaft mechanisms on the same straight line, and can also realize the foldable electronic device to be folded or unfolded around rotating shaft mechanisms on different straight lines. In this way, the foldable electronic device can be folded around the rotating shaft mechanisms arranged opposite to each other on different straight lines, and the foldable electronic device can be folded in different directions. The usage of the foldable electronic device is more flexible and richer, which can enhance the competitiveness of the foldable electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic products, and in particular to a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Folding screens have the property of being bendable, so that electronic devices equipped with folding screens, i.e. foldable electronic devices, can switch between an unfolded state and a folded state. Foldable electronic devices have a large display area and are easy to carry, and are increasingly favored by consumers.

[0003] The hinge mechanism is the core functional structure of the foldable electronic device, which is used to realize the relative rotation between the two main parts of the foldable electronic device, and realize the unfolding or folding of the folding screen through the relative rotation between the two main parts. Among them, when the two main parts rotate to be coplanar, the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state; at this time, the folding screen is in an unfolded state and has a larger display area. When the two main parts rotate to overlap, the foldable electronic device is in a folded state and has a smaller volume; at this time, the folding screen is in a folded state.

[0004] However, existing foldable electronic devices can only be folded in one direction and cannot be folded in multiple directions, and their usage is relatively simple. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a foldable electronic device, which can be folded in multiple directions and has flexible and rich usage methods, thereby improving the competitiveness of the foldable electronic device.

[0006] The present application provides a foldable electronic device, comprising: a foldable screen; a plurality of rotating shaft mechanisms, arranged on the back side of the foldable screen, wherein the rotating shaft mechanisms are arranged in sequence along the circumference of the foldable screen, and each rotating shaft mechanism extends from the edge of the foldable screen to the center of the foldable screen, and each rotating shaft mechanism is relatively located on the same straight line; a plurality of shells, wherein each shell is connected between every two circumferentially adjacent rotating shaft mechanisms, and each shell is closely connected to the foldable screen; a bendable intermediate connecting member, connected between the proximal ends of each rotating shaft mechanism, so that the foldable electronic device can be folded or unfolded around the rotating shaft mechanisms on different straight lines.

[0007] The foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a foldable screen, a plurality of rotating shaft mechanisms, an intermediate connecting member and a plurality of shells. By arranging a plurality of rotating shaft mechanisms on the back of the foldable screen, the rotating shaft mechanisms are arranged in sequence along the circumference of the foldable screen, and the rotating shaft mechanisms extend from the edge of the foldable screen to the center of the foldable screen, and the rotating shaft mechanisms are arranged opposite to each other in pairs, and the two rotating shaft mechanisms arranged opposite to each other are located on the same straight line. Each shell is connected between every two rotating shaft mechanisms adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and each shell is connected to the foldable screen in a close fit. The intermediate connecting member is connected between the proximal ends of each rotating shaft mechanism close to each other, and the intermediate connecting member can be bent. The intermediate connecting member can realize the foldable electronic device to fold or unfold around two rotating shaft mechanisms on the same straight line, and can also realize the foldable electronic device to fold or unfold around rotating shaft mechanisms on different straight lines. In this way, the foldable electronic device can be folded around the rotating shaft mechanisms arranged opposite to each other on different straight lines, and the foldable electronic device can be folded in different directions. The use of the foldable electronic device is more flexible and richer, which can enhance the competitiveness of the foldable electronic device.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the plurality of rotating shaft mechanisms include two first rotating shaft mechanisms and two second rotating shaft mechanisms, the two first rotating shaft mechanisms are located on a first straight line, and the two second rotating shaft mechanisms are located on a second straight line.

[0009] In this way, the first straight line where the two first rotating shaft mechanisms are located is the rotating axis of the foldable electronic device, and the second straight line where the two second rotating shaft mechanisms are located is also the rotating axis of the foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device can be folded around the two first rotating shaft mechanisms and around the two second rotating shaft mechanisms, so that the foldable electronic device can be folded in two directions. In a possible implementation, when the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state, the intermediate connecting member is located at the center of the foldable electronic device.

[0010] By arranging the intermediate connecting member at the center of the foldable electronic device, the intersection of the first straight line where the two first rotating shaft mechanisms are located and the second straight line where the two second rotating shaft mechanisms are located is the center point of the foldable electronic device. In this way, the intersection point when the foldable electronic device is folded in different directions is the center point of the foldable electronic device, and the overall balance of the foldable electronic device is better and the reliability is higher.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the first straight line is a center line of the foldable electronic device in a length direction, the second straight line is a center line of the foldable electronic device in a width direction, and the first straight line and the second straight line are perpendicular to each other.

[0012] In this way, the first straight line and the second straight line are both symmetry axes of the foldable electronic device, and after the foldable electronic device is folded around the two first rotating shaft mechanisms or the two second rotating shaft mechanisms, the two parts of the foldable electronic device completely overlap. The foldable electronic device has good structural symmetry, more balanced force, and a simple and elegant appearance after folding.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the first straight line is a first diagonal line of the foldable electronic device, and the second straight line is a second diagonal line of the foldable electronic device.

[0014] In this way, after the foldable electronic device is folded around the two first rotating shaft mechanisms or the two second rotating shaft mechanisms, the folded shape of the foldable electronic device is a triangle, and the appearance after folding is more unique and the playability is better.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the folding directions of two rotating shaft mechanisms located on the same straight line are the same, and the folding directions of the rotating shaft mechanisms located on different straight lines are the same or different.

[0016] By setting two rotating shaft mechanisms located on the same straight line to have the same folding direction, each rotating shaft mechanism is arranged opposite to each other in a plurality of rotating shaft groups, and each rotating shaft group has a unique folding direction, so as to ensure that the foldable electronic device can smoothly switch between the folded state and the unfolded state with each rotating shaft group as the rotation axis. Among them, by making the folding direction of each rotating shaft group consistent, the relative position of the folding screen and the shell of the foldable electronic device after folding around any rotating shaft group is consistent. By making the folding directions of different rotating shaft groups different, the relative position of the folding screen and the shell of the foldable electronic device after folding around different rotating shaft groups is different.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, each rotating shaft mechanism is an outward folding structure.

[0018] By configuring each hinge mechanism to be an outward-folding structure, after the foldable electronic device is folded around any hinge group, the folded screen is exposed outside the shell and is visible to the outside.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner, at least one first connection portion extends from one end of the rotating shaft mechanism toward the intermediate connection member, and the first connection portion is connected to the intermediate connection member.

[0020] By arranging a protruding first connection portion on the end surface of the rotating shaft mechanism facing the intermediate connection member, the rotating shaft mechanism is connected to the intermediate connection member through the first connection portion. The end surface of the rotating shaft mechanism can be closely fitted with the end surface of the intermediate connection member, and the side surface of the intermediate connection member facing the folding screen can be flush with the side surface of the rotating shaft mechanism to ensure that the intermediate connection member stably supports the folding screen.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the rotating shaft mechanism includes: a main shaft, wherein a first connecting portion is provided at one end of the main shaft facing the intermediate connecting member; and connecting plates movably connected to both sides of the main shaft in the width direction.

[0022] In a possible implementation manner, an end cover is provided at one end of the main shaft away from the intermediate connecting piece.

[0023] By providing an end cap at the end of the main shaft away from the intermediate connector, the folding screen can abut against the end face of the end cap facing the main shaft, and the end cap can be used to position the folding screen. In addition, the end cap is exposed on the side wall of the foldable electronic device, which helps to improve the appearance of the foldable electronic device.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes: an adapter plate movably connected between the main shaft and the connecting plate, and a first connecting portion is also provided at one end of the adapter plate facing the intermediate connecting member.

[0025] On the basis of providing the first connection part at the end of the main shaft, the first connection parts are also provided at the ends of the adapter plates on both sides of the main shaft. In this way, three first connection parts extend from the rotating shaft mechanism to connect with the intermediate connection member, which can enhance the connection strength between the rotating shaft mechanism and the intermediate connection member, and the size of each first connection part is small, which will not affect the bending performance of the intermediate connection member.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the intermediate connecting member has a connecting hole, and the first connecting portion extends into the connecting hole to be connected to the intermediate connecting member.

[0027] By extending the first connection part of the rotating shaft mechanism into the connection hole of the intermediate connection member, there is a certain distance between the first connection part and the two side surfaces of the intermediate connection member, which will not affect the folding screen and the decorative member. In addition, the space occupied by the first connection member is small, which will not affect the bending performance of the intermediate connection member.

[0028] In a possible embodiment, the first connecting portion includes a first main body portion and a first reinforcement portion, one end of the first main body portion is connected to the end of the rotating shaft mechanism, the first reinforcement portion is connected to the other end of the first main body portion, and the first reinforcement portion extends out from the periphery of the first main body portion.

[0029] By arranging the first reinforcement part at one end of the first main body part toward the intermediate connector, the first reinforcement part extends out of the periphery of the first main body part. The first reinforcement part increases the contact area between the first connector part and the intermediate connector, and the first reinforcement part and the intermediate connector part pull each other to form an anti-detachment structure. In this way, the connection strength between the first connector part and the intermediate connector part is enhanced, and the integrity and reliability of the foldable electronic device are improved.

[0030] In a possible implementation, the shell includes: a middle frame, which is closely connected to the folding screen and connected to the hinge mechanism; and a back cover, which is connected to a side of the middle frame facing away from the folding screen.

[0031] In a possible implementation manner, at least one second connection portion extends from the end of the middle frame toward the middle connection member, and the second connection portion is connected to the middle connection member.

[0032] By providing a second connecting portion extending outward on the end surface of the middle frame facing the intermediate connecting member, the middle frame is connected to the intermediate connecting member through the second connecting portion. The end surface of the middle frame can be closely fitted with the end surface of the intermediate connecting member to enhance the integrity of the middle frame and the intermediate connecting member and improve the overall reliability of the foldable electronic device.

[0033] In a possible embodiment, the end of the middle frame facing the intermediate connecting member has a first abutment wall and a second abutment wall, and the first abutment wall and the second abutment wall respectively abut against corresponding side walls of the intermediate connecting member; wherein the first abutment wall and the second abutment wall both extend with a second connecting portion.

[0034] By providing the second connection part on both the first abutting wall and the second abutting wall adjacent to each other at the end of the middle frame, the second connection parts on the first abutting wall and the second abutting wall are respectively connected to two adjacent peripheral parts of the intermediate connecting member. In this way, the connection strength between the middle frame and the intermediate connecting member can be increased, and the reliability of the connection between the two can be improved. In addition, it can be ensured that both the first abutting wall and the second abutting wall are closely fitted to the intermediate connecting member, and the integrity of the middle frame and the intermediate connecting member can be improved.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the intermediate connector has a connecting groove, the opening of the connecting groove faces the folding screen, and the connecting groove is connected to the side wall of the intermediate connector, and the second connecting portion extends into the connecting groove to be connected to the intermediate connector.

[0036] By opening a connection groove on the side surface of the intermediate connection piece facing the folding screen, the second connection part is embedded in the connection groove to achieve the connection between the second connection part and the intermediate connection piece. In this way, the connection between the second connection piece and the intermediate connection piece is convenient, and the second connection part on the middle frame is relatively fixed to the folding screen, and will not affect the folding screen and the intermediate connection piece.

[0037] In a possible embodiment, the second connecting portion includes a second main body portion and a second reinforcement portion, one end of the second main body portion is connected to the end of the middle frame, the second reinforcement portion is connected to the other end of the second main body portion, and the second reinforcement portion extends out of the periphery of the second main body portion.

[0038] By arranging the second reinforcement part at one end of the second main body part toward the intermediate connecting member, the second reinforcement part extends out of the periphery of the second main body part. The second reinforcement part increases the contact area between the second connecting member and the intermediate connecting member, and the second reinforcement part and the intermediate connecting member pull each other to form an anti-detachment structure. In this way, the connection strength between the second connecting member and the intermediate connecting member is enhanced, and the integrity and reliability of the foldable electronic device are improved.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the foldable electronic device further includes: a plurality of decorative parts, each of which is connected to a surface of a side of the intermediate connecting part facing away from the folding screen.

[0040] By connecting multiple decorative pieces to the surface of the middle connector facing away from the folding screen, each decorative piece can cover each area of ​​the middle connector to improve the appearance of the foldable electronic device. In addition, the folding screen and each decorative piece are respectively covered on both sides of the middle connector, which can fully protect the middle connector to improve the reliability of the middle connector. Among them, each decorative piece is independent of each other to avoid interfering with the deformation of the middle connector.

[0041] In a possible embodiment, the plurality of decorative parts include: a central decorative part connected to the central area of ​​the intermediate connecting part; and a plurality of peripheral decorative parts arranged around the periphery of the central decorative part, with one peripheral decorative part being arranged between every two circumferentially adjacent shells.

[0042] The central decorative piece covers the central area of ​​the intermediate connector, and the peripheral decorative pieces cover the edge area of ​​the intermediate connector, so as to fully cover the intermediate connector and meet the bending requirements of the intermediate connector in different directions. The central decorative piece is located between the shells, and the peripheral decorative pieces are located between the central decorative piece and the rotating shaft mechanisms, and are arranged between every two adjacent shells in the circumferential direction.

[0043] In a possible implementation manner, the intermediate connecting member includes a rubber member, a metal member, or a fiber member.

[0044] By using rubber, metal or fiber as the intermediate connector, the intermediate connector can be guaranteed to have sufficient deformation capacity to meet the use requirement that the intermediate connector needs to be bent repeatedly. Among them, the metal component can be a thin metal spring sheet to ensure that the intermediate connector has good elasticity.

[0045] In a possible implementation manner, the intermediate connecting member is a mesh member.

[0046] By setting the intermediate connecting member as a mesh member, the mesh holes in the intermediate connecting member can provide elastic release space, enhance the elasticity of the intermediate connecting member, facilitate the expansion and contraction of the intermediate elastic member, and meet the requirement that the intermediate elastic member deforms with the movement of the rotating shaft mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device from one viewing angle provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device from another perspective;

[0049] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a third foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a fourth foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 6 For foldable electronic devices Figure 1 Decomposition structure diagram from the perspective of ;

[0053] Figure 7 For foldable electronic devices Figure 2 Decomposition structure diagram from the perspective of ;

[0054] Figure 8 An exploded structural diagram of the intermediate connecting member and each decorative member provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the shaft mechanism and the intermediate connecting member provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Fig.10 A partial exploded structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism and the intermediate connecting member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of the middle frame and the intermediate connecting member provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Fig.12 A partial exploded structural diagram of the middle frame and the intermediate connector provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0059] Description of reference numerals:

[0060] 10- Foldable electronic devices;

[0061] 11- first side; 12- second side; 13- first diagonal line; 14- second diagonal line;

[0062] 100-rotating shaft mechanism;

[0063] 100a-first rotating shaft mechanism; 100b-second rotating shaft mechanism; 100c-third rotating shaft mechanism; 100d-fourth rotating shaft mechanism;

[0064] 110-main shaft; 120-connecting plate; 130-adapter plate; 140-decorative plate;

[0065] 101-first connecting portion; 111-end cover;

[0066] 1011-first main body; 1012-first reinforcement part;

[0067] 200-housing;

[0068] 210-middle frame; 220-back cover;

[0069] 201 - matching portion; 211 - second connecting portion; 212 - first abutting wall; 213 - second abutting wall;

[0070] 2111- second main body; 2112- second reinforcement part;

[0071] 300-intermediate connecting piece;

[0072] 301-mesh hole; 302-connection groove; 310-center part; 320-peripheral part;

[0073] 400-Decoration parts;

[0074] 410-Center decorative piece; 420-Peripheral decorative piece;

[0075] a-first straight line; b-second straight line; c-third straight line; d-fourth straight line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] The terms used in the implementation section of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0077] As described in the background technology, existing foldable electronic devices can only be folded in one direction. For example, the folding method of the foldable electronic device is horizontal folding in the form of opening and closing from left to right, or the foldable electronic device is vertical folding in the form of flipping up and down. However, since it can only be folded in one direction, the usage of the existing foldable electronic devices is relatively simple, and the competitiveness of the foldable electronic devices is relatively low.

[0078] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, which includes a foldable screen, a plurality of rotating shaft mechanisms, an intermediate connecting member, and a plurality of shells. By arranging a plurality of rotating shaft mechanisms on the back of the foldable screen, each rotating shaft mechanism is arranged in sequence along the circumference of the foldable screen, and each rotating shaft mechanism extends from the edge of the foldable screen to the center of the foldable screen, each rotating shaft mechanism is arranged opposite to each other, and the two rotating shaft mechanisms arranged opposite to each other are located on the same straight line. Each shell is connected between every two rotating shaft mechanisms adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and each shell is connected to the foldable screen in a close fit. The intermediate connecting member is connected between the proximal ends of each rotating shaft mechanism close to each other, and the intermediate connecting member can be bent. The intermediate connecting member can realize the foldable electronic device to fold or unfold around two rotating shaft mechanisms on the same straight line, and can also realize the foldable electronic device to fold or unfold around rotating shaft mechanisms on different straight lines. In this way, the foldable electronic device can be folded around the rotating shaft mechanisms arranged opposite to each other on different straight lines, and the foldable electronic device can be folded in different directions. The use of the foldable electronic device is more flexible and richer, which can enhance the competitiveness of the foldable electronic device.

[0079] The foldable electronic device provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail below.

[0080] The embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, which includes but is not limited to foldable electronic products such as mobile phones, tablet personal computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers, multimedia players, e-book readers, vehicle-mounted devices or wearable devices. Among them, wearable devices include but are not limited to smart bracelets, smart watches, smart head-mounted displays, smart glasses, etc.

[0081] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device from one perspective provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable electronic device from another perspective.

[0082] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device 10, which includes a foldable screen (not shown in the figure) and a shell 200 assembly. One side surface of the foldable screen is used to display images, text and other information. This side surface of the foldable screen is usually defined as its front side, and the side surface opposite to the front side is the back side of the foldable screen. The shell 200 assembly is arranged around the side and back of the foldable screen to support, fix and protect the foldable screen. The front of the foldable screen is exposed outside the shell 200 assembly so that the user can view the content displayed on the foldable screen or perform input operations on the foldable electronic device 10.

[0083] The shell 200 assembly includes a shell 200 and a hinge mechanism 100. The hinge mechanism 100 is connected between adjacent shells 200. Adjacent shells 200 are rotatably connected through the hinge mechanism 100 to achieve relative rotation between adjacent shells 200. The area corresponding to the folding screen and the shell 200 is a non-bending area. The non-bending area of ​​the folding screen is mounted on the shell 200. The non-bending area of ​​the folding screen is relatively fixed to the shell 200 and will not deform. The shell 200 supports and fixes the non-bending area of ​​the folding screen. The area corresponding to the folding screen and the hinge mechanism 100 is a bending area. The bending area of ​​the folding screen is supported on the hinge mechanism 100. The bending area of ​​the folding screen is connected to a part of the surface of the hinge mechanism 100 or the bending area of ​​the folding screen is not connected to the hinge mechanism 100. The bending area of ​​the folding screen can be deformed with the movement of the hinge mechanism 100.

[0084] The hinge mechanism 100 drives the adjacent shells 200 to move relative to each other, so that the adjacent shells 200 are relatively unfolded or relatively folded. At the same time, the bending area of ​​the folding screen corresponding to the hinge mechanism 100 also deforms with the movement of the hinge mechanism 100. Among them, the hinge mechanism 100 can drive the adjacent shells 200 to rotate relative to each other in a direction away from each other until the adjacent shells 200 are coplanar. At this time, the shell 200 component is in an unfolded state, and the folding screen is in an unfolded state as the shell 200 component is unfolded, and the foldable electronic device 10 can achieve a large-screen display. The hinge mechanism 100 can also drive the adjacent shells 200 to rotate relative to each other in a direction close to each other until the adjacent shells 200 are relatively stacked. At this time, the shell 200 component is in a folded state, and the folding screen is in a folded state as the shell 200 component is folded, and the foldable electronic device 10 is small in size and easy to carry.

[0085] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2In this embodiment, a plurality of rotating shaft mechanisms 100 are arranged on the back of the folding screen, and the plurality of rotating shaft mechanisms 100 are arranged in sequence along the circumference of the folding screen. Moreover, each rotating shaft mechanism 100 extends from the edge of the folding screen to the center of the folding screen. To match the plurality of rotating shaft mechanisms 100, a plurality of housings 200 are arranged on the back of the folding screen. Along the circumference of the folding screen, a housing 200 is arranged between every two adjacent rotating shaft mechanisms 100.

[0086] The number of the hinge mechanisms 100 disposed on the back of the folding screen may be an even number, and the hinge mechanisms 100 are disposed opposite to each other in pairs, and the two hinge mechanisms 100 disposed opposite to each other are located on the same straight line. In other words, every two hinge mechanisms 100 disposed opposite to each other form a hinge group, and the hinge group extends along a straight line. For example, when the foldable electronic device 10 is in a rectangular shape when in the unfolded state, one end of the hinge group is located at one side edge of the foldable electronic device 10, and the other end of the hinge group is located at the opposite side edge of the foldable electronic device 10.

[0087] In this arrangement, every two relatively arranged hinge mechanisms 100 form a hinge group, and one hinge group serves as a rotation axis of the foldable electronic device 10, and the housings 200 on both sides of the hinge group can move relative to each other around the hinge group. The housings 200 on both sides of the hinge group can be relatively far away from each other to a coplanar state, so that the foldable electronic device 10 is in an unfolded state. The housings 200 on both sides of the hinge group can also be relatively close to each other to a stacked state, so that the foldable electronic device 10 is in a folded state.

[0088] In this embodiment, a plurality of rotating shaft mechanisms 100 are sequentially arranged along the circumferential direction on the back of the folding screen. The plurality of rotating shaft mechanisms 100 are arranged in pairs on a straight line relative to each other to form at least two rotating shaft groups. The at least two rotating shaft groups are located on different straight lines and intersect with each other. In this way, the foldable electronic device 10 can rotate around different rotating shaft groups, and the foldable electronic device 10 has a rotating shaft with different extension directions, so that the foldable electronic device 10 can be folded in different directions. The foldable electronic device 10 has more flexible and richer usage modes, better user experience, and stronger playability, which can enhance the competitiveness of the foldable electronic device 10.

[0089] It should be noted that the folding directions of each two relatively arranged hinge mechanisms 100 should be consistent, and the two relatively arranged hinge mechanisms 100 are both inward folding structures or both outward folding structures. In this way, each hinge group has a unique folding direction, ensuring that the foldable electronic device 10 can smoothly switch between the folded state and the unfolded state with each hinge group as the rotation axis.

[0090] In some examples, among the multiple hinge groups formed by the hinge mechanisms 100, the folding directions of all hinge groups can be consistent. For example, all hinge mechanisms 100 are external folding structures. In this case, when the foldable electronic device 10 is folded around any hinge group, the foldable screen is exposed outside the housing 200 when the foldable electronic device 10 is in the folded state, and the foldable screen is visible to the outside. Alternatively, all hinge mechanisms 100 are internal folding structures. In this case, when the foldable electronic device 10 is folded around any hinge group, the foldable screen is wrapped in the housing 200 when the foldable electronic device 10 is in the folded state, and the foldable screen is not visible to the outside.

[0091] In other examples, among the multiple hinge groups composed of each hinge mechanism 100, the folding directions of different hinge groups may be different, and each hinge group includes both an outward folding structure and an inward folding structure. When the foldable electronic device 10 is folded around the outward folding hinge group, the foldable electronic device 10 is in a folded state, and the foldable screen is exposed outside the housing 200, and the foldable screen is visible to the outside. When the foldable electronic device 10 is folded around the inward folding hinge group, the foldable electronic device 10 is in a folded state, and the foldable screen is wrapped in the housing 200, and the foldable screen is not visible to the outside.

[0092] This embodiment does not specifically limit the shape of the foldable electronic device 10 when in the unfolded state. For example, the foldable electronic device 10 can be rectangular, circular, regular polygonal, parallelogram, etc. when in the unfolded state.

[0093] The following description is based on the example that the foldable electronic device 10 is in a rectangular shape when in the unfolded state. In addition, for the convenience of description, the present embodiment defines two adjacent sides of the foldable electronic device 10 in a rectangular shape as first sides 11 ( Figure 1-Figure 5 The side extending in the X direction) and the second side 12 ( Figure 1-Figure 5 The first side 11 and the second side 12 are perpendicular to each other. In addition, the two diagonal lines of the rectangular foldable electronic device 10 are defined as the first diagonal line 13 and the second diagonal line 14 (see Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 ), when the foldable electronic device 10 is a square, the first diagonal line 13 and the second diagonal line 14 are perpendicular to each other.

[0094] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The example shows that the foldable electronic device 10 includes four hinge mechanisms 100 arranged in sequence along its circumference, and the four hinge mechanisms 100 include two first hinge mechanisms 100a and two second hinge mechanisms 100b. The two first hinge mechanisms 100a are arranged opposite to each other and are located on a first straight line a, and the two second hinge mechanisms 100b are arranged opposite to each other and are located on a second straight line b, and the first straight line a and the second straight line b intersect.

[0095] Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, the two first hinge mechanisms 100a are extended along the extension direction of the first side 11 of the foldable electronic device 10, and the two second hinge mechanisms 100b are extended along the extension direction of the second side 12 of the foldable electronic device 10. In other words, the first straight line a where the two first hinge mechanisms 100a are located is parallel to the first side 11 of the foldable electronic device 10, and the second straight line b where the two second hinge mechanisms 100b are located is parallel to the second side 12 of the foldable electronic device 10. In addition, the first straight line a where the two first hinge mechanisms 100a are located is located on the center line of the second side 12 of the foldable electronic device 10, and the second straight line b where the two second hinge mechanisms 100b are located is located on the center line of the first side 11 of the foldable electronic device 10, and the intersection of the first straight line a and the second straight line b is the center point of the foldable electronic device 10.

[0096] With such arrangement, the foldable electronic device 10 is symmetrical with the first straight line a where the two first rotating shaft mechanisms 100a are located as the axis of symmetry, and after the foldable electronic device 10 is folded around the two first rotating shaft mechanisms 100a, the two parts of the foldable electronic device 10 completely overlap. Similarly, the foldable electronic device 10 is also symmetrical with the second straight line b where the two second rotating shaft mechanisms 100b are located as the axis of symmetry, and after the foldable electronic device 10 is folded around the two second rotating shaft mechanisms 100b, the two parts of the foldable electronic device 10 completely overlap. In this way, the foldable electronic device 10 has good structural symmetry, more balanced force, and a simple and elegant appearance after folding.

[0097] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the foldable electronic device 10 includes four hinge mechanisms 100 arranged in sequence along its circumference. The four hinge mechanisms 100 include two first hinge mechanisms 100a and two second hinge mechanisms 100b, and the two first hinge mechanisms 100a are arranged opposite to each other and located on a first straight line a, and the two second hinge mechanisms 100b are arranged opposite to each other and located on a second straight line b.

[0098] and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The foldable electronic device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is similar in that: Figure 3 In the foldable electronic device 10 shown in FIG. 1 , the two first hinge mechanisms 100a extend along the extension direction of the first side 11 of the foldable electronic device 10, and the two second hinge mechanisms 100b extend along the extension direction of the second side 12 of the foldable electronic device 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2The foldable electronic device 10 shown in FIG. Figure 3 In the foldable electronic device 10 shown in the figure, the first straight line a where the two first hinge mechanisms 100a are located deviates from the center line of the second side 12 of the foldable electronic device 10, the second straight line b where the two second hinge mechanisms 100b are located deviates from the center line of the first side 11 of the foldable electronic device 10, and the intersection of the first straight line a and the second straight line b deviates from the center point of the foldable electronic device 10.

[0099] In this arrangement, the first straight line a and the second straight line b are not the symmetry axis of the foldable electronic device 10. No matter the foldable electronic device 10 is folded around the two first rotating shaft mechanisms 100a or the foldable electronic device 10 is folded around the two second rotating shaft mechanisms 100b, the two parts of the folded foldable electronic device 10 will not completely overlap. In this way, the foldable electronic device 10 has an asymmetric structure, and the appearance after folding is more unique and playable.

[0100] In other examples, when the two first hinge mechanisms 100a extend along the extension direction of the first side 11 of the foldable electronic device 10 and the two second hinge mechanisms 100b extend along the extension direction of the second side 12 of the foldable electronic device 10, one of the first straight line a where the two first hinge mechanisms 100a are located and the second straight line b where the two second hinge mechanisms 100b are located can be located on the center line (or symmetry line) of the foldable electronic device 10, and the other can deviate from the center line (or symmetry line) of the foldable electronic device 10.

[0101] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the foldable electronic device 10 includes four hinge mechanisms 100 arranged in sequence along its circumference. The four hinge mechanisms 100 include two first hinge mechanisms 100a and two second hinge mechanisms 100b, and the two first hinge mechanisms 100a are arranged opposite to each other and located on a first straight line a, and the two second hinge mechanisms 100b are arranged opposite to each other and located on a second straight line b.

[0102] and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The foldable electronic device 10 shown in FIG. Figure 4In the foldable electronic device 10 shown in FIG. 1 , two first hinge mechanisms 100a extend along a first diagonal line 13 of the foldable electronic device 10, and two second hinge mechanisms 100b extend along a second diagonal line 14 of the foldable electronic device 10. In other words, the first straight line a where the two first hinge mechanisms 100a are located is the first diagonal line 13 of the foldable electronic device 10, the second straight line b where the two second hinge mechanisms 100b are located is the second diagonal line 14 of the foldable electronic device 10, and the intersection of the first straight line a and the second straight line b is the center point of the foldable electronic device 10.

[0103] With such arrangement, the foldable electronic device 10 is in a triangle shape after being folded around the two first rotating shaft mechanisms 100a, and is also in a triangle shape after being folded around the two second rotating shaft mechanisms 100b. When the foldable electronic device 10 is in a square shape, the first straight line a where the two first rotating shaft mechanisms 100a are located and the second straight line b where the two second rotating shaft mechanisms 100b are located are both the symmetry axes of the foldable electronic device 10, and no matter the foldable electronic device 10 is folded around the two first rotating shaft mechanisms 100a or the foldable electronic device 10 is folded around the two second rotating shaft mechanisms 100b, the two parts of the foldable electronic device 10 completely overlap after being folded, and the foldable electronic device 10 is in an isosceles triangle shape when in a folded state.

[0104] Of course, in addition to Figures 1 to 4 In addition to the foldable electronic device 10 shown in the example, when the foldable electronic device 10 has four hinge mechanisms 100 in total, including two first hinge mechanisms 100a and two second hinge mechanisms 100b, the first straight line a where the two first hinge mechanisms 100a are located may not extend along the extension direction of the first side 11 of the foldable electronic device 10, nor may it be the first diagonal 13 of the foldable electronic device 10; the second straight line b where the two second hinge mechanisms 100b are located may not extend along the extension direction of the second side 12 of the foldable electronic device 10, nor may it be the second diagonal 14 of the foldable electronic device 10; the intersection of the first straight line a and the second straight line b may be the midline point of the foldable electronic device 10, or may deviate from the center point of the foldable electronic device 10, and the embodiment of the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0105] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fourth foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5As shown in the figure, the foldable electronic device 10 includes eight rotating shaft mechanisms 100 arranged in sequence along its circumference. The eight rotating shaft mechanisms 100 include two first rotating shaft mechanisms 100a and two second rotating shaft mechanisms 100b, and also include two third rotating shaft mechanisms 100c and two fourth rotating shaft mechanisms 100d. Among them, the two first rotating shaft mechanisms 100a are arranged oppositely and located on the first straight line a, the two second rotating shaft mechanisms 100b are arranged oppositely and located on the second straight line b, the two third rotating shaft mechanisms 100c are arranged oppositely and located on the third straight line c, and the two fourth rotating shaft mechanisms 100d are arranged oppositely and located on the fourth straight line d.

[0106] The two first hinge mechanisms 100a extend along the extension direction of the first side 11 of the foldable electronic device 10, and the two second hinge mechanisms 100b extend along the extension direction of the second side 12 of the foldable electronic device 10. In addition, the first straight line a where the two first hinge mechanisms 100a are located is located on the center line of the second side 12 of the foldable electronic device 10, and the second straight line b where the two second hinge mechanisms 100b are located is located on the center line of the first side 11 of the foldable electronic device 10, and the intersection of the first straight line a and the second straight line b is the center point of the foldable electronic device 10. The third straight line c where the two third hinge mechanisms 100c are located is the first diagonal line 13 of the foldable electronic device 10, and the fourth straight line d where the two fourth hinge mechanisms 100d are located is the second diagonal line 14 of the foldable electronic device 10, and the intersection of the third straight line c and the fourth straight line d is the center point of the foldable electronic device 10.

[0107] With such arrangement, the foldable electronic device 10 can be folded around the two first rotating shaft mechanisms 100a or the two second rotating shaft mechanisms 100b. After being folded, the foldable electronic device 10 has the same Figure 1 and Figure 2 The foldable electronic device 10 can also be folded around two third hinge mechanisms 100c or two fourth hinge mechanisms 100d. After being folded, the foldable electronic device 10 has the same shape as the foldable electronic device 10 shown in FIG. Figure 4 In this way, the folding method of the foldable electronic device 10 is more flexible, with different folding forms, and the playability of the foldable electronic device 10 is further improved.

[0108] Of course, in other embodiments, when the foldable electronic device 10 has eight hinge mechanisms 100 sequentially arranged along its circumference, each hinge group composed of the hinge mechanisms 100 arranged opposite to each other may also extend in other directions, and the intersection of each hinge group may also deviate from the center point of the foldable electronic device 10. In addition, the foldable electronic device 10 may also sequentially have six, ten, or other numbers of hinge mechanisms 100 arranged along its circumference, and the number of hinge mechanisms 100, the extension direction of each hinge group, and the intersection position of each hinge group may be designed in a diversified manner according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0109] The following are Figure 1 and Figure 2 Taking the foldable electronic device 10 shown in FIG. 1 as an example, the foldable electronic device 10 includes two first hinge mechanisms 100a and two second hinge mechanisms 100b. The first straight line a where the two first hinge mechanisms 100a are located is parallel to the first side 11 of the foldable electronic device 10 and is located on the center line of the second side 12 of the foldable electronic device 10. The second straight line b where the two second hinge mechanisms 100b are located is parallel to the second side 12 of the foldable electronic device 10 and is located on the center line of the first side 11 of the foldable electronic device 10. The intersection of the first straight line a and the second straight line b is the center point of the foldable electronic device 10.

[0110] Figure 6 For foldable electronic devices Figure 1 Decomposition structure diagram from the perspective of . Figure 7 For foldable electronic devices Figure 2 Decomposition structure diagram from the perspective of Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the housing 200 of the foldable electronic device 10 may include a middle frame 210 and a back cover 220. The middle frame 210 is located on the side of the housing 200 facing the folding screen. The middle frame 210 can support the folding screen, and the middle frame 210 and the folding screen can be connected by adhesive to attach the folding screen to the middle frame 210. The back cover 220 can be connected to the side of the middle frame 210 away from the folding screen. The middle frame 210 and the back cover 220 together form a receiving cavity, which is used to install some functional devices such as circuit boards, batteries, cameras, microphones, speakers, etc.

[0111] The back cover 220 is an exterior part of the foldable electronic device 10. When the foldable electronic device 10 is at least in the unfolded state, the back cover 220 is exposed to the outside. When the foldable electronic device 10 is folded around the inward-folding hinge mechanism 100, the housing 200 is wrapped around the folding screen, and the back cover 220 is also exposed to the outside.

[0112] The hinge mechanism 100 is usually connected to the middle frame 210 in the housing 200. For example, the edge of one side of the hinge mechanism 100 close to the housing 200 is connected to the side of the middle frame 210. In this way, the hinge mechanism 100 is prevented from being connected to the back cover 220, and the connection structure between the hinge mechanism 100 and the housing 200 (such as connection holes, screws or rivets and other fasteners) is prevented from being directly exposed on the appearance surface of the foldable electronic device 10. The side of the back cover 220 facing the hinge mechanism 100 may slightly exceed the side of the middle frame 210. The back cover 220 can shield the connection structure between the hinge mechanism 100 and the middle frame 210, which can improve the appearance of the foldable electronic device 10 and also protect the connection structure between the hinge mechanism 100 and the middle frame 210.

[0113] Continue to refer to Figure 6 or Figure 7 In order to realize the folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device 10 around different rotation axis groups, the foldable electronic device 10 also includes an intermediate connector 300, which is connected between the proximal ends of each rotation axis mechanism 100 (the ends of each rotation axis mechanism 100 that are close to each other). The intermediate connector 300 can be bent to realize the folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device 10 around two rotation axis mechanisms 100 on the same straight line, ensuring that the foldable electronic device 10 can switch between the unfolded state and the folded state. At the same time, the foldable electronic device 10 can also be folded or unfolded around the rotation axis mechanisms 100 on different straight lines, that is, folded or unfolded around different rotation axis groups, so that the foldable electronic device 10 can be folded in multiple directions.

[0114] In the width direction of the hinge mechanism 100, the intermediate connector 300 has a sufficient size. The intermediate connector 300 has a sufficient deformation length to meet the movement requirements of the intermediate connector 300 to deform with the movement of the hinge mechanism 100. In addition, the intermediate connector 300 can separate enough space between every two adjacent shells 200 (along the circumference of the foldable electronic device 10), ensuring that each shell 200 has enough space for movement and avoiding interference between adjacent shells 200.

[0115] When the foldable electronic device 10 includes two first hinge mechanisms 100a and two second hinge mechanisms 100b, the proximal ends of the two first hinge mechanisms 100a and the proximal ends of the two second hinge mechanisms 100b are connected to the intermediate connector 300. The two first hinge mechanisms 100a and the two second hinge mechanisms 100b separate four spaces along the circumference of the foldable electronic device 10. The foldable electronic device 10 includes four housings 200, which are respectively arranged in the four spaces. The side edge of each housing 200 facing the first hinge mechanism 100a is connected to the first hinge mechanism 100a, and the side edge of each housing 200 facing the second hinge mechanism 100b is connected to the second hinge mechanism 100b.

[0116] Taking the first straight line a where the two first rotating shaft mechanisms 100a are located is parallel to the first side 11 of the foldable electronic device 10 and is located on the center line of the second side 12 of the foldable electronic device 10, and the second straight line b where the two second rotating shaft mechanisms 100b are located is parallel to the second side 12 of the foldable electronic device 10 and is located on the center line of the first side 11 of the foldable electronic device 10 as an example, the proximal ends of the two first rotating shaft mechanisms 100a can be connected to the opposite sides of the intermediate connecting member 300 respectively, and the proximal ends of the two second rotating shaft mechanisms 100b can be connected to the other opposite sides of the intermediate connecting member 300 respectively, and the first rotating shaft mechanism 100a and the second rotating shaft mechanism 100b can be perpendicular to each other. The four housings 200 can all be rectangular, and the four housings 200 are symmetrical with the first rotating shaft mechanism 100a or the second rotating shaft mechanism 100b as the symmetry axis, and the four housings 200 are symmetrical with the intermediate connecting member 300 as the symmetry center.

[0117] in, Figure 6 The figure shows the side surface of the foldable electronic device 10 facing the folding screen, and the intermediate connector 300 can be directly supported on the back of the folding screen. The area corresponding to the folding screen and the intermediate connector 300 can be deformed as the intermediate connector 300 is bent. The bending shape of the intermediate connector 300 can match the deformation state of the folding screen, and will not interfere with the deformation of the folding screen, which can ensure that the folding screen is folded and unfolded smoothly.

[0118] Figure 7 What is shown is the side surface of the foldable electronic device 10 away from the folding screen. When the foldable electronic device 10 is in the unfolded state, the side surface is exposed to the outside. In order to improve the appearance of the foldable electronic device 10 when it is in the unfolded state, a plurality of decorative parts 400 can also be connected to the side surface of the intermediate connector 300 away from the folding screen. By covering the intermediate connector 300 with the plurality of decorative parts 400 to prevent the intermediate connector 300 from being exposed to the outside, the appearance of the foldable electronic device 10 can be improved. At the same time, the decorative parts 400 and the folding screen are respectively blocked on both side surfaces of the intermediate connector 300, which can fully protect the intermediate connector 300, prevent the intermediate connector 300 from being worn, scratched or even broken, improve the reliability of the intermediate connector 300, and extend the service life of the intermediate connector 300.

[0119] Among them, the decorative pieces 400 connected to the surface of the intermediate connector 300 are independent of each other, and each decorative piece 400 is connected to the intermediate connector 300, and there is no connection between the decorative pieces 400. In this way, each decorative piece 400 can move with the deformation of the intermediate connector 300, and will not interfere with the deformation of the intermediate connector 300, and will not affect the movement of the foldable electronic device 10. In addition, each decorative piece 400 is fixed relative to the intermediate connector 300, which can ensure that the decorative piece 400 is firmly connected to the intermediate connector 300.

[0120] Figure 8 This is a diagram of the exploded structure of the intermediate connector and the decorative components provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, each decorative piece 400 connected to the surface of the intermediate connector 300 may include a central decorative piece 410 and a plurality of peripheral decorative pieces 420. The central decorative piece 410 may be connected to the central area of ​​the intermediate connector 300, and the central decorative piece 410 covers the central area of ​​the intermediate connector 300. Each peripheral decorative piece 420 may be arranged around the periphery of the central decorative piece 410, and each peripheral decorative piece 420 covers the edge area of ​​the intermediate connector 300. In this way, the central decorative piece 410 and each peripheral decorative piece 420 together cover the entire intermediate connector 300, and each decorative piece 400 can meet the bending requirements of the intermediate connector 300 in different directions.

[0121] When the foldable electronic device 10 is in the unfolded state, the central decorative piece 410 may be located between the shells 200, and the peripheral decorative pieces 420 may be located between the proximal end of each hinge mechanism 100 and the central decorative piece 410, and each peripheral decorative piece 420 is located between adjacent shells 200, and one peripheral decorative piece 420 is arranged between each adjacent two shells 200 arranged in sequence along the circumference of the foldable electronic device 10 (see Figure 2 as shown).

[0122] Combination Figure 7 and Figure 8, taking the example that the first straight line a where the two first rotating shaft mechanisms 100a are located is parallel to the first side 11 of the foldable electronic device 10, the second straight line b where the two second rotating shaft mechanisms 100b are located is parallel to the second side 12 of the foldable electronic device 10, and the first rotating shaft mechanisms 100a and the second rotating shaft mechanisms 100b are perpendicular to each other, the intermediate connecting member 300 can be designed as a "cross" structure, the intermediate connecting member 300 includes a central portion 310 and four peripheral portions 320 located on the periphery of the central portion 310, the four peripheral portions 320 are arranged opposite to each other, and the adjacent peripheral portions 320 are perpendicular to each other. Matching therewith, each decorative member 400 can include a central decorative member 410 and four peripheral decorative members 420, the central decorative member 410 is connected to the central portion 310 of the intermediate connecting member 300, and the four peripheral decorative members 420 are respectively connected to the four peripheral portions 320 of the intermediate connecting member 300, and each decorative member 400 can be a rectangular block.

[0123] For example, the intermediate connector 300 may be a rubber member, which has good elasticity and wear resistance, and strong tear resistance, so as to meet the requirement that the intermediate connector 300 needs to be bent repeatedly. For example, the material of the intermediate connector 300 may be ordinary rubber or silicone rubber.

[0124] The intermediate connector 300 may also be a metal member, and the metal member may be a thin metal spring to ensure that the metal member has good elasticity and meets the use requirements of the intermediate connector 300. For example, the material of the intermediate connector 300 may be stainless steel, manganese steel or brass.

[0125] The intermediate connector 300 may also be a fiber member, which is a highly flexible material to meet the requirement that the intermediate connector 300 can be bent in different directions. For example, the material of the intermediate connector 300 may be natural fiber (e.g., cotton, flax, industrial hemp, etc.), synthetic fiber (e.g., nylon, polyester fiber, etc.), carbon fiber, or glass fiber.

[0126] Furthermore, the intermediate connecting member 300 may also be designed as a mesh member. For example, the intermediate connecting member 300 may be staggered horizontally and vertically to form a plurality of mesh holes 301 arranged in an array (see Figure 8 The mesh 301 provides more elastic release space for the intermediate connector 300, which can enhance the elasticity of the intermediate connector 300 and facilitate the expansion and contraction of the intermediate connector 300. In this way, the intermediate connector 300 has better bending performance, which can ensure that the intermediate connector 300 can be deformed with the movement of the hinge mechanism 100, and ensure that the foldable electronic device 10 can be folded and unfolded smoothly.

[0127] In addition, in order to improve the positioning accuracy of the foldable electronic device 10 when it is in a folded state, especially when the intermediate connecting member 300 is made of a highly flexible material such as a fiber member, a snap structure, a magnetic structure and other positioning structures can be provided on the shell 200 (such as the back cover 220) of the foldable electronic device 10 to ensure that the two parts of the foldable electronic device 10 are accurately positioned, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the foldable electronic device 10 when it is in a folded state.

[0128] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of the cooperation between the rotating shaft mechanism and the intermediate connecting member provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.10 A partial exploded structural diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism and the intermediate connecting member provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0129] Reference Fig. 9 As shown, the rotating shaft mechanism 100 generally includes at least a main shaft 110 and a connecting plate 120, and both the main shaft 110 and the connecting plate 120 extend along the length direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. The main shaft 110, as the main supporting structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, can be located at the center 310 of the width direction of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. The connecting plate 120 is movably connected to both sides of the main shaft 110 in the width direction, and the connecting plates 120 on both sides of the main shaft 110 are respectively connected to the middle frame 210 located on both sides of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. The main shaft 110 is equivalent to the rotating shaft of the housing 200 on both sides of the rotating shaft mechanism 100. During the movement of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, the main shaft 110 can be regarded as fixed, and the connecting plates 120 on both sides of the main shaft 110 move synchronously relative to the main shaft 110, driving the housing 200 on both sides of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 to move relatively and synchronously.

[0130] Among them, an end of the main shaft 110 facing the side wall of the foldable electronic device 10 may be provided with an end cap 111. In other words, an end of the main shaft 110 facing away from the intermediate connector 300 may be provided with an end cap 111. The end cap 111 may be integrally formed at the end of the main shaft 110, or the end cap 111 may be bonded or connected to the end of the main shaft 110 by fasteners such as screws and rivets. The side wall of the folding screen may abut against the end face of the end cap 111 facing the main shaft 110 to position the folding screen through the end cap 111. In addition, the end cap 111 is exposed on the side wall of the foldable electronic device 10, which helps to improve the appearance of the foldable electronic device 10.

[0131] In this embodiment, since the oppositely disposed rotating shaft mechanisms 100 are connected via the intermediate connecting member 300, the end of the main shaft 110 facing the intermediate connecting member 300 may not be provided with a shaft cover, so as to facilitate the connection between the end of the main shaft 110 and the intermediate connecting member 300.

[0132] It should be noted that Fig. 9In the example, the hinge mechanism 100 is an outward folding structure. After the foldable electronic device 10 is folded around the outward folding hinge mechanism 100, the folding screen is wrapped outside the hinge mechanism 100. At this time, the bending radius of the folding screen is large, and the width of the deformation area of ​​the folding screen is large. The width of the hinge mechanism 100 matching the folding screen should also be large, and the hinge mechanism 100 should also stably support the folding screen in any bending posture.

[0133] Therefore, the external folding hinge mechanism 100 may further include an adapter plate 130, which is movably connected between the main shaft 110 and the connecting plate 120. By adding the adapter plate 130 between the main shaft 110 and the connecting plate 120, the width space occupied by the hinge mechanism 100 as a whole is increased, and the hinge mechanism 100 is sufficient to support the deformation area of ​​the folding screen. In addition, the adapter plate 130 can also change its posture as the shape of the deformation area of ​​the folding screen changes, and can achieve shape-conforming support of the deformation area of ​​the folding screen.

[0134] In addition, since an adapter plate 130 is added between the main shaft 110 and the connecting plate 120, the overall width of the hinge mechanism 100 is larger. When the foldable electronic device 10 is in the unfolded state, a large surface of the hinge mechanism 100 is exposed outside the shell 200. In order to improve the appearance of the foldable electronic device 10, the exposed area of ​​the hinge mechanism 100 needs to be shielded. At the same time, when the foldable electronic device 10 is in the folded state, the folding screen is wrapped outside the shell 200, and the shells 200 on both sides of the hinge mechanism 100 are close to each other, and sufficient movement space needs to be reserved for the shell 200.

[0135] In this regard, a decorative plate 140 may be provided on the side of the hinge mechanism 100 facing away from the folding screen (see Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the decorative plate 140 can be connected to the adapter plate 130, and the decorative plate 140 moves synchronously with the adapter plate 130. When the foldable electronic device 10 is in the unfolded state, the decorative plates 140 connected to the adapter plates 130 on both sides of the main shaft 110 are coplanar, and the decorative plates 140 on both sides cover the surface area of ​​the hinge mechanism 100 exposed between adjacent shells 200, which can improve the appearance of the foldable electronic device 10. When the foldable electronic device 10 is in the folded state, the decorative plates 140 on both sides of the main shaft 110 move away from each other as the adapter plate 130 moves, so as to avoid the movement space of the shell 200, and ensure that the shells 200 on both sides of the hinge mechanism 100 can be folded smoothly.

[0136] When the hinge mechanism 100 is an inward-folding structure, after the foldable electronic device 10 is folded around the inward-folding hinge mechanism 100, the hinge mechanism 100 is wrapped outside the folding screen. At this time, the bending radius of the folding screen is small, the width of the deformation area of ​​the folding screen is small, and the width of the hinge mechanism 100 matching the folding screen can also be small. Therefore, the inward-folding hinge mechanism 100 can only include the main shaft 110 and the connecting plates 120 movably connected to both sides of the main shaft 110.

[0137] In addition, after the foldable electronic device 10 is folded around the inward-folding hinge mechanism 100, the area where the main shaft 110 is located on the hinge mechanism 100 is exposed. In order to improve the appearance of the foldable electronic device 10, a shaft cover is usually provided on the side of the main shaft 110 away from the folding screen, and the shaft cover can be fixedly connected to the main shaft 110 by bonding or screw locking. In this way, the shaft cover, as an appearance part of the hinge mechanism 100, can cover the main shaft 110, thereby improving the appearance of the entire foldable electronic device 10.

[0138] Continue to refer to Fig. 9 As for the connection between the rotating shaft mechanism 100 and the intermediate connecting member 300, the end of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 close to the intermediate connecting member 300 can be connected to the edge of the intermediate connecting member 300. For example, the rotating shaft mechanism 100 is connected to the edge of the corresponding peripheral portion 320 on the intermediate connecting member 300. After the rotating shaft mechanism 100 is connected to the intermediate connecting member 300, the end surface of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 can abut against the end surface of the intermediate connecting member 300. In this way, except for the connection portion between the rotating shaft mechanism 100 and the intermediate connecting member 300, the rotating shaft mechanism 100 and the intermediate connecting member 300 do not overlap in the plane direction, and the two are in the same plane space.

[0139] With such a configuration, there is no overlap between the intermediate connector 300 and the hinge mechanism 100. On the basis of ensuring that the intermediate connector 300 has sufficient thickness, the thickness of the area where the intermediate connector 300 is located will not be increased, and the overall flatness of the foldable electronic device 10 can be ensured. The side surface of the intermediate connector 300 facing the folding screen can be flush with the side surface of the hinge mechanism 100, and the intermediate connector 300 can play a good supporting role for the corresponding area of ​​the folding screen to improve the overall flatness of the folding screen. In addition, when the foldable electronic device 10 moves, the hinge mechanism 100 and the intermediate connector 300 transmit the force along the plane where the two are located. It is easier to achieve that the intermediate connector 300 deforms with the movement of the hinge mechanism 100, and the intermediate connector 300 will not interfere with the movement of the hinge mechanism 100, which can ensure that the hinge mechanism 100 can be folded and unfolded smoothly.

[0140] Specifically, refer to Fig.10As shown, at least one first connection portion 101 may extend from one end surface of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 facing the intermediate connection member 300, and the rotating shaft mechanism 100 and the intermediate connection member 300 may be connected to each other through the first connection portion 101. The first connection portion 101 is located within the coverage area of ​​the intermediate connection member 300, so that the end surface of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 can be closely fitted with the end surface of the intermediate connection member 300.

[0141] Exemplarily, the first connection part 101 may extend into the interior of the intermediate connection member 300 and be connected to the intermediate connection member 300. At this time, a connection hole (not shown in the figure) may be formed inside the intermediate connection member 300, and the first connection part 101 extends into the connection hole and is connected to the hole wall of the connection hole. In this way, the first connection part 101 will not be exposed on the side surface of the intermediate connection member 300 facing the folding screen, and there may be a certain distance between the first connection member and the side surface of the intermediate connection member 300. The first connection part 101 will not contact the folding screen, which can prevent the first connection part 101 from causing damage to the folding screen. In addition, the first connection part 101 will not be exposed on the side surface of the intermediate connection member 300 facing the decorative member 400, and there may be a certain distance between the first connection member and the side surface of the intermediate connection member 300, and the first connection part 101 will not affect the connection between the decorative member 400 and the intermediate connection member 300. In addition, the first connection part 101 occupies a small space of the intermediate connection member 300, and will not affect the bending performance of the intermediate connection member 300.

[0142] In the rotating shaft mechanism 100, a first connecting portion 101 may extend from the end of the main shaft 110. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As an example, on the basis of setting the first connection part 101 at the end of the main shaft 110, the ends of the adapter plates 130 on both sides of the main shaft 110 may also extend with the first connection part 101. In this way, three first connection parts 101 extend from the shaft mechanism 100 to connect with the intermediate connection member 300, which can enhance the connection strength between the shaft mechanism 100 and the intermediate connection member 300, and the size of each first connection part 101 is small, which will not affect the bending performance of the intermediate connection member 300. Similar to the external folding shaft mechanism 100, when the shaft mechanism 100 is an internal folding structure, on the basis of setting the first connection part 101 at the end of the main shaft 110, the connecting plates 120 on both sides of the main shaft 110 may also extend with the first connection part 101, and the three first connection parts 101 may all be connected with the intermediate connection member 300.

[0143] Continue to refer to Fig.10As shown, the first connecting portion 101 disposed at the end of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 may include a first main body portion 1011, and the first main body portion 1011 may extend straightly from the end surface of the rotating shaft mechanism 100 to the intermediate connecting member 300. In other words, the first main body portion 1011 may be a linear structure, one end of the first main body portion 1011 is connected to the end surface of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, and the other end of the first main body portion 1011 extends to the intermediate connecting member 300.

[0144] On this basis, the first connection part 101 may also include a first reinforcement part 1012, and the first reinforcement part 1012 may be connected to one end of the first main body part 1011 extending toward the intermediate connection member 300. In addition, the first reinforcement part 1012 extends out from the periphery of the first main body part 1011. In this way, the first reinforcement part 1012 increases the surface area of ​​the first connection part 101, so that the contact area between the first connection part 101 and the intermediate connection member 300 increases. More importantly, in the docking direction of the hinge mechanism 100 and the intermediate connection member 300, the first connection part 101 is pulled mutually by the first reinforcement part 1012 and the intermediate connection member 300, and the two cooperate to form an anti-slip structure. With such a configuration, the connection strength between the first connection part 101 and the intermediate connection member 300 can be enhanced, and the integrity and reliability of the foldable electronic device 10 can be improved.

[0145] Exemplarily, the first reinforcing portion 1012 may extend from both sides of the first main body 1011 along the plane direction of the intermediate connector 300. In this case, the first connector 101 is in a "T"-shaped structure, and the first connector 101 is flat as a whole, and occupies a small space, which meets the internal space requirements of the intermediate connector 300. Of course, if the thickness of the intermediate connector 300 is sufficient, the first reinforcing portion 1012 may also extend from the entire periphery of the first main body 1011. For example, the surface shape of the first reinforcing portion 1012 may be circular, elliptical, etc., and the projection of the first main body 1011 on the surface of the first reinforcing portion 1012 may be located in the central area of ​​the first reinforcing portion 1012.

[0146] In addition, when the first connection part 101 extends into the intermediate connection member 300 and is connected to the intermediate connection member 300, especially when the first connection part 101 includes the first reinforcement part 1012, if the intermediate connection member 300 is a structure that can be injection molded, such as the aforementioned rubber member or stopper, the first connection part 101 can be integrally injection molded into the intermediate connection member 300 when the intermediate connection member 300 is injection molded. In this way, it is convenient to connect the first connection part 101 to the inside of the intermediate connection member 300. In addition, the first connection part 101 and the intermediate connection member 300 form an integral structure, which can enhance the connection strength between the first connection part 101 and the intermediate connection member 300, and the first connection part 101 and the intermediate connection member 300 have good integrity and high reliability.

[0147] For example, the first connection part 101 may be separately manufactured first, then the first connection part 101 is integrally injection molded in the intermediate connection member 300, and finally, the first connection part 101 is fixedly connected to the shaft mechanism 100 to achieve the connection between the shaft mechanism 100 and the intermediate connection member 300.

[0148] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of the middle frame and the intermediate connecting member provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.12 A partial exploded structural diagram of the middle frame and the intermediate connector provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0149] Reference Fig.11 As shown, on the basis of the connection between the middle frame 210 and the hinge mechanism 100, in this embodiment, the middle frame 210 can also be connected to the intermediate connector 300. That is to say, the middle frame 210 and the hinge mechanism 100 are both connected to the intermediate connector 300. In this way, the middle frame 210, the hinge mechanism 100, and the intermediate connector 300 are connected to each other in pairs, and the integrity of the foldable electronic device 10 is better and the reliability is higher. In addition, during the switching of the foldable electronic device 10 between the unfolded state and the folded state, the middle frame 210 and the hinge mechanism 100 both generate a force on the intermediate connector 300, and the middle frame 210 and the hinge mechanism 100 jointly pull the intermediate connector 300, driving the intermediate connector 300 to deform. In this way, it is more conducive to the deformation of the intermediate connector 300, and the deformation degree of the intermediate connector 300 is more matched with the motion state of the foldable electronic device 10.

[0150] Combination Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, when the intermediate connector 300 is a "cross" shaped structure, the corner of the middle frame 210 can be designed with a matching mating portion 201, and the mating portion 201 matches the space between two adjacent peripheral portions 320 of the intermediate connector 300. The mating portion 201 can be embedded in the space to be mated and connected with the intermediate connector 300.

[0151] Specifically, refer to Fig.12 As shown, similar to the connection method between the hinge mechanism 100 and the intermediate connector 300, the middle frame 210 has at least one second connection portion 211 extending toward the end of the intermediate connector 300, and the middle frame 210 and the intermediate connector 300 can be connected to each other through the second connection portion 211. The second connection portion 211 is located in the coverage area of ​​the intermediate connector 300, so that the end face of the middle frame 210 can be closely fitted with the end face of the intermediate connector 300. In this way, the integrity of the middle frame 210 and the intermediate connector 300 can be enhanced, and the overall reliability of the foldable electronic device 10 can be improved. In addition, except for the connection portion between the middle frame 210 and the intermediate connector 300, the middle frame 210 and the intermediate connector 300 do not overlap in the plane direction, and the two are in the same plane space.

[0152] With such a configuration, the intermediate connector 300 and the side surface facing the folding screen can also be flush with the middle frame 210. When the foldable electronic device 10 is in the unfolded state, the intermediate connector 300 and the middle frame 210 jointly support the folding screen, which can improve the overall flatness of the folding screen. In addition, when the foldable electronic device 10 moves, the force between the middle frame 210 and the intermediate connector 300 is transmitted along the plane where the two are located, making it easier for the intermediate connector 300 to deform with the movement of the middle frame 210, ensuring that the foldable electronic device 10 is folded and unfolded smoothly. In addition, the first connecting portion 101 occupies a small space in the intermediate connector 300, which will not affect the bending performance of the intermediate connector 300.

[0153] When the intermediate connector 300 is a "cross" structure, the matching portion 201 of the middle frame 210 may have a first abutting wall 212 and a second abutting wall 213, which may be the adjacent side walls of the matching portion 201 facing the intermediate connector 300, and the first abutting wall 212 and the second abutting wall 213 respectively abut the side walls of the two adjacent peripheral portions 320 of the intermediate connector 300. At this time, the first abutting wall 212 and the second abutting wall 213 of the middle frame 210 may both extend with a second connecting portion 211, and the middle frame 210 is respectively connected to the two adjacent peripheral portions 320 of the middle connector 300 through the second connecting portions 211 on the first abutting wall 212 and the second abutting wall 213. In this way, the connection strength between the middle frame 210 and the intermediate connector 300 can be increased, and the reliability of the connection between the two can be improved. Furthermore, it can be ensured that both the first abutting wall 212 and the second abutting wall 213 are closely fitted to the intermediate connecting member 300 , thereby improving the integrity of the middle frame 210 and the intermediate connecting member 300 .

[0154] Since the area of ​​the folding screen corresponding to the middle frame 210 is fixedly mounted on the middle frame 210, the second connection part 211 extending from the end surface of the matching part 201 of the middle frame 210 can be relatively fixed to the folding screen, and the second connection part 211 does not affect the bending performance of the intermediate connection member 300. Therefore, a connection groove 302 can be opened on the surface of the side of the intermediate connection member 300 facing the folding screen, the notch of the connection groove 302 faces the folding screen, and the connection groove 302 is connected to the side wall of the intermediate connection member 300.

[0155] The second connection part 211 is embedded in the connection groove 302 to achieve the connection between the second connection part 211 and the intermediate connection member 300. In this way, the connection between the second connection member and the intermediate connection member 300 is facilitated. At this time, the second connection part 211 can be integrally formed on the end surface of the matching part 201 of the middle frame 210, for example, the second connection part 211 can be formed on the middle frame 210 by cutting, die casting and other processes.

[0156] Continue to refer to Fig.12 Similar to the first connection part 101 at the end of the rotating shaft mechanism 100, the second connection part 211 extending from the end surface of the middle frame 210 may include a second main body part 2111, and the second main body part 2111 may extend straight from the end surface of the middle frame 210 to the intermediate connection member 300. On this basis, the second connection part 211 may also include a second reinforcement part 2112, and the second reinforcement part 2112 may be connected to one end of the second main body part 2111 extending to the intermediate connection member 300, and the second reinforcement part 2112 extends from the outer periphery of the second main body part 2111.

[0157] For example, the second reinforcing portion 2112 may extend from both sides of the second main body portion 2111 along the plane direction of the intermediate connecting member 300, the second connecting portion 2111 may be a "T"-shaped structure, and the second connecting portion 211 may be flat as a whole. Alternatively, the surface shape of the second reinforcing portion 2112 may also be circular, elliptical, etc., and the projection of the second main body portion 2111 on the surface of the second reinforcing portion 2112 may be located in the central area of ​​the second reinforcing portion 2112. No further details will be given here.

[0158] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0159] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the description and claims of the embodiments of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that: include: Folding screen; A plurality of rotating shaft mechanisms are arranged on the back of the folding screen, each of the rotating shaft mechanisms is arranged in sequence along the circumference of the folding screen, and each of the rotating shaft mechanisms extends from the edge of the folding screen to the center of the folding screen, and each of the rotating shaft mechanisms is relatively located on the same straight line; A plurality of shells, each of which is connected between every two of the circumferentially adjacent rotating shaft mechanisms, and each of which is closely connected to the folding screen; A bendable intermediate connecting member connected between the proximal ends of the rotating shaft mechanisms, so that the foldable electronic device can be folded or unfolded around the rotating shaft mechanisms on different straight lines; Wherein, the housing comprises: A middle frame, which is closely connected to the folding screen and is connected to the rotating shaft mechanism; The middle frame has at least one second connection portion extending from the end portion toward the middle connection member, and the second connection portion is connected to the middle connection member; the second connection portion includes a second main body portion and a second reinforcement portion, one end of the second main body portion is connected to the end portion of the middle frame, the second reinforcement portion is connected to the other end of the second main body portion, and the second reinforcement portion extends out of the periphery of the second main body portion; The intermediate connecting member has a connecting groove, the notch of the connecting groove faces the folding screen, and the connecting groove is connected to the side wall of the intermediate connecting member, and the second connecting portion extends into the connecting groove and is connected to the intermediate connecting member; The end of the middle frame facing the intermediate connecting member has a first abutting wall and a second abutting wall, and the first abutting wall and the second abutting wall abut against corresponding side walls of the intermediate connecting member respectively; The second connecting portion extends from both the first abutting wall and the second abutting wall.

2. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple rotating shaft mechanisms include two first rotating shaft mechanisms and two second rotating shaft mechanisms, the two first rotating shaft mechanisms are located on a first straight line, and the two second rotating shaft mechanisms are located on a second straight line.

3. The foldable electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state, the intermediate connecting member is located at the center of the foldable electronic device.

4. The foldable electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first straight line is a center line of the foldable electronic device in a length direction, the second straight line is a center line of the foldable electronic device in a width direction, and the first straight line and the second straight line are perpendicular to each other.

5. The foldable electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first straight line is a first diagonal line of the foldable electronic device, and the second straight line is a second diagonal line of the foldable electronic device.

6. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The folding directions of the two rotating shaft mechanisms located on the same straight line are the same, and the folding directions of the rotating shaft mechanisms located on different straight lines are the same or different.

7. The foldable electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Each of the rotating shaft mechanisms is an outward folding structure.

8. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: At least one first connection portion extends from one end of the rotating shaft mechanism toward the intermediate connection member, and the first connection portion is connected to the intermediate connection member.

9. The foldable electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The rotating shaft mechanism comprises: A main shaft, wherein the first connecting portion is disposed at one end of the main shaft facing the intermediate connecting member; A connecting plate is movably connected to both sides of the main shaft in the width direction.

10. The foldable electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that: An end cover is provided at one end of the main shaft away from the intermediate connecting piece.

11. The foldable electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The rotating shaft mechanism also includes: An adapter plate is movably connected between the main shaft and the connecting plate, and the first connecting portion is also provided at one end of the adapter plate facing the intermediate connecting member.

12. The foldable electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The intermediate connecting member has a connecting hole, and the first connecting portion extends into the connecting hole and is connected to the intermediate connecting member.

13. The foldable electronic device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first connecting portion includes a first main body and a first reinforcement portion, one end of the first main body is connected to the end of the shaft mechanism, the first reinforcement portion is connected to the other end of the first main body, and the first reinforcement portion extends out of the periphery of the first main body.

14. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The housing comprises: The back cover is connected to the side of the middle frame facing away from the folding screen.

15. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Also includes: A plurality of decorative pieces, each of which is connected to a surface of a side of the intermediate connecting piece away from the folding screen.

16. The foldable electronic device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The plurality of decorative elements include: a central decorative piece connected to the central area of ​​the intermediate connecting piece; A plurality of peripheral decorative parts are arranged around the outer periphery of the central decorative part, and one peripheral decorative part is arranged between every two circumferentially adjacent shells.

17. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The intermediate connecting piece includes a rubber piece, a metal piece, and a fiber piece.

18. The foldable electronic device according to claim 17, characterized in that: The intermediate connecting member is a mesh member.

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