Folding mechanism, electronic equipment and accessories thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of electronic equipment accessories, and discloses a folding mechanism, electronic equipment and accessories of the electronic equipment. The folding mechanism comprises a flexible element, a fixed component and at least one slip compensation mechanism; the flexible element and the fixed component can be stacked in a relative sliding mode, and when the folding mechanism is folded, the flexible element and the fixed component are folded synchronously; the slippage compensation mechanism is connected with the flexible element and the fixed component and used for applying acting force to the flexible element and the fixed component to promote relative sliding of the flexible element and the fixed component when the flexible element and the fixed component are synchronously folded. The folding mechanism provided by the invention can prevent the flexible part from generating bad creases at the bending part and further generating fatigue damage, so that the service life of the flexible part is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of electronic equipment accessories, and in particular to a folding mechanism, electronic equipment and accessories thereof. Background Art

[0002] At present, the display modules of some electronic devices use foldable screens, which are convenient to carry when folded and can provide a larger display interface when unfolded. Since the folding screen has a certain thickness, when folded, the external force that causes the screen to bend will be decomposed into two opposite forces at the bending part, causing the screen to generate tensile stress on the outside of the bending part pointing to the two sides of the screen, and compressive stress on the inside of the bending part pointing to the inside of the screen. These two parts of stress form bending moments at the extrusion part, causing the overall screen to have a tendency to delaminate in the thickness direction. In severe cases, it will cause relative slippage between the upper and lower layers of the screen structure.

[0003] In the prior art, the folding screen is fixed to the non-hinge portion of the fixed component by an adhesive layer, and a screen pressing strip is used at the edge to restrict it to the fixed component.

[0004] Although this solution prevents slippage between the structural layers in the non-bending area of ​​the screen, the fixing method causes the screen stratification tendency caused by bending to be concentrated entirely at the bending position, resulting in bulges or depressions at the bending position when the screen is folded, making the screen more susceptible to fatigue damage and creases under the general cyclic loads of daily use of the device, thereby damaging the display function of the screen. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a folding mechanism and an electronic device with a slip compensation mechanism, which can better prevent creases from being generated at the bending portion of the flexible element.

[0006] On one hand, the present application provides a folding mechanism, the folding mechanism comprising: a flexible element, a fixing member and at least one slip compensation mechanism;

[0007] The flexible element and the fixed member are slidably stacked relative to each other;

[0008] When the folding mechanism is folded or unfolded, the flexible element and the fixed member have the same folding axis;

[0009] The slip compensation mechanism is connected to the flexible element and the fixed component respectively, and is used to apply a force to the flexible element and the fixed component respectively to promote relative sliding of the two when the flexible element and the fixed component are folded synchronously.

[0010] Optionally, the slip compensation mechanism includes an energy storage member, and the energy storage member is connected to the flexible element and the fixed component respectively.

[0011] Optionally, the slip compensation mechanism further includes a first transmission member and a second transmission member;

[0012] The first transmission member is connected to the flexible element, the second transmission member is connected to the fixed component, and the energy storage member is connected to the first transmission member and the second transmission member respectively;

[0013] Wherein, the first transmission member and the second transmission member are respectively located at two sides of the energy storage member in the direction in which the energy storage member applies the force.

[0014] Optionally, in one of the slip compensation mechanisms, the first transmission member is located on a side of a folding axis where the second transmission member is away from the folding mechanism when the folding mechanism is folded, and the energy storage member is configured to withstand pressure; or, when the slip compensation mechanism includes the first transmission member being located on a side of the second transmission member close to the folding axis, the energy storage member is configured to generate tension.

[0015] Optionally, the fixing member comprises at least two sub-members, and every two adjacent sub-members are rotatably connected via a rotatable connector;

[0016] Each of the slip compensation mechanisms is respectively connected to one of the sub-components and a portion of the flexible element corresponding to the overlapped portion of the sub-component.

[0017] Optionally, the folding mechanism further comprises a sliding member;

[0018] The sliding member is stacked with the flexible element, and the sliding member includes a plurality of sub-slides separated from each other, each of the sub-slides is stacked with a sub-component, and each of the slip compensation mechanisms is respectively connected to a sub-slide and the sub-component correspondingly stacked with the sub-slide.

[0019] Optionally, the at least two sub-components include a first sub-component and a second sub-component that are adjacent to each other, the first sub-component having a first connection and matching structure, and the second sub-component having a second connection and matching structure;

[0020] The rotating connecting member comprises a first connecting member and a second connecting member;

[0021] The first connection matching structure is connected to the first connection member, and the second connection matching structure is connected to the second connection member.

[0022] Optionally, one of the at least two sub-components is fixedly connected to the flexible element, and each of the slip compensation mechanisms is connected to the other sub-components.

[0023] Optionally, the folding mechanism comprises at least two slip compensation mechanisms, and the difference in the modulus of the component vectors of the force applied by the energy storage parts of the at least two slip compensation mechanisms to the flexible element in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis when the folding mechanism is folded is 0.

[0024] Another aspect of the embodiments of the present application provides an electronic device having the above-mentioned folding mechanism.

[0025] Optionally, the flexible element is a flexible screen, an FPC or a flexible heat sink, and the fixed component is a middle frame or a back plate that produces relative sliding movement with the flexible element.

[0026] Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides an accessory for an electronic device, wherein the accessory for an electronic device has the above-mentioned folding mechanism.

[0027] The beneficial effects of the product provided by the embodiments of the present application include at least:

[0028] The folding mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application eliminates the adverse load generated by the flexible part at the bending position based on the slip compensation generated by the sliding mechanism. Therefore, the folding mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application can prevent the flexible part from generating adverse creases at the bending position and then fatigue damage, thereby improving the service life of the flexible element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a folding mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in an oblique top view;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a folding mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0032] Figure 3 Shows Figure 3 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of part A;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a folding mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the arrangement of a slip compensation mechanism of a folding mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when viewed from the top is shown;

[0035] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the arrangement of a slip compensation mechanism of another folding mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application when viewed from the top is shown;

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the transmission structure of a slip compensation mechanism of a folding mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application when viewed from the top is shown.

[0037] Reference numerals:

[0038] 1. Flexible element; 101. Display surface; 102. Non-display surface; 103. Sliding member; 1031. First sub-sliding member; 1032. Second sub-sliding member;

[0039] 2. Fixed component; 201. First sub-component; 2011. First part base; 2012. First part matching hole; 202. Second sub-component; 2021. Second part base; 2022. Second part matching hole; 203. Vacant area; 2031. First vacant area; 2032. Second vacant area; 2033. Third vacant area; 2034. Fourth vacant area; 204. Folding axis; 205. Center line;

[0040] 3. Rotating connecting member; 301. First connecting member; 302. Second connecting member;

[0041] 4. Slip compensation mechanism; 401. First transmission member; 4011. Fixing member; 4012. First connecting rod; 4013. First limiting member; 4014. First reversing member; 4015. Reversing connecting rod; 4016. Second limiting member; 4017. Second reversing member; 4018. Second connecting rod; 402. Second transmission member; 4021. Positioning member; 403. Energy storage member; 404. Limiting member; 41. First slip compensation mechanism; 42. Second slip compensation mechanism; 43. Third slip compensation mechanism; 44. Fourth slip compensation mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the products in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application. In order to make the products and advantages of the present application clearer, the following will be combined with the drawings to describe in detail the components, mechanical structure, and component system of the flexible screen assembly to achieve its functions.

[0043] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the folding mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application includes: a flexible element 1, a fixing member 2 and at least one slip compensation mechanism 4.

[0044] The flexible element 1 and the fixed member 2 can be slidably stacked relative to each other, wherein when the folding mechanism is folded, the flexible element 1 and the fixed member 2 are folded synchronously;

[0045] The slip compensation mechanism 4 is connected to the flexible element 1 and the fixed component 2 respectively, and is used to apply a force to the flexible element 1 and the fixed component 2 respectively to promote relative sliding of the two when the flexible element 1 and the fixed component 2 are folded synchronously.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the slip compensation mechanism 4 may include an energy storage member 403 , and the energy storage member 403 may be connected to the flexible element 1 and the fixing member 2 respectively.

[0047] The energy storage component 403 mentioned in the embodiment of the present application can convert the mechanical energy of the mechanical force into the potential energy of the energy storage medium and the energy storage structure through various energy storage methods, or convert the potential energy of the energy storage medium and the energy storage structure into mechanical energy without other conversion means, and the action mode of the mechanical energy is directly manifested as mechanical force.

[0048] For example, some energy storage components use elastic components as media, and the media can generally be elastic materials such as rubber and springs, which use the elastic deformation recovery characteristics of the medium itself to store and release energy, while other energy storage components use the compression and recovery characteristics of compressible media such as gas to store and release energy. Regardless of the type of energy storage component, in the implementation method of this application, its actual mechanism of action uses the principle of storing or releasing mechanical force by the energy storage component.

[0049] In some embodiments, Figure 3 , Figure 7 As shown, the slip compensation mechanism may further include a first transmission member 401 and a second transmission member 402;

[0050] The first transmission member 401 is connected to the flexible element 1, the second transmission member 402 is connected to the fixed member 2, and the energy storage member 403 is connected to the first transmission member 401 and the second transmission member 402 respectively;

[0051] The first transmission member 401 and the second transmission member 402 are respectively located on two sides of the energy storage member 403 in the direction in which the energy storage member 403 applies a force.

[0052] The first transmission member 401 and the second transmission member 402 can be rigid bodies that directly transmit the force between the flexible element 1 and the fixed member 2, or can be a transmission mechanism that changes the direction and magnitude of the force applied by the energy storage member 403 to the flexible element 1 through the cooperation of multiple components.

[0053] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, both the first transmission member 401 and the second transmission member 402 are parts that directly transmit the force between the flexible element 1 and the fixed component 2 .

[0054] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the first transmission member 401 is a transmission mechanism that changes the actual direction of the force of the energy storage member 403 through a motion subassembly. The fixed member 4011 is fixedly connected to the flexible member 1, the first connecting rod 4012 is fixedly connected to the first switching member 4014, the first limiter 4013 limits the movement of the first switching member 4014 to reciprocating motion, the two force-bearing ends of the energy storage member 403 are respectively fixedly connected to the second transmission member and one end of the second connecting rod 4018, the other end of the second connecting rod 4018 is fixedly connected to the second switching member 4017, the second limiter 4016 limits the movement of the second switching member 4017 to reciprocating motion, and the first switching member 4014 and the second switching member 4017 are respectively rotatably connected to the reversing connecting rod 4015.

[0055] When the folding mechanism is folded, the torque generated by the crease deformation stress of the flexible member 1 at the folding axis 204 acts on the flexible member 1, and the fixed member 4011 is driven by the flexible member 1 and then pushes the first connecting rod 4012 to apply a force to the first switching member 4014, thereby transmitting the movement to the second switching member 4017 through the switching connecting rod 4015, and the second switching member 4017 pushes the second connecting rod 4018 to apply a force to the energy storage member 403; since the second transmission member 402 is fixedly connected to the fixed component 2, the reaction force of the energy storage member 403 is reversely transmitted to the fixed member 4011 by the second connecting rod 4018, etc., thereby driving the flexible member 1 to slide in the direction away from the folding axis 204.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first transmission member 401 can change the actual direction of the force generated by the energy storage member 403 on the flexible member 1 through its own structural arrangement and the motion transmission effect of each component. Those skilled in the art can flexibly design the structural composition and transmission mode of the first transmission member 401 and the second transmission member 402 according to the space occupation requirements of the folding mechanism in the application and other structural design considerations, as well as based on comprehensive consideration of various aspects such as the space occupied by the slip compensation mechanism 4 and the layout position, so as to better achieve the slip compensation effect of the folding mechanism.

[0057] Similarly, those skilled in the art can use the speed conversion method to convert the transmission mechanism into a simple connecting rod mechanism. For example, the equivalent static force of the first transmission member 401 on the flexible element 1 can be calculated through the transmission of the movement speed and force between the connecting rods, so as to serve as a reference for the selection of the energy storage member 403 and the arrangement of the slip compensation mechanism 4.

[0058] In some embodiments, in a slip compensation mechanism 4, the first transmission member 401 may be located on the side of the second transmission member 402 away from the folding axis 204 when the folding mechanism is folded, and the energy storage member 403 is configured to withstand pressure; or, when the first transmission member 401 is located on the side of the second transmission member 402 close to the folding axis 204, the energy storage member 403 is configured to generate tension.

[0059] In some embodiments, the fixing member 2 may include two sub-members, such as a first sub-member 201 and a second sub-member 202, and each two adjacent sub-members may be rotatably connected via a rotating connector 3. When the folding mechanism is folded, the two sub-members are superimposed together, and when the folding mechanism is unfolded, the two sub-members are butted in a plane. In other embodiments, the number of sub-members may be greater than two. Each slip compensation mechanism 4 is respectively connected to a sub-member and the portion of the flexible element 1 corresponding to the overlapped portion of the sub-member.

[0060] The arrangement of two sub-components and more than two sub-components corresponds to the folding mechanism in the case of single folding or multi-folding, and each adjacent sub-component is rotatably connected through one or more rotating connecting members 3.

[0061] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the folding mechanism may further include a sliding member 103;

[0062] The sliding member 103 may be stacked with the flexible element 1, and the sliding member 103 may include a plurality of sub-slides separated from each other, such as sub-slides 1031 and 1032, each of which may be stacked with a sub-component, such as the sub-slide 1031 stacked with the first sub-component 201, and the sub-slide 1032 stacked with the second sub-component 202. Each slip compensation mechanism 4 may be connected to a sub-slide and a sub-component stacked with the sub-slide.

[0063] The sliding member 103 is overlapped with the flexible element 1 , which can prevent the flexible element 1 from directly contacting the fixed structure 2 and generating friction, and can also prevent the flexible element 1 from being directly connected to the first transmission member 401 .

[0064] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, at least two sub-components may include adjacent first sub-components 201 and second sub-components 202, the first sub-component 201 may have a first connection and matching structure, and the second sub-component 202 may have a second connection and matching structure. The rotating connector 3 may include a first connector 301 and a second connector 302. The first connection and matching structure may be connected to the first connector 301, and the second connection and matching structure may be connected to the second connector 302.

[0065] According to different application scenarios of the folding mechanism, the material and detailed structure of the fixed component 2 are also different. Therefore, in order to connect the rotating connector 3 with the fixed component 2, each sub-component can reserve a corresponding connection matching structure, and the rotating connector 3 can also be provided with a corresponding connection.

[0066] The fixed member 2 and the rotating connector 3 can be fixed by screwing, riveting or welding. It should be noted that the embodiment of the present disclosure does not specifically limit the connection method between the fixed member 2 and the rotating connector 3.

[0067] For example, when the fixed component 2 and the rotating connector 3 are fixed by riveting or the like, the corresponding connection matching structure and connectors can be changed accordingly according to the different riveting types, that is, the different types of rivets between the fixed component 2 and the rotating connector 3.

[0068] When the fixed component 2 and the rotating connector 3 are fixed by bolt connection, the various connecting and matching structures corresponding to the various sub-components of the fixed component 2 can be structures for accommodating the connecting parts. For example, the connecting and matching structures can be structures such as threaded holes and light holes for accommodating bolts. When the fixed component 2 and the rotating connector 3 are fixed by welding, the connecting and matching structures and connecting parts corresponding to the various sub-components of the fixed component 2 can be process surfaces. For example, if both are polymer materials, the connecting and matching structures can be smooth process surfaces for hot plate welding or roughened surfaces for ultrasonic welding. If both are metal materials, the corresponding connecting and matching structures and connections can be reserved parts designed for fusion welding that can withstand melting damage, or they can be process surfaces that have been treated to reduce surface roughness in order to increase the surface absorbance of laser welding.

[0069] For various common connection forms, those skilled in the art can design the connection matching structures corresponding to the various sub-components of the fixed component 2 and the connection points of the rotating connector 3 according to the above ideas.

[0070] In some embodiments, one of the sub-components may be fixedly connected to the flexible element 1 , and each slip compensation mechanism 4 may be connected to the other sub-components.

[0071] When the fixed component 2 includes two sub-components, the folding mechanism requires at least one slip compensation mechanism 4. At this time, one of the two sub-components needs to be fixedly connected to the flexible element 1 so that the slip compensation mechanism 4 can produce a slip compensation effect. The slip compensation mechanism 4 is fixedly connected to the other of the two sub-components, or, when multiple slip compensation mechanisms 4 are connected to one of the two sub-components, the other of the two sub-components needs to be fixedly connected to the flexible element 1.

[0072] In the arrangement as described above, one of the two sub-components is fixedly connected to the flexible element 1, preventing relative sliding between the two, so that the slip tendency caused by the stress transfer at the bending part in the flexible element 1 is concentrated / transferred to the other part of the flexible element 1 located in the two sub-components. At this time, the slip compensation mechanism 4 arranged on one side can provide slip compensation for the folding mechanism.

[0073] In some embodiments, the folding mechanism includes at least two slip compensation mechanisms 4, and the difference in the modulus of the vector components of the force applied by the energy storage members 403 of the at least two slip compensation mechanisms 4 to the flexible element 1 in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis 204 when the folding mechanism is folded is 0.

[0074] The bending part of the flexible element 1 when folded is approximately at the folding axis 204, so the actual force to eliminate the effect of the undesirable crease produced at the bending part of the flexible element is always perpendicular to the folding axis 204. Due to the different arrangements of the at least two slip compensation mechanisms 4, the direction of the mechanical force generated or borne by the energy storage member 403 is not necessarily perpendicular to the folding axis 204, but the mechanical force generated or borne by the energy storage member 403 can be decomposed into a force parallel to the folding axis 204 and an actual force perpendicular to the folding axis 204, that is, the mechanical force generated or borne by the energy storage member is split into a pair of vectors, and when the difference in the modulus of the sub-vectors perpendicular to the folding axis 204 is 0, the forces of the at least two slip compensation mechanisms 4 on the flexible element 1 are balanced.

[0075] Therefore, based on comprehensive considerations such as the space requirements for the overall structural layout of the folding mechanism, the layout position of the slip compensation mechanism 4 is different. At this time, it is only necessary to ensure that when the difference in the modulus of the component vectors perpendicular to the folding axis 204 is 0, the force exerted by the slip compensation mechanism 4 on the flexible element 1 is balanced, thereby achieving a slip compensation effect on the folding mechanism.

[0076] In particular, in Figure 7 In the above embodiment shown in the figure, even if the direction in which the energy storage member 4 generates or bears the mechanical force is parallel to the folding axis 204, the energy storage member 4 can also generate or bear the mechanical force in a direction parallel to the folding axis 204. Figure 7 The specific structures of the first transmission member 401 and the second transmission member 402 are designed in an exemplary manner so that the slip compensation mechanism 4 meets the above conditions.

[0077] The embodiment of the present application also provides an electronic device and its accessories, which have the above-mentioned folding mechanism. It should be noted that the electronic device can be a folding screen mobile phone, a laptop computer, etc. The accessories of the electronic device can be a keyboard cover, etc. The folding mechanism in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to any product with a folding function, and does not specifically limit the type of electronic device and its accessories.

[0078] In some embodiments, the flexible element 1 may be a flexible screen, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) or a flexible heat sink, etc., and the fixed component 2 may be a middle frame, a back panel, etc. of an electronic device.

[0079] Taking some components in electronic devices as an example, in the actual application of foldable electronic devices, the DDIC (Display Driver IC) of the AA (Active area) of the flexible screen in the prior art is generally located in the border part of the screen assembly and is separated from the flexible screen body.

[0080] In addition, DDIC is electrically connected to AA, and DDIC needs to extend the wiring to the underlying motherboard or other components through FPC. Therefore, when the flexible screen is folded and slid, FPC will also slide relative to the fixings of the electronic device such as the middle frame. If there are uneven breakpoints in the relative sliding, the FPC may bend improperly or even fold dead.

[0081] Therefore, if the slip compensation mechanism 4 in the embodiment of the present application is applied between the FPC and the middle frame and other fixing parts, a certain slip compensation can be provided for the FPC and the middle frame and other fixing parts, which can prevent the FPC from being improperly bent, causing slip damage between the metal substrate of the FPC and the covering film and other material layers, causing the structural layers to peel off.

[0082] Furthermore, the slip compensation mechanism 4 can be used together with FPC in wearable electronic terminal devices in the field of consumer electronics or medical electronics, such as wearable electronic devices with flexible displays, wearable electronic devices that integrate the minimum action unit into fabrics, and medical monitoring devices such as blood pressure monitors and stacked on the body, to eliminate the bad stratification of FPC, thereby improving the reliability of electronic devices. In other embodiments, for example, in the field of heat dissipation of electronic devices, heat-dissipating heat elements such as graphite heat sinks that rely on their own material properties or structural properties to evenly distribute heat outside a two-dimensional plane and then be carried away by a refrigerant are generally attached to various heat sources so that they can better evenly disperse the heat generated by a point heat source.

[0083] Correspondingly, in some actual usage scenarios, the relative slip between heat-dissipating elements such as graphite heat sinks and the attached heat-generating elements can be compensated by a slip compensation mechanism, thereby improving the attachment performance of heat dissipating elements such as graphite heat sinks, so that they can still be accurately attached to the predetermined positions of various heat sources after a certain degree of relative sliding.

[0084] The slip compensation mechanism 4 in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to different electronic devices based on the above concept to eliminate creases caused by poor slip of various flexible members 1. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the type of the flexible member 1.

[0085] A usage scenario of the present application in the field of portable electronic devices is described in detail below. This usage scenario does not limit the folding mechanism of the present application to the following usage scenario, but is to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the structure and working mechanism of the folding mechanism of the present application in combination with more specific usage scenarios.

[0086] In the following implementation scenario, the flexible element 1 is a flexible screen, and the fixed component 2 is a middle frame.

[0087] Currently, the display modules of some electronic devices use foldable screens, which are easy to carry when folded and can provide a larger display interface when unfolded.

[0088] However, since the folding screen has a certain thickness, when folded, the external force that causes the screen to bend will form a bending moment at the extrusion part of the bending part, causing the entire screen to tend to be delaminated in the thickness direction. In severe cases, relative slippage will occur between the upper and lower layers of the screen structure.

[0089] In the prior art, the folding screen is fixed to the non-hinge part of the middle frame by an adhesive layer, and the edge is fixed to the middle frame by a screen pressing strip. Although slippage between the structural layers in the non-bending area of ​​the screen is prevented, this fixing method makes the screen stratification trend caused by bending all concentrated at the bending part, resulting in bulges or depressions at the bending part when the screen is folded, making the screen more susceptible to fatigue damage and creases under the general cyclic load of daily use of the equipment, thereby damaging the display function of the screen.

[0090] In this regard, the present application provides a flexible screen assembly that has a simple structure and can eliminate undesirable layered creases on the flexible screen through its motion conduction method.

[0091] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the flexible screen assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a flexible part 1, a fixing component 2 and at least two slip compensation mechanisms 4.

[0092] Among them, the fixed component 2 may include adjacent first sub-components 201 and second sub-components 202, and may also include more sub-components in other embodiments. The slip compensation mechanism 4 may include a first transmission member 401, a second transmission member 402 and an energy storage member 403. The flexible member 1 and the fixed component 2 can be stacked in a relatively sliding manner. The first sub-component 201 and the second sub-component 202 of the fixed component 2 can rotate relative to each other and switch between a folded state and a flat state. The first transmission member 401 is fixedly connected to the flexible member 1, the second transmission member 402 is fixedly connected to the fixed component 2, and the energy storage member 403 is connected between the first transmission member 401 and the second transmission member 402.

[0093] In some embodiments, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the fixed component 2 may have a vacant area 203 , and the first transmission member 401 may be located in the vacant area 203 . The vacant area 203 allows the first transmission member 401 to move relative to the fixed component 2 in the direction in which the energy storage member 403 transmits the force.

[0094] Due to the above arrangement, the first transmission member 401 does not need to occupy additional space in the thickness direction of the entire component, that is, the vacant area 203 can enable the slip compensation mechanism 4 to function without considering its adverse effect on the overall thickness of the electronic device.

[0095] like Figure 2 As shown, since the flexible member 1 needs to be folded and unfolded frequently and repeatedly in general scenarios of daily use, when the non-display surface 102 of the flexible member 1 is directly overlapped with the fixed member 2 and relatively slides, the protective material of the non-display surface 102 will be worn due to frequent contact and friction with the fixed member 2, and in severe cases, pitting and scratches will be generated on the non-display surface 102, thereby damaging the display function of the flexible member 1;

[0096] Although the bending deformation of the flexible member 1 when bent by external force is generally concentrated at the bending point, since the flexible member 1 is uniform in the thickness direction, the bending moment resisting the external force generated by the bending will be transmitted in the direction away from the bending part and act evenly on the flexible member 1. In actual situations, each part of the flexible member 1 will have a certain tendency to stratify, but this tendency will not cause actual stratification of the screen.

[0097] The relative sliding between the non-display surface 102 and the fixed component 2 will generate friction resistance, and the friction resistance is easily concentrated at the worn area of ​​the non-display surface 102. This will result in a force that hinders the stratification trend of the flexible component 1 at the concentrated area of ​​the friction resistance, causing the bending moment resisting the external force to concentrate at the obstructed area, resulting in stress concentration at the non-bending area of ​​the screen, causing bulges, and reducing the service life and appearance of the flexible component 1.

[0098] In some embodiments, Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the flexible member 1 includes a display surface 101, a non-display surface 102 and a sliding member 103, wherein the display surface 101 and the non-display surface 102 are two surfaces facing each other. The sliding member 103 may include a first sub-sliding member 1031 and a second sub-sliding member 1032, and may also include multiple sub-sliding members in a multi-fold arrangement. The sliding member 103 and the non-display surface 102 are fixedly overlapped, the first sub-sliding member 1031 and the first sub-component 201 can be relatively slidably overlapped, and the second sub-sliding member 1032 and the second sub-component 202 can be relatively slidably overlapped. Similarly, multiple sub-sliding members in the multi-fold arrangement can be relatively slidably overlapped with the corresponding sub-components.

[0099] Due to the above-mentioned arrangement, the friction damage on the contact surface caused by the direct overlapping and sliding of the non-display surface 102 and the fixed component 2 is avoided, and the friction damage of the flexible component 1 is compensated by the sliding member 103, thereby increasing the service life of the flexible component 1; and the fixed overlapping between the sliding member 103 and the flexible component 1 makes it possible for the other parts of the flexible component 1 except the bending part to not produce deformation in the thickness direction, so that the bending moment to resist the external force is concentrated on the bending part, so that the slip compensation mechanism 4 can better eliminate the bending deformation.

[0100] In practical applications, those skilled in the art may specifically replace or design the structure or material of the sliding member 103 in combination with the embodiments of the present application and actual needs.

[0101] For example, in order to better conduct the heat generated by the flexible part 1 to the heat dissipation area of ​​the electronic device, the sliding part 103 can be a plate with good thermal conductivity such as a stainless steel plate; in order to reduce the weight of the electronic device, the sliding part 103 can also be a plate with high strength and light weight such as a carbon fiber plate or a polymer material plate; in order to protect the bent part of the non-display surface 102, the first sub-sliding part 1031 and the second sub-sliding part 1032 or the multiple sub-sliding parts in the multi-fold form can be connected using a flexible material or structure with a certain strength, such as a stainless steel etched mesh structure.

[0102] Similarly, based on different design purposes, the fixed overlapping of the sliding member 103 and the flexible member 1 can also be achieved in a variety of ways. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not specifically limit the implementation method of the fixed overlapping of the sliding member 103 and the flexible member 1.

[0103] For example, in some embodiments, the sliding member 103 and the non-display surface 102 can be fixed by using a double-sided tape, graphite tape or other adhesive layer with a base material; in order to improve the temperature resistance and waterproof performance of the screen assembly, the sliding member 103 and the non-display surface 102 can be fixed by using a highly thixotropic adhesive layer without a base material, such as silicone electronic screen glue; in order to improve the assembly efficiency of the screen assembly and reduce the difficulty of disassembly for repair and replacement of the flexible part 1, the sliding member 103 and the non-display surface 102 can be fixed by using a hot melt adhesive or other adhesive layer without a base material.

[0104] In this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the first transmission member 401 is fixedly connected to the sliding member 103 .

[0105] Due to the above arrangement, there is no direct connection between the first transmission member 401 and the non-display surface 102 of the flexible member 1, so that the tension or pressure transmitted by the energy storage member 403 will not be directly transmitted from the first transmission member 401 to the non-display surface 102, so that the substrate of the non-display surface 102 will not be dragged by the direct force and will not produce fatigue damage such as structural glass peeling during the working cycle that affects the reliability of the screen assembly. In addition, due to the material properties of the non-display surface 102, it is difficult to generate a reliable mechanical connection between it and the first transmission member 401 without damaging the flexible member 1.

[0106] Therefore, the fixed connection between the first transmission member 401 and the non-display surface 102 can be achieved in different ways.

[0107] For example, a direct fixed connection between the first transmission member 401 and the non-display surface 102 can be achieved by gluing or the like, or the substrate base material in the non-bending area can be thickened and an integrated connection and matching structure can be provided on the substrate or a connection and matching structure can be fastened by pressure welding or the like.

[0108] The first transmission member 401 and the sliding member 103 may be connected to each other by means of screw connection, riveting or the like. For example, the first transmission member 401 and the sliding member 103 may be connected and fixed by means of connecting members such as countersunk bolts and countersunk rivets.

[0109] Alternatively, the first transmission member 401 and the sliding member 103 may be made into an integrated structure by adopting a variety of design schemes and corresponding processing methods. For example, if the sliding member 103 and the first transmission member 401 are made of a polymer material or other material that supports additive manufacturing, the first transmission member 401 and the sliding member 103 may be designed as an integrated structure in the injection mold design stage before injection molding production. If the sliding member 103 and the first transmission member 401 are made of a metal, a part of a polymer material or other material that supports milling or other subtractive manufacturing, the first transmission member 401 and the sliding member 103 may also be designed as an integrated structure.

[0110] Similarly, the first transmission member 401 and the sliding member 103 can also be fixed by welding, plugging or pasting. That is, no matter what means are adopted, it is necessary to ensure that the first transmission member 401 and the sliding member 103 can be formed under the cyclic load of daily use without falling off, thereby affecting the function of the slip compensation mechanism 4.

[0111] In some embodiments, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first sub-component 201 and the second sub-component 202 can be hinged via a rotating connection member 3. Correspondingly, multiple sub-components can also be hinged via multiple rotating connections 3.

[0112] In some embodiments, the rotating connection member 3 can be a connection member such as a hinge.

[0113] For example, the hinge can be a general hinge such as a rotating hinge or a sliding hinge; in order to prevent the screen assembly from being subjected to excessive external force when folded, resulting in a too fast closing speed, causing the display surface 101 and the edge of the fixed component 2 to collide violently and the bent part of the flexible component 1 to be subjected to excessive instantaneous impact and unable to deform and dissipate the force in time, resulting in breakage, the rotating connector 3 can be a damping hinge that can play a buffering role, etc. The rotating connector 3 can also have sliding.

[0114] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the first sub-component 201 has a first part base 2011, the second side part has a second part base 2021, the second sub-component 202 has a second part base 2021, the first part base 2011 has a first part matching hole 2012, and the second part base 2021 has a second part matching hole 2022.

[0115] The rotating connecting member 3 has a first connecting member 301 and a second connecting member 302. The first connecting member 301 passes through the first part matching hole 2012 to connect and fasten the rotating connecting member 3 with the first part base 2011. The second connecting member 302 passes through the second part matching hole 2022 to connect and fasten the rotating connecting member 3 with the second part base 2021.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first connecting member 301 and the second connecting member 302 can be standard fasteners such as bolts and rivets; accordingly, when the first connecting member 301 and the second connecting member 302 are bolts for reamed holes, the first part matching hole 2012 and the second part matching hole 2022 can be blind holes or through holes with threads processed on the inner walls. At this time, the first connecting member 301 and the second connecting member 302 do not have nuts, thereby reducing costs; when the first connecting member 301 and the second connecting member 302 are general bolts, the first part matching hole 2012 and the second part matching hole 2022 can be through holes with smooth inner walls. At this time, both axial ends of the first part matching hole 2012 and the second part matching hole 2022 can be processed into countersunk stepped structures to accommodate the bolt head and the nut, prevent the bolt head and the nut from extending out, and save space in the thickness direction.

[0117] In some embodiments, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when the first transmission member 401 included in the slip compensation mechanism 4 is located outside the second transmission member 402 away from the folding axis 204, the energy storage member 403 is configured to bear the pressure load;

[0118] When the first transmission member 401 included in the slip compensation mechanism 4 is located on the inner side of the second transmission member 402 close to the folding axis 204 , the energy storage member 403 is configured to bear the tensile load.

[0119] Due to the above-mentioned arrangement, when the flexible screen assembly is folded into the display surface 101, that is, the flexible screen assembly is inwardly folded, the arrangement of the first transmission member 401 and the second transmission member 402 makes it possible for the energy storage member 403 to bear a pressure load or a tensile load, and the final force direction of the energy storage member 403 on the first transmission member 401 always points to a direction away from the folding axis 204, that is, when the flexible screen assembly is folded into the display surface 101, the energy storage member 403 can always provide the first transmission member 401 with a force in a direction away from the bending portion, and then the first transmission member 401 drives the flexible member 1 to slide in a direction away from the bending portion, thereby realizing the function of the slip compensation mechanism 4 driving the flexible member 1 to compensate for the sliding.

[0120] In some embodiments, when the flexible screen assembly is folded outward from the display surface 101, that is, the flexible screen assembly is an outward-folding type, although the folding direction is completely opposite, the action mechanism of the slip compensation mechanism 4 on it is exactly the same as that of the inward-folding flexible screen assembly, that is: when the flexible screen assembly is an inward-folding type, the flexible component 1 is folded inwardly toward the display surface, and the bending part of the flexible screen resists a pair of bending moments generated by the folding external force, and the directions are positive and negative and the magnitude is the same; when the flexible screen assembly is an outward-folding type, although the flexible component 1 is folded outwardly from the display surface, the direction of the pair of bending moments generated by the folding external force is negative and positive and the magnitude is the same. The bending moment of the inward-folding flexible screen assembly resisting external force will cause the flexible part 1 to have a sliding tendency in the bending direction relative to the fixed component 2, and the slip compensation mechanism 4 pushes the flexible screen in the bending direction to compensate for this sliding tendency, that is, the energy storage member 403 needs to provide the first transmission member 401 with a force away from the bending part; the bending moment of the outward-folding flexible screen assembly resisting external force will cause the flexible part 1 to have a sliding tendency in the bending direction relative to the fixed component 2, and the slip compensation mechanism 4 pushes the flexible screen in the direction away from the bending part to compensate for this sliding tendency, that is, the energy storage member 403 needs to provide the first transmission member 401 with a force away from the bending part.

[0121] In this embodiment, if Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, for example, when the energy storage member 403 is a general cylindrical spring, in order to ensure that the deformation direction of the elastic member is perpendicular to the folding axis 204, the slip compensation mechanism 4 also includes a positioning member 4021, and the positioning member 4021 and the second transmission member 402 are respectively located on both sides of the first transmission member 401, and the connecting line between the positioning member 4021 and the second transmission member 402 is perpendicular to the folding axis 204 of the fixed component 2.

[0122] For example, when the energy storage member 403 is a general cylindrical spring, since the general cylindrical spring is unevenly stressed, the middle part of the spring axis will deviate radially, so that the deformation of the spring cannot be completely converted into a force on the first transmission member 401 and the second transmission member 402, affecting the effect of the slip compensation mechanism 4. The smaller the stiffness coefficient of the spring, the more obvious the radial deviation phenomenon.

[0123] At this time, a limiting member 404 is inserted in the middle of the cylindrical spring. For example, for a cylindrical spring, the limiting member 404 can be a rigid cylinder with an outer diameter the same as the inner diameter of the cylindrical spring, or a rigid straight quadrangular prism with a cross-sectional diagonal length the same as the inner diameter of the cylindrical spring. The limiting member 404 can eliminate the radial degree of freedom of the cylindrical spring, so that the deformation generated by the spring can be completely converted into a force acting on the first transmission member 401 and the second transmission member 402. The rigid limiting member 404 cannot be deformed. When the cylindrical spring is compressed, the limiting member 404 needs to extend from the first transmission member 401 along the compression direction of the cylindrical spring. At this time, the positioning member 4021 can fix the limiting member and provide it with positioning, so that the first transmission member 401 no longer needs to limit the radial degree of freedom of the cylindrical spring on the limiting member 404. Furthermore, when the part performing the function of the second transmission member 402 is a simple rigid body, it can be directly used as the positioning member 4021. That is, when the second transmission member 402 is a simple rigid body, it can be standardized as a standard part to save manufacturing costs and improve the versatility of the parts.

[0124] In some embodiments, an energy storage member 403 may also be installed between the positioning member 4021 and the first transmission member 401. At this time, the energy storage member 403 between the positioning member 4021 and the first transmission member 401 and the energy storage member 403 between the first transmission member and the second transmission member can be regarded as a series structure, which reduces the stiffness coefficient of the slip compensation mechanism 4. If an energy storage member 403 whose force and deformation do not change linearly is selected under the above conditions, the slip compensation mechanism 4 can provide slip compensation while reducing the hysteresis caused by the bending of the screen.

[0125] In order to reduce the influence of the slip compensation mechanism 4 on the flexible member 1 in other directions, the slip compensation mechanism 4 may be arranged in a more regular manner.

[0126] For example, in this embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, the flexible screen assembly may include at least two slip compensation mechanisms 4, the two slip compensation mechanisms 4 include a first slip compensation mechanism 41 and a second slip compensation mechanism 42, and the first slip compensation mechanism 41 and the second slip compensation mechanism 42 are symmetrically arranged with the folding axis 204 as a symmetry axis.

[0127] Due to the above-mentioned arrangement, the first slip compensation mechanism 41 and the second slip compensation mechanism 42 can evenly share the slip compensation of the flexible part 1, and since the first slip compensation mechanism 41 and the second slip compensation mechanism 42 are symmetrically arranged with the folding axis 204 as the symmetry axis, the force of the first slip compensation mechanism 41 on the flexible part 1 and the force of the second slip compensation mechanism 42 on the flexible part 1 are opposite and collinear, thereby preventing the first slip compensation mechanism 41 and the second slip compensation mechanism 42 from generating a bending moment due to their forces not being in a straight line, thereby causing the flexible part 1 to shift obliquely.

[0128] In this embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown, the at least two slip compensation mechanisms further include a third slip compensation mechanism 43 and a fourth slip compensation mechanism 44 , and the third slip compensation mechanism 43 and the fourth slip compensation mechanism 44 are symmetrically arranged with the folding axis 204 as a symmetry axis.

[0129] The first slip compensation mechanism 41 and the third slip compensation mechanism 43 are symmetrical with the center line 205 perpendicular to the fixing member 2 and the folding axis 204 as the symmetry axis, and the second slip compensation mechanism 42 and the fourth slip compensation mechanism 44 are symmetrical with the fixing member 2 and the center line 205 as the symmetry axis.

[0130] Due to the above-mentioned arrangement, the energy storage components 403 of the first slip compensation mechanism 41 and the third slip compensation mechanism 43 can be regarded as acting in parallel, and the second slip compensation mechanism 42 and the fourth slip compensation mechanism 44 can be regarded as acting in parallel, so that each energy storage component 403 can generate a greater feedback force with a smaller stiffness coefficient, thereby occupying a smaller length in the plane space.

[0131] In each of the above arrangements, special position limitations such as symmetry and colinear forces are adopted. Such special position limitations are only arrangement limitations for specific conditions under specific requirements, and a relatively regular arrangement method helps those skilled in the art to better understand the solution based on the content of this application, and then expand the solution based on the content of this application without paying extra work:

[0132] For example, the opposite collinear forces exerted by the slip compensation mechanisms 4 on both sides of the folding axis on the flexible member 1 are to prevent the flexible member 1 from being diagonally offset due to bending moments caused by the forces exerted by different slip compensation mechanisms 4 in different areas not being in a straight line.

[0133] When the flexible member 1 needs to be unfolded or folded in a non-single direction, the slip compensation mechanism 4 can be arranged obliquely relative to the rotation axis to generate a certain degree of controllable bending moment, thereby providing multi-directional slip compensation for the flexible member 1, thereby enabling the flexible member 1 to obtain a good slip compensation effect when folded or unfolded in multiple directions.

[0134] Therefore, those skilled in the art do not need to do extra work, but only need to change the relative positions of the slip compensation mechanisms 4 according to the relevant bending requirements of the electronic equipment or the inherent characteristics of the flexible elements during the design stage to achieve specific slip compensation requirements.

[0135] It should be noted that any product or any technical feature in this embodiment is one or several of a plurality of optional technical features or optional products. For the purpose of brevity of description, this document cannot list all the alternative technical features and alternative products of the present invention, nor is it convenient to emphasize that each implementation method of each technical feature is one of a plurality of optional implementation methods. Therefore, those skilled in the art should know that any technical feature or any product in this embodiment does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention should include any alternative products that can be thought of by those skilled in the art without creative work.

[0136] In the present application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "plurality" refers to two or more than two, unless otherwise clearly defined.

[0137] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention more easily. The above description is only a general embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0138] The above description is only for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the product of the present invention by those skilled in the art, and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A folding mechanism, characterized in that: The folding mechanism comprises: a flexible element (1), a fixing member (2) and at least one slip compensation mechanism (4); The flexible element (1) and the fixed component (2) are slidably stacked relative to each other, wherein when the folding mechanism is folded, the flexible element (1) and the fixed component (2) are folded synchronously; The slip compensation mechanism (4) is connected to the flexible element (1) and the fixed component (2) respectively, and is used to apply a force to the flexible element (1) and the fixed component (2) respectively to promote relative sliding between the two when the flexible element (1) and the fixed component (2) are folded synchronously.

2. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slip compensation mechanism (4) comprises an energy storage component (403), and the energy storage component (403) is respectively connected to the flexible element (1) and the fixed component (2).

3. The folding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The slip compensation mechanism also includes a first transmission member (401) and a second transmission member (402); The first transmission member (401) is connected to the flexible element (1), the second transmission member (402) is connected to the fixed member (2), and the energy storage member (403) is connected to the first transmission member (401) and the second transmission member (402), respectively; Wherein, the first transmission member (401) and the second transmission member (402) are respectively located on two sides of the energy storage member (403) in the direction in which the energy storage member (403) applies a force.

4. The folding mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: In one of the slip compensation mechanisms (4), the first transmission member (401) is located on a side of the second transmission member (402) away from a folding axis (204) when the folding mechanism is folded, and the energy storage member (403) is configured to withstand pressure; or, the first transmission member (401) is located on a side of the second transmission member (402) close to the folding axis (204), and the energy storage member (403) is configured to generate tension.

5. The folding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fixed component (2) comprises at least two sub-components (201, 202), and every two adjacent sub-components are rotatably connected via a rotatable connecting member (3); Each of the slip compensation mechanisms (4) is respectively connected to one of the sub-components (201, 202) and the corresponding overlapping portion of the flexible element (1) and the sub-components (201, 202).

6. The folding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The folding mechanism further comprises a sliding member (103); The sliding member (103) is stacked with the flexible element (1), and the sliding member (103) comprises a plurality of sub-sliders (1031, 1032) separated from each other, each of the sub-sliders (1031, 1032) is stacked with one of the sub-components (201, 202), and each of the slip compensation mechanisms (4) is respectively connected to one of the sub-sliders (1031, 1032) and the sub-component (201, 202) stacked corresponding to the sub-slider (1031, 1032).

7. The folding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The at least two sub-components (201, 202) include a first sub-component (201) and a second sub-component (202) that are adjacent to each other, the first sub-component (201) having a first connection and matching structure, and the second sub-component (202) having a second connection and matching structure; The rotating connecting member (3) comprises a first connecting member (301) and a second connecting member (302); The first connection matching structure is connected to the first connection member (301), and the second connection matching structure is connected to the second connection member (302).

8. The folding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: One of the at least two sub-components (201, 202) is fixedly connected to the flexible element (1), and each of the slip compensation mechanisms (4) is connected to the other sub-components.

9. The folding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The folding mechanism comprises at least two slip compensation mechanisms (4), and the difference in the modulus of the vector components of the force applied by the energy storage parts (403) of the at least two slip compensation mechanisms (4) to the flexible element (1) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (204) when the folding mechanism is folded is 0.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device has the folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The flexible element (1) is a flexible screen, an FPC or a flexible heat sink, and the fixed component (2) is a middle frame or a back plate that generates relative sliding movement with the flexible element (1).

12. An accessory for an electronic device, characterized in that: The accessory of the electronic device has the folding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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