Shell for foldable electronic equipment and foldable electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a shell for foldable electronic equipment and the foldable electronic equipment, the shell comprises a middle plate, the middle plate comprises a first middle plate and a second middle plate which are connected, and the first middle plate and the second middle plate are made of different materials. The first middle plate and the second middle plate are matched with each other to form a rotating shaft containing area and a non-rotating-shaft containing area on the middle plate, at least part of the first middle plate forms at least part of the non-rotating-shaft containing area, and at least part of the second middle plate forms at least part of the rotating shaft containing area. The middle plate of the shell provided by the invention adopts a split structure, and different materials are selected, so that stable chemical performance can be taken into account while the weight of the machine body is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of foldable electronic devices, and more specifically, to a housing for a foldable electronic device and the foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Foldable electronic devices usually include a shell assembly and a display screen, and the shell assembly is used to support the display screen. The shell assembly includes two shells and a hinge mechanism rotatably connected between the two shells, wherein each shell includes a middle plate and an outer frame arranged around the outer peripheral side of the middle plate, and the two sides of the hinge mechanism are respectively connected to the middle plates of the two shells. In the industry, the middle plates of foldable electronic devices are mostly one-piece structures made of alloy materials, that is, the entire middle plate is made of the same alloy material. Different alloys have different properties. Limited by a single material, this one-piece structure of the middle plate cannot take into account multiple performances. For example, in order to reduce the weight of the fuselage, some manufacturers use alloy materials with low density (for example, magnesium alloy) to manufacture the middle plate. The alloy material with low density can be, for example, magnesium alloy. However, the chemical properties of magnesium alloy are unstable and the corrosion resistance is poor. In addition, the potential difference between magnesium alloy and the material used in the shaft mechanism (for example, stainless steel) is large, which leads to galvanic corrosion between the middle plate and the shaft mechanism. The degree of galvanic corrosion is relatively serious, and more corrosion products are produced. These corrosion products are accumulated at the position where the middle plate and the shaft mechanism cooperate, which easily causes the shaft mechanism to get stuck and the screen to be pushed up and fail. These problems affect the user experience of consumers. If the middle plate is made of an alloy material with relatively stable chemical properties (for example, aluminum alloy) in order to reduce the galvanic corrosion between the shaft mechanism and the middle plate, the weight of the fuselage may increase due to the high material density, which is not conducive to the thinness of the fuselage.

[0003] Therefore, the middle plate of the foldable electronic device in the prior art is limited to a single material and cannot take into account multiple properties. For example, it is difficult to achieve stable chemical properties while reducing the weight of the body, which affects consumers' usage experience. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a shell of a foldable electronic device and a foldable electronic device, which solves the problem in the prior art that the middle plate of the foldable electronic device is limited to a single material, making it difficult to achieve stable chemical properties while reducing the weight of the body, thus affecting consumers' usage experience.

[0005] An embodiment of the present application provides a shell for a foldable electronic device, including a middle plate, wherein the middle plate has a hinge accommodating area and a non-hinge accommodating area, wherein the hinge accommodating area is used to accommodate and install a hinge mechanism of the foldable electronic device.

[0006] The middle plate includes a first middle plate and a second middle plate connected to each other, at least a portion of the first middle plate constitutes at least a portion of the non-rotating shaft accommodating area, at least a portion of the second middle plate constitutes at least a portion of the rotating shaft accommodating area, and the material of the first middle plate is different from the material of the second middle plate.

[0007] The shell provided in the present application has a middle plate portion composed of a first middle plate and a second middle plate made of different materials, and the first middle plate and the second middle plate cooperate with each other to form a shaft accommodating area and a non-shaft accommodating area on the middle plate. Among them, the shaft accommodating area is mainly used to accommodate and install the shaft of the foldable electronic device, and the non-shaft accommodating area is mainly used to support and protect the internal components of the foldable electronic device. At least part of the first middle plate constitutes at least part of the non-shaft accommodating area, and at least part of the second middle plate constitutes at least part of the shaft accommodating area. It can be understood that: the shaft accommodating area is mainly composed of the second middle plate, and the non-shaft accommodating area is mainly composed of the first middle plate.

[0008] Since the first middle plate and the second middle plate adopt a split structure and use different materials, the diversity of the middle plate materials is improved, and the selection is more flexible, which is conducive to achieving a balance between the physical and chemical properties of the middle plate. For example, the contact area between the second middle plate and the shaft mechanism is large, and a material with relatively stable chemical properties can be selected, or the first middle plate can be selected according to the material of the shaft mechanism to reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion between the first middle plate and the shaft mechanism. The contact area between the first middle plate and the shaft mechanism is small, so the main focus can be on physical properties, and lightweight materials with low density can be selected to reduce the weight of the fuselage. Therefore, the shell material selection provided in the present application is more flexible, and it can achieve stable chemical properties while reducing the weight of the fuselage, thereby improving the consumer's user experience.

[0009] In some embodiments, a portion of the first middle plate constitutes all areas of the non-rotating shaft accommodating area, and the other portion of the first middle plate and the entire second middle plate together constitute all areas of the rotating shaft accommodating area. Alternatively, the entire first middle plate constitutes all areas of the non-rotating shaft accommodating area, and the entire second middle plate constitutes all areas of the rotating shaft accommodating area.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first middle plate includes a first support plate and a first side wall, the first support plate having a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other along its thickness direction, the first side wall being connected to a side edge of the first support plate and protruding from the second surface of the first support plate; the second middle plate includes a second support plate and a second side wall, the second support plate having a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other along its thickness direction, the second side wall being connected to a side edge of the second support plate and protruding from the first surface of the second support plate.

[0011] Among them, the second side wall is connected to the first side wall, the second support plate is located on the outside of one side edge of the first support plate, and is spaced apart from the first support plate in the thickness direction of the middle plate, and the surface of the second support plate facing the first support plate is the first surface of the second support plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the first support plate as a whole constitutes all areas of the non-shaft accommodating area, and the second support plate and the second side wall and the first side wall as a whole constitute at least part of the area of ​​the shaft accommodating area, wherein the second support plate constitutes the bottom plate of the shaft accommodating area, and the first side wall and the second side wall together constitute the side walls of the shaft accommodating area, and together with the second support plate, form a space for accommodating the shaft mechanism.

[0013] With the above structure, the first support plate and the second support plate are separated by the side wall of the shaft accommodating area, and the shaft mechanism of the foldable electronic device only contacts the bottom plate and the side wall of the shaft accommodating area, and does not contact the first support plate, thereby preventing galvanic corrosion between the shaft mechanism and the first support plate, reducing the risk that the first support plate cannot support and protect the internal components after being corroded, and avoiding the accumulation of corrosion products, thereby preventing the screen from failing. The side wall of the shaft accommodating area is composed of the first side wall and the second side wall. Compared with the solution that the side wall of the shaft accommodating area is composed of the second side wall of the second middle plate, this structure can use the connection structure between the first side wall and the second side wall to firmly combine the first middle plate and the second middle plate together. Compared with the solution that the side wall of the shaft accommodating area is composed of the first side wall of the first middle plate, this structure can reduce the contact area between the shaft mechanism and the first side wall, reduce the tendency of galvanic corrosion between the first side wall and the shaft mechanism, and reduce the risk of shaft jamming.

[0014] In some embodiments, a limiting structure is provided at the position where the second side wall meets the first side wall, and the limiting structure is configured to make the first middle plate and the second middle plate relatively fixed. Since there is no bonding force between the material surface of the first middle plate and the material surface of the second middle plate, the limiting structure is required for connection and fixation.

[0015] In some embodiments, the limiting structure includes at least one buckle structure, each of the at least one buckle structure includes a slot and a boss connected to the slot, one of the slot and the boss is located on the first side wall of the middle plate, and the other is located on the second side wall of the middle plate. The boss of the buckle structure is engaged in the slot, and can limit the relative movement of the first middle plate and the second middle plate.

[0016] In some embodiments, in each buckle structure, the slot is formed by being recessed from a side of the first side wall away from the first support plate toward the inside of the first side wall, and the boss is formed by extending outward from a side of the second side wall away from the second support plate. That is, the slot is located on the first side wall, and the boss is located on the second side wall.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least part of at least one snap-fit ​​structure is configured as a dovetail groove structure, in each dovetail groove structure, the slot is configured as a dovetail groove, the two sides of the dovetail groove are arranged opposite to each other in the length direction of the middle plate, and the width of the dovetail groove gradually increases from the slot opening to the slot bottom, and the boss is configured as a structure matching the shape of the dovetail groove to limit the relative movement of the first middle plate and the second middle plate in the length direction and width direction of the middle plate. The dovetail groove reduces the width of the slot opening, so that the boss is not easy to detach from the slot along the width direction of the middle plate, thereby improving the reliability of the clamping connection.

[0018] In some embodiments, in each dovetail groove structure, the boss has a first end face and a second end face arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the middle plate, and the second end face is arranged toward the second support plate. The first end face and / or the second end face in at least part of the dovetail groove structure is configured as an inclined surface inclined relative to the first plane, and the surface in the dovetail groove arranged opposite to the inclined surface of the boss is configured as a matching inclined surface to limit the relative movement of the first middle plate and the second middle plate in the width direction of the middle plate, wherein the first plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the middle plate.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one snap-fit ​​structure is configured as an inverted structure. In each inverted structure, the boss has a first end face and a second end face that are arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the middle plate, and the second end face is arranged toward the second support plate. The first end face and / or the second end face are configured as an inclined surface inclined relative to the second plane, and the surface in the snap-fit ​​groove that is arranged opposite to the inclined surface of the boss is configured as a matching inclined surface to limit the relative movement of the first middle plate and the second middle plate in the width direction of the middle plate, wherein the second plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the middle plate.

[0020] With the above solution, the boss and the slot are matched by the inclined surface, and the inclined surface on the boss and the inclined surface on the slot are both inclined relative to the first plane or the second plane. When the first middle plate and the second middle plate have a tendency to separate from each other, the inclined surfaces between them counteract each other, and the interaction force between the inclined surfaces can be decomposed into a force along the thickness direction of the middle plate and a force along the width direction of the middle plate, wherein the force along the width direction of the middle plate can prevent the first middle plate and the second middle plate from separating from each other.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least one buckle structure is a plurality of buckle structures. The use of a plurality of buckle structures reduces the risk of the first middle plate and the second middle plate being separated due to failure of a buckle structure, and improves the reliability of the combination of the first middle plate and the second middle plate.

[0022] In some embodiments, a plurality of snap structures constitute at least one row of snap structures, and each row of snap structures in the at least one row of snap structures includes at least two snap structures spaced apart in the length direction of the middle plate. With this structure, the snap structures are arranged in an orderly manner, which is convenient for processing and manufacturing, and can ensure that the joint surface of the first side wall and the second side wall is subjected to uniform force, thereby improving the strength of the connection.

[0023] In some embodiments, at least one row of buckle structures is two rows of buckle structures, and the two rows of buckle structures are arranged at intervals in the thickness direction of the middle plate. It can be understood that the buckle slot does not penetrate the first side wall in the thickness direction of the middle plate, so the buckle structure can limit the relative movement of the first middle plate and the second middle plate in the thickness direction of the middle plate.

[0024] In some embodiments, one of the two columns of snap structures is disposed on the top surface of the side wall of the hinge accommodating area, and the other column of snap structures is disposed on the bottom surface of the side wall of the hinge accommodating area, wherein the top surface of the side wall of the hinge accommodating area is connected to the first surface of the first support plate, and the bottom surface of the side wall of the hinge accommodating area is connected to the second surface of the second support plate, thereby improving the flatness of the surface of the foldable electronic device and enhancing the user experience of consumers.

[0025] In some embodiments, the limiting structure includes at least one buckling structure, and each of the at least one buckling structure includes a buckling structure body and a buckling groove that buckle with each other.

[0026] The snap-fit ​​structure is formed by extending outward from a side surface of the second side wall away from the second support plate, and includes a cantilever and two connecting arms spaced apart along the length direction of the cantilever. The cantilever is spaced apart relative to the second side wall, one end of each of the two connecting arms is connected to the cantilever, and the other end of each connecting arm is connected to the second side wall. A snap-fit ​​groove is formed on the first side wall and is configured as a groove structure matching the shape of the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0027] The buckling structure has a top surface and a bottom surface that are arranged opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the middle plate, and a side surface that connects the top surface and the bottom surface and faces away from the second side wall. After assembly, the top surface of the buckling structure is located in the same plane as the top surface of the first support plate, and the bottom surface and the side surface of the buckling structure abut against the buckling groove, which limits the movement of the second middle plate in the thickness direction of the middle plate toward the second support plate, and limits the movement of the second middle plate in the width direction of the middle plate toward the first side wall. The protruding portion of the buckling groove extends into the gap between the two connecting arms, which limits the relative movement of the first middle plate and the second middle plate in the width direction of the middle plate.

[0028] In some embodiments, the second support plate is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, and the second support plate can be fixed and detachably connected to the shaft mechanism by inserting fasteners into each of the plurality of mounting holes, wherein the axes of each of the plurality of mounting holes are not in the same plane. The second support plate and the shaft mechanism are connected by fasteners, and the connection is firm and can be flexibly disassembled, so that the replacement and maintenance of the structural parts can be realized easily.

[0029] In some embodiments, an accommodating space is provided on the second middle plate at a position corresponding to at least some of the multiple mounting holes, and each accommodating space is formed by being recessed into the interior of the second support plate along the width direction of the middle plate from the second side wall toward a side surface of the first side wall, and is connected to the corresponding mounting hole.

[0030] A protruding reinforcement plate corresponding to each accommodating space is provided on one side surface of the first side wall facing the second side wall. The reinforcement plate extends into the corresponding accommodating space and is provided with a connecting hole aligned with the corresponding mounting hole. Fasteners are inserted through each connecting hole and the corresponding mounting hole, so that the second support plate and the reinforcement plate can be fixed and detachably connected to the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0031] By adopting the above scheme, the second support plate and the reinforcement plate of the first middle plate are connected by fasteners, the combination position of the first middle plate and the second middle plate is increased, and on the basis of the limiting structure on the first side wall and the second side wall, the connection structural strength of the first middle plate and the second middle plate is further improved.

[0032] In some embodiments, the reinforcing plate is entirely embedded in the interior of the second supporting plate.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first middle plate further includes at least one extension, each of the at least one extension extends from a side of the first side wall away from the first support plate toward the second support plate, a notch is set at a position of the second middle plate corresponding to each extension, the extension is located in the notch, and the extension has a first surface and a second surface that are set opposite to each other along its thickness direction, the first surface of the extension is connected to the first surface of the second support plate, the second surface of the extension is connected to the second surface of the second support plate, and at least one extension and the second support plate together constitute the bottom plate of the shaft accommodating area. The extension is used to achieve electrical connection between the first middle plate and the shaft.

[0034] In some embodiments, each extension portion is provided with a fixing hole and a spring clip installation groove. By inserting a fastener in the fixing hole, the extension portion can be fixed and detachably connected to the rotating shaft mechanism. An annular insulating film surrounding the fixing hole is attached to the outer peripheral area of ​​the fixing hole. The insulating film is non-conductive and can prevent galvanic corrosion from occurring in the covered area. A spring clip is installed in the spring clip installation groove, and the spring clip abuts against the rotating shaft mechanism to achieve electrical connection between the first middle plate and the rotating shaft mechanism, and an annular foam surrounding the spring clip is provided on the inner wall surface of the spring clip installation groove. The annular foam plays a waterproof role and prevents galvanic corrosion by preventing electrolyte from entering the spring clip installation groove.

[0035] In some embodiments, an escape space is provided between the first middle plate and the second middle plate for the signal line to pass through.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first middle plate is an integrated structure made of an alloy material, and the second middle plate is an integrated structure made of an alloy material or plastic.

[0037] In some embodiments, when the first middle plate and the second middle plate are both an integral structure made of an alloy material, the density of the first middle plate is less than the density of the second middle plate.

[0038] The shaft mechanism has a matching component in contact with the second middle plate. The matching component is made of an alloy. The absolute value of the potential difference between the alloy material of the matching component and the alloy material of the second middle plate is smaller than the absolute value of the potential difference between the alloy material of the matching component and the alloy material of the first middle plate.

[0039] The greater the potential difference between the two metals, the greater the tendency of galvanic corrosion. The above solution can reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion between the shaft mechanism and the first middle plate while reducing the weight of the whole machine.

[0040] In some embodiments, when the first middle plate and the second middle plate are both an integrated structure made of alloy materials, the material of the first middle plate is a magnesium alloy, and the material of the second middle plate is an aluminum alloy. The material of the shaft mechanism is generally stainless steel. The potential difference between the aluminum alloy and the stainless steel shaft mechanism is smaller than the potential difference between the magnesium alloy and the stainless steel shaft mechanism, and the density of the magnesium alloy is lower than the density of the aluminum alloy. By adopting this structure, the contact area between the magnesium alloy and the shaft mechanism is reduced, and the galvanic corrosion is controlled within a certain range, while taking into account the weight reduction of the whole machine.

[0041] The embodiment of the present application also provides a foldable electronic device, including a hinge mechanism, a first shell and a second shell arranged on both sides of the hinge mechanism, the first shell and the second shell are rotatably connected by the hinge mechanism, so that the first shell and the second shell can be relatively unfolded or relatively folded. At least one of the first shell and the second shell adopts the shell provided by any of the above embodiments. The foldable electronic device provided by the present application can reduce or even eliminate the risk of galvanic corrosion while achieving weight reduction of the whole machine, thereby reducing the risk of hinge jamming and screen failure, improving the life of the foldable electronic device, and improving the user experience.

[0042] In some embodiments, each of the first shell and the second shell adopts the shell provided by any of the above embodiments.

[0043] In some embodiments, the pivot mechanism includes a base, a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm arranged on both sides of the base, one end of the first pivot arm is rotatably connected to one side of the base, and the other end is connected to the pivot accommodating area of ​​the middle plate of the first shell through a first connecting bracket, one end of the second pivot arm is rotatably connected to the other side of the base, and the other end is connected to the pivot accommodating area of ​​the middle plate of the second shell through a second connecting bracket to realize the combination of the pivot area and the middle plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a housing of a foldable electronic device in some solutions;

[0045] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the housing and the hinge mechanism of the foldable electronic device in some solutions;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 4a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in an open state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 4b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 4c This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a folding process according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cooperation between the hinge mechanism and the housing of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the principle structure of the housing of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the principle structure of the cooperation between the housing and the rotating shaft mechanism of the foldable electronic device in the embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 8a This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the housing of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 8b This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the housing of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Fig. 9 for Figure 8a Sectional view in the II direction;

[0056] Fig.10 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first middle plate in a housing of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Fig.11 This is a schematic structural diagram of a second middle plate in a housing of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 12a-12c This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dovetail groove structure in the housing of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 13a-Figure 13c This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inverted structure in the housing of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 14a-14d This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the buckling structure in the housing of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of connection between the housing and the hinge mechanism of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Fig.16a for Fig.11 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the EE direction;

[0063] Fig.16b This is a schematic structural diagram of a reinforcing plate of a first middle plate in a housing of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Fig.17 It is a schematic structural diagram of an extension portion of a first middle plate in a housing of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0065] Description of reference numerals:

[0066] Some solutions:

[0067] 100', shell; 1', middle plate;

[0068] 200', rotating shaft mechanism.

[0069] This application:

[0070] 100. Foldable electronic devices;

[0071] 10. Shell assembly;

[0072] 20. Rotating shaft mechanism; 201. First rotating arm; 202. First connecting bracket; 203. Base;

[0073] 30. screen; 301. first part; 302. second part; 303. foldable part;

[0074] 101, first shell; 102, second shell; 10x, shell;

[0075] 110, middle plate; 120, frame;

[0076] A. Shaft accommodation area; B. Non-shaft accommodation area;

[0077] 1. The first middle plate;

[0078] 11, first side wall; 11a, inner wall surface; 11b, outer wall surface; 11c, upper surface; 11d, lower surface;

[0079] 12. first support plate; 12a. first surface; 12b. second surface;

[0080] 2. Second middle plate;

[0081] 21, second side wall; 21a, inner wall surface; 21b, outer wall surface; 21c, upper surface; 21d, lower surface;

[0082] 22, second support plate; 22a, first surface; 22b, second surface;

[0083] 3. Buckle structure; 31. Slot; 32. Boss; 33. First end surface; 34. Second end surface;

[0084] 3a, dovetail groove structure; 31a, dovetail groove; 32a, boss; 33a, first end surface; 34a, second end surface; M, first plane;

[0085] 3b, undercut structure; 31b, slot; 32b, boss; 33b, first end surface; 34b, second end surface; N, second plane;

[0086] 4. buckle structure; 41. buckle structure; 42. buckle groove;

[0087] 411, cantilever; 412, connecting arm;

[0088] 41a, top surface; 41b, bottom surface; 41c, side surface;

[0089] 51. Mounting hole; 52. Connection hole; 53. Fixing hole;

[0090] 61. Accommodation space; 62. Reinforcement plate;

[0091] 71, extension portion; 71a, first surface; 71b, second surface; 72, notch;

[0092] 8. Shrapnel installation slot;

[0093] 9. Avoidance space;

[0094] Z, the thickness direction of the middle plate; X, the width direction of the middle plate; Y, the length direction of the middle plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present application, and those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present application from the contents disclosed in this specification. Although the description of the present application will be combined with some embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to the implementation. On the contrary, the purpose of introducing the application in combination with the implementation is to cover other options or modifications that may be extended based on the claims of the present application. In order to provide a deep understanding of the present application, some descriptions will contain many specific details. The present application can also be implemented without using these details. In addition, in order to avoid confusion or blurring the focus of the present application, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0096] In the description of this 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, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or mutual communication; it can be a direct connection, or 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 this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0097] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "side", "inner", "outer", "top", "bottom" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on installation, which are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0098] In the description of this application, limitations such as colinearity, coaxiality, coplanarity, symmetry, parallelism, and perpendicularity are all based on the current technological level, rather than being absolutely strict definitions in a mathematical sense.

[0099] It should also be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, the same figure mark is used to represent the same component or the same part. For the same parts in the embodiments of the present application, the figure may only mark one of the parts or parts as an example. It should be understood that the figure mark also applies to other identical parts or parts.

[0100] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the implementation methods of the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0101] A foldable electronic device generally includes a housing assembly and a display screen, wherein the housing assembly is used to support the display screen. The housing assembly includes two housings and a hinge mechanism rotatably connected between the two housings, wherein each housing includes a middle plate and an outer frame arranged around the outer periphery of the middle plate, and the two sides of the hinge mechanism are respectively connected to the middle plates of the two housings. In the industry, the middle plates of foldable electronic devices are mostly one-piece structures made of alloy materials, that is, the entire middle plate is made of the same alloy material.

[0102] See also Figure 1-Figure 2 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a housing of a foldable electronic device in some solutions; Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the coordination between the housing and the hinge mechanism of a foldable electronic device in some solutions.

[0103] like Figure 1-Figure 2As shown, the middle plate 1' of the housing 100' of the foldable electronic device is an integrated structure made of alloy material, that is, the entire middle plate 1' is made of the same alloy material, and the hinge mechanism 200' of the foldable electronic device is installed on the middle plate 1' and has a large area of ​​contact with the middle plate 1'. Different alloys have different properties. Limited by a single material, the middle plate 1' of this integrated structure cannot take into account multiple properties. For example, in order to reduce the weight of the fuselage, some manufacturers use alloy materials with low density (for example, magnesium alloy) to manufacture the middle plate 1'. The alloy material with low density can be, for example, magnesium alloy. However, the chemical properties of magnesium alloy are unstable and the corrosion resistance is poor. The potential difference between magnesium alloy and the material used in the hinge mechanism (for example, stainless steel) is large, which leads to galvanic corrosion between the middle plate and the hinge mechanism. The degree of galvanic corrosion is relatively serious, and more corrosion products are generated. These corrosion products are accumulated at the position where the middle plate and the hinge mechanism cooperate, which easily causes the hinge mechanism to get stuck and the screen to be pushed up and fail. These problems affect the user experience of consumers. If a chemically stable alloy material (eg, aluminum alloy) is used to make the middle plate in order to reduce galvanic corrosion between the hinge mechanism and the middle plate, the weight of the fuselage may increase due to the high density of the material, which is not conducive to making the fuselage lighter.

[0104] Therefore, the shell of foldable electronic devices is limited to a single material and cannot take into account multiple properties. For example, it is difficult to achieve stable chemical properties while reducing the weight of the body, which affects consumers' usage experience.

[0105] To solve the above problems, the present application provides a shell for a foldable electronic device and a foldable electronic device. By setting the middle plate of the shell to a first middle plate and a second middle plate made of different materials, the diversity of the middle plate material is improved, and the selection is more flexible, which is conducive to achieving a balance between the physical properties and chemical properties of the middle plate, and can take into account multiple performances. For example, it can achieve stable chemical properties while reducing the weight of the fuselage, thereby improving consumers' user experience.

[0106] The foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application may be a foldable screen mobile phone, a foldable computer, a foldable e-reader, a foldable display, a wearable device, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific type of the foldable electronic device. The following is an example of a foldable screen mobile phone to illustrate the structure of the foldable electronic device.

[0107] See also Figure 3-4c , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in an open state according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4c This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device during the folding process according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0108] like Figure 3-4c As shown, the foldable electronic device 100 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102 and a hinge mechanism 20. The first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are rotatably connected by the hinge mechanism 20 to realize the opening and folding of the foldable electronic device 100. Among them, each housing 10x in the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 is a frame part of the foldable electronic device 100, which is used to support and protect the internal components of the foldable electronic device 100. The first housing 101, the second housing 102 and the hinge mechanism 20 together constitute a housing assembly 10.

[0109] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the specific structures of the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 are not limited. In one embodiment, the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 can both include a middle plate 110 and an outer frame 120 arranged around the outer periphery of the middle plate. The middle plate 110 is used to install a circuit board and support electronic components. The specific structure of the shell will be described in detail later.

[0110] It should be noted that the foldable electronic device 100 has an open state and a folded state. The first housing 101 and the second housing 102 can both rotate around the hinge mechanism 20, so that the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 rotate relative to each other. When the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 rotate relative to each other to be coplanar, the foldable electronic device is in an open state and a folded state. Figure 4a In the open state shown, the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are opened at a certain angle. In an exemplary scenario, when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the open state, the angle between the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 is 180°. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the angle between the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 can be 90°, 120°, 210°, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0111] Furthermore, when the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are relatively rotated to overlap each other, the foldable electronic device 100 is Figure 4b In the folded state shown, the angle between the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 can be approximately regarded as 0°.

[0112] It should be noted that the angles illustrated in the present application are all allowed to have a slight deviation. For example, when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the open state, the open angle can be 180°, or approximately 180°, such as 170°, 175°, 185° or 190°, and the same understanding can be made for other angles in the following text.

[0113] like Figure 4c As shown, the foldable electronic device 100 can also be in a state between the folded state and the opened state. For example, the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 can also form a certain angle, so that the foldable electronic device 100 can be switched to a usage mode where it can be placed on a desktop. At this time, the first housing 101 can be placed on a placement surface such as a desk or a storage table to ensure that the foldable electronic device 100 is placed stably.

[0114] In one embodiment, the foldable electronic device further includes a screen 30 and a back cover, and the screen 30 and the back cover are relatively arranged on both sides of the housing assembly 10 in the thickness direction of the foldable electronic device 100. Among them, the back cover is used to protect the internal structure of the foldable electronic device 100, and is also called a battery cover. The screen 30 is used to present images and realize human-computer interaction. Optionally, the screen 30 can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode or an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (miniorganic light-emitting diode) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (micro organic light-emitting diode) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (microorganic light-emitting diode) display screen, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (quantum dot light-emitting diodes, QLED) display screen, etc., and this application is not limited to this.

[0115] Furthermore, the screen 30 includes a first portion 301, a second portion 302 and a foldable portion 303. The first portion 301 is connected to the first housing 101, the second portion 302 is connected to the second housing 102, and the foldable portion 303 is located between the first portion 301 and the second portion 302, and is arranged corresponding to the hinge mechanism 20. During the use of the foldable electronic device 100, the first portion 301 and the second portion 302 always maintain a planar state, while the foldable portion 303 can be bent. When the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 rotate relative to each other under the drive of the hinge mechanism 20, the first portion 301 and the second portion 302 of the screen 30 also rotate relative to each other under the drive of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102, so as to realize the opening and folding of the screen 30.

[0116] Optionally, the screen 30 can be a flexible screen that is foldable as a whole, or the screen 30 can also be a combination of a rigid screen and a flexible screen, for example, the foldable part 303 is a foldable flexible screen, the first part 301 and the second part 302 are rigid screens, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0117] It should be noted that the foldable electronic device 100 provided in the present application may be an outward-folding electronic device or an inward-folding electronic device, such as Figure 3-4c As shown, in one embodiment, the foldable electronic device 100 is an inward-folding electronic device. When the inward-folding electronic device is in a folded state, the housing assembly 10 surrounds the outside of the screen 30. Or it can be understood that the first part 301 and the second part 302 of the screen 30 are arranged facing each other. When the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are relatively rotated to be coplanar, the foldable electronic device 100 is in a Figure 4a In the open state shown in the figure, the angle between the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 is 180°, so that the foldable electronic device 100 can realize a large screen display, which can provide users with a wider field of view, provide more abundant information, and bring users a better user experience. When the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 are relatively rotated to overlap each other, the foldable electronic device 100 is Figure 4b In the folded state shown, the angle between the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 can be approximately regarded as 0°. At this time, the foldable electronic device 100 has a smaller volume, which is convenient for users to carry it in a storage box. The screen 30 is inside, and the shell assembly 10 can protect the screen 30.

[0118] Optionally, the foldable electronic device 100 may further include: a processor, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a charging management module, a power management module, a battery, a microphone, a motor, a speaker, a mobile communication module, an antenna, a wireless communication module, an audio module, an earphone interface, a sensor module, a button, a camera, and a user identification module. It should be understood that Figure 3-4c The foldable electronic device 100 shown is only an example of a foldable electronic device and does not constitute a specific limitation on the foldable electronic device of the embodiment of the present application. The foldable electronic device may have more or fewer components than those shown in the figure.

[0119] Those skilled in the art can understand that the specific structure of the hinge mechanism 20 is not limited. It should be understood that the hinge mechanism 20 of the foldable electronic device 100 is installed on the first shell 101 and the second shell 102, and there is a large area of ​​contact between the hinge mechanism 20 and the first shell 101 and the second shell 102. The following is an exemplary description of the possible structure of the hinge mechanism 20 and the contact position between the hinge mechanism 20 and the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0120] See also Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the hinge mechanism and the housing of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0121] It should be noted that the hinge mechanism 20 can adopt a symmetrical design or an asymmetrical design, and the present application does not limit this. The two sides of the hinge mechanism 20 are respectively connected to the first shell 101 and the second shell 102, and the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 can also adopt a symmetrical or asymmetrical design. In one embodiment, the shell assembly 10 adopts a symmetrical design as a whole, that is, the two sides of the hinge mechanism 20 are symmetrical, and the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 are also symmetrical. The drawings provided in the present application only show half of the symmetrical structure, that is, Figure 5 The housing 10x in the figure can be the first housing 101 or the second housing 102. The figure takes the first housing 101 as an example, and the rotating shaft mechanism 20 also only shows the partial structure that cooperates with the first housing 101.

[0122] like Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the rotating shaft mechanism 20 includes a base 203, a first rotating arm 201 and a second rotating arm (not shown in the figure) disposed on both sides of the base 203, one end of the first rotating arm 201 is rotatably connected to one side of the base 203, and the other end is connected to the middle plate 110 of the first shell 101 through a first connecting bracket 202, one end of the second rotating arm is rotatably connected to the other side of the base 203, and the other end is connected to the middle plate 110 of the second shell 102 through a second connecting bracket (not shown in the figure), so as to realize the combination of the rotating shaft mechanism 20 and the middle plate 110. Among them, the middle plate 110 of the first shell 101 and the middle plate 110 of the second shell 102 are both provided with a rotating shaft accommodating area A, the first rotating arm 201 is connected to the rotating shaft accommodating area A of the middle plate 110 of the first shell 101, and the second rotating arm is also connected to the rotating shaft accommodating area A of the middle plate 110 of the second shell 102, and the area on the middle plate 110 other than the rotating shaft accommodating area A is a non-rotating shaft accommodating area B. It can be understood that the shaft accommodating area A on each middle plate is the position where the shaft mechanism 20 contacts the shell.

[0123] It should be noted that the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 can adopt a symmetrical design or an asymmetrical design. The structure of a shell 10x is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the other shell can also adopt the structure described below.

[0124] See also Figure 6-Figure 7 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the principle structure of the housing of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the principle structure of the cooperation between the housing and the hinge mechanism of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0125] like Figure 3-4c , Figure 6 As shown, the shell 10x includes a middle plate 110 and a frame 120. The middle plate 110 has sufficient structural strength to resist bending, impact and fracture, and is used to support and protect the internal components of the foldable electronic device 100. The frame 120 surrounds and connects to the outer peripheral side of the middle plate 110. The frame 120 can be a metal frame or a non-metal frame (such as a plastic frame, a glass frame, etc.), and the present application does not limit this. The frame 120 of the first shell 101 is connected and fixed to the first part 301, and / or the non-rotating axis accommodating area B of the first shell 101 can also be connected and fixed to the first part 301. The frame 120 of the second shell 102 is connected and fixed to the second part 302, and / or the non-rotating axis accommodating area B of the second shell 102 can also be connected and fixed to the second part 302, so that the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 can firmly support the screen 30.

[0126] Further, the middle plate 110 has a shaft accommodating area A and a non-shaft accommodating area B, the shaft accommodating area A is used to accommodate and install the shaft mechanism 20 of the foldable electronic device 100, and the other area is the non-shaft accommodating area B. It can be understood that the shaft accommodating area A of the shell is arranged on the middle plate 110, and the shaft mechanism 20 contacts the shaft accommodating area A on the middle plate 110, but does not contact the non-shaft accommodating area B.

[0127] Furthermore, the middle plate 110 includes a first middle plate 1 and a second middle plate 2 connected to each other, at least a portion of the first middle plate 1 constitutes at least a portion of the non-rotating shaft accommodating area B, at least a portion of the second middle plate 2 constitutes at least a portion of the rotating shaft accommodating area A, and the material of the first middle plate 1 is different from the material of the second middle plate 2.

[0128] Or it can be understood that the middle plate 110 is composed of a first middle plate 1 and a second middle plate 2 made of different materials, and the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 cooperate with each other to form a shaft accommodating area A and a non-shaft accommodating area B on the middle plate 110. Among them, the shaft accommodating area A is mainly used to accommodate and install the shaft mechanism 20 of the foldable electronic device 100, and the non-shaft accommodating area B is mainly used to support and protect the internal components of the foldable electronic device 100. At least part of the middle plate of the first middle plate 1 constitutes at least part of the non-shaft accommodating area B, and at least part of the middle plate of the second middle plate 2 constitutes at least part of the shaft accommodating area A. It can be understood that the shaft accommodating area A is mainly composed of the second middle plate 2, and the non-shaft accommodating area B is mainly composed of the first middle plate 1.

[0129] Since the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 adopt a split structure and use different materials, the diversity of the middle plate materials is improved, and the selection is more flexible, which is conducive to achieving a balance between the physical properties and chemical properties of the middle plate. For example, the contact area between the second middle plate 2 and the rotating shaft mechanism 20 is large, and a material with relatively stable chemical properties can be selected, or the first middle plate 1 can be selected according to the material of the rotating shaft mechanism to reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion between the first middle plate 1 and the rotating shaft mechanism 20. The contact area between the first middle plate 1 and the rotating shaft mechanism 20 is small, so the main focus can be on physical properties, and lightweight materials with low density can be selected to reduce the weight of the fuselage. Therefore, the shell material selection provided by the present application is more flexible, which can achieve stable chemical properties while reducing the weight of the fuselage, thereby improving the consumer's user experience.

[0130] Those skilled in the art can understand that the materials of the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 are not limited, for example, the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 can be made of metal or plastic, etc., and can be specifically designed as needed. In one embodiment, the first middle plate 1 is an integrated structure made of an alloy material, and the second middle plate 2 is an integrated structure made of an alloy material or plastic.

[0131] Furthermore, the density of the first middle plate 1 is less than that of the second middle plate 2, so as to reduce the weight of the body of the foldable electronic device. In addition, the hinge mechanism 20 has a matching component (such as each rotating arm) in contact with the second middle plate 2, and the material of the matching component is an alloy, and the absolute value of the potential difference between the alloy material of the matching component and the alloy material of the second middle plate 2 is less than the absolute value of the potential difference between the alloy material of the matching component and the alloy material of the first middle plate 1. The greater the potential difference between the two metals, the greater the tendency of galvanic corrosion between the two. A smaller potential difference can reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion. By adopting the above scheme, an alloy material with a small density and an alloy material with a small potential difference with the hinge mechanism are combined. Compared with the middle plate using a certain alloy material, this structure can reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion between the hinge mechanism 20 and the middle plate 110 while achieving the weight reduction of the fuselage.

[0132] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the specific materials used for the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 are not limited. In one embodiment, the material of the first middle plate 1 can be a magnesium alloy. Magnesium alloy has the advantages of low density, high specific strength, and good heat dissipation performance. Magnesium is a light metal with a density of 1.74 g / cm 3, which is about 2 / 3 of aluminum and 1 / 4 of steel, which is of great significance for achieving weight reduction of foldable devices. Under the same rigidity conditions, the strength of 1kg of magnesium alloy is approximately equal to 18kg of aluminum or 2kg of steel, which can effectively support and protect the internal components of foldable electronic devices. The high heat dissipation performance of magnesium alloy is also very suitable for foldable electronic devices with dense electronic components. However, the standard electrode potential of Mg is -2.36V, which is the most negative among industrial alloys, and the oxidation products of Mg are loose and porous, so Mg and its alloys have poor corrosion resistance, show high chemical and electrochemical activity, and are prone to galvanic corrosion with other metals. Therefore, the second middle plate with a large contact area with the hinge mechanism cannot be made of magnesium alloy material.

[0133] In one embodiment, the material of the second middle plate 2 can be an aluminum alloy. The electrode potential of aluminum is -1.66V, most of the rotating shaft mechanism 20 is made of stainless steel, the electrode potential of iron is -0.44V, and the potential difference between stainless steel and magnesium alloy is about 1.93V. Galvanic corrosion is likely to occur at the contact part in salt spray, seaside and other environments. However, the potential difference between aluminum alloy and stainless steel is about 1.22V, which is less than the potential difference between magnesium alloy and stainless steel. Therefore, the galvanic corrosion tendency between the second middle plate 2 of aluminum alloy and the stainless steel rotating shaft mechanism 20 is small. In other alternative embodiments, the material of the second middle plate 2 can also be other alloys. For example, the material of the second middle plate 2 can be a titanium alloy. The electrode potential of titanium is -1.63V, and the potential difference between it and stainless steel is about 1.19V, which is less than the potential difference between magnesium alloy and stainless steel. Therefore, the galvanic corrosion tendency between the second middle plate 2 of titanium alloy and the stainless steel rotating shaft mechanism 20 is small. Alternatively, the material of the second middle plate 2 can be zinc alloy, the electrode potential of zinc is -0.76V, and the potential difference between zinc and stainless steel is about 0.32V, which is also smaller than the potential difference between magnesium alloy and stainless steel. The present application does not limit the material of the second middle plate 2.

[0134] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the size and position of the area constituting the non-rotating shaft accommodating area B in the first middle plate 1 and the area constituting the rotating shaft accommodating area A in the second middle plate 2 are not limited. For example, the rotating shaft accommodating area A can be jointly constituted by a part of the area in the first middle plate 1 and a part of the area in the second middle plate 2, and the non-rotating shaft accommodating area B can also be jointly constituted by a part of the area in the first middle plate 1 and a part of the area in the second middle plate 2, or, the rotating shaft accommodating area A can also be constituted only by the second middle plate 2, and the area of ​​the non-rotating shaft accommodating area B can also be constituted only by the first middle plate 1, etc. In one embodiment, a part of the middle plate of the first middle plate 1 constitutes all areas of the non-rotating shaft accommodating area B, and the other parts of the middle plate of the first middle plate 1 and the entire second middle plate 2 together constitute all areas of the rotating shaft accommodating area A. It can be understood that: the non-rotating shaft accommodating area B is entirely constituted by the first middle plate 1, and the rotating shaft accommodating area A is constituted by all areas on the second middle plate 2 and the area on the first middle plate 1 other than the non-rotating shaft accommodating area B. In other alternative embodiments, the entire first middle plate 1 may constitute all areas of the non-shaft accommodating area B, and the entire second middle plate 2 may constitute all areas of the shaft accommodating area A, which will not be listed one by one in this application.

[0135] Those skilled in the art can understand that the specific structure of the middle plate is not limited. The following is an exemplary description of the structure that can be adopted by the middle plate of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0136] See also Figure 8a-Figure 11 , Figure 8a This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the housing of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 8b This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the housing of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig. 9 for Figure 8a Sectional view in the II direction; Fig.10 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first middle plate in a housing of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second middle plate in the shell of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0137] like Figure 8a-Figure 11 As shown, for ease of understanding, the figure shows the thickness direction Z of the middle plate, the length direction Y of the middle plate, and the width direction X of the middle plate. Among them, the thickness direction Z of the middle plate can be the thickness direction of the foldable electronic device, the length direction Y of the middle plate can be the length direction of the foldable electronic device, such as the extension direction of the shaft in the shaft mechanism, the width direction X of the middle plate can be the width direction of the foldable electronic device, and the thickness direction Z of the middle plate, the length direction Y of the middle plate, and the width direction X of the middle plate are perpendicular to each other.

[0138] In one embodiment, the first middle plate 1 includes a first side wall 11 and a first support plate 12, and the second middle plate 2 includes a second side wall 21 and a second support plate 22. The first support plate 12 has a first surface 12a and a second surface 12b disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction Z of the middle plate, and the first side wall 11 is connected to a side edge of the first support plate 12 and protrudes from the second surface 12b of the first support plate 12.

[0139] The first side wall 11 has an inner wall surface 11a facing the first support plate 12 and an outer wall surface 11b facing away from the first support plate 12, and an upper surface 11c and a lower surface 11d connected to the inner wall surface 11a and the outer wall surface 11b, and the upper surface 11c and the lower surface 11b are arranged opposite to each other along the thickness direction Z of the middle plate. At the connection between the first side wall 11 and the first support plate 12, the upper surface 11c of the first side wall 11 and the first surface 12a of the first support plate 12 are on the same horizontal plane, that is, the upper surface 11c of the first side wall 11 and the first surface 12a of the first support plate 12 are flush.

[0140] Further, the second support plate 22 has a first surface 22a and a second surface 22b disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction Z of the middle plate, and the second side wall 21 is connected to a side edge of the second support plate 22 and protrudes from the first surface 22a of the second support plate 22. The second side wall 21 has an inner wall surface 21a facing the second support plate 22 and an outer wall surface 21b facing away from the second support plate 22, and an upper surface 21c and a lower surface 21d connected to the inner wall surface 21a and the outer wall surface 21b, and the upper surface 21c and the lower surface 21d are disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction Z. At the connection between the second side wall 21 and the second support plate 22, the lower surface 21d of the second side wall 21 and the second surface 22b of the second support plate 22 are on the same horizontal plane, that is, the lower surface 21d of the second side wall 21 is flush with the second surface 22b of the second support plate 22.

[0141] Further, the first side wall 11 is connected to the second side wall 21, the second support plate 22 is located outside the edge of one side of the first support plate 12, and is spaced apart from the first support plate 12 in the thickness direction Z, and the surface of the first support plate 12 facing the second support plate 22 is the second surface 12b of the first support plate 12, and the surface of the second support plate 22 facing the first support plate 12 is the first surface 22a of the second support plate 22. The first support plate 12 as a whole constitutes all areas of the non-rotating shaft accommodating area B, and the second support plate 22, the second side wall 21 and the first side wall 11 as a whole constitute at least part of the rotating shaft accommodating area A. Among them, the second support plate 22 constitutes the bottom plate of the rotating shaft accommodating area A, and the whole of the second side wall 21 and part of the first side wall 11 together constitute the side wall of the rotating shaft accommodating area A, and together with the second support plate 22, surround and form a space for accommodating the rotating shaft mechanism 20.

[0142] With this structure, the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 22 are separated by the side wall of the hinge accommodating area A, and the hinge mechanism 20 of the foldable electronic device 100 only contacts the side wall and the bottom wall of the hinge accommodating area A, and does not contact the first support plate 12, thereby preventing galvanic corrosion between the hinge mechanism 20 and the first support plate 12, preventing the risk that the first support plate 12 cannot support and protect the internal components after being corroded, and avoiding the problem of screen failure caused by the accumulation of corrosion products. The side wall of the hinge accommodating area A is composed of the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 21. The connection structure between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 21 is used to firmly combine the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 to prevent relative movement, while reducing the contact area between the hinge mechanism 20 and the first side wall 11, reducing the tendency of galvanic corrosion between the first side wall 11 and the hinge mechanism 20, and thus reducing the risk of hinge jamming. In some alternative embodiments, due to limitations of installation space or internal structure, etc., the entire second side wall 21 may independently constitute the side wall of the shaft accommodating area A, and the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0143] In one embodiment, a limiting structure is provided at the position where the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 21 meet, and the limiting structure is configured to: relatively fix the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2, so as to connect and fix the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2, and limit the relative movement therebetween. The present application does not limit the specific structure and limiting method of the limiting structure, and the following exemplarily illustrates its possible structure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0144] See also Figure 12a-Figure 14d , Figure 12a-12c This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dovetail groove structure in the housing of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 13a-Figure 13c This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inverted structure in the housing of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 14a-14d It is a structural schematic diagram of the buckling structure in the shell of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0145] like Figure 10-11 , 12a- Fig.14d As shown, in one embodiment, the limiting structure includes at least one snap-fit ​​structure 3, and the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 are snap-fitted and connected through the snap-fit ​​structure 3. Further, each snap-fit ​​structure 3 includes a slot 31 and a boss 32 snapped into the slot, and the boss 32 is snapped into the slot 31, thereby limiting the relative movement of the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2. It should be noted that the specific number of the snap-fit ​​structures 3 is not limited, for example, 1, 2 or more snap-fit ​​structures can be set.

[0146] In one embodiment, a plurality of snap structures 3 are provided between the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2. The use of a plurality of snap structures 3 reduces the risk of separation of the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 due to failure of a snap structure 3, and improves the reliability of the combination.

[0147] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the arrangement of the multiple snap structures 3. In one embodiment, the multiple snap structures 3 constitute at least one column of snap structures 3, and each column of snap structures 3 includes at least two snap structures 3 arranged at intervals in the length direction Y of the middle plate. This arrangement is convenient for processing and manufacturing, and can ensure that the joint surface of the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 21 is uniformly stressed in the length direction, prevent local deformation, and improve the strength of the connection. In one embodiment, the multiple snap structures 3 constitute two columns of snap structures, and the two columns of snap structures 3 are arranged at intervals in the thickness direction Z of the middle plate. It can be understood that each slot 31 does not pass through the first side wall 11 along the thickness direction Z of the middle plate. Therefore, the relative movement of the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 in the thickness direction Z of the middle plate can be limited. In addition, the two columns of snap structures 3 make the combination tighter, the surface of the electronic device is smoother, and the consumer's experience is improved.

[0148] It should be noted that the positions of the two rows of snap structures 3 are not limited. In one embodiment, one of the two rows of snap structures 3 is disposed on the top surface of the side wall of the shaft accommodating area A, and the other row of snap structures 3 is disposed on the bottom surface of the side wall of the shaft accommodating area A, wherein the top surface of the side wall of the shaft accommodating area A is connected to the first surface 12a of the first support plate 12, and the bottom surface of the side wall of the shaft accommodating area A is connected to the second surface 22b of the second support plate 22. In combination with the structures of each snap structure 3, the boss 32 has a first end face 33 and a second end face 34 that are relatively disposed along the thickness direction Z of the middle plate, the first end face 33 faces away from the second support plate 22, and the second end face 34 faces the second support plate 22. The first end face 33 of the boss 32 in one row of snap structures 3 is at the same horizontal plane as the first surface 12a of the first support plate 12, and the second end face 34 of the boss 32 in another row of snap structures 3 is at the same horizontal plane as the second surface 22b of the second support plate 22, making the surface of the middle plate smoother and easier to process.

[0149] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the specific positions of the slots 31 and bosses 32 in each snap structure 3 are not limited, one of which can be located on the first side wall 11 and the other on the second side wall 21. In one embodiment, the slot 31 is located on the first side wall 11 and the boss 32 is located on the second side wall 21. The slot 31 is formed by being recessed from the outer wall surface 11b of the first side wall 11 away from the first support plate 12 toward the inside of the first side wall 11, and the boss 32 is formed by extending outward from the outer wall surface 21b of the second side wall 21 away from the second support plate 22 toward the first support plate 12. When the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 have a tendency to separate from each other, the slot 31 and the boss 32 can abut against each other, thereby limiting the relative movement of the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 in the length direction Y of the middle plate, and can also limit the movement of the second middle plate 2 along the width direction X of the middle plate toward the first middle plate 1, so as to prevent the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 from separating from each other.

[0150] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific shape of the buckle structure 3 is not limited.

[0151] like Figure 12a-Figure 12c As shown, in one embodiment, at least part of the buckle structure 3 is set as a dovetail groove structure 3a. The specific number of dovetail groove structures 3a is not limited, for example, 8, 10, 12, etc. In each dovetail groove structure 3a, the slot 31 is set as a dovetail groove 31a, the notch of the dovetail groove 31a and the bottom of the groove are arranged oppositely in the width direction X of the middle plate, and the two side surfaces connected to the notch and the bottom of the groove are arranged oppositely in the length direction Y of the middle plate, and the groove width of the dovetail groove 31a gradually increases from the notch to the bottom of the groove. The boss 32a is set as a structure matching the dovetail groove 31a. The dovetail groove 31a reduces the width of the opening of the slot 31. In addition to playing the role of the slot 31, it can also limit the movement of the second middle plate 2 away from the first middle plate 1 along the width direction X of the middle plate, thereby improving the stability between the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2.

[0152] In one embodiment, the boss 32a has a first end face 33a and a second end face 34a disposed opposite to each other in the thickness direction Z thereof, the second end face 34a faces the second support plate 22, the first end face 33a and / or the second end face 34a in at least part of the dovetail groove structure 3a are configured as an inclined surface inclined relative to the first plane M, and the surface of the dovetail groove 31a disposed opposite to the inclined surface of the boss 32a is configured as a matching inclined surface. The first plane M is perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the middle plate.

[0153] like Figure 13a-Figure 13cAs shown, in one embodiment, at least part of the snap-fit ​​structure 3 is configured as an inverted snap-fit ​​structure 3b, in each inverted snap-fit ​​structure 3b, the boss 32b has a first end face 33b and a second end face 34b that are arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction Z of the middle plate, the second end face 34b faces the second support plate 22, any one or more of the first end face 33b and the second end face 34b are configured as inclined surfaces inclined relative to the second plane N, and the surface of the snap-fit ​​groove 31b and the boss 32b that is arranged opposite to the inclined surface is configured as a matching inclined surface. The second plane N is perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the middle plate.

[0154] With the above structure, when the second middle plate 2 has a tendency to deviate from the first middle plate 1 and detach outward, the reaction force provided by the inclined surfaces in the slot 31 that are matched to be inclined relative to the first plane M or the second plane N can be decomposed into a force along the middle plate thickness direction Z and a force along the middle plate width direction X, wherein the force along the middle plate width direction X can prevent the second middle plate 2 from deviating from the first middle plate 1 and detaching outward.

[0155] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the dovetail groove structure 3a and the undercut structure 3b can be freely combined, that is, the buckle 3 may include neither the dovetail groove structure 3a nor the undercut structure 3b, or may include only the dovetail groove structure 3a or only the undercut structure 3b, or may include both the dovetail groove structure 3a and the undercut structure 3b, and the present application does not limit this. In one embodiment, the dovetail groove structure and the undercut structure are provided at the same time. Specifically, there are 13 buckle structures 3 arranged at intervals in each column of buckle structures, including 12 dovetail groove structures 3a and 3 undercut structures 3b.

[0156] like Figure 14a-14d As shown, in one embodiment, the limiting structure includes at least one buckling structure 4, each buckling structure 4 includes a buckling structure body 41 and a buckling groove 42 that buckle with each other, and the buckling structure body 41 and the buckling groove 42 buckle with each other to limit the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2. The specific number of the buckling structures 4 is not limited, for example, 1, 2, 4, etc. In one embodiment, 1 buckling structure 4 is provided.

[0157] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the positions of the snap-fit ​​structure 41 and the snap-fit ​​groove 42 in the snap-fit ​​structure 4 are not limited, one of which can be located on the first middle plate 1, and the other can be located on the second middle plate 2. In one embodiment, the snap-fit ​​structure 41 is located on the second middle plate 2, and the snap-fit ​​groove 42 is located on the first middle plate 1. Specifically, the snap-fit ​​structure 41 is formed by extending outward from a side surface of the second side wall 21 away from the second support plate 22, and includes a cantilever 411 and two connecting arms 412 spaced apart along the length direction of the cantilever 411, the cantilever 411 is spaced apart relative to the second side wall 21, one end of each connecting arm 412 of the two connecting arms 412 is connected to the cantilever 411, and the other end of each connecting arm 412 is connected to the second side wall 21, and the snap-fit ​​groove 42 is formed in the first side wall 11, formed by the outer wall surface 11b being recessed toward the inner wall surface 11a, and is configured as a groove structure matching the shape of the snap-fit ​​structure 41.

[0158] The buckling structure 4 can limit the relative movement of the second middle plate 2 relative to the first middle plate 1 in all directions. Specifically, the buckling structure 41 has a top surface 41a and a bottom surface 41b arranged opposite to each other along the thickness direction Z of the middle plate, and a side surface 41c connecting the top surface 41a and the bottom surface 41b and facing away from the second side wall 21. After assembly, the top surface 41a of the buckling structure 4 is located in the same plane as the upper surface 11c of the first support plate 12, and the bottom surface 41b and the side surface 41c of the buckling structure 41 are in contact with the buckling groove 42, which limits the relative movement of the second middle plate 2 relative to the first middle plate 1 along the thickness direction Z of the middle plate toward the second support plate 22 and the movement of the second middle plate 2 relative to the first middle plate 1 along the width direction X of the middle plate toward the first side wall 11. The protruding part of the buckling groove 42 extends into the gap between the two connecting arms 412, which limits the relative movement of the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 in the width direction X of the middle plate.

[0159] The first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 form a structural connection relationship through the above-mentioned snap structures 3 and buckling structures 4 on the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 21, so that the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 do not move relative to each other in all directions.

[0160] Those skilled in the art can understand that the pivot mechanism 20 is fixedly connected to the pivot accommodating area A on the middle plate 110, and the middle plate 110 is provided with a fixed structure that cooperates with the pivot mechanism 20 to satisfy the connection function of the two, and can achieve sealing, waterproof, corrosion resistance, electrical connection and other properties through the design of the connection structure. The present application does not impose any restrictions on this. The following is an illustrative description of possible connection methods between the middle plate 110 and the pivot mechanism 20 in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0161] See also Figure 15-17 , Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of connection between the housing and the hinge mechanism of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig.16a for Fig.10 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the EE direction; Fig.16b This is a schematic structural diagram of a reinforcing plate of a first middle plate in a housing of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig.17 It is a schematic structural diagram of an extension portion of a first middle plate in a housing of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0162] like Figure 15-17 As shown, in one embodiment, a plurality of mounting holes 51 are provided on the second support plate 22, and fasteners, such as screws, are passed through each mounting hole 5, so that the rotating shaft mechanism 20 can be fixed and detachably connected to the second support plate 22. Among them, the specific number of mounting holes 5 is not limited, and can be 6, 8, 10, etc., and the present application does not impose any restrictions on this. In one embodiment, the number of mounting holes is 9. Moreover, the arrangement of the plurality of mounting holes 51 is not limited. In one embodiment, the mounting holes 51 are arranged at intervals in the length direction Y of the middle plate. Due to space limitations, the axes L of the mounting holes 5 are not in the same plane, or it can be understood that the vertical distances between the axes L of the mounting holes and the second side wall 21 are different.

[0163] like Figure 10-11 , Figure 16a-16b As shown, in one embodiment, a receiving space 61 is provided at a position corresponding to at least part of the mounting holes 51 on the second middle plate 2, and each receiving space 61 is formed by being recessed from the second side wall 21 toward one side of the first side wall 11 along the width direction X of the middle plate toward the inside of the second support plate 22, and is communicated with the corresponding mounting hole 51, and the receiving space 61 is used to receive the reinforcing plate 62 on the first middle plate 1. In one embodiment, in the thickness direction Z of the middle plate, the receiving space 61 is located between the first surface 22a and the second surface 22b of the second support plate 22, and in the width direction X of the middle plate, the receiving space 61 passes through the second side wall 21, but does not extend to the side of the second support plate 22 away from the second side wall 21.

[0164] In one embodiment, a reinforcing plate 62 is provided on one side of the first side wall 11 facing the second side wall 21, and the reinforcing plate 62 is protruded and corresponds to the accommodating space 61. The reinforcing plate 62 extends into the corresponding accommodating space 61 and is provided with a connecting hole 52 aligned with the corresponding mounting hole 5. Fasteners are inserted through the connecting hole 52 on the reinforcing plate 62 and the corresponding mounting hole 51, so that the second support plate 22 and the reinforcing plate 62 can be fixed and detachably connected to the rotating shaft mechanism 20. In one embodiment, from the thickness direction Z of the middle plate, at the accommodating space 61, the reinforcing plate 62 is integrally embedded in the inside of the second support plate 22, and the second support plate 22 covers the upper and lower sides of the reinforcing plate 62 and is locked by fasteners. On the basis of the limiting structure on the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 21, the combination position of the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 is increased, and the connection strength of the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 is further improved.

[0165] like Figure 8a-Figure 10 , Fig.17 As shown, in one embodiment, the first middle plate 1 further includes at least one extension portion 71. The specific number of the extension portions 71 is not limited, and may be 2, 3, 4, etc., and the present application does not impose any restrictions thereon. In one embodiment, the number of the extension portions 71 is 3. Each extension portion 71 extends from a side of the first side wall 11 away from the first support plate 12 toward the second support plate 22. At the corresponding position of each extension portion 71, the second middle plate 2 is provided with a notch 72, and the extension portion 71 is located in the notch 72. The extension portion 71 has a first surface 71a and a second surface 71b disposed opposite to each other along the middle plate thickness direction Z. The first surface 71a of the extension portion 71 is connected to the first surface 22a of the second support plate 22, and the second surface 71b of the extension portion 71 is connected to the second surface 22b of the second support plate 22. The extension portion 71 and the second support plate 22 together constitute the bottom plate of the shaft accommodating area A. The extension portion 71 can be used to realize the electrical connection between the first middle plate 1 and the shaft mechanism 20, for example, to ground the shaft mechanism 20.

[0166] In one embodiment, each extension portion 71 is provided with a fixing hole 53 and a spring clip installation groove 8. The fixing hole 53 is a through hole. By inserting a fastener in the fixing hole 53, the extension portion 71 can be fixed and detachably connected to the shaft mechanism 20. The outer peripheral area of ​​the fixing hole 53 is affixed with an annular insulating film surrounding the fixing hole 53. The insulating film is non-conductive and can prevent galvanic corrosion from occurring in the covered area. A spring is installed in the spring clip installation groove 8. The spring is in contact with the shaft mechanism 20 to achieve electrical connection between the first middle plate and the shaft mechanism, and the inner wall surface of the spring clip installation groove is provided with an annular foam surrounding the spring. The annular foam plays a waterproof role and prevents galvanic corrosion by preventing electrolyte from entering the spring clip installation groove.

[0167] like Figure 8a , Figure 8bAs shown, in one embodiment, an escape space 9 for signals to pass through is provided between the first middle plate 1 and the second middle plate 2 . The escape space 9 is used to install parts such as signal lines and connect the first part 301 and the second part 302 of the screen 30 .

[0168] In summary, the material selection of the shell 10x provided in this application is more flexible, which can achieve stable chemical properties while reducing the weight of the fuselage, thereby improving the consumer's user experience.

[0169] Finally, it should be noted that the above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A housing for a foldable electronic device, comprising a middle plate, wherein the middle plate has a shaft accommodating area and a non-shaft accommodating area, wherein the shaft accommodating area is used to accommodate and install a shaft mechanism of the foldable electronic device, characterized in that: The middle plate includes a first middle plate and a second middle plate connected to each other, at least a portion of the first middle plate constitutes at least a portion of the non-rotating shaft accommodating area, at least a portion of the second middle plate constitutes at least a portion of the rotating shaft accommodating area, and the material of the first middle plate is different from the material of the second middle plate.

2. The housing according to claim 1, characterized in that A portion of the first middle plate constitutes all areas of the non-rotating shaft accommodating area, and the other portion of the first middle plate and the entire second middle plate together constitute all areas of the rotating shaft accommodating area; Alternatively, the entire first middle plate constitutes all areas of the non-rotating shaft accommodating area, and the entire second middle plate constitutes all areas of the rotating shaft accommodating area.

3. The housing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first middle plate includes a first support plate and a first side wall, the first support plate has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other along a thickness direction thereof, the first side wall is connected to a side edge of the first support plate and protrudes from the second surface of the first support plate; The second middle plate comprises a second support plate and a second side wall, the second support plate has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other along a thickness direction thereof, the second side wall is connected to a side edge of the second support plate and protrudes from the first surface of the second support plate; The second side wall is connected to the first side wall, the second support plate is located outside one side edge of the first support plate, and is spaced apart from the first support plate in the thickness direction of the middle plate, and the surface of the second support plate facing the first support plate is the first surface of the second support plate; Furthermore, the first support plate as a whole constitutes the entire area of ​​the non-shaft accommodating area, and the second support plate and the second side wall and the first side wall as a whole constitute at least a part of the area of ​​the shaft accommodating area, wherein the second support plate constitutes the bottom plate of the shaft accommodating area, and the first side wall and the second side wall together constitute the side wall of the shaft accommodating area, and together with the second support plate, form a space for accommodating the shaft mechanism.

4. The housing according to claim 3, characterized in that A limiting structure is disposed at a position where the second side wall meets the first side wall, and the limiting structure is configured to relatively fix the first middle plate and the second middle plate.

5. The housing according to claim 4, characterized in that The limiting structure includes at least one snap-fit ​​structure, each of the at least one snap-fit ​​structure includes a snap-fit ​​slot and a boss snapped into the snap-fit ​​slot, one of the snap-fit ​​slot and the boss is located on the first side wall of the middle plate, and the other is located on the second side wall of the middle plate.

6. The housing according to claim 5, characterized in that In each of the buckle structures, the slot is formed by being recessed from a side of the first side wall away from the first support plate toward the inside of the first side wall, and the boss is formed by extending outward from a side of the second side wall away from the second support plate.

7. The housing according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: At least a portion of the at least one snap-fit ​​structure is configured as a dovetail groove structure. In each of the dovetail groove structures, the snap-fit ​​groove is configured as a dovetail groove. The two side surfaces of the dovetail groove are relatively arranged in the length direction of the middle plate, and the groove width of the dovetail groove gradually increases from the groove mouth to the groove bottom. The boss is configured as a structure matching the shape of the dovetail groove to limit the relative movement of the first middle plate and the second middle plate in the length direction and width direction of the middle plate.

8. The housing according to claim 7, characterized in that In each of the dovetail groove structures, the boss has a first end face and a second end face that are arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the middle plate, and the second end face is arranged toward the second support plate. The first end face and / or the second end face in at least part of the dovetail groove structure are configured as an inclined surface inclined relative to a first plane, and the surface in the dovetail groove that is arranged opposite to the inclined surface of the boss is configured as a matching inclined surface to limit the relative movement of the first middle plate and the second middle plate in the width direction of the middle plate, wherein the first plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the middle plate.

9. The housing according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that At least part of the at least one snap-fit ​​structure is configured as an inverted structure. In each of the inverted structures, the boss has a first end face and a second end face that are arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the middle plate, the second end face is arranged toward the second support plate, the first end face and / or the second end face are configured as an inclined surface inclined relative to a second plane, and the surface in the slot that is arranged opposite to the inclined surface of the boss is configured as a matching inclined surface to limit the relative movement of the first middle plate and the second middle plate in the width direction of the middle plate, wherein the second plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the middle plate.

10. The housing according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that: The at least one buckle structure is a plurality of buckle structures.

11. The housing according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that: The plurality of snap-in structures constitute at least one column of snap-in structures, and each column of the at least one column of snap-in structures includes at least two snap-in structures spaced apart in the length direction of the middle plate.

12. The housing according to claim 11, characterized in that The at least one row of buckle structures is two rows of buckle structures, and the two rows of buckle structures are arranged at intervals in the thickness direction of the middle plate.

13. The housing according to claim 12, wherein: One of the two rows of snap structures is arranged on the top surface of the side wall of the shaft accommodating area, and the other row of snap structures is arranged on the bottom surface of the side wall of the shaft accommodating area, wherein the top surface of the side wall of the shaft accommodating area is connected to the first surface of the first support plate, and the bottom surface of the side wall of the shaft accommodating area is connected to the second surface of the second support plate.

14. The housing according to any one of claims 4 to 13, characterized in that: The limiting structure includes at least one buckling structure, and each of the at least one buckling structure includes a buckling structure body and a buckling groove that buckle with each other; The snap-fit ​​structure is formed by extending outward from a side surface of the second side wall away from the second support plate, and includes a cantilever and two connecting arms spaced apart along the length direction of the cantilever, the cantilever and the second side wall are spaced apart relative to each other, one end of each of the two connecting arms is connected to the cantilever, and the other end of each connecting arm is connected to the second side wall, the snap-fit ​​groove is formed on the first side wall, and is configured as a groove structure matching the shape of the snap-fit ​​structure.

15. The housing according to any one of claims 3 to 14, characterized in that: The second support plate is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, and the second support plate can be fixed and detachably connected to the rotating shaft mechanism by inserting fasteners into each of the plurality of mounting holes, wherein the axes of each of the plurality of mounting holes are not in the same plane.

16. The housing according to claim 15, characterized in that An accommodating space is provided on the second middle plate at a position corresponding to at least part of the plurality of mounting holes, and each of the accommodating spaces is formed by being recessed from the second side wall toward one side of the first side wall along the width direction of the middle plate toward the inside of the second support plate, and is communicated with the corresponding mounting hole; A protruding reinforcing plate corresponding to each of the accommodating spaces is provided on one side surface of the first side wall facing the second side wall. The reinforcing plate extends into the corresponding accommodating space and is provided with a connecting hole aligned with the corresponding mounting hole. The fasteners are passed through each of the connecting holes and the corresponding mounting holes, so that the second support plate and the reinforcing plate can be fixed and detachably connected to the rotating shaft mechanism.

17. The housing according to claim 16, wherein: The reinforcing plate is entirely embedded in the interior of the second supporting plate.

18. The housing according to any one of claims 3 to 17, characterized in that: The first middle plate also includes at least one extension portion, each of the at least one extension portion extends from a side of the first side wall away from the first support plate toward the second support plate, a notch is set at a position of the second middle plate corresponding to each of the extension portions, the extension portion is located in the notch, and the extension portion has a first surface and a second surface that are arranged opposite to each other along its thickness direction, the first surface of the extension portion is connected to the first surface of the second support plate, and the second surface of the extension portion is connected to the second surface of the second support plate, and the at least one extension portion and the second support plate together constitute the bottom plate of the shaft accommodating area.

19. The housing according to claim 18, wherein: Each of the extension parts is provided with a fixing hole and a spring sheet. By inserting a fastener in the fixing hole, the extension part can be fixed and detachably connected to the rotating shaft mechanism. The area on the outer peripheral side of the fixing hole is affixed with an annular insulating film surrounding the fixing hole; the spring sheet abuts against the rotating shaft mechanism, and a spring sheet mounting groove is provided at a position on the extension part corresponding to the spring sheet. The spring sheet is installed in the spring sheet mounting groove, and the inner wall surface of the spring sheet mounting groove is provided with an annular foam surrounding the spring sheet.

20. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that: An escape space for signal lines to pass through is provided between the first middle plate and the second middle plate.

21. The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that: The first middle plate is an integrated structure made of alloy material, and the second middle plate is an integrated structure made of alloy material or plastic.

22. The housing according to claim 21, characterized in that When the first middle plate and the second middle plate are both an integrated structure made of alloy material, the density of the first middle plate is less than the density of the second middle plate; The rotating shaft mechanism comprises a matching component in contact with the second middle plate, the material of the matching component is an alloy, and the absolute value of the potential difference between the alloy material of the matching component and the alloy material of the second middle plate is smaller than the absolute value of the potential difference between the alloy material of the matching component and the alloy material of the first middle plate.

23. The housing according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that When the first middle plate and the second middle plate are both an integrated structure made of alloy materials, the material of the first middle plate is a magnesium alloy, and the material of the second middle plate is an aluminum alloy.

24. A foldable electronic device, comprising a hinge mechanism, a first shell and a second shell arranged on both sides of the hinge mechanism, wherein the first shell and the second shell are rotatably connected through the hinge mechanism so that the first shell and the second shell can be relatively unfolded or relatively folded; characterized in that: At least one of the first shell and the second shell adopts the shell according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. The foldable electronic device according to claim 24, characterized in that: Each of the first shell and the second shell is a shell according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

26. The foldable electronic device according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that: The pivot mechanism includes a base, a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm arranged on both sides of the base, one end of the first pivot arm is rotatably connected to one side of the base, and the other end is connected to the pivot accommodating area of ​​the middle plate of the first shell through a first connecting bracket, and one end of the second pivot arm is rotatably connected to the other side of the base, and the other end is connected to the pivot accommodating area of ​​the middle plate of the second shell through a second connecting bracket.

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