Electronic device, folding mechanism, and foldable electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses an electronic device, a folding mechanism and a foldable electronic device. The folding mechanism comprises a base and a first swing arm. The base has coaxial first and second sliding groove surfaces. The first and second sliding groove surfaces are both arc surfaces. The first and second sliding groove surfaces are arranged in a spaced manner along the axial direction of the first sliding groove surface. The radius of the second sliding groove surface is greater than that of the first sliding groove surface. The first swing arm has opposite first and second surfaces. The first surface has first and second matching surfaces. The first and second matching surfaces are both arc surfaces. The first matching surface is attached to and slidingly matched with the first sliding groove surface. The second matching surface is attached to and slidingly matched with the second sliding groove surface. The distance between the first surface and the axis of the first matching surface is less than the distance between the second surface and the axis of the first matching surface. The folding mechanism reduces the shaking and jamming between the first swing arm and the base, and improves the stability of the folding mechanism in use.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application filed on February 29, 2024, with application number 202410232116.1 and title "Folding Mechanism and Foldable Electronic Device". Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of electronic device technology, and in particular to an electronic device, a folding mechanism, and a foldable electronic device. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, electronic devices have been updated at an increasingly rapid pace. Foldable electronic devices, which combine a larger display area with better portability, are becoming increasingly popular among users.

[0004] Foldable electronic devices typically consist of a flexible screen, a base, and two housings. The two housings are mounted on opposite sides of the base via swing arms and can rotate relative to the base. When the electronic device is folded, the contact area between the swing arms and the base is small, which can easily lead to wobbling and jamming. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an electronic device, a folding mechanism, and a foldable electronic device, which improves the stability of the folding mechanism during use.

[0006] The technical solution is as follows:

[0007] The first aspect of this application provides a folding mechanism, comprising:

[0008] The base has a first sliding groove surface and a second sliding groove surface. Both the first sliding groove surface and the second sliding groove surface are arc-shaped surfaces and are coaxially arranged. The first sliding groove surface and the second sliding groove surface are spaced apart along the axial direction of the first sliding groove surface, and the radius of the second sliding groove surface is larger than the radius of the first sliding groove surface.

[0009] The first swing arm has a first surface and a second surface that are arranged opposite to each other. The first surface has a first mating surface and a second mating surface. Both the first mating surface and the second mating surface are arc-shaped surfaces. The first mating surface is in contact with and slides against the first sliding groove surface. The second mating surface is in contact with and slides against the second sliding groove surface. The distance between the axes of the first surface and the first mating surface is less than the distance between the axes of the second surface and the first mating surface.

[0010] In the aforementioned folding mechanism, during the rotation of the first swing arm relative to the base, the first mating surface slides relative to the first slide groove surface, and the second mating surface slides relative to the second slide groove surface. When the folding mechanism is in the folded state, since the radius of the second slide groove surface is larger than the radius of the first slide groove surface, the central angles corresponding to the contact surfaces of the first and second mating surfaces are in the same area. Therefore, the circumferential length of the contact surface between the second and second mating surfaces is greater than that between the first and second mating surfaces, thereby increasing the circumferential length of the contact surface between the first swing arm and the base. This increases the overlap between the first swing arm and the base, and also increases the contact area between them, reducing the swaying and jamming problems between the first swing arm and the base, and improving the stability of the folding mechanism during use.

[0011] In some implementations, there are at least two first mating surfaces, and multiple first mating surfaces are spaced apart along the axis of the first mating surfaces. At least one second mating surface is provided between adjacent first mating surfaces.

[0012] In this configuration, the first mating surface and the second mating surface are staggered to improve the contact stability between the first swing arm and the base.

[0013] In some implementations, the first swing arm has a rotating part and a linkage part connected together. The rotating part has a first mating part and a second mating part. There are multiple first mating parts. A second mating part is provided between each first mating part. Each first mating part is connected to the linkage part. The second mating part is connected to at least one first mating part. The first mating part is provided with a first mating surface. The second mating part is provided with a second mating surface.

[0014] In this configuration, the first mating part and the second mating part are staggered, thereby making the first mating surface and the second mating surface staggered, which improves the contact stability between the first swing arm and the base.

[0015] In some implementations, a second mating part is provided between each pair of adjacent first mating parts, and the second mating part is connected to the two adjacent first mating parts along the axial direction of the first mating surface.

[0016] In this configuration, the two sides of the second mating part are connected to the first mating part respectively, and the connection strength of the second mating part is higher.

[0017] In some implementations, two second mating parts are provided between two adjacent first mating parts, and the two second mating parts are respectively connected to the adjacent first mating parts, with a first gap between the two second mating parts.

[0018] In this configuration, a solid structure can be provided in the area of ​​the base corresponding to the first gap, thereby improving the structural strength of the base.

[0019] In some implementations, the first swing arm is provided with a first through hole, which penetrates the first swing arm radially along the second mating surface. The first swing arm has a linkage portion away from the base, and the second mating surface is located at least on the side of the first through hole away from the linkage portion.

[0020] In this configuration, the thickness of the first swing arm in the thickness direction of the base is relatively smaller, which allows the folding mechanism to be thinner.

[0021] In some implementations, the base has a third sliding groove surface, which is an arc-shaped surface. The third sliding groove surface is coaxially arranged with the first sliding groove surface, and the radius of the third sliding groove surface is smaller than the radius of the first sliding groove surface. The first surface has a third mating surface, which is an arc-shaped surface. The third mating surface fits and slides with the third sliding groove surface.

[0022] In this configuration, when the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the first swing arm and the base are in contact through the third sliding groove surface and the third mating surface, further increasing the contact area and improving stability.

[0023] In some implementations, the third mating surface and the first mating surface are spaced apart axially from each other on the first mating surface, with the third mating surface located on the side of the first mating surface away from the second mating surface.

[0024] In this configuration, the structural thickness between the third mating surface and the first mating surface is relatively large, which can improve the structural strength of the first swing arm.

[0025] In some implementations, the base includes a first base and a second base, the first base being connected to one side of the second base in the thickness direction, and both the first groove surface and the second groove surface being disposed on the first base.

[0026] In this configuration, the separate configuration of the first substrate and the second substrate is beneficial for the production and processing of the first and second chute surfaces.

[0027] In some implementations, the first substrate includes a main body, a groove body, and a first connecting body. The main body is connected to the second substrate. In the width direction of the first substrate, the groove body and the main body are respectively connected to the two sides of the first connecting body. The second groove surface is located on the side of the groove body facing the second substrate.

[0028] In this configuration, the slide body is connected to the main body on one side in the width direction. That is, the thickness of the first connector is not affected by the setting position of the first slide surface or the second slide surface, so that the thickness of the first connector can be set to be greater and the connection strength is stronger.

[0029] In some implementations, the first substrate includes a main body, a chute, a support, and a second connector, with the main body connected to the second substrate. Along the axial direction of the first chute surface, the main body is connected to the two sides of the main body, and the chute is provided with the support and the second connector on the two sides of the chute. The two ends of the chute are connected to the corresponding support through the corresponding second connector.

[0030] In this configuration, both ends of the slide body are connected to the main body along its length, resulting in stronger connection stability.

[0031] In some implementations, one of the first substrate and the second substrate is provided with a limiting post, and the other is provided with a limiting hole, with the limiting post inserted into the limiting hole.

[0032] In this configuration, the setting of the limiting post and the limiting hole facilitates the installation and positioning of the first base and the second base.

[0033] In some implementations, the base is provided with a fourth sliding groove surface, the second surface is provided with a fourth mating surface, both the fourth sliding groove surface and the fourth mating surface are arc-shaped surfaces, the fourth sliding groove surface is coaxially arranged with the first sliding groove surface, and the fourth mating surface is in close contact with the fourth sliding groove surface and slides in fit.

[0034] In this configuration, both the first and second surfaces of the first swing arm are in contact with the base, which improves the stability of the first swing arm during relative rotation with the base.

[0035] In some implementations, the base is provided with a stop groove, the stop groove has a stop surface, the second surface has a stop part, the stop part is slidably assembled in the stop groove, and the stop part contacts the stop surface when the folding mechanism is in the folded state.

[0036] In this configuration, the stop and the stop surface can limit the rotation range of the first swing arm relative to the base, that is, limit the folding angle of the folding mechanism, so as to facilitate the control of the angle of the folding mechanism in the folding state.

[0037] A second aspect of this application provides a foldable electronic device, including a first housing, a second housing, a flexible screen, and a folding mechanism as provided in any of the above technical solutions. The folding mechanism is connected between the first housing and the second housing, and the flexible screen is laid on one side of the first housing, the second housing, and the folding mechanism.

[0038] Since the foldable electronic device includes the folding mechanism described above, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects of the folding mechanism, which will not be elaborated further here. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device with the folding mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application in a folded state.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device with the folding mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application in a semi-open state.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device with the folding mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application in an unfolded state.

[0042] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the components of a foldable electronic device that uses the folding mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the folding mechanism, the first housing, and the second housing in a foldable electronic device that utilizes the folding mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0044] Figure 6 It is a top view (excluding the flexible screen) of a foldable electronic device that uses the folding mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the folding mechanism and the door panel in a foldable electronic device that uses the folding mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a partial schematic diagram of the folding mechanism provided in the first embodiment of this application in its fully unfolded state (only one set of first swing arms and base are shown);

[0048] Figure 10 This is a partial schematic diagram of the folding mechanism provided in the first embodiment of this application in a folded state (only one set of first swing arms and base are shown);

[0049] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of a partial structure of the folding mechanism provided in the first embodiment of this application (only one set of first swing arms and base are shown);

[0050] Figure 12 This is a top view of a partial structure of the folding mechanism provided in the first embodiment of this application (showing only a set of first swing arms and base);

[0051] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Section view at A1-A1 Figure 1 ;

[0052] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 Section view at A1-A1 Figure 2 ;

[0053] Figure 15 yes Figure 12 Section view at B1-B1 Figure 1 ;

[0054] Figure 16 yes Figure 12 Section view at B1-B1 Figure 2 ;

[0055] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the first base in the folding mechanism provided in the first embodiment of this application from one perspective;

[0056] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the first base in the folding mechanism provided in the first embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0057] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the first swing arm in the folding mechanism provided in the first embodiment of this application from one viewpoint;

[0058] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the first swing arm in the folding mechanism provided in the first embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0059] Figure 21 yes Figure 12 Sectional view at C1-C1;

[0060] Figure 22 This is an exploded view of the components of the folding mechanism provided in the second embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism provided in the second embodiment of this application in its fully unfolded state;

[0062] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism provided in the second embodiment of this application in a folded state;

[0063] Figure 25 This is a top view of the folding mechanism provided in the second embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 Sectional view at point A2-A2;

[0065] Figure 27 yes Figure 25 Sectional view at point B2-B2;

[0066] Figure 28 yes Figure 25Sectional view at C2-C2;

[0067] Figure 29 yes Figure 25 A sectional view at point D2-D2 in the diagram;

[0068] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram of the first swing arm in the folding mechanism provided in the second embodiment of this application from one viewpoint;

[0069] Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram of the first swing arm in the folding mechanism provided in the second embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0070] Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of the first base in the folding mechanism provided in the second embodiment of this application from one perspective;

[0071] Figure 33 This is a schematic diagram of the first base in the folding mechanism provided in the second embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0072] Figure 34 This is an exploded view of the components of the folding mechanism provided in the third embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism provided in the third embodiment of this application in its fully unfolded state;

[0074] Figure 36 This is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism provided in the third embodiment of this application in a folded state;

[0075] Figure 37 This is a top view of the folding mechanism provided in the third embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 38 yes Figure 37 Sectional view at point A3-A3;

[0077] Figure 39 yes Figure 37 Sectional view at point B3-B3;

[0078] Figure 40 yes Figure 37 Sectional view at C3-C3;

[0079] Figure 41 yes Figure 37 A sectional view at point D3-D3 in the diagram;

[0080] Figure 42 This is a schematic diagram of the first swing arm in the folding mechanism provided in the third embodiment of this application from one viewpoint;

[0081] Figure 43This is a schematic diagram of the first swing arm in the folding mechanism provided in the third embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0082] Figure 44 This is a schematic diagram of the first base in the folding mechanism provided in the third embodiment of this application from one perspective;

[0083] Figure 45 This is a schematic diagram of the first base in the folding mechanism provided in the third embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0084] Figure 46 This is an exploded view of the components of the folding mechanism provided in the fourth embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 47 This is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism provided in the fourth embodiment of this application in its fully unfolded state;

[0086] Figure 48 This is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism provided in the fourth embodiment of this application in a folded state;

[0087] Figure 49 This is a top view of the folding mechanism provided in the fourth embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 50 yes Figure 49 Sectional view at point A4-A4;

[0089] Figure 51 yes Figure 49 Sectional view at point B4-B4;

[0090] Figure 52 yes Figure 49 Sectional view at C4-C4;

[0091] Figure 53 yes Figure 49 A sectional view at point D4-D4 in the diagram;

[0092] Figure 54 This is a schematic diagram of the first swing arm in the folding mechanism provided in the fourth embodiment of this application from one viewpoint;

[0093] Figure 55 This is a schematic diagram of the first swing arm in the folding mechanism provided in the fourth embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0094] Figure 56 This is a schematic diagram of the first base in the folding mechanism provided in the fourth embodiment of this application from one perspective;

[0095] Figure 57 This is a schematic diagram of the first base in the folding mechanism provided in the fourth embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0096] Figure 58 This is an exploded view of the components of the folding mechanism provided in the fifth embodiment of this application;

[0097] Figure 59 This is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism provided in the fifth embodiment of this application in its fully unfolded state;

[0098] Figure 60 This is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism provided in the fifth embodiment of this application in a folded state;

[0099] Figure 61 This is a top view of the folding mechanism provided in the fifth embodiment of this application when it is in a fully unfolded state;

[0100] Figure 62 This is a top view of the folding mechanism provided in the fifth embodiment of this application in a folded state;

[0101] Figure 63 for Figure 62 Sectional view at point A5-A5;

[0102] Figure 64 for Figure 62 Sectional view at point B5-B5;

[0103] Figure 65 for Figure 62 Sectional view at C5-C5;

[0104] Figure 66 for Figure 62 A sectional view at point D5-D5;

[0105] Figure 67 This is a schematic diagram of the first swing arm in the folding mechanism provided in the fifth embodiment of this application from one viewpoint;

[0106] Figure 68 This is a schematic diagram of the first swing arm in the folding mechanism provided in the fifth embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0107] Figure 69 This is a schematic diagram of the first swing arm in the folding mechanism provided in the fifth embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0108] Figure 70 This is a schematic diagram of the first base in the folding mechanism provided in the fifth embodiment of this application from one perspective;

[0109] Figure 71 This is a schematic diagram of the first base in the folding mechanism provided in the fifth embodiment of this application from another perspective;

[0110] Figure 72This is a structural schematic diagram of the first base in the folding mechanism provided in the fifth embodiment of this application from another perspective.

[0111] The meanings of the various symbols in the attached icons are as follows:

[0112] 1. Foldable electronic device; 10. Folding mechanism; 20. First housing; 30. Second housing; 40. Flexible screen; 41. First part; 42. Second part; 43. Foldable part; 50. Door panel; 100. Base; 110. First base; 111. First slide surface; 112. Second slide surface; 113. Third slide surface; 114. Support body; 115. First connector; 116. Second connector; 117. Limiting post; 118. Main body; 119. Slide body; 120. Second base; 121. Limiting hole; 122. Fourth sliding groove surface; 130. Stop groove; 131. Stop surface; 210. Main swing arm; 220. Secondary swing arm; 300. First swing arm; 311. First mating surface; 312. Second mating surface; 313. Third mating surface; 314. Fourth mating surface; 320. Linkage part; 330. First through hole; 340. Rotating part; 341. First mating part; 342. Second mating part; 350. First gap; 360. Stop part. Detailed Implementation

[0113] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0114] It should be understood that "multiple" as mentioned in this application refers to two or more. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist, for example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that "first," "second," etc., do not necessarily imply differences.

[0115] The folding mechanism and foldable electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application will be explained in detail below. In the embodiments of this application, electrical connection refers to the connection between two electrical devices through a conductor, so that electrical signals can be transmitted between the two electrical devices. In the figures of this application, leads with solid arrows point to the surface of the device, leads with dots point to the device itself, and leads with hollow arrows point to an area, such as a hole, slot, gap, cavity, etc.

[0116] In related technologies, the folding mechanism of a foldable electronic device includes a base and a swing arm. The swing arm and the base are rotatably connected via a virtual groove structure. Specifically, an arc-shaped sliding block is provided on the swing arm, and an arc-shaped groove is provided on the base. When the sliding block moves along the arc-shaped groove, the swing arm rotates relative to the base. During the rotation of the swing arm relative to the base from a fully unfolded state to a folded state, with the side of the folding mechanism closest to the flexible screen as the front side, at least the front side of the sliding block contacts and slides relative to the arc-shaped groove. In a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the arc-shaped groove, the contact surface between the sliding block and the arc-shaped groove is arc-shaped. When the folding mechanism is in the fully unfolded state, a larger portion of the sliding block is located within the arc-shaped groove, meaning the overlap between the sliding block and the arc-shaped groove is the largest. When the folding mechanism is in the folded state, a smaller portion of the sliding block is located within the arc-shaped groove, meaning the overlap between the sliding block and the arc-shaped groove is the smallest. As foldable devices become thinner and lighter, the thickness of the base is reduced. This results in a smaller overlap between the sliding block and the arc groove when the folding mechanism is in the folded state. This can easily cause the swing arm to wobble relative to the base, or cause jamming when the swing arm rotates relative to the base.

[0117] This application provides a folding mechanism and a foldable electronic device to alleviate, to some extent, the problem of jamming during rotation caused by insufficient overlap of the swing arm on the base. It is worth noting that the overlap of the swing arm on the base specifically refers to the arc length corresponding to the contact surface between the swing arm and the base in a cross-section perpendicular to the length direction of the base.

[0118] The foldable electronic device 1 provided in this application embodiment can be a foldable electronic device product with a flexible screen, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, wearable device, in-vehicle device, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) device, laptop computer, ultramobile personal computer (UMPC), netbook, personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. This application embodiment does not limit the specific type of foldable electronic device. In this application embodiment, a mobile phone is used as an example for description and explanation.

[0119] Figure 1 The foldable electronic device 1 shown is in a folded state. Figure 2 The foldable electronic device 1 shown is in a semi-open state. Figure 3 The foldable electronic device 1 shown is in its unfolded state. Figure 2 The unfolding angle α of the foldable electronic device 1 shown is 90 degrees. Figure 3 The unfolding angle β of the foldable electronic device 1 shown is 180 degrees.

[0120] It should be noted that the angles illustrated in the embodiments of this application are allowed to have slight deviations. For example, Figure 2 The unfolding angle α of the foldable electronic device 1 shown is 90 degrees, which means that α can be 90 degrees, or approximately 90 degrees, such as 80 degrees, 85 degrees, 95 degrees, or 100 degrees. Figure 3 The unfolding angle β of the foldable electronic device 1 shown is 180 degrees. This means that β can be 180 degrees, or approximately 180 degrees, such as 170 degrees, 175 degrees, 185 degrees, and 190 degrees. The angles illustrated in the following text can be understood in the same way.

[0121] The foldable electronic device 1 shown in this embodiment is an electronic device that can be folded once. In some other embodiments, the foldable electronic device 1 can also be an electronic device that can be folded multiple times (more than twice). In this case, the foldable electronic device 1 may include multiple parts, with two adjacent parts folded relatively close together until the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, and two adjacent parts unfolded relatively far apart until the foldable electronic device 1 is in an unfolded state.

[0122] For ease of description, in this embodiment, the width direction of the foldable electronic device 1 is defined as the X-axis direction, the length direction as the Y-axis direction, and the thickness direction as the Z-axis direction. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are mutually perpendicular. It should be noted that the dimension in the width direction is not necessarily larger than the dimension in the length direction. It is worth noting that the limiting terms for parallel and perpendicular positional relationships mentioned in this embodiment are relative to the current technological level, not absolute and strict mathematical definitions, and slight deviations are allowed. Approximate parallelism and approximate perpendicularity are acceptable. For example, A and B being parallel means that A and B are parallel or approximately parallel, and the angle between A and B can be between 0 degrees and 10 degrees. For example, A and B being perpendicular means that A and B are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular, and the angle between A and B can be between 80 degrees and 100 degrees. In this embodiment, the foldable electronic device 1 is described using directional terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "front," and "rear," and the orientation is mainly based on the foldable terminal's position on the attached... Figure 4The orientation of the display is described as follows: the positive direction of the Y-axis is "top", the negative direction of the Y-axis is "bottom", the positive direction of the X-axis is "left", the negative direction of the X-axis is "right", the positive direction of the Z-axis is "front", and the negative direction of the Z-axis is "back".

[0123] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 4 The first housing 20 and the second housing 30 rotate relative to each other via the folding mechanism 10, causing the flexible screen 40 to unfold as the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 move further apart, thus unfolding the foldable electronic device 1 to a semi-unfolded state. When the foldable electronic device 1 is in the semi-unfolded state, the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 unfold to an angle α, the first part 41 and the second part 42 unfold relative to each other, and cause the foldable part 43 to unfold. At this time, the angle between the first part 41 and the second part 42 is α.

[0124] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first housing 20 and the second housing 30 rotate relative to each other via the folding mechanism 10. The first housing 20 and the second housing 30 can have the same structure and can be mirror-symmetrically arranged relative to the folding mechanism 10. The flexible screen 40 further unfolds as the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 move away from each other until the foldable electronic device 1 is flattened. When the foldable electronic device 1 is flattened, the angle between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 is β. The foldable portion 43 unfolds, and the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 unfold relative to each other. At this time, the angles between the first portion 41, the second portion 42, and the foldable portion 43 are all β, and the flexible screen 40 has a large display area, realizing a large-screen display for the foldable electronic device 1 and improving the user experience. It should be noted that angles α and β are both angles between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30; they are only used here to distinguish the different angles between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 in different states of the foldable electronic device 1. Wherein, the included angle α refers to the angle between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 when the foldable electronic device 1 is in the semi-expanded state; the included angle β refers to the angle between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 when the foldable electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state.

[0125] It should be understood that the foldable electronic device 1 shown in this application embodiment is folded inward, and the flexible screen 40 of the foldable electronic device 1 in the folded state is located inside the folding mechanism 10. In some other embodiments, the foldable electronic device 1 can also be folded outward, in which case the flexible screen 40 of the foldable electronic device 1 in the folded state is located outside the folding mechanism 10.

[0126] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the folding mechanism 10 is located between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30, and the folding mechanism 10 is connected to both the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. Figure 7 As shown, the folding mechanism 10 has door panels connected to both sides in the width direction. The two door panels are respectively connected to the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. The first housing 20 is connected to the folding mechanism 10 through one of the door panels, and the second housing 30 is connected to the folding mechanism 10 through the other door panel. Figure 8 As shown, the folding mechanism 10 includes a base 100, a main swing arm 210, and a secondary swing arm 220. The main swing arm 210 is mounted on the base 100 and is rotatable relative to the base 100. The main swing arm 210 can be connected to a door panel. In the folding mechanism 10, the main swing arms 210 can be arranged in groups, with each group including two main swing arms 210. The two main swing arms 210 are respectively installed on both sides of the base 100 in the width direction, that is, the two main swing arms 210 are respectively installed on the left and right sides of the base 100. One or more groups of main swing arms 210 can be provided in the length direction of the base 100. Figure 8 In this system, there are three sets of main swing arms 210. The number of main swing arms 210 can be determined based on the length of the base 100; a longer base 100 allows for more sets of main swing arms 210. The auxiliary swing arms 220 can be arranged in groups, with each group consisting of two auxiliary swing arms 220, mounted on opposite sides of the base 100 in the width direction. A synchronization mechanism and / or damping mechanism can be provided between the two auxiliary swing arms 220 in the same group. The main swing arms 210 and auxiliary swing arms 220 located on the same side of the base 100 in the width direction and adjacent to each other are connected by a transmission. Figure 8 In the process, there are three sets of main swing arms 210 and three sets of auxiliary swing arms 220, and the main swing arms 210 and auxiliary swing arms 220 are connected in a one-to-one transmission connection.

[0127] First Embodiment

[0128] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment includes a base 100 and a first swing arm 300. The first swing arm 300 can be used as a main swing arm 210 or as a secondary swing arm 220 in the folding mechanism 10. The first swing arms 300 are arranged in groups on the base 100, with two first swing arms 300 in each group symmetrically arranged with respect to the base 100. For ease of description, the first swing arm 300 is taken as the main swing arm 210, and one of the first swing arms 300 is used as an example for further description of the specific structure of the base 100 and the first swing arm 300.

[0129] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism 10 in its unfolded state. Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism 10 in the folded state. Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the folding mechanism 10. In this embodiment, the folding mechanism 10 includes a base 100 and a first swing arm 300, which is rotatable relative to the base 100. The base 100 has a first slide surface 111 and a second slide surface 112. Both the first slide surface 111 and the second slide surface 112 are arc-shaped surfaces and coaxially arranged. The first slide surface 111 and the second slide surface 112 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the first slide surface 111, and the radius of the second slide surface 112 is larger than the radius of the first slide surface 111. The first swing arm 300 has a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other. The first surface has a first mating surface 311 and a second mating surface 312. Both the first mating surface 311 and the second mating surface 312 are arc-shaped surfaces. The first mating surface 311 is in contact with and slidably engaged with the first sliding groove surface 111, and the second mating surface 312 is in contact with and slidably engaged with the second sliding groove surface 112. The distance between the axes of the first surface and the first mating surface 311 is less than the distance between the axes of the second surface and the first mating surface 311. It is worth noting that both the first mating surface 311 and the second mating surface 312 are arc-shaped surfaces that bulge rearward, or in other words, both the first mating surface 311 and the second mating surface 312 are arc-shaped surfaces that bulge from the first surface to the second surface. The protrusion direction of the first sliding groove surface 111 is the same as that of the first mating surface 311, and the protrusion direction of the second sliding groove surface 112 is the same as that of the second mating surface 312.

[0130] In this embodiment, the axial direction of the first slide surface 111, the axial direction of the second slide surface 112, the axial direction of the first mating surface 311, and the axial direction of the second mating surface 312 are all the length direction of the folding mechanism 10, that is, the Y direction.

[0131] Figure 12 This is a top view of the folding mechanism 10 in its folded state. Figure 13 and Figure 14 All Figure 12 Sectional view at point A1-A1 in the middle. Figure 15 and Figure 16 All Figure 12 A sectional view at point B1-B1. Figure 13 and Figure 14 It can be seen that at the contact point between the second sliding surface 112 and the second mating surface 312, there is... Figure 15 and Figure 16The contact point between the first slide surface 111 and the first mating surface 311 can be seen. Since the first slide surface 111 and the second slide surface 112 are coaxially arranged, in a tangent perpendicular to the axis of the first slide surface 111, the center of the circle of the first slide surface 111 coincides with the center of the circle of the second slide surface 112. However, the radius of the first slide surface 111 is smaller than the radius of the second slide surface 112. Therefore, within the same central angle, the arc length of the second slide surface 112 is greater than the arc length of the first slide surface 111. When the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state, if the central angle corresponding to the area of ​​the first slide surface 111 that contacts the first mating surface 311 is the same as the central angle corresponding to the area of ​​the second slide surface 112 that contacts the second mating surface 312, the arc length of the area of ​​the second slide surface 112 that contacts the second mating surface 312 is greater than the arc length of the area of ​​the first slide surface 111 that contacts the first mating surface 311. (Comparison) Figure 14 and Figure 16 It can be seen that, given a fixed thickness of the base 100, the smaller the radius of the sliding groove surface, the smaller the required thickness of the structure for setting the sliding groove surface. Therefore, the thickness of the base 100 is relatively greater behind the area where the first mating surface 311 is provided with the first swing arm 300, and relatively smaller behind the area where the second mating surface 312 is provided with the first swing arm 300. Thus, by setting the first sliding groove surface 111 and the second sliding groove surface 112 on the base 100, and setting the first mating surface 311 and the second mating surface 312 on the first swing arm 300, the circumferential arc length of the contact surface between the first swing arm 300 and the base 100 is increased, and the structural strength of the base 100 is relatively strong. This reduces the problem of the first swing arm 300 swaying or jamming relative to the base 100, and improves the stability of the folding mechanism 10 during use. The aforementioned folding mechanism 10 particularly improves the stability between the first swing arm 300 and the base 100 when the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state.

[0132] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11 , Figure 14 and Figure 16As shown, the base 100 includes a first base 110 and a second base 120, which are sequentially arranged in the thickness direction of the folding mechanism 10, or in the thickness direction of the second base 120 (or the thickness direction of the first base 110). Specifically, the first base 110 is located in front of the second base 120. When the folding mechanism 10 is applied to the foldable electronic device 1, the distance between the first base 110 and the flexible screen 40 is closer, and the distance between the second base 120 and the flexible screen 40 is farther. The first slide surface 111 and the second slide surface 112 are both disposed on the first base 110. In this arrangement, the separate arrangement of the first base 110 and the second base 120 is beneficial for the production and processing of the first slide surface 111 and the second slide surface 112. The first base 110 and the second base 120 are manufactured separately and connected together during assembly, so that the portion of the first swing arm 300 with the first mating surface 311 and the second mating surface 312 is located between the first base 110 and the second base 120. A first groove and a second groove are formed between the first base 110 and the second base 120. The first groove surface 111 is the front side of the first groove, and the second groove surface 112 is the front side of the second groove. The area of ​​the first surface of the first swing arm 300 that mates with the first groove surface 111 is the first mating surface 311, and the area of ​​the first surface that mates with the first groove surface 111 is the second mating surface 312. The second surface mates with the rear side of the first groove and the rear side of the second groove, respectively, so that the contact area between the first swing arm 300 and the base 100 is larger during rotation. Figure 14 and Figure 16 It can be seen that the thickness of the region in the second base 100 opposite to the first slide surface 111 is greater than that of the region opposite to the second slide surface 112. Therefore, the structural strength of the region in the second base 100 opposite to the first slide surface 111 is greater.

[0133] like Figure 11 and Figure 17 As shown, in some embodiments, one of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 is provided with a limiting post 117, and the other is provided with a limiting hole 121, with the limiting post 117 inserted into the limiting hole 121. Figure 11 and Figure 17In this design, a limiting post 117 is provided on the rear side of the first base 110, and a limiting hole 121 is provided through the second base 120 along its thickness direction. The limiting post 117 can be inserted into the limiting hole 121 to limit the position of the first base 110 and the second base 120. The first base 110 and the second base 120 can be connected by methods such as bonding, welding, or bolting. Before the first base 110 and the second base 120 are fixedly connected, the limiting post 117 can be inserted into the limiting hole 121 to initially position the first base 110 and the second base 120.

[0134] like Figure 11 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, in some embodiments, the first swing arm 300 is provided with a first through hole 330, which penetrates the first swing arm 300 radially along the second mating surface 312. The first swing arm 300 has a linkage portion 320 away from the base 100, and the second mating surface 312 is located at least on the side of the first through hole 330 away from the linkage portion 320. That is, in the first swing arm 300, in the width direction of the base 100, the linkage portion 320 of the first swing arm 300 is located on one side of the first through hole 330, while the structure of the first swing arm 300 located on the other side of the first through hole 330 is provided with the second mating surface 312. The second mating surface 312 may be provided only on the side of the first through hole 330 away from the linkage portion 320, or the second mating surface 312 may be provided on both the side of the first through hole 330 away from the linkage portion 320 and the side of the first through hole 330 close to the linkage portion 320.

[0135] Because a first through hole 330 is provided on the first swing arm 300, the maximum thickness of the first swing arm 300 is smaller when the folding mechanism 10 is in the fully unfolded state, making it suitable for thinner foldable electronic devices 1. Since the second mating surface 312 is at least provided on the side of the first swing arm 300 away from the linkage part 320, the second mating surface 312 is located in a region of the first swing arm 300 closer to the center of the base 100 in the width direction. This ensures that the second mating surface 312 remains in contact with the second sliding groove surface 112 when the first swing arm 300 is rotated to the folded state. When the second mating surface 312 is provided in both the region of the first swing arm 300 away from the linkage part 320 and the region of the first through hole 330 close to the linkage part 320, the second mating surfaces 312 on both sides of the first through hole 330 can contact the second sliding groove surface 112 when the folding mechanism 10 is in the fully unfolded state, resulting in a larger contact area between the first swing arm 300 and the base 100. When the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state, the second mating surface 312 located on the side of the first through hole 330 near the linkage part 320 moves to the outside of the base 100, while the second mating surface 312 located on the side of the first through hole 330 away from the linkage part 320 is still in contact with the second slide groove surface 112.

[0136] In some embodiments, the number of first mating surfaces 311 is at least two, and a plurality of first mating surfaces 311 are spaced apart along the axis of the first mating surfaces 311. At least one second mating surface 312 is provided between adjacent first mating surfaces 311. The number of first sliding surfaces 111 may be the same as the number of first mating surfaces 311, and the number of second sliding surfaces 112 may be less than or equal to the number of second mating surfaces 312. For example, in Figure 18 In the first mating surface 311, there are two first mating surfaces 311 and two second mating surfaces 312, with the two second mating surfaces 312 located on both sides of the first through hole 330 in the width direction. In the structure of the base 100 corresponding to the first swing arm 300, such as... Figure 17As shown, there are two first sliding surfaces 111 and one second sliding surface 112. Both second mating surfaces 312 slide in contact with the second sliding surface 112. It is worth noting that the number of structures in the base 100 that match the first swing arm 300 mentioned herein is only exemplified by the location opposite one of the first swing arms 300. For example, since a base 100 can accommodate multiple first swing arms 300, the number of first sliding surfaces 111 refers to the number of locations that mate with one of the first swing arms 300, not the total number of first sliding surfaces 111 on the base 100. For instance, if two first swing arms 300 are installed on the base 100, and two first sliding surfaces 111 are provided corresponding to each swing arm, then the base 100 has a total of four first sliding surfaces 111 corresponding to the two first swing arms 300. In some embodiments, the first swing arm 300 has a connected rotating part 340 and a linkage part 320. The rotating part 340 has a first mating part 341 and a second mating part 342. There are multiple first mating parts 341, and a second mating part 342 is provided between each adjacent first mating part 341. Each first mating part 341 is connected to the linkage part 320, and each second mating part 342 is connected to at least one first mating part 341. The first mating part 341 is provided with a first mating surface 311, and the second mating part 342 is provided with a second mating surface 312. The rotating part 340 and the linkage part 320 can be an integral structure, and the first mating part 341 and the second mating part 342 in the rotating part 340 can be an integral structure. That is to say, the first swing arm 300 is an integral structure, which can be manufactured by injection molding, cutting, casting, or other processes.

[0137] In some embodiments, a second mating part 342 is provided between each pair of adjacent first mating parts 341, and the second mating part 342 is connected to the two adjacent first mating parts 341 along the axial direction of the first mating surface 311. For example... Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, in a specific example, there are two first mating parts 341 and one second mating part 342. The second mating part 342 is connected between the two first mating parts 341. The two first mating parts 341 are respectively connected to the end of the linkage part 320 near the base 100, and the two first mating parts 341 are arranged along the length direction of the base 100. The second mating part 342 and the linkage part 320 are spaced apart in the width direction of the base 100. A first through hole 330 is formed between the two first mating parts 341, the second mating part 342, and the linkage part 320. The first surfaces of the two first mating parts 341 are respectively provided with first mating surfaces 311, and the first surface of the second mating part 342 is provided with second mating surfaces 312. A second mating surface 312 is also provided on the side of the linkage part 320 near the second mating part 342.

[0138] like Figure 17 and Figure 20 As shown, in some embodiments, the first base 110 includes a main body 118, a slide 119, a support 114, and a second connector 116. The main body 118 is connected to the second base 120. In the axial direction of the first slide surface 111, the two sides of the main body 118 are respectively connected to the support 114, and the two sides of the slide 119 are respectively provided with the support 114 and the second connector 116. The two ends of the slide 119 are respectively connected to the corresponding support 114 through the corresponding second connector 116.

[0139] In this embodiment, the first base 110 includes a main body 118 and two support bodies 114. The two support bodies 114 are respectively located on both sides of the main body 118 along the axial direction of the first sliding surface 111 (or in other words, along the length direction of the base 100). The two support bodies 114 are connected to the main body 118 to form an I-shaped structure. Between the two support bodies 114, a sliding groove 119 is provided corresponding to one of the first swing arms 300. Since the two support bodies 114 are connected to the main body 118 to form an I-shaped structure, it is convenient to provide sliding grooves 119 on both sides of the main body 118 in the width direction to facilitate connection with the two first swing arms 300.

[0140] The slide body 119 is connected to the two supports 114 via a second connector 116. The second slide surface 112 can be provided on the side of the slide body 119 facing the second base 120, and the first slide surface 111 can be provided on the side of the second connector 116 facing the second base 120, or on the side of the support 114 facing the second base 120.

[0141] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11 and Figure 13As shown, the base 100 is provided with a fourth sliding groove surface 122, and the second surface is provided with a fourth mating surface 314. Both the fourth sliding groove surface 122 and the fourth mating surface 314 are arc-shaped surfaces. The fourth sliding groove surface 122 is coaxially arranged with the first sliding groove surface 111, and the fourth mating surface 314 is in close contact with and slidably engaged with the fourth sliding groove surface 122. The fourth sliding groove surface 122 can be spaced apart from the first sliding groove surface 111 in the thickness direction of the base 100, that is, the first sliding groove surface 111 and the fourth sliding groove surface 122 can respectively contact the opposite sides of the first swing arm 300, or the fourth sliding groove surface 122 can be spaced apart from the second sliding groove surface 112 in the thickness direction of the base 100; or the fourth sliding groove surface 122 can be spaced apart at the locations where the first sliding groove surface 111 and the second sliding groove surface 112 are opposite; or the fourth sliding groove surface 122 can be located at a location that is not opposite to the first sliding groove surface 111 and the second sliding groove surface 112. When the base 100 includes a first base 110 and a second base 120, the fourth sliding groove surface 122 is disposed on the side of the second base 120 facing the first base 110, that is, the front side of the second base 120.

[0142] like Figure 11 , Figure 19 and Figure 21 As shown, in some embodiments, the base 100 is provided with a stop groove 130, the stop groove 130 has a stop surface 131, and the second surface has a stop portion 360. The stop portion 360 is slidably fitted in the stop groove 130, and the stop portion 360 contacts the stop surface 131 when the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state.

[0143] In this configuration, the stop 360 and the stop surface 131 can limit the rotation range of the first swing arm 300 relative to the base 100, that is, limit the folding angle of the folding mechanism 10, so as to facilitate the control of the angle of the folding mechanism 10 in the folding state.

[0144] Second Embodiment

[0145] This embodiment provides a folding mechanism 10, which is a variation of the folding mechanism 10 in the first embodiment. Compared with the folding mechanism 10 in the first embodiment, the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment adds a third sliding surface 113 and a third mating surface 313.

[0146] like Figures 22 to 33 As shown, Figure 22 This is an exploded view of the parts of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment. Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded state of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment; Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the folding state of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment; Figure 25 This is a top view of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment; Figure 26 for Figure 25 Sectional view at point A2-A2; Figure 27 for Figure 25 Sectional view at point B2-B2; Figure 28 for Figure 25 Sectional view at C2-C2; Figure 29 for Figure 25 A sectional view at point D2-D2 in the diagram; Figure 30 and Figure 31 These are schematic diagrams of the front and rear sides of the first swing arm 300; Figure 32 and Figure 33 These are schematic diagrams of the front and rear sides of the first base 110 in the base 100.

[0147] In this embodiment, the base 100 has a third sliding surface 113, which is an arc-shaped surface. The third sliding surface 113 is coaxially arranged with the first sliding surface 111, and the radius of the third sliding surface 113 is smaller than the radius of the first sliding surface 111. The first surface has a third mating surface 313, which is also an arc-shaped surface. The third mating surface 313 fits and slides with the third sliding surface 113. In this configuration, when the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state, the first swing arm 300 and the base 100 are in contact through the third sliding surface 113 and the third mating surface 313, further increasing the contact area and improving stability.

[0148] Figure 26 This diagram shows the relative positions of the first mating surface 311 and the first sliding groove surface 111 when the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state. Figure 27 This diagram shows the relative positions of the second mating surface 312 and the second sliding groove surface 112 when the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state. Figure 28 This diagram shows the relative positions of the third mating surface 313 and the third sliding groove surface 113 when the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state. (Comparison) Figure 26 , Figure 27 and Figure 28 It can be seen that when the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state, in the circumferential direction, the contact area length between the first mating surface 311 and the first sliding groove surface 111 is less than the contact area length between the second mating surface 312 and the second sliding groove surface 112, but greater than the contact area length between the third mating surface 313 and the third sliding groove surface 113. The base 100 includes a first base 110 and a second base 120. The first sliding groove surface 111, the second sliding groove surface 112, and the third sliding groove surface 113 are all disposed on the side of the first base 110 facing the second base 120. The thickness of the area of ​​the second base 120 opposite to the first sliding groove surface 111 is greater than the thickness of the area opposite to the second sliding groove surface 112, but less than the thickness of the area opposite to the third sliding groove surface 113.

[0149] like Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, in a specific example, in the first swing arm 300, there are two first sliding surfaces 111, two second sliding surfaces 112, and two third sliding surfaces 113. The two third sliding surfaces 113 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the first sliding surfaces 111. The two first sliding surfaces 111 are located between the two third sliding surfaces 113 and are spaced apart in the axial direction of the first sliding surfaces 111. The two second sliding surfaces 112 are located between the two first sliding surfaces 111 and are spaced apart in the axial direction perpendicular to the first sliding surfaces 111, or in other words, in the width direction of the base 100. One second sliding surface 112 is located on the side away from the base 100, and the other second sliding surface 112 is located on the side closer to the base 100.

[0150] In the first swing arm 300, a second mating part 342 is provided between the two first mating parts 341. The second mating part 342 is provided with a second mating surface 312, and the first mating parts 341 are provided with a first mating surface 311 and a third mating surface 313. The first base 110 includes a main body 118, a sliding groove body 119, a support body 114, and a second connecting body 116. The two ends of the sliding groove body 119 are respectively connected to the corresponding support body 114 through the corresponding second connecting body 116. The second sliding groove surface 112 and the first sliding groove surface 111 are both provided on the sliding groove body 119. There are two first sliding groove surfaces 111, and the two second sliding groove surfaces 112 are respectively located on both sides of the first sliding groove surface 111 in the axial direction. The two second connecting bodies 116 are each provided with a third sliding groove surface 113.

[0151] like Figure 22 , Figure 29 and Figure 30 As shown, a stop portion 360 is provided on the second surface of the first swing arm 300, and a stop groove 130 is provided on the side of the second base 120 facing the first base 110. The stop groove 130 has a stop surface 131, and the stop portion 360 is slidably fitted in the stop groove 130. When the first swing arm 300 rotates relative to the base 100 from the unfolded state to the folded state, the stop portion 360 slides in the stop groove 130 toward the stop surface 131. When the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state, as... Figure 29 As shown, the stop portion 360 contacts the stop surface 131, and the stop surface 131 stops the stop portion 360 in a folded state, thereby stopping the first swing arm 300 in a folded state.

[0152] Third Embodiment

[0153] like Figures 34 to 45As shown, this embodiment provides a folding mechanism 10, which is a variation of the folding mechanism 10 in the second embodiment. Compared with the folding mechanism 10 in the second embodiment, the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment has two second mating parts 342, and there is a first gap 350 between the two second mating parts 342. The first base 110 also includes a first connecting body 115, which is connected to the main body 118 and the slide body 119 respectively.

[0154] Figure 34 This is an exploded view of the parts of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment. Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded state of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment; Figure 36 This is a schematic diagram of the folding state of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment;

[0155] Figure 37 This is a top view of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment; Figure 38 for Figure 37 Sectional view at point A3-A3; Figure 39 for Figure 37 Sectional view at point B3-B3; Figure 40 for Figure 37 Sectional view at C3-C3; Figure 41 for Figure 37 A sectional view at point D3-D3 in the diagram; Figure 42 and Figure 43 These are schematic diagrams of the front and rear sides of the first swing arm 300; Figure 44 and Figure 45 These are schematic diagrams of the front and rear sides of the first base 110 in the base 100.

[0156] In this embodiment, the first swing arm 300 has a first mating surface 311, a second mating surface 312, and a third mating surface 313, and the base 100 is provided with a first sliding groove surface 111, a second sliding groove surface 112, and a third sliding groove surface 113. (Comparison) Figure 38 , Figure 39 and Figure 40 It can be seen that when the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state, in the circumferential direction, the contact area length between the first mating surface 311 and the first sliding groove surface 111 is less than the contact area length between the second mating surface 312 and the second sliding groove surface 112, but greater than the contact area length between the third mating surface 313 and the third sliding groove surface 113. The base 100 includes a first base 110 and a second base 120. The first sliding groove surface 111, the second sliding groove surface 112, and the third sliding groove surface 113 are all disposed on the side of the first base 110 facing the second base 120. The thickness of the area of ​​the second base 120 opposite to the first sliding groove surface 111 is greater than the thickness of the area opposite to the second sliding groove surface 112, but less than the thickness of the area opposite to the third sliding groove surface 113.

[0157] like Figure 41 As shown, a stop portion 360 is provided on the second surface of the first swing arm 300, and a stop groove 130 is provided on the side of the second base 120 facing the first base 110. The stop groove 130 has a stop surface 131, and the stop portion 360 is slidably fitted in the stop groove 130. When the first swing arm 300 rotates relative to the base 100 from the unfolded state to the folded state, the stop portion 360 slides in the stop groove 130 toward the stop surface 131. When the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state, as... Figure 41 As shown, the stop portion 360 contacts the stop surface 131, and the stop surface 131 stops the stop portion 360 in a folded state, thereby stopping the first swing arm 300 in a folded state.

[0158] like Figure 42 and Figure 43 As shown, the first swing arm 300 includes a first mating part 341 and a second mating part 342. Two second mating parts 342 are provided between two adjacent first mating parts 341. The two second mating parts 342 are respectively connected to the adjacent first mating parts 341. There is a first gap 350 between the two second mating parts 342.

[0159] like Figure 44 and Figure 45 As shown, the first base 110 includes a main body 118, a sliding groove 119, a support 114, a first connector 115, and a second connector 116. There are two supports 114, which are located on both sides of the main body 118 in the length direction. The sliding groove 119 is located on one side of the main body 118 in the width direction and is located between the two supports 114. The width side of the sliding groove 119 is connected to the main body 118 through the first connector 115. The sliding groove 119 is provided with a second connector 116 on one side in the length direction. The two sides of the sliding groove 119 are connected to the corresponding support 114 through the corresponding second connector 116.

[0160] like Figure 34 and Figure 35 As shown, after the first swing arm 300 is installed onto the base 100, the first connecting body 115 is located within the first gap 350, and the second mating part 342 is located on both sides of the first connecting body 115. In this configuration, the width direction of the slide body 119 is connected to the main body 118 through the first connecting body 115, and the length direction of the slide body 119 is connected to the main body 118 through the second connecting body 116 and the support body 114, resulting in greater connection strength, stronger connection stability, and stronger structural strength. The main body 118, the slide body 119, the support body 114, the first connecting body 115, and the second connecting body 116 can be configured as an integral structure, that is, the first base 110 is an integral structure, manufactured by an integral molding process.

[0161] like Figure 43 As shown, in one specific embodiment, the first swing arm 300 includes a linkage part 320 and a rotating part 340. The rotating part 340 includes two first mating parts 341 and two second mating parts 342. The two first mating parts 341 are spaced apart axially on a first mating surface 311, and both first mating parts 341 are connected to the linkage part 320. The two second mating parts 342 are located between the two first mating parts 341, and the two first mating parts 341 and the two second mating parts 342 are connected in a one-to-one correspondence. There is a first gap between the two second mating parts 342. Each of the two second mating parts 342 is provided with a second mating surface 312. Each of the two first mating parts 341 is provided with a first mating surface 311 and a third mating surface 313. The first mating surface 311 is located between the third mating surface 313 and the second mating surface 312. Axially, the length of the third mating surface 313 is greater than the length of the first mating surface 311 and greater than the length of the second mating surface 312.

[0162] Fourth embodiment

[0163] like Figures 46 to 57 As shown, this embodiment provides a folding mechanism 10, which is a variation of the folding mechanism 10 in the third embodiment. Compared with the folding mechanism 10 in the third embodiment, in the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment, the first base 110 does not include the second connecting body 116, and the slide body 119 is connected to the main body 118 through the first connecting body 115.

[0164] Figure 46 This is an exploded view of the parts of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment. Figure 47 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded state of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment; Figure 48 This is a schematic diagram of the folding state of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment;

[0165] Figure 49 This is a top view of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment; Figure 50 for Figure 49 Sectional view at point A4-A4; Figure 51 for Figure 49 Sectional view at point B4-B4; Figure 52 for Figure 49 Sectional view at C4-C4; Figure 53 for Figure 49 A sectional view at point D4-D4 in the diagram; Figure 54 and Figure 55 These are schematic diagrams of the front and rear sides of the first swing arm 300; Figure 56 and Figure 57These are schematic diagrams of the front and rear sides of the first base 110 in the base 100.

[0166] In this embodiment, the first base 110 includes a main body 118, a slide body 119, and a first connecting body 115. The main body 118 is connected to the second base 120. In the width direction of the first base 110, the slide body 119 and the main body 118 are respectively connected to the two sides of the first connecting body 115. The second slide surface 112 is located on the side of the slide body 119 facing the second base 120.

[0167] In this configuration, the slide body 119 is connected to the main body 118 on one side in the width direction. That is, the thickness of the first connecting body 115 is not affected by the setting position of the first slide surface 111 or the second slide surface 112, so that the thickness of the first connecting body 115 can be set to be greater and the connection strength is stronger.

[0168] Fifth embodiment

[0169] like Figures 58 to 72 As shown, this embodiment provides a folding mechanism 10, which is a variation of the folding mechanism 10 in the third embodiment. Compared with the folding mechanism 10 in the third embodiment, in the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment, the first base 110 does not include the second connecting body 116, and the slide body 119 is connected to the main body 118 through the first connecting body 115.

[0170] Figure 58 This is an exploded view of the parts of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment. Figure 59 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded state of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment; Figure 60 This is a schematic diagram of the folding state of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment;

[0171] Figure 61 This is a top view of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment when it is in the unfolded state. Figure 62 This is a top view of the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment in a folded state; Figure 63 for Figure 62 Sectional view at point A5-A5; Figure 64 for Figure 62 Sectional view at point B5-B5; Figure 65 for Figure 62 Sectional view at C5-C5; Figure 66 for Figure 62 A sectional view at point D5-D5; Figure 67 This is a schematic diagram of the first swing arm 300 on one side of the second surface. Figure 68 This is a schematic diagram of the first swing arm 300 on one side of the first surface. Figure 69 This is a top view of the first swing arm 300 on one side of the second surface. Figure 70This is a schematic diagram of the rear side of the first substrate 110. Figure 71 This is a schematic diagram of the front side of the first substrate 110. Figure 72 This is a top view of the rear side of the first base 110.

[0172] In this embodiment, the folding mechanism 10 includes a first swing arm 300 and a base 100. The first swing arm 300 is rotatably mounted on the base 100. The base 100 includes a first base 110 and a second base 120. The first base 110 is disposed on the front side of the second base 120. The first swing arm 300 includes a linkage part 320 and a rotating part 340. The linkage part 320 is connected to the rotating part 340, and the rotating part 340 is located between the first base 110 and the second base 120. The first swing arm 300 can be provided on both sides of the base 100 in the width direction. Figures 58 to 66 The diagram shows a schematic of two first swing arms 300 mounted on both sides of the base 100 in the width direction. The two first swing arms 300 have the same structure and are symmetrically arranged. Two symmetrically arranged first swing arms 300 form a group, and multiple groups of first swing arms 300 can be arranged in the length direction of the base 100. To facilitate the description of the cooperation relationship between the first swing arms 300 and the base 100, the following text will use one of the first swing arms 300 as an example to further describe the structure of the first swing arm 300 and the structure on the base 100 corresponding to the first swing arm 300.

[0173] like Figure 58 , Figure 59 , Figures 70 to 72As shown, a first sliding groove surface 111, a second sliding groove surface 112, and a third sliding groove surface 113 are provided on the base 100. The first sliding groove surface 111, the second sliding groove surface 112, and the third sliding groove surface 113 are all located on the rear side of the first base 110, that is, on the side of the first base 110 facing the second base 120. The first base 110 includes a main body 118, a support body 114, a sliding groove body 119, and a first connecting body 115. The length direction of the main body 118 is the same as the length direction of the first base 110. There are two support bodies 114, which are respectively connected to the main body 118, and the two support bodies 114 are spaced apart from the main body 118 in the length direction. The slide body 119 is located between two supports 114 and on one side of the width direction of the main body 118. The slide body 119 is connected to the main body 118 by a first connector 115, which is located on one side of the slide body 119 on the width direction of the main body 118. In this arrangement, the slide body 119 and the supports 114 are spaced apart; for ease of reference, the gap between the slide body 119 and the supports 114 is referred to as the second gap. The first slide surface 111 and the second slide surface 112 are both located on the side of the slide body 119 facing the second base 120, and the third slide surface 113 is located on the side of the supports 114 facing the second base 120. A fourth sliding surface 122 may also be provided on the base 100. The fourth sliding surface 122 is provided on the second base 120. The fourth sliding surface 122 may be provided on the second base 120 at a position opposite to one or more of the first sliding surface 111, the second sliding surface 112 and the third sliding surface 113, or it may be provided at a position where it is not opposite to any of the first sliding surface 111, the second sliding surface 112 and the third sliding surface 113.

[0174] like Figure 58 and Figure 70 As shown, a limiting post 117 is provided on the rear side of the first base 110, and a limiting hole 121 is provided through the second base 120 along the thickness direction. When the first base 110 is assembled to the second base 120, the limiting post 117 is inserted into the limiting hole 121.

[0175] like Figure 58 , Figure 59 , Figures 67 to 69As shown, the first swing arm 300 includes a first mating surface 311, a second mating surface 312, and a third mating surface 313, all of which are disposed on the first surface of the rotating portion 340. In the first swing arm 300, the distance between the axis of the first surface and the axis of the first mating surface 311 is less than the distance between the axis of the second surface and the axis of the first mating surface 311. Therefore, the first surface is closer to the first substrate 110, and the second surface is closer to the second substrate 120. When the folding mechanism 10 is applied in a foldable electronic device 1, the first surface is closer to the flexible screen 40, and the second surface is farther away from the flexible screen 40.

[0176] In this embodiment, the rotating part 340 has a first mating part 341 and a second mating part 342. There are multiple first mating parts 341, and two second mating parts 342 are provided between every two adjacent first mating parts 341, with a first gap 350 between the two second mating parts 342. The first mating part 341 is connected to the linkage part 320, and the second mating part 342 is connected to the nearest first mating part 341. A first mating surface 311 and a third mating surface 313 are provided on the first mating part 341. Figure 68 As shown, in some embodiments, the third mating surface 313 and the first mating surface 311 are spaced apart axially from each other on the first mating surface 311, and the third mating surface 313 is located on the side of the first mating surface 311 away from the second mating surface 312.

[0177] In this configuration, the structural thickness between the third mating surface 313 and the first mating surface 311 is relatively large, which can improve the structural strength of the first swing arm 300. This makes the folding mechanism 10 provided in this embodiment suitable for foldable electronic devices 1 with a smaller overall thickness. After reducing the thickness of the foldable electronic device 1, the thickness of the base 100 is reduced, thereby reducing the thickness of the first base 110. Since the support body 114 and the slide body 119 are spaced apart, the gap between the support body 114 and the slide body 119 is called the second gap. This allows the structure between the third mating surface 313 and the first mating surface 311 to extend into the second gap, thereby allowing the thickness of the first swing arm 300 in the area between the third mating surface 313 and the first mating surface 311 to be thicker. Since this part of the structure extends into the second gap, it does not increase the total thickness of the folding mechanism 10. It increases the structural strength of the first swing arm 300 without increasing the thickness of the folding mechanism 10. Therefore, it is suitable for foldable electronic devices 1 with a smaller overall thickness.

[0178] There are multiple second mating surfaces 312, some of which are located on the second mating part 342, and some of which are located on the side of the linkage part 320 near the rotating part 340. Figure 68In this design, there are two first mating parts 341. Along the axial direction of the first mating surface 311, the two first mating parts 341 are spaced apart. Between the two first mating parts 341, two second mating parts 342 are provided, each corresponding to one of the two first mating parts 341. A first gap 350 exists between the two second mating parts 342. A first through hole 330 is formed between the two first mating parts 341, the two second mating parts 342, and the linkage part 320. The second mating parts 342 are connected to the side of the first mating part 341 away from the linkage part 320. The second mating parts 342 and the linkage part 320 are located on opposite sides of the first through hole 330. There are two first mating surfaces 311 and two third mating surfaces 313. Each first mating part 341 is provided with one first mating surface 311 and one third mating surface 313. The first mating surfaces 311 and the third mating surfaces 313 are arranged alternately. The first mating surface 311 is located on the side of the first mating part 341 closer to the second mating part 342, and the third mating surface 313 is located on the side of the first mating part 341 away from the second mating part 342. There are three second mating surfaces 312. One second mating surface 312 is provided on the side of the linkage part 320 closer to the second mating part 342, and the other two second mating surfaces 312 are provided on the second mating part 342. Each second mating part 342 is provided with one second mating surface.

[0179] Compare Figure 63 , Figure 64 and Figure 66 It can be seen that when the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state, in the circumferential direction, the contact area length between the first mating surface 311 and the first slide groove surface 111 is less than the contact area length between the second mating surface 312 and the second slide groove surface 112, but greater than the contact area length between the third mating surface 313 and the third slide groove surface 113.

[0180] The first mating surface 311, the second mating surface 312, and the third mating surface 313 are all located on the first surface of the first swing arm 300. For example... Figure 65 and Figure 67 As shown, a fourth mating surface 314 is provided on the second surface of the first swing arm 300, such as... Figure 58 As shown, a fourth sliding groove surface 122 is provided on the second substrate 120, and the fourth sliding groove surface 122 is located on the side of the second substrate 120 facing the first substrate 110. The fourth mating surface 314 is positioned opposite to the fourth sliding groove surface 122.

[0181] The second surface is also provided with a stop portion 360, which is located on the side of the first mating portion 341 away from the linkage portion 320. Both first mating portions 341 are provided with stop portions 360, and the stop portions 360 are located on the side of the first mating portion 341 away from the second mating portion 342. A stop groove 130 is provided in the second base 120, and a stop surface 131 is provided in the stop groove 130, such as... Figure 66 As shown, when the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state, the stop portion 360 contacts the stop surface 131.

[0182] In one specific embodiment, the fourth mating surface 314 is disposed on the second surface of the first mating portion 341 and is disposed adjacent to the stop portion 360.

[0183] In one specific embodiment, in a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the first mating surface 311, the arc length of the first mating surface 311 is greater than the arc length of the second mating surface 312, and the angle of the central angle corresponding to the first mating surface 311 is greater than the angle of the central angle corresponding to the second mating surface 312. In this configuration, when the folding mechanism 10 is in the fully unfolded state, the arc length of the contact surface between the first mating surface 311 and the first sliding surface 111 is greater than the arc length of the contact surface between the second mating surface 312 and the second sliding surface 112. During the folding and unfolding process of the folding mechanism 10, the contact and sliding between the first mating surface 311 and the first sliding surface 111 play a major guiding and stabilizing role in the rotation of the first swing arm 300 relative to the base 100, while the contact and sliding between the second mating surface 311 and the second sliding surface 312 play an auxiliary role in the rotation of the first swing arm 300 relative to the base 100. When the folding mechanism 10 is in the folded state, the fit between the second mating surface 311 and the second sliding groove surface 312 plays a more important role, increasing the overlap between the first swing arm 300 and the base 100 in the folded state, and reducing the jamming problem caused by the small overlap between the first swing arm 300 and the base 100 to a certain extent.

[0184] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A folding mechanism, characterized in that, include: The base has a first sliding groove surface and a second sliding groove surface. The first sliding groove surface and the second sliding groove surface are both arc-shaped surfaces and are coaxially arranged. The first sliding groove surface and the second sliding groove surface are spaced apart along the axial direction of the first sliding groove surface. The radius of the second sliding groove surface is larger than the radius of the first sliding groove surface. The first swing arm has a first surface and a second surface that are disposed opposite to each other. The first surface has a first mating surface and a second mating surface. Both the first mating surface and the second mating surface are arc-shaped surfaces. The first mating surface is in contact with and slidably engaged with the first sliding groove surface. The second mating surface is in contact with and slidably engaged with the second sliding groove surface. The distance between the axes of the first surface and the first mating surface is less than the distance between the axes of the second surface and the first mating surface. The door panel is connected to the first swing arm; The base includes a first base and a second base, the first base is connected to one side of the second base in the thickness direction, and both the first groove surface and the second groove surface are disposed on the first base; The first base includes a main body, a groove body, and a first connecting body. The main body is connected to the second base. In the width direction of the first base, the groove body and the main body are respectively connected to both sides of the first connecting body. The second groove surface is located on the side of the groove body facing the second base.

2. The folding mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of first mating surfaces is at least two, and multiple first mating surfaces are spaced apart along the axis of the first mating surfaces. At least one second mating surface is provided between adjacent first mating surfaces.

3. The folding mechanism as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first swing arm has a rotating part and a linkage part connected together. The rotating part has a first mating part and a second mating part. There are multiple first mating parts. A second mating part is provided between each first mating part. Each first mating part is connected to the linkage part. The second mating part is connected to at least one first mating part. The first mating part is provided with a first mating surface. The second mating part is provided with a second mating surface.

4. The folding mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A second mating part is provided between each pair of adjacent first mating parts, and the second mating part is connected to the two adjacent first mating parts along the axial direction of the first mating surface.

5. The folding mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Two second mating parts are provided between two adjacent first mating parts, and the two second mating parts are respectively connected to the adjacent first mating parts, and there is a first gap between the two second mating parts.

6. The folding mechanism as described in any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The first swing arm is provided with a first through hole, which penetrates the first swing arm radially along the second mating surface. The linkage part is located at the end of the first swing arm away from the base, and the second mating surface is located at least on the side of the first through hole away from the linkage part.

7. The folding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The base has a third sliding groove surface, which is an arc-shaped surface. The third sliding groove surface is coaxially arranged with the first sliding groove surface, and the radius of the third sliding groove surface is smaller than the radius of the first sliding groove surface. The first surface has a third mating surface, which is an arc-shaped surface. The third mating surface is in contact with and slides with the third sliding groove surface.

8. The folding mechanism as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The third mating surface is spaced apart from the first mating surface along the axial direction of the first mating surface, and the third mating surface is located on the side of the first mating surface away from the second mating surface.

9. The folding mechanism as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first base includes a main body, a chute, a support, and a second connector. The main body is connected to the second base. Along the axial direction of the first chute surface, the support is connected to both sides of the main body. The support and the second connector are respectively provided on both sides of the chute. The two ends of the chute are respectively connected to the corresponding support through the corresponding second connector.

10. The folding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, One of the first substrate and the second substrate is provided with a limiting post, and the other is provided with a limiting hole, wherein the limiting post is inserted into the limiting hole.

11. The folding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The base is provided with a fourth sliding groove surface, and the second surface is provided with a fourth mating surface. Both the fourth sliding groove surface and the fourth mating surface are arc-shaped surfaces. The fourth sliding groove surface is coaxially arranged with the first sliding groove surface, and the fourth mating surface is in close contact with and slidably engaged with the fourth sliding groove surface.

12. The folding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The base is provided with a stop groove, the stop groove has a stop surface, the second surface has a stop part, the stop part is slidably assembled in the stop groove, and the stop part contacts the stop surface when the folding mechanism is in the folded state.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: Base; The main swing arm is mounted on the base and can rotate relative to the base; The number of main swing arms is multiple and they are arranged in groups. Each group includes two main swing arms and they are located on both sides of the width direction of the base, respectively. A secondary swing arm is mounted on the base and can rotate relative to the base; there are multiple secondary swing arms arranged in groups, each group includes two secondary swing arms located on both sides of the width direction of the base, and the main swing arm and the secondary swing arm located on the same side of the width direction of the base and adjacent to each other are connected by a transmission. The folding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-12, wherein the first swing arm is used as the main swing arm in the folding mechanism, and / or the first swing arm is used as the secondary swing arm in the folding mechanism.

14. The electronic device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, A synchronization mechanism and / or a damping mechanism are provided between the two auxiliary swing arms in the same group.

15. The electronic device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, Along the length of the base, at least three sets of main swing arms and at least three sets of auxiliary swing arms are provided.

16. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a first housing, a second housing, a flexible screen, and a folding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-12, wherein the folding mechanism is connected between the first housing and the second housing, and the flexible screen is laid on one side of the first housing, the second housing, and the folding mechanism.

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