Folding device and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a folding device and electronic equipment. The folding device and the electronic equipment are used for achieving the linkage flattening function of the electronic equipment. The folding device comprises a first shell, a second shell, a third shell, a first rotating shaft mechanism, a second rotating shaft mechanism and a linkage device, the first rotating shaft mechanism comprises a sliding arm, and the sliding arm is in sliding connection with the second shell; the linkage device comprises a first push rod, a second push rod and a transmission assembly, the first push rod is in sliding connection with the second shell, the first push rod is fixedly connected with the sliding arm, the second push rod is arranged in a sliding groove in a sliding mode, and the sliding groove comprises a first groove section arranged on the second shell and a second groove section arranged on the third shell; the transmission assembly is in transmission connection with the first push rod and the second push rod. When the electronic equipment is in a closed state, the second push rod is located in the first groove section, and when the electronic equipment is in an unfolded state, the second push rod is at least partially located in the second groove section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electronic devices, and in particular to a folding device and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] As flexible display technology matures, the display mode of electronic devices has changed greatly. Foldable flexible screen mobile phones, foldable flexible screen tablets, and wearable electronic devices with foldable flexible screens are an important evolution direction of future smart electronic devices. In order to meet users' demand for large display screens and portability of foldable electronic devices, tri-fold folding machines are gradually used in people's daily lives.

[0003] The hinge mechanism is a key component for foldable electronic devices to realize the folding function. It can drive the flexible display screen of the electronic device to flatten or bend during the unfolding and closing process of the electronic device. The three-fold electronic device usually includes three shells arranged side by side, and the three shells are driven to rotate by different components of the hinge mechanism. Among them, the components used to support the two shells on the left and right sides are easily affected by the long tolerance chain, which easily affects the flatness of the electronic device in the unfolded state, thereby affecting the reliability of the electronic device. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a folding device and an electronic device, so as to utilize the folding device to realize a linkage flattening function of the electronic device and improve the reliability of the use of the electronic device.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a folding device, which may include a first shell, a second shell, a third shell, a first rotating shaft mechanism, a second rotating shaft mechanism, and a linkage device. The first shell and the second shell are respectively rotatably arranged on both sides of the first rotating shaft mechanism, and the second shell and the third shell are respectively rotatably arranged on both sides of the second rotating shaft mechanism. The first shell and the second shell can rotate relative to or opposite to each other under the action of the first rotating shaft mechanism, and the second shell and the third shell can rotate relative to or opposite to each other under the action of the second rotating shaft mechanism, thereby changing the use state of the folding device. The first rotating shaft mechanism may include a sliding arm, which is slidably connected to the second shell, and can slide relative to the second shell during the operation of the first rotating shaft mechanism. The linkage device may include a first push rod, a second push rod and a transmission assembly, the first push rod is slidably connected to the second shell, and the first push rod is fixedly connected to the sliding arm, so that the first push rod can slide synchronously with the sliding arm under the drive of the sliding arm; the second push rod can be slidably arranged in a slide groove, and the slide groove includes a first groove section arranged in the second shell and a second groove section arranged in the third shell; the transmission assembly is respectively connected to the first push rod and the second push rod, so that the first push rod and the second push rod can slide toward or away from each other synchronously through the transmission assembly.

[0006] When the folding device is in the closed state, the second push rod is located within the first groove section. During the process of the folding device switching from the closed state to the unfolded state, the side of the second housing away from the first rotating shaft mechanism rotates in a direction away from the first housing, and the sliding arm slides in a direction away from the third housing. Driven by the sliding arm, the first push rod also slides synchronously in a direction away from the third housing, and the first push rod drives the second push rod to slide in a direction closer to the third housing through the transmission assembly. When the second push rod slides from within the first groove section into the second groove section, the third housing will flatten relative to the second housing under the support of the second push rod. Therefore, the linkage device can be used to achieve the linkage flattening of the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing, thereby helping to improve the user experience.

[0007] When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the second push rod is at least partially located within the second groove section. During the process of the folding device switching from the unfolded state to the closed state, the side of the second housing away from the first rotating shaft mechanism rotates in a direction closer to the first housing, and the sliding arm slides in a direction closer to the third housing. Driven by the sliding arm, the first push rod also slides synchronously in a direction closer to the third housing, and the first push rod drives the second push rod to slide in a direction away from the third housing through the transmission assembly. When the second push rod completely slides into the second groove section, since the third housing no longer has the support of the second push rod, the third housing can fold relative to the second housing, and thus the complete folding of the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing can be achieved.

[0008] In some embodiments, the linkage device may further include a magnetic component, which includes a first magnetic member and a plurality of second magnetic members. The first magnetic member is fixed to the end of the second push rod away from the third housing, and the plurality of second magnetic members are fixed to the second housing, and the plurality of second magnetic members are arranged in an array along the extension direction of the second push rod. The projection of the plurality of second magnetic members in the axial direction of the folding device at least partially coincides with the projection of the first groove section in the axial direction of the folding device. Herein, the axial direction of the folding device can be understood as the extension direction of the rotation axis of the first housing, the second housing, or the third housing. During the closing process of the folding device, the magnetic component can provide a certain assisting force for the sliding of the second push rod, so that at the end of the sliding stroke of the second push rod in the direction away from the third housing, the magnetic suction force of the magnetic component can be utilized to continue sliding until it completely enters the first groove section, thereby helping to improve the reliability of the linkage device.

[0009] Exemplarily, in the magnetic assembly, the polarities of the ends of two adjacent second magnetic members facing the first magnetic member are opposite, and a plurality of second magnetic members can form a magnetic field. The polarity of the end of the first magnetic member facing the second magnetic members can be the N pole or the S pole. By reasonably designing the polarities of the two second magnetic members located at the edge among the plurality of second magnetic members, the first magnetic member can be subjected to a magnetic suction force in the direction away from the third housing in the magnetic field formed by the plurality of second magnetic members, thereby providing assistance for the sliding of the second push rod in the direction away from the third housing.

[0010] In some embodiments, the linkage device may further include an elastic member. The length direction of the elastic member is arranged along the sliding direction of the second push rod. One end of the elastic member is fixedly connected to the second push rod, and the other end of the elastic member is fixedly connected to the second housing or the third housing. When the folding device is in the closed state, the elastic member is in a stretched state, and the length of the elastic member is the first length. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the length of the elastic member is the second length, and the second length is less than the first length. During the process of the folding device switching from the closed state to the unfolded state, the elastic member rebounds from the first length in the stretched state to the second length. Therefore, the elastic member can utilize the elastic potential energy released by it to provide a certain assisting effect for the sliding of the second push rod, so that at the end of the sliding stroke of the second push rod in the direction close to the third housing, the elastic member can pull the second push rod to slide into the second groove section, thereby helping to improve the reliability of the linkage device.

[0011] Taking the example that the elastic member is fixedly connected to the second housing, the second housing is provided with a first fixing portion, and the first fixing portion can be located on the side of the second housing close to the third housing. The elastic member can be fixedly connected to the second housing by connecting with the first fixing portion. The second push rod is provided with a second fixing portion, and the second fixing portion can be located on the side of the second push rod facing the first push rod. The elastic member can be fixedly connected to the second push rod by connecting with the first fixing portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first push rod includes a first rack, the second push rod includes a second rack, and the transmission component includes a swing rod. The two ends of the swing rod respectively include a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth. The first set of teeth can be meshed with the first rack, and the second set of teeth can be meshed with the second rack. In this way, during the process of the first push rod sliding along with the sliding arm, the swing rod can be driven to rotate, and then the swing rod drives the second push rod to slide towards or away from the first push rod.

[0013] In some embodiments, the swing rod can be rotatably arranged on the second housing through a hinge shaft to improve the movement stability of the swing rod. Along the axial direction of the folding device, the distance between the hinge shaft and the first rack is less than the distance between the hinge shaft and the second rack. This design can enable the swing rod to achieve a certain stroke amplification effect, so that the first push rod can drive the second push rod to achieve a relatively large movement stroke with a relatively small movement stroke to meet the movement requirements of the second push rod.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second rack includes a first rack section, a second rack section, and a third rack section. The first rack section is arranged at one end of the second push rod close to the first housing, the third rack section is arranged at one end of the second push rod close to the third housing, the second rack section is located between the first rack section and the third rack section, and the second rack section is spaced from the first rack section and the third rack section respectively. When the folding device is in the closed state, the second set of teeth of the swing rod can be engaged with the third rack section. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the second set of teeth of the swing rod can be engaged with the first rack section.

[0015] Through the above solution, during the process of the folding device switching from the closed state to the unfolded state, after the first push rod slides to the maximum stroke in the direction away from the third housing, the second push rod can be disengaged from the engagement relationship with the swing rod through the transition section between the second rack section and the first rack section, and the second push rod can continue to slide under the pulling force of the elastic member. When the second push rod slides to the maximum stroke in the direction close to the third housing, the second set of teeth is engaged with the first rack section so that the second push rod can receive the driving force transmitted by the swing rod when sliding in the reverse direction. During the process of the folding device switching from the unfolded state to the closed state, after the first push rod slides to the maximum stroke in the direction close to the third housing, the second push rod can be disengaged from the engagement relationship with the swing rod through the transition section between the second rack section and the third rack section, and the second push rod can continue to slide under the suction force of the magnetic assembly. When the second push rod slides to the maximum stroke in the direction away from the third housing, the second set of teeth is engaged with the third rack section so that the second push rod can receive the driving force transmitted by the swing rod when sliding in the reverse direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first push rod includes a first rack, the second push rod includes a second rack, and the transmission assembly includes a gear set. The gear set is respectively engaged with the first rack and the second rack. During the process of the first push rod sliding along with the sliding arm, the gear set can be driven to operate, and then the gear set drives the second push rod to slide towards or away from the first push rod.

[0017] In some embodiments, the gear set includes a first sub-gear set and a second sub-gear set. The first sub-gear set includes a first gear and a second gear that are coaxially arranged and fixedly connected, the diameter of the first gear is smaller than the diameter of the second gear, and the first gear is meshed with the first rack; the second sub-gear set includes a third gear and a fourth gear that are coaxially arranged and fixedly connected, the diameter of the third gear is smaller than the diameter of the fourth gear, the third gear is meshed with the second gear, and the fourth gear is meshed with the second rack. Through this design, the linear velocity of the first gear can be made smaller than the linear velocity of the fourth gear. Since the linear velocity of the first gear is positively correlated with the displacement of the first push rod, and the linear velocity of the fourth gear is positively correlated with the displacement of the second push rod, the gear set can achieve a certain stroke amplification effect, so that the first push rod can drive the second push rod to achieve a relatively large motion stroke with a relatively small motion stroke to meet the motion requirements of the second push rod.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second rack includes a first rack segment, a second rack segment, and a third rack segment, the first rack segment is disposed at one end of the second push rod close to the first housing, the third rack segment is disposed at one end of the second push rod close to the third housing, the second rack segment is located between the first rack segment and the third rack segment, and the second rack segment is spaced from the first rack segment and the third rack segment, respectively. When the folding device is in a closed state, the second gear teeth of the swing rod may mesh with the third rack segment, and when the folding device is in an unfolded state, the second gear teeth of the swing rod may mesh with the first rack segment.

[0019] In some embodiments, one end of the second housing along the axial direction of the folding device is arranged beyond the second rotating shaft mechanism, and the first slot section is located at the portion of the second housing that exceeds the second rotating shaft mechanism; one end of the third housing along the axial direction of the folding device is arranged beyond the portion of the second rotating shaft mechanism. Therefore, the extension direction of the first slot section and the extension direction of the second slot section do not intersect with the second rotating shaft mechanism, so that the first slot section and the second slot section can be connected at a position avoiding the second rotating shaft mechanism, so that the second push rod can smoothly reciprocate in the first slot section and the second slot section.

[0020] In a second aspect, the present application further provides an electronic device, which includes a flexible display screen and the electronic device in any embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the flexible display screen can continuously cover the first shell, the first hinge mechanism, the second shell, the second hinge mechanism and the third shell, and the flexible display screen is fixedly connected to the first shell, the second shell and the third shell respectively. During the unfolding process of the electronic device, the linkage device can realize the linkage flattening of the first shell, the second shell and the third shell, thereby improving the reliability of the electronic device and helping to improve the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1Schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device in a closed state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 2 For Figure 1 Exploded view of the electronic device shown in [reference] in an unfolded state;

[0023] Figure 3 For Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device shown in [reference] in an intermediate state;

[0024] Figure 4 Partial schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device in an intermediate state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 5 Partial exploded view of the structure of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 6 Partial schematic diagram of the structure of the first rotating shaft mechanism and the first housing of the electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application in an assembled state;

[0027] Figure 7 Partial schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application facing the flexible display screen side in an unfolded state;

[0028] Figure 8 Partial schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application facing away from the flexible display screen side in an unfolded state;

[0029] Figure 9 Partial schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application facing the flexible display screen side in a partially closed state;

[0030] Figure 10 Partial schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application facing away from the flexible display screen side in a partially closed state;

[0031] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetic component provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structure of a linkage device of the electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application in an unfolded state;

[0033] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the structure of a linkage device of the electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application in an intermediate state;

[0034] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the structure of a linkage device of the electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application in a closed state;

[0035] Figure 15 This is a schematic structural diagram of another linkage device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Reference numerals:

[0037] 100 - First housing; 100a - Support surface of the first housing;

[0038] 200 - Second housing; 200a - Support surface of the second housing; 210 - Groove; 220 - Rack of the second housing; 230 - Slotted opening; 240 - First slot section;

[0039] 250 - First fixing part; 260 - Hinge shaft;

[0040] 300 - Third housing; 300a - Support surface of the third housing; 310 - Second slot section;

[0041] 400 - First rotating shaft mechanism; 400a - Support surface of the first rotating shaft mechanism; 410 - Rotating shaft; 411 - First rotating shaft; 412 - Second rotating shaft;

[0042] 4121 - Shaft section; 420 - Rotating part; 421 - Sliding arm; 422 - Rack of the rotating part; 430 - Connecting part; 431 - First pin shaft; 432 - Second pin shaft;

[0043] 440 - Compound gear;

[0044] 500 - Second rotating shaft mechanism; 500a - Support surface of the second rotating shaft mechanism;

[0045] 600 - Flexible display screen;

[0046] 700 - Linkage device; 710 - First push rod; 711 - First rack; 720 - Second push rod; 721 - Second fixing part; 722 - Second rack;

[0047] 7221 - First rack section; 7222 - Second rack section; 7223 - Third rack section; 730 - Transmission component; 730a - Swing rod; 730b - Gear component;

[0048] 731 - First set of teeth; 732 - Second set of teeth; 733 - Hinge hole; 734 - First sub - gear group; 7341 - First gear; 7342 - Second gear;

[0049] 735 - Second sub - gear group; 7351 - Third gear; 7352 - Fourth gear; 740 - Chute; 750 - Elastic member; 760 - Magnetic component;

[0050] 761 - First magnetic member; 762 - Second magnetic member. Detailed implementation manners

[0051] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same or similar structures, and thus their repeated description will be omitted. The words expressing positions and directions described in the embodiments of this application are illustrative examples based on the accompanying drawings, but can be changed as needed, and all such changes are included within the protection scope of this application. The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application are only used to illustrate the relative positional relationship and do not represent the actual scale.

[0052] It should be noted that specific details are set forth in the following description to facilitate an understanding of this application. However, the embodiments of this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the connotation of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0053] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in a closed state provided by an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded view of the electronic device shown in FIG. in an unfolded state. Referring together to Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the electronic device provided by the embodiments of this application includes a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, or other devices with a foldable function. Figure 1 The electronic device of the illustrated embodiment will be described by taking a mobile phone as an example. The electronic device may include a flexible display screen and a folding device. The folding device includes three housings and two rotating shaft mechanisms. For the convenience of description, the three housings are respectively named the first housing 100, the second housing 200, and the third housing 300, and the two rotating shaft mechanisms are respectively named the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500. Among them, the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are respectively rotatably arranged on both sides of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400, and the second housing 200 and the third housing 300 are respectively rotatably arranged on both sides of the second rotating shaft mechanism 500. When the electronic device is in use, the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 can rotate relative to or away from each other under the action of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400, and the second housing 200 and the third housing 300 can rotate relative to or away from each other under the action of the second rotating shaft mechanism 500, so that the electronic device can be closed and unfolded according to different usage scenarios. It is easy to understand that when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the first housing 100, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400, the second housing 200, the second rotating shaft mechanism 500, and the third housing 300 are arranged side by side in sequence.

[0054] The first housing 100, the second housing 200, the third housing 300, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400, and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 respectively have support surfaces facing the flexible display screen 600. The flexible display screen 600 can continuously cover the support surface 100a of the first housing 100, the support surface 400a of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400, the support surface 200a of the second housing 200, the support surface 500a of the second rotating shaft mechanism 500, and the support surface 300a of the third housing 300. The first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 are respectively arranged corresponding to the bendable parts of the flexible display screen 600, and the flexible display screen 600 is fixedly connected to the support surface 100a of the first housing 100, the support surface 200a of the second housing 200, and the support surface 300a of the third housing 300 respectively. The connection methods include but are not limited to bonding. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the support surface 100a of the first housing 100, the support surface 400a of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400, the support surface 200a of the second housing 200, the support surface 500a of the second rotating shaft mechanism 500, and the support surface 300a of the third housing 300 can be connected to form a flat support surface, so as to play a role in flatly supporting the flexible display screen 600.

[0055] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a schematic structural view of the electronic device shown in the middle state. Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , in the embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device is in the closed state, the first housing 100 and the third housing 300 can be respectively folded on both sides of the second housing 200. This folding method can be regarded as "Z" - shaped folding or "S" - shaped folding. At this time, the corresponding part of the flexible display screen 600 of the first housing 100 can be exposed on the outer side of the fold of the electronic device, and the corresponding parts of the flexible display screen 600 of the second housing 200 and the third housing 300 are hidden on the inner side of the fold of the electronic device. That is to say, the corresponding part of the flexible display screen 600 of the first housing 100 can be used as an appearance surface of the electronic device in the closed state.

[0056] Alternatively, in one embodiment, when the electronic device is in a closed state, the first shell 100 and the third shell 300 can be folded on the same side of the second shell 200, and the third shell 300 is located between the first shell 100 and the second shell 200. This folding method can be regarded as a "G"-shaped folding. At this time, the electronic device can be an outward-folding electronic device, and the part of the flexible display screen 600 corresponding to the first shell 100 and the part of the flexible display screen 600 corresponding to the second shell 200 are respectively exposed on the folded outer side of the electronic device, and the part of the flexible display screen 600 corresponding to the third shell 300 is hidden on the folded inner side of the electronic device. Alternatively, the electronic device can also be an inward-folding electronic device, and the entire area of ​​the flexible display screen 600 is hidden on the folded inner side of the electronic device.

[0057] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the electronic device can be opened and closed by manual drive, electric drive, or manual and electric hybrid drive. Among them, the manual drive mode means that the electronic device is completely opened and closed by the force applied by the user; the electric drive mode means that the electronic device is completely opened and closed by the driving force output by the motor; the manual and electric hybrid drive means that the electronic device is opened and closed by the joint drive of the force applied by the user and the driving force output by the motor.

[0058] In an electronic device using electric drive and hybrid drive, the motor can be accommodated in the accommodation space formed by the housing and the flexible display screen, and the output shaft of the motor is connected to the rotating mechanism in a transmission manner, so as to drive the housing to rotate by driving the rotating shaft mechanism to realize the expansion and closure of the electronic device. In addition, the side frame of the electronic device can be provided with an operation button, which can be used to send an expansion or closure signal to the controller of the electronic device when pressed, and the controller of the electronic device controls the motor to drive the rotating shaft mechanism to move after receiving the expansion or closure signal. Exemplarily, the operation button can be provided in the first housing, or can be provided in the third housing.

[0059] In the embodiment of the present application, the first hinge mechanism 400 and the second hinge mechanism 500 can not only limit the movement trajectory of the first shell 100 and the second shell 200, but also support the flexible display screen 600, so that the bending part of the flexible display screen 600 is evenly stressed in the unfolded state, closed state and intermediate state of the electronic device, and the length of the flexible display screen 600 can remain unchanged during the entire unfolding or closing process of the electronic device, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible display screen 600. The first hinge mechanism 400 and the second hinge mechanism 500 can adopt the same structure, or different structures, which is not limited in the present application.

[0060] In addition, in order to enable the first housing 100, the second housing 200, and the third housing 300 of the electronic device to be unfolded in a linkage manner, the embodiments of the present application further provide a linkage device that can enable the first housing 100, the second housing 200, and the third housing 300 to achieve a linkage function, so as to improve the use reliability of the electronic device and the user experience. To more clearly and completely present the linkage device in the embodiments of the present application, before introducing the specific structure of the linkage device, please first refer to Figures 4 to 5 A specific implementation manner of a first rotating shaft mechanism 400 shown. It should be noted that the following embodiments are only a possible implementation manner of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400. The first rotating shaft mechanism 400 can also be implemented in other ways, as long as it can achieve the unfolding and folding of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 and ensure that the flexible display screen 600 is evenly stressed, it is within the scope covered by the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 can be designed with reference to the first rotating shaft mechanism 400, or it can also be implemented in other forms of structures, as long as it can meet the movement requirements of the second housing 200 and the third housing 300 and ensure that the flexible display screen 600 is evenly stressed.

[0061] Next, a specific description of an exemplary design of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 will be given.

[0062] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of an electronic device in an intermediate state provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 It is an exploded view of a partial structure of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The partial structures of the first housing 100, the second housing 200, and the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 are shown. Referring together to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the embodiments of the present application, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 includes a rotating component 410 and a support plate 420. The first housing 100 is rotatably connected to the support plate 420 through the rotating component 410, and the second housing 200 is slidably connected to the support plate 420.

[0063] In some embodiments, the second housing 200 is provided with a groove 210, and the support plate 420 is provided with a sliding arm 421 that cooperates with the groove 210. When the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 rotate around the rotating assembly 410, the sliding arm 421 can slide along the groove 210. During the closing process of the electronic device, the second housing 200 can slide relative to the support plate 420 in a direction close to the rotating assembly 410, and during the unfolding process of the electronic device, the second housing 200 can slide relative to the support plate 420 in a direction away from the rotating assembly 410. Thus, the second housing 200 can slide relative to the support plate 420 during the state switching process of the electronic device, thereby reducing the pulling force on the flexible display screen and avoiding excessive pulling force on the flexible display screen during the closing or unfolding process.

[0064] Among them, the support plate 420 may include a plurality of sliding arms 421. The plurality of sliding arms 421 are arranged along the axial direction of the electronic device, and along the axial direction of the electronic device, the widths of the plurality of sliding arms 421 may be the same or different, and can be specifically designed according to the spatial layout of the support plate 420. This application does not limit this. For example, in Figure 5 the illustrated embodiment, the widths of the two sliding arms 421 provided near both ends of the support plate 420 may be smaller than the widths of the other sliding arms 421. Correspondingly, the second housing 200 may include a plurality of grooves 210 corresponding to the sliding arms 421 one by one, and the plurality of sliding arms 421 are respectively slidably assembled in the corresponding grooves 210, thereby improving the relative movement reliability between the support plate 420 and the second housing 200 by using the cooperation between multiple pairs of sliding arms 421 and grooves 210. Among them, the axial direction of the electronic device is the axial direction of the folding device, that is, the extending direction of the rotation axis of the first housing, the second housing or the third housing.

[0065] In some embodiments, the rotating assembly 410 includes a first rotating shaft 411 and a second rotating shaft 412, and the axes of the first rotating shaft 411 and the second rotating shaft 412 coincide. Among them, the first rotating shaft 411 is connected to the first housing 100, the second rotating shaft 412 is connected to the support plate 420, and the second rotating shaft 412 can be sleeved on the first rotating shaft 411. For example, both the first rotating shaft 411 and the first housing 100 are provided with connection holes, and the first rotating shaft 411 and the first housing 100 can be detachably connected by a fixing member passing through the connection holes of each of them.

[0066] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the first rotating shaft mechanism and the first housing provided by the embodiment of the present application in an assembled state. Referring together to Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the second rotating shaft 412 may include a plurality of shaft segments 4121. The plurality of shaft segments 4121 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the electronic device. Each shaft segment 4121 may be a hollow structure. The first rotating shaft 411 may sequentially pass through the hollow structures of the plurality of shaft segments 4121, so that the second rotating shaft 412 is sleeved on the circumferential side of the first rotating shaft 411. In addition, a clearance fit is adopted between each shaft segment 4121 of the second rotating shaft 412 and the first rotating shaft 411, so that the second rotating shaft 412 and the first rotating shaft 411 can rotate relative to each other, and thus the rotational connection between the support plate 420 and the first housing 100 can be realized.

[0067] Continue to refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present application, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 may further include a connecting member 430 and a compound gear 440. The movement of the second housing 200 is driven by a combined mechanism of the connecting member 430 and the compound gear 440. The first end of the connecting member 430 is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft 411, and the second end of the connecting member 430 is rotatably connected to the compound gear 440. The connecting member 430 may be located between two adjacent shaft segments 4121 of the second rotating shaft 412 to improve the structural compactness of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400. Exemplarily, the connecting member 430 may be a chain, and the first end of the connecting member 430 may be the chain head of the chain. The first end and the second end of the compound gear 440 respectively have teeth. The first end of the compound gear 440 meshes with the rack 220 of the second housing 200, and the second end of the compound gear 440 meshes with the rack 422 of the support plate 420.

[0068] In one implementation, a first pin shaft 431 is provided at the first end of the connecting member 430, and a hole adapted to the first pin shaft 431 is provided on the first rotating shaft 411. The first pin shaft 431 can be fixed in the hole to fixedly connect the connecting member 430 and the first rotating shaft 411. When the first rotating shaft 411 rotates, the connecting member 430 can rotate therewith. A second pin shaft 432 is provided at the second end of the connecting member 430, and a hole adapted to the second pin shaft 432 is provided on the compound gear 440. The second pin shaft 432 can be rotatably arranged in the hole to rotatably connect the connecting member 430 and the compound gear 440. When the connecting member 430 rotates, the compound gear 440 can rotate therewith, and thus the support plate 420 and the second housing 200 can be driven to slide relative to each other.

[0069] In the embodiment of the present application, the connecting member 430 and the composite gear 440 are used as a transmission mechanism. During the closing or unfolding of the electronic device, the second shell 200 is driven by the transmission mechanism formed by the connecting member 430 and the composite gear 440. The movement speed of the second shell 200 can be matched with the movement speed of the end of the flexible display screen, and the second shell 200 has rigid support in the direction of movement, thereby reducing the risk of the flexible display screen being arched or pulled.

[0070] After understanding the shaft mechanism, let's further combine Figures 7 to 14 The linkage device of the folding device will be described.

[0071] Figure 7 for Figures 1 to 3 The partial structural diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the side facing the flexible display screen in the unfolded state. Figure 8 for Figures 1 to 3 The partial structural diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the side of the electronic device facing away from the flexible display screen in the unfolded state. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the linkage device 700 may include a first push rod 710, a second push rod 720 and a transmission assembly 730. The first push rod 710 is slidably assembled in the second housing 200, and the first push rod 710 is fixedly connected to the sliding arm of the first rotating shaft mechanism, so the first push rod 710 can slide synchronously with the sliding of the sliding arm. The second push rod 720 is slidably assembled in the second housing 200 and the third housing 300, or it can be understood that the sliding track of the second push rod 720 can extend from the second housing 200 to the third housing 300. The transmission assembly 730 is respectively connected to the first push rod 710 and the second push rod 720 in a transmission manner. Along the axial direction of the electronic device, the transmission assembly 730 is arranged between the first push rod 710 and the second push rod 720, and the first push rod 710 and the second push rod 720 can be synchronously slid toward or away from each other through the transmission assembly 730.

[0072] In this embodiment, the folding device may include one linkage device 700, or may include multiple linkage devices 700. In the case where the folding device includes one linkage device 700, the one linkage device 700 may be provided corresponding to one sliding arm in the first rotating shaft mechanism. In the case where the folding device includes multiple linkage devices, the multiple linkage devices 700 may be arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the electronic device, and the multiple linkage devices 700 may be provided one-to-one corresponding to the multiple rotating arms of the first rotating shaft mechanism.

[0073] The first rotating shaft mechanism 400 may be Figures 4 to 6In the structural form shown in [figure reference], at this time, the sliding arm can be the sliding arm 421 in the support plate 420 of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400. Exemplarily, when there is one linkage device 700, the first push rod of the linkage device 700 can be specifically fixedly connected to one sliding arm 421 provided at the end close to the support plate 420 to avoid interference between the linkage device 700 and the structure in the middle area of the second housing 200.

[0074] Of course, in some other embodiments, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 can also be implemented by other structures. Correspondingly, the sliding arm of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 can also be of other structural forms, as long as the sliding arm can slide relative to the second housing 200 during the operation of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400, it can be used as the structure that drives the first push rod 710 to slide in the embodiments of the present application.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first push rod 710 can be directly fixed to one side of the sliding arm 421 along the axial direction of the electronic device by means of bonding, welding or riveting, etc. Or, the first push rod 710 and the sliding arm can also be of an integrally formed structure, that is, it can be understood that the first push rod 710 can be directly formed on the side of the sliding arm to simplify the manufacturing and assembly processes of the electronic device. The second housing 200 is provided with a slot 230, and the slot 230 extends from the side of the second housing 200 close to the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 to the side of the second housing 200 close to the second rotating shaft mechanism 500. The first push rod 710 can be slidably connected to the second housing 200 by being assembled in the slot 230.

[0076] In some embodiments, the second housing 200 is provided with a first groove section 240, and the third housing 300 is provided with a second groove section 310. The extending directions of the first groove section 240 and the second groove section 310 are the same, and when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first groove section 240 and the second groove section 310 can be communicated with each other to jointly form a sliding groove 740. The second push rod 720 can be slidably disposed in the sliding groove 740, so that when the second push rod 720 slides along with the first push rod 710, it can slide from the first groove section 240 into the second groove section 310, or slide from the second groove section 310 into the first groove section 240, realizing the sliding connection between the second push rod 720 and the second housing 200 and the third housing 300.

[0077] In an embodiment of the present application, one end of the second housing 200 along the axial direction of the electronic device may extend beyond the second rotating shaft mechanism 500, and the first groove section 240 may be located in the part of the second housing 200 that extends beyond the second rotating shaft mechanism 500. Similarly, one end of the third housing 300 along the axial direction of the electronic device may also extend beyond the second rotating shaft mechanism 500, and the second groove section 310 may be located in the part of the third housing 300 that extends beyond the second rotating shaft mechanism 500. With this design, the extending directions of both the first groove section 240 and the second groove section 310 do not intersect with the second rotating shaft mechanism 500. Therefore, the first groove section 240 and the second groove section 310 can be connected at a position avoiding the second rotating shaft mechanism 500, enabling the second push rod 720 to smoothly reciprocate within the first groove section 240 and the second groove section 310.

[0078] Figure 9 For Figures 1 to 3 the partial structural schematic diagram of the electronic device shown in the figure towards the flexible display screen side in the partially closed state, Figure 10 For Figures 1 to 3 the partial structural schematic diagram of the electronic device shown in the figure away from the flexible display screen side in the partially closed state. It should be noted that the partially closed state of the electronic device can be understood as the state where the first housing and the second housing are relatively folded, and the second housing and the third housing are relatively flattened. Referring together to Figures 7 to 10 As shown, when the electronic device is in the partially closed state or the closed state, the second push rod 720 is located within the first groove section 240. During the process of the electronic device switching from the closed state to the unfolded state, the side of the second housing 200 away from the first rotating shaft mechanism rotates in a direction away from the first housing 100, the sliding arm drives the first push rod 710 to slide in a direction away from the third housing 300, and the first push rod 710 drives the second push rod 720 to slide in a direction closer to the third housing 300 through the transmission component 730. When the second push rod 720 slides from within the first groove section 240 into the second groove section 310, due to the rigid structural characteristics of the second push rod 720, the third housing 300 will be flattened relative to the second housing 200 under the support of the second push rod 720. Therefore, the linkage device 700 can be used to achieve the linkage flattening of the first housing, the second housing 200, and the third housing 300, thereby helping to improve the user experience.

[0079] When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, at least a part of the second push rod 720 is located in the second groove section 310. For example, the second push rod 720 can be partially located in the first groove section 240 and the other part is located in the second groove section 310. During the process of the electronic device switching from the unfolded state to the closed state, the side of the second housing 200 away from the first rotating shaft mechanism rotates towards the direction close to the first housing, the sliding arm drives the first push rod 710 to slide towards the direction close to the third housing 300, and the first push rod 710 drives the second push rod 720 to slide away from the third housing 300 through the transmission component 730. When the second push rod 720 completely slides into the first groove section 240, since the third housing 300 no longer has the supporting effect of the second push rod 720, the third housing 300 can be folded relative to the second housing 200, and thus the complete folding of the three housings of the electronic device can be realized.

[0080] Please refer to again Figure 7 , in the embodiment of the present application, the linkage device 700 may further include an elastic member 750. One end of the elastic member 750 is fixedly connected to the second push rod 720, and the other end of the elastic member 750 is fixedly connected to the second housing 200 or the third housing 300. For example Figure 7 shows a situation where the elastic member 750 is fixedly connected to the second housing 200. Exemplarily, the elastic member 750 can be a spring. The second housing 200 is provided with a first fixing portion 250, and the first fixing portion 250 is located on the side of the second housing 200 close to the third housing 300. The elastic member 750 can be fixedly connected to the second housing 200 through the connection of the first fixing portion 250. The second push rod 720 is provided with a second fixing portion 721, and the second fixing portion 721 can be located on the side of the second push rod 720 facing the first push rod 710. The elastic member 750 can be fixedly connected to the second push rod 720 through the connection with the second fixing portion 721.

[0081] Refer to together Figures 7 to 10 , when the electronic device is in the closed state, the second push rod 720 is completely located in the first groove section 240. At this time, the elastic member 750 is in a stretched state, and the elastic member 750 will apply a pulling force towards the third housing 300 to the second push rod 720. When the electronic device switches from the closed state to the unfolded state, the elastic member 750 gradually rebounds from the stretched state. The second push rod 720 slides towards the direction close to the third housing 300 under the combined action of the drive of the transmission component 730 and the pulling force of the elastic member 750 until the second push rod 720 partially or completely slides into the second groove section 310 of the third housing 300, and the first housing, the second housing 200 and the third housing 300 are linked and flattened, and the electronic device switches from the closed state to the unfolded state.

[0082] Define the length of the elastic member 750 when the electronic device is in the closed state as the first length, and the length of the elastic member 750 when the electronic device is in the unfolded state as the second length. It is easy to understand that the second length is less than the first length. During the process of the electronic device switching from the closed state to the unfolded state, since the elastic member 750 gradually rebounds from the first length in the stretched state to the second length, the elastic member 750 releases the stored elastic potential energy during this process. Therefore, when the electronic device is in the closed state, the elastic member 750 is in an energy-releasing state or a partial energy-releasing state under a small amount of stretching. It can be seen that during the unfolding process of the electronic device, the elastic potential energy released by the elastic member 750 can provide a certain assisting force for the sliding of the second push rod 720, so that at the end of the sliding stroke of the second push rod 720 in the direction approaching the third housing 300, the second push rod 720 can slide into the second groove section 310 by the pulling action of the elastic member 750, which helps to improve the reliability of the linkage device 700.

[0083] In addition, the linkage device 700 may further include a magnetic component 760. The magnetic component 760 includes a first magnetic member 761 and a plurality of second magnetic members 762. Among them, the first magnetic member 761 can be fixed to one end of the second push rod 720 away from the third housing 300, and the plurality of second magnetic members 762 are fixed to the second housing 200. The plurality of second magnetic members 762 are arranged in an array along the extending direction of the second push rod 720, and the plurality of second magnetic members 762 can be located on one side of the first groove section 240 facing the first push rod 710. The projection of the plurality of second magnetic members 762 in the axial direction of the electronic device at least partially overlaps with the projection of the first groove section 240 in the axial direction of the electronic device, that is, the projection of the plurality of second magnetic members 762 in the axial direction of the electronic device entirely or partially falls within the projection range of the first groove section 240 in the axial direction of the electronic device.

[0084] Figure 11 It is a schematic structural diagram of a magnetic component provided by an embodiment of the present application. Refer to Figure 11 As shown, in one implementation, the polarities of the ends of two adjacent second magnetic members 762 facing the first magnetic member 761 are opposite. For example, the polarities of the ends of the plurality of second magnetic members 762 facing the first magnetic member 761 can be distributed in the order of... -S-N-S-N-S-... in this way, so that the plurality of second magnetic members 762 can form a magnetic field. The polarity of the end of the first magnetic member 761 facing the plurality of second magnetic members 762 can be the N pole or the S pole, and the present application does not limit this. By reasonably designing the polarity directions of the first second magnetic member 762 and the last second magnetic member 762 among the plurality of second magnetic members 762, the first magnetic member 761 can be subjected to a magnetic suction force in the direction away from the third housing in the magnetic field formed by the plurality of second magnetic members 762.

[0085] Please refer to again Figures 7 to 10, when the electronic device switches from the unfolded state to the closed state, the second push rod 720 slides in a direction away from the third housing 300 under the driving action of the transmission assembly 730. When the second push rod 720 slides to a position where the first magnetic member 761 approaches the plurality of second magnetic members 762, the plurality of second magnetic members 762 apply a suction force in a direction away from the third housing 300 to the first magnetic member 761, so that the second push rod 720 completely slides into the first groove section 240, and thus the electronic device can be switched from the unfolded state to the closed state. It can be seen that during the closing process of the electronic device, through the cooperation of the first magnetic member 761 and the plurality of second magnetic members 762, a certain assisting force can be provided for the sliding of the second push rod 720, so that at the end of the sliding stroke of the second push rod 720 in the direction away from the third housing 300, the magnetic suction force of the magnetic assembly 760 can be utilized to continue sliding until it completely enters the first groove section 240, which helps to improve the reliability of the linkage device 700.

[0086] It should be understood that in some other embodiments, the relative positions of the elastic member 750, the magnetic assembly 760 and the second push rod 720 can be interchanged. That is, one end of the elastic member 750 is fixedly connected to the end of the second push rod 720 away from the third housing 300, the other end of the elastic member 750 is fixedly connected to the second housing 200, the first magnetic member 761 of the magnetic assembly 760 is fixed to the end of the second push rod 720 close to the third housing 300, the plurality of second magnetic members 762 of the magnetic assembly 760 are fixed to the third housing 300, and the projection of the plurality of second magnetic members 762 in the axial direction of the electronic device at least partially overlaps with the projection of the second groove section 310 in the axial direction of the electronic device. At this time, during the unfolding process of the electronic device, at the end of the sliding stroke of the second push rod 720 in the direction of approaching the third housing 300, the magnetic assembly 760 can provide an assisting force for the sliding of the second push rod 720, so that the second push rod 720 slides into the second groove section 310; during the closing process of the electronic device, the elastic member 750 can jointly drive the second push rod 720 to slide in a direction away from the third housing 300 with the transmission assembly 730, and at the end of the sliding stroke of the second push rod 720 in the direction away from the third housing 300, the elastic member 750 can continue to provide an assisting force for the sliding of the second push rod 720, so that the second push rod 720 can completely slide into the first groove section 240.

[0087] Figure 12 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a linkage device provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in the unfolded state. Figure 13 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a linkage device provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in the intermediate state. Figure 14 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a linkage device provided by an embodiment of the present application when the electronic device is in the closed state. Refer to Figures 12 to 14As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the first push rod 710 includes a first rack 711. Along the axial direction of the electronic device, the first rack 711 is located on the side of the first push rod 710 facing the second push rod 720; the second push rod 720 includes a second rack 722. Along the axial direction of the electronic device, the second rack 722 is located in the direction of the second push rod 720 facing the first push rod 710; the transmission assembly 730 includes a swing rod 730a. At both ends of the swing rod 730a, a first gear tooth 731 and a second gear tooth 732 are respectively arranged. The first gear tooth 731 meshes with the first rack 711, and the second gear tooth 732 meshes with the second rack 722. In this way, during the process of the first push rod 710 sliding with the sliding arm, the swing rod 730a can be driven to rotate, and then the second push rod 720 is driven by the swing rod 730a to slide towards or away from the first push rod 710.

[0088] For example, during the unfolding process of the electronic device, when the first push rod 710 slides with the sliding arm in a direction away from the third housing 300, the first push rod 710 can drive the swing rod 730a to rotate counterclockwise, and the swing rod 730a further drives the second push rod 720 to slide in a direction close to the third housing 300, so that the second push rod 720 can slide from the first groove section 240 into the second groove section 310; during the closing process of the electronic device, when the first push rod 710 slides with the sliding arm in a direction close to the third housing 300, the first push rod 710 can drive the swing rod 730a to rotate clockwise, and the swing rod 730a further drives the second push rod 720 to slide in a direction away from the second housing 200, so that the second push rod 720 can slide from the second groove section 310 into the first groove section 240.

[0089] In some embodiments, the swing rod 730a may further be provided with a hinge hole 733. Correspondingly, the second housing 200 may be provided with a hinge shaft 260. The hinge shaft 260 is rotatably arranged in the hinge hole 733 of the swing rod 730a, thereby rotatably connecting the swing rod 730a to the second housing 200 to improve the movement stability of the swing rod 730a, and further improve the reliability of the transmission connection between the first push rod 710 and the second push rod 720. In a specific implementation, along the axial direction of the electronic device, the distance between the hinge shaft 260 and the first rack 711 is less than the distance between the hinge shaft 260 and the second rack 722. This design can enable the swing rod 730a to achieve a certain stroke amplification effect, that is, the movement stroke of the end of the swing rod 730a where the second gear tooth 732 is located is greater than the movement stroke of the end where the first gear tooth 731 is located. The movement stroke of the end of the swing rod 730a where the first gear tooth 731 is located is determined by the displacement of the first push rod 710, and the movement stroke of the end of the swing rod 730a where the second gear tooth 732 is located determines the displacement of the second push rod 720.

[0090] Since both the first push rod 710 and the sliding arm are slidably assembled to the second housing 200, the sliding spaces of both are restricted by the structure, dimensions, etc. of the second housing 200. Therefore, the movement strokes of the first push rod 710 and the sliding arm are relatively limited. However, the sliding trajectory of the second push rod 720 extends from the second housing 200 to the third housing 300. Therefore, the movement stroke of the second push rod 720 will be relatively large. Through the above-described stroke amplification effect of the linkage device 700, the first push rod 710 can drive the second push rod 720 to achieve a relatively large movement stroke with a relatively small movement stroke, thereby meeting the movement requirements of the second push rod 720.

[0091] Of course, in some implementations, even though the movement stroke of the second push rod 720 is amplified through the stroke amplification effect of the linkage device 700, there may still be a situation where after the first push rod 710 slides to the maximum stroke in the direction close to the third housing 300, the second push rod 720 does not slide completely into the first groove section 240, or after the first push rod 710 slides to the maximum stroke in the direction away from the third housing 300, the second push rod 720 does not slide into the second groove section 310.

[0092] In view of the above situation, in the embodiments of the present application, the second rack 722 may include a first rack section 7221, a second rack section 7222, and a third rack section 7223. Among them, the first rack section 7221 is disposed at one end of the second push rod 720 away from the third housing 300, the third rack section 7223 is disposed at one end of the second push rod 720 close to the third housing 300, the second rack section 7222 is located between the first rack section 7221 and the third rack section 7223, and the second rack section 7222 is spaced apart from the first rack section 7221 and the third rack section 7223 respectively. Or it can be understood that the second rack section 7222 and the first rack section 7221, and the second rack section 7222 and the third rack section 7223 are both transition sections without teeth. When the electronic device is in the closed state, the second gear tooth 732 of the swing rod 730a can mesh with the third rack section 7223 of the second push rod 720. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the second gear tooth 732 of the second push rod 720 can mesh with the first rack section 7221 of the second push rod 720.

[0093] Through the above design, during the process of the electronic device switching from the closed state to the unfolded state, the second push rod 720 is in the elastic member 750 (refer to Figure 8Driven jointly by the components shown in [Figure] and the swing rod 730a, it overcomes the magnetic suction force of the magnetic component 760 and slides towards the direction close to the third housing 300. The second gear teeth 732 transition from meshing with the third rack segment 7223 to meshing with the second rack segment 7222. After the first push rod 710 slides to the maximum stroke in the direction away from the third housing 300, the first push rod 710 can no longer drive the second push rod 720 through the swing rod 730a. The second push rod 720 can continue to slide under the pulling force of the elastic member. Since there is a transition section between the second rack segment 7222 and the first rack segment 7221, the second push rod 720 is disengaged from the meshing relationship with the swing rod 730a. Therefore, the continuous sliding of the second push rod 720 will not act on the first push rod 710 through the swing rod 730a in the reverse direction, enabling the first push rod 710 to remain stationary and avoiding rigid damage to the first push rod 710. When the second push rod 720 slides to the maximum stroke in the direction close to the third housing 300, the second gear teeth 732 mesh with the first rack segment 7221 so that the second push rod 720 can receive the driving force transmitted by the swing rod 730a when sliding in the reverse direction. It should be noted that although there are no gear teeth on the transition section between the second rack segment 7222 and the first rack segment 7221, it still has a certain roughness. When the second push rod 720 slides in the reverse direction, the second gear teeth 732 of the swing rod 730a can maintain a static friction relationship with this transition section so that the second gear teeth 732 can smoothly mesh with the second rack segment 7222 through this transition section.

[0094] Similarly, during the process of the electronic device switching from the unfolded state to the closed state, the second push rod 720 slides in a direction away from the third housing 300 under the drive of the swing rod 730a against the pulling force of the elastic member. The second gear tooth 732 transitions from meshing with the first rack segment 7221 to meshing with the second rack segment 7222. After the first push rod 710 slides to the maximum stroke in the direction close to the third housing 300, the first push rod 710 can no longer drive the second push rod 720 through the swing rod 730a. The second push rod 720 can continue to slide under the magnetic suction force of the magnetic assembly 760. Since there is a transition section between the second rack segment 7222 and the first rack segment 7221, the second push rod 720 disengages from the meshing relationship with the swing rod 730a. Therefore, the continuous sliding of the second push rod 720 will not act on the first push rod through the swing rod 730a in the reverse direction, enabling the first push rod 710 to remain stationary and preventing the first push rod 710 from being rigidly damaged. When the second push rod 720 slides to the maximum stroke in the direction away from the third housing 300, the second gear tooth 732 meshes with the third rack segment 7223 so that the second push rod 720 can receive the driving force transmitted by the swing rod 730a when sliding in the reverse direction. Similarly, although there are no gear teeth on the transition section between the second rack segment 7222 and the third rack segment 7223, it still has a certain roughness. When the second push rod 720 slides in the reverse direction, the second gear tooth 732 of the swing rod 730a can maintain a static friction relationship with this transition section so that the second gear tooth 732 can mesh with the second rack segment 7222 through this transition section.

[0095] Figure 15 FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of another linkage device 700 provided by an embodiment of the present application. Refer to Figure 15 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the first push rod 710 may also include a first rack 711. Similarly, the second push rod 720 may also include a second rack 722. And along the axial direction of the electronic device, the first rack 711 is located on the side of the first push rod 710 facing the second push rod 720, and the second rack 722 is located in the direction of the second push rod 720 facing the first push rod 710. The transmission assembly 730 includes a gear set 730b, and the gear set 730b meshes with the first rack 711 and the second rack 722 respectively. In this way, during the process of the first push rod 710 sliding along with the sliding arm, the gear set 730b can be driven to operate, and then the gear set 730b drives the second push rod 720 to slide towards or away from the first push rod 710.

[0096] In some embodiments, the gear set 730b may include a first sub-gear set 734 and a second sub-gear set 735. The first sub-gear set 734 includes a first gear 7341 and a second gear 7342. The first gear 7341 and the second gear 7342 are coaxially arranged and fixedly connected. The diameter of the first gear 7341 is smaller than that of the second gear 7342. The first gear 7341 meshes with the first rack 711. The second sub-gear set 735 includes a third gear 7351 and a fourth gear 7352. The third gear 7351 and the fourth gear 7352 are coaxially arranged and fixedly connected. The diameter of the third gear 7351 is smaller than that of the fourth gear 7352. The third gear 7351 meshes with the second gear 7342, and the fourth gear 7352 meshes with the second rack 722.

[0097] Referring jointly to Figure 7 and Figure 15 As shown, when the first push rod 710 slides with the sliding arm in a direction away from the third housing 300, the first push rod 710 can drive the first gear 7341 to rotate counterclockwise, and then the first gear 7341 drives the second gear 7342 to rotate counterclockwise synchronously. Based on the meshing relationship between the second gear 7342 and the third gear 7351, the third gear 7351 can be driven by the second gear 7342 to rotate clockwise, and further drive the fourth gear 7352 to rotate clockwise synchronously. Finally, the fourth gear 7352 drives the second push rod 720 to slide in a direction close to the third housing 300, so that the second push rod 720 can slide from the first groove section 240 into the second groove section 310. When the first push rod 710 slides with the sliding arm in a direction close to the third housing 300, the first push rod 710 can drive the first gear 7341 to rotate clockwise, and then the first gear 7341 drives the second gear 7342 to rotate clockwise synchronously. Based on the meshing relationship between the second gear 7342 and the third gear 7351, the third gear 7351 can be driven by the second gear 7342 to rotate counterclockwise, and further drive the fourth gear 7352 to rotate counterclockwise synchronously. Finally, the fourth gear 7352 drives the second push rod 720 to slide in a direction away from the third housing 300, so that the second push rod 720 can slide from the second groove section 310 into the first groove section 240.

[0098] In the above gear set, since the first gear 7341 and the second gear 7342 are coaxially arranged, and the diameter of the first gear 7341 is smaller than the diameter of the second gear 7342, the angular velocity of the second gear 7342 is the same as that of the first gear 7341, and the linear velocity of the second gear 7342 is greater than that of the first gear 7341. The third gear 7351 and the second gear 7342 are meshed with each other, and the linear velocity of the third gear 7351 is the same as that of the second gear 7342. Since the third gear 7351 and the fourth gear 7352 are coaxially arranged, and the diameter of the third gear 7351 is smaller than that of the fourth gear 7352, the angular velocity of the fourth gear 7352 is the same as that of the third gear 7351, and the linear velocity of the fourth gear 7352 is greater than that of the third gear 7351. That is, the linear velocity of the first gear 7341 < the linear velocity of the second gear 7342 = the linear velocity of the third gear 7351 < the linear velocity of the fourth gear 7352. Because the linear velocity of the first gear 7341 is positively correlated with the displacement of the first push rod 710, and the linear velocity of the fourth gear 7352 is positively correlated with the displacement of the second push rod 720, the displacement of the second push rod 720 is greater than the displacement of the first push rod 710. In other words, the gear set 730b provided in the embodiment of the present application can achieve a certain stroke amplification effect, so that the first push rod 710 can drive the second push rod 720 to achieve a relatively large motion stroke with a relatively small motion stroke, thereby meeting the motion requirements of the second push rod 720.

[0099] It should be understood that the gear set 730b provided in the embodiment of the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. The gear set 730b that adopts other forms and can achieve the stroke amplification effect can also be applied to the embodiment of the present application to drive the first push rod 710 and the second push rod 720 to connect and realize the transmission of force and displacement between the two.

[0100] In addition, similar to the linkage device using the swing rod provided in the foregoing embodiments, in order to enable the second push rod 720 to slide to the maximum stroke in the corresponding direction in both sliding directions, in the embodiment of the present application, the second rack 722 may include a first rack section, a second rack section, and a third rack section. Among them, the first rack section is disposed at one end of the second push rod close to the first housing, the third rack section is disposed at one end of the second push rod close to the third housing, the second rack section is located between the first rack section and the third rack section, and the second rack section is spaced apart from the first rack section and the third rack section respectively. When the electronic device is in the closed state, the gear set 730b can be engaged with the third rack section of the second push rod 720. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the gear set 730b can be engaged with the first rack section of the second push rod 720. Among them, the specific movement process and movement principle of the first push rod 710, the second push rod 720, and the linkage device 700 can refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0101] The above is only the specific implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present application, and all of them should be covered by the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding device, characterized in that, it includes a first housing, a second housing, a third housing, a first rotating shaft mechanism, a second rotating shaft mechanism and a linkage device. The first housing and the second housing are respectively rotatably arranged on both sides of the first rotating shaft mechanism. The second housing and the third housing are respectively rotatably arranged on both sides of the second rotating shaft mechanism. And the first rotating shaft mechanism includes a sliding arm, and the sliding arm is slidably connected to the second housing; wherein: The linkage device includes a first push rod, a second push rod and a transmission component. The first push rod is slidably connected to the second housing, and the first push rod is fixedly connected to the sliding arm. The second push rod is slidably arranged in a chute. The chute includes a first groove section arranged on the second housing and a second groove section arranged on the third housing. The transmission component is respectively in transmission connection with the first push rod and the second push rod; When the folding device is in the closed state, the second push rod is located in the first groove section. During the process of the folding device switching from the closed state to the unfolded state, the second housing rotates in a direction away from the first housing, the sliding arm slides in a direction away from the third housing, the first push rod slides in a direction away from the third housing, and the second push rod slides in a direction close to the third housing. When the second push rod slides into the second groove section, the third housing flattens relative to the second housing; When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the second push rod is at least partially located in the second groove section. During the process of the folding device switching from the unfolded state to the closed state, the second housing rotates in a direction close to the first housing, the sliding arm slides in a direction close to the third housing, the first push rod slides in a direction close to the third housing, and the second push rod slides in a direction away from the third housing. When the second push rod completely slides into the first groove section, the third housing folds relative to the second housing.

2. The folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the linkage device further includes a magnetic component. The magnetic component includes a first magnetic member and a plurality of second magnetic members. The first magnetic member is fixed to one end of the second push rod away from the third housing. The plurality of second magnetic members are fixed to the second housing, and the plurality of second magnetic members are arranged in an array along the extending direction of the second push rod. The projection of the plurality of second magnetic members in the axial direction of the folding device at least partially coincides with the projection of the first groove section in the axial direction of the folding device.

3. The folding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the linkage device further includes an elastic member. One end of the elastic member is fixedly connected to the second push rod, and the other end of the elastic member is fixedly connected to the second housing or the third housing; When the folding device is in the closed state, the elastic member is in a stretched state, and the length of the elastic member is a first length. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the length of the elastic member is a second length, and the second length is less than the first length.

4. The folding device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, the first push rod includes a first rack, the second push rod includes a second rack, the transmission assembly includes a swing rod, and both ends of the swing rod respectively include a first set of teeth and a second set of teeth. The first set of teeth meshes with the first rack, and the second set of teeth meshes with the second rack.

5. The folding device according to claim 4, wherein, the swing rod is rotatably arranged on the second housing through a hinge shaft. Along the axial direction of the folding device, the distance between the hinge shaft and the first rack is less than the distance between the hinge shaft and the second rack.

6. The folding device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, the second rack includes a first rack section, a second rack section, and a third rack section. The first rack section is arranged at one end of the second push rod close to the first housing, the third rack section is arranged at one end of the second push rod close to the third housing, the second rack section is located between the first rack section and the third rack section, and the second rack section is spaced from the first rack section and the third rack section respectively; when the folding device is in the closed state, the second set of teeth meshes with the third rack section, and when the folding device is in the unfolded state, the second set of teeth meshes with the first rack section.

7. The folding device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, the first push rod includes a first rack, the second push rod includes a second rack, the transmission assembly includes a gear set, and the gear set meshes with the first rack and the second rack respectively.

8. The folding device according to claim 7, wherein, the gear set includes a first sub-gear set and a second sub-gear set; the first sub-gear set includes a first gear and a second gear which are coaxially arranged and fixedly connected. The diameter of the first gear is smaller than the diameter of the second gear, and the first gear meshes with the first rack; the second sub-gear set includes a third gear and a fourth gear which are coaxially arranged and fixedly connected. The diameter of the third gear is smaller than the diameter of the fourth gear, the third gear meshes with the second gear, and the fourth gear meshes with the second rack.

9. The folding device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, the second rack includes a first rack section, a second rack section, and a third rack section. The first rack section is arranged at one end of the second push rod close to the first housing, the third rack section is arranged at one end of the second push rod close to the third housing, the second rack section is located between the first rack section and the third rack section, and the second rack section is spaced from the first rack section and the third rack section respectively; When the folding device is in the closed state, the gear set meshes with the third rack segment, and when the folding device is in the unfolded state, the gear set meshes with the first rack segment.

10. The folding device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that one end of the second housing along the axis of the folding device extends beyond the second rotating shaft mechanism, and the first groove segment is located in the part of the second housing that extends beyond the second rotating shaft mechanism; one end of the third housing along the axis of the folding device extends beyond the second rotating shaft mechanism, and the second groove segment is located in the part of the third housing that extends beyond the second rotating shaft mechanism.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that it includes a flexible display screen and the folding device according to any one of claims 1-10. The flexible display screen continuously covers the first housing, the first rotating shaft mechanism, the second housing, the second rotating shaft mechanism and the third housing, and the flexible display screen is fixedly connected to the first housing, the second housing and the third housing respectively.

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