Folding device and electronic device

Abstract

This application discloses a folding device and an electronic device to achieve a linked flattening function of the electronic device. The folding device 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 rotating shaft mechanism includes a sliding arm, which is slidably connected to the second housing. The linkage device includes a first push rod, a second push rod, and a transmission assembly. The first push rod is slidably connected to the second housing and fixedly connected to the sliding arm. The second push rod is slidably disposed in a groove, which includes a first groove section disposed in the second housing and a second groove section disposed in the third housing. The transmission assembly is drively connected to the first push rod and the second push rod, respectively. When the electronic device is in a closed state, the second push rod is located in the first groove section; when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the second push rod is at least partially located in the second groove section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic devices, and more particularly to a folding device and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the gradual maturation of flexible display technology, the display methods of electronic devices have undergone significant changes. Foldable flexible screen mobile phones, foldable flexible screen tablets, and wearable electronic devices with foldable flexible screens represent a major evolutionary direction for future smart electronic devices. To simultaneously meet users' demands for large display screens and portability in foldable electronic devices, tri-fold folding devices are gradually being applied to people's daily lives.

[0003] The hinge mechanism, as a key component for enabling the folding function of foldable electronic devices, drives the flexible display screen of the electronic device to flatten or bend during the unfolding and closing process. Tri-fold electronic devices typically consist of three side-by-side housings, each rotated by different components of the hinge mechanism. However, the components supporting the left and right housings, due to excessively long tolerance chains, can easily affect the flatness of the electronic device in its unfolded state, thus impacting its reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a folding device and an electronic device, which utilizes the folding device to realize the linkage flattening function of the electronic device, thereby improving the reliability of the electronic device.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a folding device, which may include 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 and second housings are rotatably disposed on opposite sides of the first rotating shaft mechanism, and the second and third housings are rotatably disposed on opposite sides of the second rotating shaft mechanism. The first and second housings can rotate relative to or away from each other under the action of the first rotating shaft mechanism, and the second and third housings can rotate relative to or away from each other under the action of the second rotating shaft mechanism, thereby changing the usage state of the folding device. The first rotating shaft mechanism may include a sliding arm, which is slidably connected to the second housing and can slide relative to the second housing 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 housing and 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 is slidably disposed in a slide groove, which includes a first groove section disposed in the second housing and a second groove section disposed in the third housing. The transmission assembly is respectively drivenly connected to the first push rod and the second push rod, so that the first push rod and the second push rod can slide synchronously towards or away from each other through the transmission assembly.

[0006] When the folding device is in the closed state, the second push rod is located in the first slot. During the process of switching the folding device from the closed state to the unfolded state, the side of the second housing away from the first rotating shaft mechanism rotates away from the first housing, and the sliding arm slides away from the third housing. Driven by the sliding arm, the first push rod also slides away from the third housing in sync. The first push rod drives the second push rod to slide closer to the third housing through the transmission component. When the second push rod slides from the first slot into the second slot, the third housing will flatten relative to the second housing under the support of the second push rod. Therefore, this linkage device can realize 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 in the second groove. During the process of switching the folding device from the unfolded state to the closed state, the side of the second housing away from the first rotating shaft mechanism rotates towards the direction closer to the first housing, while the sliding arm slides towards the direction closer to the third housing. Driven by the sliding arm, the first push rod also slides towards the direction closer to the third housing. The first push rod drives the second push rod to slide away from the third housing through the transmission component. When the second push rod slides completely into the second groove, the third housing can fold relative to the second housing because the third housing no longer has the support of the second push rod. Thus, the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing can be completely folded.

[0008] In some embodiments, the linkage device may further include a magnetic assembly comprising a first magnetic element and a plurality of second magnetic elements. The first magnetic element is fixed to the end of the second push rod away from the third housing, while the plurality of second magnetic elements are fixed to the second housing and arranged in an array along the extension direction of the second push rod. The projections of the plurality of second magnetic elements onto the axial direction of the folding device at least partially coincide with the projections of the first slot segment onto the axial direction of the folding device. The axial direction of the folding device can be understood as the extension direction of the rotation axis of the first, second, or third housing. During the closing process of the folding device, the magnetic assembly can provide a certain assist to the sliding of the second push rod, enabling the second push rod to continue sliding until it is fully inserted into the first slot segment at the end of its stroke in the direction away from the third housing, thereby helping to improve the reliability of the linkage device.

[0009] For example, in the magnetic assembly, the polarities of two adjacent second magnetic elements facing the first magnetic element are opposite, and multiple second magnetic elements can form a magnetic field. The polarity of the end of the first magnetic element facing the second magnetic element can be either the N pole or the S pole. By rationally designing the polarity direction of the two second magnetic elements located at the edge among the multiple second magnetic elements, the first magnetic element can be subjected to a magnetic attraction force in the magnetic field formed by the multiple second magnetic elements, moving away from the third housing, 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 element whose length direction is along the sliding direction of the second push rod. One end of the elastic element is fixedly connected to the second push rod, and the other end is fixedly connected to the second or third housing. When the folding device is in the closed state, the elastic element is in a stretched state, and its length is a first length. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the length of the elastic element is a second length, which is less than the first length. During the transition of the folding device from the closed state to the unfolded state, the elastic element rebounds from the first length in the stretched state to the second length. Therefore, the elastic element can use its released elastic potential energy to provide a certain assistance to the sliding of the second push rod, allowing the second push rod to slide into the second groove section at the end of its stroke towards the third housing, thereby helping to improve the reliability of the linkage device.

[0011] Taking the fixed connection between the elastic element and the second housing as an example, the second housing is provided with a first fixing part, which can be located on the side of the second housing close to the third housing. The elastic element can achieve a fixed connection with the second housing by connecting with the first fixing part. The second push rod is provided with a second fixing part, which can be located on the side of the second push rod facing the first push rod. The elastic element can achieve a fixed connection with the second push rod by connecting with the first fixing part.

[0012] In some implementations, the first push rod includes a first rack, the second push rod includes a second rack, and the transmission assembly includes a rocker arm. The two ends of the rocker arm each include a first gear and a second gear, respectively. The first gear meshes with the first rack, and the second gear meshes with the second rack. Thus, as the first push rod slides with the sliding arm, it drives the rocker arm to rotate, which in turn drives the second push rod to slide in opposite directions from the first push rod.

[0013] In some implementations, the rocker arm can be rotatably mounted on the second housing via a hinge shaft to improve its motion stability. Along the axial direction of the folding device, the distance between the hinge shaft and the first rack is smaller than the distance between the hinge shaft and the second rack. This design allows the rocker arm to achieve a certain stroke amplification effect, enabling the first push rod to drive the second push rod to achieve a relatively large stroke with a relatively small stroke, thus meeting the motion requirements of the second push rod.

[0014] 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 located at the end of the second push rod near the first housing, and the third rack segment is located at the end of the second push rod near the third housing. The second rack segment is located between the first and third rack segments and is spaced apart from both the first and third rack segments. When the folding device is in the closed state, the second gear teeth of the rocker arm can engage with the third rack segment; when the folding device is in the unfolded state, the second gear teeth of the rocker arm can engage with the first rack segment.

[0015] With the above scheme, during the switching process of the folding device from the closed state to the unfolded state, after the first push rod slides to its maximum stroke in the direction away from the third housing, the second push rod can disengage from the swing arm through the transition section between the second rack segment and the first rack segment. The second push rod can continue to slide under the pulling force of the elastic element. When the second push rod slides to its maximum stroke in the direction closer to the third housing, the second gear engages with the first rack segment, so that the second push rod can receive the driving force transmitted by the swing arm when sliding in the opposite direction. During the switching process of the folding device from the unfolded state to the closed state, after the first push rod slides to its maximum stroke in the direction closer to the third housing, the second push rod can disengage from the swing arm through the transition section between the second rack segment and the third rack segment. The second push rod can continue to slide under the attraction of the magnetic component. When the second push rod slides to its maximum stroke in the direction away from the third housing, the second gear engages with the third rack segment, so that the second push rod can receive the driving force transmitted by the swing arm when sliding in the opposite direction.

[0016] In some implementations, the first push rod includes a first rack, the second push rod includes a second rack, and the transmission assembly includes a gear set, which meshes with the first rack and the second rack respectively. As the first push rod slides with the sliding arm, it drives the gear set to rotate, which in turn drives the second push rod to slide in opposite directions from the first push rod.

[0017] In some implementations, 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 coaxially arranged and fixedly connected, with the diameter of the first gear being smaller than the diameter of the second gear. The first gear meshes with a first rack. The second sub-gear set includes a third gear and a fourth gear coaxially arranged and fixedly connected, with the diameter of the third gear being 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. This design allows the linear velocity of the first gear to be lower than that 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, this gear set can achieve a certain stroke amplification effect. This allows the first push rod to drive the second push rod to achieve a relatively large stroke with a relatively small stroke, thus meeting 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 located at the end of the second push rod near the first housing, and the third rack segment is located at the end of the second push rod near the third housing. The second rack segment is located between the first and third rack segments and is spaced apart from both the first and third rack segments. When the folding device is in the closed state, the second gear teeth of the rocker arm can engage with the third rack segment; when the folding device is in the unfolded state, the second gear teeth of the rocker arm can engage with the first rack segment.

[0019] In some embodiments, one end of the second housing extends beyond the second pivot mechanism along the axial direction of the folding device, and the first groove segment is located in the portion of the second housing that extends beyond the second pivot mechanism; one end of the third housing extends beyond the second pivot mechanism along the axial direction of the folding device. Therefore, the extending directions of the first and second groove segments do not intersect with the second pivot mechanism, allowing the first and second groove segments to communicate at a position avoiding the second pivot mechanism, thus enabling the second push rod to reciprocate smoothly within the first and second groove segments.

[0020] Secondly, this application also provides an electronic device, which includes a flexible display screen and the electronic device in any of the embodiments of the first aspect described above. The flexible display screen can continuously cover a first housing, a first rotating mechanism, a second housing, a second rotating mechanism, and a third housing, and the flexible display screen is fixedly connected to the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing, respectively. During the unfolding process, the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing can be moved and flattened in a coordinated manner through a linkage device, thereby improving the reliability of the electronic device and enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device in a closed state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the electronic device shown in its deployed state;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the electronic device in an intermediate state.

[0024] Figure 4 A partial structural diagram of an electronic device in an intermediate state, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a partial structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 A partial structural diagram of the first rotating shaft mechanism and the first housing in an assembled state, as provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 7 A partial structural diagram of the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application, in its unfolded state facing the flexible display screen side;

[0028] Figure 8 A partial structural diagram of the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application in its unfolded state, facing away from the flexible display screen.

[0029] Figure 9 A partial structural diagram of the electronic device provided in this application, facing the flexible display screen in a partially closed state;

[0030] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of the electronic device provided in this application, facing away from the flexible display screen in a partially closed state;

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetic component provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a linkage device provided in an embodiment of this application when the electronic device is in an unfolded state;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a linkage device provided in an embodiment of this application when the electronic device is in an intermediate state;

[0034] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a linkage device provided in an embodiment of this application when the electronic device is in a closed state;

[0035] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another linkage device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure label:

[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 - Slot; 240 - First slot segment;

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

[0040] 300 - Third housing; 300a - Support surface of the third housing; 310 - Second groove 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 segment; 420 - Rotating component; 421 - Sliding arm; 422 - Rack of rotating component; 430 - Connecting component; 431 - First pin; 432 - Second pin;

[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 segment; 7222 - Second rack segment; 7223 - Third rack segment; 730 - Transmission assembly; 730a - Rocker arm; 730b - Gear assembly;

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

[0049] 735 - Second sub-gear set; 7351 - Third gear; 7352 - Fourth gear; 740 - Slide groove; 750 - Elastic element; 760 - Magnetic assembly;

[0050] 761 - First magnetic component; 762 - Second magnetic component. Detailed Implementation

[0051] 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. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The same reference numerals in the figures denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. The terms expressing position and direction described in the embodiments of this application are illustrative based on the accompanying drawings, but changes can be made as needed, and all such changes are included within the scope of protection of this application. The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application are only for illustrating relative positional relationships and do not represent actual scale.

[0052] It should be noted that specific details are set forth in the following description to facilitate 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 spirit of the embodiments of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device in a closed state, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the electronic device shown in its deployed state. (See also...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electronic devices provided in this application embodiment include mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, or other devices with foldable functionality. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment uses a mobile phone as an example. The electronic device may include a flexible display screen and a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism includes three housings and two pivot mechanisms. For ease of explanation, the three housings are named first housing 100, second housing 200, and third housing 300, respectively, and the two pivot mechanisms are named first pivot mechanism 400 and second pivot mechanism 500, respectively. The first housing 100 and second housing 200 are rotatably disposed on both sides of the first pivot mechanism 400, and the second housing 200 and third housing 300 are rotatably disposed on both sides of the second pivot mechanism 500, respectively. In use, the first housing 100 and second housing 200 can rotate relative to or away from each other under the action of the first pivot mechanism 400, and the second housing 200 and third housing 300 can rotate relative to or away from each other under the action of the second pivot mechanism 500, thereby enabling the electronic device to close and unfold according to different usage scenarios. It is easy to understand that when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first housing 100, the first rotating mechanism 400, the second housing 200, the second rotating 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 pivot mechanism 400, and the second pivot mechanism 500 each have a support surface 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 pivot mechanism 400, the support surface 200a of the second housing 200, the support surface 500a of the second pivot mechanism 500, and the support surface 300a of the third housing 300. The first pivot mechanism 400 and the second pivot mechanism 500 are respectively corresponding to the bendable portion 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 method includes, but is not limited to, adhesive 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, thereby providing flat support for the flexible display screen 600.

[0055] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the electronic device in an intermediate state. (For reference only.) Figures 1 to 3 In this embodiment, when the electronic device is in the closed state, the first housing 100 and the third housing 300 can be folded onto both sides of the second housing 200, respectively. This folding method can be viewed as a "Z"-shaped fold or an "S"-shaped fold. At this time, the portion of the flexible display screen 600 corresponding to the first housing 100 is exposed on the folded outer side of the electronic device, while the portions of the flexible display screens 600 corresponding to the second housing 200 and the third housing 300 are hidden on the folded inner side of the electronic device. That is, the portion of the flexible display screen 600 corresponding to the first housing 100 can serve as one of the external surfaces of the electronic device in the closed state.

[0056] Alternatively, in one embodiment, when the electronic device is in the closed state, the first housing 100 and the third housing 300 can be folded to the same side of the second housing 200, with the third housing 300 located between the first housing 100 and the second housing 200. This folding method can be considered a "G"-shaped fold. In this case, the electronic device can be an outward-folding electronic device, with the flexible display screen 600 corresponding to the first housing 100 and the flexible display screen 600 corresponding to the second housing 200 exposed on the folded outer side of the electronic device, while the flexible display screen 600 corresponding to the third housing 300 is hidden on the folded inner side of the electronic device. Alternatively, the electronic device can also be an inward-folding electronic device, with the entire area of ​​the flexible display screen 600 hidden on the folded inner side of the electronic device.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electronic device can be deployed and closed by manual drive, electric drive, or a combination of manual and electric drive. Manual drive refers to the electronic device deploying and closing entirely by force applied by the user; electric drive refers to the electronic device deploying and closing entirely by the driving force output by the motor; and a combination of manual and electric drive refers to the electronic device deploying and closing under the combined force of the force applied by the user and the driving force output by the motor.

[0058] In electronic devices employing electric or hybrid drive methods, a motor can be housed within the space formed by the housing and the flexible display screen. The motor's output shaft is connected to a rotating mechanism, thereby driving the housing to rotate through the rotating shaft mechanism, thus enabling the electronic device to unfold and close. Additionally, an operation button can be provided on the side frame of the electronic device. This button, when pressed, sends an unfold or close signal to the controller of the electronic device. Upon receiving the unfold or close signal, the controller controls the motor to drive the rotating shaft mechanism. Exemplarily, this operation button can be located in the first housing or in the third housing.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first pivot mechanism 400 and the second pivot mechanism 500 not only restrict the movement trajectory of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200, but also support the flexible display screen 600, ensuring that the bent portion of the flexible display screen 600 experiences uniform force in the unfolded, closed, and intermediate states of the electronic device. Furthermore, they ensure that the length of the flexible display screen 600 remains constant throughout the entire unfolding or closing process of the electronic device, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible display screen 600. The first pivot mechanism 400 and the second pivot mechanism 500 can adopt the same structure or different structures; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0060] In addition, to enable the first housing 100, second housing 200, and third housing 300 of the electronic device to achieve coordinated flattening, this application embodiment also provides a linkage device that enables the first housing 100, second housing 200, and third housing 300 to achieve linkage functionality, thereby improving the reliability of the electronic device and the user experience. To more clearly and completely present the linkage device in this application embodiment, please refer to [reference needed] before describing the specific structure of the linkage device. Figures 4 to 5 The illustration shows a specific implementation of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400. It should be noted that the following embodiment is only one possible implementation of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400. The first rotating shaft mechanism 400 can also be implemented in other ways, as long as it enables the unfolding and folding of the first housing 100 and the second housing 200, and ensures uniform force distribution on the flexible display screen 600, all of which fall within the scope of this application's embodiments. Furthermore, the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 can be designed with reference to the first rotating shaft mechanism 400, or it can be implemented using other structural forms, as long as it meets the movement requirements of the second housing 200 and the third housing 300 and ensures uniform force distribution on the flexible display screen 600.

[0061] Next, an exemplary design of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 will be described in detail.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of an electronic device in an intermediate state, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a partial structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Partial structures of the first housing 100, the second housing 200, and the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 are shown. See also... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 includes a rotating component 410 and a support plate 420. The first housing 100 and the support plate 420 are rotatably connected 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 engages 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. 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 closing or unfolding.

[0064] The support plate 420 may include multiple sliding arms 421, which are arranged along the axial direction of the electronic device. The widths of the sliding arms 421 may be the same or different, depending on the spatial layout of the support plate 420; this application does not impose any limitations on this. For example, in... Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the two sliding arms 421 located near both ends of the support plate 420 can be smaller than the width of the other sliding arms 421. Correspondingly, the second housing 200 may include multiple grooves 210 corresponding one-to-one with the sliding arms 421. The multiple sliding arms 421 are slidably fitted into their respective grooves 210, thereby improving the relative movement reliability between the support plate 420 and the second housing 200 through the cooperation between the multiple pairs of sliding arms 421 and the grooves 210. Here, the axial direction of the electronic device is the axial direction of the folding device, which is also the direction of extension 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, with the axis of the first rotating shaft 411 and the axis of the second rotating shaft 412 coinciding. The first rotating shaft 411 is connected to the first housing 100, and the second rotating shaft 412 is connected to the support plate 420. 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 connecting holes, and the first rotating shaft 411 and the first housing 100 can be detachably connected by fasteners passing through their respective connecting holes.

[0066] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the first rotating shaft mechanism and the first housing in an assembled state, as provided in an embodiment of this application. (See also...) Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown in this embodiment, the second rotating shaft 412 may include multiple shaft segments 4121, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the electronic device. Each shaft segment 4121 may be a hollow structure. The first rotating shaft 411 may be sequentially inserted through the hollow structures of the multiple shaft segments 4121, thereby allowing the second rotating shaft 412 to be sleeved around the periphery of the first rotating shaft 411. Furthermore, each shaft segment 4121 of the second rotating shaft 412 is clearance-fitted with the first rotating shaft 411 to allow relative rotation between the second rotating shaft 412 and the first rotating shaft 411, thereby achieving a rotational connection between the support plate 420 and the first housing 100.

[0067] Continue to refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 may further include a connector 430 and a compound gear 440. The movement of the second housing 200 is driven by a combination of the connector 430 and the compound gear 440. The first end of the connector 430 is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft 411, and the second end of the connector 430 is rotatably connected to the compound gear 440. The connector 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. For example, the connector 430 may be a chain, in which case the first end of the connector 430 may be the chain head. The first and second ends of the compound gear 440 each 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, the first end of the connector 430 is provided with a first pin 431, and the first rotating shaft 411 is provided with a hole adapted to the first pin 431. The first pin 431 can be fixedly disposed in the hole to fix the connector 430 and the first rotating shaft 411. When the first rotating shaft 411 rotates, the connector 430 can rotate accordingly. The second end of the connector 430 is provided with a second pin 432, and the compound gear 440 is provided with a hole adapted to the second pin 432. The second pin 432 can be rotatably disposed in the hole to rotatably connect the connector 430 and the compound gear 440. When the connector 430 rotates, the compound gear 440 can rotate accordingly, thereby driving the support plate 420 and the second housing 200 to slide relative to each other.

[0069] In this embodiment, the connector 430 and the compound gear 440 serve as a transmission mechanism. During the closing or unfolding of the electronic device, the second housing 200 is driven by the transmission mechanism composed of the connector 430 and the compound gear 440. This allows the movement speed of the second housing 200 to match the movement speed of the end of the flexible display screen. Furthermore, the second housing 200 has rigid support in the direction of movement, thereby reducing the risk of the flexible display screen arching or being pulled.

[0070] After understanding the rotating shaft mechanism, the following will further combine... Figures 7 to 14 The linkage mechanism of the folding device is explained.

[0071] Figure 7 for Figures 1 to 3 The diagram shows a partial structural representation of the electronic device in its unfolded state, facing the flexible display screen. Figure 8 for Figures 1 to 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the electronic device in its unfolded state, facing away from the flexible display screen. (See also...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in this embodiment, 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 mounted on the second housing 200 and is fixedly connected to the sliding arm of the first rotating shaft mechanism, thus allowing the first push rod 710 to slide synchronously with the sliding arm. The second push rod 720 is slidably mounted on both the second housing 200 and the third housing 300; or, in other words, the sliding trajectory of the second push rod 720 can extend from the second housing 200 to the third housing 300. The transmission assembly 730 is drively connected to both the first push rod 710 and the second push rod 720. 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, enabling the first push rod 710 and the second push rod 720 to slide synchronously towards or away from each other via the transmission assembly 730.

[0072] In this embodiment, the folding device may include one linkage device 700 or multiple linkage devices 700. When the folding device includes one linkage device 700, this linkage device 700 may correspond to one sliding arm in the first rotating shaft mechanism. When 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 correspond one-to-one with multiple rotating arms of the first rotating shaft mechanism.

[0073] The first rotating shaft mechanism 400 can be Figures 4 to 6In the structural form shown, the sliding arm can be the sliding arm 421 in the support plate 420 of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400. For example, when there is only one linkage device 700, the first push rod of the linkage device 700 can be fixedly connected to a sliding arm 421 provided near the end of the support plate 420 to avoid interference between the linkage device 700 and the structure of the middle area of ​​the second housing 200.

[0074] Of course, in other embodiments, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 can also be implemented with other structures. Correspondingly, the sliding arm of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 can also be in 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 this 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. Alternatively, the first push rod 710 and the sliding arm can be integrally formed, meaning that the first push rod 710 can be directly formed on the side of the sliding arm to simplify the manufacturing and assembly process of the electronic device. The second housing 200 is provided with a slot 230, which extends from the side of the second housing 200 near the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 to the side of the second housing 200 near 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 segment 240, and the third housing 300 is provided with a second groove segment 310. The first groove segment 240 and the second groove segment 310 extend in the same direction, and when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first groove segment 240 and the second groove segment 310 can communicate with each other, forming a sliding groove 740 together. The second push rod 720 can be slidably disposed in the sliding groove 740, so that the second push rod 720 can slide from the first groove segment 240 to the second groove segment 310, or from the second groove segment 310 to the first groove segment 240, during the sliding process with the first push rod 710, thereby realizing the sliding connection between the second push rod 720 and the second housing 200 and the third housing 300.

[0077] In this embodiment, 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 slot segment 240 may be located in the portion 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 slot segment 310 may be located in the portion of the third housing 300 that extends beyond the second rotating shaft mechanism 500. With this design, the extension directions of both the first slot segment 240 and the second slot segment 310 do not intersect with the second rotating shaft mechanism 500. Therefore, the first slot segment 240 and the second slot segment 310 can be connected at a position avoiding the second rotating shaft mechanism 500, allowing the second push rod 720 to smoothly reciprocate within the first slot segment 240 and the second slot segment 310.

[0078] Figure 9 for Figures 1 to 3 The diagram shows a partial structural representation of the electronic device facing the flexible display screen in a partially closed state. Figure 10 for Figures 1 to 3 The diagram shows a partial structural representation of the electronic device in a partially closed state, facing away from the flexible display screen. It should be noted that the partially closed state of the electronic device can be understood as the first and second housings being folded relative to each other, and the second and third housings being relatively flattened. (See also...) Figures 7 to 10 As shown, when the electronic device is in a partially closed or closed state, the second push rod 720 is located within the first slot 240. During the transition of the electronic device from a closed to an open state, the side of the second housing 200 away from the first rotating shaft mechanism rotates away from the first housing 100. The sliding arm drives the first push rod 710 to slide away from the third housing 300. The first push rod 710, in turn, drives the second push rod 720 to slide closer to the third housing 300 via the transmission assembly 730. When the second push rod 720 slides from the first slot 240 into the second slot 310, based on the rigid structural characteristics of the second push rod 720, the third housing 300 will flatten relative to the second housing 200 under the support of the second push rod 720. Therefore, by using this linkage device 700, the first housing, the second housing 200, and the third housing 300 can be flattened in a coordinated manner, thereby helping to improve the user experience.

[0079] When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, at least a portion of the second push rod 720 is located within the second slot 310. For example, the second push rod 720 may be partially located within the first slot 240 and partially within the second slot 310. During the transition of the electronic device 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 closer to the first housing. The sliding arm drives the first push rod 710 to slide towards the direction closer to the third housing 300. The first push rod 710, in turn, drives the second push rod 720 to slide away from the third housing 300 via the transmission assembly 730. When the second push rod 720 has fully slid into the first slot 240, the third housing 300 can fold relative to the second housing 200 because it no longer has the support of the second push rod 720. This allows the complete folding of all three housings of the electronic device.

[0080] Please refer to this again. Figure 7 In this embodiment, the linkage device 700 may further include an elastic element 750, one end of which is fixedly connected to the second push rod 720, and the other end of which is fixedly connected to the second housing 200 or the third housing 300, for example... Figure 7 The diagram illustrates one scenario where the elastic element 750 is fixedly connected to the second housing 200. For example, the elastic element 750 can be a spring. The second housing 200 is provided with a first fixing part 250 located on the side of the second housing 200 near the third housing 300. The elastic element 750 can be fixedly connected to the second housing 200 via the first fixing part 250. The second push rod 720 is provided with a second fixing part 721, which can be located on the side of the second push rod 720 facing the first push rod 710. The elastic element 750 can be fixedly connected to the second push rod 720 via connection to the second fixing part 721.

[0081] Please refer to the above. Figures 7 to 10 When the electronic device is in the closed state, the second push rod 720 is fully located within the first slot 240. At this time, the elastic element 750 is in a stretched state, and the elastic element 750 applies a pulling force to the second push rod 720 in the direction of the third housing 300. When the electronic device switches from the closed state to the unfolded state, the elastic element 750 gradually rebounds from the stretched state. Under the combined action of the drive of the transmission component 730 and the pulling force of the elastic element 750, the second push rod 720 slides towards the third housing 300 until the second push rod 720 partially or completely slides into the second slot 310 of the third housing 300. The first housing, the second housing 200, and the third housing 300 then unfold in conjunction, and the electronic device switches from the closed state to the unfolded state.

[0082] The length of the elastic element 750 in the closed state of the electronic device is defined as the first length, and the length of the elastic element 750 in the unfolded state of the electronic device is defined as the second length. It is easy to understand that the second length is shorter than the first length. During the transition from the closed to the unfolded state of the electronic device, the elastic element 750 gradually rebounds from the first length in the stretched state to the second length. In this process, the elastic element 750 releases its accumulated elastic potential energy. Therefore, in the closed state of the electronic device, the elastic element 750 is in a state of energy release or a partially released state under slight stretching. It can be seen that during the unfolding process of the electronic device, the elastic potential energy released by the elastic element 750 can provide a certain assistance to the sliding of the second push rod 720, allowing the second push rod 720 to slide into the second groove segment 310 at the end of its stroke towards the third housing 300, utilizing the pulling action of the elastic element 750. This helps to improve the reliability of the linkage device 700.

[0083] Furthermore, the linkage device 700 may also include a magnetic component 760, which includes a first magnetic element 761 and a plurality of second magnetic elements 762. The first magnetic element 761 may be fixed to the end of the second push rod 720 away from the third housing 300, and the plurality of second magnetic elements 762 are fixed to the second housing 200. The plurality of second magnetic elements 762 are arranged in an array along the extension direction of the second push rod 720, and the plurality of second magnetic elements 762 may be located on the side of the first slot segment 240 facing the first push rod 710. The projection of the plurality of second magnetic elements 762 on the axial direction of the electronic device at least partially overlaps with the projection of the first slot segment 240 on the axial direction of the electronic device, that is, all or part of the projection of the plurality of second magnetic elements 762 on the axial direction of the electronic device falls within the projection range of the first slot segment 240 on the axial direction of the electronic device.

[0084] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a magnetic component provided in an embodiment of this application. (Reference) Figure 11 As shown, in one implementation, the polarities of two adjacent second magnetic elements 762 facing the first magnetic element 761 are opposite. For example, the polarities of the multiple second magnetic elements 762 facing the first magnetic element 761 can be distributed in a sequence of ...-SNSNS-..., thus forming a magnetic field. The polarity of the end of the first magnetic element 761 facing the multiple second magnetic elements 762 can be either the N pole or the S pole; this application does not limit this. By rationally designing the polarity directions of the first and last second magnetic elements 762, the first magnetic element 761 can be subjected to a magnetic attraction force in the magnetic field formed by the multiple second magnetic elements 762, directed away from the third housing.

[0085] Please refer to this again. Figures 7 to 10When the electronic device switches from an unfolded state to a closed state, the second push rod 720 slides away from the third housing 300 under the drive of the transmission assembly 730. When the second push rod 720 slides to the point where the first magnetic element 761 approaches the plurality of second magnetic elements 762, the plurality of second magnetic elements 762 exert an attractive force on the first magnetic element 761 in a direction away from the third housing 300, so that the second push rod 720 slides completely into the first slot 240, thereby allowing the electronic device to switch from an unfolded state to a closed state. It can be seen that during the closing process of the electronic device, the cooperation between the first magnetic element 761 and the plurality of second magnetic elements 762 can provide a certain assistance to the sliding of the second push rod 720, so that at the end of the stroke of the second push rod 720 sliding away from the third housing 300, it can continue to slide until it is completely inside the first slot 240 using the magnetic attraction of the magnetic assembly 760, thereby helping 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 element 750, the magnetic component 760, and the second push rod 720 can be interchanged. That is, one end of the elastic element 750 is fixedly connected to the end of the second push rod 720 away from the third housing 300, and the other end of the elastic element 750 is fixedly connected to the second housing 200. The first magnetic element 761 of the magnetic component 760 is fixed to the end of the second push rod 720 near the third housing 300, and a plurality of second magnetic elements 762 of the magnetic component 760 are fixed to the third housing 300. The projection of the plurality of second magnetic elements 762 on the axial direction of the electronic device at least partially overlaps with the projection of the second slot segment 310 on the axial direction of the electronic device. At this time, during the unfolding process of the electronic device, at the end of the stroke of the second push rod 720 sliding towards the direction of the third housing 300, the magnetic component 760 can provide assistance for the sliding of the second push rod 720, so that the second push rod 720 slides into the second slot 310; during the closing process of the electronic device, the elastic element 750 can work with the transmission component 730 to drive the second push rod 720 to slide away from the third housing 300, and at the end of the stroke of the second push rod 720 sliding away from the third housing 300, the elastic element 750 can continue to provide assistance for the sliding of the second push rod 720, so that the second push rod 720 can slide completely into the first slot 240.

[0087] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a linkage device provided in an embodiment of this application when the electronic device is in the deployed state. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a linkage device provided in an embodiment of this application when the electronic device is in an intermediate state. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a linkage device provided in an embodiment of this application when the electronic device is in a closed state. (See also...) Figures 12 to 14As shown in this embodiment, the first push rod 710 includes a first rack 711, which is located on the side of the first push rod 710 facing the second push rod 720 along the axial direction of the electronic device. The second push rod 720 includes a second rack 722, which is located on the side of the second push rod 720 facing the first push rod 710 along the axial direction of the electronic device. The transmission assembly 730 includes a rocker arm 730a, with a first gear 731 and a second gear 732 respectively provided at both ends of the rocker arm 730a. The first gear 731 meshes with the first rack 711, and the second gear 732 meshes with the second rack 722. In this way, as the first push rod 710 slides with the sliding arm, it can drive the rocker arm 730a to rotate, and then the rocker arm 730a can drive the second push rod 720 to slide towards or away from the first push rod 710.

[0088] For example, during the unfolding of the electronic device, when the first push rod 710 slides with the sliding arm toward a direction away from the third housing 300, the first push rod 710 can drive the swing rod 730a to rotate counterclockwise. The swing rod 730a then drives the second push rod 720 to slide toward a direction closer to the third housing 300, thereby enabling the second push rod 720 to slide from the first slot 240 into the second slot 310. During the closing of the electronic device, when the first push rod 710 slides with the sliding arm toward a direction closer to the third housing 300, the first push rod 710 can drive the swing rod 730a to rotate clockwise. The swing rod 730a then drives the second push rod 720 to slide toward a direction away from the second housing 200, thereby enabling the second push rod 720 to slide from the second slot 310 into the first slot 240.

[0089] In some embodiments, the rocker arm 730a may also be provided with a hinge hole 733. Correspondingly, the second housing 200 may be provided with a hinge shaft 260, which is rotatably disposed in the hinge hole 733 of the rocker arm 730a, thereby rotatably connecting the rocker arm 730a and the second housing 200 to improve the motion stability of the rocker arm 730a, and thus 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 axis 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 allows the rocker arm 730a to achieve a certain stroke amplification effect. That is, the stroke of the end where the second gear tooth 732 of the rocker arm 730a is located is greater than the stroke of the end where the first gear tooth 731 is located. The stroke of the end where the first gear tooth 731 of the rocker arm 730a is located is determined by the displacement of the first push rod 710, and the stroke of the end where the second gear tooth 732 of the rocker arm 730a 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 in the second housing 200, their sliding space is limited by the structure and dimensions of the second housing 200, resulting in a relatively limited stroke for the first push rod 710 and the sliding arm. However, the sliding trajectory of the second push rod 720 extends from the second housing 200 to the third housing 300, thus allowing for a larger stroke. Through the 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 stroke with a relatively small stroke, thereby meeting the motion requirements of the second push rod 720.

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

[0092] In response to the above situation, in this embodiment of the application, the second rack 722 may include a first rack segment 7221, a second rack segment 7222, and a third rack segment 7223. The first rack segment 7221 is disposed at the end of the second push rod 720 away from the third housing 300, and the third rack segment 7223 is disposed at the end of the second push rod 720 close to the third housing 300. The second rack segment 7222 is located between the first rack segment 7221 and the third rack segment 7223, and the second rack segment 7222 is spaced apart from the first rack segment 7221 and the third rack segment 7223, respectively. Alternatively, it can be understood that the transition section between the second rack segment 7222 and the first rack segment 7221, and between the second rack segment 7222 and the third rack segment 7223, is a transition section without teeth. When the electronic device is in the closed state, the second gear tooth 732 of the rocker arm 730a can mesh with the third rack segment 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 segment 7221 of the second push rod 720.

[0093] Through the above design, during the process of switching the electronic device from a closed state to an open state, the second push rod 720 is in contact with the elastic element 750 (reference). Figure 8Under the combined drive of the first push rod 710 (as shown in the diagram) and the rocker arm 730a, the magnetic attraction of the magnetic component 760 is overcome, and the push rod 710 slides towards the direction closer to the third housing 300. The second gear tooth 732 transitions from meshing with the third rack segment 7223 to meshing with the second rack segment 7222. After the first push rod 710 slides to its maximum stroke away from the third housing 300, the first push rod 710 can no longer drive the second push rod 720 through the rocker arm 730a. The second push rod 720 can continue to slide under the tension of the elastic element. Since there is a transition section between the second rack segment 7222 and the first rack segment 7221, the second push rod 720 and the rocker arm 730a disengage. Therefore, the continued sliding of the second push rod 720 will not react on the first push rod 710 through the rocker arm 730a, so that the first push rod 710 can still remain stationary and avoid rigid damage to the first push rod 710. When the second push rod 720 slides to its maximum stroke in the direction close to the third housing 300, the second gear tooth 732 meshes with the first rack segment 7221, so that the second push rod 720 can receive the driving force transmitted by the rocker arm 730a when sliding in the reverse direction. It should be noted that although the transition section between the second rack segment 7222 and the first rack segment 7221 is not provided with gear teeth, it still has a certain degree of roughness. When the second push rod 720 slides in the reverse direction, the second gear tooth 732 of the rocker arm 730a can maintain a static friction relationship with this transition section, so that the second gear tooth 732 can smoothly mesh with the second rack segment 7222 through this transition section.

[0094] Similarly, during the transition of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the closed state, the second push rod 720, driven by the swing arm 730a, overcomes the tension of the elastic element and slides away from the third housing 300. 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 its 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 arm 730a. The second push rod 720 can continue to slide under the magnetic attraction of the magnetic component 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 swing arm 730a. Therefore, the continued sliding of the second push rod 720 will not react on the first push rod through the swing arm 730a, so that the first push rod 710 can still remain stationary and avoid rigid damage to the first push rod 710. When the second push rod 720 slides to its 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 rocker arm 730a when sliding in the reverse direction. Similarly, although the transition section between the second rack segment 7222 and the third rack segment 7223 is not provided with gear teeth, it still has a certain roughness. When the second push rod 720 slides in the reverse direction, the second gear tooth 732 of the rocker arm 730a can maintain a static friction relationship with the transition section, so that the second gear tooth 732 can mesh with the second rack segment 7222 through the transition section.

[0095] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of another linkage device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. (See reference) Figure 15 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the first push rod 710 may also include a first rack 711, and similarly, the second push rod 720 may also include a second rack 722. 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 on the side of the second push rod 720 facing the first push rod 710. The transmission assembly 730 includes a gear set 730b, which meshes with the first rack 711 and the second rack 722 respectively. Thus, as the first push rod 710 slides with the sliding arm, it drives the gear set 730b to rotate, thereby causing the second push rod 720 to slide towards or away from the first push rod 710.

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

[0097] Please refer to the above. Figure 7 and Figure 15 As shown, when the first push rod 710 slides with the sliding arm toward a direction away from the third housing 300, the first push rod 710 can drive the first gear 7341 to rotate counterclockwise, thereby causing the first gear 7341 to drive 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 rotate clockwise under the drive of the second gear 7342, and further drive the fourth gear 7352 to rotate clockwise synchronously. Finally, the fourth gear 7352 drives the second push rod 720 to slide toward a direction closer to the third housing 300, thereby allowing the second push rod 720 to slide from the first groove 240 into the second groove 310. When the first push rod 710 slides with the sliding arm toward a direction closer to the third housing 300, the first push rod 710 can drive the first gear 7341 to rotate clockwise, thereby causing the first gear 7341 to drive 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 rotate counterclockwise under the drive of the second gear 7342, and further drive the fourth gear 7352 to rotate counterclockwise synchronously. Finally, the fourth gear 7352 drives the second push rod 720 to slide away from the third housing 300, thereby enabling the second push rod 720 to slide from the second groove 310 to the first groove 240.

[0098] In the aforementioned 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 meshes with the second gear 7342, 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 the diameter 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. In other words, 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. Furthermore, since 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 this embodiment can achieve a certain stroke amplification effect, enabling the first push rod 710 to drive the second push rod 720 to achieve a relatively large stroke with a relatively small 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 embodiments of this application is not limited to the above structure. Other forms of gear set 730b that can achieve stroke amplification can also be applied to the embodiments of this application to drive the first push rod 710 and the second push rod 720 and realize the transmission of force and displacement between them.

[0100] Furthermore, similar to the linkage device using a rocker arm provided in the aforementioned embodiments, in order to enable the second push rod 720 to slide to its maximum stroke in both sliding directions, in this embodiment, the second rack 722 may include a first rack segment, a second rack segment, and a third rack segment. The first rack segment is located at the end of the second push rod near the first housing, the third rack segment is located at the end of the second push rod near the third housing, and the second rack segment is located between the first and third rack segments, spaced apart from both segments. When the electronic device is in a closed state, the gear set 730b can mesh with the third rack segment of the second push rod 720; when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the gear set 730b can mesh with the first rack segment of the second push rod 720. The specific movement process and principle of the first push rod 710, the second push rod 720, and the linkage device 700 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0101] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding device, characterized in that, The device 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 rotatably disposed on both sides of the first rotating shaft mechanism, and the second housing and the third housing are rotatably disposed on both sides of the second rotating shaft mechanism. The first rotating shaft mechanism includes a sliding arm, which is slidably connected to the second housing. The linkage device includes a first push rod, a second push rod, and a transmission assembly. The first push rod is slidably connected to the second housing and fixedly connected to the sliding arm. The second push rod is slidably disposed in a slide groove, which includes a first groove section disposed in the second housing and a second groove section disposed in the third housing. The transmission assembly is pulsatorically connected to the first push rod and the second push rod respectively. When the folding device is in the closed state, the second push rod is located in the first groove. During the process of the folding device switching from the closed state to the unfolded state, the second housing rotates away from the first housing, the sliding arm slides away from the third housing, the first push rod slides away from the third housing, and the second push rod slides towards the third housing. When the second push rod slides into the second groove, the third housing flattens out 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 slot. During the process of the folding device switching from the unfolded state to the closed state, the second housing rotates toward the direction closer to the first housing, the sliding arm slides toward the direction closer to the third housing, the first push rod slides toward the direction closer to the third housing, and the second push rod slides away from the third housing. When the second push rod slides completely into the first slot, the third housing folds relative to the second housing.

2. The folding device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage device further includes a magnetic component, which includes a first magnetic element and a plurality of second magnetic elements. The first magnetic element is fixed to the end of the second push rod away from the third housing, and the plurality of second magnetic elements are fixed to the second housing. The plurality of second magnetic elements are arranged in an array along the extension direction of the second push rod. The projection of the plurality of second magnetic elements on the axial direction of the folding device at least partially coincides with the projection of the first groove segment on the axial direction of the folding device.

3. The folding device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The linkage device also includes an elastic element, one end of which is fixedly connected to the second push rod, and the other end of which is fixedly connected to the second housing or the third housing. When the folding device is in the closed state, the elastic element is in the stretched state and the length of the elastic element is a first length. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the length of the elastic element 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, characterized in that, The first push rod includes a first rack, the second push rod includes a second rack, the transmission assembly includes a rocker arm, and the two ends of the rocker arm respectively include a first gear tooth and a second gear tooth, the first gear tooth meshing with the first rack, and the second gear tooth meshing with the second rack.

5. The folding device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The swing arm is rotatably mounted on the second housing via 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 as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, 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 near the first housing, and the third rack segment is disposed at one end of the second push rod near 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 apart from the first rack segment and the third rack segment respectively. When the folding device is in the closed state, the second gear tooth meshes with the third rack segment; when the folding device is in the unfolded state, the second gear tooth meshes with the first rack segment.

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

8. The folding device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, 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. The first gear meshes 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 meshes with the second gear, and the fourth gear meshes with the second rack.

9. The folding device as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, 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 near the first housing, and the third rack segment is disposed at one end of the second push rod near 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 apart from the first rack segment and the third rack segment respectively. When the folding device is in the closed state, the gear set meshes with the third rack segment; 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 extends beyond the second pivot mechanism along the axial direction of the folding device, and the first groove segment is located in the portion of the second housing that extends beyond the second pivot mechanism; The third housing extends beyond the second pivot mechanism at one end along the axial direction of the folding device, and the second groove segment is located at the portion of the third housing that extends beyond the second pivot mechanism.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes a flexible display screen and a folding device as described in any one of claims 1-10, wherein the flexible display screen continuously covers the first housing, the first pivot mechanism, the second housing, the second pivot 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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