Folding mechanism and foldable electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a folding mechanism and foldable electronic equipment, the folding mechanism comprises a main shaft part and a mounting plate which are connected, the main shaft part comprises a first sliding groove, the first sliding groove extends in a first direction, and when the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, the first direction is parallel to the main plane of the mounting plate and perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft part; the side, close to the main shaft part, of the mounting plate comprises a plug pin and a second sliding groove, the second sliding groove extends in the first direction, the position of the second sliding groove corresponds to the position of the first sliding groove, at least part of the plug pin is arranged in the second sliding groove, and the plug pin is in sliding connection with the second sliding groove; when the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the bolt is located outside the first sliding groove, and when the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, at least part of the end, close to the spindle part, of the bolt is located in the first sliding groove. According to the folding mechanism and the foldable electronic equipment provided by the embodiment of the invention, the flattening state angles of the folding mechanism and the foldable electronic equipment can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and more particularly, to a folding mechanism and a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Foldable electronic devices can meet the user's demand for a large screen and have become the mainstream development direction of major manufacturers in recent years. The flattening angle of a foldable electronic device is very important for the sophistication of the entire electronic device. On an outward-foldable electronic device, the problem of the flattening angle is more obvious. First, the outward-foldable electronic device relies on the rotation axis for positioning, and the structural stability after flattening is relatively low, and the wobbling is obvious. Second, after multiple foldings, the damping force of the rotation axis mechanism decays. As a result, the electronic device is prone to a humpback phenomenon in the flattened state, affecting the aesthetics of the electronic device.

[0003] Therefore, it is crucial to improve the problem of the flattening angle of foldable electronic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a folding mechanism and a foldable electronic device, which can improve the flattening angle of the folding mechanism and the foldable electronic device.

[0005] In a first aspect, a folding mechanism is provided, which is characterized in that it includes a main shaft portion and a mounting plate, and the mounting plate is connected to the main shaft portion; the main shaft portion includes a first chute, and the first chute extends along a first direction. When the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, the first direction is parallel to the main plane of the mounting plate and perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft portion; on the side of the mounting plate close to the main shaft portion, there are a pin and a second chute, the second chute extends along the first direction, and the position of the second chute corresponds to the position of the first chute. At least part of the pin is arranged in the second chute, and the pin is slidably connected to the second chute; when the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the pin is located outside the first chute, and when the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, at least part of the end of the pin close to the main shaft portion is located in the first chute.

[0006] In the embodiment provided by the present application, the first chute and the second chute are respectively arranged on the main shaft portion and the mounting plate, at least part of the pin is arranged in the second chute, and when the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the end of the pin close to the main shaft portion is arranged in the first chute, so that the main shaft portion and the mounting plate can be controlled on the same plane through the pin, and the flattening angle of the folding mechanism and the foldable electronic device can be improved.

[0007] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes: an elastic member, at least a part of the elastic member is disposed in the second chute, and the elastic member is connected to the latch; when the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the length of the elastic member is a first length, and when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the length of the elastic member is a second length, and the second length is greater than the first length.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, one end of the latch away from the main shaft portion includes a first mounting hole, and the elastic member is connected to the latch through the first mounting hole.

[0009] In the embodiments provided in the present application, by disposing an elastic member in the second chute and connecting the elastic member to the latch, the elastic force generated by the deformation of the elastic member can be used to push the latch to move in the first direction and slide into the first chute, so as to improve the flattening angle of the folding mechanism and the electronic device.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes a wire, at least a part of the wire is disposed in the second chute, and the wire is connected to the latch; when the mounting plate is folded around the main shaft portion, the wire is used to pull the latch so that the latch slides in the first direction and disengages from the main shaft portion.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the end of the latch away from the main shaft portion further includes a second mounting hole, and the wire is connected to the latch through the second mounting hole.

[0012] In the embodiments provided in the present application, the folding mechanism includes a wire and the wire is connected to the latch, and the latch can be pulled by the wire so that the latch is separated from the main shaft portion, preventing the latch from blocking the folding of the folding mechanism when the mounting plate is folded around the main shaft portion.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes a gear assembly and a first rack, the wire is connected to the first rack, and the first rack meshes with the gear assembly; a second rack is included on a side of the latch close to the gear assembly, the second rack and the first rack are respectively located on two sides of the gear assembly, and the latch meshes with the gear assembly through the second rack; when the folding mechanism is folded around the main shaft portion, the wire is used to pull the first rack and drive the gear assembly to rotate, so that the latch slides in the first direction and disengages from the main shaft portion.

[0014] In the embodiments provided by the present application, the folding mechanism includes a gear assembly and a first rack, and the bolt includes a second rack. When pulling the wire, the gear assembly meshes with the first rack and the second rack and transmits power to pull the bolt to separate it from the main shaft part, which can amplify the sliding stroke of the bolt and reduce the pulling stroke of the wire.

[0015] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes a circuit board, the wire is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the circuit board is configured to input an electrical signal to the wire so that the wire pulls the bolt to slide along the first direction and the bolt disengages from the main shaft part.

[0016] In the embodiments provided by the present application, the wire is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the wire can be controlled by an electrical signal and heated by being energized, so that the wire contracts due to heat and pulls the bolt to separate the bolt from the main shaft part.

[0017] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes a first button, the first button is electrically connected to the circuit board, and when the first button is pressed, the first button is configured to convert the pressing signal into an electrical signal and transmit it to the circuit board, and the circuit board transmits it to the wire.

[0018] In the embodiments provided by the present application, an electrical signal is transmitted to the circuit board by pressing the first button to control the wire to pull the bolt, so that the bolt separates from the main shaft part, which can facilitate the user to control the folding mechanism to realize the folding of the folding mechanism.

[0019] Combined with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes a wire, a gear assembly and a first rack. The wire is connected to one end of the first rack away from the main shaft part, and the first rack meshes with the gear assembly; a second rack is included on one side of the bolt close to the gear assembly, the second rack meshes with the gear assembly, and the bolt and the first rack are respectively located on both sides of the gear assembly; when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the wire is configured to pull the first rack and drive the gear assembly to rotate so that the bolt enters the main shaft part along the first chute.

[0020] In the embodiments provided by the present application, the folding mechanism includes a gear assembly and a first rack, and the bolt includes a second rack. When pulling the wire, the gear assembly meshes with the first rack and the second rack and transmits power to push the bolt into the main shaft part, which can amplify the sliding stroke of the bolt and reduce the pulling stroke of the wire.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes an elastic member, and the elastic member is connected to an end of the bolt away from the main shaft portion; when the mounting plate folds around the main shaft portion, the elastic member is configured to pull the bolt so that the bolt slides along the first direction and disengages from the main shaft portion.

[0022] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the elastic member can pull the bolt so that the bolt separates from the main shaft portion, thereby enabling the folding mechanism and the electronic device to be folded normally.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the mounting plate further includes a third chute, the third chute extends along the first direction, and a projection of the third chute in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located within a region where a projection of the second chute in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located; the bolt includes a stop portion, at least a part of the stop portion is received in the third chute, and the stop portion is slidably connected to the third chute; when the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, the stop portion abuts against an end of the third chute close to the main shaft portion, and when the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the stop portion abuts against an end of the third chute away from the main shaft portion.

[0024] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the mounting plate includes a third chute and the bolt includes a stop portion. The stop portion can slide in the third chute along the first direction, which can limit the sliding of the bolt, prevent the bolt from disengaging from the mounting plate, and furthermore, the stop portion and the third chute can further control the sliding direction of the bolt so that the bolt slides along the first direction.

[0025] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the mounting plate further includes a fourth chute and a cover plate. The fourth chute extends along the first direction, the fourth chute is located on a side of the second chute away from the third chute, and a projection of the second chute in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located within a region where a projection of the fourth chute in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located, and the cover plate is disposed in the fourth chute.

[0026] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the mounting plate includes a fourth chute and a cover plate, which can facilitate the installation of components such as bolts, elastic members, and wires on the mounting plate.

[0027] In a second aspect, a foldable electronic device is provided, and the foldable electronic device includes the folding mechanism as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state;

[0029] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in the inner-fold state;

[0030] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in the outer-fold state;

[0031] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the hunchback phenomenon of a foldable electronic device;

[0032] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application in the unfolded state;

[0033] Figure 6 It is an exploded view of the partial structure of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 7 It is an enlarged view of the partial structure of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 9 It is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 10 It is an enlarged view of the partial structure of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 11 It is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 12 It is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 13 It is a schematic structural diagram of the bolt provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 14 It is a schematic structural diagram of the main shaft part provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 15 It is a schematic structural diagram of the transmission part provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 16 It is a schematic structural diagram of the transmission part provided by the embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0044] The technical solutions in the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0045] The reference to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in this specification means that a specific feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, statements such as "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other some embodiments", "in still other embodiments" etc. that appear in different places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in another way.

[0046] In various embodiments of the present application, the first, second, etc. are only used to indicate that multiple objects are different. For example, the first deployment plan to be deployed and the second deployment plan to be deployed are only used to show different deployment plans to be deployed. It should not have any impact on the nature and quantity of the deployment plan itself, etc. The above first, second, etc. should not impose any restrictions on the embodiments of the present application.

[0047] The terms "comprising", "including", "having" and their variants all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in another way.

[0048] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Among them, "fixed connection" means that they are connected to each other and the relative position relationship after connection remains unchanged. "Rotational connection" means that they are connected to each other and can rotate relative to each other after connection. "Sliding connection" means that they are connected to each other and can slide relative to each other after connection. The orientation terms mentioned in the embodiments of the present application, such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., are only with reference to the direction of the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the orientation terms used are for better and clearer illustration and understanding of the embodiments of the present application, rather than indicating or implying that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0049] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device 100 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The foldable electronic device 100 can be an electronic device with a folding function such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a watch, an e-reader, a laptop computer, a wearable device, etc. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment is described by taking a foldable mobile phone as an example.

[0050] See Figure 1In the structure shown, the foldable electronic device 100 may include a flexible display screen 110, a first middle frame 121, a second middle frame 122, and a folding mechanism 123. The folding mechanism 123 may be disposed between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122, and the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 may be rotatably connected to the folding mechanism 123. Under the action of the folding mechanism 123, the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 may approach each other or move away from each other, realizing the folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device 100. A certain accommodation space may be provided in the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 to accommodate various electronic components of the foldable electronic device 100, such as a circuit board, an antenna structure, a sensor, a sound cavity, a motor, etc.

[0051] Figure 1 The part filled with a dot matrix pattern may schematically represent the flexible display screen 110. The display panel of the flexible display screen 110 may be, for example, a liquid crystal flexible display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED), a flexible light-emitting diode (FLED), a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), or any one of the like. The embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0052] The flexible display screen 110 may include a first display portion 111 corresponding to the first middle frame 121, a second display portion 112 corresponding to the second middle frame 122, and a third display portion 113 corresponding to the folding mechanism 123. The third display portion 113 may be connected between the first display portion 111 and the second display portion 112.

[0053] Under the action of the folding mechanism 123, the first display portion 111 of the flexible display screen 110 and the second display portion 112 of the flexible display screen 110 may approach each other or move away from each other, so that the flexible display screen 110 can be folded or unfolded.

[0054] Figure 1The foldable electronic device 100 shown is currently in an unfolded state, or can also be referred to as a flattened state. This unfolded state can refer to a state where the included angle between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 is 180°. Correspondingly, the included angle between the first display portion 111 and the second display portion 113 of the flexible display screen 110 can be the same as the included angle between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122.

[0055] Figure 2 , Figure 3 respectively show two possible folding states of the foldable electronic device 100. This folding state can refer to a state where the two middle frames of the foldable electronic device 100 are as close to each other as possible. Among them, Figure 2 shows the inner-fold state of the foldable electronic device 100. In this folding state, the flexible display screen 110 is housed between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122. The first display portion 111 and the second display portion 112 are mutually attached, and the first middle frame 121, the flexible display screen 110, and the second middle frame 122 are sequentially stacked.

[0056] Figure 3 shows the outer-fold state of the foldable electronic device 100. In this folding state, the flexible display screen 110 is disposed on the periphery of the middle frame. The side of the first middle frame 121 facing away from the flexible display screen 110 is attached to the side of the second middle frame 122 facing away from the flexible display screen 110, and the first display portion 111, the first middle frame 121, the second middle frame 122, and the second display portion 112 are sequentially stacked.

[0057] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The folding states shown can be an up-and-down folding state or a left-and-right folding state. That is to say, the flexible display screen 110 can be folded along the x-axis direction or along the y-axis direction.

[0058] For the inner-fold type foldable electronic device 100, that is, Figure 2 the foldable electronic device 100 shown, the unfolded state is usually stopped by the middle frame. That is to say, the included angle between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 can be determined by the degree of mutual attachment of the two side edges of the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 that are close to each other. For the outer-fold type foldable electronic device 100, that is, Figure 3The foldable electronic device 100 shown is usually stopped in the unfolded state by means of a folding mechanism 123. That is to say, the angle between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 in the flattened state can be determined by the structure of the folding mechanism 123. Therefore, for the outward-foldable foldable electronic device 100, the structural looseness is more obvious after unfolding. After multiple folds, the damping force in the folding mechanism decays, which easily causes the foldable electronic device 100 to have a humpback phenomenon. In addition, after the foldable electronic device 100 is folded and placed statically for a long time, the screen rewinding force becomes larger, and together with the influence of the gravity of the auxiliary frame, it will also cause the foldable electronic device to have a humpback problem. This humpback phenomenon can be as Figure 4 shown, that is, in the unfolded state, the angle between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 is less than 180°, which affects the aesthetic appearance of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0059] Based on the above problems, the embodiment of the present application provides a folding mechanism, which can effectively improve the flattening degree of the foldable electronic device in the unfolded state. The following will be combined with Figures 5 to 12 to introduce the folding mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application in detail. Among them, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present application, Figure 6 is an exploded view of the partial structure of the electronic device 100, Figures 7 to 9 are respectively the top view of the partial structure, the cross-sectional view of the partial structure along the xy plane, and the cross-sectional view of the partial structure along the yz plane when the folding mechanism 123 is in the disengaged state, and Figure 9 the yz-plane cross-sectional view shown can be the cross-sectional view at the X-X position in Figure 7 . Figures 10 to 12 are respectively the top view of the partial structure, the cross-sectional view of the partial structure along the xy plane, and the cross-sectional view of the partial structure along the yz plane when the folding mechanism 123 is in the locked state, and Figure 12 the yz-plane cross-sectional view shown can be the cross-sectional view at the Y-Y position in Figure 10 . This partial structure can be the structure of the end of the electronic device 100 along the x-axis direction. In addition, to show the structure of each component in the display mounting plate 220, Figure 7 and Figure 10 do not show the structure of the cover plate 227 of the folding mechanism 123. The folding mechanism 123 in the embodiment of the present application can also be called a rotating shaft mechanism, a rotating device, a folding device, etc. The present application does not limit this.

[0060] See Figures 5 to 12In the structure shown, the folding mechanism 123 may include a main shaft portion 210 and a mounting plate 220. The main shaft portion 210 may extend along the x-axis direction shown in the figure, and the mounting plates 220 may be arranged on the left and right sides of the main shaft portion 210 along the y-axis direction shown in the figure. The mounting plate 220 may be fixedly connected to the middle frame. For example, the mounting plate 220 on the left side of the main shaft portion 210 may be connected to the first middle frame 121, and the mounting plate 220 on the right side of the main shaft portion 210 may be connected to the second middle frame 122. The mounting plate 220 may be fixedly connected to the middle frame or may be an integral structure with the middle frame, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. When the foldable electronic device 100 is folded or unfolded, the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 may drive the corresponding mounting plates 220 to rotate together around the main shaft portion 210 to realize the folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0061] On one side of the mounting plate 220 close to the main shaft portion 210, a pin 221 and a second chute 222 may be provided. The second chute 222 may extend along a first direction. When the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, or in other words, when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the first direction may be parallel to the main plane of the mounting plate 220 and perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft portion 210. The axial direction of the main shaft portion 210 is the x-axis direction shown in the figure. The main plane of the mounting plate 220 may be the surface with a larger planar area of the mounting plate 220, that is, the xy plane shown in the figure, and the first direction is the y-axis direction shown in the figure. At least a part of the pin 221 may be arranged in the second chute 222 and may slide in the second chute 222 along the first direction. The structure of the pin 221 may refer to Figure 13 the structure shown. That at least a part of the pin 221 is arranged in the second chute 222 may mean that the end of the pin 221 provided with the first mounting hole 2212 and the second mounting hole 2213 is arranged in the second chute 222, and, in any one of the unfolded state, folded state or intermediate state of the folding mechanism 123, the end of the pin 221 provided with the first mounting hole 2212 and the second mounting hole 2213 can be arranged in the second chute 222. Among them, when the folding mechanism 123 or the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, it may mean that the angle between the main planes of the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 is 180°. When the folding mechanism 123 or the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, it may mean that the angle between the main planes of the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 is 0°. When the folding mechanism 123 or the electronic device 100 is in the intermediate state, it may mean that the angle between the main planes of the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 is between 0° and 180°.

[0062] Correspondingly, the main shaft portion 210 may include a first chute 211, and the structure of the first chute 211 may refer to Figure 14An enlarged partial structure diagram of the main shaft portion 210 shown. The first chute 211 may also extend in the first direction. For example, it may extend from the outer end face of the side of the main shaft portion 210 close to the latch 221 in the first direction into the interior of the main shaft portion 210.

[0063] The position of the first chute 211 may correspond to the position of the second chute 222, so that one end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 can slide into the first chute 211 in the first direction. As Figure 7 or Figure 11 shown, the width of the first chute 211 may be the same as the width of the second chute 222 and may be the same as the width of the latch 221. The widths of the first chute 211, the second chute 222, and the latch 221 may be the dimensions of the first chute 211, the second chute 222, and the latch 221 along the x-axis direction respectively. As Figure 9 and Figure 12 shown, the depth of the first chute 211 and the depth of the second chute 222 may also be the same and may be the same as the thickness of the latch 221. The depths of the first chute 211 and the second chute 222 may be the dimensions of the first chute 211 and the second chute 222 along the z-axis direction respectively, and the thickness of the latch 221 may be the dimension of the latch 221 along the z-axis direction. The width of the first chute 211 may also be greater than the width of the second chute 222 and the width of the latch 221, and the depth of the first chute 211 may also be greater than the depth of the second chute 222 and the thickness of the latch 221, so that one end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 can enter the main shaft portion 210. When the folding mechanism 123 is in the flattened state, that is, when the included angle between the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 is 180°, the bottom surface of the first chute 211 and the bottom surface of the second chute 222 may be located on the same plane, for example, may be located on the xy plane shown in the figure, so that one end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 can slide into the first chute 211 in the first direction.

[0064] When one end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 slides into the first chute 211, the other end of the latch 221 away from the main shaft portion 210 may be located in the second chute 222, so that the latch 221 can control the mounting plate 220 and the main shaft portion 210 to be located on the same plane, improving the flattened state angle of the folding mechanism and the electronic device 100, that is, making the flattened angle of the electronic device 100 180°; and, a part of the latch 221 is located in the first chute 211 and another part is located in the second chute 222, which can make the flattened state structure of the electronic device more stable and not prone to the problem of wobbling, and the flattened state angle of the electronic device is not easily affected by the decrease in the damping force of the folding mechanism.

[0065] It should be noted that Figure 8 、Figure 9 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the first sliding groove 211 penetrates the main shaft portion 210 along the first direction. The first sliding groove 211 may also not penetrate the main shaft portion 210 along the first direction. For example, when a second sliding groove 222 and a latch 221 are provided on one side of the main shaft portion 210 and the first sliding groove 211 and the latch 221 are not provided on the other side, the first sliding groove 211 may extend from the side of the main shaft portion 210 close to the latch 221 to the center of the main shaft portion 210; Another example is that when the second sliding groove 222 and the latch 221 are provided on both sides of the main shaft portion 210, the number of the first sliding grooves 211 on the main shaft portion 210 may be the same as the number of the second sliding grooves 222, and the positions may correspond to the positions of the second sliding grooves 222. The first sliding grooves 211 on both sides extend from the outer end surface of the main shaft portion 210 to the center of the main shaft portion 210 respectively, and the first sliding grooves 211 on both sides may not communicate with each other. The positions of the second sliding grooves 222 on the two mounting plates 220 may also not correspond to each other. Two first sliding grooves 211 may be formed on the main shaft portion 210, corresponding to the positions of the two second sliding grooves 222 respectively, so that the latches 221 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 slide into the corresponding first sliding grooves 211 respectively, improving the flattened state angle of the electronic device.

[0066] To enable the latch 221 to slide into the corresponding first sliding groove 211, the folding mechanism may further include an elastic member 223. At least a part of the elastic member 223 may be disposed in the second sliding groove 222, and one end of the elastic member 223 may be connected to the end of the latch 221 away from the main shaft portion 210, and the other end may be connected to the end of the second sliding groove 222. The setting direction of the elastic member 223 may also be the first direction, that is to say, the connection line between the two ends of the elastic member 223 may also be the y-axis direction shown in the figure. Thus, the elastic member 223 may be compressed or released along the first direction.

[0067] Correspondingly, one end of the latch 221 away from the main shaft portion 210 may include a first mounting hole 2212. Refer to Figure 13 the structural schematic diagram of the latch 221 shown. The number of the first mounting holes 2212 may be one or more, and the number of the first mounting holes 2212 may be the same as the number of the elastic members 223. One end of the elastic member 223 close to the latch 221 may be fixedly connected to the latch 221 through the first mounting hole 2212. For example, the latch 221 may be fixedly connected to the elastic member 223 through the first mounting hole 2212 by welding, bonding or other means. The end of the elastic member 223 away from the latch 221 may also be connected to the mounting plate 220 through the mounting hole on the mounting plate 220 (not shown in the figure).

[0068] When the mounting plate 220 unfolds around the main shaft portion 210, that is, when the angle between the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 is greater than 0° and less than 180°, one end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 can contact an area of the main shaft portion 210 other than the first chute 211, so that the latch 221 can be subjected to pressure from the main shaft portion 210. Further, the elastic member 223 can be subjected to pressure from the latch 221, causing the elastic member 223 to be compressed. In this state, the length of the elastic member 223 can be a first length. Further, when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, that is, when the angle between the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 is 180°, since the position of the first chute 211 corresponds to the position of the second chute 222, and the position of the latch 221 also corresponds to the position of the first chute 211, the pressure on the latch 221 from the main shaft portion 210 can be removed, and the pressure on the elastic member 223 from the latch 221 can also be removed. Further, the elastic member 223 can be restored from the compressed state to the relaxed state, or the degree of compression of the elastic member 223 can be reduced. The elastic member 223 can push the latch 221 to slide along the first direction into the first chute 211 by its elastic force, so that one end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 can be received in the first chute 211, and the end of the latch 221 far from the main shaft portion 210 can still be received in the second chute 222, thereby improving the flattening angle of the folding mechanism 123. That is to say, when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the length of the elastic member 223 can be a second length, and the second length can be greater than the first length. When one end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 is received in the first chute 211, the state of the folding mechanism 123 can also be referred to as the locked state. When one end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 does not slide into the first chute 211, the state of the folding mechanism 123 can be referred to as the disengaged state.

[0069] Exemplarily, the elastic member 223 can be a spring, and the elastic member 223 can also be other components that can undergo elastic deformation. The present application does not limit this.

[0070] In some embodiments, the mounting plate 220 can further include a third chute 225, such as Figure 6 or Figure 9 、 Figure 12As shown, the third chute 225 can extend along the first direction, and the projection of the third chute 225 on the mounting plate 220 in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate 220 can be located within the region of the projection of the second chute 222 on the mounting plate 220 in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate 220. That is to say, the third chute 225 can be arranged below the second chute 222 along the z-axis direction shown in the figure, and the size of the third chute 225 can be smaller than the size of the second chute 222. The fact that the size of the third chute 225 is smaller than the size of the second chute 222 can mean that the size of the third chute 225 along the x-axis direction can be smaller than the size of the second chute 222 along the x-axis direction, and the size of the third chute 225 along the y-axis direction can be smaller than the size of the second chute 222 along the y-axis direction.

[0071] Correspondingly, the bolt 221 can include a stop portion 2211, and the structure of the bolt 221 can refer to Figure 13 the structure shown. When the bolt 221 is received in the second chute 222, the stop portion 2211 can be received in the third chute 225, and when the bolt 221 slides in the second chute 222 along the first direction, the stop portion 2211 can slide in the third chute 225 along the first direction.

[0072] The third chute 225 and the stop portion 2211 can limit the sliding of the bolt 221. Exemplarily, when the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, the bolt 221 slides along the first direction towards the direction close to the main shaft portion 210. Correspondingly, the stop portion 2211 can also slide along the first direction towards the direction close to the main shaft portion 210. And when one end of the bolt 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 slides into the first chute 211, one side of the stop portion 2211 close to the main shaft portion 210 can be in contact with one side of the first chute 211 close to the main shaft portion 210, so as to prevent the bolt 221 from disengaging from the second chute 222 and separating from the mounting plate 220 under the pushing action of the elastic member 223. When the mounting plate 220 is folded around the main shaft portion 210, the bolt 221 can slide along the first direction towards the direction away from the main shaft portion 210 under the pulling action of the wire 224. Correspondingly, the stop portion 2211 can also slide along the first direction towards the direction away from the main shaft portion 210. When the bolt 221 is separated from the main shaft portion 210, one side of the stop portion 2211 away from the main shaft portion 210 can be in contact with one side of the third chute 225 away from the main shaft portion 210.

[0073] It should be noted that when one end of the bolt 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 slides into the first chute 211, the surface of the stop portion 2211 close to the main shaft portion 210 may not be in contact with the surface of the first chute 211 close to the main shaft portion 210. For example, the main shaft portion 210 may include a stop block (not shown in the figure), the stop block may be arranged at the end of the first chute 211, the length of the bolt 221 may be greater than the length of the first chute 211, and when one end of the bolt 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 slides into the first chute 211, the sliding of the bolt 221 can be limited by the baffle to prevent the bolt 221 from sliding out of the second chute 222. Similarly, when the bolt 221 is separated from the main shaft portion 210, the surface of the stop portion 2211 away from the main shaft portion 210 may not be in contact with the surface of the third chute 225 away from the main shaft portion 210. For example, when the bolt 221 is separated from the main shaft portion 210, the surface of the bolt 221 away from the main shaft portion 210 may be in contact with the surface of the second chute 222 away from the main shaft portion 210 to limit the sliding of the bolt 221.

[0074] When the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, or rather, when the folding mechanism 123 is in the locked state, a part of the bolt 221 is located in the first chute 211 and the other part is located in the second chute 222. The rotation of the mounting plate 220 around the main shaft portion 210 is easily blocked by the bolt 221. To enable the folding mechanism 123 to fold normally, it is also necessary to separate the bolt 221 from the first chute 211. In this example, the mounting plate 220 may further include a wire 224, at least part of the wire 224 may be arranged in the second chute 222, and one end of the wire 224 may be connected to the end of the bolt 221 away from the main shaft portion 210. The wire 224 can pull the bolt 221, that is, the bolt 221 is subjected to a pulling force in the reverse direction of the y-axis shown in the figure, so that the bolt 221 slides out of the first chute 211 and is separated from the main shaft portion 210, and then the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 can rotate around the main shaft portion 210 to realize the folding of the electronic device.

[0075] Correspondingly, as Figure 13As shown, one end of the latch 221 away from the main shaft portion 210 may include a second mounting hole 2213. One end of the wire 224 close to the latch 221 may be fixedly connected to the latch through the second mounting hole 2213. The number of the second mounting holes 2213 may be one or more, and the number of the second mounting holes 2213 may be the same as the number of the wires 224. Exemplarily, the number of the wires 224 may be 2, and the number of the second mounting holes 2213 may also be 2 (not shown in the figure). The first mounting hole 2212 may be disposed at the middle position of the end of the latch 221, and the second mounting holes 2213 may be disposed on the left and right sides of the first mounting hole 2212, that is, on both sides of the first mounting hole 2212 along the x-axis direction. Correspondingly, the wires 224 may also be disposed on the left and right sides of the elastic member 223. Exemplarily, the material of the wire 224 may be shape memory alloys (SMA).

[0076] It should be noted that the illustrated second mounting hole 2213 includes a set of parallel planes, that is, a set of parallel planes in the up-down direction shown in the figure, forming an open structure. The second mounting hole 2213 may also include two sets of parallel planes. When the wire 224 is disposed in the second mounting hole 2213, the second mounting hole 2213 may surround the wire 224. The second mounting hole 2213 may be the square hole shown in the figure, or may be a circular hole similar to the first mounting hole 2212. Similarly, the first mounting hole 2212 may be a circular hole or a square hole. The present application does not limit the structure of the mounting hole.

[0077] In some embodiments, the folding mechanism 123 may further include a circuit board (not shown in the figure). The circuit board may be disposed in the mounting plate 220 or may be disposed in the middle frame portion. One end of the wire 224 away from the latch 221 may be electrically connected to the circuit board. The circuit board may supply power to the wire 224, so that the wire 224 contracts when heated, so that the wire 224 can pull the latch 221, so that the latch 221 can be separated from the first chute 211 along the first direction, realizing the separation of the latch 221 from the main shaft portion 210.

[0078] The folding mechanism 123 may further include a first button. Exemplarily, the first button may be disposed on the outer end surface of the main shaft portion 210 along the x direction shown in the figure (not shown in the figure). The first button may be electrically connected to the circuit board. When the first button is pressed, the first button inputs an electrical signal, and the circuit board energizes and heats the wire 224, so that the wire 224 contracts due to heat, thereby enabling the metal to pull the bolt 221. The first button may also be disposed at the edge position of the mounting plate 220 or the middle frame. The first button may be a mechanical button. When the first button is pressed, the first button moves, converting the mechanical signal into an electrical signal; the first button may also be a fingerprint recognition button. When a preset fingerprint is recognized, an electrical signal is input to the circuit board, and then the wire 224 is energized and heated; the first button may also be a control on the display screen of the electronic device. When the control is touched, an electrical signal is input. The present application does not limit the form and setting position of the first button, etc.

[0079] The folding mechanism 123 may also include a linear motor to replace the wire 224 to pull the bolt 221 (not shown in the figure). The linear motor may be connected to the end of the bolt 221 away from the main shaft portion 210. When the user presses the first button, an electrical signal is input to control the linear motor to pull the bolt 221, so that the bolt 221 is separated from the main shaft portion 210.

[0080] In some embodiments, the folding mechanism 123 may further include a gear assembly 229 and a first rack 228. Refer to Figure 15 or Figure 16 the partial structural schematic diagram of the folding mechanism 123 shown. The first rack 228 may be engaged with the gear assembly 229. Correspondingly, the side of the bolt 221 close to the gear may include a second rack 2214. The bolt 221 may be engaged with the gear assembly 229 through the second rack 2214, and the first rack 228 and the bolt 221 may be respectively located on both sides of the gear assembly 229. In this example, the wire 224 may be fixedly connected to the first rack 228 and indirectly connected to the bolt 221 through the first rack 228 and the gear assembly 229, and the transmission of each component is achieved through the mutual engagement of the gear and the rack. The gear assembly 229, the first rack 228, and the bolt 221 may also be collectively referred to as the transmission part of the folding mechanism 123. The present application does not limit the names of the various parts in the folding mechanism 123.

[0081] As an example, the gear assembly 229 may include a first gear 2291 and a second gear 2292, as Figure 15As shown, the first gear 2291 and the second gear 2292 mesh with each other. The first rack 228 can be disposed on one side of the gear assembly 229 close to the first gear 2291, and the first rack 228 can mesh with the first gear 2291. The pin 221 can be disposed on one side of the gear assembly 229 close to the second gear 2292, and the second rack 2214 of the pin 221 can mesh with the second gear 2292. When the wire 224 is energized and heated to shrink, the wire 224 can pull the first rack 228, causing the first rack 228 to move in the negative y-axis direction. The movement of the first rack 228 in the negative y-axis direction can drive the first gear 2291 to rotate counterclockwise and drive the second gear 2292 to rotate clockwise. Further, the clockwise rotation of the second gear 2292 can drive the pin 221 to slide in the negative y-axis direction, so that the pin 221 disengages from the main shaft portion 210, putting the folding mechanism in a disengaged state to facilitate folding of the folding mechanism.

[0082] In this example, similar to Figures 6 to 12 the implementation described, when the folding mechanism 123 is in the deployed state, the elastic member 223 can push the pin 221 through elastic force, causing one end of the pin 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 to slide into the main shaft portion 210, putting the folding mechanism in a locked state.

[0083] As another example, the gear assembly 229 can also include only one gear, and both the first rack 228 and the second rack 2214 can mesh with this gear. Refer to Figure 16 the structure shown. Similar to the embodiments described above, the wire 224 can be controlled to be energized or not by the first button. Exemplarily, when the user presses the first button for the first time, the circuit board can receive the pressing signal of the first button and transmit an electrical signal to the wire 224 to energize and heat the wire 224, causing the wire 224 to heat and shrink. Further, the wire 224 can pull the first rack 228, causing the first rack 228 to slide in the negative y-axis direction. The sliding of the first rack 228 in the negative y-axis direction can drive the gear to rotate counterclockwise. Further, the counterclockwise rotation of the gear can drive the pin 221 to move in the positive y-axis direction, that is, move towards the main shaft portion 210, so that one end of the pin 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 can slide into the first chute 211, thereby improving the flattened state angle of the folding mechanism 123 and the electronic device 100.

[0084] When the user presses the first button for the second time, the circuit board can receive the pressing signal of the first button and cut off the power supply to the wire 224. The wire 224 can cool down and restore its deformation, increasing in length, and the pulling force exerted on the first rack 228 by the wire 224 can be removed. When one end of the bolt 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 is located in the first chute 211, the elastic member 223 can be in a stretched state. Furthermore, after the pulling force exerted on the first rack 228 by the wire 224 is removed, the elastic force of the elastic member 223 can play a dominant role. The elastic member 223 can return from the stretched state to the relaxed state and pull the bolt 221 to move in the negative y-axis direction, so that the bolt 221 is separated from the main shaft portion 210, enabling the folding mechanism 123 to fold normally.

[0085] By providing a gear assembly and a rack in the folding mechanism 123, the sliding stroke of the bolt 221 can be amplified and the pulling stroke of the wire 224 can be reduced.

[0086] Both the gear assembly and the first rack 228 can be located in the second chute described above. Among them, as described above, the bolt 221 can include a stop portion 2211 and the mounting plate 220 can include a third chute 225. The stop portion 2211 can be received in the third chute 225 and the third chute 225 can limit the sliding direction of the stop portion 2211 to prevent the bolt 221 from deviating in a direction other than the first direction. Similarly, the first rack 228 can also include a stop portion, and a chute (not shown in the figure) can also be provided at the position of the mounting plate 220 corresponding to the first rack 228, so that the stop portion of the first rack 228 can slide in the chute, thereby enabling the first rack 228 to move in the first direction and not easily deviate in other directions.

[0087] In some embodiments, the folding mechanism 123 can further include a fourth chute 226 and a cover plate 227. The fourth chute 226 can extend in the first direction and the fourth chute 226 can be located on the side of the second chute 222 away from the third chute 225. For example, the third chute 225 can be provided below the second chute 222 along the z-axis direction shown in the figure, and the fourth chute 226 can be provided above the second chute 222 along the z-axis direction shown in the figure. Moreover, the projection of the second chute 222 in the direction perpendicular to the main plane of the mounting plate 220 can be located within the projection area of the fourth chute 226 in the direction perpendicular to the main plane of the mounting plate 220. That is to say, the size of the fourth chute 226 can be larger than the size of the second chute 222. The fact that the size of the fourth chute 226 is larger than the size of the second chute 222 can mean that the size of the fourth chute 226 in the x-axis direction can be larger than the size of the second chute 222 in the x-axis direction, and the size of the fourth chute 226 in the y-axis direction can be larger than the size of the second chute 222 in the y-axis direction.

[0088] The size of the fourth chute 226 can be the same as that of the cover plate 227, so that the cover plate 227 can be received in the fourth chute 226. When the cover plate 227 is received in the fourth chute 226, the surface of the cover plate 227 away from the bolt 221 can be flush with the outer surface of the mounting plate 220, so that the connecting line between the cover plate 227 and the mounting plate 220 is smoother. When the cover plate 227 is received in the fourth chute 226, the surface of the cover plate 227 close to the bolt 221 can be in contact with the bolt 221, so that the bolt 221 is not likely to shake in the z-axis direction shown in the figure, and thus the sliding of the bolt 221 is more stable and reliable. The folding mechanism 123 includes the cover plate 227 and the fourth chute 226, and can also make it easy to install components such as the bolt 221, the spring 223, and the wire 224.

[0089] The folding mechanism 123 may further include a rotating member 230. The rotating member 230 may be disposed on both sides of the main shaft portion 210. The rotating member 230 may be fixedly connected to the mounting plate 220, and the rotating member 230 may rotate around the main shaft portion 210 to realize the folding and unfolding of the folding mechanism 123. The structure of the rotating member 230 is not limited in this application.

[0090] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, taking one end of the main shaft portion as an example, the structures of the main shaft portion and the mounting plates located on both sides of the main shaft portion are introduced. The above-mentioned bolts and chutes may be provided on the mounting plates on both sides of the main shaft portion, or only on the mounting plate on one side. In addition, the above-mentioned bolts and chutes may be provided at both ends of the main shaft portion to further improve the flattening angle of the folding mechanism and the electronic device. The folding mechanism introduced in the embodiments of this application can be applied to electronic devices with "one-fold", that is, electronic devices that can be folded once, or to electronic devices with "two-folds" or more, that is, electronic devices that can be folded two or more times. Moreover, the folding mechanism introduced in the embodiments of this application can be applied to outer-fold electronic devices or inner-fold electronic devices, and this application does not make a limitation on this.

[0091] In the embodiments of this application, "the same" does not mean absolute identity. Those skilled in the art can understand that, because those skilled in the art can appropriately adjust the dimensions of structural members according to design needs, the "same" dimensions of two structural members are allowed to have a deviation within a certain range, such as a difference of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, etc. Similarly, a numerical value such as an included angle of 180° between two structural members may mean that the included angle is approximately 180° and the like, and does not represent an absolute numerical value.

[0092] As described above, it is only the specific implementation manner of the present application. However, the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims described above.

Claims

1. A folding mechanism, characterized in that, it includes a main shaft portion and a mounting plate, and the mounting plate is connected to the main shaft portion; the main shaft portion includes a first chute, the first chute extends in a first direction, when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the first direction is parallel to the main plane of the mounting plate and perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft portion; one side of the mounting plate close to the main shaft portion includes a plug pin and a second chute, the second chute extends in the first direction, and the position of the second chute corresponds to the position of the first chute, at least part of the plug pin is arranged in the second chute, and the plug pin is slidably connected to the second chute; when the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the plug pin is located outside the first chute, when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, at least part of the end of the plug pin close to the main shaft portion is located in the first chute.

2. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, the folding mechanism further includes: an elastic member, at least part of the elastic member is arranged in the second chute, and the elastic member is connected to the plug pin; when the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the length of the elastic member is a first length, when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the length of the elastic member is a second length, and the second length is greater than the first length.

3. The folding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, one end of the plug pin away from the main shaft portion includes a first mounting hole, and the elastic member is connected to the plug pin through the first mounting hole.

4. The folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, the folding mechanism further includes a wire, at least part of the wire is arranged in the second chute, and the wire is connected to the plug pin; when the mounting plate is folded around the main shaft portion, the wire is used to pull the plug pin so that the plug pin slides along the first direction and disengages from the main shaft portion.

5. The folding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, one end of the plug pin away from the main shaft portion further includes a second mounting hole, and the wire is connected to the plug pin through the second mounting hole.

6. The folding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, the folding mechanism further includes a gear assembly and a first rack, the wire is connected to the first rack, and the first rack meshes with the gear assembly; one side of the plug pin close to the gear assembly includes a second rack, the second rack and the first rack are respectively located on both sides of the gear assembly, and the plug pin meshes with the gear assembly through the second rack; when the folding mechanism is folded around the main shaft portion, the wire is used to pull the first rack and drive the gear assembly to rotate so that the plug pin slides along the first direction and disengages from the main shaft portion.

7. The folding mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The folding mechanism further includes a circuit board, the metal wire is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the circuit board is configured to input an electrical signal to the metal wire, so that the metal wire pulls the bolt to slide along the first direction and the bolt disengages from the main shaft portion.

8. The folding mechanism according to claim 7, wherein, the folding mechanism further includes a first button, the first button is electrically connected to the circuit board, and when the first button is pressed, the first button is configured to convert the pressing signal into an electrical signal and transmit it to the circuit board, and the circuit board transmits it to the metal wire.

9. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, the folding mechanism further includes a metal wire, a gear assembly and a first rack, the metal wire is connected to one end of the first rack away from the main shaft portion, and the first rack meshes with the gear assembly; a second rack is included on a side of the bolt close to the gear assembly, the second rack meshes with the gear assembly, and the bolt and the first rack are respectively located on two sides of the gear assembly; when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the metal wire is configured to pull the first rack and drive the gear assembly to rotate, so that the bolt enters the main shaft portion along the first chute.

10. The folding mechanism according to claim 9, wherein, the folding mechanism further includes an elastic member, and the elastic member is connected to an end of the bolt away from the main shaft portion; when the mounting plate is folded around the main shaft portion, the elastic member is configured to pull the bolt, so that the bolt slides along the first direction and disengages from the main shaft portion.

11. The folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, the mounting plate further includes a third chute, the third chute extends along the first direction, and a projection of the third chute in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located within a region where a projection of the second chute in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located; the bolt includes a stopping portion, at least a part of the stopping portion is received in the third chute, and the stopping portion is slidably connected to the third chute; when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the stopping portion abuts against one end of the third chute close to the main shaft portion.

12. The folding mechanism according to claim 11, wherein, the mounting plate further includes a fourth chute and a cover plate, the fourth chute extends along the first direction, the fourth chute is located on a side of the second chute away from the third chute, and a projection of the second chute in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located within a region where a projection of the fourth chute in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located, and the cover plate is disposed in the fourth chute.

13. A foldable electronic device, wherein, it includes the folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images