Folding mechanism and foldable electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a folding mechanism and a foldable electronic device. The folding mechanism comprises a main shaft part and a mounting plate connected with each other. The main shaft part comprises a first sliding groove extending along a first direction. When the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, the first direction is parallel to a main plane of the mounting plate and perpendicular to an axial direction of the main shaft part. A side of the mounting plate close to the main shaft part comprises a second sliding groove and a plug. The second sliding groove extends along the first direction and the position of the second sliding groove corresponds to the position of the first sliding groove. At least part of the plug is arranged in the second sliding groove and the plug is in sliding connection with the second sliding groove. When the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the plug is located outside the first sliding groove. When the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, an end of the plug close to the main shaft part is at least partially located in the first sliding groove. The folding mechanism and the foldable electronic device provided by the application can improve the angle of the unfolded state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, in particular to a folding mechanism and a foldable electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] The foldable electronic device can meet the large-screen use demand of users, and has become the mainstream development direction of major manufacturers in recent years. The flat state angle of the foldable electronic device is very important for the delicacy of the entire electronic device, and the problem of the flat state angle is more obvious on the outer folding electronic device. First, the outer folding electronic device relies on the stop of the rotating shaft, and the structure stability is low after being flattened, and the virtual flick is obvious. Second, after being folded for many times, the damping force of the rotating shaft mechanism decays. Thus, the electronic device is prone to hump phenomenon in the flat state, which affects the aesthetics of the electronic device.

[0003] Therefore, it is very important to improve the flat state angle problem of the foldable electronic device. SUMMARY

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

[0005] In a first aspect, a folding mechanism is provided, characterized in that it comprises a main shaft part and a mounting plate, the mounting plate being connected with the main shaft part; the main shaft part comprises a first sliding groove, the first sliding groove extending along a first direction, the first direction being parallel to the main plane of the mounting plate and perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft part when the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state; the side of the mounting plate close to the main shaft part comprises a latch and a second sliding groove, the second sliding groove extending along the first direction, and the position of the second sliding groove corresponding to the position of the first sliding groove, at least part of the latch being arranged in the second sliding groove, and the latch being in sliding connection with the second sliding groove; when the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the latch is located outside the first sliding groove, and when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, one end of the latch close to the main shaft part is at least partially located in the first sliding groove.

[0006] In the embodiments provided in the present application, the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are respectively arranged on the main shaft part and the mounting plate, at least part of the latch is arranged in the second sliding groove, and when the folding mechanism is in the folded state, one end of the latch close to the main shaft part is arranged in the first sliding groove, so that the main shaft part and the mounting plate can be controlled on the same plane by the latch, and the flat state angle of the folding mechanism and the foldable electronic device is improved.

[0007] With reference to the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes an elastic member, at least a portion of the elastic member is disposed in the second sliding slot, and the elastic member is connected with the pin; when the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the elastic member has a first length, and when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the elastic member has a second length, the second length being greater than the first length.

[0008] With reference to the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, an end of the pin away from the main shaft portion includes a first mounting hole, and the elastic member is connected with the pin through the first mounting hole.

[0009] In the embodiments provided in the present application, by disposing an elastic member in the second sliding slot and connecting the elastic member with the pin, the elastic member can be pushed to move in the first direction by the elastic force generated by the deformation of the elastic member, and the pin can be slid into the first sliding slot, so that the unfolding angle of the folding mechanism and the electronic device is improved.

[0010] With reference to the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes a wire, at least a portion of the wire is disposed in the second sliding slot, and the wire is connected with the pin; when the mounting plate is folded around the main shaft portion, the wire is used to pull the pin, so that the pin slides in the first direction and is separated from the main shaft portion.

[0011] With reference to the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, an end of the pin away from the main shaft portion further includes a second mounting hole, and the wire is connected with the pin 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 with the pin, so that the pin can be pulled by the wire, and the pin is separated from the main shaft portion, so that when the mounting plate is folded around the main shaft portion, the pin does not block the folding of the folding mechanism.

[0013] With reference to the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes a gear assembly and a first rack, the wire is connected with the first rack, and the first rack is engaged with the gear assembly; one side of the pin close to the gear assembly includes a second rack, the second rack and the first rack are located on two sides of the gear assembly respectively, and the pin is engaged 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 the gear assembly is driven to rotate, so that the pin slides in the first direction and is separated from the main shaft portion.

[0014] In the embodiments provided in the present application, the folding mechanism comprises a gear assembly and a first rack, and the bolt comprises a second rack, when the wire is pulled, the gear assembly meshes with and drives the first rack and the second rack, so as to pull the bolt to separate the bolt from the main shaft part, the sliding stroke of the bolt can be enlarged, and the pulling stroke of the wire can be reduced.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further comprises a circuit board, the wire is electrically connected with 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 in the first direction and separates the bolt from the main shaft part.

[0016] In the embodiments provided in the present application, the wire is electrically connected with the circuit board, the wire can be controlled by an electrical signal, the wire is heated by electrification, so that the wire shrinks to pull the bolt and separate the bolt from the main shaft part.

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

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

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further comprises a wire, a gear assembly and a first rack, the wire is connected with one end of the first rack away from the main shaft part, and the first rack meshes with the gear assembly; one side of the bolt close to the gear assembly comprises a second rack, the second rack meshes with the gear assembly, and the bolt and the first rack are located on two sides of the gear assembly respectively; 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 as to make the bolt enter the main shaft part along the first sliding groove.

[0020] In the embodiments provided in the present application, the folding mechanism comprises a gear assembly and a first rack, and the bolt comprises a second rack, when the wire is pulled, the gear assembly meshes with and drives the first rack and the second rack, so as to push the bolt to slide into the main shaft part, the sliding stroke of the bolt can be enlarged, and the pulling stroke of the wire can be reduced.

[0021] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further comprises an elastic member connected to an end of the pin 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 pin to make the pin slide in the first direction and disengage from the main shaft portion.

[0022] In the embodiments provided in the present application, the elastic member can pull the pin to make the pin disengage from the main shaft portion, so that the folding mechanism and the electronic device can be normally folded.

[0023] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the mounting plate further comprises a third sliding groove extending in the first direction, and a projection of the third sliding groove in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located in an area where a projection of the second sliding groove in the direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located; the pin comprises a stop portion, at least a part of the stop portion is accommodated in the third sliding groove, and the stop portion is in sliding connection with the third sliding groove; when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the stop portion is in abutment with an end of the third sliding groove close to the main shaft portion, and when the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the stop portion is in abutment with an end of the third sliding groove away from the main shaft portion.

[0024] In the embodiments provided in the present application, the mounting plate comprises the third sliding groove and the pin comprises the stop portion, the stop portion can slide in the first direction in the third sliding groove, the sliding of the pin can be limited, the pin is prevented from disengaging from the mounting plate, and the stop portion and the third sliding groove can further control the sliding direction of the pin, so that the pin slides in the first direction.

[0025] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the mounting plate further comprises a fourth sliding groove and a cover plate, the fourth sliding groove extends in the first direction, the fourth sliding groove is located on a side of the second sliding groove away from the third sliding groove, and a projection of the fourth sliding groove in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located in an area where a projection of the second sliding groove in the direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located, and the cover plate is arranged in the fourth sliding groove.

[0026] In the embodiments provided in the present application, the mounting plate comprises the fourth sliding groove and the cover plate, so that the components such as the pin, the elastic member and the metal wire on the mounting plate can be easily installed.

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

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

[0029] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in an inner folding state;

[0030] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in an outer folding state;

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

[0032] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state;

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

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

[0035] Figure 8 is a sectional structural schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 9 is a sectional structural schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

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

[0038] Figure 11 is a sectional structural schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 12 is a sectional structural schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

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

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

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

[0043] Figure 16 is a structural schematic diagram of a transmission part provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0045] In this specification, the phrase "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the application. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other embodiments", "in additional embodiments" etc. in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but can refer to one or more but not all embodiments, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0046] In various embodiments of the present application, the first, second, etc. are only used to represent that the multiple objects are different. For example, the first to-be-deployed scheme and the second to-be-deployed scheme are only used to represent different to-be-deployed schemes. The above first, second, etc. should not have any influence on the to-be-deployed schemes themselves and the number thereof, and should not limit the embodiments of the present application.

[0047] The terms "comprise", "contain", "have" and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically stated and limited.

[0048] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specifically stated and limited, the terms "mount", "connect" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, "connect" can be detachable connection, or can be non-detachable connection; can be direct connection, or can be indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Among them, "fixed connection" means that the relative position relationship after connection is unchanged. "Rotary connection" means that the relative rotation after connection is possible. "Sliding connection" means that the relative sliding after connection is possible. The orientation terms mentioned in the embodiments of the present application, such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer" and the like, are only the directions of the drawings, therefore, the orientation terms used are for better and clearer illustration and understanding of the embodiments of the present application, and are not indicative or implied that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0049] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device 100 provided by the embodiments of the present application. The foldable electronic device 100 can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a watch, an electronic reader, a notebook computer, a wearable device, etc. electronic device with folding function. Figure 1 The embodiments shown take a foldable mobile phone as an example for illustration.

[0050] Referring to Figure 1As shown in the structure, the foldable electronic device 100 can 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 can be arranged between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122, and the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 can be rotationally connected with the folding mechanism 123. Under the action of the folding mechanism 123, the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 can be close to or away from each other, realizing folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device 100. A certain accommodating space can be arranged in the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 to accommodate various electronic elements of the foldable electronic device 100, such as a circuit board, an antenna structure, a sensor, an acoustic cavity, a motor, etc.

[0051] Figure 1 The part filled with the dot matrix pattern can schematically represent the flexible display screen 110. The display panel of the flexible display screen 110 can be any one of a liquid crystal 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), etc., for example, and embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

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

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

[0054] Figure 1The foldable electronic device 100 shown in the figure is currently in an unfolded state, or also referred to as a flattened state, which can refer to a state in which the included angle between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 is 180°, and accordingly, the included angle between the first display part 111 and the second display part 112 of the flexible display 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 Two possible folding states of the foldable electronic device 100 are shown, which can refer to a state in which the two middle frames of the foldable electronic device 100 are as close to each other as possible. Among them, Figure 2 The inner folding state of the foldable electronic device 100 is shown, in which the flexible display 110 is accommodated between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122, the first display part 111 and the second display part 112 are attached to each other, and the first middle frame 121, the flexible display 110, and the second middle frame 122 are sequentially stacked.

[0056] Figure 3 The outer folding state of the foldable electronic device 100 is shown, in which the flexible display 110 is disposed outside the middle frame, the side of the first middle frame 121 facing away from the flexible display 110 is attached to the side of the second middle frame 122 facing away from the flexible display 110, and the first display part 111, the first middle frame 121, the second middle frame 122, and the second display part 112 are sequentially stacked.

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

[0058] For the inner folding type foldable electronic device 100, that is, Figure 2 The unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 100 shown is usually stopped by the middle frame, that is, 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 sides of the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 approaching each other. For the outer folding type foldable electronic device 100, that is, Figure 3The unfolded electronic device 100 shown is usually stopped by the folding mechanism 123, that is, the angle between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 in the flat state can be determined by the structure of the folding mechanism 123. Therefore, for the outer folding type foldable electronic device 100, the device structure is more obvious after unfolding, and after folding for many times, 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 for a long time and placed statically, the screen rolling force becomes large, and in addition to the gravity of the sub-frame, the foldable electronic device also has a humpback problem. The humpback phenomenon can be as shown in Figure 4 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 appearance of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0059] Based on the above problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a folding mechanism, which can effectively improve the flatness of the foldable electronic device in the unfolded state. The folding mechanism provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below. Figures 5 to 12 The folding mechanism provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail. Among them, Figure 5 the overall structure diagram of the electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application, Figure 6 the local structure explosion diagram of the electronic device 100, Figures 7 to 9 respectively, the local structure top view, the local structure cross section along the xy plane and the local structure cross section along the yz plane when the folding mechanism 123 is in the clutch state, and Figure 9 the yz plane cross section shown can be Figure 7 the cross section of the X-X position in Figures 10 to 12 respectively, the local structure top view, the local structure cross section along the xy plane and the local structure cross section along the yz plane when the folding mechanism 123 is in the locked state, and Figure 12 the yz plane cross section shown can be Figure 10 the cross section of the Y-Y position in. The local structure can be the structure of the end of the electronic device 100 along the x axis direction, in addition, the structure of each component in the display mounting plate 220, Figure 7 and Figure 10 the cover plate 227 structure of the folding mechanism 123 is not shown. The folding mechanism 123 in the embodiments of the present application can also be called as a rotating shaft mechanism, a rotating device, a folding device, etc., which is not limited in the present application.

[0060] Referring to Figures 5 to 12As shown in the structure, the folding mechanism 123 can include a main shaft part 210 and a mounting plate 220. The main shaft part 210 can extend along the x-axis direction shown in the figure, and the mounting plate 220 can be arranged on the left and right sides of the main shaft part 210 along the y-axis direction shown in the figure. The mounting plate 220 can be fixedly connected with the middle frame, for example, the mounting plate 220 on the left side of the main shaft part 210 can be connected with the first middle frame 121, and the mounting plate 220 on the right side of the main shaft part 210 can be connected with the second middle frame 122. The mounting plate 220 can be fixedly connected with the middle frame, or can 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 can drive the corresponding mounting plate 220 to rotate around the main shaft part 210 together, thereby realizing the folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0061] The side of the mounting plate 220 close to the main shaft part 210 can be provided with a latch 221 and a second sliding groove 222, and the second sliding groove 222 can extend along a first direction. When the folding mechanism 123 is in an unfolded state, or in other words, the electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state, the first direction can be parallel to the main plane of the mounting plate 220 and perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft part 210, the axial direction of the main shaft part 210 is the x-axis direction shown in the figure, and the main plane of the mounting plate 220 can be the plane 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 part of the latch 221 can be arranged in the second sliding groove 222 and can slide in the second sliding groove 222 along the first direction. The structure of the latch 221 can be referred to Figure 13 As shown in the structure, at least part of the latch 221 arranged in the second sliding groove 222 can mean that one end of the latch 221 provided with a first mounting hole 2212 and a second mounting hole 2213 is arranged in the second sliding groove 222, and in any one of the unfolded state, the folded state or the intermediate state of the folding mechanism 123, the one end of the latch 221 provided with the first mounting hole 2212 and the second mounting hole 2213 can be arranged in the second sliding groove 222. Among them, the folding mechanism 123 or the electronic device 100 in the unfolded state can mean that the included angle between the main planes of the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft part 210 is 180°, the folding mechanism 123 or the electronic device 100 in the folded state can mean that the included angle between the main planes of the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft part 210 is 0°, and the folding mechanism 123 or the electronic device 100 in the intermediate state can mean that the included angle between the main planes of the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft part 210 is between 0° and 180°.

[0062] Correspondingly, the main shaft part 210 can include a first sliding groove 211, and the structure of the first sliding groove 211 can be referred to Figure 14A partial structure enlarged view of the main shaft part 210 is shown. The first sliding groove 211 can also extend in the first direction, for example, can extend from the outer end face of the main shaft part 210 on the side close to the latch 221 to the inside of the main shaft part 210 in the first direction.

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

[0064] When the end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft part 210 slides into the first sliding groove 211, the end of the latch 221 away from the main shaft part 210 can be located in the second sliding groove 222, so that the latch 221 can control the mounting plates 220 and the main shaft part 210 to be located on the same plane, improve the unfolded angle of the folding mechanism and the electronic device 100, that is, the unfolded angle of the electronic device 100 is 180°; and part of the latch 221 is located in the first sliding groove 211 and part of the latch 221 is located in the second sliding groove 222, which can make the unfolded structure of the electronic device more stable and not prone to false movement, and the unfolded angle of the electronic device is also not prone to be affected by the decrease of the damping force of the folding mechanism.

[0065] It should be noted that, Figure 8 ,Figure 9 , Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The first slide groove 211 shown penetrates the main shaft portion 210 along the first direction. The first slide groove 211 may not penetrate the main shaft portion 210 along the first direction. For example, when a second slide groove 222 and a pin 221 are provided on one side of the main shaft portion 210, and the first slide groove 211 and the pin 221 are not provided on the other side, the first slide groove 211 may extend from the side of the main shaft portion 210 near the pin 221 to the center of the main shaft portion 210. For another example, when a second slide groove 222 and a pin 221 are provided on both sides of the main shaft portion 210, the number of first slide grooves 211 in the main shaft portion 210 may be the same as the number of second slide grooves 222, and their positions may correspond to the positions of the second slide grooves 222. The first slide grooves 211 on both sides extend from the outer end face of the main shaft portion 210 to the center of the main shaft portion 210, and the first slide grooves 211 on both sides may not be connected to each other. The positions of the second slide grooves 222 on the two mounting plates 220 may not correspond. Two first slide grooves 211 may be provided on the spindle part 210, which correspond to the positions of the two second slide grooves 222 respectively, so that the pins 221 on both sides of the spindle part 210 slide into the corresponding first slide grooves 211 respectively, thereby improving the flattened angle of the electronic device.

[0066] To allow the pin 221 to slide into the corresponding first groove 211, the folding mechanism may further include an elastic element 223. At least a portion of the elastic element 223 may be disposed in the second groove 222, and one end of the elastic element 223 may be connected to the end of the pin 221 away from the main shaft portion 210, while the other end may be connected to the end of the second groove 222. The orientation of the elastic element 223 may also be a first direction; that is, the line connecting the two ends of the elastic element 223 may be along the y-axis direction shown in the figure, thereby allowing the elastic element 223 to be compressed or released along this first direction.

[0067] Accordingly, the end of the pin 221 away from the spindle portion 210 may include a first mounting hole 2212, see [reference]. Figure 13 The schematic diagram of the pin 221 shown indicates that the number of first mounting holes 2212 can be one or more, and the number of first mounting holes 2212 can be the same as the number of elastic members 223. The end of the elastic member 223 near the pin 221 can be fixedly connected to the pin 221 through the first mounting hole 2212, for example, by welding, bonding, or other methods. The end of the elastic member 223 away from the pin 221 can also be connected to the mounting plate 220 through mounting holes on the mounting plate 220 (not shown in the figure).

[0068] When the mounting plate 220 is unfolded around the main shaft part 210, that is, the included angle between the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft part 210 is greater than 0° and less than 180°, the end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft part 210 can be in contact with the area of the main shaft part 210 except the first sliding groove 211, so that the latch 221 can be subjected to the pressure from the main shaft part 210, and then the elastic member 223 can be subjected to the pressure from the latch 221, so that the elastic member 223 is compressed, and the length of the elastic member 223 can be the first length. Further, when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, that is, the included angle between the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft part 210 is 180°, since the position of the first sliding groove 211 corresponds to the position of the second sliding groove 222, and the position of the latch 221 also corresponds to the position of the first sliding groove 211, the pressure of the latch 221 from the main shaft part 210 can be removed, and the pressure of the elastic member 223 from the latch 221 can also be removed, and then the elastic member 223 can recover from the compressed state to the relaxed state, or the compression degree of the elastic member 223 can be reduced, and the elastic member 223 can push the latch 221 to slide in the first direction into the first sliding groove 211 by the elastic force, so that the end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft part 210 can be accommodated in the first sliding groove 211, and the end of the latch 221 away from the main shaft part 210 can still be accommodated in the second sliding groove 222, thereby improving the unfolding angle of the folding mechanism 123. That is, when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the length of the elastic member 223 can be the second length, and the second length can be greater than the first length. When the end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft part 210 is accommodated in the first sliding groove 211, the state of the folding mechanism 123 can also be called the locked state, and when the end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft part 210 is not slid into the first sliding groove 211, the state of the folding mechanism 123 can be called the disengaged state.

[0069] Exemplarily, the elastic member 223 can be a spring, and the elastic member 223 can also be other components capable of elastic deformation, which are not limited in the present application.

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

[0071] Correspondingly, the latch 221 can include a stop portion 2211, and the structure of the latch 221 can be referred to Figure 13 As shown, the stop portion 2211 can be accommodated in the third sliding groove 225 when the latch 221 is accommodated in the second sliding groove 222, and the stop portion 2211 can slide in the third sliding groove 225 along the first direction when the latch 221 slides in the second sliding groove 222 along the first direction.

[0072] The third sliding groove 225 and the stop portion 2211 can limit the sliding of the latch 221. For example, when the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, the latch 221 slides in the first direction towards the main shaft portion 210, and correspondingly, the stop portion 2211 also slides in the first direction towards the main shaft portion 210, and when one end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 slides into the first sliding groove 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 sliding groove 211 close to the main shaft portion 210, so as to avoid the latch 221 from separating from the second sliding groove 222 and 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 latch 221 can slide in the first direction away from the main shaft portion 210 under the pulling action of the wire 224, and correspondingly, the stop portion 2211 also slides in the first direction away from the main shaft portion 210, and when the latch 221 separates 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 sliding groove 225 away from the main shaft portion 210.

[0073] It should be noted that when the one end of the pin 221 close to the main shaft part 210 slides into the first sliding groove 211, the side of the stop part 2211 close to the main shaft part 210 can also not be attached to the side of the first sliding groove 211 close to the main shaft part 210, for example, the main shaft part 210 can include a stop block (not shown in the figure) which can be arranged at the end of the first sliding groove 211, and the length of the pin 221 can be greater than the length of the first sliding groove 211, when the one end of the pin 221 close to the main shaft part 210 slides into the first sliding groove 211, the sliding of the pin 221 can be limited by the stop block to avoid the pin 221 sliding out of the second sliding groove 222. Similarly, when the pin 221 is separated from the main shaft part 210, the side of the stop part 2211 away from the main shaft part 210 can also not be attached to the side of the third sliding groove 225 away from the main shaft part 210, for example, when the pin 221 is separated from the main shaft part 210, the side of the pin 221 away from the main shaft part 210 can be attached to the side of the second sliding groove 222 away from the main shaft part 210 to limit the sliding of the pin 221.

[0074] Since when the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, or in other words, when the folding mechanism 123 is in the locked state, part of the pin 221 is located in the first sliding groove 211 and part of the pin 221 is located in the second sliding groove 222, the rotation of the mounting plate 220 around the main shaft part 210 is easily blocked by the pin 221, in order to enable the folding mechanism 123 to fold normally, the pin 221 also needs to be separated from the first sliding groove 211. In this example, the mounting plate 220 can also include a wire 224, at least part of the wire 224 can be arranged in the second sliding groove 222, and one end of the wire 224 can be connected to the end of the pin 221 away from the main shaft part 210. The wire 224 can pull the pin 221, that is, the pin 221 is subjected to a pulling force in the opposite direction of the y-axis shown in the figure, so that the pin 221 slides out of the first sliding groove 211 and is separated from the main shaft part 210, and then the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft part 210 can rotate around the main shaft part 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 part 210 can include a second mounting hole 2213, and one end of the wire 224 close to the latch 221 can be fixedly connected with the latch through the second mounting hole 2213. The number of the second mounting hole 2213 can be one or more, and the number of the second mounting hole 2213 can be the same as the number of the wire 224. For example, the number of the wire 224 can be two, and the number of the second mounting hole 2213 can also be two (not shown in the figure), and the first mounting hole 2212 can be arranged at the middle position of the end of the latch 221, and the second mounting hole 2213 can be arranged on the left and right sides of the first mounting hole 2212, that is, on the two sides of the first mounting hole 2212 in the x-axis direction, and correspondingly, the wire 224 can also be arranged on the left and right sides of the elastic member 223. For example, the material of the wire 224 can be shape memory alloys (SMA).

[0076] It should be noted that the second mounting hole 2213 shown includes a set of parallel surfaces, that is, a set of parallel surfaces in the up-down direction shown, forming an open structure, and the second mounting hole 2213 can also include two sets of parallel surfaces, which can surround the wire 224 when the wire 224 is arranged in the second mounting hole 2213. The second mounting hole 2213 can be a square hole as shown, or a circular hole similar to the first mounting hole 2212. Similarly, the first mounting hole 2212 can be a circular hole, or a square hole, and the structure of the mounting hole is not limited in the present application.

[0077] In some embodiments, the folding mechanism 123 can further include a circuit board (not shown in the figure), which can be arranged in the mounting plate 220 or in the middle frame part. One end of the wire 224 away from the latch 221 can be electrically connected with the circuit board, and the circuit board can supply power to the wire 224 to heat and shrink the wire 224, so that the wire 224 can pull the latch 221, so that the latch 221 can be separated from the first sliding groove 211 in the first direction, and the separation of the latch 221 from the main shaft part 210 is achieved.

[0078] The folding mechanism 123 can also include a first button. In an example, the first button can be disposed on an outer end surface of the main shaft portion 210 in the x direction (not shown in the figure). The first button can be electrically connected to the circuit board. When the first button is pressed, the first button inputs an electrical signal. The circuit board supplies power to the metal wire 224 to heat the metal wire 224, so that the metal wire 224 shrinks due to heat, thereby enabling the metal to pull the plug 221. The first button can also be disposed at an edge of the mounting plate 220 or the middle frame. The first button can be a mechanical button. When the mechanical button is pressed, the mechanical button moves to convert a mechanical signal into an electrical signal. The first button can also be a fingerprint recognition button. When a preset fingerprint is recognized, an electrical signal is input to the circuit board, and then power is supplied to the metal wire 224 to heat the metal wire 224. The first button can also be a control on the display screen of the electronic device. When the control is touched, an electrical signal is input.

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

[0080] In some embodiments, the folding mechanism 123 can also include a gear assembly 229 and a first gear rack 228. Referring to the partial structure schematic view of the folding mechanism 123 shown in Figure 15 or Figure 16 The first gear rack 228 can be engaged with the gear assembly 229. Correspondingly, a side of the plug 221 close to the gear can include a second gear rack 2214. The plug 221 can be engaged with the gear assembly 229 through the second gear rack 2214. The first gear rack 228 and the plug 221 can be located on two sides of the gear assembly 229, respectively. In this example, the metal wire 224 can be fixedly connected to the first gear rack 228 and indirectly connected to the plug 221 through the first gear rack 228 and the gear assembly 229. The transmission of each component is achieved through the engagement of the gear and the gear rack. The gear assembly 229, the first gear rack 228, and the plug 221 can also be collectively referred to as a transmission part of the folding mechanism 123. The names of the parts in the folding mechanism 123 are not limited in the present application.

[0081] As an example, the gear assembly 229 can include a first gear 2291 and a second gear 2292, as shown in Figure 15As shown, the first gear 2291 and the second gear 2292 are engaged with each other, the first rack 228 can be arranged on one side of the gear assembly 229 close to the first gear 2291, and the first rack 228 can be engaged with the first gear 2291, the latch 221 can be arranged on one side of the gear assembly 229 close to the second gear 2292, and the second rack 2214 of the latch 221 can be engaged with the second gear 2292. When the metal wire 224 is heated and shrinks by being electrified, the metal wire 224 can pull the first rack 228, so that the first rack 228 moves in the negative direction of the y-axis. The movement of the first rack 228 in the negative direction of the y-axis can drive the first gear 2291 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction, and can drive the second gear 2292 to rotate in the clockwise direction. Further, the rotation of the second gear 2292 in the clockwise direction can drive the latch 221 to slide in the negative direction of the y-axis, so that the latch 221 is separated from the main shaft part 210, so that the folding mechanism is in the disengaged state, so as to realize the folding of the folding mechanism.

[0082] In this example, similar to the implementation described above, when the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, the elastic member 223 can push the latch 221 by the elastic force, so that one end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft part 210 slides into the main shaft part 210, so that the folding mechanism is in the locked state. Figures 6 to 12

[0083] As another example, the gear assembly 229 can also include only one gear, and the first rack 228 and the second rack 2214 can be engaged with the gear, see the structure shown in FIG. 13B. Similar to the embodiment described above, the metal wire 224 can be controlled by the first button whether to be electrified, and 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 the electrical signal to the metal wire 224 to electrify and heat the metal wire 224, so that the metal wire 224 is heated and shrinks, and then the metal wire 224 can pull the first rack 228 to slide in the negative direction of the y-axis, the sliding of the first rack 228 in the negative direction of the y-axis can drive the gear to rotate in the counterclockwise direction, and further, the rotation of the gear in the counterclockwise direction can drive the latch 221 to move in the positive direction of the y-axis, that is, to move in the direction close to the main shaft part 210, so that one end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft part 210 can slide into the first sliding groove 211, thereby improving the unfolded angle of the folding mechanism 123 and the electronic device 100. Figure 16

[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 metal wire 224, the metal wire 224 can cool down and recover the deformation, the length increases, and the pulling force of the metal wire 224 on the first rack 228 can be removed. When the end of the plug 221 close to the main shaft part 210 is located in the first sliding groove 211, the elastic member 223 can be in a stretched state, and then, after the pulling force of the metal wire 224 on the first rack 228 is removed, the elastic force of the elastic member 223 can play a leading role, the elastic member 223 can recover from the stretched state to the relaxed state and pull the plug 221 to move along the y-axis negative direction, so that the plug 221 is separated from the main shaft part 210, so that the folding mechanism 123 can be normally folded.

[0085] The gear assembly and the rack are arranged in the folding mechanism 123, which can amplify the sliding stroke of the plug 221 and reduce the pulling stroke of the metal wire 224.

[0086] The gear assembly and the first rack 228 can be located in the second sliding groove described above, wherein, as described above, the plug 221 can include a stop part 2211 and the mounting plate 220 can include a third sliding groove 225, the stop part 2211 can be accommodated in the third sliding groove 225 and the third sliding groove 225 can limit the sliding direction of the stop part 2211 to prevent the plug 221 from deviating in a direction other than the first direction. Similarly, the first rack 228 can also include a stop part, and the mounting plate 220 can also include a sliding groove (not shown in the figure) at a position corresponding to the first rack 228, so that the stop part of the first rack 228 can slide in the sliding groove, and thus the first rack 228 is not easy to deviate in other directions along the first direction.

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

[0088] The fourth sliding slot 226 can have the same size as the cover plate 227, so that the cover plate 227 can be accommodated in the fourth sliding slot 226. When the cover plate 227 is accommodated in the fourth sliding slot 226, the side of the cover plate 227 away from the latch 221 can be flush with the outer surface of the mounting plate 220, so that the joint line between the cover plate 227 and the mounting plate 220 is smoother. When the cover plate 227 is accommodated in the fourth sliding slot 226, the side of the cover plate 227 close to the latch 221 can be in contact with the latch 221, so that the latch 221 is not easy to shake along the z-axis direction shown, thereby making the sliding of the latch 221 more stable and reliable. The folding mechanism 123 including the cover plate 227 and the fourth sliding slot 226 can also make the components such as the latch 221, the spring 223 and the wire 224 easy to install.

[0089] The folding mechanism 123 can also include rotating members 230, which can be arranged on both sides of the main shaft part 210. The rotating members 230 can be fixedly connected with the mounting plate 220 and can rotate around the main shaft part 210 to realize folding and unfolding of the folding mechanism 123. The structure of the rotating members 230 is not limited in the present application.

[0090] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the structure of the main shaft part and the mounting plates on both sides of the main shaft part is introduced by taking one end of the main shaft part as an example. The latches and sliding slots can be arranged on both mounting plates, or only one of the mounting plates. In addition, the latches and sliding slots can also be arranged on both ends of the main shaft part to further improve the unfolding angle of the folding mechanism and the electronic device. The folding mechanism introduced in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to electronic devices that can be folded once, i.e., electronic devices that can be folded once. It can also be applied to electronic devices that can be folded twice or more, i.e., electronic devices that can be folded two or more times. Moreover, the folding mechanism introduced in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to outer folding electronic devices or inner folding electronic devices, which are not limited in the present application.

[0091] In the embodiments of the present application, “the same” does not mean absolute identity. Those skilled in the art can understand that the size of a structure can be appropriately adjusted according to the design needs. The size of two structures “the same” allows a certain range of deviation, for example, 0.1 mm-0.5 mm, etc. Similarly, the included angle between two structures is 180°, etc., which can mean that the included angle is approximately 180°, etc., not an absolute value.

[0092] The above merely provides the specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited to this. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of the changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed by the present application, which should be covered in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding mechanism, characterized by, The folding mechanism comprises a main shaft part and a mounting plate connected with the main shaft part; The main shaft part comprises a first sliding groove extending along a first direction, the first direction being parallel to a main plane of the mounting plate and perpendicular to an axial direction of the main shaft part when the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state; A side of the mounting plate close to the main shaft part comprises a second sliding groove extending along the first direction and a plug, the second sliding groove corresponding to the first sliding groove in position, at least part of the plug being arranged in the second sliding groove and the plug being in sliding connection with the second sliding groove; When the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the plug is located outside the first sliding groove, and when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, at least part of an end of the plug close to the main shaft part is located in the first sliding groove.

2. The folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The folding mechanism further comprises: An elastic member, at least part of the elastic member being arranged in the second sliding groove and the elastic member being connected with the plug; 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, the second length being greater than the first length.

3. The folding mechanism of claim 2, wherein, An end of the plug away from the main shaft part comprises a first mounting hole, the elastic member being connected with the plug 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 comprises a wire, at least part of the wire being arranged in the second sliding groove and the wire being connected with the plug; When the mounting plate is folded around the main shaft part, the wire is used to pull the plug so as to make the plug slide along the first direction and be separated from the main shaft part.

5. The folding mechanism of claim 4, wherein, The end of the plug away from the main shaft part further comprises a second mounting hole, the wire being connected with the plug through the second mounting hole.

6. The folding mechanism of claim 4, wherein, The folding mechanism further comprises a gear assembly and a first rack, the wire being connected with the first rack, the first rack being engaged with the gear assembly; A side of the plug close to the gear assembly comprises a second rack, the second rack and the first rack being located on two sides of the gear assembly respectively, the plug being engaged with the gear assembly through the second rack; When the folding mechanism is folded around the main shaft part, the wire is used to pull the first rack and drive the gear assembly to rotate, so as to make the plug slide along the first direction and be separated from the main shaft part.

7. The folding mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that The folding mechanism further comprises a circuit board, the wire being electrically connected with the circuit board, the circuit board being used to input an electric signal to the wire, so as to make the wire pull the plug to slide along the first direction and make the plug be separated from the main shaft part.

8. The folding mechanism of claim 7, wherein, The folding mechanism further comprises a first button, the first button being electrically connected with the circuit board, the first button being used to convert a pressing signal into an electric signal and transmit the electric signal to the circuit board when the first button is pressed, and the electric signal is transmitted to the wire by the circuit board.

9. The folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein, The folding mechanism further comprises a wire, a gear assembly and a first rack, one end of the wire being connected to the first rack away from the main shaft part, the first rack being engaged with the gear assembly; The side of the bolt close to the gear assembly comprises a second rack, the second rack being engaged with the gear assembly, and the bolt and the first rack being located on two sides of the gear assembly respectively; When the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the wire is used to pull the first rack and drive the gear assembly to rotate, so that the bolt enters the main shaft part along the first sliding groove.

10. The folding mechanism of claim 9, wherein, The folding mechanism further comprises an elastic member, one end of the elastic member being connected to the bolt away from the main shaft part; When the mounting plate is folded around the main shaft part, the elastic member is used to pull the bolt, so that the bolt slides in the first direction and is separated from the main shaft part.

11. The folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The mounting plate further comprises a third sliding groove, the third sliding groove extending in the first direction, and the projection of the third sliding groove in the direction perpendicular to the mounting plate being located in the area where the projection of the second sliding groove in the direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located; The bolt comprises a stop part, at least part of the stop part being accommodated in the third sliding groove, and the stop part being in sliding connection with the third sliding groove; When the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the stop part is in close contact with one end of the third sliding groove close to the main shaft part.

12. The folding mechanism of claim 11, wherein, The mounting plate further comprises a fourth sliding groove and a cover plate, the fourth sliding groove extending in the first direction, the fourth sliding groove being located on the side of the second sliding groove away from the third sliding groove, and the projection of the second sliding groove in the direction perpendicular to the mounting plate being located in the area where the projection of the fourth sliding groove in the direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located, and the cover plate being arranged in the fourth sliding groove.

13. A foldable electronic device, characterized by The folding mechanism comprises any one of claims 1 to 12. The folding mechanism comprises any one of claims 1 to 12.

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