Rotating shaft assembly and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a rotating shaft assembly. The rotating shaft assembly comprises two supporting plates; the transmission unit is connected between the two supporting plates, and the transmission unit is constructed to support the two supporting plates, so that the two supporting plates are switched among an unfolding state, a first folding state and a second folding state based on the transmission unit; wherein in the first folding state and the second folding state, the opposite first faces of the two supporting plates meet the parallel condition, and in the first folding state, a first distance is formed between the two supporting plates; and in the second folding state, a second distance smaller than the first distance is formed between the two supporting plates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and particularly to a rotating shaft assembly and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] The flexible tablet device is an upgraded version of the traditional tablet computer. The screen of the flexible tablet device adopts flexible display technology, and can realize morphological changes such as bending, folding and even curling. This design breaks through the limitations of traditional rigid screens, bringing higher portability and innovation to the flexible tablet device.

[0003] In the related art, the bending and folding forms of the screen of the flexible tablet device are fixed and cannot be dynamically adjusted according to the presence or absence of the keyboard. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a rotating shaft assembly and an electronic device, which can adaptively adjust the distance between two first surfaces in the folded state according to whether there is another device between the support plates.

[0005] As an aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a rotating shaft assembly is provided, including: two support plates; a transmission unit connected between the two support plates, the transmission unit being configured to support the two support plates, so that the two support plates can be switched between an unfolded state, a first folded state and a second folded state based on the transmission unit; wherein, in the first folded state and the second folded state, the first surfaces of the two support plates facing each other satisfy the parallel condition, and in the first folded state, there is a first distance between the two support plates; in the second folded state, there is a second distance between the two support plates that is less than the first distance.

[0006] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the transmission unit includes two sets of transmission mechanisms, and each set of the transmission mechanisms includes: a first rotating shaft having a first axis; an extension member configured to rotate with the first rotating shaft, and the support plate is slidably disposed at an end of the extension member away from the first rotating shaft; a connecting member, a first end of the connecting member is rotatably connected to the support plate, and a second end of the connecting member is located between the two first axes; in response to the rotation of the first rotating shaft, during the process of the two support plates approaching each other, the connecting member and the extension member cooperate to drive the support plate to move along the extension member away from the first rotating shaft.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned transmission unit includes two sets of transmission mechanisms. Each set of the above-mentioned transmission mechanisms includes: a first rotating shaft having a first axis; an extension member configured to rotate with the above-mentioned first rotating shaft, and the above-mentioned support plate is slidably disposed at an end of the above-mentioned extension member away from the above-mentioned first rotating shaft; a connecting member, the above-mentioned connecting member is rotatably connected to the above-mentioned support plate; wherein, in the first folding state and the second folding state, the first surfaces of the two above-mentioned extension members face each other, and during the switching process between the above-mentioned unfolded state and the above-mentioned first folding state, the above-mentioned first surface is parallel to the second surface of the above-mentioned support plate facing away from the above-mentioned first surface; in the above-mentioned second folding state, the two above-mentioned first surfaces are inclined to the above-mentioned first surface.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotating shaft assembly further includes: a bracket, the above-mentioned first rotating shaft is disposed on the above-mentioned bracket; the above-mentioned connecting member includes: a second rotating shaft disposed on the bracket; a third rotating shaft disposed on the above-mentioned support plate, the above-mentioned first rotating shaft, the above-mentioned second rotating shaft and the above-mentioned third rotating shaft are parallel to each other; a connecting rod connecting and perpendicular to the above-mentioned second rotating shaft and the above-mentioned third rotating shaft.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, two guiding grooves are formed on the second surface of the above-mentioned support plate facing away from the first surface. The extending directions of the two above-mentioned guiding grooves are parallel and the groove openings face each other; along the direction parallel to the first axis, multiple pairs of convex blocks are respectively formed at both ends of the above-mentioned extension member, and the multiple pairs of above-mentioned convex blocks respectively extend into the two above-mentioned guiding grooves to guide the sliding of the above-mentioned support plate through the multiple above-mentioned convex blocks.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at one end of the two above-mentioned guiding grooves close to the above-mentioned first axis, positioning grooves recessed away from the above-mentioned second surface are respectively formed. The above-mentioned positioning grooves are adapted to accommodate the convex blocks located close to the above-mentioned first rotating shaft, so that the two above-mentioned support plates are further close to each other, and the two above-mentioned support plates are held in the above-mentioned second folding state.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned extension member includes: an extension portion extending from the above-mentioned first rotating shaft to the above-mentioned support plate; a support portion disposed on the first surface of the above-mentioned extension portion; in the above-mentioned first folding state, the first surfaces of the two above-mentioned extension members face each other; in the above-mentioned unfolded state, the second surface of the above-mentioned support portion facing away from the above-mentioned first surface, the surface of the above-mentioned bracket located between the two above-mentioned first surfaces, and the above-mentioned first surface are in a coplanar state.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, while one set of the above-mentioned transmission mechanisms drives one support plate to rotate clockwise relative to the bracket, the other set of transmission mechanisms drives the other support plate to rotate counterclockwise relative to the above-mentioned bracket.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a gear sleeve is provided on the first rotating shaft; each of the above-mentioned transmission mechanisms further includes: a gear sleeve group that meshes with the above-mentioned gear sleeve; wherein, the gear sleeve group of one of the above-mentioned transmission mechanisms meshes with the gear sleeve group of another transmission mechanism, and the rotation directions of the two above-mentioned first rotating shafts are opposite.

[0014] As another aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, including: a flexible screen; and a rotating shaft assembly, including: two support plates for supporting the above-mentioned flexible screen; a transmission unit connected between the two above-mentioned supports, the transmission unit being configured to support the two above-mentioned support plates, such that the above-mentioned flexible screen switches between an unfolded state, a first folded state, and a second folded state based on the transmission unit; wherein, in the above-mentioned first folded state and the above-mentioned second folded state, the first surfaces of the two above-mentioned support plates satisfy the parallel condition, and in the above-mentioned first folded state, there is a first distance between the two above-mentioned support plates; in the above-mentioned second folded state, there is a second distance less than the first distance between the two above-mentioned support plates.

[0015] The rotating shaft assembly according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can enable the two support plates to freely switch between an unfolded state, a first folded state, and a second folded state. In the first folded state, there is a relatively large first distance between the two support plates, allowing other devices (such as a keyboard, etc.) to be accommodated between the two support plates. In the second folded state, the distance between the two support plates is reduced to a relatively small second distance, which can adapt to the scenario where there are no other devices between the two support plates, enabling the rotating shaft assembly to adapt to different usage scenarios, automatically adjust the folding form, and achieve an adaptive user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Through the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become clearer. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 Schematically shows a perspective view of the rotating shaft assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a first perspective;

[0018] Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the shown rotating shaft assembly from a second perspective;

[0019] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 1 A side view of the shown rotating shaft assembly in an unfolded state;

[0020] Figure 4 Schematically shows Figure 1 A side view of the shown rotating shaft assembly in a first folded state;

[0021] Figure 5Schematically shows Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the shown rotating shaft assembly;

[0022] Figure 6 Schematically shows Figure 1 A side view of the shown rotating shaft assembly in the second folded state;

[0023] Figure 7 Schematically shows Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the shown rotating shaft assembly;

[0024] Figure 8 Schematically shows a side view of the rotating shaft assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 9 Schematically shows Figure 8 An enlarged partial view of the shown rotating shaft assembly;

[0026] Figure 10 Schematically shows a state diagram of the transmission mechanism when the support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in the unfolded state;

[0027] Figure 11 Schematically shows a state diagram of the transmission mechanism when the support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in the intermediate state;

[0028] Figure 12 Schematically shows a state diagram of the transmission mechanism when the support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in the first folded state;

[0029] Figure 13 Schematically shows a state diagram of the transmission mechanism when the support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is in the second folded state; and

[0030] Figure 14 Schematically shows a comparison diagram of the flexible screen in different states;

[0031] Figure 15 Schematically shows a side view of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] The reference numerals are explained as follows:

[0033] 1. Support plate; 11. Guide groove; 12. First surface; 13. Second surface;

[0034] 2. Transmission unit;

[0035] 21. Bracket;

[0036] 22. Transmission mechanism; 221. First rotating shaft; 222. Extension member; 2221. Extension part; 2222. Support part; 2223. Bump; 2224. First surface; 2225. Second surface;

[0037] 223. Connector; 2231. Second rotating shaft; 2232. Third rotating shaft; 2233. Connecting rod;

[0038] 224. Gear sleeve group;

[0039] 3. Flexible screen;

[0040] 4. Keyboard. Detailed implementation manner

[0041] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure clearer and more understandable, the following further elaborates on the present disclosure in detail in combination with specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The terms used herein are merely for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The terms "including", "comprising", etc. used herein indicate the presence of the described features, steps, operations and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations or components.

[0043] All terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the context of this specification and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly rigid manner.

[0044] In the case of using expressions such as "at least one of A, B, and C, etc.", generally, it should be interpreted according to the meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art. For example, "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" should include, but is not limited to, a system having only A, only B, only C, having A and B, having A and C, having B and C, and / or having A, B, and C. In the case of using expressions such as "at least one of A, B, or C, etc.", generally, it should be interpreted according to the meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art. For example, "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" should include, but is not limited to, a system having only A, only B, only C, having A and B, having A and C, having B and C, and / or having A, B, and C.

[0045] It should also be noted that the directional terms mentioned in the embodiments, such as "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", etc., are only references to the directions in the accompanying drawings and are not used to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure. Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same elements are represented by the same or similar reference numerals. When it may cause confusion in the understanding of the present disclosure, the conventional structures or configurations will be omitted.

[0046] In the process of implementing the present disclosure, it is found that existing flexible flat devices are supported by a rotating shaft assembly, which mainly includes a U-shaped rotating shaft and a water-drop-shaped rotating shaft.

[0047] For the U-shaped rotating shaft, in the folded state, in a plane perpendicular to the display surface of the flexible screen, the cross-section of the flexible screen forms a shape similar to the letter "U".

[0048] The U-shaped rotating shaft allows the keyboard to be stored between the two support plates of the rotating shaft assembly in the stacked state. However, when the keyboard is taken out for use, the flexible screen still remains in the U-shaped state. Although the opening and closing angle of the flexible screen decreases, the overall thickness is still relatively large, and a thin design cannot be achieved.

[0049] For the water-drop-shaped rotating shaft, in the folded state, in a plane perpendicular to the display surface of the flexible screen, the cross-section of the flexible screen forms a shape similar to a water drop.

[0050] Compared with the U-shaped rotating shaft, for the water-drop-shaped rotating shaft, in the folded state, the distance between the two support plates of the rotating shaft assembly is smaller, which to a certain extent solves the thickness problem of the flexible flat device, but sacrifices portability and integrity, and users need to manage the storage of the keyboard separately, resulting in an inconvenient use experience.

[0051] In summary, the existing U-shaped rotating shaft and water-drop-shaped rotating shaft both have certain limitations and cannot provide a flexible screen closing solution for users that can adaptively adjust according to the keyboard usage state and balance portability and practicality.

[0052] The following will describe the rotating shaft assembly and the electronic device of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Without conflict, the features in the following embodiments and implementation manners can be combined with each other.

[0053] Figure 1 A perspective view of the rotating shaft assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown from a first perspective. Figure 2 Schematically shown is Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the rotating shaft assembly shown from a second perspective. Figure 3 Schematically shown is Figure 1 A side view of the rotating shaft assembly shown in the unfolded state. Figure 4 Schematically shown is Figure 1 A side view of the rotating shaft assembly shown in a first folded state. Figure 5 Schematically shown is Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft assembly shown. Figure 6 Schematically shown is Figure 1 A side view of the rotating shaft assembly shown in a second folded state. Figure 7 Schematically shown is Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft assembly shown. Among them, Figures 1 to 7A flexible screen is also shown.

[0054] As an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a rotating shaft assembly is provided. As Figures 1 to 7 shown, the rotating shaft assembly includes two support plates 1 and a transmission unit 2. The transmission unit 2 is connected between the two support plates 1, and the transmission unit 2 is configured to support the two support plates 1, such that the two support plates 1 can switch between an unfolded state (such as the state shown in Figures 1 to 3 ), a first folding state (such as the states shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 ), and a second folding state (such as the states shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 ). Among them, in the first folding state and the second folding state, a first surface 12 (the lower surface from the perspective shown in Figure 2 ) where the two support plates 1 face each other satisfies the parallel condition, and in the first folding state, there is a first distance (such as D1 shown in Figure 4 ) between the two support plates 1. In the second folding state, there is a second distance (such as D2 shown in Figure 7 ) between the two support plates 1, and the second distance is smaller than the first distance, that is, D1 > D2.

[0055] According to the rotating shaft assembly of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the two support plates 1 can freely switch between the unfolded state, the first folding state, and the second folding state. In the first folding state, there is a relatively large first distance between the two support plates 1, allowing other devices (such as a keyboard 4, etc.) to be accommodated between the two support plates 1. In the second folding state, the distance between the two support plates 1 is reduced to a relatively small second distance, which can adapt to the scenario where there are no other devices between the two support plates 1, enabling the rotating shaft assembly to adapt to different usage scenarios, automatically adjust the folding form, and achieve an adaptive user experience.

[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, the parallel condition includes an angle between the two first surfaces 12, and the range of the angle is configured to be greater than or equal to 0° and less than or equal to 10°. For example, the two first surfaces 12 are completely parallel, that is, the angle between the two first surfaces 12 is 0°, or the angle between the two first surfaces 12 is any value among 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, and 10°, etc.

[0057] In the first folding state, there is a first angle between the two first surfaces 12; in the second folding state, there is a second angle between the two first surfaces 12. Among them, the first angle and the second angle may be the same or different.

[0058] The two support plates 1 can be converted between the unfolded state and the first folding state, and between the first folding state and the second folding state.

[0059] Further, when there is no need to accommodate other devices between the two support plates 1, the two support plates 1 can move from the unfolded state to the first folded state, and then from the first folded state to the second folded state. Or, move from the second folded state to the first folded state, and then from the first folded state to the unfolded state.

[0060] When it is necessary to accommodate other devices between the two support plates 1, the two support plates 1 can move from the unfolded state to the first folded state, and be supported by other devices accommodated between the two support plates 1 to keep the two support plates 1 in the first folded state. It can be understood that the two support plates 1 can also move from the first folded state to the unfolded state.

[0061] In some exemplary embodiments, the rotating shaft assembly can be used to support the flexible screen 3. Wherein, the flexible screen 3 includes two first segments disposed on the two support plates 1, and a second segment connected between the two first segments. The two first segments are correspondingly disposed on the first surface 12 of the two support plates 1.

[0062] The flexible screen 3 is a display screen made of flexible materials (such as plastic or ultra-thin glass), with high flexibility, and can adapt to different shapes and bending angles. The flexible screen 3 can adopt OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology, which can provide high brightness and rich colors.

[0063] In the unfolded state, based on the rotating shaft assembly, the two first segments and the second segment of the flexible screen 3 are all in a coplanar state. In the first folded state and the second folded state, based on the rotating shaft assembly, the two first segments meet the parallel condition, being in a substantially parallel and facing each other state, and the second segment is in a deformed and bent state.

[0064] It should be noted that in the first folded state, as Figure 5 shown, the protective layer of the display surface of the flexible screen 3 (not shown in the figure, for example, it can be located at Figure 5 the gap position between the keyboard 4 and the display screen in

[0065] can contact the keyboard 4 and accommodate the keyboard 4 between the two first segments of the flexible screen 3. In the second folded state, the two first segments of the flexible screen 3 can be in contact with each other, or can also have a small gap.

[0066] In some exemplary embodiments, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, in the first folded state, in a plane perpendicular to the display surface of the flexible screen 3, the cross-section of the flexible screen 3 can form a shape similar to the letter "U". As Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, in the second folded state, in a plane perpendicular to the display surface of the flexible screen 3, the cross section of the flexible screen 3 forms a shape similar to a water drop. The hinge assembly provided by the present disclosure can realize the functions of a U-shaped hinge and a water drop-shaped hinge respectively according to whether there are other devices between the two support plates 1, thereby improving the adaptability of the hinge assembly.

[0067] Figure 8 A side view of a shaft assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 9 Schematically shows Figure 8 The partial enlarged view of the shaft assembly shown. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the embodiment, the two support plates 1 are in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the first folded state.

[0068] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the transmission unit 2 includes two sets of transmission mechanisms 22, each set of transmission mechanisms 22 includes a first rotating shaft 221, an extension member 222 and a connecting member 223. The first rotating shaft 221 has a first axis. The extension member 222 is configured to rotate with the first rotating shaft 221, and the support plate 1 is slidably disposed at one end of the extension member 222 away from the first rotating shaft 221 ( Figure 5 The connecting member 223 is rotatably connected to the support plate 1. In the first folded state and the second folded state, the first surfaces 2224 of the two extension members 222 face each other, and in the switching process between the unfolded state and the first folded state, the first surfaces 2224 are parallel to the second surface 13 of the support plate 1 away from the first surface 12; in the second folded state, the two first surfaces 2224 are inclined to the first surface 12.

[0069] In such an embodiment, during the transition from the first folded state (which may not include the first folded state) to the second folded state, the two first surfaces 2224 are inclined to the first surface 12 .

[0070] In some exemplary embodiments, the extension member 222 may be formed integrally with the first rotating shaft 221 , or the extension member 222 may be mounted on the first rotating shaft 221 by welding, screwing, riveting, or the like.

[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, the first surface 12 of the support plate 1 is parallel to the second surface 13 .

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rotation shafts 221 of the two sets of transmission mechanisms 22 are parallel.

[0073] The two transmission mechanisms 22 have a symmetrical structure, and the two transmission mechanisms 22 can work independently or in coordination to switch the support plate 1 between the unfolded state, the first folded state and the second folded state.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotating shaft assembly further includes a bracket 21, both axial ends of each first rotating shaft 221 are arranged on the bracket 21, and the first rotating shaft 211 is configured to be rotatable relative to the bracket 21.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, while one set of transmission mechanisms 22 drives one support plate 1 to rotate clockwise relative to the bracket 21, another set of transmission mechanisms 22 drives another support plate 1 to rotate counterclockwise relative to the bracket 21.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, a gear sleeve is arranged on the first rotating shaft 221. Each set of transmission mechanisms 22 further includes a gear sleeve group 224, and the gear sleeve group 224 meshes with the gear sleeve. Among them, the gear sleeve group 224 of one transmission mechanism 22 meshes with the gear sleeve group 224 of another transmission mechanism 22, and the rotation directions of the two first rotating shafts 221 are opposite.

[0077] The gear sleeve of the first rotating shaft 221 has a tooth-shaped structure, so that the gear sleeve of the first rotating shaft 221 can mesh with the adjacent gear sleeve group 224.

[0078] The gear sleeve and the first rotating shaft 221 may be integrally arranged to form a first gear. Or the gear sleeve may be connected to the first rotating shaft 221 to form a first gear. Specifically, the gear sleeve is circumferentially fixed to the first rotating shaft 221, and the gear sleeve can rotate following the first rotating shaft 221. Among them, the way of fixing the gear sleeve to the first rotating shaft 221 may include any one of pin shaft connection, screw connection, riveting, etc.

[0079] The gear sleeve group 224 may include a plurality of second gears, and the plurality of second gears are meshingly connected.

[0080] In a schematic embodiment, the gear sleeve group 224 includes 1 second gear, the second gear is meshingly connected with the first gear, and the second gear is meshingly connected with the second gear of another transmission mechanism 22. While the second gear of one transmission mechanism 22 rotates clockwise, it drives the second gear of another transmission mechanism 22 to rotate counterclockwise synchronously by the same rotation angle. It can be understood that the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the number of second gears may also be 3 or 5.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting member 223 includes a second rotating shaft 2231, a third rotating shaft 2232, and a connecting rod 2233. The second rotating shaft 2231 is arranged on the bracket 21. The third rotating shaft 2232 is arranged on the support plate 1, and the first rotating shaft 221, the second rotating shaft 2231, and the third rotating shaft 2232 are parallel to each other pairwise. The connecting rod 2233 connects and is perpendicular to the second rotating shaft 2231 and the third rotating shaft 2232.

[0082] In some exemplary embodiments, both ends of the first rotating shaft 221 are rotatably disposed on the bracket 21.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, each set of transmission mechanisms 22 includes a pair of connecting members 223. Along the first axis, the pair of connecting members 223 are arranged at both ends of the bracket 21, enabling the two support plates 1 to move smoothly.

[0084] One end of the second rotating shaft 2231 is disposed on the bracket 21, and the other end extends out of the mounting bracket 21 and is connected to the first end of the connecting rod 2233. One end of the third rotating shaft 2232 is disposed on the support plate 1, and the other end extends out of the support plate 1 and is connected to the second end of the connecting rod 2233. The connecting rod 2233 is connected to the other end of the second rotating shaft 2231 and the other end of the third rotating shaft 2232.

[0085] The first rotating shaft 221, the second rotating shaft 2231, and the third rotating shaft 2232 provide a three-point support structure for the support plate 1, enabling the support plate 1 to stably switch between the unfolded state, the first folded state, and the second folded state.

[0086] The second axis of the second rotating shaft 2231 is located between the two first axes.

[0087] Further, as Figure 9 shown, the distance from the side surface of the bracket 21 close to the support plate 1 (the surface on the right side of the bracket 21 in the perspective view as Figure 9 shown) to the second axis is D5, and the distance from this surface to the first axis is D6, where D5 > D6.

[0088] Between the unfolded state and the first folded state, the extension member 222 rotates around the first rotating shaft 221, driving the support plate 1 to move. During this process, the first surface 2224 of the extension member 222 is parallel to the second surface 13 of the support plate 1 facing away from the first surface 12. The connecting member 223 and the extension member 222 act together to constrain the movement trajectory of the support plate 1, causing the support plate 1 to rotate around the first axis following the extension member 222 and translate along the extension member 222 simultaneously.

[0089] During the conversion from the first folded state to the second folded state, the extension member 222 continues to rotate around the first axis. The first surface 2224 of the extension member 222 changes from being parallel to being inclined. The support plate 1 gets closer under the cooperation of the extension member 222 and the connecting member 223, and the first surface 12 of the support plate 1 satisfies the parallel condition in the second folded state, achieving a more compact folding.

[0090] During the conversion between the unfolded state and the first folded state, the two support plates 1 rotate around their respective first axes. During the conversion between the first folded state and the second folded state, the two support plates 1 rotate around their respective second axes.

[0091] In some illustrative embodiments, an installation space may be formed within the bracket 21. The first rotating shaft 221 and the bushing set are arranged within the installation space, and the second rotating shaft 2231 is provided on the bracket 21, and at least a part of the second rotating shaft 2231 extends outside the installation space. The extension member 222 extends from the first rotating shaft 221 outside the installation space and extends to the support plate 1.

[0092] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figures 1 to 9 shown, the extension member 222 includes an extension portion 2221 and a support portion 2222. The extension portion 2221 extends from the first rotating shaft 221 and extends to the support plate 1. The support portion 2222 is arranged on the first surface 2224 of the extension portion 2221. In the first folded state, the two first surfaces 2224 face each other; in the unfolded state, the second surface 2225 of the support portion 2222 that faces away from the first surface 2224, the surface of the bracket 21 located between the two first surfaces 2224, and the first surface 12 are in a coplanar state.

[0093] Both the support portion 2222 and the extension portion 2221 are in a plate-like or sheet-like structure. The support portion 2222 and the extension portion 2221 may be integrally formed, or the support portion 2222 may be arranged on the extension portion 2221 by any connection means such as welding, screwing, riveting, bonding, etc.

[0094] The dimension of the support portion 2222 in the direction parallel to the first axis is substantially the same as the dimension of the support plate 1 in the direction parallel to the first axis.

[0095] In the unfolded state, the second surface 2225 of the support portion 2222 that faces away from the first surface 2224, the surface of the bracket 21 located between the two first surfaces 2224, and the first surface 12 together form a support plane, and the support plane supports the two first segments and the second segment of the flexible screen 3, ensuring the flatness and stability of the flexible screen 3 in the unfolded state.

[0096] In the unfolded state, the second surface 2225 of the support portion 2222 that faces away from the first surface 2224, the surface of the bracket 21 located between the two first surfaces 2224 support the second segment of the flexible screen. The second segment of the flexible screen 3 is detachably connected to both the bracket and the support portion.

[0097] During the process of the two support portions approaching each other, the second segment of the flexible screen deforms.

[0098] In some illustrative embodiments, as Figure 9 shown, the surface of the bracket 21 located between the two first surfaces 2224 ( Figure 9In the perspective shown, the distance from the upper surface of the bracket 21 to the second axis is D3, and the distance from this surface to the first axis is D4. D3 ≤ D4. For example, D3 < D4.

[0099] If the thickness of the extension part 2221 is H1 and the thickness of the support part 2222 is H2, then:

[0100] (1).

[0101] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, two guiding grooves 11 are formed on the second surface 13 of the support plate 1 facing away from the first surface 12. The extending directions of the two guiding grooves 11 are parallel and the notch openings face each other. Along the direction parallel to the first axis, multiple pairs of protrusions 2223 are respectively formed at both ends of the extending member 222, and the multiple pairs of protrusions 2223 respectively extend into the two guiding grooves 11 to guide the sliding of the support plate 1 through the multiple pairs of protrusions 2223.

[0102] Each protrusion 2223 can be configured to be substantially cylindrical. A substantially cylindrical body refers to an object whose shape is close to a cylinder but may not fully conform to the geometric definition of a cylinder. For example, the cross-section of a substantially cylindrical body may not be a perfect circle, but an ellipse, polygon or other irregular shape, but still shows a circular-like trend as a whole.

[0103] Along the direction parallel to the first axis, each pair of protrusions 2223 is arranged at both ends of the extending member 222. Along the extending direction of the guiding groove 11 (the direction perpendicular to the first rotating shaft 221), the multiple pairs of protrusions 2223 are spaced apart on the extending member 222.

[0104] The two parallel guiding grooves 11 with notch openings facing each other provide guidance for the sliding of the support plate 1, ensuring that the support plate 1 can only slide along the direction perpendicular to the first axis (the extending direction of the guiding groove 11), and avoiding the movement or deviation of the support plate 1 in other directions. Due to the limitation of the guiding groove 11 and the constraint of the multiple pairs of protrusions 2223, the rotation of the support plate 1 around the axis of the protrusion 2223 during the sliding process is avoided, ensuring the smooth movement of the support plate 1.

[0105] In some exemplary embodiments, the number of protrusions 2223 is at least two pairs, for example, it may include 2 pairs, 3 pairs, 4 pairs or 5 pairs.

[0106] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, at one end of the two guiding grooves 11 close to the first axis, positioning grooves recessed away from the second surface 13 are respectively formed. The positioning grooves are adapted to accommodate a pair of bumps 2223 located close to the first rotating shaft 221, so that the two support plates 1 are further close to each other and the two support plates 1 are maintained in the second folding state.

[0107] In some exemplary embodiments, each guiding groove 11 includes a first wall and a second wall. The first wall is disposed on the second surface 13 of the support plate 1, and the extending direction of the first wall is perpendicular to the first axis. The second wall extends from the side of the first wall away from the support plate 1 towards the other guiding groove 11 on the support plate 1. A guiding channel of the guiding groove 11 is formed between the first wall, the second wall and the second surface 13 of the support plate 1. At least a part of the bump 2223 is located in the guiding channel, so that the guiding groove 11 slides along the guiding of at least two pairs of bumps 2223.

[0108] The positioning groove is formed at one end of the second wall close to the first rotating shaft 221. Further, the positioning groove is recessed from the surface of the second wall facing the second surface 13 of the support plate 1 in a direction away from the second surface 13. The positioning groove can be an arc-shaped groove.

[0109] The number of the positioning grooves can be at least 1 pair. For example, it can be 1 pair, 2 pairs or 3 pairs.

[0110] In such an embodiment, the positioning groove is recessed from the second wall away from the second surface 2225. During the movement of the support plate 1 from the first folding state to the second folding state, while the support plate 1 rotates around the second axis, the support plate 1 moves away from the first axis in a direction perpendicular to the first axis along the guiding of multiple pairs of protrusions, and the extending member 222 rotates around the first axis. A pair of bumps 2223 of the extending member 222 close to the first axis slide from the guiding channel into the positioning groove, so that the extending member 222 is inclined relative to the support plate 1, and the two support plates 1 are further close to each other to the second folding state with a second distance. In the second folding state, the cooperation between the positioning groove and the bump 2223 provides a stable holding force, preventing the support plates 1 from further approaching each other in the second folding state and reducing the collision with the flexible screen 3 disposed on the two support plates 1.

[0111] Figure 10 Schematically shows a state diagram of the transmission mechanism when the support plate is in the unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 Schematically shows a state diagram of the transmission mechanism when the support plate is in the intermediate state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 Schematically shows a state diagram of the transmission mechanism when the support plate is in the first folding state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 Schematically shows a state diagram of the transmission mechanism when the support plate is in the second folding state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] Figure 10 The middle support plate 1 is in the unfolded state. Figure 11 The middle support plate 1 is in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the first folded state. Figure 13 The middle support plate 1 is in the first folded state. Figure 14 The middle support plate 1 is in the second folded state.

[0113] The second axes of the two transmission mechanisms 22 are located between the first axes of the two rotating mechanisms.

[0114] As Figures 10 to 13 shown, taking the plane orthogonal to the two first axes as the projection plane, in the projection along the extension direction of the first axis, the connection lines of the projection points A of the first axis, the projection point B of the second axis, and the projection point C of the third axis form a triangular structure.

[0115] Figure 13 In, D is the projection point of the axis of the bump 2223 located in the guide groove 11 in the second folded state. It can be understood that in Figures 10 to 12 In, the projection point D of the axis of the bump 2223 located in the guide groove 11 is always located within the guide groove and is not shown.

[0116] As Figures 10 to 12 shown, in the unfolded state, the intermediate state, and the first folded state, the support plate 1 is parallel to the extension member 222.

[0117] As Figure 13 shown, in the second folded state, the extension member 222 is inclined to the support plate 1.

[0118] During the process of converting from the unfolded state to the first folded state, while the support plate 1 rotates around the first axis following the extension member 222, the support plate 1 is guided by at least two pairs of bumps 2223 of the extension member 222 and translates in a direction perpendicular to the first axis, away from the first rotating shaft 221. In this way, the translation of the support plate 1 can offset the length increase caused by the flexible screen 3 being squeezed by the support portion 2222, avoiding excessive stacking of the second section of the flexible screen between the two support portions and preventing stress concentration.

[0119] During the process of converting from the first folded state to the unfolded state, while the support plate 1 rotates around the first rotating shaft 221 following the extension member 222, the support plate 1 is guided by at least two pairs of bumps 2223 of the extension member 222 and translates in a direction perpendicular to the first axis, approaching the first rotating shaft 221. In this way, the flexible screen can be gradually unfolded during the unfolding process, avoiding wrinkles or excessive stretching and ensuring the flatness and display effect of the flexible screen.

[0120] During the conversion from the first folded state to the second folded state, the support plate 1 is constrained by the connecting member 223 and rotates around the second axis. At the same time, the support plate 1 moves away from the first axis in a direction perpendicular to the first axis under the guidance of at least two pairs of protrusions 2223 of the extension member 222, and the extension member 222 rotates around the first axis. A pair of protrusions 2223 of the extension member 222 close to the first axis slide into the positioning groove, and a pair of protrusions 2223 away from the first axis are located in the guiding groove 11 (such as Figure 13 the projected point D shown). This causes the extension member 222 to tilt relative to the support plate 1, and the two support plates 1 move closer to each other to the second folded state.

[0121] Figure 14 Schematically shows a comparison diagram of the flexible screen in different states.

[0122] During the implementation of the present disclosure, it is found that as Figure 14 shown, in the state where the flexible screen 3 is naturally curled (such as Figure 14 the state 3a shown), along the plane orthogonal to the display surface of the flexible screen 3, the cross-section of the flexible screen 3 is approximately a water droplet shape. In the first folded state (such as Figure 14 the state 3b shown), along the plane orthogonal to the display surface of the flexible screen 3, the cross-section of the flexible screen 3 is approximately a U shape.

[0123] To adapt to the thickness of other devices clamped between the two support plates 1, in the first folded state, the flexible screen 3 may be squeezed by the rotating shaft assembly and present an approximately U shape. This makes the first folding length of the flexible screen 3 in the first folded state greater than the natural folding length in the naturally curled state, that is, there is a length difference L between the first folding length and the natural folding length. The same is true in the second folded state, which will not be elaborated here.

[0124] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figures 1 to 9 shown, the transmission unit 2 includes two sets of transmission mechanisms 22. Each set of transmission mechanisms 22 includes a first rotating shaft 221, an extension member 222, and a connecting member 223. The first rotating shaft 221 has a first axis. The extension member 222 is configured to rotate with the first rotating shaft 221, and the support plate 1 is slidably disposed at one end of the extension member 222 away from the first rotating shaft 221. The first end of the connecting member 223 is rotatably connected to the support plate 1, and the second end of the connecting member 223 is located between the two first axes. In response to the rotation of the first rotating shaft 221, during the process of the two support plates 1 approaching each other, the connecting member 223 and the extension member 222 cooperate to drive the support plate 1 to move away from the first rotating shaft 221 along the extension member 222.

[0125] In such an embodiment, when the two support plates 1 approach each other (for example, during the movement from the unfolded state to the second folded state), the two sets of transmission mechanisms 22 respectively drive the support plates 1 to move away from the first rotating shaft 221 along the extension members 222, so that both ends of the flexible screen 3 disposed on the two support plates 1 follow the two support plates 1 to translate away from the first rotating shaft 221, so as to offset the increase in length caused by the flexible screen 3 being squeezed by the rotating shaft assembly or the two support plates 1, thereby reducing the risk of excessive stress concentration of the flexible screen 3 between the two extension members 222, and further reducing the possibility of the flexible screen 3 breaking due to stress concentration.

[0126] The description of other features of this embodiment has become obvious in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0127] Figure 15 A side view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0128] As another aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, as Figure 15 shown, the electronic device includes a flexible screen 3 and a rotating shaft assembly. The rotating shaft assembly includes two support plates 1 and a transmission unit 2. The two support plates 1 are used to support the flexible screen 3. The transmission unit 2 is connected between the two supports, and the transmission unit 2 is configured to support the two support plates 1 so that the flexible screen 3 can be switched between the unfolded state, the first folded state, and the second folded state based on the transmission unit 2. Wherein, in the first folded state and the second folded state, the first surfaces 12 of the two support plates 1 satisfy the parallel condition, and in the first folded state, there is a first distance between the two support plates 1; in the second folded state, there is a second distance smaller than the first distance between the two support plates 1.

[0129] The electronic device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can enable the flexible screen 3 to freely switch between the unfolded state, the first folded state, and the second folded state. In the first folded state, there is a relatively large first distance between the two support plates 1, allowing other devices (such as a keyboard 4, etc.) to be accommodated between the flexible screens 3. In the second folded state, the distance between the two support plates 1 is reduced to a relatively small second distance, which can adapt to the scenario where there are no other devices between the two support plates 1, enabling the electronic device to adapt to different usage scenarios, automatically adjust the folding form, and achieve an adaptive user experience.

[0130] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may include a tablet computer.

[0131] The description of other features of this embodiment has become obvious in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0132] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. However, these embodiments are merely for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Although the embodiments have been described separately above, this does not mean that the measures in each embodiment cannot be used advantageously in combination. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art can make various substitutions and modifications, and all such substitutions and modifications should fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A rotating shaft assembly, characterized in that: include: Two support plates; a transmission unit connected between the two support plates, the transmission unit being configured to support the two support plates so that the two support plates switch between an unfolded state, a first folded state, and a second folded state based on the transmission unit; Wherein, in the first folding state and the second folding state, the first surfaces of the two support plates facing each other meet the parallel condition, and in the first folding state, there is a first distance between the two support plates; In the second folded state, there is a second distance between the two support plates that is smaller than the first distance.

2. The shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission unit includes two sets of transmission mechanisms. Each group of the transmission mechanism comprises: A first rotating shaft having a first axis; An extension member is configured to rotate with the first rotating shaft, and the support plate is slidably disposed at an end of the extension member away from the first rotating shaft; A connecting member, wherein a first end of the connecting member is rotatably connected to the supporting plate, and a second end of the connecting member is located between the two first axes; In response to the rotation of the first rotating shaft, when the two support plates approach each other, the connecting member and the extending member cooperate to drive the support plates to move along the extending member away from the first rotating shaft.

3. The shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission unit includes two groups of transmission mechanisms, each group of the transmission mechanisms includes: A first rotating shaft having a first axis; An extension member configured to rotate with the first rotating shaft, wherein the support plate is slidably disposed at an end of the extension member away from the first rotating shaft; A connecting member, the connecting member being rotatably connected to the supporting plate; Among them, in the first folding state and the second folding state, the first surfaces of the two extension members face each other, and during the switching process between the unfolded state and the first folding state, the first surface is parallel to the second surface of the support plate facing away from the first surface; in the second folding state, the two first surfaces are inclined to the first surface.

4. The shaft assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: Also includes: A bracket, wherein the first rotating shaft is arranged on the bracket; The connecting piece comprises: A second rotating shaft is disposed on the bracket; A third rotating shaft is arranged on the supporting plate, wherein the first rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft and the third rotating shaft are parallel to each other; A connecting rod connects and is perpendicular to the second rotating shaft and the third rotating shaft.

5. The shaft assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: Two guide grooves are formed on the second surface of the support plate away from the first surface, and the extension directions of the two guide grooves are parallel and the grooves are opposite to each other; Along the direction parallel to the first axis, a plurality of pairs of protrusions are respectively formed at both ends of the extension member, and the plurality of pairs of protrusions are respectively extended into the two guide grooves, so as to guide the support plate to slide through the plurality of protrusions.

6. The shaft assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: One end of the two guide grooves close to the first axis respectively forms a positioning groove recessed away from the second surface, and the positioning groove is suitable for accommodating a protrusion located close to the first rotating shaft, so that the two support plates are further approached and the two support plates are maintained in the second folded state.

7. The shaft assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The extension piece comprises: an extension portion extending from the first rotating shaft and extending to the supporting plate; A support portion, arranged on the first surface of the extension portion; In the first folded state, the two first surfaces face each other; in the unfolded state, the second surface of the support portion facing away from the first surface, the surface of the bracket located between the two first surfaces, and the first surface are in a coplanar state.

8. The shaft assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: While one set of the transmission mechanisms drives one support plate to rotate clockwise relative to the bracket, another set of the transmission mechanisms drives another support plate to rotate counterclockwise relative to the bracket.

9. The shaft assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first rotating shaft is provided with a gear sleeve; each group of the transmission mechanism further includes: a gear sleeve assembly, meshing with the gear sleeve; The gear sleeve set of one transmission mechanism meshes with the gear sleeve set of another transmission mechanism, and makes the rotation directions of the two first rotating shafts opposite.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: Flexible screen; as well as The shaft assembly comprises: Two support plates, used to support the flexible screen; A transmission unit connected between the two supports, the transmission unit being configured to support the two support plates so that the flexible screen switches between an unfolded state, a first folded state, and a second folded state based on the transmission unit; Among them, in the first folding state and the second folding state, the first surfaces of the two support plates meet the parallel condition, and in the first folding state, there is a first distance between the two support plates; in the second folding state, there is a second distance between the two support plates which is smaller than the first distance.

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