Folding device, folding housing and electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a folding device, which comprises a rotating assembly, a linkage mechanism and a limiting mechanism. The rotating assembly comprises a base and two rotating mechanisms rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base. The linkage mechanism comprises two rotating shafts connected to the base and two connecting rods rotatably connected to the two rotating shafts relative to the base. The two connecting rods are slidably connected to the two rotating mechanisms. The limiting mechanism comprises a pushing piece, a bearing piece, a first elastic piece and a friction assembly on the connecting rod. The friction assembly comprises a connecting frame and a friction piece. The bearing piece abuts against the pushing piece. The first elastic piece is between the bearing piece and the connecting frame. The friction piece abuts against one side of the connecting frame away from the first elastic piece. The friction piece is connected to one end of the rotating shaft away from the pushing piece. The friction piece can rotate relative to the connecting frame with the rotating shaft, so that the friction piece and the connecting frame have a frictional resistance. The application also provides a folding shell and an electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flexible screen support, and more particularly to a folding device for supporting a flexible screen, a folding housing provided with the folding device, and an electronic device provided with the folding housing. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of display devices, flexible displays that can be bent have emerged, enabling the design of foldable electronic devices such as foldable phones and foldable displays. These flexible displays typically use hinge mechanisms to support the bends. To achieve a hovering effect in foldable electronic devices, multiple friction plates, retaining springs, and washers are usually incorporated into the hinge mechanism, resulting in a large number of parts, complex manufacturing processes, and high costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a folding device with fewer parts and a simple structure, a folding housing provided with the folding device, and an electronic device provided with the folding housing.

[0004] This application provides a folding device, which includes a rotating assembly, a linkage mechanism, and a limiting mechanism. The rotating assembly includes a base and two rotating mechanisms rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base. The linkage mechanism includes two rotating shafts and two connecting rods connected to the base, wherein one connecting rod is rotatably connected to one of the rotating shafts relative to the base, and the other connecting rod is rotatably connected to the other rotating shaft relative to the base. The two connecting rods are slidably connected to the two rotating mechanisms respectively. The limiting mechanism includes a pushing member disposed on the connecting rod. The device comprises a supporting member, a first elastic member, and a friction assembly. The friction assembly includes a connecting frame and a friction member. The supporting member, the supporting member, the connecting frame, and the friction member are sleeved on the rotating shaft. The supporting member abuts against the supporting member. The first elastic member is located between the supporting member and the connecting frame. The friction member abuts against the side of the connecting frame away from the first elastic member and is connected to the end of the rotating shaft away from the supporting member. The friction member can rotate relative to the connecting frame with the rotating shaft to create frictional resistance between the friction member and the connecting frame.

[0005] This application also provides a folding housing, comprising two frames and a folding device. The folding device includes a rotating assembly, a linkage mechanism, and a limiting mechanism. The rotating assembly includes a base and two rotating mechanisms rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base. The linkage mechanism includes two rotating shafts and two connecting rods connected to the base. One connecting rod is rotatably connected to one of the rotating shafts relative to the base, and the other connecting rod is rotatably connected to the other rotating shaft relative to the base. The two connecting rods are slidably connected to the two rotating mechanisms respectively. The limiting mechanism includes a pushing member, a holding member, a first elastic member, and a friction element disposed on the connecting rod. The friction assembly includes a connecting frame and a friction element. The pushing element, the supporting element, the connecting frame, and the friction element are sleeved on the rotating shaft. The supporting element abuts against the pushing element. The first elastic element is located between the supporting element and the connecting frame. The friction element abuts against the side of the connecting frame away from the first elastic element and is connected to the end of the rotating shaft away from the pushing element. The friction element can rotate relative to the connecting frame with the rotating shaft so that there is frictional resistance between the friction element and the connecting frame. The folding device is disposed between the two frames, and the sides of the two rotating mechanisms away from the base are respectively connected to the two frames.

[0006] This application also provides an electronic device, comprising a flexible screen, a housing, and a folding device. The housing includes two frames. The folding device includes a rotating assembly, a linkage mechanism, and a limiting mechanism. The rotating assembly includes a base and two rotating mechanisms rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base. The linkage mechanism includes two rotating shafts and two connecting rods connected to the base. One connecting rod is rotatably connected to one of the rotating shafts relative to the base, and the other connecting rod is rotatably connected to the other rotating shaft relative to the base. The two connecting rods are slidably connected to the two rotating mechanisms respectively. The limiting mechanism includes a pushing member, a holding member, a first elastic member, and a friction assembly disposed on the connecting rod. The friction assembly includes a connecting frame and a friction element. The pushing element, the supporting element, the connecting frame, and the friction element are sleeved on the rotating shaft. The supporting element abuts against the pushing element. The first elastic element is located between the supporting element and the connecting frame. The friction element abuts against the side of the connecting frame away from the first elastic element and is connected to the end of the rotating shaft away from the pushing element. The friction element can rotate with the rotating shaft relative to the connecting frame so that there is frictional resistance between the friction element and the connecting frame. The folding device is disposed between the two frames. The sides of the two rotating mechanisms away from the base are respectively connected to the two frames. The flexible screen is disposed on the housing and the folding device. The flexible screen is bent or flattened with the folding device.

[0007] The connecting frame of the friction assembly of the folding device of the electronic device of this application is sleeved on the rotating shaft, the friction element is connected to the rotating shaft, and the friction element abuts against the connecting frame; when the connecting rod and the corresponding rotating shaft rotate relative to the base, the pushing element has frictional torque as the connecting rod rotates relative to the supporting element, and at the same time, the friction element has frictional resistance as it rotates relative to the connecting frame. This frictional torque and frictional resistance enable the connecting rod and the rotating mechanism to be positioned relative to the base, thereby enabling the side support to be positioned relative to the middle support, realizing the relative positioning of the two frames to a specific angle, so that the electronic device has a hovering effect; in addition, the folding device can achieve the hovering effect only by the friction element abutting against the connecting frame, with fewer parts, simple manufacturing and installation processes, and low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0009] Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the electronic device in the first embodiment of this application;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the folding housing and flexible screen of the electronic device.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding device in the diagram;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded view of the three-dimensional structure of the folding device in the diagram;

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A further exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding device in the diagram;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A three-dimensional exploded view of the folding device from another perspective;

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the folding assembly;

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the folding mechanism from another perspective;

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional structural decomposition diagram of the folding assembly;

[0018] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 An exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating component in the diagram;

[0019] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating component from another perspective;

[0020] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the linkage mechanism and the limiting mechanism in the diagram;

[0021] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the linkage mechanism and the limiting mechanism from another perspective;

[0022] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A three-dimensional exploded view of the linkage mechanism and the limiting mechanism in the diagram;

[0023] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 A three-dimensional exploded view of the linkage mechanism and the limiting mechanism in the diagram;

[0024] Figure 16 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the front structure of the folding assembly;

[0025] Figure 17 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional sectional view of one of the folding assemblies in the diagram;

[0026] Figure 18 yes Figure 7 Another three-dimensional sectional view of the folding assembly;

[0027] Figure 19 yes Figure 7 Another three-dimensional sectional view of the folding assembly;

[0028] Figure 20 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the electronic device in its fully folded state;

[0029] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the folding assembly;

[0030] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 A three-dimensional sectional view of one of the folding assemblies in the diagram;

[0031] Figure 23 yes Figure 7 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the linkage mechanism and the limiting mechanism in the diagram;

[0032] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 A three-dimensional exploded diagram of the linkage mechanism and the limiting mechanism.

[0033] Main labeling descriptions: 100, Electronic device; 20, Folding housing; 21, Frame; 30, Flexible screen; 31, Bending area; 33, Non-bending area; 40, Folding device; 41, Folding aid assembly; 42, Bending mechanism; 421, Central support; 4210, First support body; 4211, First back side; 4212, First connecting area; 4213, Connecting post; 4218, Back cover; 4219, Connecting part; 423, Side support; 4230, Second support body; 4231, Second back side; 4232, Second connecting area; 4233, First connecting part; 4234, Rotating groove; 4236, Second connecting part; 4237, Adjusting groove; 4237a, First positioning section; 4237b, The... 43. Rotating assembly; 44. Base; 442. First seat body; 4420. Receiving groove; 4422. Arc groove; 4424. Positioning strip; 4425. Connecting hole; 444. Second seat body; 4441. Clearance groove; 4443. Positioning hole; 4445. Positioning post; 4446. Clearance opening; 45. Rotating mechanism; 451. Rotating component; 4511. Rotating part; 4512. Arc rail; 4515. Connecting part; 4516. Lug; 4517. Rotating cylinder; 453. Connecting component; 4530. Guide groove; 4532. Receiving groove; 4533. Second shaft hole; 4536. Rotating rail; 456. Adapter shaft; 46. Linkage mechanism; 461. Rotating shaft; 4610. Shaft body; 461 2. Connecting cap; 4613. Positioning part; 4615. External thread; 462. Connecting rod; 4620. Guide rail; 4622. Sleeve; 4623. Connecting rod; 4624. Shaft hole; 4626. First limiting surface; 4627. Second limiting surface; 4628. Adjusting shaft; 464. Gear set; 4640. Linkage gear; 4641. Linkage cylinder; 4642. Gear teeth; 4644. Connecting shaft; 4644a. Shaft body; 4644b. Connecting column; 4645. Second cam; 4646. Third protrusion; 4647. Third recess; 466. Fixing bracket; 4661. Fixing part; 4662. Mounting hole; 4663. Guide part; 4664. Fixing hole; 4665. Guide hole; 4666. Positioning part; 4667, positioning groove; 4668, second damping structure; 47, limiting mechanism; 472, pushing member; 4720, first cam; 4724, first protrusion; 4725, first recess; 473, holding member; 4730, first abutting cam; 4734, second protrusion; 4735, second recess; 4736, second abutting cam; 4736a, fourth protrusion; 4736b, fourth recess; 475, first elastic member; 4752, second elastic member; 477, friction assembly; 4771, connecting frame; 4772, first abutting surface; 4773, first guide hole; 4774, first through hole; 4775, friction member; 4776, screw hole; 4777, second abutting surface;4778. First damping structure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] Furthermore, the following descriptions of various embodiments are based on the accompanying illustrations and are used to illustrate specific embodiments that can be implemented in this application. Directional terms used in this application, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and "side," are merely for reference to the accompanying illustrations. Therefore, the directional terms used are for better and clearer explanation and understanding of this application, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "linked," and "set on" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 6The electronic device 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention includes a folding housing 20 and a flexible screen 30 disposed on the folding housing 20. The folding housing 20 includes two frames 21 and a folding device 40. The folding device 40 is located between the two frames 21, and its opposite sides are respectively connected to the two frames 21. The flexible screen 30 is disposed on the front of the two frames 21 and the front of the folding device 40. The flexible screen 30 includes a bendable area 31 corresponding to the folding device 40, and two non-bendable areas 33 connected to the opposite sides of the bendable area 31. The folding device 40 is used to support the bendable area 31 of the flexible screen 30. The flexible screen 30 can be bent or flattened with the folding device 40, and the bendable area 31 can be bent into a U-shape, a teardrop shape, or other shapes. In this embodiment, the bendable area 31 can be bent into a teardrop shape. The folding device 40 includes a folding aid assembly 41 and a bendable mechanism 42 connected to the folding aid assembly 41. The folding aid assembly 41 includes a rotating component 43, a linkage mechanism 46, and a limiting mechanism 47. The rotating component 43 includes a base 44 and a rotating mechanism 45 rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base 44. The linkage mechanism 46 includes two rotating shafts 461 rotatably connected to the base 44 and two connecting rods 462, wherein one connecting rod 462 is rotatably connected to one of the rotating shafts 461 relative to the base 44, and the other connecting rod 462 is rotatably connected to the other connecting rod 462. 62 is rotatably connected to another rotating shaft 461 relative to the base 44, and the two connecting rods 462 are slidably connected to the two rotating mechanisms 45 respectively; the limiting mechanism 47 includes a pushing member 472, a holding member 473, a first elastic member 475 and a friction assembly 477 provided on the connecting rods 462, the friction assembly 477 including a connecting frame 4771 and a friction member 4775; the pushing member 472, the holding member 473 and the friction member 4775 are sleeved on the rotating shaft 461, the holding member 473 abuts against the pushing member 472, the first elastic member 4775, the first elastic member 4775, and the friction assembly 477. An elastic member 475 is located between the supporting member 473 and the connecting frame 4771. The first elastic member 475 provides elastic force for the supporting member 473 and the pushing member 472 to abut against each other, and elastic force for the connecting frame 4771 and the friction member 4775 to abut against each other. The friction member 4775 abuts against the side of the connecting frame 4771 away from the first elastic member 475, and the friction member 4775 is connected to the end of the rotating shaft 461 away from the pushing member 472. The friction member 4775 can rotate with the rotating shaft 461 relative to the connecting frame 4771. This creates frictional resistance between the friction element 4775 and the connecting frame 4771. When the rotating mechanism 45 rotates relative to the base 44, the connecting rod 462 and the corresponding rotating shaft 461 rotate together relative to the base 44 around the axis of the rotating shaft 461, causing the pushing member 472 to rotate relative to the supporting member 473. The frictional torque between the pushing member 472 and the supporting member 473 and the frictional resistance between the friction element 4775 and the connecting frame 4771 position the connecting rod 462 and the rotating mechanism 45 relative to the base 44.The folding aid assembly 41 is located on the back of the bendable mechanism 42. The bendable mechanism 42 folds or unfolds with the folding aid assembly 41. The frictional torque between the pushing member 472 and the holding member 473 and the frictional resistance of the friction assembly 477 position the bendable mechanism 42 during the folding or unfolding process, so as to achieve the positioning of the two frames 21 relative to the base 44 at a specific angle, thereby giving the electronic device 100 a hovering effect.

[0038] The bending mechanism 42 has at least one folding aid assembly 41 on its back side. In this embodiment, there are two folding aid assemblies 41, which are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the back side of the bending mechanism 42. In some embodiments, the folding device 40 includes one or more folding aid assemblies 41, which are disposed on the back side of the bending mechanism 42.

[0039] The bendable mechanism 42 includes a central support 421 and two side supports 423 located on opposite sides of the central support 421. One side support 423 is movably connected to a rotating mechanism 45 and a connecting rod 462 on one side of the base 44, and the other side support 423 is movably connected to a rotating mechanism 45 and a connecting rod 462 on the opposite side of the base 44. The back of the flexible screen 30 is attached to the front of the central support 421 and the side supports 423. One rotating mechanism 45 rotates relative to the base 44, which drives the other rotating mechanism 45 to rotate synchronously relative to the base 44 through a linkage mechanism 46, thereby realizing the unfolding or bending of the bendable mechanism 42, that is, realizing the folding or unfolding of the folding device 40. During the folding or unfolding process of the folding device 40, the rotating mechanism 45 and the connecting rod 462 both rotate relative to the base 44. At the same time, the connecting rod 462 slides relative to the corresponding rotating mechanism 45, the pushing member 472 rotates relative to the supporting member 473 and has frictional torque, and the friction member 4775 rotates relative to the connecting frame 4771 and has frictional resistance, so that the side support member 423 is positioned relative to the middle support member 421, so that the two frames 21 are positioned relative to each other at a specific angle.

[0040] In this embodiment, the front side refers to the side facing the same direction as the light-emitting surface of the flexible screen 30, and the back side refers to the side facing away from the light-emitting surface of the flexible screen 30. The specific angle refers to the angle between the front sides of the two frames 21 in the range of 0 degrees to 180 degrees. The electronic device 100 is, for example, but not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, monitors, LCD panels, OLED panels, televisions, smartwatches, VR headsets, automotive displays, and any other products and components with display functions. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, "connection" includes both direct connection and indirect connection. For example, the connection between A and B includes a direct connection between A and B or a connection through a third element C or more other elements. The connection also includes two cases: integrated connection and non-integrated connection. An integrated connection means that A and B are formed and connected as a single unit, while a non-integrated connection means that A and B are not formed and connected as a single unit.

[0041] The folding device 40 of the electronic device 100 of the present invention includes a bendable mechanism 42 and a folding aid assembly 41. The folding aid assembly 41 includes a pushing member 472, a supporting member 473 rotatably abutting the pushing member 472, and a friction assembly 477. The connecting frame 4771 of the friction assembly 477 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 461, and the friction member 4775 is connected to the rotating shaft 461 and abuts against the connecting frame 4771. The connecting rod 462 and the corresponding rotating shaft 461 are relative to the base. When the base 44 rotates, the pushing member 472 rotates relative to the supporting member 473 with the connecting rod 462 and has frictional torque. At the same time, the friction member 4775 rotates relative to the connecting frame 4771 and has frictional resistance. The frictional torque and frictional resistance make the connecting rod 462 and the rotating mechanism 45 positioned relative to the base 44, thereby positioning the side support member 423 relative to the middle support member 421, realizing the relative positioning of the two frames 21 to a specific angle so that the electronic device 100 has a hovering effect.

[0042] During the bending process of the folding housing 20, the two rotating mechanisms 45 of each folding assembly 41 rotate synchronously relative to the base 44 and move closer to each other, thereby driving the two connecting rods 462 to rotate synchronously relative to the base 44 and move closer to each other. At the same time, the connecting rods 462 slide relative to the corresponding rotating mechanism 45. At this time, the frictional torque between the pushing member 472 and the holding member 473 and the frictional resistance between the friction member 4775 and the connecting frame 4771 hinder the rotation of the connecting rods 462 relative to the base 44, so that the rotating mechanism 45 and the connecting rods 462 are positioned relative to the base 44, so that the two frames 21 are positioned relative to each other at a specific angle. This specific angle can be any angle between 180 degrees and 0 degrees, so as to achieve the hovering effect of the electronic device 100. During the unfolding of the folding housing 20, the two rotating mechanisms 45 of each folding assembly 41 rotate synchronously relative to the base 44 and move away from each other, thereby driving the two connecting rods 462 to rotate synchronously relative to the base 44 and move away from each other. At the same time, the connecting rods 462 slide relative to the corresponding rotating mechanism 45. At this time, the frictional torque between the pushing member 472 and the holding member 473 and the frictional resistance between the friction member 4775 and the connecting frame 4771 hinder the rotation of the connecting rods 462 relative to the base 44, so that the rotating mechanism 45 and the connecting rods 462 are positioned relative to the base 44, so that the two frames 21 are positioned relative to each other at a specific angle. This specific angle can be any angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees, realizing the hovering effect of the electronic device 100. Therefore, the bendable mechanism 42 of the folding device 40 can achieve multi-angle limitation during the bending or flattening process, so that the flexible screen 30 attached to the bendable mechanism 42 can achieve multi-angle limitation during the bending or flattening process of the bendable mechanism 42, which is convenient to use and improves the user experience. Secondly, during the folding or flattening process, the frictional torque between the pushing member 472 and the holding member 473 and the frictional resistance between the friction member 4775 and the connecting frame 4771 make the folding device 40 more firmly positioned, thus giving the electronic device 100 a better hovering effect. In addition, since the overall size of the folding device 40 is small, the internal space occupied by the folding device 40 in the folding housing 20 is reduced, which is not only beneficial to the layout of other components such as the motherboard or battery in the electronic device 100, but also beneficial to the miniaturization of the electronic device 100. Furthermore, the friction component 477 of the folding device 40 has fewer components, making the manufacturing and installation process simple and the cost lower.

[0043] like Figures 4-6As shown, the central support member 421 includes a strip-shaped first support body 4210 and a back cover 4218 connected to the back of the first support body 4210. The first support body 4210 includes a front side and a first back side 4211 facing away from the front side. The first back side 4211 is provided with a first connecting area 4212 for positioning on the front side of the folding aid assembly 41. In this embodiment, the first connecting areas 4212 are respectively provided at opposite ends of the first back side 4211, and the two folding aid assemblies 41 are respectively connected to the two first connecting areas 4212. Specifically, the first connecting area 4212 includes a plurality of connecting posts 4213, and each connecting post 4213 is provided with a connecting hole along its axial direction. The back cover 4218 is a strip-shaped frame, and the front side of the back cover 4218 is provided with connecting portions 4219 at opposite ends. The back sides of the bases 44 of the two folding aid assemblies 41 are respectively connected to the two connecting portions 4219 of the back cover 4218. Each side support member 423 includes a strip-shaped second support body 4230 and a second connecting area 4232 disposed on the second back surface 4231 of the second support body 4230. In this embodiment, the second connecting areas 4232 are respectively provided at opposite ends of the second back surface 4231, and the second connecting areas 4232 are used to connect the corresponding rotating mechanism 45 and the connecting rod 462. Each second connecting area 4232 includes a pair of first connecting portions 4233 and second connecting portions 4236 spaced apart from each other. The first connecting portions 4233 are located on the side away from the central support member 421, and the second connecting portions 4236 are located between the pair of first connecting portions 4233. In this embodiment, each pair of first connecting portions 4233 is provided with a pair of arc-shaped rotating grooves 4234, and the axis lines of the pair of rotating grooves 4234 are collinear. The second connecting portion 4236 is provided with an arc-shaped adjusting groove 4237, and the middle part of the adjusting groove 4237 bends away from the second support body 4230. The adjustment groove 4237 includes a first positioning section 4237a and a second positioning section 4237b located at opposite ends of it, with the first positioning section 4237a being closer to the central support member 421 than the second positioning section 4237b.

[0044] like Figures 7-11As shown, the rotating mechanism 45 includes a rotating member 451 and a connecting member 453 rotatably connected to the rotating member 451. The end of the rotating member 451 away from the connecting member 453 is rotatably connected to the base 44. The end of the connecting rod 462 away from the base 44 is slidably connected to the connecting member 453. During the rotation of the rotating mechanism 45 and the connecting rod 462 relative to the base 44 on the same side, the connecting rod 462 slides relative to the connecting member 453. Specifically, the end of the connecting rod 462 away from the base 44 is slidably connected to the end of the connecting member 453 through a guide groove and a guide rail. The guide groove extends along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating member 451 and the base 44. The guide groove is provided in one of the connecting member 453 and the connecting rod 462, and the guide rail is provided in the other of the connecting member 453 and the connecting rod 462. In this embodiment, the connector 453 has a guide groove 4530, and the connecting rod 462 is provided with a guide rail 4620 that slides through the guide groove 4530.

[0045] like Figures 9-11 As shown, the base 44 includes a first base 442 and a second base 444 connected to one end of the first base 442. A rotating member 451 is rotatably connected to the first base 442 at its end away from the connecting member 453. A linkage mechanism 46 and a limiting mechanism 47 are connected to the second base 444. Specifically, the first base 442 and the second base 444 can be connected by, but not limited to, snap-fitting, screwing, gluing, welding, or integral molding. In this embodiment, the first base 442 and the second base 444 are integrally molded. The first ends of the two rotating members 451 of each folding assembly 41 are rotatably connected to opposite sides of the first base 442, and the second end of each rotating member 451 away from the first base 442 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 453. Specifically, the rotating member 451 includes a rotating part 4511 and a connecting part 4515 connected to the rotating part 4511. The rotating part 4511 and the connecting part 4515 are respectively disposed at the first end and the second end of the rotating member 451. The rotating part 4511 is rotatably connected to the first base 442, and the connecting part 4515 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 453. Specifically, the rotating part 4511 and the first base 442 are rotatably connected by the cooperation of an arc groove and an arc rail. The axis of the arc groove is collinear with the axis of rotation between the corresponding rotating member 451 and the first base 442. The arc groove is disposed in one of the first base 442 and the rotating part 4511, and the arc rail is disposed in the other of the first base 442 and the rotating part 4511.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first base 442 has storage slots 4420 on opposite sides of its front surface, and arc grooves 4422 on opposite end faces of each storage slot 4420, with the two arc grooves 4422 being coaxial. Arc rails 4512 are provided on opposite sides of the rotating part 4511. When the rotating part 4511 is housed in the storage slot 4420, the two arc rails 4512 are rotatably inserted into the two arc grooves 4422. Positioning strips 4424 are provided on opposite sides of the end face of the first base 442 facing the second base 444, and multiple connecting holes 4425 are provided on the front surface of the first base 442. The second seat 444 has clearance grooves 4441 on opposite sides of its front surface, with the length of the clearance grooves 4441 parallel to the axial direction of the arc groove 4422. The second seat 444 has a positioning hole 4443 at the end of its front surface closest to the first seat 442, and two positioning posts 4445 at the same end of its front surface closest to the first seat 442, located on opposite sides of the positioning hole 4443. The second seat 444 also has clearance openings 4446 on opposite sides of its front surface furthest from the first seat 442.

[0047] The end of the connecting part 4515 away from the rotating part 4511 is rotatably connected to the first end of the corresponding connecting member 453 via the adapter shaft 456, and the connecting rod 462 is slidably connected to the second end of the connecting member 453. Specifically, the connecting part 4515 has a lug 4516 at the end away from the rotating part 4511, and the first end of the connecting member 453 has a receiving groove 4532, in which the lug 4516 is rotatably accommodated; the end of the lug 4516 away from the rotating part 4511 has a rotating cylinder 4517, which has a first shaft hole along its axial direction, and the first end of the connecting member 453 has a second shaft hole 4533 along the rotation axis parallel to the axis of rotation between the connecting part 4515 and the base 44, which communicates with the receiving groove 4532; when the lug 4516 and the rotating cylinder 4517 are accommodated in the receiving groove 4532, the adapter shaft 456 passes through the first shaft hole and the second shaft hole 4533, so that the rotating member 451 and the connecting member 453 are rotatably connected through the adapter shaft 456. The guide groove 4530 is provided at the second end of the connector 453, and the guide rail 4620 of the connecting rod 462 slides through the corresponding guide groove 4530.

[0048] like Figures 4-8As shown, the connector 453 and the corresponding side support 423 are rotatably connected via a rotating groove and a rotating rail. The rotating groove is located on one of the side support 423 and the connector 453, and the rotating rail is located on the other. In this embodiment, the connector 453 has rotating rails 4536 at opposite ends, and each pair of first connecting portions 4233 of the side support 423 has a pair of rotating grooves 4234. The two rotating rails 4536 of each connector 453 are rotatably accommodated in the corresponding pair of rotating grooves 4234, so that the side support 423 is rotatably connected to the connector 453. In other embodiments, the connector 453 has rotating grooves at opposite ends, and each pair of first connecting portions 4233 of the side support 423 has a pair of rotating rails. The pair of rotating rails are rotatably accommodated in the pair of rotating grooves, so that the side support 423 is rotatably connected to the connector 453.

[0049] like Figures 6-15 As shown, the rotating shaft 461 includes a shaft body 4610 and a connecting cap 4612 located at one end of the shaft body 4610. A positioning part 4613 is provided on the shaft body 4610, and the connecting rod 462 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 461 through the positioning part 4613. In this embodiment, the positioning part 4613 is a positioning surface provided on the outer wall of the shaft body 4610 and extending along the axial direction of the shaft body 4610. The connecting cap 4612 is used to rotatably abut against the base 44. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 461 is threadedly connected to the friction member 4775, and a first elastic member 475 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 461. The opposite ends of the first elastic member 475 elastically push against the connecting frame 4771 and the supporting member 473, respectively. Specifically, the end of the rotating shaft 461 away from the connecting cap 4612 is provided with an external thread 4615, and the friction element 4775 is provided with a threaded hole 4776 along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 461. The external thread 4615 can be screwed into the threaded hole 4776, so that the friction element 4775 can rotate together with the rotating shaft 461; the connecting cap 4612 is located at the end of the rotating shaft 461 away from the friction element 4775. The first elastic element 475 can be, but is not limited to, a spring, an elastic rubber sleeve, etc.

[0050] The pushing member 472 includes a first cam 4720, and the holding member 473 includes a first abutting cam 4730. The first cam 4720 and the first abutting cam 4730 are rotatably engaged with each other. When the first cam 4720 rotates relative to the first abutting cam 4730, the first cam 4720 rotatably pushes the first abutting cam 4730 away from or towards the first cam 4720, and the first elastic member 475 is compressed. The frictional torque between the pushing member 472 and the holding member 473 can position the connecting rod 462 relative to the rotating mechanism 45. Specifically, the frictional torque between the first cam 4720 and the first abutting cam 4730 can limit the connecting rod 462 to a specific angle relative to the holding member 473. In this embodiment, each connecting rod 462 is connected to a pushing member 472, and the two first cams 4720 are respectively sleeved on the two rotating shafts 461. The first cam 4720 has a first protrusion 4724 and a first recess 4725 along its circumference, and the first abutting cam 4730 has a second protrusion 4734 and a second recess 4735 along its circumference. The first protrusion 4724 can engage with the second recess 4735, and the second protrusion 4734 can engage with the first recess 4725. Specifically, the first cam 4720 includes a circular sleeve and a concave-convex surface at one end of the sleeve. The concave-convex surface includes the first protrusion 4724 and the first recess 4725, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the circumference of the sleeve. The number of first protrusions 4724 and the number of first recesses 4725 can be set as needed. For example, the first cam 4720 may include one first protrusion 4724 and one first recess 4725, two first protrusions 4724 and two first recesses 4725, three first protrusions 4724 and three first recesses 4725, or four first protrusions 4724 and four first recesses 4725, etc. The first abutting cam 4730 includes a circular sleeve and a concave-convex surface at one end of the sleeve. The concave-convex surface includes a second protrusion 4734 and a second recess 4735, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the circumference of the sleeve. The number of second protrusions 4734 and second recesses 4735 on the first abutting cam 4730 is the same as the number of first recesses 4725 and first protrusions 4724 on the first cam 4720, such that the first protrusions 4724 engage with the second recesses 4735, and the second protrusions 4734 engage with the first recesses 4725.

[0051] The linkage mechanism 46 also includes a gear set 464 and a fixed frame 466 disposed between the two connecting rods 462. The gear set 464 includes a meshing linkage gear 4640 and a connecting shaft 4644. Each connecting rod 462 is provided with a driving gear 4621 meshing with the corresponding linkage gear 4640. The fixed frame 466 is sleeved on the two rotating shafts 461. The linkage gear 4640 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 461 and abuts against the fixed frame 466. When the linkage gear 4640 rotates with the driving gear 4621, there is frictional resistance between the linkage gear 4640 and the fixed frame. This frictional resistance is used to position the connecting rods 462 and the rotating mechanism 45 relative to the base 44. The linkage gear 4640 includes a linkage cylinder 4641 and a plurality of teeth 4642 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the linkage cylinder 4641. The plurality of teeth 4642 are arranged in a circle around the circumference of the linkage cylinder 4641. Each linkage gear 4640 is rotatably sleeved on a corresponding connecting shaft 4644. In this embodiment, the abutment member 473 includes two first abutting cams 4730 located at opposite ends. The two first abutting cams 4730 are slidably sleeved on two rotating shafts 461 respectively. Two first cams 4720 are respectively sleeved on two rotating shafts 461. The ends of two connecting rods 462 away from the first cams 4720 are respectively connected to two connecting members 453. The connecting rods 462 can rotate with the rotating mechanism 45 relative to the base 44 to drive the rotating shaft 461 and the first cams 4720 to rotate relative to the first abutting cams 4730.

[0052] Optionally, the linkage gear 4640 further includes a second cam 4645, and the supporting member includes a second abutting cam 4736. The second cam 4645 and the second abutting cam 4736 are rotatably meshed with each other. The second cam 4645 is provided with a third protrusion 4646 and a third recess 4647 along its circumference. The second abutting cam 4736 is provided with a fourth protrusion 4736a and a fourth recess 4736b along its circumference. The third protrusion 4646 can mesh with the fourth recess 4736b, and the fourth protrusion 4736a can mesh with the third recess 4647. Specifically, the second cam 4645 includes a concave-convex surface provided at one end of the linkage cylinder 4641. The concave-convex surface includes a third protrusion 4646 and a third recess 4647, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the circumference of the linkage cylinder 4641. The number of third protrusions 4646 and the number of third recesses 4647 can be set as needed. For example, the second cam 4645 may include one third protrusion 4646 and one third recess 4647, two third protrusions 4646 and two third recesses 4647, three third protrusions 4646 and three third recesses 4647, or four third protrusions 4646 and four third recesses 4647, etc. The second abutting cam 4736 includes a concave-convex surface at one end of the linkage cylinder 4641. The concave-convex surface includes a fourth protrusion 4736a and a fourth recess 4736b, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the circumference of the linkage cylinder 4641. The number of fourth protrusions 4736a and fourth recesses 4736b on the second abutting cam 4736 is the same as the number of third recesses 4647 and third protrusions 4646 on the second cam 4645, such that the third protrusions 4646 engage with the fourth recesses 4736b, and the fourth protrusions 4736a engage with the third recesses 4647.

[0053] Specifically, the connecting rod 462 further includes a sleeve 4622 and a connecting rod 4623 connected to the outer peripheral wall of the sleeve 4622. The sleeve 4622 is used to fit onto the shaft 4610, and the pushing member 472 is connected to one end of the sleeve 4622. Specifically, the sleeve of the first cam 4720 is connected to the sleeve 4622, and the sleeve of the first cam 4720 and the sleeve 4622 are coaxial. The driving gear 4621 is disposed on the outer peripheral wall of the sleeve 4622. The driving gear 4621 is located on the side of the sleeve 4622 away from the connecting rod 4623, and the axis of the driving gear 4621 is collinear with the axis of the sleeve 4622. In this embodiment, the rotation angle of the teeth of the driving gear 4621 arranged circumferentially along the sleeve 4622 is 90 degrees. A pusher 472 is located at the end of the sleeve 4622 away from the drive gear 4621, and the axis of the sleeve 4622 is collinear with the axis of the first cam 4720 of the pusher 472. The sleeve 4622 has an oblong shaft hole 4624, and after the rotating shaft 461 is inserted into the shaft hole 4624 of the sleeve 4622, the sleeve 4622 can be positioned on the positioning part 4613. Guide rails 4620 are respectively protruding on opposite sides of the connecting rod 4623, and the guide rails 4620 extend along the length direction of the connecting rod 4623.

[0054] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the connecting rod 462 and the corresponding side support 423 are movably connected via an adjusting groove and an adjusting shaft. The axis of the adjusting shaft is parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft 461. The adjusting groove is provided in one of the side support 423 and the connecting rod 462, and the adjusting shaft is provided in the other of the side support 423 and the connecting rod 462. In this embodiment, the side support 423 is provided with an adjusting groove 4237, and the end of the connecting rod 4623 away from the rotating shaft 461 is provided with an adjusting shaft 4628, which is rotatably and slidably inserted into the adjusting groove 4237.

[0055] like Figures 12-15 As shown, optionally, the connecting frame 4771 includes a first abutting surface 4772 that conforms to the friction member 4775, and the friction member 4775 includes a second abutting surface 4777 that conforms to the first abutting surface 4772. A first damping structure 4778 is provided on the first abutting surface 4772 and / or the second abutting surface 4777. In this embodiment, the friction member 4775 is a cylindrical block, and a screw hole 4776 is formed along the axial direction of the cylindrical block on the first abutting surface 4772. The first abutting surface 4772 is provided with the first damping structure 4778, which surrounds the screw hole 4776. The first damping structure 4778 may be, but is not limited to, a damping hole, a damping protrusion, or a damping rough surface.

[0056] In other embodiments, the first abutting surface 4772 and the second abutting surface 4777 are respectively provided with damping structures; or the first abutting surface 4772 is provided with a damping structure, and the second abutting surface 4777 is not provided with a damping structure.

[0057] The connecting frame 4771 is a rectangular plate. The connecting frame 4771 is provided with two first through holes 4774 and two first guide holes 4773. The two first through holes 4774 are located at opposite ends of the connecting frame 4771, and the two first guide holes 4773 are located between the two first through holes 4774. The opposite ends of the connecting frame 4771 are respectively set as arc surfaces.

[0058] Optionally, the fixing frame 466 includes a fixing part 4661 and guide parts 4663 located at opposite ends of the fixing part 4661. The fixing part 4661 has two fixing holes 4664 on one side, and each guide part 4663 has a guide hole 4665. The axis of the fixing hole 4664 is parallel to the axis of the guide hole 4665. The guide part 4663 has a positioning part 4666 on the side facing the connecting rod 462. The positioning part 4666 is a positioning block. The connecting rod 462 includes a first limiting surface 4626 and a second limiting surface 4627. When the two connecting rods 462 are folded relative to the base 44, the positioning part 4666 abuts against the first limiting surface 4626; when the two connecting rods 462 are flattened relative to the base 44, the positioning part 4666 abuts against the second limiting surface 4627. Specifically, the sleeve 4622 has a notch around the shaft hole 4624 at one end away from the pusher 472. The first limiting surface 4626 and the second limiting surface 4627 are the two opposite ends of the notch, and the first limiting surface 4626 is further away from the guide rail 4620 than the second limiting surface 4627. The back of the fixing part 4661 has positioning grooves 4667 at opposite ends, and the fixing part 4661 has a mounting hole 4662 on the side away from the positioning part 4666.

[0059] Optionally, the guide portion 4663 has a second damping structure 4668 on its side opposite to the positioning portion 4666. Specifically, the second damping structure 4668 is arranged circumferentially around the guide hole 4665. The second damping structure 4668 can be, but is not limited to, a damping hole, a damping protrusion, or a damping rough surface. The end of the guide portion 4663 away from the fixing portion 4661 is provided with an arc surface. Optionally, the connecting cap 4612 facing the shaft 4610 may also have a damping structure. Optionally, the end face of the connecting cap 4612 opposite to the shaft 4610 may also have a damping structure.

[0060] The limiting mechanism 47 further includes a second elastic element 4752, which can be sleeved on the connecting shaft 4644. The opposite ends of the second elastic element 4752 can respectively abut against the fixing frame 466 and the connecting frame 4771. The connecting shaft 4644 includes a shaft body 4644a and connecting posts 4644b located at opposite ends of the shaft body 4644a. The shaft body 4644a and the two connecting posts 4644b on each connecting shaft 4644 are coaxial. The second elastic element 4752 can be, but is not limited to, a spring, an elastic sleeve, etc.

[0061] Please refer to the following: Figures 12-19When assembling the linkage mechanism 46 and the limiting mechanism 47, the ends of the two rotating shafts 461 away from the connecting cap 4612 are respectively inserted into the two guide holes 4665 of the fixing frame 466 until the guide part 4663 is stopped by the connecting cap 4612 away from the end face of the positioning part 4666; the two connecting shafts 4644 are respectively inserted into the inner cavity of the two linkage cylinders 4641, the two linkage gears 4640 are meshed with each other, the gear set 464 is placed between the two connecting rods 462, and the two linkage gears 4640 are respectively meshed with the two driving gears 4621; the ends of the two rotating shafts 461 away from the connecting cap 4612 are respectively inserted into the sleeves 4622 of the two connecting rods 462, and the connecting post 4644b at the same end of the two connecting shafts 4644 are respectively inserted into the two fixing holes 4664 of the fixing frame 466, and the positioning part 4666 is accommodated in the notch of the corresponding sleeve 4622. The abutment member 473 is sleeved on the two rotating shafts 461 and the two connecting shafts 4644, so that the two first abutting cams 4730 of the abutment member 473 are rotatably engaged with the two first cams 4720 respectively, and the two second abutting cams 4736 are rotatably engaged with the two second cams 4645 respectively; the two first elastic members 475 are respectively sleeved on the two rotating shafts 461, and the two second elastic members 4752 are respectively sleeved on the two connecting shafts 4644; the connecting bracket 4771 is sleeved on the two rotating shafts 461 and the two connecting shafts 4644, so that the external threads 4615 of the two rotating shafts 461 pass through the two first through holes 4774 and protrude from the first abutting surface 4772 respectively, and the connecting pins 4644b at the other end of the two connecting shafts 4644 are respectively inserted into the two first guide holes 4773 of the connecting bracket 4771. The external threads 4615 of the two rotating shafts 461 are screwed into the threaded holes 4776 of the two friction elements 4775 respectively. At this time, the fixed frame 466 is clamped between the connecting cap 4612 and the connecting rod 462, and the connecting rod 462 can rotate relative to the fixed frame 466 about the axis of the rotating shaft 461.When the connecting rod 462 rotates relative to the fixed frame 466, there is frictional resistance between the connecting rod 462 and the fixed frame 466, and there is also frictional resistance between the connecting cap 4612 and the fixed frame 466; the second abutting surfaces 4777 of the two friction elements 4775 abut against the first abutting surfaces 4772 of the connecting frame 4771 respectively, the first elastic element 475 and the second elastic element 4752 are in a compressed state, each first cam 4720 can rotate and abut against the corresponding first abutting cam 4730, that is, the first protrusion 4724 is accommodated in the second recess 4735, and the second protrusion 4734 is accommodated in the first recess 4725; each second cam 4645 can rotate and abut against the corresponding second abutting cam 4736. That is, the third protrusion 4646 is accommodated in the fourth recess 4736b, and the fourth protrusion 4736a is accommodated in the third recess 4647; the linkage cylinder 4641 abuts against the fixing part 4661, the sleeve 4622 abuts against the corresponding guide part 4663, and the two guide parts 4663 abut against the two connecting caps 4612 respectively; if the first elastic member 475 has a first pre-elastic force F0, and the second elastic member 4752 has a second pre-elastic force F1, then the axial force F on the first cam 4720, the first abutting cam 4730 and the friction member 4775 on each rotating shaft 461 is equal to the sum of the first pre-elastic force F0 of the first elastic member 475 and the first pre-elastic force F1 of the second elastic member 4752, that is, F=F0+F1.

[0062] When the linkage mechanism 46 is bent from its fully flattened state, one of the connecting rods 462 is bent relative to the abutment 473 toward the other connecting rod 462. This connecting rod 462 rotates around the axis of its corresponding rotating shaft 461, causing the corresponding rotating shaft 461, drive gear 4621, abutment 472, and corresponding friction element 4775 to rotate together around the axis of the rotating shaft 461. The rotating shaft 461 rotates within the guide hole 4665 of the fixed frame 466, the inner cavity of the first abutment cam 4730 corresponding to the abutment 473, the inner cavity of the corresponding first elastic element 475, and the first through hole 4774 corresponding to the connecting frame 4771. The rotating drive gear 4621 drives the other drive gear 4621 to rotate via the gear set 464. The rotation of the other drive gear 4621 drives the corresponding rotating shaft 461, sleeve... The cylinder 4622, the pushing member 472, and the friction member 4475 rotate, thereby causing the two connecting rods 462 of the linkage mechanism 46 to synchronously approach each other. At the same time, the pushing member 472 on each connecting rod 462 rotates relative to the supporting member 473, causing the first cam 4720 of the pushing member 472 to rotatably push the first abutting cam 4730, and the second cam 4645 of each linkage gear 4640 to rotatably push the second abutting cam 4736. The supporting member 473 slides along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 461 and squeezes the first elastic member 475 and the second elastic member 4752. The first elastic member 475 and the second elastic member 4752 elastically push the connecting frame 4771 and the supporting member 473, so that the friction member 4775 abuts against the connecting frame 4771, the connecting cap 4612 abuts against the guide part 4663, and the linkage cylinder 4641 abuts against the guide part 4663.

[0063] In the above process, the axial force on the connecting cap 4612, the first cam 4720, the first abutting cam 4730 and the friction member 4775 on each rotating shaft 461 is equal to the elastic force of the first elastic member 475 and the second elastic member 4752; the frictional torque between the first cam 4720 and the first abutting cam 4730, the frictional torque between the second cam 4645 and the second abutting cam 4736, the frictional force between the friction member 4775 and the connecting frame 4771, the frictional force between the connecting cap 4612 and the guide part 4663, the frictional force between the sleeve 4622 and the guide part 4663, and / or the frictional resistance between the linkage cylinder 4641 and the fixed part 4661 can limit the two connecting rods 462 to a specific angle between 180 degrees and 0 degrees. When the included angle between the two connecting rods 462 is 180 degrees, the linkage mechanism 46 is in a fully flat state; when the included angle between the two connecting rods 462 is 0 degrees, the linkage mechanism 46 is in a fully bent state; when the included angle between the two connecting rods 462 is greater than 0 degrees but less than 180 degrees, the linkage mechanism 46 is in a suspended state.

[0064] In other applications, the two connecting rods 462 can rotate together in opposite directions, with each connecting rod 462 rotating around the axis of its corresponding rotation shaft 461. This rotation drives the corresponding rotation shaft 461, the drive gear 4621, the pushing member 472, and the friction member 4775 to rotate around the axis of the rotation shaft 461. The two drive gears 4621 together drive the two linkage gears 4640 of the gear set 464 to rotate around the two connecting shafts 4644, thereby causing the two connecting rods 462 of the linkage mechanism 46 to move closer to each other synchronously. At the same time, the pushing member 4775 on each connecting rod 462... 2. Relative to the abutment member 473, the first cam 4720 rotates and pushes against the first abutting cam. Each linkage gear 4640 rotates relative to the abutment member 473, causing the second cam 4645 to rotate and push against the second abutting cam. The abutment member 473 slides along the axial direction of the rotation shaft 461 and squeezes the first elastic member 475 and the second elastic member 4752. The first elastic member 475 and the second elastic member 4752 elastically abut against the connecting frame 4771, causing the connecting frame 4771 and the friction member 4775 to abut against each other. The friction member 4775 rotates relative to the connecting frame 4771 with the corresponding rotation shaft 461.

[0065] When the linkage mechanism 46 is unfolded from its fully bent state, one of the connecting rods 462 is unfolded away from the other connecting rod 462 relative to the abutment member 473. This connecting rod 462 rotates around the axis of its corresponding rotation shaft 461, thereby driving the corresponding rotation shaft 461, the drive gear 4621, the abutment member 472, and the corresponding friction member 4775 to rotate together around the axis of the rotation shaft 461. The rotation shaft 461 rotates within the guide hole 4665 corresponding to the fixed frame 466, the inner cavity of the first abutment cam 4730 corresponding to the abutment member 473, the inner cavity of the corresponding first elastic member 475, and the first through hole 4774 corresponding to the connecting frame 4771. The rotatably rotating drive gear 4621 drives the other drive gear 4621 to rotate through the gear set 464. The rotation of the other drive gear 4621 drives the corresponding rotation shaft 461. The sleeve 4622, the pushing member 472, and the friction member 4475 rotate, thereby causing the two connecting rods 462 of the linkage mechanism 46 to move away from each other synchronously. At the same time, the pushing member 472 on each connecting rod 462 rotates relative to the supporting member 473, causing the first cam 4720 of the pushing member 472 to rotatably push against the first abutting cam 4730, and the second cam 4645 of each linkage gear 4640 to rotatably push against the second abutting cam 4736. The supporting member 473 slides along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 461 and squeezes the first elastic member 475 and the second elastic member 4752. The first elastic member 475 and the second elastic member 4752 elastically push against the connecting frame 4771 and the supporting member 473, causing the friction member 4775 to abut against the connecting frame 4771, the connecting cap 4612 to abut against the guide part 4663, and the linkage cylinder 4641 to abut against the guide part 4663.

[0066] In the above process, the axial force of the first cam 4720, the first abutting cam 4730 and the friction element 4775 on each rotating shaft 461 is equal to the elastic force of the first elastic element 475 and the second elastic element 4752; the frictional torque between the first cam 4720 and the first abutting cam 4730, the frictional torque between the second cam 4645 and the second abutting cam 4736, the frictional force between the friction element 4775 and the connecting frame 4771, the frictional force between the connecting cap 4612 and the guide part 4663, the frictional force between the sleeve 4622 and the guide part 4663, and / or the frictional resistance between the linkage cylinder 4641 and the fixed part 4661 can limit the two connecting rods 462 to a specific angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0067] In other applications, the two connecting rods 462 can be rotated together in a direction away from each other, with each connecting rod 462 rotating around the axis of the corresponding rotating shaft 461, thereby driving the corresponding rotating shaft 461, the moving gear 4621, and the friction element 4775 to rotate around the axis of the rotating shaft 461; the two driving gears 4621 together drive the two linkage gears 4640 of the gear set 464 to rotate, thereby causing the two connecting rods 462 of the linkage mechanism 46 to move away from each other and flatten out.

[0068] like Figures 7-11 and Figures 16-19 When assembling the folding assembly 41, the rotating parts 4511 of the two rotating mechanisms 45 are respectively housed in the two storage slots 4420 of the first base 442, so that the two arc rails 4512 of each rotating part 4511 are rotatably inserted into the corresponding two arc slots 4422; the combination of the linkage mechanism 46 and the limiting mechanism 47 is placed on the second base 444, so that the two positioning posts 4445 are positioned in the two positioning slots 4667 of the fixing frame 466, and the two second elastic members 47 52 are respectively housed in two recessed grooves 4441; the fixing part 4661 is positioned between two positioning strips 4424 on the side opposite to the first elastic member 475; two connecting caps 4612 abut against the first seat body 442 of the base 44; one end of the two rotating shafts 461 opposite to the connecting caps 4612 is respectively housed in two recessed openings 4446 of the second seat body 444; the guide rails 4620 of the two connecting rods 462 are slidably inserted into the guide grooves 4530 of the two connecting members 453. When the rotating shafts 461 rotate relative to the base 44, there is frictional resistance between the connecting caps 4612 and the base 44.

[0069] like Figures 3-6As shown, when assembling the folding aid assembly 41 to the bendable mechanism 42, the two side support members 423 are placed on opposite sides of the base 44. The two rotating rails 4536 of each connector 453 are rotatably accommodated in the corresponding pair of rotating slots 4234, and the adjusting shaft 4628 of the connecting rod 462 is passed through the corresponding adjusting slot 4237. The first support body 4210 is placed on the base 44, so that the first support body 4210 is located between the two side support members 423, and the two first connecting areas 4212 are respectively connected to the two folding aid assemblies 41. Then, the back cover 4218 is connected to the back of the base 44, and the fastener passes through the connecting hole 4425 and the positioning hole 4443 to lock it to the connecting part 4219 of the back cover 4218. The rotation axis between the rotating member 451 and the base 44 is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft 461, and the rotation axis between the rotating member 451 and the connecting member 453 is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft 461. When the two side supports 423 are fully flattened, the adjusting shaft 4628 is positioned in the second positioning section 4237b of the corresponding adjusting groove 4237, and the positioning part 4666 abuts against the second limiting surface 4627, so that the folding device 40 remains fully flattened, and the front faces of the two side supports 423 and the middle support 421 are coplanar. When the two side supports 423 are fully bent, the adjusting shaft 4628 is positioned in the first positioning section 4237a of the corresponding adjusting groove 4237, and the positioning part 4666 abuts against the first limiting surface 4626, so that the folding device 40 remains fully bent, and the front faces of the two side supports 423 and the middle support 421 form a teardrop shape.

[0070] Please refer to the following: Figures 1-3 The assembled folding device 40 is placed between the two frames 21, and the connecting pieces 453 on opposite sides of the folding device 40 are fixedly connected to the two frames 21 respectively. At this time, the front of the two frames 21, the front of the central support 421, and the front of the two side support pieces 423 are coplanar. The back of the flexible screen 30 is connected to the front of the two frames 21 and the front of the folding device 40, the bendable area 31 faces the folding device 40, and the two non-bendable areas 33 face the front of the two frames 21 respectively. When the flexible screen 30 is in a flattened state, the first cam 4720 and the first abutting cam 4730 are in contact with each other, the second cam 4645 and the second abutting cam 4736 are in contact with each other, the first elastic member 475 and the second elastic member have pre-elastic force to push the connecting frame 4771 and the holding member 473, so that the friction member 4775 and the connecting frame 4771 abut against each other, the connecting cap 4612 and the guide rotation part 4663 abut against each other, and the linkage gear 4640 and the guide rotation part 4663 limit the bendable mechanism 42 to remain in a flattened state, and the included angle between the connecting rods 4623 of the two connecting rods 462 is 180 degrees.

[0071] Please refer to the following: Figures 1-4 and Figures 20 to 22 When bending the electronic device 100, a bending force is applied to at least one of the two frames 21 of the electronic device 100, causing the rotating mechanism 45 connected to the two frames 21 to rotate in a direction that is close to each other. The bending of the folding device 40 is achieved through the two folding aids 41, and the bendable area 31 of the flexible screen 30 is bent along with the bendable mechanism 42. Specifically, if a bending force is applied to one of the frames 21, the frame 21 will cause the corresponding rotating mechanism 45 to rotate relative to the base 44 towards the side closer to the flexible screen 30. This will cause the corresponding connecting rod 462 to rotate around the axis of rotation 461 relative to the base 44 towards the side closer to the flexible screen 30. At the same time, the guide rail 4620 of the connecting rod 462 slides in the guide groove 4530 of the corresponding connector 453. The sleeve 4622 of the connecting rod 462, the rotating shaft 461, the driving gear 4621, the pushing member 472, and the friction member 4775 rotate around the axis of rotation 461. The rotating driving gear 4621 drives another driving gear 4621 to rotate through the gear set 464. The rotation of 21 drives the corresponding rotating shaft 461, sleeve 4622, pushing member 472, connecting rod 4623 and friction member 4775 to rotate, thereby causing the two connecting rods 462 of the linkage mechanism 46 to move closer to each other synchronously; at the same time, the pushing member 472 on each connecting rod 462 rotates relative to the supporting member 473, causing the first cam 4720 of the pushing member 472 to rotate and push against the first abutting cam 4730, and the second cam 4645 of the linkage gear 4640 to rotate and push against the second abutting cam 4736; the supporting member 473 slides along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 461 and squeezes the first elastic member 475 and the second elastic member 4752, and the first elastic member 475 and the second elastic member 4752 elastically push against the connecting frame 4771 and abut against the friction member 4775. During the bending process of the linkage mechanism 46, the rotating part 4511 of the rotating part 451 rotates relative to the base 44 through the cooperation of the arc rail and the corresponding arc groove. The connecting part 4515 of the rotating part 451 is rotatably connected to the corresponding connecting part 453. The adjusting shaft 4628 rotates from the second positioning section 4237b and slides to the first positioning section 4237a in the corresponding adjusting groove 4237. The two connecting rods 462 rotate around the axis of the corresponding rotating shaft 461 and move closer to each other to realize the mutual approach of the two side support members 423, so that the folding device 40 is in a bent state. The bendable area 31 of the flexible screen 30 bends with the folding device 40 until the front of the two non-bending areas 33 of the flexible screen 30 are in contact with each other. The bendable area 31 is bent into a teardrop shape, thereby realizing the seamless folding of the electronic device 100.

[0072] During the bending process of the electronic device 100, the sum of the frictional torque between the first cam 4720 and the first abutting cam 4730, the frictional torque between the second cam 4645 and the second abutting cam 4736, the frictional resistance between the friction element 4775 and the connecting frame 4771, the frictional resistance between the connecting cap 4612 and the guide part 4663, and the frictional resistance between the linkage gear 4640 and the fixing part 4661 can limit the rebound of the flexible screen 30, so that the side support 423 is positioned at a specific angle relative to the middle support 421, and the two frames 21 are limited to a specific angle between 180 degrees and 0 degrees. When the two frames 21 are bent towards each other and limited to 0 degrees, that is, the two non-bending areas 33 of the flexible screen 30 are parallel to each other; the bendable area 31 of the flexible screen 30 is bent into a teardrop shape, reducing the duty cycle of the bendable area 31 after bending, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the electronic device 100.

[0073] In other bending methods of the electronic device 100, bending forces can be applied to both frames 21 at the same time. The two frames 21 respectively drive the two side support members 423 to rotate relative to the side closer to the flexible screen 30, and the bending of the electronic device 100 is achieved through the folding device 40.

[0074] When it is necessary to flatten the electronic device 100, one of the frames 21 is pulled outward, causing the two rotating mechanisms 45 connected to the two frames 21 to rotate in a direction away from each other. Specifically, an outward pulling force is applied to one of the frames 21 of the electronic device 100. This frame 21 drives the corresponding rotating mechanism 45 to rotate relative to the base 44 away from the flexible screen 30. This causes the guide rail 4620 of the connecting rod 462 to slide in the guide groove 4530 of the corresponding connector 453. The sleeve 4622, rotating shaft 461, drive gear 4621, pusher 472, and friction element 4775 of the connecting rod 462 rotate around the axis of the corresponding rotating shaft 461. The rotating drive gear 4621 drives another drive gear 4621 to rotate via the gear set 464. The rotation of the other drive gear 4621 causes the corresponding rotating shaft 461, sleeve 4622, pusher 472, connecting rod 4623, and friction element 4775 to rotate around the axis of the corresponding rotating shaft 461. As the axis of the moving shaft 461 rotates, the guide rail 4620 of the other connecting rod 462 slides in the guide groove 4530 of the corresponding connecting member 453, thereby causing the two connecting rods 462 of the linkage mechanism 46 to move away from each other. At the same time, the pushing member 472 on each connecting rod 462 rotates relative to the supporting member 473, causing the first cam 4720 of the pushing member 472 to rotatably push the first abutting cam 4730. The linkage gear 4640 rotates relative to the supporting member 473, causing the second cam 4645 to rotatably push the second abutting cam 4736. The first elastic member 475 and the second elastic member 4752 both elastically abut between the connecting frame 4771 and the supporting member 473, so that the supporting member 473 slides along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 461, and the friction member 4775 abuts against the connecting frame 4771. During the bending process of the linkage mechanism 46, the rotating part 4511 of the rotating part 451 rotates relative to the base 44, the connecting part 4515 of the rotating part 451 is rotatably connected to the corresponding connecting part 453, the adjusting shaft 4628 rotates from the first positioning section 4237a and slides to the second positioning section 4237b in the corresponding adjusting groove 4237, and the two connecting rods 462 rotate around the axis of the corresponding rotating shaft 461 and move away from each other, so as to realize the mutual separation of the two side support members 423, so that the folding device 40 unfolds, and the bendable area 31 of the flexible screen 30 unfolds with the folding device 40 until the flexible screen 30 is flattened.

[0075] During the flattening process of the electronic device 100, the frictional torque between the first cam 4720 and the first abutting cam 4730, the frictional torque between the second cam 4645 and the second abutting cam 4736, the frictional force between the friction element 4775 and the connecting frame 4771, the frictional force between the connecting cap 4612 and the guide part 4663, the frictional force between the sleeve 4622 and the guide part 4663, and / or the frictional resistance between the linkage cylinder 4641 and the fixing part 4661 can limit the rebound of the flexible screen 30, so that the side support 423 is positioned at a specific angle relative to the middle support 421, and the two frames 21 are limited to a specific angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0076] In other bending methods of the electronic device 100, an outward pulling force can be applied to both frames 21 at the same time. The two frames 21 respectively drive the rotating mechanisms 45 on opposite sides of the base 44 to rotate away from each other, so as to drive the connecting rods 462 on opposite sides of the base 44 to rotate away from each other, so that the two side support members 423 rotate away from the flexible screen 30, and the electronic device 100 can be unfolded through the folding device 40.

[0077] The folding device 40 of the electronic device 100 of the present invention achieves synchronous bending or unfolding through the folding aid assembly 41. Because the first elastic element 475 and the second elastic element 4752 can provide a large axial force, there is a large frictional torque between the first cam 4720 and the first abutting cam 4730, and between the second cam 4645 and the second abutting cam 4736. Simultaneously, the friction between the friction element 4775 and the connecting frame 4771, the friction between the connecting cap 4612 and the guide part 4663, and the friction between the sleeve 4622 and the guide part 4663 are also present. The frictional resistance between the moving cylinder 4641 and the fixed part 4661 enables the electronic device 100 to be bent stably and limited to a specific angle between 0 and 180 degrees, thus achieving the hovering function of the whole machine. In addition, since the limiting mechanism 47 of the folding device 40 has a small number of components, it not only makes the overall volume of the folding device 40 smaller, thereby reducing the space occupied by the folding device 40 in the internal space of the folding housing 20, but also facilitates the layout of other components such as the motherboard or battery in the electronic device 100, which is conducive to miniaturization, and simplifies the manufacturing and installation process of the folding device 40 and reduces manufacturing and installation costs.

[0078] Please refer to the following: Figure 23 and Figure 24The structure of the linkage mechanism and the limiting mechanism in the second embodiment of this application is similar to that of the linkage mechanism 46 and the limiting mechanism 47 in the first embodiment. The difference is that the connection method between the rotating shaft 461a and the friction member 4775 in the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment. Specifically, in the second embodiment, one end of the rotating shaft 461a is provided with a groove 4616, the friction member 4775a is sleeved on the rotating shaft 461a, and the friction assembly 447 also includes a buckle 4779, which is engaged with the groove 4616 so that the friction member 4775 is positioned on the rotating shaft 461a. Specifically, the end of the shaft 4610 away from the connecting cap 4612 is provided with a groove 4616. The groove 4616 is located on the outer peripheral wall of the shaft 4610 and surrounds the circumference of the shaft 4610. The buckle 4779 can be, but is not limited to, a C-shaped buckle or a U-shaped buckle, etc., and is used to engage with the groove 4616 of the rotating shaft 461. The friction element 4775a is based on the friction element 4775, except that the screw hole 4776 is replaced with a snap-fit ​​hole. The end of the shaft 4610 away from the connecting cap 4612 is positioned in the snap-fit ​​hole of the friction element 4775a, so that the friction element 4775a can rotate with the rotating shaft 461a around the axis of the rotating shaft 461a. When assembling the limiting mechanism 47, the connecting frame 4771 is sleeved on the two rotating shafts 461 and the two connecting shafts 4644, so that the slots 4616 of the two rotating shafts 461 pass through the two first through holes 4774 and protrude to the first abutment surface 4772. The connecting posts 4644b at the other ends of the two connecting shafts 4644 are respectively inserted into the two first guide holes 4773 of the connecting frame 4771. The ends of the two rotating shafts 461 facing away from the connecting caps 4612 are respectively passed through the snap-fit ​​holes of the two friction elements 4775a, so that the slots 4616 protrude to the end faces of the friction elements 4775a facing away from the connecting frame 4771. The two buckles 4779 are respectively snapped into the slots 4616 of the two rotating shafts 461, so that the friction elements 4775a are clamped between the connecting frame 4771 and the buckles 4779.

[0079] The above are the embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the embodiments of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A folding device, characterized in that, The folding device includes: A rotating assembly includes a base and two rotating mechanisms rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base; A linkage mechanism includes two rotating shafts connected to the base, two connecting rods, a fixed frame, and a gear set. One connecting rod is rotatably connected to one of the rotating shafts relative to the base, and the other connecting rod is rotatably connected to the other rotating shaft relative to the base. The two connecting rods are slidably connected to two rotating mechanisms. The gear set is disposed between the two connecting rods and includes meshing linkage gears. Each connecting rod has a drive gear meshing with a corresponding linkage gear. The fixed frame is sleeved on the two rotating shafts, and the linkage gear is sleeved on the rotating shafts and abuts against the fixed frame. The limiting mechanism includes a pushing member, a holding member, a first elastic member, and a friction assembly disposed on the connecting rod. The friction assembly includes a connecting frame and a friction member. The pushing member, the holding member, the connecting frame, and the friction member are sleeved on the rotating shaft. The holding member abuts against the pushing member. The first elastic member is located between the holding member and the connecting frame. The friction member abuts against the side of the connecting frame away from the first elastic member, and the friction member is connected to the end of the rotating shaft away from the pushing member. The friction member can rotate relative to the connecting frame with the rotating shaft, so that there is frictional resistance between the friction member and the connecting frame.

2. The folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating shaft is threadedly connected to the friction element, and the first elastic element is sleeved on the rotating shaft. The opposite ends of the first elastic element elastically push against the connecting frame and the supporting element, respectively.

3. The folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting frame includes a first abutting surface that fits against the friction member, and the friction member includes a second abutting surface that abuts against the first abutting surface. The first abutting surface and / or the second abutting surface are provided with a damping structure.

4. The folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the rotating shaft is provided with a slot, the friction element is sleeved on the rotating shaft, and the friction assembly also includes a buckle that engages with the slot to position the friction element on the rotating shaft.

5. The folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting cap is provided at the end of the rotating shaft away from the friction member. The fixing frame is clamped between the connecting cap and the connecting rod. The connecting rod can rotate relative to the fixing frame about the axis of the rotating shaft so that there is frictional resistance between the connecting rod and the fixing frame.

6. The folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting cap abuts against the base, and when the connecting cap rotates relative to the base, there is frictional resistance between the connecting cap and the base.

7. The folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pushing member includes a first cam, and the holding member includes a first abutting cam. The first cam and the first abutting cam are rotatably engaged with each other. The first cam is provided with a first protrusion and a first recess along its circumference, and the first abutting cam is provided with a second protrusion and a second recess along its circumference. The first protrusion can engage with the second recess, and the second protrusion can engage with the first recess.

8. The folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the linkage gear rotates with the drive gear, there is frictional resistance between the linkage gear and the fixed frame.

9. The folding device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The linkage gear includes a second cam, and the abutting member includes a second abutting cam. The second cam and the second abutting cam are rotatably meshed with each other. The second cam is provided with a third protrusion and a third recess along its circumference, and the second abutting cam is provided with a fourth protrusion and a fourth recess along its circumference. The third protrusion can mesh with the fourth recess, and the fourth protrusion can mesh with the third recess.

10. The folding device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism further includes a connecting shaft and a second elastic element. The linkage gear, the second cam, the second abutting cam, the second elastic element and the connecting frame are sleeved on the connecting shaft. The two opposite ends of the second elastic element elastically abut against the connecting frame and the fixing frame, respectively.

11. A folding shell, characterized in that, It includes two frames and a folding device according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the folding device is disposed between the two frames, and the sides of the two rotating mechanisms away from the base are respectively connected to the two frames.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a flexible screen and a folding housing according to claim 11, wherein the flexible screen is disposed on the housing and the folding device, and the flexible screen is bent or flattened with the folding device.

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