Folding device, shell assembly and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a folding device, a shell assembly and electronic equipment. The folding device comprises a base, two supporting pieces, two rotating pieces and two connecting pieces. The two supporting pieces are both rotationally connected to the base, each supporting piece can rotate around a first rotating axis relative to the base, and the two first rotating axes are collinear. The two rotating pieces are rotationally connected to the two opposite sides of the base respectively, the two connecting pieces are located on the two sides of the base respectively, the connecting piece and the supporting piece located on the same side of the base are rotationally connected, and the connecting pieces and the rotating pieces are connected in a sliding or rotating mode. When the supporting piece rotates relative to the base, the connecting piece rotates relative to the supporting piece and slides or rotates relative to the rotating piece, and the rotating piece rotates relative to the base. Aiming at the light and thin design requirements, the invention provides a three-axis outward folding device design scheme, provides an optimization solution for the thickness and the weight of the whole machine, and meanwhile, can improve the stability of the whole machine and improve shaking and rotation vacancy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of folding devices, and particularly relates to a folding device, a housing assembly, and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] In the mobile terminal industry, the competition is increasingly tending towards large screens and thinness. However, a large screen makes the overall size of the machine too large and inconvenient to carry. Foldable electronic devices can change the size of the electronic device due to their folding function, thus solving the above problems and are now widely loved by users. Electronic devices rely on folding devices to achieve the folding function. However, the current folding device has a complex structure and occupies a relatively large space, which is not conducive to the development of thinness and lightness. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, in the first aspect of this application, a folding device is provided, including:

[0004] A base;

[0005] Two support members, both rotatably connected to the base, and each support member can rotate relative to the base about a first rotation axis, and the two first rotation axes are collinear;

[0006] Two rotating members, respectively rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base; and

[0007] Two connecting members, respectively located on both sides of the base, wherein the connecting member and the support member on the same side of the base are rotatably connected to each other, and the connecting member and the rotating member are slidably or rotatably connected to each other;

[0008] Wherein, when the support member rotates relative to the base, the connecting member rotates relative to the support member and slides or rotates relative to the rotating member, and the rotating member rotates relative to the base.

[0009] The folding device provided in the first aspect of this application can achieve the folding and unfolding of the folding device through the mutual cooperation of the base, the support members, the rotating members, and the connecting members. And both support members are rotatably connected to the base. Therefore, there is a first rotation axis between each support member and the base, that is, each support member can rotate relative to the base about the first rotation axis. In this application, by making the two first rotation axes collinear, in other words, in this application, the rotation axes between the two support members and the base are combined into one. Although there seem to be two first rotation axes, they can actually be equivalent to one first rotation axis, thus forming the basic movement of a three-axis or three-axis center structure of the support member and the connecting member. Compared with the two separate first rotation axes formed by two support members respectively rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base in the related art, the folding device provided in this application reduces one rotation axis.

[0010] The reduction of the rotation axes can first simplify the structure of the folding device. For example, it can reduce the number of components, thereby reducing the overall weight of the folding device and making the folding device lighter. Secondly, making the two first rotation axes collinear is equivalent to bringing the two support members closer to the center of the base, thereby reducing the width of the folding device and making the folding device thinner. It can also be understood that after the two first rotation axes approach each other, during the movement of the folding device, the movement amplitude of the two support members is smaller, which can also reduce the width of the folding device and make the folding device thinner, ultimately achieving the purpose of making the folding device thinner and lighter. In addition, the reduction of the rotation axes can reduce the number of rotating pairs of the folding device, making the under-screen support and the overall mechanism more stable, and significantly improving the shaking and rotational play of the folding device.

[0011] In a second aspect of the present application, a housing assembly is provided. The housing assembly includes a first housing, a second housing, and a folding device as provided in the first aspect of the present application. The folding device is connected between the first housing and the second housing.

[0012] The housing assembly provided in the second aspect of the present application can achieve thinness and lightness, improve stability, and improve shaking and rotational play by adopting the folding device provided in the first aspect of the present application.

[0013] In a third aspect of the present application, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a flexible screen and a housing assembly as provided in the second aspect of the present application. The flexible screen is disposed on the same side of the first housing, the second housing, and the folding device.

[0014] The electronic device provided in the third aspect of the present application can achieve thinness and lightness, improve stability, and improve shaking and rotational play by adopting the housing assembly provided in the second aspect of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required to be used in the embodiments of the present application will be described below.

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of the folding device in the unfolded state in an embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 an exploded view of the folding device shown.

[0018] Figure 3 It is Figure 1 a front view of the folding device shown.

[0019] Figure 4 It is Figure 1 a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the folding device shown along the A-A direction.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the folding device in the folded state in one embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 6 It is Figure 5 the front view of the folding device shown.

[0022] Figure 7 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the base and two support members in one embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the folding device in the unfolded state in one embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the folding device in the folded state in one embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 10 This is an exploded schematic diagram of two support members and two connecting members in one embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 11 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the base, support member, rotating member, and connecting member in one embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 12 This is the front view of two support members and two connecting members of the folding device in the unfolded state in one embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 13 It is Figure 12 the partial enlarged schematic diagram of the folding device shown.

[0029] Figure 14 This is the front view of two support members and two connecting members of the folding device in the folded state in one embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the folding device in the unfolded state in another embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 16 It is Figure 15 the explosion diagram of the folding device shown.

[0032] Figure 17 It is Figure 15 the front view of the folding device shown.

[0033] Figure 18 This is the front view of the folding device in the folded state in another embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 19Exploded view of the base, carrier, and elastic member in an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 20 is Figure 19 Cross-sectional view of the base, carrier, and elastic member shown.

[0036] Figure 21 Front view of the base, carrier, and two support members when the folding device is in the folded state in an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 22 Front view of the base, carrier, and two support members during the unfolding process of the folding device in an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 23 Front view of the base, carrier, and two support members when the folding device is in the unfolded state in an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 24 Schematic perspective view of the housing assembly when it is in the unfolded state in an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 25 Schematic perspective view of the housing assembly when it is in the folded state in an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 26 Schematic perspective view of the electronic device when it is in the unfolded state in an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figure 27 Schematic perspective view of the electronic device when it is in the folded state in an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Reference numeral description:

[0044] Folding device-1, accommodating space-1a, first rotation axis-C1, second rotation axis-C2, third rotation axis-C3, housing assembly-2, electronic device-3, base-10, bottom surface-101, top surface-102, side surface-103, first rotation axis-11, fourth rotation axis-12, first sub-base-13, second sub-base-14, through hole-140, support member-20, support part-21, first supporting surface-210, first part-211, second part-212, first rotating part-22, first connecting rod-221, first rotating block-222, first through hole-2220, second rotating part-23, second connecting rod-231, second rotating block-232, second through hole-2320, first avoidance space-24, second avoidance space-25 Let space -25, rotating member -30, fourth rotating block -31, fourth through hole -310, connecting block -32, driven block -33, connecting member -40, connecting part -41, second supporting surface -410, sliding groove -411, avoidance surface -412, third rotating part -42, third connecting rod -421, third rotating block -422, third through hole -4220, second rotating shaft -43, third rotating shaft -44, bearing member -50, third avoidance space -501, fourth avoidance space -502, limiting part -51, protruding part -52, bearing wall -53, bearing surface -530, guide wall -54, outer side surface -540, inner side surface -541, elastic member -60, first shell -71, second shell -72, flexible screen -80, display surface -800. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The following are preferred implementations of the present application. It should be noted that, for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present application, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0046] With the market demand for the "display area" of terminal products such as mobile phones and tablets, the competition in the mobile terminal industry is increasingly tending towards large screens and ultra-thinness. However, large screens make the size of the whole machine too large and inconvenient to carry. The smartphone industry is ushering in an experience revolution brought about by form innovation. The display form of mobile phone products has developed from the initial hard screen to flexible screen, from small screen to large screen, from static mechanism to motion mechanism. Recently, major mobile phone manufacturers have been developing folding screens, striving to expand the form and display boundaries of mobile phone products, so that they have the functions of mobile phones, tablets and even computers. As an electronic device with a new display form, the foldable display terminal can be unfolded or closed due to its folding function, and has a larger display area in the unfolded state and a smaller overall size in the folded state, which can solve the above problems. It is now loved by the majority of users.

[0047] With the continuous popularization of foldable display terminals and the increasing demand of users for foldable display terminals, there has been a fierce competition trend in various experience performances of foldable display terminals. Among them, the trend of thinning and weight reduction has become increasingly obvious, and ultimately, an extremely thin and light result will gradually be formed. On the premise of the design of extreme thinness and lightness, problems such as how to design the rotation principle and mechanism, and how to fixedly cooperate the flexible screen and the rotation structure have emerged.

[0048] The foldable display terminal realizes the folding function by means of the folding device therein. Therefore, how to make the folding device and the flexible screen system extremely thin and light on the premise that the user experience and reliability requirements remain unchanged has become an important trend in the subsequent development of foldable display terminals. Among them, the external folding flexible screen solution is more conducive to the implementation of thinness and lightness because it reduces the space of the secondary screen. Currently, the folding device suitable for external folding is usually a four-axis rotation mechanism, that is, two support members are respectively rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base, so that two rotation axes are formed between the two support members and the base. At the same time, each support member is also rotatably connected to structures such as connecting members to form a rotation axis, and ultimately a total of four rotation axes are formed. However, this will lead to a complex structure of the folding device and a large number of parts. At the same time, whether it is the static overall size of the folding device or the dynamic movement amplitude is relatively large, resulting in more occupied space and being unfavorable to the development of thinness and lightness. In addition, the increase in rotating pairs also brings about the instability of the folding device, and there is obvious shaking of the whole machine.

[0049] In view of this, in order to solve the above problems, the present application provides a folding device. Please refer to Figures 1 - 6 simultaneously. The folding device 1 provided in this embodiment includes a base 10, two support members 20, two rotating members 30, and two connecting members 40. The two support members 20 are both rotatably connected to the base 10, and each support member 20 can rotate relative to the base 10 around the first rotation axis C1, and the two first rotation axes C1 are collinear. The two rotating members 30 are respectively rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base 10, and the two connecting members 40 are respectively located on both sides of the base 10. The connecting member 40 and the support member 20 located on the same side of the base 10 are rotatably connected to each other, and the connecting member 40 and the rotating member 30 are slidably or rotatably connected to each other. When the support member 20 rotates relative to the base 10, the connecting member 40 rotates relative to the support member 20 and slides or rotates relative to the rotating member 30, and the rotating member 30 rotates relative to the base 10.

[0050] The folding device 1 can also be called a rotating shaft or hinge, which is mainly used in electronic products such as mobile phones, tablets, and computers, and can also be used in other non-electronic products that require a torsion rotating shaft, such as doors and windows. The folding device 1 provided in this embodiment mainly includes a base 10, a support member 20, a rotating member 30, and a connecting member 40, which means that the technical problems mentioned above can be solved only by using the base 10, the support member 20, the rotating member 30, and the connecting member 40 in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the folding device 1 may also include other components, such as a driven member, a carrier 50, a synchronization mechanism, a torsion mechanism, and so on. Next, this embodiment will introduce the base 10, the support member 20, the rotating member 30, and the connecting member 40 in detail in turn.

[0051] The base 10 is a basic component in the folding device 1, mainly used to provide a mounting and fixing basis for other components, that is, most components of the folding device 1 can be mounted on the base 10. When the folding device 1 moves, the base 10 itself remains stationary, and mainly other components of the folding device 1, such as the support member 20, the rotating member 30, and the connecting member 40, perform various movements. In other words, in this embodiment and the following text, only the base 10 remains stationary all the time when the folding device 1 moves, and other components can perform various movements relative to the base 10. This embodiment does not limit the parameters such as the shape, structure, and material of the base 10, as long as it can provide an assembly basis for other components.

[0052] It should be noted that since the base 10 only has a rotational connection relationship with the support member 20 and the rotating member 30 in this embodiment, only the partial structure of the base 10 that cooperates with the support member 20 and the rotating member 30 is shown in this embodiment. In other words, only a partial structure schematic diagram of the base 10 is provided in this embodiment, and various adjustments and deformations can be made to the overall shape, size, structure, etc. of the base 10 based on this.

[0053] Optionally, the base 10 has a top surface 102, a bottom surface 101 arranged opposite to each other, and a side surface 103 that bends and connects the top surface 102 and the bottom surface 101. When the folding device 1 is subsequently applied to an electronic device, the bottom surface 101 can be close to the flexible screen of the electronic device, and the top surface 102 is away from the flexible screen and the top surface 102 can also cooperate with components such as decorative parts to use the decorative parts to block the base 10. In other words, the upper surface of the base 10 is the top surface 102, and the lower surface is the bottom surface 101.

[0054] The rotating member 30 mainly plays a role of rotation in the folding device 1, enabling the folding device 1 to have the ability to fold and unfold, and driving and restricting the movement of other components through the rotation of the rotating member 30, so that other components move along a predetermined trajectory. Two rotating members 30 are rotatably connected to the base 10 and are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the base 10, that is, the two rotating members 30 can rotate relative to the base 10. In other words, one end of the two rotating members 30 close to the base 10 is rotatably connected to the base 10. Since the base 10 is fixed, only the two rotating members 30 can rotate, and the other end of the rotating member 30 can be connected to other components such as the connecting member 40 subsequently. The opposite sides of the base 10 mentioned in this embodiment refer to the opposite sides along the width direction of the base 10, and the width direction can be understood as the arrangement direction of the two rotating members 30. The same understanding can be made for the opposite sides in this embodiment and the following text. The two rotating members 30 are rotatably connected to the opposite sides of the base 10, which is convenient for the two rotating members 30 to be respectively connected to the components on both sides of the base 10, so as to realize the folding and unfolding of both sides of the folding device 1. This embodiment does not limit parameters such as the shape, structure, and material of the rotating member 30, as long as the rotating member 30 can be rotatably connected to the base 10.

[0055] The rotation of the rotating member 30 enables the folding device 1 to have multiple different states, such as the unfolded state and the folded state. The unfolded state can be understood as the state when the rotating member 30 is completely flattened. At this time, the other end of the rotating member 30 is arranged corresponding to the side surface 103 of the base 10, which can make the supporting surface of the subsequent supporting member 20 flattened, and further enable the flexible screen to be completely unfolded. The folded state can be understood as the state when the rotating member 30 is completely folded. At this time, the other end of the rotating member 30 is arranged corresponding to the top surface 102 of the base 10, which can make the opposite ends of the subsequent flexible screen approach each other, and the flexible screen reaches the completely folded state. And the process of the folding device 1 from the unfolded state to the folded state can be understood as the folding process of the folding device 1, and the process of the folding device 1 from the folded state to the unfolded state can be understood as the unfolding process of the folding device 1.

[0056] Optionally, the two rotating members 30 are rotatably connected to the side surface 103 of the base 10. Further optionally, in one embodiment, the two rotating members 30 are axially symmetrically arranged with respect to the base 10. In another embodiment, the two rotating members 30 are non-axially symmetrically arranged with respect to the base 10. In other words, the two rotating members 30 have a partially overlapping area in the length direction of the folding device 1. This embodiment only makes a schematic description with the two rotating members 30 being axially symmetrically arranged with respect to the base 10.

[0057] The connecting member 40 mainly functions to connect various components in the folding device 1. Each connecting member 40 is subsequently used to connect to the housing, so that the connecting member 40 is fixed to the housing. In this way, when the housing rotates, the connecting member 40 can be driven to rotate together. And two connecting members 40 are arranged on opposite sides of the base 10, and each connecting member 40 is connected to the other end of the rotating member 30 on the same side. Specifically, the connecting member 40 forms a lower pair with the other end of the rotating member 30, such as a rotational connection or a sliding connection. In other words, the connecting member 40 can rotate relative to the other end of the rotating member 30, or the connecting member 40 can slide relative to the other end of the rotating member 30. Only in this way can the degrees of freedom of the overall movement of the folding device 1 be satisfied, so as to control the uniqueness of the movement trajectory of the folding device 1. Only the sliding connection between the connecting member 40 and the other end of the rotating member 30 is used for illustrative purposes in this embodiment and the following text. This embodiment does not limit parameters such as the shape, structure, and material of the connecting member 40, as long as the connecting member 40 can achieve a rotational connection or a sliding connection with the rotating member 30.

[0058] Optionally, the connecting member 40 is used to support and fix the flexible screen. For example, the flexible screen can be fixed to the connecting member 40 by means such as glue or dispensing. In this way, when the connecting member 40 rotates, the connecting member 40 can drive the flexible screen fixed thereon to rotate.

[0059] The support member 20 is mainly used to support the flexible screen when the folding device 1 is subsequently applied to an electronic device, so as to control the folding form of the flexible screen. Therefore, the support member 20 can also be called an inclined plate. Optionally, the flexible screen can be abutted against the support member 20 to support the flexible screen when it is unfolded or folded, drive the flexible screen to move during the folding or unfolding process, and move relative to the flexible screen. Both support members 20 are rotationally connected to the base 10. In other words, the two support members 20 can rotate relative to the base 10. And there is a rotation axis between two mutually rotationally connected components. Therefore, there is a first rotation axis C1 between each support member 20 and the base 10, and two first rotation axes C1 can be formed between the two support members 20 and the base 10, that is, each support member 20 can rotate relative to the base 10 around the first rotation axis C1.

[0060] Optionally, the rotational connection positions of the two support members 20 and the base 10 and the rotational connection positions of the two rotating members 30 and the base 10 can be located on one side or opposite sides of the base 10. Only the rotational connection positions of the two support members 20 and the base 10 and the rotational connection positions of the two rotating members 30 and the base 10 located on opposite sides of the base 10 are used for illustrative purposes in this embodiment.

[0061] Moreover, each support member 20 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 40 on the same side. In other words, the support member 20 can rotate relative to the connecting member 40 to ensure that the angle between the support member 20 and the connecting member 40 can be changed and adjusted, preventing movement jamming. For example, there is a second rotation axis C2 between one support member 20 and one connecting member 40, and there is another second rotation axis C2 between another support member 20 and another connecting member 40. Therefore, in this embodiment, two first rotation axes C1 and two second rotation axes C2, a total of four rotation axes, can be formed among the base 10, the two support members 20, and between the two support members 20.

[0062] The rotating member 30, the connecting member 40, the support member 20, and the connecting member 40 on one side of the base 10 in the folding device 1 can be regarded as the left module, and the rotating member 30, the connecting member 40, the support member 20, and the connecting member 40 on the other side of the base 10 can be regarded as the right module. The left module and the right module can be symmetrically designed or asymmetrically designed. In this embodiment, only the case where the left module and the right module are symmetric structures is schematically illustrated.

[0063] The folding device 1 may further include a decorative member, which is disposed on the top surface 102 and the side surface 103 of the base 10 for protecting and covering the base 10 and other components, so that users cannot observe the inside of the folding device 1. And the decorative member can also cooperate with the shells on the left and right sides of the base 10 to jointly form the appearance surface of the electronic device.

[0064] The folding device 1 provided in this embodiment can form a track mechanism with the base 10, the two rotating members 30, and the two connecting members 40. In one embodiment, the folding device 1 includes a track mechanism, which cooperates with the two support members 20. In another embodiment, the folding device 1 includes two track mechanisms, and the two track mechanisms cooperate with the two support members 20, and the two track mechanisms are arranged along the extending direction of the support members 20. At this time, each support member 20 is rotatably connected to two bases 10 in the two track mechanisms and simultaneously rotatably connected to two connecting members 40 in the two track mechanisms. In other embodiments, the folding device 1 includes three or more track mechanisms, and the three or more track mechanisms cooperate with the two support members 20, and the three or more track mechanisms are arranged along the extending direction of the support members 20. At this time, each support member 20 is rotatably connected to three or more bases 10 and simultaneously rotatably connected to three or more connecting members 40. In this embodiment, only the case where the folding device 1 includes a track mechanism and two support members 20 is schematically illustrated.

[0065] Based on the above connection relationship, it can be known that the folding device 1 provided in this embodiment is composed of 4 kinematic pairs on one side. Specifically, the base 10 and the support member 20 cooperate to form a revolute pair, the base 10 and the rotating member 30 cooperate to form a revolute pair, the support member 20 and the connecting member 40 cooperate to form a revolute pair, and the connecting member 40 and the rotating member 30 cooperate to form a revolute pair or a sliding pair. Therefore, the total degree of freedom of the components on one side cooperating together is 3*3 (there are 3 components on one side, such as 1 rotating member 30, 1 connecting member 40, and 1 support member 20) - 2*4 (there are 4 lower pairs on one side, such as 4 revolute pairs or 1 sliding pair and 3 revolute pairs) = 1.

[0066] The folding device 1 provided in this embodiment and in the following text is only schematically described with a two-bar structure (the support member 20 and the rotating member 30). On this basis, other bars can be added to the folding device 1. For example, for each additional bar, three degrees of freedom are increased at the same time, and in this way, it is still possible to ensure that the total degree of freedom of the folding device 1 is 1, so as to satisfy the movement of the entire folding device 1.

[0067] Therefore, when the folding device 1 moves, the movement trajectories and movement routes of each component are unique. Specifically, when the folding device 1 folds, the support member 20 rotates relative to the base 10, the connecting member 40 also rotates relative to the base 10 and the connecting member 40 also rotates relative to the support member 20, and the rotating member 30 also rotates relative to the base 10 and the rotating member 30 also rotates or slides relative to the connecting member 40. Finally, the two support members 20 are folded together. When the folding device 1 unfolds, the support member 20 rotates relative to the base 10, the connecting member 40 also rotates relative to the base 10 and the connecting member 40 also rotates relative to the support member 20, and the rotating member 30 also rotates relative to the base 10 and the rotating member 30 also rotates or slides relative to the connecting member 40. Finally, the two support members 20 are unfolded from each other.

[0068] As Figure 1 shown, when the two support members 20 are arranged side by side and parallel to each other, the two support members 20 are in a completely unfolded state relative to each other. In other words, the folding device 1 is in an unfolded state. As Figure 5 shown, when the two support members 20 are both located on opposite sides of the base 10, it can also be understood that the two support members 20 are respectively located on two opposite side surfaces 103 of the base 10. At this time, the two support members 20 are in a completely folded state relative to each other. In other words, the folding device 1 is in a folded state. When the two support members 20 are folded together, that is, during the process of the folding device 1 from the unfolded state to the folded state, it can also be understood as the process from Figures 1 to 5 . When the two support members 20 are unfolded from each other, that is, during the process of the folding device 1 from the folded state to the unfolded state, it can also be understood as the process from Figures 5 to 1 .

[0069] It should be noted that, as Figure 5As shown, when the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the flexible screen is disposed outside the accommodation space 1a formed by enclosing the base 10, two support members 20, and two connecting members 40. In other words, the folding device 1 provided in this embodiment is an outward-folding type folding device. When the folding device 1 is applied to an electronic device and is in the folded state, the flexible screen can be exposed for the user to view and use. Compared with an inward-folding type electronic device, it is beneficial to implement thin and light design. Therefore, the folded state or folding process referred to in this embodiment and the following text can also be called an outward-folded state or outward-folded process.

[0070] The movement process of the folding device 1 mentioned above has various active and driven logical relationships. In this application, one specific movement process is taken as an example for illustration. When the folding device 1 folds, that is, during the process of the folding device 1 changing from the unfolded state to the folded state. In other words, when the two connecting members 40 rotate relative to the base 10 and approach each other, since the connecting member 40 is rotatably connected to the support member 20 and the support member 20 is rotatably connected to the base 10, the connecting member 40 can drive the support member 20 to also rotate relative to the base 10, and at the same time, the support member 20 also rotates relative to the connecting member 40. Also, since the rotating member 30 is rotatably connected or slidably connected to the connecting member 40 and the rotating member 30 is rotatably connected to the base 10, the connecting member 40 can drive the rotating member 30 to also rotate relative to the base 10, and at the same time, the rotating member 30 also rotates or slides relative to the connecting member 40, and finally the two support members 20 and the two rotating members 30 are folded together. For example, the support member 20 rotates 45° relative to the base 10, and then the connecting member 40 rotates 45° relative to the support member 20. Finally, the connecting member 40 rotates 90° relative to the base 10, and the support member 20 forms an inclination of 45°, so as to form an under-screen support for the folded flexible screen by using the support member 20 and the connecting member 40.

[0071] Similarly, when the folding device 1 unfolds, that is, during the process of the folding device 1 changing from the folded state to the unfolded state. In other words, when the two connecting members 40 rotate in the opposite direction relative to the base 10 and move away from each other, since the connecting member 40 is rotatably connected to the support member 20 and the support member 20 is rotatably connected to the base 10, the connecting member 40 can drive the support member 20 to also rotate relative to the base 10, and at the same time, the support member 20 also rotates relative to the connecting member 40. Also, since the rotating member 30 is rotatably connected or slidably connected to the connecting member 40, and the rotating member 30 is rotatably connected to the base 10, the connecting member 40 can drive the rotating member 30 to also rotate relative to the base 10, and at the same time, the rotating member 30 also rotates or slides relative to the connecting member 40, and finally the two support members 20 and the two rotating members 30 are unfolded. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the two support members 20 and the two connecting members 40 form a horizontal plane, forming a reliable support under the flexible screen.

[0072] In other embodiments, the active and passive relationships of the above-mentioned multiple components can be reversed. For example, the support member 20 can also rotate relative to the base 10, thereby driving the rotating member 30 and the connecting member 40 to rotate relative to the base 10. Such movement processes and principles should also fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the folding device 1 provided in this embodiment can achieve the folding and unfolding of the folding device 1 through the mutual cooperation of the base 10, the support member 20, the rotating member 30, and the connecting member 40.

[0073] In the related art, two first rotation axes C1 that are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other are formed between the two support members 20 and the base 10, and each support member 20 also forms a second rotation axis C2 with the connecting member 40 on the same side. Therefore, the two first rotation axes C1 and the two second rotation axes C2 together form four rotation axes, that is, four axes, which greatly affects the design of the folding device 1 to be thin and light, and the stability of the folding device 1.

[0074] Based on this, in this embodiment, by making the two first rotation axes C1 collinear. In other words, in this application, the rotation axes between the two support members 20 and the base 10 are combined into one. It seems that there are two first rotation axes C1, but actually the two first rotation axes C1 can be equivalent to one first rotation axis C1, so as to cooperate with the two second rotation axes C2 to form the basic movement of the three-axis or three-axis structure of the support member 20 and the connecting member 40. Compared with the four axes in the related art, this embodiment reduces one rotation axis.

[0075] The reduction of the rotation axes can first simplify the structure of the folding device 1. For example, it can reduce the number of components, thereby reducing the overall weight of the folding device 1 and making the folding device 1 lighter. Secondly, collinearizing the two first rotation axes C1 is equivalent to bringing the two support members 20 closer to the center of the base 10, thereby reducing the width of the folding device 1 and making the folding device 1 thinner. In other words, in the related art, the two support members 20 are usually provided on opposite sides of the base 10 and are respectively rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base 10. In this embodiment, the two support members 20 can be brought closer to each other, squeezing the base 10 above the two support members 20, so that the base 10 is located above the two support members 20 in the unfolded state, that is, the two support members 20 are located on the bottom surface 101 of the base 10. The two support members 20 are in contact with each other or there is a gap between the two support members 20, thereby compressing the size of the folding device 1 in the width direction and making the folding device 1 thinner. It can also be understood that after the two first rotation axes C1 are close to each other, during the movement of the folding device 1, the movement amplitude of the two support members 20 is smaller, and the required rotation space is also smaller, which can also reduce the width of the folding device 1 and make the folding device 1 thinner, ultimately achieving the purpose of making the folding device 1 thinner and lighter and realizing the miniaturization of the folding device 1. In addition, the reduction of the rotation axes can reduce the number of rotating pairs of the folding device 1, making the under-screen support and the overall mechanism more stable, and the shaking and rotational play of the folding device 1 can be significantly improved, enhancing the stability of the folding device 1.

[0076] In summary, in response to the design requirement of thinness and lightness, this embodiment proposes a design scheme for a three-axis external folding device 1, proposes an optimized solution for the overall thickness and weight, and can also improve the overall stability of the device and reduce shaking and rotational play.

[0077] Please refer to again Figure 1 With Figure 3 , in this embodiment, the support member 20 and the connecting member 40 located on the same side of the base 10 can rotate relative to each other about the second rotation axis C2, and the first rotation axis C1 is located between the two second rotation axes C2.

[0078] A second rotation axis C2 can be formed between each support member 20 and the connecting member 40 on the same side. Therefore, two second rotation axes C2 arranged at intervals can be formed between the two support members 20 and the two connecting members 40. This embodiment can make the collinear first rotation axis C1 located between the two second rotation axes C2, so that the two support members 20 can move away from each other when the folding device 1 is folded to achieve the folding purpose. And the first rotation axis C1 being located between the two second rotation axes C2 means that the first rotation axis C1 is parallel to the second rotation axis C2, which is convenient for the subsequent rotation of the connecting member 40 relative to the base 10 and the rotation of the support member 20 relative to the connecting member 40.

[0079] Optionally, when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the first rotation axis C1 is located at the center of the two second rotation axes C2, so that the movement of the two support members 20 is relatively symmetrical, thereby driving the movement of other components and ultimately achieving symmetrical movement of the folding device 1 on both sides.

[0080] Please refer to Figure 7 In this embodiment, each support member 20 includes a support portion 21 and a first rotating portion 22. The support portion 21 has a first support surface 210 for supporting the flexible screen. The first rotating portion 22 is arranged on the side of the support portion 21 away from the first support surface 210. The base 10 is provided with a first rotating shaft 11. The two first rotating portions 22 of the two support members 20 are both sleeved on the first rotating shaft 11.

[0081] Each support member 20 includes a support portion 21 and a first rotating portion 22. The support portion 21 is a portion of the support member 20 used to support the flexible screen. Therefore, the support portion 21 has a first supporting surface 210 that supports the flexible screen. In other words, the lower surface of the support portion 21 is the first supporting surface 210. The first rotating portion 22 is a portion of the support member 20 that is rotatably connected to the base 10. The first rotating portion 22 is disposed on a side of the support portion 21 that is away from the first supporting surface 210. This not only does not affect the support of the support portion 21, but also facilitates the rotatable connection between the first rotating portion 22 and the base 10. As for the specific structure of the first rotating portion 22, this embodiment is not limited here. For example, the first rotating portion 22 includes a first connecting rod 221 and a circular first rotating block 222. The opposite ends of the first connecting rod 221 are respectively connected to the support portion 21 and the first rotating block 222. The first rotating block 222 is provided with a first through hole 2220.

[0082] The first rotating shaft 11 may be protruded from one side of the base 10, and the two first rotating blocks 222 in the two first rotating parts 22 of the two supporting members 20 are sleeved on the first rotating shaft 11 through the first through holes 2220. In other words, the first rotating shaft 11 passes through the two first rotating blocks 222 through the two first through holes 2220 at the same time. Thus, the two supporting members 20 can rotate along the axis of the first rotating shaft 11, and the two first rotating axes C1 are the axes of the first rotating shaft 11, thereby achieving the purpose of the two first rotating axes C1 being colinear.

[0083] Please refer to Figures 8 - 10, in this embodiment, each support member 20 includes a support portion 21 and a second rotating portion 23. The support portion 21 has a first support surface 210 for supporting the flexible screen, and the second rotating portion 23 is disposed on a side of the support portion 21 away from the first support surface 210. Each connecting member 40 includes a connecting portion 41 and a third rotating portion 42. The connecting portion 41 has a second support surface 410 for supporting the flexible screen, and the third rotating portion 42 is disposed on a side of the connecting portion 41 away from the second support surface 410. The folding device 1 further includes a second rotating shaft 43 and a third rotating shaft 44. The second rotating portion 23 and the third rotating portion 42 on one side of the base 10 are disposed at intervals and are both sleeved on the second rotating shaft 43. The second rotating portion 23 and the third rotating portion 42 on the other side of the base 10 are correspondingly disposed at intervals and are both sleeved on the third rotating shaft 44.

[0084] Each support member 20 includes a support portion 21 and a second rotating portion 23. The support portion 21 is the part of the support member 20 for supporting the flexible screen. Therefore, the support portion 21 has a first support surface 210 for supporting the flexible screen. In other words, the lower surface of the support portion 21 is the first support surface 210. The second rotating portion 23 is the part where the support member 20 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 40. The second rotating portion 23 is disposed on a side of the support portion 21 away from the first support surface 210. This not only does not affect the support of the support portion 21 but also facilitates the rotational connection between the second rotating portion 23 and the connecting member 40. As for the specific structure of the second rotating portion 23, it is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the second rotating portion 23 includes a second connecting rod 231 and a circular second rotating block 232. Opposite ends of the second connecting rod 231 are respectively connected to the support portion 21 and the second rotating block 232, and the second rotating block 232 is provided with a second through hole 2320.

[0085] Similarly, each connecting member 40 includes a connecting portion 41 and a third rotating portion 42. The connecting portion 41 is the part of the connecting member 40 for supporting the flexible screen. Therefore, the connecting portion 41 has a second support surface 410 for supporting the flexible screen. In other words, the lower surface of the connecting portion 41 is the second support surface 410. The third rotating portion 42 is the part where the connecting member 40 is rotatably connected to the support member 20. The third rotating portion 42 is disposed on a side of the connecting portion 41 away from the second support surface 410. This not only does not affect the support of the connecting portion 41 but also facilitates the rotational connection between the third rotating portion 42 and the support member 20. As for the specific structure of the third rotating portion 42, it is not limited in this embodiment. For example, the third rotating portion 42 includes a third connecting rod 421 and a circular third rotating block 422. Opposite ends of the third connecting rod 421 are respectively connected to the connecting portion 41 and the third rotating block 422, and the third rotating block 422 is provided with a third through hole 4220.

[0086] The folding device 1 may further include a second rotating shaft 43 and a third rotating shaft 44, wherein the second rotating shaft 43 is used to cooperate with a second rotating part 23 and a third rotating part 42 on one side of the base 10. Specifically, a second rotating block 232 in the second rotating part 23 on the right side of the base 10 is sleeved on one end of the second rotating shaft 43 through a second through hole 2320, and a third rotating block 422 in the third rotating part 42 on the right side of the base 10 is sleeved on the other end of the second rotating shaft 43 through a third through hole 4220. In other words, the second rotating shaft 43 penetrates through the second rotating block 232 and the third rotating block 422 through the second through hole 2320 and the third through hole 4220 respectively, so as to realize the rotational connection between the support member 20 and the connecting member 40 on the right side of the base 10. And the second rotating block 232 and the third rotating block 422 are arranged with a gap on the second rotating shaft 43, that is, the second rotating block 232 and the third rotating block 422 do not abut against each other, but have a certain distance.

[0087] Similarly, a second rotating block 232 in the second rotating part 23 on the left side of the base 10 is sleeved on one end of the third rotating shaft 44 through a second through hole 2320, and a third rotating block 422 in the third rotating part 42 on the left side of the base 10 is sleeved on the other end of the third rotating shaft 44 through a third through hole 4220. In other words, the third rotating shaft 44 penetrates through the second rotating block 232 and the third rotating block 422 through the second through hole 2320 and the third through hole 4220 respectively, so as to realize the rotational connection between the support member 20 and the connecting member 40 on the left side of the base 10. And in this embodiment, the second rotating block 232 and the third rotating block 422 on the left side of the base 10 can be integrally arranged within the gap corresponding to the second rotating block 232 and the third rotating block 422 on the right side of the base 10, so as to prevent the two second rotating blocks 232 and the two third rotating blocks 422 on both sides of the base 10 from approaching and interfering with each other during the folding of the folding device 1, for example, during the process of the folding device 1 from the unfolded state to the folded state, which affects the movement of the folding device 1.

[0088] In other words, when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the two second rotating blocks 232 and the two third rotating blocks 422 on both sides of the base 10 are spaced apart from each other. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, a part of the second rotating block 232 and a part of the third rotating block 422 on the left side of the base 10 can be arranged within the gap between the second rotating block 232 and the third rotating block 422 on the right side of the base 10, ensuring the normal folding of the folding device 1.

[0089] Optionally, the second rotating block 232 and the third rotating block 422 on the left side of the base 10 abut against each other, so as to reduce the required gap size on the right side of the base 10 and reduce the distance between the second rotating block 232 and the third rotating block 422 on the right side of the base 10.

[0090] Optionally, the support member 20 is provided with a first avoidance space 24, and the third connecting rod 421 of the third rotating part 42 can be arranged in the first avoidance space 24. The first avoidance space 24 can be used to avoid the third connecting rod 421, so as to prevent interference between the third rotating part 42 and the support member 20. At the same time, the support member 20 and the third rotating part 42 can be made more compact, further reducing the overall width of the folding device 1 and achieving the purpose of being thin and light.

[0091] Please also refer to Figure 4 With Figure 11 , in this embodiment, the rotating member 30 can rotate relative to the base 10 around the third rotation axis C3, and the second rotation axis C2 is parallel to the third rotation axis C3. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the second rotation axis C2 is farther from the bottom surface 101 of the base 10 than the third rotation axis C3, and the second rotation axis C2 is closer to the connecting member 40 than the third rotation axis C3.

[0092] The support member 20 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 40, so there is a second rotation axis C2 between the support member 20 and the connecting member 40. Similarly, the rotating member 30 is rotatably connected to the base 10, so there is a third rotation axis C3 between the rotating member 30 and the base 10. The second rotation axis C2 and the third rotation axis C3 on the same side of the base 10 are parallel to each other, that is, the second rotation axis C2 and the third rotation axis C3 do not coincide but have a spacing. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the second rotation axis C2 is farther from the bottom surface 101 of the base 10 than the third rotation axis C3, and the second rotation axis C2 is closer to the connecting member 40 than the third rotation axis C3. In other words, the second rotation axis C2 is higher and farther to the right than the third rotation axis C3. Therefore, in Figure 4 , the second rotation axis C2 on the right side of the base 10 is located in the upper right, and the third rotation axis C3 is located in the lower left.

[0093] Through the above settings, when the folding device 1 is folded, the connecting member 40 can slide in a direction away from the support member 20 while rotating relative to the base 10, which can not only better control the movement trajectory of the flexible screen, but also adapt to the size of the flexible screen that becomes longer after folding. Similarly, when the folding device 1 is unfolded, the connecting member 40 can slide in a direction close to the support member 20 while rotating relative to the base 10, so as to adapt to the size of the flexible screen that shortens after unfolding. In summary, in this embodiment, no new components need to be added, and only by designing the positions of the second rotation axis C2 and the third rotation axis C3 can the sliding of the connecting member 40 relative to the support member 20 be realized. In addition, since the connecting member 40 is rotatably connected to the support member 20, during the sliding and rotation of the connecting member 40 relative to the support member 20, the support member 20 can also rotate relative to the connecting member 40, thus avoiding interference between the support member 20 and the connecting member 40.

[0094] In this embodiment, the rotating member 30 includes a fourth rotating block 31, a connecting block 32 and a driven block 33. The connecting block 32 is connected between the fourth rotating block 31 and the driven block 33. The fourth rotating block 31 is used for rotatably connecting with the base 10. The fourth rotating block 31 is provided with a fourth through hole 310. A fourth rotating shaft 12 protrudes from a side of the base 10 away from the first rotating shaft 11. The fourth rotating block 31 is sleeved on the fourth rotating shaft 12 through the fourth through hole 310, so that the rotating member 30 can rotate relative to the base 10. The connecting member 40 includes a connecting portion 41. A sliding groove 411 is provided on a side of the connecting portion 41 away from the second supporting surface 410. The driven block 33 can be arranged in the sliding groove 411, so that the rotating member 30 can slide relative to the connecting member 40. When the connecting member 40 rotates relative to the base 10, the connecting member 40 can synchronously drive the rotating member 30 to rotate relative to the base 10. When the connecting member 40 slides relative to the supporting member 20, the driven block 33 can also slide in the sliding groove 411. The cooperation between the driven block 33 and the sliding groove 411 can also restrict and limit the movement of the connecting member 40. In other embodiments, the driven block 33 can also be rotatably connected to a side of the connecting portion 41 away from the second supporting surface 410.

[0095] Optionally, the driven block 33 and the sliding groove 411 are parallel to the second supporting surface 410 of the connecting portion 41, which can protect the dimensional changes in the length direction and width direction and the angle stability of the connecting member 40 during the rotation process.

[0096] Optionally, a first limiting block can be arranged on the circumferential side surface 103 of the fourth rotating block 31, and a second limiting block can be arranged on a side of the base 10 where the fourth rotating shaft 12 is provided. The cooperation between the first limiting block and the second limiting block can enable the rotating member 30 to only rotate 90° when unfolding and folding, that is, limit the rotating member 30 to prevent the rotating member 30 from rotating excessively.

[0097] Optionally, the supporting member 20 is provided with a second avoidance space 25. The connecting block 32 of the rotating member 30 can be arranged in the second avoidance space 25, which can not only use the second avoidance space 25 to avoid the connecting block 32, so as to prevent the rotating member 30 from interfering with the supporting member 20. At the same time, it can also make the supporting member 20, the rotating member 30 and the connecting member 40 more compact, further reduce the overall width of the folding device 1, and achieve the purpose of being thin and light.

[0098] Please refer to Figures 12 - 14, in this embodiment, each connecting member 40 includes a connecting portion 41, and the connecting portion 41 has a second supporting surface 410 for supporting the flexible screen. Each supporting member 20 includes a supporting portion 21, and the supporting portion 21 includes a first portion 211 and a second portion 212 that is bent and connected to the first portion 211. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the first portion 211 is used to support the flexible screen, and the second portion 212 is bent to the side of the connecting portion 41 facing away from the second supporting surface 410. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, both the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 are used to support the flexible screen, and the second portion 212 is located between the connecting portion 41 and the first portion 211. The first portion 211 is used to support the flexible screen in the unfolded state. In other words, the first supporting surface 210 of the first portion 211 is flush with the second supporting surface 410 of the connecting portion 41. The second portion 212 is bent and connected to the first portion 211, and when in the unfolded state, the second portion 212 can be bent to the side of the connecting portion 41 facing away from the second supporting surface 410. At this time, the second portion 212 does not play a role and can be hidden above the connecting portion 41, while bringing the connecting portion 41 closer to the first portion 211, reducing the gap between the connecting portion 41 and the first portion 211, and avoiding pressing voids.

[0099] When the folding device 1 is folded, the connecting portion 41 of the connecting member 40 moves in a direction away from the supporting member 20. At this time, the second portion 212 can be gradually exposed. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the second portion 212 is completely exposed, and the connecting portion 41 can be located on the side of the second portion 212 facing away from the first portion 211. In other words, the second portion 212 gradually moves from above the connecting portion 41 to be arranged on the same side as the connecting portion 41. The second portion 212 is located between the first portion 211 and the connecting portion 41, that is, the first supporting surface 210 of the second portion 212 is flush with the second supporting surface 410 of the connecting portion 41. Both the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the supporting member 20 can be used to support the bent area, i.e., the arc area, of the flexible screen, and the connecting portion 41 can be used to support the non-bent area, i.e., the flat area, of the flexible screen.

[0100] In summary, when the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the second portion 212 hidden above the connecting portion 41 can also be used to support the flexible screen, thereby making up for the gap formed after the connecting portion 41 moves away from the first portion 211, improving the supporting effect on the flexible screen in the folded state, and avoiding pressing voids.

[0101] Optionally, an inclined avoidance surface 412 is provided on the side of the connecting portion 41 close to the first portion 211 and facing away from the second supporting surface 410 to prevent the connecting portion 41 from interfering with the second portion 212 of the supporting member 20 during rotation.

[0102] Please refer to Figures 15 - 18, in another embodiment of the present application, the folding device 1 further includes a carrier 50 slidably connected to the base 10. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the carrier 50 is located between the base 10 and the two support members 20. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the carrier 50 is located between the two support members 20, and the carrier 50 is also used to support the flexible screen.

[0103] As can be seen from the above, when the folding device 1 is unfolded, the two support members 20 and the two connecting members 40 can be used to support the flexible screen. When the folding device 1 is folded, the two support members 20 and the two connecting members 40 will rotate to the left and right sides respectively, so as to use the support member 20 to support the arc area of the flexible screen and use the connecting portion 41 to support the flat area of the flexible screen. However, due to the mutual separation of the two support members 20, that is, the two support members 20 are lifted, a gap will be formed between the two support members 20 when in the folded state, that is, the arc head area of the flexible screen is not supported, thus affecting the support effect of the flexible screen.

[0104] Therefore, a carrier 50 can be additionally provided in the folding device 1. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the carrier 50 can be located between the base 10 and the two support members 20. In other words, the carrier 50 is hidden above the two support members 20, and the user cannot see the carrier 50 from one side of the first support surface 210. Therefore, the presence of the carrier 50 in the unfolded state will not affect the support of the two support members 20 and the two connecting members 40. When the folding device 1 is folded, that is, during the process of the folding device 1 changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, since the two support members 20 are separated from each other, it can also be understood that the two support members 20 rotate from the bottom surface 101 of the base 10 to the two opposite side surfaces 103 of the base 10. At this time, the area of the bottom surface 101 of the base 10 is vacated, and the carrier 50 can be moved in a direction away from the base 10, so as to make up for the position where the support member 20 is located. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the carrier 50 is located between the two support members 20, and at the same time, the carrier 50 is also used to support the flexible screen, that is, the carrier 50 is used to support the arc head area of the flexible screen. At this time, the carrier 50 can also be called a middle plate.

[0105] On the contrary, when the folding device 1 is unfolded, that is, during the process of the folding device 1 changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the two support members 20 approach each other, and it can also be understood that the two support members 20 rotate from the two opposite side surfaces 103 of the base 10 to the bottom surface 101 of the base 10. At the same time, during the rotation process, the two support members 20 can drive the carrier 50 to move in a direction close to the base 10, and finally make the carrier 50 be located between the two support members 20 and the base 10 again when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, so as to prepare for the next folding.

[0106] In summary, the present embodiment provides a structure of a liftable carrier 50, which ensures that the flexible screen can be sufficiently and stably supported in both the unfolded state and the folded state, thereby ensuring the feel and reliability of the flexible screen.

[0107] Optionally, the carrier 50 is provided with a third avoidance space 501, and the second rotating block 232 of the second rotating part 23 and the third rotating block 422 of the third rotating part 42 can be partially arranged in the third avoidance space 501. This can not only achieve the avoidance between the carrier 50 and the second rotating part 23 and the third rotating part 42, but also make the folding device 1 more compact, further reduce the overall width of the folding device 1, and achieve the purpose of being thin and light.

[0108] Optionally, the carrier 50 is provided with a fourth avoidance space 502, and the first connecting rod 221 of the first rotating part 22 is arranged in the fourth avoidance space 502. This can not only achieve the avoidance between the carrier 50 and the first rotating part 22, but also make the folding device 1 more compact, further reduce the overall width of the folding device 1, and achieve the purpose of being thin and light.

[0109] Please refer to Figures 17 - 20 , in the present embodiment, the base 10 has a through hole 140, the carrier 50 is fixedly provided with a limiting part 51 passing through the through hole 140, and the size of the end of the limiting part 51 far from the carrier 50 is larger than the aperture of the through hole 140. The folding device 1 further includes an elastic member 60 abutted between the base 10 and the carrier 50. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the elastic member 60 is in a compressed state and the carrier 50 abuts against the two support members 20. During the process of the folding device 1 changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two support members 20 move away from each other and the elastic member 60 in the compressed state drives the carrier 50 to move in a direction away from the base 10 until the limiting part 51 abuts against the base 10.

[0110] The base 10 can also cooperate with the carrier 50. Optionally, the base 10 includes a first sub-base 13 and a second sub-base 14. The first sub-base 13 is used for rotatably connecting with the support member 20 and the rotating member 30. In other words, the first rotating shaft 11 and the fourth rotating shaft 12 are arranged on opposite sides of the first sub-base 13. The second sub-base 14 is used for cooperating with the carrier 50. Specifically, a through hole 140 is formed on the second sub-base 14. The carrier 50 is fixedly provided with a limiting part 51 passing through the through hole 140 of the second sub-base 14. Optionally, the carrier 50 and the limiting part 51 can be of an integral structure or a split structure. In the present embodiment, only the split structure of the carrier 50 and the limiting part 51 is schematically illustrated.

[0111] Moreover, one end of the limiting portion 51 away from the carrier 50 penetrates through the second sub-base 14 and is disposed on the side of the second sub-base 14 away from the carrier 50, and the size of this end is larger than the aperture of the through hole 140, so as to prevent the end of the limiting portion 51 away from the carrier 50 from abutting against the second sub-base 14, thereby preventing the limiting portion 51 from separating from the second sub-base 14. Optionally, the limiting portion 51 includes, but is not limited to, a screw. The nut of the screw is disposed on the side of the second sub-base 14 away from the carrier 50. The screw rod of the screw penetrates through the second sub-base 14 through the through hole 140 and is connected to the carrier 50. The diameter of the nut can be used to be larger than the diameter of the through hole 140, so that the nut abuts against the second sub-base 14 to realize the limitation of the carrier 50.

[0112] In addition, the folding device 1 may further include an elastic member 60. The elastic member 60 is disposed between the second sub-base 14 and the carrier 50, and opposite ends of the elastic member 60 respectively abut against the second sub-base 14 and the carrier 50. Optionally, a circular convex portion 52 is provided on the carrier 50. One end of the elastic member 60 is sleeved on and abuts against the convex portion 52, and the other end abuts against the second sub-base 14. The limiting portion 51 is connected to the convex portion 52 through the elastic member 60. Optionally, the elastic member 60 includes, but is not limited to, a spring.

[0113] When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the elastic member 60 is in a compressed state. The elastic member 60 in the compressed state will apply elastic forces to the second sub-base 14 and the carrier 50 at both ends. Since the base 10 is fixed, this elastic force will cause the carrier 50 to abut against the two support members 20. When the folding device 1 folds, that is, when the folding device 1 changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two support members 20 will move away from each other and gradually rotate from the bottom surface 101 of the base 10 to the side surface 103 of the base 10. Since the area directly below the carrier 50 gradually becomes empty, the carrier 50 can gradually move in a direction away from the base 10 under the drive of the elastic force of the elastic member 60. Since the limiting portion 51 is fixedly disposed on the carrier 50, the downward movement of the carrier 50 will drive the limiting portion 51 to slide downward together. When the limiting portion 51 abuts against the base 10, the limiting portion 51 can no longer continue to move, resulting in the downward movement of the carrier 50 stopping. Finally, in the folded state, the carrier 50 supports and abuts against the flexible screen, thereby supporting the arc head region of the flexible screen.

[0114] In summary, in this embodiment, through the limitation of the limiting portion 51 and the elasticity of the elastic member 60 in the compressed state, the lifting function of the carrier 50 during the folding process is ensured, so that the carrier 50 can be lifted and ejected in the folded state.

[0115] Please refer to Figures 21 - 23, in this embodiment, the carrier 50 includes a carrier wall 53 and two guiding walls 54 bent and connected to opposite sides of the carrier wall 53. The two outer side surfaces 540 of the two guiding walls 54 are both inclined relative to the carrier wall 53, so that the distance between the two outer side surfaces 540 gradually increases in the direction from near the carrier wall 53 to far from the carrier wall 53. During the process of the folding device 1 changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the two support members 20 respectively abut against the two outer side surfaces 540, thereby driving the carrier 50 to move in the direction close to the base 10.

[0116] The carrier 50 includes a carrier wall 53 and two guiding walls 54. The two guiding walls 54 are bent and connected to opposite sides of the carrier wall 53. The carrier wall 53 and the two guiding walls 54 can enclose to form an accommodating space, and the accommodating space can be used to accommodate the above-mentioned protruding portion 52 and the elastic member 60. Specifically, the protruding portion 52 can be arranged on the carrier wall 53, and one end of the elastic member 60 abuts against the carrier wall 53. The guiding wall 54 has an inner side surface 541 and an outer side surface 540. The inner side surface 541 is closer to the accommodating space than the outer side surface 540. In other words, the outer side surface 540 is a part of the appearance surface of the carrier 50.

[0117] In this embodiment, the two outer side surfaces 540 can be inclined relative to the carrier wall 53. In other words, it is not necessary to make the whole guiding wall 54 inclined relative to the carrier wall 53. For example, the inner side surface 541 can be perpendicular to the carrier wall 53, and only the outer side surface 540 of the guiding wall 54 needs to be inclined relative to the carrier wall 53, which is convenient for subsequent cooperation with the support member 20. Optionally, the whole guiding wall 54 is inclined relative to the carrier wall 53, that is, both the inner side surface 541 and the outer side surface 540 are inclined relative to the carrier wall 53. Specifically, in the direction from near the carrier wall 53 to far from the carrier wall 53, the distance between the two outer side surfaces 540 gradually increases. In other words, from bottom to top, the outer side surface 540 gradually inclines outwards, so that the opening width of the accommodating space gradually increases.

[0118] Through the above settings, when the folding device 1 is unfolded, that is, during the process of the folding device 1 changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the two support members 20 gradually rotate from the two opposite side surfaces 103 of the base 10 to the bottom surface 101 of the base 10. During the rotation process, the carrier 50 initially remains stationary. When the two support members 20 respectively abut against the inclined outer side surfaces 540 of the two guiding walls 54 on opposite sides of the carrier 50, the two support members 20 will apply an extrusion force (as shown by the arrow in Figure 22 towards the center and upwards of the base 10 to the inclined outer side surfaces 540 of the guiding wall 54. The component force of the extrusion force towards the direction of the base 10 forms a resultant upward force (as shown by the arrow in Figure 22As shown in Fig. F. Therefore, as the two support members 20 gradually rotate, the two support members 20 can drive the carrier 50 to move in the direction close to the base 10 through the resultant force of lifting. At the same time, when the carrier 50 rises, the elastic member 60 can be compressed. Finally, when in the unfolded state, the carrier 50 is located between the two support members 20 and the base 10, and the carrier 50 abuts against the two support members 20, and the elastic member 60 is in a compressed state, preparing for the next folding. In summary, in this embodiment, the carrier 50 and the two support members 20 cooperate to enable the carrier 50 of the folding device 1 to be automatically retracted when the folding device 1 is flattened.

[0119] Optionally, the bearing surface 530 of the bearing wall 53 for bearing the flexible screen is arc-shaped, which can better adapt to the arc head area of the flexible screen and improve the support effect. Further optionally, the surfaces of the two support members 20 for abutting against the bearing surface 530 are inclined surfaces or arc surfaces, so as to improve the abutting effect between the two support members 20 and the carrier 50 in the unfolded state.

[0120] Please refer to Figures 24 - 25 , the housing assembly 2 provided in this embodiment includes a first housing 71, a second housing 72, and the folding device 1 provided in the above embodiment of the present application. The folding device 1 is connected between the first housing 71 and the second housing 72.

[0121] The housing assembly 2 is a combined component, that is, the housing assembly 2 includes at least two components. In this embodiment, the housing assembly 2 mainly includes two housings and the folding device 1 provided in the above embodiment of the present application. The first housing 71 and the second housing 72 are mainly used to install and carry components. For example, a flexible screen can be carried on the first housing 71 and the second housing 72, and function modules such as a battery, a PCB assembly, a speaker, a receiver, and a button can be arranged in the first housing 71 and the second housing 72. Therefore, the first housing 71 and the second housing 72 mainly play roles such as installation and protection. In some embodiments, the surfaces of the first housing 71 and the second housing 72 can also serve as appearance surfaces. Therefore, the surfaces of the first housing 71 and the second housing 72 can be correspondingly designed to make the first housing 71 and the second housing 72 have a unique external effect. This embodiment does not limit the parameters such as the shape, material, and structure of the first housing 71 and the second housing 72, as long as the functions of installation and protection can be achieved. For example, the materials of the first housing 71 and the second housing 72 can be all metal, or all plastic, or part metal and part plastic.

[0122] One connecting member 40 of the folding device 1 is connected to the first housing 71, and the other connecting member 40 is connected to the second housing 72. When the first housing 71 and the second housing 72 rotate, the two connecting members 40 are driven to rotate relative to the base 10, thereby realizing subsequent movement processes, such as the movement of components such as the rotating member 30 and the support member 20. Optionally, the housing and the connecting member 40 can be fixed by means of screws, snaps, or dispensing. The housing assembly 2 provided in this embodiment can achieve thinning, improve stability, and reduce shaking and rotational play by adopting the folding device 1 provided in the above embodiment of the present application.

[0123] Please also refer to Figures 26 - 27 , the electronic device 3 provided in this embodiment includes a flexible screen 80 and the housing assembly 2 provided in the above embodiment of the present application. The flexible screen 80 is disposed on the same side of the first housing 71, the second housing 72, and the folding device 1.

[0124] The electronic device 3 provided in this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, mobile terminals such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, palmtop computers, personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable media players (PMPs), navigation devices, wearable devices, smart bracelets, and pedometers, as well as fixed terminals such as digital TVs and desktop computers. Only a mobile phone is used as an example for illustrative purposes.

[0125] The electronic device 3 includes a flexible screen 80 and a housing assembly 2. The flexible screen 80 is a component with a certain degree of flexibility. Compared with rigid components, the flexible screen 80 can be bent to a certain extent. For example, the flexible screen 80 includes, but is not limited to, various flexible components with corresponding functions such as a flexible display screen, a flexible touch screen, a flexible touch display screen, etc., or a flexible component fixedly attached with a flexible support plate, such as a flexible display screen or a flexible touch screen attached with a flexible steel plate. The flexible screen 80 is disposed on the same side of the first housing 71 and the second housing 72 in the housing assembly 2 and can be bent or flattened along with the housing assembly 2. Specifically, the flexible screen 80 has a bending area and non-bending areas disposed on opposite sides of the bending area. The bending area of the flexible screen 80 corresponds to the two support members 20 of the folding device 1. The non-bending areas are fixedly disposed on the two connecting members 40, the first housing 71, and the second housing 72. When the folding device 1 moves, the shape of the flexible screen 80 in the bending area is controlled by the two support members 20 and will change, so that the flexible screen 80 in the bending area can be bent accordingly, and thus can be bent or flattened along with the movement of the electronic device 3. Since the non-bending areas are fixedly disposed on the two connecting members 40, the first housing 71, and the second housing 72, only relative rotation occurs between the two connecting members 40, the first housing 71, and the second housing 72, and their shapes do not change themselves. Therefore, even when the first housing 71 and the second housing 72 rotate, the flexible screen 80 on the two connecting members 40, the first housing 71, and the second housing 72 does not bend.

[0126] Moreover, the flexible screen 80 has a display surface 800 capable of displaying images. When the electronic device 3 is in the unfolded state, the display surface 800 of the flexible screen 80 is flattened to provide the maximum display area. When the electronic device 3 is in the folded state, the opposite ends of the flexible screen 80 are folded with each other, and the display surface 800 is exposed on the electronic device 3. Users can still view the content of the display surface 800 in the folded state, which expands the usage scenarios of the electronic device 3. At this time, the electronic device 3 can also be referred to as an outward-foldable electronic device.

[0127] The electronic device 3 provided in this embodiment, by adopting the housing assembly 2 provided in the above embodiment of the present application, can achieve thinning, improve stability, and reduce shaking and rotational play.

[0128] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationships indicated by the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation to the present application.

[0129] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined. In addition, the terms "comprise" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0130] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, terms such as "mounted", "connected", "coupled", "fixed", etc. shall be construed in a broad sense. For example, it may be a connection, a detachable connection, or an integral body. It may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. It may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application may be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0131] The above has introduced in detail the content provided by the embodiments of the present application, and the principles and embodiments of the present application have been elaborated and explained. These explanations are only used to help understand the method and its core idea of the present application. However, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. These modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalent technologies.

Claims

1. A folding device, It is characterized in that include: Pedestal; Two support members, both rotatably connected to the base, and each of the support members can rotate relative to the base around a first rotation axis, and the two first rotation axes are collinear; Two rotating members are rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base respectively; as well as Two connecting members, respectively located on two sides of the base, wherein the connecting member and the supporting member on the same side of the base are rotatably connected to each other, and the connecting member and the rotating member are slidably or rotatably connected to each other; Wherein, when the supporting member rotates relative to the base, the connecting member rotates relative to the supporting member and slides or rotates relative to the rotating member, and the rotating member rotates relative to the base.

2. The folding device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Each of the supporting members includes a supporting portion and a first rotating portion, the supporting portion having a first supporting surface for supporting the flexible screen, the first rotating portion being arranged on a side of the supporting portion away from the first supporting surface, the base being provided with a first rotating shaft, and the two first rotating portions of the two supporting members being both sleeved on the first rotating shaft.

3. The folding device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The support member and the connecting member located on the same side of the base can rotate relative to each other around a second rotation axis, and the first rotation axis is located between the two second rotation axes.

4. The folding device according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The rotating member can rotate around a third rotating axis relative to the base, and the second rotating axis is parallel to the third rotating axis; when the folding device is in an unfolded state, the second rotating axis is farther away from the bottom surface of the base than the third rotating axis, and the second rotating axis is closer to the connecting member than the third rotating axis.

5. The folding device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Each of the supporting members includes a supporting part and a second rotating part, the supporting part has a first supporting surface for supporting the flexible screen, and the second rotating part is arranged on the side of the supporting part away from the first supporting surface; each of the connecting members includes a connecting part and a third rotating part, the connecting part has a second supporting surface for supporting the flexible screen, and the third rotating part is arranged on the side of the connecting part away from the second supporting surface.

6. The folding device according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The folding device also includes a second rotating shaft and a third rotating shaft. The second rotating part and the third rotating part on one side of the base are arranged with a gap between them and are both sleeved on the second rotating shaft. The second rotating part and the third rotating part on the other side of the base are arranged corresponding to the gap and are both sleeved on the third rotating shaft.

7. The folding device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Each of the connecting members includes a connecting portion having a second supporting surface for supporting the flexible screen. Each of the supporting members includes a supporting portion, and the supporting portion includes a first part and a second part bent and connected to the first part. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the first part is used to support the flexible screen, and the second part is bent to the side of the connecting portion away from the second supporting surface. When the folding device is in the folded state, both the first part and the second part are used to support the flexible screen, and the second part is located between the connecting portion and the first part.

8. The folding device according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, the folding device further includes a carrier slidably connected to the base. When the folding device is in the unfolded state, the carrier is located between the base and the two supporting members. When the folding device is in the folded state, the carrier is located between the two supporting members and the carrier is also used to support the flexible screen.

9. The folding device according to claim 8, wherein, during the process of the folding device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the carrier slides in a direction away from the base. During the process of the folding device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the two supporting members can drive the carrier to slide in a direction close to the base.

10. The folding device according to claim 9, wherein, the base has a through hole, the carrier is fixedly provided with a limiting portion passing through the through hole, and the size of the end of the limiting portion away from the carrier is larger than the aperture of the through hole. The folding device further includes an elastic member abutted between the base and the carrier.

11. The folding device according to claim 10, wherein, when the folding device is in the unfolded state, the elastic member is in a compressed state and the carrier abuts against the two supporting members. During the process of the folding device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two supporting members move away from each other and the elastic member in the compressed state drives the carrier to move in a direction away from the base until the limiting portion abuts against the base.

12. The folding device according to claim 9, wherein, the carrier includes a bearing wall and two guiding walls bent and connected to opposite sides of the bearing wall. The two outer sides of the two guiding walls are both inclined relative to the bearing wall, so that the distance between the two outer sides gradually increases in the direction from close to the bearing wall to away from the bearing wall. During the process of the folding device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the two supporting members respectively abut against the two outer sides, thereby driving the carrier to slide in a direction close to the base.

13. A housing assembly, wherein, the housing assembly includes a first housing, a second housing, and the folding device according to any one of claims 1-12, and the folding device is connected between the first housing and the second housing.

14. An electronic device, Characterized in that, The electronic device includes a flexible screen and a housing assembly as described in claim 13, and the flexible screen is disposed on the same side of the first housing, the second housing, and the folding device.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, Characterized in that, When the electronic device is in a folded state, the display surface of the flexible screen is exposed.

Images