Rotating mechanism, folding device and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a rotating mechanism, a folding device and electronic equipment. The rotating mechanism comprises a middle shaft, a connecting assembly, a first fixing frame and a second fixing frame. The connecting assembly comprises a first positioning gear, a second positioning gear, a first connecting piece, a first connecting rod, a second connecting piece and a second connecting rod. The first end of the first connecting rod is rotationally connected with the middle shaft, the second end is rotationally connected with the rotating end of the first connecting piece, the sliding end of the first connecting piece is slidably connected with the first fixing frame, and the first positioning gear is fixed to the middle shaft and coaxially arranged with the first end of the first connecting rod. And the rotating end of the first connecting piece is meshed with the first positioning gear. The first end of the second connecting rod is rotationally connected with the middle shaft, the second end is rotationally connected with the rotating end of the second connecting piece, the sliding end of the second connecting piece is slidably connected with the second fixing frame, the second positioning gear is fixed to the middle shaft and coaxially arranged with the first end of the second connecting rod, and the rotating end of the second connecting piece is meshed with the second positioning gear. The rotating mechanism is thin in the closed state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of foldable electronic devices, and particularly to a rotating mechanism, a folding device, and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to their characteristics of being thin, light, and not easily broken, flexible display screens have been widely used in various foldable electronic devices. The foldable electronic device also includes a folding device for carrying the flexible display screen. The folding device generally includes two housings and a rotating mechanism connected between the two housings. The two housings are relatively folded or unfolded through the deformation of the rotating mechanism, and drive the flexible display screen to fold or unfold. However, in traditional foldable electronic devices, since multiple rotation centers of the rotating mechanism are all fixed on the main bracket of the rotating mechanism and are arranged in an arc shape approximately, the thickness of the rotating mechanism in the closed state is relatively thick, which is not conducive to the thin design of the electronic device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of this application provide a rotating mechanism, a folding device, and an electronic device, aiming to provide a rotating mechanism with a relatively thin thickness in the closed state, a folding device including the rotating mechanism, and an electronic device including the folding device.

[0004] In a first aspect, a rotating mechanism is provided. The rotating mechanism includes a central axis, a connecting component, a first fixing bracket, and a second fixing bracket. The connecting component is capable of moving so that the first fixing bracket and the second fixing bracket are relatively folded to a closed state or relatively unfolded to an open state. The connecting component includes a first positioning gear, a second positioning gear, a first connecting member, a first connecting rod, a second connecting member, and a second connecting rod. The first connecting rod includes a first end and a second end. The first connecting member includes a rotating end and a sliding end. The first end of the first connecting rod is rotatably connected to the central axis, the second end of the first connecting rod is rotatably connected to the rotating end of the first connecting member, the sliding end of the first connecting member is slidably connected to the first fixing bracket, the first positioning gear is fixed to the central axis and is coaxially arranged with the first end of the first connecting rod, and the rotating end of the first connecting member meshes with the first positioning gear. The second connecting rod includes a first end and a second end. The second connecting member includes a rotating end and a sliding end. The first end of the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the central axis, the second end of the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the rotating end of the second connecting member, the sliding end of the second connecting member is slidably connected to the second fixing bracket, the second positioning gear is fixed to the central axis and is coaxially arranged with the first end of the second connecting rod, and the rotating end of the second connecting member meshes with the second positioning gear.

[0005] It can be understood that the rotation mechanism in this embodiment further includes a connection component. One end of the first fixed frame can be slidably connected to the sliding end of the first connection member. One end of the second fixed frame can be slidably connected to the sliding end of the second connection member. The first positioning gear and the second positioning gear of the connection component are both fixed to the central axis. When the rotation mechanism switches between the open state and the closed state, the first connection member of the connection component can not only rotate relative to the second end of the first connecting rod to achieve self-rotation, but also rotate relative to the first positioning gear to achieve revolution. The second connection member of the connection component can not only rotate relative to the second end of the second connecting rod to achieve self-rotation, but also rotate relative to the second positioning gear to achieve revolution. When the rotation mechanism switches from the open state to the closed state, the first fixed frame and the second fixed frame are folded relative to each other, and the first connection member and the second connection member can also revolve relative to the first positioning gear and the second positioning gear respectively, so that the rotating end of the first connection member can approach the rotating end of the second connection member.

[0006] In this way, compared with the general rotation mechanism in which the first connection member and the second connection member only perform self-rotation, the thickness of the rotation mechanism in the closed state is relatively thick. In this embodiment, the first connection member and the second connection member can not only perform self-rotation but also revolve relative to the first positioning gear and the second positioning gear respectively to form two planetary gear structures respectively, so that the distance between the rotating end of the first connection member and the rotating end of the second connection member when the rotation mechanism is in the closed state can be less than the distance between them when the rotation mechanism is in the open state, thereby effectively reducing the thickness of the rotation mechanism in the closed state and realizing the thin-type setting of the rotation mechanism. When the rotation mechanism in this embodiment is applied to a foldable electronic device, it is beneficial to reduce the thickness of the electronic device in the closed state and is beneficial to realizing the thin-type setting of the electronic device.

[0007] Secondly, when the rotating mechanism is applied to an out-foldable electronic device, compared with the first and second connecting members in a general rotating mechanism that only rotate on their own axes, the outer side arc radius of the bending portion corresponding to the screen in the rotating mechanism in the closed state of the electronic device will be limited by the sizes of the ends of the first and second connecting members that rotate on their own axes. When the sizes of the ends of the first and second connecting members that rotate on their own axes are small, it will result in a small outer side arc radius of the bending portion corresponding to the screen in the rotating mechanism, which easily causes the screen to arch and damage the screen, and the reliability of the screen is relatively low. However, in this embodiment, the first and second connecting members can also revolve relative to the first and second positioning gears respectively. Under the condition that the sizes of the ends of the first and second connecting members that rotate on their own axes are fixed, the outer side arc radius of the bending portion corresponding to the flexible display screen in the rotating mechanism of this embodiment can be greater than or equal to the revolution radius of the first and second connecting members. In other words, when the rotating mechanism of this embodiment is applied to an electronic device, it can achieve a thin design of the electronic device in the closed state while taking into account the reliability of the flexible display screen.

[0008] In a possible implementation manner, when the rotating mechanism is in the open state, the distance between the rotating end of the first connecting member and the rotating end of the second connecting member is a first distance, and when the rotating mechanism is in the closed state, the distance between the rotating end of the first connecting member and the rotating end of the second connecting member is a second distance, and the second distance is less than the first distance. In this way, the thickness of the rotating mechanism in the closed state is relatively thin, which is beneficial to achieving a thin design in the closed state.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, a first gear is provided at the first end of the first link, the first gear is coaxially arranged with the first positioning gear, a second gear is provided at the first end of the second link, the second gear is coaxially arranged with the second positioning gear, and the first gear meshes with the second gear. In this way, the first link and the second link can perform synchronous movements with opposite rotation directions and the same rotation angles. The first connecting member and the second connecting member can perform synchronous movements with opposite rotation directions and the same rotation angles under the action of the first link and the second link. When the rotating mechanism is applied to an electronic device, the synchronous movement of the first connecting member and the second connecting member can ensure that the flexible display screen remains centered relative to the folding device during the folding process and avoid misalignment.

[0010] In a possible implementation, a first planetary gear is provided at the rotating end of the first connecting member. The first planetary gear meshes with the first positioning gear, and the pitch circle radius of the first planetary gear is equal to the pitch circle radius of the first positioning gear. It can be understood that when the rotating mechanism switches from the open state to the closed state, the first planetary gear can rotate 45° by itself, and at the same time, the first planetary gear can also revolve 45° relative to the first positioning gear, so that the first fixing bracket can rotate 90° relative to the central axis. In this way, when the rotating mechanism is applied to an electronic device, the rotation angles of the first planetary gear during self-rotation and revolution are the same, so that an arc approximately forming a complete circle can be formed on the outer side of the bending portion corresponding to the flexible display screen in the rotating mechanism, thus better fitting the bending radius of the bending portion of the flexible display screen, which is beneficial to avoiding damage to the flexible display screen caused by the rotating mechanism pushing up the flexible display screen when the electronic device is in the closed state, improving the reliability of the flexible display screen, and prolonging the service life of the electronic device.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the connecting assembly further includes a bracket. The first positioning gear and the second positioning gear are respectively located on opposite sides of the bracket and are both fixedly connected to the bracket, and the bracket is fixed to the central axis. In this way, the first positioning gear and the second positioning gear can be first fixed to the bracket and then fixed to the central axis through the bracket, making the assembly more convenient.

[0012] In a possible implementation, a part of the bracket or the first positioning gear close to the first end of the first connecting rod has a first notch, a first contact surface and a second contact surface facing the first notch. A first included angle is formed between the first contact surface and the second contact surface. A part of the first end of the first connecting rod close to the bracket or the first positioning gear has a second notch, a third contact surface and a fourth contact surface facing the second notch. A second included angle is formed between the third contact surface and the fourth contact surface. The sum of the angles of the first included angle and the second included angle is less than 360°. The first contact surface faces the third contact surface, and the second contact surface faces the fourth contact surface.

[0013] It can be understood that in this embodiment, through the cooperation between the first notch on the bracket or the first positioning gear and the second notch on the first link, when the connection assembly switches from the closed state to the open state, the third contact surface of the first link can cooperate with the first contact surface of the bracket or the first positioning gear for limiting, so as to avoid excessive unfolding of the first link 4a relative to the bracket 3a. At the same time, when the connection assembly switches from the open state to the closed state, the fourth contact surface of the first link can cooperate with the second contact surface of the bracket or the first positioning gear for limiting, so as to avoid excessive folding of the first link relative to the bracket. In other words, when the rotating mechanism of this embodiment is applied to an electronic device, through the cooperation between the first notch of the bracket or the first positioning gear in the connection assembly and the second notch of the first link, it is possible to avoid excessive folding or excessive unfolding of the electronic device during use, which may damage the flexible display screen, and is beneficial to extending the service life of the electronic device.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, the connection assembly further includes a first inner transmission member, the first inner transmission member is sleeved on the first positioning gear, or the first inner transmission member is integrally formed with the first positioning gear. The first end of the first link is sleeved on the first inner transmission member. In this way, by setting the first inner transmission member, the coaxiality between the first positioning gear and the first end of the first link can be effectively ensured, and the movement accuracy of the connection assembly can be improved.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, the central axis includes a main bracket and a mounting member. One end of the mounting member is sleeved on the first inner transmission member, the other end of the mounting member is fixed to the main bracket, and part of the mounting member and the main bracket are stacked in the thickness direction of the main bracket.

[0016] It can be understood that compared with forming a mounting space by grooving on the main bracket to mount the connection assembly, the structural features of the main bracket are more, which is not conducive to processing. At the same time, the connection assembly is mounted on the main bracket along the axial direction of the main bracket, which is not convenient for assembly. In this embodiment, by setting one end of the mounting member to be sleeved on the first inner transmission member and the other end to be fixed to the main bracket from the thickness direction of the main bracket, the connection assembly can be mounted on the main bracket along the thickness direction of the main bracket, and the assembly is more convenient, which is beneficial to improving the assembly efficiency.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the rotating mechanism further includes a first elastic member. The first elastic member is sleeved on the first inner transmission member. One end of the first elastic member is fixed to the central axis, and the other end of the first elastic member is fixed to the first connecting rod. At least two first grooves spaced apart are provided on one of the part of the first end of the first connecting rod facing the first positioning gear and the part of the first positioning gear facing the first connecting rod, and at least one first protrusion is provided on the other. When the rotating mechanism is in the open state, the first protrusion is located in one of the first grooves, and the length of the first elastic member is the first length. When the rotating mechanism is in an intermediate state between the open state and the closed state, the first protrusion is located between the two first grooves, and the length of the first elastic member is less than the first length. When the rotating mechanism is in the closed state, the first protrusion is located in the other first groove. In this way, by setting the movement cooperation between the first elastic member and the connecting component, a damping structure is formed between the connecting component and the central axis, so as to provide a damping force for the relative folding and / or relative unfolding of the rotating mechanism, and the user experience is better.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the rotating mechanism further includes a first outer transmission member. The first outer transmission member is installed through the rotating end of the first connecting member, or the first outer transmission member is integrally formed with the rotating end of the first connecting member. The second end of the first connecting rod is sleeved on the first outer transmission member. In this way, by setting the first outer transmission member, the coaxiality of the rotating end of the first connecting member and the second end of the first connecting rod can be effectively guaranteed, and the movement accuracy of the connecting component can be improved.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the rotating mechanism further includes a second elastic member. The second elastic member is sleeved on the first outer transmission member. One end of the second elastic member is fixed to the central axis, and the other end of the second elastic member is fixed to the first connecting rod. At least two second grooves spaced apart are provided on one of the part of the second end of the first connecting rod facing the rotating end of the first connecting member and the part of the rotating end of the first connecting member facing the first connecting rod, and at least one second protrusion is provided on the other. When the rotating mechanism is in the open state, the second protrusion is located in one of the second grooves, and the length of the second elastic member is the second length. When the rotating mechanism is in an intermediate state between the open state and the closed state, the second protrusion is located between the two second grooves, and the length of the second elastic member is less than the second length. When the rotating mechanism is in the closed state, the second protrusion is located in the other second groove. In this way, by setting the movement cooperation between the second elastic member and the connecting component, a damping structure is formed between the connecting component and the central axis, so as to provide a damping force for the relative folding and / or relative unfolding of the rotating mechanism, and the user experience is better.

[0020] In a possible implementation, a part of the rotating end of the first connecting member near the first connecting rod has a third notch, and a fifth contact surface and a sixth contact surface facing the third notch. A third included angle is formed between the fifth contact surface and the sixth contact surface. A part of the second end of the first connecting rod near the rotating end of the first connecting member has a fourth notch, and a seventh contact surface and an eighth contact surface facing the fourth notch. A fourth included angle is formed between the seventh contact surface and the eighth contact surface. The sum of the angles of the third included angle and the fourth included angle is less than 360°. The fifth contact surface faces the seventh contact surface, and the sixth contact surface faces the eighth contact surface.

[0021] It can be understood that in this embodiment, through the cooperation of the third notch on the rotating end of the first connecting member and the fourth notch on the first connecting rod, when the connection assembly is switched from the closed state to the open state, the seventh contact surface of the first connecting rod can cooperate with the fifth contact surface of the rotating end of the first connecting member for limiting, so as to avoid excessive unfolding of the first connecting member relative to the first connecting rod. At the same time, when the connection assembly is switched from the open state to the closed state, the eighth contact surface of the first connecting rod can cooperate with the sixth contact surface of the rotating end of the first connecting member for limiting, so as to avoid excessive folding of the first connecting member relative to the first connecting rod. In other words, when the rotating mechanism of this embodiment is applied to an electronic device, by the cooperation of the third notch on the rotating end of the first connecting member and the fourth notch on the first connecting rod in the connection assembly, it is possible to avoid excessive folding or excessive unfolding of the electronic device during use and damage the flexible display screen, which is beneficial to extending the service life of the electronic device.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the first fixing frame is provided with a first sliding groove, the sliding end of the first connecting member is installed in the first sliding groove. The first sliding groove includes a first groove side wall and a second groove side wall arranged oppositely. The rotating mechanism further includes a first damping member, and the first damping member is installed between the first groove side wall and the first connecting member. The first damping member is used to provide a damping force for the relative unfolding and / or relative folding of the first fixing frame and the second fixing frame. In this way, by setting the first damping force between the sliding end of the first connecting member and the first fixing frame to provide a damping force for the relative unfolding and / or relative folding of the first fixing frame and the second fixing frame, it is beneficial to improve the user experience.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the rotating mechanism further includes a first rotating arm and a second rotating arm. The first rotating arm includes a first rotating end and a second rotating end. The first rotating end of the first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the central axis, and the second rotating end of the first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the first fixing bracket. The second rotating arm includes a first rotating end and a second rotating end. The first rotating end of the second rotating arm is rotatably connected to the central axis, and the second rotating end of the second rotating arm is rotatably connected to the second fixing bracket. In this way, by setting the first rotating arm to be rotatably connected to the first fixing bracket and the central axis, and setting the second rotating arm to be rotatably connected to the second fixing bracket and the central axis, the first rotating arm and the second rotating arm can share the acting force generated by the relative movement between the first fixing bracket and the second fixing bracket, making the relative movement between the two more stable and improving the user experience.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the rotation center of the relative rotation between the first connecting rod and the central axis is the first inner rotation center, the rotation center of the relative rotation between the first connecting member and the first connecting rod is the second inner rotation center, the rotation center of the relative rotation between the first rotating arm and the central axis is the first outer rotation center, and the rotation center of the relative rotation between the first rotating arm and the first fixing bracket is the second outer rotation center. When the rotating mechanism is in the open state, in the first direction, the first outer rotation center is located between the first inner rotation center and the second inner rotation center, and the second outer rotation center is located on the side of the second inner rotation center facing away from the first inner rotation center. The first direction is the direction in which the first fixing bracket points to the second fixing bracket when the rotating mechanism is in the open state.

[0025] In this way, the rotation radius of the first fixing bracket relative to the first outer rotation center can be greater than the rotation radius of the first connecting member relative to the first inner rotation center. The rotation radius of the first fixing bracket relative to the second outer rotation center can be greater than the rotation radius of the first connecting member relative to the second inner rotation center. It can be understood that, compared with the general rotating mechanism in which the first inner rotation center coincides with the first outer rotation center and the second inner rotation center coincides with the second outer rotation center, when it is applied to an electronic device, when the electronic device switches between the open state and the closed state, the flexible display screen will relatively slide relative to the folding device. Since the flexible display screen is fixed to the folding device and cannot slide relative to the folding device, a pulling force will be generated between the flexible display screen and the folding device, which is likely to cause the flexible display screen to fail. When the rotating mechanism in this embodiment is applied to an electronic device, through the above settings, the pulling force between the flexible display screen and the folding device can be effectively avoided when the flexible display screen switches between the open state and the closed state, so as to avoid the failure of the flexible display screen, which is beneficial to extending the service life of the electronic device.

[0026] In a second aspect, a folding device is provided. The folding device includes a first housing, a second housing, and the above-mentioned rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism connects the first housing and the second housing. The rotating mechanism is capable of moving so that the first housing and the second housing are folded relative to each other to a closed state or unfolded relative to each other to an open state. The folding device provided in this embodiment has a relatively thin thickness in the closed state, which is beneficial to the thin design of the folding device.

[0027] In a third aspect, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a flexible display screen and the above-mentioned folding device. The flexible display screen includes a first non-bending portion, a bending portion, and a second non-bending portion arranged in sequence. The first non-bending portion is fixed to the first housing, and the second non-bending portion is fixed to the second housing. During the relative folding or relative unfolding of the first housing and the second housing, the bending portion deforms. The electronic device provided in this embodiment has a relatively thin thickness in the closed state, which is beneficial to the thin design of the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the background art, the following will describe the drawings required to be used in the embodiments of the present application or the background art.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application when in an open state;

[0030] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the folding device of the electronic device shown;

[0031] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device shown when in a closed state;

[0032] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a schematic structural diagram of the folding device of the electronic device shown;

[0033] Figure 5 is Figure 2 a schematic structural diagram of the rotating mechanism of the folding device shown in some embodiments;

[0034] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a partial exploded structural diagram of the rotating mechanism shown in some embodiments from another perspective;

[0035] Figure 7 is Figure 6 an exploded structural diagram of the connecting component shown in some embodiments;

[0036] Figure 8 isFigure 7 Schematic structural diagram of the bracket of the connection component shown in some embodiments;

[0037] Figure 9 is Figure 7 Exploded structural diagram of the bracket, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod of the connection component shown;

[0038] Figure 10 is Figure 9 Assembly schematic diagram of multiple structures shown;

[0039] Figure 11 is Figure 10 Exploded structural diagram of the structure shown and the first connecting piece, the second connecting piece, the first external transmission piece and the second external transmission piece;

[0040] Figure 12 is Figure 7 Assembly schematic diagram of the connection component shown;

[0041] Figure 13 is Figure 12 Schematic structural diagram of the connection component in the open state from another perspective;

[0042] Figure 14 is Figure 13 Schematic structural diagram of the connection component in the intermediate state;

[0043] Figure 15 is Figure 13 Schematic structural diagram of the connection component in the closed state;

[0044] Figure 16 is Figure 6 Exploded structural diagram of the main bracket of the central axis and the connection component;

[0045] Figure 17 is Figure 16 Assembly structural diagram of the main bracket and the connection component;

[0046] Figure 18 is Figure 6 Exploded structural diagram of the central axis, the connection component, the first support rod and the second support rod;

[0047] Figure 19 is Figure 18 Assembly structural diagram of multiple structures;

[0048] Figure 20 is Figure 19 Exploded structural diagram of the structure shown and the first connection component;

[0049] Figure 21a isFigure 20 Schematic diagram of the assembly structure of multiple structures shown

[0050] Figure 21b is Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the shown rotating mechanism from another perspective

[0051] Figure 22 is Figure 21a Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure taken along the A-A when a part of the shown rotating mechanism is in the open state

[0052] Figure 23 is Figure 21a Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure taken along the B-B when a part of the shown rotating mechanism is in the open state

[0053] Figure 24 is Figure 22 Schematic diagram of the structure shown when it is in the closed state

[0054] Figure 25 is Figure 23 Schematic diagram of the structure shown when it is in the closed state

[0055] Figure 26 is Figure 21a Schematic diagram of the structure shown when it is in the open state

[0056] Figure 27 is Figure 21a Schematic diagram of the structure shown when it is in the intermediate state

[0057] Figure 28 is Figure 21a Schematic diagram of the structure shown when it is in the closed state

[0058] Figure 29 is Figure 21a Schematic diagram of the structure shown in another embodiment

[0059] Figure 30 is Figure 29 Partial enlarged schematic diagram of the structure shown at C Detailed implementation mode

[0060] The embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0061] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Among them, "fixed connection" means that the two are connected and the relative positional relationship after connection remains unchanged. The orientation terms mentioned in the embodiments of the present application, such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., are only with reference to the direction of the attached drawings. Therefore, the orientation terms used are for better and clearer description and understanding of the embodiments of the present application, 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 cannot be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application. "Plurality" means at least two.

[0062] In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first", "second", "third", and "fourth" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features.

[0063] In the embodiments of the present application, "and / or" is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0064] The reference to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in this specification means that in one or more embodiments of the present application, specific features, structures, or characteristics described in combination with this embodiment are included. Thus, the statements "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other some embodiments", "in another embodiment", etc. that appear in different places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways. The terms "comprise", "include", "have" and their variants all mean "include but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways.

[0065] It can be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the relevant invention and not for limiting the invention. Additionally, it should be noted that for the convenience of description, only the parts related to the invention are shown in the drawings.

[0066] Figure 1It is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device 1000 provided by the embodiment of the present application when it is in the open state. Figure 2 It is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the folding device 100 of the electronic device 1000 shown. Figure 3 It is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device 1000 shown when it is in the closed state. Figure 4 It is Figure 3 a schematic structural diagram of the folding device 100 of the electronic device 1000 shown.

[0067] As Figures 1 to 4 shown, the electronic device 1000 may be a foldable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc. In this embodiment, the electronic device 1000 is taken as an example of a mobile phone for illustration. The electronic device 1000 may include a folding device 100 and a flexible display screen 200. The folding device 100 may include a first housing 10, a rotating mechanism 20, and a second housing 30 that are sequentially connected. The rotating mechanism 20 can move so that the first housing 10 and the second housing 30 are relatively unfolded to a flat state (please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). Exemplarily, when the first housing 10 and the second housing 30 are in the flat state, the two may be approximately 180° (a small deviation is also allowed, such as 165°, 177°, or 185°). The first housing 10 and the second housing 30 can also be relatively folded to the closed state so that the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state (please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 ). Exemplarily, when the first housing 10 and the second housing 30 are in the closed state, the two can be completely folded together to be parallel to each other (a small deviation is also allowed). The first housing 10 and the second housing 30 can also be relatively rotated (relatively unfolded or relatively folded) to an intermediate state between the open state and the closed state so that the electronic device 1000 is in the intermediate state. Therefore, the electronic device 1000 can be switched between the flat state and the closed state through the movement of the rotating mechanism 20.

[0068] Exemplarily, the flexible display screen 200 is used to display images. Exemplarily, the flexible display screen 200 may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode display screen, or a quantum dot light emitting diodes (QLED) display screen.

[0069] Exemplarily, the flexible display screen 200 may include a first non-bending portion 201, a bending portion 202, and a second non-bending portion 203 arranged in sequence. The flexible display screen 200 may be fixed to the folding device 100. For example, the flexible display screen 200 may be fixedly attached to the folding device 100 through an adhesive layer. Among them, the first non-bending portion 201 of the flexible display screen 200 may be fixed to the first housing 10, and the second non-bending portion 203 may be fixed to the second housing 30. During the relative folding or relative unfolding of the first housing 10 and the second housing 30, the bending portion 202 may deform. When the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state, the flexible display screen 200 may be located outside the folding device 100. That is, the electronic device 1000 may be an external-foldable display electronic device 1000. At this time, the flexible display screen 200 may be generally U-shaped. In other embodiments, when the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state, the flexible display screen 200 may also be located inside the folding device 100. That is, the electronic device 1000 may also be an internal-foldable display electronic device 1000.

[0070] Exemplarily, the electronic device 1000 may further include a plurality of components (not shown in the figure), and the plurality of components are installed inside the folding device 100. The plurality of components may include, for example, a processor, an internal memory, an external memory interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a charging management module, a power management module, a battery, an antenna, a communication module, a camera, an audio module, a speaker, a receiver, a microphone, a headphone interface, a sensor module, a button, a motor, an indicator, and a subscriber identification module (SIM) card interface, etc.

[0071] In this embodiment, the electronic device 1000 is taken as an example of a two-fold structure. That is, the electronic device 1000 includes two flat parts and a bending part 202 connected between the two flat parts. Among them, the two flat parts can rotate towards each other to overlap with each other (corresponding to the closed state described above), so that the electronic device 1000 presents a two-layer form; the two flat parts can also rotate away from each other to flatten (corresponding to the flattened state described above). In other embodiments, the electronic device 1000 can also be a structure with three or more folds, that is, the electronic device 1000 includes three or more flat parts, and adjacent two flat parts are connected by a bending part 202, and adjacent two flat parts can rotate relative to each other to overlap with each other or rotate away from each other to flatten. When the electronic device 1000 is a structure with three or more folds, the structure of the electronic device 1000 can refer to the description of the two-fold structure of this embodiment for adaptive design, and the present application will not elaborate on this.

[0072] It can be understood that in traditional foldable electronic devices, since multiple rotation centers of the connection components of the rotation mechanism are all fixed on the main bracket of the rotation mechanism, and the multiple rotation centers are arranged in a substantially arc shape. The multiple rotation centers of the rotation mechanism cannot change their relative positions as the form of the rotation mechanism changes to meet the thickness requirements of the rotation mechanism in different forms, resulting in a relatively thick thickness of the rotation mechanism whether in the open state or the closed state, which is not conducive to the thin design of the electronic device. The present application optimizes the rotation mechanism 20, so that some rotation centers of the connection component part of the rotation mechanism 20 can change their relative positions as the form of the rotation mechanism 20 changes, so that the thickness of the rotation mechanism 20 can be relatively thin whether in the flattened state or the closed state, meeting the thin design requirements of the electronic device 1000. The rotation mechanism 20 of the present application will be specifically introduced below with reference to the relevant drawings.

[0073] Figure 5 is Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of the rotation mechanism 20 of the folding device 100 shown in some embodiments. Figure 6 is Figure 5 A partial exploded structural diagram of the rotation mechanism 20 shown in some embodiments from another perspective.

[0074] Such as Figure 2 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the rotating mechanism 20 may include a central axis 21, a first connecting component 22, a second connecting component 23, and a connecting component 24. The central axis 21 may be located between the first shell 10 and the second shell 30. The first connecting component 22 and the second connecting component 23 may both connect the first shell 10, the central axis 21, and the second shell 30. Through the movement of the first connecting component 22 and the second connecting component 23, the first shell 10 and the second shell 30 may rotate relative to the central axis 21. The first connecting component 22 and the second connecting component 23 may be arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the central axis 21, and may serve as end connecting components, for example, they may be connected to the top and bottom of the central axis 21, respectively. In this way, through the coordinated movement of the first connecting component 22 and the second connecting component 23, the movement of the first shell 10 and the second shell 30 when rotating relative to the central axis 21 is smoother and more reliable.

[0075] The first connecting component 22 and the second connecting component 23 may be of the same structure, mirror-symmetrical structure, centrally symmetrical structure or other different structures. In this embodiment, the first connecting component 22 and the second connecting component 23 are of the same structure as an example for description, and the following mainly describes the first connecting component 22 and some structures related to the first connecting component 22.

[0076] In some embodiments, the rotating mechanism 20 may further include a middle connecting assembly 25. The middle connecting assembly 25 may be located in the middle of the central axis 21 and between the first connecting assembly 22 and the second connecting assembly 23. The middle connecting assembly 25 may connect the first housing 10 and the second housing 30. In this way, the movement reliability of the first housing 10 and the second housing 30 rotating relative to the central axis 21 may be increased by providing the middle connecting assembly 25. The structure of the middle connecting assembly 25 may be the same, partially the same, or completely different from that of the first connecting assembly 22. This application does not make strict restrictions on this.

[0077] For example, the number of the connecting components 24 may be two, and the two connecting components 24 may be arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the central axis 21 and installed on the central axis 21. One of the connecting components 24 may be connected to the first connecting component 22. The other connecting component 24 may be slidably connected to the second connecting component 23. In other embodiments, the number of the connecting components 24 may also be one or more than two. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0078] The following will take the connection component 24 connected to the first connection component 22 as an example for detailed description.

[0079] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The illustrated schematic diagram is an exploded structural view of the connection assembly 24 in some embodiments. Figure 8 yes Figure 7Schematic structural diagram of the bracket 3a of the connection component 24 shown in some embodiments.

[0080] As Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the connection component 24 may include a bracket 3a, a first positioning gear 31, a first inner transmission member 32, a second positioning gear 33, a second inner transmission member 34, a first connecting rod 4a, a second connecting rod 4b, a first connecting member 5, a second connecting member 6, a first planetary gear 7a, a second planetary gear 7b, a first outer transmission member 8a, and a second outer transmission member 8b. Among them, the first positioning gear 31 and the second positioning gear 33 may be located on opposite sides of the bracket 3a and are fixedly connected to the bracket 3a. The pitch circle radius of the first positioning gear 31 may be equal to the pitch circle radius of the second positioning gear 33. Exemplarily, the first positioning gear 31, the second positioning gear 33, and the bracket 3a may be integrally formed.

[0081] Exemplarily, the first inner transmission member 32 may be coaxially arranged with the first positioning gear 31. The second inner transmission member 34 may be coaxially arranged with the second positioning gear 33. It should be understood that the coaxial arrangement of the first inner transmission member 32 and the first positioning gear 31 means that the central axis of the first inner transmission member 32 completely coincides with or approximately coincides with the central axis of the first positioning gear 31, that is, there may be a certain tolerance between the central axis of the first inner transmission member 32 and the central axis of the first positioning gear 31. For example, the coaxiality between the central axis of the first inner transmission member 32 and the central axis of the first positioning gear 31 may be φ0.01mm. Unless otherwise specified hereinafter, the definition of coaxial arrangement may refer to the above description.

[0082] Exemplarily, both the first inner transmission member 32 and the second inner transmission member 34 may be rotating shafts. The first inner transmission member 32 may include a first rotating shaft portion 321 and a second rotating shaft portion 322. The first rotating shaft portion 321 and the second rotating shaft portion 322 may be fixedly connected to opposite sides of the first positioning gear 31. Among them, the first inner transmission member 32 and the first positioning gear 31 may be an integrally formed structure, that is, the first rotating shaft portion 321, the second rotating shaft portion 322, and the first positioning gear 31 may be integrally formed. At this time, the first inner transmission member 32 and the first positioning gear 31 may form a gear shaft structure. In this way, the integral formation of the first positioning gear 31 and the first inner transmission member 32 can reduce the assembly tolerance between the two, which is beneficial to improving the motion accuracy of the connection component 24.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first inner transmission member 32 can also be rotationally connected to the first positioning gear 31 by means of assembly. For example, the first inner transmission member 32 can be a rotating shaft. The first positioning gear 31 can also be provided with a rotating shaft hole for assembling the first inner transmission member 32. The first inner transmission member 32 can be inserted through the rotating shaft hole of the first positioning gear 31, and both ends of the first inner transmission member 32 can protrude relative to the rotating shaft hole of the first positioning gear 31. At this time, the two ends of the first inner transmission member 32 protruding relative to the rotating shaft hole of the first positioning gear 31 can respectively form a first rotating shaft portion 321 and a second rotating shaft portion 322. In this way, by arranging the first inner transmission member 32 to pass through the rotating shaft hole of the first positioning gear 31 to form a plurality of rotating shaft portions, the coaxiality between the first rotating shaft portion 321 and the second rotating shaft portion 322 can be ensured. In other embodiments, the first inner transmission member 32 and the first positioning gear 31 can also be arranged at intervals along their axial directions.

[0084] It should be noted that the arrangement between the second positioning gear 33 and the second inner transmission member 34 is substantially the same as the arrangement between the first positioning gear 31 and the first inner transmission member 32, and the same parts will not be described in detail. Among them, the second inner transmission member 34 can include a third rotating shaft portion 341 and a fourth rotating shaft portion 342. The third rotating shaft portion 341 and the first rotating shaft portion 321 can be located on the same side of the bracket 3a. The fourth rotating shaft portion 342 and the second rotating shaft portion 322 can be located on the same side of the bracket 3a and on the side of the bracket 3a opposite to the first rotating shaft portion 321.

[0085] Figure 9 is Figure 7 Exploded structural schematic diagram of the bracket 3a, the first connecting rod 4a, and the second connecting rod 4b of the connecting assembly 24 shown. Figure 10 is Figure 9 Assembly schematic diagram of multiple structures shown.

[0086] As Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the first connecting rod 4a can include a first end 41 and a second end 42. The number of the first connecting rods 4a can be two. The first end 41 of one of the first connecting rods 4a can be sleeved on the first rotating shaft portion 321. The first end 41 of the other first connecting rod 4a can be sleeved on the second rotating shaft portion 322. In other words, the first connecting rod 4a can be rotationally connected to the first inner transmission member 32. At this time, the rotation center of the first connecting rod 4a rotating relative to the bracket 3a can be the first inner rotation center. The first inner rotation center can be collinear with the central axis of the first inner transmission member 32 (i.e., the central axis of the first positioning gear 31). The first end 41 of the first connecting rod 4a can be coaxially arranged with the first positioning gear 31.

[0087] Exemplarily, the second link 4b may include a first end 43 and a second end 44. The number of the second links 4b may be two. The first end 43 of one of the second links 4b may be sleeved on the third rotating shaft portion 341. The first end 43 of the other second link 4b may be sleeved on the fourth rotating shaft portion 342. In other words, the second link 4b may be rotatably connected to the second inner transmission member 34. At this time, the rotation center of the relative rotation of the second link 4b and the bracket 3a may be the third inner rotation center. The third inner rotation center may be collinear with the central axis of the second inner transmission member 34 (i.e., the central axis of the second positioning gear 33). The first end 43 of the second link 4b may be coaxially arranged with the second positioning gear 33.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first end 41 of the first link 4a may further be provided with a first gear 45. The central axis of the first gear 45 may be coaxially arranged with the central axis of the first inner transmission member 32, that is, collinear with the first inner rotation center. The first end 43 of the second link 4b may further be provided with a second gear 46. The central axis of the second gear 46 may be coaxially arranged with the central axis of the second inner transmission member 34, that is, collinear with the third inner rotation center. The first gear 45 may be meshed with the second gear 46. In this way, the first link 4a and the second link 4b may move synchronously. For example, when the first link 4a rotates a certain angle in the clockwise direction relative to the first inner transmission member 32 of the bracket 3a, the second link 4b may rotate the same angle in the counterclockwise direction relative to the second inner transmission member 34 of the bracket 3a. That is, a synchronous movement with opposite rotation directions and the same rotation angle may occur between the first link 4a and the second link 4b.

[0089] Figure 11 Yes Figure 10 The structure shown is a schematic exploded view of the first connecting member 5, the second connecting member 6, the first outer transmission member 8a, and the second outer transmission member 8b. Figure 12 Yes Figure 7 The structure shown is an assembled schematic view of the connecting assembly 24.

[0090] Such as Figure 11 And Figure 12As shown, the first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6 can have a substantially symmetrical structure. The first connecting member 5 can include a rotating end 51 and a sliding end 52. The rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5 can be provided with a first planetary gear 7a. The first planetary gear 7a can mesh with the first positioning gear 31. At this time, the first planetary gear 7a can be located between two first connecting rods 4a. The first external transmission member 8a can be coaxially arranged with the first planetary gear 7a. The second end 42 of the first connecting rod 4a can be sleeved on the first external transmission member 8a. Among them, the first external transmission member 8a can be inserted through the first planetary gear 7a. In this way, the first external transmission member 8a and the first planetary gear 7a are decoupled for easy assembly. In other embodiments, the first external transmission member 8a can also be integrally formed with the first planetary gear 7a.

[0091] Among them, the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5 can rotate relative to the second end 42 of the first connecting rod 4a, that is, the first planetary gear 7a rotates relative to its own central axis. The rotation center of the relative rotation between the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5 and the first connecting rod 4a can be the second internal rotation center. The second internal rotation center can be collinear with the central axis of the first planetary gear 7a. When the first connecting member 5 rotates relative to the first external rotation center, the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5 can also revolve relative to the first positioning gear 31 around the central axis of the first positioning gear 31 (that is, the central axis of the first internal transmission member 32). The first internal rotation center can be collinear with the central axis of the first positioning gear 31.

[0092] Exemplarily, the rotating end 61 of the second connecting member 6 can be provided with a second planetary gear 7b. The second planetary gear 7b can mesh with the second positioning gear 33. At this time, the second planetary gear 7b can be located between two second connecting rods 4b. The second external transmission member 8b can be coaxially arranged with the second planetary gear 7b. The second end 44 of the second connecting rod 4b can be sleeved on the second external transmission member 8b. Among them, the second external transmission member 8b can be inserted through the second planetary gear 7b. In this way, the second external transmission member 8b and the second planetary gear 7b are decoupled for easy assembly. In other embodiments, the second external transmission member 8b can also be integrally formed with the second planetary gear 7b.

[0093] Among them, the rotating end 61 of the second connecting member 6 can rotate relative to the second end 44 of the second connecting rod 4b, that is, the second planetary gear 7b rotates relative to its own central axis. The rotation center of the relative rotation between the rotating end 61 of the second connecting member 6 and the second connecting rod 4b can be the fourth inner rotation center. The fourth inner rotation center can be collinear with the central axis of the second planetary gear 7b. When the rotating end 61 of the second connecting member 6 rotates relative to the second outer rotation center, the rotating end 61 of the second connecting member 6 can also revolve around the central axis of the second positioning gear 33 (that is, the central axis of the second inner transmission member 34) relative to the second positioning gear 33. The fourth inner rotation center can be collinear with the central axis of the second positioning gear 33.

[0094] Figure 13 is Figure 12 The structural schematic diagram of the connection assembly 24 shown in another perspective when it is in the open state.

[0095] As Figure 13 shown, when the connection assembly 24 is in the open state, the first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6 can be flattened relative to each other. At this time, the direction in which the first connecting member 5 points to the second connecting member 6 can be the first direction. The distance between the first inner rotation center N1 and the third inner rotation center N3 can be less than the distance between the second inner rotation center N2 and the fourth inner rotation center N4. In the first direction, the first outer transmission member 8a, the first inner transmission member 32, the second inner transmission member 34, and the second outer transmission member 8b can be arranged in sequence, that is, the second inner rotation center N2, the first inner rotation center N1, the third inner rotation center N3, and the fourth inner rotation center N4 can be arranged in sequence along the first direction. Among them, the distance between the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5 and the rotating end 61 of the second connecting member 6 can be the first distance D1. The distance between the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5 and the rotating end 61 of the second connecting member 6 can be regarded as the distance between the central axis of the first outer transmission member 8a and the central axis of the second outer transmission member 8b, that is, the distance between the second inner rotation center N2 and the fourth inner rotation center N4 at this time can be the first distance D1.

[0096] Figure 14 is Figure 13 The structural schematic diagram of the connection assembly 24 shown when it is in the intermediate state.

[0097] As Figure 14As shown, when the connecting component 24 is in the intermediate state, the first connecting piece 5 can be inclined relative to the bracket 3a. The second connecting piece 6 can also be inclined relative to the bracket 3a. Among them, the rotating end 51 of the first connecting piece 5 can rotate relative to the first connecting rod 4a around the second inner rotation center N2. The first connecting rod 4a can rotate relative to the first positioning gear 31 around the first inner rotation center N1. At this time, the first connecting piece 5 can rotate around both the second inner rotation center N2 and the first inner rotation center N1.

[0098] Among them, the second connecting piece 6 can rotate relative to the second connecting rod 4b around the fourth inner rotation center N4. The second connecting rod 4b can rotate relative to the second positioning gear 33 around the third inner rotation center N3. At this time, the second connecting piece 6 can rotate around both the fourth inner rotation center N4 and the third inner rotation center N3.

[0099] Figure 15 is Figure 13 the schematic structural diagram when the connecting component 24 shown is in the closed state.

[0100] As Figure 15 shown, when the connecting component 24 is in the closed state, the first connecting piece 5 and the second connecting piece 6 can be folded relative to each other. The first connecting piece 5 can be substantially perpendicular to the bracket 3a. The second connecting piece 6 can be substantially perpendicular to the bracket 3a. The first connecting piece 5 can be arranged facing the second connecting piece 6. At this time, the distance between the rotating end 51 of the first connecting piece 5 and the rotating end 61 of the second connecting piece 6 is the second distance D2. That is, the distance between the second inner rotation center N2 and the fourth inner rotation center N4 is the second distance D2. The second distance D2 is less than the first distance D1 (please refer to Figure 13 ).

[0101] Figure 16 is Figure 6 the exploded structural diagram of the main bracket 211 of the central shaft 21 and the connecting component 24 shown. Figure 17 is Figure 16 the assembled structural diagram of the main bracket 211 and the connecting component 24 shown.

[0102] As Figure 6 、 Figure 16 and Figure 17 shown, the central shaft 21 can include a main bracket 211. The first positioning gear 31 and the first inner transmission member 32 of the connecting component 24 can both be fixed to the main bracket 211. The second positioning gear 33 and the second inner transmission member 34 of the connecting component 24 can both be fixed to the main bracket 211.

[0103] Exemplarily, the main bracket 211 may include a first connection segment 2111, a second connection segment 2112, and a third connection segment 2113. The third connection segment 2113 may be connected between the first connection segment 2111 and the second connection segment 2112. The central axis 21 may further include a mounting member 212. One end of the mounting member 212 may be provided with a first through hole 212a and a second through hole 212b that are spaced apart. The first through hole 212a and the second through hole 212b may be sleeved on the first inner transmission member 32 and the second inner transmission member 34 of the connection assembly 24, respectively. The other end of the mounting member 212 may be fixedly connected to one of the connection segments. At this time, the first connecting member 5 of the connection assembly 24 may rotate relative to the main bracket 211, and the rotation center of the relative rotation between the first connecting member 5 and the main bracket 211 may be the central axis of the first inner transmission member 32. The second connecting member 6 of the connection assembly 24 may rotate relative to the main bracket 211, and the rotation center of the relative rotation between the second connecting member 6 and the main bracket 211 may be the central axis of the second inner transmission member 34.

[0104] Exemplarily, the number of the mounting members 212 may be two. The first through hole 212a of one of the mounting members 212 may be sleeved on the first rotating shaft portion 321 of the connection assembly 24, and the second through hole 212b may be sleeved on the third rotating shaft portion 341 of the connection assembly 24. That is to say, the mounting member 212 may be sleeved on the first inner transmission member 32 and the first outer transmission member 8a. The other end of the mounting member 212 may be fixed to the first connection segment 2111. For example, the end of the mounting member 212 away from the connection assembly 24 may be provided with a fastening hole 212c. The extending direction of the fastening hole 212c may be parallel to the thickness direction of the main bracket 211. One end of the first connection segment 2111 close to the second connection segment 2112 is provided with a first assembly hole 2111a. The extending direction of the first assembly hole 2111a may be parallel to the thickness direction of the main bracket 211. The fastening hole 212c of the mounting member 212 may be aligned with the first assembly hole 2111a of the first connection segment 2111. In this way, by passing a fastener (such as a screw, a bolt, a rivet, etc.) through the fastening hole 212c and the first assembly hole 2111a and locking it, the mounting member 212 can be fixed to the first connection segment 2111. The setting method of the other mounting member 212 is substantially the same as that of this mounting member 212, and the same parts will not be described in detail. Among them, the first through hole 212a of the other mounting member 212 may be sleeved on the second rotating shaft portion 322, and the second through hole 212b may be sleeved on the fourth rotating shaft portion 342. The other end of the mounting member 212 may be fixed to the second connection segment 2112. In other words, the connection assembly 24 may be fixed between the first connection segment 2111 and the second connection segment 2112 along the thickness direction of the main bracket 211 through the mounting member 212.

[0105] It can be understood that, compared with forming an installation space on the main bracket by grooving to install the connection component, the structural features of the main bracket are more, which is not conducive to processing. At the same time, the connection component is installed on the main bracket along the axial direction of the main bracket, which is not convenient for assembly. In this embodiment, by sleeving one end of the installation part 212 on the inner transmission parts of the connection component 24 (which are also the first inner transmission part 32 and the second inner transmission part 34 in this embodiment), and fixing the other end to one of the connection segments of the main bracket 211 from the thickness direction of the main bracket 211, the connection component 24 can be installed on the main bracket 211 along the thickness direction of the main bracket 211, making the assembly more convenient and conducive to improving the assembly efficiency.

[0106] In some embodiments, the third connection segment 2113 may be provided with a limiting protrusion 2113a. The bracket 3a of the connection component 24 may be provided with a limiting hole 35. When the connection component 24 is fixed to the first connection segment 2111 and the second connection segment 2112 through the installation part 212, the limiting hole 35 of the bracket 3a may also be sleeved on the limiting protrusion 2113a of the third connection segment 2113. In this way, through the cooperation of the limiting hole 35 and the limiting protrusion 2113a, it is convenient to position the connection component 24, thereby reducing the assembly error of the connection component 24. In other embodiments, the main bracket 2111 may not include the third connection segment 2113.

[0107] In some embodiments, the main bracket 211 may further include a fourth connection segment (not shown in the figure) and a fifth connection segment (not shown in the figure). The number of the installation parts 212 may be four. Two of the installation parts 212 may be used to fix one connection component 24 between the first connection segment 2111 and the second connection segment 2112. The other two installation parts 212 may be used to fix another connection component 24 between the second connection segment 2112 and the fourth connection segment. The specific fixing method may refer to the part where the connection component 24 is fixed between the first connection segment 2111 and the second connection segment 2112, and the same part will not be elaborated here.

[0108] Figure 18 is Figure 6 The exploded structural schematic diagram of the central axis 21, the connection component 24, the first support rod 26 and the second support rod 27 shown in the figure.

[0109] Figure 19 is Figure 18 The assembled structural schematic diagram of the multiple structures shown in the figure.

[0110] Such as Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, the rotating mechanism 20 may further include a first support rod 26 and a second support rod 27. Among them, the first support rod 26 may be provided with a first rotating arm 261. The main bracket 211 of the central axis 21 may also be provided with a first movable part 2114. The first rotating arm 261 may include a first rotating end 261a and a second rotating end 261b. The first rotating end 261a of the first rotating arm 261 may be rotatably connected to the first movable part 2114. At this time, the rotation center of the relative rotation between the first rotating end 261a of the first rotating arm 261 and the first movable part 2114 of the main bracket 211 is the first outer rotation center M1. The first outer rotation center M1 may be spaced apart from the first inner rotation center N1 and the second inner rotation center N2.

[0111] Exemplarily, the number of the first movable parts 2114 may be two. The two first movable parts 2114 may be respectively located on the opposite sides of one of the connecting components 24, for example, may be respectively located on the first connecting section 2111 and the second connecting section 2112. The number of the first rotating arms 261 may also be two. The first rotating ends 261a of the two first rotating arms 261 may be rotatably connected to the two first movable parts 2114 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0112] Exemplarily, the first movable part 2114 may be provided with an arc-shaped groove. The first rotating end 261a of the first rotating arm 261 may be an arc-shaped arm. The first rotating end 261a of the first rotating arm 261 may be installed in the arc-shaped groove of the first movable part 2114 so that the first rotating end 261a of the first rotating arm 261 is rotatably connected to the first movable part 2114. At this time, the first outer rotation center N5 may be the central axis of the arc-shaped groove of the first movable part 2114. The first outer rotation center M1 is a virtual axis. In this way, the first rotating arm 261 and the main bracket 211 are connected by a virtual axis, and the rotating connection structure is simple and occupies little space, which is beneficial to reducing the thickness of the rotating mechanism 20 and is beneficial to realizing the thin-type setting of the electronic device 1000. Among them, the first outer rotation center M1 may be spaced apart from the first inner rotation center N1 and the second inner rotation center N2. When the rotating mechanism 20 is in the open state, in the first direction, the first outer rotation center M1 may be located between the first inner rotation center N1 and the second inner rotation center N2. In other embodiments, the rotation connection between the first rotating end 261a of the first rotating arm 261 and the first movable part 2114 of the main bracket 211 may also be realized by means of gear meshing, shaft connection, keyway connection, etc. The present application does not specifically limit the rotation connection method between the first rotating end 261a of the first rotating arm 261 and the first movable part 2114 of the main bracket 211.

[0113] Exemplarily, the first support rod 26 may further be provided with a first connection end 262. The first connection end 262 may be fixedly connected to the first connection member 5 of the connection assembly 24. For example, the first connection end 262 may be a convex block. The first connection member 5 may be provided with a mating groove 53. The first connection end 262 may be installed in the mating groove 53 of the first connection member 5 to slidably connect the first support rod 26 to the first connection member 5. In this way, when the first support rod 26 rotates relative to the main bracket 211, the first connection end 262 of the first support rod 26 may slide relative to the mating groove 53 and drive the first connection member 5 of the connection assembly 24 to rotate relative to the main bracket 211.

[0114] Exemplarily, the second support rod 27 may be provided with a second rotating arm 271. The second rotating arm 271 may include a first rotating end 271a and a second rotating end 271b. The main bracket 211 of the central shaft 21 may further be provided with a second movable portion 2115. The first rotating end 271a of the second rotating arm 271 may be rotatably connected to the second movable portion 2115. The second support rod 27 may further be provided with a second connection end 272 and is slidably connected to the mating groove 63 of the second connection member 6. It should be understood that the setting of the second rotating arm 271 and the second movable portion 2115 and the setting with the second connection member 6 are similar to the setting of the first rotating arm 261 and the first movable portion 2114 and the setting with the first connection member 5, and the same parts will not be described in detail here. Among them, the rotation center of relative rotation between the first rotating end 271a of the second rotating arm 271 and the second movable portion 2115 of the main bracket 211 may be a third outer rotation center M3. The third outer rotation center M3 may be spaced apart from the third inner rotation center N3 and the fourth inner rotation center N4. When the rotating mechanism 20 is in the open state, in the first direction, the third outer rotation center M3 may be located between the third inner rotation center N3 and the fourth inner rotation center N4.

[0115] In some embodiments, the central shaft 21 may further include a central shaft decorative member 213. The central shaft decorative member 213 may be generally strip-shaped. The central shaft decorative member 213 may be fixedly connected to the main bracket 211 by means of screwing, welding, etc., or fixedly connected to the main bracket 211 and the bracket 3a of the connection assembly 24. For example, the main bracket 211 and the bracket 3a of the connection assembly 24 may be provided with a plurality of assembly holes. The central shaft decorative member 213 may be provided with a plurality of counter holes that cooperate with the assembly holes. The plurality of counter holes may be correspondingly aligned with the plurality of assembly holes one by one. In this way, by arranging a plurality of fasteners to pass through a plurality of groups of assembly holes and counter holes correspondingly and locking them, the central shaft decorative member 213 can be fixed to the main bracket 211. The central shaft decorative member 213 may be used to form the appearance surface of the rotating mechanism 20 to improve the overall appearance of the electronic device 1000.

[0116] It can be understood that the central axis decorative member 213 in this embodiment is decoupled from the main bracket 211. On the one hand, the central axis decorative member 213 and the main bracket 211 can be prepared by different materials respectively to meet the different usage requirements of the central axis decorative member 213 and the main bracket 211 (for example, the central axis decorative member 213 can be made of a metal material with a high appearance degree such as aluminum alloy, and the main bracket 211 can be made of a metal material with a high strength such as stainless steel). On the other hand, both the central axis decorative member 213 and the main bracket 211 have many structural features. Compared with the way of integrally forming them, separately preparing the central axis decorative member 213 and the main bracket 211 is beneficial to reducing the preparation difficulty, facilitating processing, and making the preparation more flexible. At the same time, the preparation precision can also be improved.

[0117] Figure 20 is Figure 19 Exploded structural schematic diagram of the structure shown and the first connection assembly 22. Figure 21a is Figure 20 Assembly structural schematic diagram of the multiple structures shown.

[0118] As Figure 20 and Figure 21a shown, the first connection assembly 22 can include a first fixing bracket 9a and a second fixing bracket 9b. One end of the first fixing bracket 9a can be fixedly connected to the first housing 10 (please refer to Figure 2 shown). The other end of the first fixing bracket 9a can be rotatably connected to the second rotating end 261b of the first rotating arm 261. One end of the second fixing bracket 9b can be fixedly connected to the second housing 30 (please refer to Figure 2 shown). The other end of the second fixing bracket 9b can be rotatably connected to the second rotating end 271b of the second rotating arm 271. At this time, the rotation center of the relative rotation between the first fixing bracket 9a and the first rotating arm 261 is the second outer rotation center M2. The second outer rotation center M2 can be located on the side of the second inner rotation center N2 facing away from the first inner rotation center N1 (please refer to Figure 13 shown). The rotation center of the relative rotation between the second fixing bracket 9b and the second rotating arm 271 is the fourth outer rotation center M4. The fourth outer rotation center M4 can be located on the side of the fourth inner rotation center N4 facing away from the third inner rotation center N3.

[0119] Exemplarily, an arc-shaped groove may be provided at the end of the first fixing bracket 9a facing the central axis 21. The second rotating end 261b of the first rotating arm 261 may be an arc-shaped arm. The second rotating end 261b of the first rotating arm 261 may be installed in the arc-shaped groove of the first fixing bracket 9a. At this time, the second external rotation center M2 may be collinear with the central axis of the arc-shaped groove of the first fixing bracket 9a. The second external rotation center M2 is a virtual axis. In this way, the first rotating arm 261 and the first fixing bracket 9a are connected by a virtual axis, and the rotating connection structure is simple and occupies a small space, which is beneficial to reducing the thickness of the rotating mechanism 20 and is beneficial to realizing the thin-type setting of the electronic device 1000. Among them, the number of arc-shaped grooves of the first fixing bracket 9a may be two to adapt to the second rotating ends 261b of the two first rotating arms 261. In other embodiments, the first fixing bracket 9a and the second rotating end 261b of the first rotating arm 261 may also be rotationally connected by means of gear meshing, rotating shaft connection, keyway connection, etc. The present application does not specifically limit the rotational connection method between the first fixing bracket 9a and the second rotating end 261b of the first rotating arm 261.

[0120] Exemplarily, the first fixing bracket 9a may also be provided with a first sliding groove 91. The sliding end 52 of the first connecting member 5 of the connecting assembly 24 may be installed in the first sliding groove 91. The sliding end 52 of the first connecting member 5 may be slidably connected to the first fixing bracket 9a. Among them, the first sliding groove 91 may include a groove bottom wall 911 and a first groove side wall 912 and a second groove side wall 913 connected to opposite sides of the groove bottom wall 911. The groove bottom wall 911 may be provided with a limiting post 92. The first connecting member 5 may be provided with a guiding hole 54. The guiding hole 54 may be generally elongated. The guiding hole 54 may include a first end wall 541 and a second end wall 542 arranged oppositely (please refer to Figure 17 ). The limiting post 92 may be installed in the guiding hole 54. When the first connecting member 5 slides in the first sliding groove 91, the limiting post 92 of the first sliding groove 91 may also slide in the guiding hole 54 of the first connecting member 5.

[0121] It should be understood that the setting manner between the second fixing bracket 9b and the central axis 21 is similar to the setting manner between the first fixing bracket 9a and the central axis 21, and the same parts will not be described in detail. Among them, an arc-shaped groove may be provided at the end of the second fixing bracket 9b facing the central axis 21. The second rotating end 271b of the second rotating arm 271 may be an arc-shaped arm. The second rotating end 271b of the second rotating arm 271 may be installed in the arc-shaped groove of the second fixing bracket 9b. The fourth external rotation center M4 may be a virtual axis.

[0122] In some embodiments, as Figure 21b shown, Figure 21b is Figure 5Schematic structural diagram of the rotating mechanism 20 shown from another perspective. Among them, the rotating mechanism 20 may further include a first shielding member 28a and a second shielding member 28b. The first shielding member 28a and the second shielding member 28b may be located on both sides of the central axis decorative member 213 respectively, and are both fixedly connected to the first connection assembly 22, the second connection assembly 23 and the middle connection assembly 25. In this way, the surfaces of the first shielding member 28a and the second shielding member 28b facing away from the connection assembly can form a part of the appearance surface of the electronic device 1000, which is beneficial to improving the appearance degree of the electronic device 1000.

[0123] Figure 22 is Figure 21a Schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a part of the rotating mechanism 20 shown when it is in the open state and is cut along the A-A position. Figure 23 is Figure 21a Schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a part of the rotating mechanism 20 shown when it is in the open state and is cut along the B-B position.

[0124] Please refer to Figure 22 and Figure 23 and in combination with Figure 2 shown, when the folding device 100 is in the open state, the first housing 10 and the second housing 30 can be flattened relative to each other. At this time, the first fixing bracket 9a and the second fixing bracket 9b can be flattened relative to each other. The first support rod 26 and the second support rod 27 can also be flattened relative to each other. The first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6 of the connecting assembly 24 can be flattened relative to each other. At this time, the distance between the second inner rotation center N2 and the fourth inner rotation center N4 is the first distance D1. The distance between the second outer rotation center M2 and the fourth outer rotation center M4 can be the third distance D3.

[0125] Figure 24 is Figure 22 Schematic structural diagram of the structure shown when it is in the closed state. Figure 25 is Figure 23 Schematic structural diagram of the structure shown when it is in the closed state.

[0126] As Figures 22 to 25 shown, when the folding device 100 switches from the open state to the closed state, both the first housing 10 and the second housing 30 can be inclined relative to the central axis 21. Both the first fixing bracket 9a and the second fixing bracket 9b can be inclined relative to the central axis 21. Both the first support rod 26 and the second support rod 27 can also be inclined relative to the central axis 21. The first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6 of the connecting assembly 24 can both be inclined relative to the main bracket 211.

[0127] Among them, the first fixing bracket 9a can rotate relative to the second rotating end 261b of the first rotating arm 261 around the second outer rotation center M2. The first fixing bracket 9a can slide relative to the sliding end 52 of the first connecting member 5, and drive the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5 to rotate relative to the first connecting rod 4a around the second inner rotation center N2. At this time, the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5 can also rotate relative to the central axis 21 around the first inner rotation center N1. The first fixing bracket 9a can also revolve relative to the central axis 21 around the first outer rotation center M1 under the action of the first connecting member 5. In other words, the first fixing bracket 9a can rotate around the second outer rotation center M2 and revolve around the first outer rotation center M1 under the action of the connecting assembly 24. The first housing 10 can rotate around the second outer rotation center M2 and revolve around the first outer rotation center M1 under the action of the first fixing bracket 9a.

[0128] Among them, the second fixing bracket 9b can rotate around the fourth outer rotation center M4 relative to the central axis 21. The second fixing bracket 9b can slide relative to the sliding end 62 of the second connecting member 6, and drive the rotating end 61 of the second connecting member 6 to rotate relative to the second connecting rod 4b around the fourth inner rotation center N4. At this time, the rotating end 61 of the second connecting member 6 can also rotate relative to the central axis 21 around the third inner rotation center N3. The second fixing bracket 9b can also revolve relative to the central axis 21 around the third outer rotation center M3 under the action of the second connecting member 6. In other words, the second fixing bracket 9b can rotate around the fourth outer rotation center M4 and revolve around the third outer rotation center M3 under the action of the connecting assembly 24. The second housing 30 can rotate around the fourth outer rotation center M4 and revolve around the third outer rotation center M3 under the action of the second fixing bracket 9b.

[0129] Please refer to again Figures 22 to 25 , when the folding device 100 is in the closed state, the first housing 10 and the second housing 30 can be folded relative to each other. The first housing 10 can be substantially perpendicular to the central axis 21. The second housing 30 can be substantially perpendicular to the central axis 21 (please refer to Figure 4 as shown). The first fixing bracket 9a and the second fixing bracket 9b can be folded relative to each other. The first fixing bracket 9a can be arranged facing the second fixing bracket 9b. The first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6 of the connecting assembly 24 can be folded relative to each other. At this time, the distance between the second inner rotation center N2 and the fourth inner rotation center N4 can be the second distance D2. The second distance D2 can be less than the first distance D1. The distance between the second outer rotation center M2 and the fourth outer rotation center M4 can be the fourth distance D4. The fourth distance D4 is less than the third distance D3. Exemplarily, the first fixing bracket 9a can be arranged parallel to the second fixing bracket 9b. That is, the plane where the first fixing bracket 9a is located can be parallel to the plane where the second fixing bracket 9b is located.

[0130] It can be understood that the rotating mechanism 20 in this embodiment may include a central shaft 21, a connecting component 24, a first fixing bracket 9a, and a second fixing bracket 9b. One end of the first fixing bracket 9a is fixedly connected to the first housing 10, and the other end is slidably connected to the connecting component 24. One end of the second fixing bracket 9b is fixedly connected to the second housing 30, and the other end is slidably connected to the connecting component 24. The connecting component 24 may include a first positioning gear 31, a second positioning gear 33, a first connecting rod 4a, a second connecting rod 4b, a first connecting member 5, and a second connecting member 6. Both the first positioning gear 31 and the second positioning gear 33 may be fixed to the central shaft 21. Among them, the first end 41 of the first connecting rod 4a is rotatably connected to the central shaft 21. The second end 42 of the first connecting rod 4a is rotatably connected to the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5. The sliding end 52 of the first connecting member 5 is slidably connected to the first fixing bracket 9a. The first positioning gear 31 is fixed to the central shaft 21 and is coaxially arranged with the first end 41 of the first connecting rod 4a. The rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5 meshes with the first positioning gear 31. The first end 43 of the second connecting rod 4b is rotatably connected to the central shaft 21. The second end 44 of the second connecting rod 4b is rotatably connected to the rotating end 61 of the second connecting member 6. The sliding end 62 of the second connecting member 6 is slidably connected to the second fixing bracket 9b. The second positioning gear 33 is fixed to the central shaft 21 and is coaxially arranged with the first end 43 of the second connecting rod 4b. The rotating end 61 of the second connecting member 6 meshes with the second positioning gear 33.

[0131] When the electronic device 1000 switches between the open state and the closed state, the first connecting member 5 of the connecting assembly 24 can rotate relative to the second end 42 of the first link 4a to achieve self-rotation, and can also rotate relative to the first positioning gear 31 to achieve revolution. The second connecting member 6 of the connecting assembly 24 can rotate relative to the second end 44 of the second link 4b to achieve self-rotation, and can also rotate relative to the second positioning gear 33 to achieve revolution. In this way, when the electronic device 1000 switches from the open state to the folded state and the first housing 10 and the second housing 30 are folded relative to each other, the first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6 can also revolve relative to the first positioning gear 31 and the second positioning gear 33 respectively, so that the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5 can approach the rotating end 61 of the second connecting member 6. In this way, compared with the general rotating mechanism in which the first connecting member and the second connecting member only perform self-rotation, the thickness of the electronic device in the closed state is relatively thick. In the present embodiment, the first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6 can not only perform self-rotation but also revolve relative to the first positioning gear 31 and the second positioning gear 33 respectively to form two planetary gear structures respectively, so that the distance (i.e., the second distance) between the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5 and the rotating end 61 of the second connecting member 6 when the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state can be less than the distance (i.e., the first distance) between them when the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, thereby effectively reducing the thickness of the electronic device 1000 in the closed state and realizing the thin-type setting of the electronic device 1000.

[0132] In addition, when the electronic device is an out-foldable electronic device with a screen, compared with the general rotating mechanism in which the first connecting member and the second connecting member only perform self-rotation, the outer arc radius of the bending portion corresponding to the flexible display screen in the rotating mechanism of the electronic device in the closed state will be limited by the dimensions of the ends of the first connecting member and the second connecting member where self-rotation occurs. When the dimensions of the ends of the first connecting member and the second connecting member where self-rotation occurs are small, it will result in a small outer arc radius of the bending portion corresponding to the screen in the rotating mechanism, which is likely to cause the flexible display screen to arch and damage the flexible display screen, and the reliability of the flexible display screen is relatively low. However, the first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6 in the present embodiment can also revolve relative to the first positioning gear 31 and the second positioning gear 33 respectively. Under the condition that the dimensions of the ends of the first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6 where self-rotation occurs are certain, the outer arc radius of the bending portion 202 corresponding to the flexible display screen 200 in the rotating mechanism 20 of the present embodiment can be greater than or equal to the revolution radius of the first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6. In other words, the rotating mechanism 20 of the present embodiment can achieve the thin-type setting of the electronic device 1000 in the closed state while taking into account the reliability of the flexible display screen 200.

[0133] In addition, a first gear 45 may be provided at an end of the first link 4a facing the second link 4b in this embodiment. The first gear 45 may be coaxially arranged with the first positioning gear 31. A second gear 46 may be provided at an end of the second link 4b facing the first link 4a. The second gear 46 may be coaxially arranged with the second positioning gear 33. The first gear 45 may be engaged with the second gear 46. In this way, the first connecting member 5 and the second connecting member 6 may perform synchronous movements with opposite rotation directions and the same rotation angles, so that it can be ensured that the flexible display screen 200 remains centered relative to the folding device 100 during the folding process, avoiding dislocation.

[0134] In addition, when the rotation mechanism 20 in this embodiment is in the open state, in the first direction, the first outer rotation center M1 may be located between the first inner rotation center N1 and the second inner rotation center N2, and the second outer rotation center M2 may be located on a side of the second inner rotation center N2 facing away from the first inner rotation center N1. In this way, the rotation radius of the first fixing frame rotating relative to the first outer rotation center M1 may be greater than the rotation radius of the first connecting member rotating relative to the first inner rotation center N1. The rotation radius of the first fixing frame rotating relative to the second outer rotation center M2 may be greater than the rotation radius of the first connecting member rotating relative to the second inner rotation center N2. In this way, compared with a general rotation mechanism in which the first inner rotation center coincides with the first outer rotation center and the second inner rotation center coincides with the second outer rotation center, when it is applied to an electronic device, when the electronic device switches between the open state and the closed state, the flexible display screen will relatively slide relative to the folding device. Since the flexible display screen is fixed to the folding device and cannot slide relative to the folding device, a pulling force will be generated between the flexible display screen and the folding device, which easily causes the flexible display screen to fail. When the rotation mechanism 20 in this embodiment is applied to the electronic device 1000, through the above settings, it can effectively avoid the pulling force between the flexible display screen 200 and the folding device 100 when the flexible display screen 200 switches between the open state and the closed state, so as to avoid the failure of the flexible display screen 200, which is beneficial to extending the service life of the electronic device 1000.

[0135] In addition, the pitch circle radii of the first positioning gear 31, the second positioning gear 33, the first planetary gear 7a, and the second planetary gear 7b in this embodiment may be the same. In this way, when the electronic device 1000 is switched from the open state to the closed state, both the first planetary gear 7a and the second planetary gear 7b can rotate 45° on their own axes, and the first planetary gear 7a and the second planetary gear 7b can also revolve 45° relative to the first positioning gear 31 and the second positioning gear 33 respectively, so that both the first fixing bracket 9a and the second fixing bracket 9b can rotate 90° relative to the central axis 21. In this way, the angles of rotation and revolution of the first planetary gear 7a and the second planetary gear 7b are the same, so that an arc approximately forming a complete circle can be formed on the outer side of the bending part 202 of the rotating mechanism 20 corresponding to the screen, thus better fitting the bending radius of the bending part 202 of the screen, which is beneficial to avoiding damage to the screen caused by the rotating mechanism 20 lifting the screen when the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state, improving the reliability of the screen, and extending the service life of the electronic device 1000.

[0136] In some embodiments, when the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, the central axes of the first inner transmission member 32, the second inner transmission member 34, the first outer transmission member 8a, and the second outer transmission member 8b of the rotating mechanism 20 may also be located in the same plane. In this way, the thickness of the rotating mechanism 20 in the open state is relatively thin, which is beneficial to reducing the thickness of the electronic device 1000 in the open state, so that the electronic device 1000 can take into account the thin design in both the open state and the closed state.

[0137] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 26 , Figure 27 and Figure 28 , Figure 26 is Figure 21a the schematic structural diagram of the structure shown in Figure 27 is Figure 21a the schematic structural diagram of the structure shown in the intermediate state, Figure 28 is Figure 21aSchematic diagram of the structure when the shown structure is in a closed state. The first connection component 22 may further include a first damping member 22a and a second damping member 22b. The first damping member 22a may be installed between the first groove side wall 912 of the first chute 91 and the first connection member 5. The second damping member 22b may be installed between the second groove side wall 913 of the first chute 91 and the first connection member 5. Among them, the first damping member 22a may include a sliding member 221 and an elastic member 222. The elastic member 222 may be located between the first groove side wall 912 of the first chute 91 and the sliding member 221. The number of the elastic members 222 may be multiple, for example, three. One ends of the three elastic members 222 may all abut against the first groove side wall 912, and the other ends may abut against the sliding member 221. The surface of the sliding member 221 facing the first connection member 5 may be partially recessed inward to form a first recessed area 223 and a second recessed area 224 which are arranged at intervals. Both the first recessed area 223 and the second recessed area 224 may communicate with the first chute 91. The first recessed area 223 may be closer to the central axis 21 than the second recessed area 224. The sliding member 221 may further include a top block 225 located between the first recessed area 223 and the second recessed area 224. A protrusion 55 may be provided on the surface of the sliding end 52 of the first connection member 5 facing the first damping member 22a. The arrangement of the second damping member 22b with the first chute 91 and the first connection member 5 is similar to the arrangement of the first damping member 22a with the first chute 91 and the first connection member 5, and the same parts will not be described in detail. The movement of the first damping member 22a is similar to the movement of the second damping member 22b, and the movement of the first damping member 22a will be mainly introduced below.

[0138] Exemplarily, when the folding device 100 is in an open state, at least a part of the protrusion 55 of the first connection member 5 may be located in the first recessed area 223. When the folding device 100 is switched between the open state and the closed state, the protrusion 55 of the first connection member 5 may move over the top block 225 as the folding device 100 moves. When the folding device 100 is in a closed state, at least a part of the protrusion 55 of the first connection member 5 may be located in the second recessed area 224.

[0139] It can be understood that in this embodiment, the first fixing frame 9a may further be provided with a first chute 91. The sliding end 52 of the first connection member 5 may be installed in the first chute 91, that is, it may be slidably connected to the first fixing frame 9a. The rotating mechanism 20 may further include a first damping member 22a. The first damping member 22a may be installed between the first groove side wall 912 of the first chute 91 and the first connection member 5. When the folding device 100 is in an open state, the first damping member 22a may provide damping for the folding device 100 in the flattened state, avoiding relative movement and folding of the folding device 100 when not required by the user. In other words, setting the first damping member 22a in this embodiment is beneficial to improving the user experience of the electronic device 1000.

[0140] In some embodiments, the second connecting component 23 may further include a third damping member 23a and a fourth damping member 23b, and their arrangement is substantially the same as that of the first damping member 22a and the second damping member 22b, which will not be elaborated here. In other embodiments, the first connecting component 22 may not include the first damping member 22a and / or the second damping member 22b.

[0141] In some embodiments, referring again to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , a portion of the bracket 3a near the first end 41 of the first link 4a has a first notch 36, and a first contact surface 37 and a second contact surface 38 facing the first notch 36. A first included angle is formed between the first contact surface 37 and the second contact surface 38. Wherein, the opening of the first included angle faces the solid portion of the bracket 3a between the first contact surface 37 and the second contact surface 38. A portion of the first end 41 of the first link 4a near the bracket 3a has a second notch 471, and a third contact surface 472 and a fourth contact surface 473 facing the second notch 471. A second included angle is formed between the third contact surface 472 and the fourth contact surface 473. Wherein, the opening of the second included angle faces the solid portion of the first link 4a between the third contact surface 472 and the fourth contact surface 473. The sum of the angles of the first included angle and the second included angle is less than 360°. The first contact surface 37 may face the third contact surface 472. The second contact surface 38 may face the fourth contact surface 473.

[0142] Exemplarily, when the connecting component 24 is in the open state, the third contact surface 472 of the first link 4a may contact the first contact surface 37 of the bracket 3a. The fourth contact surface 473 of the first link 4a may be spaced from the second contact surface 38 of the bracket 3a. Wherein, the contact between the third contact surface 472 and the first contact surface 37 may be complete contact or approximate contact. For example, there is a small gap between the third contact surface 472 and the first contact surface 37. Unless otherwise specified hereinafter, the contact between a certain component and a certain component may refer to the above definition.

[0143] When the connecting component 24 is in the closed state, the third contact surface 472 of the first link 4a may be spaced from the first contact surface 37 of the bracket 3a. The fourth contact surface 473 of the first link 4a may contact the second contact surface 38 of the bracket 3a. In other embodiments, the first notch 36, the first contact surface 37, and the second contact surface 38 may also be formed on a portion of the first positioning gear 31 near the first end 41 of the first link 4a.

[0144] It can be understood that in this embodiment, through the cooperation of the first notch 36 on the bracket 3a and the second notch 471 on the first link 4a, when the connection assembly 24 switches from the closed state to the open state, the third contact surface 472 of the first link 4a can cooperate with the first contact surface 37 of the bracket 3a for limiting, so as to avoid excessive unfolding of the first link 4a relative to the bracket 3a. At the same time, when the connection assembly 24 switches from the open state to the closed state, the fourth contact surface 473 of the first link 4a can cooperate with the second contact surface 38 of the bracket 3a for limiting, so as to avoid excessive folding of the first link 4a relative to the bracket 3a. In other words, in this embodiment, the first notch 36 of the bracket 3a in the connection assembly 24 cooperates with the second notch 471 of the first link 4a, so as to avoid excessive folding or excessive unfolding of the electronic device 1000 during use and damage the flexible display screen 200, which is beneficial to extending the service life of the electronic device 1000.

[0145] In some embodiments, please refer to again Figure 11 , a part of the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5 close to the second end 42 of the first link 4a may have a third notch 56, and a fifth contact surface 57 and a sixth contact surface 58 facing the third notch 56. A third included angle is formed between the fifth contact surface 57 and the sixth contact surface 58. Wherein, the opening of the third included angle faces the solid part of the first connecting member 5 between the fifth contact surface 57 and the sixth contact surface 58. A part of the second end 42 of the first link 4a close to the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5 may be provided with a fourth notch 481, and a seventh contact surface 482 and an eighth contact surface 483 facing the fourth notch 481. A fourth included angle is formed between the seventh contact surface 482 and the eighth contact surface 483. Wherein, the opening of the fourth included angle faces the solid part of the first link 4a between the seventh contact surface 482 and the eighth contact surface 483. The sum of the angles of the third included angle and the fourth included angle is less than 360°.

[0146] Exemplarily, when the connection assembly 24 is in the open state, the fifth contact surface 57 of the first connecting member 5 can contact the seventh contact surface 482 of the first link 4a. The sixth contact surface 58 of the first connecting member 5 can be spaced from the eighth contact surface 483 of the first link 4a. When the connection assembly 24 is in the closed state, the fifth contact surface 57 of the first connecting member 5 can be spaced from the seventh contact surface 482 of the first link 4a. The sixth contact surface 58 of the first connecting member 5 can contact the eighth contact surface 483 of the first link 4a. In this way, through the cooperation of the third notch 56 of the first connecting member 5 and the fourth notch 481 of the first link 4a in the connection assembly 24, it is possible to avoid excessive folding or excessive unfolding of the electronic device 1000 during use and damage the flexible display screen 200, which is beneficial to extending the service life of the electronic device 1000.

[0147] In other embodiments, the second link 4b and the bracket 3a may also respectively form cooperating notches. And / or, the second link 4b and the second connecting member 6 may also respectively form cooperating notches. Among them, the specific setting method can refer to the setting method between the first link 4a and the bracket 3a and the setting method between the first link 4a and the second connecting member 6 described above, and will not be elaborated here.

[0148] Figure 29 is Figure 21a The structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in another embodiment. Figure 30 is Figure 29 The partial enlarged structural schematic diagram of the structure shown at C.

[0149] As Figure 29 and Figure 30 shown, the structure in this embodiment is substantially the same as the structure shown in Figure 21a The rotation mechanism 20 in this embodiment may further include a first elastic member 29a. The first elastic member 29a may be sleeved on the first inner transmission member 32, with one end fixed to the main bracket 211 and the other end fixed to the first link 4a. Among them, at least one first protrusion 311 may be provided on the part of the first positioning gear 31 of the connection assembly 24 facing the first link 4a. At least two first grooves 491 may be provided on the part of the first end 41 of the first link 4a facing the first positioning gear 31.

[0150] Exemplarily, when the rotation mechanism 20 is in the open state, the first protrusion 311 may be located in one of the first grooves 491. At this time, the length of the first elastic member 29a is the first length. When the rotation mechanism 20 is in the intermediate state, the first protrusion 311 may be located between the two first grooves 491. At this time, the length of the first elastic member 29a may be less than the first length. When the rotation mechanism 20 is in the closed state, the first protrusion 311 may be located in the other first groove 491. In this way, by respectively providing the first grooves 491 and the first protrusions 311 on the first link 4a and the first positioning gear 31, the first protrusion 311 can slide into or out of the first groove 491 as the rotation mechanism 20 moves. At the same time, by setting the movement cooperation of the first elastic member 29a and the connection assembly 24, a damping force can be provided for the relative unfolding and / or relative folding of the rotation mechanism 20, that is, a damping force can be provided for the relative unfolding and / or relative folding of the electronic device 1000, and the user experience is better.

[0151] In some embodiments, multiple first protrusions 311 may be provided on a portion of the first positioning gear 31 close to the first connecting rod 4a. Multiple first grooves 491 may be provided on a portion of the first end 41 of the first connecting rod 4a close to the first positioning gear 31. The number of the first protrusions 311 may be the same as that of the first grooves 491. The multiple first protrusions 311 may be respectively located in the multiple first grooves 491. In other embodiments, the first protrusions 311 may also be formed on the first connecting rod 4a. The first grooves 491 may also be formed on the first positioning gear 31.

[0152] As Figure 29 and Figure 30 shown, the rotating mechanism 20 may further include a second elastic member 29b. The second elastic member 29b may be sleeved on the first outer transmission member 8a, with one end fixed to the main bracket 211 and the other end fixed to the first connecting rod 4a. Wherein, at least one second protrusion 59 may be provided on a portion of the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5 of the connecting assembly 24 facing the first connecting rod 4a. At least two second grooves 492 spaced apart may be provided on a portion of the second end 42 of the first connecting rod 4a facing the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5.

[0153] Exemplarily, when the rotating mechanism 20 is in the open state, the second protrusion 59 may be located in one of the second grooves 492. At this time, the length of the second elastic member 29b is the second length. When the rotating mechanism 20 is in the intermediate state, the second protrusion 59 may be located between the two second grooves 492. At this time, the length of the second elastic member 29b may be less than the second length. When the rotating mechanism 20 is in the closed state, the second protrusion 59 may be located in the other second groove 492. Thus, by respectively providing the second grooves 492 and the second protrusions 59 on the first connecting rod 4a and the rotating end 51 of the first connecting member 5, the second protrusion 59 may slide into or out of the second groove 492 as the rotating mechanism 20 moves. Meanwhile, by setting the movement cooperation of the second elastic member 29b and the connecting assembly 24, a damping force may be provided for the relative unfolding and / or relative folding of the rotating mechanism 20, that is, a damping force is provided for the relative unfolding and / or relative folding of the electronic device 1000, and the user experience is better.

[0154] In other embodiments, the rotating mechanism 20 may further include a third elastic member and a fourth elastic member. One end of each of the third elastic member and the fourth elastic member may be fixed to the main bracket 211, and the other end of each may be fixed to the second connecting rod 4b. One of the end of the second connecting rod 4b close to the second outer transmission member 8b and the end of the second outer transmission member 8b close to the second connecting rod 4b may be provided with a groove, and the other may be provided with a protrusion. One of the end of the second connecting rod 4b close to the second inner transmission member 34 and the end of the second inner transmission member 34 close to the second connecting rod 4b may be provided with a groove, and the other may be provided with a protrusion. The arrangement among the second connecting rod 4b, the second outer transmission member 8b, and the second inner transmission member 34 is the same as that among the first connecting rod 4a, the first outer transmission member 8a, and the first inner transmission member 32, and details thereof will not be described herein again.

[0155] It should be noted that, without conflict, the features in the embodiments of the present application may be combined with each other, and any arbitrary combination of features in different embodiments is also within the protection scope of the present application. That is to say, the above-described multiple embodiments may also be arbitrarily combined according to actual needs.

[0156] It should be noted that all the above drawings are exemplary illustrations of the present application and do not represent the actual size of the product. Moreover, the dimensional proportional relationship between components in the drawings is not used as a limitation on the actual product of the present application.

[0157] The above are only some embodiments of the present application. The protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present application, and all should be covered by the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A rotating mechanism (20), characterized in that, it includes a central axis (21), a connecting component (24), a first fixing bracket (9a) and a second fixing bracket (9b), and the connecting component (24) can move so that the first fixing bracket (9a) and the second fixing bracket (9b) are folded relative to each other to a closed state or unfolded relative to each other to an open state; the connecting component (24) includes a first positioning gear (31), a second positioning gear (33), a first connecting piece (5), a first connecting rod (4a), a second connecting piece (6) and a second connecting rod (4b); the first connecting rod (4a) includes a first end (41) and a second end (42), the first connecting piece (5) includes a rotating end (51) and a sliding end (52), the first end (41) of the first connecting rod (4a) is rotatably connected to the central axis (21), the second end (42) of the first connecting rod (4a) is rotatably connected to the rotating end (51) of the first connecting piece (5), the sliding end (52) of the first connecting piece (5) is slidably connected to the first fixing bracket (9a), the first positioning gear (31) is fixed to the central axis (21) and is coaxially arranged with the first end (41) of the first connecting rod (4a), and the rotating end (51) of the first connecting piece (5) meshes with the first positioning gear (31); the second connecting rod (4b) includes a first end (43) and a second end (44), the second connecting piece (6) includes a rotating end (61) and a sliding end (62), the first end (43) of the second connecting rod (4b) is rotatably connected to the central axis (21), the second end (44) of the second connecting rod (4b) is rotatably connected to the rotating end (61) of the second connecting piece (6), the sliding end (62) of the second connecting piece (6) is slidably connected to the second fixing bracket (9b), the second positioning gear (33) is fixed to the central axis (21) and is coaxially arranged with the first end (43) of the second connecting rod (4b), and the rotating end (61) of the second connecting piece (6) meshes with the second positioning gear (33).

2. The rotating mechanism (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the rotating mechanism (20) is in the open state, the distance between the rotating end (51) of the first connecting piece (5) and the rotating end (61) of the second connecting piece (6) is a first distance (D1), when the rotating mechanism (20) is in the closed state, the distance between the rotating end (51) of the first connecting piece (5) and the rotating end (61) of the second connecting piece (6) is a second distance (D2), and the second distance (D2) is less than the first distance (D1).

3. The rotating mechanism (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first end (41) of the first link (4a) is provided with a first gear (45), the first gear (45) is coaxially arranged with the first positioning gear (31), the first end (43) of the second link (4b) is provided with a second gear (46), the second gear (46) is coaxially arranged with the second positioning gear (33), and the first gear (45) meshes with the second gear (46).

4. The rotating mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, a first planetary gear (7a) is provided at the rotating end (51) of the first connecting member (5), the first planetary gear (7a) meshes with the first positioning gear (31), and the pitch circle radius of the first planetary gear (7a) is equal to the pitch circle radius of the first positioning gear (31).

5. The rotating mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, the connection assembly (24) further includes a bracket (3a), the first positioning gear (31) and the second positioning gear (33) are respectively located on opposite sides of the bracket (3a) and are both fixedly connected to the bracket (3a), and the bracket (3a) is fixed to the central axis (21).

6. The rotating mechanism (20) according to claim 5, characterized in that, a part of the bracket (3a) or the first positioning gear (31) close to the first end (41) of the first link (4a) has a first notch (36) and a first contact surface (37) and a second contact surface (38) facing the first notch (36), and a first included angle is formed between the first contact surface (37) and the second contact surface (38); a part of the first end (41) of the first link (4a) close to the bracket (3a) or the first positioning gear (31) has a second notch (471) and a third contact surface (472) and a fourth contact surface (473) facing the second notch (471), and a second included angle is formed between the third contact surface (472) and the fourth contact surface (473), the sum of the angles of the first included angle and the second included angle is less than 360°, the first contact surface (37) faces the third contact surface (472), and the second contact surface (38) faces the fourth contact surface (473).

7. The rotating mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, the connection assembly (24) further includes a first internal transmission member (32), the first internal transmission member (32) is inserted through the first positioning gear (31), or the first internal transmission member (32) is integrally formed with the first positioning gear (31); the first end (41) of the first link (4a) is sleeved on the first internal transmission member (32).

8. The rotating mechanism (20) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The central axis (21) includes a main bracket (211) and a mounting member (212). One end of the mounting member (212) is sleeved on the first inner transmission member (32), the other end of the mounting member (212) is fixed to the main bracket (211), and a part of the mounting member (212) and the main bracket (211) are stacked in the thickness direction of the main bracket (211).

9. The rotating mechanism (20) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, the rotating mechanism (20) further includes a first elastic member (29a). The first elastic member (29a) is sleeved on the first inner transmission member (32). One end of the first elastic member (29a) is fixed to the central axis (21), the other end of the first elastic member (29a) is fixed to the first connecting rod (4a). At least two first grooves (491) are provided at intervals on one of the part of the first end (41) of the first connecting rod (4a) facing the first positioning gear (31) and the part of the first positioning gear (31) facing the first connecting rod (4a), and at least one first protrusion (311) is provided on the other; when the rotating mechanism (20) is in the open state, the first protrusion (311) is located in one of the first grooves (491), and the length of the first elastic member (29a) is a first length. When the rotating mechanism (20) is in an intermediate state between the open state and the closed state, the first protrusion (311) is located between the two first grooves (491), and the length of the first elastic member (29a) is less than the first length. When the rotating mechanism (20) is in the closed state, the first protrusion (311) is located in the other first groove (491).

10. The rotating mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, the rotating mechanism (20) further includes a first outer transmission member (8a). The first outer transmission member (8a) is mounted on the rotating end (51) of the first connecting member (5), or the first outer transmission member (8a) is integrally formed with the rotating end (51) of the first connecting member (5); the second end (42) of the first connecting rod (4a) is sleeved on the first outer transmission member (8a).

11. The rotating mechanism (20) according to claim 10, wherein, The rotating mechanism (20) further includes a second elastic member (29b). The second elastic member (29b) is sleeved on the first external transmission member (8a). One end of the second elastic member (29b) is fixed to the central shaft (21), and the other end of the second elastic member (29b) is fixed to the first connecting rod (4a). At least two second grooves (492) are spaced apart from each other on one of the part of the second end (42) of the first connecting rod (4a) facing the rotating end (51) of the first connecting member (5) and the part of the rotating end (51) of the first connecting member (5) facing the first connecting rod (4a). At least one second protrusion (59) is provided on the other one; When the rotating mechanism (20) is in the open state, the second protrusion (59) is located in one of the second grooves (492), and the length of the second elastic member (29b) is the second length. When the rotating mechanism (20) is in an intermediate state between the open state and the closed state, the second protrusion (59) is located between the two second grooves (492), and the length of the second elastic member (29b) is less than the second length. When the rotating mechanism (20) is in the closed state, the second protrusion (59) is located in the other second groove (492).

12. The rotating mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The part of the rotating end (51) of the first connecting member (5) close to the first connecting rod (4a) has a third notch (56), a fifth contact surface (57) and a sixth contact surface (58) facing the third notch (56). A third included angle is formed between the fifth contact surface (57) and the sixth contact surface (58); The part of the second end (42) of the first connecting rod (4a) close to the rotating end (51) of the first connecting member (5) has a fourth notch (481), a seventh contact surface (482) and an eighth contact surface (483) facing the fourth notch (481). A fourth included angle is formed between the seventh contact surface (482) and the eighth contact surface (483). The sum of the angles of the third included angle and the fourth included angle is less than 360°. The fifth contact surface (57) faces the seventh contact surface (482), and the sixth contact surface (58) faces the eighth contact surface (483).

13. The rotating mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The first fixing frame (9a) is provided with a first sliding groove (91), the sliding end (52) of the first connecting member (5) is installed in the first sliding groove (91), the first sliding groove (91) includes a first groove side wall (912) and a second groove side wall (913) arranged opposite to each other, the rotating mechanism (20) also includes a first damping member, the first damping member (22a) is installed between the first groove side wall (912) and the first connecting member (5), and the first damping member (22a) is used to provide a damping force for the relative unfolding and / or relative folding of the first fixing frame (9a) and the second fixing frame (9b).

14. The rotating mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, It is characterized in that The rotating mechanism (20) further comprises a first rotating arm (261) and a second rotating arm (262), wherein the first rotating arm (261) comprises a first rotating end (261a) and a second rotating end (261b), wherein the first rotating end (261a) of the first rotating arm (261) is rotationally connected to the central axis (21), and the second rotating end (261b) of the first rotating arm (261) is rotationally connected to the first fixed frame (9a), and the second rotating arm (262) comprises a first rotating end (262a) and a second rotating end (262b), wherein the first rotating end (262a) of the second rotating arm (262) is rotationally connected to the central axis (21), and the second rotating end (262b) of the second rotating arm (262) is rotationally connected to the second fixed frame (9b).

15. The rotating mechanism (20) according to claim 14, It is characterized in that The rotation center of relative rotation between the first connecting rod (4a) and the central axis (21) is a first inner rotation center (N1), the rotation center of relative rotation between the first connecting member (5) and the first connecting rod (4a) is a second inner rotation center (N2), the rotation center of relative rotation between the first rotating arm (261) and the central axis (21) is a first outer rotation center (M1), and the rotation center of relative rotation between the first rotating arm (261) and the first fixing frame (9a) is a second outer rotation center (M2); When the rotating mechanism (20) is in the open state, in a first direction, the first outer rotation center (M1) is located between the first inner rotation center (N1) and the second inner rotation center (N2), and the second outer rotation center (M2) is located on the side of the second inner rotation center (N2) facing away from the first inner rotation center (N1), and the first direction is the direction in which the first fixed frame (9a) points to the second fixed frame (9b) when the rotating mechanism (20) is in the open state.

16. The rotating mechanism (20) according to claim 14 or 15, It is characterized in that The central axis (21) is provided with an arc-shaped groove, the first fixing bracket (9a) is provided with an arc-shaped groove, the first end of the first rotating arm (261) is arc-shaped and is mounted in the arc-shaped groove of the central axis (21), and the second end of the first rotating arm (261) is arc-shaped and is mounted in the arc-shaped groove of the first fixing bracket (9a).

17. A folding device (100), characterized in that it includes a first housing (10), a second housing (30) and the rotating mechanism (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 16. The rotating mechanism (20) connects the first housing (10) and the second housing (20). The rotating mechanism (20) can move so that the first housing (10) and the second housing (30) are folded relative to each other to a closed state or unfolded relative to each other to an open state.

18. An electronic device (1000), characterized in that it includes a flexible display screen (200) and the folding device (100) according to claim 17. The flexible display screen (200) includes a first non-bending part (201), a bending part (202) and a second non-bending part (203) arranged in sequence. The first non-bending part (201) is fixed to the first housing (10), and the second non-bending parts (202)(203) are fixed to the second housing (20). During the relative folding or relative unfolding of the first housing (10) and the second housing (20), the bending part (202) deforms.

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