Rotating shaft mechanism and folding electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotating shaft mechanism and folding type electronic equipment, the rotating shaft mechanism comprises a base, a first connecting seat, a second connecting seat, a supporting plate, a first traction assembly and a second traction assembly, and the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat are arranged on the two sides of the base respectively; the supporting plate comprises a bending part, a first supporting part and a second supporting part, the first supporting part and the second supporting part are located on the two sides of the bending part respectively, and the first traction assembly and the second traction assembly are in linkage connection with the first connecting base and the second connecting base respectively. And the first traction assembly and the second traction assembly respectively pull the bent part on the two sides of the base, so that the bent part can be flattened and covers the base. According to the rotating shaft mechanism and the folding electronic equipment, the first traction assembly and the second traction assembly are used for pulling the bending part to flatten the bending part, so that the flattened bending part is used for supporting the folding position of the flexible screen, and the folding position of the flexible screen is not prone to collapse.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and particularly to a rotating shaft mechanism and a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Foldable electronic devices, due to their foldable use, further enhance portability and are favored by consumers. Foldable electronic devices need to be equipped with a rotating shaft mechanism to meet their foldable use requirements.

[0003] However, in related technologies, when a foldable electronic device is in use, the folding position of the flexible screen (i.e., the position corresponding to the rotating shaft) is prone to collapse, affecting the use effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a rotating shaft mechanism and a foldable electronic device to solve the technical problem that the folding position of the flexible screen is prone to collapse.

[0005] On the one hand, the present application provides a rotating shaft mechanism, including:

[0006] A base;

[0007] A first connecting seat provided on one side of the base;

[0008] A second connecting seat provided on the other side of the base;

[0009] A support plate covering the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat, and the support plate includes a bending portion opposite to the base in position, and a first support portion and a second support portion respectively located on both sides of the bending portion;

[0010] A first traction assembly, which is linked to the first connecting seat and connected to the support plate; and

[0011] A second traction assembly, which is linked to the second connecting seat and connected to the support plate,

[0012] wherein, when the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat move away from each other relative to the base, the first traction assembly and the second traction assembly respectively traction the bending portion on both sides of the base, so that the bending portion can be flattened and cover the base.

[0013] In one embodiment, the support plate further includes a first flexible portion and a second flexible portion. One side of the bending portion is connected to the first support portion through the first flexible portion, and the other side of the bending portion is connected to the second support portion through the second flexible portion. The first traction assembly is connected to the first flexible portion, and the second traction assembly is connected to the second flexible portion. When the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat move away from each other relative to the base, the first traction assembly pulls one side of the bending portion through the first flexible portion, and the second traction assembly pulls the other side of the bending portion through the second flexible portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes: a first swing arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the base and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the first connecting seat; a second swing arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the base and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first swing arm includes a first receiving portion, a first rotating portion, and a second rotating portion. The first support portion is fixed to the first receiving portion. The first rotating portion is rotatably connected to the base, and the second rotating portion is rotatably connected to the first connecting seat. A receiving groove is provided on one side of the base facing the support plate. When the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat are folded relative to the base, at least part of the structure of the bending portion is received in the receiving groove. When the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat are rotated relative to the base to flatten the bending portion, part of the structure of the first rotating portion extends out of the receiving groove and contacts the bending portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the base is provided with an arc groove, which is communicated with the receiving groove. The cross section of the first rotating portion is arc-shaped, and the first rotating portion is in sliding fit with the arc groove. When the first swing arm rotates relative to the base, the first rotating portion slides along the arc groove.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second swing arm includes a second receiving portion, a third rotating portion, and a fourth rotating portion. The second support portion is fixed to the second receiving portion. The third rotating portion is rotatably connected to the base, and the fourth rotating portion is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat. When the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat are rotated relative to the base to flatten the bending portion, part of the structure of the third rotating portion extends out of the receiving groove and contacts the bending portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the wall surface of the receiving groove is arc-shaped. When the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat are folded relative to the base, at least part of the structure of the bending portion is in contact with the wall surface of the receiving groove.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first traction assembly includes a first linkage arm and a first connecting rod. One end of the first linkage arm is rotatably connected to the first connecting seat, and the other end is rotatably connected to the base. Both ends of the first connecting rod are rotatably connected to the first linkage arm and the first flexible part respectively. When the first connecting seat moves relative to the base, both the first linkage arm and the first swing arm rotate relative to the first connecting seat, and the first linkage arm pulls the first flexible part through the first connecting rod.

[0020] The second traction assembly includes a second linkage arm and a second connecting rod. One end of the second linkage arm is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat, and the other end is rotatably connected to the base. Both ends of the second connecting rod are rotatably connected to the second linkage arm and the second flexible part respectively. When the second connecting seat rotates relative to the base, both the second linkage arm and the second swing arm rotate relative to the second connecting seat, and the second linkage arm pulls the second flexible part through the second connecting rod.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first linkage arm has a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part is rotatably connected to the base, and the second connecting part is rotatably connected to the first connecting seat. The first linkage arm is provided with a first groove, which is located between the first connecting part and the second connecting part, and one end of the first connecting rod is rotatably arranged in the first groove.

[0022] The second linkage arm has a third connecting part and a fourth connecting part. The third connecting part is rotatably connected to the base, and the fourth connecting part is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat. The second linkage arm is provided with a second groove, which is located between the third connecting part and the fourth connecting part, and one end of the second connecting rod is rotatably arranged in the second groove.

[0023] In one embodiment, one of the first connecting part and the base is provided with a first circular arc slide rail, and the other is provided with a first circular arc slide groove, and the first circular arc slide rail is in sliding fit with the first circular arc slide groove; or, one of the second connecting part and the first connecting seat is provided with a second circular arc slide rail, and the other is provided with a second circular arc slide groove, and the second circular arc slide rail is in sliding fit with the second circular arc slide groove; or, one of the third connecting part and the base is provided with a third circular arc slide rail, and the other is provided with a third circular arc slide groove, and the third circular arc slide rail is in sliding fit with the third circular arc slide groove; or, one of the fourth connecting part and the second connecting seat is provided with a fourth circular arc slide rail, and the other is provided with a fourth circular arc slide groove, and the fourth circular arc slide rail is in sliding fit with the fourth circular arc slide groove.

[0024] In one embodiment, the axes of rotation of the first swing arm and the first linkage arm relative to the base are parallel to each other, the axes of rotation of the first swing arm and the first linkage arm relative to the first connecting seat are parallel to each other, the axes of rotation of the second swing arm and the second linkage arm relative to the base are parallel to each other, and the axes of rotation of the second swing arm and the second linkage arm relative to the second connecting seat are parallel to each other.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first flexible portion is provided with a first clearance groove. When the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat rotate relative to the base to flatten the bent portion, a part of the structure of the first swing arm is received in the first clearance groove; and / or, the second flexible portion is provided with a second clearance groove. When the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat rotate relative to the base to flatten the bent portion, a part of the structure of the second swing arm is received in the second clearance groove.

[0026] In one embodiment, the bent portion, the first flexible portion, and the second flexible portion are all provided with sinking grooves extending along the folding axis direction of the rotating shaft mechanism. The width of the sinking grooves on the first flexible portion and the second flexible portion is greater than the width of the sinking grooves on the bent portion.

[0027] On the other hand, the present application provides a foldable electronic device, including a housing assembly, a flexible screen, and a rotating shaft mechanism as described above. The housing assembly includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing is fixed to the first connecting seat of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the second housing is fixed to the second connecting seat of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0028] In one embodiment, the flexible screen is fixedly connected to the first support portion and the second support portion of the support plate and covers the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0029] For the rotating shaft mechanism and the foldable electronic device of the present application, since the support plate has a bent portion opposite to the position of the base, and when the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat move relative to the base in a direction away from each other, the first traction assembly and the second traction assembly can traction the bent portion, so that the bent portion can be flattened and cover the base, so as to use the flattened bent portion to support the folding position of the flexible screen, thereby making it not easy for the folding position of the flexible screen to collapse. Description of the Drawings

[0030] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained according to these drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided for an embodiment when in a flattened position.

[0032] Figure 2 Another state schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided for an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 Exploded structural schematic diagram of a rotating shaft mechanism of a foldable electronic device provided for an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 4 Structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism in a folded state provided for an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 5 Structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism in an unfolded state provided for an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 For a rotating shaft mechanism provided for an embodiment along Figure 5 Cross-sectional structural schematic diagram along the O - O line.

[0037] Figure 7 Structural schematic diagram when a support plate supports a flattened flexible screen in a rotating shaft mechanism provided for an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 8 Structural schematic diagram of the side of the support plate of the rotating shaft mechanism facing the base provided for an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 9 For Figure 8 Enlarged schematic diagram of the local structure at the dotted circle A in.

[0040] Figure 10 Partial exploded structural schematic diagram of a rotating shaft mechanism provided for an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 11 Exploded structural schematic diagram of the first linkage arm and the first connecting rod of the first traction assembly in a rotating shaft mechanism provided for an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 12 Partial exploded structural schematic diagram of a rotating shaft mechanism provided for another embodiment.

[0043] Figure 13 Top - view structural schematic diagram when the rotating shaft mechanism provided for an embodiment is folded.

[0044] Figure 14 For a rotating shaft mechanism provided for an embodiment along Figure 13 Cross-sectional structural schematic diagram along the I - I line.

[0045] Figure 15 A rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along line II-II.

[0046] Figure 16 This is a schematic side view of the structure of a rotating shaft mechanism provided by one embodiment when it is flattened.

[0047] Figure 17 A schematic structural diagram of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment installed in an expanded state of a shell assembly.

[0048] Figure 18 for Figure 17 The illustrated schematic diagram is a side structural view of the rotating shaft mechanism when it is installed in the shell assembly in the unfolded state.

[0049] Reference numerals:

[0050] 100. Foldable electronic device; 10. Shell assembly; 11. First shell; 12. Second shell; 20. Flexible screen; 20a. First connection point; 20b. Second connection point; 30. Rotating shaft mechanism; 31. Base; 31a. Receiving groove; 31b. Arc groove; 32. First connecting seat; 33. Second connecting seat; 34. First swing arm; 341. First receiving part; 342. First rotating part; 343. Second rotating part; 35. Second swing arm; 351. Second receiving part; 352. Third rotating part; 353. Fourth rotating part; 36. Support plate; 36a. Bending part; 36b. First air-avoiding groove; 36c. Second air-avoiding groove; 36d. Sinking groove; 361. First supporting part; 362. Second supporting part; 363. First flexible part; 363a , the second rotating shaft; 364, the second flexible part; 37, the first traction component; 371, the first linkage arm; 371a, the first connecting part; 371b, the second connecting part; 371c, the first groove; 371d, the first rotating shaft; 372, the first connecting rod; 38, the second traction component; 381, the second linkage arm; 381a, the third connecting part; 381b, the fourth connecting part; 381c, the second groove; 382, ​​the second connecting rod; G1, the first circular arc slide rail; C1, the first circular arc slide groove; G2, the second circular arc slide rail; C2, the second circular arc slide groove; G3, the third circular arc slide rail; C3, the third circular arc slide groove; G4, the fourth circular arc slide rail; C4, the fourth circular arc slide groove; Z1, the first axis; Z2, the second axis; Z3, the third axis; Z4, the fourth axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] For ease of understanding the present application, the present application will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the present application are shown in the drawings. However, the present application may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present application will be thorough and complete.

[0052] As used herein, a "foldable electronic device" refers to a device capable of receiving and / or transmitting communication signals, including but not limited to being connected via any one or more of the following connection methods: (1) via a wired connection method, such as via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), digital cable, direct cable connection; (2) via a wireless interface method, such as a cellular network, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a digital television network such as a DVB-H network, a satellite network, an AM-FM broadcast transmitter.

[0053] As an electronic device, a foldable electronic device configured to communicate via a wireless interface may be referred to as a "mobile terminal". Examples of mobile terminals include but are not limited to the following electronic devices: (1) satellite phones or cellular phones; (2) Personal Communications System (PCS) terminals that can combine cellular radio telephony with data processing, fax, and data communication capabilities; (3) radio telephones, pagers, Internet / intranet access, web browsers, notebooks, calendars, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers; (4) conventional laptop and / or palm-top receivers; (5) conventional laptop and / or palm-top radio telephone transceivers, etc.

[0054] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device 100, which includes a housing assembly 10 and a flexible screen 20 connected to the housing assembly 10. The housing assembly 10 forms a receiving cavity (not shown in the figure). The foldable electronic device 100 may further include a circuit board (not shown in the figure) and a battery (not shown in the figure), and both the circuit board and the battery may be disposed in the receiving cavity of the housing assembly 10. The circuit board may integrate a processor, a power management module, a storage unit, a baseband chip, etc. of the foldable electronic device 100. The flexible screen 20 is communicatively connected to the processor, and the battery can supply power to the electronic components on the flexible screen 20 and the circuit board. In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device 100 may further include a camera module (not shown in the figure), the camera module is communicatively connected to the circuit board, and the battery can supply power to the camera module. It can be understood that the foldable electronic device 100 in the embodiments of the present application includes, but is not limited to, terminal devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, or other portable foldable electronic devices 100.

[0055] It should be noted that the foldable electronic device 100 further includes a rotating shaft mechanism 30 to meet the bending requirements of the foldable electronic device 100 by using the rotating shaft mechanism 30. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the flexible screen 20 of the foldable electronic device 100 can be bent around the Z-Z direction, and the Z-Z direction can be understood as the extending direction of the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100, where the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100 is the folding axis of the rotating shaft mechanism 30.

[0056] Combined with Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the rotating shaft mechanism 30 includes a base 31, a first connecting seat 32, and a second connecting seat 33. Among them, the first connecting seat 32 is disposed on one side of the base 31, and the second connecting seat 33 is disposed on the other side of the base 31. In some embodiments, the first connecting seat 32 and the second connecting seat 33 are respectively connected to the base 31 through a first swing arm 34 and a second swing arm 35. One end of the first swing arm 34 is rotatably connected to the base 31, and the other end is rotatably connected to the first connecting seat 32. One end of the second swing arm 35 is rotatably connected to the base 31, and the other end is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat 33. In this way, the first connecting seat 32 and the second connecting seat 33 can be bent relative to the base 31 by using the first swing arm 34 and the second swing arm 35. It should be noted that the first swing arm 34 and the second swing arm 35 can also be omitted. The first connecting seat 32 and the second connecting seat 33 can also be connected to the base 31 by other structures such as hinges.

[0057] Continuing to combine Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the rotating shaft mechanism 30 further includes a support plate 36, a first traction assembly 37, and a second traction assembly 38. The support plate 36 includes a bent portion 36a, a first support portion 361, and a second support portion 362 located on both sides of the bent portion 36a respectively. The support plate 36 is covered on the first connecting seat 32 and the second connecting seat 33, and the bent portion 36a is opposite to the base 31. It should be noted that, as Figure 4 shown, in the foldable electronic device 100, the folding position of the flexible screen 20 and the bent position of the support plate 36 of the rotating shaft mechanism 30 are both opposite to the position of the base 31. In this way, by corresponding the bent portion 36a of the support plate 36 to the base 31, the bending performance of the bent portion 36a can be utilized to meet the folding requirements of the flexible screen 20.

[0058] Combined with Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the first traction assembly 37 is linked to the first connecting seat 32. The second traction assembly 38 is linked to the second connecting seat 33. Both the first traction assembly 37 and the second traction assembly 38 are connected to the support plate 36. When the first connecting seat 32 and the second connecting seat 33 move away from each other relative to the base 31, the first traction assembly 37 and the second traction assembly 38 respectively pull the bent portion 36a on both sides of the base 31, so that the bent portion 36a can be flattened and covered on the base 31, thereby the flattened bent portion 36a can be used to support the folding position of the flexible screen 20, so that the folding position of the flexible screen 20 is not prone to collapse.

[0059] In an embodiment where the rotating shaft mechanism 30 includes a first swing arm 34 and a second swing arm 35, the first support portion 361 covers the first connecting seat 32 and is fixed to the first swing arm 34, and the second support portion 362 covers the second connecting seat 33 and is fixed to the second swing arm 35. In this way, when the first swing arm 34 and the second swing arm 35 rotate relative to the base 31, the first support portion 361 and the second support portion 362 are folded or unfolded with each other.

[0060] Continuing to combine Figure 6As shown, the support plate 36 further includes a first flexible portion 363 and a second flexible portion 364. One side of the bending portion 36a is connected to the first support portion 361 through the first flexible portion 363, and the other side of the bending portion 36a is connected to the second support portion 362 through the second flexible portion 364. The first traction assembly 37 is connected to the first flexible portion 363, and the second traction assembly 38 is connected to the second flexible portion 364. In this embodiment, when the first connecting seat 32 and the second connecting seat 33 move away from each other relative to the base 31, the first traction assembly 37 pulls one side of the bending portion 36a through the first flexible portion 363, and the second traction assembly 38 pulls the other side of the bending portion 36a through the second flexible portion 364, so that the bending portion 36a is flattened and tensioned on the base 31 under the traction forces on both sides, so as to support the position of the flexible screen 20 corresponding to the base 31 by using the flattened bending portion 36a. Therefore, through this structural arrangement, during use, when the user's finger presses the position of the flexible screen 20 corresponding to the base 31, the flexible screen 20 is not easily collapsed.

[0061] Combined with Figure 7 As shown, since the support plate 36 is disposed on one side of the flexible screen 20 and plays a supporting role for the flexible screen 20. Because the flexible screen 20 has a certain thickness, when the flexible screen 20 is folded and unfolded, the support plate 36 needs to adapt to the travel difference between the two surfaces of the flexible screen 20, and the structural design of the support plate 36 can provide a redundant amount generated during the folding and unfolding process of the flexible screen 20. For the sake of easy understanding, when the support plate 36 is in the unfolded state with the flexible screen 20, the connection positions between the two are called "first connection point 20a" and "second connection point 20b", then the length of the support plate 36 minus the length of the flexible screen 20 between the corresponding first connection point 20a and second connection point 20b is the redundant amount. In this way, the resistance of the flexible screen 20 from the support plate 36 during the folding and unfolding process can be reduced, so that the flexible screen 20 can be folded smoothly.

[0062] Both the first support portion 361 and the second support portion 362 are fixedly connected to the flexible screen 20. The first support portion 361 and the second support portion 362 can be connected to the flexible screen 20 through an adhesive material or screws. During the folding process of the flexible screen 20, the first support portion 361 and the second support portion 362 will be folded together with the flexible screen 20, so the bending portion 36a between the two will bend along with the folding position of the flexible screen 20. The first flexible portion 363 and the second flexible portion 364 can provide the redundant amount generated during the folding and unfolding process of the support plate 36 with the flexible screen 20, and reduce the acting force of the support plate 36 on the flexible screen 20 in the direction parallel to the flexible screen 20, so as to facilitate the smooth folding or unfolding of the flexible screen 20.

[0063] Combined with Figure 3 、 Figure 5 and Figure 8As shown, in some embodiments, the first flexible portion 363 is provided with a first clearance groove 36b. When the first connecting seat 32 and the second connecting seat 33 rotate relative to the base 31 until the bent portion 36a is flattened, a part of the structure of the first swing arm 34 is received in the first clearance groove 36b. In this way, while ensuring that the first swing arm 34 has a sufficient large rotation stroke relative to the base 31, the first clearance groove 36b can be used to provide clearance space to prevent interference between the first swing arm 34 and the first flexible portion 363. Correspondingly, when the first flexible portion 363 is pulled, it can be free from the interference of the first swing arm 34 so as to apply a pulling force to the bent portion 36a.

[0064] The second flexible portion 364 can also adopt a structure similar to that of the first flexible portion 363. For example, as shown in Figure 5 The second flexible portion 364 is provided with a second clearance groove 36c. When the first connecting seat 32 and the second connecting seat 33 rotate relative to the base 31 until the bent portion 36a is flattened, a part of the structure of the second swing arm 35 is received in the second clearance groove 36c.

[0065] The material of the support plate 36 includes but is not limited to stainless steel, titanium alloy and carbon fiber. The support plate 36 can obtain structural parts with different rigidities by means of local material thinning. For example, the first support portion 361 and the second support portion 362, as the parts connected to the flexible screen 20, have greater rigidity than other parts of the support plate 36. In some embodiments, the first support portion 361 can be fixed to the first swing arm 34 by an adhesive or a screw, or can be fixed to the first swing arm 34 by welding. Correspondingly, the second support portion 362 and the first swing arm 34 can also adopt connection methods such as adhesive bonding, screw connection or welding.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 The bent portion 36a, the first flexible portion 363 and the second flexible portion 364 can be provided with a sinking groove 36d, so as to obtain good bending performance. The extending direction of the sinking groove 36d is parallel to the folding axis direction of the folding electronic device 100, that is, Figure 1 the Z-Z direction shown. By providing the sinking groove 36d on the bent portion 36a, during the folding process of the flexible screen 20, the folding position of the support plate 36 corresponding to the flexible portion can be folded smoothly, reducing the folding resistance. Correspondingly, providing the sinking groove 36d on the first flexible portion 363 and the second flexible portion 364 can increase the flexibility so as to provide the redundancy generated during the folding and flattening processes of the flexible screen 20.

[0067] The width of the sinking groove 36d on the first flexible part 363 and the second flexible part 364 is greater than the width of the sinking groove 36d on the bending part 36a. In this way, the first flexible part 363 and the second flexible part 364 provide good flexible deformation ability. On the one hand, the bending part 36a maintains the performance of bending along with the flexible screen 20. At the same time, when the flexible screen 20 is flattened, the first traction assembly 37 and the second traction assembly 38 respectively pull both sides of the bending part 36a of the first flexible part 363 and the second flexible part 364, so that the bending part 36a is flattened. The width of the sinking groove 36d on the bending part 36a is relatively narrow, which is beneficial for the bending part 36a to provide sufficient support stiffness for the flexible screen 20.

[0068] Combined Figure 3 with Figure 6 as shown, the first traction assembly 37 includes a first linkage arm 371 and a first connecting rod 372. One end of the first linkage arm 371 is rotatably connected to the first connecting seat 32, and the other end is rotatably connected to the base 31. Both ends of the first connecting rod 372 are respectively rotatably connected to the first linkage arm 371 and the first flexible part 363. When the first connecting seat 32 moves relative to the base 31, both the first linkage arm 371 and the first swing arm 34 rotate relative to the first connecting seat 32, and the first linkage arm 371 pulls the first flexible part 363 through the first connecting rod 372.

[0069] The second traction assembly 38 includes a second linkage arm 381 and a second connecting rod 382. One end of the second linkage arm 381 is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat 33, and the other end is rotatably connected to the base 31. Both ends of the second connecting rod 382 are respectively rotatably connected to the second linkage arm 381 and the second flexible part 364. When the second connecting seat 33 rotates relative to the base 31, both the second linkage arm 381 and the second swing arm 35 rotate relative to the second connecting seat 33, and the second linkage arm 381 pulls the second flexible part 364 through the second connecting rod 382.

[0070] In this embodiment, by using the rotation of the first connecting seat 32 and the second connecting seat 33 relative to the base 31, the first connecting rod 372 and the second connecting rod 382 move driven by the corresponding first linkage arm 371 and second linkage arm 381, so as to pull the first flexible part 363 and the second flexible part 364 of the support plate 36 to flatten the bending part 36a.

[0071] Combined Figure 6 with Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, in some embodiments, the first linkage arm 371 has a first connecting portion 371a and a second connecting portion 371b. The first connecting portion 371a is rotatably connected to the base 31, and the second connecting portion 371b is rotatably connected to the first connecting seat 32. The first linkage arm 371 is provided with a first groove 371c, and the first groove 371c is located between the first connecting portion 371a and the second connecting portion 371b. One end of the first link 372 is rotatably disposed in the first groove 371c. With this structural arrangement, the first groove 371c provides a connection space for the rotation of the first link 372.

[0072] Specifically, a first rotating shaft 371d is provided on the side wall of the first groove 371c, and a second rotating shaft 363a is provided on the first flexible portion 363. One end of the first link 372 is rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft 371d, and the other end is rotatably connected to the second rotating shaft 363a. When the first link 372 rotates around the first rotating shaft 371d, the first groove 371c provides a space for the first link 372, avoiding interference of the first linkage arm 371 with the rotation of the first link 372 around the first rotating shaft 371d.

[0073] It can be understood that the first rotating shaft 371d can also be provided on the first link 372. Correspondingly, a hole that rotates in cooperation with the first rotating shaft 371d is provided on the side wall of the first groove 371c, and the rotational connection between the first link 372 and the first linkage arm 371 can be achieved by the rotational cooperation between the first rotating shaft 371d and the hole. Since both ends of the first link 372 are respectively rotatably connected to the first linkage arm 371 and the first flexible portion 363, when the first linkage arm 371 rotates relative to the base 31, the first linkage arm 371 will pull the first flexible portion 363 through the first link 372.

[0074] It should be noted that the structure of the second linkage arm 381 can refer to the structure of the first linkage arm 371. For example, as shown in Figure 12 As shown, the second linkage arm 381 has a third connecting portion 381a and a fourth connecting portion 381b. The third connecting portion 381a is rotatably connected to the base 31, and the fourth connecting portion 381b is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat 33. The second linkage arm 381 is provided with a second groove 381c, and the second groove 381c is located between the third connecting portion 381a and the fourth connecting portion 381b. One end of the second link 382 is rotatably disposed in the second groove 381c. Regarding the rotational connection manner between the second link 382 and the second linkage arm 381, it can refer to the rotational connection manner between the first link 372 and the first linkage arm 371, and will not be limited herein.

[0075] In the embodiments of the present application, there are various possibilities for implementing the rotation of two objects relative to each other. For example, the rotation between the two objects is achieved by the cooperation of a rotating shaft and a shaft hole. In some embodiments, the rotation can also be achieved by the sliding of arc structures relative to each other.

[0076] As shown in Figure 11 , one of the first connecting portion 371a and the base 31 is provided with a first arc-shaped slide rail G1, and the other of them is provided with a first arc-shaped slide groove C1, and the first arc-shaped slide rail G1 is in sliding fit with the first arc-shaped slide groove C1. One of the second connecting portion 371b and the first connecting seat 32 is provided with a second arc-shaped slide rail G2, and the other of them is provided with a second arc-shaped slide groove C2, and the second arc-shaped slide rail G2 is in sliding fit with the second arc-shaped slide groove C2.

[0077] As shown in Figure 12 , one of the third connecting portion 381a and the base 31 is provided with a third arc-shaped slide rail G3, and the other of them is provided with a third arc-shaped slide groove C3, and the third arc-shaped slide rail G3 is in sliding fit with the third arc-shaped slide groove C3. One of the fourth connecting portion 381b and the second connecting seat 33 is provided with a fourth arc-shaped slide rail G4, and the other of them is provided with a fourth arc-shaped slide groove C4, and the fourth arc-shaped slide rail G4 is in sliding fit with the fourth arc-shaped slide groove C4.

[0078] In the above embodiments, due to the sliding fit between the arc-shaped slide rail and the arc-shaped slide groove, during the relative sliding process, the two objects rotate relative to each other with their own central axes as the rotation axes. The arc-shaped slide rail does not need to be in a complete circular ring shape. Therefore, compared with the solution of forming a shaft hole in a structural member to cooperate with a rotating shaft for rotation, this structural design is thinner and lighter, which is beneficial to the thinning of the rotating shaft mechanism 30 and reduces the overall weight of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0079] As shown in Figure 10 , Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, in some embodiments, the first swing arm 34 includes a first receiving portion 341, a first rotating portion 342, and a second rotating portion 343. The first support portion 361 is fixed to the first receiving portion 341. The first rotating portion 342 is rotatably connected to the base 31, and the second rotating portion 343 is rotatably connected to the first connecting seat 32. A receiving groove 31a is provided on one side of the base 31 facing the support plate 36. When the first connecting seat 32 and the second connecting seat 33 are folded relative to the base 31, at least part of the structure of the bending portion 36a is received in the receiving groove 31a, so as to use the receiving groove 31a to provide a receiving space for the bending portion 36a, so as to reduce the abutting force between the bending portion 36a and the base 31 during bending, so as to facilitate the bending portion 36a and the flexible screen 20 to maintain a good arc at the folding position, presenting a water droplet shape, and then reducing the probability of creases. The wall surface of the receiving groove 31a can be arc-shaped. When the first connecting seat 32 and the second connecting seat 33 are folded relative to the base 31, at least part of the structure of the bending portion 36a is in contact with the wall surface of the receiving groove 31a. In this way, the wall surface of the receiving groove 31a can be used to plastically deform the bending portion 36a, so that the bending portion 36a and the corresponding flexible screen 20 maintain an arc shape at the part corresponding to the receiving groove 31a, so as to further reduce the probability of creases.

[0080] The base 31 is provided with an arc groove 31b, the arc groove 31b is communicated with the receiving groove 31a, the cross section of the first rotating portion 342 is arc-shaped, and the first rotating portion 342 is slidably matched with the arc groove 31b. When the first swing arm 34 rotates relative to the base 31, the first rotating portion 342 slides along the arc groove 31b. In this embodiment, the rotation connection between the first swing arm 34 and the base 31 is realized by the sliding of the first rotating portion 342 along the arc groove 31b. Compared with using a bushing and a shaft to realize the rotation connection, this structural setting has a thin and light overall structure. In the present application, both the arc groove 31b and the arc chute are grooves with a circular arc-shaped cross section.

[0081] It should be noted that the setting of the second swing arm 35 can refer to the setting of the first swing arm 34. For example, in combination with Figure 10 、 Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, the second swing arm 35 includes a second receiving portion 351, a third rotating portion 352, and a fourth rotating portion 353. The second support portion 362 is fixed to the second receiving portion 351. The third rotating portion 352 is rotatably connected to the base 31, and the fourth rotating portion 353 is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat 33. The rotation axes of the rotatably connected components are parallel to each other when rotating relative to each other. For example, the axes of rotation of the first swing arm 34 and the first linkage arm 371 relative to the base 31 are parallel to each other. The axes of rotation of the first swing arm 34 and the first linkage arm 371 relative to the first connecting seat 32 are parallel to each other. The axes of rotation of the second swing arm 35 and the second linkage arm 381 relative to the base 31 are parallel to each other. The axes of rotation of the second swing arm 35 and the second linkage arm 381 relative to the second connecting seat 33 are parallel to each other.

[0082] For ease of understanding, with reference to Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the axis of rotation of the first swing arm 34 relative to the base 31 is hereinafter referred to as the first axis Z1, that is, the first swing arm 34 rotates relative to the base 31 about the first axis Z1. Correspondingly, it is set that the first swing arm 34 rotates relative to the first connecting seat 32 about the second axis Z2, the first linkage arm 371 rotates relative to the base 31 about the third axis Z3, and the first linkage arm 371 rotates relative to the first connecting seat 32 about the fourth axis Z4. It can be understood that in the embodiment where the relative rotation of two objects is achieved by the sliding cooperation of the arc slide rail and the arc chute, since the arc slide rail and the arc chute rotate relative to each other with their own central axes as the rotation axes during the relative sliding process, therefore, in this embodiment, the first axis Z1, the second axis Z2, the third axis Z3, and the fourth axis Z4 respectively pass through the centers of the contour circles of the structures that achieve relative rotation. The first axis Z1, the second axis Z2, the third axis Z3, and the fourth axis Z4 are parallel to each other.

[0083] With reference to Figure 16 As shown, in some embodiments, when the first connecting seat 32 and the second connecting seat 33 rotate relative to the base 31 to flatten the bent portion 36a, a part of the structure of the first rotating portion 342 extends out of the receiving groove 31a and contacts the bent portion 36a, so as to utilize the support of the first rotating portion 342 for the bent portion 36a to enhance the support stability of the flattened bent portion 36a for the flexible screen 20, and then the probability of collapse at the folding position corresponding to the flexible screen 20 can be further reduced. In some embodiments, when the first connecting seat 32 and the second connecting seat 33 rotate relative to the base 31 to flatten the bent portion 36a, a part of the structure of the third rotating portion 352 extends out of the receiving groove 31a and contacts the bent portion 36a to enhance the support stability of the bent portion 36a for the flexible screen 20.

[0084] Referring again to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the housing assembly 10 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12. The rotating shaft mechanism 30 is connected between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, enabling the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 to rotate relative to each other.

[0085] Combined Figure 17 with Figure 18 As shown, the first housing 11 is fixed to the first connection base 32, and the second housing 12 is fixed to the second connection base 33. In the present application, the ways for two objects to be fixed include, but are not limited to, welding, snap connection, or screw connection, as long as the relative positions of the two objects are fixed (i.e., they cannot move relative to each other). Since both the first connection base 32 and the second connection base 33 of the rotating shaft mechanism 30 can bend and rotate relative to the base 31, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can bend relative to the base 31 together. When the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 bend to the retracted state, the positions of the support plate 36 and the flexible screen 20 corresponding to the base 31 will bend and be received in the space enclosed by the first connection base 32, the second connection base 33, and the base 31.

[0086] The technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope recorded in this specification.

[0087] The above-described embodiments only represent several implementation manners of the present application. The description is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present application, several deformations and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present application should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rotating shaft mechanism, characterized in that, Comprising: A base; A first connecting seat, provided on one side of the base; A second connecting seat, provided on the other side of the base; A support plate, covering the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat, and the support plate includes a bent portion opposite to the position of the base, and a first support portion and a second support portion respectively located on both sides of the bent portion; A first traction assembly, linked and connected to the first connecting seat and connected to the support plate; and A second traction assembly, linked and connected to the second connecting seat and connected to the support plate, wherein, when the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat move away from each other relative to the base, the first traction assembly and the second traction assembly respectively traction the bent portion on both sides of the base, so that the bent portion can be flattened and cover the base.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that The support plate further includes a first flexible portion and a second flexible portion. One side of the bent portion is connected to the first support portion through the first flexible portion, and the other side of the bent portion is connected to the second support portion through the second flexible portion. The first traction assembly is connected to the first flexible portion, and the second traction assembly is connected to the second flexible portion; when the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat move away from each other relative to the base, the first traction assembly traction one side of the bent portion through the first flexible portion, and the second traction assembly traction the other side of the bent portion through the second flexible portion.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism further includes: A first swing arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the base and the other end is rotatably connected to the first connecting seat; A second swing arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the base and the other end is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first swing arm includes a first receiving portion, a first rotating portion and a second rotating portion. The first support portion is fixed to the first receiving portion. The first rotating portion is rotatably connected to the base, and the second rotating portion is rotatably connected to the first connecting seat. A receiving groove is provided on the side of the base facing the support plate; when the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat are folded relative to the base, at least part of the structure of the bent portion is received in the receiving groove, and when the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat rotate relative to the base to flatten the bent portion, part of the structure of the first rotating portion extends out of the receiving groove and contacts the bent portion.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 4, wherein An arc groove is provided on the base, and the arc groove is communicated with the receiving groove. The cross section of the first rotating portion is arc-shaped, and the first rotating portion is slidably matched with the arc groove. When the first swing arm rotates relative to the base, the first rotating portion slides along the arc groove.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second swing arm includes a second receiving portion, a third rotating portion, and a fourth rotating portion. The second supporting portion is fixed to the second receiving portion. The third rotating portion is rotatably connected to the base, and the fourth rotating portion is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat. When the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat rotate relative to the base to flatten the bent portion, a part of the structure of the third rotating portion extends out of the receiving groove and contacts the bent portion.

7. The shaft mechanism according to claim 4, wherein The wall surface of the receiving groove is arc-shaped. When the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat are folded relative to the base, at least a part of the structure of the bent portion is in contact with the wall surface of the receiving groove.

8. The shaft mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first traction assembly includes a first linkage arm and a first connecting rod. One end of the first linkage arm is rotatably connected to the first connecting seat, and the other end is rotatably connected to the base. The two ends of the first connecting rod are respectively rotatably connected to the first linkage arm and the first flexible portion. When the first connecting seat moves relative to the base, both the first linkage arm and the first swing arm rotate relative to the first connecting seat, and the first linkage arm pulls the first flexible portion through the first connecting rod. The second traction assembly includes a second linkage arm and a second connecting rod. One end of the second linkage arm is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat, and the other end is rotatably connected to the base. The two ends of the second connecting rod are respectively rotatably connected to the second linkage arm and the second flexible portion. When the second connecting seat rotates relative to the base, both the second linkage arm and the second swing arm rotate relative to the second connecting seat, and the second linkage arm pulls the second flexible portion through the second connecting rod.

9. The shaft mechanism according to claim 8, wherein, The first linkage arm has a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion is rotatably connected to the base, and the second connecting portion is rotatably connected to the first connecting seat. The first linkage arm is provided with a first groove, and the first groove is located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. One end of the first connecting rod is rotatably arranged in the first groove. The second linkage arm has a third connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion. The third connecting portion is rotatably connected to the base, and the fourth connecting portion is rotatably connected to the second connecting seat. The second linkage arm is provided with a second groove, and the second groove is located between the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion. One end of the second connecting rod is rotatably arranged in the second groove.

10. The shaft mechanism according to claim 9, wherein One of the first connecting portion and the base is provided with a first circular arc slide rail, and the other is provided with a first circular arc slide groove. The first circular arc slide rail is in sliding fit with the first circular arc slide groove. Alternatively, one of the second connecting portion and the first connecting seat is provided with a second circular arc slide rail, and the other is provided with a second circular arc slide groove. The second circular arc slide rail is in sliding fit with the second circular arc slide groove. Alternatively, one of the third connecting portion and the base is provided with a third circular arc slide rail, and the other is provided with a third circular arc slide groove. The third circular arc slide rail is in sliding fit with the third circular arc slide groove. Alternatively, one of the fourth connecting portion and the second connecting seat is provided with a fourth arc-shaped slide rail, and the other of them is provided with a fourth arc-shaped slide groove, and the fourth arc-shaped slide rail is in sliding fit with the fourth arc-shaped slide groove.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the first swing arm and the first linkage arm rotate relative to the base, their axes are parallel to each other. When the first swing arm and the first linkage arm rotate relative to the first connecting seat, their axes are parallel to each other. When the second swing arm and the second linkage arm rotate relative to the base, their axes are parallel to each other. When the second swing arm and the second linkage arm rotate relative to the second connecting seat, their axes are parallel to each other.

12. The shaft mechanism according to claim 3, wherein The first flexible portion is provided with a first clearance groove. When the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat rotate relative to the base until the bent portion is flattened, a part of the structure of the first swing arm is received in the first clearance groove. And / or, the second flexible portion is provided with a second clearance groove. When the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat rotate relative to the base until the bent portion is flattened, a part of the structure of the second swing arm is received in the second clearance groove.

13. The shaft mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, The bent portion, the first flexible portion and the second flexible portion are all provided with sinking grooves extending along the folding axis direction of the rotating shaft mechanism. The width of the sinking grooves on the first flexible portion and the second flexible portion is greater than the width of the sinking grooves on the bent portion.

14. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a shell assembly, a flexible screen and a rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-13. The shell assembly includes a first shell and a second shell. The first shell is fixed to the first connecting seat of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the second shell is fixed to the second connecting seat of the rotating shaft mechanism.

15. The foldable electronic device according to claim 14, wherein, The flexible screen is fixedly connected to the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion of the supporting plate and covers the rotating shaft mechanism.

Images