Folding assembly and electronic equipment

Abstract

A folding assembly (23) and an electronic device (100) relate to the technical field of electronic devices and can solve the problem that a folding assembly (23) is complex in structure and high in cost. The folding assembly (23) comprises a base (24), a swing arm mechanism (25), a door plate mechanism (26) and an elastic supporting piece (27). The base (24) extends in a first direction. The swing arm mechanism (25) comprises a first swing arm (251) and a second swing arm (252). In the second direction, the first swing arm (251) and the second swing arm (252) are located on the two sides of the base (24) respectively and hinged to the base (24), and the door plate mechanism (26) comprises a first door plate (261) and a second door plate (262). The first door plate (261) and the first swing arm (251) rotate together, and the second door plate (262) and the second swing arm (252) rotate together. The two ends, in the second direction, of the elastic supporting piece (27) are connected with the first door plate (261) and the second door plate (262) respectively. When the first swing arm (251) and the second swing arm (252) are in the unfolding position, the elastic supporting piece (27) is in a flat plate state and used for supporting the flexible screen (10). When the first swing arm (251) and the second swing arm (252) are located at the folding position, the elastic supporting piece (27) is bent to form an avoiding space used for containing part of the flexible screen (10).

Description

Folding components and electronic devices

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on February 1, 2023, with application number 202310130418.3 and invention name “Folding component and electronic device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and in particular to a folding assembly and an electronic device including the folding assembly. Background Art

[0003] With the advancement of technology, the era of large-screen smart electronic devices has arrived. In order to solve the problem that traditional large-screen straight-bar devices are large in size and inconvenient to carry, foldable electronic devices have come into being.

[0004] When the user needs a large-screen display, the electronic device can be unfolded to provide the user with a large screen, meeting the user's large-screen display needs; when the user needs to carry it with him, the electronic device can be folded to reduce the space required for storage, making it easier for the user to carry it with him.

[0005] Foldable electronic devices typically achieve their foldability through a foldable assembly. The structural design and layout of the foldable assembly directly impact the folded size of the device, as well as its mechanical stability and reliability. Currently, foldable electronic devices often have numerous internal structures, resulting in complex and costly foldable assembly designs.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present application provide a foldable component and an electronic device, which can solve the problem of complex structure and high cost of the foldable component.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0009] In a first aspect, a folding assembly is provided. The folding assembly is applied to an electronic device, the electronic device including a flexible screen. The folding assembly includes a base, a swing arm mechanism, a door panel mechanism, and an elastic support member. The base extends in a first direction. The swing arm mechanism includes a first swing arm and a second swing arm. In a second direction, the first swing arm and the second swing arm are respectively located on either side of the base and are hinged to the base. The first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate between a folded position and an unfolded position. The second direction intersects the first direction. The door panel mechanism is located on a side of the swing arm mechanism that is close to the flexible screen. The door panel mechanism includes a first door panel and a second door panel. The first door panel is disposed on the first swing arm, and the second door panel is disposed on the second swing arm. The first door panel rotates together with the first swing arm, and the second door panel rotates together with the second swing arm. The elastic support member is located on a side of the door panel mechanism that is close to the flexible screen. The two ends of the elastic support member in the second direction are respectively connected to the first door panel and the second door panel. Among them, when the first swing arm and the second swing arm are in the unfolded position, the elastic support member is in a flat state for supporting the flexible screen; when the first swing arm and the second swing arm are in the folded position, the elastic support member bends to form an avoidance space for accommodating part of the flexible screen.

[0010] The first swing arm is connected to the first door panel and the base, respectively. When the first swing arm rotates relative to the base, the first door panel rotates relative to the base along with the first swing arm. Similarly, the second swing arm is connected to the second door panel and the base, respectively. When the second swing arm rotates relative to the base, the second door panel rotates relative to the base along with the second swing arm.

[0011] It should be noted that when the first swing arm and the first door panel rotate together, the first swing arm and the first door panel can also rotate relative to each other; similarly, when the second swing arm and the second door panel rotate together, the second swing arm and the second door panel can also rotate relative to each other.

[0012] During the process of switching the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, the ends of the first door panel and the second door panel away from the base move closer to each other, and the ends of the first door panel and the second door panel close to the base move away from each other, so that the flexible screen bends between the first door panel and the second door panel. Thus, the first door panel, the base and the second door panel form a nearly triangular accommodating cavity, and the playing part of the flexible screen is accommodated in the triangular accommodating cavity and can be in a water drop shape. This can increase the inner folding angle of the playing part of the flexible screen and improve the service life of the flexible screen. When the electronic device switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first door panel and the second door panel move away from each other until the first door panel, the base and the second door panel are coplanar and oriented in the same direction, thereby unfolding the flexible screen and supporting the flexible screen.

[0013] During the process of switching the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first door panel and the second door panel rotate toward each other, thereby driving the two ends of the elastic support member in the second direction to rotate toward each other, thereby folding the elastic support member. When the electronic device is in the folded state, the elastic support member bends away from the flexible screen to form an escape space for accommodating part of the flexible screen. Exemplarily, the escape space can be in the shape of a water droplet, used to accommodate the bent portion of the flexible screen in the folded state. The elastic support member surrounds the bent portion of the flexible screen to prevent other components from squeezing the bent portion, thereby extending the service life of the flexible screen.

[0014] When the electronic device switches from a folded state to an unfolded state, the first and second door panels rotate away from each other, thereby driving the two ends of the elastic support member in the second direction to rotate away from each other, thereby unfolding the elastic support member. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the elastic support member unfolds into a flat plate, which can directly contact the curved portion of the flexible screen to support the curved portion. This simplifies the structure of the folding assembly, resulting in a simple and low-cost folding assembly, thereby reducing the cost of the electronic device.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the elastic support member is provided with a plurality of openings passing through the elastic support member.

[0016] The number of openings can be multiple, and the multiple openings can be arranged in an array or in an irregular arrangement, which is not limited here.

[0017] The shapes of the multiple openings can be the same or different. For example, some openings can be circular, others can be elliptical, and still others can be rectangular, etc. Furthermore, the opening areas of the multiple openings can be equal or different. For example, openings of different shapes can have different opening areas; and for another example, openings of the same shape can have different opening areas.

[0018] Exemplarily, the opening is in the shape of an elongated strip, the length direction of the opening is parallel to the first direction, a plurality of elongated strip openings are arranged in an array, and the opening areas of the elongated strip openings are equal.

[0019] In this embodiment, by providing an opening in the elastic support member, the bending stress to which the elastic support member is subjected when bending with the movement of the door panel mechanism can be reduced, thereby facilitating the bending of the elastic support member.

[0020] In some embodiments of the first aspect, when the first swing arm and the second swing arm are both in the expanded position, the orthographic projection of the elastic support member on the flexible screen covers the orthographic projection of the base on the flexible screen.

[0021] Understandably, in the plane formed by the first and second directions, the area of ​​the elastic support member is larger than the area of ​​the base. Thus, the elastic support member, connected to the first and second door panels, can separate the base from the flexible screen, increase the area of ​​support provided by the elastic support member to the flexible screen, and thus enhance its support for the flexible screen.

[0022] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the elastic support member is fixedly connected to the first door panel using screws. The screws can fix the end of the elastic support member to the first door panel, thereby improving the fixing strength between the elastic support member and the first door panel, thereby improving the reliability of the elastic support member.

[0023] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the elastic support member is fixedly connected to the second door panel using screws. The screws can fix the end of the elastic support member to the second door panel, thereby improving the fixing strength between the elastic support member and the second door panel, thereby improving the reliability of the elastic support member.

[0024] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first swing arm includes a plurality of first main swing arms and a plurality of first auxiliary swing arms. The plurality of first main swing arms and the plurality of first auxiliary swing arms are alternately arranged in the first direction. This optimizes the force distribution of the first main swing arms and the first auxiliary swing arms relative to the base, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the plurality of first swing arms.

[0025] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second swing arm includes a plurality of second main swing arms and a plurality of second auxiliary swing arms, wherein the plurality of second main swing arms and the plurality of second auxiliary swing arms are alternately arranged in the first direction. This optimizes the force distribution of the second main swing arms and the second auxiliary swing arms relative to the base, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the plurality of second swing arms.

[0026] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first door panel includes a first door panel body and a first matching member extending from the first door panel body toward a side proximal to the swing arm mechanism. The first matching member defines a first sliding slot; the first auxiliary swing arm is provided with a first latch, which is inserted into the first sliding slot.

[0027] The first sliding slot includes a first end position and a second end position. During the process of switching the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first latch moves from the first end position of the first sliding slot to the second end position, thereby causing the end of the first door panel away from the base to fold inward and the end of the first door panel closer to the base to unfold outward. During the process of switching the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first latch moves from the second end position of the first sliding slot to the first end position, thereby causing the end of the first door panel away from the base to expand outward and the end of the first door panel closer to the base to fold inward.

[0028] The first sliding groove enables the first door panel to achieve a sliding and rotational connection relative to the first auxiliary swing arm. When the electronic device is folded, the first door panel retracts to form a nearly triangular accommodating cavity. When the electronic device is unfolded, the first door panel extends outward to form a support surface for the flexible screen. The two end positions of the first sliding groove limit the sliding and rotation of the first door panel, improving the reliability of the first door panel's movement.

[0029] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second door panel includes a second door panel body, and a second matching part extending from the second door panel body toward a side close to the swing arm mechanism; a second sliding groove is provided on the second matching part; a second pin is provided on the second auxiliary swing arm, and the second pin is inserted into the second sliding groove.

[0030] The second sliding slot includes a first end position and a second end position. During the process of switching the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second latch moves from the first end position of the second sliding slot to the second end position, thereby causing the end of the second door panel away from the base to fold inward and the end of the second door panel closer to the base to unfold outward. During the process of switching the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state, the second latch moves from the second end position of the second sliding slot to the first end position, thereby causing the end of the second door panel away from the base to unfold outward and the end of the second door panel closer to the base to fold inward.

[0031] The second sliding groove enables the second door panel to achieve a sliding and rotational connection relative to the second auxiliary swing arm. When the electronic device is folded, the second door panel retracts to form a nearly triangular accommodating cavity. When the electronic device is unfolded, the second door panel extends outward to form a support surface for the flexible screen. The two end positions of the second sliding groove limit the sliding and rotation of the second door panel, improving the reliability of the second door panel's movement.

[0032] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are arc-shaped grooves, and the arc-shaped grooves protrude in a direction away from the flexible screen.

[0033] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the folding assembly further includes a damping mechanism. The damping mechanism is located on a side of the base proximal to the flexible screen and includes a damping spring and a cam connected to the damping spring. The first swing arm and / or the second swing arm includes a cam that cooperates with the cam to compress the damping spring when the swing arm mechanism rotates.

[0034] Exemplarily, the cam hinged to the base of the first auxiliary swing arm has a convex surface, the concave wheel has a concave surface, and the convex surface on the cam is matched with the concave surface on the concave wheel.

[0035] As the first and second swing arms rotate relative to the base, the concave surface of the cam engages one of the convex surfaces of the cam, gradually switching to the other convex surface. During this process, the pressure on the damping spring gradually increases and then gradually releases. Simultaneously, the cam undergoes axial displacement as the pressure on the damping spring changes, facilitating the switching of the folding assembly between the folded and unfolded states. In the absence of external user force, the elastic force of the damping spring provides damping for the rotation of the first and second swing arms relative to the base, thereby maintaining the folding assembly in its current folded or unfolded state.

[0036] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the folding assembly further includes a synchronization mechanism. The synchronization mechanism includes a first internal gear, a second internal gear, a first external gear, and a second external gear. The first internal gear and the second internal gear are located between the first external gear and the second external gear, and the first internal gear and the second internal gear are meshed with each other, with the first external gear meshing with the first internal gear and the second external gear meshing with the second internal gear. The first external gear is fixedly connected to the first swing arm, and the second external gear is fixedly connected to the second swing arm.

[0037] Exemplarily, the size of the first internal gear is equal to the size of the second internal gear, the size of the first external gear is equal to the size of the second external gear, and the size of the first external gear is larger than the size of the first internal gear.

[0038] Since the first external gear, the first internal gear, the second internal gear and the second external gear are meshed in sequence along the second direction, the rotation directions of the first external gear and the second external gear are opposite and the angular speeds are equal.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first external gear is fixedly connected to the first auxiliary swing arm, and the second external gear is fixedly connected to the second auxiliary swing arm. For example, the gear shaft of the first external gear and the cam of the first auxiliary swing arm are integrally connected, while the gear shaft of the second external gear and the cam of the second auxiliary swing arm are integrally connected. This allows the first external gear to achieve angular velocity synchronization with the first auxiliary swing arm, and the second external gear to achieve angular velocity synchronization with the second auxiliary swing arm.

[0040] It can be understood that the synchronization mechanism can enable the first swing arm and the second swing arm to rotate synchronously relative to the base, thereby improving the synchronization of the movement of the electronic device between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0041] In a second aspect, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a flexible screen and any possible folding assembly as described in the first aspect. The folding assembly supports the flexible screen when in an unfolded state and stores the flexible screen when in a folded state.

[0042] It can be understood that any electronic device provided above can be implemented by the corresponding folding component provided above, or be associated with the corresponding folding component provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the folding component provided above, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0044] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG1 in an unfolded state;

[0045] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG1 in a folded state;

[0046] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a supporting device in the electronic device shown in FIG1 ;

[0047] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0048] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a folding assembly in a flattened state provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0049] FIG7 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a folding assembly provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0050] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the folding assembly shown in FIG6 with the door panel mechanism removed;

[0051] FIG9 is an enlarged view of the T region in FIG8 ;

[0052] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a folding assembly in a folded state provided by some embodiments of the present application;

[0053] FIG11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in FIG10 ;

[0054] FIG12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD shown in FIG10;

[0055] FIG13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE shown in FIG6;

[0056] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a damping mechanism and two auxiliary swing arms in a folding assembly provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0057] FIG15 is an enlarged view of the H region in FIG14 ;

[0058] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of a synchronization mechanism and two auxiliary swing arms in a folding assembly provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0059] FIG17 is a cross-sectional view of a synchronization mechanism in a folding assembly provided in some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Hereinafter, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature identified with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0062] In addition, in this application, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are defined relative to the orientation of the components in the drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts. They are used for relative description and clarification, and they can change accordingly according to changes in the orientation of the components in the drawings.

[0063] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in some embodiments of the application.

[0064] As shown in Figure 1, the present application provides an electronic device 100, which is a type of foldable electronic device. Foldable electronic devices may include various electronic devices that have a flexible screen and can change the unfolded state or folded state of the flexible screen and itself. Under different usage requirements, the foldable electronic device can be unfolded to the unfolded state, or folded to the folded state, or it can be in an intermediate hovering state between the unfolded state and the folded state, that is, the intermediate hovering state is on the switching path of the electronic device switching between the folded state and the unfolded state. Therefore, the foldable electronic device has at least two states, namely the unfolded state and the folded state. In some cases, it can further include a third state, namely the intermediate hovering state between the unfolded state and the folded state. It can be understood that the intermediate hovering state does not have only one state, and can be any one or more states of the switching path of the electronic device between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1 , the electronic device 100 may include a flexible screen 10 and a support device 20. It is understood that Figure 1 only schematically illustrates some components of the electronic device 100, and the actual shape, size, position, and structure of these components are not limited to Figure 2 .

[0066] The flexible screen 10 can be used to display information and provide an interactive interface for the user. In various embodiments of the present application, the flexible screen 10 may include, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MID) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MID) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MID) display, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display, and the like.

[0067] The flexible screen 10 can switch between an unfolded state and a folded state. The flexible screen 10 includes a first portion 11, a second portion 12, and a third portion 13, with the third portion 13 being located between the first portion 11 and the second portion 12. At least the third portion 13 of the flexible screen 10 is made of a flexible material. It is understood that the third portion 13 is the bent portion of the flexible screen 10 and is made of a flexible material; the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 can be made of a flexible material, a rigid material, or partially rigid and partially flexible, without limitation here.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a perspective view of an electronic device 100 in an unfolded state, according to an embodiment of the present application. When the flexible screen 10 is unfolded, the first portion 11, the second portion 12, and the third portion 13 are coplanar and oriented in the same direction. In this state, a large-screen display is achieved, providing users with richer information and a better user experience.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a three-dimensional diagram of the electronic device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application in a folded state. When the flexible screen 10 is in the folded state, the third part 13 is in a bent state, and the first part 11 (not shown in Figure 3) is opposite to the second part 12 (not shown in Figure 3). In this state, the flexible screen 10 is not visible to the user, and the support device 20 is protected outside the flexible screen 10 to prevent the flexible screen 10 from being scratched by hard objects. At the same time, in this state, the volume of the foldable electronic device 100 can be reduced, making it easier to store the foldable electronic device 100.

[0070] The support device 20 is used to support the flexible screen 10 and allow the flexible screen 10 to switch between an unfolded state and a folded state. Please refer to Figure 4, which is a three-dimensional view of the support device 20 in the electronic device 100 shown in Figures 1-3. In this embodiment, the support device 20 includes a first housing 21, a second housing 22, and a folding assembly 23. It should be understood that Figure 4 only schematically illustrates some of the components of the support device 20, and the actual shape, size, position, and structure of these components are not limited by Figure 4.

[0071] The supporting device 20 has a supporting surface, which can be used to support the flexible screen 10. Through the support of the supporting surface, when in the unfolded state, the flexible screen 10 can be made flat and the display surface of the flexible screen 10 can be flat.

[0072] The first housing 21 is used to secure and support the first portion 11 of the flexible screen 10 shown in Figure 1 . Specifically, the first housing 21 has a support surface M1 , through which the first housing 21 secures and supports the first portion 11 of the flexible screen 10 shown in Figure 1 . Exemplarily, the connection between the support surface M1 and the first portion 11 includes, but is not limited to, gluing.

[0073] The second housing 22 is used to secure and support the second portion 12 of the flexible screen 10 in Figure 1 . Specifically, the second housing 22 has a support surface M2 , and the second housing 22 secures and supports the second portion 12 of the flexible screen 10 in Figure 1 via the support surface M2 . Exemplarily, the connection between the support surface M2 and the second portion 11 includes, but is not limited to, gluing.

[0074] The first housing 21 and / or the second housing 22 can each form an installation space for mounting electronic components of the electronic device 100, such as a circuit board, battery, receiver, speaker, and camera. The circuit board can integrate electronic components of the electronic device 100, such as a main controller, storage unit, antenna module, and power management module, while the battery can power the flexible screen 10, circuit board, receiver, speaker, and camera. The first housing 21 and the second housing 22 can be of equal or unequal thickness, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0075] In some embodiments, both the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 may be provided with mounting spaces, allowing the electronic components of the electronic device 100 to be distributed in the housings on both sides. In other embodiments, mounting spaces may be provided only in the first housing 21, allowing the electronic components of the electronic device 100 to be concentrated in the first housing 21. Alternatively, both the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 may be provided with mounting spaces, but the majority of the components of the electronic device 100 are located in the second housing 22, with a smaller portion located in the first housing 21, making the first housing 21 lighter and more convenient to fold and unfold.

[0076] The first housing 21 can be a structural unit or can be formed by assembling multiple parts. Similarly, the second housing 22 can be a structural unit or can be formed by assembling multiple parts.

[0077] The folding assembly 23 is used to support the third portion 13 of the flexible screen 10. Exemplarily, the folding assembly 23 is located between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. The folding assembly 23 is connected to the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, respectively. The first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are rotatably connected via the folding assembly 23, thereby enabling relative rotation between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the rotation axis of the first housing 21 relative to the second housing 22 extends along the first direction X.

[0078] The folding assembly 23 can switch between the unfolded state and the folded state. By switching the folding assembly 23 between the unfolded state and the folded state, the entire electronic device 100 and / or the flexible screen 10 can be switched between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0079] Specifically, please refer to Figure 5, which is a partial side view of the support device 20 shown in Figures 3 and 4. During the process of switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the folding assembly 23 can drive the first shell 21 and the second shell 22 to rotate toward each other. During this process, the rotation direction of the first shell 21 (indicated by arrow P1 in Figure 5) is opposite to the rotation direction of the second shell 22 (indicated by arrow P2 in Figure 5). When the folding assembly 23 switches to the folded state, the first shell 21 and the second shell 22 face each other, and the support surface M1 of the first shell 21 and the support surface M2 of the second shell 22 face each other. At this time, there can be a slight angle between the support surface M1 of the first shell 21 and the support surface M2 of the second shell 22 to allow the two shells to be completely closed, thereby achieving the folding of the first shell 21 and the second shell 22, so that the first part 11 and the second part 12 of the flexible screen 10 can be arranged relative to each other, and the electronic device 100 as a whole is switched to the folded state. When the folding assembly 23 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, it can drive the first shell 21 and the second shell 22 to rotate in opposite directions. During this process, the rotation direction of the first shell 21 (the direction indicated by the arrow Q1 in Figure 5) is opposite to the rotation direction of the second shell 22 (the direction indicated by the arrow Q2 in Figure 5). When the folding assembly 23 switches to the unfolded state, the support surface M1 of the first shell 21 and the support surface M2 of the second shell 22 are coplanar and oriented in the same direction. This allows the first shell 21 and the second shell 22 to unfold, so that the first part 11 and the second part 12 of the flexible screen 10 are coplanar and oriented in the same direction, and the electronic device 100 as a whole is switched to the unfolded state.

[0080] Among them, the support surface M1 of the first shell 21 and the support surface M2 of the second shell 22 are coplanar and oriented in the same direction, which means that the support surface M1 of the first shell 21 and the support surface M2 of the second shell 22 can be 180°. Of course, a certain angle tolerance is also allowed, for example, a tolerance within ±10°. In other words, the angle between the support surface M1 of the first shell 21 and the support surface M2 of the second shell 22 ranges from 170° to 190°.

[0081] Continuing with Figures 4 and 5 , the folding assembly 23 may include a base 24, a swing arm mechanism 25, a door panel mechanism 26, and an elastic support member 27. Figure 5 schematically illustrates only some of the components of the folding assembly 23; the actual shape, size, position, and configuration of these components are not limited by Figure 5 . The first direction X is perpendicular to the paper of Figure 5 , and the second direction Y is a cross-sectional direction.

[0082] The base 24 has a support surface M4. When in the unfolded state, the support surface M4 on the base 24 is used to support the third part 13 of the flexible screen 10, thereby ensuring the flatness of the flexible screen 10 in the unfolded state; when in the folded state, the third part 13 of the flexible screen 10 is bent, and a certain gap is maintained between the third part 13 and the base 24 to avoid the flexible screen 10 from bending and deforming and being squeezed with the base 24 to cause damage.

[0083] Specifically, when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the support surface M4 of the base 24 is perpendicular to the support surface M1 of the first shell 21 (however, in actual scenarios, a certain angle tolerance is also allowed, for example, the angle between the support surface M1 of the first shell 21 and the support surface M4 of the base 24 ranges from 80° to 100°). The support surface M4 of the base 24 is perpendicular to the support surface M2 of the second shell 22 (however, in actual scenarios, a certain angle tolerance is also allowed, for example, the angle between the support surface M2 of the second shell 22 and the support surface M4 of the base 24 ranges from 80° to 100°).

[0084] The base 24 extends in the first direction X. In other words, the length of the base 24 is along the first direction X. This makes the length of the base 24 consistent with the length of the electronic device 100 in the folded state, which helps increase the length of the support surface M4 on the base 24, thereby increasing the area of ​​the support surface M4. This ensures that the support surface M4 can reliably support the third portion 13 of the flexible screen 10.

[0085] In order to minimize the inner folding angle of the flexible screen 10 when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the flexible screen 10 is folded into a teardrop shape. In this way, increasing the inner folding angle of the third portion 13 can increase the service life of the flexible screen 10.

[0086] The door panel mechanism 26 includes a first door panel 261 and a second door panel 262. The first door panel 261 and the second door panel 262 are disposed on opposite sides of the base 24 in the second direction Y (perpendicular to the first direction X). The first door panel 261 and the second door panel 262 are each formed in a flat plate shape.

[0087] Specifically, the first door panel 261 has a support surface M5, and the second door panel 262 has a support surface M6. Both the support surface M5 and the support surface M6 mate with the third portion 13 of the flexible screen 10 to support the third portion 13 of the flexible screen 10. The support surface M5 is located between the support surface M4 and the support surface M1 (see FIG4 ), and the support surface M6 is located between the support surface M4 and the support surface M2 (see FIG4 ). Furthermore, the swing arm mechanism 25 allows the first door panel 261 to rotate relative to the base 24, and the second door panel 262 to rotate relative to the base 24.

[0088] During the transition of the electronic device 100 from the unfolded state to the folded state, as shown in Figure 5 , the first door panel 261 rotates relative to the base 24 in a rotational direction P1, while the second door panel 262 rotates relative to the base 24 in a direction P2 opposite to P1. That is, the ends of the first and second door panels 261, 262 away from the base 24 move closer to each other, while the ends of the first and second door panels 261, 262 closer to the base 24 move away from each other, causing the flexible screen 10 to bend between the first and second door panels 261, 262. Consequently, the first and second door panels 261, 262 form a nearly triangular accommodating cavity. The third portion 13 of the flexible screen 10 is accommodated within this triangular accommodating cavity and may assume a teardrop-like shape. This increases the inner fold angle of the third portion 13, thereby improving the service life of the flexible screen 10.

[0089] Conversely, when the electronic device 100 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first door panel 261 rotates relative to the base 24 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction P1 (as indicated by Q1 in FIG. 5 ), and the second door panel 262 rotates relative to the base 24 in a direction opposite to the P2 direction (as indicated by Q2 in FIG. 5 ). That is, the first door panel 261 and the second door panel 262 move away from each other until the support surface M5 of the first door panel 261, the support surface M4 of the base 24, and the support surface M6 of the second door panel 262 are coplanar and oriented in the same direction, thereby allowing the flexible screen 10 to unfold and support the flexible screen 10.

[0090] Among them, it can be understood that the coplanarity of the support surface M5 of the first door panel 261, the support surface M4 of the base 24 and the support surface M6 of the second door panel 262 means that the angle between any two of the support surface M5 of the first door panel 261, the support surface M4 of the base 24 and the support surface M6 of the second door panel 262 is 180°. Of course, a certain error is also allowed in actual scenarios. For example, the value range of the angle between any two is between 170° and 190°.

[0091] To achieve the folding and unfolding of electronic device 100, please refer to Figures 6 to 9. Figure 6 is a top view of folding assembly 23 shown in Figures 4 and 5, wherein folding assembly 23 is in the unfolded state. Figure 7 is a partial, enlarged perspective view of folding assembly 23 shown in Figure 6, wherein folding assembly 23 is in the unfolded state. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the folding assembly shown in Figure 6 without the door panel mechanism. Figure 9 is an enlarged schematic diagram of area T in Figure 8. Specifically, swing arm mechanism 25 includes a first swing arm 251 and a second swing arm 252. The first swing arm 251 and the second swing arm 252 are disposed on either side of base 24 in the second direction Y. It should be understood that Figures 6 to 9 only schematically illustrate some components of swing arm mechanism 25, and the actual shape, size, position, and structure of these components are not limited by Figures 6 to 9.

[0092] The first swing arm 251 and the first housing 21 are located on the same side of the base 24. The first swing arm 251 is connected to the base 24 and the first housing 21, respectively, and is configured to drive the first housing 21 to rotate relative to the base 24 in the direction indicated by P1 or Q1. Exemplarily, the first swing arm 251 is fixedly connected to the first housing 21 and hingedly connected to the base 24. In other words, one end of the first swing arm 251 is hingedly connected to one side of the base 24. The hinge axis of the first swing arm 251 relative to the base 24 extends along the first direction X.

[0093] The first door panel 261 is disposed on the first swing arm 251, which is connected to the first door panel 261 and the base 24, respectively. As the first swing arm 251 rotates relative to the base 24, the first door panel 261 rotates relative to the base 24 along with the first swing arm 251. It should be noted that while the first swing arm 251 and the first door panel 261 rotate together, the first swing arm 251 and the first door panel 261 can also rotate relative to each other.

[0094] There may be multiple first swing arms 251. The multiple first swing arms 251 may include at least one first main swing arm 251a and at least one first auxiliary swing arm 251b. For example, the multiple first main swing arms 251a and the multiple first auxiliary swing arms 251b may be alternately arranged along the first direction X. This optimizes the force distribution of the first main swing arms 251a and the first auxiliary swing arms 251b relative to the base 24, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the multiple first swing arms 251.

[0095] In some examples, the first main swing arm 251a may be fixedly connected to the first housing 21, while the first auxiliary swing arm 251b may not be connected to the first housing 21. In other examples, the first main swing arm 251a may not be connected to the first housing 21, while the first auxiliary swing arm 251b may be fixedly connected to the first housing 21. In other examples, the first main swing arm 251a may be fixedly connected to the first housing 21, and the first auxiliary swing arm 251b may also be fixedly connected to the first housing 21, which is not limited here.

[0096] Similarly, the second swing arm 252 and the second housing 22 are located on the same side of the base 24. The second swing arm 252 is connected to the base 24 and the second housing 22, respectively, and is configured to drive the second housing 22 to rotate relative to the base 24 in the direction indicated by P2 or Q2. Exemplarily, the second swing arm 252 is fixedly connected to the second housing 22 and hingedly connected to the base 24. In other words, one end of the second swing arm 252 is hingedly connected to the other side of the base 24. The hinge axis of the second swing arm 252 relative to the base 24 extends along the first direction X.

[0097] The second door panel 262 is disposed on the second swing arm 252, which is connected to the second door panel 262 and the base 24, respectively. During the rotation of the second swing arm 252 relative to the base 24, the second door panel 262 rotates relative to the base 24 along with the second swing arm 252. It should be noted that while the second swing arm 252 and the second door panel 262 rotate together, the second swing arm 252 and the second door panel 262 can also rotate relative to each other.

[0098] There may be multiple second swing arms 252. The multiple second swing arms 252 may include at least one second main swing arm 252a and at least one second auxiliary swing arm 252b. For example, the multiple second main swing arms 252a and the multiple second auxiliary swing arms 252b may be alternately arranged along the first direction X. This optimizes the force distribution between the second main swing arms 252a and the second auxiliary swing arms 252b relative to the base 24, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the multiple second swing arms 252.

[0099] In some examples, the second main swing arm 252a may be fixedly connected to the second housing 22, while the second auxiliary swing arm 252b may not be connected to the second housing 22. In other examples, the second main swing arm 252a may not be connected to the second housing 22, while the second auxiliary swing arm 252b may be fixedly connected to the second housing 22. In other examples, the second main swing arm 252a may be fixedly connected to the second housing 22, and the second auxiliary swing arm 252b may also be fixedly connected to the second housing 22, which is not limited here.

[0100] The number of first main swing arms 251a and second main swing arms 252a can be equal. In some examples, the plurality of first main swing arms 251a and the plurality of second main swing arms 252a can be symmetrically arranged relative to the base 24 extending along the first direction X. Similarly, the number of first auxiliary swing arms 251b and the second auxiliary swing arms 252b can be equal. In some examples, the plurality of first auxiliary swing arms 251b and the plurality of second auxiliary swing arms 252b can be symmetrically arranged relative to the base 24 extending along the first direction X.

[0101] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the swing arm mechanism 25 may further include a first connecting block 253 and a second connecting block 254. The first connecting block 253 is located on the same side of the base 24 as the first housing 21 and the first swing arm 251, and the second connecting block 254 is located on the same side of the base 24 as the second housing 22 and the second swing arm 252.

[0102] Each first connecting block 253 is used to connect at least one first main swing arm 251a and at least one first auxiliary swing arm 251b, so that the first main swing arm 251a and the first auxiliary swing arm 251b connected to the same first connecting block 253 rotate synchronously relative to the base 24, thereby improving the synchronization of the rotation of the multiple first swing arms 251. The number of first connecting blocks 253 can be one or more. When there is one first connecting block 253, multiple first main swing arms 251a and multiple first auxiliary swing arms 251b are connected to the same first connecting block 253. When there are multiple first connecting blocks 253, different first connecting blocks 253 can be connected to different first main swing arms 251a and first auxiliary swing arms 251b.

[0103] Similarly, each second connecting block 254 is used to connect at least one second main swing arm 252a and at least one second auxiliary swing arm 252b, so that the second main swing arm 252a and the second auxiliary swing arm 252b connected to the same second connecting block 254 rotate synchronously relative to the base 24, thereby improving the synchronization of the rotation of the multiple second swing arms 252. The number of second connecting blocks 254 can be one or more. When there is one second connecting block 254, multiple second main swing arms 252a and multiple second auxiliary swing arms 252b are connected to the same second connecting block 254. When there are multiple second connecting blocks 254, different second connecting blocks 254 can be connected to different second main swing arms 252a and second auxiliary swing arms 252b.

[0104] Please refer to Figures 10 to 12, Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the folding component 23 shown in Figures 4 and 5, wherein the folding component 23 is in a folded state; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view formed along the CC line in Figure 10; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view formed along the DD line in Figure 10; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view formed along the EE line in Figure 6.

[0105] The first connecting block 253 and the second connecting block 254 can be wedge-shaped. When the electronic device 100 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first connecting block 253 and the second connecting block 254 are positioned relative to each other. Specifically, the wedge-shaped surface of the first connecting block 253 and the wedge-shaped surface of the second connecting block 254 are positioned relative to each other, thereby forming a nearly triangular accommodating cavity formed by the wedge-shaped surface of the first connecting block 253, the base 24, and the wedge-shaped surface of the second connecting block 254. The third portion 13 of the flexible screen 10 is accommodated within the triangular accommodating cavity and can be shaped like a teardrop. This can increase the inner fold angle of the third portion 13 and improve the service life of the flexible screen 10.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first connecting block 253 can be connected to the first swing arm 251. The first connecting block 253 is rotatably connected to the first door panel 261. Exemplarily, the first connecting block 253 and the first door panel 261 are connected via a revolute joint, wherein a common axis of the revolute joint extends along the first direction X. Thus, the first door panel 261 can rotate relative to the first connecting block 253 and the first swing arm 251 via the revolute joint.

[0107] Similarly, the second connecting block 254 can be connected to the second swing arm 252. The second connecting block 254 is rotatably connected to the second door panel 262. Exemplarily, the second connecting block 254 and the second door panel 262 are connected via a revolute joint, wherein a common axis of the revolute joint extends along the first direction X. Thus, the second door panel 262 can rotate relative to the second connecting block 254 and the second swing arm 252 via the revolute joint.

[0108] The first connecting block 253 may be fixedly connected or movably connected to the first swing arm 251 ; the second connecting block 254 may be fixedly connected or movably connected to the second swing arm 252 ; this is not limited here.

[0109] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first door panel 261 includes a first door panel body 2611 and a first matching member 2612 extending from the first door panel body 2611 toward the side of the swing arm mechanism 25. The first matching member 2612 can be arranged perpendicular to the first door panel body 2611 toward the side of the swing arm mechanism 25. The first matching member 2612 can define a first sliding groove 2613, and the first auxiliary swing arm 251b can be provided with a first latch 255. The first latch 255 is inserted into the first sliding groove 2613, thereby achieving a sliding and rotational connection between the first door panel 261 and the first auxiliary swing arm 251b.

[0110] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first sliding slot 2613 includes a first end position A and a second end position B. When the electronic device 100 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first latch 255 moves from the first end position A of the first sliding slot 2613 to the second end position B, thereby causing the end of the first door panel 261 away from the base 24 to move in the direction indicated by P1, and the end of the first door panel 261 closer to the base 24 to move in the direction indicated by Q1. When the electronic device 100 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first latch 255 moves from the second end position B of the first sliding slot 2613 to the first end position A, thereby causing the end of the first door panel 261 away from the base 24 to move in the direction indicated by Q1, and the end of the first door panel 261 closer to the base 24 to move in the direction indicated by P1.

[0111] The first sliding groove 2613 enables the first door panel 261 to achieve a sliding and rotational connection relative to the first secondary swing arm 251b. When the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the first door panel 261 is retracted to form a nearly triangular accommodating cavity. When the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the first door panel 261 is extended to form a support surface for the flexible screen 10. The two end positions of the first sliding groove 2613 can limit the sliding and rotation of the first door panel 261, thereby improving the reliability of the movement of the first door panel 261.

[0112] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the second door panel 262 includes a second door panel body 2621 and a second matching member 2622 extending from the second door panel body 2621 toward the side of the swing arm mechanism 25. The second matching member 2622 can be arranged perpendicular to the second door panel body 2621 toward the side of the swing arm mechanism 25. The second matching member 2622 can define a second sliding slot 2623, and the second auxiliary swing arm 252b can be provided with a second latch 256. The second latch 256 is inserted into the second sliding slot 2623, thereby achieving a sliding and rotational connection between the second door panel 262 and the second auxiliary swing arm 252b.

[0113] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the second sliding slot 2623 includes a first end position A and a second end position B. When the electronic device 100 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second latch 256 moves from the first end position A of the second sliding slot 2623 to the second end position B, thereby causing the end of the second door panel 262 away from the base 24 to move in the direction indicated by P2, and the end of the second door panel 262 closer to the base 24 to move in the direction indicated by Q2. When the electronic device 100 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the second latch 256 moves from the second end position B of the second sliding slot 2623 to the first end position A, thereby causing the end of the second door panel 262 away from the base 24 to move in the direction indicated by Q2, and the end of the second door panel 262 closer to the base 24 to move in the direction indicated by P2.

[0114] The second sliding groove 2623 enables the second door panel 262 to achieve a sliding and rotational connection relative to the second secondary swing arm 252b. When the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the second door panel 262 is retracted to form a nearly triangular accommodating cavity. When the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the second door panel 262 is extended to form a support surface for the flexible screen 10. The two end positions of the second sliding groove 2623 can limit the sliding and rotation of the second door panel 262, thereby improving the reliability of the movement of the second door panel 262.

[0115] The first sliding groove 2613 and the second sliding groove 2623 are both arc-shaped grooves that protrude in a direction away from the flexible screen 10. In other embodiments, the first latch 255 may be disposed on the first main swing arm 251a, and the second latch 256 may be disposed on the second main swing arm 252a, which is not limited here.

[0116] During the transition of the electronic device 100 from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first door panel 261 and the second door panel 262 are positioned relative to each other. The end of the first door panel 261 away from the base 24 moves in the direction indicated by P1, and the end of the first door panel 261 closer to the base 24 moves in the direction indicated by Q1. The end of the second door panel 262 away from the base 24 moves in the direction indicated by P2, and the end of the second door panel 262 closer to the base 24 moves in the direction indicated by Q2. In this way, the first door panel 261, the base 24, and the second door panel 262 form a nearly triangular accommodating cavity. The third portion 13 of the flexible screen 10 is accommodated within the triangular accommodating cavity and can assume a teardrop-like shape. This increases the inner fold angle of the third portion 13, thereby improving the service life of the flexible screen 10.

[0117] When the electronic device 100 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the end of the first door panel 261 away from the base 24 moves in the direction indicated by Q1, and the end of the first door panel 261 closer to the base 24 moves in the direction indicated by P1. The end of the second door panel 262 away from the base 24 moves in the direction indicated by Q2, and the end of the second door panel 262 closer to the base 24 moves in the direction indicated by P2. In this way, the support surface M5 of the first door panel 261, the support surface M4 of the base 24, and the support surface M6 of the second door panel 262 are coplanar and oriented in the same direction, thereby allowing the flexible screen 10 to be unfolded and supported.

[0118] Please refer to Figure 14, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the damping mechanism and two auxiliary swing arms in the folding assembly. In some embodiments, the folding assembly 23 also includes a damping mechanism 28. The damping mechanism 28 includes a damping spring 281 and a concave wheel 282. For example, the cam 2511, which articulates the first auxiliary swing arm 251b to the base 24, has a convex surface, and the concave wheel 282 has a concave surface. The convex surface of the cam 2511 matches the concave surface of the concave wheel 282.

[0119] FIG15 is an enlarged view of area H in FIG14 . The surface of the first cam 2511 on the first auxiliary swing arm 251b facing the corresponding concave wheel 282 has a convex surface S1 and a concave surface S2 recessed relative to the convex surface S1. The surface of the second cam 2521 on the second auxiliary swing arm 252b facing the corresponding concave wheel 282 also has a convex surface S1 and a concave surface S2 recessed relative to the convex surface S1. The convex surface S1 and concave surface S2 on each cam are alternately arranged along the circumference of the cam. The surface of each concave wheel 282 facing the corresponding cam also has concave surfaces S4 and convex surfaces S3 alternately arranged along the circumference of the concave wheel 282. The concave wheel 282 is preloaded between the damping spring 281 and the cam. In the folded and unfolded states, the convex surface S3 on the concave wheel 282 mates with different concave surfaces S2 on the cam. Similarly, the convex surface S1 on the cam mates with different concave surfaces S4 on the concave wheel 282.

[0120] When a user activates the first and second housings 21 and 22, causing the first and second swing arms 251 and 252 to rotate relative to the base 24 and the second swing arm 252 to rotate relative to the base 24, the convex surface S3 on the cam 282 gradually switches from engaging with one of the concave surfaces S2 on the cam to engaging with the other concave surface S2. During this process, the pressure on the damping spring 281 gradually increases and then gradually releases. Simultaneously, the cam 282 undergoes axial displacement as the pressure on the damping spring 281 changes, thereby facilitating the switching of the folding assembly 23 between the folded and unfolded states. In the absence of external force applied by the user, the elastic force of the damping spring 281 provides a damping force for the rotation of the first and second swing arms 251 and 252 relative to the base 24, thereby maintaining the folding assembly 23 in its current folded or unfolded state.

[0121] In a damping mechanism 28, there can be two damping springs 281, one damping spring 281 for generating a compressive spring force to provide a damping force to the first auxiliary swing arm 251b, and the other damping spring 281 for generating a compressive spring force to provide a damping force to the second auxiliary swing arm 252b. Because the first swing arm 251 and the second swing arm 252 rotate synchronously, the two damping springs 281 jointly provide a damping force during the folding process of the electronic device 100.

[0122] In addition, in some examples, the damping mechanism 28 may further include two auxiliary springs, which are located between the two damping springs 281 and are configured to be compressed synchronously with the damping springs 281. This can increase the damping force of the first swing arm 251 and the second swing arm 252, thereby improving the stability of the electronic device 100 in the intermediate hovering state between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0123] In some other embodiments, the cam that cooperates with the concave wheel 282 is located on the hinge shaft where the main swing arm is hinged to the base, that is, the damping spring 281 is used to generate compression elastic force to provide damping force to the main swing arm, thereby providing damping force during the folding process of the electronic device 100.

[0124] Please refer to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the synchronization mechanism and two auxiliary swing arms in the folding assembly; Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the synchronization mechanism in the folding assembly. In some embodiments, the folding assembly 23 also includes a synchronization mechanism 29. The synchronization mechanism 29 includes a first internal gear 291, a second internal gear 292, a first external gear 293, and a second external gear 294. The first internal gear 291 and the second internal gear 292 are located between the first external gear 293 and the second external gear 294, and the first internal gear 291 and the second internal gear 292 are meshed with each other, with the first external gear 293 meshing with the first internal gear 291 and the second external gear 294 meshing with the second internal gear 292.

[0125] Exemplarily, the size of the first internal gear 291 is equal to the size of the second internal gear 292 , the size of the first external gear 293 is equal to the size of the second external gear 294 , and the size of the first external gear 293 is larger than the size of the first internal gear 291 .

[0126] Since the first external gear 293 , the first internal gear 291 , the second internal gear 292 and the second external gear 294 are meshed in sequence along the second direction Y, the first external gear 293 and the second external gear 294 rotate in opposite directions and have the same angular speed.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first external gear 293 is fixedly connected to the first auxiliary swing arm 251b, and the second external gear 294 is fixedly connected to the second auxiliary swing arm 252b. For example, as shown in FIG16 , the gear shaft of the first external gear 293 and the cam 2511 of the first auxiliary swing arm 251b are interconnected as an integral structure, while the gear shaft of the second external gear 294 and the cam 2511 of the second auxiliary swing arm 252b are interconnected as an integral structure. This allows the first external gear 293 to achieve angular velocity synchronization with the first auxiliary swing arm 251b, and the second external gear 294 to achieve angular velocity synchronization with the second auxiliary swing arm 252b.

[0128] During the process of switching the electronic device 100 from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first swing arm 251 moves in the direction indicated by P1, and the second swing arm 252 moves in the direction indicated by P2. During this process, the angle of rotation of the first swing arm 251, to which the synchronization mechanism 29 and the first external gear 293 are fixed, in the direction indicated by P1, is equal to the angle of rotation of the second swing arm 252, which is fixedly connected to the second external gear 294, in the direction indicated by P2. During the process of switching the electronic device 100 from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first swing arm 251 moves in the direction indicated by Q11, and the second swing arm 252 moves in the direction indicated by Q2. During this process, the angle of rotation of the first swing arm 251, to which the synchronization mechanism 29 and the first external gear 293 are fixed, in the direction indicated by Q1, is equal to the angle of rotation of the second swing arm 252, which is fixedly connected to the second external gear 294, in the direction indicated by Q2.

[0129] In some other embodiments, the first external gear 293 may not be fixedly connected to the first auxiliary swing arm 251b, but may be fixedly connected to the first main swing arm 251a; the second external gear 294 may not be fixedly connected to the second auxiliary swing arm 252b, but may be fixedly connected to the second main swing arm 252a.

[0130] It can be understood that the synchronization mechanism 29 can make the first swing arm 251 and the second swing arm 252 rotate synchronously relative to the base 24, thereby improving the synchronization of the rotation of the first shell 21 and the second shell 22, and further improving the synchronization of the movement of the electronic device 100 between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0131] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5 to 7 and 10 to 13, the folding assembly 23 further includes an elastic support member 27. The elastic support member 27 can be located on a side of the door panel mechanism 26 close to the flexible screen 10. The elastic support member 27 can extend along a first direction X. It can be understood that the length direction of the elastic support member 27 is the first direction X, and the width direction of the elastic support member 27 is the second direction Y.

[0132] The two ends of the elastic support member 27 in the second direction Y are connected to the door panel mechanism 26. For example, the first end of the elastic support member 27 in the second direction Y is connected to the first door panel 261, and the second end of the elastic support member 27 in the second direction Y is connected to the second door panel 262.

[0133] In some examples, as shown in Figures 6 and 7 , the first end of the elastic support member 27 in the second direction Y is fixedly connected to the first door panel 261 by a screw, and the second end of the elastic support member 27 in the second direction Y is fixedly connected to the second door panel 262 by a screw. In other examples, the ends of the elastic support member 27 can also be fixedly connected to the door panel by a buckle. In other examples, the ends of the elastic support member 27 can also be fixedly connected to the door panel by other methods, which are not limited here.

[0134] The ends of the elastic support member can be fixed to the first door panel 261 and the second door panel 262 by screws, which can improve the fixing strength between the ends of the elastic support member and the door panels, thereby improving the reliability of the elastic support member.

[0135] The elastic support member 27 can have a rebound performance after being bent. In some examples, the elastic support member 27 can be a stainless steel sheet structure, which has better support performance when the elastic support member 27 is in a flat state and better bending performance when the elastic support member 27 is in a folded state.

[0136] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, during the process of switching the electronic device 100 from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first door panel 261 and the second door panel 262 rotate toward each other, thereby driving the two ends of the elastic support member 27 in the second direction Y to rotate toward each other, thereby realizing the folding of the elastic support member 27. When the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the elastic support member 27 bends in the direction away from the flexible screen 10 to form an escape space for accommodating part of the flexible screen. Exemplarily, the escape space can be in a water droplet shape, used to accommodate the third part 13 of the flexible screen 10 in the folded state. The elastic support member 27 surrounds the third part 13 of the flexible screen 10 to prevent other components from squeezing the third part 13, thereby extending the service life of the flexible screen 10.

[0137] As shown in Figure 13, when the electronic device 100 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first door panel 261 and the second door panel 262 rotate away from each other, thereby driving the two ends of the elastic support member 27 in the second direction Y to rotate away from each other, thereby unfolding the elastic support member 27. When the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the elastic support member 27 unfolds into a flat plate, capable of directly contacting the third portion 13 of the flexible screen 10 to support the third portion 13.

[0138] For example, when the elastic support member 27 is unfolded into a flat plate, the flexible screen 10 is also in a planar state. At this point, the orthographic projection of the elastic support member 27 on the flexible screen 10 overlaps the orthographic projection of the base 24 on the flexible screen 10. It can be understood that in the plane formed by the first direction X and the second direction Y, the area of ​​the elastic support member 27 is larger than the area of ​​the base 24. In this way, the elastic support member 27, by connecting to the first door panel 261 and the second door panel 262, can separate the base 24 from the flexible screen 10, increase the support area of ​​the elastic support member 27 on the flexible screen 10, and enhance the supporting effect on the flexible screen 10.

[0139] 7 , the elastic support member 27 has a plurality of openings 271 extending through the elastic support member 27. The number of openings 271 may be multiple, and the plurality of openings 271 may be arranged in an array or in a random arrangement, which is not limited herein.

[0140] The shapes of the multiple openings 271 can be the same or different. For example, some openings 271 can be circular, others can be elliptical, and still others can be rectangular, etc. Furthermore, the opening areas of the multiple openings 271 can be equal or different. For example, openings 271 of different shapes can have different opening areas; for another example, openings 271 of the same shape can have different opening areas.

[0141] Exemplarily, the opening 271 is in the shape of an elongated strip, and the length direction of the opening 271 is parallel to the first direction X. A plurality of elongated strip-shaped openings 271 are arranged in an array, and the opening areas of the elongated strip-shaped openings are equal.

[0142] In this embodiment, by providing the opening 271 in the elastic support member 27 , the bending stress on the elastic support member 27 caused by the movement and bending of the door panel mechanism 26 can be reduced, thereby facilitating the bending of the elastic support member 27 .

[0143] In summary, the folding assembly 23 provided in the embodiments of the present application utilizes a door panel mechanism 26 to unfold the elastic support member 27 to support the flexible screen 10 when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state. When the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the door panel mechanism 26 bends the elastic support member 27 to form a clearance space to accommodate the third portion 13 of the flexible screen 10, thereby protecting the flexible screen. This simplifies the structure of the folding assembly 23, resulting in a simple and low-cost folding assembly 23, thereby reducing the cost of the electronic device 100.

[0144] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding assembly, characterized in that: Applicable to electronic devices, the electronic devices include a flexible screen; the folding assembly includes: a base extending along a first direction; a swing arm mechanism comprising a first swing arm and a second swing arm; in a second direction, the first swing arm and the second swing arm are respectively located on both sides of the base and are hinged to the base, and the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate between a folded position and an unfolded position; the second direction intersects the first direction; a door panel mechanism, located on a side of the swing arm mechanism close to the flexible screen, comprising a first door panel and a second door panel; the first door panel is disposed on the first swing arm, and the second door panel is disposed on the second swing arm; the first door panel rotates together with the first swing arm, and the second door panel rotates together with the second swing arm; an elastic support member, located on a side of the door panel mechanism close to the flexible screen; two ends of the elastic support member in the second direction are respectively connected to the first door panel and the second door panel; Among them, when the first swing arm and the second swing arm are in the unfolded position, the elastic support member is in a flat state for supporting the flexible screen; when the first swing arm and the second swing arm are in the folded position, the elastic support member bends to form an avoidance space for accommodating part of the flexible screen.

2. The folding assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic support member is provided with a plurality of openings penetrating the elastic support member.

3. The folding assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the first swing arm and the second swing arm are both in the unfolded position, the orthographic projection of the elastic support member on the flexible screen covers the orthographic projection of the base on the flexible screen.

4. The folding assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The elastic support member is fixedly connected to the first door panel and / or the second door panel by screws.

5. The folding assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first swing arm includes a plurality of first main swing arms and a plurality of first auxiliary swing arms; the plurality of first main swing arms and the plurality of first auxiliary swing arms are alternately arranged in the first direction; and / or, The second swing arm includes a plurality of second main swing arms and a plurality of second auxiliary swing arms; the plurality of second main swing arms and the plurality of second auxiliary swing arms are alternately arranged in the first direction.

6. The folding assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first door panel includes a first door panel body and a first matching piece extending from the first door panel body toward a side close to the swing arm mechanism; the first matching piece is provided with a first sliding groove; the first auxiliary swing arm is provided with a first latch, and the first latch is inserted into the first sliding groove; and / or, The second door panel includes a second door panel body and a second matching part extending from the second door panel body to the side close to the swing arm mechanism; a second sliding groove is provided on the second matching part; a second pin is provided on the second auxiliary swing arm, and the second pin is inserted into the second sliding groove.

7. The folding assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first sliding groove and the second sliding groove are arc-shaped grooves, and the arc-shaped grooves protrude in a direction away from the flexible screen.

8. The folding assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: Also includes: A damping mechanism is located on a side of the base close to the flexible screen; It includes a damping spring and a cam connected to the damping spring; The first swing arm and / or the second swing arm comprises a cam, and the cam cooperates with the cam wheel to compress the damping spring when the swing arm mechanism rotates.

9. The folding assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Also includes: a synchronization mechanism comprising a first internal gear, a second internal gear, a first external gear, and a second external gear; the first internal gear and the second internal gear are located between the first external gear and the second external gear, and the first internal gear and the second internal gear are meshed with each other, the first external gear is meshed with the first internal gear, and the second external gear is meshed with the second internal gear; The first external gear is fixedly connected to the first swing arm, and the second external gear is fixedly connected to the second swing arm.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that: comprising a flexible screen and a folding assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9; The folding assembly supports the flexible screen when in an unfolded state, and stores the flexible screen when in a folded state.

Images