Folding mechanism and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding mechanism and electronic equipment, the folding mechanism comprises a base, a swing arm, a first cam, a sliding seat, a linkage arm and a first elastic piece, the swing arm is rotatably connected with the base through a rotating shaft, the swing arm is provided with a first concave-convex surface arranged around the rotating shaft, the first cam is arranged on one side of the swing arm along the rotating shaft, the first cam abuts against the first concave-convex surface, and the first elastic piece is arranged on the sliding seat. The sliding base is connected with the base and can move in the length direction of the rotating shaft relative to the base, the linkage arm is rotationally connected with the base, the first elastic piece is clamped between the first cam and the sliding base, and when the swing arm rotates relative to the base, the first concave-convex face drives the first cam to move along the rotating shaft. According to the folding mechanism and the electronic equipment, when the swing arm rotates relative to the base, the first concave-convex surface of the swing arm drives the first cam to move along the rotating shaft, so that the first elastic piece extrudes the sliding seat towards the linkage arm, and the hovering effect of the folding mechanism is improved through friction force between the linkage arm and the sliding seat and friction force between the linkage arm and the base.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A foldable electronic device is usually configured with a folding mechanism to meet its folding needs. A foldable electronic device can include a flattened state, a folded state, and an intermediate state between the flattened state and the folded state. A foldable electronic device needs to stably hover in the flattened state, the folded state, or the intermediate state to facilitate the user's use of the foldable electronic device.

[0003] In related technologies, in order to ensure the torsion feel during the bending process of the electronic device and the hovering effect, a large number of elastic members are usually required to be provided in the electronic device. However, such a structural design not only increases the number of parts, resulting in a complex folding mechanism, but also is not conducive to the miniaturization of the folding mechanism. Reducing the number of elastic members or reducing the size of the elastic members can reduce the overall volume of the folding mechanism, but there will be a problem that the hovering effect is poor due to insufficient torsion. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a folding mechanism and an electronic device to solve the technical problem of how to improve the hovering effect while reducing the structural complexity to achieve miniaturization.

[0005] On the one hand, this application provides a folding mechanism, including:

[0006] A base connected with a rotating shaft;

[0007] A swing arm rotatably connected to the base through the rotating shaft, the swing arm having a first concave-convex surface disposed around the rotating shaft;

[0008] A first cam disposed on one side of the swing arm along the rotating shaft, the first cam abutting against the first concave-convex surface;

[0009] A sliding seat connected to the base, the sliding seat being capable of moving relative to the base along the length direction of the rotating shaft;

[0010] A linkage arm rotatably connected to the base, the two ends of the linkage arm in the direction of its rotation axis respectively form a first end face and a second end face, the first end face abutting against the sliding seat; and

[0011] A first elastic member clamped between the first cam and the sliding seat;

[0012] Wherein, when the swing arm rotates relative to the base, the first concave-convex surface drives the first cam to move along the rotating shaft to adjust the extrusion force of the first elastic member on the linkage arm through the sliding seat.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second end face of the linkage arm abuts against the positioning portion, and when the linkage arm rotates relative to the base, a frictional damping force is generated between the second end face and the positioning portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, when the swing arm rotates outward relative to the base, the pressing force of the first elastic member on the linkage arm gradually increases.

[0015] In one embodiment, the folding mechanism further includes a second cam and a second elastic member. The swing arm has a second concave-convex surface disposed around the rotating shaft, and the second concave-convex surface faces away from the first concave-convex surface. The base is provided with a fixing portion, and the rotating shaft is axially movably disposed through the fixing portion. First limiting members and second limiting members are respectively connected to both ends of the rotating shaft. The first cam is clamped between the first concave-convex surface and the first limiting member, and the second elastic member is clamped between the second limiting member and the second cam.

[0016] In one embodiment, the swing arm includes a rotating portion and a connecting portion connected to each other. The rotating portion is rotatably sleeved on the rotating shaft. An avoidance groove is formed in the rotating portion, and at least a part of the fixing portion is received in the avoidance groove, and the fixing portion abuts against a groove wall on one side of the avoidance groove.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first end face includes a third concave-convex surface, and the sliding seat is provided with a fourth concave-convex surface, and the third concave-convex surface abuts against the fourth concave-convex surface;

[0018] Alternatively, the second end face includes a fifth concave-convex surface, and the positioning portion is provided with a sixth concave-convex surface, and the fifth concave-convex surface abuts against the sixth concave-convex surface.

[0019] In one embodiment, the folding mechanism further includes a first connecting seat and a second connecting seat. The first connecting seat and the second connecting seat are respectively disposed on both sides of the base. The swing arm and the linkage arm are both provided on both sides of the base. The swing arm and the linkage arm on one side of the base are both slidably connected to the first connecting seat, and the swing arm and the linkage arm on the other side of the base are both slidably connected to the second connecting seat.

[0020] In one embodiment, the folding mechanism further includes a first support plate and a second support plate. The first support plate is disposed between the first connecting seat and the base, and both sides of the first support plate are respectively rotatably connected to the first connecting seat and the base; the second support plate is disposed between the second connecting seat and the base, and both sides of the second support plate are respectively rotatably connected to the second connecting seat and the base.

[0021] In one embodiment, the folding mechanism further includes a limiting structure for limiting the unfolding angle of the folding mechanism. The limiting structure includes a first limiting block and a second limiting block. When the folding mechanism is flattened, the first limiting block abuts against the second limiting block to limit the further bending of the folding mechanism.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first support plate is provided with a first arc-shaped slide rail, and the first connecting seat is provided with a first arc-shaped slide groove. The first arc-shaped slide rail is slidably engaged with the first arc-shaped slide groove. The first arc-shaped slide rail is provided with the first limiting block, and the first arc-shaped slide groove is provided with the second limiting block;

[0023] Alternatively, the first support plate is provided with a second arc-shaped slide rail, and the base is provided with a second arc-shaped slide groove. The second arc-shaped slide rail is slidably engaged with the second arc-shaped slide groove. The second arc-shaped slide rail is provided with the first limiting block, and the second arc-shaped slide groove is provided with the second limiting block;

[0024] Alternatively, the second support plate is provided with a third arc-shaped slide rail, and the second connecting seat is provided with a third arc-shaped slide groove. The third arc-shaped slide rail is slidably engaged with the third arc-shaped slide groove. The third arc-shaped slide rail is provided with the first limiting block, and the third arc-shaped slide groove is provided with the second limiting block;

[0025] Alternatively, the second support plate is provided with a fourth arc-shaped slide rail, and the base is provided with a fourth arc-shaped slide groove. The fourth arc-shaped slide rail is slidably engaged with the fourth arc-shaped slide groove. The fourth arc-shaped slide rail is provided with the first limiting block, and the fourth arc-shaped slide groove is provided with the second limiting block.

[0026] In one embodiment, the folding mechanism further includes a first sliding plate and a second sliding plate. The first sliding plate and the second sliding plate are respectively slidably connected to the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat. The linkage arm slidably connected to the first connecting seat is fixed to the first sliding plate, and the linkage arm slidably connected to the second connecting seat is fixed to the second sliding plate. When the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat rotate relative to the base, the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate slide relative to the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat respectively under the drive of the corresponding linkage arm.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first sliding plate is provided with a first protrusion, and the first support plate is provided with a first abutting portion. When the folding mechanism is flattened, the first abutting portion abuts against the first protrusion to limit the further bending of the folding mechanism;

[0028] Alternatively, the second slide plate is provided with a second protrusion, and the second support plate is provided with a second abutting portion. When the folding mechanism is flattened, the second abutting portion abuts against the second protrusion to limit the folding mechanism from further bending.

[0029] In one of the embodiments, the base has a supporting surface for supporting the flexible screen, and the swing arm and the linkage arm can be folded relative to the base toward a side away from the supporting surface.

[0030] On the other hand, the present application provides an electronic device, including a shell assembly, a flexible screen and a folding mechanism as described above, the shell assembly including a first shell and a second shell, the first shell and the second shell are respectively connected to the two sides of the folding mechanism, the flexible screen is connected to the first shell and the second shell, and covers the folding mechanism.

[0031] In the folding mechanism and electronic device of the present application, since the slide can move relative to the base along the length direction of the rotating shaft, the first elastic member can be used to press the slide toward the linkage arm, so that the contact friction between the slide and the linkage arm, and the contact friction between the slide and the base can be used to increase the damping of the folding mechanism when it is bent, thereby improving the hovering effect of the folding mechanism. Due to this structural setting, the first elastic member not only uses its own elastic force to increase the torsion, but also uses the first elastic member to press the slide and the linkage arm together, so that the friction between the linkage arm and the slide, and between the linkage arm and the base generates additional damping, so the number of elastic members set can be reduced, which is conducive to miniaturization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a folding mechanism provided in one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a folding mechanism provided in one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of a folding mechanism provided in another embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the folding mechanism from another viewing angle is shown.

[0037] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a schematic enlarged view of the partial structure at the virtual circle A in

[0038] Figure 6 a schematic structural view of the flattening state of the folding mechanism provided by an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a schematic top view of the folding mechanism shown in

[0040] Figure 8 a schematic cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism provided by an embodiment along Figure 7 the I-I line in

[0041] Figure 9 a schematic cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism provided by an embodiment along Figure 7 the II-II line in

[0042] Figure 10 a schematic cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism provided by an embodiment along Figure 7 the III-III line in

[0043] Figure 11 a schematic cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism provided by an embodiment along Figure 7 the IV-IV line in

[0044] Figure 12 a schematic cross-sectional view of the folding mechanism provided by an embodiment along Figure 7 the V-V line in

[0045] Figure 13 is Figure 6 a schematic structural view of the folded state of the folding mechanism shown in

[0046] Figure 14 a schematic structural view when the second abutting portion of the second support plate abuts against the second protrusion of the second sliding plate in the folding mechanism provided by an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 15 is Figure 14 a schematic enlarged view of the partial structure at the virtual circle B in

[0048] Reference numerals:

[0049] 100. Folding mechanism; 10. Base; 10a. Rotating shaft; 10b. First limiting member; 10c. Second limiting member; 100a. Support surface; 11. Positioning portion; 12. Fixing portion; 20. Swing arm; 20a. First concave-convex surface; 20b. Second concave-convex surface; 21. Rotating portion; 21a. Clearance groove; 22. Connecting portion; 30. First cam; 40. Slide base; 50. Linkage arm; 50a. First end face; 50b. Second end face; 60. First elastic member; 70. Second cam; 80. Second elastic member; 101. First connecting seat; 102. Second connecting seat; 103. First support plate; 103a. First abutting portion; 104. Second support plate; 104a. Second abutting portion; 105. First slide plate; 105a. First protrusion; 106. Second slide plate; 106a. Second protrusion; 107. First limiting block; 108. Second limiting block; G1. First arc-shaped slide rail; C1. First arc-shaped slide groove; G2. Second arc-shaped slide rail; C2. Second arc-shaped slide groove; G3. Third arc-shaped slide rail; C3. Third arc-shaped slide groove; G4. Fourth arc-shaped slide rail; C4. Fourth arc-shaped slide groove. Detailed implementation manner

[0050] For the convenience of understanding the present application, the present application will be described more comprehensively below with reference to the relevant drawings. The preferred embodiments of the present application are shown in the drawings. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make the understanding of the disclosure content of the present application more thorough and comprehensive.

[0051] As used herein, an "electronic device" refers to a device capable of receiving and / or transmitting communication signals connected by any one or more of the following connection methods: (1) via a wired connection method, such as via a Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), digital cable, direct cable connection; (2) via a wireless interface method, such as a cellular network, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a digital television network such as a DVB-H network, a satellite network, an AM-FM broadcast transmitter.

[0052] As an electronic device, an electronic device configured to communicate through a wireless interface can 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 communication system (PCS) terminals that can combine cellular radiotelephone with data processing, fax, and data communication capabilities; (3) radiotelephones, pagers, Internet / intranet access, web browsers, notebooks, calendars, personal digital assistants (PDAs) equipped with global positioning system (GPS) receivers; (4) conventional laptop and / or palmtop receivers; (5) conventional laptop and / or palmtop radiotelephone transceivers, etc.

[0053] Combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a folding mechanism 100, which includes a base 10, a swing arm 20, a first cam 30, a slide seat 40, a linkage arm 50, and a first elastic member 60. A rotating shaft 10a is connected to the base 10. The swing arm 20 is rotatably connected to the base 10 through the rotating shaft 10a, and the swing arm 20 has a first concave-convex surface 20a disposed around the rotating shaft 10a. The first cam 30 is disposed on one side of the swing arm 20 along the rotating shaft 10a, and the first cam 30 abuts against the first concave-convex surface 20a.

[0054] The slide seat 40 is connected to the base 10, and the slide seat 40 can move relative to the base 10 along the length direction of the rotating shaft 10a. The slide seat 40 can be slidably connected to the base 10 or slidably connected to the rotating shaft 10a, which is not limited herein. The linkage arm 50 is rotatably connected to the base 10. The two ends of the linkage arm 50 in the direction of its rotation axis respectively form a first end face 50a and a second end face 50b, and the first end face 50a abuts against the slide seat 40. The first elastic member 60 is clamped between the first cam 30 and the slide seat 40. When the swing arm 20 rotates relative to the base 10, the first concave-convex surface 20a drives the first cam 30 to move along the rotating shaft 10a to adjust the extrusion force of the first elastic member 60 on the linkage arm 50 through the slide seat 40.

[0055] In the folding mechanism 100 of the present application, since the sliding seat 40 can move relative to the base 10 along the length direction of the rotating shaft 10a, the first elastic member 60 can be used to squeeze the sliding seat 40 towards the linkage arm 50. In this way, the contact friction between the sliding seat 40 and the linkage arm 50, and the contact friction between the sliding seat 40 and the base 10 can be utilized to increase the damping when the folding mechanism 100 is bent, thereby improving the hovering effect of the folding mechanism 100. Due to this structural arrangement, the first elastic member 60 not only utilizes its own elastic force to increase the torsion force, but also squeezes the sliding seat 40 towards the linkage arm 50 by the first elastic member 60, and additional damping is generated by the friction between the linkage arm 50 and the sliding seat 40, and between the linkage arm 50 and the base 10. Therefore, the number of elastic members provided can be reduced to facilitate miniaturization.

[0056] The base 10 has a positioning portion 11, and the second end face 50b abuts against the positioning portion 11. Understandably, since the linkage arm 50 can rotate relative to the base 10, contact friction will be generated when the second end face 50b abuts against the positioning portion 11. That is to say, when the linkage arm 50 rotates relative to the base 10, a frictional damping force is generated between the second end face 50b and the positioning portion 11. In this way, the frictional damping force can be utilized to generate a damping effect on the rotation of the linkage arm 50, so that the user feels damping when operating the folding mechanism 100 to unfold or fold, and when the force for unfolding or folding the folding mechanism 100 is stopped, the frictional damping force is beneficial to maintaining the current bending angle of the folding mechanism 100, thereby obtaining a good hovering effect.

[0057] In some embodiments, when the swing arm 20 rotates outward relative to the base 10, the pressing force of the first elastic member 60 on the linkage arm 50 gradually increases. In this way, when the folding mechanism 100 is unfolded and used, as the pressing force of the first elastic member 60 on the linkage arm 50 increases, the contact friction between the first end face 50a of the linkage arm 50 and the sliding seat 40, and between the second end face 50b of the linkage arm 50 and the positioning portion 11 of the base 10 increases, so that the folding mechanism 100 is not easily loosened and remains at the current bending angle, thereby improving the hovering effect of the folding mechanism 100.

[0058] Continue to combine Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the folding mechanism 100 further includes a second cam 70 and a second elastic member 80. The swing arm 20 has a second concave-convex surface 20b disposed around the rotating shaft 10a, and the second concave-convex surface 20b faces away from the first concave-convex surface 20a. The base 10 is provided with a fixing portion 12, and the rotating shaft 10a is axially movably inserted through the fixing portion 12. First limit members 10b and second limit members 10c are respectively connected to both ends of the rotating shaft 10a. The first cam 30 is clamped between the first concave-convex surface 20a and the first limit member 10b, and the second elastic member 80 is clamped between the second limit member 10c and the second cam 70. In this embodiment, the second elastic member 80 is used to further increase the torque of the folding mechanism 100, thereby improving the hovering effect. It should be noted here that since the first limit member 10b and the second limit member 10c are respectively connected to both ends of the rotating shaft 10a, the installation space provided by the first limit member 10b and the second limit member 10c for other structural members along the direction of the rotating shaft 10a remains unchanged. The first cam 30 is clamped between the first concave-convex surface 20a and the first limit member 10b, and the second elastic member 80 is clamped between the second limit member 10c and the second cam 70. Thus, when the swing arm 20 rotates, the first concave-convex surface 20a and the second concave-convex surface 20b will rotate around the rotating shaft 10a together with the swing arm 20. Subsequently, the swing arm 20 presses the first cam 30 and the second cam 70 along the rotating shaft 10a. In this way, a larger pressing stroke can be achieved to increase the compression amount of the second elastic member 80, increasing the damping force for the rotation of the folding mechanism 100, and achieving the effect of improving the hovering performance of the folding mechanism 100.

[0059] Continuing in conjunction with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the swing arm 20 includes a rotating portion 21 and a connecting portion 22 connected to each other. The rotating portion 21 is rotatably sleeved on the rotating shaft 10a. The rotating portion 21 is provided with an avoidance groove 21a, and at least a part of the fixing portion 12 is received in the avoidance groove 21a. The fixing portion 12 abuts against the groove wall on one side of the avoidance groove 21a. In this way, the contact friction between the fixing portion 12 and the side wall of the avoidance groove 21a can be used to increase the damping force, thereby improving the hovering performance of the folding mechanism 100.

[0060] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the linkage arm 50 may also adopt a concave-convex surface structure design similar to that of the swing arm 20. Thus, by rotating the linkage arm 50, the corresponding concave-convex surface can exert a cam effect to compress the first elastic member 60, increasing the compression amount of the first elastic member 60 to improve the hovering performance of the folding mechanism 100. For example, in some embodiments, based on the fact that the first end face 50a of the linkage arm 50 abuts against the sliding seat 40 and the second end face 50b of the linkage arm 50 abuts against the positioning portion 11, the following structural settings can be adopted to increase the compression amount of the first elastic member 60. The first end face 50a includes a third concave-convex surface, and the sliding seat 40 is provided with a fourth concave-convex surface, and the third concave-convex surface abuts against the fourth concave-convex surface. Alternatively, the second end face 50b includes a fifth concave-convex surface, and the positioning portion 11 is provided with a sixth concave-convex surface, and the fifth concave-convex surface abuts against the sixth concave-convex surface.

[0061] In this embodiment, by using the design of these concave-convex surfaces, when the linkage arm 50 rotates relative to the base 10, the setting space for compressing the first elastic member 60 in the length direction of the rotating shaft 10a can be realized, and then the effect of increasing the compression amount of the first elastic member 60 is achieved. It can be understood that as the compression amount of the first elastic member 60 increases, the extrusion force of the first elastic member 60 on the linkage arm 50 through the sliding seat 40 increases, so that the frictional force between the sliding seat 40 and the linkage arm 50, and between the linkage arm 50 and the positioning portion 11 of the base 10 increases. In this way, the folding mechanism 100 is more likely to maintain the bending angle. Therefore, the hovering effect of the folding mechanism 100 is improved through this structural setting.

[0062] Combined with Figures 3 to 5 As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the folding mechanism 100 further includes a first connecting seat 101 and a second connecting seat 102. The first connecting seat 101 and the second connecting seat 102 are respectively arranged on both sides of the base 10. Swing arms 20 and linkage arms 50 are provided on both sides of the base 10. The swing arm 20 and the linkage arm 50 on one side of the base 10 are both slidably connected to the first connecting seat 101, and the swing arm 20 and the linkage arm 50 on the other side of the base 10 are both slidably connected to the second connecting seat 102. In this embodiment, the first connecting seat 101 and the second connecting seat 102 can be used to adapt to the installation requirements of the folding mechanism 100 in the electronic device.

[0063] For example, in some embodiments, the electronic device includes a housing assembly, and the housing assembly includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing and the second housing are respectively connected to two sides of the folding mechanism 100. The first housing is fixed to the first connecting seat 101, and the second housing is fixed to the second connecting seat 102. Since the first connecting seat 101 and the base 10 are connected by the swing arm 20 and the linkage arm 50 disposed therebetween, and the second connecting seat 102 and the base 10 are connected by the swing arm 20 and the linkage arm 50 disposed therebetween, and both the swing arm 20 and the linkage arm 50 are rotatably connected to the base 10, the first connecting seat 101 and the second connecting seat 102 can rotate relative to the base 10, and then the first housing and the second housing can be folded or unfolded with respect to each other, thus meeting the need for the electronic device to be used in a folded manner.

[0064] In some embodiments, the electronic device may be a device with a display function. The electronic device may include a flexible screen. While using the flexible screen to provide a display, the need for the electronic device to be used in a folded manner is met. The flexible screen is connected to the first housing and the second housing and covers the folding mechanism 100. When the first housing and the second housing are folded or unfolded relative to each other around the bending axis of the folding mechanism 100, the position of the flexible screen corresponding to the folding mechanism 100 will be bent. Thus, the flexible screen has a folded state and a flattened state. Among them, when the flexible screen is in the folded state, the flexible screen is bent, and the overall length of the electronic device is small, which is convenient for carrying. When the flexible screen is in the flattened state, the flexible screen can provide a larger display area. Thus, the application of the folding mechanism 100 in the electronic device can be utilized to enable the electronic device to take into account both the need for using the flexible screen with a large screen and the portability in the folded state.

[0065] It should be noted that the folding mechanism 100 of the present application can be applied to an in-foldable electronic device or an out-foldable electronic device. Among them, in the folded state of the in-foldable electronic device, the flexible screen is clamped between the first housing and the second housing that are folded with respect to each other. In the folded state of the out-foldable electronic device, the flexible screen covers the outside of the first housing and the second housing.

[0066] Continue to combine Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the folding mechanism 100 further includes a first support plate 103 and a second support plate 104. The first support plate 103 is disposed between the first connecting seat 101 and the base 10, and both sides of the first support plate 103 are rotatably connected to the first connecting seat 101 and the base 10 respectively. The second support plate 104 is disposed between the second connecting seat 102 and the base 10, and both sides of the second support plate 104 are rotatably connected to the second connecting seat 102 and the base 10 respectively. In this embodiment, the first support plate 103 and the second support plate 104 can meet the support requirements of the folding mechanism 100 for the flexible screen in the folded state. At the same time, through this structural arrangement, when the folding mechanism 100 bends, the first support plate 103 and the second support plate 104 can adjust the angle relative to the base 10. Combined with Figure 6 As shown, when the folding mechanism 100 is flattened, the first support plate 103 and the second support plate 104 can be flush with the base 10, which is beneficial for supporting the flexible screen, so that when the flexible screen is pressed at the positions corresponding to the first support plate 103 and the second support plate 104, it is not easy to collapse, thereby ensuring the use effect of the electronic device in the flattened state.

[0067] It should be noted that the folding mechanism 100 further includes a limiting structure for limiting the unfolding angle of the folding mechanism 100. Combined with Figures 7 to 10 As shown, the limiting structure includes a first limiting block 107 and a second limiting block 108. When the folding mechanism 100 is flattened, the first limiting block 107 abuts against the second limiting block 108 to limit the folding mechanism 100 from continuing to bend, so that when the folding mechanism 100 drops, the folding mechanism 100 is not easy to continue to bend in the flattened direction, avoiding dislocation of the first support plate 103 and the second support plate 104 and damaging the flexible screen, which is beneficial for improving the protection effect on the flexible screen.

[0068] There are various possible implementation manners for the setting position of the limiting structure. For example, combined with Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first support plate 103 is provided with a first arc slide rail G1, the first connecting seat 101 is provided with a first arc chute C1, the first arc slide rail G1 is slidably matched with the first arc chute C1, the first arc slide rail G1 is provided with the first limiting block 107, and the first arc chute C1 is provided with the second limiting block 108.

[0069] For another example, combined with Figure 7 and Figure 9As shown, the first support plate 103 is provided with a second arc slide rail G2, the base 10 is provided with a second arc chute C2, the second arc slide rail G2 is in sliding fit with the second arc chute C2, the second arc slide rail G2 is provided with a first limit block 107, and the second arc chute C2 is provided with a second limit block 108. In some embodiments, the second support plate 104 is provided with a third arc slide rail G3, the second connecting seat 102 is provided with a third arc chute C3, the third arc slide rail G3 is in sliding fit with the third arc chute C3, the third arc slide rail G3 is provided with a first limit block 107, and the third arc chute C3 is provided with a second limit block 108.

[0070] For another example, in combination with Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, the second support plate 104 is provided with a fourth arc slide rail G4, the base 10 is provided with a fourth arc chute C4, the fourth arc slide rail G4 is in sliding fit with the fourth arc chute C4, the fourth arc slide rail G4 is provided with a first limit block 107, and the fourth arc chute C4 is provided with a second limit block 108.

[0071] In the above embodiments, by providing corresponding limit structures at the rotational connection positions of the first support plate 103, the second support plate 104 and other structures such as the base 10, the folding mechanism 100 will not continue to bend in the flattening direction when in the flattened position, avoiding dislocation of the first support plate 103 and the second support plate 104 and damaging the flexible screen, thereby improving the protection effect on the flexible screen.

[0072] In combination with Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 11 The folding mechanism 100 further includes a first sliding plate 105 and a second sliding plate 106. The first sliding plate 105 and the second sliding plate 106 are respectively slidably connected to the first connecting seat 101 and the second connecting seat 102. The linkage arm 50 slidably connected to the first connecting seat 101 is fixed to the first sliding plate 105, and the linkage arm 50 slidably connected to the second connecting seat 102 is fixed to the second sliding plate 106. When the first connecting seat 101 and the second connecting seat 102 rotate relative to the base 10, the first sliding plate 105 and the second sliding plate 106 slide relative to the first connecting seat 101 and the second connecting seat 102 respectively under the drive of the corresponding linkage arm 50. In this embodiment, the sliding of the first sliding plate 105 and the second sliding plate 106 is used to adapt to the difference in the two-side travel of the folding mechanism 100 in the folded state and the flattened state, so as to facilitate adapting to the support requirements of the flexible screen when the electronic device is at different bending angles.

[0073] In combination with Figure 12As shown, the first slide plate 105 is provided with a first protrusion 105a, and the first support plate 103 is provided with a first abutting portion 103a. When the folding mechanism 100 is flattened, the first abutting portion 103a abuts against the first protrusion 105a to limit further bending of the folding mechanism 100. In this embodiment, by the abutment of the first abutting portion 103a and the first protrusion 105a, the first slider is positioned relative to the first support plate 103, thereby preventing the first support plate 103 from being misaligned and damaging the flexible screen when the folding mechanism 100 is impacted in the flattened state, and facilitating improving the stability of the first support plate 103 in supporting the flexible screen.

[0074] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the folding mechanism 100 is used to meet the folding requirements of an outer-foldable electronic device. When the outer-foldable electronic device is in the folded state, the flexible screen covers the outside of the folding mechanism 100, the first housing, and the second housing. For ease of understanding, in conjunction with Figure 1 and Figure 13 as shown, the surface of the base 10 of the folding mechanism 100 that is used to support the flexible screen is referred to as the "support surface 10a". The swing arm 20 and the linkage arm 50 can be folded relative to the base 10 away from the support surface 10a. In this way, the folded folding mechanism 100 is covered by the flexible screen, and the folding mechanism 100 supports the flexible screen, so that the folded flexible screen maintains a stable bent shape and is not easily damaged. In this embodiment, the first slide plate 105 and the second slide plate 106 are folded and located within the space enclosed by the folded first connecting seat 101, the second connecting seat 102, and the base 10, thereby maintaining the overall compactness of the folding mechanism 100 and reducing the occupied space, which is conducive to realizing the thinness and lightness of the electronic device. In conjunction with Figure 13 as shown, the outer surfaces (i.e., the surfaces for supporting the flexible screen) of the first support plate 103 and the second support plate 104 are both arc surfaces. The first support plate 103 can play a role in smoothly filling the gap between the first connecting seat 101 and the base 10, and the second support plate 104 can play a role in smoothly filling the gap between the second connecting seat 102 and the base 10. Thus, the overall outer surface of the folded folding mechanism 100 is smooth, so that when supporting the flexible screen, the top printing defect on the flexible screen is reduced, and the probability of damage to the flexible screen when the electronic device drops is reduced.

[0075] In conjunction with Figure 14 and Figure 15 as shown, in some embodiments, the second slide plate 106 is provided with a second protrusion 106a, and the second support plate 104 is provided with a second abutting portion 104a. When the folding mechanism 100 is flattened, the second abutting portion 104a abuts against the second protrusion 106a to limit further bending of the folding mechanism 100.

[0076] 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-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as falling within the scope described in this specification.

[0077] The above-described embodiments merely 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 modifications 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 shall be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A folding mechanism, characterized in that, Comprising: A base, connected with a rotating shaft; A swing arm, rotatably connected to the base through the rotating shaft, the swing arm having a first concave-convex surface arranged around the rotating shaft; A first cam, arranged on one side of the swing arm along the rotating shaft, the first cam abutting against the first concave-convex surface; A sliding seat, connected to the base, the sliding seat being capable of moving relative to the base along the length direction of the rotating shaft; A linkage arm, rotatably connected to the base, the two ends of the linkage arm in the direction of its rotation axis respectively form a first end face and a second end face, the first end face abutting against the sliding seat; and A first elastic member, clamped between the first cam and the sliding seat; Wherein, when the swing arm rotates relative to the base, the first concave-convex surface drives the first cam to move along the rotating shaft so as to adjust the extrusion force of the first elastic member on the linkage arm through the sliding seat.

2. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base has a positioning portion, the second end face of the linkage arm abutting against the positioning portion, and when the linkage arm rotates relative to the base, a frictional damping force is generated between the second end face and the positioning portion.

3. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the swing arm rotates outward relative to the base, the extrusion force of the first elastic member on the linkage arm gradually increases.

4. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a second cam and a second elastic member, the swing arm having a second concave-convex surface arranged around the rotating shaft, the second concave-convex surface facing away from the first concave-convex surface; the base is provided with a fixing portion, the rotating shaft is axially movably inserted through the fixing portion, and the two ends of the rotating shaft are respectively connected with a first limiting member and a second limiting member, the first cam is clamped between the first concave-convex surface and the first limiting member, and the second elastic member is clamped between the second limiting member and the second cam.

5. The folding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The swing arm includes a connected rotating portion and a connecting portion, the rotating portion is rotatably sleeved on the rotating shaft, the rotating portion is provided with an avoidance groove, at least part of the fixing portion is received in the avoidance groove, and the fixing portion abuts against the groove wall on one side of the avoidance groove.

6. The folding mechanism according to claim 2, wherein The first end face includes a third concave-convex surface, the sliding seat is provided with a fourth concave-convex surface, the third concave-convex surface and the fourth concave-convex surface abutting against each other; Or, the second end face includes a fifth concave-convex surface, the positioning portion is provided with a sixth concave-convex surface, the fifth concave-convex surface and the sixth concave-convex surface abutting against each other.

7. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein It further includes a first connecting seat and a second connecting seat, the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat are respectively arranged on both sides of the base, the swing arm and the linkage arm are arranged on both sides of the base, the swing arm and the linkage arm on one side of the base are both slidably connected to the first connecting seat, and the swing arm and the linkage arm on the other side of the base are both slidably connected to the second connecting seat.

8. The folding mechanism according to claim 7, wherein It further includes a first support plate and a second support plate, the first support plate is arranged between the first connecting seat and the base, and both sides of the first support plate are respectively rotatably connected to the first connecting seat and the base; the second support plate is arranged between the second connecting seat and the base, and both sides of the second support plate are respectively rotatably connected to the second connecting seat and the base.

9. The folding mechanism according to claim 8, wherein, It further includes a limiting structure for limiting the unfolding angle of the folding mechanism. The limiting structure includes a first limiting block and a second limiting block. When the folding mechanism is flattened, the first limiting block abuts against the second limiting block to limit further bending of the folding mechanism.

10. The folding mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first support plate is provided with a first arc-shaped slide rail, and the first connecting seat is provided with a first arc-shaped slide groove. The first arc-shaped slide rail is slidably engaged with the first arc-shaped slide groove. The first arc-shaped slide rail is provided with the first limiting block, and the first arc-shaped slide groove is provided with the second limiting block. Alternatively, the first support plate is provided with a second arc-shaped slide rail, and the base is provided with a second arc-shaped slide groove. The second arc-shaped slide rail is slidably engaged with the second arc-shaped slide groove. The second arc-shaped slide rail is provided with the first limiting block, and the second arc-shaped slide groove is provided with the second limiting block. Alternatively, the second support plate is provided with a third arc-shaped slide rail, and the second connecting seat is provided with a third arc-shaped slide groove. The third arc-shaped slide rail is slidably engaged with the third arc-shaped slide groove. The third arc-shaped slide rail is provided with the first limiting block, and the third arc-shaped slide groove is provided with the second limiting block. Alternatively, the second support plate is provided with a fourth arc-shaped slide rail, and the base is provided with a fourth arc-shaped slide groove. The fourth arc-shaped slide rail is slidably engaged with the fourth arc-shaped slide groove. The fourth arc-shaped slide rail is provided with the first limiting block, and the fourth arc-shaped slide groove is provided with the second limiting block.

11. The folding mechanism according to claim 8, wherein It further includes a first sliding plate and a second sliding plate. The first sliding plate and the second sliding plate are respectively slidably connected to the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat. The linkage arm slidably connected to the first connecting seat is fixed to the first sliding plate, and the linkage arm slidably connected to the second connecting seat is fixed to the second sliding plate. When the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat rotate relative to the base, the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate slide relative to the first connecting seat and the second connecting seat respectively under the drive of the corresponding linkage arms.

12. The folding mechanism according to claim 11, wherein, The first sliding plate is provided with a first protrusion, and the first support plate is provided with a first abutting portion. When the folding mechanism is flattened, the first abutting portion abuts against the first protrusion to limit further bending of the folding mechanism. Alternatively, the second sliding plate is provided with a second protrusion, and the second support plate is provided with a second abutting portion. When the folding mechanism is flattened, the second abutting portion abuts against the second protrusion to limit further bending of the folding mechanism.

13. The folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The base has a support surface for supporting the flexible screen, and the swing arm and the linkage arm can be folded relative to the base toward the side away from the support surface.

14. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a housing assembly, a flexible screen, and the folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1-13. The housing assembly includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing and the second housing are respectively connected to both sides of the folding mechanism. The flexible screen is connected to the first housing and the second housing and covers the folding mechanism.

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