Rotating shaft assembly and foldable device

Abstract

The application relates to the field of electronic equipment, aims to solve the problems of complex structure and high cost of a rotating shaft assembly, and provides a rotating shaft assembly and a foldable device. The rotating shaft assembly comprises a middle beam and two door plate assemblies connected to the two sides of the middle beam. The door plate assembly comprises a door plate, a support plate and an elastic connection structure, the door plate is rotatably matched with the middle beam; the door plate and the middle beam have a spacing space; the support plate is connected between the door plate and the middle beam through the elastic connection structure and is located in the spacing space; the distance between the door plate and the middle beam changes in the folding or unfolding process of the rotating shaft assembly, and the elastic connection structure is configured to be capable of elastically deforming along the width direction of the spacing space. The application has the advantages of simple structure, low cost and good supporting effect of the rotating shaft assembly on the folding screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic devices, and more specifically, to hinge assemblies and foldable devices. Background Technology

[0002] Foldable devices, such as foldable phones, typically use a hinge assembly to achieve the rotation, folding, and unfolding of two or more bodies, and to support the foldable screen.

[0003] Some known foldable devices, such as outward-folding mobile phones, have an inner door panel between the central beam and the outer door panel. The inner door panel is rotatably connected to the door panel or the central beam through a virtual shaft in the form of a solid shaft or a sliding tongue. The number of parts in the connecting structure is large, resulting in a complex structure and high cost. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a hinge assembly and a foldable device to solve the problems of complex structure and high cost of hinge assemblies.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a pivot assembly for a foldable device. The pivot assembly includes a central beam and two door panel assemblies respectively connected to both sides of the central beam. Each door panel assembly includes a door panel, a support plate, and an elastic connecting structure. The door panel is rotatably fitted to the central beam; a space exists between the door panel and the central beam; the support plate is connected between the door panel and the central beam via the elastic connecting structure and is located within the space; the distance between the door panel and the central beam changes during the folding or unfolding of the pivot assembly, and the elastic connecting structure is configured to undergo elastic deformation along the width direction of the space.

[0006] The hinge assembly in this embodiment uses an elastic connection structure to connect the support plate between the center beam and the door panel. Through the elastic deformation of this connection structure, it can adapt to changes in the distance between the door panel and the center beam during the folding or unfolding of the hinge assembly, maintaining reliable support for the folding screen. This design features a small number of components, a simple structure, and low cost. Furthermore, this hinge assembly eliminates the need for mating connection structures such as solid shafts / sliding tongues between the support plate and the center beam or between the support plate and the door panel, reducing the dimensional accuracy requirements of the hinge assembly components and simplifying the assembly process.

[0007] Furthermore, the flexible connection structure connects the gap between the door panel and the center beam, spanning the first gap between the center beam and the support plate, as well as the second gap between the support plate and the door panel. This means that the first and second gaps are not continuous along the length of the hinge assembly, but are instead broken into multiple shorter gaps by the flexible connection structure. In other words, within a portion of the length of the first and second gaps, the folding screen may also be supported by the flexible connection structure, thereby improving the support effect of the hinge assembly on the folding screen.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the elastic connection structure includes two connectors, one of which is a first connector and the other is a second connector. The first connector connects the central beam and the support plate, and the second connector connects the support plate and the door panel. The first connector is configured to undergo elastic deformation along the width direction of the space, and / or the second connector is configured to undergo elastic deformation along the width direction of the space.

[0009] In this embodiment, the first connector and the second connector can undergo adaptive deformation to keep the support plate connected between the middle beam and the door panel. This allows the increase in the distance between the middle beam and the door panel during the unfolding process to be distributed between the first gap between the middle beam and the support plate and the second gap between the support plate and the door panel, thus preventing either the first gap or the second gap from becoming significantly too large and affecting the support effect of the pivot assembly.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the support plate includes a first plate segment and a second plate segment connected along its length. One side of the second plate segment is recessed relative to the first plate segment to form a first notch, and the other side of the second plate segment is recessed relative to the first plate segment to form a second notch. A first connector is connected between the center beam and the second plate segment and is at least partially accommodated in the first notch; a second connector is connected between the second plate segment and the door panel and is at least partially accommodated in the second notch.

[0011] In this embodiment, by providing a first cut and a second cut, the installation space for the first and second connectors can be increased, allowing the first and second connectors to have a larger width and thus enabling greater deformation in the width direction. The first and second cuts can be symmetrically opened about the midline of the support plate in the width direction to accommodate the symmetrically arranged first and second connectors.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first connector and the second connector are symmetrically arranged about the mid-plane of the support plate in the width direction.

[0013] In this embodiment, during the folding or unfolding process, the change in the distance between the center beam and the door panel (such as the increase or decrease) of the pivot assembly is more evenly distributed to the first gap or the second gap, so that the support plate can be basically centered between the center beam and the door panel, further avoiding the occurrence of significant weak areas and ensuring the support effect of the folding screen.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the connector includes two first side plates and two second side plates. The two first side plates are spaced apart along the width direction of the connector, and the two second side plates are spaced apart along the length direction of the connector, forming a ring structure. The opposing outer surfaces of the two first side plates, located between the two second side plates, each have protruding connecting portions extending along the width direction of the connector. The two protruding connecting portions of the first connector are respectively connected to the central beam and the support plate, and the two protruding connecting portions of the second connector are respectively connected to the support plate and the door panel. The connector is configured to be able to bend and deform the two first side plates closer together when subjected to pressure, thereby reducing the distance between the two protruding connecting portions, and to recover the bending deformation of the two first side plates when the pressure is removed, thereby increasing the distance between the two protruding connecting portions.

[0015] In this embodiment, the connector can adapt to changes in the spacing between the middle beam and the support plate, as well as the spacing between the door panel and the support plate, during folding or unfolding by deforming the first side plate.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the two protruding connecting parts have opposite connecting surfaces. The connecting surfaces of the two protruding connecting parts of the first connector abut against the middle beam and the support plate in the width direction, respectively. The connecting surfaces of the two protruding connecting parts of the second connector abut against the support plate and the door panel in the width direction, respectively.

[0017] In this embodiment, the connecting surface of the outwardly protruding connecting part is connected to the middle beam, support plate or door panel, which is simple in structure and can accurately determine the size of the first gap and the second gap.

[0018] In another possible implementation, the front side of the center beam near the door panel is recessed to form a first connecting groove, and the bottom surface of the first connecting groove is recessed with at least one first connecting hole; the front side of the door panel near the center beam is recessed to form a second connecting groove, and the bottom surface of the second connecting groove is recessed with at least one second connecting hole; the protruding connecting part of the first connector near the center beam is connected to a first connecting piece, and the back of the first connecting piece is provided with at least one first connecting post, the first connecting piece is fitted into the first connecting groove, and the first connecting post is fitted into the first connecting hole; the protruding connecting part of the second connector near the door panel is connected to a second connecting piece, and the back of the second connecting piece is provided with at least one second connecting post, the second connecting piece is fitted into the second connecting groove, and the second connecting post is fitted into the second connecting hole.

[0019] In this embodiment, the connection between the first connector and the central beam and door panel is more reliable.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the center beam, support plate, and door panel are all made of metal, while the connectors are made of spring steel. The connection between the connectors and the center beam is welding, riveting, or screwing; the connection between the connectors and the support plate is welding, riveting, or screwing; and the connection between the connectors and the door panel is welding, riveting, or screwing. Alternatively, the center beam, support plate, and door panel are made of metal, while the connectors are made of short-fiber composite material. The connectors are molded onto the center beam and / or door panel using an insert injection molding process. Alternatively, the center beam, support plate, and door panel are made of plastic, and the connectors are also made of plastic. The connectors are integrally molded with the center beam and / or door panel using a two-color injection molding process.

[0021] In this embodiment, the connecting parts of the central beam, support plate, door panel, and elastic connection structure can be manufactured using suitable materials and processes.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the foldable device is an outward-folding device. During the transition of the pivot assembly from the unfolded state to the folded state, the distance between the center beam and the support plate decreases, and the center beam and the support plate press against the first side plate of the first connector through the outward-protruding connecting portion, causing the two first side plates to bend and deform in a direction closer to each other. During the transition of the pivot assembly from the folded state to the unfolded state, the distance between the center beam and the support plate increases, and the bending deformation of the first side plate of the first connector elastically recovers. Similarly, the distance between the support plate and the door panel increases, and the bending deformation of the first side plate of the second connector elastically recovers.

[0023] In this embodiment, the pivot assembly is used for the outward folding device and can adapt to changes in the distance between the door panel and the center beam during outward folding.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the elastic connection structure is made of a flexible material. The elastic connection structure includes a first connecting portion, a telescopic portion, and a second connecting portion; the telescopic portion is connected between the first and second connecting portions and is capable of being stretched. The first connecting portion is connected to the central beam, the second connecting portion is connected to the door panel, and the support plate is connected to the telescopic portion.

[0025] This implementation provides an alternative flexible connection structure, which is supported by flexible material and can easily adapt to changes in the spacing between the center beam and the door panel via telescopic components.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the support plate has a connecting groove that extends through the support plate along its width and is located at the midpoint of its thickness. The telescopic portion includes a first section, a second section, and a third section; the second section connects the first and third sections; the first section is connected to the first connecting portion via a first transition section, the first transition section extending along the length of the support plate being smaller than the first section; the second section is connected to the second connecting portion via a second transition section, the second transition section extending along the length of the support plate being smaller than the second section. The second section fits into the connecting groove, and a first stepped surface is formed between the first and second sections, the first stepped surface abutting one side surface of the support plate along its width; a second stepped surface is formed between the third and second sections, the third stepped surface abutting the other side surface of the support plate along its width.

[0027] In this embodiment, the groove facilitates the elastic connection structure to be an integral structure that passes through the support plate, and the step cooperation formed by the first step surface and the second step surface can limit the offset of the support plate relative to the telescopic part in the width direction, ensuring that the support plate is in a certain position on the telescopic part during folding or unfolding.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the flexible connection structure is made of rubber material. The flexible connection structure is molded into the center beam, support plate, and door panel using an insert injection molding process.

[0029] In this embodiment, the elastic connection structure is formed into the center beam, support plate and door panel by insert injection molding of rubber material, which helps to ensure that the elastic connection structure is integrally connected with the center beam, support plate and door panel.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the front side of the elastic connection structure is used to support the foldable screen of the foldable device in the unfolded state of the hinge assembly, and / or, the front side of the elastic connection structure is used to support the foldable screen of the foldable device in the folded state of the hinge assembly.

[0031] In this embodiment, the elastic connection structure can provide additional support for the foldable screen, further improving the support effect of the hinge assembly on the foldable screen.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the front of the center beam is arc-shaped, and the arc of the front of the center beam is concave to both sides to form receiving grooves. The folded state of the pivot assembly includes an outward folded state. In the outward folded state of the pivot assembly, the support plate is at least partially accommodated in the receiving groove, and the front of the support plate and the front of the center beam are on the same circumference.

[0033] In this embodiment, when folded outwards, the support plate is housed in the receiving groove, allowing the support plate to better engage with the central beam and ensuring the support effect for the folding screen.

[0034] In one possible implementation, with the shaft assembly in an outward-folded state, the back of the support plate is supported on the bottom surface of the groove that accommodates the recess.

[0035] In this embodiment, when folded outwards, the support plate is supported by the central beam, which provides more reliable support for the folding screen. At the same time, the support of the central beam on the support plate also serves as a limiting function, thereby preventing the support plate from being over-folded and affecting the support shape of the folding screen.

[0036] In one possible implementation, there are multiple elastic connection structures, which are spaced apart along the length of the support plate. Each elastic connection structure connects the support plate to the center beam and the door panel.

[0037] In this embodiment, multiple flexible connection structures can provide a more reliable connection and, in some embodiments, provide better support for the foldable screen.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the pivot assembly further includes a first elastic element, two swing arms, two first pivot members, and two connecting rods. The two first pivot members are respectively connected to the center beam. The two swing arms are located on opposite sides of the center beam; one end of each swing arm is rotatably connected to a first pivot member, and the other end is slidably connected to the door panel; the swing arm has a second helical surface. A sliding seat is slidably fitted onto the two first pivot members along the length of the center beam; the sliding seat has two first mating holes and two first helical surfaces. The two connecting rods are located on opposite sides of the center beam; each connecting rod includes a rod body, a first ball head, and a second ball head, which are respectively connected to the axial ends of the rod body; the door panel has a second mating hole, where the first ball head and the first mating hole form a ball-joint fit, and the second ball head and the second mating hole also form a ball-joint fit. The first elastic element is sleeved on the two first rotating shafts and elastically presses the sliding seat against the swing arm so that the first helical surface and the second helical surface come into contact and cooperate, so that the rotation of the swing arm around the first rotating shaft can drive the sliding seat to slide along the axis of the first rotating shaft, and then drive the door panel to slide relative to the swing arm through the connecting rod.

[0039] In this embodiment, during the folding or unfolding process, when the door panel rotates around the first pivot member with the swing arm, the cooperation between the first helical surface of the sliding seat and the second helical surface of the swing arm enables the swing arm to rotate around the first pivot member to drive the sliding seat to slide axially, thereby driving the door panel to slide relative to the swing arm and move closer to or away from the center beam through the connecting rod, so as to achieve a constant length of the folding screen when folding or unfolding.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the sliding seat includes a base portion and two first sleeves, each connected to the base portion and rotatably fitted onto two first rotating shafts. A first helical surface is the end face of the first sleeve away from the base portion. Two first mating holes are recessed on the end face of the base portion away from the first sleeves. A first elastic member elastically abuts against the base and the center beam. The swing arm includes a swing plate, a sliding mating portion, and a second sleeve. The second sleeve is rotatably fitted onto the first rotating shafts, and a second helical surface is the end face of the second sleeve facing the first sleeves. The door panel has a sliding mating groove, and the sliding mating portion slidably engages with the sliding mating groove.

[0041] In this embodiment, the sliding seat, door panel, and connecting structure are designed reasonably.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first mating hole is a spherical arc hole; the base portion is provided with a first clearance groove, which communicates with the first mating hole to allow the movement of the rod body; and / or, the door panel is provided with a second clearance groove, which communicates with the second mating hole and is configured to allow the movement of the rod body relative to the door panel.

[0043] In this embodiment, the rotation of the connecting rod during folding or unfolding can be avoided by the first and second clearance grooves.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the door panel defines a front and a back side disposed opposite to each other along its thickness direction. The front side of the door panel supports a folding screen. A first ball joint is located on the back side of the door panel. The door panel has an inner side surface near the center beam. A second clearance groove is recessed from the back side of the door panel and extends through the inner side surface. The second mating hole is a spherical arc hole, and the second clearance groove includes a post hole and an expansion groove. The post hole extends inward from the inner side surface of the door panel and extends through the back side of the door panel. The first mating hole communicates with the end of the post hole away from the inner side surface of the door panel, and the axis of the post hole passes through the center of the sphere of the first mating hole. The bottom diameter of the post hole is equal to the diameter of the first mating hole. The expansion groove communicates with the radial side of the post hole and the second mating hole and is used to expand the rotation range of the rod relative to the door panel.

[0045] In this embodiment, the connecting rod can have a large range of rotation without interfering with the door panel during folding or unfolding.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the pivot assembly further includes a sliding pressing member and a second elastic member. The sliding pressing member includes two third sleeves slidably fitted to the center beam; the third sleeves have a third helical surface. The swing arm further includes a fourth sleeve, which is axially spaced from the second sleeve, and the fourth sleeve has a fourth helical surface. The second elastic member elastically presses the third sleeve of the sliding pressing member against the fourth sleeve, so that the third helical surface abuts against the fourth helical surface.

[0047] In this embodiment, the rotation of the swing arm can drive the sliding pressing component to slide axially through the helical surface cooperation of the third and fourth sleeves.

[0048] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a foldable device, which includes a first housing, a second housing, a folding screen, and the aforementioned hinge assembly. The first housing and the second housing are respectively connected to two door panels; the folding screen is stacked on the first housing, the hinge assembly, and the second housing. The folding screen is supported by a central beam, a support plate, and the door panels, or by a central beam, a support plate, an elastic connecting structure, and the door panels.

[0049] In this embodiment, the foldable device employs the aforementioned hinge assembly, and its foldable screen can be reliably supported.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the foldable device is an outward-folding device. During the transition from an unfolded state to a folded state, the distance between the door panel and the center beam decreases, and the elastic connection structure elastically narrows; conversely, during the transition from a folded state to an unfolded state, the distance between the door panel and the center beam increases, and the elastic connection structure elastically widens; or...

[0051] The foldable device is an inward-folding device. During the transition from the unfolded to the folded state of the hinge assembly, the gap between the door panel and the center beam increases, and the elastic connection structure elastically widens; conversely, during the transition from the folded to the unfolded state of the hinge assembly, the gap between the door panel and the center beam decreases, and the elastic connection structure elastically narrows; or...

[0052] Foldable devices are devices that fold inwards and outwards.

[0053] This embodiment provides different scenarios for the use of the pivot assembly in foldable devices that are outward-folding, inward-folding, or both inward-and-outward-folding. Attached Figure Description

[0054] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0055] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable device provided in the embodiment of this application when it is in the unfolded state;

[0056] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the foldable device in its folded state.

[0057] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Exploded view of a foldable device;

[0058] Figure 4 A plan view of one side of the front of a pivot assembly according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0059] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A plan view of the rear side of the pivot assembly;

[0060] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A 3D view of point A of the rotating shaft assembly;

[0061] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A 3D view of the pivot assembly in a folded state;

[0062] Figure 8 for Figure 6 Exploded view of the pivot assembly;

[0063] Figure 9 for Figure 4 An enlarged view of point A on the rotating shaft assembly;

[0064] Figure 10 A plan view of the pivot assembly in its outward-folded state;

[0065] Figure 11 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of point B;

[0066] Figure 12 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of part of the image;

[0067] Figure 13 This is a plan view of a single connector according to an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 14 for Figure 9 Sectional view along the CC line and Figure 10 A combination of sectional views along line DD;

[0069] Figure 15 for Figure 5 A partially enlarged view of the hinge assembly, showing the hinge assembly in its unfolded state;

[0070] Figure 16 for Figure 15 Exploded 3D view of the pivot assembly;

[0071] Figure 17 for Figure 9 Sectional view along EE line and Figure 10 A combination of sectional views along the FF line;

[0072] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the sliding seat and connecting rod according to an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 19 This is a structural diagram showing the fit between the door panel and the connecting rod according to an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 20 This is a plan view of another rotating shaft assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 21 for Figure 20 Exploded view of the pivot assembly;

[0076] Figure 22 for Figure 20 Enlarged view of point G of the rotating shaft assembly;

[0077] Figure 23 for Figure 20 A three-dimensional view of the elastic connection structure of the rotating shaft assembly;

[0078] Figure 24 for Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft assembly along line HH;

[0079] Figure 25 for Figure 24 Enlarged view of point I of the rotating shaft assembly;

[0080] Figure 26 This is a plan view of another rotating shaft assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 27 for Figure 26 Exploded view of the pivot assembly;

[0082] Figure 28 for Figure 26 Enlarged view of point J of the rotating shaft assembly;

[0083] Figure 29 for Figure 26 A three-dimensional view of the elastic connection structure of the rotating shaft assembly;

[0084] Figure 30 for Figure 26 A cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft assembly along line KK;

[0085] Figure 31 for Figure 30 Enlarged view of point L of the rotating shaft assembly;

[0086] Figure 32 This is a plan view of another rotating shaft assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 33 This is a plan view of another rotating shaft assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 34 This is a plan view of another connector according to an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 35 This is a plan view of another connector according to an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 36 This is a cross-sectional view of another rotating shaft assembly according to an embodiment of this application.

[0091] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0092] 100 - Foldable device; 1 - Housing assembly; 1a - First housing; 1b - Second housing; 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h - Rotating shaft assembly; 2 - Folding screen; 110 - Door panel assembly; 10 - Center beam; 11 - Protruding part; 20 - Door panel; 30 - Support plate; 31 - First plate segment; 32 - Second plate segment; 40, 40d, 40e - Elastic connection structure; 41, 44, 45 - Connector; 41a - First connector; 41b - Second connector; 411 - First side plate; 412 - Second side plate; 413, 44b, 45b - Outwardly protruding connecting part; 42 1-First connecting piece; 422-First connecting post; 423-Second connecting piece; 424-Second connecting post; 431-Third connecting piece; 432-Third connecting post; 433-Fourth connecting piece; 434-Fourth connecting post; 435-First connecting part; 436-Second connecting part; 437-Telescopic part; 437a-First section; 437b-Second section; 437c-Third section; 438-First transition section; 439-Second transition section; 44a-Rhomboid frame structure; 45a-Figure-eight frame structure; 50a-First pivot; 50b-Second pivot; 50c-First elastic element; 50d - Second elastic element; 60 - Swing arm; 61 - Swing plate; 63 - Sliding mating part; 62 - Second sleeve; 64 - Fourth sleeve; 65 - Gear; 70 - Sliding seat; 71 - First sleeve; 72 - Base part; 80 - Connecting rod; 81 - First ball head; 82 - Second ball head; 83 - Rod body; 90 - Sliding pressing element; 93 - Third sleeve; f1 - Space; f2 - First gap; f3 - Second gap; K11 - First notch; K12 - Second notch; K21 - First mating hole; K22 - Second mating hole; K31 - First connecting hole; K32 - Second connecting hole K4 - Column hole; C1 - Receiving groove; C21 - First groove; C22 - Second groove; C31 - First connecting groove; C32 - Second connecting groove; C4 - Joining groove; C51 - First clearance groove; C52 - Second clearance groove; C6 - Expansion groove; C7 - Sliding fit groove; P1 - Connecting surface; P21 - First stepped surface; P22 - Second stepped surface; P31 - First helical surface; P32 - Second helical surface; P33 - Third helical surface; P34 - Fourth helical surface; P41 - First outer surface; P42 - Second outer surface; X - Width direction; Y - Length direction; Z - Thickness direction. Detailed Implementation

[0093] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0094] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0095] Some embodiments of this application are described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0096] Example

[0097] This application provides a foldable device, which includes, but is not limited to, foldable electronic products such as mobile phones, tablet personal computers, laptop computers, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers, multimedia players, smart screens, e-book readers, in-vehicle devices, or wearable devices. Wearable devices include, but are not limited to, smart bracelets, smartwatches, smart head-mounted displays, and smart glasses.

[0098] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable device 100 provided in the embodiment of this application when it is in the unfolded state; Figure 2 for Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the foldable device 100 in its folded state. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment uses a foldable mobile phone as an example to illustrate the foldable device 100.

[0099] For the foldable device 100, it can have different usage states in different usage scenarios. Figure 1 The foldable device 100 is shown in its unfolded state. The unfolding angle of the foldable device 100 is, for example, 180°. At this time, the foldable device 100 can realize large-screen display. Figure 2 The diagram shows a foldable device 100 in a folded state, where the area occupied by the foldable device 100 (referring to the area perpendicular to the thickness direction of the foldable device 100) is small, making it easy to carry.

[0100] It should be noted that the angles illustrated in this embodiment are allowed to have slight deviations. For example, Figure 1 The foldable device 100 shown has an unfolding angle of 180°, meaning that the unfolding angle can be 180°, or approximately 180°, such as 170°, 175°, 185°, or 190°. The angles illustrated in the following text can be understood in the same way.

[0101] in addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The foldable device 100 shown is an electronic device capable of folding once. The electronic device includes two parts that can rotate relative to each other. When the two parts rotate to be coplanar, the foldable device 100 is in an unfolded state (e.g., Figure 1 As shown), when the two parts are rotated to overlap each other, the foldable device 100 is in a folded state (as shown). Figure 2 (As shown). In other embodiments, the foldable device 100 may also be an electronic device capable of folding more times (three or more times). In this case, the foldable device 100 may include a plurality of parts that are rotatably connected in sequence. Two adjacent parts may be relatively far apart to be unfolded into an unfolded state, and two adjacent parts may also be relatively close to be folded into a folded state.

[0102] Figure 3 An exploded view of the foldable device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 3 As shown, the foldable device 100 includes a housing assembly 1 and a foldable screen 2. The foldable screen 2 is supported and connected to one side surface of the housing assembly 1. The side surface of the foldable screen 2 opposite to the housing assembly 1 is used to display information and / or provide an interactive interface for the user.

[0103] In this embodiment, the surface of the housing assembly 1 facing the folding screen 2 is defined as the front side of the housing assembly 1, and the surface of the housing assembly 1 facing away from the folding screen 2 is defined as the back side of the housing assembly 1. For the sake of simplicity, the front and back sides of the various components of the housing assembly 1 described later will also adopt this definition.

[0104] In this embodiment, the foldable screen 2 may be, 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 (MLED) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display, etc.

[0105] The foldable screen 2 may include a first part 2a, a second part 2b, and a foldable part 2c, with the foldable part 2c connected between the first part 2a and the second part 2b. During use, the first part 2a and the second part 2b can remain stacked on the housing assembly 1, while the foldable part 2c can be bent and deformed to change the angle between the first part 2a and the second part 2b, so that the foldable screen 2 folds or unfolds with the movement of the housing assembly 1, thereby enabling the foldable device 100 to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0106] For example, in the foldable screen 2, at least the foldable portion 2c is made of a flexible material so that the foldable portion 2c can be bent. The first portion 2a and the second portion 2b can be made of flexible materials, or they can be made of rigid materials, or they can be made of a combination of rigid and flexible materials. This embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0107] Driven by the housing component 1, the foldable screen 2 can switch between an unfolded state and a folded state. Combined with... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, when the foldable screen 2 is in the unfolded state, the first part 2a and the second part 2b are unfolded in a relatively far apart position, while the foldable part 2c is in a flat, unbent state. The first part 2a, the second part 2b, and the foldable part 2c all face the same direction and are coplanar. At this time, the angle between the first part 2a and the second part 2b is 180°. The foldable screen 2 can achieve a large-screen display, providing users with richer information and a better user experience.

[0108] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, when the foldable screen 2 is in the folded state, the first part 2a and the second part 2b are stacked relative to each other, and the foldable part 2c is in a bent state. The bending angle of the foldable part 2c is, for example, 180°. At this time, the foldable device 100 occupies a small area of ​​the board surface, making it easy to carry and store.

[0109] It should be noted that the foldable device 100 shown in the figure is an outward-folding electronic device. When it is in the folded state, the first part 2a and the second part 2b of the folding screen 2 face away from each other, and the housing assembly 1 is located between the first part 2a and the second part 2b. The folding screen 2 surrounds the housing assembly 1 and is visible to the user, and can achieve dual-sided display. For example, the first part 2a can face the holder of the foldable device 100 to display information, and the second part 2b can face another viewer to display information. When the outward-folding electronic device is in the folded state, the folding screen 2 is exposed, and the display function can be realized by using the folding screen 2. Therefore, it is not necessary to add a display screen on the back of the housing in order to realize the display function of the foldable device 100 in the folded state.

[0110] In some embodiments, the foldable device 100 can hover at an angle between the unfolded state and the folded state. For example, the hovering angle of the foldable device 100 can be 90°, 120°, 135°, 150°, etc. The housing assembly 1 can be suspended in a partially unfolded state by the damping force provided by the housing assembly 1, and the foldable screen 2 remains in the partially unfolded state along with the housing assembly 1. At this time, the foldable portion 2c of the foldable screen 2 is also in a bent state, and the degree of bending of the foldable portion 2c is less than the degree of bending when in the folded state. The first portion 2a and the second portion 2b of the foldable screen 2 are relatively tilted, and the included angle between the first portion 2a and the second portion 2b is, for example, 90°, 120°, 135°, 150°, etc.

[0111] The housing assembly 1 supports and mounts the foldable screen 2, and drives the foldable screen 2 to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. (See reference...) Figure 3 As shown, the housing assembly 1 includes a first housing 1a, a second housing 1b, and a rotating shaft assembly 1c. The rotating shaft assembly 1c is connected between the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b. The first housing 1a and the second housing 1b are rotatably connected through the rotating shaft assembly 1c, thereby realizing relative rotation between the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b.

[0112] The first housing 1a supports and connects to the first part 2a of the foldable screen 2, the second housing 1b supports and connects to the second part 2b of the foldable screen 2, and the pivot assembly 1c corresponds to the foldable part 2c of the foldable screen 2. When the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b rotate relative to each other via the pivot assembly 1c, the first part 2a and the second part 2b of the foldable screen 2 change their orientation accordingly, and the foldable part 2c of the foldable screen 2 bends or flattens as the orientation of the first part 2a and the second part 2b changes.

[0113] For example, the first housing 1a may have a connecting surface facing the first portion 2a of the folding screen 2, and the first portion 2a of the folding screen 2 is attached to the connecting surface of the first housing 1a, for example, the first portion 2a of the folding screen 2 is bonded to the connecting surface of the first housing 1a. Similarly, the second housing 1b may have a connecting surface facing the second portion 2b of the folding screen 2, and the second portion 2b of the folding screen 2 is attached to the connecting surface of the second housing 1b, for example, the second portion 2b of the folding screen 2 is bonded to the connecting surface of the second housing 1b.

[0114] In addition, both the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b can have a receiving space for installing some functional components (not shown in the figure) of the foldable device 100, such as circuit boards, batteries, camera modules, microphones, speakers, etc. For example, circuit boards can be provided in both the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b, and electrical connections between the components in the two housings can be achieved through the circuit boards in the two housings; the battery for powering the components can be provided only in the first housing 1a or the second housing 1b, or the battery can be provided in both the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b; as for other components such as camera modules, microphones, speakers, etc., they can be centrally located in the first housing 1a or the second housing 1b, or some components can be located in the first housing 1a and some components can be located in the second housing 1b.

[0115] Both the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b may include a middle frame (not shown in the figure) and a back cover (not shown in the figure). The middle frame is connected between the folding screen 2 and the back cover. The connecting surface is formed on the side of the middle frame facing the folding screen 2. The folding screen 2 can be attached to this side surface of the middle frame. The back cover is connected to the side of the middle frame away from the folding screen 2. The middle frame and the back cover together enclose a receiving space for mounting devices.

[0116] It should be noted that, Figures 1-3 The foldable device 100 shown is a schematic diagram with simplified structural and / or appearance details, and does not represent the actual appearance or structure.

[0117] Some known outward-folding devices (or outward-folding foldable devices), such as outward-folding mobile phones, have an inner door panel between the central beam and the outer door panel. The inner door panel is rotatably connected to the door panel or the central beam through a virtual shaft in the form of a solid shaft or a sliding tongue. The connection structure is complex and there are problems such as excessive gaps between the inner door panel and the central beam, or between the inner door panel and the outer door panel, resulting in obvious weak areas in the support effect of the folding screen.

[0118] In view of this, this embodiment provides a hinge assembly 1c, which can effectively control the width of the gap in the folded and unfolded states, thereby improving the support effect on the foldable screen 2. The following will describe it by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0119] For ease of description, the front of the hinge assembly 1c is defined as the hinge assembly 1c used to support the foldable screen 2 (which can be seen in...). Figure 4 On one side of the hinge assembly 1c, the back side is the side of the hinge assembly 1c that faces away from the folding screen 2. Correspondingly, the front of each component of the hinge assembly 1c (such as the middle beam 10, support plate 30, door panel 20, etc., as described below) is the same side surface as the front of the hinge assembly 1c, and the back of each component of the hinge assembly 1c (such as the middle beam 10, support plate 30, door panel 20, etc., as described below) is the same side surface as the back of the hinge assembly 1c.

[0120] Figure 4 A rotating shaft assembly 1c according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 4 In the middle, the rotating shaft assembly 1c is in the unfolded state. Figure 5 for Figure 4 A plan view of the rear side of the hinge assembly 1c. At this time, the hinge assembly 1c is able to support the foldable device 100 in the unfolded state. Figure 6 for Figure 4 A 3D view of point A of the rotating shaft assembly 1c. Figure 7 for Figure 4 A perspective view of the pivot assembly 1c in a folded state (specifically, an outward folded state).

[0121] In this embodiment, the pivot assembly 1c includes a central beam 10 and two door panel assemblies 110 respectively connected to both sides of the central beam 10. The central beam 10 and the door panel assemblies 110 together provide support for the folding screen 2.

[0122] For example, when the pivot assembly 1c is in the unfolded state (e.g.) Figures 4-6 The front of the door panel assembly 110 is flattened opposite the front of the center beam 10, thus supporting the folding screen 2 as follows: Figure 1 The flattened state; when the pivot assembly 1c is in the outward folded state (e.g.) Figure 7The door panel assembly 110 is folded at a certain angle relative to the center beam 10, so that the front of the door panel assembly 110 and the front of the center beam 10 form a U-shaped support surface. The middle part of this support surface is approximately a semi-cylindrical surface, and the two sides are approximately planes tangent to the semi-cylindrical surface, thereby supporting the folding screen 2 as shown in the figure. Figure 2 The outward folding state in the middle.

[0123] Figure 8 for Figure 6 Exploded view of the pivot assembly 1c; Figure 9 for Figure 4 A magnified view of point A on the rotating shaft assembly 1c. Figure 10 This is a plan view of the rotating shaft assembly 1c in its outward-folded state.

[0124] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the door panel assembly 110 includes a door panel 20, a support plate 30, and an elastic connection structure 40. The door panel 20 is rotatably fitted to the middle beam 10, and there is a gap space f1 between the door panel 20 and the middle beam 10.

[0125] When the pivot assembly 1c is used in the foldable device 100, the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b of the foldable device 100 are respectively connected to the two door panels 20 on both sides of the central beam 10. In this way, the first housing 1a and the second housing 1b can be folded or unfolded together with the two door panels 20. Furthermore, the central beam 10, the door panel assembly 110, the first housing 1a, and the second housing 1b together support the foldable screen 2.

[0126] See also Figure 9 and Figure 10 The support plate 30 is connected between the door panel 20 and the center beam 10 via an elastic connection structure 40 and is located within the partition space f1. The distance between the door panel 20 and the center beam 10 changes during the folding or unfolding of the pivot assembly 1c, and the elastic connection structure 40 is configured to undergo elastic deformation along the width direction X of the partition space f1. The distance between the door panel 20 and the center beam 10 can be expressed as the distance between the opposite sides of the door panel 20 and the center beam 10.

[0127] In this embodiment, the support plate 30 is connected between the middle beam 10 and the door panel 20 by an elastic connection structure 40. The elastic deformation of the connection structure 40 can adapt to changes in the distance between the door panel 20 and the middle beam 10 during the folding or unfolding of the hinge assembly 1c, while maintaining reliable support for the folding screen 2. Furthermore, this structure eliminates the need for mating connection structures such as solid shafts / sliding tongues between the support plate 30 and the middle beam 10 or between the support plate 30 and the door panel 20, reducing the dimensional accuracy requirements of the components of the hinge assembly 1c and simplifying its assembly. In other words, in known technologies, rigid connections are often used between the middle beam and each supporting door panel, requiring extremely high precision in the fit between components; otherwise, jamming during folding or unfolding may occur. In this embodiment, the connection between the middle beam 10, the support plate 30, and the door panel 20 is achieved through the elastic connection structure 40, significantly reducing the precision requirements for the fit between components, thus saving costs and reducing assembly time and expenses. Furthermore, the elastic connection structure 40 connects the gap f1 between the door panel 20 and the middle beam 10, spanning the first gap f2 between the middle beam 10 and the support plate 30 and the second gap f3 between the support plate 30 and the door panel 20. This means that the first gap f2 and the second gap f3 are not continuous gaps along the length Y of the pivot assembly 1c, but rather multiple shorter gaps interrupted by the elastic connection structure 40. In other words, within a portion of the length of the first gap f2 and the second gap f3, the folding screen 2 can be supported by the elastic connection structure 40, thereby improving the support effect of the pivot assembly 1c on the folding screen 2.

[0128] In this embodiment, the elastic connection structure 40 refers to a connection structure that can undergo elastic deformation. It can be made of rigid materials (such as spring steel, hard plastic, short fiber composite materials, etc.) or flexible materials (such as rubber, flexible plastic materials, etc.).

[0129] In this embodiment, the pivot assembly 1c may have multiple elastic connection structures 40, which are distributed at intervals along the length Y direction of the support plate 30. Each elastic connection structure 40 connects the support plate 30 to the middle beam 10 and the door panel 20 respectively. For example Figure 4 As shown, each side of the central beam 10 is provided with four elastic connection structures 40.

[0130] Figure 11 for Figure 9 Enlarged view of point B, Figure 12 for Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0131] See Figure 11 or Figure 12Each elastic connection structure 40 includes two connectors 41, one of which is defined as the first connector 41a and the other as the second connector 41b. The first connector 41a is connected between the central beam 10 and the support plate 30, and the second connector 41b is connected between the support plate 30 and the door panel 20.

[0132] The connector 41 (such as the first connector 41a or the second connector 41b) is configured to undergo elastic deformation in the width direction X along the spacing space f1. Thus, during the folding or unfolding of the pivot assembly 1c, the connector 41 can adaptively deform to keep the support plate connected between the center beam 10 and the door panel 20. This allows the increase in the distance between the center beam 10 and the door panel 20 during unfolding to be distributed between the first gap f2 between the center beam 10 and the support plate 30 and the second gap f3 between the support plate 30 and the door panel 20, thus preventing either the first gap f2 or the second gap f3 from becoming significantly too large.

[0133] In contrast, some known hinge assemblies 1c (such as the hinge assembly 1c mentioned above that uses a solid or virtual shaft to rotate and connect the inner door panel 20, the middle beam 10 and the outer door panel 20) have an expansion of the distance between the middle beam 10 and the outer door panel 20 during the unfolding process, which is basically distributed in the gap between the two that are connected by the virtual shaft rotation. This results in the gap being too wide, which causes the hinge assembly 1c to have a significant weak area in supporting the folding screen 2 and affects the support effect.

[0134] In this embodiment, optionally, the first connector 41a and the second connector 41b are symmetrically arranged about the mid-plane of the support plate 30 in the width direction X. Thus, during folding or unfolding, the change in the distance between the center beam 10 and the door panel 20 (e.g., the increase or decrease) is more evenly distributed to the first gap f2 or the second gap f3, allowing the support plate 30 to be positioned substantially centered between the center beam 10 and the door panel 20, further avoiding the appearance of significant weak areas and ensuring effective support for the folding screen 2.

[0135] Of course, in other embodiments, the support plate 30 may be supported on one side biased towards the middle beam 10 or on one side biased towards the door panel 20, as needed.

[0136] Optionally, the support plate 30 includes a first plate segment 31 and a second plate segment 32 connected along the length direction Y. One side of the second plate segment 32 in the width direction X forms a first cutout K11 relative to the first plate segment 31, and the other side of the second plate segment 32 in the width direction X forms a second cutout K12 relative to the first plate segment 31. The number of second plate segments 32 can be set according to the number of elastic connection structures 40 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 As shown, there are four second plate segments 32 and four elastic connection structures 40 on one side of the middle beam 10.

[0137] The first connector 41a is connected between the middle beam 10 and the second plate segment 32, and is at least partially accommodated in the first cutout K11. The second connector 41b is connected between the second plate segment 32 and the door panel 20, and is at least partially accommodated in the second cutout K12. By providing the first cutout K11 and the second cutout K12, the installation space for the first connector 41a and the second connector 41b can be increased, allowing the first connector 41a and the second connector 41b to be configured with a larger width, thereby allowing for greater deformation in the width direction X. The first cutout K11 and the second cutout K12 can be symmetrically opened about the mid-plane of the support plate 30 in the width direction X to accommodate the symmetrically arranged first connector 41a and second connector 41b.

[0138] Figure 13 This is a plan view of a single connector 41 (which may be a first connector 41a or a second connector 41b) in this embodiment, wherein, Figure 13 The left side of the diagram is a structural schematic of the connector 41 in the initial state (i.e., when it is not compressed) in this embodiment. Figure 13 The right side of the diagram is a structural schematic of the connector 41 in the compressed state in this embodiment.

[0139] See Figure 13 The connector 41 includes two first side plates 411 and two second side plates 412. The two first side plates 411 are spaced apart along the width direction X of the connector 41, and the two second side plates 412 are spaced apart along the length direction Y of the connector 41. The two first side plates 411 and the two second side plates 412 are connected to form a ring structure. Both the first side plates 411 and the second side plates 412 can be straight edges or curved edges, and no limitation is made here.

[0140] The opposing outer surfaces (defined as first outer surfaces P41) of the two first side plates 411 are respectively provided with protruding connecting portions 413 protruding along the width direction X of the connector 41 at the position between the two second side plates 412 (e.g., at the midpoint). The two protruding connecting portions 413 of the first connector 41a are respectively connected to the middle beam 10 and the support plate 30 (visible). Figure 11 The two protruding connecting parts 413 of the second connector 41b are respectively connected to the support plate 30 and the door panel 20 (see). Figure 11 ).

[0141] Optionally, the two protruding connecting portions 413 have opposing connecting surfaces P1, and the connecting surfaces P1 of the two protruding connecting portions 413 of the first connector 41a abut against the middle beam 10 and the support plate 30 along the width direction X (see visible in Figure 11 The connecting surfaces P1 of the two protruding connecting parts 413 of the second connector 41b abut against the support plate 30 and the door panel 20 along the width direction X, respectively.

[0142] When the pivot assembly 1c is in the unfolded state, the connector 41 is in its uncompressed natural state (see...). Figure 13 The distance d2 between the two opposing outer surfaces of the two protruding connecting portions 413 of the connector 41 (defined as the second outer surface P42, which in this embodiment coincides with the connecting surface P1) is greater than the distance d1 between the first outer surfaces P41 of the two first side plates 411. Thus, the connector 41 is fitted with the support plate 30 and the middle beam 10 or the support plate 30 and the door panel 20 by the protruding connecting portions 413 on both sides, while the first outer surface P41 of the first side plate 411 is spaced apart from the support plate 30 and the middle beam 10 or the support plate 30 and the door panel 20.

[0143] See also Figure 13 The foldable device 100 is an outward folding device. During the process of the pivot assembly 1c changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the distance between the middle beam 10 and the support plate 30 decreases. The middle beam 10 and the support plate 30 press the first side plate 411 of the first connector 41a through the outward protruding connecting part 413, so that the two first side plates 411 bend and deform in the direction of approaching each other. At the same time, the distance between the support plate 30 and the door panel 20 decreases. The middle beam 10 and the support plate 30 press the first side plate 411 of the second connector 41b through the outward protruding connecting part 413, so that the outward protruding connecting parts 413 of the two first side plates 411 approach each other, and the first side plates 411 bend and deform in opposite directions.

[0144] Conversely, during the process of the pivot assembly 1c changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the distance between the middle beam 10 and the support plate 30 increases, and the bending deformation of the first side plate 411 of the first connector 41a elastically returns to its natural state; the distance between the support plate 30 and the door panel 20 increases, and the bending deformation of the first side plate 411 of the second connector 41b elastically returns to its natural state.

[0145] In this embodiment, for example, the center beam 10, support plate 30, and door panel 20 are all made of metal materials (such as titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, steel, etc.), and the connector 41 is made of spring steel. The connection between the connector 41 and the center beam 10 is by welding, riveting, or screwing; the connection between the connector 41 and the support plate 30 is by welding, riveting, or screwing; and the connection between the connector 41 and the door panel 20 is by welding, riveting, or screwing.

[0146] Figure 14 for Figure 9 Sectional view along the CC line and Figure 10 A combination of sectional views along line DD is used to show the changes in the hinge assembly 1c when it is folded or unfolded, with the unfolded hinge assembly 1c indicated by dashed lines. For clarity, some lines are hidden and not shown.

[0147] See Figure 14 In this embodiment, the front side of the elastic connection structure 40 is used to support the folding screen 2 of the foldable device 100 when the pivot assembly 1c is folded. That is, in the folded state, the front side of the elastic connection structure 40 is transitionally connected between the front side of the middle beam 10 and the front side of the door panel 20, thereby providing support for the folding screen 2.

[0148] The front of the elastic connection structure 40 is also used to support the folding screen 2 of the foldable device 100 in the unfolded state of the pivot assembly 1c. That is, in the unfolded state, the front of the elastic connection structure 40 is transitionally connected between the front of the middle beam 10 and the front of the door panel 20, thereby providing support for the folding screen 2.

[0149] See also Figure 14 Optionally, the front of the center beam 10 is arc-shaped, and the arc on both sides of the front of the center beam 10 is concave to form receiving grooves C1. In the outward-folded state of the rotating shaft assembly 1c, the support plate 30 is at least partially accommodated in the receiving grooves C1 (see also...). Figure 12 Furthermore, the front of the support plate 30 and the front of the center beam 10 are on the same circumference, and the back of the support plate 30 is supported on the bottom surface of the groove C1. Thus, in the folded state, the support plate 30 can be supported by the center beam 10, providing more reliable support for the foldable screen 2. At the same time, the support of the center beam 10 on the support plate 30 can also play a limiting role, thereby preventing the support plate 30 from being over-folded and affecting the supporting shape of the foldable screen 2.

[0150] Figure 15 for Figure 5 A partially enlarged view of the rotating shaft assembly 1c, with the rotating shaft assembly 1c in an unfolded state; Figure 16 for Figure 15 Exploded view of the pivot assembly 1c.

[0151] See Figure 15 and Figure 16 In this embodiment, the rotating shaft assembly 1c further includes a sliding seat 70, two first rotating shafts 50a, two swing arms 60, two connecting rods 80 and two first elastic members 50c, as well as a sliding pressing member 90, two second rotating shafts 50b and two second elastic members 50d.

[0152] Two first rotating shafts 50a are respectively connected to the middle beam 10. For example, as shown in the figure, the two first rotating shafts 50a are connected to the middle beam 10 at intervals along the width direction X of the middle beam 10. The back of the middle beam 10 has a recessed first groove C21, and the two first rotating shafts 50a are fitted into the first groove C21, and the axial ends of the first rotating shafts 50a are respectively connected to the solid parts at both ends of the middle beam 10 at the first groove C21.

[0153] Two second pivot members 50b are respectively connected to the middle beam 10. For example, as shown in the figure, the two second pivot members 50b are connected to the middle beam 10 at intervals along the width direction X of the middle beam 10. The back of the middle beam 10 has a recessed second groove C22, and the two second pivot members 50b are fitted into the second groove C22, and the axial ends of the second pivot members 50b are respectively connected to the solid parts at both ends of the middle beam 10 in the second groove C22.

[0154] In this embodiment, the first groove C21 and the second groove C22 are spaced apart along the length Y direction of the middle beam 10, and the two first rotating shafts 50a and the two second rotating shafts 50b are coaxially arranged. The middle beam 10 includes a protruding portion 11 located between the first groove C21 and the second groove C22.

[0155] Two swing arms 60 are located on both sides of the center beam 10. One end of each swing arm 60 is rotatably connected to the first pivot 50a, and the other end is slidably connected to the door panel 20. That is, the door panel 20 can rotate relative to the center beam 10 via the swing arms 60, and during rotation, the door panel 20 can also slide relative to the center beam 10 to move closer to or away from the center beam 10 radially (towards the axis perpendicular to the first pivot 50a).

[0156] The swing arm 60 includes a swing plate 61, a sliding engagement part 63, a second sleeve 62, and a fourth sleeve 64. The second sleeve 62 and the fourth sleeve 64 are connected to the same end of the swing plate 61, and the sliding engagement part 63 is connected to the other end of the swing plate 61. The second sleeve 62 is rotatably fitted onto the first rotating shaft 50a, and the fourth sleeve 64 is rotatably fitted onto the second rotating shaft 50b. The second sleeve 62 and the fourth sleeve 64 are spaced apart along the length Y direction of the middle beam 10 and are clamped on both sides of the protrusion 11 of the middle beam 10 to limit the movement of the middle beam 10 axially.

[0157] The door panel 20 is provided with a sliding groove C7, and the sliding part 63 is slidably engaged with the sliding groove C7. The extension direction of the sliding groove C7 is perpendicular to the length direction Y of the middle beam 10, so that when folding or unfolding, the door panel 20 can slide relative to the middle beam 10 in addition to rotating relative to the middle beam 10, thus ensuring that the folding screen 2 maintains a constant length when folded or unfolded.

[0158] The end face of the second sleeve 62 of the swing arm 60 away from the fourth sleeve 64 is designated as the second helical surface P32, and the end face of the fourth sleeve 64 away from the second sleeve 62 is designated as the fourth helical surface P34. Here, a helical surface refers to the surface extending along a helical line. In this embodiment, the central axis of the second helical surface P32 coincides with the central axis of the second sleeve 62, and the central axis of the fourth helical surface P34 coincides with the central axis of the fourth sleeve 64.

[0159] The sliding seat 70 is slidably fitted onto the two first rotating shafts 50a along the length Y of the middle beam 10. Optionally, the sliding seat 70 includes a base portion 72 and two first sleeves 71, which are respectively connected to the base portion 72 and rotatably fitted onto the two first rotating shafts 50a. Of course, the base portion 72 may have a hole coaxially with the first sleeves 71, so that it can also be slidably fitted onto the two first rotating shafts 50a. Two first elastic members 50c are respectively fitted onto the two first rotating shafts 50a and elastically abut against the base and the middle beam 10 to elastically press the sliding seat 70 against the swing arm 60.

[0160] In the sliding seat 70, the first helical surface P31 on the end face of the first sleeve 71 away from the base portion 72, when the first elastic member 50c elastically presses the sliding seat 70 against the rocker arm 60, the first helical surface P31 and the second helical surface P32 engage in contact, so that the rotation of the second sleeve 62 of the rocker arm 60 around the first rotating shaft 50a can drive the sliding seat 70 to slide along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 50a (parallel to the length direction Y of the middle beam 10). For example Figure 17 As shown, in the unfolded state, the door panel 20 slides relative to the swing arm 60 to a position further away from the center beam 10; in the folded state, the door panel 20 slides relative to the swing arm 60 to a position closer to the center beam 10.

[0161] See you again Figure 15 and Figure 16 In this embodiment, optionally, there may be friction between the first helical surface P31 and the second helical surface P32. In this way, the elastic pressing of the first elastic member 50c can provide rotational damping for the rotation of the swing arm 60 relative to the first rotating shaft member 50a, thereby providing damping for the rotation of the rotating shaft assembly 1c.

[0162] The sliding pressing member 90 includes two third sleeves 93, which are slidably sleeved on the two second rotating shafts 50b and slidably fitted onto the central beam 10. The two second elastic members 50d are respectively sleeved on the two second rotating shafts 50b and elastically press the third sleeves 93 of the sliding pressing member 90 against the swing arm 60.

[0163] In the sliding pressing member 90, the third sleeve 93 has a third helical surface P33. When the second elastic member 50d elastically presses the sliding pressing member 90 against the swing arm 60, the third helical surface P33 and the fourth helical surface P34 are in contact and engaged, so that the rotation of the fourth sleeve 64 of the swing arm 60 around the second rotating shaft 50b can drive the sliding pressing member 90 to slide along the axial direction of the second rotating shaft 50b (parallel to the length direction Y of the middle beam 10).

[0164] Friction can exist between the third helical surface P33 and the fourth helical surface P34. Thus, through the elastic pressing of the third elastic element, the rotation of the swing arm 60 relative to the third rotating shaft can be damped, thereby providing damping for the rotation of the rotating shaft assembly 1c.

[0165] When the pivot assembly 1c is folded or unfolded, the rotation of the door panel 20 applied to one side of the middle beam 10 drives the swing arm 60 on that side to rotate relative to the middle beam 10. This rotation causes the second sleeve 62 and the fourth sleeve 64 of the swing arm 60 to drive the sliding seat 70 and the sliding pressing member 90 to move axially through the cooperation of the spiral surfaces. This axial displacement will drive the swing arm 60 and the door panel 20 on the other side of the middle beam 10 to rotate synchronously, thus realizing the synchronous folding or unfolding of the structures on both sides of the middle beam 10.

[0166] See you again Figures 15 to 16 Two connecting rods 80 are located on both sides of the middle beam 10. One end of the connecting rod 80 forms a ball joint with the sliding seat 70, and the other end of the connecting rod 80 forms a ball joint with the door panel 20.

[0167] The connecting rod 80 includes a rod body 83, a first ball head 81, and a second ball head 82. The first ball head 81 and the second ball head 82 are respectively connected to the two axial ends of the rod body 83. The diameter of the rod body 83 is smaller than the diameters of the first ball head 81 and the second ball head 82.

[0168] The base portion 72 of the sliding seat 70 has two first mating holes K21 on its end face away from the first sleeve 71, and the door panel 20 has a second mating hole K22. The first ball head 81 forms a ball joint with the first mating hole K21, and the second ball head 82 forms a ball joint with the second mating hole K22.

[0169] Thus, during the folding or unfolding of the pivot assembly 1c, the door panel 20 rotates relative to the center beam 10 while simultaneously sliding relative to the swing arm 60 under the pull of the connecting rod 80, thereby moving closer to or away from the center beam 10. For example, Figure 17 In the figure, the relative distance between the surface of the door panel 20 away from the center beam 10 and the end of the swing arm 60 away from the center beam 10 is used to characterize the position of the door panel 20 relative to the center beam 10. As can be seen from the figure, the relative distance s1 in the unfolded state is greater than the relative distance s2 in the folded state, that is, from the unfolded state to the unfolded state, the door panel 20 is closer to the center beam 10.

[0170] Optionally, the door panel 20 also has a second clearance groove C52, which connects to the second mating hole K22 and is configured to allow the movement of the rod 83 relative to the door panel 20. The front of the door panel 20 is used to support a folding screen 2, and the first ball head 81 is located on the back side of the door panel 20. The door panel 20 has an inner side surface near the center beam 10; the second clearance groove C52 is recessed from the back of the door panel 20 and extends through the inner side surface of the door panel 20. The second mating hole K22 is a spherical arc hole, and the second clearance groove C52 includes a post hole K4 and an expansion groove C6. The post hole K4 extends inward from the inner side surface of the door panel 20 and extends through the back of the door panel 20; the first mating hole K21 connects to the end of the post hole K4 away from the inner side surface of the door panel 20, and the axis of the post hole K4 passes through the center of the ball of the first mating hole K21, and the bottom diameter of the post hole K4 is equal to the diameter of the first mating hole K21. The expansion slot C6 is connected to the radial side of the column hole K4 and the second mating hole K22, and is used to expand the rotation range of the rod 83 relative to the door panel 20.

[0171] See Figure 18 The first mating hole K21 is approximately a hemispherical spherical arc hole. The base part 72 of the sliding seat 70 is also provided with a first clearance groove C51, which is connected to the first mating hole K21 and is used to allow the movement of the rod 83.

[0172] For example Figure 19 As shown, during the folding or unfolding of the pivot assembly 1c, the connecting rod 80 rotates relative to the door panel 20, and the second clearance groove C52 can avoid the rotation of the connecting rod 80. Of course, in this embodiment, the rotation of the connecting rod 80 relative to the sliding seat 70 and the door panel 20 is a ball joint rotation, that is, a rotation with two degrees of rotational freedom.

[0173] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the pivot assembly 1c is folded or unfolded, the door panel 20 rotates relative to the center beam 10 while sliding relative to the swing arm 60, moving closer to or further away from the center beam 10. This causes a change in the distance between the support plate 30 and the door panel 20 and the center beam 10. The elastic connection structure 40 in this embodiment can adapt to this change in distance through elastic deformation.

[0174] Figures 20-25 Another pivot assembly 1d is shown, whose elastic connection structure 40d is different from the elastic connection structure 40 of the aforementioned pivot assembly 1c.

[0175] See Figure 20 and Figure 21 The elastic connection structure 40d in this embodiment also includes two connectors 41, one of which is a first connector 41a and the other is a second connector 41b.

[0176] See also Figure 22 and Figure 23 The first connector 41a is connected to the protruding connecting part 413 near the middle beam 10 with a first connecting piece 421. At least one first connecting post 422 (as shown in the figure) is provided on the back of the first connecting piece 421.

[0177] The second connector 41b is connected to the protruding connecting part 413 near the door panel 20 with a second connecting piece 423. At least one second connecting post 424 (as shown in the figure) is provided on the back of the second connecting piece 423.

[0178] See also Figure 24 and Figure 25 The front side of the central beam 10 near the door panel 20 is recessed to form the first connecting groove C31 (also seen in...). Figure 21 The bottom surface of the first connecting groove C31 is recessed with at least one first connecting hole K31 (e.g., three holes). The front surface of the door panel 20, near the center beam 10, is recessed to form a second connecting groove C32. The bottom surface of the second connecting groove C32 is recessed with at least one (e.g., three) second connecting holes K32. A first connecting piece 421 is fitted into the first connecting groove C31, and a first connecting post 422 is fitted into the first connecting hole K31. A second connecting piece 423 is fitted into the second connecting groove C32, and a second connecting post 424 is fitted into the second connecting hole K32.

[0179] In the pivot assembly 1d, the center beam 10, support plate 30, and door panel 20 can be made of metal, while the connector 41 can be made of short fiber composite material. The connector 41 is formed into the center beam 10 and / or door panel 20 by insert injection molding. Alternatively, the center beam 10, support plate 30, and door panel 20 can be made of plastic, and the connector 41 can also be made of plastic. The connector 41 is integrally formed with the center beam 10 and / or door panel 20 by two-color injection molding.

[0180] In this pivot assembly 1d, the aforementioned structural design and insert injection molding ensure a reliable connection between the elastic connection structure 40d and the central beam 10, support plate 30, and door panel 20. Furthermore, by replacing metal with short-fiber composite material or plastic to fabricate the elastic connection structure 40d, the weight of the pivot assembly 1d can be reduced.

[0181] Figures 26-31 Another type of pivot assembly 1e is shown, whose elastic connection structure 40e is different from the elastic connection structure 40 of the aforementioned pivot assembly 1c.

[0182] In this pivot assembly 1e, the elastic connection structure 40e is made of a flexible material (such as rubber), while the center beam 10, support plate 30, and door panel 20 can be made of metal or rigid non-metallic materials (such as rigid plastic). The elastic connection structure 40e can be molded into the center beam 10, support plate 30, and door panel 20 by insert injection molding.

[0183] See Figure 28 and Figure 29 In the pivot assembly 1e, the elastic connection structure 40e includes a first connecting part 435, a telescopic part 437, and a second connecting part 436. The telescopic part 437 is connected between the first connecting part 435 and the second connecting part 436, and can be stretched or shortened to its original shape after the tension is removed.

[0184] The first connecting part 435 is connected to the middle beam 10, the second connecting part 436 is connected to the door panel 20, and the support plate 30 is connected to the telescopic part 437.

[0185] The first connecting part 435 includes a third connecting piece 431 and at least one third connecting post 432, and the second connecting part 436 includes a fourth connecting piece 433 and at least one fourth connecting post 434, wherein the third connecting piece 431 and the fourth connecting piece 433 are respectively connected to both sides of the telescopic part 437.

[0186] Optionally, the telescopic portion 437 includes a first segment 437a, a second segment 437b, and a third segment 437c. The second segment 437b connects the first segment 437a and the third segment 437c. The first segment 437a is connected to the first connecting portion 435 via a first transition segment 438, the first transition segment 438 extending along the length direction Y of the support plate 30 having a dimension smaller than that of the first segment 437a. The second segment 437b is connected to the second connecting portion 436 via a second transition segment 439, the second transition segment 439 extending along the length direction Y of the support plate 30 having a dimension smaller than that of the second segment 437b. The second segment 437b fits into the connecting groove C4. A first stepped surface P21 is formed between the first segment 437a and the second segment 437b, the first stepped surface P21 being in contact with one side surface of the support plate 30 along the width direction X. A second stepped surface P22 is formed between the third segment 437c and the second segment 437b, the second stepped surface P22 being in contact with the other side surface of the support plate 30 along the width direction X. The first step surface P21 and the second step surface P22 can be seen in [reference]. Figure 31 .

[0187] See also Figure 30 and Figure 31 In this embodiment, optionally, the support plate 30 is provided with a connecting groove C4, which penetrates the support plate 30 along the width direction and is located at the middle position in the thickness direction Z of the support plate 30.

[0188] The groove C4 facilitates the integration of the elastic connection structure 40e into an integral structure that passes through the support plate 30. Furthermore, the step engagement formed by the first step surface P21 and the second step surface P22 restricts the offset of the support plate 30 relative to the telescopic part 437 in the width direction X, ensuring that the support plate 30 is in a fixed position on the telescopic part 437 during folding or unfolding.

[0189] The front side of the center beam 10 near the door panel 20 is recessed to form a first connecting groove C31. The bottom surface of the first connecting groove C31 is recessed with at least one first connecting hole K31 (e.g., three holes). The front side of the door panel 20 near the center beam 10 is recessed to form a second connecting groove C32. The bottom surface of the second connecting groove C32 is recessed with at least one second connecting hole K32 (e.g., three holes).

[0190] The third connecting piece 431 is fitted into the first connecting groove C31, and the third connecting post 432 is fitted into the first connecting hole K31. The fourth connecting piece 433 is fitted into the second connecting groove C32, and the fourth connecting post 434 is fitted into the second connecting hole K32. This ensures that the elastic connecting structure 40e is reliably connected to the central beam 10 and the door panel 20, respectively.

[0191] During processing, the door panel 20, the middle beam 10 and the support plate 30 can be processed first. Then, the elastic connection structure 40e is molded onto the door panel 20, the middle beam 10 and the support plate 30 by insert injection molding, thereby obtaining a door panel assembly 110 with high integrity.

[0192] In other embodiments, the fit between the swing arm 60 and the sliding seat 70 can be replaced with a synchronous gear, a tenon gear, etc., so that the door panel 20 can be pushed and pulled by the connecting rod 80 to achieve the sliding of the door panel 20 relative to the swing arm 60 when rotating.

[0193] In addition to the elastic connection structures 40, 40d, and 40e described above, the elastic connection structures in this embodiment can also employ other structures capable of producing bending elastic deformation, such as hollow structures. For hollow structures, the shape of the hollow holes includes, but is not limited to, triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, or other shapes, and is not limited here.

[0194] Figure 32 Another shaft assembly 1f is shown; Figure 33 Another shaft assembly 1g is shown.

[0195] See Figure 32 and Figure 33 The rotating shaft assembly 1f or rotating shaft assembly 1g and Figure 4The difference between the pivot assembly 1c and the pivot assembly 1f or pivot assembly 1g is that the support plate 30 and the door panel 20 are not continuous structures, but are broken into multiple segments along the length direction (e.g. Figure 32 Two sections Figure 33 (The three sections). At this point, the space where the door panel 20 and the support plate 30 are separated can be used to arrange other structures of the foldable device 100, resulting in high space utilization. Figure 4 The use of a full-length central beam 10, support plate 30, and door panel 20 can provide better support for the folding screen 2.

[0196] See Figure 34 and Figure 35 This embodiment also provides some other connectors, which mainly connect... Figure 13 or Figure 23 The rectangular frame structure formed by the two first side plates 411 and the two second side plates 412 of the middle connector 41 is replaced with other ring frame structures.

[0197] For example Figure 34 The provided connector 44 is replaced by a rhomboid frame structure 44a. Figure 13 The rectangular frame structure in the middle, and the rhomboid frame structure 44a with protruding connecting parts 44b on both sides to connect the middle beam 10, the support plate 30 or the door panel 20, can also achieve elastic deformation along the width direction X, so as to adapt to the change in the distance between the middle beam 10 and the door panel 20 when folding or unfolding.

[0198] For example Figure 35 The provided connector 45 is replaced by an 8-shaped frame structure 45a. Figure 13 The rectangular frame structure in the middle, and the figure-eight frame structure 45a has protruding connecting parts 45b on both sides to connect the middle beam 10, the support plate 30 or the door panel 20. It can also achieve elastic deformation along the width direction X, so as to adapt to the change in the distance between the middle beam 10 and the door panel 20 when folding or unfolding.

[0199] In this embodiment, the rotating shaft assembly, besides employing a helical surface engagement of the swing arm 60, sliding seat 70, and sliding pressing member 90 to achieve synchronization, can also adopt other forms, such as gear sets or parallelogram linkages, etc., which are not limited here. For example... Figure 36 This paper illustrates an implementation method that enables the synchronous folding or unfolding of both sides of the rotating shaft assembly 1h via a gear set.

[0200] See Figure 36In the rotating shaft assembly 1h, gears 65 are respectively provided on the two swing arms 60, and the gears 65 of the two swing arms 60 mesh with each other. In this way, when one swing arm 60 rotates, the rotation will be transmitted to the other swing arm 60 through the meshing of the two gears 65, thereby driving the other swing arm 60 to rotate synchronously. This achieves the synchronous function of both sides of the rotating shaft assembly 1h.

[0201] The foregoing embodiments use the foldable device 100 as an example of an outward-folding device. During the process of the pivot assemblies 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the distance between the door panel 20 and the center beam 10 decreases, and the elastic connection structures 40, 40d, 40e elastically narrow; conversely, during the process of the pivot assemblies 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the distance between the door panel 20 and the center beam 10 increases, and the elastic connection structures 40, 40d, 40e elastically widen.

[0202] In other embodiments, the foldable device 100 can also be an inward-folding device. In this case, during the process of the pivot assemblies 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the distance between the door panel 20 and the center beam 10 increases, and the elastic connecting structures 40, 40d, 40e elastically widen; during the process of the pivot assemblies 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the distance between the door panel 20 and the center beam 10 decreases, and the elastic connecting structures 40, 40d, 40e elastically narrow. Thus, the elastic connecting structures 40, 40d, 40e can adapt to the change in distance between the support plate 30 and the center beam 10 or the door panel 20 through elastic deformation, and can also play a technical role in assisting in supporting the folding screen 2.

[0203] In other embodiments, the foldable device 100 can also be an inward and outward folding device, that is, a foldable device 100 that can achieve both inward and outward folding. In this case, the elastic connection structures 40, 40d, and 40e can also adapt to the changes in the spacing between the support plate 30 and the middle beam 10 or the door panel 20 through elastic deformation, and can also play a technical role in assisting to support the foldable screen 2.

[0204] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of this application should not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly for a foldable device, characterized in that, The rotating shaft assembly includes: Central beam; Two door panel assemblies are respectively connected to both sides of the central beam; each door panel assembly includes a door panel, a support plate, and an elastic connecting structure, the door panel being rotatably fitted to the central beam; there is a gap between the door panel and the central beam; the support plate is connected between the door panel and the central beam through the elastic connecting structure and is located within the gap; the distance between the door panel and the central beam changes during the folding or unfolding of the pivot assembly, the elastic connecting structure includes a connector, the connector including an annular structure, the annular structure having protruding outward connecting portions on opposite sides along the width direction of the connector, the connector of the elastic connecting structure being configured to undergo elastic deformation along the width direction of the gap to increase or decrease the distance between the two outward connecting portions.

2. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: One of the two connectors is a first connector, and the other of the two connectors is a second connector; The first connector is connected between the central beam and the support plate, and the second connector is connected between the support plate and the door panel; The first connector is configured to undergo elastic deformation along the width direction of the space, and / or the second connector is configured to undergo elastic deformation along the width direction of the space.

3. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support plate includes a first plate segment and a second plate segment connected along the length direction. One side of the second plate segment in the width direction is recessed relative to the first plate segment to form a first cut, and the other side of the second plate segment in the width direction is recessed relative to the first plate segment to form a second cut. The first connector is connected between the middle beam and the second plate segment, and is at least partially accommodated in the first cutout; the second connector is connected between the second plate segment and the door panel, and is at least partially accommodated in the second cutout.

4. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The first connector and the second connector are symmetrically arranged about the mid-plane of the support plate in the width direction.

5. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connector includes two first side plates and two second side plates. The two first side plates are spaced apart along the width direction of the connector, and the two second side plates are spaced apart along the length direction of the connector. The two first side plates and the two second side plates are connected to form a ring structure. The two opposite outer surfaces of the two first side plates are respectively provided with protruding connecting portions that protrude along the width direction of the connector at the position between the two second side plates; Wherein, the two protruding connecting parts of the first connector are respectively connected to the middle beam and the support plate, and the two protruding connecting parts of the second connector are respectively connected to the support plate and the door panel; The connector is configured to be able to bend and deform the two first side plates toward each other when subjected to compression, thereby reducing the distance between the two protruding connectors, and to be able to restore the bending deformation of the two first side plates when the compression force is removed, thereby increasing the distance between the two protruding connectors.

6. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The two protruding connecting parts have opposite connecting surfaces. The connecting surfaces of the two protruding connecting parts of the first connector abut against the middle beam and the support plate along the width direction, respectively. The connecting surfaces of the two protruding connecting parts of the second connector abut against the support plate and the door panel along the width direction, respectively. or, The front side of the middle beam near the door panel is recessed to form a first connecting groove, and the bottom surface of the first connecting groove is recessed with at least one first connecting hole. The front side of the door panel near the center beam has a recessed second connecting groove, and the bottom surface of the second connecting groove has at least one second connecting hole. The protruding connecting part of the first connector near the center beam is connected to a first connecting piece, and the back of the first connecting piece has at least one first connecting post. The first connecting piece is fitted into the first connecting groove, and the first connecting post is fitted into the first connecting hole. The protruding connecting part of the second connector near the door panel is connected to a second connecting piece, and the back of the second connecting piece has at least one second connecting post. The second connecting piece is fitted into the second connecting groove, and the second connecting post is fitted into the second connecting hole.

7. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The central beam, the support plate, and the door panel are all made of metal materials, and the connecting parts are made of spring steel. The connection between the connecting parts and the central beam is by welding, riveting, or screwing; the connection between the connecting parts and the support plate is by welding, riveting, or screwing; and the connection between the connecting parts and the door panel is by welding, riveting, or screwing. or, The central beam, the support plate, and the door panel are made of metal, while the connector is made of short fiber composite material. The connector is formed into the central beam and / or the door panel by an insert injection molding process. The central beam, the support plate, and the door panel are all made of plastic, as are the connectors. The connectors are integrally formed with the central beam and / or the door panel using a two-color injection molding process.

8. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The foldable device is an outward folding device; During the process of the pivot assembly changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the distance between the middle beam and the support plate decreases, and the middle beam and the support plate press the first side plate of the first connector through the outwardly protruding connecting part, so that the two first side plates bend and deform in a direction closer to each other; the distance between the support plate and the door panel decreases, and the middle beam and the support plate press the first side plate of the second connector through the outwardly protruding connecting part, so that the two first side plates bend and deform in a direction closer to each other; During the process of the pivot assembly changing from a folded state to an unfolded state, the distance between the middle beam and the support plate increases, and the bending deformation of the first side plate of the first connector elastically recovers; the distance between the support plate and the door panel increases, and the bending deformation of the first side plate of the second connector elastically recovers.

9. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic connection structure is made of a flexible material; The elastic connection structure includes a first connecting part, a telescopic part, and a second connecting part; the telescopic part is connected between the first connecting part and the second connecting part and can be stretched. The first connecting part is connected to the middle beam, the second connecting part is connected to the door panel, and the support plate is connected to the telescopic part.

10. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The support plate has a connecting groove, which extends through the support plate along its width and is located at the middle position in the thickness direction of the support plate. The telescopic part includes a first section, a second section, and a third section; the second section is connected between the first section and the third section; the first section is connected to the first connecting part through a first transition section, the dimension of the first transition section extending along the length direction of the support plate being smaller than that of the first section; the second section is connected to the second connecting part through a second transition section, the dimension of the second transition section extending along the length direction of the support plate being smaller than that of the second section; The second segment fits into the groove, and there is a first stepped surface between the first segment and the second segment. The first stepped surface is attached to one side surface of the support plate along the width direction. There is a second stepped surface between the third segment and the second segment. The second stepped surface is attached to the other side surface of the support plate along the width direction.

11. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The elastic connection structure is made of rubber material; The elastic connection structure is formed into the central beam, the support plate, and the door panel through an insert injection molding process.

12. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front side of the elastic connection structure is used to support the foldable screen of the foldable device in the unfolded state of the pivot assembly, and / or the front side of the elastic connection structure is used to support the foldable screen of the foldable device in the folded state of the pivot assembly.

13. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front of the middle beam is arc-shaped, and the arc on the front of the middle beam is concave on both sides to form receiving grooves. The folded state of the pivot assembly includes an outward folded state. In the outward folded state of the pivot assembly, the support plate is at least partially accommodated in the receiving groove, and the front surface of the support plate and the front surface of the middle beam are on the same circumference.

14. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that: In the outward-folded state of the rotating shaft assembly, the back of the support plate is supported on the bottom surface of the receiving groove.

15. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple elastic connection structures, and the multiple elastic connection structures are distributed at intervals along the length direction of the support plate; Each of the aforementioned elastic connection structures connects the support plate between the central beam and the door panel.

16. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating shaft assembly also includes: Two first rotating shafts are respectively connected to the central beam; Two swing arms are located on both sides of the central beam; one end of each swing arm is rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft and the other end is slidably connected to the door panel; each swing arm has a second helical surface. A sliding seat is slidably fitted onto the two first rotating shafts along the length of the middle beam. The sliding seat has two first mating holes and two first helical surfaces. Two connecting rods are located on both sides of the middle beam; each connecting rod includes a rod body, a first ball head, and a second ball head, which are respectively connected to the axial ends of the rod body; the door panel is provided with a second mating hole, the first ball head and the first mating hole form a ball joint, and the second ball head and the second mating hole form a ball joint; The first elastic element is sleeved on the two first rotating shafts and elastically presses the sliding seat against the swing arm so that the first helical surface and the second helical surface are in contact and engaged, so that the rotation of the swing arm around the first rotating shaft can drive the sliding seat to slide along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft, and then drive the door panel to slide relative to the swing arm through the connecting rod.

17. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that: The sliding seat includes a base portion and two first sleeves. The two first sleeves are respectively connected to the base portion and are rotatably sleeved on the two first rotating shafts. The first helical surface is the end face of the first sleeve away from the base portion. The end face of the base portion away from the first sleeve is recessed with two first mating holes. The first elastic element elastically abuts against the space between the base and the central beam; The swing arm includes a swing plate, a sliding fit part, and a second sleeve; the second sleeve is rotatably sleeved on the first rotating shaft, and the second helical surface is the end face of the second sleeve facing the first sleeve. The door panel has a sliding groove, and the sliding part can be slidably fitted into the sliding groove.

18. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that: The first mating hole is a spherical arc hole; the base portion is provided with a first clearance groove, which communicates with the first mating hole to allow for the movement of the rod; and / or, The door panel has a second clearance groove, which connects to the second mating hole and is configured to allow the rod to move relative to the door panel.

19. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that: The door panel defines a front and a back side that are opposite to each other along the thickness direction. The front side of the door panel is used to support a folding screen. The first ball head is located on the back side of the door panel. The door panel has an inner side side near the center beam. The second clearance groove is recessed from the back of the door panel and extends through the inner side of the door panel; The second mating hole is a ball-and-arrow hole, and the second clearance groove includes a column hole and an expansion groove; The column hole extends inward from the inner side of the door panel and penetrates the back of the door panel; the first mating hole is connected to the end of the column hole away from the inner side of the door panel, and the axis of the column hole passes through the center of the ball of the first mating hole, and the bottom diameter of the column hole is equal to the diameter of the first mating hole. The expansion slot is connected to the radial side of the column hole and the second mating hole, and is used to expand the rotation range of the rod body relative to the door panel.

20. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that: The rotating shaft assembly further includes a sliding pressing member and a second elastic member. The sliding pressing member includes two third sleeves, which are slidably fitted onto the central beam. The third sleeves have a third helical surface. The swing arm further includes a fourth sleeve, which is axially spaced from the second sleeve, and the fourth sleeve has a fourth helical surface; The second elastic member elastically presses the third sleeve of the sliding pressing member against the fourth sleeve, so that the third helical surface presses against the fourth helical surface.

21. A foldable device, characterized in that, include: The shaft assembly according to any one of claims 1-20; A first housing and a second housing, the first housing and the second housing being respectively connected to the two door panels; as well as, A foldable screen, wherein the foldable screen is stacked on the first housing, the hinge assembly and the second housing; The central beam, the support plate, and the door panel jointly support the folding screen; or, the central beam, the support plate, the elastic connection structure, and the door panel jointly support the folding screen.

22. The foldable device according to claim 21, characterized in that: The foldable device is an outward folding device. During the process of the pivot assembly changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the distance between the door panel and the middle beam decreases, and the elastic connection structure elastically narrows. During the process of the pivot assembly changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the distance between the door panel and the middle beam increases, and the elastic connection structure elastically widens. or, The foldable device is an inward folding device. During the process of the pivot assembly changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the distance between the door panel and the middle beam increases, and the elastic connection structure elastically widens. During the process of the pivot assembly changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the distance between the door panel and the middle beam decreases, and the elastic connection structure elastically narrows. or, The foldable device is an inward and outward folding device.

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