Folding device, shell assembly and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a folding device, a shell assembly and electronic equipment. The folding device comprises a base, a rotating piece, a supporting piece, a connecting piece and a sliding mechanism. The rotating piece is rotationally connected with the base, the supporting piece is rotationally connected with the base, and the connecting piece is rotationally connected with the supporting piece and slidably connected with the rotating piece. The sliding mechanism comprises a first sliding piece connected to the connecting piece in a sliding mode, a second sliding piece connected to the rotating piece in a sliding mode and a connecting rod module movably connected with the first sliding piece and the second sliding piece. In the folding process of the folding device, the rotating piece and the supporting piece rotate relative to the base, the connecting piece rotates relative to the supporting piece and slides relative to the rotating piece in the direction away from the base, the connecting rod module rotates relative to the connecting piece and the rotating piece, and the size of orthographic projection of the connecting rod module in the sliding direction of the connecting piece is increased. The first sliding piece and the second sliding piece are close to each other. On the premise that reliability is guaranteed, miniaturization can be achieved, limitation of the linear sliding distance is avoided, and convenience is brought to follow-up light and thin design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of folding devices, and in particular relates to a folding device, a housing assembly and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] With market development and user demand, foldable electronic devices are gradually becoming thinner and lighter. These electronic devices rely on folding mechanisms to achieve their folding function. Currently, these mechanisms typically use sliders and slides to achieve sliding fit between components. However, due to the required sliding distance, the sliders and slides are relatively large in the width direction of the folding device, which affects the width of the folding device and, in turn, the thinness and lightness of the design. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, a first aspect of the present application provides a folding device, comprising:

[0004] base;

[0005] A rotating member, rotatably connected to the base;

[0006] a support member, rotatably connected to the base;

[0007] a connecting member, rotatably connected to the supporting member and slidably connected to the rotating member; and

[0008] The sliding mechanism includes a first sliding member slidably connected to the connecting member, a second sliding member slidably connected to the rotating member, and a connecting rod module movably connecting the first sliding member and the second sliding member;

[0009] In which, during the folding process of the folding device, the rotating member and the supporting member rotate relative to the base, the connecting member rotates relative to the supporting member and slides relative to the rotating member in a direction away from the base, the connecting rod module rotates relative to the connecting member and the rotating member, and the size of the connecting rod module's positive projection in the sliding direction of the connecting member increases, the first sliding member slides relative to the connecting member, and the second sliding member slides relative to the rotating member.

[0010] The folding device provided in the first aspect of the present application utilizes a rotating member to achieve the unfolding and folding of the folding device. The support member and the connecting member can slide relative to each other while rotating relative to the base. The present application also provides a sliding mechanism consisting of a first sliding member, a second sliding member, and a connecting rod module. The first sliding member is not only connected to the connecting member but also slides relative to the connecting member. The second sliding member is not only connected to the rotating member but also slides relative to the rotating member. The connecting rod module also movably connects the first and second sliding members.

[0011] During the folding process, the rotating member and the support member rotate relative to the base. In addition to rotating relative to the support member, the connecting member can also slide away from the base, i.e., the connecting member can slide outward. At this point, the connecting rod module rotates relative to the connecting member and the rotating member, gradually turning parallel to the sliding direction of the connecting member. This increases the size of the connecting rod module's orthographic projection in the sliding direction of the connecting member, causing the connecting member and the rotating member to move away from each other. Furthermore, the connecting rod module drives the first sliding member to slide relative to the connecting member, and the second sliding member to slide relative to the rotating member.

[0012] In summary, through the above-mentioned settings, the present application can use a sliding mechanism to replace the slider and the slide groove between the connecting member and the rotating member in the related art. First, the present application converts the sliding fit along the width direction of the folding device in the related art into the sliding fit between the first sliding member and the second sliding member in the sliding mechanism along the length direction, so that it is not limited by the linear sliding distance, reduces the size of the folding device in the width direction, realizes the miniaturization of the folding device, and brings convenience to the lightweight design. Although the size of the folding device in the width direction is reduced, the rotating member and the connecting member may be separated during the folding process, but because the first sliding member in the sliding mechanism is connected to the connecting member and the second sliding member is connected to the rotating member, the connecting rod module is connected to the first sliding member and the second sliding member at the same time. Therefore, even if the rotating member is separated from the connecting member, the rotating member can be indirectly and tightly connected to the connecting member through the sliding mechanism, thereby preventing the rotating member and the connecting member from sliding out and improving the reliability of the folding device.

[0013] A second aspect of the present application provides a shell assembly, which includes a first shell, a second shell, and a folding device as provided in the first aspect of the present application, wherein the folding device is connected between the first shell and the second shell.

[0014] The shell assembly provided in the second aspect of the present application can achieve lightweight and thin shell assembly and improve reliability by adopting the folding device provided in the first aspect of the present application.

[0015] The third aspect of the present application provides an electronic device, which includes a flexible screen and a shell assembly as provided in the second aspect of the present application, wherein the flexible screen is arranged on the same side of the first shell, the second shell, and the folding device.

[0016] The electronic device provided in the third aspect of the present application can achieve lightweight and thin electronic equipment and improve reliability by adopting the housing assembly provided in the second aspect of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application will be described below.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the folding device in an embodiment of the present application when it is in an unfolded state.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the folding device is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A top view of the folding device is shown.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A front view of the folding device is shown.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the folding device in one embodiment of the present application when it is in a folded state.

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A top view of the folding device is shown.

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A front view of the folding device is shown.

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the first connecting rod, the first sliding member, and the second sliding member in the folding device shown.

[0026] Figure 9 for Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the first connecting rod, the first sliding member, and the second sliding member in the folding device shown.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the folding device in another embodiment of the present application when it is in the unfolded state.

[0028] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the two sliding kits in the folding device shown.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of two sliding kits when the folding device is in a folded state in another embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of a sliding mechanism in one embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 14 In another embodiment of the present application Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the two slide kits shown.

[0032] Figure 15 In another embodiment of the present application Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the two slide kits shown.

[0033] Figure 16 In another embodiment of the present application Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the two slide kits shown.

[0034] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding mechanism when the folding device is in the unfolded state in another embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding mechanism when the folding device is in a folded state in another embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding mechanism when the folding device is in the unfolded state in another embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding mechanism when the folding device is in the unfolded state in another embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding mechanism when the folding device is in a folded state in another embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding mechanism when the folding device is in the unfolded state in another embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 23 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a connecting member and a sliding member in one embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 24 Schematic diagram of an exploded view of a connecting member, a rotating member, and a second sliding member in one embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the folding device in another embodiment of the present application when it is in the unfolded state.

[0043] Figure 26 for Figure 25 The folding device shown is a schematic cross-sectional view along the AA direction.

[0044] Figure 27 for Figure 25 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the folding device after removing the rotating parts.

[0045] Figure 28 This is a front view of two supporting members and two connecting members when the folding device is in an unfolded state in one embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Figure 29 for Figure 28 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the folding device is shown.

[0047] Figure 30 This is a front view of two supporting members and two connecting members when the folding device is in a folded state in one embodiment of the present application.

[0048] Figure 31 This is a front view of the folding device in another embodiment of the present application when it is in the unfolded state.

[0049] Figure 32 This is a front view of the folding device in another embodiment of the present application when it is in a folded state.

[0050] Figure 33 Schematic diagram of the exploded view of the base, the supporting member, and the elastic member in one embodiment of the present application.

[0051] Figure 34 for Figure 32 A schematic cross-sectional view of the base, the supporting member, and the elastic member is shown.

[0052] Figure 35 This is a front view of the base, the carrier, and the two support members when the folding device is in a folded state in one embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Figure 36 This is a front view of the base, the carrier, and the two support members of the folding device in one embodiment of the present application during the unfolding process.

[0054] Figure 37 This is a front view of the base, the carrier, and the two support members when the folding device is in an unfolded state in one embodiment of the present application.

[0055] Figure 38 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the shell assembly in an expanded state in one embodiment of the present application.

[0056] Figure 39 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the shell assembly in an embodiment of the present application when it is in a folded state.

[0057] Figure 40 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0058] Figure 41 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0059] Description of labels:

[0060] Folding device-1, first rotation axis-C1, second rotation axis-C2, third rotation axis-C3, housing assembly-2, electronic device-3, base-10, bottom surface-101, top surface-102, side surface-103, first sub-base-13, second sub-base-14, through hole-140, support member-20, support portion-21, first supporting surface-210, first part-211, second part-212, second rotating portion-23, rotating member-30, second groove-34, second slide groove-340, connecting member-40, limiting groove-400, connecting portion-41, second supporting surface-410, avoidance surface-412, third rotating portion-42, second rotating shaft-43, third rotating shaft-44, first groove-45, first slide groove-450, first sink groove-4 6, second sinking groove-47, bearing member-50, limiting portion-51, protruding portion-52, bearing wall-53, bearing surface-530, guide wall-54, outer side surface-540, inner side surface-541, elastic member-55, sliding mechanism-60, first sliding member-61, rolling axis-610, first slider-611, second sliding member-62, second slider-621, connecting rod module-63a, first connecting rod-63, rolling groove-630, first limiting end-6301, second limiting end-6302, sliding kit-64a, second connecting rod-64, rotating axis-65, first elastic member-66, second elastic member-67, third elastic member-68, third sliding member-69, first shell-71, second shell-72, flexible screen-80, display surface-800. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The following are preferred implementations of the present application. It should be noted that ordinary technicians in this technical field can make several improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present application. These improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0062] With the market demand for larger display areas for mobile phones, tablets, and other terminal products, competition in the mobile terminal industry is increasingly trending towards large and ultra-thin screens. However, large screens make the entire device too large and inconvenient to carry. The smartphone industry is ushering in an experience revolution brought about by form factor innovation. The display form of mobile phone products has evolved from the original hard screen to flexible screen, from small screens to large screens, and from static mechanisms to dynamic mechanisms. Recently, major mobile phone manufacturers have been developing foldable screens, striving to expand the form and display boundaries of mobile phone products, so that they can combine the functions of mobile phones, tablets, and even computers. As an electronic device with a new display form factor, foldable electronic devices can be unfolded or closed due to their folding function. They have a larger display area when unfolded and a smaller overall size when folded, thus solving the above problems. They are now very popular among users.

[0063] In recent years, more and more mobile terminal companies have released foldable screen products, forming a fierce competition trend in various user experience performances. In particular, the trend of thinning and weight reduction is very obvious, which has led to the gradual development of electronic devices in the direction of lightness and thinness. Electronic devices rely on their internal folding devices to achieve the folding function. The folding device also needs to be miniaturized to increase the stacking space inside the whole machine, which is more conducive to the implementation of light and thin machines. As part of the motion structure of the folding device, the linear sliding mechanism has a great influence on the width of the folding device. Currently, sliders and slides are usually used to achieve sliding fit between components. Since the linear sliding pair has requirements for the sliding distance, the size of the slider and slide is larger in the width direction of the folding device, which affects the width of the folding device and thus affects the light and thin design. If the size of the slider and slide is reduced, when the sliding distance exceeds the fit between the slider and slide during folding, the slider will be separated from the slide, posing risks to user use and reliability.

[0064] In order to solve the above problems, this application provides a folding device, please refer to Figure 1-Figure 7 The folding device 1 provided in this embodiment includes a base 10, a rotating member 30, a support member 20, a connecting member 40, and a sliding mechanism 60. The rotating member 30 is rotationally connected to the base 10, the support member 20 is rotationally connected to the base 10, and the connecting member 40 is rotationally connected to the support member 20 and slidably connected to the rotating member 30. The sliding mechanism 60 includes a first sliding member 61 slidably connected to the connecting member 40, a second sliding member 62 slidably connected to the rotating member 30, and a connecting rod module 63a movably connecting the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62. During the folding process of the folding device 1, the rotating member 30 and the support member 20 rotate relative to the base 10, the connecting member 40 rotates relative to the support member 20 and slides relative to the rotating member 30 in a direction away from the base 10, the connecting rod module 63a rotates relative to the connecting member 40 and the rotating member 30, and the size of the connecting rod module 63a's orthographic projection in the sliding direction of the connecting member 40 increases, the first sliding member 61 slides relative to the connecting member 40, and the second sliding member 62 slides relative to the rotating member 30.

[0065] The folding device 1 can also be called a rotating shaft or hinge. It is mainly used in electronic products such as mobile phones, tablets, and computers. It can also be used in other non-electronic products that require torque to rotate, such as doors and windows. The folding device 1 provided in this embodiment mainly includes a base 10, a rotating member 30, a support member 20, a connecting member 40, and a sliding mechanism 60. This means that this embodiment can solve the above-mentioned technical problems by only using the base 10, the rotating member 30, the support member 20, the connecting member 40, and the sliding mechanism 60. In other embodiments, the folding device 1 may also include other components, such as a bearing member, a synchronization mechanism, a torque mechanism, etc. Next, this embodiment will introduce the base 10, the support member 20, the rotating member 30, the connecting member 40, and the sliding mechanism 60 in detail.

[0066] The base 10 is the fundamental component of the folding device 1 and is primarily used to provide a foundation for the installation and fixation of other components. That is, most components of the folding device 1 can be installed on the base 10. When the folding device 1 moves, the base 10 itself remains stationary, while other components of the folding device 1, such as the support member 20, the rotating member 30, and the connecting member 40, perform various movements. In other words, in this embodiment and the following descriptions, the base 10 remains stationary when the folding device 1 is unfolded or folded, and other components can perform various movements relative to the base 10. This embodiment does not limit parameters such as the shape, structure, and material of the base 10, as long as it can provide a foundation for the assembly of other components.

[0067] It is worth noting that, since the base 10 in this embodiment is only rotationally connected to the support member 20 and the rotating member 30, this embodiment only illustrates the partial structure of the base 10 that cooperates with the support member 20 and the rotating member 30. In other words, this embodiment only provides a partial structural diagram of the base 10, and the overall shape, size, structure, etc. of the base 10 can be variously designed and adjusted based on this.

[0068] Optionally, the base 10 has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface that bends and connects the top and bottom surfaces. When the folding device 1 is subsequently applied to an electronic device, the bottom surface can be close to the flexible screen of the electronic device, while the top surface is away from the flexible screen. The top surface can also cooperate with components such as decorative parts, using the decorative parts to shield the base 10. In other words, the upper surface of the base 10 is the top surface, and the lower surface is the bottom surface. Because the flexible screen is provided on the bottom surface of the base 10, the folding device 1 provided in this embodiment can also be referred to as an outward-folding folding device 1.

[0069] The rotating member 30 primarily rotates within the folding device 1, enabling the folding and unfolding capabilities of the folding device 1. The rotation of the rotating member 30 drives and limits the movement of other components, allowing them to move along a predetermined trajectory. Since the base 10 is stationary, only the rotating member 30 rotates, and the other end of the rotating member 30 can subsequently be connected to other components, such as the connecting member 40. Optionally, there can be two rotating members 30, each rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base 10. This means that the two rotating members 30 can rotate relative to the base 10. In other words, the two rotating members 30 are rotatably connected to the base 10 at one end closest to the base 10.

[0070] The opposite sides of the base 10 mentioned in this embodiment refer to the opposite sides along the width direction of the base 10. The width direction can be understood as the arrangement direction of the two rotating members 30. The opposite sides in this embodiment and the following text can be understood in the same way. The two rotating members 30 are rotatably connected to the opposite sides of the base 10, so that the two rotating members 30 can be respectively connected to the components on both sides of the base 10, thereby realizing the folding and unfolding of the two sides of the folding device 1. This embodiment does not limit the parameters such as the shape, structure, and material of the rotating member 30, as long as the rotating member 30 can be rotatably connected to the base 10.

[0071] The rotation of the rotating member 30 enables the folding device 1 to have a variety of different states, such as an unfolded state and a folded state. The unfolded state can be understood as the state when the rotating member 30 is completely flattened. At this time, the other end of the rotating member 30 is set corresponding to the side of the base 10, which allows the flexible screen to be fully unfolded. The folded state can be understood as the state when the rotating member 30 is completely folded. At this time, the other end of the rotating member 30 is set corresponding to the top surface of the base 10, which allows the opposite ends of the subsequent flexible screen to approach each other, and the flexible screen reaches a fully folded state. In addition, the process of the folding device 1 from the unfolded state to the folded state can be understood as the folding process of the folding device 1, and the process of the folding device 1 from the folded state to the unfolded state can be understood as the unfolding process of the folding device 1.

[0072] Optionally, the two rotating members 30 are rotatably connected to the side surfaces of the base 10. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the two rotating members 30 are arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the base 10. In another embodiment, the two rotating members 30 are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the base 10. In other words, the two rotating members 30 have a partially overlapping area along the length of the folding device 1. This embodiment is merely schematically illustrated as the two rotating members 30 being arranged axially symmetrically with respect to the base 10.

[0073] The support member 20 is mainly used to support the flexible screen when the folding device 1 is subsequently applied to an electronic device, thereby controlling the folding shape of the flexible screen. Therefore, the support member 20 can also be called an inclined plate. Optionally, the flexible screen can abut against the support member 20 to support the flexible screen when unfolding or folding, and drive the flexible screen to move during the folding or unfolding process. The support member 20 is rotatably connected to the base 10. In other words, the support member 20 can rotate relative to the base 10. This embodiment does not limit the parameters such as the shape, structure, and material of the support member 20, as long as the support member 20 can be rotatably connected to the base 10.

[0074] The connector 40 primarily serves to connect the various components of the folding device 1. Each connector 40 is subsequently used to connect to the housing, securing the connector 40 to the housing. This allows the connector 40 to rotate with the housing when the housing rotates. The connector 40 can also be used to support and secure the flexible screen. For example, the flexible screen can be secured to the connector 40 using adhesive or dispensing. This allows the flexible screen to rotate when the connector 40 rotates. Furthermore, the connector 40 is rotatably connected to the support member 20 on the same side, allowing the connector 40 and support member 20 to rotate relative to each other, thereby bending the flexible screen into a desired shape. Furthermore, the connector 40 is connected to the other end of the rotating member 30 on the same side. Specifically, the connector 40 forms a sliding fit with the other end of the rotating member 30, allowing the connector 40 to slide relative to the other end of the rotating member 30, thereby ensuring the freedom of movement of the folding device 1 as a whole and a unique trajectory. This embodiment does not limit parameters such as the shape, structure, and material of the connecting member 40 , as long as the connecting member 40 can achieve sliding connection with the rotating member 30 .

[0075] Specifically, based on the aforementioned connection relationships, it can be seen that the folding device 1 provided in this embodiment comprises four kinematic pairs on a single side. Specifically, the base 10 cooperates with the rotating member 30 to form a rotating pair, the base 10 cooperates with the support member 20 to form a rotating pair, the support member 20 cooperates with the connecting member 40 to form a rotating pair, and the connecting member 40 cooperates with the rotating member 30 to form a sliding pair. Therefore, the total degree of freedom of the various components on a single side is 3*3 (a total of three components on a single side, such as one rotating member 30, one connecting member 40, and one support member 20) - 2*4 (a total of four low pairs on a single side, such as one sliding pair and three rotating pairs) = 1.

[0076] From the above, it can be seen that the connecting member 40 and the rotating member 30 slide relative to each other. In the related art, this is achieved by using a slider and a slide groove, but this will affect the development of miniaturization. If the slider and the slide groove are too small, reliability problems will arise. Therefore, this embodiment uses a sliding mechanism 60 to replace the slider and the slide groove. The sliding mechanism 60 includes a first sliding member 61, a second sliding member 62, and a connecting rod module 63a. The first sliding member 61 is not only connected to the connecting member 40 but also can slide relative to the connecting member 40. The second sliding member 62 is not only connected to the rotating member 30 but also can slide relative to the rotating member 30. The connecting rod module 63a simultaneously movably connects the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62. The movable connection can be understood as only a sliding connection, or only a rotating connection, or a sliding connection and a rotating connection at the same time, that is, a rolling connection.

[0077] During the folding process of the folding device 1, the rotating member 30 and the supporting member 20 can rotate relative to the base 10. In addition to being able to rotate relative to the supporting member 20, the connecting member 40 can also rotate in a direction away from the base 10 (such as Figure 6The connecting member 40 slides (as shown in D), that is, the connecting member 40 slides outward. At this time, the connecting member 40 will drive the connecting rod module 63a to rotate relative to the connecting member 40 and the rotating member 30. The connecting rod module 63a will gradually rotate to be parallel or approximately parallel to the sliding direction of the connecting member 40, that is, the width direction, that is, the connecting rod module 63a is parallel to the width direction, or a small angle is formed between the connecting rod module 63a and the width direction, thereby causing the size of the positive projection of the connecting rod module 63a in the sliding direction of the connecting member 40 to increase, causing the connecting member 40 and the rotating member 30 to move away from each other. It is worth noting that the size of the connecting rod module 63a itself will not change. This embodiment and the following text refer to the change in the size of the positive projection of the connecting rod module 63a in the width direction, thereby allowing the support member 20 and the rotating member 30 to slide relative to each other along the width direction. In addition, the connecting rod module 63a will drive the first sliding member 61 to slide relative to the connecting member 40, and drive the second sliding member 62 to slide relative to the rotating member 30. The first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62 slide along the length direction of the folding device 1 and slide relative to each other, so that the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62 gradually approach each other, thereby achieving the effect of sliding along the width direction as a whole. Of course, in other embodiments, the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62 can also slide in the same direction, which will be described in detail later in this application.

[0078] Conversely, during the unfolding process of the folding device 1, the rotating member 30 and the support member 20 can rotate in opposite directions relative to the base 10. In addition to rotating in opposite directions relative to the support member 20, the connecting member 40 can also slide in a direction closer to the base 10, i.e., the connecting member 40 slides inward. At this time, the connecting member 40 drives the connecting rod module 63a to rotate in opposite directions relative to the connecting member 40 and the rotating member 30. The connecting rod module 63a gradually rotates to be approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction, i.e., a small angle is formed between the connecting rod module 63a and the longitudinal direction. This causes the orthographic projection of the connecting rod module 63a in the sliding direction of the connecting member 40 to decrease, bringing the connecting member 40 and the rotating member 30 closer together. Furthermore, the connecting rod module 63a drives the first sliding member 61 to slide relative to the connecting member 40, and drives the second sliding member 62 relative to the rotating member 30. At this time, the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62 slide along the longitudinal direction of the folding device 1 and slide away from each other.

[0079] By the above arrangement, the present embodiment first converts the sliding fit between the slider and the sliding groove in the width direction of the folding device 1 in the related art into the sliding fit between the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62 in the length direction of the sliding mechanism 60, and at this time, the sliding mechanism 60 can also be referred to as a linkage stretching type linear sliding mechanism 60. Since the length of the connecting member 40 in the entire machine is relatively long, the arrangement of the sliding mechanism 60 in the length direction will not affect the layout of other structures on the connecting member 40 and the rotating member 30, so that the width direction can not be limited by the linear sliding distance, reducing the size of the folding device 1 in the width direction, and realizing the miniaturization of the folding device 1, which brings convenience to the light and thin design. And also can control the sliding distance of the rotating member 30 and the connecting member 40 by controlling the distance between the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62, and the length of the linkage module 63a, so that the linear sliding distance is adjustable and will not affect the size in the width direction.

[0080] Secondly, although the size of the folding device 1 in the width direction is reduced, for example, the width of the connecting member 40 and / or the rotating member 30 is reduced, which may cause the rotating member 30 and the connecting member 40 to be directly separated during folding. However, since the first sliding member 61 in the sliding mechanism 60 is connected to the connecting member 40, the second sliding member 62 is connected to the rotating member 30, and the linkage module 63a is connected to the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62 at the same time. Therefore, even if the rotating member 30 and the connecting member 40 are separated, the rotating member 30 can be indirectly and stably connected to the connecting member 40 through the sliding mechanism 60, so as to prevent the rotating member 30 and the connecting member 40 from sliding out, and improve the reliability of the folding device 1.

[0081] In summary, the folding device 1 provided by the present embodiment can realize miniaturization under the premise of ensuring reliability, and is not limited by the linear sliding distance, which brings convenience to the subsequent light and thin design.

[0082] For reference Figure 8-Figure 9 In the present embodiment, the linkage module 63a includes a first linkage 63, one end of the first linkage 63 is rotationally connected to one of the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62, and the other end of the first linkage 63 is rotationally and slidingly connected to the other of the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62.

[0083] The connecting rod module 63a includes a first connecting rod 63. The first connecting rod 63, a first sliding member 61, and a second sliding member 62 form the sliding mechanism 60. One end of the first connecting rod 63 is rotatably connected to one of the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62, and the other end is rotatably and slidably connected to the other, i.e., in a rolling connection. For example, one end of the first connecting rod 63 is rotatably connected to the first sliding member 61, and the other end of the first connecting rod 63 is in rolling connection with the second sliding member 62, or one end of the first connecting rod 63 is rotatably connected to the second sliding member 62, and the other end of the first connecting rod 63 is in rolling connection with the first sliding member 61. This embodiment is only schematically described with one end of the first connecting rod 63 being rotatably connected to the second sliding member 62 and the other end of the first connecting rod 63 being in rolling connection with the first sliding member 61.

[0084] When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the first connecting rod 63 is slightly tilted along its length, thereby maximizing the projected distance between the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62 in the lengthwise direction and minimizing the orthogonal projection of the first connecting rod 63 in the widthwise direction. When the folding device 1 is folded, the connector 40 slides away from the base 10, causing the first connecting rod 63 to rotate in the widthwise direction. The orthogonal projection of the first connecting rod 63 in the widthwise direction gradually increases, thereby driving the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62 at opposite ends of the first connecting rod 63 closer to each other in the lengthwise direction. Simultaneously, the first connecting rod 63 rotates relative to one of the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62, while the other one rolls. This not only prevents the sliding mechanism 60 from getting stuck during movement, but also ensures a unique motion trajectory.

[0085] In summary, the sliding mechanism 60 of this embodiment is characterized by disassembling a conventional linear slider and achieving a linear sliding effect through the dimensional change of the connecting rod in the width direction during rotation. Because the connecting rod is always fixed to the two sliding members, and the two sliding members are respectively connected to the rotating member 30 and the connecting member 40, the sliding mechanism 60 can connect the rotating member 30 and the connecting member 40 together, improving reliability. Furthermore, the connecting rod's length is adjustable, allowing the sliding distance between the connecting member 40 and the rotating member 30 to be adjusted. This greatly facilitates the design of the folding device 1. The width of the folding device 1 is no longer affected by the linear sliding distance, making it more adaptable to the trend of thinner and lighter electronic devices.

[0086] In this embodiment, the other end of the first connecting rod 63 is connected to the other of the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62 via a rolling shaft 610 and a rolling groove 630. The rolling groove 630 has a first limiting end 6301 and a second limiting end 6302 disposed opposite each other along the extension direction of the first connecting rod 63. The first limiting end 6301 is closer to the center of the first connecting rod 63 than the second limiting end 6302. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the rolling shaft 610 is positioned at the first limiting end 6301. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the rolling shaft 610 is positioned at the second limiting end 6302.

[0087] The aforementioned rolling connection can be connected by the rolling shaft 610 and the rolling groove 630. Taking the rolling connection between the first connecting rod 63 and the first sliding member 61 as an example, the rolling shaft 610 can be provided on one of the first connecting rod 63 and the first sliding member 61, and the rolling groove 630 can be provided on the other of the first connecting rod 63 and the first sliding member 61. For example, the rolling shaft 610 is provided on the first connecting rod 63 and the rolling groove 630 is provided on the first sliding member 61, or the rolling shaft 610 is provided on the first sliding member 61 and the rolling groove 630 is provided on the first connecting rod 63. This embodiment is only schematically described with the rolling shaft 610 provided on the first sliding member 61 and the rolling groove 630 provided on the first connecting rod 63.

[0088] The rolling groove 630 has a first limiting end 6301 and a second limiting end 6302 disposed opposite each other along the extension direction of the first link 63, i.e., along the length of the first link 63. The first limiting end 6301 is closer to the center of the first link 63 than the second limiting end 6302, i.e., the first limiting end 6301 is disposed inwardly, while the second limiting end 6302 is disposed outwardly. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the rolling axis 610 is positioned at the first limiting end 6301, i.e., the rolling axis 610 is closer to the center of the first link 63. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the rolling axis 610 is positioned at the second limiting end 6302, i.e., the rolling axis 610 is disposed outwardly. When the folding device 1 is folded, the rolling shaft 610 gradually moves from the first limit end 6301 to the second limit end 6302. When the folding device 1 is unfolded, the rolling shaft 610 gradually moves from the second limit end 6302 to the first limit end 6301, thereby realizing the movement trajectory of the sliding mechanism 60 mentioned in the above embodiment.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 10-12In this embodiment, a first connecting rod 63, a first sliding member 61, and a second sliding member 62 form a sliding assembly 64a. The sliding mechanism 60 includes two sliding assemblies 64a. The two first connecting rods 63 in the two sliding assemblies 64a are stacked and cross-arranged along the thickness direction of the assemblies, and the two first connecting rods 63 are rotatably connected. During the folding process of the folding device 1, the two first connecting rods 63 rotate relative to each other, the two first sliding members 61 approach each other, and the two second sliding members 62 approach each other.

[0090] A first connecting rod 63, a first sliding member 61, and a second sliding member 62 may constitute a sliding assembly 64a. The sliding mechanism 60 in this embodiment may include two sliding assemblies 64a, i.e., the sliding mechanism 60 includes two first connecting rods 63, two first sliding members 61, and two second sliding members 62. Furthermore, the two first connecting rods 63 are stacked and cross-arranged along the thickness direction of the first connecting rod 63, forming a shape similar to the letter "X." Each first connecting rod 63 is rotationally connected to one of the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62, and is rollingly connected to the other. Therefore, the two first sliding members 61 and the two second sliding members 62 are respectively connected to the four endpoints of the X. Furthermore, the two first connecting rods 63 are rotationally connected, i.e., the two first connecting rods 63 can rotate relative to each other.

[0091] When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the two first connecting rods 63 are arranged slightly tilted along their length. At this point, the distance between the two first sliding members 61 is at its maximum, the distance between the two second sliding members 62 is at its maximum, and the widthwise projection of the first connecting rods 63 is at its minimum. When the folding device 1 is folded, the two first connecting rods 63 rotate along their width, and their widthwise projection gradually increases, thereby moving the two first sliding members 61 and the two second sliding members 62 closer together. The provision of two sliding assemblies 64a improves the stability of the sliding mechanism 60 during movement.

[0092] Optionally, the sliding mechanism 60 is arranged axially symmetrically along the width direction, so that the sliding mechanism 60 is equally symmetrical on the left and right, and the sliding distance is increased uniformly and stably during the sliding process.

[0093] Optionally, one end of the two first connecting rods 63 is rotationally connected to the two first sliding members 61, and the other end is rollingly connected to the two second sliding members 62, or one end of the two first connecting rods 63 is rollingly connected to the two first sliding members 61, and the other end is rotationally connected to the two second sliding members 62.

[0094] In this embodiment, the sliding mechanism 60 further includes a rotating shaft 65 passing through the two first connecting rods 63 . Both the rotating member 30 and the connecting member 40 are provided with a limiting groove 400 along the sliding direction of the connecting member 40 , and the rotating shaft 65 is disposed in the limiting groove 400 .

[0095] The sliding mechanism 60 may further include a rotating shaft 65 that passes through the two first connecting rods 63. Both first connecting rods 63 can rotate relative to the rotating shaft 65, thereby achieving a rotational connection between the two first connecting rods 63. Furthermore, a limiting groove 400 is provided on both the connecting member 40 and the rotating member 30 along the sliding direction of the connecting member 40, i.e., along the width direction. The end of the rotating shaft 65 can be inserted into the limiting groove 400. When the folding device 1 is folded, the position of the rotating shaft 65, i.e., the rotational connection point between the two first connecting rods 63, also changes. Therefore, the limiting groove 400 provided on the rotating member 30 and the connecting member 40 allows the rotating shaft 65 to slide along the width direction. The limiting groove 400 can also be used to restrict the rotating shaft 65 to slide only along the width direction, thereby further limiting the overall motion trajectory of the sliding mechanism 60, ensuring that the sliding distances of the left and right first sliding members 61 and the left and right second sliding members 62 are the same, further improving the stability of the sliding mechanism 60 during movement.

[0096] Please refer to Figure 13 In one embodiment, the sliding mechanism 60 further includes a first elastic member 66, which is sleeved on the first connecting rod 63, and the opposite ends of the first elastic member 66 are respectively fixed to the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the first elastic member 66 is in a stretched state.

[0097] In addition to the aforementioned components, the sliding mechanism 60 may also include a first elastic member 66. One end of the first elastic member 66 is fixed to the first sliding member 61, specifically, to the rolling shaft 610 on the first sliding member 61. The other end of the first elastic member 66 is fixed to the second sliding member 62. When the folding device 1 is folded, the first sliding member 61 slides relative to the other end of the first connecting rod 63, increasing the distance between the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62. This stretches the first elastic member 66, causing it to be in a stretched state when the folding device 1 is folded. Thus, during the unfolding process, the folding device 1 can utilize the stretched first elastic member 66 to assist the first sliding member 61 and the first connecting rod 63 in moving in opposite directions.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 14 In another embodiment, the sliding mechanism 60 further includes a first elastic member 66. The first elastic member 66 is sleeved on the first connecting rod 63. One end of the first elastic member 66 is fixed to the rotational connection between the two first connecting rods 63, and the other end of the first elastic member 66 is fixed to the other of the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the first elastic member 66 is in a stretched state.

[0099] In this embodiment, one end of the first elastic member 66 is fixed to the pivotal connection between the two first connecting rods 63, and the other end of the first elastic member 66 is fixed to a sliding member, namely, the first sliding member 61, which is in rolling connection with the other end of the first connecting rod 63. Specifically, the rolling shaft 610 can be fixed to the first sliding member 61. When the folding device 1 is folded, the first sliding member 61 will slide relative to the other end of the first connecting rod 63, increasing the distance between the pivotal connection between the first sliding member 61 and the two first connecting rods 63, thereby stretching the first elastic member 66, so that the first elastic member 66 is in a stretched state when the folding device 1 is in the folded state. Therefore, during the unfolding process of the folding device 1, the stretched first elastic member 66 can be used to assist the first sliding member 61 and the first connecting rod 63 in moving in opposite directions.

[0100] Please refer to Figure 15 In this embodiment, the sliding mechanism 60 further includes a second elastic member 67, which is held between the two first sliding members 61 and / or between the two second sliding members 62. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the second elastic member 67 is in a compressed state.

[0101] In addition to the above components, the sliding mechanism 60 may also include a second elastic member 67. The second elastic member 67 may be held between the two first sliding members 61, or the second elastic member 67 may be held between the two second sliding members 62, or there may be two second elastic members 67, with one second elastic member 67 held between the two first sliding members 61 and the other second elastic member 67 held between the two second sliding members 62. This embodiment is only schematically illustrated with two second elastic members 67. When the folding device 1 is folded, the two first sliding members 61 and the two second sliding members 62 move closer to each other, thereby compressing the second elastic member 67, so that the second elastic member 67 is in a compressed state when the folding device 1 is in the folded state. Thus, during the unfolding process, the folding device 1 can use the compressed second elastic member 67 to assist the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62 in moving in opposite directions.

[0102] Please refer to Figure 16 In this embodiment, the sliding mechanism 60 further includes a third elastic member 68, which is fixed between the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62 on the same side. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the third elastic member 68 is in a stretched state.

[0103] In addition to the aforementioned components, the sliding mechanism 60 may also include a third elastic member 68. Opposite ends of the third elastic member 68 may be fixed to the first and second sliding members 61, 62 located on the same side. When the folding device 1 is folded, the connecting member 40 slides away from the base 10, increasing the distance between the first and second sliding members 61, 62. This stretches the third elastic member 68, causing it to be in a stretched state when the folding device 1 is folded. Consequently, during the unfolding process, the stretched third elastic member 68 assists the first and second sliding members 61, 62 in moving in opposite directions.

[0104] Please refer to Figure 17-Figure 19 In this embodiment, the sliding mechanism 60 further includes a third sliding member 69 positioned between the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62. The connecting rod module 63a includes a first connecting rod 63 and a second connecting rod 64. One end of the first connecting rod 63 is rotatably connected to one of the first sliding member 61 and the third sliding member 69, and the other end is rotatably and slidably connected to the other of the first sliding member 61 and the third sliding member 69. One end of the second connecting rod 64 is rotatably connected to one of the second sliding member 62 and the third sliding member 69, and the other end is rotatably and slidably connected to the other of the second sliding member 62 and the third sliding member 69.

[0105] In addition to the above components, the sliding mechanism 60 may also include a third sliding member 69. The third sliding member 69 is located between the first sliding member 61 and the second sliding member 62. The third sliding member 69 is not slidably connected to the rotating member 30 and the connecting member 40 and is not restricted by the rotating member 30 and the connecting member 40. The connecting rod module 63a includes a first connecting rod 63 and a second connecting rod 64, wherein the opposite ends of the first connecting rod 63 are rotationally connected to one of the first sliding member 61 and the third sliding member 69, and the other is rollingly connected. The opposite ends of the second connecting rod 64 are rotationally connected to one of the second sliding member 62 and the third sliding member 69, and the other is rollingly connected. The above components can form a structure similar to the letter "V". In other words, this embodiment can split the one integral connecting rod of the above embodiment into two connecting rods plus a third sliding member 69, thereby reducing the length dimension of the sliding mechanism 60.

[0106] When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the opening of the "V"-shaped structure is minimized, and the orthogonal projections of the first and second connecting rods 63 and 64 in the width direction are minimized. During the folding process, the first and second connecting rods 63 and 64 rotate relative to each other, causing the opening of the "V"-shaped structure to gradually increase. The orthogonal projections of the first and second connecting rods 63 and 64 in the width direction gradually increase, thereby driving the first and third sliding members 61 and 69 to gradually approach each other in the width direction, and the second and third sliding members 62 and 69 to gradually approach each other in the width direction. At this time, the first and second sliding members 61 and 62 slide in the same direction.

[0107] Alternatively, as Figure 19 As shown, the number of the first connecting rod 63, the second connecting rod 64, the first sliding member 61, the second sliding member 62, and the third sliding member 69 can all be two, and the two first connecting rods 63 are stacked and cross-arranged, and the two second connecting rods 64 are stacked and cross-arranged, which can also realize the above-mentioned movement process.

[0108] Of course, in other embodiments, it is not limited to three sliding parts, and may also include a fourth sliding part, a fifth sliding part, etc. Similarly, the connecting rod module 63a may also include a third connecting rod, a fourth connecting rod, etc., thereby forming multiple "V"-shaped structures connected in sequence along the width direction.

[0109] Please refer to Figure 20-22 In this embodiment, the connecting rod module 63a includes a first connecting rod 63 and a second connecting rod 64. One end of the first connecting rod 63 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 40, and the other end is rotatably connected to the second sliding member 62. One end of the second connecting rod 64 is rotatably connected to the second sliding member 62, and the other end is rotatably connected to the first sliding member 61.

[0110] This embodiment can also include a second connecting rod 64, with one end of the first connecting rod 63 being rotatably connected to the connecting member 40, and the other end of the first connecting rod 63 being rotatably connected to the second sliding member 62 of the rotating member 30. One end of the second connecting rod is also rotatably connected to the second sliding member 62 of the rotating member 30, and the other end is rotatably connected to the first sliding member 61 of the connecting member 40, forming another "V"-shaped structure.

[0111] When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the "V" shaped structure is the flattest, and the size of the first connecting rod 63 and the second connecting rod 64 in the width direction is the smallest. During the folding process, the connecting piece 40 slides away from the base 10, so the connecting piece 40 drives the first connecting rod 63 connected thereto to gradually rotate in the width direction, thereby driving the second sliding piece 62 to contract inward, and then driving the first sliding piece 61 to also contract inward through the second connecting rod 64, so that the "V" shaped structure gradually becomes higher, and at this time, the first sliding piece 61 and the second sliding piece 62 slide in the same direction, and the size of the first connecting rod 63 and the second connecting rod 64 in the width direction gradually increases.

[0112] Optionally, as shown in Figure 22 the number of the first connecting rod 63, the second connecting rod 64, the first sliding piece 61, the second sliding piece 62, and the third sliding piece 69 can be two, and the two groups of structures are arranged in axial symmetry along the width direction. The two first sliding pieces 61 are arranged on the opposite sides of the rotation connection between the first connecting rod 63 and the connecting piece 40, forming a "W" shaped structure.

[0113] In summary, the above describes various specific technical solutions of the sliding mechanism 60, each of which can reduce the width of the folding device 1 and improve the reliability of the folding device 1.

[0114] Please refer to Figure 23 In the embodiment, the connecting piece 40 is provided with a first groove 45 extending along the sliding direction of the first sliding piece 61, the first sliding piece 61 is arranged in the first groove 45, and the groove side wall of the first groove 45 is connected with the first sliding piece 61 through the cooperation of the first sliding block 611 and the first sliding groove 450. The groove bottom wall of the first groove 45 is provided with a first sunken groove 46, and the first sunken groove 46 extends to the outside of the first groove 45.

[0115] The connecting piece 40 is provided with a first groove 45 extending along the length direction, and the first sliding piece 61 can be connected with the groove side wall of the first groove 45 through the first sliding block 611 and the first sliding groove 450, thereby further improving the sliding performance of the first sliding piece 61 and the connecting piece 40. For example, the first sliding block 611 can be arranged on the first sliding piece 61, and the first sliding groove 450 can be arranged on the groove side wall of the first groove 45, or the first sliding block 611 can be arranged on the groove side wall of the first groove 45, and the first sliding groove 450 can be arranged on the first sliding piece 61. The embodiment only schematically illustrates that the first sliding block 611 is arranged on the first sliding piece 61 and the first sliding groove 450 is arranged on the groove side wall of the first groove 45.

[0116] In addition, a first recess 46 may be formed on the bottom wall of the first recess 45 and extend to the connector 40 outside the first recess 45 , for example, to the side surface of the connector 40 . This facilitates installation of the first sliding member 61 in the first recess 45 .

[0117] Optionally, the first groove 45 and the first sliding groove 450 may form a T-shaped groove or a dovetail groove, or other similar sliding groove shapes that can limit the position in the Z direction.

[0118] Please refer to Figure 24 In this embodiment, the connecting member 40 is provided with a second recessed groove 47 extending along the sliding direction of the connecting member 40, and part of the rotating member 30 is arranged in the second recessed groove 47. The rotating member 30 is provided with a second groove 34 extending along the sliding direction of the second sliding member 62. The second sliding member 62 is arranged in the second groove 34, and the groove side wall of the second sliding member 62 and the second groove 34 is connected with the second sliding groove 340 through the second slider 621.

[0119] A second recessed groove 47 may also be provided on the connecting member 40 along the width direction. Part of the rotating member 30 may be disposed within the second recessed groove 47, thereby enabling relative sliding between the rotating member 30 and the connecting member 40. Optionally, a second sliding member 62 may also be partially disposed within the second recessed groove 47. Since the second sliding member 62 is slidably connected to the rotating member 30, the sidewalls of the second recessed groove 47 may be utilized to limit the second sliding member 62, preventing it from slipping off the rotating member 30.

[0120] In addition, a second sunken groove 47 may be provided on the rotating member 30 along its length, and a second sliding member 62 may be disposed within the second sunken groove 47. The second sliding member 62 may be coupled to the sidewalls of the second sunken groove 47 via a second slider 621 and the second chute 340, further improving the sliding performance between the second sliding member 62 and the rotating member 30. For example, the second slider 621 may be provided on the second sliding member 62, and the second chute 340 may be provided on the sidewalls of the second groove 34, or the second slider 621 may be provided on the sidewalls of the second groove 34, and the second chute 340 may be provided on the second sliding member 62. This embodiment is merely schematically described with the second slider 621 provided on the second sliding member 62 and the second chute 340 provided on the sidewalls of the second groove 34.

[0121] Please refer to Figure 25-26It is worth noting that this embodiment and the following description do not reflect the matching structure between the rotating member 30 and the connecting member 40, that is, the sliding mechanism 60 is not shown, but the specific structure of other parts is highlighted. In this embodiment, the folding device 1 includes two support members 20, two rotating members 30, and two connecting members 40. The two support members 20 are both rotatably connected to the base 10, and each support member 20 can rotate around the first rotation axis C1 relative to the base 10, and the two first rotation axes C1 are collinear. The two rotating members 30 are respectively rotatably connected to the opposite sides of the base 10, and the two connecting members 40 are respectively located on the opposite sides of the base 10. The connecting member 40 and the rotating member 30 located on the same side of the base 10 are slidably connected to each other, and the connecting member 40 and the support member 20 can rotate around the second rotation axis C2 relative to each other, and the first rotation axis C1 is located between the two second rotation axes C2.

[0122] Since the support member 20 is rotatably connected to the base 10, and there is a rotation axis between the two parts that are rotatably connected to each other, there is a first rotation axis C1 between each support member 20 and the base 10. Two first rotation axes C1 can be formed between the two support members 20 and the base 10, that is, each support member 20 can rotate around the first rotation axis C1 relative to the base 10.

[0123] Optionally, the rotational connections between the two support members 20 and the base 10 and the rotational connections between the two rotating members 30 and the base 10 may be located on one side or on opposite sides of the base 10. This embodiment is only schematically illustrated by the rotational connections between the two support members 20 and the base 10 and the rotational connections between the two rotating members 30 and the base 10 being located on opposite sides of the base 10.

[0124] Each support member 20 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 40 on the same side. In other words, the support member 20 can rotate relative to the connecting member 40, ensuring that the angles between the support members 20 and the connecting member 40 can be changed and adjusted to prevent movement jamming. For example, a second rotation axis C2 is defined between one support member 20 and one connecting member 40, and another second rotation axis C2 is defined between another support member 20 and another connecting member 40. Therefore, in this embodiment, the base 10, the two support members 20, and the space between the two support members 20 form four rotation axes, totaling two first rotation axes C1 and two second rotation axes C2.

[0125] The rotating member 30, connecting member 40, supporting member 20, and connecting member 40 on one side of the base 10 in the folding device 1 can be regarded as a left module, and the rotating member 30, connecting member 40, supporting member 20, and connecting member 40 on the other side of the base 10 can be regarded as a right module. The left module and the right module can be symmetrically designed or asymmetrically designed. This embodiment only schematically illustrates the symmetrical structure of the left module and the right module.

[0126] The folding device 1 may also include decorative elements, which are disposed on the top surface 102 and side surfaces 103 of the base 10 to protect and cover the base 10 and other components, preventing the user from viewing the interior of the folding device 1. Furthermore, the decorative elements may cooperate with the left and right housings of the base 10 to form the exterior appearance of the electronic device.

[0127] The folding device 1 provided in this embodiment can form a track mechanism with the base 10, two rotating members 30, and two connecting members 40. In one embodiment, the folding device 1 includes a track mechanism that cooperates with two support members 20. In another embodiment, the folding device 1 includes two track mechanisms, the two track mechanisms cooperate with two support members 20, and the two track mechanisms are arranged along the extension direction of the support members 20. In this case, each support member 20 is rotationally connected to the two bases 10 in the two track mechanisms, and simultaneously rotationally connected to the two connecting members 40 in the two track mechanisms. In other embodiments, the folding device 1 includes three or more track mechanisms, three or more track mechanisms cooperate with the two support members 20, and three or more track mechanisms are arranged along the extension direction of the support members 20. In this case, each support member 20 is rotationally connected to three or more bases 10, and simultaneously rotationally connected to three or more connecting members 40. This embodiment is only schematically illustrated as a folding device 1 including one track mechanism and two support members 20.

[0128] In the related art, two parallel, spaced-apart first rotation axes C1 are formed between the two support members 20 and the base 10. Each support member 20 also forms a second rotation axis C2 with the connector 40 on the same side. Therefore, the two first rotation axes C1 and the two second rotation axes C2 form a total of four rotation axes, or quad-axles, significantly impacting the lightweight and thin design of the folding device 1 and its stability.

[0129] Based on this, this embodiment makes the two first rotation axes C1 collinear. In other words, the present application combines the rotation axes between the two support members 20 and the base 10 into one. This appears to have two first rotation axes C1, but in reality, the two first rotation axes C1 are equivalent to a single first rotation axis C1. This, combined with the two second rotation axes C2, forms a three-axis or three-center structure for the basic movement of the support member 20 and the connecting member 40. Compared to the four-center structure in the related art, this embodiment reduces one rotation axis.

[0130] The reduction of the rotation axis can first simplify the structure of the folding device 1. For example, it can reduce the number of components, thereby reducing the overall weight of the folding device 1 and making the folding device 1 lighter. Secondly, making the two first rotation axes C1 collinear is equivalent to bringing the two support members 20 closer to each other toward the center of the base 10, thereby reducing the width of the folding device 1 and making the folding device 1 thinner. In other words, in the related art, the two support members 20 are usually arranged on opposite sides of the base 10 and are respectively rotated to connect the opposite sides of the base 10. This embodiment can bring the two support members 20 closer to each other, squeeze the base 10 above the two support members 20, so that the base 10 in the unfolded state is located above the two support members 20, that is, the two support members 20 are located on the bottom surface 101 of the base 10. The two support members 20 abut against each other or a gap is set between the two support members 20, thereby compressing the dimension of the folding device 1 in the width direction and making the folding device 1 thinner. It can also be understood that when the two first rotation axes C1 are brought closer together, the two support members 20 have a smaller range of motion during the movement of the folding device 1, requiring less rotation space. This also reduces the width of the folding device 1, making it thinner, ultimately achieving the goal of making the folding device 1 lighter and thinner, and miniaturizing the folding device 1. Furthermore, the reduction in the number of rotation axes reduces the number of rotational pairs in the folding device 1, making the under-screen support and the overall structure more stable, significantly reducing the wobble and rotational offset of the folding device 1, and improving the stability of the folding device 1.

[0131] In summary, this embodiment proposes a three-axis outward folding device 1 design scheme to meet the design requirements of lightness and thinness, and proposes an optimized solution to the thickness and weight of the whole machine. At the same time, it can also improve the stability of the whole machine and improve shaking and rotational position.

[0132] In this embodiment, the support member 20 and the connecting member 40 located on the same side of the base 10 can rotate relative to each other around the second rotation axis C2, and the first rotation axis C1 is located between the two second rotation axes C2.

[0133] A second rotation axis C2 is formed between each support member 20 and the connecting member 40 on the same side. Thus, two spaced-apart second rotation axes C2 are formed between the two support members 20 and the two connecting members 40. This embodiment allows the collinear first rotation axis C1 to be located between the two second rotation axes C2, thereby allowing the two support members 20 to move away from each other when the folding device 1 is folded. Furthermore, the first rotation axis C1 is located between the two second rotation axes C2, meaning that the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 are parallel to each other, facilitating subsequent rotation of the connecting member 40 relative to the base 10 and the support member 20 relative to the connecting member 40.

[0134] Optionally, when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the first rotation axis C1 is located at the center of the two second rotation axes C2, so that the movement of the two support members 20 is relatively symmetrical, thereby driving the movement of other components and ultimately achieving symmetrical movement of the left and right sides of the folding device 1.

[0135] In this embodiment, the rotating member 30 is rotatable relative to the base 10 about the third rotation axis C3, and the second rotation axis C2 is parallel to the third rotation axis C3. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the second rotation axis C2 is farther from the bottom surface 101 of the base 10 than the third rotation axis C3, and the second rotation axis C2 is closer to the connecting member 40 than the third rotation axis C3.

[0136] The support member 20 is rotatably connected to the connecting member 40, thereby defining a second rotation axis C2 between the support member 20 and the connecting member 40. Similarly, the rotating member 30 is rotatably connected to the base 10, thereby defining a third rotation axis C3 between the rotating member 30 and the base 10. The second rotation axis C2 and the third rotation axis C3, located on the same side of the base 10, are parallel to each other; that is, the second rotation axis C2 and the third rotation axis C3 do not overlap but are spaced apart. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the second rotation axis C2 is further away from the bottom surface 101 of the base 10 than the third rotation axis C3 and is closer to the connecting member 40 than the third rotation axis C3. In other words, the second rotation axis C2 is located higher and to the right than the third rotation axis C3.

[0137] Through the above-mentioned arrangement, when the folding device 1 is folded, the connecting member 40 can also slide in a direction away from the support member 20 when rotating relative to the base 10, which can not only better control the movement trajectory of the flexible screen, but also adapt to the size of the flexible screen that becomes longer after folding. Similarly, when the folding device 1 is unfolded, the connecting member 40 can also slide in a direction close to the support member 20 when rotating relative to the base 10, thereby adapting to the size of the flexible screen that becomes shorter after unfolding. In summary, this embodiment does not require the addition of new components, and only requires the design of the positions of the second rotation axis C2 and the third rotation axis C3 to achieve the sliding of the connecting member 40 relative to the support member 20. In addition, since the connecting member 40 is rotated to connect the support member 20, during the process of the connecting member 40 sliding and rotating relative to the support member 20, the support member 20 can also rotate relative to the connecting member 40, thereby avoiding interference between the support member 20 and the connecting member 40.

[0138] Please refer to Figure 27In this embodiment, each support member 20 includes a support portion 21 and a second rotating portion 23. The support portion 21 has a first supporting surface 210 for supporting the flexible screen, and the second rotating portion 23 is arranged on the side of the support portion 21 away from the first supporting surface 210. Each connecting member 40 includes a connecting portion 41 and a third rotating portion 42. The connecting portion 41 has a second supporting surface 410 for supporting the flexible screen, and the third rotating portion 42 is arranged on the side of the connecting portion 41 away from the second supporting surface 410. The folding device 1 also includes a second rotating shaft 43 and a third rotating shaft 44. The second rotating portion 23 and the third rotating portion 42 on one side of the base 10 are arranged with a gap and are both sleeved on the second rotating shaft 43. The second rotating portion 23 and the third rotating portion 42 on the other side of the base 10 are arranged with a corresponding gap and are both sleeved on the third rotating shaft 44.

[0139] Each support member 20 includes a support portion 21 and a second rotating portion 23. The support portion 21 is the portion of the support member 20 used to support the flexible screen. Therefore, the support portion 21 has a first supporting surface 210 that supports the flexible screen. In other words, the lower surface of the support portion 21 is the first supporting surface 210. The second rotating portion 23 is the portion that rotatably connects the support member 20 to the connecting member 40. The second rotating portion 23 is located on the side of the support member 21 facing away from the first supporting surface 210. This not only does not affect the support of the support portion 21, but also facilitates the rotational connection between the second rotating portion 23 and the connecting member 40. The specific structure of the second rotating portion 23 is not limited in this embodiment.

[0140] Similarly, each connector 40 includes a connecting portion 41 and a third rotating portion 42. The connecting portion 41 is the portion of the connector 40 used to support the flexible screen. Therefore, the connecting portion 41 has a second supporting surface 410 that supports the flexible screen. In other words, the lower surface of the connecting portion 41 is the second supporting surface 410. The third rotating portion 42 is the portion that rotatably connects the connector 40 to the support member 20. The third rotating portion 42 is located on the side of the connecting portion 41 facing away from the second supporting surface 410. This not only does not affect the support of the connecting portion 41, but also facilitates the rotational connection between the third rotating portion 42 and the support member 20. The specific structure of the third rotating portion 42 is not limited in this embodiment.

[0141] The folding device 1 may further include a second rotating shaft 43 and a third rotating shaft 44, wherein the second rotating shaft 43 is configured to cooperate with the second rotating portion 23 and the third rotating portion 42 on one side of the base 10. Specifically, the second rotating portion 23 on the right side of the base 10 is sleeved onto one end of the second rotating shaft 43, and the third rotating portion 42 on the right side of the base 10 is sleeved onto the other end of the second rotating shaft 43, thereby achieving a rotational connection between the right support member 20 of the base 10 and the connecting member 40. The second rotating portion 23 and the third rotating portion 42 are spaced apart on the second rotating shaft 43, with a certain distance therebetween.

[0142] Similarly, the second rotating portion 23 on the left side of the base 10 is sleeved onto one end of the third rotating shaft 44, and the third rotating portion 42 on the left side of the base 10 is sleeved onto the other end of the third rotating shaft 44, thereby achieving a rotational connection between the left support member 20 of the base 10 and the connecting member 40. Furthermore, this embodiment allows the second rotating portion 23 and the third rotating portion 42 on the left side of the base 10 to correspond within the gap between the second rotating portion 23 and the third rotating portion 42 on the right side of the base 10. This prevents the two second rotating portions 23 and the two third rotating portions 42 on either side of the base 10 from approaching each other and interfering with each other during folding of the folding device 1, for example, when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, thereby affecting the movement of the folding device 1. In other words, when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the two second rotating portions 23 and the two third rotating portions 42 on either side of the base 10 are spaced apart from each other. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, part of the second rotating part 23 and part of the third rotating part 42 on the left side of the base 10 can be arranged in the gap between the second rotating part 23 and the third rotating part 42 on the right side of the base 10, ensuring the normal folding of the folding device 1.

[0143] Please refer to Figures 28-30 In this embodiment, each connector 40 includes a connector portion 41 having a second support surface 410 for supporting the flexible screen. Each support member 20 includes a support portion 21, which includes a first portion 211 and a second portion 212 bent and connected to the first portion 211. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the first portion 211 is used to support the flexible screen, and the second portion 212 is bent to the side of the connector 41 away from the second support surface 410. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, both the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 are used to support the flexible screen, and the second portion 212 is located between the connector 41 and the first portion 211. The first portion 211 is used to support the flexible screen in the unfolded state. In other words, the first support surface 210 of the first portion 211 is flush with the second support surface 410 of the connector 41. The second portion 212 is bent and connected to the first portion 211. When in the unfolded state, the second portion 212 can be bent to the side of the connecting portion 41 away from the second supporting surface 410. At this time, the second portion 212 does not function and can be hidden above the connecting portion 41. At the same time, the connecting portion 41 is brought close to the first portion 211, reducing the gap between the connecting portion 41 and the first portion 211 to avoid pressing the empty space.

[0144] When the folding device 1 is folded, the connecting portion 41 of the connecting piece 40 moves in a direction away from the support piece 20, at this time, the second portion 212 can gradually be exposed, when the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the second portion 212 is completely exposed, and the connecting portion 41 can be located on the side of the second portion 212 away from the first portion 211. In other words, the second portion 212 gradually moves from above the connecting portion 41 to be arranged on the same side of the connecting portion 41, and the second portion 212 is located between the first portion 211 and the connecting portion 41, that is, the first support surface 210 of the second portion 212 is flush with the second support surface 410 of the connecting portion 41, and the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the support piece 20 can be used to support the bending area, that is, the circular arc area, of the flexible screen, and the connecting portion 41 can be used to support the non-bending area, that is, the flat area, of the flexible screen.

[0145] In summary, when the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the second portion 212 hidden above the connecting portion 41 can also be used to support the flexible screen, thereby making up for the gap formed by the connecting portion 41 away from the first portion 211, improving the support effect on the flexible screen in the folded state, and avoiding the pressing of the virtual position.

[0146] Optionally, an inclined avoiding surface 412 is arranged on the side of the connecting portion 41 close to the first portion 211 and away from the second support surface 410, to avoid interference between the connecting portion 41 and the second portion 212 of the support piece 20 when the connecting portion 41 rotates.

[0147] For reference Figure 31-Figure 32 In the embodiment, the folding device 1 further comprises a bearing piece 50 connected to the base 10, when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the bearing piece 50 is located between the base 10 and the two support pieces 20, and when the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the bearing piece 50 is located between the two support pieces 20, and the bearing piece 50 is also used to support the flexible screen.

[0148] From the above, when the folding device 1 is unfolded, the two support pieces 20 and the two connecting pieces 40 can be used to support the flexible screen. When the folding device 1 is folded, the two support pieces 20 and the two connecting pieces 40 will rotate to the left and right sides respectively, so as to support the circular arc area of the flexible screen by the support piece 20 and support the flat area of the flexible screen by the connecting portion 41. However, due to the mutual moving away of the two support pieces 20, that is, the lifting of the two support pieces 20, a gap will be formed between the two support pieces 20 in the folded state, that is, the circular arc head region of the flexible screen is not supported, thereby affecting the support effect of the flexible screen.

[0149] Therefore, a carrier 50 may be further provided in the folding device 1. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the carrier 50 may be positioned between the base 10 and the two support members 20. In other words, the carrier 50 is hidden above the two support members 20 and cannot be seen by the user from the side of the first support surface 210. Therefore, the presence of the carrier 50 in the unfolded state does not affect the support provided by the two support members 20 and the two connecting members 40. When the folding device 1 is folded, that is, during the process of the folding device 1 changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two support members 20 move away from each other, which can also be understood as the two support members 20 rotating from the bottom surface of the base 10 to two opposite side surfaces of the base 10. At this time, the bottom surface area of ​​the base 10 is vacant, allowing the carrier 50 to move away from the base 10, thereby compensating for the position of the support members 20. When the folding device 1 is in the folded state, the supporting member 50 is located between the two supporting members 20. At the same time, the supporting member 50 is also used to support the flexible screen, that is, the supporting member 50 is used to support the arc head area of ​​the flexible screen. At this time, the supporting member 50 can also be called the middle plate.

[0150] Conversely, when the folding device 1 is unfolded, that is, when the folding device 1 changes from the folded state to the unfolded state, the two support members 20 approach each other, which can also be understood as the two support members 20 rotating from two opposite sides of the base 10 to the bottom surface of the base 10. At the same time, during the rotation process, the two support members 20 can drive the supporting member 50 to move in a direction closer to the base 10, so that the supporting member 50 is finally positioned between the two support members 20 and the base 10 when the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, ready for the next folding.

[0151] In summary, this embodiment provides a liftable supporting member 50 structure to ensure that the flexible screen can obtain sufficient and stable support whether in the unfolded state or the folded state, thereby ensuring the feel and reliability of the flexible screen.

[0152] Please refer to Figure 32-Figure 34 In this embodiment, the base 10 has a through hole 140, and the carrier 50 is fixed with a stopper 51 that extends through the through hole 140. The size of the stopper 51 at the end away from the carrier 50 is larger than the diameter of the through hole 140. The folding device 1 also includes an elastic member 55 that abuts between the base 10 and the carrier 50. When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the elastic member 55 is in a compressed state, and the carrier 50 abuts the two support members 20. During the process of the folding device 1 changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two support members 20 move away from each other, and the compressed elastic member 55 drives the carrier 50 to move in a direction away from the base 10 until the stopper 51 abuts the base 10.

[0153] The base 10 can also cooperate with the supporting member 50. Optionally, the base 10 includes a first sub-base 13 and a second sub-base 14, wherein the first sub-base 13 is configured to be rotatably connected to the support member 20 and the rotating member 30. The second sub-base 14 is configured to cooperate with the supporting member 50. Specifically, the second sub-base 14 is provided with a through hole 140. The supporting member 50 is fixed with a limiting portion 51 that extends through the through hole 140 of the second sub-base 14. Optionally, the supporting member 50 and the limiting portion 51 can be an integrated structure or a separate structure. This embodiment is only schematically illustrated as a separate structure of the supporting member 50 and the limiting portion 51.

[0154] Furthermore, the end of the limiting portion 51 away from the supporting member 50 passes through the second sub-base 14 and is disposed on the side of the second sub-base 14 facing away from the supporting member 50. The size of this end is larger than the diameter of the through hole 140. This prevents the end of the limiting portion 51 away from the supporting member 50 from abutting against the second sub-base 14, thereby preventing the limiting portion 51 from separating from the second sub-base 14. Optionally, the limiting portion 51 includes, but is not limited to, a screw, the nut of which is disposed on the side of the second sub-base 14 facing away from the supporting member 50. The screw shaft of the screw passes through the through hole 140 and is connected to the supporting member 50. The diameter of the nut can be larger than the diameter of the through hole 140, so that the nut abuts against the second sub-base 14, thereby limiting the position of the supporting member 50.

[0155] In addition, the folding device 1 may further include an elastic member 55, which is disposed between the second sub-base 14 and the support member 50, with opposite ends of the elastic member 55 respectively abutting the second sub-base 14 and the support member 50. Optionally, the support member 50 is provided with a circular protrusion 52, one end of the elastic member 55 is sleeved on the protrusion 52 and abuts the support member 50, while the other end abuts the second sub-base 14, and the limiting portion 51 is connected to the protrusion 52 through the elastic member 55. Optionally, the elastic member 55 includes, but is not limited to, a spring.

[0156] When the folding device 1 is in the unfolded state, the elastic member 55 is compressed. This compressed elastic member 55 applies a spring force to the second sub-base 14 and the carrier 50 at both ends. Because the base 10 is stationary, this spring force causes the carrier 50 to rest against the two support members 20. When the folding device 1 folds, i.e., when the folding device 1 moves from the unfolded state to the folded state, the two support members 20 move away from each other, gradually rotating from the bottom surface of the base 10 to the side of the base 10. As the area directly below the carrier 50 becomes free, the carrier 50, driven by the spring force of the elastic member 55, gradually moves away from the base 10. Because the stopper 51 is fixed to the carrier 50, the downward movement of the carrier also drives the stopper 51 downward. When the stopper 51 abuts the base 10, it cannot move further, causing the carrier 50 to stop sliding. Ultimately, in the folded state, the carrier 50 supports and abuts the flexible screen, thereby supporting the curved head area of ​​the flexible screen.

[0157] In summary, this embodiment ensures the lifting function of the carrier 50 during the folding process through the limiting of the limiting portion 51 and the elasticity of the elastic member 55 in the compressed state, so that the carrier 50 can be lifted and popped out in the folded state.

[0158] Please refer to Figure 35-Figure 37 In this embodiment, the carrier 50 includes a carrier wall 53 and two guide walls 54 bent and connected to opposite sides of the carrier wall 53. The outer side surfaces 540 of the two guide walls 54 are inclined relative to the carrier wall 53, such that the distance between the two outer side surfaces 540 gradually increases from closer to the carrier wall 53 to farther away from the carrier wall 53. When the folding device 1 changes from the folded state to the unfolded state, the two support members 20 respectively abut the two outer side surfaces 540, thereby driving the carrier 50 to move toward the base 10.

[0159] The carrier 50 includes a carrier wall 53 and two guide walls 54. The two guide walls 54 are bent and connected to opposite sides of the carrier wall 53. The carrier wall 53 and the two guide walls 54 can enclose a storage space, which can be used to accommodate the aforementioned protrusion 52 and elastic member 55. Specifically, the protrusion 52 can be provided on the carrier wall 53, and one end of the elastic member 55 can abut against the carrier wall 53. The guide wall 54 has an inner side surface 541 and an outer side surface 540. The inner side surface 541 is closer to the storage space than the outer side surface 540. In other words, the outer side surface 540 is part of the outer surface of the carrier 50.

[0160] In this embodiment, both outer side surfaces 540 can be inclined relative to the bearing wall 53. In other words, the entire guide wall 54 does not need to be inclined relative to the bearing wall 53. For example, the inner side surface 541 can be perpendicular to the bearing wall 53. It is only necessary to tilt the outer side surface 540 of the guide wall 54 relative to the bearing wall 53 to facilitate subsequent cooperation with the support member 20. Optionally, the entire guide wall 54 is inclined relative to the bearing wall 53, that is, the inner side surface 541 and the outer side surface 540 are both inclined relative to the bearing wall 53. Specifically, the distance between the two outer side surfaces 540 gradually increases from the direction closer to the bearing wall 53 to the direction away from the bearing wall 53. In other words, from bottom to top, the outer side surface 540 gradually tilts outward, thereby gradually increasing the opening width of the accommodating space.

[0161] With the above arrangement, when the folding device 1 is unfolded, that is, during the process of the folding device 1 changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the two support members 20 gradually rotate from the two opposite side surfaces of the base 10 to the bottom surface of the base 10. During the rotation process, the carrier 50 initially remains stationary. When the two support members 20 respectively abut against the inclined outer side surfaces 540 of the two guide walls 54 on the opposite sides of the carrier 50, the two support members 20 exert a squeezing force on the inclined outer side surfaces 540 of the guide walls 54 toward the center of the base 10 and upward (such as Figure 36 As shown by the arrow in the middle), the component of the extrusion force is directed toward the base 10 to form a resultant force that lifts up (as shown in the figure). Figure 36 (As shown in Figure F). Therefore, as the two support members 20 gradually rotate, the combined upward force of the two support members 20 can drive the carrier 50 toward the base 10. Simultaneously, the carrier 50 compresses the elastic member 55 during its upward movement. Ultimately, in the unfolded state, the carrier 50 is positioned between the two support members 20 and the base 10, with the carrier 50 abutting against the two support members 20 and the elastic member 55 compressed, ready for the next folding operation. In summary, this embodiment, through the cooperation between the carrier 50 and the two support members 20, enables the carrier 50 to automatically retract when the folding device 1 is unfolded.

[0162] Optionally, the supporting surface 530 of the supporting wall 53 for supporting the flexible screen is arc-shaped, which can better adapt to the curved head area of ​​the flexible screen and improve the supporting effect. Further optionally, the surfaces of the two supporting members 20 used to abut against the supporting surface 530 are inclined or curved surfaces, thereby improving the abutment effect between the two supporting members 20 and the supporting member 50 in the deployed state.

[0163] Please refer to Figure 38-Figure 39 The shell assembly 2 provided in this embodiment includes a first shell 71, a second shell 72, and a folding device 1 provided in the above embodiment of the present application, and the folding device 1 is connected between the first shell 71 and the second shell 72.

[0164] The housing assembly 2 is a modular component, meaning it comprises at least two components. In this embodiment, the housing assembly 2 primarily comprises two housings and the folding device 1 provided in the aforementioned embodiments of this application. The first housing 71 and the second housing 72 are primarily used to house and support components. For example, a flexible screen can be supported on the first housing 71 and the second housing 72, and functional modules such as a battery, PCB assembly, speaker, receiver, and buttons can be located within the first housing 71 and the second housing 72. Therefore, the first housing 71 and the second housing 72 primarily serve as housing and protection. In some embodiments, the surfaces of the first housing 71 and the second housing 72 can also serve as exterior surfaces. Therefore, the surfaces of the first housing 71 and the second housing 72 can be designed accordingly to give the first housing 71 and the second housing 72 a unique exterior appearance. This embodiment does not specify the shape, material, or structure of the first housing 71 and the second housing 72, as long as they achieve the desired housing and protection functions. For example, the first housing 71 and the second housing 72 can be made entirely of metal, entirely of plastic, or partially of metal and partially of plastic.

[0165] One connecting member 40 of the folding device 1 is connected to the first shell 71, and the other connecting member 40 is connected to the second shell 72, so that when the first shell 71 and the second shell 72 rotate, the two connecting members 40 are driven to rotate relative to the base 10, thereby realizing subsequent movement processes, such as the movement of the rotating member 30, the support member 20 and other components. Optionally, the shell and the connecting member 40 can be fixed by screws, snaps, or glue. The shell assembly 2 provided in this embodiment, by adopting the folding device 1 provided in the above embodiment of the present application, increases the size of the first shell 71 and the second shell 72 due to the reduction in the width direction of the folding device 1, increases the stacking space, and can achieve a lighter and thinner shell assembly 2 and improve reliability.

[0166] Please refer to Figure 40-41 The electronic device 3 provided in this embodiment includes a flexible screen 80 and a shell assembly 2 provided in the above embodiment of the present application. The flexible screen 80 is arranged on the same side of the first shell 71, the second shell 72, and the folding device 1.

[0167] The electronic device 3 provided in this embodiment includes but is not limited to mobile terminals such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable media players (PMPs), navigation devices, wearable devices, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc., as well as fixed terminals such as digital TVs and desktop computers. A mobile phone is used as an example for schematic illustration.

[0168] Electronic device 3 includes a flexible screen 80 and a housing assembly 2. Flexible screen 80 is a component with a certain degree of flexibility. Compared to rigid components, flexible screen 80 can bend to a certain extent. For example, flexible screen 80 includes, but is not limited to, various flexible components with corresponding functions, such as flexible displays, flexible touch screens, and flexible touch displays. It can also be a flexible component fixedly bonded to a flexible support plate, such as a flexible display or touch screen bonded to a flexible steel plate. Flexible screen 80 is located on the same side of first housing 71 and second housing 72 in housing assembly 2 and can bend or flatten with housing assembly 2. Specifically, flexible screen 80 has a bending zone and non-bending zones located on opposite sides of the bending zone. The bending zone corresponds to the two support members 20 of folding device 1, while the non-bending zone corresponds to the two connecting members 40, first housing 71, and second housing 72. Controlled by the two support members 20, the flexible screen 80 in the bending zone changes shape as the folding device 1 moves, thereby causing the flexible screen 80 in the bending zone to bend as well, thereby bending or flattening with the movement of electronic device 3. Since the non-bending area is fixed on the two connecting parts 40, the first shell 71 and the second shell 72, the two connecting parts 40, the first shell 71 and the second shell 72 will only rotate relative to each other and will not change their shape. Therefore, even if the first shell 71 and the second shell 72 rotate, the flexible screen 80 on the two connecting parts 40, the first shell 71 and the second shell 72 will not bend.

[0169] The flexible screen 80 also has a display surface 800 capable of displaying images. When the electronic device 3 is in the unfolded state, the display surface 800 of the flexible screen 800 is flattened to provide a maximum display surface area. When the electronic device 3 is in the folded state, the opposite ends of the flexible screen 800 fold toward each other, and the display surface 800 is exposed outside the electronic device 3. The user can still view the content on the display surface 800 in the folded state, which improves the use cases of the electronic device 3. In this case, the electronic device 3 can also be referred to as an outward-folding electronic device 3.

[0170] The electronic device 3 provided in this embodiment can achieve lightweight and thin electronic device 3 and improve reliability by adopting the housing assembly 2 provided in the above embodiment of the present application.

[0171] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0172] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0173] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "mounted," "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to connection, detachable connection, or integration. They may refer to mechanical connection or electrical connection. They may refer to direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediary. They may refer to internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0174] The above details the contents provided in the embodiments of the present application, and illustrates and describes the principles and embodiments of the present application. These explanations are only intended to help understand the method and core concept of the present application. However, the contents of this specification should not be construed as limiting the present application. Those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Such modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A folding device, characterized in that: include: base; A rotating member, rotatably connected to the base; a support member, rotatably connected to the base; a connecting member, rotatably connected to the supporting member and slidably connected to the rotating member; as well as The sliding mechanism includes a first sliding member slidably connected to the connecting member, a second sliding member slidably connected to the rotating member, and a connecting rod module movably connecting the first sliding member and the second sliding member; Wherein, during the folding process of the folding device, the rotating member and the supporting member rotate relative to the base, the connecting member rotates relative to the supporting member and slides relative to the rotating member in a direction away from the base, the connecting rod module rotates relative to the connecting member and the rotating member, and the size of the positive projection of the connecting rod module in the sliding direction of the connecting member increases, the first sliding member slides relative to the connecting member, and the second sliding member slides relative to the rotating member.

2. The folding device according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting rod module includes a first connecting rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to one of the first sliding member and the second sliding member, and the other end of the first connecting rod is rotatably and slidably connected to the other of the first sliding member and the second sliding member.

3. The folding device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The other end of the first connecting rod is connected to the other of the first sliding member and the second sliding member through a rolling shaft and a rolling groove, and the rolling groove has a first limit end and a second limit end relatively arranged along the extension direction of the first connecting rod, and the first limit end is closer to the center of the first connecting rod than the second limit end; when the folding device is in the unfolded state, the rolling shaft is positioned at the first limit end, and when the folding device is in the folded state, the rolling shaft is positioned at the second limit end.

4. The folding device according to claim 2, wherein: One first connecting rod, one first sliding member, and one second sliding member constitute a sliding kit, the sliding mechanism includes two sliding kits, two first connecting rods in the two sliding kits are stacked and cross-arranged along the thickness direction thereof, and the two first connecting rods are rotatably connected; Wherein, during the folding process of the folding device, the two first connecting rods rotate relative to each other, the two first sliding members approach each other, and the two second sliding members approach each other.

5. The folding device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sliding mechanism further includes a rotating shaft passing through the two first connecting rods. Both the rotating member and the connecting member are provided with a limiting groove extending along the sliding direction of the connecting member. The rotating shaft is arranged in the limiting groove.

6. The folding device according to claim 2, wherein: The sliding mechanism also includes a first elastic member, which is sleeved on the first connecting rod, and the opposite ends of the first elastic member are respectively fixed to the first sliding member and the second sliding member. When the folding device is in the folded state, the first elastic member is in a stretched state.

7. The folding device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sliding mechanism also includes a first elastic member, which is sleeved on the first connecting rod, and one end of the first elastic member is fixed to the rotating connection between the two first connecting rods, and the other end of the first elastic member is fixed to the other of the first sliding member and the second sliding member; when the folding device is in the folding state, the first elastic member is in a stretched state.

8. The folding device according to claim 4, wherein: The sliding mechanism further includes a second elastic member, which is held between the two first sliding members and / or the second elastic member is held between the two second sliding members; when the folding device is in the folded state, the second elastic member is in a compressed state.

9. The folding device according to claim 4, wherein: The sliding mechanism further includes a third elastic member, which is fixed between the first sliding member and the second sliding member on the same side. When the folding device is in the folded state, the third elastic member is in a stretched state.

10. The folding device according to claim 1, wherein: The sliding mechanism also includes a third sliding member located between the first sliding member and the second sliding member, and the connecting rod module includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod, one end of the first connecting rod is rotatably connected to one of the first sliding member and the third sliding member, and the other end is rotatably and slidingly connected to the other of the first sliding member and the third sliding member; one end of the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to one of the second sliding member and the third sliding member, and the other end is rotatably and slidingly connected to the other of the second sliding member and the third sliding member.

11. The folding device according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting rod module includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod, one end of the first connecting rod is rotatably connected to the connecting member, and the other end is rotatably connected to the second sliding member, and one end of the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second sliding member, and the other end is rotatably connected to the first sliding member.

12. The folding device according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting member is provided with a first groove extending along the sliding direction of the first sliding member, the first sliding member is arranged in the first groove, and the first sliding member and the groove side wall of the first groove are connected to each other through the first sliding block and the first sliding groove; the groove bottom wall of the first groove is provided with a first sinking groove, and the first sinking groove extends outside the first groove.

13. The folding device according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting member is provided with a second recessed groove extending along the sliding direction of the connecting member, part of the rotating member is arranged in the second recessed groove, the rotating member is provided with a second groove extending along the sliding direction of the second sliding member, the second sliding member is arranged in the second groove, and the second sliding member and the groove side wall of the second groove are connected in cooperation with the second sliding groove through the second slider.

14. The folding device according to claim 1, wherein: The folding device comprises: The two support members are both rotatably connected to the base, and each of the support members can rotate relative to the base around a first rotation axis, and the two first rotation axes are collinear; The two rotating members are rotatably connected to opposite sides of the base respectively; and The two connecting members are respectively located on opposite sides of the base. The connecting member and the rotating member located on the same side of the base are slidingly connected to each other. The connecting member and the supporting member can rotate relative to each other around the second rotation axis, and the first rotation axis is located between the two second rotation axes.

15. A housing assembly, characterized in that: The shell assembly includes a first shell, a second shell, and a folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and the folding device is connected between the first shell and the second shell.

16. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device includes a flexible screen and a housing assembly according to claim 15, wherein the flexible screen is arranged on the same side of the first housing, the second housing, and the folding device.

17. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein: When the electronic device is in a folded state, the display surface of the flexible screen is exposed.

Images