Rotating shaft mechanism, supporting device and foldable electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a rotating shaft mechanism, a supporting device and foldable electronic equipment, and relates to the field of electronic equipment. The rotating shaft mechanism comprises a rotating shaft base, a first swing arm, a first main supporting piece and a first auxiliary supporting piece. The rotating shaft base is provided with a base supporting surface; the first swing arm is rotatably connected to one end of the rotating shaft base in the first direction; the first connecting piece is connected to the first swing arm; the first main supporting piece is rotatably connected to the first connecting piece, and the first main supporting piece is provided with a first main supporting surface; the first auxiliary supporting piece is located on one side, in the second direction, of the first main supporting piece, one end of the first auxiliary supporting piece is rotatably connected to one end, in the first direction, of the rotating shaft base, and the other end of the first auxiliary supporting piece is slidably and rotatably connected to the first main supporting piece and / or the first connecting piece. The first auxiliary supporting piece is provided with a first auxiliary supporting face. Therefore, the flatness problem and the shadow problem of the area, corresponding to the rotating shaft mechanism, of the folding screen can be improved to a certain degree.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic devices, and more particularly to a pivot mechanism, a support device, and a foldable electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Compared to the structure of traditional candybar phones, foldable electronic devices, such as foldable screen phones, are receiving increasing attention because they can simultaneously offer large-screen displays and portability. Foldable electronic devices consist of a support structure and a foldable screen. The support structure includes a hinge mechanism and housings connected to both sides of the hinge mechanism. The foldable screen is continuously supported on the hinge mechanism and housings. The foldable screen can be folded and unfolded by opening and closing the hinge mechanism.

[0003] As a medium for direct user interaction, foldable screens have become a key factor influencing the user experience of foldable electronic devices. Among these challenges, the flatness and lighting issues in the area corresponding to the hinge mechanism of the foldable screen have long been a difficult problem for the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a hinge mechanism, a support device, and a foldable electronic device, which can improve the flatness and light and shadow problems of the area corresponding to the hinge mechanism of the foldable screen to a certain extent.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a rotating shaft mechanism, including a rotating shaft base, a first swing arm, a first main support member, and a first secondary support member. The rotating shaft base has a base support surface; the first swing arm is rotatably connected to one end of the rotating shaft base in a first direction, and the first swing arm extends along a second direction relative to the rotation center line of the rotating shaft base, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; a first connecting member is connected to the first swing arm; the first main support member is rotatably connected to the first connecting member, and the first main support member extends along the second direction relative to the rotation center line of the first connecting member, the first main support member having a first main support surface; the first secondary support member is located on one side of the first main support member in the second direction, one end of the first secondary support member is rotatably connected to one end of the rotating shaft base in the first direction, and the other end of the first secondary support member is slidably and rotatably connected to a first structural member, the first structural member being the first main support member and / or the first connecting member, the first secondary support member having a first secondary support surface.

[0007] Therefore, in addition to supporting a portion of the bendable area of ​​the foldable screen with the first main support member, the hinge mechanism also supports another portion of the bendable area with the first and second secondary support members. This two-stage support system enhances the support effect. Furthermore, since one end of the first secondary support member is rotatably connected to the hinge base, and the other end is slidably and rotatably connected to the first structural member, the first secondary support member can fill the first gap between the first main support member and the hinge base. This not only increases the support strength of the hinge mechanism for the foldable screen in the first gap area but also restricts the deformation of the foldable screen at the first gap, thereby improving the flatness of the foldable screen and mitigating the poor light and shadow effect near the first gap. This, in turn, improves the user's writing and touch experience on the foldable screen. The first gap refers to the gap between the first main support member and the hinge base during the switching between the folded and unfolded states of the hinge mechanism.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, one of the first structural member and the first secondary support member is provided with a first slide rail, and the other of the first structural member and the first secondary support member is provided with a first sliding convex shaft, which is slidably and rotatably fitted within the first slide rail; the two ends of the first slide rail along its own extension trajectory are a first end and a second end, respectively, and the distance from the second end to the pivot base is less than the distance from the first end to the pivot base; when the pivot mechanism is in the unfolded state, the first sliding convex shaft is located at the first end; when the pivot mechanism is in the folded state, the first sliding convex shaft is located at the second end.

[0009] Thus, when the hinge mechanism switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the distance between the end of the first secondary support member near the hinge base and the end of the first main support member near the hinge base is increased. This increases the length and height of the space within the hinge mechanism used to accommodate the third display area in the folded state, effectively avoiding pressure on the third display area and preventing the foldable screen from being squeezed by the hinge base. When the hinge mechanism switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the distance between the ends of the first secondary support member and the first main support member near the hinge base decreases, and the position of the hinge base is raised to effectively support the third display area.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first main support member includes a first door panel and a first protrusion. The first door panel has a first main support surface; the first protrusion is located on the side of the first door panel opposite to the first main support surface and is connected to the first door panel, and a first slide rail is formed on the first protrusion; wherein the vertical distance between the second end and the first main support surface is greater than the vertical distance between the first end and the first main support surface. In this way, when the pivot mechanism switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the end of the first secondary support member facing the first connector moves a certain distance away from the first support, which increases the width of the space within the pivot mechanism in the folded state used to accommodate the third display area along the first direction, increases the clearance space of the third display area, and reduces the probability of creases forming in the third display area.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first protrusion is located at one end of the first door panel near the first secondary support member in the second direction, and the first protrusion protrudes from the first door panel in the second direction. This helps to shorten the dimension of the first sliding cam in the first direction, reduces the possibility of damage to the first sliding cam in the event of an accidental drop of the foldable electronic device, and improves the reliability of the hinge mechanism.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first secondary support member includes a first support segment. The first support segment has at least a portion of a first secondary support surface; the plane containing the first primary support surface is a first plane; in the unfolded state, the first secondary support surface and the first primary support surface are aligned and coplanar, the first support segment is located on the side of the first protrusion facing the first plane, and the vertical projection of the first support segment onto the first plane overlaps with the vertical projection of the first protrusion onto the first plane. This reduces the gap between the first secondary support member and the first primary support member in the second direction to a certain extent, improving the continuity of the hinge mechanism's support for the folding screen.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first auxiliary support member includes a second support segment. The second support segment has a portion of the first auxiliary support surface; along the second direction, the second support segment is located at the end of the first support segment away from the first main support member, and the end of the second support segment away from the pivot base protrudes from the end of the first support segment away from the pivot base to form a first notch at the end of the first auxiliary support member near the first main support member. A first sliding convex shaft is connected to the second support segment and is located within the first notch. In this way, when the pivot mechanism is in the deployed state, the first notch can avoid the end of the first protrusion near the first main support surface, and make the first auxiliary support surface and the first main support surface coplanar, which helps to improve the structural compactness while ensuring the continuity of the surface used to support the bendable area on the pivot mechanism.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first door panel is made of a fiber composite material. For example, the first door panel could be made of carbon fiber. This reduces the weight of the pivot mechanism.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the stiffness of the first protrusion is greater than that of the first door panel. This ensures the reliability of the relative movement between the first slide rail and the first sliding cam, and avoids affecting the reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism while reducing the overall weight of the machine.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the end of the first connector facing the shaft base has a first clearance notch, and both the first protrusion and the first auxiliary support are located at the first clearance notch. Thus, during rotation, the first clearance notch avoids the first auxiliary support and the first protrusion, making the entire shaft mechanism structure more compact.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the end of the first connector facing the pivot base has a first clearance notch, and a first auxiliary support member is located at the first clearance notch; a first slide rail is provided on at least one inner wall surface of the first clearance notch along a second direction, and the first slide rail is located on the side of the first main support member opposite to the first main support surface; wherein the vertical distance between the second end and the first main support surface is greater than the vertical distance between the first end and the first main support surface. In this way, the first auxiliary support member can slide and rotate relative to the first connector within the first slide rail via a first sliding convex shaft, resulting in a compact overall structure.

[0018] Specifically, the first clearance notch extends along the second direction to one end face of the first connector to form an opening, and the first slide rail is provided on the inner wall surface of the first clearance notch along the second direction opposite to the opening.

[0019] Of course, this application is not limited to this. In one possible implementation of the first aspect, when the first clearance notch has inner wall surfaces on both sides along the second direction, the first slide rails mentioned above can also be provided on the inner wall surfaces on both sides along the second direction of the first clearance notch. In this case, it is sufficient to ensure that the first secondary support member has a first sliding convex shaft that cooperates with the first slide rails on the inner wall surfaces on both sides along the second direction of the first clearance notch.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the extension path of the first slide rail arches away from the first main support surface. This facilitates the smooth sliding of the first sliding convex shaft within the first slide rail when the foldable electronic device switches between an unfolded and folded state, allowing the tilt angle of the first secondary support member relative to the pivot base to change gradually, thus preventing impact on the foldable screen.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the pivot mechanism is capable of switching between a folded state and an unfolded state. In the folded state, the angle between the first main support surface and the base support surface is less than 90°; the angle between the first secondary support surface and the base support surface is greater than the angle between the first main support surface and the base support surface. This improves the continuity of the surfaces on the first rotating assembly used to support the bendable area, thereby enhancing the support effect of the pivot mechanism on the foldable screen.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the hinge mechanism is capable of switching between a folded state and an unfolded state. In the folded state, the angle between the first secondary support surface and the base support surface is greater than 90° and less than 180°. This reduces the pressure exerted on the foldable screen by the first secondary support during rotation in the folded state, thus at least partially preventing damage to the foldable screen.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the pivot base includes a base and a middle beam plate. The middle beam plate is disposed on the third direction side of the base, and the surface of the middle beam plate facing away from the base has a base support surface. A first auxiliary support member is rotatably connected to one end of the middle beam plate in the first direction; wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction. This reduces manufacturing difficulty and facilitates the processing and manufacturing of the pivot base.

[0024] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the central beam plate has a first clearance notch at one end in the first direction, and a first pivot portion is provided on the inner wall of the first clearance notch. A second pivot portion is provided at the end of the first auxiliary support member near the pivot base, and the first and second pivot portions are rotatably engaged. The first clearance notch allows the second axis of rotation of the first auxiliary support member relative to the pivot base to be closer to the symmetry line of the pivot base, further avoiding the arc segment during the rotation of the first rotating assembly from the unfolded state to the folded state. Simultaneously, the first clearance notch also helps to reduce the width of the pivot base along the first direction, mitigating the impact of adding the first auxiliary support member on the width of the pivot base.

[0025] Specifically, the middle beam plate has a first clearance notch at one end in the first direction, and at least one first pivot portion is provided on the inner wall of the first clearance notch. When there are multiple first pivot portions, the multiple first pivot portions are arranged coaxially. The end of the first auxiliary support member near the pivot base is provided with at least one second pivot portion. When there are multiple second pivot portions, the multiple second pivot portions are arranged coaxially.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, there are two first pivoting parts, spaced apart along a second direction. There are also two second pivoting parts, spaced apart along the second direction. The two second pivoting parts can be located between the two first pivoting parts, or vice versa. Each of the two second pivoting parts engages with one of the two first pivoting parts. This engagement and restraint between the two first and two second pivoting parts prevents the first auxiliary support member from disengaging from the pivot base along the second direction.

[0027] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, a first fixing block is provided on the inner wall surface of the first clearance notch, and a first shaft hole is provided on the first fixing block, defining a first pivot portion; the end of the first secondary support member near the rotating shaft base has a first mating notch, the first fixing block is located within the first mating notch, and a second pivot portion protruding from the inner wall surface of the first mating notch is provided on one side of the inner wall surface of the first mating notch in the second direction. This makes the rotation between the first secondary support member and the rotating shaft base more compact, improving the overall structural compactness.

[0028] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, a limiting rib is provided on the surface of the first secondary support member facing away from the first secondary support surface. In the unfolded state, the limiting rib abuts against the surface of the base facing the central beam plate. Thus, the limiting rib can stop the first rotating assembly in the unfolded state, preventing the first rotating assembly from over-unfolding and causing damage to the pivot mechanism and the folding screen.

[0029] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first slide rail, moving along the first sliding cam shaft from the first end to the second end, sequentially includes a first segment and a second segment. The curvature of the extended trajectory of the first segment is greater than the curvature of the extended trajectory of the second segment, and the width of the first segment is greater than the width of the second segment. This makes the sliding smoother during rotation as the first sliding cam shaft moves from the first end through the first segment and then through the second segment to the second end, thus reducing the probability of the rotating shaft mechanism jamming to some extent.

[0030] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first connecting member is rotatably connected to the first swing arm; the rotating shaft mechanism further includes: a first connecting swing arm. The first connecting swing arm is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft base, and the first connecting swing arm and the first connecting member are relative to each other and can slide; when the rotating shaft mechanism switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first connecting member slides relative to the first connecting swing arm in a direction away from the rotating shaft base. This ensures the motion stability of the first housing.

[0031] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first main support member includes a first door panel, one side of which has a first main support surface in the thickness direction, and a first rounded corner is provided between the side of the first door panel and the first main support surface; and / or, one side of the first secondary support member has a first secondary support surface in the thickness direction, and a first rounded chamfer is provided between the side of the first secondary support member and the first secondary support surface. In this way, the first main support member has a rounded transition at the edge of the first main support surface, reducing the stress in the contact area between the folding screen and the first main support surface, and to a certain extent reducing the probability of localized poor lighting and shadow caused by deformation of the folding screen at the seam.

[0032] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes: a second swing arm, a second connecting member, a second main support member, and a second auxiliary support member. The second swing arm is rotatably connected to the other end of the rotating shaft base in the first direction; the rotation center line of the second swing arm relative to the rotating shaft base extends along a second direction; the second connecting member is connected to the second swing arm; the second main support member is rotatably connected to the second connecting member, the rotation center line of the second main support member extends along the second direction relative to the second connecting member, and the second main support member has a second support surface; the second auxiliary support member is located on one side of the second main support member in the second direction, one end of the second auxiliary support member is rotatably connected to the other end of the rotating shaft base in the first direction, and the other end of the second auxiliary support member is slidably and rotatably connected to a second structural member, the second structural member being the second main support member and / or the second connecting member, and the second auxiliary support member having a second auxiliary support surface.

[0033] Therefore, in addition to supporting a portion of the foldable area with the second main support member, the hinge mechanism also supports the remaining foldable area with the second auxiliary support member. This two-stage support system enhances the support effect. Furthermore, since one end of the second auxiliary support member is rotatably connected to the hinge base, and the other end is slidably and rotatably connected to the second structural member, the second gap between the second main support member and the hinge base can be filled by the second auxiliary support member. This not only increases the support strength of the hinge mechanism for the foldable screen in the second gap area, but also limits the deformation of the foldable screen at the second gap, thereby improving the flatness of the foldable screen and mitigating the poor light and shadow issues near the second gap. This, in turn, improves the user's writing and touch experience on the foldable screen. The second gap refers to the gap between the second main support member and the hinge base during the switching between the folded and unfolded states of the hinge mechanism.

[0034] Secondly, this application provides a support device, including a first housing and a rotating shaft mechanism. The first housing has a first support surface; the rotating shaft mechanism is the pressure head module in the first aspect embodiment; and a first connecting member is fixedly connected to the first housing.

[0035] Thirdly, this application provides a foldable electronic device, including a foldable screen and the support device described in the second aspect. At least a portion of the foldable screen is supported on a first support surface, a first main support surface, a first secondary support surface, and a base support surface.

[0036] Since the support device of the second aspect and the foldable electronic device of the third aspect provided in the embodiments of this application include the pivot mechanism of any technical solution provided in the first aspect, the support device of the second aspect and the foldable electronic device of the third aspect can solve the same technical problem corresponding to any technical solution in the first aspect and achieve the same technical effect, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 A perspective view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, provided for some embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial exploded view of the foldable electronic device shown.

[0039] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the foldable electronic device in its folded state.

[0040] Figure 4 A perspective view of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application in its unfolded state;

[0041] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the assembly structure of the pivot mechanism and the foldable screen in a folded state.

[0042] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The front view of the assembly structure shown when viewed along direction D1;

[0043] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first rotating component and the rotating shaft base within the rotating shaft mechanism shown.

[0044] Figure 8 A perspective view of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in some other embodiments of this application in its unfolded state;

[0045] Figure 9 for Figure 8The diagram shows the assembly structure of the pivot mechanism and the foldable screen in a folded state.

[0046] Figure 10 for Figure 9 The front view of the assembly structure shown, viewed along D2;

[0047] Figure 11 for Figure 8 A perspective view of the assembly structure of the first rotating component and the rotating shaft base in the rotating shaft mechanism in a folded state.

[0048] Figure 12 for Figure 10 A partial enlarged view of the assembly structure shown, excluding the area I behind the folding screen;

[0049] Figure 13 for Figure 8 The exploded structure of the rotating shaft mechanism shown is presented in a top-down perspective.

[0050] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A magnified view of region J in the decomposed structure shown;

[0051] Figure 15 for Figure 11 Rear view of the assembly structure shown;

[0052] Figure 16 A perspective view of the assembly structure of the first rotating component and the rotating shaft base in the rotating shaft mechanism provided in some other embodiments of this application in a folded state;

[0053] Figure 17 for Figure 16 A magnified view of region K in the assembly structure shown;

[0054] Figure 18 for Figure 16 The front view of the rotating shaft mechanism shown when viewed along direction D3;

[0055] Figure 19 for Figure 11 A perspective view of the assembly structure shown from another angle;

[0056] Figure 20 for Figure 19 An exploded three-dimensional view of the assembly structure shown in the Z-axis direction;

[0057] Figure 21 for Figure 20 A magnified view of region H in the assembly structure shown;

[0058] Figure 22 A schematic cross-sectional view of the first door panel in the XZ plane or the YZ plane in the rotating shaft mechanism provided in any embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 23 A schematic cross-sectional view of the first auxiliary support member in the rotating shaft mechanism provided in any embodiment of this application on the XZ plane or the YZ plane.

[0060] Figure label:

[0061] 100 foldable electronic devices;

[0062] Foldable screen 10; First display area 101; Second display area 102; Third display area 103; First transition segment 1031; Second transition segment 1032; Arc segment 1033; First arc segment 1033a; Second arc segment 1033b; Third arc segment 1033c; First distance c1; Second distance c2;

[0063] Support device 20; First housing 201; Second housing 202; Rotating shaft mechanism 203;

[0064] Rotating shaft base 1; base 11; middle beam plate 12; first clearance notch 121; first pivot part 122; first fixing block 123; first shaft hole 122a;

[0065] First rotating assembly 2A;

[0066] First structural component 2A1; First slide rail 2A11; First end d1; Second end d2; First segment L1; Second segment L2; First width w1; Second width w2;

[0067] First swing arm 21A;

[0068] First connector 22A; first clearance notch 221; first slide groove 222; second slide groove 223;

[0069] First main support component 23A; First main support surface m1A; First door panel 231; First protrusion 232; Section S;

[0070] First secondary support member 24A; First secondary support surface m2A; First support section 241; Second support section 242; First sliding convex shaft 243; First notch 244; First mating notch 245; Second pivot part 246; First rotating shaft 246a; Limiting rib 247;

[0071] First connecting swing arm 25A; first sliding part 251; second sliding part 252;

[0072] First connecting area 3A; Second connecting area 3B; First gap 1a; First fillet r1; First rounded chamfer r2;

[0073] Second rotating component 2B; second structural component 2B1; second swing arm 21B; second connecting component 22B; second main support component 23B; second auxiliary support component 24B; second gap 1b. Detailed Implementation

[0074] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0075] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term "and / or" describes an association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0076] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0077] In the description of embodiments of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0078] In the description of embodiments of this application, the terms "coplanar," "perpendicular," and "parallel" include the described situation and situations similar to the described situation, the range of which is within an acceptable deviation range, which is determined by those skilled in the art taking into account the measurement under discussion and the error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "coplanar" means approximately coplanar with an allowable error range, which may be an angular deviation of 5°, 10°, or 15° relative to absolute coplanarity, or a step difference of no more than 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, or 1 mm relative to absolute coplanarity. "Parallel" includes absolute parallelism and approximately parallelism, wherein the acceptable deviation range for approximately parallelism may be, for example, an angular deviation of 5°, 8°, or 10°. "Perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicularity and approximately perpendicularity, wherein the acceptable deviation range for approximately perpendicularity may also be, for example, a deviation of 5°, 8°, or 10°.

[0079] This application provides a foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device can include various electronic devices with a foldable screen that can change its unfolded or folded shape. Depending on different usage requirements, the foldable electronic device can be unfolded or folded.

[0080] Specifically, the foldable electronic device can be, but is not limited to, a user equipment (UE) or a terminal device. For example, the foldable electronic device can be a tablet computer (PAD), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device, an in-vehicle device, or other mobile or fixed terminal. For ease of understanding, in the various embodiments of this application, the foldable electronic device is exemplified by a handheld device, such as a mobile phone.

[0081] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 1 A perspective view of a foldable electronic device 100 provided in some embodiments of this application in its unfolded state. Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partially exploded view of the foldable electronic device 100 shown. Figure 3 for Figure 1The diagram shows the foldable electronic device 100 in its folded state. In its unfolded state, the foldable electronic device 100 is approximately rectangular flat. In other embodiments, the foldable electronic device 100 may also be square flat, circular flat, elliptical flat, etc.

[0082] The foldable electronic device 100 includes a foldable screen 10 and a support device 20.

[0083] Understandable Figure 1 The foldable electronic device 100 is shown only schematically, and the actual shape, size, position, and construction of these components are not subject to change. Figure 1 Restrictions.

[0084] The foldable screen 10 is used to display images, videos, etc. Specifically, the foldable screen 10 can be, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) display, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display, etc.

[0085] The foldable screen 10 has a display area for displaying image information, and the display area of ​​the foldable screen 10 is exposed to facilitate the presentation of images, videos, and other information to the user. The foldable screen 10 includes a first display area 101, a second display area 102, and a third display area 103, with the third display area 103 connected between the first display area 101 and the second display area 102. Figure 1In the foldable electronic device 100 shown, the foldable screen 10 is in the unfolded state. The first display area 101, the third display area 103, and the second display area 102 are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the foldable screen 10, thus the foldable electronic device 100 folds laterally. In some other embodiments, when the foldable screen 10 is in the unfolded state, the first display area 101, the third display area 103, and the second display area 102 are arranged sequentially along the width direction of the foldable screen 10. Thus, the foldable electronic device 100 folds vertically. When the foldable screen 10 is in the unfolded state, a large-screen display can be achieved to provide users with richer information and a better user experience.

[0086] At least the third display area 103 of the foldable screen 10 is a flexible display structure. Thus, the third display area 103 can bend and deform under external force, allowing the foldable screen 10 to... Figure 1 Fold to the unfolded state shown Figure 3 The folded state is shown. The first display area 101 and the second display area 102 of the foldable screen 10 can be a flexible screen structure, a rigid screen structure, or a combination of both; no specific limitation is made here.

[0087] Please continue reading. Figure 3 In the folded state, the foldable screen 10 of the foldable electronic device 100 is also folded. Specifically, when the foldable screen 10 is folded, the first display area 101 and the second display area 102 of the foldable screen 10 are approximately parallel and opposite to each other. It should be noted that the angle θ between the first display area 101 and the second display area 102 is within 30°, and the first display area 101 and the second display area 102 can be considered approximately parallel. The first display area 101 and the second display area 102 being opposite to each other means that the display surface of the first display area 101 faces the display surface of the second display area 102.

[0088] When the foldable screen 10 is in the folded state, please continue reading. Figure 3The third display area 103 is folded into a teardrop shape. In this shape, the third display area 103 includes a first transition segment 1031, an arc segment 1033, and a second transition segment 1032. The first transition segment 1031 connects the arc segment 1033 and the first display area 101. The second transition segment 1032 connects the arc segment 1033 and the second display area 102. The distance between the end of the first transition segment 1031 connecting to the first display area 101 and the end of the second transition segment 1032 connecting to the second display area 102 is a first distance c1. The distance between the end of the first transition segment 1031 connecting to the arc segment 1033 and the end of the second display area 102 connecting to the arc segment 1033 is a second distance c2, and the second distance c2 is greater than the first distance c1. It is understood that when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the third display area 103 of the foldable screen 10 can also be folded into other shapes as needed, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0089] When the foldable electronic device 100 is in the folded state, please continue reading. Figure 3 The support device 20 protects the outside of the folding screen 10, which is invisible to the user and can prevent the folding screen 10 from being scratched by hard objects. The foldable electronic device 100 is an inward foldable electronic device, and the size of the foldable electronic device 100 is reduced, making it convenient to carry.

[0090] A support device 20 is used to support the foldable screen 10. The support device 20 includes a first housing 201, a second housing 202, and a pivot mechanism 203. The first housing 201 supports a first display area 101, and the second housing 202 supports a second display area 102. The pivot mechanism 203 is connected between the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 and supports a third display area 103. The pivot mechanism 203 is used to enable rotation between the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 to support the foldable screen 10 in an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0091] Based on the above, the side of the support device 20 facing the folding screen 10 is defined as the front side, and the side facing away from the folding screen 10 is defined as the back side. Furthermore, for the convenience of the description of the embodiments below, unless otherwise specified, the term "front side" used to describe the components within the support device 20 refers to the side of the described component facing the folding screen 10, "front end face" refers to the surface of the described component facing the folding screen 10, "back side" refers to the side of the described component facing away from the folding screen 10, and "back surface" refers to the surface of the described component facing away from the folding screen 10.

[0092] Please see Figure 4 and combined Figure 3 , Figure 4This is a perspective view of the rotating shaft mechanism 203 provided in some embodiments of this application in its unfolded state. The rotating shaft mechanism 203 includes a rotating shaft base 1, a first rotating component 2A, and a second rotating component 2B.

[0093] For ease of description in the following embodiments, an XYZ coordinate system is established for the rotating shaft base 1. Specifically, the length direction of the rotating shaft base 1 is defined as the Y-axis direction (i.e., the second direction), which is the extension direction of the rotation axes of the first housing 201 and the second housing 202. The thickness direction of the rotating shaft base 1 is defined as the Z-axis direction (i.e., the third direction), and the direction perpendicular to both the Y-axis and Z-axis directions is defined as the X-axis direction (i.e., the first direction). It is understood that the coordinate system setting of the rotating shaft base 1 can be flexibly set according to actual needs, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0094] The pivot base 1, also known as the middle beam or connecting beam, provides a positional reference within the pivot mechanism 203. The length direction of the pivot base 1 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. In some embodiments, the pivot base 1 can be used to support a portion of the folding screen 10. Optionally, the front end face of the pivot base 1 has a base support surface m0, which is used to support a portion of the arc segment 1033.

[0095] Please see Figure 5 and combined Figure 4 , Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a perspective view of the assembly structure of the hinge mechanism 203 and the foldable screen 10 in the folded state. In the folded state, a certain gap can be maintained between the arc segment 1033 and the hinge base 1 to prevent the foldable electronic device 100 from being damaged by elastic deformation of the foldable screen 10 upon drop, which would cause it to be squeezed against the hinge base 1. It is understood that in other examples, the arc segment 1033 of the foldable screen 10 may also be in contact with the hinge base 1 in the folded state.

[0096] The first rotating assembly 2A and the second rotating assembly 2B are located on both sides of the rotating shaft base 1. The first rotating assembly 2A is connected between the rotating shaft base 1 and the first housing 201, and the second rotating assembly 2B is connected between the rotating shaft base 1 and the second housing 202.

[0097] Please return to the reference. Figure 3 The first rotating component 2A supports the first housing 201 in changing between a folded state and an unfolded state, and the second rotating component 2B supports the second housing 202 in changing between a folded state and an unfolded state. Simultaneously, the first rotating component 2A supports the first transition segment 1031 of the foldable screen 10, and the second rotating component 2B supports the second transition segment 1032 of the foldable screen 10.

[0098] Please continue reading. Figure 4and Figure 5 The first rotating assembly 2A includes a first swing arm 21A, a first connecting member 22A, and a first main support member 23A. The second rotating assembly 2B includes a second swing arm 21B, a second connecting member 22B, and a second main support member 23B.

[0099] The first swing arm 21A and the second swing arm 21B are rotatably connected to both ends of the rotating shaft base 1. The rotation center line of the first swing arm 21A and the second swing arm 21B relative to the rotating shaft base 1 extends along the Y-axis direction.

[0100] The first connecting member 22A and the second connecting member 22B are also referred to as wedge blocks or connecting blocks. The first connecting member 22A can be rotatably connected to the first swing arm 21A, and the second connecting member 22B can be rotatably connected to the second swing arm 21B. In other embodiments, the first connecting member 22A can also be fixed to the first swing arm 21A, or slidably connected to the first swing arm 21A, or slidably and rotatably connected to the first swing arm 21A. The second connecting member 22B can also be fixed to the second swing arm 21B, or slidably connected to the second swing arm 21B, or slidably and rotatably connected to the second swing arm 21B.

[0101] It should be noted that in the above embodiments and the embodiments below, "slidable and rotatable connection" refers to a connection method that can slide relative to each other and rotate relative to each other during the sliding process. The connection structure corresponding to this connection method can be a high-pair mating structure with line-to-surface contact or point-to-surface contact, such as a mating structure of a sliding part and a groove in the form of a roller, ball, roller or needle roller, or a structure formed by connecting a sliding structure and a rotatable structure in series.

[0102] The connection methods between the first connector 22A and the first housing 201 include, but are not limited to, adhesive bonding, welding, snap-fitting, or screw connection. In other embodiments, the first connector 22A may also be integrally formed and fixedly connected to the first housing 201. The connection methods between the second connector 22B and the second housing 202 include, but are not limited to, adhesive bonding, welding, snap-fitting, or screw connection. In other embodiments, the second connector 22B may also be integrally formed and fixedly connected to the second housing 202.

[0103] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 for Figure 5 The front view of the assembly structure shown is taken along direction D1. The front end surface of the first connector 22A has a first connection area 3A. The portion of the third display area 103 located on the first transition section 1031 away from the arc segment 1033 is fixed to the first connection area 3A. For example, the connection between the first connector 22A and the folding screen 10 is by adhesive.

[0104] In some examples, the first connecting region 3A is shaped as a single point. In other examples, the first connecting region 3A may be shaped as multiple points, spaced apart along the Y-axis. It is understood that the shape of the first connecting region 3A may also be linear or planar to enhance the fixing effect between the first connector 22A and the folding screen 10, and no limitation is made here.

[0105] The second connector 22B has a second connection area 3B on its front end surface, and the portion of the third connector 103 located on the second transition section 1032 away from the arc section 1033 is fixed to the second connection area 3B. For example, the connection between the second connector 22B and the folding screen 10 is by adhesive.

[0106] In some examples, the second connecting region 3B is shaped as a single point. In other examples, the second connecting region 3B may be shaped as multiple points, spaced apart along the Y-axis. It is understood that the shape of the second connecting region 3B may also be linear or planar to enhance the fixing effect between the second connector 22B and the folding screen 10, and no limitation is made here.

[0107] The first connecting member 22A can rotate relative to the rotating shaft base 1 together with the first swing arm 21A, and the second connecting member 22B can rotate relative to the base 1 together with the second swing arm 21B, so as to support the state switching of the rotating shaft mechanism 203 between the unfolded state and the folded state. When the rotating shaft mechanism 203 is in the unfolded state, the first swing arm 21A is in the unfolded position and drives the first connecting member 22A to the unfolded position. When the rotating shaft mechanism 203 is in the folded state, the first swing arm 21A drives the first connecting member 22A to the folded position.

[0108] The first main support member 23A supports a portion of the foldable screen 10. Specifically, the front end surface of the first main support member 23A includes a first main support surface m1A, which supports the first transition section 1031. The first main support member 23A is rotatably connected to the first connector 22A. The rotation center line of the first main support member 23A relative to the first connector 22A extends along the Y-axis. In some other embodiments, the first main support member 23A may also be fixedly connected to the first connector 22A.

[0109] The second main support member 23B supports a portion of the foldable screen 10. Specifically, the front end surface of the second main support member 23B includes a second main support surface m1B, which supports the second transition section 1032. The second main support member 23B is rotatably connected to the second connector 22B. The rotation center line of the second main support member 23B relative to the second connector 22B extends along the Y-axis. In some other embodiments, the second main support member 23B may also be fixedly connected to the second connector 22B.

[0110] When the rotating shaft mechanism 203 is in the unfolded state, please continue reading. Figure 4 The angle between the first main support surface m1A and the second main support surface m1B can be 180°. Those skilled in the art will understand that the angle between the first main support surface m1A and the second main support surface m1B can also be 90°, 120°, 210°, etc., when the rotating shaft mechanism 203 is in the unfolded state. This application does not impose any limitations on this, and the angles illustrated in this application are allowed to have slight deviations. For example, when the rotating shaft mechanism 203 is in the unfolded state, the angle between the first main support surface m1A and the second main support surface m1B can be 180°, or approximately 180°, such as 170°, 175°, 185°, or 190°, etc. Other angles can be understood in the same way in the following text.

[0111] When the rotating shaft mechanism 203 is in the folded state, please continue reading. Figure 6 The first main support surface m1A and the second main support surface m1B face each other. The angle α between the first main support surface m1A of the first main support member 23A and the support surface m0 of the pivot base 1 on the side supporting the first transition section 1031 of the folding screen 10 is less than 90°. Similarly, the angle between the second main support surface m1B of the second main support member 23B and the support surface m0 of the pivot base 1 on the side supporting the second transition section 1032 of the folding screen 10 is less than 90°. In this way, the first main support member 23A, the pivot base 1, and the second main support member 23B form a near-triangular receiving cavity. The third display area 103 of the folding screen 10 is housed in the triangular receiving cavity, forming a teardrop-shaped fold. This helps to increase the radius of curvature of the third display area 103 of the folding screen 10 and reduces the risk of the folding screen 10 being damaged by compression.

[0112] Please refer to the following document during the transition of the pivot mechanism 203 from the unfolded state to the folded state. Figure 6 and combined Figure 7 , Figure 7 for Figure 5The diagram shows the assembly structure of the first rotating component 2A and the rotating base 1 within the rotating shaft mechanism 203. Since the first main support member 23A is rotatably connected to the first connecting member 22A, and the first connecting member 22A is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 21A, and the first connecting member 22A is also fixedly connected to the first housing 201, and the first swing arm 21A is rotatably connected to the rotating base 1, when an external force is applied to the first housing 201, the first housing 201 drives the first connecting member 22A to move. The first connecting member 22A then drives the first swing arm 21A and the first main support member 23A in a coordinated manner, causing the first main support member 23A to move away from the support surface m0 along the Z-axis. Simultaneously, to avoid the arc segment 1033 of the folded screen 10 in the folded state, the end of the first main support member 23A near the rotating base 1 rotates relative to the first connecting member 22A in a direction away from the folded screen 10. Therefore, during rotation, a first gap 1a is created between the first main support member 23A and the rotating base 1. Similarly, a second gap 1b is generated between the second main support member 23B and the rotating shaft base 1 during rotation.

[0113] Meanwhile, to ensure that the foldable screen 10 is teardrop-shaped in the folded state and flat in the unfolded state, the length of the hinge mechanism 203 is different in the folded state and the unfolded state. Please refer to the relevant documentation. Figure 4 and Figure 5 and combined Figure 6 For the inward-folding foldable electronic device 100, in the folded state, the foldable screen 10 is located inside the support device 20, specifically between the first main support surface m1A and the second support surface m1B. Since the length of the portion of the foldable screen 10 located between the first connecting region 3A and the second connecting region 3B is fixed, to prevent the hinge mechanism 203 from squeezing the teardrop-shaped third display area 103 of the foldable screen 10 in the folded state, and to ensure reliable support of the foldable screen 10 in the unfolded state, the length x1 of the hinge mechanism 203 in the folded state must be greater than the length x2 in the unfolded state. This results in redundancy in the folded state, allowing the foldable screen 10 to form a teardrop shape. It can be understood that the length x1 of the hinge mechanism 203 in the folded state refers to the length of the hinge mechanism 203 along... Figure 5 The dashed line K1 shown indicates the length of the path.

[0114] Therefore, please refer to the following: Figure 6 When the pivot mechanism 203 changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, the pivot mechanism 203 extends, and the first connecting region 3A and the second connecting region 3B apply an outward stretching force along the Z-axis to the portion of the folded screen 10 located between the first connecting region 3A and the second connecting region 3B (i.e., Figure 6The force F is directed to the first main support surface m1A on the first main support member 23A, causing a force perpendicular to the first main support surface m1A and pointing towards the first transition section 1031. During this process, since the portion of the folding screen 10 located between the first connecting region 3A and the second connecting region 3B is not fixed to the pivot mechanism 203, the folding screen 10 is squeezed and deformed δ (not shown) towards the first gap 1a. When the pivot mechanism 203 changes from the folded state to the unfolded state, the pivot mechanism 203 shortens, and the first connecting region 3A restores the stretch deformation δ (not shown) of the folding screen 10. During the repeated switching between the folded and unfolded states, the repeated generation and restoration of deformation δ (not shown) causes the folding screen 10 to fatigue near the gap 1a, increasing its local length and causing arching, affecting the writing experience, and also causing visible light and shadow problems at the corresponding first gap 1a. Since the first rotating component 2A and the second rotating component 2B have the same structure and motion state, the folding screen 10 will also experience fatigue at the second gap 1b, and the same problem will occur accordingly.

[0115] To resolve the above issues, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 8 and Figure 9 , Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the rotating shaft mechanism 203 provided in some other embodiments of this application in its unfolded state. Figure 9 for Figure 8 The diagram shows a perspective view of the assembly structure of the pivot mechanism 203 and the folding screen 10 in a folded state. In addition to the aforementioned first swing arm 21A, first connector 22A, and first main support 23A, the first rotating assembly 2A also includes a first secondary support 24A. In addition to the aforementioned second swing arm 21B, first connector 22B, and second main support 23B, the second rotating assembly 2B also includes a second secondary support 24B.

[0116] The first support member 24A supports another portion of the foldable screen 10. Exemplarily, the front end face of the first support member 24A includes a first support surface m2A, which supports a portion of the arc segment 1033 near the first swing arm 21A. The second support member 24B supports another portion of the foldable screen 10. Exemplarily, the front end face of the second support member 24B includes a second support surface m2B, which supports a portion of the arc segment 1033 near the second swing arm 21B.

[0117] The first secondary support member 24A is located on one side of the first main support member 23A in the Y-axis direction. One end of the first secondary support member 24A is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft base 1, while the other end of the first secondary support member 24A is slidably and rotatably connected to the first structural member 2A1. In some embodiments, the first structural member 2A1 is the first main support member 23A. In other embodiments, the first structural member 2A1 is the first connector 22A. In other embodiments, the first structural member 2A1 is both the first connector 22A and the first main support member 23A.

[0118] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 10 for Figure 9 The assembly structure shown is viewed from the front along D2. In the folded state, the angle β between the first secondary support surface m2A and the base support surface m0h is greater than the angle α between the first main support surface m1A and the base support surface m0.

[0119] Thus, the first main support surface m1A, the first secondary support surface m2A, and the base support surface m0 provide support for different areas of the foldable screen 10. Specifically, the first main support surface m1A supports the first transition section 1031, the first secondary support surface m2A supports the first arc segment 1033a of the arc segment 1033 near the first main support member 22A, and the base support surface m0 supports the third arc segment 1033c in the middle of the arc segment 1033. This improves the continuity of the surfaces on the first rotating assembly 2A used to support the bendable area and enhances the support effect of the pivot mechanism 203 on the foldable screen 10.

[0120] In the folded state, the angle β between the first secondary support surface m2A and the base support surface m0 is greater than 90° and less than 180°. This reduces the pressure exerted by the first secondary support component 24A on the foldable screen 10 during rotation, thus at least partially preventing damage to the foldable screen 10.

[0121] The second auxiliary support member 24B is located on one side of the second main support member 23B in the Y-axis direction. One end of the second auxiliary support member 24B is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft base 1, while the other end of the second auxiliary support member 24B is slidably and rotatably connected to the second structural member 2B1. In some embodiments, the second structural member 2B1 is the second main support member 23B. In other embodiments, the second structural member 2B1 is the second connector 22B. In other embodiments, the second structural member 2B1 is both the second connector 22B and the second main support member 23B.

[0122] In the folded state, the angle β between the second secondary support surface m2B and the base support surface m0h is greater than the angle α between the second main support surface m1B and the base support surface m0.

[0123] As a result, the second main support surface m1B, the second secondary support surface m2B, and the base support surface m0 provide support for different areas of the folding screen 10. Specifically, the second main support surface m1B supports the second transition section 1032, the second secondary support surface m2B supports the second arc segment 1033b near the second main support member 23B of the arc segment 1033, and the base support surface m0 supports the third arc segment 1033c in the middle of the arc segment 1033. This improves the continuity of the surface on the second rotating assembly 2B used to support the bendable area and enhances the support effect of the pivot mechanism 203 on the folding screen 10.

[0124] Please continue reading. Figure 10 In the folded state, the angle β between the second secondary support surface m2B and the base support surface m0 is greater than 90° and less than 180°. This reduces the pressure exerted by the first secondary support component 24A on the folding screen 10 during rotation, thus at least partially preventing damage to the folding screen 10.

[0125] Based on the above analysis, please compare and refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 10 It can be observed that the hinge mechanism 203 provided in this application, in addition to supporting a portion of the bendable area of ​​the foldable screen 10 with the first main support member 23A and the second main support member 23B, also supports another portion of the bendable area with the first secondary support member 24A and the second secondary support member 24B. Thus, by employing two levels of support members to jointly support the bendable area, the support effect can be improved. Furthermore, since one end of the first secondary support member 24A is rotatably connected to the hinge base 1, and the other end of the first secondary support member 24A is also slidably and rotatably connected to the first structural member 2A1, and one end of the second secondary support member 24B is rotatably connected to the hinge base 1, and the other end of the second secondary support member 24B is also slidably and rotatably connected to the second structural member 2B1, the first gap 1a between the first main support member 23A and the hinge base 1 can be filled by the first secondary support member 24A, and the second gap 1b between the second main support member 23B and the hinge base can be filled by the second secondary support member 24B. The addition not only increases the support strength of the hinge mechanism 203 for the folding screen 10 in the first gap 1a and the second gap 1b area, but also limits the deformation δ (not shown) of the folding screen 10 at the first gap 1a by the first secondary support member 24A, and the second secondary support member 24B also limits the deformation of the folding screen 10 at the second gap 1b accordingly. This improves the flatness of the folding screen 10 and to a certain extent improves the problem of poor light and shadow on the folding screen 10 near the first gap 1a and the second gap 1b, thereby improving the writing and touch experience of the user on the folding screen 10.

[0126] The following section focuses on the internal structure and connection relationships of the first rotating assembly 2A.

[0127] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 for Figure 8 The figure shows a perspective view of the assembly structure of the first rotating component 2A and the rotating base 1 in the rotating shaft mechanism 203 in a folded state. In this example, the first structural component 2A1 is the first main support component 23A.

[0128] The first rotating assembly 2A may also include a first slide rail 2A11 and a first sliding cam 243.

[0129] In some examples, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 11 The first main support member 23A is provided with a first slide rail 2A11. The first secondary support member 24A is provided with a first sliding cam 243. In other examples, the first secondary support member 24A is provided with a first slide rail 2A11, and the first main support member 23A is provided with a first sliding cam 243.

[0130] This application is illustrated by way of example, with a first slide rail 2A11 provided on the first main support member 23A and a first sliding convex shaft 243 provided on the first secondary support member 24A.

[0131] Specifically, the first slide rail 2A11 can be located on the back side of the first main support member 23A, that is, the first slide rail 2A11 is located on the side of the first main support member 23A that is opposite to the first main support surface m1A.

[0132] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 12 for Figure 10 The diagram shows a partial enlarged view of region I after the folding screen 10 is hidden in the assembly structure shown. The two ends of the first slide rail 2A11 along its own extension trajectory are the first end d1 and the second end d2, respectively. Compared to the first end d1, the second end d2 is closer to the pivot base 1. That is, the distance from the second end d2 to the pivot base 1 is less than the distance from the first end d1 to the pivot base 1.

[0133] The first sliding cam 243 is slidably and rotatably fitted within the first slide rail 2A11. When the rotating shaft mechanism 203 is in the unfolded state, the first sliding cam 243 is located at the first end d1; when the rotating shaft mechanism 203 is in the folded state, please refer to the following: Figure 12 The first sliding cam 243 is located at the second end d2.

[0134] Thus, when the hinge mechanism 203 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the distance between the end of the first secondary support member 24A near the hinge base 1 and the end of the first main support member 23A near the hinge base 1 is increased. This increases the length and height of the space within the hinge mechanism 203 used to accommodate the third display area 103 in the folded state, effectively avoiding pressure on the third display area 103 and preventing the folded screen 10 from being squeezed by the hinge base 1. When the hinge mechanism 203 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the distance between the ends of the first secondary support member 24A and the first main support member 23A near the hinge base 1 decreases, and the position of the hinge base 1 is raised to effectively support the third display area 103.

[0135] In the above embodiments, the sliding and rotatable connection between the first sliding convex shaft 243 and the first slide rail 2A11 can be a high-pair mating structure with line-to-surface contact or point-to-surface contact, or it can be a structure formed by connecting a sliding structure and a rotatable structure in series.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first sliding cam 243 may be columnar, roller-shaped, needle-shaped, drum-shaped, or wheel-shaped, and the cross-sectional shape of the first sliding cam 243 may be circular, elliptical, or irregular.

[0137] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 14 and combined Figure 13 , Figure 13 for Figure 8 The exploded structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 203 shown is presented in a top-view perspective. Figure 14 for Figure 13 The diagram shows a partial enlarged view of region J in the exploded structure. The first main support member 23A includes a first door panel 231 and a first protrusion 232. The first door panel 231 has a first main support surface m1A.

[0138] The first door panel 231 is plate-shaped. In some embodiments, the first door panel 231 may be made of steel or copper to provide strong support for the folding screen 10 (not shown). In other embodiments, the first door panel 231 may be made of fiber composite material. For example, the first door panel 231 may be made of carbon fiber to reduce the weight of the pivot mechanism 203. The material of the first door panel 231 may be selected according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0139] The first protrusion 232 is located on the side of the first door panel 231 opposite to the first main support surface m1A and is connected to the first door panel 231. Exemplarily, the connection between the first protrusion 232 and the first door panel 231 may include, but is not limited to, welding, adhesive bonding, snap-fitting, or screw connection. In other embodiments, the first protrusion 232 and the first door panel 231 may also be integrally formed.

[0140] The first protrusion 232 is a columnar or block-shaped component that matches the shape of the first slide rail 2A11. Please continue reading. Figure 14 and combined Figure 12 In some embodiments, the first protrusion 232 is columnar, and the outer periphery of the cross section S of the first protrusion 232 on the XZ plane (i.e., the plane perpendicular to the Y-axis direction) is consistent with the cross section shape of the first slide rail 2A11 on the XZ plane. The cross section S extends along the Y-axis direction to form the first protrusion 232.

[0141] A first slide 2A11 is formed on the first protrusion 232. In some embodiments, the first slide 2A11 may be a through hole extending in the X-axis direction. In other embodiments, the first slide 2A11 may also be a groove on the first protrusion 232 that is recessed from one surface to the other in the X-axis direction.

[0142] In some embodiments, when the first door panel 231 is made of fiber composite material, the stiffness of the first protrusion 232 is greater than that of the first door panel 231 to ensure the reliability of the relative movement between the first slide rail 2A11 and the first sliding cam 243, and to avoid affecting the reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism 203 while reducing the overall weight. In this case, the connection method between the first protrusion 232 and the first door panel 231 includes, but is not limited to, welding, gluing, snap-fitting, or screw connection.

[0143] When the material of the first door panel 231 is fiber composite material, in order to make the stiffness of the first protrusion 232 greater than the stiffness of the first door panel 231, for example, the material of the first protrusion 232 can be metal.

[0144] In some embodiments, please refer back to the reference. Figure 12 and combined Figure 10 The vertical distance between the second end d2 on the first slide rail 2A11 and the first main support surface m1A is greater than the vertical distance between the first end d1 and the first main support surface m1A.

[0145] The vertical distance from the first end d1 to the first main support surface m1A refers to the vertical distance from the geometric center of the cross-sectional shape of the first sliding cam 243 along the XZ plane to the first main support surface m1A when the first sliding cam 243 is at the first end d1. The vertical distance from the second end d2 to the first main support surface m1A refers to the vertical distance from the geometric center of the cross-sectional shape of the first sliding cam 243 along the XZ plane to the first main support surface m1A when the first sliding cam 243 is at the second end d2.

[0146] In this way, when the pivot mechanism 203 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the end of the first secondary support member 24A facing the first connector 22A moves a certain distance away from the first main support surface m1A. This increases the width of the space in the pivot mechanism 203 used to accommodate the third display area 103 in the folded state along the X-axis, increases the clearance space of the third display area 103, and reduces the probability of creases forming in the third display area 103.

[0147] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 14 The first protrusion 232 is located at one end of the first door panel 231 in the Y-axis direction near the first secondary support member 24A, and protrudes from the first door panel 231 in the Y-axis direction. This helps to shorten the dimension of the first sliding protrusion 243 in the X-axis direction, reduces the possibility of damage to the first sliding protrusion 243 when the foldable electronic device 100 is accidentally dropped, and improves the reliability of the hinge mechanism 203.

[0148] For example, there is one first main support member 23A and one first secondary support member 24A. Another example is that there is one first main support member 23A and two first secondary support members 24A, with the two first secondary support members 24A located on either side of the first main support member 23A in the Y-axis direction. Yet another example is that there are two first main support members 23A and one first secondary support member 24A, with the two first main support members 23A located on either side of the first secondary support member 24A in the Y-axis direction. Still another example is that there are multiple first secondary support members 24A and multiple first main support members 23A, with the multiple first secondary support members 24A and multiple first main support members 23A arranged alternately in the Y-axis direction. This is as long as any adjacent first main support member 23A and first secondary support member 24A in the Y-axis direction are engaged by the aforementioned first sliding convex shaft 243 and first slide rail 2A11.

[0149] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 14 and combined Figure 15 , Figure 15 for Figure 11 The rear view of the assembly structure shown indicates that the first secondary support member 24A further includes a first support section 241, which has at least a portion of the first secondary support surface m2A.

[0150] The plane containing the first main support surface m1A is defined as the first plane. In the unfolded state, the first secondary support surface m2A and the first main support surface m1A are oriented in the same direction and are coplanar. The first support segment 241 is located on the side of the first protrusion 232 facing the first plane. The vertical projection of the first support segment 241 on the first plane overlaps with the vertical projection of the first protrusion 232 on the first plane.

[0151] This reduces the gap between the first secondary support member 24A and the first main support member 23A in the Y-axis direction to a certain extent, and improves the continuity of support of the pivot mechanism 203 for the foldable screen 10.

[0152] The phrase "in the unfolded state, the vertical projection of the first support segment 241 on the first plane overlaps with the vertical projection of the first protrusion 232 on the first plane" includes both partial and complete overlap.

[0153] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 14 The first support component 24A also includes a second support section 242. The second support section 242 is connected to the first support section 241, and the connection between the two includes, but is not limited to, welding, snap-fitting, gluing, or integral molding.

[0154] The second support segment 242 is plate-shaped. The second support segment 242 has a portion of the first secondary support surface m2A. The second support segment 242 is located at the end of the first support segment 241 along the Y-axis, away from the first main support member 23A. This increases the support area of ​​the first secondary support member 24A along the Y-axis.

[0155] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 14 The end of the second support segment 242 away from the pivot base 1 protrudes from the end of the first support segment 241 away from the pivot base 1 to form a first notch 244 at the end of the first auxiliary support member 24A near the first main support member 23A. The first sliding convex shaft 243 is connected to the second support segment 242 and is located within the first notch 244.

[0156] When the rotating shaft mechanism 203 is in the unfolded state, please continue reading. Figure 14 and combined Figure 8 The first notch 244 can avoid the end of the first protrusion 232 that is close to the first main support surface m1A, and make the first secondary support surface m2A and the first main support surface m1A coplanar. This is beneficial to improve the structural compactness while ensuring the continuity of the surface on the rotating shaft mechanism 203 used to support the bendable area.

[0157] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 14 and combined Figure 11 The first connector 22A has a first clearance notch 221 at the end facing the pivot base 1. The first secondary support 24A and the first protrusion 232 are located at the first clearance notch 221. That is, whether in the unfolded state or the folded state, the projection of the first clearance notch 221 on the first plane overlaps with the projection of the first secondary support 24A on the first plane, and at the same time, the projection of the first clearance notch 221 on the first plane overlaps with the projection of the first protrusion 232 on the first plane.

[0158] As a result, during rotation, the first clearance notch 221 avoids the first secondary support member 24A and the first protrusion 232, making the entire rotating shaft mechanism 203 structure more compact.

[0159] Please see Figure 16 and Figure 17 , Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the assembly structure of the first rotating component 2A and the rotating shaft base 1 within the rotating shaft mechanism 203 provided in another embodiment of this application, in a folded state. Figure 17 for Figure 16 A magnified view of a portion of region K in the assembly structure shown. This embodiment is similar to... Figures 8-15 The difference in the embodiment shown is that the first structural member 2A1 is the first connector 22A, and the first connector 22A is provided with a first slide rail 2A11.

[0160] Specifically, in this embodiment, the end of the first connector 22A facing the pivot base 1 has a first clearance notch 221. The first auxiliary support 24A is located at the first clearance notch 221. The first clearance notch 221 has the aforementioned first slide rail 2A11 on one side of its inner wall along the Y-axis direction, and the first auxiliary support 24A has a first sliding convex shaft 243 that engages with the first slide rail 2A11 on one side of the inner wall of the first clearance notch 221 along the Y-axis direction.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first clearance notch 221 extends along the Y-axis to one end face of the first connector 22A to form an opening, and the first slide rail 2A11 is provided on the inner wall surface of the first clearance notch 221 along the Y-axis opposite to the opening. Of course, this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments, when the first clearance notch 221 has inner wall surfaces on both sides along the Y-axis, the first slide rail 2A11 can also be provided on the inner wall surfaces on both sides along the Y-axis of the first clearance notch 221. In this case, it is sufficient to ensure that the first auxiliary support member 24A has a first sliding convex shaft 243 that cooperates with the first slide rail 2A11 on the inner wall surfaces on both sides along the Y-axis of the first clearance notch 221.

[0162] The first slide rail 2A11 is located on the side of the first main support member 23A that is opposite to the first main support surface m1A.

[0163] In some examples, the first slide 2A11 on the first connector 22A is formed by a recess on one side of the inner wall of the first clearance notch 221 along the Y-axis. In this way, the first secondary support 24A can slide and rotate relative to the first connector 22A within the first slide 2A11 via the first sliding convex shaft 243, resulting in a compact overall structure.

[0164] Similarly, please see Figure 18, Figure 18 for Figure 16 The front view of the rotating shaft mechanism 203 as viewed along direction D3. In the first slide rail 2A11 provided on the first connecting member 22A, the vertical distance between the second end d2 and the first main support surface m1A is greater than the vertical distance between the first end d1 and the first main support surface m1A.

[0165] In this way, when the pivot mechanism 203 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the end of the first secondary support member 24A facing the first connector 22A moves a certain distance away from the first main support surface m1A. This increases the width of the space in the pivot mechanism 203 used to accommodate the third display area 103 in the folded state along the X-axis, increases the clearance space of the third display area 103, and reduces the probability of creases forming in the third display area 103.

[0166] In the above embodiments, the number of first slide rails 2A11 on one side of the inner wall of the first clearance notch 221 along the Y-axis direction can be one or more. As long as the first secondary support member 24A has a first sliding convex shaft 243 that corresponds one-to-one with the first slide rails 2A11 on one side of the inner wall of the first clearance notch 221 along the Y-axis direction.

[0167] It is understood that the preceding description uses either the first main support member 23A or the first connecting member 22A as examples of the first structural member 2A1. In other embodiments, both the first main support member 23A and the first connecting member 22A are first structural members 2A1. In this case, either the first slide rail 2A11 or the first sliding cam 243 can be provided on the first main support member 23A, and either the first slide rail 2A11 or the first sliding cam 243 can be provided on the first connecting member 22A. The first secondary support member 24A is provided with a first sliding cam 243 / first slide rail 2A11 that cooperates with the first slide rail 2A11 / first sliding cam 243 on the first main support member 23A, and the first secondary support member 24A is also provided with a first sliding cam 243 / first slide rail 2A11 that cooperates with the first slide rail 2A11 / first sliding cam 243 on the first connecting member 22A. For example, a first slide rail 2A11 is provided on one inner wall surface of the first clearance notch 221 along the Y-axis direction, and a first slide rail 2A11 is provided on the first protrusion 232 of the first main support member 23A. The first slide rail 2A11 at the first clearance notch 221 and the first slide rail 2A11 on the first protrusion 232 are located on both sides of the first door panel 231 in the Y-axis direction. In the Y-axis direction, the first secondary support member 24A is located between the inner wall surface of the first clearance notch 221 along the Y-axis direction and the first protrusion 232, and the first secondary support member 24A has first sliding convex shafts 243 at both ends in the Y-axis direction that cooperate with the corresponding first slide rails 2A11.

[0168] In the above embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 18 The first slide 2A11 can extend from the first end d1 to the second end d2 along a straight trajectory, or along a curved trajectory such as a constant curvature arc, a variable curvature arc, an S-shaped line, or an N-shaped line. Figure 18 The example is provided by extending the first slide 2A11 along a variable curvature arc trajectory, which should not be considered as a special limitation on this application.

[0169] It should be noted that a constant curvature arc trajectory refers to a trajectory where the curvature is the same at any point along the entire trajectory, such as a semi-circular arc trajectory. A variable curvature arc trajectory refers to a trajectory where the curvature is not exactly the same at any point along the trajectory. For example, the curvature may gradually increase from one end of the trajectory to the other, or gradually decrease from one end of the trajectory to the other, or the curvature may be greater at one end of the trajectory than at the other end.

[0170] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 18 The first slide rail 2A11 extends along a variable curvature arc trajectory, and the extension path arches away from the first main support surface m1A. In actual production, the trajectory curve shape of the first slide rail 2A11 is obtained by solving the inverse kinematics based on the trajectory of the area corresponding to the first secondary support surface m2A during the rotation of the folding screen 10 with the first main support surface m1A.

[0171] Based on the above, the inclination angle of the first slide 2A11 relative to the first main support surface m1A can be less than or equal to 60°. For example, the inclination angle can be 60°, 50°, 45°, 30°, 15°, 10° or 0°.

[0172] This facilitates the smooth sliding of the first sliding convex shaft 243 within the first slide rail 2A11 when the foldable electronic device 100 switches between the unfolded and folded states, and makes the tilt angle of the first secondary support member 24A relative to the pivot base 1 change gradually, preventing impact on the foldable screen 10.

[0173] Based on any of the above embodiments, in some embodiments, please refer back to the previous section. Figure 11 and combined Figure 13 The pivot base 1 includes a base 11 and a middle beam plate 12.

[0174] The base 11 is columnar, and its cross-sectional shape on the XZ plane includes, but is not limited to, rectangle, circle, or irregular shape. The first swing arm 21A is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft base 1 via the base 11. The first swing arm 21A can be rotatably connected to the base 11 via a hinge and shaft hole, or via an arc groove; no limitation is imposed here.

[0175] The center beam plate 12 is connected to the base 11 on the side facing the folding screen 10 in the Z-axis direction. The surface of the center beam plate 12 facing away from the base 11 is the base support surface m0, which is used to provide support for a portion of the arc segment 1033 of the folding screen 10. The connection method between the base 11 and the center beam plate 12 includes, but is not limited to, welding, snap-fitting, or gluing.

[0176] In this embodiment, the pivot base 1 includes a base 11 and a middle beam plate 12, which can reduce the manufacturing difficulty and facilitate the processing and manufacturing of the pivot base 1.

[0177] The first support member 24A is rotatably connected to one end of the middle beam plate 12 in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the first support member 24A can be rotatably connected to the middle beam plate 12 via a hinge and a shaft hole, or via an arc groove; no limitation is made here.

[0178] In this way, the connection between the first support component 24A and the rotating shaft base 1 does not occupy the space of the base 11, and... Figures 4-7 Compared to the embodiments shown, this approach is advantageous in maintaining the structural layout of the base 11 and reducing design and manufacturing difficulties.

[0179] Please see Figures 19-21 , Figure 19 for Figure 11 The assembly structure shown is a perspective view from another angle. Figure 20 for Figure 19 The exploded three-dimensional view of the assembly structure shown in the Z-axis direction. Figure 21 for Figure 20 A magnified view of region H in the assembly structure shown.

[0180] In some embodiments, please refer to the following: Figure 21 A first pivot part 122 is provided on the side of the middle beam plate 12 near the first rotating component 2A, and a second pivot part 246 is provided at the end of the first auxiliary support member 24A near the rotating shaft base 1. The first pivot part 122 and the second pivot part 246 are rotatably engaged.

[0181] Specifically, the middle beam plate 12 has a first clearance notch 121 at one end in the X-axis direction, and at least one first pivot portion 122 is provided on the inner wall of the first clearance notch 121. When there are multiple first pivot portions 122, the multiple first pivot portions 122 are arranged coaxially. The first secondary support member 24A has at least one second pivot portion 246 at the end near the pivot base 1. When there are multiple second pivot portions 246, the multiple second pivot portions 246 are arranged coaxially.

[0182] For example, the first pivot portion 122 is a first shaft hole 122a, and the second pivot portion 246 is a first rotating shaft 246a. In other embodiments, the first pivot portion 122 is a first rotating shaft 246a, and the second pivot portion 246 is a first shaft hole 122a. In the following description, the example of the first pivot portion 122 being a first shaft hole 122a and the second pivot portion 246 being a first rotating shaft 246a will be used for illustration.

[0183] A second pivot 246 and a first pivot 122 cooperate to achieve a rotatable connection between the first auxiliary support 24A and the pivot base 1.

[0184] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 21 and refer to Figure 19 There is one first pivoting part 122, which is disposed on the inner wall of the first clearance notch 121 along the Y-axis. There is one second pivoting part 246, which is disposed at the end of the first auxiliary support member 24A near the first clearance notch 121. In this way, the first pivoting part 122 and the second pivoting part 246 cooperate to limit the movement and prevent the first auxiliary support member 24A from detaching from the middle beam plate 12 along the X-axis and Z-axis.

[0185] In some embodiments, there are two first pivot portions 122, which are spaced apart along the Y-axis. There are also two second pivot portions 246, which are spaced apart along the Y-axis. The two second pivot portions 246 may be located between the two first pivot portions 122, or the two first pivot portions 122 may be located between the two second pivot portions 246. The two second pivot portions 246 respectively cooperate with the two first pivot portions 122. In this way, the cooperation and positioning of the two first pivot portions 122 and the two second pivot portions 246 prevents the first auxiliary support member 24A from disengaging from the pivot base 1 along the Y-axis.

[0186] The axis of rotation of the first support component 24A relative to the rotating shaft base 1 is the second axis 02. Please refer back to the previous section. Figure 19 and combined Figure 21 The second axis 02 is the centerline axis of the first rotating shaft 246a and the first shaft hole 122a. The second axis 02 is parallel to the length direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the rotating shaft base 1.

[0187] As a result, the first clearance notch 121 allows the first auxiliary support member 24A to be closer to the first axis of symmetry 01 of the rotating shaft base 1 relative to the second axis 02 of the rotation center line of the rotating shaft base 1. This allows for further avoidance of the arc segment 1033 (not shown) during the rotation of the first rotating assembly 2A from the unfolded state to the folded state. At the same time, the first clearance notch 121 also helps to reduce the width of the rotating shaft base 1 along the X-axis, thus reducing the impact of adding the first auxiliary support member 24A on the width of the rotating shaft base 1.

[0188] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 21 A first fixing block 123 is provided on the inner wall surface of the first clearance notch 121 of the rotating shaft mechanism 203. The first fixing block 123 is provided with the aforementioned first shaft hole 122a, which defines the first pivot portion 122. The end of the first auxiliary support member 24A near the rotating shaft base 1 has a first mating notch 245, and the first fixing block 123 is located within the first mating notch 245. A second pivot portion 246 protruding from the inner wall surface of the first mating notch 245 is provided on one side of the inner wall surface in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the rotation between the first auxiliary support member 24A and the rotating shaft base 1 is more compact, improving the overall structural compactness. Furthermore, the first shaft hole 122a limits the first rotating shaft 246a within a 360° range around its circumference, preventing the first rotating shaft 246a from disengaging radially from the first shaft hole 122a, thus ensuring high connection stability.

[0189] In some embodiments, please continue reading Figure 21 and combined Figure 8 and Figure 19 A limiting rib 247 is provided on the side surface of the first secondary support member 24A facing away from the first secondary support surface m2A. In the unfolded state, the limiting rib 247 abuts against the surface of the base 11 facing the central beam plate 12. In this way, the limiting rib 247 can stop the first rotating component 2A in the unfolded state, preventing the first rotating component 2A from being over-unfolded and causing damage to the rotating shaft mechanism 203 and the folding screen 10.

[0190] Please return to the reference. Figure 12 Along the motion path of the first sliding cam 243 from the first end d1 to the second end d2, the first slide rail 2A11 sequentially includes a first segment L1 and a second segment L2. For some examples, please refer back to [reference needed]. Figure 12The curvature of the extended trajectory of the first segment L1 is greater than that of the extended trajectory of the second segment L2, and the first width w1 of the first segment L1 is greater than the second width w2 of the second segment L2. Therefore, during rotation, when the first sliding cam 243 moves from the first end d1 through the first segment L1 and then through the second segment L2 to the second end d2, the sliding is smoother, reducing the probability of the rotating shaft mechanism 203 jamming to some extent.

[0191] It should be noted that the first segment L1 refers to the section of the first slide rail 2A11 that is away from the rotating shaft base 1, excluding the sections where the first sliding cam 243 is at the first end d1 and the second end d2. The second segment L2 refers to the section of the first slide rail 2A11 that is close to the rotating shaft base 1, excluding the sections where the first sliding cam 243 is at the first end d1 and the second end d2.

[0192] Based on the above embodiments, since the first connector 22A is fixed to the first housing 201 (see...) Figure 4 When the first housing 201 is subjected to an opening and closing force from the user, the first swing arm 21A can rotate relative to the rotating shaft base 1, and the first connector 22A is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 21A so that the first housing 201 can switch between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0193] Therefore, in order to ensure the motion stability of the first housing 201, in some embodiments, please refer to the previous section. Figure 18 The first rotating component 2A of the rotating shaft mechanism 203 also includes a first connecting swing arm 25A.

[0194] The first connecting arm 25A is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft base 1, and the rotation axis of the first connecting arm 25A relative to the rotating shaft base 1 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. For example, the first connecting arm 25A can be rotatably connected to the rotating shaft base 1 through a hinge and a shaft hole, or it can be rotatably connected to the rotating shaft base 1 through an arc or a sliding groove, without limitation.

[0195] The first connecting arm 25A and the first connecting member 22A can slide relative to each other. For an example, please refer to [further details]. Figure 19 and combined Figure 20The rear end face of the first connector 22A is provided with a first groove 222 recessed towards the front of the first connector 22A. Two second grooves 223 recessed towards each other on opposite sides of the first groove 222 along the Y-axis. The first connector swing arm 25A includes a first sliding portion 251 and two second sliding portions 252 located on opposite sides of the first sliding portion 251 along the Y-axis. The first sliding portion 251 is slidably accommodated in the first groove 222, and the two second sliding portions 252 are slidably accommodated in the two second grooves 223. This achieves a slidable connection between the first connector swing arm 25A and the first connector 22A, and the two second grooves 223, in cooperation with the two second sliding portions 252, prevent the first connector swing arm 25A from detaching from the rear side of the first connector 22A.

[0196] The extension directions of the first slide groove 222 and the second slide groove 223 are both perpendicular to the length direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the rotating shaft base 1, so that the sliding direction of the first connecting arm 25A and the first connecting member 22A is perpendicular to the length direction of the rotating shaft base 1.

[0197] Thus, when the rotating shaft mechanism 203 switches between the unfolded and folded states, the first connecting swing arm 25A can slide relative to the first connecting member 22A to restrict the movement trajectory of the first connecting member 22A. This ensures that the assembly consisting of the rotating shaft base 1, the first swing arm 21A, the first connecting member 22A, and the first connecting swing arm 25A has one degree of freedom, making its movement unique. This, in turn, ensures that the first housing 201 (see...) Figure 4 (Motion stability)

[0198] For example, when the pivot mechanism 203 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first connector 22A slides away from the pivot base relative to the first connecting arm 25A, which can support the first main support 23A to move away from the pivot base 1 relative to the first secondary support 24A, thereby increasing the distance between the first main support 23A and the second main support 23B in the direction perpendicular to the Y-axis, increasing the support length of the pivot mechanism 203, and effectively avoiding the third display area 103, reducing the probability of the folded screen 10 generating a crease in the third display area 103.

[0199] To further improve the reliability of the hinge mechanism 203 in supporting the folding screen 10 and reduce stress concentration at the edge of the first main support surface m1A of the folding screen 10, in some embodiments, please refer to... Figure 22 , Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first door panel 231 in the XZ plane or YZ plane of the rotating shaft mechanism 203 provided in any embodiment of this application. A first fillet r1 is provided between the side of the first door panel 231 and the first main support surface m1A.Figure 22 As shown, for example, the first door panel 231 has a first rounded corner r1 at both ends along the X-axis or along the Y-axis. Also for example, the first door panel 231 has a first rounded corner r1 around its entire edge.

[0200] As a result, the first main support member 23A has a rounded transition at the edge of the first main support surface m1A, which reduces the stress in the contact area between the folding screen 10 and the first main support surface m1A, and to a certain extent reduces the probability of local light and shadow defects caused by deformation of the folding screen 10 at the seam.

[0201] To further improve the reliability of the hinge mechanism 203 in supporting the folding screen 10 and reduce stress concentration at the edge of at least one of the first support surfaces m2A, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 23 , Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first auxiliary support member 24A in the rotating shaft mechanism 203 provided in any embodiment of this application, on the XZ plane or the YZ plane. A first rounded chamfer r2 is provided between the side of the first auxiliary support member 24A and the first auxiliary support surface m2A. Figure 23 As shown, for example, the first secondary support member 24A has a first rounded chamfer r2 at both ends along the X-axis or along the Y-axis. Also for example, the first secondary support member 24A has a first rounded chamfer r2 around its entire edge.

[0202] As a result, the first support component 24A has a rounded transition at the edge of the first support surface m2A, which reduces the stress in the contact area between the folding screen 10 and the first support surface m2A, and to a certain extent reduces the probability of local light and shadow defects caused by deformation of the folding screen 10 at the seam.

[0203] The above embodiments mainly describe the internal structures and their connection relationships of the first rotating component 2A. The internal structures and their connection relationships of the second rotating component 2B can be the same as those of the first rotating component 2A. The structures and their connection relationships in the second rotating component 2B are the same as the corresponding structures and their connection relationships of the first rotating component 2A in the above embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0204] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0205] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A rotating shaft mechanism, characterized in that, include: A rotating shaft base, wherein the rotating shaft base has a base support surface; A first swing arm is rotatably connected to one end of the rotating shaft base in a first direction; the first swing arm extends along a second direction relative to the rotation center line of the rotating shaft base, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. A first connector is connected to the first swing arm; A first main support member is rotatably connected to the first connecting member. The rotation center line of the first main support member relative to the first connecting member extends along the second direction. The first main support member has a first main support surface. The first secondary support member is located on one side of the first main support member in the second direction. One end of the first secondary support member is rotatably connected to the one end of the rotating shaft base in the first direction. The other end of the first secondary support member is slidably and rotatably connected to the first structural member, which is the first main support member and / or the first connecting member. The first secondary support member has a first secondary support surface.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the first structural member and the first secondary support member is provided with a first slide rail, and the other of the first structural member and the first secondary support member is provided with a first sliding convex shaft, which is slidably and rotatably fitted into the first slide rail. The first slide has two ends along its own extension trajectory, namely the first end and the second end, and the distance from the second end to the pivot base is less than the distance from the first end to the pivot base; When the rotating shaft mechanism is in the unfolded state, the first sliding cam is located at the first end; when the rotating shaft mechanism is in the folded state, the first sliding cam is located at the second end.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first main support component includes: A first door panel, the first door panel having the first main support surface; and The first protrusion is located on the side of the first door panel opposite to the first main support surface and is connected to the first door panel. The first slide is formed on the first protrusion. Wherein, the vertical distance between the second end and the first main support surface is greater than the vertical distance between the first end and the first main support surface.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first protrusion is located at one end of the first door panel near the first auxiliary support member in the second direction, and the first protrusion protrudes from the first door panel in the second direction.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first secondary support member includes: a first support segment, the first support segment having at least a portion of the first secondary support surface; The plane containing the first main support surface is the first plane; In the unfolded state, the first secondary support surface and the first main support surface face the same direction and are coplanar. The first support segment is located on the side of the first protrusion facing the first plane. The vertical projection of the first support segment on the first plane overlaps with the vertical projection of the first protrusion on the first plane.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first secondary support member includes a second support segment, the second support segment having a portion of the first secondary support surface; Along the second direction, the second support segment is located at the end of the first support segment furthest from the first main support member. The end of the second support segment away from the pivot base protrudes from the end of the first support segment away from the pivot base to form a first notch at the end of the first auxiliary support member near the first main support member. The first sliding convex shaft is connected to the second support segment and is located within the first notch.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 3-6, characterized in that, The first door panel is made of fiber composite material.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The stiffness of the first protrusion is greater than that of the first door panel.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 3-8, characterized in that, The first connector has a first clearance notch at one end facing the pivot base, and the first protrusion and the first secondary support are both located at the first clearance notch.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that, The first connector has a first clearance notch at one end facing the pivot base, and the first auxiliary support is located at the first clearance notch; The first slide is provided on at least one inner wall surface of the first clearance notch along the second direction, and the first slide is located on the side of the first main support member opposite to the first main support surface. Wherein, the vertical distance between the second end and the first main support surface is greater than the vertical distance between the first end and the first main support surface.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 3-10, characterized in that, The extension path of the first slide arches away from the first main support surface.

12. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The pivot mechanism can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. In the folded state, the angle between the first main support surface and the base support surface is less than 90°. The angle between the first secondary support surface and the base support surface is greater than the angle between the first main support surface and the base support surface.

13. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The rotating mechanism can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. In the folded state, the angle between the first secondary support surface and the base support surface is greater than 90° and less than 180°.

14. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The rotating shaft base includes: Base; and A central beam plate is disposed on one side of the base in the third direction. The surface of the central beam plate facing away from the base has the base support surface. The first auxiliary support member is rotatably connected to one end of the central beam plate in the first direction. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction.

15. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that, The middle beam plate has a first clearance notch at one end in the first direction, and a first pivot part is provided on the inner wall surface of the first clearance notch. A second pivot part is provided at one end of the first auxiliary support near the pivot base, and the first pivot part and the second pivot part are rotatably engaged.

16. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 15, characterized in that, A first fixing block is provided on the inner wall surface of the first clearance notch, and a first shaft hole is provided on the first fixing block, which defines the first pivot part; The first auxiliary support member has a first mating notch at one end near the pivot base, the first fixing block is located in the first mating notch, and the first mating notch has a second pivot portion protruding from the inner wall surface of the first mating notch on one side of the inner wall surface in the second direction.

17. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, The first secondary support member has a limiting rib on the side surface facing away from the first secondary support surface. In the unfolded state, the limiting rib abuts against the surface of the base facing the middle beam plate.

18. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 2-16, characterized in that, The first slide rail moves along the first sliding convex shaft from the first end to the second end. The first slide rail includes a first segment and a second segment in sequence. The curvature of the extended trajectory of the first segment is greater than the curvature of the extended trajectory of the second segment, and the width of the first segment is greater than the width of the second segment.

19. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-18, characterized in that, The first connector is rotatably connected to the first swing arm; The rotating shaft mechanism also includes: A first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft base, and the first connecting arm and the first connecting member can slide relative to each other; when the rotating shaft mechanism switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first connecting member slides away from the rotating shaft base relative to the first connecting arm.

20. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-19, characterized in that, The first main support member includes a first door panel, one side of which has a first main support surface in the thickness direction, and a first rounded corner is provided between the side of the first door panel and the first main support surface; and / or, The first secondary support member has a first secondary support surface on one side surface in the thickness direction, and a first rounded chamfer is provided between the side surface of the first secondary support member and the first secondary support surface.

21. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-20, characterized in that, Also includes: The second swing arm is rotatably connected to the other end of the rotating shaft base in the first direction; The second swing arm extends along the rotation center line relative to the rotating shaft base in the second direction; The second connector is connected to the second swing arm; The second main support member is rotatably connected to the second connecting member. The rotation center line of the second main support member relative to the second connecting member extends along the second direction. The second main support member has a second support surface. The second auxiliary support member is located on one side of the second main support member in the second direction. One end of the second auxiliary support member is rotatably connected to the other end of the rotating shaft base in the first direction. The other end of the second auxiliary support member is slidably and rotatably connected to the second structural member, which is the second main support member and / or the second connecting member. The second auxiliary support member has a second auxiliary support surface.

22. A support device, characterized in that, include: A first housing, the first housing having a first support surface; and According to any one of claims 1-21, the first connecting member is fixedly connected to the first housing.

23. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, include: Foldable screen; and According to the support device of claim 22, at least a portion of the folding screen is supported on the first support surface, the first main support surface, the first secondary support surface, and the base support surface.

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