Rotating shaft mechanism and foldable electronic equipment

Abstract

A rotating shaft mechanism (10) comprises a base (100), first swing arms (210) and a flexible supporting structure (300), the number of the first swing arms (210) is at least two, the two sides of the base (100) are each rotationally provided with at least one first swing arm (210), and the first swing arms (210) can rotate relative to the base (100) so that the rotating shaft mechanism (10) can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state. The flexible supporting structure (300) comprises a flexible part (320) and rigid parts (330), the flexible part (320) is located on one side of the base (100) in the thickness direction, the flexible part (320) is provided with a first face (321) facing the base (100), the rigid parts (330) are connected to the two sides of the first face (321) respectively, the rigid parts (330) are connected with the corresponding first swing arms (210), and the flexible part (320) forms an avoiding space when the rotating shaft mechanism (10) is in a folded state. The arrangement of the flexible support structure (300) reduces the number of components of the foldable electronic device (1) and improves the assembly efficiency of the foldable electronic device (1). A foldable electronic device (1) is also provided.

Description

Hinge mechanism and foldable electronic device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on January 5, 2024, with application number 202410028266.0 and application name “Hinge mechanism and foldable electronic device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a hinge mechanism and a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, electronic devices have been updated at an increasingly rapid pace. Foldable electronic devices are becoming increasingly popular among users because they can combine a larger display area with better portability.

[0004] A foldable electronic device generally includes a display screen, a base, and two shells. The two shells are respectively mounted on both sides of the base through swing arms and can rotate relative to the base. The display screen is laid on the two shells and the base. When the two shells are rotated so that the two shells are opposite to each other, the display screen is in a folded state, and the foldable electronic device is easy to carry at this time; when the two shells are rotated so that the two shells are located in the same plane, the display screen is in an unfolded state, and the display area of ​​the foldable electronic device is larger at this time. In the related art, a plurality of support structures are installed on both sides of the base. The support structures can move relative to the base so that the foldable electronic device supports the display screen when it is in the unfolded state, and forms a avoidance space when the foldable electronic device is in the folded state to accommodate the bending area of ​​the display screen.

[0005] However, existing foldable electronic devices have complex structures and low assembly efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and a foldable electronic device. The hinge mechanism can support a display screen through a flexible support member, which can simplify the structure of the hinge mechanism and improve assembly efficiency.

[0007] The technical solution is as follows:

[0008] A first aspect of the present application provides a rotating shaft mechanism, comprising:

[0009] base;

[0010] There are at least two first swing arms, with at least one first swing arm being rotatably mounted on each side of the base; the first swing arm being rotatable relative to the base to enable the rotating shaft mechanism to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state;

[0011] The flexible support structure includes a flexible part and a rigid part. The flexible part is located on one side of the base in the thickness direction. The flexible part has a first surface facing the base. The rigid parts are respectively connected to both sides of the first surface. The rigid parts are connected to the corresponding first swing arms. The flexible part is used to form an avoidance space when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a folded state.

[0012] The hinge mechanism is applied to a foldable electronic device. When the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the flexible portion of the flexible support structure supports the display screen. When the foldable electronic device is in the folded state, the first swing arm swings relative to the base, thereby driving the rigid portion to swing. The rigid portion then drives the flexible portion to bend from both sides of the flexible portion, causing the flexible portion to bend to form an escape space. The bent area in the middle of the display screen is located within the escape space. By providing a single flexible support structure, the hinge mechanism can support the display screen in the unfolded state and form an escape space in the folded state. This reduces the number of components in the foldable electronic device, simplifies the assembly process of the foldable electronic device, and improves the assembly efficiency of the foldable electronic device.

[0013] In some possible designs, the hinge mechanism further includes a fixing member, through which the rigid portion and the first swing arm are connected. The rigid portion is provided with a first fixing hole, the first swing arm is provided with a second fixing hole, and the fixing member is inserted through the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole to connect the rigid portion and the first swing arm.

[0014] In some possible designs, the rigid part includes a support plate and a fixing seat, the fixing seat is connected to the support plate, the fixing seat is provided with a fixing column, the first fixing hole is provided in the fixing column, and at least a portion of the fixing column extends into the second fixing hole.

[0015] In some possible designs, a certain degree of limiting fixation is performed between the support plate and the fixed seat. Specifically, the fixed seat is provided with a positioning member, and the support plate is provided with a first positioning hole. At least part of the positioning member is located in the first positioning hole. The support plate limits the positioning member to a certain extent through the first positioning hole, thereby limiting the fixed seat to a certain extent.

[0016] In some possible designs, the flexible portion is provided with a second positioning hole, and the second positioning hole is arranged opposite to the first positioning hole.

[0017] In some possible designs, the first fixing hole is a threaded hole, and the second fixing hole is a countersunk hole. The fixing member includes a head portion and a threaded portion that are connected to each other, with the head portion being located within the countersunk hole and the threaded portion being located within the threaded hole. The threaded portion of the fixing member passes through the countersunk hole and then screws into the threaded hole. The threaded engagement between the threaded portion and the threaded hole connects the fixing member to the support plate. Since the head portion of the fixing member is located within the countersunk hole, the fixing member connects the fixing base to the support plate.

[0018] In some possible designs, the rigid portion and the flexible portion may be bonded together by glue. For example, the rigid portion may have a second surface facing the first surface, and the second surface may be provided with a glue groove. The glue groove may be used to accommodate glue, and the glue is used to connect the rigid portion and the flexible portion.

[0019] In some possible designs, the second surface is provided with a glue overflow groove, which is connected to the glue receiving groove. The glue in the glue receiving groove may flow into the glue overflow groove after excess glue or expansion.

[0020] In some possible designs, an edge of the rigid portion is provided with an escape opening, which can be used to avoid the first swing arm or other structures installed on the base.

[0021] In some possible designs, the rigid part is provided with weight-reducing holes, which reduce the weight of the rigid part.

[0022] In some possible designs, the flexible portion is provided with a plurality of hole structures, with the length of the hole structures extending in a first direction parallel to the rotation axis of the first swing arm. The provision of the hole structures can reduce internal stress in the flexible portion during bending, thereby facilitating bending of the flexible portion.

[0023] In some possible designs, multiple hole structures are arranged at intervals along a first direction on the flexible portion, and the multiple hole structures arranged at intervals in the first direction form a hole group. Multiple hole groups are arranged at intervals along a second direction on the flexible support structure, and the second direction is arranged at an angle to the first direction.

[0024] In some possible designs, the hole structures in two adjacent hole groups are staggered at the center point in the first direction.

[0025] In some possible designs, the hole structure penetrates the flexible portion along the thickness direction of the flexible portion. The hole structure penetrating the flexible portion is convenient for production and processing.

[0026] In some possible designs, the hinge mechanism further includes a transition structure that is slidably connected to the first swing arm and rotatably connected to the base. The transition structure is configured to drive the first swing arm to rotate, with the first swing arm's rotation angle being greater than the transition structure's rotation angle, so that the flexible portion bends under the drive of the first swing arm to form a teardrop-shaped escape space. The teardrop-shaped escape space is more conducive to protecting the display screen.

[0027] In some possible designs, the transition structure is provided with a first sliding hole, the first swing arm is provided with a first sliding portion, and the first sliding portion is slidably assembled in the first sliding hole.

[0028] In some possible designs, the first swing arm includes a first swinging body and a first sliding part. The first swinging body is provided with a first through hole. The first sliding part is passed through the first through hole and connected to the first swinging body. At least part of the structure of the first sliding part outside the first through hole is located inside the first sliding hole.

[0029] In some possible designs, there are two first through holes, the two first through holes are respectively located on both sides of the first sliding hole, and the two first through holes are coaxially arranged, and the two ends of the first sliding part are respectively located in the two first through holes.

[0030] In some possible designs, the first swinging body is provided with a first swinging portion, and the base is provided with a first swinging groove. The first swinging portion is slidably assembled in the first swinging groove, and the first swinging portion can slide relative to the first swinging groove to make the first swinging body swing.

[0031] The second aspect of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, comprising a first shell, a second shell, a display screen and a hinge mechanism as provided in any of the above technical solutions, the hinge mechanism being connected between the first shell and the second shell, the display screen being arranged on one side of the first shell, the second shell and the hinge mechanism, the display screen being located on a side of the flexible portion of the hinge mechanism away from the base, and the display screen being at least partially located in the avoidance space when the hinge mechanism is in a folded state.

[0032] Through the above technical solution, since the foldable electronic device includes the above-mentioned hinge mechanism, it at least has all the beneficial effects of the hinge mechanism, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in a folded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in a semi-expanded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG3 ;

[0037] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application in an expanded state;

[0038] FIG6 is an exploded schematic diagram of parts of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of GG in FIG5 ;

[0040] FIG8 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in FIG7 in a folded state;

[0041] FIG9 is an exploded schematic diagram of the parts of the first swing arm and the transition structure in the rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG10 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point B in FIG6;

[0043] FIG11 is an exploded schematic diagram of parts from one perspective of a flexible support structure in a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG12 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point C in FIG11;

[0045] FIG13 is an exploded schematic diagram of parts of the flexible support structure in the shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0046] FIG14 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point D in FIG13;

[0047] FIG15 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point A in FIG5;

[0048] FIG16 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG5 ;

[0049] FIG17 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in FIG16 in a folded state;

[0050] FIG18 is a schematic structural diagram of a flexible support structure in a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG19 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of point E in FIG18 .

[0052] 1. Foldable electronic device; 10. Rotating shaft mechanism; 20. First housing; 30. Second housing; 40. Display screen; 41. First portion; 42. Second portion; 43. Foldable portion; 100. Base; 110. First swing groove; 210. First swing arm; 211. Second fixing hole; 213. First swing body; 2131. First through hole; 2132. First swing portion; 214. First sliding portion; 220. Second swing arm; 230. Third swing arm; 240. Adapter structure; 241. First sliding hole; 300. Flexible supporting structure; 310. Avoidance space; 320. Flexible portion; 321. First surface; 322. Second positioning hole; 323. Hole structure; 3231. Center point; 330, rigid part; 331, support plate; 3311, second surface; 3312, glue containing groove; 3313, glue overflow groove; 3314, avoidance hole; 3315, weight reduction hole; 3316, first positioning hole; 332, fixing seat; 3321, first fixing hole; 3322, fixing column; 3323, positioning piece; 400, fixing piece; 410, head; 420, threaded part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the implementation methods of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] It should be understood that the “multiple” mentioned in this application refers to two or more. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, “ / ” means or, for example, A / B can mean A or B; “and / or” in this article is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solution of this application, words such as “first” and “second” are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art can understand that words such as “first” and “second” do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as “first” and “second” do not necessarily limit them to be different.

[0055] The following is a detailed explanation of the hinge mechanism and foldable electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application. In the drawings of this application, leads with hollow arrows point to the surface of the device, leads with dots point to a spatial area within a certain range, such as a hole, slot, or cavity, and leads with solid arrows point to the device itself.

[0056] The foldable electronic device 1 includes, but is not limited to, a cell phone, a notebook computer, a tablet personal computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant, a wearable device, or a mobile device. In the embodiments of the present application, the foldable electronic device 1 is described as a cell phone.

[0057] FIG1 shows a foldable electronic device 1 in a folded state, FIG2 shows a foldable electronic device 1 in a semi-expanded state, and FIG3 shows a foldable electronic device 1 in an expanded state. The expanded angle α of the foldable electronic device 1 shown in FIG2 is 90 degrees, and the expanded angle β of the foldable electronic device 1 shown in FIG3 is 180 degrees.

[0058] It should be noted that the angles illustrated in the embodiments of the present application are allowed to have slight deviations. For example, the unfolding angle α of the foldable electronic device 1 shown in Figure 2 is 90 degrees, which means that α can be 90 degrees, or approximately 90 degrees, such as 80 degrees, 85 degrees, 95 degrees or 100 degrees. The unfolding angle β of the foldable electronic device 1 shown in Figure 3 is 180 degrees, which means that β can be 180 degrees, or approximately 180 degrees, such as 170 degrees, 175 degrees, 185 degrees and 190 degrees. The angles illustrated in the following text can be understood in the same way.

[0059] The foldable electronic device 1 shown in the embodiment of the present application is an electronic device that can be folded once. In other embodiments, the foldable electronic device 1 can also be an electronic device that can be folded multiple times (more than twice). In this case, the foldable electronic device 1 can include multiple parts, where two adjacent parts can be folded relatively close together until the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, and two adjacent parts can be unfolded relatively far apart until the foldable electronic device 1 is in an unfolded state.

[0060] For ease of description, in this embodiment, the width direction of the foldable electronic device 1 is defined as the X-axis direction, the length direction of the foldable electronic device 1 is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the thickness direction of the foldable electronic device 1 is defined as the Z-axis direction. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are mutually perpendicular. It should be noted that the width dimension is not necessarily larger than the length dimension. It is worth noting that the qualifiers such as parallel and perpendicular mentioned in this embodiment are based on the current state of the art and are not absolute and strict definitions in a mathematical sense. Small deviations are allowed, and both approximately parallel and approximately perpendicular are acceptable. For example, A and B are parallel, which means that A and B are parallel or approximately parallel, and the angle between A and B can be between 0 degrees and 10 degrees. For example, A and B are perpendicular, which means that A and B are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular, and the angle between A and B can be between 80 degrees and 100 degrees. When describing the foldable electronic device 1 in this embodiment, directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "front" and "back" are used. The directions are mainly explained based on the display orientation of the foldable terminal in Figure 3, with the direction facing the positive direction of the Y axis being the "top", the direction facing the negative direction of the Y axis being the "bottom", the direction facing the positive direction of the X axis being the "left", the direction facing the negative direction of the X axis being the "right", the direction facing the positive direction of the Z axis being the "front", and the direction facing the negative direction of the Z axis being the "back".

[0061] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the foldable electronic device 1 shown in Figure 3. The foldable electronic device 1 includes a first housing 20, a second housing 30, a hinge mechanism 10, and a display screen 40. The hinge mechanism 10 is connected between the first and second housings 20, 30. Specifically, the first and second housings 20, 30 are mounted on opposite sides of the hinge mechanism 10 in the width direction. In other words, the first and second housings 20, 30 are mounted on the left and right sides of the hinge mechanism 10, respectively. The first and second housings 20, 30 rotate relative to each other via the hinge mechanism 10. The first and second housings 20, 30 rotate in opposite directions. The display screen 40 is positioned on one side of the first and second housings 20, 30, and hinge mechanism 10. Specifically, the display screen 40 is positioned in front of the first and second housings 20, 30, and hinge mechanism 10. The display screen 40 includes a first portion 41, a second portion 42, and a foldable portion 43. The foldable portion 43 is located between the first and second portions 41, 42 and can bend along the Y-axis. The first portion 41, the second portion 42, and the foldable portion 43 together constitute a display screen 40. In this embodiment, the display screen 40 is a flexible display screen 40, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen 40, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen 40, a mini organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen 40, a micro organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen 40, a micro organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen 40, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen 40.

[0062] The foldable electronic device 1 folds by folding the display screen 40 by bringing the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 closer together. When the foldable electronic device 1 is folded, the foldable portion 43 of the display screen 40 bends, and the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 are positioned opposite each other. At this point, the display screen 40 is positioned between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30, significantly reducing the risk of damage to the display screen 40 and effectively protecting it.

[0063] Referring to Figures 2 and 4 , the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 rotate relative to each other via the hinge mechanism 10. As the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 move away from each other, the display screen 40 unfolds, allowing the foldable electronic device 1 to unfold to a semi-expanded state. When the foldable electronic device 1 is in the semi-expanded state, the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 unfold to an angle α, the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 unfold relative to each other, and the foldable portion 43 unfolds. At this point, the angle between the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 is α.

[0064] Referring to Figures 3 and 4 , the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 rotate relative to each other via the hinge mechanism 10. The first and second housings 20 and 30 can have identical structures and can be arranged in mirror-image symmetry with respect to the hinge mechanism 10. The relative separation of the first and second housings 20 and 30 drives the display screen 40 to further unfold until the foldable electronic device 1 is flattened. When the foldable electronic device 1 is flattened, the angle between the first and second housings 20 and 30 is β. The foldable portion 43 unfolds, and the first and second portions 41 and 42 unfold relative to each other. At this point, the angles between the first and second portions 41, 42, and the foldable portion 43 are all β. The display screen 40 has a large display area, enabling a large-screen display for the foldable electronic device 1 and improving the user experience. It should be noted that the angles α and β are the angles between the first and second housings 20 and 30. These angles are used to distinguish the different angles between the first and second housings 20 and 30 when the foldable electronic device 1 is in different states. Among them, the angle α refers to the angle between the first shell 20 and the second shell 30 when the foldable electronic device 1 is in a semi-expanded state; the angle β refers to the angle between the first shell 20 and the second shell 30 when the foldable electronic device 1 is in an expanded state.

[0065] It should be understood that the foldable electronic device 1 shown in the embodiment of the present application is folded inward, and the display screen 40 of the foldable electronic device 1 in the folded state is located on the inner side of the hinge mechanism 10. In some other embodiments, the foldable electronic device 1 can also be folded in outward, and in this case, the display screen 40 of the foldable electronic device 1 in the folded state is located on the outer side of the hinge mechanism 10.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the hinge mechanism 10 includes a base 100, a first swing arm 210, and a flexible support structure 300. There are at least two first swing arms 210, such that at least one first swing arm 210 is connected to each side of the base 100 in the width direction. The first swing arms 210 are rotatably connected to the base 100 and can rotate relative to the base 100. The first swing arms 210 located on either side of the base 100 rotate in opposite directions. The first swing arms 210 rotate relative to the base 100 to transition the hinge mechanism 10 between a folded state and an unfolded state. It is worth noting that when the hinge mechanism 10 is in the folded state, the foldable electronic device 1 incorporating the hinge mechanism 10 is in the folded state. When the hinge mechanism is in the unfolded state, the foldable electronic device 1 incorporating the hinge mechanism 10 is in the unfolded state. The flexible support structure 300 includes a flexible portion 320 and a rigid portion 330. The rigid portion 330 is more rigid than the flexible portion 320, so that under the action of the same force, the flexible portion 320 is more likely to deform relative to the rigid portion 330. The rigid portion 330 supports the flexible portion 320. The flexible portion 320 is located on one side of the base 100 in the thickness direction. The flexible portion 320 has a first surface 321. The first surface 321 includes the area of ​​the flexible portion 320 facing the base 100. Rigid portions 330 are respectively provided on both sides of the first surface 321. The rigid portions 330 are connected to the corresponding first swing arms 210. In other words, the rigid portions 330 located on the same side of the base 100 are connected to the first swing arms 210. The first swing arms 210 on either side of the base 100 swing, driving the rigid portion 330 to swing. The rigid portion 330 is connected to the flexible portion 320. The rigid portions 330 on either side of the flexible portion 320 drive the ends of the flexible portion 320 to swing, causing the flexible portion 320 to bend. The bending of the flexible portion 320 forms a clearance space 310, which is used to accommodate the foldable portion 43 of the display screen 40.

[0067] Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6 , first swing arms 210 are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the base 100. In Figure 6 , there are six first swing arms 210, with three first swing arms 210 provided on the left and right sides of the base 100, respectively. The first swing arms 210 on the same side are spaced apart along the length of the base 100, with the three first swing arms 210 on the left and the three first swing arms 210 on the right being symmetrically distributed. If a first swing arm 210 on the left and another first swing arm 210 symmetrically distributed therewith are referred to as a first arm group, in Figure 6 , along the length of the base 100, one first arm group is provided near the top, one first arm group is provided near the bottom, and one first arm group is provided in the middle of the base 100.

[0068] The flexible portion 320 is located on the front side of the base 100 and the first swing arm 210. In the width direction, the middle area of ​​the flexible portion 320 is located on the front side of the base 100, the left area of ​​the flexible portion 320 is located on the front side of the first swing arm 210 on the left side of the base 100, and the right area of ​​the flexible portion 320 is located on the front side of the first swing arm 210 on the right side of the base 100.

[0069] In a specific example, the flexible portion 320 is a plate-like structure with a certain elasticity and can be bent. The rigid portion 330 is a strip-shaped plate-like structure. Compared with the flexible portion 320, the rigid portion 330 is not easy to bend and deform. The flexible portion 320 can be made of a steel sheet with a certain elasticity, and the rigid portion 330 can be made of a steel sheet or a plastic sheet with a greater rigidity than the flexible portion 320. The flatness of the steel sheet and the plastic sheet is good, and the support for the display screen 40 is good. The flexible portion 320 has a first surface 321, and the first surface 321 faces the base 100. That is, the rear side surface of the flexible portion 320 is the first surface 321, and the rigid portion 330 is respectively provided on the left and right sides of the first surface 321. The rigid portion 330 located on the left side of the first surface 321 is positioned between the flexible portion 320 and the first swing arm 210 on the left side of the base 100. The rigid portion 330 located on the right side of the first surface 321 is positioned between the flexible portion 320 and the first swing arm 210 on the right side of the base 100. The rigid portion 330 is connected to the first swing arm 210, and the rigid portion 330 is connected to the flexible portion 320. At least one rigid portion 330 may be provided along the length of one side of the flexible portion 320, positioned between the flexible portion 320 and the first swing arm 210. When multiple first swing arms 210 are provided on one side of the flexible portion 320, the number of rigid portions 330 may be one or more. For example, in FIG6 , a first swing arm 210 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the flexible portion 320, and a rigid portion 330 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the flexible portion 320. The rigid portion 330 is a strip-shaped plate-like structure that extends along the length of the base 100. The length of the rigid portion 330 is the same as or similar to the length of the flexible portion 320. The three first swing arms 210 on the left side of the base 100 are all connected to the rigid portion 330 on the left side, and the three first swing arms 210 on the right side of the base 100 are all connected to the rigid portion 330 on the right side.

[0070] When the hinge mechanism 10 is used in a foldable electronic device 1, the display screen 40 is placed on one side (the front side) of the hinge mechanism 10, and the foldable portion 43 of the display screen 40 is located on the side of the flexible portion 320 away from the base 100. When the hinge mechanism 10 is in the unfolded state, the side of the flexible portion 320 away from the base 100 is flat or quasi-flat, and the flexible portion 320 provides support for the display screen 40. The rigid portion 330 is located between the flexible portion 320 and the first swing arm 210. When the first swing arm 210 drives the flexible portion 320 to bend, one or more first swing arms 210 on the same side apply force to the flexible portion 320 through the rigid portion 330. Compared to direct contact between the first swing arm 210 and the flexible portion 320, the provision of the rigid portion 330 can ensure more balanced force on the flexible portion 320 along its length, facilitating bending of the flexible portion 320 along the set bending direction. After being bent, the flexible portion 320 forms an avoidance space 310, and at least the foldable portion 43 of the display screen 40 is located in the avoidance space 310. The setting of the avoidance space 310 makes the bending angle of the foldable portion 43 of the display screen 40 relatively larger, which is less likely to produce creases and is beneficial to protecting the display screen 40.

[0071] When the foldable electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state, the flexible portion 320 of the flexible support structure 300 supports the display screen 40. When the foldable electronic device 1 is in the folded state, the first swing arm 210 swings relative to the base 100, thereby driving the rigid portion 330 to swing. The rigid portion 330 drives the flexible portion 320 to bend from both sides of the flexible portion 320, so that the flexible portion 320 bends to form an escape space 310. The bent area in the middle of the display screen 40 is located within the escape space 310. Compared to the related art that provides multiple structures that can move relative to the base to achieve support for the display screen and form an escape space, the flexible support structure 300 transforms between a flat plate and a bent shape through deformation. When the flexible support structure 300 is in the flat plate shape, it can better support the display screen 40. When the flexible support structure is in the bent shape, the escape space 310 is formed, which can be used to accommodate at least part of the structure of the display screen 40. As can be seen from the above, there is no need to set a connection structure that can rotate, swing or slide on the flexible support structure 300 itself or at the connection between the flexible support structure 300 and the first swing arm 210. The flexible support structure 300 in this embodiment is fixedly connected to the first swing arm 210. Compared with the connection structure that can move relative to each other, the structure that only requires a fixed connection is simple, which simplifies the assembly process of the foldable electronic device 1 and improves the assembly efficiency of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0072] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the avoidance space 310 formed by the flexible portion 320 after bending can be U-shaped or teardrop-shaped. The first swing arm 210 is in transmission connection with its corresponding first shell 20 or second shell 30. When the first shell 20 and the second shell 30 swing relative to each other, the first swing arms 210 on both sides of the base 100 swing relative to each other. In some examples, the hinge mechanism 10 further includes a transition structure 240, which is rotatably connected to the base 100. The first swing arm 210 is connected to the corresponding first shell 20 or second shell 30 via the transition structure 240. The first swing arm 210 and the transition structure 240 are slidably assembled, so that the swing angle of the first swing arm 210 is different from the swing angle of the corresponding first shell 20 or second shell 30, so that the first swing arm 210 can bend the flexible portion 320 to form the teardrop-shaped avoidance space 310. For example, the first swing arm 210 rotates about a first axis, and the adapter structure 240 rotates about a second axis. Both the first axis and the second axis are parallel to the length of the base 100. With the plane of the rear side of the base 100 as a reference plane, the distance between the first axis and the reference plane is greater than the distance between the second axis and the reference plane. For example, when the first housing 20 rotates 90°, the first swing arm 210 can rotate by an angle of 92°-110°. For example, the first swing arm 210 can rotate by an angle of 95°, 98°, 100°, or 102°.

[0073] In some embodiments, the rotating shaft mechanism 10 is further provided with a second swing arm 220, which is rotatably connected to the base 100, and the adapter structure 240 can be rotatably connected to the second swing arm 220, and the adapter structure 240 can be rotatably connected to the base 100 through the second swing arm 220.

[0074] It is worth noting that when the rotating shaft mechanism 10 is provided with a first swing arm 210, a second swing arm 220, and an adapter structure 240, the first swing arm 210, the second swing arm 220, and the adapter structure 240 are not necessarily transmission-connected. The first swing arm 210 can be independently slidably connected to the adapter structure 240, and the second swing arm 220 can also be independently slidably connected to the adapter structure 240. The first swing arm 210 and the second swing arm 220 can also be simultaneously transmission-connected to the same adapter structure 240.

[0075] In some possible embodiments, the rotating shaft mechanism 10 is further provided with a third swing arm 230. The rotating shaft mechanism 10 may also be provided with a damping structure or a synchronization structure. The third swing arm 230 is transmission-connected to the damping structure or the synchronization structure. The third swing arm 230 is transmission-connected to the corresponding first housing 20 or second housing 30. The third swing arm 230 may also be transmission-connected to the corresponding first housing 20 or second housing 30 via an adapter structure 240.

[0076] In a specific embodiment, the number of the first swing arms 210 , the second swing arms 220 , the third swing arms 230 and the transfer structures 240 provided on the left and right sides of the base 100 is the same and their positions are symmetrical. On the left side of the base 100, there are provided four transfer structures 240, four second swing arms 220, three first swing arms 210 and three third swing arms 230, wherein one transfer structure 240 is rotatably connected to a second swing arm 220, and the three transfer structures 240, three second swing arms 220, three third swing arms 230 and three first swing arms 210 are divided into three groups, each group including a transfer structure 240, a first swing arm 210, a second swing arm 220 and a third swing arm 230, the transfer structure 240 is slidingly connected to the first swing arm 210, the transfer structure 240 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 220, and the transfer structure 240 is slidably connected to the third swing arm 230, that is, the first swing arm 210, the second swing arm 220 and the third swing arm 230 in the same group are transmission-connected to the same transfer structure 240.

[0077] The first swing arm 210 and the adapter structure 240 are slidably assembled, allowing them to slide relative to each other during their respective rotation relative to the base 100. As shown in FIG9 , in some configurations, the adapter structure 240 is provided with a first sliding hole 241, and the first swing arm 210 is provided with a first sliding portion 214, which is slidably assembled within the first sliding hole 241. The extension direction of the first sliding hole 241 can be determined based on the movement trajectory of the first sliding portion 214 relative to the adapter structure 240 during the swinging of the first swing arm 210 and the adapter structure 240. For example, when the movement trajectory of the first sliding portion 214 on the adapter structure 240 is arcuate, the first sliding hole 241 is an arcuate hole. When the movement trajectory of the first sliding portion 214 on the adapter structure 240 is linear, the first sliding hole 241 can be an elongated hole extending along a straight line. In FIG. 9 , the first sliding hole 241 is a long hole.

[0078] The first swinging body 213 and the first sliding portion 214 can be an integral structure, manufactured through an integral molding process. Alternatively, the portion of the first swing arm 210 that mates with the first sliding hole 241 is referred to as the first sliding portion 214, while the remaining portion is referred to as the first swinging body 213. In other embodiments, the first swinging body 213 and the first sliding portion 214 are two separate structures, manufactured independently, and are fixedly connected to each other. The first swinging body 213 and the first sliding portion 214 can be connected by interference fit, bonding, welding, bolting, or other methods.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first swing arm 210 includes a first swinging body 213 and a first sliding portion 214. The first swinging body 213 is provided with a first through-hole 2131. The first sliding portion 214 is disposed within the first through-hole 2131 and connected to the first swinging body 213. At least the portion of the first sliding portion 214 located outside the first through-hole 2131 is located within the first sliding hole 241. In this arrangement, since the first swinging body 213 and the first sliding portion 214 are two independent structures, the structures of both the first swinging body 213 and the first sliding portion 214 are simplified, making manufacturing easier. Since the first swinging body 213 is provided with the first through-hole 2131 and a portion of the first sliding portion 214 is disposed within the first through-hole 2131, the first swinging body 213 limits the first sliding portion 214 to a certain extent through the first through-hole 2131, facilitating the connection between the first swinging body 213 and the first sliding portion 214. For example, the first sliding portion 214 and the first through-hole 2131 may be connected by an interference fit. Alternatively, the first sliding portion 214 may be extended into the first through-hole 2131 after being coated with glue, so that the first sliding portion 214 adheres to the inner wall of the first through-hole 2131. Alternatively, after the first sliding portion 214 is inserted into the first through-hole 2131, it may be welded to the first swinging body 213. The first sliding portion 214 may be a cylindrical rod-shaped structure, and the first through-hole 2131 may be a circular hole. The axis of the first sliding portion 214 is parallel to the first axis.

[0080] There are two first through holes 2131, one located on either side of the first sliding hole 241. The two first through holes 2131 are coaxially arranged, and the two ends of the first sliding portion 214 are respectively located within the two first through holes 2131. In this arrangement, the two ends of the first sliding portion 214 are respectively restrained by the walls of the two first through holes 2131, thereby improving the restraining effect of the first swinging body 213 on the first sliding portion 214, thereby facilitating the improvement of the connection strength between the first sliding portion 214 and the first swinging body 213.

[0081] The first swing arm 210 is rotatably connected to the base 100. The first swing arm 210 can be rotatably connected to the base 100 via a rotating shaft, or the first swing arm 210 can be rotatably connected to the base 100 via a virtual shaft structure. The virtual shaft structure is that no physical rotating shaft structure is provided between the first swing arm 210 and the base 100, but rather an arc-shaped sliding fit structure is used to achieve the rotation of the first swing arm 210 relative to the base 100. For example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, a first swinging groove 110 is provided on the base 100, and the first swinging body 213 of the first swinging arm 210 is provided with a first swinging portion 2132. The first swinging portion 2132 is slidably assembled in the first swinging groove 110. The first swinging portion 2132 can slide relative to the first swinging groove 110 to cause the first swinging body 213 to swing. During the sliding of the first swing portion 2132 relative to the first swing slot 110 , the first swing portion 2132 moves along an arc-shaped trajectory, thereby causing the first swing arm 210 to rotate relative to the base 100 .

[0082] As shown in FIG9 , the first swinging body 213 and the first swinging portion 2132 are integrally structured. The first swinging portion 2132 is located on the side of the first swinging body 213 that is closest to the base 100. A first swinging portion 2132 is provided at the top and bottom regions of the first swinging body 213. A first sliding portion 214 is mounted on the side of the first swinging body 213 that is away from the first swinging portion 2132. As shown in FIG10 , two first swinging grooves 110 are provided at intervals in the area of ​​the base 100 that faces the first swing arm 210. The two first swinging portions 2132 of the first swinging body 213 are slidably assembled in the two first swinging grooves 110, one for each. In this setting, through the cooperation of the two first swing grooves 110 and the two first swing parts 2132, the base 100 plays a limiting role in the length direction of the first swing arm 210, which can improve the movement stability of the first swing arm 210 during the swinging process relative to the base 100 and reduce the shaking of the first swing arm 210 in the length direction of the base 100.

[0083] The rigid portion 330 and the first swing arm 210 are fixedly connected, meaning that relative movement between the rigid portion 330 and the first swing arm 210 is prevented, not that the rigid portion 330 and the first swing arm 210 are non-detachable. The rigid portion 330 and the first swing arm 210 may be detachably connected or non-detachably connected. For example, the rigid portion 330 and the first swing arm 210 may be connected by riveting, bonding, welding, or other means, or may be connected via a fixing member 400.

[0084] In some examples, the rigid portion 330 and the first swing arm 210 are connected via a fixing member 400. The hinge structure then further includes the fixing member 400. The rigid portion 330 is provided with a first fixing hole 3321, and the first swing arm 210 is provided with a second fixing hole 211. The fixing member 400 is inserted through the first fixing hole 3321 and the second fixing hole 211 to connect the rigid portion 330 and the first swing arm 210. The fixing member 400 can be a bolt, or it can include a bolt and a nut. When the fixing member 400 is a bolt, one of the first fixing hole 3321 and the second fixing hole 211 is a plain hole, and the other is a threaded hole. The bolt passes through the plain hole and is screwed into the threaded hole, with the head 410 of the bolt abutting against the structure provided with the plain hole, thereby connecting the first swing arm 210 to the rigid portion 330. When the fixing member 400 includes a bolt and a nut, the first fixing hole 3321 and the second fixing hole 211 can both be smooth holes, one end of the bolt passes through the first fixing hole 3321 and the second fixing hole 211 and then extends out of the hole, and the nut is screwed on the bolt, and the head 410 of the bolt and the nut are respectively located on both sides of the rigid part 330 and the first swing arm 210, thereby connecting the rigid part 330 and the first swing arm 210 to connect the rigid part 330 to the first swing arm 210.

[0085] In some embodiments, the rigid portion 330 may be a plate-like structure with a hole punched through it along the thickness direction to form the first fixing hole 3321. In other embodiments, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the rigid portion 330 includes a support plate 331 and a fixing base 332, the fixing base 332 being connected to the support plate 331, the fixing base 332 being provided with a fixing post 3322, the first fixing hole 3321 being provided in the fixing post 3322, and at least a portion of the fixing post 3322 extending into the second fixing hole 211. In this arrangement, the thickness of the fixing post 3322 can be greater than the thickness of the rigid portion 330. Since the first fixing hole 3321 is located on the fixing post 3322, the length of the first fixing hole 3321 is greater than the thickness of the support plate 331. This increases the length of the first fixing hole 3321, thereby increasing the length of the structure through which the fixing member 400 extends into the first fixing hole 3321, increasing the mating length between the fixing member 400 and the first fixing hole 3321, and enhancing the retaining effect of the first fixing hole 3321 on the fixing member 400. When the first fixing hole 3321 is a threaded hole, the increased mating length between the first fixing hole 3321 and the fixing member 400 can enhance the connection strength between the fixing member 400 and the fixing post 3322. The support plate 331 can be made of a plastic plate or steel sheet, and the fixing seat 332 can be made of metal or rigid plastic. The fixing seat 332 and the support plate 331 can be connected by welding, gluing, or other methods, or the fixing seat 332 and the support plate 331 can be integrally formed. For example, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, a through-hole is formed in the support plate 331. The two ends of the fixing post 3322 protrude from the fixing seat 332. The fixing seat 332 is located on the side of the support plate 331 away from the flexible portion 320. One end of the fixing post 3322 extends into the through-hole in the support plate 331, and the fixing seat 332 is welded to the support plate 331. The other end of the fixing post 3322 extends into the second fixing hole 211. One end of the fixing post 3322 extends into the through-hole in the support plate 331. The support plate 331, through the through-hole provided therein, serves to limit the fixing post 3322. The other end of the fixing column 3322 extends into the second fixing hole 211, so that the distance between the rigid part 330 and the first swing arm 210 is closer, making the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 10 more compact, and the axial length of the second fixing hole 211 can be used to further increase the axial length of the first fixing hole 3321, thereby further increasing the length of the matching area between the first fixing hole 3321 and the fixing member 400, and improving the connection stability between the rigid part 330 and the first swing arm 210.

[0086] In some examples, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the fixing seat 332 is provided with a positioning member 3323, and the support plate 331 is provided with a first positioning hole 3316, and at least a portion of the positioning member 3323 is located within the first positioning hole 3316. In this arrangement, the provision of the first positioning hole 3316 and the positioning member 3323 facilitates quick adjustment of the fixing seat 332 to the correct position, thereby improving assembly efficiency. In addition, the mutual cooperation between the first positioning hole 3316 and the positioning member 3323 enables relative positioning between the fixing seat 332 and the support plate 331, thereby facilitating the connection of the fixing seat 332 to the support plate 331. The positioning member 3323 can be cylindrical, prismatic, spherical, or any other arbitrary shape. The shape of the first positioning hole 3316 matches the shape of the positioning member 3323, so that the inner wall of the first positioning hole 3316 serves to limit the positioning member 3323.

[0087] In some embodiments, the fixing base 332 may be provided with one or more positioning members 3323, and the support plate 331 may be provided with a plurality of first positioning holes 3316. The plurality of first positioning holes 3316 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of positioning members 3323, and each positioning member 3323 is inserted into a corresponding first positioning hole 3316. For example, the fixing base 332 may be provided with two positioning members 3323, which are spaced apart and disposed on a side of the fixing base 332 facing the support plate 331. The support plate 331 may be provided with two first positioning holes 3316, and each positioning member 3323 is inserted into a corresponding first positioning hole 3316.

[0088] Optionally, there may be multiple fixing seats 332. For example, there are six fixing seats 332. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, each support plate 331 is provided with three fixing seats 332, which are spaced apart along the first direction. One fixing seat 332 is connected to the bottom of the support plate 331, another fixing seat 332 is connected to the middle of the support plate 331, and the last fixing seat 332 is connected to the top of the support plate 331. Three first fixing holes 3321 are provided on the support plate 331. The three first fixing holes 3321 correspond to the fixing posts 3322 on the three fixing seats 332, respectively. Each fixing post 3322 is inserted into the corresponding first fixing hole 3321. Each support plate 331 is also provided with six first positioning holes 3316. Every two first positioning holes 3316 correspond to two positioning members 3323 on a fixing seat 332, and the positioning members 3323 are inserted into the corresponding first positioning holes 3316.

[0089] In some examples, as shown in Figures 12 and 15, the flexible portion 320 is provided with a second positioning hole 322, which is arranged opposite to the first positioning hole 3316. In some embodiments, the end of the positioning member 3323 near the flexible portion 320 can be spaced apart from the second positioning hole 322 in the Z-axis direction, that is, the end of the positioning member 3323 near the flexible portion 320 is spaced apart from the first surface 321 of the flexible portion 320 in the Z-axis direction. In this arrangement, during the assembly process, it is possible to observe whether the positioning member 3323 is accurately inserted into the first positioning hole 3316 through the second positioning hole 322, thereby improving the installation stability of the fixing base 332. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the end of the positioning member 3323 near the flexible portion 320 can also extend into the second positioning hole 322. The second positioning hole 322 and the first positioning hole 3316 simultaneously limit the positioning member 3323 , thereby further improving the installation stability of the fixing seat 332 and improving the connection stability between the flexible portion 320 and the rigid portion 330 .

[0090] In some embodiments, when there are multiple fixing seats 332 and each fixing seat 332 is provided with multiple positioning members 3323, the support plate 331 is provided with multiple first positioning holes 3316 corresponding to the multiple positioning members 3323, and the flexible portion 320 is provided with multiple second positioning holes 322 corresponding to the multiple positioning members 3323. The positioning members 3323 on each fixing seat 332 correspond to one first positioning hole 3316 and one second positioning hole 322, respectively. The positioning members 3323 are inserted into at least the corresponding first positioning holes 3316 and are arranged corresponding to the corresponding first positioning holes 3316. For example, as shown in Figure 11, each support plate 331 is provided with three fixing seats 332, and the three fixing seats 332 are arranged at intervals along the first direction. Two positioning pieces 3323 are provided on each fixing seat 332, and each flexible portion 320 is provided with six second positioning holes 322 along its own thickness direction. The six second positioning holes 322 are respectively arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the positioning pieces 3323 on the three fixing seats 332, and each positioning piece 3323 is inserted into the corresponding second positioning hole 322.

[0091] In some examples, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the first fixing hole 3321 is a threaded hole, the second fixing hole 211 is a countersunk hole, and the fixing member 400 includes a head 410 and a threaded portion 420 connected to each other, the head 410 is located in the countersunk hole, and the threaded portion 420 is located in the threaded hole. The threaded portion 420 of the fixing member 400 passes through the countersunk hole and connects to the threaded hole, and the head 410 of the fixing member 400 is located in the countersunk hole, thereby ensuring a stable connection between the rigid portion 330 and the first swing arm 210. In this arrangement, the fixing member 400 can be a structure such as a screw or bolt. By providing a countersunk hole to accommodate the head 410 of the fixing member 400, the space occupied by the fixing member 400 is reduced to a certain extent, thereby reducing the space occupied by the rotating shaft mechanism 10.

[0092] The rigid portion 330 and the flexible portion 320 can be connected by gluing, welding, clamping or screwing. Optionally, the rigid portion 330 and the flexible portion 320 are connected by gluing. By gluing, the entire plane where the rigid portion 330 and the flexible portion 320 contact each other can be connected, thereby increasing the connection area between the rigid portion 330 and the flexible portion 320, which is conducive to improving the connection strength between the rigid portion 330 and the flexible portion 320. In some examples, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the rigid portion 330 has a second surface 3311 facing the first surface 321, and the second surface 3311 is provided with a glue groove 3312. In other words, a glue groove 3312 is provided on the side of the rigid portion 330 facing the flexible portion 320, and the glue groove 3312 is used to accommodate glue. This arrangement allows the glue between the rigid portion 330 and the flexible portion 320 to have a certain thickness, which is conducive to improving the connection strength between the rigid portion 330 and the flexible portion 320. In one embodiment, the second surface 3311 is specifically the side of the support plate 331 of the rigid portion 330 facing the first surface 321. In other words, the adhesive groove 3312 is specifically provided on the side of the support plate 331 of the rigid portion 330 facing the flexible portion 320, thereby improving the connection strength between the support plate 331 and the flexible portion 320.

[0093] In some examples, the second surface 3311 is provided with a glue overflow groove 3313, which is connected to the glue containing groove 3312. By providing the glue overflow groove 3313, excess glue can flow out through the glue overflow groove 3313. The glue overflow groove 3313 is specifically arranged on the side of the support plate 331 in the rigid portion 330 facing the flexible portion 320. In some embodiments, the number of the glue overflow groove 3313 can be multiple, and the multiple glue overflow grooves 3313 are spaced apart in the edge area of ​​the second surface 3311. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the edge area of ​​the second surface 3311 is provided with an annular outer peripheral side wall, and the outer peripheral side wall and the second surface 3311 are surrounded to form the above-mentioned glue containing groove 3312. Each glue overflow groove 3313 passes through the outer peripheral side wall along the thickness direction of the outer peripheral side wall, so that the glue containing groove 3312 is connected to the outside through the glue overflow groove 3313, thereby facilitating the excess glue in the glue containing groove 3312 to flow out through the glue overflow groove 3313.

[0094] In some examples, the edge of the rigid portion 330 is provided with a clearance opening 3314. The clearance opening 3314 is used to clear other structures mounted on the base 100, such as the first swing arm 210, the second swing arm 220, the third swing arm 230, or the adapter structure 240. Alternatively, the clearance opening 3314 can also be used to clear partial structures of the base 100 itself, such as a protruding structure protruding from the surface of the base 100. The provision of the clearance opening 3314 helps improve the structural compactness of the hinge mechanism 10. The clearance opening 3314 is specifically provided at the edge of the support plate 331 in the rigid portion 330. In some embodiments, there may be multiple clearance openings 3314, with the multiple clearance openings 3314 spaced apart along the edge of the support plate 331. As shown in Figures 11 and 12 or Figures 18 and 19, there are multiple clearance openings 3314, each spaced apart on opposite sides of the support plate 331 in the second direction. The shapes of the avoidance openings 3314 can be different, and the shape and size of each avoidance opening 3314 are specifically matched with the shape and size of the corresponding avoidance structure, so that the avoidance opening 3314 can accommodate the corresponding avoidance structure, thereby realizing the avoidance function of the avoidance opening 3314 and improving the structural compactness of the rotating shaft mechanism 10.

[0095] In some examples, the rigid portion 330 is provided with weight-reducing holes 3315. The provision of weight-reducing holes 3315 reduces the weight of the rigid portion 330 to a certain extent, thereby reducing the weight of the foldable electronic device 1 incorporating the hinge mechanism 10 provided in the embodiments of the present application. Furthermore, when the rigid portion 330 is manufactured using injection molding or casting, the provision of weight-reducing holes 3315 can reduce the material used in the rigid portion 330, thereby reducing production costs. The weight-reducing holes 3315 are specifically provided on the support plate 331 of the rigid portion 330. The weight-reducing holes 3315 can be through holes or blind holes. In some embodiments, the number of weight-reducing holes 3315 can be one or more. The weight-reducing holes 3315 can be circular, square, or any other shape, without limitation. As shown in Figures 18 and 19, each support plate 331 is provided with eight weight-reducing holes 3315, which are spaced apart along the first direction on the support plate 331.

[0096] In some examples, the flexible portion 320 is provided with a plurality of hole structures 323, and the length direction of the hole structure 323 is a first direction, and the first direction is parallel to the rotation axis of the first swing arm 210. The hole structure 323 can be a circular hole, an elliptical hole, a square hole, a runway hole, or a hole of other shapes. By providing a plurality of hole structures 323 on the flexible portion 320, the bending stress of the flexible portion 320 can be reduced, the flexibility of the flexible portion 320 can be improved, and the flexible portion 320 can be easier to bend. The hole structure 323 can be a blind hole or a through hole. When the hole structure 323 is a blind hole, the thickness of the flexible portion 320 where the blind hole is provided is less than the thickness of other areas of the flexible portion 320, and the opening of the blind hole can be located on the side of the flexible portion 320 facing away from the base 100. In some embodiments, the flexible portion 320 is made of a thin steel sheet, and a plurality of hole structures 323 are provided on the flexible portion 320, so that the area where the plurality of hole structures 323 are provided on the flexible portion 320 has a certain elasticity, so that the flexible portion 320 can expand and contract during the bending process, and the flexible portion 320 can adapt to changes in arc length after bending, which is conducive to forming a U-shaped or teardrop-shaped avoidance space 310 after the flexible portion 320 is bent to protect the display screen.

[0097] In some examples, the flexible portion 320 has multiple hole structures 323 spaced apart along a first direction. The multiple hole structures 323 spaced apart in the first direction form a hole group. The flexible support structure 300 also has multiple hole groups spaced apart along a second direction, with the second direction being angled relative to the first direction. Thus, the flexible portion 320 has multiple hole structures 323 spaced apart in both the first and second directions, which facilitates bending of the flexible portion 320 along the first direction. The second direction can be arranged at any angle relative to the first direction. In one example, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0098] In some examples, the hole structures 323 in two adjacent hole groups are staggered at the center point 3231 in the first direction. This arrangement can increase the distance between two adjacent hole structures 323 in the width direction, thereby improving the structural strength of the flexible portion 320. In a specific example, the hole structure 323 has multiple side walls, including at least two first side walls spaced apart along the first direction and two second side walls spaced apart along the second direction. The two first side walls and the two second side walls enclose a cavity, and the center position of the cavity is the position of the center point 3231 of the hole structure 323. As shown in Figure 15, to facilitate the illustration of the position of the center point 3231 of the hole structure 323, the center point 3231 of the hole structure 323 is shown in the figure at the intersection of two intersecting dashed lines. Of the two intersecting dashed lines, one dashed line is parallel to the length direction of the hole structure 323, and the other dashed line is parallel to the width direction of the hole structure 323. The center point 3231 of the hole structure 323 is equidistant from the two first side walls in the first direction, and the center point 3231 of the hole structure 323 is equidistant from the two second side walls in the second direction.

[0099] In some examples, the hole structure 323 penetrates the flexible portion 320 along the thickness direction of the flexible portion 320. In other words, the hole structure 323 is a through hole. This configuration further reduces the bending stress of the flexible portion 320 where the hole structure 323 is provided, making the area of ​​the flexible portion 320 where multiple hole structures 323 are provided easier to bend.

[0100] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present application, and should all be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A rotating shaft mechanism, characterized in that, include: Pedestal; A first swing arm, wherein the number of the first swing arms is at least two, and at least one of the first swing arms is rotatably mounted on both sides of the base; The first swing arm can rotate relative to the base so that the rotating shaft mechanism is converted between a folded state and an unfolded state; A flexible support structure includes a flexible part and a rigid part, wherein the flexible part is located on one side of the base in the thickness direction, the flexible part has a first surface facing the base, the rigid parts are respectively connected to the two sides of the first surface, and the rigid part is connected to the corresponding first swing arm; the flexible part is used to form an avoidance space when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a folded state.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, wherein The rigid part is provided with a first fixing hole, the first swing arm is provided with a second fixing hole, and the rotating shaft mechanism further includes a fixing member, which is passed through the first fixing hole and the second fixing hole to connect the rigid part and the first swing arm.

3. The shaft mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, The rigid part includes a support plate and a fixing seat, wherein the fixing seat is connected to the support plate, the fixing seat is provided with a fixing column, the first fixing hole is provided on the fixing column, and at least a part of the fixing column extends into the second fixing hole.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that The fixing seat is provided with a positioning piece, the supporting plate is provided with a first positioning hole, and at least a part of the positioning piece is located in the first positioning hole.

5. The shaft mechanism according to claim 4, wherein, The flexible portion is provided with a second positioning hole, and the second positioning hole is arranged opposite to the first positioning hole.

6. The shaft rotation mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first fixing hole is a threaded hole, the second fixing hole is a countersunk hole, the fixing member comprises a head and a threaded portion connected to each other, the head is located in the countersunk hole, and the threaded portion is located in the threaded hole.

7. The shaft rotation mechanism according to claim 1, wherein The rigid part has a second surface facing the first surface, and the second surface is provided with a glue containing groove.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second surface is provided with a glue overflow groove, and the glue overflow groove is communicated with the glue containing groove.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The edge of the rigid part is provided with an escape opening.

10. The shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rigid part is provided with a weight-reducing hole.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The flexible portion is provided with a plurality of hole structures, the length direction of the hole structures is a first direction, and the first direction is parallel to the rotation axis of the first swing arm.

12. The shaft rotation mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that, The flexible portion has a plurality of hole structures spaced apart along the first direction, the plurality of hole structures spaced apart in the first direction form a hole group, the flexible support structure has a plurality of hole groups spaced apart along a second direction, the second direction is angled with the first direction.

13. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 12, wherein, The hole structures in two adjacent hole groups are staggeredly distributed at the center point of the first direction.

14. The shaft rotating mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that, The hole structure penetrates the flexible portion along a thickness direction of the flexible portion.

15. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The pivot mechanism is also provided with a transfer structure, which is slidably connected to the first swing arm and rotatably connected to the base. The transfer structure is used to drive the first swing arm to rotate, and make the rotation angle of the first swing arm greater than the rotation angle of the transfer structure, so that the flexible part is bent under the drive of the first swing arm to form the water drop-shaped avoidance space.

16. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 15, wherein, The transfer structure is provided with a first sliding hole, and the first swing arm is provided with a first sliding portion, and the first sliding portion is slidably assembled in the first sliding hole.

17. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 16, wherein The first swing arm includes a first swing body and the first sliding portion. The first swing body is provided with a first through hole. The first sliding portion is inserted into the first through hole and connected to the first swing body. At least a part of the structure of the first sliding portion located outside the first through hole is located in the first sliding hole.

18. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 17, wherein The number of the first through holes is two. The two first through holes are respectively located on both sides of the first sliding hole, and the two first through holes are coaxially arranged. Both ends of the first sliding portion are respectively located in the two first through holes.

19. The shaft mechanism according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first swing body is provided with a first swing portion. The base is provided with a first swing groove. The first swing portion is slidably assembled in the first swing groove. The first swing portion can slide relative to the first swing groove so that the first swing body swings.

20. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a first housing, a second housing, a display screen and a rotating shaft mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-19. The rotating shaft mechanism is connected between the first housing and the second housing. The display screen is laid on one side of the first housing, the second housing and the rotating shaft mechanism, and the display screen is located on the side of the flexible portion in the rotating shaft mechanism away from the base, and at least a part of the display screen is located in the avoidance space when the rotating shaft mechanism is in a folded state.

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