Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment, relates to the technical field of electronic products, and is used for avoiding relative displacement between a middle frame and a base, causing the problem of peeling between various film layers of a folding screen, and improving the service life of the folding screen. The rotating shaft mechanism comprises a base, a first swing arm and a second swing arm. The first swing arm is rotationally and slidingly connected with the base. The first swing arm comprises a first stop portion. The second swing arm is rotationally connected with the base. The second swing arm comprises a second stop portion. The first swing arm and the second swing arm can rotate relative to the base between an unfolded position and a folded position. In the folded position, the first stop portion is located on the side, away from the base, of the second stop portion, and the first stop portion is opposite to the second stop portion.

Description

Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic equipment Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic product technology, and more particularly to a rotating shaft mechanism and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of foldable screen technology, foldable electronic devices such as foldable phones have become a hot technology. Compared to the structure of a candybar phone, a foldable phone has a foldable screen that can be folded and unfolded with a hinge mechanism. Because foldable screens are relatively fragile, they are also the most critical factor affecting the reliability of foldable phones. When a foldable phone is dropped from its folded position, the significant impact causes relative displacement between the supporting frame and the base. This displacement of the frame can lead to the peeling of the various film layers of the foldable screen, resulting in damage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device to avoid relative displacement between the mid-frame and the base, which could lead to phase delamination between the various film layers of the foldable screen and improve its lifespan. To achieve the above objective, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a rotating shaft mechanism, which includes a base, a first rotating shaft, a first swing arm, and a second swing arm. The first swing arm is rotatably and slidably connected to the base and includes a first stop. The second swing arm is rotatably connected to the base and includes a second stop. Both the first and second swing arms are rotatable relative to the base between an unfolded position and a folded position. In the folded position, the first stop is located on the side of the second stop away from the base, and the first stop and the second stop are opposite to each other.

[0005] When the rotating shaft mechanism experiences compression or impact, especially when the stress direction is from the base towards the first swing arm, the stress tends to push the first swing arm to slide relative to the base. Since the first stop of the first swing arm is located on the side of the second stop of the second swing arm—that is, the first stop is located on the side of the second stop away from the base—the second stop prevents the stress from being released between the first swing arm and the base during stress transmission. Therefore, the second stop effectively prevents the first swing arm from sliding relative to the base along the arc-shaped groove under stress.

[0006] This improves the reliability of the connection between the first swing arm and the base, preventing relative sliding displacement between the components when the pivot mechanism is subjected to stress in the folded position. Furthermore, it prevents the first mid-frame connected to the first swing arm from sliding relative to the folding screen, improving the reliability of the connection between the first mid-frame and the folding screen. This, in turn, prevents the peeling of the various film layers of the folding screen, thereby enhancing the reliability of the folding screen and further strengthening the overall reliability of the electronic device.

[0007] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first swing arm includes a first arc-shaped sliding portion, and the base includes an arc-shaped groove. The axis of the arc-shaped groove is parallel to the length direction of the base, and the first arc-shaped sliding portion and the arc-shaped groove are rotatably and slidably connected. In this way, the rotational and sliding connection between the first swing arm and the base is achieved through the first arc-shaped sliding portion and the arc-shaped groove. The structure is simple and facilitates the processing and assembly of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes a first rotating shaft disposed within the base; the second swing arm includes a first rotating part sleeved on the first rotating shaft. In this way, the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the base via the first rotating part and the first rotating shaft, resulting in a simple structure that facilitates the machining and assembly of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first swing arm and the second swing arm are arranged along the length of the base, the first stop is disposed on the side of the first swing arm near the second swing arm, and the second stop is disposed on the side of the second swing arm near the first swing arm. The first stop extends along the length of the base near the second swing arm, and the second stop extends along the direction of the base near the first swing arm.

[0010] In this way, the first stop and the second stop have overlapping areas along the length of the base. Due to this overlapping area, the first and second stops transfer stress through this overlapping region. When stress is applied to the electronic device, this ensures that the stress can be effectively transferred from the first stop to the second stop, thereby improving the force transmission efficiency.

[0011] Furthermore, the first stop and the second stop have an overlapping area along the first direction, which prevents the force from being dispersed to other structural components during transmission, thus avoiding sliding displacement of other structural components and affecting the accuracy of the rotating shaft mechanism. This overlapping area ensures the stability and reliability of stress transmission.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second swing arm further includes a second rotating part, which is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and located between the first rotating part and the first arc-shaped sliding part; one end of the second stop is connected to the first rotating part, and the other end of the second stop is connected to the second rotating part.

[0013] In this way, both ends of the second stop have stress transmission paths, avoiding stress concentration problems caused by unilateral stress transmission. The second stop can transmit stress to the first rotating shaft through the first rotating part and the second rotating part, which is conducive to stress dispersion and avoids structural fatigue problems of the second swing arm caused by stress concentration, thereby improving the reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0014] Furthermore, the first and second rotating parts support both ends of the second stop, preventing stress transmission through the cantilever structure and thus avoiding bending or deformation after prolonged use. This further improves the reliability and stability of the second stop.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes a third swing arm, which is rotatably and slidably connected to the base, and the third swing arm includes a third stop. The first swing arm and the third swing arm are respectively located on both sides of the second swing arm along the length direction of the base. The second swing arm also includes a fourth stop. In the folded position, the third stop is located on the side of the fourth stop away from the base, and the third stop and the fourth stop are opposite to each other.

[0016] In this way, the first swing arm and the third swing arm are located on both sides of the second swing arm along the first direction. That is to say, the second swing arm can simultaneously act as a stop and limit for the first and third swing arms. The functional reuse of the second swing arm can reduce the number of second swing arms, which is conducive to improving the space utilization rate of the rotating shaft mechanism, especially the axial space utilization rate of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0017] Secondly, the first and third swing arms are positioned on either side of the second swing arm along the first direction. For example, the first and third swing arms can be symmetrically arranged relative to the second swing arm, which helps to balance the torque on both sides of the second swing arm along the first direction and reduce vibration and displacement of the second swing arm caused by torque imbalance. The first and third swing arms can more effectively balance external stresses and reduce torsional stress on the second swing arm and the base, thereby improving the overall stability and durability of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0018] Furthermore, the connector can be connected to the base via the first and third swing arms, which helps improve the reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism. The third stop and the fourth stop are adapted to each other. When the electronic device is squeezed or impacted, the stress is transmitted to the connector through the first middle frame, and then to the third swing arm via the connector. The third swing arm can abut against the fourth stop via the third stop, and then the stress is transmitted to the second swing arm via the fourth stop, and finally released to the base via the second swing arm.

[0019] In this way, the second swing arm releases the stress of the first and third swing arms onto the base, preventing the first middle frame from sliding towards the base, further preventing the relative displacement between the first middle frame and the folding screen, and thus preventing the peeling of the various film layers of the folding screen, thereby improving the reliability of the hinge mechanism and electronic devices.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first stop includes a first side surface, and the second stop includes a second side surface; in the folded position, the first side surface faces the second side surface, and there is a gap between the first side surface and the second side surface.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the maximum length of the gap along the length direction of the base is less than or equal to 1 millimeter.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, in the unfolded position, the first stop and the second stop are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the length of the base. This minimizes the space occupied by the first and second stops, as well as the space occupied by the third and fourth stops, in the thickness direction of the electronic device. This helps reduce the thickness of the electronic device in the unfolded position, thereby contributing to a thinner and lighter electronic device.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, along a direction perpendicular to the length of the base, the first stop includes a first end and a second end, and the second stop includes a third end and a fourth end along a second direction. In the folded position, the first end and the third end are located between the second end and the fourth end, and the thickness of the first end is less than the thickness of the second end, and the thickness of the third end is less than the thickness of the fourth end.

[0024] When the rotating shaft mechanism rotates between the folded and unfolded positions, the first and second stops slide relative to each other. This results in a smaller thickness at the first and third ends, preventing interference between the first and second stops and thus avoiding friction or jamming during sliding. This improves the smoothness of the relative sliding between the first and second stops, reduces wear caused by interference, and extends the service life of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0025] Furthermore, the greater thickness of the second and fourth ends results in higher structural strength for the first and second stop portions, enabling them to withstand greater stress and thus improving their mechanical strength and durability. Under stress, the thicker second and fourth ends better disperse and bear the stress, reducing localized stress concentration and preventing structural damage.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first stop includes a first surface, and the second stop includes a second surface; in the unfolded position, the first surface faces the second surface, and there is a gap between the first surface and the second surface.

[0027] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the maximum vertical distance between the first surface and the second surface along the direction perpendicular to the length of the base is less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0028] In this way, during the rotation of the shaft mechanism between the folded and unfolded positions, a certain gap exists between the first and second stops, ensuring that the first and second stops do not come into physical contact, thus guaranteeing smooth rotation and freedom of movement. This avoids friction and wear that may occur during the rotation of the shaft mechanism, extending the service life of the shaft mechanism and the stops.

[0029] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the pivot mechanism further includes a damping component disposed on the first pivot and located between the first rotating part and the second rotating part. In this way, while the first and second rotating parts can improve the reliability of the second stop, the damping mechanism, positioned between them, can cooperate with the damping component to further enhance the functionality of the second swing arm, reduce the number of swing arms in the pivot mechanism, and improve the utilization rate of the axial space of the pivot mechanism.

[0030] Specifically, given a fixed space within the rotating shaft mechanism, more structural components can be accommodated in the axial space, which is beneficial for improving the performance of the rotating shaft mechanism. Furthermore, given a fixed number of components in the rotating shaft mechanism, the mechanism can be made smaller, which is beneficial for miniaturization and thinning of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0031] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the damping component includes a first elastic element and a first concave-convex slider, both of which are sleeved on a first rotating shaft, and one of the first rotating part and the second rotating part includes a first concave-convex end face.

[0032] The first concave-convex slider includes a second concave-convex end face that faces and abuts against the first concave-convex end face. The first concave-convex end face is rotatable relative to the second concave-convex end face. A first elastic element abuts against the side of the first concave-convex slider that is opposite to the second concave-convex end face.

[0033] When the second swing arm rotates, it drives the first rotating part to rotate relative to the first concave-convex slider. That is, the first concave-convex end face and the second concave-convex end face rotate relative to each other, so that the first concave-convex slider can move along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft. This causes the first elastic element to deform, thereby changing the damping force during the rotation of the second swing arm. This increases the damping feel and improves the user experience of foldable electronic devices.

[0034] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, there are two second swing arms, which are symmetrically arranged with respect to the base.

[0035] The rotating mechanism also includes a synchronization component connected between the two second swing arms. When one of the second swing arms rotates between the unfolded position and the folded position, the synchronization component drives the other second swing arm to rotate synchronously.

[0036] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the synchronization component includes a first mating part, a second mating part, and a connecting part, wherein the connecting part is connected between the first mating part and the second mating part;

[0037] The first mating part is screwed into the first rotating part of one of the second swing arms, and the second mating part is screwed into the first rotating part of the other second swing arm.

[0038] In this way, one of the second swing arms is helically engaged with the first mating part, and the other second swing arm is helically engaged with the second mating part. Throughout the rotation of the second swing arms, the helically engaged mechanism ensures a uniform force distribution between the second swing arms and the first and second mating parts, reducing localized stress concentrations caused by friction and wear. The helically engaged mechanism offers high precision and can improve the synchronous rotation angle of the two second swing arms.

[0039] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first mating part is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and located on the side of the first rotating part away from the first swing arm.

[0040] The first mating part includes a first helical end face facing the first rotating part, and the first rotating part includes a second helical end face adapted to the first helical end face, the second helical end face being able to rotate relative to the first helical end face.

[0041] In this way, when one of the second swing arms rotates from the unfolded position to the folded position, the first rotating part rotates relative to the first mating part, that is, the second helical end face rotates relative to the first helical end face. The rotation of the second helical end face pushes the first mating part to move axially along the first rotating shaft. The first mating part drives the second mating part to move synchronously along the second rotating shaft through the connecting part. While the second mating part moves axially along the second rotating shaft, it cooperates with the other second swing arm to drive the other second swing arm to rotate synchronously, thereby realizing the synchronous rotation of the two second swing arms.

[0042] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second swing arm further includes a third rotating part, which is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and located on the side of the first rotating part away from the second rotating part.

[0043] The first mating part is located between the first rotating part and the third rotating part. The first mating part includes a third helical end face facing the third rotating part. The third rotating part includes a fourth helical end face that is adapted to the third helical end face. The fourth helical end face is rotatable relative to the third helical end face.

[0044] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes a connector located on one side of the base. Both the first and second swing arms are located between the connector and the base; the connector is rotatably connected to the first swing arm and slidably connected to the second swing arm.

[0045] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first swing arm includes a first swing arm body, which is rotatably connected to a connector. The connector includes a first limiting portion located on one side of the swing arm body along the length direction of the base.

[0046] In this way, when the electronic device is squeezed or collided, the first limiting part can limit the first swing arm in the first direction, avoiding the problem of the first swing arm tilting in the first direction when it is subjected to stress. This ensures that the stress is transmitted along the main body of the first swing arm to the first stop, then to the second stop, and finally the stress is released to the base through the second swing arm, which helps to improve the overall reliability and stability of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0047] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second swing arm includes a second swing arm body, the connecting member includes a limiting groove, the second swing arm body is located in the limiting groove, and the second swing arm is slidable relative to the limiting groove along a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the base.

[0048] In this way, when the electronic device is squeezed or collided, the limiting groove can limit the second swing arm along the first direction, preventing the second swing arm from tilting along the first direction when subjected to stress. This ensures that the second swing arm can withstand the stress transmitted by the first swing arm and release the stress to the base, which helps to improve the overall reliability and stability of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0049] Secondly, this application also provides an electronic device, which includes a first structural member, a second structural member, and a rotating shaft mechanism in any of the above embodiments, wherein the rotating shaft mechanism is connected between the first structural member and the second structural member.

[0050] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the electronic device further includes a foldable screen, which includes a first display portion, a second display portion, and a third display portion, wherein the third display portion is connected between the first display portion and the second display portion, the first display portion is supported by a first structural member, the second display portion is supported by a second structural member, and the third display portion is supported by a pivot mechanism.

[0051] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, in the unfolded position, along a direction perpendicular to the length of the base, the first stop and the second stop of the pivot mechanism are stacked, with the first stop located on the side of the second stop closer to the folding screen.

[0052] The technical effects of any implementation method in the second aspect can be found in the technical effects of different implementation methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device provided in some embodiments of this application in its unfolded position;

[0054] Figure 2 is a partial exploded view of the electronic device shown in Figure 1;

[0055] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device shown in Figure 1 when it is in the folded position;

[0056] Figure 4 is an assembly diagram of the internal first housing, second housing, pivot mechanism and folding screen of an electronic device provided in some embodiments of this application in the unfolded position;

[0057] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the rotating shaft mechanism I in the electronic device shown in Figure 4;

[0058] Figure 6 is a partial schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism in the electronic device shown in Figure 4 when it is in the folded position;

[0059] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device shown in Figure 4 when it is in the folded position and subjected to force.

[0060] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device shown in Figure 7 cut along line AA;

[0061] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 11 is an exploded view of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 10;

[0064] Figure 12 is an assembly diagram of the first swing arm, the second swing arm, and the connecting piece shown in Figure 11 of this application in the folded position;

[0065] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 12 cut across the first reference plane;

[0066] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first swing arm and the second swing arm in the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 13;

[0067] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first swing arm shown in Figure 14;

[0068] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second swing arm shown in Figure 14;

[0069] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first swing arm, the second swing arm and the third swing arm in the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 14.

[0070] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pivot mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application when it is located between the folded position and the unfolded position;

[0071] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in some embodiments of this application when it is in the unfolded position;

[0072] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 19 cut along the first reference plane;

[0073] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first swing arm, the second swing arm, the third swing arm and the connecting member after assembly according to some embodiments of this application;

[0074] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of the connecting parts in the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 21;

[0075] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second swing arm and damping assembly provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0076] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second swing arm and synchronization component provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0077] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of the synchronization component in Figure 24.

[0078] Reference numerals: 100, Electronic device; 10, Foldable screen; 11, First display area; 12, Second display area; 13, Third display area; 131, First transition section; 132, Second transition section; 133, Arc segment; 20, Support device; 21, First housing; 211, First middle frame; 212, First back cover; 22, Second housing; 221, Second middle frame; 222, Second back cover; 23, Rotating shaft mechanism; 231, Base; C, Arc-shaped slide groove; 231a, Upper base; 231b. Lower base; A, First transmission assembly; B, Second transmission assembly; 232, First swing arm; 232a, First swing arm body; 232b, First arc-shaped sliding part; 232c, First stop part; D1, First end; D2, Second end; M1, First side surface; M2, Second side surface; M3, First surface; M4, Fourth surface; 233, Second swing arm; 233a, Second swing arm body; 233b, First rotating part; 233c, Second rotating part; 233d, Third rotating part; 233 e. Second stop; D3. Third end; D4. Fourth end; 233f. Fourth stop; M12. Second spiral end face; M14. Fourth spiral end face; M21. First concave-convex end face; 234. Third swing arm; 234a. Third stop; 234b. Third swing arm body; 234c. Second arc-shaped sliding part; 235. Shaft cover; 236. Connector; 236a. First limiting part; 236b. Limiting groove; 236c. First door panel; M41. First stop face; M42. Second stop surface; 236d, second door panel; 237, first pivot; 238, second pivot; 239, synchronization assembly; 239a, first mating part; 239b, second mating part; 239c, connecting part; M11, first helical end face; M13, third helical end face; 240, damping assembly; 241, first elastic element; 242, first concave-convex slider; M22, second concave-convex end face; L1, first overlap amount; L2, second overlap amount; F1, stress; M31, first reference surface. Detailed Implementation

[0079] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0080] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0081] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0082] In the description of the embodiments of this application, "and / or" is merely a way of describing the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this application generally indicates that the related objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship.

[0083] In the embodiments of this application, directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" may be defined relative to the orientation of the components shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms can be relative concepts, used for relative description and clarification, and can change accordingly depending on the orientation of the components in the accompanying drawings.

[0084] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "linking" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. "Fixed connection" refers to a connection where the relative positional relationship remains unchanged after connection. "Rotary connection" refers to two components that can rotate relative to each other. "Sliding connection" refers to two components that can slide relative to each other. "Transmission connection" refers to two connected components where the movement of one component can be transmitted to the other component. The connection methods between the two components include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following connection methods: rotary connection, sliding connection, gear meshing transmission connection, sprocket transmission connection, cam mechanism transmission connection, etc.

[0085] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "coplanar," "collinear," "perpendicular," and "parallel" include the described situation and situations similar to the described situation, where the range of similar situations is within an acceptable deviation range. For example, "coplanar" includes absolutely coplanar and approximately coplanar. The acceptable deviation range for approximately coplanarity can be a step difference of no more than 0.5 mm, 1 mm, or 2 mm relative to the absolutely coplanar, or an angular deviation within 5°, 10°, or 15° relative to the absolutely coplanar.

[0086] "Collinearity" includes absolute collinearity and near-collinearity. The acceptable deviation range for near-collinearity can be a spacing deviation of no more than 0.5 mm, 1 mm, or 2 mm relative to absolute collinearity, or an angular deviation within 5°, 10°, or 15° relative to absolute collinearity. "Parallelism" includes absolute parallelism and near-parallelism, and "perpendicularity" includes absolute perpendicularity and near-perpendicularity. The acceptable deviation range for near-collinearity, near-parallelism, and near-perpendicularity can be, for example, within 5°, 10°, or 15°.

[0087] To facilitate understanding, before providing a detailed description of the electronic devices in the embodiments of this application, the relevant terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained first.

[0088] Transmission connection: refers to the connection between two components in which the movement of one component can be transmitted to the other component. The connection between the two components can be a fixed connection, or at least one of the following connection methods, including but not limited to rotational connection, sliding connection, gear meshing transmission connection, sprocket transmission connection, cam mechanism transmission connection, etc.

[0089] This application provides an electronic device that can have at least two states: an unfolded position and a folded position. In some cases, the electronic device may further include a third state, namely an intermediate state between the unfolded and folded positions. It is understood that the intermediate state can be any one or more states between the unfolded and folded positions. The electronic device can switch to different states depending on different usage requirements.

[0090] This application provides an electronic device, which can be a user equipment (UE) or a terminal, such as a portable Android device (PAD), a laptop, a watch, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, and other mobile or fixed terminals.

[0091] The electronic device includes a first structural component, a second structural component, and a pivot mechanism. It should be noted that the electronic device may include other structures besides the first structural component, the second structural component, and the pivot mechanism; no specific limitations are made here. The pivot mechanism connects the first structural component and the second structural component, allowing the first and second structural components to rotate relative to the pivot mechanism, thereby enabling the electronic device to switch between an unfolded position and a folded position.

[0092] The unfolded position refers to the state of the electronic device when the angle between the first structural component and the second structural component is at its maximum. Correspondingly, the folded position refers to the state of the electronic device when the angle between the first structural component and the second structural component is at its minimum.

[0093] The following embodiments are illustrated using foldable screen devices as examples. Specifically, the foldable screen device can be illustrated using a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, such as a mobile phone.

[0094] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device 100 provided in some embodiments of this application in its unfolded position, and Figure 2 is a partially exploded structural diagram of the electronic device 100 shown in Figure 1. The electronic device 100 is approximately rectangular in shape in its unfolded position.

[0095] For ease of description in the following embodiments, an XYZ coordinate system is established for the electronic device 100 in its unfolded position. The length direction of the electronic device 100 is defined as the X-axis, the width direction as the Y-axis, and the thickness direction as the Z-axis. It is understood that the coordinate system settings of the electronic device 100 can be flexibly configured according to actual needs and are not specifically limited here. In other embodiments, the shape of the electronic device 100 may also be a square plate, a circular plate, an elliptical plate, etc.

[0096] Electronic device 100 includes a foldable screen 10 and a supporting device 20. The foldable screen 10 is used to display images, videos, and other information. 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 11, a second display area 12, and a third display area 13, with the third display area 13 connected between the first display area 11 and the second display area 12.

[0097] In the electronic device 100 shown in Figure 1, the foldable screen 10 is in the unfolded position, with the first display area 11, the third display area 13, and the second display area 12 arranged sequentially along the X-axis, thus the electronic device 100 folds horizontally. In some other embodiments, when the foldable screen 10 is in the unfolded position, the first display area 11, the third display area 13, and the second display area 12 can also be arranged sequentially along the Y-axis, thus the electronic device 100 folds vertically. When the foldable screen 10 is in the unfolded position, a large-screen display can be achieved, providing users with richer information and a better user experience.

[0098] At least the third display area 13 of the foldable screen 10 is a flexible screen structure. Thus, the third display area 13 can bend and deform under external force, causing the foldable screen 10 to fold from the unfolded position shown in Figure 1 to the folded position. The first display area 11 and the second display area 12 of the foldable screen 10 can be flexible screen structures, rigid screen structures, or a combination of both; no specific limitations are made here.

[0099] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a structural schematic diagram of the electronic device 100 shown in Figure 1 when it is in the folded position. The foldable screen 10 in the electronic device 100 is also in the folded position. Specifically, when the foldable screen 10 is in the folded position, the first display area 11 and the second display area 12 of the foldable screen 10 are approximately parallel and opposite to each other.

[0100] It should be noted that if the angle between the first display area 11 and the second display area 12 is within 30°, the first display area 11 and the second display area 12 can be considered approximately parallel. The first display area 11 and the second display area 12 being opposite means that the display surface of the first display area 11 faces the display surface of the second display area 12.

[0101] When the foldable screen 10 is in the folded position, please refer to Figure 3. The third display area 13 is folded into a teardrop shape. In this shape, the third display area 13 includes an arc segment 133, a first transition segment 131, and a second transition segment 132. The first transition segment 131 connects the arc segment 133 and the first display area 11. The second transition segment 132 connects the arc segment 133 and the third display area 13.

[0102] The distance between the end of the first transition segment 131 that connects to the first display area 11 and the end of the second transition segment 132 that connects to the third display area 13 is the third distance. The distance between the end of the first transition segment 131 that connects to the arc segment 133 and the end of the second transition segment 132 that connects to the arc segment 133 is the fourth distance. The fourth distance is greater than the third distance.

[0103] It is understood that when the electronic device is in the folded position, the third display area 13 of the foldable screen 10 can also be folded into other shapes as needed, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0104] When the electronic device 100 is in the folded position, please continue to refer to Figure 3. The support device 20 protects the outside of the folded screen 10, which is not visible to the user and can prevent the folded screen 10 from being scratched by hard objects. This electronic device is an inward folding electronic device, and the size of the electronic device 100 is reduced, making it convenient to carry.

[0105] The support device 20 is used to support the foldable screen 10. The support device 20 includes a first housing (i.e., a first structural member) 21, a second housing (i.e., a second structural member) 22, and a pivot mechanism 23. The first housing 21 supports the first display area 11, and the second housing 22 supports the second display area 12. The pivot mechanism 23 is connected between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 and supports the third display area 13.

[0106] The pivot mechanism 23 is used to realize the rotation between the second housing 22 and the first housing 21 to support the folding screen 10 to fold between the unfolded position and the folded position, and to enable the electronic device 100 to switch between the unfolded position and the folded position.

[0107] When the electronic device 100 is a foldable screen device, the unfolded position can be the state in which the electronic device 100 is when the angle between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 is approximately 180°; the folded position can be the state in which the electronic device 100 is when the angle between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 is approximately 0°.

[0108] When the electronic device is another device, the angle between the first structural member and the second structural member can be other angles in the unfolded position and the folded position, and this application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0109] Please refer to Figure 4, which is an assembly diagram of the internal first housing 21, second housing 22, hinge mechanism 23, and folding screen 10 of an electronic device 100 provided in some embodiments of this application in the unfolded position. In the above embodiments, optionally, the first housing 21 may include a first middle frame 211 and a first back cover 212 connected together. The first display area 11 of the folding screen 10 is supported on the first middle frame 211 of the first housing 21. The first back cover 212 is located on the side of the first middle frame 211 away from the first display area 11, and the first back cover 212 can be replaced by a display screen (such as an LCD display). A receiving cavity is formed between the first middle frame 211 and the first back cover 212, which is used to accommodate electronic components such as the motherboard, camera module, and battery.

[0110] Based on this, the first housing 21 can be connected to the rotating shaft mechanism 23 via the first middle frame 211, or via the first back cover 212. The embodiments described below use the connection of the first housing 21 to the rotating shaft mechanism 23 via the first middle frame 211 as an example.

[0111] Similarly, the second housing 22 may also include a second middle frame 221 and a second back cover 222 connected together. The second display area 12 of the foldable screen 10 is supported on the second middle frame 221 of the second housing 22. The second back cover 222 is located on the side of the second middle frame 221 away from the second display area 12, and the second back cover 222 may also be replaced by a display screen (such as an LCD display screen). A receiving cavity is formed between the second middle frame 221 and the second back cover 222, which is used to accommodate electronic components such as sub-boards, speaker modules, arrays, and batteries.

[0112] Based on this, the second housing 22 can be connected to the rotating shaft mechanism 23 via the second middle frame 221, or via the second back cover 222. The following embodiments are illustrated using the example of the second housing 22 being connected to the rotating shaft mechanism 23 via the second middle frame 222.

[0113] Please refer to Figure 4. The rotating mechanism 23 includes a base 231 and two first swing arms 232. In Figure 4, the rotating mechanism 23 is cut along the XZ plane at the first swing arms 232.

[0114] The base 231 provides a positional reference within the rotating shaft mechanism 23, and two first swing arms 232 are symmetrically arranged relative to the base 231. The first middle frame 211 is rotatably connected to the base 231 via one of the first swing arms 232. Specifically, the first middle frame 211 can be drivenly connected to one of the first swing arms 232, and the first swing arm 232 is rotatably connected to the base 231.

[0115] Similarly, the second middle frame 221 is rotatably connected to the base 231 by means of another first swing arm 232. Specifically, the second middle frame 221 is connected to the other first swing arm 232 by transmission, and the first swing arm 232 is rotatably connected to the base 231.

[0116] The first middle frame 211 and the second middle frame 221 can rotate relative to the base 231 via the first swing arm 232, so that the electronic device 100 can move between an unfolded position and a folded position. When the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded position, both first swing arms 232, the first middle frame 211, and the second middle frame 221 are all in the unfolded position; when the electronic device 100 is in the folded position, the first swing arm 232, the first middle frame 211, and the second middle frame 221 are all in the folded position.

[0117] In some embodiments, the connection method of the first middle frame 211, one of the first swing arms 232, and the base 231 can be the same as the connection method of the second middle frame 221, the other first swing arm 232, and the base 231, which can reduce structural complexity and assembly difficulty.

[0118] Of course, in other embodiments, the connection method of the first middle frame 211, one of the first swing arms 232, and the base 231 may be different from the connection method of the second middle frame 221, the other first swing arm 232, and the base 231. The embodiments described below are exemplified by assuming that the connection method of the first middle frame 211, one of the first swing arms 232, and the base 231 is the same as the connection method of the second middle frame 221, the other first swing arm 232, and the base 231.

[0119] Based on this, the following mainly describes the connection method of the first middle frame 211, one of the first swing arms 232, and the base 231. The connection method of the second middle frame 221, the other first swing arm 232, and the base 231 can be implemented with reference to the connection method of the first middle frame 211, one of the first swing arms 232, and the base 231. This application will not elaborate on this.

[0120] Please refer to Figure 5, which is an enlarged view of the rotating shaft mechanism I in the electronic device 100 shown in Figure 4. The base 231 has an arc-shaped sliding groove C. The first swing arm 232 includes a first swing arm body 232a and a first arc-shaped sliding portion 232b connected to one end of the first swing arm body 232a. The first arc-shaped sliding portion 232b is accommodated in the arc-shaped sliding groove C and can slide along the arc-shaped sliding groove C, so that the first swing arm 232 can rotate relative to the base 231 between an unfolded position and a folded position.

[0121] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a partial schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism in the electronic device 100 shown in Figure 4 when it is in the folded position. During the movement of the electronic device 100 between the unfolded position and the folded position, the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b slides relative to the arc-shaped sliding groove C, and the overlap between the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b and the arc-shaped sliding groove C changes with the rotation of the first swing arm 232.

[0122] When the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded position, there is a first overlap amount L1 between the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b and the arc-shaped sliding groove C; when the electronic device 100 is in the folded position, there is a second overlap amount L2 between the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b and the arc-shaped sliding groove C, wherein the first overlap amount L1 is greater than the second overlap amount L2.

[0123] When the electronic device 100 moves from the unfolded position to the folded position, the overlap between the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b and the arc-shaped groove C gradually decreases; when the electronic device 100 moves from the folded position to the unfolded position, the overlap gradually increases. During the movement of the electronic device 100 between the unfolded and folded positions, the minimum overlap is the second overlap L2 when the electronic device 100 is in the folded position. The second overlap L2 should be greater than or equal to 0 millimeters (mm) to prevent the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b from dislodging from the arc-shaped groove C.

[0124] The "overlap amount" mentioned above refers to the size of the overlapping area between the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b and the arc-shaped sliding groove C. For example, the overlap amount can be the area of ​​the overlapping region between the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b and the arc-shaped sliding groove C; another example is that the overlap amount can be the size of the overlapping region between the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b and the arc-shaped sliding groove C along the length direction of the electronic device 100, which is the X-axis direction. This embodiment of the application uses the arc length of the overlapping region between the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b and the arc-shaped sliding groove C as an example for explanation.

[0125] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a structural schematic diagram of the electronic device 100 shown in Figure 4 when it is in the folded position and subjected to force. When the electronic device 100 is in the folded position and subjected to compression or impact, it is subjected to stress F1. In particular, the direction of stress F1 from the base 231 to the first middle frame 211 will reduce the reliability of the pivot mechanism 23. In some other embodiments, the direction of stress F1 from the first middle frame 211 to the base 231 will also reduce the reliability of the pivot mechanism 23.

[0126] It should be noted that, regarding the electronic device 100 in Figure 7, after being subjected to stress, the base 231 will move towards the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, that is, a relative displacement occurs between the first housing 21, the second housing 22 and the base 231. However, in order to illustrate the relative positional relationship between the base 231 and the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 when the electronic device 100 is not under stress and when it is under stress, Figure 7 shows the structure of the first housing 21 when it is under stress and the structure of the second housing 22 when it is not under stress, so as to illustrate the comparison between the stressed and unstressed states of the electronic device 100.

[0127] It is worth noting that the embodiment shown in Figure 7 is only intended to illustrate the comparison between the stressed state and the unstressed state of the electronic device 100. When the electronic device 100 is actually dropped, the stress F1 is transmitted from the base 231 to the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. That is to say, the first housing 21, the second housing 22 and the base 231 all undergo relative displacement, rather than unilateral displacement.

[0128] To elaborate further, taking the stress F1 direction from the base 231 to the first housing 21 as an example, the stress F1 acts on the base 231, and the base 231 tends to be squeezed towards the folding screen 10. Under the action of the stress F1, the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b of the first swing arm 232 slides relative to the arc-shaped sliding groove C along the X1 direction, so that the base is displaced towards the first housing.

[0129] As a result, since the first housing 21 is supported on the non-display surface of the folding screen 10, a mutual displacement occurs between the first housing 21 and the base 231, leading to a relative displacement between the first housing 21 and the folding screen 10. Please refer to Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of the electronic device 100 shown in Figure 7 cut along line AA. The first housing 21 slides relative to the folding screen 10 along the Z1 direction, causing some of the film layers of the folding screen 10 to slide towards the base 231 along with the first housing 21. This results in the film layers in the folding screen 10 peeling off from each other, thus affecting the display effect of the electronic device 100.

[0130] To prevent the electronic device 100 from being squeezed or impacted when in the folded position, thus avoiding the problem of peeling between the film layers of the folded screen 10, please refer to Figure 9, which is a structural schematic diagram of the pivot mechanism 23 provided in some embodiments of this application. Some embodiments of this application provide a pivot mechanism 23, which further includes a first door plate 236c, a second door plate 236d, a second swing arm 233, and a stop structure, the stop structure including a first stop portion and a second stop portion.

[0131] The first door panel 236c is connected between the first middle frame 211 and the base 231, and the first door panel 236c is used to support part of the third display area 13. The second door panel 236d is connected between the second middle frame 221 and the base 231, and the second door panel 236d is used to support part of the third display area 13. There are two second swing arms 233, and the two second swing arms 233 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the base 231. The second swing arms 233 are rotatably connected to the base 231. For example, the second swing arms 233 can be rotatably connected to the base 231 through a solid shaft.

[0132] The following description uses the first door panel 236c, the first stop, and one of the second swing arms 233 as an example. Since the second door panel 236d and the first door panel 236c are symmetrically arranged with respect to the base 231, and the first stop and the second stop are symmetrically arranged with respect to the base 231, the second door panel 236d, the second stop, and the other second swing arm 233 can be referred to the first door panel 236c, the first stop, and one of the second swing arms 233, which will not be repeated here.

[0133] The first door panel 236c has a first stop surface M41, and the second swing arm 233 has a second stop surface M42. When the electronic device 100 is in the folded position, the first stop surface M41 and the second stop surface M42 are positioned opposite each other. In this way, the first stop surface M41 and the second stop surface M42 form the first stop part of the pivot mechanism 23. When the electronic device 100 is squeezed or collided, and the base 231 has a tendency to move closer to the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, the contact between the first stop surface M41 and the second stop surface M42 prevents the base 231 from moving closer to the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, thereby preventing relative displacement between the base 231 and the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, and thus ensuring the reliability of the folding screen 10.

[0134] However, the gap between the first stop surface M41 and the second stop surface M42 is usually large. When the electronic device 100 is squeezed or collided, and the base 231 tends to shift closer to the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, the base 231 will still move a certain distance toward the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 before coming into contact with the first stop surface M41 and the second stop surface M42. In other words, the stop structure set between the first door panel and the second swing arm has the problem of insufficient stop stability.

[0135] Furthermore, the aforementioned method of setting the stop structure can easily result in a larger number of parts and a more complex structure for the rotating shaft mechanism 23. This makes the assembly of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 more difficult and reduces assembly accuracy.

[0136] Therefore, in order to improve the drop resistance of the electronic device 100 when it is in the folded position and to reduce the number of components in the hinge mechanism 23, this application also proposes a hinge mechanism 23, which can prevent the first swing arm 232 from sliding towards the base 231 when the electronic device 100 is in the folded position and is dropped, thereby avoiding damage to the folded screen 10.

[0137] The rotating shaft mechanism 23 of this application embodiment aims to directly transmit the stress F1 on the first swing arm 232 to the second swing arm 233 by setting the stop structure between the first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233. The stress F1 is then transmitted to the base 231 via the second swing arm 233, shortening the force transmission path and saving on the components of the rotating shaft mechanism 23.

[0138] Please refer to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 provided in some embodiments of this application; Figure 11 is an exploded view of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 shown in Figure 10. The rotating shaft mechanism 23 includes a base 231, a shaft cover 235, a first rotating component A, and a second rotating component B.

[0139] The base 231 provides a position reference within the pivot mechanism 23. The first middle frame 211 and the second middle frame 221 are rotatably connected to the base 231. The first middle frame 211 and the second middle frame 221 can rotate relative to the base 231 so that the electronic device 100 can move between the unfolded position and the folded position.

[0140] The base 231 is elongated, with its length parallel to the Y-axis, its width parallel to the X-axis, and its thickness parallel to the Z-axis. The base 231 also supports a portion of the folding screen 10; specifically, it supports a portion of the third display area 13 of the folding screen 10 within the electronic device 100 shown in Figure 3.

[0141] In some embodiments, the base 231 can be a single structural unit. In other embodiments, the base 231 can also be formed by assembling multiple parts. For example, the base 231 includes an upper base 231a and a lower base 231b, which are connected to form the aforementioned arc-shaped groove C, which is used to cooperate with the two first swing arms 232.

[0142] The shaft cover 235 is located on the back side of the base 231. It should be noted that the back side of the base 231 refers to the side of the base 231 that faces away from the folding screen 10. In subsequent embodiments, the term "back side" used to describe other components within the hinge mechanism 23 refers to the side of the described component that faces away from the folding screen 10, and will not be repeated in subsequent embodiments. The shaft cover 235 serves as the exterior component of the hinge mechanism 23, covering the base 231 within the hinge mechanism 23 and connecting to the base 231, thereby ensuring the appearance of the electronic device 100 and preventing external interference from affecting the relative movement between the moving components within the hinge mechanism 23 and the base 231.

[0143] For example, the shaft cover 235 is fixedly connected to the base 231. This connection method is stable and simple to implement, and the relative position of the shaft cover 235 and the base 231 is fixed. During the folding process of the electronic device 100, the shaft cover 235 always covers the back side of the base 231 and the moving parts connected to the base 231, thus effectively preventing external interference from affecting the relative movement between the moving parts inside the rotating mechanism 23 and the base 231. The shaft cover 235 can be semi-circular, arc-shaped, or U-shaped, or other shapes. The materials of the base 231 and the shaft cover 235 include, but are not limited to, metal and plastic.

[0144] The first rotating component A and the second rotating component B are located on opposite sides of the base 231. For example, the first rotating component A and the second rotating component B are located on opposite sides of the base 231 along its own width direction, that is, in the X-axis direction of Figures 10 and 11. Both the first rotating component A and the second rotating component B are capable of rotating relative to the base 231, so that the foldable screen 10 device can move between the unfolded position and the folded position.

[0145] The structure of the first rotating component A is the same as that of the second rotating component B. The connection method between the first rotating component A and the base 231 is the same as that between the second rotating component B and the base 231. The connection method between the first rotating component A and the first middle frame 211 is the same as that between the first rotating component A and the second housing 22.

[0146] Therefore, the following description will use the structure of the first rotating component A, the connection between the first rotating component A and the base 231, and the connection between the first rotating component A and the first middle frame 211 as examples. The structure of the second rotating component B, the connection between the second rotating component B and the base 231, and the connection between the second rotating component B and the second middle frame 221 can be referred to the structure of the first rotating component A, the connection between the first rotating component A and the base 231, and the connection between the first rotating component A and the first middle frame 211, and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0147] The first rotating assembly A includes a first rotating shaft 237, a first swing arm 232, a second swing arm 233, a connector 236, and a first door panel (not shown in the figure).

[0148] Please refer to Figure 12, which is an assembly diagram of the first swing arm, second swing arm, and connecting member shown in Figure 11 of this application in the folded position. A first rotating shaft 237 is disposed within the base 231, and the axis of the first rotating shaft 237 is parallel to the length direction of the base 231. Hereinafter, the direction of the axis of the first rotating shaft 237 is defined as the first direction, which is the Y-axis direction in Figure 12. For example, the first rotating shaft 237 is rotatably connected to the base 231; for another example, the first rotating shaft 237 is fixedly connected to the base 231. This embodiment of the application will be described using the example of the first rotating shaft 237 being rotatably connected to the base 231.

[0149] The first swing arm 232, also known as the main swing arm, is rotatably connected (also known as hinged or rotary connected) to the base 231 via a revolute joint. For example, the structure of the first swing arm 232 in this embodiment can be the same as that in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here. When the user folds the electronic device 100, the first swing arm 232 moves along with the first middle frame 211. The first swing arm 232 can be understood as the active component of the rotating shaft mechanism 23.

[0150] The second swing arm 233, also known as the auxiliary swing arm, is rotatably connected (or hinged or rotary connected) to the base 231 via a revolute joint. The first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233 are located on the same side of the base 231, and are arranged along a first direction. For example, the first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233 are spaced apart along the first direction; another example is that the first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233 are connected together along the first direction.

[0151] The connector 236 is wedge-shaped, with its length parallel to the first direction and its rotation axis also parallel to the first direction. The connector 236 is located on the side of the first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233 away from the base 231, and is connected to both. Specifically, the connector 236 is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 232 and slidably connected to the second swing arm 233.

[0152] In some embodiments, the pivot mechanism 23 can be fixedly connected to the first middle frame 211 via a connector 236. Exemplarily, the connector 236 can be fixedly connected to the first middle frame 211 by means of bonding, snap-fitting, welding, screw connection, etc. In other embodiments, when the pivot mechanism 23 is not provided with a connector 236, the first middle frame 211 can be directly connected to the first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233. The connection method between the first middle frame 211 and the first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233 can refer to the connection method between the connector 236 and the first middle frame 211 and the second middle frame 221.

[0153] The connector 236 has a support surface, which supports a portion of the third display area 13. In some other embodiments, a first door panel (not shown) may also be disposed on the connector 236, and the support surface of the connector 236 may be disposed on the first door panel.

[0154] During the rotation of the first rotating assembly A, the connector 236 drives the first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233 to rotate synchronously. The hinge axis of the first swing arm 232 relative to the base 231 and the hinge axis of the first active swing arm relative to the base 231 are parallel. The connector 236 is slidably connected to the second swing arm 233 and rotatably connected to the first swing arm 232.

[0155] Therefore, during the rotation of the first rotating component A, the first swing arm 232 can slide relative to the base 231, thereby causing the first swing arm 232 to drive the connecting member 236 to slide in a direction close to or away from the base 231.

[0156] For example, the first swing arm 232 is rotatably connected to the connector 236, and the second swing arm 233 is slidably connected to the connector 236. During the transition of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 from the unfolded position to the folded position, the overlap between the first arc-shaped sliding portion 232b of the first swing arm 232 and the arc-shaped sliding groove C of the base 231 gradually decreases, and the first swing arm 232, carrying the connector 236, slides away from the base 231. Simultaneously, the second swing arm 233 is fitted onto the first rotating shaft 237, and the second swing arm 233 slides relative to the connector 236.

[0157] When the rotating mechanism 23 rotates to the folded position, the connector 236 in the first rotating assembly A, the base 231, and the connector 236 in the second rotating assembly B form a nearly triangular receiving cavity. The third display area 13 of the folded screen 10 is located in the triangular receiving cavity and can be shaped like a teardrop, which helps to increase the radius of curvature of the third display area 13 of the folded screen 10 and reduce the risk of the folded screen 10 being squeezed and damaged.

[0158] It is understood that during the process of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 switching from the folded position to the unfolded position, the first rotating component A and the second rotating component B rotate in opposite directions. The process of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 switching from the folded position to the unfolded position is the opposite of the process of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 switching from the unfolded position to the folded position, and will not be described again.

[0159] Based on the above embodiments, the rotating shaft mechanism 23 of this application embodiment further includes a first stop portion 232c and a second stop portion 233e. In some embodiments, the first stop portion 232c is formed on the first swing arm 232, and the second stop portion 233e is formed on the second swing arm 233. In the folded position, the first stop portion 232c is located on the side of the second stop portion 233e away from the base 231, and the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e are disposed opposite to each other.

[0160] Here, "relative" means that the first stop portion 232c includes a first side facing the second stop portion 233e, and the second stop portion 233e includes a second side facing the first stop portion 232c. Along a direction perpendicular to the length of the base 231, the vertical projection of the first stop portion 232c onto the second side overlaps with the second side. "Overlapping" can include: first, the vertical projection of the first stop portion 232c onto the second side is located within the second side; second, a portion of the vertical projection of the first stop portion 232c onto the second side is located within the second side, and a portion of it is within the second side; third, the vertical projection of the first stop portion 232c onto the second side overlaps with the second side.

[0161] For example, the first stop portion 232c can be plate-shaped or block-shaped, and the second stop portion 233e can also be plate-shaped or block-shaped. The structure of the first stop portion 232c and the structure of the second stop portion 233e can be the same or different. In this embodiment, the example is given where both the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e are plate-shaped.

[0162] In this way, the structure of the first stop 232c and the second stop 233e is simple, which facilitates the processing and manufacturing of the first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233. During the installation of the rotating shaft mechanism 23, the assembly between the first swing arm 232, the second swing arm 233 and other structural components is simplified, and the plate-shaped first stop 232c and the second stop 233e are easier to position and install.

[0163] Furthermore, when stress F1 is transmitted to the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e, the plate-like structure of the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e can provide a larger contact area for stress F1, reducing stress concentration and thus providing good support for the first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233. Additionally, the plate-like structure of the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e has a smaller thickness, which is beneficial for the thinner and lighter design of the rotating shaft mechanism 23.

[0164] Please refer to Figure 12. In the folded position, the first stop 232c is disposed on the side of the second stop 233e away from the base 231 along the second direction, wherein the second direction is the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the base 231, which is the Z-axis direction in Figure 12.

[0165] Please refer to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 shown in Figure 12 cut across the first reference surface M31. The first reference surface M31 is parallel to the second direction and passes through the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e.

[0166] When the electronic device 100 is subjected to pressure or impact, especially when the stress F1 is directed from the base 231 toward the first middle frame 221 and the second middle frame 221, or from the first middle frame 211 toward the base 231, the stress F1 tends to push the base 231 toward the first middle frame 221. Furthermore, the base 231 applies pressure to the first swing arm 232. Since the first swing arm 232 is slidably connected to the base 231, the first swing arm 232 slides relative to the base 231 along the arc-shaped groove C under the action of stress F1.

[0167] However, in this embodiment, since the first stop portion 232c of the first swing arm 232 is located on the side of the second stop portion 233e of the second swing arm 233, that is, the first stop portion 232c is located on the side of the second stop portion 233e away from the base 231. During the transmission of stress F1 between the base 231, the first swing arm 232c, and the connector 231, the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e prevent the stress F1 from being released between the first swing arm 232 and the base 231. Thus, the second stop portion 233e can effectively block the sliding of the first swing arm 232 relative to the base 231 along the arc-shaped groove C under the action of stress F1.

[0168] In summary, when the electronic device 100 is subjected to stress F1, if this stress F1 is released between the first swing arm 232 and the base 231, the first swing arm 232 and the connecting member 236 slide relative to the arc-shaped groove C of the base 231 because the first swing arm 232 is slidably connected to the arc-shaped groove C of the base 231 through the arc-shaped rotating part. In this embodiment, the stress F1 originally released between the first swing arm 232 and the base 231 is transferred to the base 231 and released through the cooperation of the first stop 232c and the second stop 233e.

[0169] This improves the reliability of connections between the first swing arm 232 and the base 231, between the first swing arm 232 and the connector 236, and between the connector 236 and the first middle frame 211, preventing relative sliding displacement between these components when the electronic device 100 is subjected to stress F1 in the folded position. Furthermore, it prevents sliding displacement of the first middle frame 211 relative to the folding screen 10, improving the reliability of the connection between the first middle frame 211 and the folding screen 10, thereby preventing the peeling of the various film layers of the folding screen 10, thus improving the reliability of the folding screen 10 and further enhancing the overall reliability of the electronic device 100.

[0170] The following section details the relative positional relationship and connection method between the first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233, as well as the structure of the first swing arm 232 and the structure of the second swing arm 233.

[0171] Please refer to Figures 14, 15 and 16 together. Figure 14 is a structural schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233 in the rotating shaft mechanism 23 shown in Figure 13; Figure 15 is a structural schematic diagram of the first swing arm 232 shown in Figure 14; and Figure 16 is a structural schematic diagram of the second swing arm 233 shown in Figure 14.

[0172] Please refer carefully to Figures 14 and 15. The first swing arm 232 is rotatably connected to the base 231 around a first virtual axis via a first arc-shaped sliding part 232b. The first swing arm 232 can slide relative to the base 231 along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, i.e., the length direction of the base. In the folded and unfolded positions, the second direction is also perpendicular to the thickness direction of the base 231. Between the folded and unfolded positions, the second direction is the arrangement direction of the base 231 and the first swing arm 232.

[0173] In this embodiment of the application, the "first virtual axis" refers to the fact that the rotation axis of the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b is not on the physical structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 23, but is a virtual axis in space.

[0174] The first stop portion 232c is connected to the first arc-shaped sliding portion 232b. For example, the first stop portion 232c can be directly connected to the first arc-shaped sliding portion 232b; or, for another example, the first stop portion 232c can be connected to the first arc-shaped sliding portion 232b via the first swing arm body 232a. This application embodiment uses the example of the first stop portion 232c being connected to the first swing arm body 232a for illustration.

[0175] Please refer to Figures 14 and 16 for details. Specifically, the second swing arm 233 includes a first rotating part 233b and a second stop part 233e. The first rotating part 233b is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 237 to realize the rotation of the second swing arm 233 relative to the base 231.

[0176] For example, when the first rotating shaft 237 is fixedly connected to the base 231, the first rotating part 233b is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 237 and can rotate relative to the first rotating shaft 237. As another example, when the first rotating shaft 237 is rotatably connected to the base 231, the first rotating part 233b is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft 237.

[0177] When the first swing arm 232, the second swing arm 233, and the connecting member 236 are in the unfolded position, the rotating shaft mechanism 23 is also in the unfolded position, and the electronic device 100 equipped with the rotating shaft mechanism 23 is also in the unfolded position. When the first swing arm 232, the second swing arm 233, and the connecting member 236 are in the folded position, the rotating shaft mechanism 23 is also in the folded position, and the electronic device 100 equipped with the rotating shaft mechanism 23 is also in the folded position.

[0178] The second stop portion 233e is connected to the first rotating portion 233b. For example, the second stop portion 233e can be directly connected to the first rotating portion 233b; another example is that the second stop portion 233e can also be connected to the first rotating portion 233b by means of the second swing arm body 233a. In this embodiment, the second stop portion 233e is connected to the second swing arm body 233a as an example for explanation.

[0179] For example, one end of the first stop portion 232c is connected to the first swing arm body 232a, and the other end of the first stop portion 232c extends along the first direction near the first rotating portion 233b. One end of the second stop portion 233e is connected to the second swing arm body 233a, and the other end of the second stop portion 233e extends along the first direction towards the side near the first arc-shaped sliding portion 232b.

[0180] In this way, along the first direction (i.e., the length direction of the base 231), the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e have a certain overlapping area. Here, "overlapping area" means that the projection of the first stop portion 232c along the second direction onto the second reference plane overlaps with the projection of the second stop portion 233e along the second direction onto the second reference plane. The second reference plane can be a plane parallel to the first direction and passing through the axis of the first rotating shaft 237.

[0181] When stress F1 is transmitted from connector 236 to first stop 232c, first stop 232c transmits stress F1 to second stop 233e. Since there is a certain overlap area between first stop 232c and second stop 233e, stress F1 is transmitted between them through the overlap area. When stress F1 acts on electronic device 100, it ensures that stress F1 can be effectively transmitted from first stop 232c to second stop 233e, thereby improving the force transmission efficiency.

[0182] Furthermore, the first stop 232c and the second stop 233e have an overlapping area along the first direction, which prevents the force from being dispersed to other structural components during transmission, thus avoiding sliding displacement of other structural components and affecting the accuracy of the rotating shaft mechanism 23. This overlapping area ensures the stability and reliability of stress F1 transmission.

[0183] In some embodiments, the Young's modulus of the first stop portion 232c is greater than that of the first swing arm body 232a, and the Young's modulus of the second stop portion 233e is greater than that of the second swing arm body 233a. This results in higher structural strength for both the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e in the second swing arm 233. The structural strength of the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e is sufficient to ensure the transmission of stress F1, thereby ensuring the reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism 23.

[0184] Please refer to Figures 14 and 16. In some embodiments, the second swing arm 233 further includes a second rotating part 233c. The second rotating part 233c is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 237 and located between the first rotating part 233b and the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b. One end of the second stop part 233e is connected to the first rotating part 233b, and the other end of the second stop part 233e is connected to the second rotating part 233c. Stress F1 is transmitted to the second stop part 233e via the first stop part 232c, and then transmitted to the first rotating shaft 237 via the first rotating part 233b and the second rotating part 233c, and then released onto the base 231.

[0185] In this way, both ends of the second stop 233e have stress F1 transmission paths, avoiding the stress F1 concentration problem caused by unilateral stress F1 transmission. The second stop 233e can transmit stress F1 to the first rotating shaft 237 through the first rotating part 233b and the second rotating part 233c, which is conducive to stress F1 dispersion and avoids the structural fatigue problem of the second swing arm 233 caused by stress F1 concentration, thereby improving the reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism 23.

[0186] Furthermore, the first rotating part 233b and the second rotating part 233c provide support for both ends of the second stop part 233e, preventing the second stop part 233e from transmitting stress F1 through the cantilever structure, thereby avoiding problems such as bending and deformation of the second stop part 233e after long-term use. This further improves the reliability and stability of the second stop part 233e.

[0187] Please continue to refer to Figures 14, 15, and 16. In some embodiments, the first stop portion 232c includes a first side surface M1, and the second stop portion 233e includes a second side surface M2. For example, the first side surface M1 can be a plane or a curved surface. When the first side surface M1 is a curved surface, along the first direction, the first side surface M1 can extend along an arc or a broken line to form the curved surface of the first side surface M1.

[0188] Similarly, the second side surface M2 can be a plane or a curved surface. When the second side surface M2 is a curved surface, it can extend along an arc or a broken line along the first direction to form the curved surface of the second side surface M2. The paths of the first side surface M1 and the second side surface M2 along the first direction can be the same, that is, the first side surface M1 and the second side surface M2 can both be curved surfaces or planes.

[0189] The extension paths of the first side M1 and the second side M2 ​​along the first direction can also be different; that is, the first side M1 can be a curved surface, and the second side M2 ​​can be a plane. Alternatively, the first side M1 can be a plane, and the second side M2 ​​can be a curved surface. This embodiment of the application uses the example where the first side M1 and the second side M2 ​​have the same extension path along the first direction for illustration.

[0190] In some embodiments, the paths of the first side M1 and the second side M2 ​​along the first direction are curved surfaces, and the first side M1 and the second side M2 ​​are adapted to each other. Here, "adapted to each other" means that the extension path of the first side M1 along the first direction is the same as the extension path of the second side M2 ​​along the first direction.

[0191] In this way, when the electronic device 100 is subjected to pressure or impact, stress F1 is applied to the connector 236, which pushes the first swing arm 232 towards the second swing arm 233. The first side M1 comes into contact with the second side M2, thereby transferring the stress F1 on the first swing arm 232 to the second swing arm 233. The matching of the first side M1 and the second side M2 ​​ensures the reliability of stress F1 transmission.

[0192] Furthermore, the first side M1 and the second side M2 ​​are curved surfaces. When the first side M1 contacts the second side M2, the contact area between the first side M1 and the second side M2 ​​increases, and the stress F1 is dispersed over a larger area, avoiding the problem of stress F1 concentration, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the first stop part 232c and the second stop part 233e.

[0193] In some other embodiments, both the first side M1 and the second side M2 ​​are planar. This simplifies the structure of the first stop 232c and the second stop 233e, facilitating the machining of the first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233, and improving the machining efficiency of the rotating shaft mechanism 23. Furthermore, the simple structure of the first stop 232c and the second stop 233e also facilitates the positioning and installation of the first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233.

[0194] The embodiment shown in Figure 14 is illustrated using a planar first side surface M1 and a planar second side surface M2, but this does not imply a specific limitation on this application. That is, in some other embodiments, the first side surface M1 and the second side surface M2 may also be curved surfaces.

[0195] In some embodiments, in the folded position, the maximum vertical distance L11 between the first side M1 and the second side M2 ​​along the second direction is less than or equal to 1 mm, that is, there is a gap within the above-mentioned size range between the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e.

[0196] When the electronic device 100 is impacted and squeezed, stress F1 is applied to the base 231 and then transmitted to the first swing arm 232. Since the first swing arm 232 can slide relative to the base 231, under the action of stress F1, the first swing arm 232 can be displaced a certain distance, which is the aforementioned gap size. When the maximum vertical distance L11 between the first side M1 and the second side M2 ​​is within the aforementioned range, the displacement of the first swing arm 232 is not sufficient to cause peeling between the film layers of the folding screen 10, and the reliability of the hinge mechanism 23 and the electronic device 100 can still be improved.

[0197] Furthermore, while ensuring the reliability of the electronic device 100, the gap allows the first stop 232c and the second stop 233e to have a certain relative displacement when subjected to external force, which is beneficial for buffering and absorbing part of the stress F1 and preventing the stress F1 from being directly concentrated on the contact surface between the first stop 232c and the second stop 233e.

[0198] Furthermore, after long-term use of the electronic device 100, minor deformations or misalignments may occur between the components in the rotating mechanism 23. This gap can absorb the deformations and misalignments between the components in the rotating mechanism 23. The gap between the first side M1 and the second side M2 ​​can ensure that the electronic device 100 will not interfere with each other after long-term use.

[0199] Furthermore, during the rotation of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 between the folded and unfolded positions, there is a certain gap between the first stop 232c and the second stop 233e, which ensures that the first stop 232c and the second stop 233e will not make physical contact, thereby guaranteeing the smoothness and freedom of rotation. This avoids friction and wear that may occur during the rotation of the rotating shaft mechanism 23, extending the service life of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 and the stops.

[0200] The dimensions between the first side M1 and the second side M2 ​​in the above embodiments can be determined based on factors such as the material properties of the first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233, the expected load, and the common operating temperature range of the electronic device 100. The dimensions must be able to avoid interference between the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e, and also ensure the transmission of stress F1.

[0201] The above embodiments are illustrated using the rotating shaft mechanism 23 including a first swing arm 232 and a second swing arm 233 as an example. In some other embodiments, the rotating shaft mechanism 23 also includes a third swing arm 234. The following description uses the rotating shaft mechanism 23 including a first swing arm 232, a second swing arm 233 and a third swing arm 234 as an example.

[0202] Please refer to Figure 17, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first swing arm 232, the second swing arm 233, and the third swing arm 234 in the rotating shaft mechanism 23 shown in Figure 14. In some embodiments, the rotating shaft mechanism 23 further includes a third swing arm 234, which is rotatably connected to the base 231 about a first virtual axis, and the third swing arm 234 is slidable relative to the base 231 along a second direction. The first swing arm 232 and the third swing arm 234 are respectively located on both sides of the second swing arm 233 along the first direction.

[0203] The third swing arm 234 includes a third swing arm body 234b, a second arc-shaped sliding part 234c, and a third stop part 234a. The structure of the third swing arm body 234b is the same as that of the first swing arm body 232a; the structure of the second arc-shaped sliding part 234c is the same as that of the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b; the structure of the third stop part is the same as that of the first stop part 232c; and the connection method between the third arc-shaped sliding part and the base 231 is the same as that between the first arc-shaped sliding part 232b and the base 231, which will not be described further here.

[0204] The second swing arm 233 also includes a fourth stop 233f. In the folded position, the third stop 234a is located on one side of the fourth stop 233f along the second direction. In this way, the first swing arm 232 and the third swing arm 234 are respectively located on both sides of the second swing arm 233 along the first direction. That is to say, the second swing arm 233 can simultaneously act as a stop and limit for both the first swing arm 232 and the third swing arm 234. The functional reuse of the second swing arm 233 can reduce the number of second swing arms 233, thereby improving the space utilization rate of the rotating shaft mechanism 23, especially the axial space utilization rate of the rotating shaft mechanism 23.

[0205] Secondly, the first swing arm 232 and the third swing arm 234 are disposed on both sides of the second swing arm 233 along the first direction. For example, the first swing arm 232 and the third swing arm 234 can be symmetrically disposed relative to the second swing arm 233, which is beneficial for balancing the torque on both sides of the second swing arm 233 along the first direction and reducing the vibration and displacement of the second swing arm 233 caused by torque imbalance. The first swing arm 232 and the third swing arm 234 can more effectively balance the external stress F1 and reduce the torsional stress F1 on the second swing arm 233 and the base 231, thereby improving the overall stability and durability of the rotating shaft mechanism 23.

[0206] Furthermore, the connector 236 can be connected to the base 231 via the first swing arm 232 and the third swing arm 234, which helps to improve the reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism 23. The third stop 234a is adapted to the fourth stop 233f. When the electronic device 100 is squeezed or impacted, the stress F1 is transmitted to the connector 236 through the first middle frame 211, and then to the third swing arm 234 via the connector 236. The third swing arm 234 can abut against the fourth stop 233f via the third stop 234a, and then the stress F1 is transmitted to the second swing arm 233 via the fourth stop 233f, and finally released to the base 231 via the second swing arm 233.

[0207] In this way, the second swing arm 233 releases the stress F1 of the first swing arm 232 and the third swing arm 234 onto the base 231, preventing the first middle frame 211 from sliding towards the base 231, further preventing the problem of relative displacement between the first middle frame 211 and the folding screen 10, thus preventing the problem of mutual peeling between the various film layers of the folding screen 10, thereby improving the reliability of the pivot mechanism 23 and the electronic device 100.

[0208] Please refer to Figure 18, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pivot mechanism 23 provided in some embodiments of this application when it is located between the folded position and the unfolded position. The first stop 232c includes a first end D1 and a second end D2 along the second direction, and the second stop 233e includes a third end D3 and a fourth end D4 along the second direction. In the folded position, the first end D1 faces the third end D3.

[0209] The thickness of the first end D1 is less than the thickness of the second end D2, and the thickness of the third end D3 is less than the thickness of the fourth end D4. For example, the thickness of the first stop portion 232c gradually increases from the first end D1 to the second end D2. Similarly, the thickness of the second stop portion 233e gradually increases from the third end D3 to the fourth end D4.

[0210] When the rotating shaft mechanism 23 rotates between the folded and unfolded positions, the first stop 232c and the second stop 233e slide relative to each other. This results in a smaller thickness between the first end D1 and the third end D3, preventing interference between the first stop 232c and the second stop 233e, and thus avoiding friction or jamming during their sliding. This improves the smoothness of the relative sliding between the first stop 232c and the second stop 233e, reduces wear caused by interference, and extends the service life of the rotating shaft mechanism 23.

[0211] Furthermore, the thicknesses of the second end D2 and the fourth end D4 are relatively large, giving the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e higher structural strength. This allows them to withstand greater stress F1, thereby improving the mechanical strength and durability of the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e. When subjected to stress F1, the thicker second end D2 and the fourth end D4 can better disperse and bear the stress F1, reducing localized stress concentration and preventing structural damage.

[0212] Please refer to Figures 19 and 20 together. Figure 19 is a structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 in the unfolded position according to some embodiments of this application; Figure 20 is a structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 shown in Figure 19 cut along the first reference plane M31. In some embodiments, in the unfolded position, the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e are stacked along the second direction. It can also be understood that, in the unfolded position, the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e are stacked along their own thickness direction.

[0213] Similarly, in the unfolded position, the third stop portion 234a and the fourth stop portion 233f are stacked along the second direction. In this way, the thickness of the pivot mechanism 23 when it is in the unfolded position can be reduced, which in turn helps to make the electronic device 100 thinner.

[0214] In this way, the space occupied by the first stop portion 232c and the second stop portion 233e in the thickness direction of the electronic device 100 is minimized, as is the space occupied by the third stop portion 234a and the fourth stop portion 233f in the thickness direction. This is beneficial to reducing the thickness of the electronic device 100 when it is in the unfolded position, and thus to making the electronic device 100 thinner and lighter.

[0215] Please refer to Figure 20. The first stop portion 232c includes a first surface M3, and the second stop portion 233e includes a second surface. In the unfolded position, the first surface M3 faces the second surface M4, and along the second direction, the maximum vertical distance L12 between the first surface M3 and the second surface M4 is less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0216] In this way, during the rotation of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 between the folded and unfolded positions, there is a certain gap between the first stop 232c and the second stop 233e, which ensures that the first stop 232c and the second stop 233e will not make physical contact, thus guaranteeing the smoothness and freedom of rotation. This avoids friction and wear that may occur during the rotation of the rotating shaft mechanism 23, extending the service life of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 and the stops.

[0217] The connection method between the first swing arm 232, the second swing arm 233, the third swing arm 234 and the connecting piece 236 will be described in detail below.

[0218] Please refer to Figures 21 and 22. Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first swing arm 232, the second swing arm 233, the third swing arm 234 and the connecting member 236 after assembly according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting member 236 in the rotating shaft mechanism 23 shown in Figure 21.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first swing arm 232 is rotatably connected to the connector 236 via the first swing arm body 232a. The connector 236 includes a first limiting portion 236a, which is located on one side of the swing arm body along a first direction.

[0220] In this way, when the electronic device 100 is squeezed or collided, the first limiting part 236a can limit the first swing arm 232 along the first direction (i.e., the length direction of the base 231), avoiding the problem of the first swing arm 232 tilting along the first direction when subjected to stress F1. This ensures that stress F1 is transmitted along the first swing arm body 232a to the first stop part 232c, and then to the second stop part 233e via the first stop part 232c. Finally, stress F1 is released to the base 231 through the second swing arm 233, which helps to improve the overall reliability and stability of the rotating shaft mechanism 23.

[0221] In some embodiments, the connector 236 includes a limiting groove 236b, the second swing arm body 233a is located in the limiting groove 236b, and the second swing arm 233 is slidable relative to the limiting groove 236b in a second direction. In this way, when the electronic device 100 is squeezed or collided, the limiting groove 236b can limit the second swing arm 233 in a first direction, preventing the second swing arm 233 from tilting in the first direction when subjected to stress F1. This ensures that the second swing arm 233 can withstand the stress F1 transmitted by the first swing arm 232, thereby releasing the stress F1 to the base 231, which helps improve the overall reliability and stability of the rotating shaft mechanism 23.

[0222] The second swing arm 233 can also be reused as a damping swing arm and a synchronous swing arm.

[0223] Please refer to Figure 23, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second swing arm 233 and the damping assembly provided in some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, the rotating shaft mechanism 23 further includes a damping assembly 240, which is disposed on the first rotating shaft 237 and located between the first rotating part 233b and the second rotating part 233c.

[0224] In this way, while the first rotating part 233b and the second rotating part 233c can improve the reliability of the second stop part 233e, the damping mechanism is set between the first rotating part 233b and the second rotating part 233c. The first rotating part 233b and the second rotating part 233c can also cooperate with the damping component 240 to further improve the functionality of the second swing arm 233, reduce the number of swing arms in the rotating shaft mechanism 23, and improve the utilization rate of the axial space of the rotating shaft mechanism 23.

[0225] Specifically, given a fixed space in the rotating shaft mechanism 23, more structural components can be arranged in the axial space, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the rotating shaft mechanism 23. Given a fixed number of components in the rotating shaft mechanism 23, the rotating shaft mechanism 23 can be made smaller, which is beneficial to the miniaturization and thinning of the rotating shaft mechanism 23.

[0226] In some embodiments, the damping assembly 240 includes a first elastic element 241 and a first concave-convex slider 242, both of which are sleeved on the first rotating shaft 237. One of the first rotating portion 233b and the second rotating portion 233c includes the end face of the first concave-convex slider 242. For example, the first rotating portion 233b has a first concave-convex end face M21 facing the second rotating portion 233c; or, for another example, the second rotating portion 233c has a first concave-convex end face M21 facing the first rotating portion 233b; or, for yet another example, both the first rotating portion 233b and the second rotating portion 233c have the first concave-convex end face M21.

[0227] The embodiment shown in Figure 23 is illustrated using the distance between the first rotating part 233b and the first concave-convex end face M21 as an example. However, this is not a specific limitation of this application.

[0228] The first concave-convex slider 242 of the embodiment shown in Figure 23 is disposed between the first rotating part 233b and the second rotating part 233c. The first concave-convex slider 242 includes a second concave-convex end face M22 facing and abutting the first concave-convex end face M21. The first concave-convex end face M21 is rotatable relative to the second concave-convex end face M22. The first elastic member 241 abuts against the side of the first concave-convex slider 242 opposite to the second concave-convex end face M22 to apply an elastic force abutting against the first rotating part 233b to the first concave-convex slider 242.

[0229] When the rotating shaft mechanism 23 is in the unfolded or folded position, the protrusion of the first concave-convex end face M21 engages with the recess of the second concave-convex end face M22, and the first elastic element 241 is in a compressed energy storage state. At this time, the first elastic element 241 can apply a squeezing force toward the first rotating part 233b to the first concave-convex slider 242. This squeezing force can cause the second swing arm 233 to generate an unfolding force or a closing force, thereby keeping the rotating shaft mechanism 23 in the unfolded or folded position.

[0230] When the second swing arm 233 rotates, it drives the first rotating part 233b to rotate relative to the first concave-convex slider 242. That is, the first concave-convex end face M21 and the second concave-convex end face M22 rotate relative to each other, so that the first concave-convex slider 242 can move along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 237, thereby causing the first elastic element 241 to deform and change the damping force during the rotation of the second swing arm 233. This can increase the damping feel and improve the user experience of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0231] The specific structures of the first concave-convex end face M21 and the second concave-convex end face M22 are as follows: the first concave-convex end face M21 has a plurality of protrusions spaced apart along its circumference, with recesses formed between adjacent protrusions. Similarly, the second concave-convex end face M22 also has a plurality of protrusions spaced apart along its circumference, with recesses formed between adjacent protrusions. The first rotating part 233b can also have one, two, three, or four protrusions, and the number of recesses is the same as the number of protrusions.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first elastic element 241 may be a spring, which is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 237. In other embodiments, the first elastic element 241 may also be a sheet spring, a torsion spring, foam, etc.

[0233] Please refer to Figures 24 and 25 together. Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second swing arm 233 and the synchronization component 239 provided in some embodiments of this application, and Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the synchronization component 239 in Figure 24.

[0234] In some embodiments, there are two second swing arms 233, which are symmetrically arranged with respect to the base 231. The rotating shaft mechanism 23 also includes a synchronization component 239, which is connected between the two second swing arms 233. When one of the second swing arms 233 rotates between the unfolded position and the folded position, the synchronization component 239 drives the other second swing arm 233 to rotate synchronously.

[0235] The function of the synchronization component 239 is as follows: when either of the two second swing arms 233 rotates from the unfolded position to the folded position, the synchronization component 239 can drive the other second swing arm 233 to rotate synchronously from the unfolded position to the folded position. Similarly, when either of the two second swing arms 233 rotates from the folded position to the unfolded position, the synchronization component 239 can also drive the other second swing arm 233 to rotate synchronously from the folded position to the unfolded position.

[0236] In some embodiments, when the two second swing arms 233 rotate synchronously, their rotation angles are also consistent. It is understood that due to manufacturing or assembly tolerances, there may be a certain angular deviation between the two second swing arms 233 during rotation. Therefore, generally, the deviation in rotation angle between the two second swing arms 233 when rotating from the unfolded position to the folded position is between 0 and 20°, and can be considered as the two rotating angles being consistent. In this way, the synchronous rotation of the two second swing arms 233 at the same angle can be achieved by using the synchronization component 239, thereby reducing the difficulty of folding and unfolding the foldable electronic device 100.

[0237] Please continue to refer to Figures 24 and 25. In some embodiments, the synchronization component 239 includes a first mating part 239a, a second mating part 239b, and a connecting part 239c. The connecting part 239c is connected between the first mating part 239a and the second mating part 239b. The first mating part 239a is helically engaged with the first rotating part 233b of one of the second swing arms 233, and the second mating part 239b is helically engaged with the first rotating part 233b of the other second swing arm 233.

[0238] The "helical fit" in this application embodiment may include, but is not limited to, the abutting fit between two structural components through the first helical end face M11 and the second helical end face M12; or the abutting fit between two structural components through the protrusion and the helical groove. Under the helical fit, one of the two structural components can push the other to move in a direction closer to or farther away from the first.

[0239] In this way, one of the second swing arms 233 is helically engaged with the first mating part 239a, and the other second swing arm 233 is helically engaged with the second mating part 239b. Throughout the rotation of the second swing arm 233, the helically engaged mechanism ensures a uniform force distribution between the second swing arm 233 and the first and second mating parts 239a and 239b, reducing localized stress concentration F1 caused by friction and wear. The helically engaged mechanism offers high precision and can improve the synchronous rotation angle of the two second swing arms 233.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first mating part 239a is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 237 and located on the side of the first rotating part 233b away from the first swing arm 232. The first mating part 239a includes a first helical end face M11 facing the first rotating part 233b, and the first rotating part 233b includes a second helical end face M12 adapted to the first helical end face M11.

[0241] In this embodiment, "first helical end face M11" refers to the fact that the extension path of the end face of the first mating part 239a along the circumference of the first mating part 239a is a helical line. In this embodiment, "second helical end face M12" refers to the fact that the extension path of the end face of the first rotating part 233b along the circumference of the first rotating part 233b is a helical line.

[0242] In this way, when one of the second swing arms 233 rotates from the unfolded position to the folded position, the first rotating part 233b rotates relative to the first mating part 239a, that is, the second helical end face M12 rotates relative to the first helical end face M11. The rotation of the second helical end face M12 drives the first mating part 239a to move axially along the first rotating shaft 237. The first mating part 239a drives the second mating part 239b to move synchronously along the second rotating shaft 238 through the connecting part 239c. While the second mating part 239b moves axially along the second rotating shaft 238, it cooperates with the other second swing arm 233 to drive the other second swing arm 233 to rotate synchronously, thereby realizing the synchronous rotation of the two second swing arms 233.

[0243] Since the second swing arm 233 rotates approximately 90 degrees when the foldable screen 10 device rotates between the unfolded and folded positions, the second spiral end face M12 can be set only on one-quarter of the end face of the first rotating part 233b, that is, only occupying one-quarter of the circumference, which is compatible with the rotation range of the second swing arm 233.

[0244] Similarly, the first helical end face M11 can also be provided only on one-quarter of the end face of the first mating part 239a, that is, occupying only one-quarter of the circumference, which is adapted to the rotation range of the second swing arm 233. Furthermore, the manufacturing of the second swing arm 233, the first mating part 239a and the second mating part 239b can also be carried out by machining only one-quarter of the helical surface, thereby reducing the machining difficulty and improving production efficiency.

[0245] The helical engagement between the first swing arm 232 and the first rotating shaft 237 has a simple structure and is easy to implement. Furthermore, the helical engagement between the first swing arm 232 and the first rotating shaft 237, due to the smooth extension surfaces of the first helical end face M11 and the second helical end face M12, allows for smoother relative rotation between the first swing arm 232 and the first rotating shaft 237. When the first swing arm 232 rotates, there will be no jamming or unsmooth rotation, further enhancing the user experience.

[0246] In some embodiments, the second swing arm 233 further includes a third rotating portion 233d, which is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 237 and located on the side of the first rotating portion 233b away from the second rotating portion 233c. A first mating portion 239a is located between the first rotating portion 233b and the third rotating portion 233d, and the first mating portion 239a includes a third helical end face M13 facing the third rotating portion 233d. The third rotating portion 233d includes a fourth helical end face M14 adapted to the third helical end face M13.

[0247] The structures of the third helical end face M13 and the fourth helical end face M14 are the same as those of the first helical end face M11 and the second helical end face M12, and the number of times will not be repeated.

[0248] In this way, the first rotating part 233b and the third rotating part 233d are respectively disposed on both sides of the first mating part 239a along the first direction. When the electronic device 100 rotates from the folded position to the unfolded position, the first mating part 239a can cooperate with the first rotating part 233b to realize the synchronous rotation of the two second swing arms 233. When the electronic device 100 rotates from the unfolded position to the folded position, the first mating part 239a can cooperate with the third rotating part 233d to realize the synchronous rotation of the two second swing arms 233.

[0249] In other embodiments, the "helical fit" can also be that a helical groove is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first rotating part 233b, the first fitting part 239a is a first protrusion provided on the connecting part 239c, and the second fitting part 239b is a second protrusion provided on the connecting part 239c. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are adapted to the helical groove, thereby realizing the synchronous rotation of the two second swing arms 233.

[0250] 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.

[0251] 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 spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A rotating shaft mechanism, characterized in that, include: Base; A first swing arm is rotatably and slidably connected to the base, and the first swing arm includes a first stop portion; The second swing arm is rotatably connected to the base, and the second swing arm includes a second stop portion; both the first swing arm and the second swing arm are rotatable relative to the base between an unfolded position and a folded position. In the folded position, the first stop portion is located on the side of the second stop portion away from the base, and the first stop portion is opposite to the second stop portion.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first swing arm includes a first arc-shaped sliding part, and the base includes an arc-shaped sliding groove. The axis of the arc-shaped sliding groove is parallel to the length direction of the base. The first arc-shaped sliding part is rotatably and slidably connected to the arc-shaped sliding groove.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism further includes a first rotating shaft, which is disposed within the base; the second swing arm includes a first rotating part, which is sleeved on the first rotating shaft.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first swing arm and the second swing arm are arranged along the length of the base. The first stop is located on the side of the first swing arm near the second swing arm, and the second stop is located on the side of the second swing arm near the first swing arm. The first stop extends along the length of the base toward the second swing arm, and the second stop extends along the direction of the base toward the first swing arm.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second swing arm further includes a second rotating part, which is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and located between the first rotating part and the first arc-shaped sliding part; One end of the second stop is connected to the first rotating part, and the other end of the second stop is connected to the second rotating part.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism further includes a third swing arm, which is rotatably and slidably connected to the base, and the third swing arm includes a third stop. The first swing arm and the third swing arm are respectively located on both sides of the second swing arm along the length direction of the base. The second swing arm also includes a fourth stop. In the folded position, the third stop is located on the side of the fourth stop away from the base, and the third stop is opposite to the fourth stop.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first stop portion includes a first side surface, and the second stop portion includes a second side surface; in the folded position, the first side surface faces the second side surface, and there is a gap between the first side surface and the second side surface.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, Along the length of the base, the maximum length of the gap is less than or equal to 1 millimeter.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, In the unfolded position, the first stop portion and the second stop portion are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the base.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Along a direction perpendicular to the length of the base, the first stop portion includes a first end and a second end, and the second stop portion includes a third end and a fourth end along the second direction; In the folded position, the first end and the third end are located between the second end and the fourth end, the thickness of the first end is less than the thickness of the second end, and the thickness of the third end is less than the thickness of the fourth end.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first stop portion includes a first surface, and the second stop portion includes a second surface; in the unfolded position, the first surface faces the second surface, and there is a gap between the first surface and the second surface.

12. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that, Along a direction perpendicular to the length of the base, the maximum vertical distance between the first surface and the second surface is less than or equal to 1 mm.

13. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism further includes a damping component, which is disposed on the first rotating shaft and located between the first rotating part and the second rotating part.

14. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 13, characterized in that, The damping assembly includes a first elastic element and a first concave-convex slider. Both the first elastic element and the first concave-convex slider are sleeved on the first rotating shaft. One of the first rotating part and the second rotating part includes a first concave-convex end face. The first concave-convex slider includes a second concave-convex end face that faces and abuts the first concave-convex end face. The first concave-convex end face is rotatable relative to the second concave-convex end face. The first elastic member abuts against the side of the first concave-convex slider that is opposite to the second concave-convex end face.

15. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 3-6, characterized in that, The number of the second swing arms is two, and the two second swing arms are symmetrically arranged with respect to the base; The rotating shaft mechanism also includes a synchronization component connected between the two second swing arms. When one of the second swing arms rotates between the unfolded position and the folded position, the synchronization component drives the other second swing arm to rotate synchronously.

16. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 15, characterized in that, The synchronization component includes a first mating part, a second mating part, and a connecting part, wherein the connecting part is connected between the first mating part and the second mating part; The first mating part is screwed into the first rotating part of one of the second swing arms, and the second mating part is screwed into the first rotating part of the other second swing arm.

17. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first mating part is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and is located on the side of the first rotating part away from the first swing arm. The first mating part includes a first helical end face facing the first rotating part, and the first rotating part includes a second helical end face adapted to the first helical end face, the second helical end face being rotatable relative to the first helical end face.

18. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 17, characterized in that, The second swing arm further includes a third rotating part, which is sleeved on the first rotating shaft and located on the side of the first rotating part away from the second rotating part; The first mating part is located between the first rotating part and the third rotating part. The first mating part includes a third helical end face facing the third rotating part. The third rotating part includes a fourth helical end face that is adapted to the third helical end face. The fourth helical end face is rotatable relative to the third helical end face.

19. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-18, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism also includes a connector located on one side of the base; Both the first swing arm and the second swing arm are located between the connector and the base. The connector is rotatably connected to the first swing arm and slidably connected to the second swing arm.

20. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first swing arm includes a first swing arm body, which is rotatably connected to the connecting member. The connecting member includes a first limiting part, which is located on one side of the swing arm body along the length direction of the base.

21. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The second swing arm includes a second swing arm body, and the connecting member includes a limiting groove. The second swing arm body is located in the limiting groove. Along the length direction perpendicular to the base, the second swing arm can slide relative to the limiting groove.

22. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: First structural component and second structural component; The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein the rotating shaft mechanism is connected between the first structural member and the second structural member.

23. The electronic device according to claim 22, characterized in that, Also includes: A foldable screen, comprising a first display portion, a second display portion, and a third display portion, wherein the third display portion is connected between the first display portion and the second display portion, the first display portion is supported by a first structural member, the second display portion is supported by a second structural member, and the third display portion is supported by a pivot mechanism.

24. The electronic device according to claim 23, characterized in that, In the unfolded position, along the length direction perpendicular to the base, the first stop portion and the second stop portion of the rotating shaft mechanism are stacked, and the first stop portion is located on the side of the second stop portion closer to the folding screen.

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