Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application provide a pivot mechanism related to the field of foldable displays in electronic device technology. The pivot mechanism includes a body portion (14), a first support plate (12), a second support plate (13), an intermediate support plate (11), a first swing arm (151), and a second swing arm (152). The first swing arm (151), the body portion (14), and the first support plate (12) may form a slider crank, and the second swing arm (152), the body portion (14), and the second support plate (13) also form a slider crank. In addition, the intermediate support plate (11) may move relative to the body portion (14) when driven by at least one of the first support plate (12), the second support plate (13), the first swing arm (151), or the second swing arm (152). In this way, the length of the pivot mechanism may be changed when the flexible display is folded, improving the reliability of the flexible display.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202110739235.2, titled "Rotating Shaft Mechanism and Electronic Device", filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on June 30, 2021, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to the field of electronic device technologies, and in particular, to a rotating shaft mechanism and an electronic device having the rotating shaft mechanism.

Background Art

[0003] Currently, foldable screens are widely applied to portable terminals such as foldable phones and foldable tablets. In such portable terminals, the foldable screen is mainly implemented by combining a flexible display and a rotating shaft mechanism. During the use process of the portable terminal, since the flexible display is repeatedly folded, the flexible display may be damaged.

[0004] In order to extend the service life of the flexible display and improve the reliability of the foldable electronic device, the folding portion of the flexible display needs to have a unique curved deformation. In addition, the uniformity of the curvature across the entire folding portion of the flexible display is also important for extending the service life of the flexible display. The key to implementing the curved deformation of the flexible display and the uniformity of the curvature across the entire folding portion lies in the rotating shaft mechanism of the electronic device. Therefore, how to design the rotating shaft mechanism to improve the reliability of the flexible display is an urgent problem to be solved currently.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a rotating shaft mechanism and an electronic device having the rotating shaft mechanism. The main purpose is to provide a rotating shaft mechanism whose length can change when the electronic device is folded and unfolded.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the following technical solutions are used in the embodiments of the present application.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a rotating shaft mechanism. The rotating shaft mechanism may be applied to a foldable electronic device having a flexible display, and may be applied to devices such as a mobile phone or a tablet computer having a foldable display, for example.

[0008] The rotating shaft mechanism includes a main body, a first door plate, a second support plate, an intermediate support plate, a first swing arm, and a second swing arm. The first support plate, the second support plate, and the intermediate support plate are located on the same side of the main body. The first support plate and the second support plate are oppositely arranged on two sides of the intermediate support plate. The first swing arm and the second swing arm are oppositely arranged on two sides of the main body. The end of the first swing arm close to the main body is rotatably connected to the main body. One end of the first support plate is rotatably connected to the end of the first swing arm away from the main body. The other end of the first swing arm is slidably connected to the main body. The end of the second swing arm close to the main body is rotatably connected to the main body. The end of the second support plate is rotatably connected to the end of the second swing arm away from the main body. The other end of the second support plate is slidably connected to the main body. In this way, the first swing arm, the main body, and the first support plate can form a slider-crank. Similarly, the second swing arm, the main body, and the second support plate also form a slider-crank. In addition, at least one of the first support plate, the second support plate, the first swing arm, or the second swing arm is provided with a support portion. When the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate towards each other, the first swing arm drives the end of the first support plate close to the main body to move away from the main body, and the second swing arm drives the end of the second support plate close to the main body to move away from the main body, enabling the support portion to be separated from the intermediate support plate and the intermediate support plate to move towards the main body. When the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate away from each other, the first swing arm drives the end of the first support plate close to the main body to move towards the main body, and the second swing arm drives the end of the second support plate close to the main body to move towards the main body, enabling the support portion to contact the intermediate support plate and driving the intermediate support plate to move away from the main body.

[0009] According to the rotating shaft mechanism provided in the present application, both the first support plate and the second support plate located on two sides of the intermediate support plate can rotate in opposite directions with respect to the main body when driven by the corresponding first swing arm and second swing arm. In this way, when the flexible display is disposed on the side away from the main body portion in the first support plate, the intermediate support plate, and the second support plate, when the first support plate and the second support plate rotate toward each other with respect to the main body portion, the electronic device can be folded. On the contrary, when the first support plate and the second support plate rotate away from each other with respect to the main body portion, the electronic device can be unfolded.

[0010] In addition, in the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism provided in the present application, the intermediate support plate located between the first support plate and the second support plate is not fixed and can move with respect to the main body portion. When the first support plate and the second support plate rotate toward each other, that is, when the electronic device is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the intermediate support plate approaches the main body portion. In this way, it is possible to increase the length dimension of the rotating shaft mechanism, and the first support plate, the intermediate support plate, and the second support plate surround a housing cavity having a structure close to a triangular structure. The folded portion of the flexible display close to the rotating shaft mechanism is located in the formed housing cavity and does not need to be crushed. This can avoid the phenomenon that the flexible display is damaged by being folded and crushed multiple times.

[0011] When the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate away from each other, that is, when the electronic device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state, the intermediate support plate moves away from the main body portion. In this way, the previously increased length of the rotating shaft mechanism is shortened. The intermediate support plate moves until the first support plate, the intermediate support plate, and the second support plate are on the same plane and is used to support the unfolded flexible display.

[0012] The drive structure for driving and moving the intermediate support plate provided in this application is implemented by using at least one support portion of the first support plate, the second support plate, the first swing arm, or the second swing arm. In other words, when the first support plate, the second support plate, the first swing arm, and the second swing arm rotate, the support portion abuts against the intermediate support plate, separates from the intermediate support plate, and drives the intermediate support plate to approach or move away from the main body portion. Compared with the additionally arranged drive structure, a mechanical link mechanism is used in this application. In this way, the structure of the entire rotating shaft mechanism can be simplified and is easy to implement.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, when the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate towards each other to drive the first support plate and the second support plate to rotate towards each other to the first position, the first support plate, the intermediate support plate, and the second support plate surround the screen accommodation space. The first position in this specification can be understood as the position of the first support plate and the second support plate when the electronic device is in the folded state. In this case, the first support plate and the second support plate may form a preset angle, and the intermediate support plate sinks to a preset position. An open space in the shape of a triangle may be formed between the first support plate, the second support plate, and the intermediate support plate, and the bending portion of the flexible display is accommodated in this space.

[0014] This can be explained as follows. When the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate towards each other until the electronic device is in the folded state, the length dimension of the rotating shaft mechanism increases, increasing the curvature radius of the flexible display and preventing the flexible display from being crushed.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, when the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate away from each other to drive the first support plate and the second support plate to rotate away from each other to the second position, the first support plate, the intermediate support plate, and the second support plate are on the same plane to form a support surface.

[0016] In other words, when driven by the first swing arm and the second swing arm, the first support plate, the intermediate support plate, and the second support plate are on the same plane to support the unfolded flexible display, and the user can operate on the unfolded flexible display.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the support portion is disposed on both the first support plate and the second support plate.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the support portion is disposed on both the first swing arm and the second swing arm.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the support portion is disposed on each of the first support plate, the second support plate, the first swing arm, and the second swing arm.

[0020] Since the first support plate and the second support plate are symmetrically disposed on two sides of the intermediate support plate, and the first swing arm and the second swing arm are symmetrically disposed on two sides of the main body portion, the balance of the support for the intermediate support plate is improved, and thereby the intermediate support plate can move stably.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the process in which the first swing arm and the second swing arm move toward each other includes a first stage, a second stage, and a third stage that appear sequentially. In the first stage, both the support portion of the first support plate and the support portion of the second support plate abut against the intermediate support plate, and both the support portion of the first swing arm and the support portion of the second swing arm abut against the intermediate support plate. In the second stage, both the support portion of the first swing arm and the support portion of the second swing arm abut against the intermediate support plate. In the third stage, the support portion of the first support plate, the support portion of the second support plate, the support portion of the first swing arm, and the support portion of the second swing arm are all separated from the intermediate support plate.

[0022] Due to the relative connection relationship among the first support plate, the first swing arm, the main body, the second support plate, and the second swing arm, when a support portion of any one of the first support plate, the second support plate, the first swing arm, and the second swing arm can exert a force on the intermediate support plate, the moving speed of the intermediate support plate can be controlled. For example, when the electronic device moves from the unfolded state to the folded state, in the initial stage, the intermediate support plate can move quickly under the control of the support portion of the first support plate and the support portion of the second support plate to create sufficient accommodation space and avoid the arch phenomenon of the flexible display. As the flexible display continues to be folded, the intermediate support plate reduces its moving speed under the control of the support portion of the first swing arm and the support portion of the second swing arm. The phenomenon that damage occurs due to stress concentration or being pulled at the bending portion of the flexible display caused by the overly fast release of the force of the intermediate support plate is avoided.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes a retractable traction element. One end of the traction element is fixed to the main body, and the other end of the traction element is fixed to the intermediate support plate. The traction element is configured to drive the intermediate support plate to move in a direction approaching the main body.

[0024] In the process of the first support plate and the second support plate moving towards the main body to fold the electronic device, the intermediate support plate is close to the main body and is pulled by the retractable traction element, so the triangular accommodation space structure formed by the first support plate, the second support plate, and the intermediate support plate is maintained, preventing the intermediate support plate from moving away from the main body and preventing the flexible display from being crushed.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the retractable traction element includes a spring. Of course, the retractable traction element may be another elastic structure.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes a guiding structure, and the guiding structure is configured to guide the intermediate support plate to move relative to the main body along a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the intermediate support plate.

[0027] When any of the structures of the first support plate, the second support plate, the first swing arm, and the second swing arm exerts a force on the intermediate support plate, it may not always be guaranteed that the acting force is perpendicular to the length direction of the intermediate support plate. Therefore, the phenomenon of displacement of the intermediate support plate may occur. Accordingly, the guiding structure is introduced to guide the vertical linear movement of the intermediate support plate.

[0028] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the guiding structure includes a guiding hole disposed in the main body and a guiding block slidably disposed in the guiding hole. The guiding hole extends along a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the intermediate support plate. The guiding block is fixed to the intermediate support plate.

[0029] In the above technical solution, the guiding block is relatively fixed to the intermediate support plate, the guiding hole is disposed in the main body, and the guiding block slides in the guiding hole to guide the intermediate support plate to move in a straight line. In another implementation, it will be understood that the guiding block is disposed in the main body and the guiding hole is disposed in the intermediate support plate. In short, the linear movement of the intermediate support plate is guided by the sliding cooperation between the guiding block and the guiding hole.

[0030] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the opening of the guiding hole close to the intermediate support plate has a blocking portion, the traction element is disposed in the guiding hole, the guiding block has a blind hole disposed from the surface close to the intermediate support plate towards the bottom surface of the guiding hole, one end of the traction element is fixed to the blocking portion, and the other end of the traction element abuts against the bottom surface of the blind hole.

[0031] In this way, the guiding hole not only has the function of accommodating the guiding block, but also has the function of hiding the traction element in the guiding hole.

[0032] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect, each of the first support plate, the second support plate, and the intermediate support plate has two opposite surfaces, one of the surfaces being used as a support surface for supporting a flexible display and the other surface being away from the support surface. The surface of the intermediate support plate away from the support surface faces the main body portion. Both surfaces of the first support plate and the second support plate away from the support surface have extensions that extend toward the surface of the intermediate support plate facing the main body portion, and the extensions have first bosses that project toward the intermediate support plate for forming the support portions of the first support plate and the second support plate.

[0033] The first bosses are disposed on both the extension of the first support plate and the extension of the second support plate, whereby the extensions of the first support plate and the second support plate abut against the intermediate support plate to drive the intermediate support plate to move relative to the main body portion.

[0034] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect, support plate sliding slots are disposed on both the extension of the first support plate and the extension of the second support plate, and a sliding shaft is disposed in the support plate sliding slots. The sliding shaft is fixed to the main body portion, and the sliding shaft slides relative to the support plate sliding slots to effect a slidable connection between the first support plate, the second support plate, and the main body portion.

[0035] The first bosses used for abutting against the intermediate support plate are disposed on the extensions of the first support plate and the second support plate to drive the intermediate support plate to move. In addition, shoots may be further disposed on the extensions of the first support plate and the second support plate to effect a slidable connection between the first support plate and the main body portion. Compared with separately disposing the structure for providing the support plate sliding slots, the structure provided in the present application is more simplified.

[0036] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the ends of the first swing arm and the second swing arm close to the main body portion have second bosses that protrude toward the surface of the intermediate support plate facing the main body portion for forming the support portions of the first swing arm and the second swing arm.

[0037] Specifically, the second bosses are arranged on both the first swing arm and the second swing arm to abut against the intermediate support plate and drive the intermediate support plate to move relative to the main body portion.

[0038] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, a first arc-shaped bump and a second arc-shaped bump are arranged on the main body portion. A first arc-shaped arm having an arc-shaped structure is formed at the end of the first swing arm close to the main body portion, and a first arc-shaped slot configured to assemble the first arc-shaped bump is arranged on the first arc-shaped arm. The first arc-shaped bump slides relative to the first arc-shaped slot to implement a rotational connection between the first swing arm and the main body portion. A second arc-shaped arm having an arc-shaped structure is formed at the end of the second swing arm close to the main body portion, and a second arc-shaped slot configured to assemble the second arc-shaped bump is arranged on the second arc-shaped arm. The second arc-shaped bump slides relative to the second arc-shaped slot to implement a rotational connection between the second swing arm and the main body portion. The second bosses are arranged on the first arc-shaped arm and the second arc-shaped arm.

[0039] Specifically, the arc-shaped slots are arranged on the arc-shaped arms close to the main body portion, and the arc-shaped bumps are arranged on the main body portion. The first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate relative to the main body portion by using the relative sliding between the arc-shaped slots. In addition, the second bosses used for abutting against the intermediate support plate are arranged on the arc-shaped arms, whereby the structure of the rotation axis mechanism is compact and simplified.

[0040] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the surface of the first support plate with respect to the main body portion has an arcuate bump of the first support plate extending toward the first swing arm, and the first swing arm is provided with a third arcuate slot configured to assemble the arcuate bump of the first support plate. The arcuate bump of the first support plate slides with respect to the third arcuate slot to effect a rotational connection between the first support plate and the first swing arm. The surface of the second support plate with respect to the main body portion has an arcuate bump of the second support plate extending toward the second swing arm, and the second swing arm is provided with a fourth arcuate slot configured to assemble the arcuate bump of the second support plate. The arcuate bump of the second support plate slides with respect to the fourth arcuate slot to effect a rotational connection between the second support plate and the second swing arm.

[0041] Similar to the structure of the rotational connection between the first swing arm and the second swing arm with respect to the main body portion, the rotational connection between the first support plate and the first swing arm and the rotational connection between the second support plate and the second swing arm are also effected by the rotational cooperation between the arcuate bump and the arcuate slot. Such a rotational connection method has a simple structure and is also convenient for implementation.

[0042] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the rotation axis mechanism further includes a synchronization structure, the synchronization structure is slidably connected to the first swing arm and the second swing arm separately, and the synchronization structure is configured to effect synchronous reverse rotation between the first swing arm and the second swing arm.

[0043] By arranging the synchronization structure, synchronous reverse rotation between the first support plate and the second support plate can be effected, that is, synchronous rotation towards each other and synchronous reverse rotation between the first support plate and the second support plate can be effected. When the rotation axis mechanism of the structure is applied to an electronic device, the user experience can be significantly improved.

[0044] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the synchronization structure includes, for example, a first gear connecting rod, a first driven gear, a second driven gear, and a second gear connecting rod that are sequentially externally meshed. Specifically, one end of the first gear connecting rod is slidably connected to an end of the first swing arm that is away from the main body portion, and the other end of the first gear connecting rod forms a first meshing tooth. The first driven gear is externally meshed with the first meshing tooth. The second driven gear is externally meshed with the first driven gear. One end of the second gear connecting rod is slidably connected to an end of the second swing arm that is away from the main body portion, and the other end of the second gear connecting rod forms a second meshing tooth, and the second driven gear is externally meshed with the second meshing tooth.

[0045] Of course, in some possible implementations, more even-numbered driven gears may be alternatively included.

[0046] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes an end cap. The end cap is disposed on a side of the main body portion that is away from the first support plate, the intermediate support plate, and the second support plate, and the main body portion and the end cover are relatively fixed.

[0047] When the rotating shaft mechanism including the end cap is applied to an electronic device, since the end cap is disposed, the end cap is exposed after the first housing and the second housing are folded, which avoids the formation of a gap in appearance and improves the aesthetic appearance of the entire electronic device.

[0048] According to a second aspect, the present application further provides an electronic device including a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, and a rotation axis mechanism in any embodiment of the first aspect. The first housing is fixed to a first swing arm, and the second housing is fixed to a second swing arm. The first housing includes a first surface, the second housing includes a second surface, and the flexible display continuously covers the first surface of the first housing, the rotation axis mechanism, and the second surface of the second housing. The flexible display is separately fixed to the first surface of the first housing and the second surface of the second housing.

[0049] The electronic device provided by the present application includes a rotation axis mechanism according to the first aspect. Therefore, when the first housing and the second housing move toward each other, not only do the first support plate and the second support plate in the rotation axis mechanism generate a rotational movement, but also the intermediate support plate located between the first support plate and the second support plate moves toward the main body portion, creating sufficient accommodation space for the folded flexible display and preventing the flexible display from being crushed and deformed. On the contrary, when the first housing and the second housing move away from each other and the flexible display is driven to unfold, the intermediate support plate moves away from the main body portion until the first support plate, the intermediate support plate, and the second support plate are in the same plane, supporting the unfolded flexible display.

[0050] In addition, the drive structure for driving the intermediate support plate to move uses at least one support portion of the rotating first swing arm, the first support plate, the second swing arm, or the second support plate. In this way, the structure of the rotation axis mechanism can be simplified.

[0051] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the flexible display includes a first region, a second region, a third region, a fourth region, and a fifth region arranged in sequence. The first region is fixed to the first surface of the first housing, the second region is fixed to the surface of the first support plate facing the flexible display, the third region is arranged opposite to the intermediate support plate, the third region can move relative to the intermediate support plate, the fourth region is fixed to the surface of the second support plate facing the flexible display, and the fifth region is fixed to the second surface of the second housing.

[0052] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the rotation axis mechanism includes end caps. When the electronic device is unfolded, the end caps are hidden inside the first housing and the second housing. When the electronic device is folded, the end caps are exposed outside the first housing and the second housing to fill the gap between the first housing and the second housing.

[0053] In other words, regardless of whether the electronic device is in a folded state or an unfolded state, for the appearance of the electronic device, both the first housing and the second housing are seamlessly closed to improve the aesthetic appearance of the display device.

[0054] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the electronic device includes a portable terminal, for example, it may be a foldable phone, a foldable tablet, or a foldable e-book.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0056] The following describes embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0057] One embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device has a flexible display and may include various electronic devices capable of changing the unfolded or folded form of the flexible display and the foldable electronic device. Under different usage requirements, the foldable electronic device may be unfolded to the unfolded state, or may be folded to the folded state, or may be in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state. In other words, the foldable electronic device has at least two states, namely, the unfolded state and the folded state. In some cases, the foldable electronic device may further have a third state, namely, an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state. It will be understood that the intermediate state is not a unique state and may be any one or more states between the unfolded state and the folded state of the electronic device.

[0058] For example, the foldable electronic device may be, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, an e-book reader, a camera, a wearable device, a household electronic device, etc. For ease of understanding, in the embodiments of the present application, it is used as an example that the foldable electronic device is a mobile phone.

[0059] Please refer to FIGS. 1a and 1b. FIG. 1a is an exploded view of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application, and FIG. 1b is an exploded view of the electronic device in the unfolded state after the flexible display is removed according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b, the foldable electronic device may include a rotation axis mechanism 1000, a first housing 2000, a second housing 3000, and a flexible display 4000.

[0060] The first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are disposed on two sides of the rotary shaft mechanism 1000 and are respectively connected to the rotary shaft mechanism 1000. The rotary shaft mechanism 1000 is movable such that the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 can be folded or deployed relative to each other.

[0061] The first housing 2000 and / or the second housing 3000 can each form a mounting space for mounting electronic components such as a circuit board, a battery, a receiver, a speaker, and a camera of an electronic device. The circuit board can integrate electronic components such as a main controller, a memory unit, an antenna module, and a power management module of the electronic device. The battery can supply power to electronic components such as a flexible display 4000, a circuit board, a receiver, a speaker, and a camera. The first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 may have the same thickness or may not have the same thickness. This is not limited to this embodiment of the present application.

[0062] In one possible design, the mounting space can be disposed on both the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 to disperse the components of the electronic device within the housing to two sides. In another possible design, the mounting space may be disposed only on the first housing 2000 to concentrate the components of the electronic device on the first housing 2000, or the mounting space can be disposed on both the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000, but most of the components of the electronic device are disposed on the first housing 2000 and a small portion is disposed on the second housing 3000, thereby making the second housing 3000 lighter and facilitating the folding and deployment operations.

[0063] Please refer to FIGS. 1b and 1c. FIG. 1c is a schematic view of the structure of the rear side of a foldable electronic device according to this embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment of the present application, the first housing 2000 has a first surface 2001 and a third surface 2002 disposed on the opposite side of the first surface 2001. The second housing 3000 has a second surface 3001 and a fourth surface 3002 disposed on the opposite side of the second surface 3001. The first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 can support the flexible display 4000 together. The third surface 2002 of the first housing 2000 and the fourth surface 3002 of the second housing 3000 can be used as the outer appearance surfaces of the electronic device. In addition, in some application scenarios, it will be understood that the display may alternatively be disposed on the third surface 2002 of the first housing 2000 and / or the fourth surface 3002 of the second housing 3000. The display may be a flexible display or a non-flexible display. This is not particularly limited herein.

[0064] Please refer to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the structure of an electronic device in which the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are deployed in opposite directions to the unfolded state. In this embodiment of the present application, when the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are in the unfolded state, referring to FIGS. 1a and 2, the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 are in the same plane. In this case, the included angle between the first surface 2001 and the second surface 3001 can be about 180° (a tolerance for a specific angle is also allowed, and the included angle between the first surface 2001 and the second surface 3001 can be, for example, 165°, 177°, or 185°).

[0065] Please refer to FIGS. 3a and 3b. FIG. 3a shows a schematic view of the structure of an electronic device in which a first housing 2000 and a second housing 3000 rotate (unfold or fold) relative to each other to an intermediate state. FIG. 3b shows a side view of the structure of an electronic device in which a first housing 2000 and a second housing 3000 rotate (unfold or fold) relative to each other to an intermediate state. In FIG. 3a, the flexible display 4000 is omitted to show the form of the two housings in the intermediate state. In this case, the electronic device can be in any state between the unfolded state and the folded state. For example, the included angle between the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 may be in the range of, for example, 130° to 150°.

[0066] Please further refer to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the structure of an electronic device in which a first housing 2000 and a second housing 3000 are folded toward each other to the folded state. As shown in FIGS. 1a and 4, when the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are in the folded state, the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 face each other (specifically, in relation to the folding type) or face in opposite directions. In this case, the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 may form a small included angle or be parallel to each other (a certain angular tolerance is also allowed) so that the two housings can be completely folded.

[0067] The flexible display 4000 can be configured to display information to a user and provide an interactive interface. In embodiments of the present application, the flexible display 4000 may be, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a mini organic light-emitting diode display, a micro organic light-emitting diode display, a micro organic light-emitting diode display, a quantum dot light emitting diodes (QLED) display, or the like.

[0068] Referring further to FIGS. 1a and 2, the flexible display 4000 continuously covers the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 of the foldable electronic device, the rotary shaft mechanism 1000, and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000. The flexible display 4000 can be divided into continuous regions A, B, C, D, and E. Regions B, C, and D include bending portions when folded. Region A corresponds to the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and can be fixed to the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000. Region E corresponds to the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 and can be fixed to the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000. It should be noted that the boundaries of regions B, C, and D shown in the figure are merely examples, and the boundaries of regions B, C, and D can be adjusted based on the specific design of the rotary shaft mechanism 1000.

[0069] As described above, the electronic device may be switched between the unfolded state and the folded state by the movement of the rotation axis mechanism 1000, and the flexible display 4000 may be folded or unfolded together with the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000. Generally, the folding types of foldable electronic devices include the outward folding type and the inward folding type. The outward folding type means that when the electronic device is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state and when the electronic device is in the folded state, the flexible display 4000 is located outside the electronic device. In other words, the flexible display 4000 is still visible to the user during the folding process and in the folded state, and the user can further perform some operations on the flexible display 4000 in the folded state. As described above, the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 can move away from each other. When the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are in the folded state, the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 face each other. Please refer to FIGS. 5a and 5b. FIG. 5a is a schematic diagram of the structure of an outward folding type electronic device in the unfolded state. FIG. 5b is a schematic diagram of the structure of an outward folding type electronic device in the folded state. When the electronic device is in the folded state, the flexible display 4000 is located outside the electronic device. If no adjustment is made, in the folding process of the outward folding type electronic device (i.e., the process from FIG. 5a to FIG. 5b), the rotation radius of the flexible display 4000 will be larger than the rotation radius of the rotation axis mechanism 1000, and as a result, the flexible display 4000 will be overly stretched. Therefore, in the design of the rotation axis mechanism 1000 of the outward folding type, it is necessary to consider how to avoid or minimize such stretching.

[0070] Correspondingly, the inward folding type means that when the electronic device is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state and when the electronic device is in the folded state, the flexible display 4000 is located inside the electronic device. In other words, the flexible display 4000 gradually becomes invisible to the user until it is completely hidden in the folded state with the flexible display 4000 being housed between the two housings during the folding process. As described above, the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 can move towards each other. When the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are in the folded state, the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 faces the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000. Please refer to FIG. 6a or FIG. 6b. FIG. 6a is a schematic diagram of the structure of an inward folding type electronic device in the unfolded state. FIG. 6b is a schematic diagram of the structure of an inward folding type electronic device in the folded state. When the electronic device is in the folded state, the flexible display 4000 is located inside the electronic device. In the folding process of the inward folding type electronic device (i.e., the process from FIG. 6a to FIG. 6b), it can be understood that the flexible display 4000 is folded in half. However, the maximum degree of bending that the flexible display 4000 can withstand is limited. Therefore, there exists a corresponding critical radius of curvature R (or a range of critical radii of curvature). When the radius of curvature of the bending position of the flexible display 4000 is less than the critical radius of curvature R, the flexible display 4000 is very likely to be damaged and may no longer be used. In addition, even if the radius of curvature of the bending position is larger than the critical radius of curvature, if the radius of curvature of the rotation axis mechanism 1000 of the electronic device is excessively small, problems such as wrinkles, creases, and inner layer displacement of the flexible display will occur. Therefore, in the design of the rotation axis mechanism 1000 of the inward folding type electronic device, in order to reduce the extrusion on the flexible display 4000, it is necessary to maximize the radius of curvature of the bending position of the flexible display 4000.

[0071] Increasing the distance between the two housings in the folded state increases the radius of curvature, and it can be easily understood that this may prevent the flexible display 4000 from being directly folded in half. The larger the distance between the two housings, the larger the radius of curvature at the bending position of the flexible display 4000, indicating that the extrusion on the flexible display 4000 is small. The smaller the distance between the two housings, the smaller the radius of curvature at the bending position of the flexible display 4000, indicating that the extrusion on the flexible display 4000 is large and there are many prominent fold lines. In addition, the larger the distance between the two housings, the greater the thickness of the electronic device in the folded state, which affects the portability of the electronic device. In addition, there is a risk that dust, foreign objects, etc. may enter the gap. This may also damage and wear the flexible display, affecting the service life of the flexible display and also the service life of the rotation axis mechanism.

[0072] Based on the above problems of the inward folding type foldable electronic device, embodiments of the present application provide a foldable electronic device and a rotation axis mechanism applicable to the electronic device to improve the portability of the electronic device, and also provide a large accommodation space for the flexible display 4000 during the folding process and in the folded state. This increases the radius of curvature at the bending position of the flexible display 4000 and reduces the risk of extrusion damage to the flexible display 4000.

[0073] First, the main components and related mechanisms related to the rotation axis mechanism 1000 provided in the present application will be briefly described below, and then the specific structures and implementation principles of each part will be further described in detail.

[0074] Figures 7a and 7b are simple schematic diagrams of the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 in two different states according to the present application. Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the state of the flexible display 4000 and the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 when the electronic device is in the deployed state according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of the state of the flexible display 4000 and the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 when the electronic device is in the folded state.

[0075] Please refer to Figures 7a and 7b. The rotating shaft mechanism 1000 provided in the present application includes a first support plate 12, a second support plate 13, and an intermediate support plate 11. The first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 are arranged on two opposite sides of the intermediate support plate 11, that is, the intermediate support plate 11 is arranged between the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13. The rotating shaft mechanism 1000 further includes a main body portion 14, and the first support plate 12, the intermediate support plate 11, and the second support plate 13 are located on the same side of the main body portion 14. As shown in Figure 7a, the first support plate 12 has opposite surfaces A1 and B1, the second support plate 13 has opposite surfaces A2 and B2, and it will be understood that the intermediate support plate 11 has opposite surfaces A3 and B3. Surfaces A1, A2, and A3 are on the same side, and surfaces B1, B2, and B3 are on the same side. The main body portion 14 is arranged on one side of surfaces B1, B2, and B3, and the flexible display 4000 is arranged on the side of surfaces A1, A2, and A3.

[0076] In the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 provided in the present application, the first support plate 12 may rotate relative to the main body portion 14, and the second support plate 13 may also rotate relative to the main body portion 14. The rotation direction of the first support plate 12 is opposite to the rotation direction of the second support plate 13. The first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 rotating in opposite directions may include two states. In the first state, when the electronic device is folded, the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 rotate towards each other (or are considered to move towards each other). In the second state, when the electronic device is deployed, the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 rotate away from each other.

[0077] In addition, in the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 provided in the present application, in the process of rotating the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13, the intermediate support plate 11 can move in a direction approaching the main body portion 14 or move in a direction away from the main body portion 14.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7a, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first support plate 12, the intermediate support plate 11, and the second support plate 13 are located in the same plane and are configured to support the unfolded flexible display 4000. When the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, as shown in FIGS. 7a to 7b, the first support plate 12 rotates in the direction of P1 with respect to the main body portion 14, and the second support plate 13 rotates in the direction of P2 opposite to the direction of P1 with respect to the main body portion 14. In other words, the ends of the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 away from the main body portion are close to each other, and the ends of the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 close to the main body portion are separated from each other. Therefore, the flexible display 4000 bends between the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13. In addition, in the process of the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 approaching each other with respect to the main body portion 14, the intermediate support plate 11 approaches the main body portion 14 in the direction of P3 shown in FIG. 7b. For example, the distance between the intermediate support plate 11 and the main body portion 14 can be reduced from D1 in FIG. 7a to D2 in FIG. 7b. In this way, the first support plate 12, the intermediate support plate 11, and the second support plate 13 form an accommodation cavity close to a triangle, and the flexible display 4000 can be accommodated in the triangular accommodation cavity and have a water droplet shape. In this way, by moving the intermediate support plate 11 toward the main body portion 14, a sufficient accommodation space is generated for the flexible display 4000, the radius of curvature at the bending position of the flexible display 4000 is increased, and it can be understood that the risk of the flexible display 4000 being crushed and damaged can be reduced.

[0079] On the contrary, when the electronic device changes from the folded state to the unfolded state, as shown in FIGS. 7b to 7a, the first support plate 12 rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation direction P1 with respect to the main body 14, and the second support plate 13 rotates in a direction opposite to the direction P2 with respect to the main body 14. In other words, the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 are separated from each other, so that the flexible display 4000 is unfolded. In the process that the ends of the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 away from the main body 14 are separated from each other, the intermediate support plate 11 moves away from the main body 14 in a direction opposite to the direction P3 shown in FIG. 7b until the first support plate 12, the intermediate support plate 11, and the second support plate 13 move to the same plane to support the unfolded flexible display 4000.

[0080] According to the above description of the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 provided in the present application and the description of the kinematic relationship between the structures in the rotating shaft mechanism 1000, in the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 provided in the present application, not only can the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 rotate with respect to the main body 14, but also the intermediate support plate 11 can move up or down with respect to the main body 14. It can be seen that the length of the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 can change. In other words, when the flexible display 4000 is folded, the length of the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 is extended to create a larger accommodation space for the flexible display 4000, and the radius of curvature at the bending position of the flexible display 4000 increases to avoid extrusion at the portion of the flexible display 4000 close to the rotating shaft mechanism 1000. When the flexible display 4000 is unfolded, the length of the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 can be shortened. In other words, the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 can enable the length dimension of the flexible display 4000 to be basically unchanged when the flexible display 4000 is at an arbitrary angle during the folding process, that is, the flexible display 4000 cannot be crushed or stretched.

[0081] In some existing embodiments, FIG. 8 is a simple schematic diagram of an existing electronic device. In this electronic device, the flexible display 4000 is slidably disposed on the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000. When the electronic device is folded multiple times, the flexible display 4000 may wear and even be damaged due to multiple slidings. However, in the electronic device provided in the present application, a part of the flexible display 4000 is fixed to the first housing 2000, and another part of the flexible display 4000 is fixed to the second housing 3000. Compared with the slidably disposed flexible display 4000 shown in FIG. 8, in the present application, the degree of wear of the flexible display 4000 is significantly reduced, increasing the number of folding times of the flexible display, extending the service life of the flexible display 4000, and improving the performance of the electronic device in use.

[0082] Referring further to FIG. 8, the flexible display 4000 is slidably disposed on the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000. Accordingly, the edges of the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 have an exposed area (the Q area shown in FIG. 8) used to accommodate the sliding space of the flexible display 4000. In this way, the screen portion of the flexible display 4000 on the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 is reduced. However, compared with the structure shown in FIG. 8, the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 provided in the present application do not need to be configured with the Q area. When the size of the electronic device is equivalent to the size shown in FIG. 8, the present application can provide a flexible display 4000 having a larger area and thus provide a larger display area.

[0083] FIG. 9 shows a possible structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1000. FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the rotating shaft mechanism 1000. In addition to the first support plate 12, the second support plate 13, the intermediate support plate 11, and the main body 14, the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 further includes a first swing arm 151 and a second swing arm 152. The first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 are arranged on two opposite sides of the main body 14 of the support plate.

[0084] One end of the first swing arm 151 is rotatably connected to the main body 14, the other end of the first swing arm 151 is relatively fixed to the first housing 2000, one end of the first support plate 12 is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 151, and the other end of the first support plate 12 is slidably connected to the main body 14. One end of the second swing arm 152 is rotatably connected to the main body 14, the other end of the second swing arm 152 is relatively fixed to the second housing 3000, one end of the second support plate 13 is rotatably connected to the second swing arm 152, and the other end of the second support plate 13 is slidably connected to the main body 14.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 10, the main body 14, the first swing arm 151, and the first support plate 12 form a slider-crank. When an external force acts on the first swing arm 151 to rotate the first swing arm 151 relative to the main body 14, the first support plate 12 and the first swing arm 151 perform rotational cooperation, and the first support plate 12 and the main body 14 perform sliding cooperation. Therefore, when the first swing arm 151 rotates from the solid line position A1 to the dashed line position A2 in the clockwise direction shown in FIG. 11, the first support plate 12 also moves from the solid line position B1 to the dashed line position B2. In this way, when the first swing arm 151 rotates relative to the main body 14, the first support plate 12 is driven to rotate relative to the main body 14. Specifically, further, the first swing arm 151 drives the first support plate 12 to rotate, whereby the first support plate 12 slides relative to the main body 14 along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first swing arm 151, and drives the end of the first support plate 12 close to the main body 14 to move along a direction away from the main body 14.

[0086] Similarly, the main body 14, the second swing arm 152, and the second support plate 13 also form the same slider-crank as those in FIGS. 10 and 11. Specifically, when an external force acts on the second swing arm 152 to rotate the second swing arm 152 relative to the main body 14, the second support plate 13 and the second swing arm 152 perform rotational cooperation, and the second support plate 13 and the main body 14 perform sliding cooperation. Therefore, when the second swing arm 152 rotates, the second support plate 12 is also driven to rotate.

[0087] In some embodiments, there may be one or more first swing arms 151, and there may be one or more second swing arms 152. In this embodiment of the present application, FIG. 9 shows a rotating shaft mechanism 1000 including two first swing arms 151 and two second swing arms 152. When there are a plurality of first swing arms 151 and a plurality of second swing arms 152, the first swing arms 151 and the second swing arms 152 can be arranged at intervals.

[0088] The following specifically describes the connection structure between the structures of the first support plate 12, the first swing arm 151, and the main body 14. For the connection structure between the second support plate 13, the second swing arm 152, and the main body 14, refer to the description of the connection structure between the structures of the first support plate 12, the first swing arm 151, and the main body 14.

[0089] The rotational connection between the first swing arm 151 and the main body 14 has a plurality of feasible structures. The following provides three different rotational connection structures. Of course, in addition to the structures described, another rotational connection structure may be used.

[0090] Example 1: FIG. 12 shows a rotational connection structure. In this embodiment of the present application, an arc-shaped first arc-shaped bump 14a is disposed on the main body 14, and a first arc-shaped slot 151a is disposed at an end portion of the first swing arm 151 close to the main body 14. The first arc-shaped bump 14a is assembled into the first arc-shaped slot 151a, and the first arc-shaped bump 14a rotates with respect to the first arc-shaped slot 151a. In this way, rotation between the first swing arm 151 and the main body 14 can be implemented.

[0091] FIG. 12 shows the positional relationship among the first swing arm 151, the main body 14, and the second swing arm 152 when the electronic device is in the unfolded state. FIG. 13 shows the positional relationship among the first swing arm 151, the main body 14, and the second swing arm 152 when the electronic device is in the intermediate state. In the process of folding the electronic device from FIG. 12 to FIG. 13, the end portion of the first swing arm 151 away from the main body 14 and the end portion of the second swing arm 152 away from the main body 14 gradually move away from the main body 14. FIG. 14 shows the positional relationship among the first swing arm 151, the main body 14, and the second swing arm 152 when the electronic device is in the folded state. In the process of continuously folding the electronic device from FIG. 13 to FIG. 14, the end portion of the first swing arm 151 away from the main body 14 and the end portion of the second swing arm 152 away from the main body 14 move further away from the main body 14. FIG. 15 shows a schematic diagram of a part of the structure of the first swing arm 151. In order to improve the rotational stability of the first swing arm 151 and the main body 14, as shown in FIG. 15, the first swing arm 151 is provided with two first arc-shaped slots 151a symmetrically arranged on two sides. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a part of the structure of the main body 14. Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. 16, the main body 14 is provided with two first arc-shaped bumps 14a, and the two first arc-shaped slots 151a are connected to the two first arc-shaped bumps 14a in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0092] Referring further to FIGS. 15 and 16, the end of the first swing arm 151 is disposed between two first arc-shaped bumps 14a. In this way, the two first arc-shaped bumps 14a also serve to limit the position. Specifically, when the first swing arm 151 and the main body 14 rotate towards each other, the first swing arm 151 can be prevented from fluttering along the rotation axis direction (for example, the direction L1 in FIG. 16), whereby the first swing arm 151 can rotate stably with respect to the main body 14. Further, it is ensured that the flexible display 4000 does not shift along the rotation axis direction when the flexible display 4000 is folded or unfolded, improving the user experience of the electronic device.

[0093] When the rotation connection structure shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is used, the first arc-shaped slot 151a may be a 1 / 4 arc slot, a 1 / 3 arc slot, etc. The first arc-shaped bump 14a may be a 1 / 4 arc bump, a 1 / 3 arc bump, etc. Those skilled in the art can adaptively adjust the specific parameters of the first arc-shaped slot 151a and the first arc-shaped bump 14a based on actual requirements. This is not particularly limited in this application.

[0094] Example 2: A first arc-shaped bump is disposed on the first swing arm 151, and a first arc-shaped slot is disposed on the main body 14. The first arc-shaped bump on the first swing arm 151 coincides with the first arc-shaped slot on the main body 14 to effect relative rotation between the first swing arm 151 and the main body 14. Specifically, compared with Example 1, in Example 2, the positions where the first arc-shaped bump and the first arc-shaped slot are disposed are exchanged, whereby the same rotation connection effect can be achieved. Therefore, the structures of the first arc-shaped bump and the first arc-shaped slot can be disposed with reference to Example 1. Details will not be described again here.

[0095] Example 3: The first swing arm 151 and the main body 14 can be rotatably connected by using a rotation axis. For example, shaft holes are arranged in both the main body 14 and the first swing arm 151, and the rotation axis inserted through the shaft holes is used to rotatably connect the main body 14 and the first swing arm 151.

[0096] Regarding the rotation structure of the second swing arm 152 and the main body 14, the rotation structure of the first swing arm 151 and the main body 14 may be referred to. Of course, another structure may be selected to perform the rotation. For example, FIG. 16 shows that an arc-shaped second arc bump 14b is arranged on the main body 14. Correspondingly, a second arc-shaped slot configured to assemble the second arc bump 14b is arranged on the second swing arm 152.

[0097] It should be noted that in order to ensure that the flexible display 4000 can be symmetrically folded and unfolded, the rotation axis of the second swing arm 152 on the main body 14 can be arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the first swing arm 151 on the main body 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the rotation axis L1 at which the first arc-shaped slot 151a and the first arc-shaped bump 14a perform rotational cooperation is parallel to the rotation axis L2 at which the second arc-shaped bump 14b and the second arc-shaped slot perform rotational cooperation.

[0098] The structures of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 have a plurality of implementable structures. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, FIG. 17 shows an implementable structure of the first swing arm 151. The first swing arm 151 includes a support 1511 and an arc arm 1512 having an arc structure. The support 1511 and the arc arm 1512 may be two independent components and are relatively fixed by using a connecting component such as a bolt. In another possible design, the support 1511 and the arc arm 1512 may have an integrally formed structure.

[0099] The first arcuate slot 151a may be disposed on the arcuate arm 1512, and the support 1511 may be fixed to the first housing 2000. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, mounting holes 151b may be disposed on the support 1511, and the first housing 101 is fixed to the support 1511 of the first swing arm 151 by using a connecting component such as a staple installed in the mounting holes 151b.

[0100] To simplify the manufacturing process, the second swing arm 152 may have the same structure as the first swing arm 151. Of course, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 may use another type of structure.

[0101] The first support plate 12 being rotatably connected to the first swing arm 151 also has a plurality of feasible structures. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a part of the structure of the first swing arm 151. A third arcuate slot 151c is disposed on the first swing arm 151. FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the structure of the first support plate 12. The first support plate 12 has a plate structure, and the first support plate 12 has a first surface (surface A1) and a second surface (surface B1) opposite to each other. An arcuate bump 12a of the first support plate is disposed on the side of the first support plate 12 opposite to the main body portion 14. Referring to FIGS. 7a and 19, the arcuate bump 12a of the first support plate may be disposed on the surface B1 of the first support plate 12. The arcuate bump 12a of the first support plate is assembled into the third arcuate slot 151c, whereby the first swing arm 151 and the first support plate 12 can be rotatably connected. To ensure the relative rotation stability between the first support plate 12 and the first swing arm 151, as shown in FIG. 19, a plurality of arcuate bumps 12a of the first support plate may be disposed on the first support plate 12, and the plurality of arcuate bumps 12a of the first support plate are connected to the plurality of first swing arms 151 one-to-one. In some other optional embodiments, a rotation axis may also be used for the rotatable connection.

[0102] When the first swing arm 151 includes a support 1511 and an arc arm 1512 having an arc-shaped structure, the arc arm 1512 is close to the main body 14 and is rotatably connected to the main body 14. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, the third arc-shaped slot 151c can be arranged on the support 1511 away from the main body 14. The rotation direction of the first support plate 12 about the support 1511 may be the same as the rotation direction of the support 1511. For example, when the support 1511 rotates clockwise, the first support plate 12 rotates clockwise about the support 1511, or when the support 1511 rotates counterclockwise, the first support plate 12 rotates counterclockwise about the support 1511.

[0103] Similarly, for the rotatable connection structure between the second support plate 13 and the second swing arm 152, refer to the rotatable connection structure between the first support plate 12 and the first swing arm 151. Details will not be described again here.

[0104] To implement a slidable connection between the first support plate 12 and the main body 14, FIG. 20 shows the connection relationship between the first support plate 12 and the first swing arm 151 when the electronic device is in the deployed state, and the connection relationship between the first support plate 12 and the main body 14, and further shows the connection relationship between the second support plate 13 and the second swing arm 152, and the connection relationship between the second support plate 13 and the main body 14. Refer to FIGS. 19 and 20. An extension 121 is disposed on the side of the first support plate 12 opposite to the main body 14. The extension 121 extends toward the side of the intermediate support plate 11 close to the main body 14. A first support plate sliding slot 12b is disposed on the extension 121. Specifically, the extension 121 may be disposed on the surface B2 of the first support plate 12. The extension 121 extends toward the side of the intermediate support plate 11 close to the main body 14. A first support plate sliding slot 12b is disposed on the extension 121. A sliding shaft 16 is assembled in the first support plate chute 12b, and the sliding shaft 16 is relatively fixed to the main body 14. The slidable connection between the first support plate 12 and the main body 14 is implemented by the sliding cooperation between the sliding shaft 16 and the first support plate chute 12b. In the structure shown in FIG. 20, the slidable connection between the sliding shaft 16 and the first support plate chute 12b is implemented by the sliding cooperation between the sliding shaft 16 and the first support plate chute 12b. In some other embodiments, a sliding block that can slide along the first support plate chute 12b of the first support plate 12 may also be disposed on the main body 14, and the sliding block and the main body 14 may be designed as an integral structure.

[0105] Similarly, for the slidable connection structure between the second support plate 13 and the main body 14, refer to the slidable connection structure between the first support plate 12 and the main body 14. Details will not be described again here. For example, the sliding cooperation structure of the sliding shaft and the sliding slot in FIGS. 19 and 20 can also be used.

[0106] FIG. 20 also shows the positions of the first swing arm 151, the second swing arm 152, the first support plate 12, and the second support plate 13 when the electronic device is in the deployed state. FIG. 21 shows the positions of the first swing arm 151, the second swing arm 152, the first support plate 12, and the second support plate 13 when the electronic device is folded to the intermediate state. From the comparison between FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, it can be seen that the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 rotate towards each other, the sliding shaft 16 moves along the first support plate sliding slot 12b, and thereby the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 also rotate towards each other. FIG. 22 shows the positions of the first swing arm 151, the second swing arm 152, the first support plate 12, and the second support plate 13 when the electronic device is in the folded state. In this case, the sliding shaft 16 slides to the end of the first support plate sliding slot 12b and abuts against the corresponding support plate. It can be seen that during the process of the electronic device switching from the deployed state to the folded state, the sliding shaft 16 slides from the end of the first support plate chute 12b away from the main body portion 14 to the end of the first support plate chute 12b close to the main body portion 14.

[0107] The first support plate sliding slot 12b may be arranged in different structures. For example, FIGS. 23a, 23b, and 23c show three different arc-shaped first support plate sliding slots 12b. From FIGS. 23a to 23c, the bending radius of the first support plate sliding slot 12b gradually decreases. When the bending radius of the first support plate chute 12b is relatively small, when the electronic device is folded or deployed, the rotation speed of the support plate (the first support plate 12 or the second support plate 13) is greater. Therefore, when the rotation axis mechanism is designed, the bending radius of the first support plate chute 12b can be selected according to the rotation speed requirement of the support plate. In some other possible embodiments, the first support plate sliding slot 12b may be in another form, such as a linear form or a bent form structure.

[0108] When the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 rotate with respect to the main body 14, the intermediate support plate 11 positioned between the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 needs to move with respect to the main body 14. Therefore, the length dimension of the rotary shaft mechanism 1000 is changed, and the flexible display 4000 is prevented from being crushed or stretched. In this case, the rotary shaft mechanism 1000 may further include a driving structure for driving and moving the intermediate support plate 11. When the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 rotate towards each other, the driving structure drives the intermediate support plate 11 to move in a direction approaching the main body 14. When the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 rotate away from each other, the driving structure drives the intermediate support plate 11 to move in a direction away from the main body 14.

[0109] When the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 rotate towards each other with respect to the main body 14 until the electronic device is in a folded state, it can be said that the driving structure drives the intermediate support plate 11 to move to a first position close to the main body 14. In this way, the overall length of the rotary shaft mechanism 1000 increases. At the first position, the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 form a preset included angle, and the first support plate 12, the intermediate support plate 11, and the second support plate 13 form a triangular accommodation cavity, creating an accommodation space for the flexible display 4000 close to the rotary shaft mechanism 1000 to ensure that the length of the flexible display 4000 does not change during the folding process. When the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 rotate away from the main body 14 until the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the driving structure drives the intermediate support plate 11 to move to a second position away from the main body 14, shortening the overall length dimension of the rotary shaft mechanism 1000. At the second position, the first support plate 12, the intermediate support plate 11, and the second support plate 13 are in the same plane, so that the flexible display 4000 lies flat on them.

[0110] The rotating shaft mechanism 1000 provided in this application further includes a retractable traction element. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 and is used to reflect the connection relationship between the main body 14, the intermediate support plate 11, and the retractable traction element 23. One end of the traction element 23 is fixed to the intermediate support plate 11, and the other end of the traction element 23 is fixed to the main body 14. When the intermediate support plate 11 moves relative to the main body 14, the retractable traction element 23 can apply a force acting on the main body 14 relative to the intermediate support plate 11 to drive the intermediate support plate 11 to move towards the main body 14.

[0111] In order to make the traction force of the traction element 23 symmetric with respect to the intermediate support plate 11, as shown in FIG. 24, a plurality of traction elements 23 may be used, and the plurality of traction elements 23 are symmetrically arranged on the side of the intermediate support plate 11.

[0112] The retractable traction element 23 has a plurality of optional structures. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the traction element 23 is a spring. Of course, another traction element may be alternatively selected.

[0113] There are multiple embodiments for a drive structure that enables the intermediate support plate 11 to move in a direction away from the main body portion 14. In some optional embodiments, the drive structure may be an electric drive structure (e.g., a linear motor), a hydraulic drive structure (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder), or a pneumatic drive structure (e.g., a cylinder). In some other embodiments, during the process of folding and unfolding the electronic device, the first support plate 12, the second support plate 13, the first swing arm 151, and the second swing arm 152 all generate relative movement with respect to the intermediate support plate 11. Thus, in one possible embodiment of the present application, one or more of the moving first support plate 12, the second support plate 13, the first swing arm 151, and the second swing arm 152 may be used to generate a force acting on the intermediate support plate 11, whereby the intermediate support plate 11 moves away from the main body portion 14. In this way, it is possible to simplify the overall structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 1000, which is convenient for implementation. The following specifically describes how at least one of the first support plate 12, the second support plate 13, the first swing arm 151, and the second swing arm 152 is used as a drive structure to drive the intermediate support plate 11 to move relative to the main body portion 14.

[0114] During the process of unfolding or folding the electronic device, any one of the first support plate 12, the second support plate 13, the first swing arm 151, and the second swing arm 152 rotates with respect to the main body portion 14. In this case, at least one of these rotating structures can be used to apply a force to the intermediate support plate 11 to drive the intermediate support plate 11 to move. For example, FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the first swing arm 151 drives the intermediate support plate 11 to move in a direction away from the main body portion 14. Specifically, during the process of the electronic device moving from the folded state to the unfolded state, the end portion of the first swing arm 151 close to the main body portion 14 forms a support portion 151e, and the support portion 151e abuts against the side of the intermediate support plate 11 close to the main body portion 14. As the first swing arm 151 rotates, the support portion 151e pushes the intermediate support plate 11 to move in a direction away from the main body portion 14.

[0115] In one possible design, FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a part of the structure of the first swing arm 151. Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the arc arm 1512 of the first swing arm 151 can be used as the support portion 151e. Specifically, a boss 151f can be disposed at the end of the arc arm 1512. Specifically, the boss 151f that rotates synchronously with the first swing arm 151 abuts against the intermediate support plate 11 to drive the intermediate support plate 11 to move away from the main body portion 14.

[0116] In some possible designs, one of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 can be used as a driving structure. In some other possible designs, in order to improve the movement balance of the intermediate support plate 11, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 can be used to drive the intermediate support plate 11 to move together. The process and structural design of the second swing arm 152 driving the intermediate support plate 11 to move are the same as those of the first swing arm 151. Details will not be described again.

[0117] When the rotating first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 are used as a driving structure, in the rear part when the electronic device is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 abut against the intermediate support plate 11 to push the intermediate support plate 11 to move away from the main body portion 14. In contrast, in the front part when the electronic device is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 abut against the intermediate support plate 11. As the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 continue to rotate, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 no longer abut against the intermediate support plate 11, and the pressing force on the intermediate support plate 11 is released. In this case, the intermediate support plate 11 moves toward the main body portion 14 under the action of the retractable traction element 23.

[0118] When the rotating first support plate 12 drives the intermediate support plate 11 to move away from the main body 14, the supporting portion is formed on the side of the first support plate 12 facing the main body 14. In other words, the supporting portion is formed on the side of the surface B2 of the first support plate 12 facing the main body 14. In the process of the electronic device moving from the folded state to the unfolded state, when the first support plate 12 rotates relative to the main body 14, the supporting portion of the first support plate 12 abuts against the side of the intermediate support plate 11 close to the main body 14, and pushes the intermediate support plate 11 to move in a direction away from the main body 14.

[0119] In one possible design, FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the first support plate 12 drives the intermediate support plate 11 to move away from the main body 14. In this embodiment, a boss 12c protruding toward the intermediate support plate 11 can be formed at the end of an extension 121 of the first support plate 12 provided with the first support plate sliding slot 12b. Specifically, the boss 12c that rotates synchronously with the first support plate 12 abuts against the intermediate support plate 11 and drives the intermediate support plate 11 to move away from the main body 14. In another possible design, the supporting portion may be separately arranged on the side of the first support plate 12 close to the main body 14, and the supporting portion and the extension having the first support plate sliding slot are two independent structures from each other.

[0120] This is the same as using the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 as the driving structure. In some possible designs, one of the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 can be used as the driving structure. In some other possible designs, in order to improve the movement balance of the intermediate support plate 11, the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 can be used to drive the intermediate support plate 11 to move together. The process and structural design of the second support plate 13 driving the intermediate support plate 11 to move are the same as those of the first support plate 12. Details will not be described again here.

[0121] When the rotating first support plate 12 and second support plate 13 are used as a driving structure, when the electronic device is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, in the rear portion, the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 abut against the intermediate support plate 11 and push the intermediate support plate 11 away from the main body portion 14. On the contrary, when the electronic device is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, in the front portion, the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 abut against the intermediate support plate 11. As the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 continue to rotate, the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 no longer abut against the intermediate support plate 11, and the pressing force on the intermediate support plate 11 is released. In this case, the intermediate support plate 11 moves toward the main body portion 14 under the action of the retractable traction element.

[0122] In some cases, when only the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 are used to push the intermediate support plate 11 away from the main body portion 14, when the electronic device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, since the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 rotate at a relatively low speed, the intermediate support plate 11 may not move rapidly toward the main body portion 14. In this case, the flexible display 4000 arches in a direction away from the intermediate support plate 11.

[0123] In some other cases, when only the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 are used to push the intermediate support plate 11 away from the main body portion 14, during the process of the electronic device moving from the folded state to the unfolded state, when the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 rotate, after the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 change from abutting to non-abutting, the intermediate support plate 11 is pulled by the traction element and moves rapidly toward the main body portion 14. In this case, the portion of the flexible display 4000 close to the intermediate support plate 11 lacks support, and thus, the stress is relatively large, and the flexible display 4000 may be damaged.

[0124] In order to prevent the flexible display 4000 from arching or the degree of arching of the flexible display 4000 from decreasing, and to prevent the phenomenon that the flexible display 4000 has a large stress, in this embodiment of the present application, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 may be used as a driving structure for driving the intermediate support plate 11 to move away from the main body 14, and the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 may also be used as a driving structure for driving the intermediate support plate 11 to move away from the main body 14. In addition, in the process of switching the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 pushing the intermediate support plate 11 lags behind the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 pushing the intermediate support plate 11.

[0125] Specifically, in the stage before the electronic device moves from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 support the intermediate support plate 11. Since the rotation speed of the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 towards the main body 14 is relatively fast, with the rapid rotation of the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13, the intermediate support plate 11 also moves rapidly towards the main body 14, creating a space for the flexible display 4000 and avoiding the arching phenomenon in the part close to the intermediate support plate 11. In this design, when the electronic device moves from the folded state to the unfolded state, that is, when the flexible display 4000 approaches the unfolded state, the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 that rotate rapidly push the intermediate support plate 11 to quickly become coplanar with the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 to support the flexible display 4000.

[0126] During the process of the electronic device moving from the unfolded state to the folded state, after the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 stop being supported by the intermediate support plate 11, the intermediate support plate 11 is supported by using the rotating first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152. The reason is that the rotation speeds of both the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 are lower than the rotation speeds of the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13. After the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 stop being supported by the intermediate support plate 11, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152, which rotate at a relatively low speed, are used to support the intermediate support plate 11, thereby reducing the moving speed of the intermediate support plate 11 and avoiding the phenomenon of stress concentration occurring in the flexible display 4000 due to the overly rapid release of force.

[0127] Based on the foregoing description, in the process of the electronic device provided in this embodiment of the present application moving from the unfolded state to the folded state, the intermediate support plate 11 has three moving stages. In the first stage, the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 rotate towards each other, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 rotate towards each other, and the support portions of the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 that abut against the intermediate support plate 11 are gradually separated from the intermediate support plate 11, driving the intermediate support plate 11 to move towards the main body portion 14 at a speed V1. In the second stage, as the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13, and the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 continue to rotate, the support portions of the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 are separated from the intermediate support plate 11, and the support portions of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 abut against the intermediate support plate 11, and the intermediate support plate 11 is controlled to continue to move towards the main body portion 14 side at a speed V2 lower than V1. In the third stage, as the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13, and the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 continue to rotate, the support portions of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 are also separated from the intermediate support plate 11, and the intermediate support plate 11 continues to move towards the main body portion 14 under the traction force of the traction element. Finally, the first support plate 12, the second support plate 13, and the intermediate support plate 11 form a triangular accommodation cavity. In addition, the flexible display 4000 is included in the accommodation cavity.

[0128] Correspondingly, in the process of the electronic device provided in this embodiment of the present application moving from the folded state to the unfolded state, the intermediate support plate 11 also has three moving stages. In the first stage, the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 rotate towards each other, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 rotate towards each other, and the intermediate support plate 11 remains stationary when pulled by the traction element. In the second stage, as the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13, and the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 continue to rotate, the support portions of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 abut against the intermediate support plate 11, impairing the traction force of the traction element on the intermediate support plate 11, and pushing the intermediate support plate 11 to move away from the main body portion 14 at a speed V3. In the third stage, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 are separated from the intermediate support plate 11, the support portions of the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 abut against the intermediate support plate 11, and the intermediate support plate 11 is pushed to continue to move away from the main body portion 14 at a speed V4 greater than V3 until the first support plate 12, the intermediate support plate 11, and the second support plate 13 are on the same plane.

[0129] The above provides a driving structure that uses the first swing arm 151, the second swing arm 152, the first support plate 12, and the second support plate 13 together to push and move the intermediate support plate 11. In some other ways, one of the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 may be used, or one of the first support plate 12 and the second support plate 13 may be used as a driving structure for driving the intermediate support plate 11 to move. However, in order to enable the intermediate support plate 11 to move stably and evenly, the first swing arm 151, the second swing arm 152, the first support plate 12, and the second support plate 13 may be used together as a driving structure for driving the intermediate support plate 11 to move.

[0130] When the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 provided in the present application includes a retractable traction element, when the electronic device moves from the folded state to the unfolded state, after both the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 abut against the intermediate support plate 11, in order to drive the intermediate support plate 11 to move away from the main body 14, the traction force of the traction element on the intermediate support plate 11 must first be impaired. In this case, the elastic force of the retractable traction element on the intermediate support plate 11 should not be too large. For example, when the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 drive the intermediate support plate 11 to move and the pushing force is f, the elastic force of the retractable traction element on the intermediate support plate 11 should be less than f. In this way, the intermediate support plate 11 moves away from the main body 14 when being pushed by the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152.

[0131] In some cases, the acting force of the first support plate 12, the second support plate 13, the first swing arm 151 or the second swing arm 152 on the intermediate support plate 11 is not necessarily perpendicular to the intermediate support plate 11, so the moving direction of the intermediate support plate 11 is likely to be unstable. For example, please refer to FIG. 28. FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship when the first swing arm 151 rotates and abuts against the intermediate support plate 11 and is in a specific position. At this position, the acting force of the rotating first swing arm 151 on the intermediate support plate 11 may be denoted as F, and the acting force F can be decomposed into a vertical F1 and a horizontal F2. Therefore, when the rotating first swing arm 151 drives the intermediate support plate 11 to move, it may be difficult to ensure that the intermediate support plate 11 moves linearly in the direction P4 perpendicular to the intermediate support plate 11.

[0132] Based on this possibility, the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 further includes a guiding structure configured to guide the intermediate support plate 11 to move in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the intermediate support plate 11. The length direction of the intermediate support plate 11 is parallel to the axial direction of the rotatable connection between the first swing arm 151 and the main body 14. The intermediate support plate 11 moves along a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the intermediate support plate 11, that is, the intermediate support plate 11 moves vertically along a straight line in the process of rising and falling in order to ensure the movement stability.

[0133] The guiding structure has a plurality of feasible structures. In some optional embodiments, FIG. 29 is an exploded view used to reflect the connection relationship between the intermediate support plate 11, the main body 14 and the guiding structure. The guiding structure includes a guiding block 22 disposed on the intermediate support plate 11. The guiding block 22 and the intermediate support plate 11 may be two independent structures from each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the guiding block 22 and the intermediate support plate 11 may be fixed by using a connecting component 25. Alternatively, in another possible design, the guiding block 22 and the intermediate support plate 11 are of an integral structure. The guiding structure further includes a guiding hole 24 disposed on the main body 14. The extending direction of the guiding hole 24 is perpendicular to the intermediate support plate 11. In this way, the guiding block 22 sliding in the guiding hole 24 drives the intermediate support plate 11 to move away from the main body 14 or approach the main body 14 in a direction perpendicular to the guiding block 22.

[0134] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft mechanism and is used to reflect the connection relationship between the intermediate support plate 11, the main body portion 14, and the traction element 23. Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, when the rotating shaft mechanism includes a retractable traction element 23, a guide block 22, and a guide hole 24, a block portion 141 may be provided at an opening in the guide hole 24 close to the intermediate support plate 11. In this way, the radial size at the opening of the guide hole 24 is smaller than the radial size of the guide hole 24, and the traction element 23 is hidden within the guide hole 24. In one possible design, as shown in FIG. 29, a blind hole 26 that does not penetrate the bottom of the guide block 24 may be arranged in the guide block 24. One end of the traction element 23 is fixed to the block portion 141, and the other end of the traction element 23 abuts against the bottom surface of the blind hole 26.

[0135] In order to enable the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 to perform synchronous operations with respect to the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 during the folding and unfolding processes of the electronic device, in one embodiment provided in the present application, the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 may further include a synchronization structure for performing synchronous rotation towards each other and synchronous rotation away from each other between the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000.

[0136] The synchronization structure may have various forms of structures. For example, as shown in FIG. 31. FIG. 31 shows an implementable synchronization structure. The synchronization structure may include a gear transmission structure, and the first swing arm 151 is connected to the second swing arm 152 by using the gear transmission structure. Specifically, when the first swing arm 151 rotates with respect to the main body portion 14, the gear transmission structure drives the second swing arm 152 to rotate synchronously in the opposite direction. In this way, the first housing 2000 fixed to the first swing arm 151 and the second housing 3000 fixed to the second swing arm 152 may rotate synchronously in opposite directions.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 31, the gear transmission structure may include a first gear connecting rod 171 and a second gear connecting rod 172. One end of the first gear connecting rod 171 is slidably connected to the first swing arm 151, and the other end of the first gear connecting rod 171 has a first meshing tooth 1711. One end of the second gear connecting rod 172 is slidably connected to the second swing arm 152, and the other end of the second gear connecting rod 172 has a second meshing tooth 1721. In one feasible design, the gear transmission structure further includes an even number of driven gears. For example, the gear transmission structure may include two, four, or six driven gears. FIG. 31 shows an example including two driven gears. The two driven gears are a first driven gear 173 and a second driven gear 174, and the first driven gear 173 and the second driven gear 174 are externally meshed. Further, the first driven gear 173 is externally meshed with the first meshing tooth 1711 of the first gear connecting rod 171, and the second driven gear 174 is externally meshed with the second meshing tooth 1721 of the second gear connecting rod 172. In another feasible design, the first meshing tooth 1711 directly meshes with the second meshing tooth 1721, that is, when the first gear connecting rod 171 rotates, the second gear connecting rod 172 is directly driven to move in the opposite direction, whereby the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 move in the opposite direction, and mutual concentration or separation between the first housing and the second housing is implemented.

[0138] In the synchronization structure shown in FIG. 31, the rotation axes of the first gear connecting rod 171, the first driven gear 173, the second driven gear 174, and the second gear connecting rod 172 must all be parallel to the rotation axis of the first swing arm 151 on the main body portion 14 and the rotation axis of the second swing arm 152 on the main body portion 14.

[0139] To implement a slidable connection between the first gear connecting rod 171 and the first swing arm 151, as shown in FIG. 32, FIG. 32 is used to reflect the slidable connection relationship between the first gear connecting rod 171 and the first swing arm 151, and is also used to reflect the slidable connection relationship between the second gear connecting rod 172 and the second swing arm 152. The first gear connecting rod 171 is connected to the first swing arm 151 by using a pin shaft 19, and the pin shaft 19 is fixed to the first gear connecting rod 171. In addition, the first swing arm 151 is provided with a first track slot 151d for the pin shaft 19 to slide. The slidable connection between the first gear connecting rod 171 and the first swing arm 151 is implemented by the sliding cooperation between the pin shaft 19 and the first track slot 151d.

[0140] Similarly, to implement a slidable connection between the second gear connecting rod 172 and the second swing arm 152, as shown in FIG. 32, the second gear connecting rod 172 is connected to the second swing arm 151 by using a pin shaft 19, and the pin shaft 19 is fixed to the second gear connecting rod 172. The second swing arm 152 is provided with a second track slot 152d for the pin shaft 19 to slide to implement a slidable connection between the second gear connecting rod 172 and the second swing arm 152.

[0141] The following describes the operation process of the synchronization structure with reference to FIG. 31. When the first swing arm 151 rotates in the clockwise direction shown in FIG. 31, the first gear connecting rod 171 is driven to rotate clockwise based on the sliding cooperation relationship between the pin shaft 191 and the first track slot 151d. The rotating first gear connecting rod 171 drives the first driven gear 173 to rotate in the opposite direction. The first driven gear 173 drives the second driven gear 174 that meshes externally with the first driven gear 173 to rotate clockwise. Then, the second driven gear 174 drives the second gear connecting rod 172 to rotate counterclockwise, driving the second swing arm 152 to rotate counterclockwise. Finally, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 rotate synchronously in opposite directions to perform the folding of the flexible display.

[0142] On the contrary, when the first swing arm 151 rotates in the counterclockwise direction shown in FIG. 31, the first gear connecting rod 171 is driven to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The rotating first gear connecting rod 171 drives the first driven gear 173 to rotate clockwise. The first driven gear 173 drives the second driven gear 174 that meshes externally with the first driven gear 173 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. The second driven gear 174 drives the second gear connecting rod 172 to rotate clockwise, driving the second swing arm 152 to rotate clockwise. Finally, the first swing arm 151 and the second swing arm 152 rotate synchronously in opposite directions to perform the unfolding of the flexible display.

[0143] In some embodiments, when there are at least two first swing arms 151, correspondingly, at least two groups of synchronization structures are required, and multiple groups of synchronization structures are connected to multiple first swing arms 151 one-to-one. For example, FIG. 33 shows two groups of synchronization structures, which are the first synchronization structure 201 and the second synchronization structure 202. The first synchronization structure 201 is connected to one of the two first swing arms, and the second synchronization structure 202 is connected to the other of the two first swing arms.

[0144] When there are multiple groups of synchronization structures, as shown in FIG. 33, when each synchronization structure includes a gear transmission structure, the first gear connecting rod 171 in the first synchronization structure and the first gear connecting rod 171 in the second synchronization structure are coaxially arranged by using the first connecting shaft 175. Similarly, the second gear connecting rod 172 in the first synchronization structure and the second gear connecting rod 172 in the second synchronization structure are coaxially arranged by using the second connecting shaft 176, the first driven gear 173 in the first synchronization structure and the first driven gear 173 in the second synchronization structure are coaxially arranged by using the third connecting shaft 177, and the second driven gear 174 in the first synchronization structure and the second driven gear 174 in the second synchronization structure are coaxially arranged by using the fourth connecting shaft 178. In this way, when the two first swing arms 151 rotate synchronously, the two second swing arms 152 rotate synchronously in the opposite direction.

[0145] Please refer to FIG. 2 and the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 provided in the foregoing embodiment. The flexible display 4000 continuously covers the first housing 2000 of the foldable electronic device, the rotating shaft mechanism 1000, and the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000. Region A corresponds to the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000 and can be fixed to the first surface 2001 of the first housing 2000. Region E corresponds to the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000 and can be fixed to the second surface 3001 of the second housing 3000. Region B is fixed to the first support plate 12 of the rotating shaft mechanism, region D is fixed to the second support plate 13 of the rotating shaft mechanism, region C faces the intermediate support plate 11, and region C can move relative to the intermediate support plate 11.

[0146] The rotating shaft mechanism 1000 provided in this application further includes an end cap 21, and the main body 14 is fixed to the end cap 21. As shown in FIG. 2, after the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are deployed, the end face of the first housing 2000 approaches the end face of the second housing 3000, and the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 including the end cap 21 is hidden inside the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000. In other words, the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 may not be visible from the appearance of the electronic device. This improves the aesthetic appearance of the mobile terminal. As shown in FIG. 4, when the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000 are folded and in the folded state, the end cap 21 of the rotating shaft mechanism 1000 is exposed to fill the gap between the first housing 2000 and the second housing 3000. In this way, the aesthetic appearance of the electronic device is also ensured. Specifically, regardless of whether the electronic device is in the folded state or the deployed state, the internal structure is hidden, the appearance of the entire structure is complete, and therefore the aesthetic appearance is good.

[0147] In the description of this specification, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more of the embodiments or examples.

[0148] The foregoing description is only a specific embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the protection scope of this application. Any modification or substitution that can be easily devised by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application shall be within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application shall follow the protection scope of the claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0149] 1000 Rotating shaft mechanism 2000 First housing 2001 First surface 2002 Third surface 3000 Second housing 3001 Second surface 3002 Fourth surface 4000 Flexible display 11 Intermediate support plate 12 First support plate 13 Second support plate 14 Main body part 151 First swing arm 152 Second swing arm 16 Sliding shaft 171 First gear connecting rod 1711 First meshing tooth 172 Second gear connecting rod 1721 Second meshing tooth 173 First driven gear 174 Second driven gear 175 First connecting shaft 176 Second connecting shaft 177 Third connecting shaft 178 Fourth connecting shaft 19 Pin shaft 201 First synchronization structure 202 Second synchronization structure 21 End cap 22 Guide block 23 Traction element 24 Guide hole 25 Connecting element 26 Dummy hole 121 Extension part 12a Arc-shaped bump of the first support plate 12b Sliding slot of the first support plate 12c Boss 13b Sliding slot of the second support plate 14a First arc-shaped bump 14b Second arc-shaped bump 141 Block part 1511 Support body 1512 Arc-shaped arm 151a First arc-shaped slot 151b Mounting hole 151c Third arc-shaped slot 151d First track slot 151e Support Department 151f Boss 152a Second Arc-shaped Slot 152d Second Track Slot

Claims

1. A rotating shaft mechanism comprising: a main body portion; a first support plate, a second support plate, and an intermediate support plate, wherein the first support plate, the second support plate, and the intermediate support plate are located on the same side of the main body portion, and the first support plate and the second support plate are oppositely arranged on two sides of the intermediate support plate; a first swing arm and a second swing arm, wherein the first swing arm and the second swing arm are oppositely arranged on two sides of the main body portion; and a proximal end of the first swing arm close to the main body portion is rotatably connected to the main body portion, one end of the first support plate is rotatably connected to a distal end of the first swing arm away from the main body portion, and another end of the first support plate is slidably connected to the main body portion; a proximal end of the second swing arm close to the main body portion is rotatably connected to the main body portion, one end of the second support plate is rotatably connected to a distal end of the second swing arm away from the main body portion, and another end of the second support plate is slidably connected to the main body portion; each of the first support plate, the second support plate, the first swing arm, and the second swing arm is provided with a support portion for supporting the intermediate support plate; when the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate towards each other, the first swing arm drives the proximal end of the first support plate close to the main body portion to move the first support plate away from the main body portion, and the second swing arm drives the proximal end of the second support plate close to the main body portion to move the second support plate away from the main body portion, enabling the support portion to be separated from the intermediate support plate and the intermediate support plate to move towards the main body portion. When the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate so as to move away from each other, the first swing arm drives the end portion of the first support plate close to the main body portion to move the first support plate in a direction approaching the main body portion, and the second swing arm drives the end portion of the second support plate close to the main body portion to move the second support plate in a direction approaching the main body portion, enabling the support portion to contact the intermediate support plate, driving the intermediate support plate to move in a direction away from the main body portion, The process in which the first swing arm and the second swing arm move toward each other includes a first stage, a second stage, and a third stage that appear sequentially. In the first stage, both the support portion of the first support plate and the support portion of the second support plate contact the intermediate support plate, and both the support portion of the first swing arm and the support portion of the second swing arm are separated from the intermediate support plate. In the second stage, both the support portion of the first swing arm and the support portion of the second swing arm contact the intermediate support plate. In the third stage, all of the support portion of the first support plate, the support portion of the second support plate, the support portion of the first swing arm, and the support portion of the second swing arm are separated from the intermediate support plate, a rotating shaft mechanism.

2. When the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate toward each other to drive the first support plate and the second support plate to rotate toward each other to a first position, the first support plate, the intermediate support plate, and the second support plate surround a screen accommodation space, the rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1.

3. When the first swing arm and the second swing arm rotate away from each other to drive the first support plate and the second support plate to rotate away from each other to a second position, the first support plate, the intermediate support plate, and the second support plate are arranged on the same plane to form a support surface, the rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism is A retractable traction element, one end of the traction element is fixed to the main body, and the other end is fixed to the intermediate support plate, and the traction element is configured to drive the intermediate support plate to move in a direction approaching the main body, and further includes a retractable traction element, the rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism is A guiding structure, the guiding structure is configured to guide the intermediate support plate to move relative to the main body along a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the intermediate support plate, and further includes a guiding structure, the rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 4.

6. The guiding structure is Including a guiding hole arranged on the main body and a guiding block slidably arranged in the guiding hole, The guiding hole extends along a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the intermediate support plate, The guiding block is fixed to the intermediate support plate, the rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 5.

7. The opening of the guiding hole close to the intermediate support plate has a blocking portion, the traction element is arranged in the guiding hole, the guiding block has a stop hole arranged from the surface close to the intermediate support plate towards the bottom surface of the guiding hole, one end of the traction element is fixed to the blocking portion, and the other end of the traction element abuts against the bottom surface of the stop hole, the rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 6.

8. Both the side surface of the first support plate and the side surface of the second support plate with respect to the main body have an extension portion, the extension portion extends towards the surface of the intermediate support plate facing the main body, and the extension portion has a first boss protruding towards the intermediate support plate for forming the support portion of the first support plate and the support portion of the second support plate, the rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1.

9. Support plate sliding slots are arranged on both the extension portion of the first support plate and the extension portion of the second support plate, a sliding shaft is arranged in the support plate sliding slot, the sliding shaft is fixed to the main body, and the sliding shaft slides relative to the support plate sliding slot to implement a slidable connection between the first support plate, the second support plate and the main body, the rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 8.

10. The ends of the first swing arm and the second swing arm close to the main body portion have a second boss protruding toward the surface of the intermediate support plate for forming the support portions of the first swing arm and the support portions of the second swing arm. The rotary shaft mechanism according to claim 1.

11. A first arc-shaped bump and a second arc-shaped bump are arranged on the main body portion. A first arc-shaped arm having an arc-shaped structure is formed at an end of the first swing arm close to the main body portion. A first arc-shaped slot configured to assemble the first arc-shaped bump is arranged on the first arc-shaped arm. The first arc-shaped bump slides with respect to the first arc-shaped slot to implement a rotational connection between the first swing arm and the main body portion. A second arc-shaped arm having an arc-shaped structure is formed at an end of the second swing arm close to the main body portion. A second arc-shaped slot configured to assemble the second arc-shaped bump is arranged on the second arc-shaped arm. The second arc-shaped bump slides with respect to the second arc-shaped slot to implement a rotational connection between the second swing arm and the main body portion. The second boss is arranged on the first arc-shaped arm and the second arc-shaped arm. The rotary shaft mechanism according to claim 10.

12. The surface of the first support plate facing the main body portion has an arc-shaped bump of the first support plate extending toward the first swing arm. A third arc-shaped slot configured to assemble the arc-shaped bump of the first support plate is arranged on the first swing arm. The arc-shaped bump of the first support plate slides with respect to the third arc-shaped slot to implement a rotational connection between the first support plate and the first swing arm. The surface of the second support plate facing the main body portion has an arc-shaped bump of the second support plate extending toward the second swing arm. A fourth arc-shaped slot configured to assemble the arc-shaped bump of the second support plate is arranged on the second swing arm. The arc-shaped bump of the second support plate slides with respect to the fourth arc-shaped slot to implement a rotational connection between the second support plate and the second swing arm. The rotary shaft mechanism according to claim 1.

13. The rotation shaft mechanism is a synchronous structure, wherein the synchronous structure is slidably and separately connected to the first swing arm and the second swing arm, and the synchronous structure is configured to perform synchronous reverse rotation of the first swing arm and the second swing arm. The rotation shaft mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a synchronous structure.

14. The synchronous structure is a first gear connecting rod, one end of the first gear connecting rod is slidably connected to an end of the first swing arm away from the main body portion, and the other end of the first gear connecting rod forms a first meshing tooth, a first gear connecting rod, a first driven gear that meshes externally with the first meshing tooth, a second driven gear that meshes externally with the first driven gear, a second gear connecting rod, one end of the second gear connecting rod is slidably connected to an end of the second swing arm away from the main body portion, and the other end of the second gear connecting rod forms a second meshing tooth, and the second driven gear meshes with the second meshing tooth. The rotation shaft mechanism according to claim 13, comprising a second gear connecting rod.

15. An electronic device, comprising a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, and the rotation shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first housing is fixed to the first swing arm, the second housing is fixed to the second swing arm, the first housing includes a first surface, the second housing includes a second surface, the flexible display continuously covers the first surface of the first housing, the rotation shaft mechanism, and the second surface of the second housing, and the flexible display is separately fixed to the first surface of the first housing and the second surface of the second housing. An electronic device.

16. The flexible display includes a first region, a second region, a third region, a fourth region, and a fifth region that are arranged continuously. The first region is fixed to the first surface of the first housing, the second region is fixed to the surface of the first support plate facing the flexible display, the third region is disposed to face the intermediate support plate, the third region can move relative to the intermediate support plate, the fourth region is fixed to the surface of the second support plate facing the flexible display, and the fifth region is fixed to the second surface of the second housing. The electronic device according to claim 15.

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