Folding mechanism and foldable electronic device

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a folding mechanism and a foldable electronic device. The folding mechanism comprises a spindle portion and a mounting plate, which are connected to each other, wherein the spindle portion comprises a first sliding groove, the mounting plate comprises a pin and a second sliding groove at the side thereof close to the spindle portion, the position of the second sliding groove corresponds to the position of the first sliding groove, and the pin can slide in the second sliding groove in a first direction; when the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the end of the pin that is close to the spindle portion can slide into the first sliding groove; the spindle portion further comprises a first press key, at least part of the first press key being located in the spindle portion; when the end of the pin that is close to the spindle portion is at least partially located in the first sliding groove, the at least part of the first press key comes into contact with one end of the pin that is located in the first sliding groove; and the first press key is configured to push the pin so as to separate the pin from the spindle portion. In the folding mechanism and the foldable electronic device provided in the embodiments of the present application, an open-flat angle thereof can be improved.

Description

Folding mechanism and foldable electronic device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on November 30, 2023, with application number 202311631025.7 and invention name “Folding mechanism and foldable electronic device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] Foldable electronic devices have become a mainstream development direction in recent years due to their large screen sizes when unfolded and their ability to provide a superior visual and operational experience. However, the flatness of foldable electronic devices in the unfolded state can significantly impact their aesthetics and user experience. This is particularly true for externally foldable electronic devices, which typically rely on hinges to maintain their unfolded state. This leads to noticeable wobbling after flattening. Furthermore, after repeated folding, the damping force of the hinge mechanism weakens, making the device prone to hunching when flattened.

[0004] Therefore, it is crucial to improve the flattened angle of foldable electronic devices.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a folding mechanism and a foldable electronic device, which can improve the flattening angle of the folding mechanism and the foldable electronic device.

[0007] In a first aspect, a folding mechanism is provided, comprising a main shaft portion and a mounting plate, wherein the mounting plate is connected to the main shaft portion; the main shaft portion comprises a first slide groove, the first slide groove extends along a first direction, and when the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, the first direction is parallel to the main plane of the mounting plate and perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft portion; the side of the mounting plate close to the main shaft portion comprises a latch and a second slide groove, the second slide groove extends along the first direction, and the position of the second slide groove corresponds to the position of the first slide groove, at least a portion of the latch is arranged in the second slide groove, and the latch is aligned with the first The two slides are slidably connected; when the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the latch is located outside the first slide; when the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, one end of the latch close to the main shaft portion is at least partially located in the first slide; the main shaft portion also includes a first button, at least part of which is located inside the main shaft portion, and when one end of the latch close to the main shaft portion is at least partially located in the first slide, at least part of the first button contacts the end of the latch located in the first slide, and the first button is used to push the latch to separate the latch from the main shaft portion.

[0008] In the embodiment provided in the present application, a first slide groove and a second slide groove are respectively provided on the main shaft portion and the mounting plate, at least a portion of the latch is provided in the second slide groove, and when the folding mechanism is in the folded state, the end of the latch close to the main shaft portion is provided in the first slide groove, so that the main shaft portion and the mounting plate can be controlled to be on the same plane by the latch, thereby improving the flattened angle of the folding mechanism and the foldable electronic device. In addition, the main shaft portion includes a first button, and when the end of the latch close to the main shaft portion is located in the first slide groove, at least a portion of the first button contacts the end of the latch located in the first slide groove, and by pressing the first button, the latch can be pushed to slide and separate from the main shaft portion, thereby achieving normal folding of the folding mechanism and the electronic device.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes: an elastic member, which is arranged in the second slide groove and connected to the pin; when the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the length of the elastic member is a first length, and when the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, the length of the elastic member is a second length, and the second length is greater than the first length.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, an end of the latch away from the main shaft portion includes a first mounting hole, and the elastic member is connected to the latch through the first mounting hole.

[0011] In the embodiment provided in the present application, an elastic member is provided in the second slide groove, and the elastic member is connected to the latch, so that the elastic force generated by the deformation of the elastic member can push the latch to move in the first direction and slide into the first slide groove, thereby improving the flattened angle of the folding mechanism and the electronic device.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the mounting plate further includes a third slide groove, the third slide groove extends along the first direction, and the projection of the third slide groove along the direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located in the area where the projection of the second slide groove along the direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located, the latch includes a stop portion, at least part of the stop portion is accommodated in the third slide groove, and the stop portion is slidably connected to the third slide groove; when one end of the latch close to the main shaft portion is accommodated in the first slide groove, the stop portion is in contact with one end of the third slide groove close to the main shaft portion.

[0013] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the mounting plate includes a third sliding groove and the latch includes a stop portion, which is slidably connected to the third sliding groove and can limit the sliding of the latch to prevent the latch from being separated from the mounting plate. In addition, the stop portion and the third sliding groove can further control the sliding direction of the latch so that the latch slides along the first direction.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the main shaft portion further includes a fourth slide groove, which extends along the axial direction of the main shaft portion and is connected to the first slide groove; at least part of the first button is accommodated in the fourth slide groove, and when the first button is pressed, the first button can slide in the fourth slide groove along the axial direction of the main shaft portion and push the pin away from the main shaft portion along the first direction.

[0015] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the main shaft portion includes a fourth slide groove, and the fourth slide groove extends along the axial direction of the main shaft portion, so that the first button can slide along the axial direction of the main shaft portion; the fourth slide groove and the first slide groove are connected, so that the first button can contact the pin, so that the first button can be pushed along the axial direction of the main shaft portion to move the pin along the first direction away from the main shaft portion and separate from the main shaft portion, thereby realizing normal folding of the folding mechanism and the electronic device.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first button includes a first inclined surface, which is arranged at an end of the first button close to the pin; the pin includes a second inclined surface, which is arranged at an end of the pin close to the main shaft portion, and the second inclined surface is in contact with the first inclined surface; when the first button is pressed, the first button can push the pin away from the main shaft portion along the first direction through the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface.

[0017] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the first button includes a first inclined surface, the latch includes a second inclined surface, and the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are in contact with each other. Through the transmission cooperation of the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, it is easier for the first button to push the latch away from the main shaft part and separate from the main shaft part, so as to realize the normal folding of the folding mechanism and the electronic device.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes an elastic arm, which is connected to an end of the first button close to the latch; the main shaft portion further includes a clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism including one or more guide grooves, the one or more guide grooves having different sizes along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft portion, and the one or more guide grooves forming a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion, the first limiting portion being located at an end of the clutch mechanism close to the first button, and the second limiting portion being located at an end of the clutch mechanism away from the first button; when the first button is pressed, the end of the elastic arm away from the first button can slide along a trajectory formed by the one or more guide grooves, and when the first button is in a first state, the end of the elastic arm away from the first button is accommodated in the first limiting portion, and when the first button is in the second state, the end of the elastic arm away from the first button is accommodated in the second limiting portion.

[0019] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the main shaft portion includes a clutch mechanism, and the clutch mechanism includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion. The end of the elastic arm away from the first button is accommodated in the first limiting portion in the first state, and is accommodated in the second limiting portion in the second state, thereby enabling the first button to be in a stable state.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the mounting plate further includes a cover plate and a fifth slide groove, the fifth slide groove extends along the first direction, the fifth slide groove is located on the side of the second slide groove away from the third slide groove, and the projection of the second slide groove along the direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located in the area where the projection of the fifth slide groove along the direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located, and the cover plate is arranged in the fifth slide groove.

[0021] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the mounting plate includes a fifth sliding groove and a cover plate, which can facilitate the installation of the latch and elastic member assembly on the mounting plate.

[0022] In a second aspect, a foldable electronic device is provided, which includes a folding mechanism as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state;

[0024] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in an inwardly folded state;

[0025] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in an outwardly folded state;

[0026] FIG4 is a structural diagram of a foldable electronic device showing a hunchback phenomenon;

[0027] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG6 is an exploded view of a partial structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG7 is an enlarged view of a partial structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG10 is an enlarged view of a partial structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a latch provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a first button and an elastic arm provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a first button and a latch provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of a first button and a latch provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG17 is a partially enlarged view of the clutch mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in yet other embodiments" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0042] In various embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and so on are merely used to indicate that multiple objects are distinct. For example, the first and second deployment plans are merely used to indicate different deployment plans. These terms should not affect the deployment plans themselves or their number. The terms "first," "second," and so on should not limit the embodiments of this application in any way.

[0043] The terms "include", "comprising", "having" and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless specifically emphasized otherwise.

[0044] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Among them, "fixed connection" means that the two are connected to each other and the relative position relationship remains unchanged after the connection. "Rotational connection" means that the two are connected to each other and can rotate relative to each other after the connection. "Sliding connection" means that the two are connected to each other and can slide relative to each other after the connection. The directional terms mentioned in the embodiments of the present application, such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., are only reference to the directions of the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for better and clearer explanation and understanding of the embodiments of the present application, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Foldable electronic device 100 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, watch, e-reader, laptop computer, wearable device, or other electronic device with folding functionality. The embodiment shown in Figure 1 is described using a foldable mobile phone as an example.

[0046] Referring to the structure shown in Figure 1, the foldable electronic device 100 may include a flexible display screen 110, a first middle frame 121, a second middle frame 122, and a folding mechanism 123. The folding mechanism 123 may be arranged between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122, and the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 may be rotatably connected to the folding mechanism 123. Under the action of the folding mechanism 123, the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 may be moved closer to or away from each other to achieve the folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device 100. A certain amount of accommodation space may be provided in the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 to accommodate various electronic components of the foldable electronic device 100, such as circuit boards, antenna structures, sensors, sound chambers, motors, etc.

[0047] The portion filled with the dot matrix pattern in FIG1 can schematically represent the flexible display screen 110. The display panel of the flexible display screen 110 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode or an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED), a flexible light-emitting diode (FLED), a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0048] The flexible display screen 110 may include a first display portion 111 corresponding to the first middle frame 121, a second display portion 112 corresponding to the second middle frame 122, and a third display portion 113 corresponding to the folding mechanism 123. The third display portion 113 may be connected between the first display portion 111 and the second display portion 112.

[0049] Under the action of the folding mechanism, the first display portion 111 of the flexible display screen 110 and the second display portion 112 of the flexible display screen 110 can be moved closer to or farther away from each other, so that the flexible display screen 110 can be folded or unfolded.

[0050] The foldable electronic device 100 shown in Figure 1 is currently in an unfolded state, or it can also be called a flattened state. The unfolded state can refer to a state where the angle between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 is 180°. Accordingly, the angle between the first display part 111 and the second display part 113 of the flexible display screen 110 can be the same as the angle between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122.

[0051] Figures 2 and 3 respectively illustrate two possible folded states of the foldable electronic device 100. The folded states may refer to states where the two middle frames of the foldable electronic device are as close to each other as possible. Figure 2 illustrates the inward-folded state of the foldable electronic device 100. In this folded state, the flexible display 110 is accommodated between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122, with the first display portion 111 and the second display portion 112 affixed to each other, and the first middle frame 121, the flexible display 110, and the second middle frame 122 stacked in sequence.

[0052] Figure 3 shows the outward folded state of the foldable electronic device 100. In this folded state, the flexible display screen 110 is arranged on the periphery of the middle frame, the side of the first middle frame 121 facing away from the flexible display screen 110 and the side of the second middle frame 122 facing away from the flexible display screen 110 are adhered to each other, and the first display portion 111, the first middle frame 121, the second middle frame 122 and the second display portion 112 are stacked in sequence.

[0053] The folding state shown in Figures 2 and 3 can be a vertical folding state or a horizontal folding state. In other words, the flexible display screen 110 can be folded along the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction.

[0054] For an inward-folding foldable electronic device 100, such as the one shown in FIG2 , the unfolded state is typically secured by the middle frame. Specifically, the angle between the first and second middle frames 121, 122 is determined by the degree of contact between the adjacent side edges of the first and second middle frames 121, 122. For an outward-folding foldable electronic device 100, such as the one shown in FIG3 , the unfolded state is typically secured by the folding mechanism 123. Specifically, the angle between the first and second middle frames 121, 122 in the flattened state is determined by the structure of the folding mechanism 123. Therefore, for outward-folding foldable electronic devices 100, structural wobbling is more pronounced after flattening. After multiple foldings, the damping force in the folding mechanism 123 weakens, easily leading to a hunchback phenomenon in the foldable electronic device 100. Furthermore, after the foldable electronic device 100 is folded and left stationary for an extended period, the screen's retraction force increases, which, combined with the influence of gravity from the secondary frame, can also cause the foldable electronic device 100 to exhibit a hunchback problem. The hunchback phenomenon can be shown in FIG. 4 , that is, in the unfolded state, the angle between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 is less than 180°, which affects the aesthetic appearance of the foldable electronic device 100 .

[0055] To address the above-mentioned issues, embodiments of the present application provide a folding mechanism that effectively improves the degree of flattening of a foldable electronic device in its unfolded state. The folding mechanism provided by embodiments of the present application is described in detail below with reference to Figures 5 to 12. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present application, Figure 6 is an exploded view of a partial structure of the electronic device 100, and Figures 7 to 9 are, respectively, enlarged views of the partial structure of the folding mechanism 123 when it is in a locked state, a cross-sectional view of the partial structure along the xy plane, and a cross-sectional view of the partial structure along the yz plane. The cross-sectional view of the yz plane shown in Figure 9 may be a cross-sectional view taken at position AA in Figure 7. Figures 10 to 12 are, respectively, top views of the partial structure of the folding mechanism 123 when it is in a clutched state, a cross-sectional view of the partial structure along the xy plane, and a cross-sectional view of the partial structure along the yz plane. The cross-sectional view of the yz plane shown in Figure 12 may be a cross-sectional view taken at position BB in Figure 10. This partial structure may be the structure of the end portion of the electronic device 100 along the x-axis. Furthermore, to illustrate the structure of the components within the mounting plate 220, the cover plate 226 structure of the folding mechanism 123 is not shown in Figures 7 and 10. The folding mechanism 123 in the embodiment of the present application may also be referred to as a rotating shaft mechanism, a rotating device, a folding device, etc., and the present application does not limit this.

[0056] Referring to the structures shown in Figures 5 to 12, the folding mechanism 123 may include a main shaft portion 210 and a mounting plate 220. The main shaft portion 210 may be arranged along the x-axis direction shown in the figure, and the mounting plates 220 may be arranged on both sides of the main shaft portion 210, that is, on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 along the y-axis direction shown in the figure, and the mounting plates 220 may be fixedly connected to the middle frame. For example, the mounting plate 220 on the left side of the main shaft portion 210 may be connected to the first middle frame 121, and the mounting plate 220 on the right side of the main shaft portion 210 may be connected to the second middle frame 122. The mounting plate 220 may be fixedly connected to the middle frame or may be an integral structure with the middle frame, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. When the foldable electronic device 100 is folded or unfolded, the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122 may drive the corresponding mounting plates 220 to rotate together around the main shaft portion 210 to achieve the folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0057] A latch 221 and a second slot 222 may be provided on one side of the mounting plate 220 near the main shaft portion 210. The second slot 222 may extend along a first direction. When the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, or when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the first direction may be parallel to the main plane of the mounting plate 220 and perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft portion 210. The axial direction of the main shaft portion 210 is the x-axis direction shown in the figure. The main plane of the mounting plate 220 may be the larger plane surface of the mounting plate 220, that is, the xy plane shown in the figure. The first direction is the y-axis direction shown in the figure. The latch 221 may be partially disposed in the second slot 222 and may slide in the second slot 222 along the first direction. The structure of the latch 221 can refer to the structure shown in Figure 13. At least a portion of the latch 221 is set in the second slide groove 222, which can mean that one end of the latch 221 provided with the first mounting hole 2212 and the second mounting hole 2213 is set in the second slide groove 222, and when the folding mechanism 123 is in any of the unfolded state, folded state or intermediate state, one end of the latch 221 provided with the first mounting hole 2212 and the second mounting hole 2213 can be set in the second slide groove 222. Among them, the folding mechanism 123 or the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, which may mean that the angle between the main planes of the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main axis 210 is 180°; the folding mechanism 123 or the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, which may mean that the angle between the main planes of the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main axis 210 is 0°; the folding mechanism 123 or the electronic device 100 is in the intermediate state, which may mean that the angle between the main planes of the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main axis 210 is between 0° and 180°.

[0058] Correspondingly, the main shaft portion 210 may include a first slide groove 211, which may also extend along the first direction, and the position of the first slide groove 211 may correspond to the position of the second slide groove 222, so that the end of the pin 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 can slide into the first slide groove 211 along the first direction. Exemplarily, the main shaft portion 210 may include a main inner shaft 210A and a main outer shaft 210B. When the folding mechanism 123 is arranged in the electronic device 100, the main outer shaft 210B may be the portion of the main shaft portion 210 away from the display screen 110, and the main inner shaft 210A may be the portion of the main shaft portion 210 close to the display screen 110. The main inner shaft 210A and the main outer shaft 210B may be fixedly connected, and there may be an accommodating space between the main inner shaft 210A and the main outer shaft 210B for accommodating components such as the latch 221. The first slide groove 211 may be arranged on the main outer shaft 210B and may pass through the main outer shaft 210B along the first direction.

[0059] The positions of the first and second slots 211, 222 may correspond to each other, such that the first and second slots 211, 222 correspond to each other in the x-axis direction, and the width of the first slot 211 may be greater than or equal to the width of the second slot 222. As shown in FIG7 or FIG11 , the widths of the first and second slots 211, 222 may be the dimensions of the first and second slots 211, 222, respectively, along the x-axis direction, so that when the latch 221 slides along the first direction toward the spindle portion 210, the end of the latch 221 near the spindle portion 210 can slide into the spindle portion 210. As shown in FIG9 and FIG12 , the depth of the first and second slots 211, 222 may be the same, and may be the same as the thickness of the latch 221. The depths of the first and second slots 211, 222 may be the dimensions of the first and second slots 211, 222, respectively, along the z-axis direction, and the thickness of the latch 221 may be the dimension of the latch 221 along the z-axis direction. The depth of the first chute 211 may also be greater than the depth of the second chute 222 and the thickness of the latch 221, as long as the end of the latch 221 near the main shaft portion 210 can enter the first chute 211. When the folding mechanism 123 is in a flattened state, that is, when the angle between the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 is 180°, the bottom surface of the first chute 211 and the bottom surface of the second chute 222 can be located on the same plane, for example, on the xy plane shown in the figure, so that the end of the latch 221 near the main shaft portion 210 can slide into the first chute 211 along the first direction.

[0060] When the end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 slides into the first slide groove 211, the end of the latch 221 away from the main shaft portion 210 can be located in the second slide groove 222, so that the latch 221 can control the mounting plate 220 and the main shaft portion 210 to be located on the same plane, thereby improving the flattened angle of the folding mechanism 123 and the electronic device 100, that is, making the flattened angle of the electronic device 100 180°; and, part of the latch 221 is located in the first slide groove 211, and the other part is located in the second slide groove 222, which can make the flattened structure of the electronic device 100 more stable and less prone to the problem of wobbling, and the flattened angle of the electronic device 100 is also not easily affected by the decrease in the damping force of the folding mechanism 123.

[0061] 8 , 9 , 11 and 12 penetrate the main shaft portion along the first direction, the first slide groove 211 may not penetrate the main shaft portion 210 along the first direction. For example, when the second slide groove 222 and the latch 221 are provided on one side of the main shaft portion 210 and the first slide groove 211 and the latch 221 are not provided on the other side, the first slide groove 211 may extend from the side of the main shaft portion 210 close to the latch 221 to the center of the main shaft portion 210. For another example, when the second slide groove 222 and the latch 221 are provided on both sides of the main shaft portion 210, the number of the first slide grooves 211 of the main shaft portion 210 may be the same as the number of the second slide grooves 222, and the positions may correspond to the positions of the second slide grooves 222. The first slide grooves 211 on both sides extend from the outer end surface of the main shaft portion 210 to the center of the main shaft portion 210 respectively, and the first slide grooves 211 on both sides may not be connected to each other. The positions of the second slide grooves 222 on the mounting plates 220 on both sides may not correspond to each other. Two first slide grooves 211 may be provided on the main shaft portion 210, corresponding to the positions of the two second slide grooves 222 respectively, so that the pins 221 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 slide into the corresponding first slide grooves 211 respectively, thereby realizing forced flattening of the folding mechanism 123.

[0062] To enable the latch 221 to slide into the corresponding first slot 211, the mounting plate 220 may further include an elastic member 223. At least a portion of the elastic member 223 may be disposed in the second slot 222, with one end of the elastic member 223 connected to the end of the latch 221 away from the main shaft portion 210, and the other end connected to the end of the second slot 222. The elastic member 223 may also be disposed in the first direction, that is, the line connecting the two ends of the elastic member 223 may also be in the y-axis direction shown in the figure. Thus, the elastic member 223 may be compressed or released along the first direction.

[0063] Accordingly, the end of the latch 221 away from the main shaft portion 210 may include a first mounting hole 2212. Referring to the structural schematic diagram of the latch 221 shown in FIG13 , the number of the first mounting hole 2212 may be one or more, and the number of the first mounting holes 2212 may be the same as the number of the elastic members 223. The end of the elastic member 223 near the latch 221 may be fixedly connected to the latch 221 through the first mounting hole 2212. For example, the latch 221 may be fixedly connected to the elastic member 223 through the first mounting hole 2212 by welding, gluing, or the like. The end of the elastic member 223 away from the latch 221 may also be connected to the mounting plate 220 through a mounting hole on the mounting plate 220 (not shown in the figure).

[0064] When the mounting plate 220 is unfolded around the main shaft portion 210, that is, when the angle between the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 is greater than 0° and less than 180°, the end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 can contact the area of ​​the main shaft portion 210 except the first slide groove 211, so that the latch 221 can be subjected to pressure from the main shaft portion 210, and then, the elastic member 223 can be subjected to pressure from the latch 221, so that the elastic member 223 is compressed. In this state, the length of the elastic member 223 can be the first length. Furthermore, when the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, that is, when the angle between the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 is 180 degrees, since the position of the first sliding groove 211 corresponds to the position of the second sliding groove 222, the position of the latch 221 also corresponds to the position of the first sliding groove 211, the pressure exerted on the latch 221 by the main shaft portion 210 can be removed, and the pressure exerted on the elastic member 223 by the latch 221 can also be removed. Then, the elastic member 223 can be restored from the compressed state to the relaxed state, or the degree of compression of the elastic member 223 can be reduced. The elastic member 223 can push the latch 221 to slide in the first sliding groove 211 along the first direction by the elastic force, so that the end of the latch 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 can be accommodated in the first sliding groove 211, while the end of the latch 221 away from the main shaft portion 210 can still be accommodated in the second sliding groove 222, thereby improving the flattening angle of the folding mechanism 123. That is, when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the length of the elastic member 223 can be a second length, and the second length can be greater than the first length. When the end of the latch 221 near the main shaft portion 210 is accommodated in the first slide groove 211, the folding mechanism 123 is in a locked state. When the end of the latch 221 near the main shaft portion 210 is not slid into the first slide groove 211, the folding mechanism 123 is in a clutched state.

[0065] Exemplarily, the elastic member 223 may be a spring, or other components capable of elastic deformation, which is not limited in the present application.

[0066] In some embodiments, the mounting plate 220 may further include a third slot 224, as shown in FIG6 , 9 , or 12 . The third slot 224 may extend along a first direction, and the projection of the third slot 224 on the mounting plate 220 in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate 220 may be located within the region where the projection of the second slot 222 on the mounting plate 220 in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate 220 is located. In other words, the third slot 224 may be disposed below the second slot 222 in the z-axis direction shown in the figure, and the size of the third slot 224 may be smaller than the size of the second slot 222. The smaller size of the third slot 224 than the second slot 222 may mean that the size of the third slot 224 along the x-axis may be smaller than the size of the second slot 222, and the size of the third slot 224 along the y-axis may be smaller than the size of the second slot 222.

[0067] Correspondingly, the latch 221 may include a stop portion 2211. The structure of the latch 221 can refer to the structure shown in Figure 13. When the latch 221 is accommodated in the second slide groove 222, the stop portion 2211 can be accommodated in the third slide groove 224, and when the latch 221 slides in the second slide groove 222 along the first direction, the stop portion 2211 can slide in the third slide groove 224 along the first direction.

[0068] The third sliding groove 224 and the stopper 2211 can limit the sliding movement of the latch 221. For example, when the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, the latch 221 slides along the first direction toward the main shaft portion 210. Correspondingly, the stopper 2211 can also slide along the first direction toward the main shaft portion 210. Moreover, when the end of the latch 221 near the main shaft portion 210 slides into the first sliding groove 211, the surface of the stopper 2211 near the main shaft portion 210 can fit with the surface of the first sliding groove 211 near the main shaft portion 210, thereby preventing the latch 221 from disengaging from the second sliding groove 222 and separating from the mounting plate 220 under the push of the spring. When the mounting plate 220 is folded around the main shaft portion 210, the latch 221 can slide along the first direction away from the main shaft portion 210 under the push of the first button 212. Correspondingly, the stop portion 2211 can also slide along the first direction away from the main shaft portion 210. When the latch 221 is separated from the main shaft portion 210, the side of the stop portion 2211 away from the main shaft portion 210 can be fitted with the side of the third sliding groove 224 away from the main shaft portion 210.

[0069] It should be noted that when the end of the pin 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 slides into the first slide groove 211, the side of the stop portion 2211 close to the main shaft portion 210 may not be in contact with the side of the first slide groove 211 close to the main shaft portion 210. For example, the main shaft portion 210 may include a stopper (not shown in the figure), which may be set at the end of the first slide groove 211. The length of the pin 221 may be greater than the length of the first slide groove 211. When the end of the pin 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 slides into the first slide groove 211, the stopper can limit the sliding of the pin 221 to prevent the pin 221 from sliding out of the second slide groove 222. Similarly, when the latch 221 is separated from the main shaft portion 210, the side of the stop portion 2211 away from the main shaft portion 210 may not be in contact with the side of the third sliding groove 224 away from the main shaft portion 210. For example, when the latch 221 is separated from the main shaft portion 210, the side of the latch 221 away from the main shaft portion 210 may be in contact with the side of the second sliding groove 222 away from the main shaft portion 210 to limit the sliding of the latch 221.

[0070] When the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, or in other words, in the locked state, a portion of the latch 221 is located in the first slide groove 211, while the other portion is located in the second slide groove 222. Therefore, the folding of the folding mechanism 123 is easily blocked by the latch 221. To ensure that the folding mechanism 123 can fold properly, the latch 221 must be separated from the first slide groove 211. In this example, the folding mechanism 123 may further include a first button 212 and a fourth slide groove 215. The sliding of the first button 212 in the fourth slide groove 215 pushes the latch 221, separating it from the main shaft portion 210.

[0071] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the fourth slide groove 215 can be arranged inside the main shaft portion 210. For example, the fourth slide groove 215 can be arranged on the side of the main outer shaft 210B close to the main inner shaft 210A. The fourth slide groove 215 can extend along the axial direction of the main shaft portion 210, that is, it can extend along the x-axis direction shown in the figure. The fourth slide groove 215 can be connected to the first slide groove 211. For example, when the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 are provided with the second slide groove 222 and the latch 221, the positions of the second slide grooves 222 on both sides can correspond to each other, and the shape of the first slide groove 211 and the fourth slide groove 215 along the xy plane can be approximately a "cross" shape; when the second slide groove 222 and the latch 221 are provided on only one side of the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210, the shape of the first slide groove 211 and the fourth slide groove 215 along the xy plane can be approximately a "T" shape (not shown in the figure). Furthermore, the bottom surface of the fourth slide groove 215 can be located on the same plane as the bottom surface of the first slide groove 211, so that the first button 212 can contact the pin 221 through the fourth slide groove 215 and the first slide groove 211, and when the first button 212 slides in the fourth slide groove 215 along the axial direction of the main shaft portion 210, it can push the pin 221 to slide in the first slide groove 211 along the first direction.

[0072] The structure of the first button 212 can be seen in FIG14 , where FIG14( a ) is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the first button 212, that is, the structure when viewed from the side of the first button 212 close to the main inner shaft 210A. FIG14( b ) is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the first button 212, that is, the structure when viewed from the side of the first button 212 away from the main inner shaft 210A. The first button 212 may include a first portion 2121 and a second portion 2122. The first portion 2121 may be fixedly connected to the second portion 2122, or the first portion 2121 and the second portion 2122 may be a single integral structure.

[0073] Continuing to refer to the folding mechanism 123 structure shown in Figures 7 to 12, the first part 2121 can be arranged outside the main shaft part 210 to facilitate the user to press the first button 212. The shape of the first part 2121 can match the shape of the main shaft part 210. For example, when the first button 212 is not pressed, the outer end surface of the first part 2121 parallel to the yz plane shown in the figure can be located on the same plane as the outer end surface of the main shaft part 210 parallel to the yz plane shown in the figure, and together constitute a circular structure, so that the external lines of the folding mechanism 123 and the electronic device 100 are smoother, thereby improving the aesthetics of the appearance of the folding mechanism 123 and the electronic device 100. The second portion 2122 can be disposed within the main shaft portion 210 and can be accommodated in the fourth slot 215. The width of the second portion 2122 can be the same as the width of the fourth slot 215. The widths of the second portion 2122 and the fourth slot 215 can refer to the dimensions of the second portion 2122 and the fourth slot 215, respectively, along the y-axis shown in the figure. When a user presses the first portion 2121, the first button 212 can slide along the axial direction of the main shaft portion 210 under the restraining action of the fourth slot 215. The second portion 2122 can slide in the fourth slot 215 along the axial direction of the main shaft portion 210, that is, along the positive x-axis shown in the figure. For example, the first button 212 can change from the state shown in FIG. 7 to the state shown in FIG. 10.

[0074] Since the fourth slide groove 215 is connected to the first slide groove 211, the end of the first button 212 close to the latch 221 can contact the latch 221. When the first button 212 is pressed, it moves along the positive direction of the x-axis, which can push the latch 221 away from the main shaft portion 210 along the first direction and separate from the main shaft portion 210.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first button 212 may include a first inclined surface 2123. The first inclined surface 2123 may be disposed at an end of the first button 212 proximal to the latch 221, that is, at an end of the second portion 2122 distal from the first portion 2121. The portion of the first button 212 provided with the first inclined surface 2123 may have a dimension in the first direction that gradually increases from the end distal to the first portion 2121 to the end proximal to the first portion 2121. When the latch 221 is disposed on both sides of the mounting plate 220 of the main shaft portion 210, the portion of the first button 212 provided with the first inclined surface 2123 may have a V-shaped cross-section in the xy plane.

[0076] Accordingly, the end of the latch 221 proximal to the main shaft portion 210 may include a second inclined surface 2213, which may mate with the first inclined surface 2123. When the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, or in other words, when the folding mechanism 123 is in the locked state, the end of the latch 221 proximal to the main shaft portion 210 may be located in the first slide groove 211. In this state, the second inclined surface 2213 mates with the first inclined surface 2123, and the contact area reaches a maximum, as shown in FIG8 . When the first button 212 is pressed, the first button 212 is subjected to pressure in the positive direction of the x-axis and moves in the positive direction of the x-axis, thereby squeezing the second inclined surface 2213 from the first inclined surface 2123. Specifically, the latch 221 on the left side of the main shaft portion 210 is subjected to pressure along the negative y-axis and can move in the negative y-axis direction. The latch 221 on the right side of the main shaft portion 210 is subjected to pressure along the positive y-axis and can move in the positive y-axis direction. As the first button 212 moves along the positive x-axis, the contact area between the first inclined surface 2123 and the second inclined surface 2213 gradually decreases until the latch and the main shaft portion separate, that is, the state shown in Figures 7 to 9 can be changed to the state shown in Figures 10 to 12. When the latch 221 and the main shaft portion 210 separate, the folding mechanism can fold around the main shaft portion 210, and the folding process is not easily blocked by the latch 221.

[0077] In the folding mechanism 123 described above, the first button 212 includes a first inclined surface 2123, and the latch 221 includes a second inclined surface 2213. The first inclined surface 2123 and the second inclined surface 2213 cooperate to separate the latch 221 from the main shaft 210. Alternatively, the folding mechanism may include only the first button 212 including the first inclined surface 2123, while the latch 221 does not include the second inclined surface 2213. Alternatively, the first button 212 may not include the first inclined surface 2123, while the latch 221 includes the second inclined surface 2213.

[0078] As shown in FIG15 , when the first button 212 includes a first inclined surface 2123 and the latch 221 does not include a second inclined surface 2213, the structure of the first inclined surface 2123 of the first button 212 can be similar to the structure of the first inclined surface 2123 described in FIG6 through FIG12 . The cross-sectional shape of the end of the latch 221 near the main shaft portion 210 along the xy plane can be rectangular. When the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, the top corner of the latch 221 can contact the first inclined surface 2123 and can be located at the end of the first inclined surface 2123 away from the first portion 2121, as shown in FIG15 (a). When the first button 212 is pressed, the first button 212 is subjected to pressure in the positive x-axis direction and moves in the positive x-axis direction, thereby applying pressure in the first direction to the latch 221 from the first button 212. The latch 221 on the left side of the main shaft portion 210 is subjected to pressure from the first button 212 in the negative y-direction and moves in the negative y-direction. The latch 221 on the right side of the main shaft portion 210 is subjected to pressure in the positive y-direction and moves in the positive y-direction. As the first button 212 moves further in the positive x-direction, the top angle of the latch 221 in contact with the first inclined surface 2123 moves from the end of the first inclined surface 2123 away from the first portion 2121 to the end closer to the first portion 2121. In other words, the state shown in FIG. 15(a) can be changed to the state shown in FIG. 15(b) until the latch 221 is separated from the main shaft portion 210.

[0079] Similarly, as shown in FIG16 , when the first button 212 does not include the first inclined surface 2123, but the latch 221 includes the second inclined surface 2213, the structure of the second inclined surface 2213 of the latch 221 can be the same as that described in FIG6 through FIG12 , and the cross-sectional shape of the end of the second portion 2122 away from the first portion 2121 along the xy plane can be rectangular. When the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, the top corner of the second portion 2122 can contact the second inclined surface 2213 and can be located at the end of the second inclined surface 2213 away from the main shaft portion 210, as shown in FIG16 (a). When the first button 212 is pressed, the first button 212 is subjected to pressure in the positive x-axis direction and moves in the positive x-axis direction, thereby applying pressure in the first direction to the latch 221 from the first button 212. The latch 221 on the left side of the main shaft portion 210 is subjected to pressure in the negative y-axis direction and moves in the negative y-axis direction, while the latch 221 on the right side of the main shaft portion 210 is subjected to pressure in the positive y-axis direction and moves in the positive y-axis direction. As the distance the first button 212 moves along the positive x-axis increases, the top angle of the latch 221 at which the first button 212 contacts the second inclined surface 2213 can move from the end of the second inclined surface 2213 away from the main shaft portion 210 to the end closer to the main shaft portion 210, that is, the state shown in FIG16(a) can be changed to the state shown in FIG16(b), until the latch 221 and the main shaft portion 210 are separated from each other.

[0080] When the first button 212 includes a first inclined surface 2123, a portion of the first inclined surface 2123 may be located outside the main shaft portion 210. For example, the projection of the end region of the first inclined surface 2123 near the first portion 2121 along the z-axis may not overlap with the projection of the main outer shaft 210B along the z-axis, and the overall cross-sectional shape of the first button 212 along the xy plane may be shaped like the arrow shown in the figure. When the first button 212 moves in the positive x-axis direction and the outer end surface of the first portion 2121 is flush with the outer end surface of the main shaft portion 210, the area of ​​the first inclined surface 2123 located outside the main shaft portion 210 may abut against the upper end surface of the first slot 211 in the x-axis direction, thereby limiting the sliding movement of the first button 212 and preventing the first button 212 from separating from the main shaft portion 210.

[0081] In some embodiments, the folding mechanism 123 may further include an elastic arm 213, as shown in FIG14 . The elastic arm 213 may be connected to an end of the first button 212 near the latch 221, that is, connected to an end of the second portion 2122 away from the first portion 2121, and the elastic arm 213 may be rotatably connected to the first button 212. For example, the end of the first button 212 near the latch 221 may include a mounting hole 2124. The mounting hole 2124 may extend along a second direction, which may be perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft portion 210. The second direction may be the z-axis direction shown in the figure. The end of the elastic arm 213 near the first button 212 may be disposed in the mounting hole 2124, and the elastic arm 213 may be rotatable about the mounting hole 2124. The end of the elastic arm 213 away from the first button 212 can be subjected to pressure in the second direction, that is, pressure in the negative z-axis direction shown in the figure, so that one end of the elastic arm 213 is in contact with the clutch mechanism 214 and can slide within the clutch mechanism 214. The pressure in the second direction applied to the elastic arm 213 can be derived from the structural assembly relationship between the elastic arm 213 and the first button 212. The elastic arm 213 can be used to achieve a stable state of the first button 212 in the locked state and the clutched state.

[0082] Correspondingly, the main shaft portion 210 may include a clutch mechanism 214, which may also be called a peach-shaped mechanism, that is, the clutch mechanism 214 may be peach-shaped. This application does not limit the name of the clutch mechanism. The structure of the clutch mechanism 214 can be seen in the partial enlarged view of the folding mechanism 123 shown in Figure 17, wherein (a) in Figure 17 is the state of the elastic arm 213 in the clutch mechanism 214 when the folding mechanism 123 is in a locked state, and (b) in Figure 17 is the state of the elastic arm 213 in the clutch mechanism 214 when the folding mechanism 123 is in a clutched state. The clutch mechanism 214 may include a protruding portion 2141 and a recessed portion 2142. The protruding portion 2141 may be located in the center of the clutch mechanism 214, and the recessed portion 2142 may be located on the periphery of the protruding portion 2141. The end of the elastic arm 213 away from the first button 212 may be disposed in the recessed portion 2142 and may slide within the recessed portion 2142. The recessed portion 2142 may include one or more guide grooves. The dimensions of the one or more guide grooves along the second direction may vary, or in other words, the depths of the one or more guide grooves may vary. The depths of different positions within the same guide groove may also vary. For example, the guide groove may be inclined, and the surface of the guide groove may form an angle with the xy plane shown in the figure. The one or more guide grooves may form a sliding track, allowing the end of the elastic arm 213 away from the first button 212 to slide along the sliding track formed by the guide groove.

[0083] One or more guide grooves can form a first limiting portion A and a second limiting portion C. The first limiting portion A can be set at the end of the clutch mechanism 214 close to the first button 212, that is, in (a) of Figure 17, the position of the end of the elastic arm 213 away from the first button 212. The depth of the guide groove 2142A corresponding to the first limiting portion A can be greater than the depth of the guide groove adjacent to 2142A in the AD region, that is, greater than the depth of the guide groove 2142I, and the depth between the guide grooves 2142A and 2142I can be a stepped structure. The depth of the guide groove 2142A can be greater than, less than, or equal to the depth of the guide groove adjacent to 2142A in the AB region, that is, greater than, less than, or equal to the depth of the guide groove 2142B. The guide grooves 2142A and 2142B can share adjacent edges, thereby ensuring a smoother connection between the guide grooves 2142A and 2142B. This allows the end of the elastic arm 213 away from the first button 212 to slide along the trajectory formed by the guide groove in the AB region when the first button 212 is pressed in the first state. Furthermore, the location of the end of the elastic arm 213 away from the first button 212 in the first limiting portion A can maintain the structural stability of the first button 212 in the first state. The first state can be a state where the outer end surface of the first button 212 parallel to the yz plane is flush with the outer end surface of the main shaft part 210 parallel to the yz plane, or in other words, the first state can be a state where the end of the pin 221 close to the main shaft part 210 is located in the first sliding groove 211.

[0084] The second limiting portion C can be provided at the end of the clutch mechanism 214 away from the first button 212, that is, in (b) of FIG. 17 , the elastic arm 213 is located at one end of the clutch mechanism 214. The depth of the guide groove 2142F corresponding to the second limiting portion C can be greater than the depth of the guide groove adjacent to the guide groove 2142F in the BC segment, that is, it can be greater than the depth of the guide groove 2142E, and the guide groove 2142E and the guide groove 2142F can form a stepped structure. The depth of the guide groove 2142F can be greater than, less than, or equal to the depth of the guide groove adjacent to the guide groove 2142F in the CD segment, that is, it can be greater than, less than, or equal to the depth of the guide groove 2142G, and the guide groove 2142F and the guide groove 2142E can share an adjacent edge, so that the connection between the guide groove 2142F and the guide groove 2142E can be smoother, thereby allowing the first button 212 to slide along the track formed by the guide groove in the CD segment when pressed in the second state. Furthermore, the end of the elastic arm 213 away from the first button 212 is located at the second limit portion C, which can maintain the structural stability of the first button 212 in the second state. The second state can be the state when the first button 212 is pressed and pushes the latch 221 to separate from the main shaft portion 210.

[0085] The sliding process of the elastic arm 213 within the clutch mechanism 214 is described in detail below with reference to Figure 17 . When the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, the elastic member 223 pushes the end of the latch 221, which is closer to the main shaft portion 210, to slide into the first sliding groove 211 along the first direction, locking the folding mechanism 123. In this state, the end of the elastic arm 213, which is farther from the first button 212, is located in the first limiting portion A, as shown in Figure 17 (a). When a user presses the first button 212, the first button 212 can move along the positive x-axis shown in the figure. Because the depth of the guide groove 2142A corresponding to the first limit portion A is greater than the depth of the guide groove 2142I, and the two are in a stepped structure, the sliding of the elastic arm 213 from the first limit portion A to the position indicated by point D is easily blocked by the guide groove 2142I, while the connection between the guide groove 2142A and the guide groove 2142B is smoother. Consequently, the elastic arm 213 can rotate clockwise about the mounting hole 2124, and the end of the elastic arm 213 away from the first button 212 can slide from the first limit portion A to the position indicated by point B. To enable the end of the elastic arm 213 away from the first button 212 to slide within the AB portion, one or more adjacent guide grooves in the AB portion can also share adjacent edges for smooth connection. For example, the depth of one or more guide grooves in section AB can gradually increase from a position near point A to a position near point B. For example, the depth of guide groove 2142B shown in the figure can be greater than the depth of guide groove 2142A, and the depth of guide groove 2142C can be greater than the depth of 2142B. Alternatively, the depths of guide grooves 2142A, 2142B, and 2142C in section AB can be the same, or the depths can decrease in sequence. This is not limited in this application. When the end of elastic arm 213 away from first button 212 moves to point B, the movement distance of first button 212 in the positive direction of the x-axis reaches its maximum, and first button 212 can push latch 221 to separate latch 221 from the main shaft, and the pressure on first button 212 can be removed. The depth of the guide groove 2142D corresponding to point B can be greater than the depth of 2142C, and the two can form a stepped structure. The guide groove 2142D and the guide groove 2142E can share adjacent edges to ensure smooth connection, so that when the pressure on the first button 212 is removed, the end of the elastic arm 213 away from the first button 212 can move from point B to point C of the second limit portion to maintain the stability of the structure of the first button 212 in the second state.

[0086] Furthermore, because the depth of the guide groove 2142F corresponding to the second limiting portion C is greater than the depth of the adjacent guide groove 2142E, and the two grooves are stepped, and the guide grooves 2142F and 2142E share an adjacent edge, when the user presses the first button again, the end of the elastic arm 213 away from the first button 212 can move from point C toward point D. Similarly, when the end of the elastic arm 213 away from the first button 212 reaches point D, that is, when it is located in the guide groove 2142H, the pressure on the first button 212 can be removed. To allow the elastic arm 213 to slide toward the first limiting portion A, the depth of the guide groove 2142H can be greater than the depth of the guide groove 2142G, and the two grooves can be stepped, so that the guide grooves 2142H and 2142I in the DA section area can be smoothly connected.

[0087] When the first button 212 is pressed for the first time, the elastic arm 213 moves from the position of the first limit part A to the position of the second limit part C via point B, and when the first button 212 is pressed again, the elastic arm 213 returns from the position of the second limit part C to the position of the first limit part A via point D. The end of the elastic arm 213 away from the first button 212 completes a circular sliding in the clutch mechanism 214, and the first button 212 can also return to the position when it is not pressed, so that when the folding mechanism 123 is unfolded again, the end of the pin 221 close to the main shaft part 210 can slide into the main shaft part 210, and the first button 212 can push the pin 221 to separate from the main shaft part 210.

[0088] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application only exemplifies the sliding principle of the elastic arm 213 in the clutch mechanism 214 under the push of the first button 212, and should not limit the specific shape and structure of the clutch mechanism 214, nor should it limit the number, shape and structure of the guide grooves in the clutch mechanism 214.

[0089] Continuing with the structures shown in Figures 6 to 12, the folding mechanism 123 may further include a fifth slide groove 225 and a cover plate 226. The fifth slide groove 225 may extend along the first direction and may be located on a side of the second slide groove 222 away from the third slide groove 224. For example, the third slide groove 224 may be located below the second slide groove 222 along the z-axis as shown, and the fifth slide groove 225 may be located above the second slide groove 222 along the z-axis as shown. Furthermore, the projection of the second slide groove 222 along a direction perpendicular to the principal plane of the mounting plate 220 may be located within the region where the projection of the fifth slide groove 225 along a direction perpendicular to the principal plane of the mounting plate 220 is located. In other words, the size of the fifth slide groove 225 may be larger than that of the second slide groove 222. The size of the fifth slide groove 225 is greater than the size of the second slide groove 222, which means that the size of the fifth slide groove 225 along the x-axis direction can be greater than the size of the second slide groove 222 along the x-axis direction, and the size of the fifth slide groove 225 along the y-axis direction can be greater than the size of the second slide groove 222 along the y-axis direction.

[0090] The dimensions of the fifth slot 225 can be the same as those of the cover plate 226, allowing the cover plate 226 to be accommodated in the fifth slot 225. When the cover plate 226 is accommodated in the fifth slot 225, the surface of the cover plate 226 facing away from the latch 221 can be flush with the outer surface of the mounting plate 220, thereby creating a smoother connection between the cover plate 226 and the mounting plate 220. When the cover plate 226 is accommodated in the fifth slot 225, the surface of the cover plate 226 facing toward the latch 221 can be aligned with the latch 221, thereby preventing the latch 221 from shaking along the z-axis shown in the figure, thereby making the sliding of the latch 221 more stable and reliable. The folding mechanism, including the cover plate 226 and the fifth slot 225, also facilitates the installation of components such as the latch 221 and the spring.

[0091] The folding mechanism 123 may further include a rotating member 230, which may be disposed on both sides of the main shaft portion 210. The rotating member 230 may be fixedly connected to the mounting plate 220, and the rotating member 230 may rotate around the main shaft portion 210 to achieve folding and unfolding of the folding mechanism 123. This application does not limit the structure of the rotating member 230.

[0092] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, taking one end of the main shaft portion as an example, the structure of the main shaft portion and the mounting plates located on both sides of the main shaft portion is introduced. The mounting plates on both sides of the main shaft portion may be provided with the above-mentioned latches and slides, or the mounting plates on only one side may be provided with the above-mentioned latches and slides. In addition, both ends of the main shaft portion may also be provided with the above-mentioned latches and slides to further improve the flattening angle of the folding mechanism and the electronic device. The folding mechanism introduced in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to electronic devices with "one fold", that is, electronic devices that can be folded once, and can also be applied to electronic devices with "two folds" or more, that is, electronic devices that can be folded twice or more. Moreover, the folding mechanism introduced in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to external folding electronic devices, and can also be applied to internal folding electronic devices, and the present application does not limit this.

[0093] In the embodiments of this application, "same" does not mean absolutely identical. Those skilled in the art will understand that since they can appropriately adjust the dimensions of structural components based on design requirements, the "same" dimensions of two structural components allow for a certain range of deviation, such as a difference of 0.1mm to 0.5mm. Similarly, a numerical value such as 180° between two structural components may refer to a numerical value such as the angle between them being approximately 180°, and does not represent an absolute numerical value.

[0094] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding mechanism, characterized in that: It includes a main shaft portion and a mounting plate, wherein the mounting plate is connected to the main shaft portion; The main shaft portion includes a first slide groove, the first slide groove extends along a first direction, and when the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, the first direction is parallel to the main plane of the mounting plate and perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft portion; The mounting plate includes a latch and a second slide groove on one side close to the main shaft portion, the second slide groove extends along the first direction, and the position of the second slide groove corresponds to the position of the first slide groove, at least a portion of the latch is disposed in the second slide groove, and the latch is slidably connected to the second slide groove; When the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the latch is located outside the first slide slot; when the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, an end of the latch close to the main shaft portion is at least partially located in the first slide slot; The main shaft portion also includes a first button, at least a portion of which is located inside the main shaft portion. When an end of the latch close to the main shaft portion is at least partially located in the first slide groove, at least a portion of the first button is in contact with an end of the latch located in the first slide groove, and the first button is used to push the latch to separate the latch from the main shaft portion.

2. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The folding mechanism also includes: An elastic member, wherein the elastic member is disposed in the second sliding groove and connected to the latch; When the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the length of the elastic member is a first length, and when the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, the length of the elastic member is a second length, and the second length is greater than the first length.

3. The folding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: One end of the latch away from the main shaft portion comprises a first mounting hole, and the elastic member is connected to the latch through the first mounting hole.

4. The folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The mounting plate further comprises a third slide groove, the third slide groove extends along the first direction, and the projection of the third slide groove along a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located within the region where the projection of the second slide groove along a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located. The latch includes a stop portion, at least a portion of which is accommodated in the third slide slot, and the stop portion is slidably connected to the third slide slot; When one end of the latch pin close to the main shaft portion is accommodated in the first sliding groove, the stop portion fits with one end of the third sliding groove close to the main shaft portion.

5. The folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The main shaft portion further includes a fourth slide groove, the fourth slide groove extends along the axial direction of the main shaft portion and is connected to the first slide groove; At least a portion of the first button is accommodated in the fourth slide groove, and when the first button is pressed, the first button can slide in the fourth slide groove along the axial direction of the main shaft portion and push the latch along the first direction away from the main shaft portion.

6. The folding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first button comprises a first inclined surface, and the first inclined surface is arranged at an end of the first button close to the latch; The latch includes a second inclined surface, which is arranged at one end of the latch close to the main shaft portion, and the second inclined surface is in contact with the first inclined surface; When the first button is pressed, the first button can push the latch along the first direction away from the main shaft portion through the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface.

7. The folding mechanism according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The folding mechanism further includes an elastic arm, and the elastic arm is connected to an end of the first button close to the latch; The main shaft portion further includes a clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism includes one or more guide grooves, the one or more guide grooves have different sizes along a second direction, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the axial direction of the main shaft portion, the one or more guide grooves form a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion, the first limiting portion is located at an end of the clutch mechanism close to the first button, and the second limiting portion is located at an end of the clutch mechanism away from the first button; When the first button is pressed, the end of the elastic arm away from the first button can slide along the track formed by the one or more guide grooves, and when the first button is in a first state, the end of the elastic arm away from the first button is accommodated in the first limiting portion, and when the first button is in a second state, the end of the elastic arm away from the first button is accommodated in the second limiting portion.

8. The folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The mounting plate further includes a cover plate and a fifth slide groove, the fifth slide groove extends along the first direction, the fifth slide groove is located on a side of the second slide groove away from the third slide groove, and a projection of the second slide groove along a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located within an area where a projection of the fifth slide groove along a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located, and the cover plate is arranged in the fifth slide groove.

9. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a folding mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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