Folding mechanism and foldable electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides a folding mechanism and a foldable electronic device. The folding mechanism comprises a main shaft part and a mounting plate that are connected to each other; the main shaft part comprises a first slide groove, the first slide groove extends in 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 part; the side of the mounting plate close to the main shaft part is provided with a latch bolt and a second slide groove, the second slide groove extends in the first direction, the position of the second slide groove corresponds to the position of the first slide groove, at least part of the latch bolt is arranged in the second slide groove, and the latch bolt is slidably connected to the second slide groove; when the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the latch bolt is located outside the first slide groove, and when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the end of the latch bolt close to the main shaft part is at least partially located in the first slide groove. According to the folding mechanism and the foldable electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present application, the flattened state angles of the folding mechanism and the foldable electronic device 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 202311631618.3 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, capable of satisfying users' demands for larger screens, have become a mainstream development direction for major manufacturers in recent years. The flattened angle of a foldable device is crucial to its overall aesthetic, and this issue is particularly pronounced in outward-folding devices. First, outward-folding devices rely on hinges for position retention, resulting in low structural stability and noticeable wobbling after flattening. Second, after repeated folding, the hinge's damping force weakens. This can cause the device to hunch over when flattened, impacting its aesthetics.

[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] 14. The folding mechanism as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first sliding groove is arranged outside the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove is arranged outside the first sliding groove.

[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 a folded state, an 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 flattening angle of the folding mechanism and the foldable electronic device.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes: an elastic member, at least a portion of which is disposed in the second slide groove, and the elastic member is 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.

[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 folding mechanism further includes a metal wire, at least a portion of which is disposed in the second slide groove, and the metal wire is connected to the latch; when the mounting plate is folded around the main shaft portion, the metal wire is used to pull the latch so that the latch slides along the first direction and disengages from the main shaft portion.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the end of the latch away from the main shaft portion further includes a second mounting hole, and the metal wire is connected to the latch through the second mounting hole.

[0014] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the folding mechanism includes a metal wire, and the metal wire is connected to a pin. The metal wire can be used to pull the pin to separate the pin from the main shaft portion, thereby preventing the pin from blocking the folding of the folding mechanism when the mounting plate is folded around the main shaft portion.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes a gear assembly and a first rack, the metal wire is connected to the first rack, and the first rack is meshed with the gear assembly; the side of the pin close to the gear assembly includes a second rack, the second rack and the first rack are respectively located on both sides of the gear assembly, and the pin is meshed with the gear assembly through the second rack; when the folding mechanism is folded around the main shaft portion, the metal wire is used to pull the first rack and drive the gear assembly to rotate, so that the pin slides along the first direction and disengages from the main shaft portion.

[0016] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the folding mechanism includes a gear assembly and a first rack, and the latch includes a second rack. When the metal wire is pulled, the gear assembly engages with the first rack and the second rack and transmits power to pull the latch so that the latch is separated from the main shaft portion, thereby amplifying the sliding stroke of the latch and reducing the pulling stroke of the metal wire.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes a circuit board, the metal wire is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the circuit board is used to input an electrical signal to the metal wire so that the metal wire pulls the pin to slide along the first direction and causes the pin to disengage from the main shaft portion.

[0018] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the metal wire is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the metal wire can be controlled by an electrical signal to be electrically heated so that the metal wire contracts due to the heat, thereby pulling the pin and separating the pin from the main shaft.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes a first button, which is electrically connected to the circuit board. When the first button is pressed, the first button is used to convert the pressing signal into an electrical signal and transmit it to the circuit board, and then transmitted to the metal wire by the circuit board.

[0020] In the embodiment provided in the present application, an electrical signal is transmitted to the circuit board by pressing the first button to control the metal wire to pull the pin, so that the pin is separated from the main shaft, which makes it easier for the user to control the folding mechanism to achieve folding of the folding mechanism.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes a metal wire, a gear assembly and a first rack, the metal wire being connected to an end of the first rack away from the main shaft portion, and the first rack being meshed with the gear assembly; the side of the latch close to the gear assembly includes a second rack, the second rack being meshed with the gear assembly, and the latch and the first rack are respectively located on both sides of the gear assembly; when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the metal wire is used to pull the first rack and drive the gear assembly to rotate so that the latch enters the main shaft portion along the first slide groove.

[0022] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the folding mechanism includes a gear assembly and a first rack, and the latch includes a second rack. When the metal wire is pulled, the gear assembly engages with the first rack and the second rack and transmits power to push the latch to slide into the main shaft portion, which can amplify the sliding stroke of the latch and reduce the pulling stroke of the metal wire.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the folding mechanism further includes an elastic member connected to an end of the latch away from the main shaft portion; when the mounting plate is folded around the main shaft portion, the elastic member is used to pull the latch so that the latch slides along the first direction and disengages from the main shaft portion.

[0024] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the elastic member can pull the latch to separate the latch from the main shaft, thereby allowing the folding mechanism and the electronic device to be folded normally.

[0025] 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 a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located in the area 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 part of the stop portion is accommodated in the third slide groove, and the stop portion is slidingly connected to the third slide groove; when the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, the stop portion is in contact with an end of the third slide groove close to the main shaft portion, and when the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the stop portion is in contact with an end of the third slide groove away from the main shaft portion.

[0026] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the mounting plate includes a third sliding groove and the latch includes a stop portion, which can slide in the third sliding groove along the first direction, and can limit the sliding of the latch to prevent the latch from being separated from the mounting plate. Moreover, 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.

[0027] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the mounting plate further includes a fourth slide groove and a cover plate, the fourth slide groove extends along the first direction, the fourth 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 fourth slide groove along the direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located, and the cover plate is arranged in the fourth slide groove.

[0028] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the mounting plate includes a fourth sliding groove and a cover plate, which can facilitate the installation of components such as the latch, elastic member and metal wire on the mounting plate.

[0029] 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

[0030] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state;

[0031] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in an inwardly folded state;

[0032] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in an outwardly folded state;

[0033] FIG4 is a structural diagram of a foldable electronic device showing a hunchback phenomenon;

[0034] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG6 is an exploded view of a partial structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG7 is an enlarged view of a partial structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG10 is an enlarged view of a partial structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a latch provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a main shaft portion provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a transmission part provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of the transmission part provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The terms "include", "comprising", "having" and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless specifically emphasized otherwise.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Under the action of the folding mechanism 123 , 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Figures 2 and 3 respectively illustrate two possible folded states of the foldable electronic device 100, which may be states where the two middle frames of the foldable electronic device 100 are as close to each other as possible. Figure 2 shows the foldable electronic device 100 in its inward folded state. In this folded state, the flexible display 110 is accommodated between the first middle frame 121 and the second middle frame 122, the first display portion 111 and the second display portion 112 are affixed to each other, and the first middle frame 121, the flexible display 110, and the second middle frame 122 are stacked in sequence.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 two 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 weakens, easily leading to a hunchback phenomenon in the foldable electronic device 100. Furthermore, after the foldable electronic device 100 has been 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 to hunch. 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 .

[0061] 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, a top view 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 9 may be a cross-sectional view taken at position XX in Figure 7 . Figures 10 to 12 are, respectively, a top view 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 12 may be a cross-sectional view taken at position YY 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 227 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.

[0062] 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 extend along the x-axis direction shown in the figure, and the mounting plate 220 may be arranged on the left and right sides of the main shaft portion 210 along the y-axis direction shown in the figure. The mounting plate 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, thereby realizing the folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0063] A latch 221 and a second slot 222 may be provided on a 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. At least a portion of the latch 221 may be 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 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, the one end of the latch 221 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°.

[0064] Accordingly, the main shaft portion 210 may include a first sliding groove 211. The structure of the first sliding groove 211 can be seen in the enlarged partial structure view of the main shaft portion 210 shown in Figure 14. The first sliding groove 211 may also extend along the first direction, for example, from the outer end surface of the main shaft portion 210 on the side close to the latch 221 to the interior of the main shaft portion 210 along the first direction.

[0065] The position of the first slot 211 can correspond to the position of the second slot 222, so that the end of the latch 221 near the main shaft portion 210 can slide into the first slot 211 along the first direction. As shown in FIG7 or FIG11, the width of the first slot 211 can be the same as the width of the second slot 222, and can be the same as the width of the latch 221. The widths of the first slot 211, the second slot 222, and the latch 221 can respectively be the dimensions of the first slot 211, the second slot 222, and the latch 221 along the x-axis. As shown in FIG9 and FIG12, the depth of the first slot 211 and the depth of the second slot 222 can also be the same, and can be the same as the thickness of the latch 221. The depths of the first slot 211 and the second slot 222 can respectively be the dimensions of the first slot 211 and the second slot 222 along the z-axis, and the thickness of the latch 221 can be the dimension of the latch 221 along the z-axis. The width of the first chute 211 may also be greater than the width of the second chute 222 and the width of the latch 221, and 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, so that the end of the latch 221 near the main shaft portion 210 can enter the main shaft portion 210. 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.

[0066] 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 flattening angle of the folding mechanism and the electronic device 100, that is, making the flattening 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 more stable and less prone to the problem of wobbling, and the flattening angle of the electronic device is also not easily affected by the decrease in the damping force of the folding mechanism.

[0067] It should be noted that the first sliding groove 211 shown in Figures 8, 9, 11 and 12 passes through the main shaft portion 210 along the first direction, but the first sliding groove 211 may not pass through the main shaft portion 210 along the first direction. For example, when the second sliding groove 222 and the latch 221 are provided on one side of the main shaft portion 210 and the first sliding groove 211 and the latch 221 are not provided on the other side, the first sliding groove 211 can 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 sliding groove 222 and the latch 221 are provided on both sides of the main shaft portion 210, the number of the first sliding grooves 211 of the main shaft portion 210 can be the same as the number of the second sliding grooves 222, and the positions can correspond to the positions of the second sliding grooves 222. The first sliding 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 sliding 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 improving the flattened angle of the electronic device.

[0068] To enable the latch 221 to slide into the corresponding first slot 211, the folding mechanism 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, thereby allowing the elastic member 223 to be compressed or released along the first direction.

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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 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.

[0071] Exemplarily, the elastic member 223 may be a spring, or other components capable of elastic deformation, which is not limited in the present application.

[0072] In some embodiments, the mounting plate 220 may further include a third slot 225, as shown in FIG6 , 9 , or 12 . The third slot 225 may extend along a first direction, and the projection of the third slot 225 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 225 may be positioned below the second slot 222 in the z-axis direction shown in the figure, and the size of the third slot 225 may be smaller than the size of the second slot 222. The smaller size of the third slot 225 than the second slot 222 may mean that the size of the third slot 225 in the x-axis direction may be smaller than the size of the second slot 222 in the x-axis direction, and the size of the third slot 225 in the y-axis direction may be smaller than the size of the second slot 222 in the y-axis direction.

[0073] 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 225, 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 225 along the first direction.

[0074] The third sliding groove 225 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 pushing action of the elastic member 223. 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 pulling action of the metal wire 224. 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 225 away from the main shaft portion 210.

[0075] 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 stop block (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 baffle can be used to 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 225 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.

[0076] Because when the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, or in other words, when the folding mechanism 123 is in the locked state, a portion of the latch 221 is located in the first slide groove 211, and another portion is located in the second slide groove 222, the rotation of the mounting plate 220 about the main shaft portion 210 is easily blocked by the latch 221. To ensure that the folding mechanism 123 can be folded normally, the latch 221 needs to be separated from the first slide groove 211. In this example, the mounting plate 220 may further include a wire 224, at least a portion of which may be disposed in the second slide groove 222, and one end of the wire 224 may be connected to the end of the latch 221 away from the main shaft portion 210. The metal wire 224 can pull the pin 221, that is, the pin 221 is subjected to a pulling force in the opposite direction of the y-axis shown in the figure, so that the pin 221 slides out of the first sliding groove 211 and separates from the main shaft portion 210, thereby allowing the mounting plates 220 on both sides of the main shaft portion 210 to rotate around the main shaft portion 210, thereby realizing the folding of the electronic device.

[0077] Accordingly, as shown in FIG13 , the end of the latch 221 away from the main shaft portion 210 may include a second mounting hole 2213, and the end of the wire 224 near the latch 221 may be fixedly connected to the latch through the second mounting hole 2213. The number of second mounting holes 2213 may be one or more, and the number of second mounting holes 2213 may be the same as the number of wires 224. For example, the number of wires 224 may be two, and the number of second mounting holes 2213 may also be two (not shown). The first mounting hole 2212 may be located in the middle of the end of the latch 221, and the second mounting holes 2213 may be located on either side of the first mounting hole 2212, that is, on either side of the first mounting hole 2212 along the x-axis. Accordingly, the wire 224 may also be located on either side of the elastic member 223. For example, the wire 224 may be made of shape memory alloy (SMA).

[0078] It should be noted that the second mounting hole 2213 shown in the figure includes a set of parallel surfaces, that is, a set of parallel surfaces in the vertical direction shown in the figure, forming an open structure. The second mounting hole 2213 may also include two sets of parallel surfaces. When the metal wire 224 is disposed in the second mounting hole 2213, the second mounting hole 2213 may surround the metal wire 224. The second mounting hole 2213 may be a square hole as shown in the figure, or a circular hole similar to the first mounting hole 2212. Similarly, the first mounting hole 2212 may be a circular hole or a square hole. This application does not limit the structure of the mounting hole.

[0079] In some embodiments, the folding mechanism 123 may further include a circuit board (not shown), which may be disposed in the mounting plate 220 or in the middle frame. The end of the metal wire 224 away from the latch 221 may be electrically connected to the circuit board. The circuit board may energize the metal wire 224, causing the metal wire 224 to contract due to heat, thereby enabling the metal wire 224 to pull the latch 221, allowing the latch 221 to disengage from the first slide slot 211 in the first direction, thereby separating the latch 221 from the main shaft portion 210.

[0080] The folding mechanism 123 may also include a first button. For example, the first button may be provided on the outer end surface of the main shaft portion 210 along the x-direction shown in the figure (not shown in the figure). The first button may be electrically connected to the circuit board. When the first button is pressed, the first button inputs an electrical signal, and the circuit board electrically heats the metal wire 224, causing the metal wire 224 to shrink due to the heat, thereby allowing the metal to pull the pin 221. The first button may also be provided at the edge of the mounting plate 220 or the middle frame. The first button may be a mechanical button. When the first button is pressed, the first button moves, converting the mechanical signal into an electrical signal. The first button may also be a fingerprint recognition button. When a preset fingerprint is recognized, an electrical signal is input to the circuit board, thereby electrically heating the metal wire 224. The first button may also be a control on the display screen of an electronic device. When the control is touched, an electrical signal is input. This application does not limit the form and setting position of the first button.

[0081] The folding mechanism 123 may also include a linear motor to replace the metal wire 224 to pull the pin 221 (not shown in the figure). The linear motor can be connected to the end of the pin 221 away from the main shaft portion 210. When the user presses the first button, an electrical signal is input to control the linear motor to pull the pin 221 to separate the pin 221 from the main shaft portion 210.

[0082] In some embodiments, the folding mechanism 123 may further include a gear assembly 229 and a first rack 228. Referring to the partial structural diagrams of the folding mechanism 123 shown in FIG15 or FIG16 , the first rack 228 may mesh with the gear assembly 229. Accordingly, the latch 221 may include a second rack 2214 on the side near the gear. The latch 221 may mesh with the gear assembly 229 via the second rack 2214. The first rack 228 and latch 221 may be located on either side of the gear assembly 229. In this example, the wire 224 may be fixedly connected to the first rack 228 and indirectly connected to the latch 221 via the first rack 228 and the gear assembly 229. Transmission of the various components is achieved through the meshing of the gears and racks. The gear assembly 229, first rack 228, and latch 221 may also be collectively referred to as the transmission portion of the folding mechanism 123. This application does not limit the names of the various components of the folding mechanism 123.

[0083] As an example, the gear assembly 229 may include a first gear 2291 and a second gear 2292. As shown in FIG15 , the first gear 2291 and the second gear 2292 mesh with each other. The first rack 228 may be disposed on a side of the gear assembly 229 near the first gear 2291 and mesh with the first gear 2291. The latch 221 may be disposed on a side of the gear assembly 229 near the second gear 2292 and the second rack 2214 of the latch 221 may mesh with the second gear 2292. When the wire 224 is heated and contracts due to power, the wire 224 pulls the first rack 228, causing it to move in the negative direction of the y-axis. This movement of the first rack 228 in the negative direction of the y-axis can drive the first gear 2291 to rotate counterclockwise and the second gear 2292 to rotate clockwise. Furthermore, the second gear 2292 rotates in the clockwise direction, which can drive the latch 221 to slide in the negative direction of the y-axis, so that the latch 221 is disengaged from the main shaft portion 210, and the folding mechanism is in a clutch state, so as to facilitate the folding of the folding mechanism.

[0084] In this example, similar to the implementation described in Figures 6 to 12, when the folding mechanism 123 is in the unfolded state, the elastic member 223 can push the pin 221 through the elastic force, so that the end of the pin 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 slides into the main shaft portion 210, so that the folding mechanism is in a locked state.

[0085] As another example, the gear assembly 229 may also include only one gear, and the first rack 228 and the second rack 2214 may both be meshed with the gear, see the structure shown in FIG. 16 . Similar to the embodiment described above, the metal wire 224 can be controlled by the first button to determine whether it is energized. For example, when the user presses the first button for the first time, the circuit board can receive the pressing signal of the first button and transmit an electrical signal to the metal wire 224, thereby energizing and heating the metal wire 224, causing the metal wire 224 to shrink due to the heat. Subsequently, the metal wire 224 can pull the first rack 228 so that the first rack 228 slides along the negative direction of the y-axis. The sliding of the first rack 228 along the negative direction of the y-axis can drive the gear to rotate counterclockwise. Furthermore, the rotation of the gear in the counterclockwise direction can drive the pin 221 to move along the positive direction of the y-axis, that is, toward the direction close to the main shaft portion 210, so that the end of the pin 221 close to the main shaft portion 210 can slide into the first slide groove 211, thereby improving the flattened angle of the folding mechanism 123 and the electronic device 100.

[0086] When the user presses the first button for the second time, the circuit board can receive the pressing signal of the first button and de-energize the metal wire 224. The metal wire 224 can cool and recover its deformation, increasing in length, and the tension exerted on the first rack 228 by the metal wire 224 can be removed. When the end of the latch 221 near the main shaft portion 210 is located in the first slide groove 211, the elastic member 223 can be in a stretched state. Then, after the tension exerted on the first rack 228 by the metal wire 224 is removed, the elastic force of the elastic member 223 can play a leading role, and the elastic member 223 can return from the stretched state to a relaxed state, pulling the latch 221 along the negative direction of the y-axis, thereby separating the latch 221 from the main shaft portion 210, allowing the folding mechanism 123 to fold normally.

[0087] The gear assembly and the rack are provided in the folding mechanism 123 , which can amplify the sliding stroke of the latch 221 and reduce the pulling stroke of the wire 224 .

[0088] The gear assembly and the first rack 228 can both be located in the aforementioned second slide groove, wherein, as described above, the latch 221 can include a stop portion 2211 and the mounting plate 220 can include a third slide groove 225. The stop portion 2211 can be accommodated in the third slide groove 225, and the third slide groove 225 can limit the sliding direction of the stop portion 2211, preventing the latch 221 from deviating in a direction outside the first direction. Similarly, the first rack 228 can also include a stop portion, and the mounting plate 220 can also include a slide groove (not shown) at a position corresponding to the first rack 228, so that the stop portion of the first rack 228 can slide in the slide groove, thereby preventing the first rack 228 from deviating in the first direction and being difficult to deviate in other directions.

[0089] In some embodiments, the folding mechanism 123 may further include a fourth slide groove 226 and a cover plate 227. The fourth slide groove 226 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 225. For example, the third slide groove 225 may be located below the second slide groove 222 along the z-axis as shown, and the fourth slide groove 226 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 main plane of the mounting plate 220 may be located within the region where the projection of the fourth slide groove 226 along a direction perpendicular to the main plane of the mounting plate 220 is located. In other words, the size of the fourth slide groove 226 may be larger than that of the second slide groove 222. The size of the fourth slide groove 226 is greater than the size of the second slide groove 222, which means that the size of the fourth slide groove 226 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 fourth slide groove 226 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 fourth slot 226 can be the same as those of the cover plate 227, allowing the cover plate 227 to be accommodated within the fourth slot 226. When the cover plate 227 is accommodated within the fourth slot 226, the surface of the cover plate 227 facing away from the latch 221 can be flush with the outer surface of the mounting plate 220, creating a smoother connection between the cover plate 227 and the mounting plate 220. When the cover plate 227 is accommodated within the fourth slot 226, the surface of the cover plate 227 facing toward the latch 221 can be aligned with the latch 221, preventing the latch 221 from wobbling along the z-axis shown in the figure, thereby ensuring more stable and reliable sliding of the latch 221. The folding mechanism 123, including the cover plate 227 and the fourth slot 226, also facilitates the installation of components such as the latch 221, the spring 223, and the wire 224.

[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 sliding groove; 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 sliding groove.

2. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The folding mechanism also includes: an elastic member, at least a portion of which is disposed in the second slide groove, and the elastic member is 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 folding mechanism further comprises a metal wire, at least a portion of which is disposed in the second slide groove, and the metal wire is connected to the latch; When the mounting plate is folded around the main shaft portion, the metal wire is used to pull the latch pin so that the latch pin slides along the first direction and is separated from the main shaft portion.

5. The folding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: One end of the latch away from the main shaft portion further includes a second mounting hole, and the metal wire is connected to the latch through the second mounting hole.

6. The folding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The folding mechanism further comprises a gear assembly and a first rack, the metal wire is connected to the first rack, and the first rack is meshed with the gear assembly; The latch comprises a second rack on one side close to the gear assembly, the second rack and the first rack are respectively located on two sides of the gear assembly, and the latch is meshed with the gear assembly through the second rack; When the folding mechanism is folded around the main shaft portion, the metal wire is used to pull the first rack and drive the gear assembly to rotate, so that the latch slides along the first direction and disengages from the main shaft portion.

7. The folding mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: The folding mechanism further comprises a circuit board, the metal wire is electrically connected to the circuit board, and the circuit board is used to input an electrical signal to the metal wire so that the metal wire pulls the latch to slide along the first direction and causes the latch to detach from the main shaft portion.

8. The folding mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The folding mechanism also includes a first button, which is electrically connected to the circuit board. When the first button is pressed, the first button is used to convert the pressing signal into an electrical signal and transmit it to the circuit board, and then the circuit board transmits it to the metal wire.

9. The folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The folding mechanism further comprises a metal wire, a gear assembly and a first rack, wherein the metal wire is connected to an end of the first rack away from the main shaft portion, and the first rack is meshed with the gear assembly; The latch comprises a second rack on one side close to the gear assembly, the second rack is meshed with the gear assembly, and the latch and the first rack are respectively located on two sides of the gear assembly; When the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the metal wire is used to pull the first rack and drive the gear assembly to rotate, so that the latch pin enters the main shaft portion along the first sliding groove.

10. The folding mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that: The folding mechanism further comprises an elastic member, wherein the elastic member is connected to an end of the latch away from the main shaft portion; When the mounting plate is folded around the main shaft portion, the elastic member is used to pull the latch pin so that the latch pin slides along the first direction and is separated from the main shaft portion.

11. The folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, 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 the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the stop portion is in contact with an end of the third sliding groove close to the main shaft portion.

12. The folding mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that: The mounting plate further includes a fourth slide groove and a cover plate, the fourth slide groove extends along the first direction, the fourth 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 in an area where a projection of the fourth slide groove along a direction perpendicular to the mounting plate is located, and the cover plate is arranged in the fourth slide groove.

13. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that: Comprising the folding mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

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