Rotating mechanism and foldable electronic device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of foldable electronic products, and in particular to a rotating mechanism and a foldable electronic device, for use in mitigating the problem that the rotating mechanism is prone to the overload phenomenon. The rotating mechanism comprises: a driving gear, a planetary gear, a first gear, and a second gear. The central axis of the driving gear is a first axis, the planetary gear is engaged with the driving gear, the first gear is engaged with the planetary gear, the central axis of the first gear is the first axis, the second gear is engaged with the planetary gear, the central axis of the second gear is the first axis, and the number of teeth of the second gear is different from that of the first gear. When the rotating mechanism is in an automatic mode, the first gear is static. When the rotating mechanism is in a state in which the automatic mode and a manual mode coexist, the first gear rotates around the first axis, thereby facilitating reduction of the torque of a manual driving force transferred to the driving gear, avoiding the overload phenomenon of the rotating mechanism, and facilitating improvement of the reliability of the rotating mechanism.

Description

Rotating mechanism and foldable electronic device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on January 17, 2024, with application number 202410071785.5 and application name “Rotating Mechanism and Folding Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of foldable electronic products, and in particular to a rotating mechanism and a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0003] With the continuous development of display technology, foldable display terminals are becoming a trend in future mobile electronic products. When unfolded, these devices can provide a larger display area, enhancing viewing experience. When folded, they can also be compact, making them easier to carry.

[0004] The foldable electronic device includes at least a first structural member, a second structural member, and a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism may include a drive motor secured to the first structural member, with a drive shaft connected to the second structural member. The first structural member rotates relative to the second structural member through rotation of the drive shaft. In actual use, the rotation mechanism is prone to overload, which reduces its reliability.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a rotating mechanism and a foldable electronic device, which are used to improve the problem that the rotating mechanism is prone to overload.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solutions:

[0008] In one aspect, a rotation mechanism is provided, comprising: a drive gear, a planetary gear, a first gear, and a second gear. The drive gear has a central axis that is a first axis, the planetary gear meshes with the drive gear, the first gear meshes with the planetary gear, the central axis of the first gear is the first axis, the second gear meshes with the planetary gear, the central axis of the second gear is the first axis, and the number of teeth on the second gear is different from the number of teeth on the first gear.

[0009] When the rotation mechanism is in automatic mode, the drive gear rotates about the first axis, the planetary gear rotates about its own central axis, the planetary gear rotates about the first axis, the second gear rotates about the first axis, and the first gear remains stationary. With this arrangement, when the rotation mechanism is in automatic mode, the drive gear can drive the second gear to rotate, facilitating the transition of the foldable electronic device between a folded state and an unfolded state. With this arrangement, when the rotation mechanism is in automatic mode, the drive gear can drive the second gear to rotate, facilitating the transition of the foldable electronic device between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0010] When the rotating mechanism is in a state where automatic mode and manual mode coexist, the second gear rotates around the first axis, the planetary gear rotates around its own central axis, the planetary gear rotates around the first axis, the driving gear rotates around the first axis, and the first gear rotates around the first axis.

[0011] Through the above-mentioned arrangement, when the rotating mechanism is in a state where the automatic mode and the manual mode coexist, the manual driving force transmitted to the rotating mechanism can cause the first gear to rotate around the first axis, and can cause the planetary gear to rotate around its own central axis, which is beneficial to reducing the torque of the manual driving force transmitted to the drive gear, avoiding overload of the rotating mechanism, and facilitating improving the reliability of the rotating mechanism.

[0012] Furthermore, in embodiments where the rotation mechanism includes a drive motor, reducing the manual driving force transmitted to the drive gear also helps reduce the torque transmitted to the drive motor's transmission shaft, ensuring that the torque transmitted to the drive motor's transmission shaft is below the limit torque, thereby protecting the drive motor. Furthermore, since the central axes of the first gear, the second gear, and the drive gear all lie on the first axis, the size of the rotation mechanism perpendicular to the first axis is reduced, thereby saving space occupied by the rotation mechanism and facilitating the miniaturization of the foldable electronic device.

[0013] In some implementations, the rotating mechanism also includes a housing and an elastic friction assembly. The housing cover is arranged outside the planetary gear, the first gear and the second gear, between the first gear of the elastic friction assembly and the housing. In the extension direction of the first axis, the first end of the first gear contacts the housing, the second end of the first gear abuts the first end of the elastic friction assembly, and the second end of the elastic friction assembly abuts the housing.

[0014] In summary, when the rotating mechanism is in automatic mode, the first gear remains stationary due to the static friction of the elastic friction assembly. When the rotating mechanism is in both automatic and manual modes, the first gear rotates against the maximum static friction of the elastic friction assembly. The rotation of the first gear offsets part of the manual driving force transmitted to the drive gear, thus reducing the torque of the manual driving force transmitted to the drive gear, preventing overload of the rotating mechanism, and improving the reliability of the rotating mechanism.

[0015] In some implementations, the elastic friction assembly includes an elastic member and a friction plate, the friction plate being positioned between the first gear and the elastic member. In the direction of extension of the first axis, a first end of the elastic member abuts the friction plate, and a second end of the elastic friction assembly abuts the housing. This arrangement includes: the second end of the elastic member abuts the housing. With this arrangement, the elastic restoring force of the spring plate has a component parallel to the first axis, enabling the spring plate to compress the friction plate in a direction parallel to the first axis, thereby increasing the friction force on the first gear.

[0016] In some implementations, when the rotating mechanism is in automatic mode, the elastic member has a first dimension along the extension of the first axis. When the rotating mechanism is in both automatic and manual modes, the elastic member has a second dimension along the extension of the first axis, and the second dimension is equal to the first dimension. Through this configuration, the elastic member provides the same elastic restoring force when the rotating mechanism is in both automatic and manual modes, and when the rotating mechanism is in automatic mode. When the compressive force acting on the friction plate is the same, the damping force acting on the rotating mechanism is smaller when the first gear is stationary, that is, when the rotating mechanism is in automatic mode; and greater when the first gear is rotating, that is, when the rotating mechanism is in both automatic and manual modes.

[0017] In some implementations, when the rotating mechanism is in manual mode, the second gear rotates about the first axis, the planetary gear rotates about its own central axis, and the planetary gear rotates about the first axis, the first gear rotates about the first axis, and the driving gear is stationary; in the extension direction of the first axis, the dimension of the elastic member is a third dimension, and the third dimension is equal to the first dimension. Through the above arrangement, the elastic member provides the same elastic restoring force when the rotating mechanism is in automatic mode and when the rotating mechanism is in manual mode. When the compressive force acting on the friction plate is the same, when the first gear is stationary, that is, when the rotating mechanism is in automatic mode, the damping force acting on the rotating mechanism is smaller; when the first gear is rotating, that is, when the rotating mechanism is in both automatic and manual modes, the damping force acting on the rotating mechanism is larger.

[0018] In some implementations, the elastic friction assembly further includes a first connector positioned between the first gear and the friction plate. The first connector has a protruding first bump that extends into a first groove in the first gear. With this arrangement, when the first gear rotates about the first axis, the first connector also rotates about the first axis. Because the mating portion of the first connector is positioned between the first gear and the friction plate, direct contact between the friction plate and the first gear is avoided, thereby helping to prevent wear on the first gear.

[0019] In some implementations, the planetary gear includes a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set, the first planetary gear set includes a plurality of first planetary gears arranged circumferentially along the first axis, the first planetary gears are meshed with the first gear, and the first planetary gears are meshed with the driving gear; the second planetary gear set includes a plurality of second planetary gears arranged circumferentially along the first axis, the second planetary gears are meshed with the second gear; along the reference direction, the first planetary gears and the second planetary gears are connected, and the central axis of the first planetary gear and the central axis of the second planetary gear coincide, the reference direction is parallel to the first axis and does not coincide with the extension direction of the first axis.

[0020] In some implementations, the first planetary gear includes a first gear shaft and a second gear shaft, wherein the gear portion of the first gear shaft is located between the first shaft portion of the first gear shaft and the second shaft portion of the first gear shaft, and the gear portion of the second gear shaft is located between the first shaft portion of the second gear shaft and the second shaft portion of the second gear shaft. In a reference direction, the distance between the first shaft portion of the first gear shaft and the gear portion of the second gear shaft is greater than the distance between the second shaft portion of the first gear shaft and the gear portion of the second gear shaft, and the distance between the first shaft portion of the second gear shaft and the gear portion of the first gear shaft is greater than the distance between the second shaft portion of the second gear shaft and the gear portion of the first gear shaft. In the first and second planetary gears located in the reference direction, the second shaft portion of the first gear shaft and the second shaft portion of the second gear shaft are connected. Through the above arrangement, the motion states of the first and second planetary gears are the same.

[0021] In some implementations, the driving gear includes a driving gear shaft, the gear portion of the driving gear shaft is located between the first shaft portion of the driving gear shaft and the second shaft portion of the driving gear shaft; the rotating mechanism also includes a first bracket, the first bracket is sleeved on the first shaft portion of the driving gear shaft and is rotatably connected to the first shaft portion of the driving gear shaft, the first bracket has a first receiving hole, the first shaft portion of the first gear shaft is located in the first receiving hole and is rotatably connected to the first receiving hole; the rotating mechanism also includes a second bracket, the second bracket is sleeved on the second shaft portion of the driving gear shaft and is rotatably connected to the second shaft portion of the driving gear shaft, the second bracket has a second receiving hole, the first shaft portion of the second gear shaft is located in the second receiving hole and is rotatably connected to the second receiving hole. Through the above arrangement, the first bracket can rotate relative to the first shaft portion of the driving gear shaft, the first shaft portion of the first gear shaft can rotate relative to the first bracket, the second bracket can rotate relative to the second shaft portion of the driving gear shaft, and the first shaft portion of the first gear shaft can rotate relative to the first bracket.

[0022] In some implementations, the rotation mechanism also includes a third bracket, which is located between the first bracket and the second bracket, the third bracket is sleeved on the second shaft portion of the driving gear shaft and is rotatably connected to the second shaft portion of the driving gear shaft, and the third bracket has a third accommodating hole; the second shaft portion of the first gear shaft is located in the third accommodating hole and is rotatably connected to the third accommodating hole, the second shaft portion of the first gear shaft has a first mating surface, the first mating surface intersects with the reference surface, and the reference surface is perpendicular to the first axis; the second shaft portion of the second gear shaft is located in the third accommodating hole and is rotatably connected to the third accommodating hole, the second shaft portion of the second gear shaft has a second mating surface, the second mating surface intersects with the reference surface, and the first mating surface and the second mating surface are in contact. Through the above arrangement, in the same third accommodating hole, when the second shaft portion of the first gear shaft rotates relative to the third accommodating hole, the first mating surface pushes the second mating surface to move, so that the second shaft portion of the second gear shaft also rotates relative to the third accommodating hole. In addition, the rotation directions of the first gear shaft and the second gear shaft can be the same

[0023] In some implementations, the rotation mechanism includes a drive motor and a connecting structure, wherein the drive shaft of the drive motor is connected to the second shaft portion of the drive gear via the connecting structure. With this arrangement, when the drive shaft of the drive motor rotates, the drive shaft drives the drive gear shaft to rotate. That is, the drive motor can drive the drive gear to rotate, which in turn drives the planetary gear to rotate.

[0024] In some implementations, the number of teeth on the first planetary gear is different from the number of teeth on the second planetary gear. Through the above arrangement, the speed transmitted from the driving gear to the second gear changes, which is conducive to adapting to different speed requirements of the second structural member.

[0025] In some implementations, the first gear is an internal ring gear, which is sleeved onto the exterior of the first planetary gears. With this arrangement, the first gear, the first planetary gears, the first bracket, and the drive gear collectively constitute a planetary gear train. In this planetary gear train, the drive gear may be a center gear, the first bracket may be a planetary carrier, the multiple first planetary gears in the first planetary gear set may be multiple planetary gears, and the first gear may be a ring gear. By configuring the first gear as an internal ring gear, the planetary gear train achieves a more compact structure and improves assembly stability for the first planetary gears.

[0026] In some implementations, the second gear is an inner ring gear, and the second gear is sleeved on the outside of the second planetary gear. Through the above arrangement, the structural compactness of the rotating mechanism is improved, which is conducive to improving the assembly stability of the second planetary gear.

[0027] In some implementations, the rotation mechanism further includes a second connecting member, the second planetary gear is located between the second connecting member and the first planetary gear, and the second connecting member has a second protrusion that extends into the second groove of the second gear. This arrangement further improves the connection reliability between the second connecting member and the second gear.

[0028] In another aspect, a foldable electronic device is provided, comprising: a first structural member, a second structural member, and a rotation mechanism as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein a transmission shaft of the rotation mechanism is connected to the first structural member, and a second gear of the rotation mechanism is connected to the second structural member. The foldable electronic device provided in the embodiments of the present application includes the above-described rotation mechanism, and thus has all the aforementioned beneficial effects, which will not be further elaborated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG1 is a structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG2 is a structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in a folded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG3 is a structural diagram of a rotation mechanism provided by some embodiments;

[0032] FIG4 is a structural diagram of a rotation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating mechanism in FIG4 along the section line BB;

[0034] FIG6 is a structural diagram of a rotating mechanism with the housing removed provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG7 is a front view of a rotating mechanism with the housing removed provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating mechanism along section line AA in FIG6 ;

[0037] FIG9 is an exploded view of the structure of a rotating mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application in an automatic mode;

[0038] FIG10 is an exploded view of the structure of a rotation mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application in a state where an automatic mode and a manual mode coexist;

[0039] FIG11 is an exploded view of the structure of another rotating mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application in a state where an automatic mode and a manual mode coexist;

[0040] FIG12 is an exploded view of the structure of a rotation mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application in a manual mode;

[0041] FIG13 is an exploded view of the structure of a first bracket, a second bracket, a third bracket, and a planetary gear provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG14 is an exploded view of the structure of a first connecting member and a first gear provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG15 is an exploded view of the structure of a second connecting member and a second gear provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments.

[0045] In the following, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive convenience only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Thus, a feature specified as "first," "second," etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0046] In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0047] In the embodiments of the present application, directional indications such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, used to explain the structure and movement of various components of the present application are relative. These indications are appropriate when the components are in the positions shown in the figures. However, if the description of the component positions changes, these directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0048] Here, "parallel" and "perpendicular" include the described situations and situations similar to the described situations, and the range of the similar situations is within an acceptable deviation range, wherein the acceptable deviation range is determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the specific quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallelism and approximately parallelism, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximately parallelism can be, for example, a deviation within 5%; similarly, "perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicularity and approximately perpendicularity, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximately perpendicularity can be, for example, a deviation within 5%.

[0049] The present invention provides a foldable electronic device, which may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a television, a smart wearable product (e.g., a smart watch, a smart bracelet), a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, or other terminal products.

[0050] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 is a structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in a folded state, provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, foldable electronic device 1 includes a flexible screen 30. Flexible screen 30 can be an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display.

[0051] AMOLED displays are self-luminous and do not require a backlight module (BLM). Therefore, when the base substrate of an AMOLED display is made of a flexible resin material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the AMOLED display can be bendable.

[0052] In addition, as shown in Figure 1, the folding electronic device 1 also includes a rotating mechanism 10, a first structural member 21 and a second structural member 22. The rotating mechanism 10 is connected between the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22. The first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are used to support the flexible screen 30, so that the flexible screen 30 remains as flat as possible during use, and to protect the non-display surface of the flexible screen 30. The first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 can rotate relative to the rotating mechanism 10 respectively. The embodiment of the present application only briefly illustrates part of the structure of the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22, and the accompanying drawings also provide simplified illustrations. The embodiment of the present application does not strictly limit the specific structure of the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22.

[0053] The first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 may each include a mid-frame structure for mounting and securing other components of the foldable electronic device 1. For example, a camera, earphones, receiver, buttons, batteries, etc., are not limited in this embodiment of the application to other electronic components disposed on the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22. The first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 may each include a decorative cover plate for protecting components within the mid-frame structure and for presenting a portion of the appearance of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0054] For example, a portion of the flexible screen 30 can be fixed to the first structural member 21 via an adhesive layer 40, a portion can be fixed to the second structural member 22 via an adhesive layer 40, and a portion can be fixed to the rotating mechanism 10. The adhesive layer 40 can be a thin film layer formed by coating with glue. The specific form of the adhesive layer 40 is not limited in this embodiment of the application. For example, the adhesive layer 40 can be a discontinuous thin film layer, or the adhesive layer 40 can also be a continuous thin film layer. In addition, other electronic components can be provided on the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22.

[0055] As shown in Figure 1, when the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are in a flat state, the angle between the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 can be approximately 180° (it can be understood that the angle between the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 is also allowed to have a slight deviation, for example, the angle can be 165°, 177° or 185°). At this time, the flexible screen 30 is also in a flat state, that is, the folding electronic device 1 is in a flat state.

[0056] As shown in Figure 2, when the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are in a folded state, the angle between the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 can be approximately 0° (it can be understood that the angle between the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 is also allowed to have a slight deviation, for example, the angle can be 1°, 3° or 5°). At this time, the flexible screen 30 is also in a folded state, that is, the folding electronic device 1 is in a folded state.

[0057] In some embodiments, the rotation mechanism can have two operating modes: automatic mode and manual mode. In the embodiments of the present application, "automatic mode" can be understood as the rotation mechanism rotating the first structural member relative to the second structural member (or the second structural member relative to the first structural member) through the movement of internal components. "Manual mode" can be understood as manually driving the rotation mechanism to rotate the first structural member relative to the second structural member (or the second structural member relative to the first structural member).

[0058] FIG3 is a structural diagram of a rotation mechanism 10 provided in some embodiments. As shown in FIG3 , the rotation mechanism 10 may include a drive motor 100, which is fixed to a first structural member 21, and a drive shaft of the drive motor 100 is connected to a second structural member 22. When the rotation mechanism 10 is in automatic mode, the drive shaft of the drive motor 100 rotates, thereby causing the second structural member 22 to rotate relative to the first structural member 21. When the rotation mechanism 10 is in both automatic and manual modes, while the drive shaft of the drive motor 100 rotates, the second structural member 22 can also be manually driven to rotate. For example, when the drive shaft of the drive motor 100 drives the second structural member 22 to rotate toward the first structural member 21, the second structural member 22 is simultaneously manually driven to rotate toward the first structural member 21. This arrangement increases the torque applied to the drive shaft of the drive motor 100, causing the drive motor 100 to overload and reducing the reliability of the rotation mechanism 10.

[0059] Figure 4 is a structural diagram of a rotation mechanism 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation mechanism 10 in Figure 4 along the BB section line; Figure 6 is a structural diagram of the rotation mechanism 10 in an embodiment of the present application with the housing removed; Figure 7 is a front view of the rotation mechanism 10 in an embodiment of the present application with the housing removed; and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation mechanism 10 in Figure 6 along the AA section line. The following describes a rotation mechanism 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application with reference to Figures 4 to 8.

[0060] In view of this, in the embodiment of the present application, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8 , the rotating mechanism 10 may include a driving gear 700 , a planetary gear 800 , a first gear 500 and a second gear 600 .

[0061] The central axis of the driving gear 700 may be the first axis S1, and the planetary gear 800 may be engaged with the driving gear 700. For example, the central axis S2 of the planetary gear 800 may be parallel to the first axis S1 and spaced apart from the first axis S1.

[0062] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific shape of the drive gear 700. For example, the outer shape of the drive gear 700 may include a cylindrical gear or a bevel gear. The tooth line shape of the drive gear 700 may include a spur gear, a helical gear, a herringbone gear, etc. The surface where the gear of the drive gear 700 is located may include the outer surface or the inner surface of the drive gear 700. Similarly, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific shape of the planetary gear 800, as long as it can mesh with the drive gear 700.

[0063] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the driving gear 700 may include a driving gear shaft 700a. The "gear shaft" mentioned here and below can be understood as an integrated structure formed by processing the gear and the rotating shaft. The gear portion 713 of the driving gear shaft is located between the first shaft portion 711 of the driving gear shaft and the second shaft portion 712 of the driving gear shaft. Based on the above structure, the planetary gear 800 can be engaged with the gear portion 713 of the driving gear shaft so that the planetary gear 800 can be engaged with the driving gear 700. In the embodiment of the present application, the driving gear 700 is the driving gear shaft 700a. Of course, in some other examples, the driving gear 700 may also include other gear structures, and the other gear structures can be engaged with the planetary gear 800.

[0064] In some embodiments, the rotating mechanism 10 may include a driving motor 100 and a connecting structure 200, and the transmission shaft of the driving motor 100 may be connected to the second shaft portion 712 of the driving gear shaft through the connecting structure 200. The connecting structure 200 may include a coupling. Through the above arrangement, when the transmission shaft of the driving motor 100 rotates, the transmission shaft of the driving motor 100 drives the driving gear shaft 700a to rotate, that is, the driving motor 100 can drive the driving gear 700 to rotate, so that the driving gear 700 can drive the planetary gear 800 to rotate. Of course, in some other embodiments, the rotating mechanism 10 may further include other driving components, which can only be used to drive the driving gear 700 to rotate.

[0065] Continuing with Figures 5 and 8 , the first gear 500 can mesh with the planetary gears 800, and the central axis of the first gear 500 can be the first axis S1. For example, the planetary gears 800 can include external gears, and the first gear 500 can include internal gears. The first gear 500 can be mounted outside the planetary gears 800 and the drive gear 700, such that the central axes of the first gear 500 and the drive gear 700 coincide. The specific shape of the first gear 500 is not limited in this embodiment of the present application; it only needs to be able to mesh with the planetary gears 800.

[0066] Continuing with Figures 5 and 8 , the second gear 600 can mesh with the planetary gears 800, with the central axis of the second gear 600 being the first axis S1. For example, the planetary gears 800 can include external gears, and the second gear 600 can include internal gears. The second gear 600 can be disposed outside the planetary gears 800 and the drive gear 700, such that the central axes of the second gear 600 and the drive gear 700 coincide. The specific shape of the second gear 600 is not limited in this embodiment of the present application; it only requires that it can mesh with the planetary gears 800.

[0067] In the embodiment of the present application, the number of teeth of the second gear 600 may be different from the number of teeth of the first gear 500. Since the number of teeth of the second gear 600 is different from the number of teeth of the first gear 500, the rotation states of the first gear 500 and the second gear 600 may be different under the drive of the planetary gear 800.

[0068] When the rotating mechanism 10 is assembled in a foldable electronic device, the driving gear 700 can be connected to the first structural member 21, and the second gear 600 can be connected to the second structural member 22. When the second gear 600 rotates, the second structural member 22 can rotate relative to the first structural member 21, so that the foldable electronic device can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0069] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the structure of a rotation mechanism 10 in automatic mode according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 9, when the rotation mechanism 10 is in automatic mode, the drive gear 700 can rotate about the first axis S1, the planetary gear 800 rotates about its own central axis, and the planetary gear 800 rotates about the first axis S1, the second gear 600 rotates about the first axis S1, and the first gear 500 is stationary.

[0070] For example, when the rotation mechanism 10 is in automatic mode, the drive gear 700 rotates about the first axis S1, and the planetary gear 800, driven by the drive gear 700, rotates about its own central axis (i.e., the planetary gear 800 rotates). Since the first gear 500 is stationary, the planetary gear 800 also rotates about the first axis S1 (i.e., the planetary gear 800 revolves around the first axis S1). Driven by the planetary gear 800, the second gear 600 rotates about the first axis S1. The rotation mechanism 10 may further include other components that, when the rotation mechanism 10 is in automatic mode, may be connected to the first gear 500 to keep the first gear 500 stationary.

[0071] The following describes the rotational direction of the gears in the rotation mechanism 10, using the transition process from the unfolded state to the folded state in automatic mode as an example. For example, the drive gear 700 rotates clockwise about the first axis S1 (as indicated by direction a1 in FIG. 9 ), and the planetary gears 800, driven by the drive gear 700, rotate counterclockwise about their own central axes (as indicated by direction c1 in FIG. 9 ). Because the first gear 500 is stationary, the planetary gears 800 also rotate clockwise about the first axis S1 (as indicated by direction b1 in FIG. 9 ). Driven by the planetary gears 800, the second gear 600 also rotates clockwise about the first axis S1 (as indicated by direction d1 in FIG. 9 ).

[0072] Through the above arrangement, when the rotating mechanism 10 is in the automatic mode, the driving gear 700 can drive the second gear 600 to rotate, so that the second structural member 22 can rotate relative to the first structural member 21, thereby facilitating the conversion of the foldable electronic device between the folded state and the unfolded state.

[0073] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the structure of a rotation mechanism 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application in a state in which both automatic and manual modes coexist; Figure 11 is an exploded view of the structure of another rotation mechanism 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application in a state in which both automatic and manual modes coexist. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, when the rotation mechanism 10 is in the state in which both automatic and manual modes coexist, the second gear 600 rotates about the first axis S1, the planetary gear 800 rotates about its own central axis, and the planetary gear 800 rotates about the first axis S1, the drive gear 700 rotates about the first axis S1, and the first gear 500 rotates about the first axis S1.

[0074] For example, when the rotating mechanism 10 is in a state where the automatic mode and the manual mode coexist, the second gear 600 rotates around the first axis S1 under the action of the manual driving force, the planetary gear 800 rotates around the first axis S1 driven by the second gear 600 (that is, the planetary gear 800 revolves around the first axis S1), and the first gear 500 rotates around the first axis S1 driven by the planetary gear 800. At the same time, since the driving gear 700 rotates around the first axis S1, the planetary gear 800 rotates around its own central axis driven by the driving gear 700 (that is, the planetary gear 800 rotates on its own). The rotating mechanism 10 may also include other components. When the rotating mechanism 10 is in a state where the automatic mode and the manual mode coexist, the component can be connected to the first gear 500, and the first gear 500 overcomes the connecting force between the component and the first gear 500 and rotates.

[0075] The rotation mechanism 10 is in a state where both automatic and manual modes coexist, for example, including two states: In the first state, the movement trend of the rotation mechanism 10 in automatic mode is opposite to the movement trend of the rotation mechanism 10 in manual mode. During the transition from the deployed state to the folded state in automatic mode, the second structural member is manually driven to rotate in the opposite direction (or the second structural member is manually prevented from further rotation). As shown in Figure 10, at this time, the driving gear 700 can rotate clockwise about the first axis S1 (direction a2 in Figure 10), the second gear 600 rotates counterclockwise about the first axis S1 under the action of the manual driving force (direction d2 in Figure 10), and the planetary gear 800, driven by the second gear 600, rotates counterclockwise about the first axis S1 (direction b2 in Figure 10). Simultaneously, the planetary gear 800, driven by the driving gear 700, rotates counterclockwise about its own central axis (direction c2 in Figure 10). Furthermore, the first gear 500, driven by the planetary gear 800, rotates counterclockwise about the first axis S1 (direction e2 in Figure 10).

[0076] In the second state, the movement trend of the rotating mechanism 10 in automatic mode is the same as the movement trend of the rotating mechanism 10 in manual mode. During the transition from the deployed state to the folded state in automatic mode, the second structural member is manually driven to rotate in the same direction, and the manual drive speed is greater than the speed in automatic mode. As shown in Figure 11, at this time, the driving gear 700 can rotate clockwise about the first axis S1 (direction a3 in Figure 11). The second gear 600 rotates clockwise about the first axis S1 under the action of the manual drive force (direction d3 in Figure 11), and the speed of the second gear 600 increases. Driven by the second gear 600, the planetary gear 800 rotates clockwise about the first axis S1 (direction b3 in Figure 11). Simultaneously, driven by the driving gear 700, the planetary gear 800 rotates counterclockwise about its own central axis (direction c3 in Figure 11). Furthermore, driven by the planetary gear 800, the first gear 500 rotates clockwise about the first axis S1 (direction e3 in Figure 11).

[0077] To sum up, when the rotating mechanism 10 is in a state where the automatic mode and the manual mode coexist, the manual driving force transmitted to the rotating mechanism 10 can cause the first gear 500 to rotate around the first axis S1, and can cause the planetary gear 800 to rotate around its own central axis, which is beneficial to reducing the torque of the manual driving force transmitted to the drive gear 700, avoiding overload of the rotating mechanism 10, and facilitating improving the reliability of the rotating mechanism 10.

[0078] Furthermore, in an embodiment where the rotating mechanism 10 includes a drive motor 100, reducing the manual driving force transmitted to the drive gear 700 is also beneficial in reducing the torque transmitted to the drive shaft of the drive motor 100, so that the torque transmitted to the drive shaft of the drive motor 100 is lower than the limit torque, thereby protecting the drive motor 100.

[0079] At the same time, since the central axes of the first gear 500, the second gear 600 and the driving gear 700 are all the first axis S1, it is beneficial to reduce the size of the rotating mechanism 10 in the direction perpendicular to the first axis S1, which is beneficial to saving the space occupied by the rotating mechanism 10 and facilitating the miniaturization of the foldable electronic device.

[0080] Through the above arrangement, when the rotating mechanism 10 is in automatic mode, the driving gear 700 can drive the second gear 600 to rotate, so that the second structural member can rotate relative to the first structural member, thereby facilitating the conversion of the foldable electronic device between the folded state and the unfolded state.

[0081] When the foldable electronic device transitions between the folded and unfolded states, in some examples, the drive gear 700 of the rotation mechanism 10 is constantly rotating, meaning that the rotation mechanism 10 is always in automatic mode. In other examples, the drive gear 700 of the rotation mechanism 10 may stop rotating, meaning that the rotation mechanism 10 is only in manual mode.

[0082] Figure 12 is an exploded view of the structure of a rotation mechanism 10 provided by an embodiment of the present application in manual mode. As shown in Figure 12, when the rotation mechanism 10 is in manual mode, the second gear 600 can rotate about the first axis S1, the planetary gear 800 rotates about its own central axis, and the planetary gear 800 rotates about the first axis S1, the first gear 500 rotates about the first axis S1, and the drive gear 700 is stationary.

[0083] For example, when the rotation mechanism 10 is in manual mode, the second gear 600 can rotate about the first axis S1, and the planetary gear 800, driven by the second gear 600, rotates about the first axis S1 (i.e., the planetary gear 800 orbits around the first axis S1). Because the drive gear 700 is stationary, the planetary gear 800 also rotates about its own central axis (i.e., the planetary gear 800 rotates on its own axis). The first gear 500, driven by the planetary gear 800, rotates about the first axis S1.

[0084] The following describes the rotational direction of the gears in the rotation mechanism 10, using the example of the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state in manual mode. For example, the second gear 600 rotates clockwise about the first axis S1 (direction d4 in FIG. 12 ), and the planetary gear 800, driven by the second gear 600, also rotates clockwise about the first axis S1 (direction b4 in FIG. 12 ). Because the drive gear 700 is stationary, the planetary gear 800 also rotates clockwise about its own central axis (direction c4 in FIG. 12 ). Driven by the planetary gear 800, the first gear 500 also rotates clockwise about the first axis S1 (direction e4 in FIG. 12 ).

[0085] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the rotating mechanism 10 may further include a housing 50. The housing 50 may be disposed outside the planetary gears 800, the first gear 500, and the second gear 600. The housing 50 may be fixedly connected to the first structural member. The provision of the housing 50 may improve the assembly stability of the planetary gears 800, the first gear 500, and the second gear 600, and may prevent the planetary gears 800, the first gear 500, and the second gear 600 from being exposed to the external environment, thereby protecting the planetary gears 800, the first gear 500, and the second gear 600 and extending the service life of the rotating mechanism 10.

[0086] Exemplarily, the shell 50 may include a first part 51, a second part 52 and a third part 53, the second part 52 is located between the first part 51 and the third part 53, the first part 51, the second part 52 and the third part 53 jointly enclose an accommodating space, and the first gear 500, the second gear 600, the planetary gear 800 and at least part of the driving gear 700 are all located in the accommodating space.

[0087] Specifically, the first portion 51 may include a first sleeve 511 and a first stop plate 512. The first sleeve 511 is generally hollow cylindrical in structure. The first stop plate 512 is connected to the first sleeve 511 and covers one opening of the first sleeve 511. The second portion 52 is generally hollow cylindrical in structure and communicates with the other opening of the first sleeve 511. The third portion 53 may include a third sleeve 531 and a third stop plate 532. The third sleeve 531 is generally hollow cylindrical in structure. The third stop plate 532 is connected to the third sleeve 531 and covers the opening of the third sleeve 531 away from the second portion 52. The first and third stop plates 512 and 532 are arranged along the extension direction P1 of the first axis, with the planetary gear 800 located between the first and third stop plates 512 and 532. The first, second, and third portions 51, 52, 53 may be connected together using threaded fasteners such as bolts. Of course, the structure of the housing 50 described above is merely exemplary, and the embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the structure of the housing 50 .

[0088] Based on the above structure, the rotating mechanism 10 may further include an elastic friction assembly 300. The elastic friction assembly 300 may be compressively arranged between the first gear 500 and the housing 50. In the extension direction P1 of the first axis, the first end of the first gear 500 contacts the housing 50, the second end of the first gear 500 abuts the first end of the elastic friction assembly 300, and the second end of the elastic friction assembly 300 abuts the housing 50. Here, "abut" may be understood as meaning that, under the action of the elastic restoring force of the elastic friction assembly 300, the first end of the elastic friction assembly 300 and the second end of the first gear 500 are in close contact and have an interaction force, and the second end of the elastic friction assembly 300 and the housing 50 are in close contact and have an interaction force.

[0089] Exemplarily, the elastic friction assembly 300 is also located within the accommodation space enclosed by the first portion 51, the second portion 52, and the third portion 53. The first end of the first gear 500 can be the left end of the first gear 500 in FIG. 5 , and the second end of the first gear 500 can be the right end of the first gear 500 in FIG. The first end of the elastic friction assembly 300 can be the left end of the elastic friction assembly 300 in FIG. 5 , and the second end of the elastic friction assembly 300 can be the right end of the elastic friction assembly 300 in FIG. The second portion 52 of the housing 50 can have a boss 521 protruding in a direction close to the first axis S1. The boss 521 contacts the first end of the first gear 500. The second end of the first gear 500 abuts the first end of the elastic friction assembly 300. The second end of the elastic friction assembly 300 can abut the first stop plate 512 of the first portion 51.

[0090] When the rotating mechanism 10 is in automatic mode, the driving gear 700 rotates around the first axis S1, and the planetary gear 800 rotates around its own central axis under the drive gear 700 (that is, the planetary gear 800 rotates); under the action of the static friction force applied by the elastic friction component 300 to the first gear 500, the first gear 500 is stationary, so that the planetary gear 800 also rotates around the first axis S1 (that is, the planetary gear 800 revolves around the first axis S1); driven by the planetary gear 800, the second gear 600 rotates around the first axis S1, so that the second structural member can rotate relative to the first structural member, thereby facilitating the conversion of the foldable electronic device between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0091] When the rotation mechanism 10 is in both automatic and manual modes, the second gear 600 rotates about the first axis S1 under the influence of the manual drive force, and the planetary gear 800, driven by the second gear 600, rotates about the first axis S1 (i.e., the planetary gear 800 orbits about the first axis S1). Driven by the planetary gear 800, the first gear 500 overcomes the maximum static friction and rotates about the first axis S1. Simultaneously, as the drive gear 700 rotates about the first axis S1, the planetary gear 800, driven by the drive gear 700, rotates about its own central axis (i.e., the planetary gear 800 rotates on its own axis).

[0092] In summary, when the rotating mechanism 10 is in automatic mode, the first gear 500 remains stationary due to the static friction of the elastic friction assembly 300. When the rotating mechanism 10 is in both automatic and manual modes, the first gear 500 rotates while overcoming the maximum static friction of the elastic friction assembly 300. The rotation of the first gear 500 offsets part of the manual driving force transmitted to the drive gear 700, thereby reducing the torque of the manual driving force transmitted to the drive gear 700, preventing overload of the rotating mechanism 10, and improving the reliability of the rotating mechanism 10.

[0093] Furthermore, the friction force exerted by the elastic friction assembly 300 on the first gear 500 can serve as a damping force during the rotation of the rotating mechanism 10. When the rotating mechanism 10 is in automatic mode, the first gear 500 is stationary, and the planetary gear 800 rotates about the first axis S1. The planetary gear 800 does not need to drive the first gear 500 to move. In other words, the damping force applied to the rotating mechanism 10 is small, which helps improve the torque transmission efficiency of the rotating mechanism 10. When the rotating mechanism 10 is in a state where both automatic and manual modes coexist, the first gear 500 rotates by overcoming the maximum static friction force of the elastic friction assembly 300. In other words, the damping force applied to the rotating mechanism 10 is large, which can provide a hovering feel when the second gear 600 rotates.

[0094] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 9, 10, and 11, when the rotating mechanism 10 is in automatic mode, the elastic member has a first dimension H1 along the direction P1 extending along the first axis. When the rotating mechanism 10 is in both automatic and manual modes, the elastic member has a second dimension H2 along the direction P1 extending along the first axis, and the second dimension H2 is equal to the first dimension H1. With this arrangement, the space occupied by the rotating mechanism 10 remains unchanged when the rotating mechanism 10 is in both automatic and manual modes, or when the rotating mechanism 10 is in automatic mode, facilitating the miniaturization of the foldable electronic device.

[0095] As described in the above embodiment, when the rotating mechanism 10 is in manual mode, the first gear 500 rotates against the maximum static friction of the elastic friction assembly 300, and the driving gear 700 remains stationary. The rotational friction of the first gear 500 can provide a hovering feel when the second gear 600 rotates.

[0096] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 9 and 12 , when the rotating mechanism 10 is in manual mode, the second gear 600 rotates about the first axis S1, the planetary gear 800 rotates about its own central axis, and the planetary gear 800 rotates about the first axis S1, the first gear 500 rotates about the first axis S1, and the driving gear 700 remains stationary. In the extension direction P1 of the first axis, the dimension of the elastic member is a third dimension H3, which is equal to the first dimension H1. With this arrangement, the space occupied by the rotating mechanism 10 remains unchanged whether in automatic mode or manual mode, facilitating the miniaturization of the foldable electronic device.

[0097] In some embodiments, referring to FIG5 , the elastic friction assembly 300 may include an elastic member 320 and a friction plate 310. The friction plate 310 may be located between the first gear 500 and the elastic member 320. In the extension direction P1 of the first axis, a first end of the elastic member 320 abuts against the friction plate 310. A second end of the elastic friction assembly 300 abuts against the housing 50, including: the second end of the elastic member 320 abuts against the housing 50.

[0098] For example, the elastic member 320 may include a spring sheet, which may be sleeved onto the second shaft portion 712 of the drive gear shaft. The friction plate 310 may also be sleeved onto the second shaft portion 712 of the drive gear shaft. The elastic restoring force of the spring sheet has a force component parallel to the first axis S1, so that the spring sheet can compress the friction plate 310 in a direction parallel to the first axis S1, thereby increasing the friction force on the first gear 500.

[0099] Of course, in some examples, the elastic member 320 may also be other elastic structures such as a spring, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific structure of the elastic member 320.

[0100] FIG13 is an exploded view of the structure of a first bracket 910, a second bracket 920, a third bracket 930, and a planetary gear 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application. In conjunction with FIG8 to FIG13 , in some embodiments, the planetary gear 800 may include a first planetary gear set 801 and a second planetary gear set 802. The first planetary gear set 801 may include a plurality of first planetary gears 810 arranged circumferentially along the first axis S1. The first planetary gears 810 mesh with the first gear 500 and the first planetary gears 810 mesh with the drive gear 700. The second planetary gear set 802 may include a plurality of second planetary gears 820 arranged circumferentially along the first axis S1. The second planetary gears 820 mesh with the second gear 600.

[0101] For example, the first planetary gear set 801 may include four first planetary gears 810, which may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the driving gear 700. The second planetary gear set 802 may include two second planetary gears 820, which may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the driving gear 700. Of course, the number of first planetary gears 810 in the first planetary gear set 801 and the number of second planetary gears 820 in the second planetary gear set 802 are merely exemplary, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of first planetary gears 810 and the number of second planetary gears 820.

[0102] In an embodiment where the driving gear 700 includes a driving gear shaft 700a, the first planetary gear 810 may be meshed with the gear portion 713 of the driving gear shaft. The plurality of second planetary gears 820 may be arranged along the circumference of the first shaft portion 711 of the driving gear shaft, or the plurality of second planetary gears 820 may be arranged along the circumference of the second shaft portion 712 of the driving gear shaft.

[0103] Based on the above structure, as shown in Figure 13, along the reference direction P2, the first planetary gear 810 and the second planetary gear 820 are connected, and the central axis of the first planetary gear 810 and the central axis of the second planetary gear 820 coincide with each other. The reference direction P2 is parallel to the first axis S1 and does not coincide with the extension direction P1 of the first axis. Here, "connection" can be understood as direct connection and indirect connection. For example, the first planetary gear 810 and the second planetary gear 820 can be directly connected together by bonding or welding. Alternatively, a transition component can be provided between the first planetary gear 810 and the second planetary gear 820, and the first planetary gear 810 is connected to the transition component, and the second planetary gear 820 is connected to the transition component, so that the first planetary gear 810 and the second planetary gear 820 can be indirectly connected together.

[0104] Through the above arrangement, the motion states of the first planetary gear 810 and the second planetary gear 820 are made the same. For example, when the first planetary gear 810 rotates about its own axis (i.e., the first planetary gear 810 rotates on its own axis), the second planetary gear 820 also rotates about its own axis (i.e., the second planetary gear 820 rotates on its own axis). Alternatively, when the first planetary gear 810 rotates about the first axis S1 (i.e., the first planetary gear 810 revolves around the first axis S1), the second planetary gear 820 also rotates about the first axis S1 (i.e., the second planetary gear 820 revolves around the first axis S1).

[0105] To sum up, when the rotating mechanism 10 is in the automatic mode, the driving gear 700 rotates around the first axis S1, and the first planetary gear 810 rotates around its own central axis under the drive gear 700 (that is, the first planetary gear 810 rotates on its own), and at the same time, the second planetary gear 820 also rotates around its own central axis (that is, the first planetary gear 810 rotates on its own); since the first gear 500 is stationary, the first planetary gear 810 also rotates around the first axis S1 (that is, the first planetary gear 810 revolves around the first axis S1), and at the same time, the second planetary gear 820 also rotates around the first axis S1 (that is, the second planetary gear 820 revolves around the first axis S1); driven by the second planetary gear 820, the second gear 600 rotates around the first axis S1, so that the second structural member can rotate relative to the first structural member, so as to facilitate the conversion of the foldable electronic device between the folded state and the unfolded state.

[0106] When the rotation mechanism 10 is in both automatic and manual modes, the second gear 600 rotates about the first axis S1 under the influence of the manual drive force. Driven by the second gear 600, the second planetary gears 820 rotate about the first axis S1 (i.e., the second planetary gears 820 revolve around the first axis S1). Simultaneously, the first planetary gears 810 also rotate about the first axis S1 (i.e., the first planetary gears 810 revolve around the first axis S1). The first gear 500 rotates about the first axis S1 driven by the first planetary gears 810. Furthermore, as the drive gear 700 rotates about the first axis S1, the first planetary gears 810, driven by the drive gear 700, rotate about their own central axis (i.e., the second planetary gears 820 rotate). Simultaneously, the first planetary gears 810 also rotate about their own central axis (i.e., the first planetary gears 810 rotate).

[0107] In some embodiments, the number of teeth on the first planetary gear 810 can be different from the number of teeth on the second planetary gear 820. As described in the above embodiment, since the second gear 600 and the second planetary gear 820 are meshed, and the drive gear 700 and the first planetary gear 810 are meshed, when the number of teeth on the first planetary gear 810 differs from the number of teeth on the second planetary gear 820, the speed transmitted from the drive gear 700 to the second gear 600 changes, which helps accommodate the different speed requirements of the second structural member. For example, the number of teeth on the first planetary gear 810 can be greater than the number of teeth on the second planetary gear 820, so that the speed of the second gear 600 is lower than that of the drive gear 700.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first planetary gear 810 may include a first gear shaft 810a, with a gear portion 813 of the first gear shaft located between a first shaft portion 811 and a second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft. In the embodiment of the present application, the first planetary gear 810 is the first gear shaft 810a. Of course, in other examples, the first planetary gear 810 may also include other gear structures that can mesh with the drive gear 700.

[0109] In some embodiments, the second planetary gear 820 may include a second gear shaft 820a, with a gear portion 823 of the second gear shaft located between the first shaft portion 821 of the second gear shaft and the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft. In the embodiment of the present application, the second planetary gear 820 is the second gear shaft 820a. Of course, in other examples, the second planetary gear 820 may also include other gear structures that can mesh with the second gear 600.

[0110] In the reference direction P2, the distance between the first shaft portion 811 of the first gear shaft and the gear portion 823 of the second gear shaft is greater than the distance between the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft and the gear portion 823 of the second gear shaft, and the distance between the first shaft portion 821 of the second gear shaft and the gear portion 813 of the first gear shaft is greater than the distance between the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft and the gear portion 813 of the first gear shaft.

[0111] Illustratively, the gear portion 813 of the first gear shaft can be engaged with the gear portion 713 of the driving gear, and the gear portion 813 of the first gear shaft can also be engaged with the first gear 500, the first shaft portion 811 of the first gear shaft can be located to the right of the gear portion 813 of the first gear shaft in the illustrated position, and the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft can be located to the left of the gear portion 813 of the first gear shaft in the illustrated position.

[0112] Illustratively, the gear portion 823 of the second gear shaft can be engaged with the second gear 600, the first shaft portion 821 of the second gear shaft can be located to the left of the gear portion 823 of the second gear shaft in the illustrated position, and the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft can be located to the right of the gear portion 823 of the second gear shaft in the illustrated position.

[0113] Based on the above structure, in the first planetary gear 810 and the second planetary gear 820 located in the reference direction P2: the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft and the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft are connected. Here, "connection" can be understood as direct connection and indirect connection. For example, the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft and the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft can be directly connected together by bonding or welding. Alternatively, a transition component can be provided between the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft and the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft, and the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft is connected to the transition component, and the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft is connected to the transition component, so that the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft and the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft can be indirectly connected together.

[0114] Through the above arrangement, the motion states of the first planetary gear 810 and the second planetary gear 820 are made the same. For example, when the first planetary gear 810 rotates about its own axis (i.e., the first planetary gear 810 rotates on its own axis), the second planetary gear 820 also rotates about its own axis (i.e., the second planetary gear 820 rotates on its own axis). Alternatively, when the first planetary gear 810 rotates about the first axis S1 (i.e., the first planetary gear 810 revolves around the first axis S1), the second planetary gear 820 also rotates about the first axis S1 (i.e., the second planetary gear 820 revolves around the first axis S1).

[0115] Continuing with reference to Figures 8 to 13, the rotating mechanism 10 can also include a first bracket 910, which is sleeved on the first shaft portion 711 of the driving gear shaft and is rotatably connected to the first shaft portion 711 of the driving gear shaft. The first bracket 910 has a first accommodating hole 912, and the first shaft portion 811 of the first gear shaft is located in the first accommodating hole 912 and is rotatably connected to the first accommodating hole 912.

[0116] For example, as shown in Figure 13, the first bracket 910 may include a first rotating hole 911, the first shaft portion 711 of the driving gear shaft is passed through the first rotating hole 911, and the first shaft portion 711 of the driving gear shaft is loosely matched with the first rotating hole 911, so that the first bracket 910 can rotate relative to the first shaft portion 711 of the driving gear shaft.

[0117] The first accommodating hole 912 and the first rotating hole 911 are spaced apart, and the first shaft portion 811 of the first gear shaft can be passed through the first accommodating hole 912, and the first shaft portion 811 of the first gear shaft and the first accommodating hole 912 are clearance-matched so that the first shaft portion 811 of the first gear shaft can rotate relative to the first bracket 910.

[0118] As described in the above embodiment, the first planetary gear set 801 may include a plurality of first planetary gears 810 arranged along the circumferential direction of the first axis S1, and the first planetary gears 810 include a first gear shaft 810a. That is, the plurality of first gear shafts 810a may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the first axis S1. In some examples, the number of first accommodating holes 912 may be multiple, and the plurality of first accommodating holes 912 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the first rotating hole 911. The number of first accommodating holes 912 can be set accordingly based on the number of first gear shafts 810a, so that the first shaft portion 811 of one first gear shaft is inserted into one first accommodating hole 912, thereby achieving that the plurality of first gear shafts 810a can all rotate with the first bracket 910, and the plurality of first gear shafts 810a can all rotate relative to the first shaft portion 711 of the driving gear shaft.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first gear 500 may include an inner ring gear, which is sleeved onto the exterior of the first planetary gears 810. Through this arrangement, the first gear 500, the first planetary gears 810, the first bracket 910, and the drive gear 700 may collectively constitute a planetary gear train. In this planetary gear train, the drive gear 700 may be a center gear, the first bracket 910 may be a planetary carrier, the multiple first planetary gears 810 in the first planetary gear set 801 may be multiple planetary gears, and the first gear 500 may be a ring gear. By configuring the first gear 500 as an inner ring gear, the structural compactness of the planetary gear train 800 is enhanced, which helps improve the assembly stability of the first planetary gears 810.

[0120] The maximum distance between the circumferential surface of the first shaft portion 811 of the first gear shaft and the first axis S1 is greater than the distance between the circumferential surface of the first bracket 910 and the first axis S1. For example, the wall of the first receiving hole 912 may be adjacent to the circumferential surface of the first bracket 910, so that the first shaft portion 811 of the first gear shaft can extend beyond the circumferential surface of the first bracket 910. This arrangement prevents interference between the first bracket 910 and the first gear 500 during rotation of the first bracket 910 about the first axis S1, thereby further miniaturizing the rotating mechanism 10.

[0121] Continuing with reference to Figures 8 to 13, the rotating mechanism 10 can also include a second bracket 920, which is sleeved on the second shaft portion 712 of the driving gear shaft and is rotatably connected to the second shaft portion 712 of the driving gear shaft. The second bracket 920 has a second accommodating hole 922, and the first shaft portion 821 of the second gear shaft is located in the second accommodating hole 922 and is rotatably connected to the second accommodating hole 922.

[0122] Exemplarily, the second bracket 920 may include a second rotating hole 921, the second shaft portion 712 of the driving gear shaft is passed through the second rotating hole 921, and the second shaft portion 712 of the driving gear shaft is loosely matched with the second rotating hole 921, so that the second bracket 920 can rotate relative to the second shaft portion 712 of the driving gear shaft.

[0123] The second accommodating hole 922 is spaced apart from the second rotating hole 921, and the first shaft portion 811 of the first gear shaft can be passed through the first accommodating hole 912, and the first shaft portion 811 of the first gear shaft is loosely matched with the first accommodating hole 912 so that the first shaft portion 811 of the first gear shaft can rotate relative to the first bracket 910.

[0124] As described in the above embodiment, the second planetary gear set 802 may include a plurality of second planetary gears 820 arranged circumferentially along the first axis S1, and the second planetary gears 820 include second gear shafts 820a. That is, the plurality of second gear shafts 820a may be arranged circumferentially along the first axis S1. In some examples, the number of second accommodating holes 922 may be multiple, and the plurality of second accommodating holes 922 may be arranged circumferentially along the second rotating hole 921. The number of second accommodating holes 922 may be set accordingly based on the number of second gear shafts 820a, so that the first shaft portion 821 of one second gear shaft is inserted into one second accommodating hole 922, thereby enabling the plurality of second gear shafts 820a to rotate with the second bracket 920 and the plurality of second gear shafts 820a to rotate relative to the second shaft portion 712 of the driving gear shaft.

[0125] In some embodiments, the second gear 600 may include an inner ring gear, and the second gear 600 is sleeved on the outside of the second planetary gear 820. By configuring the first gear 500 as an inner ring gear, the structural compactness of the rotating mechanism 10 is improved, which is conducive to improving the assembly stability of the second planetary gear 820.

[0126] The maximum distance between the circumferential surface of the first shaft portion 821 of the second gear shaft and the first axis S1 is greater than the distance between the circumferential surface of the second bracket 920 and the first axis S1. For example, the wall of the second receiving hole 922 can be adjacent to the circumferential surface of the second bracket 920, so that the first shaft portion 821 of the second gear shaft can extend beyond the circumferential surface of the second bracket 920. This arrangement prevents interference between the second bracket 920 and the second gear 600 during rotation of the second bracket 920 about the first axis S1, thereby further miniaturizing the rotating mechanism 10.

[0127] 8 to 13 , the rotating mechanism 10 may further include a third bracket 930 , which is located between the first bracket 910 and the second bracket 920 . The third bracket 930 is sleeved on the second shaft portion 712 of the driving gear shaft and is rotatably connected to the second shaft portion 712 of the driving gear shaft.

[0128] Exemplarily, the third bracket 930 may include a third rotating hole 931, the second shaft portion 712 of the driving gear shaft is passed through the third rotating hole 931, and the second shaft portion 712 of the driving gear shaft is loosely matched with the third rotating hole 931, so that the third bracket 930 can rotate relative to the second shaft portion 712 of the driving gear shaft.

[0129] The third bracket 930 has a third accommodating hole 932 , the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft is located in the third accommodating hole 932 and is rotatably connected to the third accommodating hole 932 , and the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft is located in the third accommodating hole 932 and is rotatably connected to the third accommodating hole 932 .

[0130] For example, the third receiving hole 932 is spaced apart from the third rotating hole 931, and the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft can be inserted into the third receiving hole 932, and the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft and the third receiving hole 932 are loosely fitted, so that the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft can rotate relative to the third bracket 930. Similarly, the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft can be inserted into the third receiving hole 932, and the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft and the third receiving hole 932 are loosely fitted, so that the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft can rotate relative to the third bracket 930.

[0131] Continuing with reference to FIG13 , the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft has a first mating surface N1, which intersects with a reference surface M, and the reference surface M is perpendicular to the first axis S1. The second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft has a second mating surface N2, which intersects with the reference surface M, and the first mating surface N1 and the second mating surface N2 are in contact.

[0132] For example, the first mating surface N1 can be a plane, and the first mating surface N1 can be perpendicular to the reference surface M. Correspondingly, the second mating surface N2 can also be a plane, and the second mating surface N2 can also be perpendicular to the reference surface M. There can be multiple third receiving holes 932, and the multiple third receiving holes 932 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the third rotating hole 931. The second shaft portion 812 of a first gear shaft and the second shaft portion 822 of a second gear shaft are both disposed within the same third receiving hole 932. Furthermore, because the first mating surface N1 and the second mating surface N2 are in contact, within the same third receiving hole 932, when the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft rotates relative to the third receiving hole 932, the first mating surface N1 pushes the second mating surface N2 to move, causing the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft to also rotate relative to the third receiving hole 932. Furthermore, the first gear shaft 810a and the second gear shaft 820a can rotate in the same direction.

[0133] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific shapes of the first mating surface N1 and the second mating surface N2. For example, the first mating surface N1 may also include a curved surface, and correspondingly, the second mating surface N2 may also include a curved surface that matches the first mating surface N1.

[0134] Alternatively, the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft and the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft may also include other matching connection structures to connect the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft and the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft together. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific structure of the second shaft portion 822 of the second gear shaft and the second shaft portion 812 of the first gear shaft.

[0135] Based on the above structure, and with continued reference to FIG8 , the elastic friction assembly 300 may further include a first connector 330 , which may be positioned between the first gear 500 and the friction plate 310 . FIG14 is an exploded view of the first connector 330 and the first gear 500 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG8 and FIG14 , the first connector 330 has a protruding first bump 413 , which extends into the first groove 501 of the first gear 500 .

[0136] For example, the first connecting member 330 may include a first rotating portion 411 and a first mating portion 412. The first mating portion 412 is located between the first sleeve 511 and the first gear 500. The first rotating portion 411 can be sleeved onto the second shaft portion 712 of the drive gear shaft and positioned between the friction plate 310 and the second shaft portion 712 of the drive gear shaft. The first rotating portion 411 is also positioned between the spring plate and the second shaft portion 712 of the drive gear shaft. The first mating portion 412 has a protruding first bump 413. The first mating portion 412 and the first gear 500 are connected via the first bump 413 and the first groove 501. With this arrangement, when the first gear 500 rotates about the first axis S1, the first connecting member 330 also rotates about the first axis S1. Because the mating portion of the first connecting member 330 is located between the first gear 500 and the friction plate 310, direct contact between the friction plate 310 and the first gear 500 is avoided, thereby helping to prevent wear on the first gear 500.

[0137] In some examples, the first connector 330 may have multiple first protrusions 413, which may be evenly arranged along the circumference of the first connector 330. Accordingly, the first gear 500 may have multiple first grooves 501, which may be evenly arranged along the circumference of the first gear 500. One first protrusion 413 may be located within one first groove 501, so that there is a one-to-one correspondence between each first protrusion 413 and first groove 501. This arrangement further improves the connection reliability between the first connector 330 and the first gear 500.

[0138] Continuing with FIG8 , in some embodiments, the rotation mechanism 10 may further include a second connector 420, and the second planetary gear 820 may be located between the second connector 420 and the first planetary gear 810. FIG15 is an exploded view of the second connector 420 and the second gear 600 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG15 , the second connector 420 may have a second protrusion 423 that extends into the second groove 601 of the second gear 600.

[0139] For example, the second connecting member 420 may include a second rotating portion 421 and a second mating portion 422, with the second mating portion 422 being located between the second rotating portion 421 and the second gear 600. The second mating portion 422 has a protruding second bump 423, and the second mating portion 422 and the second gear 600 are connected via the second bump 423 and the second groove 601. With this arrangement, when the second gear 600 rotates about the first axis S1, the second connecting member 420 also rotates about the first axis S1.

[0140] In actual application, the second connecting member 420 may be connected to the second structural member so that the second connecting member 420 can drive the second structural member to rotate.

[0141] In some examples, the second connector 420 may have multiple second protrusions 423, which may be evenly arranged along the circumference of the second connector 420. Accordingly, the second gear 600 may have multiple second grooves 601, which may be evenly arranged along the circumference of the second gear 600. One second protrusion 423 may be located within one second groove 601, so that there is a one-to-one correspondence between each second protrusion 423 and each second groove 601. This arrangement further improves the connection reliability between the second connector 420 and the second gear 600.

[0142] 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 a person skilled in the art can conceive within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A rotating mechanism, characterized in that, Comprising: A drive gear, the central axis of the drive gear being the first axis; A planetary gear meshing with the drive gear; A first gear meshing with the planetary gear, the central axis of the first gear being the first axis; A second gear meshing with the planetary gear, the central axis of the second gear being the first axis, the number of teeth of the second gear being different from the number of teeth of the first gear; When the rotating mechanism is in the automatic mode state, the drive gear rotates around the first axis, the planetary gear rotates around its own central axis, and the planetary gear rotates around the first axis, the second gear rotates around the first axis, and the first gear is stationary; When the rotating mechanism is in the state where the automatic mode and the manual mode coexist, the second gear rotates around the first axis, the planetary gear rotates around its own central axis, and the planetary gear rotates around the first axis, the drive gear rotates around the first axis, and the first gear rotates around the first axis.

2. The rotating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein The rotating mechanism further includes a housing and an elastic friction assembly. The housing covers the planetary gear, the first gear, and the second gear. The elastic friction assembly is between the first gear and the housing. In the extending direction of the first axis, the first end of the first gear contacts the housing, the second end of the first gear abuts against the first end of the elastic friction assembly, and the second end of the elastic friction assembly abuts against the housing.

3. The rotating mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic friction assembly includes an elastic member and a friction plate. The friction plate is located between the first gear and the elastic member. In the extending direction of the first axis, the first end of the elastic member abuts against the friction plate; The second end of the elastic friction assembly abuts against the housing, including: the second end of the elastic member abuts against the housing.

4. The rotating mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the rotating mechanism is in the automatic mode state, in the extending direction of the first axis, the size of the elastic member is the first size; When the rotating mechanism is in the state where the automatic mode and the manual mode coexist, in the extending direction of the first axis, the size of the elastic member is the second size, and the second size is equal to the first size.

5. The rotating mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the rotating mechanism is in the manual mode state, the second gear rotates around the first axis, the planetary gear rotates around its own central axis, and the planetary gear rotates around the first axis, the first gear rotates around the first axis, and the drive gear is stationary; In the extending direction of the first axis, the size of the elastic member is the third size, and the third size is equal to the first size.

6. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The elastic friction assembly further includes a first connecting member located between the first gear and the friction plate. The first connecting member has a protruding first bump, and the first bump extends into the first groove of the first gear.

7. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that The planetary gear includes a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set. The first planetary gear set includes a plurality of first planetary gears arranged circumferentially along the first axis. The first planetary gears mesh with the first gear and also mesh with the driving gear. The second planetary gear set includes a plurality of second planetary gears arranged circumferentially along the first axis. The second planetary gears mesh with the second gear. In the reference direction, the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear are connected, and the central axes of the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear coincide. The reference direction is parallel to the first axis and does not coincide with the extending direction of the first axis.

8. The rotating mechanism according to claim 7, wherein The first planetary gear includes a first gear shaft and a second gear shaft. The gear portion of the first gear shaft is located between the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion of the first gear shaft. The gear portion of the second gear shaft is located between the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion of the second gear shaft. In the reference direction, the distance between the first shaft portion of the first gear shaft and the gear portion of the second gear shaft is greater than the distance between the second shaft portion of the first gear shaft and the gear portion of the second gear shaft. The distance between the first shaft portion of the second gear shaft and the gear portion of the first gear shaft is greater than the distance between the second shaft portion of the second gear shaft and the gear portion of the first gear shaft. Among the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear located in the reference direction: the second shaft portion of the first gear shaft is connected to the second shaft portion of the second gear shaft.

9. The rotating mechanism according to claim 8, wherein The driving gear includes a driving gear shaft. The gear portion of the driving gear shaft is located between the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion of the driving gear shaft. The rotating mechanism further includes a first bracket. The first bracket is sleeved on the first shaft portion of the driving gear shaft and is rotatably connected to the first shaft portion of the driving gear shaft. The first bracket has a first accommodation hole. The first shaft portion of the first gear shaft is located in the first accommodation hole and is rotatably connected to the first accommodation hole. The rotating mechanism further includes a second bracket. The second bracket is sleeved on the second shaft portion of the driving gear shaft and is rotatably connected to the second shaft portion of the driving gear shaft. The second bracket has a second accommodation hole. The first shaft portion of the second gear shaft is located in the second accommodation hole and is rotatably connected to the second accommodation hole.

10. The rotating mechanism according to claim 9, wherein The rotating mechanism further includes a third bracket. The third bracket is located between the first bracket and the second bracket. The third bracket is sleeved on the second shaft portion of the driving gear shaft and is rotatably connected to the second shaft portion of the driving gear shaft. The third bracket has a third accommodation hole. The second shaft portion of the first gear shaft is located in the third accommodation hole and is rotatably connected to the third accommodation hole. The second shaft portion of the first gear shaft has a first mating surface. The first mating surface intersects with a reference surface. The reference surface is perpendicular to the first axis. The second shaft portion of the second gear shaft is located within the third receiving hole and is rotatably connected to the third receiving hole. The second shaft portion of the second gear shaft has a second mating surface, the second mating surface intersects with the reference surface, and the first mating surface and the second mating surface are in contact.

11. The rotating mechanism according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The rotating mechanism includes a driving motor and a connecting structure. The driving shaft of the driving motor is connected to the second shaft portion of the driving gear through the connecting structure.

12. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 7-11, characterized in that, The number of teeth of the first planetary gear is different from the number of teeth of the second planetary gear.

13. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 7-12, characterized in that, The first gear is an internal gear ring, and the first gear is sleeved outside the first planetary gear.

14. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 7-13, characterized in that, The second gear is an internal gear ring, and the second gear is sleeved outside the second planetary gear.

15. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 7-14, characterized in that, The rotating mechanism further includes a second connecting member. The second planetary gear is located between the second connecting member and the first planetary gear. The second connecting member has a second convex block, and the second convex block extends into the second groove of the second gear.

16. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, Comprising: A first structural member, a second structural member, and a rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 1-15 above. The transmission shaft of the rotating mechanism is connected to the first structural member, and the second gear of the rotating mechanism is connected to the second structural member.

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