Rotating mechanism, folding apparatus and foldable electronic device

Abstract

A rotating mechanism (3), a folding apparatus (10) and a foldable electronic device. The rotating mechanism (3) comprises a first rotating shaft assembly (31) and a bearing base (33), wherein the first rotating shaft assembly (31) is rotationally connected to the bearing base (33). The first rotating shaft assembly (31) comprises: a first swing arm, one end of the first swing arm being rotationally connected to the bearing base (33); a first fixing support, the first fixing support being slidably connected to the first swing arm, and the first swing arm driving the first fixing support to rotate when rotating around the bearing base (33); and a first support plate, the first support plate being slidably and rotationally connected to the first swing arm, and the first swing arm driving the first support plate to rotate when rotating around the bearing base (33), wherein a first support end face is provided between the first support plate and at least one of the first swing arm and the first fixing support, the first support end face comprises a first face and a second face abutting against each other in a first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the width direction of the bearing base (33).

Description

Rotating mechanism, folding device, foldable electronic device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410523845.2, filed on April 25, 2024, entitled "Rotation Mechanism, Folding Device, Foldable Electronic Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of foldable electronic device technology, and particularly to a rotating mechanism, a folding device, and a foldable electronic device. Background Technology

[0003] With the continuous development of electronic devices, foldable electronic devices (such as foldable screen phones) are becoming increasingly popular. Current foldable electronic devices generally include a rotating mechanism, two housings, and a flexible screen. The two housings are rotatably connected by the rotating mechanism, and the flexible screen is laid on the rotating mechanism and the two housings. In this way, the relative rotation of the two housings can be achieved through the rotating mechanism, allowing the foldable electronic device to switch freely between a folded and unfolded state.

[0004] The rotating mechanism comprises many components (e.g., a support base, a main swing arm, a secondary swing arm, a fixed bracket, and a support plate), which are either fixedly or movably connected to each other to enable the folding and unfolding functions of the foldable electronic device. For example, the secondary swing arm and the fixed bracket, as well as the support plate and the secondary swing arm, are slidably connected.

[0005] However, if a foldable electronic device is dropped while folded and the supporting base is subjected to ground impact, the sliding connection between the secondary swing arm and the fixed bracket, and between the support plate and the secondary swing arm, results in insufficient support between the fixed bracket, the support plate, and the secondary swing arm. During the drop, the components are prone to displacement, which can cause the flexible screen laid on the surface of the fixed bracket, the support plate, and the secondary swing arm to be easily squeezed, leading to damage to the flexible screen. Therefore, the current foldable electronic devices have poor drop reliability in the folded state. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, embodiments of this application provide a rotating mechanism, a folding device, and a foldable electronic device.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a rotating mechanism, including a first rotating shaft assembly and a bearing base. The first rotating shaft assembly is rotatably connected to the bearing base. The first rotating shaft assembly includes: a first swing arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the bearing base; a first fixed bracket, which is slidably connected to the first swing arm, and the first fixed bracket rotates when the first swing arm rotates around the bearing base; and a first support plate, which is slidably and rotatably connected to the first swing arm, and the first support plate rotates when the first swing arm rotates around the bearing base. At least one of the first swing arm and the first fixed bracket has a first support end face disposed between it and the first support plate. The first support end face includes a first surface and a second surface that abut against each other along a first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the width direction of the bearing base.

[0008] Based on the above solution, the rotation mechanism provided in this application embodiment includes a stop structure. This stop structure may include a support end face formed between the first support plate and the first fixed bracket, and / or a support end face between the first support plate and the first auxiliary swing arm. For example, the first support plate and the first fixed bracket can abut against each other through their support end faces, thereby allowing the first support plate to provide support to the first fixed bracket. Thus, if the foldable electronic device containing the rotation mechanism falls while in a folded state, this stop structure can reduce the relative displacement between the first fixed bracket, the first support plate, and the first auxiliary swing arm, thereby preventing damage to the display screen from pressure and improving the drop resistance of the foldable electronic device.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, the first support end face is a plane, the first face and the second face are parallel to each other, and the first face and the second face are respectively parallel to the width direction of the bearing base.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, the first support end face is an inclined surface, the first surface and the second surface are parallel to each other, and the first surface and the second surface intersect the width direction of the bearing base, respectively.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, the first support end face is an arc-shaped end face or a U-shaped end face, the first surface protrudes towards the second surface along the first direction, and the second surface is recessed towards the first surface along the first direction.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, the first support end face is a stepped end face or a gear-shaped end face, and the first face and the second face are stepped or gear-shaped mating end faces of each other.

[0013] It is understandable that the larger the area of ​​the supporting end face, the greater the supporting force, thereby ensuring good supporting force between the first swing arm and the first support plate or the first fixed bracket.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, at least one of the first and second surfaces is made of stainless steel, titanium alloy, or carbon fiber. This prevents excessive impact force during a drop from causing deformation of the end face.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, the first surface is the end face of the first support plate facing the first swing arm or the first fixed bracket, and the second surface is the end face of the first swing arm or the first fixed bracket facing the first support plate.

[0016] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, before the bearing base is subjected to an external impact force along the first direction, there is a gap between the first surface and the second surface; when the bearing base is subjected to an external impact force along the first direction, the first surface and the second surface abut against each other along the first direction.

[0017] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, the first fixed bracket is provided with a first opening, the first opening connecting the opposite sides of the first fixed bracket arranged along the width direction of the bearing base; a first protrusion is provided on the first support plate at a position corresponding to the first opening, the first protrusion extending into one side of the first opening; wherein, the end face of the first protrusion facing the inner wall of the first opening is the first face, and the inner wall of the first opening facing the first protrusion is the second face.

[0018] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, a second rotating shaft assembly is further included. The first rotating shaft assembly and the second rotating shaft assembly are respectively disposed on both sides of the bearing base along its width direction, and the second rotating shaft assembly is rotatably connected to the bearing base.

[0019] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, the second rotating shaft assembly includes: a second swing arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to a bearing base; a second fixed bracket, which is slidably connected to the second swing arm, and the second fixed bracket rotates when the second swing arm rotates around the bearing base; and a second support plate, which is slidably and rotatably connected to the second swing arm, and the second support plate rotates when the second swing arm rotates around the bearing base; wherein at least one of the second swing arm and the second fixed bracket has a second support end face between it and the second support plate, and the second support end face includes a third surface and a fourth surface that abut against each other along a first direction.

[0020] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, the second support end face is a plane, the third and fourth faces are parallel to each other, and the third and fourth faces are respectively parallel to the width direction of the bearing base.

[0021] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, the second support end face is an inclined surface, the third and fourth faces are parallel to each other, and the third and fourth faces intersect the width direction of the bearing base, respectively.

[0022] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, the second support end face is an arc-shaped end face or a U-shaped end face, the third surface protrudes towards the fourth surface along the first direction, and the fourth surface is recessed towards the third surface along the first direction.

[0023] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, the second support end face is a stepped end face or a gear end face, and the third and fourth faces are stepped or gear mating end faces of each other.

[0024] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, at least one of the third and fourth surfaces is made of stainless steel, titanium alloy, or carbon fiber.

[0025] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, the third surface is the end face of the second support plate facing the second swing arm or the second fixed bracket, and the fourth surface is the end face of the second swing arm or the second fixed bracket facing the second support plate.

[0026] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, before the bearing base is subjected to an external impact force along the first direction, there is a gap between the third and fourth surfaces; when the bearing base is subjected to an external impact force along the first direction, the third and fourth surfaces abut against each other along the first direction.

[0027] In some embodiments of the first aspect described above, the second fixed bracket is provided with a second opening, the second opening connecting the two opposite sides of the second fixed bracket arranged along the width direction of the bearing base; a second protrusion is provided on the second support plate at a position corresponding to the second opening, the second protrusion extending into one side of the first opening; wherein, the end face of the second protrusion facing the inner wall of the second opening is a third face, and the inner wall of the second opening facing the second protrusion is a fourth face.

[0028] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a folding device, including the rotation mechanism described in the first aspect, a first housing, and a second housing. The first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected by the rotation mechanism so that the first housing and the second housing are folded or unfolded relative to each other.

[0029] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a foldable electronic device, including the folding device and display screen described in the second aspect above. The display screen is disposed on one side of the folding device, and the folding device can drive the display screen to fold or unfold. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device 1 provided in the embodiment of this application in its unfolded state;

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1 in a folded state;

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the foldable electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1 when it is in the unfolded state.

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rotating mechanism 3 in the unfolded state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rotating mechanism 3 in a folded state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 6 is an exploded structural diagram of a rotating mechanism 3 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the AA direction in Figure 4 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the BB direction in Figure 4 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device 1 falling in a folded state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first type of cross-section along the CC direction in Figure 4 provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a second cross section along the CC direction in Figure 4 provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a third cross section along the CC direction in Figure 4 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a support end face provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The illustrative embodiments of this application include, but are not limited to, a rotating mechanism, a folding device, and a foldable electronic device.

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device 1 provided in the embodiment of this application in the unfolded state. Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1 in the folded state. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the foldable electronic device 1 shown in Figure 1 in the unfolded state.

[0046] To facilitate subsequent description, before describing the specific structure of the foldable electronic device 1, we will first introduce the exemplary orientation of the foldable electronic device 1 with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are defined. The X-axis direction is the width direction of the foldable electronic device 1 in its unfolded state, the Y-axis direction is the length direction of the foldable electronic device 1 in its unfolded state, and the Z-axis direction is the thickness direction of the foldable electronic device 1 in its unfolded state. Furthermore, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis can be perpendicular to each other.

[0047] In this embodiment, a mobile phone is used as an example of the foldable electronic device 1. In other embodiments, the foldable electronic device 1 can be any bendable device such as a laptop, tablet, large-screen device, in-vehicle device, wearable device (e.g., watch, smart glasses, helmet), augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the foldable electronic device 1 includes a display screen 2 and a folding device 10. The display screen 2 is laid on one side of the folding device 10, which supports the display screen 2 and can fold or unfold the display screen 2.

[0049] The folding device 10 includes a first housing 11, a second housing 12, and a rotating mechanism 3. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are rotatably connected by the rotating mechanism 3, so that the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are folded or unfolded relative to each other. The foldable electronic device 1, the folding device 10, and the rotating mechanism 3 have unfolded and folded states respectively. When the foldable electronic device 1 is in the folded state, the folding device 10 surrounds the outside of the display screen 2.

[0050] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the display screen 2 is laid on the front of the folding device 10, simultaneously covering the first housing 11, the second housing 12, and the rotating mechanism 3. The area of ​​the display screen 2 corresponding to the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 is the non-bending area 22, and the area corresponding to the rotating mechanism 3 is the bending area 21. The back sides of the two non-bending areas 22 of the display screen 2 are fixedly connected to the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, respectively. During the relative unfolding or folding of the display screen 2, both non-bending areas 22 of the display screen 2 maintain a flat state in contact with the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The bending area 21 of the display screen 2 corresponds to the rotating mechanism 3, and when the display screen 2 is unfolded, the rotating mechanism 3 can apply a supporting force to the bending area 21 of the display screen 2.

[0051] Please refer to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a rotating mechanism 3 in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a rotating mechanism 3 in a folded state according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of a rotating mechanism 3 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0052] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the rotating mechanism 3 includes a first rotating shaft assembly 31, a second rotating shaft assembly 32, and a support base 33. The first rotating shaft assembly 31 and the second rotating shaft assembly 32 are respectively disposed on both sides of the support base 33 along its width direction and are rotatably connected to the support base 33. The first rotating shaft assembly 31 is connected to the first housing 11 of the foldable electronic device 1, and the second rotating shaft assembly 32 is connected to the second housing 12. The first rotating shaft assembly 31 and the second rotating shaft assembly 32 rotate relative to the support base 33, causing the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 to rotate relative to each other.

[0053] The width direction of the support base 33 can be the thickness direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) of the foldable electronic device 1 in the folded state, or the length direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the foldable electronic device 1 in the unfolded state.

[0054] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the AA direction in Figure 4. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the BB direction in Figure 4.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4 to 8, the first rotating shaft assembly 31 and the second rotating shaft assembly 32 respectively include a secondary swing arm 4 (an example of the first swing arm / second swing arm of this application), a fixed bracket 5 (an example of the first fixed bracket / second fixed bracket of this application) and a support plate 6 (an example of the first support plate / second support plate of this application).

[0056] One end of the auxiliary swing arm 4 is connected to the bearing base 33, allowing the auxiliary swing arm 4 to rotate relative to the bearing base 33 about axis L1. Here, axis L1 can be the center line of the connecting pin between the auxiliary swing arm 4 and the bearing base 33.

[0057] The other end of the auxiliary swing arm 4 is connected to the fixed bracket 5, so that the fixed bracket 5 is rotatably connected to the support base 33 via the auxiliary swing arm 4. The fixed bracket 5 is fixedly connected to the housing of the foldable electronic device 1, allowing the foldable electronic device 1 to fold and unfold via the rotation of the fixed bracket 5. In an example scenario, the fixed bracket 5 of the first pivot assembly 31 is fixedly connected to the first housing 11 of the foldable electronic device 1, and the fixed bracket 5 of the second pivot assembly 32 is fixedly connected to the second housing 12 of the foldable electronic device 1. During user operation, the first housing 11 can be rotated relative to the support base 33 via the fixed bracket 5 of the first pivot assembly 31 and the auxiliary swing arm 4; the same applies when the second housing 12 is rotated.

[0058] In some embodiments, the connection between the secondary swing arm 4 and the fixed bracket 5 adopts a straight slide groove design. As shown in FIG7, the fixed bracket 5 is provided with a slide groove 51, and the secondary swing arm 4 has an extension 41 that extends into the slide groove 51 and can slide along the slide groove 51. When the secondary swing arm 4 rotates around the support base 33, that is, during the unfolding and folding process of the foldable electronic device 1, the extension 41 can slide within the slide groove 51 and drive the fixed bracket 5 to rotate relative to the support base 33.

[0059] The other end of the auxiliary swing arm 4 is also connected to the support plate 6, which is used to support the non-bending area 22 of the display screen 2. When the foldable electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state shown in FIG1, the upper surface (i.e., the support surface) of the support plate 6 is parallel to the first plane (e.g., the XY plane).

[0060] In some embodiments, the secondary swing arm 4 and the support plate 6 are connected by a sliding shaft, which can pass through the secondary swing arm 4 and the support plate 6 respectively. As shown in FIG8, the support plate 6 is provided with a groove 61, and the sliding shaft 7 passes through the groove 61 of the secondary swing arm 4 and the support plate 6 respectively along its axial direction, and the sliding shaft 7 can slide along the groove 61. When the secondary swing arm 4 rotates around the support base 33, that is, during the unfolding and folding process of the foldable electronic device 1, the sliding shaft 7, driven by the secondary swing arm 4, slides from one end of the groove 61 to the other end, and drives the support plate 6 to rotate relative to the support base 33.

[0061] As mentioned above, if the foldable electronic device 1 falls in the folded state, the support base 33 will be impacted by the ground. Since the auxiliary swing arm 4 and the fixed bracket 5 adopt a straight sliding groove design, and the support plate 6 and the auxiliary swing arm 4 are connected by a sliding shaft, all of which are sliding connections, the support strength between the fixed bracket 5, the support plate 6 and the auxiliary swing arm 4 is insufficient. When falling, relative displacement will occur, which will cause the display screen 2 to deform.

[0062] Referring to Figure 9, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device 1 falling in a folded state. As shown in Figure 9, the solid line represents an example of the display screen 2 before falling to the ground, and the dashed line represents an example of the display screen 2 after deformation following the fall.

[0063] Generally, when a foldable electronic device is dropped, some components are affected by the impact force of the ground and will be displaced towards the ground. The magnitude of the displacement can also be called the drop intrusion amount. Referring to Figures 7 to 9, when the foldable electronic device 1 is dropped, the sliding shaft 7 will slide in the slide groove 61, and the extension 41 of the secondary swing arm 4 will slide in the slide groove 51. That is, the secondary swing arm 4 does not provide any support for the fixed bracket 5 and the support plate 6. The fixed bracket 5 and the support plate 6 will both be displaced towards the ground, which means that the drop intrusion amount of the fixed bracket 5 and the support plate 6 is relatively large.

[0064] As can be seen from Figure 9, due to insufficient support between the fixed bracket 5, the support plate 6 and the secondary swing arm 4, the bending area 21 of the display screen 2 and the junction with the non-bending area 22 (for example, position A in Figure 9) are easily squeezed, causing damage to the display screen 2.

[0065] Based on this, the rotating mechanism provided in this application embodiment has a stop structure. When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state and falls along the falling direction shown in Figure 9, the stop structure can reduce the relative displacement between the fixed bracket, the support plate and the secondary swing arm, thereby preventing the display screen from being squeezed and damaged, and improving the drop resistance of the foldable electronic device.

[0066] Specifically, the stop structure may include a support end face formed between the support plate 6 and the fixed bracket 5, and / or a support end face formed between the support plate 6 and the auxiliary swing arm 4. The support end face includes a first surface and a second surface that abut against each other in the first state. Taking the support end face between the support plate 6 and the fixed bracket 5 as an example, the first surface may be the end face of the support plate 6 facing the fixed bracket 5, and the second surface may be the end face of the fixed bracket 5 facing the support plate 6. Thus, when the foldable electronic device 1 falls along the drop direction shown in Figure 9, the support plate 6 and the fixed bracket 5 can abut against each other through the support end faces, and the support plate 6 can provide an upward supporting force to the fixed bracket 5. Similarly, the auxiliary swing arm 4 can provide an upward supporting force to the support plate 6. Therefore, if the foldable electronic device 1 falls in the folded state, the relative displacement between the fixed bracket 5, the support plate 6, and the auxiliary swing arm 4 is reduced due to the large supporting force between them, preventing damage to the display screen caused by compression, thereby improving the drop resistance of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first state may refer to the drop state of the foldable electronic device 1 in the folded state. For example, the foldable electronic device 1 falls in the folded state along the drop direction shown in FIG9, and the supporting base 33 contacts the ground. Therefore, when the user uses the foldable electronic device 1 normally, there can be a gap between the first surface and the second surface in the supporting end face. When the foldable electronic device 1 falls, the first surface and the second surface abut against each other.

[0068] In other embodiments, the first state may also refer to the state of the foldable electronic device 1 when the user is using it normally. That is, when the user is using the foldable electronic device 1 normally, there is no gap between the first and second surfaces of the support end face, and they abut against each other.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 10, which is a schematic diagram of the first type of cross-section along the CC direction in Figure 4.

[0070] The fixed bracket 5 and the support plate 6 have a support end face A1 (an example of the first / second support end face in this application). The support end face A1 includes an end face A11 (an example of the first / third face in this application) of the support plate 6 facing the fixed bracket 5, and an end face A12 (an example of the second / fourth face in this application) of the fixed bracket 5 facing the support plate 6. End faces A11 and A12 can abut against each other. It is understood that when the user is using the foldable electronic device 1 normally, there is a gap between end faces A11 and A12. When the foldable electronic device 1 is dropped in its folded state, end faces A11 and A12 abut against each other along the Y direction (an example of the first direction in this application).

[0071] Both end faces A11 and A12 are parallel to the width direction of the support base 33. Here, the width direction of the support base 33 can be the thickness direction of the foldable electronic device 1 in its folded state, for example, the Z-axis direction shown in FIG10. For ease of explanation, this application refers to end faces parallel to the Z-axis direction or the XZ plane shown in FIG10 as planes. That is, both end faces A11 and A12 are planes.

[0072] It is understandable that if the foldable electronic device 1 falls in the folded state and the supporting base 33 touches the ground, the support plate 6 can hold the fixed bracket 5 against the support end face A1 to prevent the fixed bracket 5 from falling.

[0073] A support end face B1 (an example of the first / second support end face in this application) is provided between the support plate 6 and the secondary swing arm 4. The support end face B1 includes an end face B11 (an example of the first / third side in this application) of the support plate 6 facing the secondary swing arm 4, and an end face B12 (an example of the second / fourth side in this application) of the secondary swing arm 4 facing the support plate 6. End faces B11 and B12 can abut against each other. It is understood that when the user is using the foldable electronic device 1 normally, there is a gap between end faces B11 and B12. When the foldable electronic device 1 is dropped in its folded state, end faces B11 and B12 abut against each other along the Y direction.

[0074] End faces B11 and B12 are parallel to each other and both intersect the width direction of the bearing base 33. For ease of explanation, the end face intersecting the Z-axis direction or XZ plane shown in Figure 10 is referred to as an inclined plane. That is, both end faces B11 and B12 are inclined planes.

[0075] The advantage of an inclined plane compared to a flat plane is that it can increase the area of ​​the support end face. The larger the area of ​​the support end face, the greater the support force, thus ensuring that the secondary swing arm 4 has a good support force on the support plate 6.

[0076] It is understandable that if the foldable electronic device 1 falls in the folded state and the supporting base 33 touches the ground, the auxiliary swing arm 4 can hold the support plate 6 against the support end face B1 to prevent the support plate 6 from falling.

[0077] It should be noted that this application does not limit the angle between end face B11 or end face B12 and the XZ plane, that is, the inclination of the inclined plane. Those skilled in the art can design according to specific circumstances.

[0078] In some embodiments, at least one of the end faces A11, A12, B11, and B12 may be made of a high-strength material, including but not limited to stainless steel, titanium alloy, and carbon fiber. This can prevent deformation of the end faces due to excessive impact force during a drop.

[0079] For example, the support plate 6 as a whole can be made of a high-strength material, so that both end faces A11 and B11 are made of high-strength material. Alternatively, the main body of the support plate 6 can be made of a lighter material, and its end faces A11 and B11 can be coated with a high-strength material.

[0080] For example, the projected area of ​​end face A11 on the XZ plane can be greater than the projected area of ​​end face A12 on the XZ plane, and the projected area of ​​end face B11 on the XZ plane can be equal to the projected area of ​​end face B12 on the XZ plane. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can design the dimensions of each end face according to specific circumstances.

[0081] Referring to Figure 6, the fixed bracket 5 is provided with an opening 52 (an example of the first / second opening of this application). As shown in Figure 10, the opening 52 connects the two opposite sides of the fixed bracket 5 along the Z direction. A protrusion 62 (an example of the first / second protrusion of this application) is provided on the side of the support plate 6 facing away from the display screen 2, and the position of the protrusion 62 on the support plate 6 corresponds to the position of the opening 52 on the fixed bracket 5. Thus, the protrusion 62 can extend into the opening 52 from one side. The aforementioned end face A11 is provided at the end of the protrusion 62 facing the fixed bracket 5, and the corresponding end face A12 can be formed on the inner wall of the opening 52 facing the protrusion 62.

[0082] It can be understood that the protrusion 62 and the supporting end face located at its end constitute the stop structure of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0083] In some embodiments, the protrusion 62 and the support plate 6 are integrally formed. In other embodiments, the protrusion 62 may also be fixedly mounted on the support plate 6 by fasteners (such as bolts).

[0084] Referring to Figure 10, if the foldable electronic device 1 falls in a folded state and the supporting base 33 contacts the ground, the weight of the whole device will be transferred to the auxiliary swing arm 4 along the impact force transmission path L2 shown by the dotted line in Figure 10 due to inertia. The auxiliary swing arm 4 and the support plate 6 can both provide upward support force, and the force points are mainly concentrated on the support end face A1 and the support end face B1, which has good stability. This can prevent the components from being displaced in the Y-axis direction, reduce the amount of intrusion when the device falls, and improve the drop resistance of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of the second cross-section along the CC direction in Figure 4.

[0086] The difference from the embodiment shown in Figure 10 is that a support end face B1' (an example of the first / second support end face in this application) is provided between the support plate 6' and the secondary swing arm 4'. The support end face B1' includes an end face B11' (an example of the first / third face in this application) disposed on the support plate 6' towards the secondary swing arm 4', and an end face B12' (an example of the second / fourth face in this application) disposed on the secondary swing arm 4' towards the support plate 6'. Unlike the first embodiment, both end faces B11' and B12' are parallel to the width direction of the bearing base 33, that is, both end faces B11' and B12' are planar.

[0087] For example, the projected area of ​​end face B11' on the XZ plane is greater than the projected area of ​​end face B12' on the XZ plane.

[0088] In this way, when the support plate 6 is folded, it can provide stable support force to the end faces A12 and B12' located at both ends along the Y-axis, and prevent the mutual abutting end faces A11 and A12, end faces B11' and end faces B12' from being misaligned due to the movement of the components.

[0089] Furthermore, the materials of each end face among end face A11, end face A12, end face B11', and end face B12' can be referred to the description of the materials of end face A11, end face A12, end face B11, and end face B12 in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0090] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of the third cross-section along the CC direction in Figure 4.

[0091] The fixed bracket 5” and the support plate 6” have a support end face A1” (an example of the first support end face / second support end face of this application). The support end face A1” includes an end face A11” (an example of the first face / third face of this application) of the support plate 6” facing the fixed bracket 5”, and an end face A12” (an example of the second face / fourth face of this application) of the fixed bracket 5” facing the support plate 6”. The end faces A11” and A12” can be designed with bevels.

[0092] It should be noted that this application does not limit the angle between end faces A11” and A12” and the XZ plane, that is, the inclination of the inclined plane. Those skilled in the art can design according to specific circumstances.

[0093] The support plate 6” and the auxiliary swing arm 4” have a support end face B1 (an example of the first support end face / second support end face of this application). The support end face B1” includes the end face B11 of the support plate 6” facing the auxiliary swing arm 4” (an example of the first face / third face of this application), and the end face B12 of the auxiliary swing arm 4” facing the support plate 6” (an example of the second face / fourth face of this application).

[0094] Both end faces B11” and B12” adopt a stepped design and are rotationally symmetrical to ensure they can fit together. The stepped design increases the contact area between end faces B11” and B12”, thereby enhancing the support strength between the support plate 6” and the auxiliary swing arm 4”.

[0095] For example, end face B11” and end face B12” each have two steps. This can be interpreted as both end face B11” and end face B12” having two sub-end faces of different heights along the Y-axis. These sub-end faces can be designed as either flat or inclined surfaces. It is understood that using a combination of stepped and inclined designs can further enhance the stability of the supporting end faces and improve the drop resistance of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0096] Furthermore, the materials of each end face in end face A11”, end face A12”, end face B11”, and end face B12” can be referred to the description of the materials of end face A11, end face A12, end face B11, and end face B12 in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0097] In other embodiments of this application, the shape of the supporting end face may also include an arc-shaped end face, a U-shaped end face, or a gear-shaped end face.

[0098] For example, when the supporting end face is an arc-shaped end face or a U-shaped end face, as shown in Figure 13, taking supporting end face A1 as an example, one of end face A11 and end face A12 can be such that end face A12 can bulge towards end face A11 in the Y direction, and correspondingly, end face A11 can be recessed towards end face A12 in the Y direction. Alternatively, end face A11 can bulge towards end face A12 in the Y direction, and correspondingly, end face A12 can be recessed towards end face A11 in the Y direction.

[0099] For example, when the support end face is a gear-type end face, refer to the stepped end face B1”, end face B11” and end face B12” as gear-type mating end faces.

[0100] Referring again to Figures 4 to 6, those skilled in the art will understand that the number of the first rotating shaft assembly 31 and the second rotating shaft assembly 32 is not limited; there can be one, two, three, or more, and the number of the first rotating shaft assembly 31 and the second rotating shaft assembly 32 can be equal or unequal. In one embodiment, the rotating mechanism 3 includes two first rotating shaft assemblies 31 and two second rotating shaft assemblies 32 spaced apart along the length of the support base 33, with each of the two first rotating shaft assemblies 31 and the two second rotating shaft assemblies 32 corresponding to one another. Providing multiple rotating shaft assemblies ensures that the foldable electronic device 1 experiences more uniform force during unfolding and folding, maintaining a consistent rotational feel throughout.

[0101] As mentioned earlier, the width direction of the support base 33 can be the thickness direction of the foldable electronic device 1 in its folded state. It is understood that the support base 33 also has a length direction and a thickness direction, with the length direction of the support base 33, the width direction of the central beam 33, and the thickness direction of the support base 33 being mutually perpendicular. Specifically, the length direction of the support base 33 can be, for example, the width direction of the foldable electronic device 1 in its unfolded state, and the thickness direction of the support base 33 can be, for example, the thickness direction of the foldable electronic device 1 in its unfolded state.

[0102] In some embodiments, the support base 33 is rotatably connected to the secondary swing arm 4. For example, a connecting shaft is provided on the support base 33, and one end of the secondary swing arm 4 is sleeved on the connecting shaft and can rotate around the shaft.

[0103] The above describes the auxiliary swing arm and its cooperation with other components in the rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism may also include components such as the main swing arm and the damping swing arm to limit the motion trajectory during the opening and closing of the rotating mechanism and improve the feel. The following section will describe the main swing arm, the damping swing arm, and other structures that may be included in the rotating mechanism.

[0104] One end of the main swing arm is rotatably connected to the support base 33, and the other end is slidably connected to the fixed bracket 5. When the rotating mechanism 3 switches between the unfolded state and the folded state, the fixed bracket 5 can slide relative to the main swing arm. The direction of relative sliding can be, for example, the width direction of the fixed bracket 5. In one embodiment, when each rotating shaft assembly is unfolded relative to the support base 33, the width direction of the fixed bracket 5 is parallel to the width direction of the support base 33. When each rotating shaft assembly is folded relative to the support base 33, the width direction of the fixed bracket 5 is perpendicular to the width direction of the support base 33.

[0105] It should be noted that the method of rotatable connection between the main swing arm and the support base 33 is not limited. In some embodiments, referring to the connection method between the secondary swing arm 4 and the support base 33, one end of the main swing arm can be rotatably connected to the support base 33 via a connecting shaft. Furthermore, the method of slidable connection between the main swing arm and the fixed bracket 5 is not limited. In some embodiments, the other end of the main swing arm is slidably connected to the fixed bracket 5.

[0106] The damping arm provides damping during the opening and closing of the rotating mechanism 3, improving the feel of opening and closing the mechanism and thus enhancing the user experience when opening and closing the foldable electronic device 1. It should be noted that the rotating mechanism 3 may also include a damping structure that cooperates with the damping arm and provides damping. Furthermore, the method by which the damping arm transmits the damping force provided by the damping structure is not limited. Those skilled in the art can design it according to specific circumstances.

[0107] The rotating mechanism 3 may also include a separately configured synchronization component, which can realize the synchronous rotation of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 in the folding device 10, thereby realizing the synchronous rotation of the foldable electronic device. When the rotating mechanism 3 rotates, the synchronization component can cause the main swing arm and the auxiliary swing arm 4 in the first rotating shaft assembly 31 and the main swing arm and the auxiliary swing arm 4 in the second rotating shaft assembly 32 to synchronously drive the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 to rotate.

[0108] Furthermore, it should be noted that the foldable electronic device 1 in this application embodiment can be a two-fold structure as shown in Figure 1, or a three-fold structure. The three-fold structure includes three housings and two rotating mechanisms, with adjacent housings connected by a rotating mechanism. Adjacent housings can rotate inwards towards each other until the included angle between them is approximately 0°, thus placing the foldable electronic device in a folded state. Alternatively, adjacent housings can rotate away from each other until the included angle between them is approximately 180°, thus placing the foldable electronic device in a flattened state.

[0109] The specific embodiments described above illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. Although the description of this application is presented in conjunction with some embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the application in conjunction with embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of this application. This application may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of this application, some specific details have been omitted in the description. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0110] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "outer", "inner", "circumferential", "radial", "axial", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0111] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "fit" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0112] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A rotating mechanism, characterized in that, The first rotating shaft assembly includes a first rotating shaft assembly and a support base, the first rotating shaft assembly being rotatably connected to the support base, and the first rotating shaft assembly comprising: A first swing arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the bearing base; A first fixed bracket is slidably connected to a first swing arm, and the first swing arm rotates around the bearing base, thereby causing the first fixed bracket to rotate. A first support plate is slidably and rotatably connected to the first swing arm, and the first swing arm rotates around the bearing base, thereby causing the first support plate to rotate. Wherein, at least one of the first swing arm and the first fixed bracket is provided with a first support end face between itself and the first support plate. The first support end face includes a first surface and a second surface that abut against each other along a first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the width direction of the bearing base.

2. The rotating mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support end face is a plane, the first face and the second face are parallel to each other, and the first face and the second face are respectively parallel to the width direction of the bearing base.

3. The rotating mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support end face is an inclined plane, the first face and the second face are parallel to each other, and the first face and the second face intersect the width direction of the bearing base respectively.

4. The rotating mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support end face is an arc-shaped end face or a U-shaped end face, the first face protrudes towards the second face along the first direction, and the second face is recessed towards the first face along the first direction.

5. The rotating mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support end face is a stepped end face or a gear end face, and the first face and the second face are stepped or gear mating end faces of each other.

6. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, At least one of the first and second surfaces is made of stainless steel, titanium alloy or carbon fiber material.

7. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first surface is the end face of the first support plate facing the first swing arm or the first fixed bracket, and the second surface is the end face of the first swing arm or the first fixed bracket facing the first support plate.

8. The rotating mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the bearing base is subjected to an external impact force along the first direction, there is a gap between the first surface and the second surface; When the bearing base is subjected to an external impact force along the first direction, the first surface and the second surface abut against each other along the first direction.

9. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 1-5 and 8, characterized in that, The first fixed bracket is provided with a first opening, and the first opening connects the two opposite sides of the first fixed bracket arranged along the width direction of the bearing base; A first protrusion is provided on the first support plate at the position corresponding to the first opening, and the first protrusion extends into the first opening from one side. Wherein, the end face of the first protrusion facing the inner wall of the first opening is the first face, and the inner wall of the first opening facing the first protrusion is the second face.

10. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 1-5 and 8, characterized in that, It also includes a second rotating shaft assembly, wherein the first rotating shaft assembly and the second rotating shaft assembly are respectively disposed on both sides of the bearing base along its width direction, and the second rotating shaft assembly is rotatably connected to the bearing base.

11. The rotating mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second rotating shaft assembly includes: The second swing arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the bearing base; The second fixed bracket is slidably connected to the second swing arm, and the second swing arm rotates around the bearing base, thereby causing the second fixed bracket to rotate. The second support plate is slidably and rotatably connected to the second swing arm, and the second swing arm rotates around the bearing base, thereby driving the second support plate to rotate. At least one of the second swing arm and the second fixed bracket is provided with a second support end face between itself and the second support plate. The second support end face includes a third surface and a fourth surface that abut against each other along the first direction.

12. The rotating mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second support end face is a plane, the third face and the fourth face are parallel to each other, and the third face and the fourth face are respectively parallel to the width direction of the bearing base.

13. The rotating mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second support end face is an inclined surface, the third surface and the fourth surface are parallel to each other, and the third surface and the fourth surface intersect the width direction of the bearing base respectively.

14. The rotating mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second support end face is an arc-shaped end face or a U-shaped end face, the third surface protrudes towards the fourth surface along the first direction, and the fourth surface is recessed towards the third surface along the first direction.

15. The rotating mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second support end face is a stepped end face or a gear end face, and the third face and the fourth face are stepped or gear mating end faces of each other.

16. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, At least one of the third and fourth surfaces is made of stainless steel, titanium alloy or carbon fiber material.

17. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The third surface is the end face of the second support plate facing the second swing arm or the second fixed bracket, and the fourth surface is the end face of the second swing arm or the second fixed bracket facing the second support plate.

18. The rotating mechanism according to claim 11, characterized in that, Before the bearing base is subjected to an external impact force along the first direction, there is a gap between the third surface and the fourth surface; When the bearing base is subjected to an external impact force along the first direction, the third surface and the fourth surface abut against each other along the first direction.

19. The rotating mechanism according to any one of claims 12-15 and 18, characterized in that, The second fixed bracket is provided with a second opening, which connects the two opposite sides of the second fixed bracket arranged along the width direction of the bearing base; The second support plate is provided with a second protrusion at the position corresponding to the second opening, and the second protrusion extends into the first opening from one side; The end face of the second protrusion facing the inner wall of the second opening is the third face, and the inner wall of the second opening facing the second protrusion is the fourth face.

20. A folding device, characterized in that, The device includes a rotating mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-19, a first housing, and a second housing, wherein the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected by the rotating mechanism to allow the first housing and the second housing to be folded or unfolded relative to each other.

21. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes the folding device and display screen as described in claim 20, wherein the display screen is disposed on one side of the folding device, and the folding device is capable of folding or unfolding the display screen.

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