Rotating mechanism, folding hinge and electronic device

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a rotating mechanism, a folding hinge and an electronic device. In the embodiments of the present application, on the basis of the conventional five-panel rotating shaft scheme, a flexible support assembly is added between a five-panel structure and a flexible display screen; the flexible support assembly provides good planar support for the screen, thereby solving problems such as a ribbed feel and press vacancy in the area of the display screen corresponding to the folding hinge when a folding device is fully unfolded, improving the user experience. In the rotating mechanism in the embodiments of the present application, on the basis of the conventional four-bar linkage motion scheme, a secondary linkage group is added; the secondary linkage group can drive the flexible support assembly to open and close uniformly in length; that is, the rotating mechanism can simultaneously enable the flexible display screen and the flexible support assembly to open and close uniformly in length, thereby preventing damage to the flexible display screen and the flexible support assembly caused by stretching or compression during opening and closing.

Description

A rotating mechanism, a folding hinge, and an electronic device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410986168.8, filed on July 22, 2024, entitled "A Rotating Mechanism, Folding Hinge and Electronic Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] As flexible foldable screen technology matures, flexible foldable terminal products have become a major trend. Foldable terminal products (such as foldable phones, foldable tablets, and foldable computers) need to meet high reliability, a good user experience, and an attractive appearance to be accepted by consumers. The folding hinge, as a core functional component of foldable terminal products, has a significant impact on the reliability and user experience of foldable devices. Currently, foldable devices using an outward folding design suffer from issues such as looseness when pressed in the hinge area and a rib-like feel when touched when flattened, thus affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a rotating mechanism, a folding hinge, and an electronic device. This rotating mechanism adds a flexible support component between the five-panel structure and the flexible display screen, based on the traditional five-panel design. This allows the flexible support component to provide continuous surface support for the screen when it is flattened, resolving the issues of a rib-like feel and lack of leverage when pressing on folding devices, thus improving the user experience. This rotating mechanism can simultaneously open and close the flexible display screen and the flexible support component at equal lengths, preventing damage caused by stretching or compression during the opening and closing process.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a rotating mechanism, comprising:

[0006] The main beam, the first connecting block, the second connecting block, the first main swing arm, the second main swing arm, and the auxiliary swing arm;

[0007] The first connecting block is connected to the second connecting block, and the second connecting block is located between the first connecting block and the middle beam;

[0008] The first end of the first main swing arm is rotatably connected to the middle beam, and the second end is rotatably connected to the first connecting block;

[0009] The first end of the second main swing arm is rotatably connected to the middle beam, and the second end is rotatably connected to the second connecting block;

[0010] The first end of the auxiliary swing arm is rotatably connected to the middle beam, and the second end is connected to the two connecting blocks.

[0011] According to the first aspect, the rotating mechanism of this application, by reasonably setting the position and size of the first main swing arm and the second main swing arm, can make the first connecting block and the second connecting block have different rotation radii and rotation centers, thereby enabling the rotating mechanism to drive the two components to open and close at equal lengths respectively.

[0012] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the first connecting block and the second connecting block are slidably connected or rotatably connected. This configuration is simple in structure, easy to disassemble and assemble, has a high processing yield, low cost, and facilitates the separate driving of the two parts to open and close with equal length.

[0013] According to the first aspect, or any implementation thereof, a first groove is provided on the first connecting block, and a first sliding part is correspondingly provided on the second connecting block, the first sliding part being slidably disposed within the first groove. This configuration results in a simple structure, easy disassembly and assembly, high processing yield, and low cost.

[0014] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the rotating mechanism further includes:

[0015] A rotating connector is provided, with one end fixedly connected to the first connecting block and the other end rotatably connected to the first main swing arm. This design is simple, easy to disassemble and assemble, has a high processing yield, and is low in cost.

[0016] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the second end of the auxiliary swing arm is slidably or rotatably connected to the second connecting block. This arrangement facilitates the separate driving of the two parts to open and close by equal lengths.

[0017] According to the first aspect, or any implementation thereof, a second sliding groove is provided on the second connecting block, and the auxiliary swing arm is slidably disposed within the second sliding groove. This configuration is simple in structure, easy to disassemble and assemble, has a high processing yield, and is low in cost.

[0018] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, a second sliding part is provided on the side wall of the second sliding groove, and a third sliding groove is provided on both sides of the auxiliary swing arm corresponding to the second sliding part, with the second sliding part slidably disposed within the third sliding groove. This configuration results in a simple structure, easy disassembly and assembly, high processing yield, and low cost.

[0019] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the end of the second sliding part facing the third sliding groove is curved. This arrangement facilitates providing different levels of damping at different opening and closing sizes.

[0020] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the rotating mechanism further includes:

[0021] A damping spring is disposed within the secondary swing arm and contacts the second sliding portion, deforming as the secondary swing arm slides relative to the second connecting block. This arrangement facilitates providing different levels of damping for varying opening and closing sizes.

[0022] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the rotating mechanism further includes:

[0023] The synchronous swing arm has a first end rotatably connected to the central beam and a second end slidably connected to the first connecting block. This configuration enables synchronous rotation of the components on both sides of the central beam.

[0024] According to the first aspect, or any implementation of the first aspect above, the connecting plate is connected to the central beam via one or two second main swing arms. This configuration is simple in structure, easy to disassemble and assemble, has a high processing yield, low cost, and facilitates the separate driving of the two components to open and close at equal lengths.

[0025] In a second aspect, a folding hinge is provided, comprising at least two rotating mechanisms as described in the first aspect, the at least two rotating mechanisms sharing a central beam, the at least two rotating mechanisms being symmetrically arranged relative to the central beam, and a flexible support layer being provided on the central beam, the first connecting block and the second connecting block.

[0026] According to the second aspect of the folding hinge, since the rotation mechanism of the first aspect is adopted, two components can be driven to open and close at the same length, such as a flexible display screen and a flexible support layer. When the folding hinge is flat, the flexible support component can be used to form a continuous surface support for the screen, thereby solving the problems of rib-like feel and press-and-play issues when the folding device is flat, and improving the user experience.

[0027] According to the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, the flexible support layer includes a flexible plate, the middle region of which is connected to the central beam, and both ends of which are connected to the second connecting block. This allows the flexible support layer to open and close at equal length via a folding hinge, preventing damage caused by stretching or compression during the opening and closing process.

[0028] According to the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, the middle region of the flexible plate is connected to the central beam by adhesive application, backing adhesive, welding, riveting, or screws. This arrangement results in a simple structure, low cost, and stability.

[0029] According to the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, both ends of the flexible plate are connected to the second connecting block by adhesive application, backing adhesive, welding, riveting, or screws to the folding hinge. This configuration is simple, low-cost, and stable.

[0030] According to the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, the flexible board includes a bending area and a non-bending area, and a soft adhesive is filled in the entire area or the middle area of ​​the bending area. The soft adhesive can mitigate the impact force on the screen, improving the overall impact resistance of the screen.

[0031] According to the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, an array of through holes, blind holes, or blind grooves are formed in the bending area of ​​the flexible plate, and the soft adhesive fills the through holes, blind holes, or blind grooves. This facilitates the bending of the flexible plate, and the soft adhesive can connect the pattern array together, thereby increasing the effective area of ​​pressure application when unfolded, improving support and user experience.

[0032] According to the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, the height of the soft adhesive is the same as or greater than the depth of the through hole, blind hole, or blind groove. The soft adhesive increases the effective area of ​​pressure application when the screen is unfolded, improving support and user experience, and also resists screen creep, reducing screen creases.

[0033] According to the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, the flexible support assembly further includes a filler element disposed in the gap between the flexible plate and the flexible display screen. This addition of a filler element in the gap allows the flexible support assembly to provide better continuous surface support for the screen.

[0034] According to the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, the flexible support assembly further includes connectors located at both ends of the flexible plate and disposed between the flexible plate and the folding hinge, for connection with the folding hinge. This facilitates the connection between the flexible support assembly and the folding hinge, improving equipment stability.

[0035] Thirdly, this application provides an electronic device, comprising: a first housing, a second housing, a folding hinge as described in the second aspect located between the first housing and the second housing, and a flexible display screen located on the first housing, the second housing and the folding hinge, wherein the rotation mechanism of the folding hinge is fixedly connected to the corresponding first housing or the second housing, and the flexible display screen is connected to the first housing and the second housing via a first connecting block and a central beam of the folding hinge.

[0036] According to the third aspect, by employing the rotating mechanism of the first aspect and the folding hinge of the second aspect of this application, the flexible display screen and the flexible support layer can be driven to open and close at equal lengths respectively. Furthermore, when the folding hinge is in the flattened state, the flexible support component provides continuous surface support to the screen, thereby solving the problems of a rib-like feel and lack of leverage when pressing on the folding device, thus improving the user experience. In addition, the rotating mechanism can simultaneously achieve equal opening and closing of the flexible display screen and the flexible support component, thereby preventing damage to the flexible display screen and the flexible support component due to stretching or compression during the opening and closing process.

[0037] According to the third aspect, or any implementation thereof, the flexible display screen and the flexible support layer of the folding hinge are connected in the middle area by adhesive dispensing or adhesive backing. This arrangement results in a simple structure, low cost, and stability. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a foldable phone in its flattened state:

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable phone in a semi-folded state.

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a folding hinge in a folded state.

[0041] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a current type of folding hinge;

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable mobile phone in a flattened state according to an embodiment of this application:

[0043] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the foldable phone shown in Figure 5 along the AA direction.

[0044] Figure 7 is a magnified view of a local area of ​​the dashed line region shown in Figure 6;

[0045] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the AA direction of the foldable phone shown in Figure 5 when it is in the folded state.

[0046] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a local area of ​​the dashed line region shown in Figure 8;

[0047] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of the flexible support component in the unfolded state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of the flexible support component in the folded state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 12 is an exploded view of the flexible support component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible plate according to an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along the BB direction of the flexible plate after the hole area of ​​the flexible plate in the embodiment of this application is filled with soft glue;

[0052] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of pressure transmission when the hole area of ​​the flexible plate in an embodiment of this application is not filled with soft glue;

[0053] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of pressure transmission after the hole area of ​​the flexible plate in an embodiment of this application is filled with soft glue;

[0054] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible plate according to another embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible plate shown in Figure 17 along the BB direction;

[0056] Figure 19 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 18;

[0057] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible plate according to another embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible plate shown in Figure 20 along the BB direction;

[0059] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible plate according to another embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible plate shown in Figure 22 along the BB direction;

[0061] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the support effect of the flexible component in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 25 is a structural schematic diagram of the folding hinge according to an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 26 is another structural schematic diagram of the folding hinge according to an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of the rotating mechanism according to an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 28 is an exploded view of a folding hinge according to an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 29 is an exploded view of the rotating mechanism according to an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 30 is a schematic diagram of the motion principle of the rotating structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of the shape of the damping spring according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0070] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0071] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order of objects. For example, "first target object" and "second target object," etc., are used to distinguish different target objects, not to describe a specific order of target objects.

[0072] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0073] In the description of the embodiments in this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple processing units means two or more processing units; multiple systems means two or more systems.

[0074] The hinge is a key component of foldable electronic devices, enabling them to open and close. When the foldable device is open and no external force is applied, it remains open; similarly, when it is closed and no external force is applied, it remains closed. Furthermore, the hinge's support for the display screen is also an important indicator affecting the user experience of foldable electronic devices.

[0075] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the electronic device 100 includes a housing 10, a folding hinge 20, and a flexible display screen 30. The folding hinge 20 is deformable, allowing the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 to fold or unfold relative to each other. As shown in Figure 1, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can unfold relative to each other to a flattened state, so that the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state. Exemplarily, when the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are in the flattened state, they can be approximately 180° apart (a slight deviation is also allowed, such as 165°, 177°, or 185°). As shown in Figure 2, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can rotate relative to each other (unfold or fold) to an intermediate state, so that the electronic device 100 is in an intermediate state. As shown in Figure 3, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can fold relative to each other to a closed state, so that the electronic device 100 is in a closed state. Exemplarily, when the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are in the closed state, they can be completely closed to be parallel to each other (a slight deviation is also allowed). The intermediate state shown in Figure 2 can be any state between the flattened state and the closed state. Therefore, the electronic device 100 can switch between the flattened state and the closed state by deforming the folding hinge 20.

[0076] In some embodiments, the flexible display screen 30 is used to display images. Exemplarily, the flexible display screen 30 may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display screen, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen.

[0077] The flexible display screen 30 includes a first non-bending portion 31, a bending portion 32, and a second non-bending portion 33 arranged sequentially. The flexible display screen 30 is fixed to the housing 10. For example, the flexible display screen 30 can be bonded to the housing 10 by an adhesive layer. The first non-bending portion 31 of the flexible display screen 30 is fixed to the first housing 11, and the second non-bending portion 33 is fixed to the second housing 12. During the relative folding or unfolding of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, the bending portion 32 deforms. As shown in Figure 1, when the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are in a flattened state, the flexible display screen 30 is in a flattened form; as shown in Figure 2, when the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are in an intermediate state, the flexible display screen 30 is in an intermediate form between a flattened form and a closed form; as shown in Figure 3, when the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are in a closed state, the flexible display screen 30 is in a closed form. When the electronic device 100 is in a closed state, the flexible display screen 30 is located outside the housing 10, and the flexible display screen 30 can be approximately U-shaped.

[0078] In this embodiment, the flexible display screen 30 can be unfolded or folded along with the folding hinge 20. When the electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, the flexible display screen 30 is in a flattened form, enabling full-screen display and giving the electronic device 100 a larger display area to improve the user's viewing experience. When the electronic device 100 is in a closed state, the planar dimensions of the electronic device 100 are smaller (with a smaller width), making it easier for users to carry and store.

[0079] To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, as shown in Figure 3, three directions can be defined: the length direction of the foldable phone (X direction, also known as the first direction), the width direction of the foldable phone (Y direction, also known as the second direction), and the thickness direction of the foldable phone (Z direction, also known as the third direction).

[0080] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, "up", "down", "left" and "right" refer to the orientation determined with the user's hands as a reference when the foldable phone is in a flattened state and the flexible screen 30 is facing the user.

[0081] It is understood that this embodiment is illustrated using the example of "the rotation center of the electronic device 100 being parallel to the length direction of the electronic device 100". In this case, the electronic device 100 can rotate left and right, and the folding and unfolding of the electronic device 100 affects its width dimension. In some other embodiments, the rotation center of the electronic device 100 may also be parallel to its width direction. In this case, the electronic device 100 can rotate up and down, and the folding and unfolding of the electronic device 100 affects its length dimension.

[0082] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a current folding hinge. As shown in Figure 4, the current folding hinge 20 generally includes a central beam 21, a first door panel 22, a second door panel 23, a third door panel 24, and a fourth door panel 25. This structure is also called a five-door panel structure. The first door panel 22, the second door panel 23, the third door panel 24, and the fourth door panel 25 are rotatably connected to the central beam 21 via a swing arm, so that they can rotate relative to the central beam 21, thereby realizing the folding or opening and closing of the folding hinge. As shown in Figure 4, when using this current five-door panel structure folding hinge, the bending part 32 of the flexible display screen 30 is mainly supported by the central beam 21, the first door panel 22, the second door panel 23, the third door panel 24, and the fourth door panel 25. However, as shown in Figure 4, the support effect of this hinge on the flexible display screen 30 is not good, which affects the user's experience of touching the flexible display screen 30. For example, when the folding hinge 20 is in the unfolded state, the first door panel 22 and the second door panel 23 only provide a linear support for the display screen (point support in cross-sectional view), resulting in a rib-like feel when the user touches this area. Furthermore, there are significant gaps between the center beam 21 and the first and second door panels 22 and 23, between the first door panel 22 and the third door panel 24, and between the second door panel 22 and the fourth door panel 25. These areas lack support for the screen, causing a pressing issue with a sense of incompleteness when the user presses these areas. Moreover, as foldable electronic devices become thinner, the outer contour arc diameter of components such as the center beam 21 will further decrease, exacerbating the aforementioned two problems.

[0083] This application proposes a rotating mechanism, a folding hinge, and an electronic device. Building upon the conventional five-panel solution, it adds a flexible support between the five panels and the display screen. This flexible support provides good surface support for the screen, thus solving problems such as a rib-like feel and lack of leverage when pressing in the area corresponding to the display screen and the folding hinge when the folding device is unfolded, improving the user experience. The rotating mechanism in this application adds a secondary linkage to the original four-bar linkage. This secondary linkage can drive the flexible support component to open and close by equal lengths. In other words, the rotating mechanism can simultaneously drive the screen and the flexible support component to open and close by equal lengths, thereby preventing damage to the flexible display screen and the flexible support component due to stretching or compression during opening and closing.

[0084] As shown in Figures 5 to 9, in this embodiment of the application, the electronic device 200 includes a housing 10, a folding hinge 20, and a flexible display screen 30. The folding hinge 20 is deformable to allow the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 to fold or unfold relative to each other. The folding hinge 20 includes a central beam 21, a first door panel 22, a second door panel 23, a third door panel 24, a fourth door panel 25, a second connecting block 26, a first main swing arm 27, a second main swing arm 28, a secondary swing arm 29, and a synchronous swing arm 34. The first door panel 22 and the second door panel 23 are rotatably connected to the middle beam 21 via the first main swing arm 27. The third door panel 24 and the fourth door panel 25 are rotatably connected to the middle beam 21 via the first main swing arm 27 and the synchronous swing arm 34. The second connecting block 26 is rotatably connected to the middle beam 21 via the second main swing arm 27. The auxiliary swing arm 29 is rotatably connected to the middle beam 21 and connected to the first connecting block (i.e., the third door panel 24 or the fourth door panel 25). The first connecting block is connected to the second connecting block 26. In this embodiment, a flexible support assembly 40 is provided between the middle beam 21, the first door panel 22, the second door panel 23, the third door panel 24, the fourth door panel 25, and the flexible display screen 30. One side of the flexible support assembly 40 is connected to the folding hinge 20 (specifically, to the middle beam 21 and the second connecting block 26), and the other side is connected to the flexible display screen 30. The flexible display screen 30 is connected to the first housing 11, the second housing 12, and the first connecting block 26, specifically by adhesive backing or spot bonding. In this way, the folding hinge 20 can simultaneously drive the flexible display screen 30 and the flexible support component 40 to open and close at the same length, avoiding damage from stretching or compression during the opening and closing process. The motion principle of the folding hinge 20 will be described in detail later.

[0085] For example, the flexible support component 40 includes areas located in the bending region and non-bending region. The two sides (non-bending region) of the flexible support component 40 are connected and fixed to the second connecting block 26, and the fixing methods include, but are not limited to, adhesive application, welding, riveting, and screw fastening. The middle region of the flexible support component 40 is connected and fixed to the central beam 21, and the fixing methods include, but are not limited to, adhesive application, welding, riveting, and screw fastening. The middle region of the flexible support component 40 is also connected and fixed to the flexible display screen 30, and the fixing methods include, but are not limited to, adhesive application and adhesive backing.

[0086] By way of example, referring to Figures 10-12, in one embodiment of this application, the flexible support assembly 40 includes a flexible plate 41, a filler 42, and a connector 43. The flexible plate 41 flexibly supports the display screen 30 and can deform to unfold or fold with the movement of the folding hinge 20. The filler 42 is located between the flexible plate 41 and the flexible display screen 30, i.e., on the side of the flexible plate 41 facing the flexible display screen 30, and is used to fill the gap between the flexible plate 41 and the flexible display screen 30. The connector 43 is located between the flexible plate 41 and the folding hinge 20, i.e., on the side of the flexible plate 41 away from the flexible display screen 30, and is used to connect and fix the flexible plate 41 and the folding hinge 20 (specifically, a second connecting block). By way of example, the filler 42 is provided in the area of ​​the flexible plate 41 excluding the middle region. The connector 43 is provided at both ends of the flexible plate 41 for connection with the folding hinge 20. The middle region of the flexible plate 41 refers to the area of ​​the flexible plate 41 in contact with the central beam 21.

[0087] Please refer to Figures 5 through 9. The middle area of ​​the flexible plate 41 is connected and fixed to the central beam 21, and the fixing methods include, but are not limited to, dispensing, adhesive backing, welding, riveting, and screw fastening. The middle area of ​​the flexible plate 41 is also connected and fixed to the flexible display screen 30, and the fixing methods include, but are not limited to, dispensing and adhesive backing. The connector 43 is connected and fixed to the folding hinge 20 (specifically, the second connecting block 26), and the fixing methods include, but are not limited to, dispensing, adhesive backing, welding, riveting, and screw fastening. As shown in Figure 7, the connector 43 can be connected and fixed to the second connecting block 26.

[0088] For example, the flexible plate 41 can be a bendable plate-shaped or sheet-shaped component. The flexible plate 41 can be divided into bending areas and non-bending areas, with the non-bending areas located at both ends of the flexible plate 41 for connection and fixation with the second connecting block 26. In other words, the connector 43 is disposed in the non-bending area of ​​the flexible plate 41 for connection and fixation with the second connecting block 26.

[0089] Referring to Figure 13, in some embodiments, the flexible plate 41 can be a plate-like or sheet-like component without openings. In some embodiments, the flexible plate 41 can be a plate-like or sheet-like component with through holes. In some embodiments, the flexible plate 41 can be a plate-like or sheet-like component with blind holes or blind slots. By using through holes, blind holes, or blind slots, the flexible plate 41 can be made easier to bend and less prone to wrinkling during bending. Referring to Figure 12, through holes, blind holes, or blind slots are exemplaryly provided in the bending area of ​​the flexible plate 41. Of course, in other embodiments, through holes, blind holes, or blind slots can also be provided in the non-bending area of ​​the flexible plate 41.

[0090] For example, in some embodiments, the opening areas (through holes, blind holes, or blind slots) of the flexible plate 41 can be filled with soft adhesive. The soft adhesive can connect the array of opening patterns together, thereby increasing the effective area of ​​the pressing force when the flexible plate 41 is in a flattened state, thus effectively improving the support force. Furthermore, filling the opening areas of the flexible plate 41 with soft adhesive can reduce sharp edges in the hole areas, improve the protection of the flexible display screen 30, and thus improve the overall reliability of the device.

[0091] As shown in Figure 14, all opening areas of the flexible plate 41 are filled with soft glue, and the height / thickness of the soft glue is consistent with the height / thickness of the opening.

[0092] As can be seen from Figures 15 and 16, after the opening areas (through holes, blind holes, or blind slots) of the flexible board 41 are filled with soft glue, the pressure transmission is more uniform when the user presses the flexible display screen 30 compared to when it is not filled with soft glue.

[0093] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 17 to 19, soft adhesive 50 is filled in a local area of ​​the opening region of the flexible plate 41, thereby connecting the local opening array together, so that when the flexible plate 41 is in a flattened state, the effective area of ​​the local pressing force can be increased, effectively improving the support force.

[0094] For example, soft adhesive 50 may be filled in the middle region of the flexible plate 41, such as the region corresponding to the central beam 41.

[0095] For example, the height of the flexible adhesive 50 is greater than the depth of the opening. That is, the flexible adhesive 50 protrudes relative to the flexible board 41. The localized protrusion of the flexible adhesive can resist the screen's own creep, reduce screen creases, and improve the user experience.

[0096] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, a soft adhesive 50 is filled into a localized area of ​​the surface of the perforated flexible board 41. The localized protrusions of the soft adhesive can resist the screen's own creep, reduce screen creases, and improve the user experience.

[0097] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, a soft adhesive 50 is filled into the surface of the bending area of ​​the flexible board 41 without openings. The soft adhesive can reduce the impact on the screen when the user presses it or the device is dropped, thereby improving the overall impact resistance of the screen.

[0098] For example, in some embodiments of this application, the flexible plate 41 may be made of hyperelastic metal, polymer material, etc. Hyperelastic metal refers to a metal with an elastic modulus greater than a certain threshold.

[0099] For example, in some embodiments of this application, the soft adhesive 50 may be made of silicone, non-woven fabric, foam, etc.

[0100] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the support effect of the flexible support component according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 24, by using the flexible support component according to an embodiment of this application, the flexible support component can form a continuous large-area support for the screen when the folding device is unfolded, thereby solving problems such as the rib-like feeling and the lack of real movement when the user touches the folding device.

[0101] It should be understood that the flexible support assembly 40 may include three parts as described above: a flexible plate 41, a filler 42, and a connector 43, or it may be an integral structure. For example, the flexible plate 41 may be thicker at both ends and thinner in the middle, thus eliminating the need for the connector 43. Of course, even when the flexible plate 41 is thicker at both ends and thinner in the middle, the flexible support assembly 40 may still include the connector 43. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements based on the above embodiments.

[0102] Referring again to Figures 5-9, in this embodiment of the application, during the unfolding and folding of the electronic device 200, the flexible support component 40 and the flexible display screen 30 open and close at the same length. In order to achieve this effect, the rotation mechanism of the folding hinge 20 has been improved in this embodiment of the application to meet the above requirements.

[0103] Referring to Figures 25-29, and in conjunction with Figures 7 and 9, in some embodiments of this application, the folding hinge 20 includes at least two rotating mechanisms 20A, for example, it may include two, four, six or more rotating mechanisms 20A. In some embodiments, the folding hinge 20 includes six rotating mechanisms 20A. The six rotating mechanisms 20A are arranged symmetrically relative to the central beam 21, with three rotating mechanisms 20A arranged on each side. The six rotating mechanisms 20A share the same central beam 21 and the first connecting block (the third door panel 24 or the fourth door panel 25).

[0104] As mentioned above, the rotating mechanism 20A can open and close the flexible support assembly 40 and the flexible display screen 30 by equal lengths.

[0105] As shown in Figures 25 to 29, the rotating structure 20A includes a central beam 21, a first connecting block (a third door panel 24 or a fourth door panel 25), a second connecting block 26, a first main swing arm 27, a second main swing arm 28, a secondary swing arm 29, and a synchronous swing arm 34. In this embodiment, the rotating mechanism adds a second connecting block 26 and a second main swing arm 28 to the four-bar linkage of the central beam 21, the first connecting block, the first main swing arm 27, and the secondary swing arm 29, and is therefore also called a six-bar rotating mechanism.

[0106] In this embodiment, the first end of the first main swing arm 27 is rotatably connected to the center beam 21, and the first door panel 22 / second door panel 23 is fastened to the first main swing arm 27. When the first main swing arm 27 rotates relative to the center beam 21, it can drive the first door panel 22 / second door panel 23 to rotate relative to the center beam 21. The second end of the first main swing arm 27 is rotatably connected to the first connecting block (third door panel 24 or fourth door panel 25) via a rotating connector 35. Specifically, the first connecting block (third door panel 24 or fourth door panel 25) is fixedly connected to the rotating connector 35, and the rotating connector 35 is rotatably connected to the second end of the first main swing arm 27. Thus, when the first connecting block (third door panel 24 or fourth door panel 25) is subjected to force, it can drive the first main swing arm 27 and the first door panel 22 to rotate relative to the center beam 21.

[0107] In this embodiment, the first end of the second main swing arm 28 is rotatably connected to the middle beam 21, and the second end is rotatably connected to the second connecting block 26. The second connecting block 26 is slidably connected to the first connecting block (the third door panel 24 or the fourth door panel 25). When the first connecting block (the third door panel 24 or the fourth door panel 25) is subjected to force, it can drive the second connecting block 26 and the second main swing arm 28 to rotate relative to the middle beam 21, and at the same time, it can make the second connecting block 26 slide relative to the first connecting block (the third door panel 24 or the fourth door panel 25). As shown in FIG29, a first sliding groove 241 is provided on the first connecting block (the third door panel 24 or the fourth door panel 25), and a first sliding part 261 is correspondingly provided at both ends of the second connecting block 26. When the first connecting block (the third door panel 24 or the fourth door panel 25) and the second connecting block 26 are assembled together, the first sliding part 261 is engaged in the corresponding first sliding groove 241, so that the second connecting block 26 can slide relative to the first connecting block (the third door panel 24 or the fourth door panel 25).

[0108] For example, in this embodiment, the second connecting block 26 is connected to the center beam 21 via two second main swing arms 28. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of first main swing arms 28 may be one, three, or more.

[0109] In this embodiment, the first end of the auxiliary swing arm 29 is rotatably connected to the middle beam 21, and the second end is slidably connected to the second connecting block 26. When the first connecting block (the third door panel 24 or the fourth door panel 25) is subjected to force, it can drive the second connecting block 26 to rotate relative to the middle beam 21, thereby driving the auxiliary swing arm 29 to rotate relative to the middle beam 21, while simultaneously causing the auxiliary swing arm 29 to slide relative to the second connecting block 26.

[0110] As shown in Figure 29, a second sliding groove 262 is provided on the second connecting block 26, and a second sliding part 263 is provided on the side wall of the second sliding groove 262. A third sliding groove 291 corresponding to the second sliding part 263 is provided at both ends of the auxiliary swing arm 29. The connection and relative sliding between the second connecting block 26 and the auxiliary swing arm 29 are achieved by inserting the second sliding part 263 into the third sliding groove 291.

[0111] The motion principle of the rotating structure 20A in this embodiment is shown in Figure 30. The six-bar linkage has 5 moving components, 7 lower pairs and 0 higher pairs. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the rotating structure 20A is 5*3-7*2-0*1=1, that is, the motion of the rotating shaft of the six-bar linkage is unique.

[0112] Referring to Figures 25-29, and in conjunction with Figures 7 and 9, it can be seen that by reasonably arranging the positions of the first main swing arm 27 and the second main swing arm 28, the rotation radius and rotation axis of each rotating component (e.g., the first connecting block, the second connecting block 26, and the auxiliary swing arm 29) can be adjusted, thereby enabling the folding hinge 20 to drive the flexible support assembly 40 and the flexible display screen 30 to open and close at the same length.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a mounting groove 292 is provided on the secondary swing arm 29, and a damping spring 50 is installed in the mounting groove 292. The mounting groove 292 communicates with the second sliding groove 291, and the two ends of the damping spring 50 contact the second sliding part 263 through the slider 51.

[0114] In this embodiment, the end of the second sliding part 263 that contacts the slider 51 is curved; in other words, the end of the second sliding part 263 that contacts the slider 51 has protrusions and depressions. Thus, when the auxiliary swing arm 29 slides relative to the connecting plate 26, the distance between the second sliding part 263 and the damping spring 50 changes continuously, causing the slider 51 to slide and thus deforming the damping spring 50, providing damping force to the user and enhancing the damping experience of using the folding device. Furthermore, by reasonably setting the curved shape of the second sliding part 263, the damping magnitude of the folding device can be reasonably set regardless of the opening angle, providing a better damping experience for the user.

[0115] By way of example, in this embodiment of the application, the damping spring 50 is an irregularly shaped spring. The damping spring 50 may be a spring of the shape shown in Figures 27 and 31, or other suitable shapes.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a synchronous swing arm 34 is provided between the first connecting block (third door panel 24 or fourth door panel 25) and the middle beam 21. The first end of the synchronous swing arm 34 is rotatably connected to the middle beam 21, and the second end is slidably connected to the first connecting block (third door panel 24 or fourth door panel 25). Exemplarily, a fourth sliding groove 242 is provided on the first connecting block (third door panel 24 or fourth door panel 25), and the second end of the synchronous swing arm 34 is installed in the fourth sliding groove 242 and can slide relative to the fourth sliding groove 242. A synchronous gear 341 is provided at the first end of the synchronous swing arm 34, and two opposing synchronous gears 341 mesh with each other, thereby ensuring the synchronous rotation of the first door panel 22, second door panel 23, third door panel 24, and fourth door panel 25.

[0117] It should be understood that the above-described rotating mechanism 20A is merely exemplary, and various modifications and improvements can be made to the embodiments of this application based on the above principles. For example, in some embodiments, the secondary swing arm 27 and the second connecting block 26 can be rotatably connected, and the second connecting block 26 and the third door panel 24 can be slidably connected. As another example, in some embodiments, the secondary swing arm 27 and the second connecting block 26 can be rotatably connected, and the second connecting block 26 and the first connecting block (the third door panel 24 or the fourth door panel 25) can be rotatably connected. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the secondary swing arm 27 and the second connecting block 26 can be slidably connected, and the second connecting block 26 and the first connecting block (the third door panel 24 or the fourth door panel 25) can be rotatably connected.

[0118] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A rotating mechanism, characterized in that, The application relates to a rotating mechanism. The application relates to a rotating mechanism. The first end of the first main swing arm is rotationally connected with the middle beam, and the second end is rotationally connected with the first connecting block. The first end of the second main swing arm is rotationally connected with the middle beam, and the second end is rotationally connected with the second connecting block. The first end of the auxiliary swing arm is rotationally connected with the middle beam, and the second end is connected with the second connecting block. The first connecting block and the second connecting block are slidingly connected or rotationally connected.

2. The swivel mechanism of claim 1, wherein A first sliding groove is arranged on the first connecting block, and a first sliding part is correspondingly arranged on the second connecting block and slidingly arranged in the first sliding groove.

3. The swivel mechanism of claim 2, wherein, The application further relates to a rotating mechanism.

4. The swivel mechanism of claim 1, wherein One end of the rotating connecting piece is fixedly connected with the first connecting block, and the other end is rotationally connected with the first main swing arm. The second end of the auxiliary swing arm is slidingly connected or rotationally connected with the second connecting block.

5. The swivel mechanism of claim 1, wherein A second sliding groove is arranged on the second connecting block, and the auxiliary swing arm is slidingly arranged in the second sliding groove.

6. The swivel mechanism of claim 5, wherein, A second sliding part is arranged on the side wall of the second sliding groove, and a third sliding groove is arranged on the two sides of the auxiliary swing arm and correspondingly to the second sliding part, and the second sliding part is slidingly arranged in the third sliding groove.

7. The swivel mechanism of claim 6, wherein, The second sliding part is arranged in a curved shape towards one end of the third sliding groove.

8. The swivel mechanism of claim 7, wherein, The application further relates to a rotating mechanism.

9. The swivel mechanism of claim 8, wherein, A damping spring is arranged in the auxiliary swing arm, and the damping spring is in contact with the second sliding part and deforms with the sliding of the auxiliary swing arm relative to the second connecting block. The application further relates to a rotating mechanism.

10. The swivel mechanism according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that The second end of the auxiliary swing arm is slidingly connected or rotationally connected with the second connecting block. The second connecting block is connected with the middle beam through one or two second main swing arms.

11. A swivel mechanism according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that The application relates to a rotating mechanism.

12. A foldable hinge, characterized in that The middle region of the flexible plate is connected with the middle beam through point gluing, back gluing, welding, riveting or screwing.

13. The foldable hinge of claim 12, wherein, The two ends of the flexible plate are connected with the second connecting block through point gluing, back gluing, welding, riveting or screwing.

14. The foldable hinge of claim 13, wherein, The flexible plate comprises a bending region and a non-bending region, and soft glue is filled in the whole region or the middle region of the bending region.

15. The foldable hinge of claim 13, wherein, Array-arranged through holes, blind holes or blind grooves are formed in the bending region of the flexible plate, and the soft glue is filled in the through holes, blind holes or blind grooves.

16. The foldable hinge according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that The thickness of the soft glue is consistent with or greater than the depth of the through holes, blind holes or blind grooves.

17. The foldable hinge of claim 16, wherein The flexible support assembly further comprises a filling piece arranged in the gap between the flexible plate and the flexible display screen.

18. The foldable hinge of claim 17, wherein, ​ 19. The foldable hinge according to any of claims 13-15, characterized in that ​ 20. The foldable hinge according to any of claims 13-15, characterized in that The flexible support assembly further comprises a connecting piece located at both ends of the flexible plate and arranged between the flexible plate and the folding hinge for connecting with the second connecting block.

21. An electronic device, comprising: The folding hinge comprises a first connecting block, a second connecting block, a middle beam, a rotating mechanism, a flexible support layer and a flexible display screen, wherein the first connecting block and the second connecting block are arranged on the first shell and the second shell respectively, the middle beam is arranged between the first connecting block and the second connecting block, the rotating mechanism is arranged between the middle beam and the first shell or the second shell, the flexible support layer is arranged between the first connecting block and the second connecting block, and the flexible display screen is arranged on the first shell, the second shell and the folding hinge.

22. The electronic device of claim 21, wherein, The flexible display screen is connected with the middle region of the flexible support layer of the folding hinge through point gluing or back gluing.

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