Folding mechanism, housing apparatus, and electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides a folding mechanism, a housing apparatus, and an electronic device. The folding mechanism comprises a main shaft, a first connection assembly, a second connection assembly, and a support plate. The first connection assembly and the second connection assembly are both movably connected to the main shaft. The support plate comprises a first fixed portion, a first bending portion, and a second fixed portion which are sequentially connected in a first direction, the first fixed portion is fixedly connected to the first connection assembly, the second fixed portion is fixedly connected to the second connection assembly, and the first bending portion can be deformed. When the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, the support plate is flattened, and the first fixed portion, the first bending portion and the second fixed portion form a supporting surface. When the folding mechanism is in a closed state, the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion are opposite to each other, the first bending portion is bent, and the first bending portion, the first fixed portion, and the second fixed portion define an accommodating space. The support plate in the present application can ensure the supporting strength for a flexible screen, and would not cause the problem of pressing against the screen.

Description

Folding mechanism, housing assembly, and electronic equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411026333.1, filed on July 27, 2024, with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, entitled "Folding Mechanism, Housing Device and Electronic Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] With the continuous development of flexible display technology, it has been widely used in various foldable electronic devices. Foldable electronic devices typically consist of two housings and a folding mechanism. The deformation of the folding mechanism allows the two housings to be flattened or folded relative to each other. In order to improve the flatness of the part of the flexible display facing the folding mechanism, the electronic device usually also has a steel sheet covering the folding mechanism to support the flexible display and improve the flatness of the flexible display in that area.

[0004] However, current steel sheets are typically fixed at one end to one of the housings, with the other end spanning the folding mechanism and overlapping the surface of another housing. When the electronic device switches from an open to a closed state, the flexible display bends while simultaneously pressing against the steel sheet, causing it to bend as well. This makes the steel sheet prone to tipping over, potentially damaging the flexible display. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a folding mechanism, a housing device, and an electronic device, aiming to provide a folding mechanism that can support a screen without hitting the screen, including a housing device of the folding mechanism, and an electronic device including the housing device.

[0006] In a first aspect, a folding mechanism is provided. The folding mechanism includes a main shaft, a first connecting assembly, a second connecting assembly, and a support plate. Both the first and second connecting assemblies are movably connected to the main shaft. The support plate includes a first fixing part, a first bending part, and a second fixing part connected sequentially along a first direction. The first fixing part is fixedly connected to the first connecting assembly, and the second fixing part is fixedly connected to the second connecting assembly. The first bending part is deformable. The folding mechanism includes an open state and a closed state. When the folding mechanism is in the open state, the support plate is flattened, and the first fixing part, the first bending part, and the second fixing part form a support surface. When the folding mechanism is in the closed state, the first fixing part and the second fixing part are positioned opposite each other, and the first bending part is bent, forming a receiving space with the first bending part and the second fixing part. The first direction is the direction in which the first connecting assembly points to the second connecting assembly when the folding mechanism is in the open state.

[0007] Understandably, conventional electronic devices incorporate a cross-axis steel plate to support the flexible screen. One end of the cross-axis steel plate is fixed to the first housing, while the other end can span the rotating structure and overlap the surface of the second housing. The flexible screen can be fixedly connected to both the first and second housings. The portion of the cross-axis steel plate facing the rotating structure may also have clearance holes to expose part of the rotating structure. The flexible screen can also be fixedly connected to the rotating structure through these clearance holes. When the electronic device is in the open state, the cross-axis steel plate supports the flexible screen. When the electronic device switches from the open to the closed state, the first housing can fold relative to the second housing, and the rotating structure can deform. At this time, the flexible screen can fold relative to the first housing, the second housing, and the rotating structure. The cross-axis steel plate deforms under the influence of the first and second housings, and during the folding process, the flexible screen compresses the cross-axis steel plate, creating a receiving space that matches the shape of the flexible screen in the closed state. However, since the cross-axis steel sheet is fixed to the first housing at only one end, when the electronic device switches from an open to a closed state, the cross-axis steel sheet needs to be compressed by the flexible screen to form a suitable receiving space. This makes the cross-axis steel sheet prone to tipping over the screen during folding, leading to damage to the flexible screen. Simultaneously, to reduce the stress on the flexible screen, the cross-axis steel sheet is usually thinner, or multiple slots are provided on the part of the cross-axis steel sheet facing the rotating structure to reduce the bending force required in that part and decrease the force exerted on the flexible screen during folding. However, this reduces the supporting strength of the cross-axis steel sheet. In other words, the cross-axis steel sheet in typical electronic devices cannot simultaneously ensure the supporting strength of the flexible screen and avoid tipping over the screen.

[0008] In this embodiment, the support plate of the folding mechanism has a first fixing part, a first bending part, and a second fixing part connected sequentially along a first direction. Both the first fixing part and the second fixing part can be fixed to the rotating structure. Thus, when the folding mechanism is applied to an electronic device, and the electronic device switches from an open state to a closed state, the rotating structure can deform, and the support plate can fold relative to the rotating structure. The flexible screen can fold relative to the first housing and the second housing. That is, the folding process of the support plate is independent of the folding process of the flexible screen. During the folding process, the support plate can fold relative to the rotating structure without the flexible screen being compressed, effectively avoiding the problem of the support plate pressing against the flexible screen when the electronic device switches from an open state to a closed state, which helps to extend the service life of the flexible screen. Simultaneously, the support plate in this embodiment can fold relative to the rotating structure, and the support plate exerts no force on the flexible screen during the folding process. This eliminates the need for slots on the part of the support plate facing the rotating structure to reduce the force exerted on the flexible screen, resulting in better overall structural strength of the support plate and better support strength for the flexible screen. In other words, the support plate in this embodiment can provide both support strength for the flexible screen and prevent the flexible screen from being topped during folding, which helps to extend the service life of electronic devices.

[0009] In one possible implementation, when the folding mechanism is in the open state, the width of the support plate in the first direction is a first width, and the total width of the main shaft, the first connecting assembly, and the second connecting assembly in the first direction is less than the first width. Thus, the support member is wider, and when the folding mechanism is applied in an electronic device, the support member can also cover at least a portion of the gap between the first housing and the first connecting assembly, and at least a portion of the gap between the second housing and the second connecting assembly.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the support plate further includes a second bent portion and a third fixing portion, with the second bent portion fixedly connected between the first fixing portion and the third fixing portion. When the folding mechanism is in the open state, both the second bent portion and the third fixing portion are located on the side of the first fixing portion away from the first bent portion. The second bent portion is bent in the direction toward the first connecting assembly, enclosing a first space. The first space and the first connecting assembly are spaced apart in a first direction, and the third fixing portion is flattened relative to the first fixing portion.

[0011] It is understood that the support plate in this embodiment also includes a second bending portion and a third fixing portion. The second bending portion can be fixedly connected between the third fixing portion and the first fixing portion. The third fixing portion can be fixedly connected to the first housing. When the electronic device is in the open state, the second bending portion can be bent in the direction toward the first connecting component and enclose the first space. Thus, when the electronic device switches from the open state to the closed state, the second bending portion can unfold in the direction toward the first fixing portion under the movement of the first connecting component, and the first bending portion can move in the direction toward the main axis. In other words, the second bending portion can provide a movement margin for the first bending portion, so that the first bending portion can move in the direction toward the main axis when the electronic device switches from the open state to the closed state. That is, the first bending portion can move in the direction away from the flexible screen. In this way, when the electronic device switches between the open state and the closed state, the first bending portion of the support plate can always have a gap with the flexible screen, thereby avoiding the problem of the support plate hitting the flexible screen during flattening or folding, which is beneficial to extending the service life of the electronic device.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the support plate further includes a first extension portion, which is fixedly connected to a first fixing portion. When the folding mechanism is in the open state, the first extension portion is located on the side of the first fixing portion facing away from the first bending portion, and the first extension portion and the first fixing portion are relatively flattened. In this way, the support plate can be a flat plate-like structure, which is simple in structure and relatively simple in manufacturing process.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first connecting assembly includes a first rotating arm, and the second connecting assembly includes a second rotating arm. A main shaft movably connects the first and second rotating arms. Both the first and second rotating arms are movable relative to the main shaft, allowing the first and second rotating arms to fold or unfold relative to each other. A first fixing part is fixedly connected to the first rotating arm, and a second fixing part is fixedly connected to the second rotating arm. When the folding mechanism is in the open state, a first bending part covers the gap between the first and second rotating arms.

[0014] Understandably, in typical electronic devices, the folding mechanism usually includes a first door panel and a second door panel. The first door panel can be fixedly connected to and covers the first connecting component. The second door panel can be fixedly connected to and covers the second connecting component. When the electronic device is in the open state, there is a gap between the first door panel and the second door panel. The first door panel and the second door panel can form a support surface to support the flexible screen. The electronic device also needs to be equipped with a cross-axis steel plate to cover the gap between the first door panel and the second door panel. However, setting the first door panel, the second door panel, and the cross-axis steel plate at the same time greatly increases the thickness of the electronic device, which is not conducive to the thinner design of the electronic device. In this embodiment, the support plate can simultaneously cover the first connecting component, the second connecting component, and the gap between the first connecting component and the second connecting component. This allows the support plate to form a support surface to support the flexible screen when the electronic device is in the open state, and also to cover the gap between the first connecting component and the second connecting component, achieving "multi-purpose use". This simplifies the structure of the electronic device, reduces the manufacturing cost, and reduces the thickness of the electronic device.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first connecting assembly includes a first rotating arm and a first support member, and the second connecting assembly includes a second rotating arm and a second support member. A main shaft movably connects the first and second rotating arms, the first support member is fixedly connected to the first rotating arm, and the second support member is fixedly connected to the second rotating arm. Both the first and second rotating arms are movable relative to the main shaft, allowing the first and second support members to fold and unfold relative to each other. A first fixing part is fixedly connected to the first support member, and a second fixing part is fixedly connected to the second support member. When the folding mechanism is in the open state, the first bending part covers the gap between the first and second support members. In this way, the first and second support members can be used to assist the support plate in supporting the flexible screen, which helps to enhance the support strength of the flexible screen in the folding mechanism area.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the thickness of the support plate is less than the thickness of the first support member. This results in a thinner overall folding mechanism, which is beneficial for achieving a slimmer design.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the first rotating arm includes a first surface and a second surface connected together. The first surface faces the support plate, and the second surface faces away from the main shaft. A chamfer is formed at the connection between the first surface and the second surface. In this way, the chamfer at the connection between the first surface and the second surface can be used to avoid the second bend, thereby shortening the gap between the first connecting assembly and the first housing, making the overall structure of the electronic device more compact.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first connecting component further includes a first fixed frame, and a first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame. During the process of switching the folding mechanism from an open state to a closed state, the first rotating arm rotates relative to the main shaft in a first rotation direction, and the first fixed frame rotates relative to the first rotating arm in a second rotation direction, with the first rotation direction being opposite to the second rotation direction. In this way, when the folding mechanism is in the closed state, the flexible screen can be made to be roughly "teardrop-shaped," which is beneficial for reducing the thickness of the electronic device in the closed state.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first fixing frame includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other along its thickness direction, the first surface being closer to the support plate than the second surface, and a first rotating arm rotating about a first axis relative to the first fixing frame, the first axis being closer to the second surface than the first surface.

[0020] In this way, the distance between the first axis and the support plate is relatively large. When the first rotating arm rotates around the first axis relative to the first fixed frame, the first fixed part of the support plate moves a large distance relative to the first axis under the action of the first rotating arm. This increases the distance the first bending part moves relative to the main axis, thus ensuring the gap between the support plate and the flexible screen during the switching between the open and closed states of the electronic device. This avoids the support plate hitting the flexible screen, which could damage the flexible screen and extend the service life of the electronic device.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the support plate includes a support layer and a heat-conducting layer stacked together. The thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting layer is greater than that of the support layer. The heat-conducting layer is located between the support layer and the main shaft, or it is located on the side of the support layer facing away from the main shaft. This heat-conducting layer effectively improves the thermal conductivity of the support plate, thus enhancing the heat dissipation efficiency of the electronic device.

[0022] Secondly, a housing device is provided. The housing device includes a first housing, a second housing, and the aforementioned folding mechanism. A first connecting component connects to the first housing, and a second connecting component connects to the second housing. Both the first and second connecting components are movable relative to a main axis to allow the first and second housings to be relatively flattened or folded. The folding mechanism in this embodiment can effectively support the screen without pressing against it, thus extending the lifespan of the flexible screen.

[0023] Thirdly, a housing device is provided. The housing device includes a first housing, a second housing, and a folding structure. The folding mechanism includes a main shaft, a first connecting assembly, a second connecting assembly, and a support plate. Both the first and second connecting assemblies are movably connected to the main shaft. The first connecting assembly is also connected to the first housing, and the second connecting assembly is also connected to the second housing. Both the first and second connecting assemblies are movable relative to the main shaft to allow the first and second housings to be relatively flattened to an open state or relatively folded to a closed state. The support plate includes a first fixing part, a first bending part, and a second fixing part connected sequentially along a first direction. The first fixing part is fixedly connected to the first connecting assembly, and the second fixing part is fixedly connected to the second connecting assembly. The first bending part is deformable. When the housing device is in the open state, the support plate is flattened, and the first fixing part, the first bending part, and the second fixing part form a support surface. When the housing device is in the closed state, the first fixing part and the second fixing part are arranged opposite to each other, the first bending part is bent, and the first bending part, the first fixing part, and the second fixing part enclose a receiving space. The first direction is the direction in which the first connecting assembly points to the second connecting assembly when the housing device is in the open state.

[0024] It is understood that the support plate of the folding mechanism in this embodiment has a first fixing part, a first bending part, and a second fixing part connected sequentially along a first direction. Both the first fixing part and the second fixing part can be fixed to the rotating structure. Thus, when the folding mechanism is applied to an electronic device, and the electronic device switches from an open state to a closed state, the rotating structure can deform, and the support plate can be folded relative to the rotating structure. The flexible screen can be folded relative to the first housing and the second housing. That is, the folding process of the support plate is independent of the folding process of the flexible screen. During the folding process, the support plate can be folded relative to the rotating structure without the flexible screen being compressed, effectively avoiding the problem of the support plate pressing against the flexible screen when the electronic device switches from an open state to a closed state, which is beneficial to extending the service life of the flexible screen. At the same time, the support plate in this embodiment can be folded relative to the rotating structure, and the support plate exerts no force on the flexible screen during the folding process. This eliminates the need for slots on the part of the support plate facing the rotating structure to reduce the force exerted on the flexible screen. The overall structural strength of the support plate is good, and the support strength for the flexible screen is good. In other words, the support plate in this embodiment can provide both support strength for the flexible screen and prevent the flexible screen from being topped during folding, which helps to extend the service life of electronic devices.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the support plate covers the gap between the first housing and the first connecting assembly. This results in a wider support member that can also cover at least part of the gap between the first housing and the first connecting assembly, improving the flatness of the support for the flexible screen.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the support plate further includes a second bent portion and a third fixing portion. The second bent portion is fixedly connected between the first fixing portion and the third fixing portion, and the third fixing portion is fixed to the first housing. The second bent portion covers the gap between the first housing and the first connecting assembly. When the housing device is in the open state, both the second bent portion and the third fixing portion are located on the side of the first fixing portion away from the first bent portion. The second bent portion is bent in the direction toward the first connecting assembly, enclosing a first space. The first space and the first connecting assembly are spaced apart in a first direction, and the third fixing portion is flattened relative to the first fixing portion. When the housing device switches from the open state to the closed state, the second bent portion unfolds in the direction toward the first fixing portion.

[0027] It is understood that the support plate in this embodiment also includes a second bending portion and a third fixing portion. The second bending portion can be fixedly connected between the third fixing portion and the first fixing portion. The third fixing portion can be fixedly connected to the first housing. When the electronic device is in the open state, the second bending portion can be bent in the direction toward the first connecting component and enclose the first space. Thus, when the electronic device switches from the open state to the closed state, the second bending portion can unfold in the direction toward the first fixing portion under the movement of the first connecting component, and the first bending portion can move in the direction toward the main axis. In other words, the second bending portion can provide a movement margin for the first bending portion, so that the first bending portion can move in the direction toward the main axis when the electronic device switches from the open state to the closed state. That is, the first bending portion can move in the direction away from the flexible screen. In this way, when the electronic device switches between the open state and the closed state, the first bending portion of the support plate can always have a gap with the flexible screen, thereby avoiding the problem of the support plate hitting the flexible screen during flattening or folding, which is beneficial to extending the service life of the electronic device.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the support plate further includes a first extension, which is fixedly connected to a first fixing part. When the folding mechanism is in the open state, the first extension is located on the side of the first fixing part facing away from the first bending part and overlaps with the first housing, with the first extension and the first fixing part relatively flattened. During the process of switching the housing device from the open state to the closed state, the first extension slides relative to the first housing in the direction toward the first fixing part. During the process of switching the housing device from the closed state to the open state, the first extension slides relative to the first housing in the direction away from the first fixing part. In this way, the support plate can be a flat plate-like structure, with a simple structure and a relatively simple manufacturing process.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first connecting assembly includes a first rotating arm, and the second connecting assembly includes a second rotating arm. A main shaft movably connects the first and second rotating arms. Both the first and second rotating arms are movable relative to the main shaft, allowing the first and second rotating arms to fold or unfold relative to each other. A first fixing part is fixedly connected to the first rotating arm, and a second fixing part is fixedly connected to the second rotating arm. When the housing device is in the open state, a first bending part covers the gap between the first and second rotating arms.

[0030] Understandably, in typical electronic devices, the folding mechanism usually includes a first door panel and a second door panel. The first door panel can be fixedly connected to and covers the first connecting component. The second door panel can be fixedly connected to and covers the second connecting component. When the electronic device is in the open state, there is a gap between the first door panel and the second door panel. The first door panel and the second door panel can form a support surface to support the flexible screen. The electronic device also needs to be equipped with a cross-axis steel plate to cover the gap between the first door panel and the second door panel. However, setting the first door panel, the second door panel, and the cross-axis steel plate at the same time greatly increases the thickness of the electronic device, which is not conducive to the thinner design of the electronic device. In this embodiment, the support plate can simultaneously cover the first connecting component, the second connecting component, and the gap between the first connecting component and the second connecting component. This allows the support plate to form a support surface to support the flexible screen when the electronic device is in the open state, and also to cover the gap between the first connecting component and the second connecting component, achieving "multi-purpose use". This simplifies the structure of the electronic device, reduces the manufacturing cost, and reduces the thickness of the electronic device.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the first connecting assembly includes a first rotating arm and a first support member, and the second connecting assembly includes a second rotating arm and a second support member. A main shaft movably connects the first and second rotating arms, the first support member is fixedly connected to the first rotating arm, and the second support member is fixedly connected to the second rotating arm. Both the first and second rotating arms are movable relative to the main shaft, allowing the first and second support members to fold and unfold relative to each other. A first fixing part is fixedly connected to the first support member, and a second fixing part is fixedly connected to the second support member. When the housing device is in the open state, a first bending part covers the gap between the first and second support members. Thus, the first and second support members can be used to assist the support plate in supporting the flexible screen, which helps to enhance the support strength of the flexible screen in the folding mechanism area.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the thickness of the support plate is less than the thickness of the first support member. This results in a thinner overall folding mechanism, which is beneficial for achieving a slimmer housing design.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the first rotating arm includes a first surface and a second surface connected together. The first surface faces the support plate, and the second surface faces away from the main shaft. A chamfer is formed at the connection between the first surface and the second surface. In this way, the chamfer at the connection between the first surface and the second surface can be used to avoid the second bend, thereby shortening the gap between the first connecting assembly and the first housing, making the overall structure of the electronic device more compact.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first connecting component further includes a first fixed frame, and a first rotating arm is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame. During the process of the folding mechanism switching from an open state to a closed state, the first rotating arm rotates relative to the main shaft in a first rotation direction, and the first fixed frame rotates relative to the first rotating arm in a second rotation direction, with the first rotation direction being opposite to the second rotation direction. In this way, when the housing device is applied to an electronic device and the housing device is in the closed state, the flexible screen can be made to be approximately "teardrop-shaped," which is beneficial for reducing the thickness of the electronic device in the closed state.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first fixing frame includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other along its thickness direction, the first surface being closer to the support plate than the second surface, and a first rotating arm rotating about a first axis relative to the first fixing frame, the first axis being closer to the second surface than the first surface.

[0036] In this way, the distance between the first axis and the support plate is relatively large. When the first rotating arm rotates around the first axis relative to the first fixed frame, the first fixed part of the support plate moves a large distance relative to the first axis under the action of the first rotating arm. This increases the distance the first bending part moves relative to the main axis, thus ensuring the gap between the support plate and the flexible screen during the switching between the open and closed states of the electronic device. This avoids the support plate hitting the flexible screen, which could damage the flexible screen and extend the service life of the electronic device.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the support plate includes a support layer and a heat-conducting layer stacked together. The thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting layer is greater than that of the support layer. The heat-conducting layer is located between the support layer and the main shaft, or it is located on the side of the support layer facing away from the main shaft. This heat-conducting layer effectively improves the thermal conductivity of the support plate, thus enhancing the heat dissipation efficiency of the electronic device.

[0038] Fourthly, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a flexible screen and the aforementioned housing assembly, with the flexible screen fixedly connected to a first housing and a second housing. In this embodiment, the support plate can provide both structural support for the flexible screen and prevent top-screen issues during folding, thus extending the lifespan of the electronic device.

[0039] In one possible implementation, when the folding mechanism is in the closed state, there is a first gap between the flexible screen and the support plate. This ensures that a gap remains between the support plate and the flexible screen throughout the transition from the open to the closed state, preventing the support plate from pressing against the flexible screen and causing damage, thus extending the lifespan of the electronic device. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device provided in the embodiment of this application when it is in the open state;

[0042] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device shown in Figure 1 when it is in a closed state;

[0043] Figure 3 is a partially exploded structural diagram of the electronic device shown in Figure 1 in some embodiments;

[0044] Figure 4 is an exploded structural diagram of the housing device shown in Figure 3 in some embodiments;

[0045] Figure 5 is an exploded structural diagram of the housing device shown in Figure 3 in some embodiments;

[0046] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the support plate shown in Figure 5 in some embodiments;

[0047] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the electronic device shown in Figure 1, cut along point AA.

[0048] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the electronic device shown in Figure 2, cut along BB.

[0049] Figure 9 is an exploded structural diagram of the rotating structure shown in Figure 5 in some embodiments;

[0050] Figure 10 is an exploded structural diagram of the first group of connection structures shown in Figure 9 in some embodiments.

[0051] Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of the main body of the first rotating arm shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments;

[0052] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the main body and mating parts shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments;

[0053] Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of the first rotating arm shown in Figure 12 from another perspective;

[0054] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first rotating arm and the first fixed frame shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments;

[0055] Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of one embodiment of the electronic device shown in Figure 1, cut along point AA;

[0056] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first auxiliary rotating arm and the first auxiliary fixing frame shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments;

[0057] Figure 17 is a structural schematic diagram of the first connecting component shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments;

[0058] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the synchronizing element and the spindle shown in Figure 9 in some embodiments;

[0059] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the spindle, synchronizing element and first connecting assembly shown in Figure 9 in some embodiments;

[0060] Figure 20 is a structural schematic diagram of the damping component shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments;

[0061] Figure 21a is a schematic diagram of the structure and damping components shown in Figure 18 in some embodiments when the assembly structure is in the open state.

[0062] Figure 21b is a partial structural schematic diagram of the rotating structure shown in Figure 5 when it is in the open state;

[0063] Figure 22a is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 21a when it is in a closed state;

[0064] Figure 22b is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 21b when it is in a closed state;

[0065] Figure 23 is a structural schematic diagram of the folding mechanism shown in Figure 5 in some embodiments;

[0066] Figure 24 is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of one embodiment of the electronic device shown in Figure 1, cut along point AA;

[0067] Figure 25 is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of one embodiment of the electronic device shown in Figure 2, cut along BB.

[0068] Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 24 in another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. "Fixed connection" refers to a connection where the relative positional relationship remains unchanged after connection. The directional terms mentioned in the embodiments of this application, such as "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," are only for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for better and clearer explanation and understanding of the embodiments of this application, 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 the embodiments of this application. "Multiple" refers to at least two.

[0071] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0072] In the embodiments of this application, "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0073] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as used in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in another embodiment" appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0074] It is understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining the relevant invention and not for limiting the invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0075] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device 1000 provided in the present application when it is in the open state. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1 when it is in the closed state. Figure 3 is a partially exploded schematic diagram of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1 in some embodiments.

[0076] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the electronic device 1000 may include a housing device 100 and a flexible screen 200. The flexible screen 200 may be mounted on the housing device 100. The housing device 100 may be in an open state as shown in Figure 1 and a closed state as shown in Figure 2. The housing device 100 may also be in an intermediate state between unfolded and folded. The intermediate state can be any state between the open and closed states. The flexible screen 200 may move together with the housing device 100. The housing device 100 may cause the flexible screen 200 to unfold or fold, so that the electronic device 1000 can unfold to the open state or fold to the closed state. When the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state, the flexible screen 200 may be located inside the housing device 100. In other words, the electronic device 1000 may be an inward-folding electronic device. It should be understood that Figures 1 to 3 only schematically show some components included in the electronic device 1000, and the actual shape, size, and structure of these components are not limited by Figures 1, 2, and 3. In other embodiments, when the electronic device 1000 is a device of other forms, the electronic device 1000 may not include the flexible screen 200.

[0077] For ease of description, the thickness direction of electronic device 1000 is defined as the Z-axis, and the extension direction of the rotation axis of electronic device 1000 is defined as the Y-axis. The direction perpendicular to both the Y-axis and Z-axis is defined as the X-axis. It is understood that the coordinate system of electronic device 1000 can be flexibly set according to specific requirements.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, the flexible screen 200 can be flattened. At this time, the flexible screen 200 can display in full screen, and the electronic device 1000 has a large display area, which is beneficial to improving the user's viewing and operating experience. When the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state, its planar dimensions are small, making it easy for users to carry and store.

[0079] For example, the flexible screen 200 can integrate display and touch sensing functions. The display function of the flexible screen 200 is used to display images, videos, etc., and the touch sensing function is used to sense user touch actions to achieve human-computer interaction. For example, the flexible screen 200 includes a bendable flexible display screen. The flexible display screen can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a flex light-emitting diode (FLED) display screen, a MiniLED display screen, a MicroLED display screen, a Micro-OLED display screen, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen, etc.

[0080] For example, the electronic device 1000 may also include multiple components (not shown in the figure), which are installed inside the housing device 100. These components may include, for example, a processor, internal memory, an external memory interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a charging management module, a power management module, a battery, an antenna, a communication module, a camera, an audio module, a speaker, a receiver, a microphone, a headphone jack, a sensor module, buttons, a motor, an indicator, and a subscriber identification module (SIM) card interface, etc.

[0081] In this embodiment, the electronic device 1000 is described as having a two-fold structure, meaning that the electronic device 1000 includes two flat plate parts and a bent portion connecting the two flat plate parts. The two flat plate parts can rotate towards each other to overlap (corresponding to the closed state mentioned earlier), giving the electronic device 1000 a two-layer shape; the two flat plate parts can also rotate away from each other to flatten (corresponding to the open state mentioned earlier). In other embodiments, the electronic device 1000 can also have a three-fold or more-fold structure, meaning that the electronic device 1000 includes three or more flat plate parts, with adjacent flat plate parts connected by a bent portion, and adjacent flat plate parts can rotate relative to each other to overlap or away from each other to flatten. When the electronic device 1000 has a three-fold or more-fold structure, the structure of the electronic device 1000 can be adapted by referring to the description of the two-fold structure in this embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0082] Figure 4 is an exploded structural diagram of the housing device 100 shown in Figure 3 in some embodiments. Figure 5 is an exploded structural diagram of the housing device 100 shown in Figure 3 in some embodiments. Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the support plate shown in Figure 5 in some embodiments.

[0083] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the housing device 100 may include a first housing 10, a second housing 20, and a folding mechanism 30. Exemplarily, the thickness direction of the folding mechanism 30 may be the Z-axis direction, and the length direction may be the Y-axis direction. The width direction of the folding mechanism 30 may be the X-axis direction. In other embodiments, the coordinate system of the folding mechanism 30 can also be flexibly set according to specific requirements.

[0084] Exemplarily, the folding mechanism 30 may include a rotating structure 1 and a support plate 2. The rotating structure 1 may connect the first housing 10 and the second housing 20. The rotating structure 1 may deform to allow the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 to be relatively unfolded to an open state or relatively folded to a closed state. It should be understood that the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are both housing components used to install and fix other components of the electronic device 1000, and have diverse structures. The rotating structure 1 is used to realize the relative movement between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, and also has diverse structures. The embodiments of this application do not strictly limit the specific structures of the first housing 10, the second housing 20, and the rotating structure 1. The accompanying drawings of this application only illustrate the general structure of the first housing 10, the second housing 20, and the rotating structure 1 in one embodiment.

[0085] For example, the support plate 2 can be made of a metal material, such as stainless steel. The support plate 2 may include a first fixing part 21, a first bending part 22, and a second fixing part 23 connected sequentially along a first direction. The first direction may be the direction in which the first housing points to the second housing when the housing device 100 is in the open state. In this embodiment, the first direction may be parallel to the X-axis direction. Both the first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 23 can be fixedly connected to the rotating structure 1. The first bending part 22 may overlap the rotating structure 1. The rotating structure 1 can deform to allow the support plate 2 to be relatively flattened or relatively folded. In some embodiments, the support plate 2 may also be made of other materials.

[0086] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1 cut along point AA. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 2 cut along point BB.

[0087] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the flexible screen 200 may include a first display area 201, a second display area 202, and a third display area 203 connected sequentially along a first direction (Figures 1 and 3 also illustrate the first display area 201, the second display area 202, and the third display area 203). The first display area 201 may be fixed to the first housing 10. The third display area 203 may be fixed to the second housing 20. The second display area 202 may be positioned directly opposite the support plate 2. When the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, both the flexible screen 200 and the support plate 2 can be flattened. The support plate 2 may cover the rotating structure 1, that is, the projection of the support plate 2 onto the plane of the rotating structure 1 may cover the rotating structure 1. The first fixing part 21, the first bending part 22, and the second fixing part 23 of the support plate 2 may form a support surface 2a (Figures 5 and 6 also illustrate the support surface 2a). The support surface 2a may be used to support the second display area 202 of the flexible screen 200.

[0088] For example, when the electronic device 1000 is in a closed state, the first housing 10 can be folded relative to the second housing 20. The rotating structure 1 can deform and, together with the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, encloses the screen-accommodating space 100a. The support plate 2 can be folded relative to the first housing 1 under the action of the rotating structure 1. The support plate 2 can be located within the screen-accommodating space 100a. The first fixing part 21 can be disposed opposite to the second fixing part 23. The first bending part 22 can be bent. At this time, the first fixing part 21, the first bending part 22, and the second fixing part 23 can jointly enclose the receiving space 2b. A portion of the flexible screen 200 can be located within the receiving space 2b enclosed by the support plate 2. A first gap S1 can be present between the flexible screen 200 and the support plate 2. The first display area 201 of the flexible screen 200 can be disposed opposite to the third display area 203. The second display area 202 can be bent. For example, the flexible screen 200 can be approximately teardrop-shaped.

[0089] For example, when the electronic device 1000 switches from an open state to a closed state, the rotating structure 1 can deform, and the support plate 2 can be folded relative to each other under the action of the rotating structure 1. The flexible screen 200 can be folded relative to each other under the action of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20.

[0090] Understandably, conventional electronic devices incorporate a cross-axis steel plate to support the flexible screen. One end of the cross-axis steel plate is fixed to the first housing, while the other end can span the rotating structure and overlap the surface of the second housing. The flexible screen can be fixedly connected to both the first and second housings. The portion of the cross-axis steel plate facing the rotating structure may also have clearance holes to expose part of the rotating structure. The flexible screen can also be fixedly connected to the rotating structure through these clearance holes. When the electronic device is in the open state, the cross-axis steel plate supports the flexible screen. When the electronic device switches from the open to the closed state, the first housing can fold relative to the second housing, and the rotating structure can deform. At this time, the flexible screen can fold relative to the first housing, the second housing, and the rotating structure. The cross-axis steel plate deforms under the influence of the first and second housings, and during the folding process, the flexible screen compresses the cross-axis steel plate, creating a receiving space that matches the shape of the flexible screen in the closed state. However, since the cross-axis steel sheet is fixed to the first housing at only one end, when the electronic device switches from an open to a closed state, the cross-axis steel sheet needs to be compressed by the flexible screen to form a suitable receiving space. This makes the cross-axis steel sheet prone to tipping over the screen during folding, leading to damage to the flexible screen. Simultaneously, to reduce the stress on the flexible screen, the cross-axis steel sheet is usually thinner, or multiple slots are provided on the part of the cross-axis steel sheet facing the rotating structure to reduce the bending force required in that part and decrease the force exerted on the flexible screen during folding. However, this reduces the supporting strength of the cross-axis steel sheet. In other words, the cross-axis steel sheet in typical electronic devices cannot simultaneously ensure the supporting strength of the flexible screen and avoid tipping over the screen.

[0091] In this embodiment, the support plate 2 of the electronic device 1000 has a first fixing part 21, a first bending part 22, and a second fixing part 23 connected sequentially along a first direction. Both the first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 23 can be fixed to the rotating structure 1. Thus, when the electronic device 1000 switches from an open state to a closed state, the rotating structure 1 can deform, and the support plate 2 can be folded relative to it under the action of the rotating structure 1. The flexible screen 200 can be folded relative to it under the action of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20. That is, the folding process of the support plate 2 is independent of the folding process of the flexible screen 200. During the folding process, the support plate 2 can be folded relative to it under the movement of the rotating structure 1 without the flexible screen 200 pressing against it, effectively avoiding the problem of the support plate 2 pressing against the flexible screen 200 when the electronic device 1000 switches from an open state to a closed state, which helps to extend the service life of the flexible screen 200. Meanwhile, the support plate 2 in this embodiment can be folded relative to the rotating structure 1. During the folding process, the support plate 2 exerts no force on the flexible screen 200, eliminating the need for slots on the portion of the support plate 2 facing the rotating structure 1 to reduce the force exerted on the flexible screen 200. This results in better overall structural strength of the support plate 2 and better support for the flexible screen 200. In other words, the support plate 2 in this embodiment can balance the support strength for the flexible screen 200 without causing top-screen issues during folding, thus extending the service life of the electronic device 1000.

[0092] Figure 9 is an exploded structural diagram of the rotating structure 1 shown in Figure 5 in some embodiments.

[0093] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 9, the rotating structure 1 may include a main shaft 11, a first set of connecting structures 1a, and a second set of connecting structures 1b. Both the first set of connecting structures 1a and the second set of connecting structures 1b can be connected to the main shaft 11. The first set of connecting structures 1a and the second set of connecting structures 1b can be arranged along the axial direction of the main shaft 11 (i.e., the second direction Y). For example, the first set of connecting structures 1a and the second set of connecting structures 1b can be located at opposite ends of the main shaft 11.

[0094] For example, when the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, both the first set of connecting structures 1a and the second set of connecting structures 1b can be relatively flattened. Both the first set of connecting structures 1a and the second set of connecting structures 1b can be used to support the support plate 2. The first set of connecting structures 1a can cover part of the main shaft 11. The second set of connecting structures 1b can also cover part of the main shaft 11.

[0095] For example, when the electronic device 1000 is in a closed state, the first set of connecting structures 1a can be folded relative to each other. The second set of connecting structures 1b can also be folded relative to each other. At this time, both the first set of connecting structures 1a and the second set of connecting structures 1b can enclose a portion of the screen-accommodating space 100a (see Figure 8) with the main shaft 11. The first set of connecting structures 1a and the second set of connecting structures 1b can be located on the same side of the main shaft 11.

[0096] It is understood that the second set of connecting structures 1b and the first set of connecting structures 1a can be the same or similar structures, symmetrical or partially symmetrical structures, or different structures. In this embodiment, the second set of connecting structures 1b and the first set of connecting structures 1a are symmetrical structures. The basic design of the component structure of the second set of connecting structures 1b, the design of the connection relationships between components, and the design of the connection relationships between components and other structures besides the assembly can all refer to the relevant schemes of the first set of connecting structures 1a. At the same time, it is permissible for the second set of connecting structures 1b and the first set of connecting structures 1a to have slight differences in the detailed structure or positional arrangement of components. Specific details will not be elaborated here. The following description will take the structure of the first set of connecting structures 1a as an example.

[0097] In other embodiments, the rotating structure 1 may further include a third set of connecting structures (not shown), a fourth set of connecting structures (not shown), ..., an Nth set of connecting structures. N can be an integer greater than 2. Multiple sets of connecting structures can connect the main shaft 11, the first housing 10, and the second housing 20. These multiple sets of connecting structures can cooperate with each other to better enable the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 to unfold or fold relative to each other.

[0098] Figure 10 is an exploded structural diagram of the first group of connection structures 1a shown in Figure 9 in some embodiments.

[0099] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first set of connection structures 1a may include a first connection component 12, a second connection component 13, a synchronizing element 14, and a damping component 15. The first connection component 12 and the second connection component 13 may have the same or similar structures, be symmetrical or partially symmetrical, or have different structures. In this embodiment, the first connection component 12 and the second connection component 13 may be symmetrical structures. The basic design of the component structure of the second connection component 13, the design of the connection relationships between components, and the design of the connection relationships between components and other structures besides the component can all refer to the relevant schemes of the first connection component 12, while allowing slight differences in the detailed structure or positional arrangement of the components between the second connection component 13 and the first connection component 12. Specific details will not be elaborated here. For example, the first connection component 12 may include a first rotating arm 121, a first fixing frame 122, a first auxiliary rotating arm 123, and a first auxiliary fixing frame 124. The following description will use the structure of the first connection component 12 as an example.

[0100] Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of the main body 1211 of the first rotating arm 121 shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments. Figure 12 is a structural schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the main body 1211 and the mating part 1212 shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments. Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of the first rotating arm 121 shown in Figure 12 from another perspective.

[0101] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the first rotating arm 121 may include a first movable end 121a and a second movable end 121b. The first rotating arm 121 may include a main body 1211 and a mating part 1212. The main body 1211 may include a first part 1213 and a second part 1214. The second part 1214 may be located on one side of the first part 1213 and fixedly connected to the first part 1213. The first part 1213 and the second part 1214 may be arranged in the X-axis direction. The first part 1213 may intersect with the second part 1214. For example, the first part 1213 may be perpendicular to the second part 1214. In this case, the main body 1211 may have an approximately "L" shaped structure. It should be understood that, for ease of description of the specific structure and shape of the main body 1211, this embodiment describes the main body as two parts, but this does not affect the fact that the main body is a one-piece molded structure, that is, the first part 1213 and the second part 1214 can be integrally molded. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, the first part 1213 and the second part 1214 of the main body 1211 are schematically divided by dashed lines in Figure 11.

[0102] For example, the end of the first portion 1213 facing away from the second portion 1214 may constitute at least a portion of the first movable end 121a of the first rotating arm 121. The end of the first portion 1213 facing away from the second portion 1214 may be provided with a first arcuate protrusion 1215. The number of first arcuate protrusions 1215 may be one or more. Multiple first arcuate protrusions 1215 may be arranged along the Y-axis direction. The line connecting the centers of curvature of the multiple first arcuate protrusions 1215 may be parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0103] Exemplarily, the first portion 1213 may include a top surface 1213a and a bottom surface 1213b disposed opposite to each other along the Z-axis. The end of the second portion 1214 opposite to the top surface 1213a of the first portion 1213 may constitute the second movable end 121b of the first rotating arm 121. The second movable end 121b may be provided with a mounting hole 1214a. The radial direction of the mounting hole 1214a may be parallel to the Y-axis direction. The first portion 1213 may be provided with a dispensing groove 1213c. The opening of the dispensing groove 1213c may be formed on the top surface 1213a of the first portion 1213.

[0104] Exemplarily, the first portion 1213 may also be provided with a relief groove 1213d. The relief groove 1213d may be located at the end of the first portion 1213 facing away from the second portion 1214, and the opening of the relief groove 1213d may be formed on the bottom surface 1213b of the first portion 1213. The mating portion 1212 may be fixed to the bottom surface 1213b of the first portion 1213 by means of screwing or the like. Part of the mating portion 1212 may be located within the relief groove 1213d. The mating portion 1212 may engage with the groove wall of the relief groove 1213d to form a first sliding groove 1216. The first sliding groove 1216 may be spiral-shaped, and the radial direction of the first sliding groove 1216 may be parallel to the Y-axis direction. The straight line containing the radial direction of the first sliding groove 1216 may coincide with the curvature center of the first arc-shaped protrusion 1215.

[0105] For example, the first movable end 121a may also be provided with a first notch 1217. The first movable end 121a may also be provided with a first protrusion 1218 and a second protrusion 1219. The first protrusion 1218 and the second protrusion 1219 may both be located within the first notch 1217, and the first protrusion 1218 and the second protrusion 1219 may be arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. The first protrusion 1218 may be formed in the main body portion 1211, and the second protrusion 1219 may be formed in the mating portion 1212.

[0106] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first rotating arm 121 and the first fixed frame 122 shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1 cut along AA in one embodiment.

[0107] As shown in Figures 10, 14, and 15, the first mounting bracket 122 may have a mounting notch 1221. The first mounting bracket 122 may also have a first rotating shaft 1222. The first rotating shaft 1222 may be fixed within the mounting notch 1221. The first mounting bracket 122 may include a first surface 122a and a second surface 122b disposed opposite to each other along the Z-axis. The first rotating shaft 1222 may be disposed closer to the second surface 122b than the first surface 122a.

[0108] Exemplarily, the first portion 1213 of the main body 1211 of the first rotating arm 121 may be located on the side of the first surface 122a of the first fixing frame 122 facing away from the second surface 122b. A portion 1214 of the second portion of the main body 1211 of the first rotating arm 121 may be located within the mounting notch 1221. The mounting hole 1214a may be fitted onto the first rotating shaft 1222 of the first fixing frame 122. That is, the second movable end 121b of the first rotating arm 121 may be rotatably connected to the first fixing frame 122. The second movable end 121b may rotate relative to the first fixing frame 122 about a first axis. The first axis may be the central axis of the first rotating shaft 1222.

[0109] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first auxiliary rotating arm 123 and the first auxiliary fixing frame 124 shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first connecting assembly 12 shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments.

[0110] As shown in Figures 10, 16, and 17, the first auxiliary rotating arm 123 may include a third movable end 123a and a fourth movable end 123b. The third movable end 123a may be provided with a second arc-shaped protrusion 1231. The number of second arc-shaped protrusions 1231 may be one or more. When there are multiple second arc-shaped protrusions 1231, the multiple second arc-shaped protrusions 1231 may be arranged along the Y-axis direction. The line connecting the curvature centers of the multiple second arc-shaped protrusions 1231 may be parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0111] For example, the fourth movable end 123b of the first auxiliary rotating arm 123 may be provided with an arc-shaped swing arm 1232. The first auxiliary fixing frame 124 may be provided with a second sliding groove 1241. The second sliding groove 1241 may be generally arc-shaped. The arc-shaped swing arm 1232 of the fourth movable end 123b may be slidably connected to the second sliding groove 1241. The arc-shaped swing arm 1232 of the fourth movable end 123b may slide relative to the second sliding groove 1241 to realize the rotation of the fourth movable end 123b relative to the first auxiliary fixing frame 124. That is, the fourth movable end 123b may be rotatably connected to the first auxiliary fixing frame 124. The fourth movable end 123b may rotate relative to the first auxiliary fixing frame 124 about a second axis. The second axis may coincide with the center of curvature of the second sliding groove 1241.

[0112] For example, the first auxiliary fixing bracket 124 can be fixedly connected to the first fixing bracket 122 by means of screws or the like. The arrangement direction of the first auxiliary fixing bracket 124 and the first fixing bracket 122 can be parallel to the Y-axis direction. At this time, the third movable end 123a of the first auxiliary rotating arm 123 can be arranged opposite to the first movable end 121a of the first rotating arm 121. The arrangement direction of the third movable end 123a of the first auxiliary rotating arm 123 and the first movable end 121a of the first rotating arm 121 can also be parallel to the Y-axis direction. The second arc-shaped protrusion 1231 of the first auxiliary rotating arm 123 can be opposite to and spaced apart from the first arc-shaped protrusion 1215 of the first rotating arm 121. When the first fixing bracket 122 rotates relative to the first rotating arm 121, the first auxiliary fixing bracket 124 can also rotate relative to the first auxiliary rotating arm 123. The first axis can coincide with the second axis.

[0113] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the synchronizing element 14 and the main shaft 11 shown in Figure 9 in some embodiments.

[0114] As shown in Figures 9, 10, and 18, the spindle 11 may include a first end 11a and a second end 11b arranged opposite to each other. A first set of connecting structures 1a may be installed on the first end 11a. A second set of connecting structures 1b may be installed on the second end 11b. The structure of the second end 11b of the spindle 11 may be the same as or similar to the structure of the first end 11a, symmetrical or partially symmetrical, or different. In this embodiment, the structures of the first end 11a and the second end 11b are symmetrical. The structural design of the second end 11b can refer to the structural design of the first end 11a, while slight differences in the detailed structure or positional arrangement of components are allowed between the second end 11b and the first end 11a. Specific details will not be elaborated here. The following description will use the structure of the first end 11a of the spindle 11 as an example.

[0115] For example, the inner side of the spindle 11 may have multiple movable spaces. Structural components in multiple sets of connection structures can be movably mounted in the multiple movable spaces of the spindle 11. The multiple movable spaces can be arranged along the Y-axis direction. For example, the first end 11a of the spindle 11 may have a first movable space 11c and a second movable space 11d spaced apart. The second movable space 11d may be positioned closer to the second end 11b than the first movable space 11c.

[0116] For example, the first end 11a may also be provided with a first arc-shaped groove 111. The first arc-shaped groove 111 can connect to the first active space 11c. The number of first arc-shaped grooves 111 can be one or more. Multiple first arc-shaped grooves 111 can be arranged along the Y-axis direction. The line connecting the curvature centers of multiple first arc-shaped grooves 111 can be parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0117] For example, the first end 11a may also be provided with a second arc-shaped groove 112. The second arc-shaped groove 112 can communicate with the second active space 11d. The number of second arc-shaped grooves 112 can be one or more. Multiple second arc-shaped grooves 112 can be arranged along the Y-axis direction. Multiple second arc-shaped grooves 112 can be located on the same side of multiple first arc-shaped grooves 111. The line connecting the curvature centers of multiple second arc-shaped grooves 112 can be parallel to the Y-axis direction. The line connecting the curvature centers of multiple second arc-shaped grooves 112 can coincide with the line connecting the curvature centers of multiple first arc-shaped grooves 111.

[0118] For example, the first end 11a may also be provided with a synchronous slide groove 113. The guiding direction of the synchronous slide groove 113 may be parallel to the Y-axis direction. The synchronous slide groove 113 may be connected to the first active space 11c.

[0119] For example, the synchronizing element 14 may have a main body 141, a first sliding protrusion 142, a second sliding protrusion 143, and a third sliding protrusion 144. The first sliding protrusion 142 and the second sliding protrusion 143 may be located on the same side of the main body 141 and fixedly connected to the main body 141. The third sliding protrusion 144 may be located on the side of the main body 141 opposite to the first sliding protrusion 142. Both the first sliding protrusion 142 and the second sliding protrusion 143 may be helical. The radial directions of both the first sliding protrusion 142 and the second sliding protrusion 143 may be parallel to the Y-axis direction. The first sliding protrusion 142 and the second sliding protrusion 143 may be arranged in the X-axis direction. The helical direction of the first sliding protrusion 142 may be opposite to the helical direction of the second sliding protrusion 143. The radius of curvature of the first sliding protrusion 142 may be the same as the radius of curvature of the second sliding protrusion 143. The length extension direction of the third sliding protrusion 144 may be parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0120] For example, the synchronizing element 14 can be installed within the first movable space 11c of the spindle 11. The third sliding protrusion 144 can be slidably connected to the synchronizing groove 113 of the spindle 11. That is, the synchronizing element 14 can slide relative to the spindle 11 along the Y-axis.

[0121] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the spindle 11, the synchronizing element 14 and the first connecting component 12 shown in Figure 9 in some embodiments.

[0122] As shown in Figure 19, the first rotating arm 121 of the first connecting assembly 12 can be installed in the first movable space 11c of the main shaft 11. The first arc-shaped protrusion 1215 of the first rotating arm 121 can be slidably connected to the first arc-shaped groove 111 of the main shaft 11. The first movable end 121a of the first rotating arm 121 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11, that is, the first movable end 121a can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 11.

[0123] For example, the first auxiliary rotating arm 123 of the first connecting assembly 12 can be installed within the second movable space 11d of the main shaft 11. The second arcuate protrusion 1231 of the first auxiliary rotating arm 123 can be slidably connected to the second arcuate groove 112 of the main shaft 11. The first sliding protrusion 142 of the synchronizing member 14 can be slidably connected to the first sliding groove 1216 of the first rotating arm 121.

[0124] Figure 20 is a structural schematic diagram of the damping component 15 shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments.

[0125] As shown in Figures 10 and 20, the damping assembly 15 may include a first integrated cam 151, a second integrated cam 152, and an elastic element 153. The first integrated cam 151 may include a first cam body 1511, a first protrusion 1512, a second protrusion 1513, and a first mounting shaft 1514. The first protrusion 1512 and the second protrusion 1513 may be located on the same side of the first cam body 1511 and are fixedly connected to the first cam body 1511. The first protrusion 1512 and the second protrusion 1513 may be arranged in the X-axis direction. The first mounting shaft 1514 may be located on the side of the first cam body 1511 opposite to the first protrusion 1512 and is fixedly connected to the first cam body 1511.

[0126] For example, the second integrated cam 152 may include a second cam body 1521, a third protrusion 1522, a fourth protrusion 1523, and a second mounting shaft 1524. The third protrusion 1522 and the fourth protrusion 1523 may be located on the same side of the second cam body 1521 and are fixedly connected to the second cam body 1521. The third protrusion 1522 and the fourth protrusion 1523 may be arranged in the X-axis direction. The second mounting shaft 1524 may be located on the side of the second cam body 1521 opposite to the third protrusion 1522 and is fixedly connected to the second cam body 1521.

[0127] For example, the elastic element 153 can be simultaneously fitted onto the first mounting shaft 1514 of the first integrated cam 151 and the second mounting shaft 1524 of the second integrated cam 152. In this case, the arrangement direction of the first integrated cam 151 and the second integrated cam 152 can be parallel to the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the first protrusion 1512 can be arranged with the third protrusion 1522 in the Y-axis direction. The second protrusion 1513 can be arranged with the fourth protrusion 1523 in the Y-axis direction.

[0128] In some embodiments, the number of elastic elements 153 can be multiple. The number of first mounting shafts 1514 of the first integrated cam 151 and the number of second mounting shafts 1524 of the second integrated cam 152 can both be the same as the number of elastic elements 153. Multiple elastic elements 153 can be correspondingly fitted onto multiple first mounting shafts 1514 and multiple second mounting shafts 1524.

[0129] Figure 21a is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 18 and the damping component 15 in some embodiments when the assembly structure is in the open state. Figure 21b is a partial schematic diagram of the rotating structure 1 shown in Figure 5 when it is in the open state. Figure 22a is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 21a when it is in the closed state. Figure 22b is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 21b when it is in the closed state.

[0130] As shown in Figures 21a and 22b, the damping assembly 15 can be installed within the first movable space 11c of the spindle 11. Part of the damping assembly 15 can be located within the first notch 1217 of the first connecting arm. Specifically, the first protrusion 1512 of the first integrated cam 151 of the damping assembly 15 can engage with the first protrusion 1218 of the first rotating arm 121, and the third protrusion 1522 of the second integrated cam 152 of the damping assembly 15 can engage with the second protrusion 1219 of the first rotating arm 121 (see Figures 13 and 20). The second connecting assembly 13 can connect the spindle 11, the synchronizer 14, and the damping assembly 15. It should be understood that the structure of the second connecting assembly 13 is symmetrical to the structure of the first connecting assembly 12. The connection methods of the second connecting assembly 13 with the spindle 11, the synchronizer 14, and the damping assembly 15 can all refer to the connection methods of the first connecting assembly 12 with the spindle 11, the synchronizer 14, and the damping assembly 15, and will not be elaborated further here. The second connecting component 13 can cooperate with the second protrusion 1513 of the first integrated cam 151 and the fourth protrusion 1523 of the second integrated cam 152 (see Figure 20).

[0131] For example, when the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, the first connecting component 12 can be flattened relative to the second connecting component 13. The elastic element 153 of the damping component 15 can be in its original state. The synchronizing element 14 can be in a first position. At this time, there can be a gap between the first connecting component 12 and the second connecting component 13. When the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state, the first connecting component 12 can be folded relative to the second connecting component 13. The elastic element 153 of the damping component 15 can be in its original state. The synchronizing element 14 can be in a second position. At this time, the space enclosed by the first connecting component 12, the main shaft 11, and the second connecting component 13 can constitute part of the screen-accommodating space 100a.

[0132] For example, during the switching process of the electronic device 1000 from an open state to a closed state, the first connecting component 12 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in a first rotational direction. The first sliding protrusion 142 of the synchronizing member 14 can slide relative to the first groove 1216 of the first rotating arm 121, and slide relative to the synchronizing groove 113 of the main shaft 11 in a direction toward the second position. At this time, the second connecting component 13 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in a second rotational direction under the action of the synchronizing member 14. The second rotational direction can be opposite to the first rotational direction. The rotational speed of the first connecting component 12 relative to the main shaft 11 and the rotational speed of the second connecting component 13 relative to the main shaft 11 can be the same.

[0133] Specifically, the first protrusion 1218 of the first movable end 121a of the first rotating arm 121 can first press the first protrusion 1512 of the first integrated cam 151, causing the first integrated cam 151 to move in a direction close to the second integrated cam 152, and press the elastic member 153 to compress it, and then pass over the first protrusion 1512 to relieve the force on the first integrated cam 151. The second protrusion 1219 of the first movable end 121a of the first rotating arm 121 can first press the third protrusion 1522 of the second integrated cam 152, causing the second integrated cam 152 to move in a direction close to the first integrated cam 151, and press the elastic member 153 to compress it, and then pass over the third protrusion 1522 to relieve the force on the second integrated cam 152. Thus, when the elastic element 153 is in a compressed state, the frictional force between the first protrusion 1218 and the first protrusion 1512 is relatively large, and the frictional force between the second protrusion 1219 and the third protrusion 1522 is relatively large, thereby providing damping for the rotation of the first connecting assembly 12 relative to the main shaft 11.

[0134] For example, during the switching process of the electronic device 1000 from a closed state to an open state, the first connecting component 12 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in a second rotational direction. The first sliding protrusion 142 of the synchronizing member 14 can slide relative to the first groove 1216 of the first rotating arm 121, and slide relative to the synchronizing groove 113 of the main shaft 11 in a direction toward the first position. At this time, the second connecting component 13 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in a first rotational direction under the action of the synchronizing member 14. The rotational speed of the first connecting component 12 relative to the main shaft 11 and the rotational speed of the second connecting component 13 relative to the main shaft 11 can be the same.

[0135] Specifically, the first protrusion 1218 of the first movable end 121a of the first rotating arm 121 can first press the first protrusion 1512 of the first integrated cam 151, causing the first integrated cam 151 to move in a direction closer to the second integrated cam 152, and compress the elastic element 153, then pass over the first protrusion 1512 to relieve force on the first integrated cam 151. Similarly, the second protrusion 1219 of the first movable end 121a of the first rotating arm 121 can first press the third protrusion 1522 of the second integrated cam 152, causing the second integrated cam 152 to move in a direction closer to the first integrated cam 151, and compress the elastic element 153, then pass over the third protrusion 1522 to relieve force on the second integrated cam 152. Thus, the damping assembly 15 can also be used to provide a damping feel to the user during the switching process of the electronic device 1000 from a closed state to an open state, improving the user's opening and closing experience.

[0136] Figure 23 is a structural schematic diagram of the folding mechanism 30 shown in Figure 5 in some embodiments. Figure 24 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1 cut along AA in one embodiment. Figure 25 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 2 cut along BB in one embodiment.

[0137] As shown in Figures 23 and 25, and in conjunction with Figures 7 and 8, the first fixing part 21 of the support plate 2 can be fixedly connected to the first connecting assembly 12. The second fixing part 23 of the support plate 2 can be fixedly connected to the second connecting assembly 13. Exemplarily, the first rotating arm 121 of the first connecting assembly 12 can be provided with a dispensing groove 1213c (the dispensing groove 1213c is also shown in Figures 11 and 12). In this way, by providing adhesive in the dispensing groove 1213c, the first fixing part 21 of the support plate 2 can be fixed to the first rotating arm 121.

[0138] By way of example, the support plate 2 may further include a second bent portion 24 and a third fixing portion 25. The second bent portion 24 may be fixedly connected between the first fixing portion 21 and the third fixing portion 25. The third fixing portion 25 may be fixedly connected to the first housing 10. The first fixing bracket 122 of the first connecting assembly 12 may be fixedly connected to the first housing 10.

[0139] For example, when the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, both the second bending portion 24 and the third fixing portion 25 can be located on the side of the first fixing portion 21 facing away from the first bending portion 22. The second bending portion 24 can be bent in the direction toward the first connecting assembly 12. The second bending portion 24 can enclose the first space 241. The width of the support plate 2 in the X-axis direction can be a first width. The width of the rotating structure 1 in the X-axis direction can be a second width. The first width can be greater than the second width. That is, the first width can be greater than the total width of the main shaft 11, the first connecting assembly 12, and the second connecting assembly 13 of the rotating structure 1 in the X-axis direction. It should be noted that the total width of the main shaft 11, the first connecting assembly 12, and the second connecting assembly 13 in the X-axis direction refers to the width of the above three as a whole.

[0140] The support plate 2 can cover the gaps between the first connecting assembly 12 and the second connecting assembly 13, the gap between the first housing 10 and the first connecting assembly 12, and the gap between the second housing 20 and the second connecting assembly 13. It should be understood that when the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, the size of the first space 241 enclosed by the second bending portion 24 is relatively small. At this time, the support plate 2 can still be considered flat. The support plate 2 can have a support surface 2a to support the flexible screen 200.

[0141] For example, when the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be folded relative to each other. The first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 23 of the support plate 2 can intersect and are disposed opposite to each other. The second bending part 24 can be unfolded. There is a first gap S1 between the support plate 2 and the flexible screen 200. At this time, the size of the first space 241 of the second bending part 24 can be greater than or equal to 0, and smaller than the size of the first space 241 when the electronic device 1000 is in the open state. In some embodiments, when the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state, there may be no gap between the support plate 2 and the flexible screen 200, and the support plate 2 can contact the flexible screen 200.

[0142] For example, when the electronic device 1000 switches from an open state to a closed state, the first movable end 121a of the first rotating arm 121 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in a first rotation direction. The first fixed frame 122 can rotate relative to the second movable end 121b of the first rotating arm 121 in a second rotation direction, that is, the first housing 10 can rotate relative to the second movable end 121b in a second rotation direction. At this time, the second bent portion 24 can unfold in the direction toward the first fixed portion 21 under the movement of the first connecting assembly 12, and the size of the first space 241 enclosed by the second bent portion 24 gradually decreases. The first bent portion 22 can move in the direction toward the main shaft 11 under the movement of the first connecting assembly 12.

[0143] For example, the second connecting assembly 13 may further include a second rotating arm 131 and a second fixing frame 132 (Figure 10 also illustrates the second rotating arm 131 and the second fixing frame 132). The support plate 2 may further include a third bending portion 26 and a fourth fixing portion 27. The connection and movement relationships between the second fixing frame 132, the second rotating arm 131, the third bending portion 26, the fourth fixing portion 27, the main shaft 11, and the second housing 20 can be referred to with respect to the connection and movement relationships between the first connecting assembly 12 and the main shaft 11 and the second housing 20, and will not be described again here.

[0144] It is understood that the support plate 2 in this embodiment also includes a second bending portion 24 and a third fixing portion 25. The second bending portion 24 can be fixedly connected between the third fixing portion 25 and the first fixing portion 21. The third fixing portion 25 can be fixedly connected to the first housing 10. When the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, the second bending portion 24 can be bent in the direction toward the first connecting component 12 and enclose the first space 241. Thus, when the electronic device 1000 switches from the open state to the closed state, the second bending portion 24 can unfold in the direction toward the first fixing portion 21 under the movement of the first connecting component 12, and the first bending portion 22 can move in the direction toward the main shaft 11. In other words, the second bending portion 24 can provide a movement margin for the first bending portion 22, so that the first bending portion 22 can move in the direction toward the main shaft 11 when the electronic device 1000 switches from the open state to the closed state. That is, the first bending portion 22 can move in the direction away from the flexible screen 200. In this way, when the electronic device 1000 switches between the open and closed states, the first bending portion 22 of the support plate 2 can always have a gap with the flexible screen 200, thereby avoiding the problem of the support plate 2 hitting the flexible screen 200 during the flattening or folding process, which helps to extend the service life of the electronic device 1000.

[0145] Secondly, in this embodiment, the first rotating arm 121 can rotate relative to the first fixed frame 122 around the first axis. The first fixing part 21 of the support plate 2 can rotate relative to the first fixed frame 122 around the first axis under the action of the first rotating arm 121. The first axis can be positioned closer to the second surface 122b than the first surface 122a of the first fixed frame 122. This results in a greater distance between the first axis and the support plate 2. When the first rotating arm 121 rotates relative to the first fixed frame 122 around the first axis, the first fixing part 21 of the support plate 2 moves a greater distance relative to the first axis under the action of the first rotating arm 121. This increases the distance the first bending part 22 moves relative to the main shaft 11, ensuring a consistent gap between the support plate 2 and the flexible screen 200 during the switching between the open and closed states of the electronic device 1000. This prevents the support plate 2 from pressing against the flexible screen 200, which could damage the flexible screen 200 and extend the service life of the electronic device 1000.

[0146] In addition, in typical electronic devices, the rotating structure usually includes a first door panel and a second door panel. The first door panel can be fixedly connected to and covers the first connecting component. The second door panel can be fixedly connected to and covers the second connecting component. When the electronic device is in the open state, there is a gap between the first door panel and the second door panel. The first door panel and the second door panel can form a supporting surface to support the flexible screen. The electronic device also needs to be equipped with a cross-axis steel plate to cover the gap between the first door panel and the second door panel. However, the simultaneous installation of the first door panel, the second door panel, and the cross-axis steel plate significantly increases the thickness of the electronic device, which is not conducive to the thinning of the electronic device. In this embodiment, the support plate 2 can simultaneously cover the first connecting component 12, the second connecting component 13, and the gap between the first connecting component 12 and the second connecting component 13. This allows the support plate 2 to form a support surface 2a to support the flexible screen 200 when the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, and also to cover the gap between the first connecting component 12 and the second connecting component 13, achieving "multiple uses in one device". This simplifies the structure of the electronic device 1000, reduces the manufacturing cost of the electronic device 1000, and reduces the thickness of the electronic device 1000.

[0147] Furthermore, the support plate 2 in this embodiment can also be fixedly connected to the first housing 10 and the second housing 20. The support plate 2 can be made of metal. In this way, the support plate 2 can also serve as a heat-conducting device, transferring heat from the housing 10 to the housing 20 to the housing 20, thereby dissipating heat and improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the electronic device 1000.

[0148] In some embodiments, the support plate 2 may include a support layer (not shown) and a thermally conductive layer (not shown) stacked together. The thermally conductive layer may be located between the support layer and the rotating structure 1, or on the side of the support layer facing away from the rotating structure 1. The thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive layer may be greater than that of the support layer. For example, the thermally conductive layer may be a graphite sheet. Thus, by providing a thermally conductive layer, the thermal conductivity of the support plate 2 can be effectively improved, which is beneficial to improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the electronic device 1000.

[0149] In some embodiments, referring again to FIG24, the first rotating arm 121 may include a first surface 121c and a second surface 121d connected together. The first surface 121c may face the support plate 2. The second surface 121d may face away from the second connecting assembly 13. A chamfer may be formed at the connection between the first surface 121c and the second surface 121d. In this way, the chamfer at the connection between the first surface 121c and the second surface 121d can be used to avoid the second bend 24, thereby shortening the gap between the first connecting assembly 12 and the first housing 10, making the overall structure of the electronic device 1000 more compact.

[0150] In some embodiments, please refer to FIG26, which is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in FIG24 in another embodiment. The support plate 2 may also exclude the second bend and the third fixing portion. The support plate 2 may also include a first extension 28. The first fixing portion 21 may be fixedly connected between the first extension 28 and the first bend 22. The first extension 28 may overlap the surface of the first housing 10. When the electronic device 1000 switches between an open state and a closed state, the first extension 28 may slide relative to the first housing 10. When the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, the area of ​​the portion of the first extension 28 overlapping the first housing 10 is a first area. When the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state, the area of ​​the portion of the first extension 28 overlapping the first housing 10 is a second area. The second area may be smaller than the first area. When the electronic device 1000 switches from an open state to a closed state, the first extension 28 may slide relative to the first housing 10 in a direction toward the first fixing portion 21. When the electronic device 1000 switches from a closed state to an open state, the first extension 28 can slide relative to the first housing 10 in a direction away from the first fixing part 21. In this way, the support plate 2 can be a flat plate structure, which is simple in structure and relatively simple in manufacturing process.

[0151] In some embodiments, the rotating structure 1 may further include a first support member (not shown) and a second support member (not shown). The first support member may be fixed to the first connecting assembly 12. The second support member may be fixed to the second connecting assembly 13. The first fixing portion 21 of the support plate 2 may be fixed to the first support member. The second fixing portion 23 of the support plate 2 may be fixed to the second support member. The support plate 2 may cover the first support member, the second support member, and the gap between the first and second support members. For example, the thickness of the support plate 2 may be less than the thickness of the first support member and / or the second support member. In this way, the first and second support members can assist the support plate 2 in supporting the flexible screen 200, which is beneficial to enhancing the support strength of the flexible screen 200 in the folding mechanism 30 region.

[0152] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other, and any combination of features in different embodiments is also within the protection scope of this application. That is to say, the multiple embodiments described above can also be arbitrarily combined according to actual needs.

[0153] It should be noted that all the above figures are exemplary illustrations of this application and do not represent the actual size of the product. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions between the components in the figures are not intended to limit the actual product of this application.

[0154] The above are merely some embodiments of this application, and the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding mechanism (30), characterized in that, The assembly includes a spindle (11), a first connecting component (12), a second connecting component (13), and a support plate (2). The first connecting component (12) and the second connecting component (13) are both movably connected to the spindle (11). The support plate (2) includes a first fixing part (21), a first bending part (22), and a second fixing part (23) connected sequentially along a first direction (X). The first fixing part (21) is fixedly connected to the first connecting component (12), and the second fixing part (23) is fixedly connected to the second connecting component (13). The first bending part (22) is capable of deformation. The folding mechanism (30) includes an open state and a closed state. When the folding mechanism (30) is in the open state, the support plate (2) is flattened, and the first fixing part (21), the first bending part (22) and the second fixing part (23) form a support surface. When the folding mechanism (30) is in the closed state, the first fixing part (21) and the second fixing part (23) are arranged opposite to each other, the first bending part (22) is bent, and the first bending part (22), the first fixing part (21), and the second fixing part (23) enclose the receiving space (2b). The first direction (X) is the direction in which the first connecting component (12) points to the second connecting component (13) when the folding mechanism (30) is in the open state.

2. The folding mechanism (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the folding mechanism (30) is in the open state, the width of the support plate (2) in the first direction (X) is the first width, and the total width of the main shaft (11), the first connecting component (12) and the second connecting component (13) in the first direction (X) is less than the first width.

3. The folding mechanism (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support plate (2) further includes a second bending part (24) and a third fixing part (25), wherein the second bending part (24) is fixedly connected between the first fixing part (21) and the third fixing part (25); When the folding mechanism (30) is in the open state, the second bending part (24) and the third fixing part (25) are both located on the side of the first fixing part (21) away from the first bending part (22). The second bending part (24) bends in the direction toward the first connecting component (12). The second bending part (24) encloses the first space (241). The first space (241) and the first connecting component (12) are spaced apart in the first direction (X). The third fixing part (25) is flattened relative to the first fixing part (21).

4. The folding mechanism (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support plate (2) further includes a first extension (28), which is fixedly connected to the first fixing part (21). When the folding mechanism (30) is in the open state, the first extension (28) is located on the side of the first fixing part (21) away from the first bending part (22), and the first extension (28) and the first fixing part (21) are flattened relative to each other.

5. The folding mechanism (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first connecting component (12) includes a first rotating arm (121), and the second connecting component (13) includes a second rotating arm (131). The main shaft (11) is movably connected to the first rotating arm (121) and the second rotating arm (131). Both the first rotating arm (121) and the second rotating arm (131) are capable of moving relative to the main shaft (11) so that the first rotating arm (121) and the second rotating arm (131) are folded or unfolded relative to each other. The first fixing part (21) is fixedly connected to the first rotating arm (121), and the second fixing part (23) is fixedly connected to the second rotating arm (131). When the folding mechanism (30) is in the open state, the first bending part (22) covers the gap between the first rotating arm (121) and the second rotating arm (131).

6. The folding mechanism (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first connecting assembly (12) includes a first rotating arm (121) and a first support member, and the second connecting assembly (13) includes a second rotating arm (131) and a second support member. The main shaft (11) is movably connected to the first rotating arm (121) and the second rotating arm (131). The first support member is fixedly connected to the first rotating arm (121), and the second support member is fixedly connected to the second rotating arm (131). Both the first rotating arm (121) and the second rotating arm (131) can move relative to the main shaft (11) so that the first support member and the second support member can be folded and unfolded relative to each other. The first fixing part (21) is fixedly connected to the first support member, and the second fixing part (23) is fixedly connected to the second support member. When the folding mechanism (30) is in the open state, the first bending part (22) covers the gap between the first support member and the second support member.

7. The folding mechanism (30) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thickness of the support plate (2) is less than the thickness of the first support member.

8. The folding mechanism (30) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The first rotating arm (121) includes a first surface (121c) and a second surface (121d) connected together. The first surface (121c) is disposed facing the support plate (2), and the second surface (121d) is disposed away from the main shaft (11). A chamfer is formed at the connection between the first surface (121c) and the second surface (121d).

9. The folding mechanism (30) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The first connecting component (12) further includes a first fixing frame (122), and the first rotating arm (121) is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame (122). During the process of the folding mechanism (30) switching from the open state to the closed state, the first rotating arm (121) rotates relative to the main shaft (11) in a first rotation direction, and the first fixing frame (122) rotates relative to the first rotating arm (121) in a second rotation direction. The first rotation direction is opposite to the second rotation direction.

10. The folding mechanism (30) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first fixing frame (122) includes a first surface (122a) and a second surface (122b) disposed opposite to each other along its thickness direction. The first surface (122a) is disposed closer to the support plate (2) than the second surface (122b). The first rotating arm (121) rotates about a first axis relative to the first fixing frame (122). The first axis is disposed closer to the second surface (122b) than the first surface (122a).

11. The folding mechanism (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The support plate (2) includes a support layer and a heat-conducting layer stacked together. The thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting layer is greater than that of the support layer. The heat-conducting layer is located between the support layer and the main shaft (11), or the heat-conducting layer is located on the side of the support layer facing away from the main shaft (11).

12. A housing device (100), characterized in that, The device includes a first housing (10), a second housing (20), and a folding mechanism (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The first connecting component (12) is connected to the first housing (10), and the second connecting component (13) is connected to the second housing (20). Both the first connecting component (12) and the second connecting component (13) are capable of moving relative to the main shaft (11) to flatten or fold the first housing (10) and the second housing (20) relative to each other.

13. A housing device (100), characterized in that, The device includes a first housing (10), a second housing (20), and a folding structure (30). The folding mechanism (30) includes a main shaft (11), a first connecting component (12), a second connecting component (13), and a support plate (2). The first connecting component (12) and the second connecting component (13) are both movably connected to the main shaft (11). The first connecting component (12) is also connected to the first housing (10), and the second connecting component (13) is also connected to the second housing (20). The first connecting component (12) and the second connecting component (13) can both move relative to the main shaft (11) to allow the first housing (10) and the second housing (20) to be flattened to an open state or folded to a closed state. The support plate (2) includes a first fixing part (21), a first bending part (22) and a second fixing part (23) connected sequentially along a first direction (X). The first fixing part (21) is fixedly connected to the first connecting assembly (12), and the second fixing part (23) is fixedly connected to the second connecting assembly (13). The first bending part (22) is capable of deformation. When the housing device (100) is in the open state, the support plate (2) is flattened, and the first fixing part (21), the first bending part (22) and the second fixing part (23) form a support surface; When the housing device (100) is in the closed state, the first fixing part (21) and the second fixing part (23) are arranged opposite to each other, the first bending part (22) is bent, and the first bending part (22), the first fixing part (21), and the second fixing part (23) enclose the receiving space (2b). The first direction (X) is the direction in which the first connecting component (12) points to the second connecting component (13) when the housing device (100) is in the open state.

14. The housing device (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The support plate (2) covers the gap between the first housing (10) and the first connecting assembly (12).

15. The housing device (100) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The support plate (2) further includes a second bending portion (24) and a third fixing portion (25). The second bending portion (24) is fixedly connected between the first fixing portion (21) and the third fixing portion (25). The third fixing portion (25) is fixed to the first housing (10). The second bending portion (24) covers the gap between the first housing (10) and the first connecting assembly (12). When the housing device (100) is in the open state, the second bending part (24) and the third fixing part (25) are both located on the side of the first fixing part (21) away from the first bending part (22). The second bending part (24) bends in the direction toward the first connecting component (12) and the second bending part (24) encloses the first space (241). The first space (241) and the first connecting component (12) are spaced apart in the first direction (X). The third fixing part (25) is flattened relative to the first fixing part (21). When the housing device (100) switches from the open state to the closed state, the second bending portion (24) unfolds in the direction toward the first fixing portion (21).

16. The housing device (100) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The support plate (2) further includes a first extension (28), which is fixedly connected to the first fixing part (21). When the folding mechanism (30) is in the open state, the first extension (28) is located on the side of the first fixing part (21) away from the first bending part (22) and overlaps the first housing (10). The first extension (28) and the first fixing part (21) are flattened relative to each other. During the process of the housing device (100) switching from the open state to the closed state, the first extension (28) slides relative to the first housing (10) in the direction toward the first fixing part (21); During the process of the housing device (100) switching from the closed state to the open state, the first extension (28) slides relative to the first housing (10) in a direction away from the first fixing part (21).

17. The housing device (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The first connecting component (12) includes a first rotating arm (121), and the second connecting component (13) includes a second rotating arm (131). The main shaft (11) is movably connected to the first rotating arm (121) and the second rotating arm (131). Both the first rotating arm (121) and the second rotating arm (131) are capable of moving relative to the main shaft (11) so that the first rotating arm (121) and the second rotating arm (131) are folded or unfolded relative to each other. The first fixing part (21) is fixedly connected to the first rotating arm (121), and the second fixing part (23) is fixedly connected to the second rotating arm (131). When the housing device (100) is in the open state, the first bending part (22) covers the gap between the first rotating arm (121) and the second rotating arm (131).

18. The housing device (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The first connecting assembly (12) includes a first rotating arm (121) and a first support member, and the second connecting assembly (13) includes a second rotating arm (131) and a second support member. The main shaft (11) is movably connected to the first rotating arm (121) and the second rotating arm (131). The first support member is fixedly connected to the first rotating arm (121), and the second support member is fixedly connected to the second rotating arm (131). Both the first rotating arm (121) and the second rotating arm (131) can move relative to the main shaft (11) so that the first support member and the second support member can be folded and unfolded relative to each other. The first fixing part (21) is fixedly connected to the first support member, and the second fixing part (23) is fixedly connected to the second support member. When the housing device (100) is in the open state, the first bending part (22) covers the gap between the first support member and the second support member.

19. The housing device (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The thickness of the support plate (2) is less than the thickness of the first support member.

20. The housing device (100) according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that, The first rotating arm (121) includes a first surface (121c) and a second surface (121d) connected together. The first surface (121c) is disposed facing the support plate (2), and the second surface (121d) is disposed away from the main shaft (11). A chamfer is formed at the connection between the first surface (121c) and the second surface (121d).

21. The housing device (100) according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that, The first connecting component (12) further includes a first fixing frame (122), and the first rotating arm (121) is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame (122). During the process of the folding mechanism (30) switching from the open state to the closed state, the first rotating arm (121) rotates relative to the main shaft (11) in a first rotation direction, and the first fixing frame (122) rotates relative to the first rotating arm (121) in a second rotation direction. The first rotation direction is opposite to the second rotation direction.

22. The housing device (100) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first fixing frame (122) includes a first surface (122a) and a second surface (122b) disposed opposite to each other along its thickness direction. The first surface (122a) is disposed closer to the support plate (2) than the second surface (122b). The first rotating arm (121) rotates about a first axis relative to the first fixing frame (122). The first axis is disposed closer to the second surface (122b) than the first surface (122a).

23. The housing device (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 22, characterized in that, The support plate (2) includes a support layer and a heat-conducting layer stacked together. The thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting layer is greater than that of the support layer. The heat-conducting layer is located between the support layer and the main shaft (11), or the heat-conducting layer is located on the side of the support layer facing away from the main shaft (11).

24. An electronic device (1000), characterized in that, It includes a flexible screen (200) and a housing device (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 23, wherein the flexible screen (200) is fixedly connected to the first housing (10) and the second housing (20).

25. The electronic device (1000) according to claim 24, characterized in that, When the folding mechanism (30) is in the closed state, there is a first gap (S1) between the flexible screen (200) and the support plate (2).

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