Folding mechanism, housing device, and electronic apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a folding mechanism, a housing device, and an electronic apparatus. The folding mechanism comprises a main shaft, a first rotating member and a second rotating member, wherein the main shaft is rotationally connected to the first rotating member and the second rotating member. When the folding mechanism is in an unfolded state, the first rotating member and the second rotating member are flattened relative to each other, the first rotating member has a first flat support surface that faces away from the main shaft, the second rotating member has a second flat support surface that faces away from the main shaft, and the direction from the first rotating member towards the second rotating member is defined as a first direction. When the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the first rotating member and the second rotating member are folded relative to each other, a first included angle is formed between the first flat support surface and the first direction, a second included angle is formed between the second flat support surface and the first direction, and the first included angle is smaller than the second included angle. The folding mechanism of the present application has a small thickness when in the folded state, thereby providing a relatively good user experience.

Description

Folding mechanism, housing assembly, and electronic equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411227474.X, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on August 31, 2024, 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 often include a housing device to support the flexible display. The housing device generally includes two mid-frames and a folding mechanism connecting the two housings. The two mid-frames fold or unfold relative to each other under the action of the folding mechanism. When the electronic device is in the closed state, the folding mechanism can form a space to accommodate the flexible display, preventing the flexible display from being stretched or squeezed. However, in order to enable the folding mechanism to form a space that meets the folding requirements of the flexible display, current folding mechanisms usually adopt a symmetrical design, which results in a more complex overall structure and a thicker folding mechanism in the closed state. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a folding mechanism, a housing device, and an electronic device, aiming to provide a folding mechanism with a thin thickness in the closed state, including a housing device of the folding mechanism, and an electronic device including the housing device.

[0005] In a first aspect, a folding mechanism is provided. The folding mechanism includes a main shaft, a first rotating member, and a second rotating member. The main shaft rotatably connects the first and second rotating members. The folding mechanism has an open state and a closed state. When the folding mechanism is in the open state, the first and second rotating members are relatively flattened. The first rotating member has a first support plane facing away from the main shaft, and the second rotating member has a second support plane facing away from the main shaft. The direction from which the first rotating member points to the second rotating member is a first direction. When the folding mechanism is in the closed state, the first and second rotating members are folded relative to each other. A first angle is formed between the first support plane and the first direction, and a second angle is formed between the second support plane and the first direction. The first angle is smaller than the second angle.

[0006] It is understood that, in this embodiment, when the folding mechanism switches from an open state to a closed state, the first rotating member can rotate relative to the main shaft by a first angle, and the second rotating member can rotate relative to the main shaft by a second angle. The first angle can be smaller than the second angle. When the folding mechanism is in the closed state, the angle between the first supporting plane of the first rotating member and the first direction can be the first included angle, and the angle between the second supporting plane of the second rotating member and the first direction can be the second included angle. The first included angle and the second included angle are not equal. The first included angle can be smaller than the second included angle.

[0007] In this way, compared to a typical folding mechanism where the first and second included angles are equal when the mechanism is closed, the cross-section of the screen-accommodating space enclosed by the first support plate, the second support plate, and the main shaft is symmetrical, and the plane of symmetry is perpendicular to the width extension direction of the main shaft, resulting in a larger volume of the screen-accommodating space and a thicker folding mechanism when closed, in this embodiment, the first and second included angles are not equal, and the first included angle can be smaller than the second included angle. This allows the cross-section of the screen-accommodating space enclosed by the first rotating member, the second rotating member, and the main shaft to be approximately an asymmetrical triangular / fan-shaped shape inclined towards the second rotating member, greatly reducing the volume of the screen-accommodating space and effectively thinning the thickness of the folding mechanism when closed, which is beneficial for achieving a thinner design of the folding mechanism when closed.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the second included angle is 90°. This allows the main shaft's width extension direction to be perpendicular to the second rotating arm when the folding mechanism is closed. The folding mechanism can be applied to electronic devices, where the second rotating arm can be used to fixably connect to one of the device's housings (e.g., a second housing). When the folding mechanism is closed, the second surface of the second rotating arm can be parallel to the housing it is fixedly connected to, thus preventing creases from forming on the screen due to the angle between the second rotating arm and the housing. This improves screen flatness and enhances the user experience.

[0009] In one possible implementation, during the switching between the open and closed states of the folding mechanism, the first rotating component rotates relative to the main shaft by a first angle, and the second rotating component rotates relative to the main shaft by a second angle, where the first angle is smaller than the second angle. By setting the angles of rotation of the first rotating component relative to the main shaft (i.e., the first angle) and the angles of rotation of the second rotating component relative to the main shaft (i.e., the second angle) to be unequal, it is possible to ensure that, in the closed state, the angle between the first rotating component and the first direction is smaller than the angle between the second rotating component and the first direction. This allows the folding mechanism to create a screen-enclosing space tilted towards the second rotating component in the closed state, thereby reducing the thickness of the folding mechanism in the closed state.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first angle is less than 90°. By setting the first angle to be less than 90°, the cross-section of the screen-containing space of the folding mechanism in the closed state can be approximately an asymmetrical triangular / fan-shaped structure tilted towards the second rotating component. This can significantly reduce the volume of the screen-containing space, thereby effectively reducing the thickness of the folding mechanism in the closed state, which is beneficial for achieving a thinner design of the folding mechanism in the closed state.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the difference between the first angle and the second angle is greater than 15°. This results in a larger difference in the angles of rotation of the two rotating components relative to the main shaft, which is beneficial for achieving an asymmetrical arrangement of the screen space in the closed state of the folding mechanism, and thus better reducing the thickness of the folding mechanism in the closed state.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the radius of rotation of the first rotating component relative to the main shaft is greater than the radius of rotation of the second rotating component relative to the main shaft. This allows for differential rotation between the first and second rotating components, with the first rotating component rotating at a lower speed than the second. Consequently, in the closed state, the angle between the first rotating component and the first direction (X) is smaller than the angle between the second rotating component and the first direction (X). This enables the folding mechanism to create an asymmetrical screen-enclosing space in the closed state, reducing the volume of the screen-enclosing space and thus decreasing the thickness of the folding mechanism in the closed state.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the spindle has a first rotating body and a second rotating body. The first rotating body includes a first mating rotating body, one of which is an arc-shaped groove and the other is an arc-shaped protrusion. The first rotating body and the first mating rotating body mate to allow the first rotating member to rotate relative to the spindle. The second rotating body includes a second rotating member, which includes a second mating rotating body. One of the second rotating body and the second mating rotating body is an arc-shaped groove and the other is an arc-shaped protrusion. Alternatively, both the second rotating body and the second mating rotating body can be circular holes, and the second rotating body mates with the second mating rotating body to allow the second rotating member to rotate relative to the spindle. The radius of the first rotating body is larger than the radius of the second rotating body.

[0014] In this way, the first rotating member and the second rotating member can achieve differential rotation. The rotation speed of the first rotating member can be less than that of the second rotating member. As a result, when the folding mechanism is closed, the angle between the first rotating member and the first direction can be less than the angle between the second rotating member and the first direction X. This allows the folding mechanism to create an asymmetrical screen space when closed, reducing the volume of the screen space and thus making the folding mechanism thinner when closed.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the folding mechanism further includes a synchronizing element slidably connected to the main shaft. The synchronizing element includes a first sliding body and a second sliding body. A first rotating member includes a first engaging sliding body, one of which is a helical protrusion and the other a helical groove. The first sliding body engages with the first engaging sliding body to allow the first rotating member to slide relative to the synchronizing element. A second rotating member includes a second engaging sliding body, one of which is a helical protrusion and the other a helical groove. The second sliding body engages with the second engaging sliding body to allow the second rotating member to slide relative to the synchronizing element. The helical direction of the first sliding body is opposite to that of the second sliding body, and the radius of curvature of the first sliding body is larger than that of the second sliding body.

[0016] In this way, the first rotating member and the second rotating member can achieve differential rotation. The rotation speed of the first rotating member can be less than that of the second rotating member. As a result, when the folding mechanism is closed, the angle between the first rotating member and the first direction can be less than the angle between the second rotating member and the first direction X. This allows the folding mechanism to create an asymmetrical screen space when closed, reducing the volume of the screen space and thus making the folding mechanism thinner when closed.

[0017] In one possible implementation, when the folding mechanism is in the open state, the synchronizing member is in a first position; when the folding mechanism is in the closed state, the synchronizing member is in a second position. During the transition from the open to the closed state, the first rotating member slides relative to the synchronizing member and rotates relative to the main shaft by a first angle. The second rotating member slides relative to the synchronizing member and rotates relative to the main shaft by a second angle, where the first angle is smaller than the second angle. The synchronizing member slides relative to the main shaft from the first position to the second position. Thus, when one of the first or second rotating members rotates relative to the main shaft, the sliding of the synchronizing member allows the other rotating member to achieve synchronized differential motion. Furthermore, the first and second rotating members rotate in opposite directions relative to the main shaft, enabling the folding mechanism to create an asymmetrical screen space in the closed state, thereby reducing the thickness of the folding mechanism in the closed state.

[0018] In one possible implementation, when the folding mechanism is in the open state, the width extension direction of the main shaft intersects with the first direction. When the folding mechanism is in the closed state, the width extension direction of the main shaft is parallel to the first direction. Thus, by setting the width extension direction of the main shaft to intersect with the first direction when the folding mechanism is in the open state, after switching from the open to the closed state, the main shaft, through the differential rotation of the first and second rotating components, can maintain its width extension direction parallel to the first direction. This results in a more harmonious appearance and better consistency in the folding mechanism, leading to a better user experience.

[0019] In one possible implementation, when the folding mechanism is in the open state, the width of the first rotating member in the first direction is greater than the width of the second rotating member in the first direction. This allows for an asymmetrical structure between the first and second rotating members, effectively reducing the size of the second rotating member, simplifying the component arrangement of the folding mechanism, and lowering its manufacturing cost.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the first rotating member includes a first rotating arm rotatably connected to a main shaft, and the second rotating member includes a second rotating arm rotatably connected to the main shaft. When the folding mechanism is in the open state, the first rotating arm has a first surface facing away from the main shaft, which forms at least a portion of a first support plane, and the second rotating arm has a second surface facing away from the main shaft, which forms at least a portion of a second support plane. Thus, when the folding mechanism is applied to an electronic device, both the first surface of the first rotating arm and the second surface of the second rotating arm can be used to support the screen, thereby saving the need for a first and second support plate and reducing the thickness of the folding mechanism in the open state.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first rotating component includes a first rotating arm and a first support plate. The first rotating arm is rotatably connected to a main shaft, and the first support plate is fixedly connected to the first rotating arm. The second rotating component includes a second rotating arm and a second support plate. The second rotating arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second support plate is fixedly connected to the second rotating arm. When the folding mechanism is in the open state, the first support plate is located on the side of the first rotating arm facing away from the main shaft. The first support plate has a first surface facing away from the main shaft, which constitutes at least a portion of the first support plane. The second support plate is located on the side of the second rotating arm facing away from the main shaft. The second support plate has a second surface facing away from the main shaft, which constitutes at least a portion of the second support plane. Thus, when the folding mechanism is applied to an electronic device, the first and second support plates can be used to support the screen, which helps improve the flatness of the screen when the folding mechanism is in the open state, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the folding mechanism further includes a first fixed frame, which is rotatably connected to the end of the first rotating member away from the main shaft. When the folding mechanism switches from an open state to a closed state, the first rotating member and the first fixed frame rotate together relative to the main shaft in a first rotation direction. The first fixed frame also rotates relative to the first rotating member in a second rotation direction, with the first rotation direction being opposite to the second rotation direction. Thus, by setting the first fixed frame to rotate relative to the main shaft while simultaneously rotating in the opposite direction relative to the first rotating arm, when the folding mechanism is applied to an electronic device, the movement of the first fixed frame allows the first housing to rotate in the opposite direction relative to the first rotating arm. This allows the movement of the first housing to better adapt to the deformation of the screen, enabling the portion of the screen within the screen-accommodating space to form a teardrop-like shape.

[0023] Secondly, a housing device is provided. The housing device includes a first housing, a second housing, and the aforementioned folding mechanism. The first housing is movably connected to a first rotating member, and the second housing is fixedly connected to a second rotating member. When the folding mechanism is in the open state, the first housing and the second housing are relatively flattened; when the folding mechanism is in the closed state, the first housing and the second housing are folded relative to each other. During the switching process from the open state to the closed state, the first rotating member and the first housing rotate together relative to the main shaft in a first rotation direction, the first housing rotates relative to the first rotating member in a second rotation direction, and the second rotating member and the second housing rotate together relative to the main shaft in a second rotation direction, with the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction being opposite.

[0024] It is understood that, in this embodiment, when the folding mechanism of the housing device switches from an open state to a closed state, the first rotating member can rotate relative to the main shaft by a first angle, and the second rotating member can rotate relative to the main shaft by a second angle. The first angle can be smaller than the second angle. When the folding mechanism is in the closed state, the angle between the first supporting plane of the first rotating member and the first direction can be the first included angle, and the angle between the second supporting plane of the second rotating member and the first direction can be the second included angle. The first included angle and the second included angle are not equal. The first included angle can be smaller than the second included angle.

[0025] In this way, compared to a typical folding mechanism where the first and second included angles are equal when the mechanism is closed, the cross-section of the screen-accommodating space enclosed by the first support plate, the second support plate, and the main shaft is symmetrical, and the plane of symmetry is perpendicular to the width extension direction of the main shaft, resulting in a larger volume of the screen-accommodating space and a thicker folding mechanism when closed. In this embodiment, the first and second included angles are not equal, and the first included angle can be smaller than the second included angle. This allows the cross-section of the screen-accommodating space enclosed by the first rotating member, the second rotating member, and the main shaft to be approximately an asymmetrical triangular / fan-shaped shape inclined towards the second rotating member, greatly reducing the volume of the screen-accommodating space and effectively thinning the thickness of the folding mechanism when closed. This facilitates a thinner design for the folding mechanism when closed, and consequently, a thinner design for the housing device when closed.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the folding mechanism further includes a first fixed frame, which is rotatably connected to the end of the first rotating member away from the main shaft, and the first housing is fixedly connected to the first fixed frame. During the transition from an open to a closed state, the first rotating member, the first fixed frame, and the first housing rotate together relative to the main shaft in a first rotation direction. The first fixed frame also rotates together with the first housing relative to the first rotating member in a second rotation direction. Thus, by setting the first fixed frame to rotate relative to the main shaft while simultaneously rotating in the opposite direction relative to the first rotating arm, when the housing device is used in an electronic device, the movement of the first fixed frame allows the first housing to rotate in the opposite direction relative to the first rotating arm. This allows the movement of the first housing to better adapt to the deformation of the screen, enabling the portion of the screen within the screen-accommodating space to form a teardrop-like shape.

[0027] In one possible implementation, during the switching between the open and closed states of the folding mechanism, the first housing rotates a third angle relative to the main shaft, and the second housing rotates a fourth angle relative to the main shaft, with the third angle being smaller than the fourth angle. This difference in rotation angles between the first and second housings relative to the main shaft facilitates the creation of an asymmetric enclosure space tilted towards the second rotating component when the housing is closed, thereby reducing the thickness of the housing when closed.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the difference between the third and fourth angles is greater than 15°. This results in a larger angular difference between the first and second housings relative to the main shaft, which is beneficial for achieving an asymmetrical arrangement of the screen space in the closed state of the housing device, and for reducing the thickness of the housing device in the closed state.

[0029] Thirdly, a housing device is provided. The housing device includes a first housing, a second housing, and a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism includes a main shaft, a first connecting assembly, and a second connecting assembly. The first connecting assembly connects the main shaft and the first housing, and the second connecting assembly connects the main shaft and the second housing. The first housing and the second housing can be relatively flattened to an open state or relatively folded to a closed state under the action of the folding mechanism. During the switching process from the open state to the closed state, the first housing rotates relative to the main shaft by a third angle, and the second housing rotates relative to the main shaft by a fourth angle, where the third angle is smaller than the fourth angle.

[0030] It is understood that when the housing device in this embodiment switches between the open and closed states, the angle of rotation of the first housing relative to the main shaft can be smaller than the angle of rotation of the second housing relative to the main shaft. This results in different angles of rotation of the part of the folding mechanism used to connect the first housing (i.e., the first connecting component and the third connecting component in this embodiment) and the part used to connect the second housing (i.e., the second connecting component and the fourth connecting component in this embodiment) relative to the main shaft. As a result, the folding mechanism can form an asymmetrical screen-accommodating space in the closed state, which greatly reduces the volume of the screen-accommodating space and helps to reduce the thickness of the housing device in the closed state, thus achieving a thinner housing device in the closed state.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the third angle is less than 90°. By setting the third angle to less than 90°, the cross-section of the screen-enclosing space enclosed by the folding mechanism in the closed state of the housing device can be approximately an asymmetrical shape of a tilted triangle / fan, thereby greatly reducing the volume of the screen-enclosing space and effectively thinning the thickness of the housing device in the closed state, which is beneficial for achieving a thinner housing device in the closed state.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the difference between the third and fourth angles is greater than 15°. This results in a larger angular difference between the first and second housings relative to the main shaft, which is beneficial for achieving an asymmetrical arrangement of the screen space in the closed state of the housing device, and for reducing the thickness of the housing device in the closed state.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the size of the first connecting component is larger than the size of the second connecting component. This allows the first and second connecting components to have an asymmetrical structure, effectively reducing the size of the second connecting component, simplifying the component setup of the housing, lowering the manufacturing cost of the housing, reducing its weight, and improving the user experience.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the first connecting assembly includes a first rotating member and a first fixed frame. The first rotating member is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the first fixed frame is rotatably connected to the end of the first rotating member away from the main shaft. The first housing is fixedly connected to the first fixed frame. The second connecting assembly includes a second rotating member, which is rotatably connected to the main shaft. The second housing is fixedly connected to the end of the second rotating member away from the main shaft. During the transition from an open to a closed state, the first rotating member, the first fixed frame, and the first housing rotate together relative to the main shaft in a first rotation direction. The first fixed frame and the first housing also rotate relative to the first rotating member in a second rotation direction. The second rotating member and the second housing rotate together relative to the main shaft in a second rotation direction, with the first rotation direction being opposite to the second rotation direction. Thus, by setting the first fixed frame to rotate relative to the main shaft while simultaneously rotating in the opposite direction relative to the first rotating arm, when the housing is applied to an electronic device, the movement of the first fixed frame allows the first housing to rotate in the opposite direction relative to the first rotating arm. This allows the movement of the first housing to better adapt to the deformation of the screen, enabling the portion of the screen within the screen-containing space to form a teardrop-like shape.

[0035] In one possible implementation, during the switching between the open and closed states of the folding mechanism, the first rotating component rotates relative to the main shaft by a first angle, and the second rotating component rotates relative to the main shaft by a second angle, where the first angle is smaller than the second angle. By setting the angles of rotation of the first rotating component relative to the main shaft (i.e., the first angle) and the angles of rotation of the second rotating component relative to the main shaft (i.e., the second angle) to be unequal, it is possible to ensure that, in the closed state, the angle between the first rotating component and the first direction is smaller than the angle between the second rotating component and the first direction. This allows the folding mechanism to create a screen-enclosing space tilted towards the second rotating component in the closed state, thereby reducing the thickness of the folding mechanism in the closed state.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the difference between the first angle and the second angle is greater than 15°. This results in a larger angular difference between the two rotating components relative to the main shaft, which is beneficial for achieving an asymmetrical arrangement of the screen space in the closed state of the folding mechanism, and thus better reducing the thickness of the folding mechanism in the closed state.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the radius of rotation of the first rotating component relative to the main shaft is greater than the radius of rotation of the second rotating component relative to the main shaft. This allows for differential rotation between the first and second rotating components, with the first rotating component rotating at a lower speed than the second. Consequently, in the closed state, the angle between the first rotating component and the first direction (X) is smaller than the angle between the second rotating component and the first direction (X). This enables the folding mechanism to create an asymmetrical screen-enclosing space in the closed state, reducing the volume of the screen-enclosing space and thus decreasing the thickness of the folding mechanism in the closed state.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the spindle has a first rotating body and a second rotating body. The first rotating body includes a first mating rotating body, one of which is an arc-shaped groove and the other is an arc-shaped protrusion. The first rotating body mates with the first mating rotating body to allow the first rotating member to rotate relative to the spindle. The second rotating body includes a second mating rotating body, one of which is an arc-shaped groove and the other is an arc-shaped protrusion. Alternatively, both the second rotating body and the second mating rotating body can be circular holes. The second rotating body mates with the second mating rotating body to allow the second rotating member to rotate relative to the spindle. The radius of the first rotating body is larger than the radius of the second rotating body.

[0039] In this way, the first rotating member and the second rotating member can achieve differential rotation. The rotation speed of the first rotating member can be less than that of the second rotating member. As a result, when the folding mechanism is closed, the angle between the first rotating member and the first direction can be less than the angle between the second rotating member and the first direction X. This allows the folding mechanism to create an asymmetrical screen space when closed, reducing the volume of the screen space and thus making the folding mechanism thinner when closed.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the folding mechanism further includes a synchronizing element slidably connected to the main shaft. The synchronizing element includes a first sliding body, and a first rotating member includes a first engaging sliding body. One of the first sliding body and the first engaging sliding body is a helical protrusion, and the other is a helical groove. The first sliding body engages with the first engaging sliding body to allow the first rotating member to slide relative to the synchronizing element. The synchronizing element also includes a second sliding body, and the second rotating member includes a second engaging sliding body. One of the second sliding body and the second engaging sliding body is a helical protrusion, and the other is a helical groove. The second sliding body engages with the second engaging sliding body to allow the second rotating member to slide relative to the synchronizing element. The helical direction of the first sliding body is opposite to that of the second sliding body, and the radius of curvature of the first sliding body is larger than that of the second sliding body.

[0041] In this way, the first rotating member and the second rotating member can achieve differential rotation. The rotation speed of the first rotating member can be less than that of the second rotating member. As a result, when the folding mechanism is closed, the angle between the first rotating member and the first direction can be less than the angle between the second rotating member and the first direction X. This allows the folding mechanism to create an asymmetrical screen space when closed, reducing the volume of the screen space and thus making the folding mechanism thinner when closed.

[0042] In one possible implementation, when the housing device is in the open state, the direction from the first housing to the second housing is defined as the first direction, and the width of the first rotating member in the first direction is greater than the width of the second rotating member in the first direction. This allows for an asymmetrical structure between the first and second rotating members, effectively reducing the size of the second rotating member, thereby simplifying the component arrangement of the housing device, lowering its manufacturing cost, reducing its weight, and improving the user experience.

[0043] In one possible implementation, when the housing device is in the open state, the first rotating member and the second rotating member are relatively flattened. The first rotating member has a first supporting plane facing away from the main shaft, and the second rotating member has a second supporting plane facing away from the main shaft. When the housing device is in the closed state, the first rotating member and the second rotating member are folded relative to each other. A first angle is formed between the first supporting plane and the thickness direction of the housing device, and a second angle is formed between the second supporting plane and the thickness direction of the housing device. The first angle is smaller than the second angle.

[0044] In this way, compared to a typical folding mechanism where the first and second included angles are equal when the mechanism is closed, the cross-section of the screen-accommodating space enclosed by the first support plate, the second support plate, and the main shaft is symmetrical, and the plane of symmetry is perpendicular to the width extension direction of the main shaft, resulting in a larger volume of the screen-accommodating space and a thicker folding mechanism when closed. In this embodiment, the first and second included angles are not equal, and the first included angle can be smaller than the second included angle. This allows the cross-section of the screen-accommodating space enclosed by the first rotating member, the second rotating member, and the main shaft to be approximately an asymmetrical triangular / fan-shaped shape tilted towards the second rotating member, greatly reducing the volume of the screen-accommodating space and effectively thinning the thickness of the housing device when closed, which is beneficial for achieving a thinner housing device when closed.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the second included angle is 90°. This allows the main shaft's width extension direction to be perpendicular to the second rotating arm when the housing device is closed. The housing device can be used in electronic devices, where the second rotating arm can be used to fixably connect one of the electronic device's housings (e.g., the second housing). When the folding mechanism is closed, the second surface of the second rotating arm can be parallel to the housing it is fixedly connected to, thus preventing creases from forming on the screen due to the angle between the second rotating arm and the housing. This improves screen flatness and enhances the user experience.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the first rotating member includes a first rotating arm rotatably connected to a main shaft, and the second rotating member includes a second rotating arm rotatably connected to the main shaft. When the folding mechanism is in the open state, the first rotating arm has a first surface facing away from the main shaft, which forms at least a portion of the first support plane, and the second rotating arm has a second surface facing away from the main shaft, which forms at least a portion of the second support plane. Thus, when the housing device is applied to an electronic device, both the first surface of the first rotating arm and the second surface of the second rotating arm can be used to support the screen, thereby saving the need for a first and second support plate and reducing the thickness of the housing device in the open state.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the first rotating component includes a first rotating arm and a first support plate. The first rotating arm is rotatably connected to a main shaft, and the first support plate is fixedly connected to the first rotating arm. The second rotating component includes a second rotating arm and a second support plate. The second rotating arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second support plate is fixedly connected to the second rotating arm. When the folding mechanism is in the open state, the first support plate is located on the side of the first rotating arm facing away from the main shaft. The first support plate has a first surface facing away from the main shaft, which constitutes at least a portion of the first support plane. The second support plate is located on the side of the second rotating arm facing away from the main shaft. The second support plate has a second surface facing away from the main shaft, which constitutes at least a portion of the second support plane. Thus, when the housing device is used in an electronic device, the first and second support plates can be used to support the screen, which helps improve the flatness of the screen when the housing device is in the open state, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0048] In one possible implementation, when the housing device is in the open state, the first support plate is parallel to the first housing, and the second support plate is parallel to the second housing. When the housing device is in the closed state, the first support plate is set at an angle to the first housing, and the second support plate is parallel to the second housing. Thus, when the housing device is applied to an electronic device, compared to typical electronic devices where relative movement occurs between the first housing and the first support plate of the folding mechanism, and between the second housing and the second support plate of the folding mechanism, when switching between open and closed states, the screen is prone to creases at the gaps between the first and second housings, resulting in a poor user experience. In this embodiment, the housing device is applied to an electronic device, and when switching between open and closed states, there is no relative movement (e.g., rotation) between the second housing and the second support plate of the folding mechanism, thereby effectively reducing screen creases and improving the user experience.

[0049] In one possible implementation, when the housing device is in the open state, the direction from the first housing to the second housing is designated as the first direction, and the width extension direction of the main shaft intersects with the first direction. When the housing device is in the closed state, the width extension direction of the main shaft is parallel to the thickness direction of the housing device. Thus, by setting the width extension direction of the main shaft to intersect with the first direction when the housing device is in the open state, after the folding housing device switches from the open state to the closed state, the main shaft, through the differential rotation of the first and second rotating components, can maintain a width extension direction parallel to both the first and thickness directions of the housing device. This results in a more harmonious appearance, better aesthetic consistency, and a superior user experience.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the housing device further includes a support layer. The support layer is fixedly connected to the first housing, the first connecting component, the second connecting component, and the second housing. When the housing device is in the open state, the support layer is relatively flat; when the housing device is in the closed state, the support layer is relatively folded. In this way, the support layer can cover the gap between the first rotating component and the first housing, as well as the gap between the second rotating component and the second housing, thereby providing a relatively flat supporting environment for the screen, which helps improve the flatness of the screen and enhances the user experience.

[0051] Fourthly, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a screen and the aforementioned housing assembly, with the screen fixedly connected to a first housing and a second housing. It is understood that the folding mechanism in this embodiment is an asymmetrical structure, such that the screen-accommodating space formed by the folding mechanism when the electronic device is in a closed state can be an asymmetrical space with a cross-section inclined towards the second housing, resembling a triangle or fan shape. This smaller space volume results in a smaller width of the area where the screen bends, thereby reducing the compressive or tensile stress on the screen during bending and extending its lifespan. Simultaneously, the smaller screen-accommodating space volume also helps reduce the thickness of the electronic device in its closed state. Furthermore, the asymmetrical structure of the folding mechanism can simplify the number of components, thereby reducing the weight of the electronic device and lowering its manufacturing cost.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the housing device further includes a support layer, which is fixedly connected to the first housing, the folding mechanism, and the second housing. When the housing device is in a closed state, there is a gap between the support layer and the screen.

[0053] It is understood that the electronic device in this embodiment may further include a support layer. The support layer can simultaneously and fixedly connect the folding mechanism, the first housing, and the second housing, and cover the first gap between the folding mechanism and the first housing, as well as the second gap between the folding mechanism and the second housing. The screen may only be fixedly connected to the first housing and the second housing. In this way, on the one hand, the support layer can provide a relatively flat support environment for the screen when the electronic device is in the open state, reducing screen creases; on the other hand, when the electronic device switches between the open and closed states, the bent portion of the support layer can deform through the movement of the folding mechanism, and the bent portion of the screen can deform through the movement of the first housing and the second housing, so that the support layer and the screen can form different movement trajectories respectively. This allows a gap to exist between the support layer and the screen when they deform, avoiding the problem of the support layer pressing against the screen and causing screen damage, thus helping to extend the screen's lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0054] 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.

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device provided in the embodiment of this application when it is in the open state;

[0056] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the electronic device shown in Figure 1, cut along point AA.

[0057] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device shown in Figure 1 when it is in a closed state;

[0058] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the electronic device shown in Figure 3, cut along BB.

[0059] Figure 5 is an exploded structural diagram of the electronic device shown in Figure 1 in some embodiments;

[0060] Figure 6 is an exploded structural diagram of the housing device shown in Figure 5 in some embodiments;

[0061] Figure 7 is an exploded structural diagram of the folding mechanism shown in Figure 6 in some embodiments;

[0062] Figure 8 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the spindle shown in Figure 7 in some embodiments;

[0063] Figure 9 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the main shaft shown in Figure 7 from another perspective;

[0064] Figure 10 is an exploded structural diagram of the first set of connection structures of the folding mechanism shown in Figure 7 in some embodiments.

[0065] Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of the synchronization element shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments;

[0066] Figure 12 is a structural schematic diagram of the synchronizing element shown in Figure 11 from another perspective;

[0067] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the synchronizing element and the spindle shown in Figure 11 in some embodiments;

[0068] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 13 from another perspective;

[0069] Figure 15 is a structural schematic diagram of the first rotating arm shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments;

[0070] Figure 16 is a structural schematic diagram of the first rotating arm shown in Figure 15 from another perspective;

[0071] Figure 17 is an exploded structural diagram of the first rotating arm shown in Figure 15 in some embodiments;

[0072] Figure 18 is an exploded structural diagram of the first rotating arm shown in Figure 17 from another perspective;

[0073] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first rotating arm, main shaft, and synchronizing component shown in Figure 15 in some embodiments;

[0074] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 19 from another perspective;

[0075] Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the structure shown in Figure 20 cut along CC;

[0076] Figure 22 is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of one embodiment of the electronic device shown in Figure 1, cut along point AA;

[0077] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 22 in a closed state;

[0078] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 20 when it is in an intermediate state;

[0079] Figure 25 is a structural schematic diagram of the first fixing frame shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments;

[0080] Figure 26 is a structural schematic diagram of the first fixing frame shown in Figure 25 from another perspective;

[0081] Figure 27 is a structural schematic diagram of the swing arm shown in Figure 10 from another perspective;

[0082] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the structure shown in Figure 19 with the first fixed frame and the swing arm in some embodiments;

[0083] Figure 29 is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of one embodiment of the electronic device shown in Figure 1, cut along point AA;

[0084] Figure 30 is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of one embodiment of the electronic device shown in Figure 1, cut along DD;

[0085] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 28 when it is in a closed state;

[0086] Figure 32 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the structure shown in Figure 29 when it is in a closed state;

[0087] Figure 33 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the structure shown in Figure 30 when it is in a closed state;

[0088] Figure 34 is a schematic diagram of the mechanism of the structure shown in Figure 28;

[0089] Figure 35 is a schematic diagram of the second rotating arm of the first set of connection structures shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments;

[0090] Figure 36 is a structural schematic diagram of the second rotating arm shown in Figure 35 from another perspective;

[0091] Figure 37a is an exploded structural diagram of the second rotating arm shown in Figure 35 in some embodiments;

[0092] Figure 37b is an exploded structural diagram of the second rotating arm shown in Figure 37a from another perspective;

[0093] Figure 38 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the structure shown in Figure 28 and the second rotating arm in some embodiments;

[0094] Figure 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the structure shown in Figure 38 cut along EE;

[0095] Figure 40 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 38 from another perspective;

[0096] Figure 41 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 40 when it is in an intermediate state;

[0097] Figure 42 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 38 when it is in a closed state;

[0098] Figure 43 is a structural schematic diagram of the damping component shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments;

[0099] Figure 44 is an exploded structural diagram of the damping component shown in Figure 43 in some embodiments;

[0100] Figure 45 is a structural schematic diagram of the damping component shown in Figure 43 from another perspective;

[0101] Figure 46 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the folding mechanism shown in Figure 6;

[0102] Figure 47 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 46 from another perspective;

[0103] Figure 48 is a structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 46 from another perspective;

[0104] Figure 49 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 48 when it is in a closed state;

[0105] Figure 50 is a structural schematic diagram of the folding mechanism shown in Figure 6 in some embodiments;

[0106] Figure 51a is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of one embodiment of the electronic device shown in Figure 1, cut along FF;

[0107] Figure 51b is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 51a when it is in a closed state;

[0108] Figure 52 is a simplified schematic diagram of the motion of the folding mechanism 10 shown in Figure 50;

[0109] Figure 53 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first housing, the second housing, and the folding mechanism shown in Figure 5 in some embodiments;

[0110] Figure 54 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the structure shown in Figure 53 and the heat spreader in some embodiments;

[0111] Figure 55 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of the electronic device shown in Figure 1, cut along FF.

[0112] Figure 56 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 55 when it is in a closed state;

[0113] Figure 57 is a simplified structural diagram of the electronic device shown in Figure 1 in some other embodiments;

[0114] Figure 58 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 57 when it is in a closed state. Detailed Implementation

[0115] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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 cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1 cut along AA in one embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1 when it is in the closed state. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 3 cut along BB in one embodiment.

[0122] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, this application provides a foldable electronic device 1000. The foldable electronic device 1000 can be a foldable device such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, personal computer, laptop computer, in-vehicle device, or wearable device (such as a smart bracelet). This application provides a detailed description using a mobile phone as an example of the electronic device 1000.

[0123] For ease of description, exemplarily, the thickness direction of electronic device 1000 is defined as the Z-axis direction, and the extension direction of the rotation axis of electronic device 1000 is defined as the Y-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to both the Y-axis and Z-axis is defined as the X-axis direction. It is understood that the coordinate system of electronic device 1000 can also be flexibly set according to specific requirements.

[0124] In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the electronic device 1000 is in the Y-axis direction, meaning the electronic device 1000 can be relatively flattened or folded along the Y-axis. Thus, when the electronic device 1000 is in a closed state, its size in the X-axis direction decreases. This embodiment is illustrated using the example of "the rotation axis of the electronic device 1000 being in the Y-axis direction." In this case, the electronic device 1000 can be folded horizontally, and the folding and flattening of the electronic device 1000 affects its length. In other embodiments, the rotation axis of the electronic device 1000 can also be in the X-axis direction, meaning the electronic device 1000 can be relatively flattened or folded along the X-axis. In this case, the electronic device 1000 can be folded vertically, and the folding and flattening of the electronic device 1000 affects its width.

[0125] Figure 5 is an exploded structural diagram of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1 in some embodiments. Figure 6 is an exploded structural diagram of the housing device 100 shown in Figure 5 in some embodiments.

[0126] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the electronic device 1000 may include a housing device 100 and a screen 200. The screen 200 may be mounted on the housing device 100. The screen 200 may integrate display and touch sensing functions. The display function of the screen 200 is used to display images, videos, etc., and the touch sensing function of the screen 200 is used to sense user touch actions to achieve human-computer interaction. For example, the screen 200 includes a flexible display screen that can be bent. The flexible display screen may 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.

[0127] Exemplarily, the housing device 100 can be in an open state as shown in FIG. 1 and a closed state as shown in FIG. 3. The housing device 100 can also be in an intermediate state between open and closed (not shown). The intermediate state can be any state between the open and closed states. The screen 200 can move together with the housing device 100. The housing device 100 can cause the screen 200 to unfold or fold, so that the electronic device 1000 can be opened to an open state or closed to a closed state. When the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state, the screen 200 can be located inside the housing device 100. In other words, the electronic device 1000 can be an inward-folding electronic device 1000. It should be understood that FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 only schematically show some components included in the electronic device 1000, and the actual shape, size, and construction of these components are not limited by FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In other embodiments, when the electronic device 1000 is a device of other forms, the electronic device 1000 may not include the screen 200.

[0128] In this embodiment, when the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, the screen 200 can be unfolded. At this time, the 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.

[0129] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the housing device 100 may include a folding mechanism 10, a first housing 20, and a second housing 30. The folding mechanism 10 may connect the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. The folding mechanism 10 may move to allow the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 to open relative to each other or close relative to each other. The screen 200 may be fixedly connected to the first housing 20 and the second housing 30.

[0130] For example, the thickness direction of the folding mechanism 10 can be the Z-axis direction, and the length direction of the folding mechanism 10 can be the Y-axis direction. The width direction of the folding mechanism 10 can be the X-axis direction. In other embodiments, the coordinate system of the folding mechanism 10 can also be flexibly set according to specific needs.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] Please refer again to Figures 5 and 6, and in conjunction with Figures 1 to 4. The screen 200 may include a first display area 200a, a second display area 200b, and a third display area 200c. The second display area 200b may be connected between the first display area 200a and the third display area 200c. It should be noted that some of the figures in Figures 1 to 6 schematically delineate the first display area 200a, the second display area 200b, and the third display area 200c of the screen 200 using dashed lines. The first display area 200a may be fixed to the first housing 20. The third display area 200c may be fixed to the second housing 30. During the relative opening or closing of the first housing 20 and the second housing 30, the first housing 20 may move the first display area 200a, and the second housing 30 may move the third display area 200c. The first display area 200a and the third display area 200c may open or close relative to each other, and the second display area 200b may deform.

[0134] For example, when the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, the first display area 200a, the second display area 200b, and the third display area 200c can be at a 180° angle. At least a portion of the folding mechanism 10 can be used to support the second display area 200b. In other embodiments, the first display area 200a, the second display area 200b, and the third display area 200c may also deviate slightly from 180°, such as 165°, 177°, or 185°. In this case, the screen 200 has a continuous large display area, that is, the screen 200 can achieve large-screen display, resulting in a better user experience.

[0135] For example, when the electronic device 1000 is in a closed state, the first housing 20 can be folded relative to the second housing 30. The folding mechanism 10 can deform and enclose a screen-accommodating space 10b. The first display area 200a and the third display area 200c of the screen 200 can be located between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. The second display area 200b of the screen 200 can be bent and located within the screen-accommodating space 10b. For example, the second display area 200b of the screen 200 can be approximately teardrop-shaped and tilted towards the second housing 30.

[0136] Figure 7 is an exploded structural diagram of the folding mechanism 10 shown in Figure 6 in some embodiments.

[0137] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the folding mechanism 10 may include a main shaft 11, a first set of connecting structures 12, a second set of connecting structures 13, a first support plate 14, a second support plate 15, and a decorative element 16. The length extension direction of the main shaft 11 may be parallel to the Y-axis direction. Both the first set of connecting structures 12 and the second set of connecting structures 13 can be mounted on the main shaft 11. The first set of connecting structures 12 and the second set of connecting structures 13 may be arranged at intervals along the length extension direction of the main shaft 11 (i.e., the Y-axis direction in this embodiment). For example, the first set of connecting structures 12 and the second set of connecting structures 13 may be located at opposite ends of the main shaft 11. The first set of connecting structures 12 may connect the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. The second set of connecting structures 13 may deform to allow the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 to unfold or fold relative to each other.

[0138] It is understood that the first set of connecting structures 12 and the second set of connecting structures 13 can be the same or similar structures, symmetrical or partially symmetrical structures, or different structures. In this embodiment, the second set of connecting structures 13 and the first set of connecting structures 12 can be symmetrical structures. The basic design of some structures of the second set of connecting structures 13, the connection relationships between components, and the connection relationships between components and other structures besides the assembly can all refer to the relevant design of the first set of connecting structures 12. At the same time, it is permissible for the second set of connecting structures 13 and the first set of connecting structures 12 to have slight differences in some detailed structures or positional arrangements. Specific details will not be elaborated here. The following will use the first set of connecting structures 12 as an example to introduce its structure and the connection relationships between the first set of connecting structures 12 and other structural components.

[0139] For example, the first set of connection structures 12 may include a first connection component 12a and a second connection component 12b. The first connection component 12a and the second connection component 12b may be arranged side by side along the X-axis. The first connection component 12a may connect the spindle 11 and the first housing 20. The second connection component 12b may connect the spindle 11 and the second housing 30. The first connection component 12a and the second connection component 12b may have different structures, that is, they may be asymmetrical structures. For example, the size of the first connection component 12a may be larger than the size of the second connection component 12b. The structural configuration of the second connection component 12b is simpler than that of the first connection component 12a.

[0140] For example, the second set of connection structures 13 may include a third connection component 13a and a fourth connection component 13b. The third connection component 13a and the fourth connection component 13b may be arranged side-by-side along the X-axis. The third connection component 13a may connect the main shaft 11 and the first housing 20. The fourth connection component 13b may connect the main shaft 11 and the second housing 30. The third connection component 13a and the fourth connection component 13b may have different structures, i.e., they may be asymmetrical. The third connection component 13a and the first connection component 12a may be arranged along the Y-axis. The third connection component 13a and the first connection component 12a may be symmetrical. The fourth connection component 13b and the second connection component 12b may be arranged along the Y-axis. The fourth connection component 13b and the second connection component 12b may be symmetrical. For example, the size of the third connection component 13a may be larger than the size of the fourth connection component 13b. The structure of the fourth connecting component 13b is simpler than that of the third connecting component 13a.

[0141] For example, a first support plate 14 can be fixedly connected to a first connecting component 12a and a third connecting component 13a. The first support plate 14 can cover the first connecting component 12a, the third connecting component 13a, and a portion of the main spindle 11. A second support plate 15 can be fixedly connected to a second connecting component 12b and a fourth connecting component 13b. The second support plate 15 can cover the second connecting component 12b, the fourth connecting component 13b, and a portion of the main spindle 11. The arrangement direction of the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 can be parallel to the X-axis direction. The width of the first support plate 14 can be greater than the width of the second support plate 15. In this case, the bottom surface 11c of the main spindle 11 can be disposed facing away from the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15. A decorative piece 16 can be located on the side of the main spindle 11 facing away from the first support plate 14 and fixedly connected to the main spindle 11. The surface of the decorative piece 16 facing away from the main spindle 11 can be part of the exterior surface of the electronic device 1000. In this way, the decorative element 16 can be used to cover the bottom surface 11c of the main shaft 11, thereby preventing the main shaft 11 from being exposed when the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state, which helps to improve the appearance of the electronic device 1000 (see Figure 4). The width extension direction of the decorative element 16 can be the width extension direction of the surface of the decorative element 16 facing away from the main shaft 11. The width extension direction of the decorative element 16 can be parallel to the width extension direction of the main shaft 11. In other embodiments, the folding mechanism 10 may not include the decorative element 16. In this case, the bottom surface 11c of the main shaft 11 can be part of the exterior surface of the electronic device 1000.

[0142] Please refer again to Figures 6 and 7, and in conjunction with Figures 2 and 4. When the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, the first set of connecting structures 12 and the second set of connecting structures 13 can be opened. The first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 can be relatively flattened under the action of the first set of connecting structures 12 and the second set of connecting structures 13. The first support plate 14 can have a first surface 141 facing away from the main shaft 11. The second support plate 15 can have a second surface 151 facing away from the main shaft 11. At this time, the first surface 141 of the first support plate 14 and the second surface 151 of the second support plate 15 can jointly form the support surface 10a of the folding mechanism 10. The support surface 10a can support at least a portion of the second display area 200b of the screen 200. The width extension direction of the main shaft 11 can intersect the XY plane, that is, the width extension direction of the main shaft 11 can intersect the screen 200. Among them, the width extension direction of the main shaft 11 can be the width extension direction of the bottom surface 11c of the main shaft 11. For ease of understanding, the direction of the width extension of the main shaft 11 is indicated by dashed arrow a in both Figures 6 and 7.

[0143] For example, when the electronic device 1000 is in a closed state, the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 can be folded relative to each other under the action of the first set of connecting structures 12 and the second set of connecting structures 13. The first support plate 14 can be arranged opposite to the second support plate 15. The space enclosed by the main shaft 11, the first support plate 14, and the second support plate 15 can constitute a screen-accommodating space 10b. At this time, the first set of connecting structures 12 and the second set of connecting structures 13 can be located on the same side of the main shaft 11. The width extension direction of the main shaft 11 can be parallel to the thickness direction of the electronic device 1000. The decorative piece 16 can be located on the side of the main shaft 11 facing away from the first set of connecting structures 12 and the second set of connecting structures 13 (see Figure 4). The surface of the decorative piece 16 facing away from the main shaft 11 can form the appearance surface of the electronic device 1000. In this way, the decorative piece 16 can cover the structure of the main shaft 11, the first set of connecting structures 12, and the second set of connecting structures 13, improving the appearance refinement of the electronic device 1000.

[0144] The first surface 141 of the first support plate 14 can be angled with the thickness direction of the electronic device 1000 (i.e., the thickness direction of the housing device 100 and the thickness direction of the folding mechanism 10). The second surface 151 of the second support plate 15 can be parallel to the second housing 30. In this case, the screen-accommodating space 10b enclosed by the main shaft 11, the first support plate 14, and the second support plate 15 can be an asymmetrical space. The cross-section of the screen-accommodating space 10b can be approximately a triangular-like asymmetrical shape inclined towards the second support plate 15. The second display area 200b of the screen 200 can be located within the screen-accommodating space 10b and is bent. The bent second display area 200b can be approximately eccentrically teardrop-like in shape. The bent shape of the second display area 200b can be asymmetrical.

[0145] Understandably, folding mechanisms in general electronic devices typically employ a symmetrical design. For example, the first and second connecting components of the first set of connecting structures can be symmetrical. The dimensions of the first and second connecting components can be the same. The first and second support plates can also be symmetrical. The width of the first support plate can be the same as the width of the second support plate. When the electronic device is in a closed state, the folding mechanism can form a symmetrical screen-accommodating space to accommodate the bent portion of the screen. However, the symmetrical design of the folding mechanism has two drawbacks. First, the resulting screen-accommodating space is symmetrical, and the bent portion of the screen will correspond to a symmetrical teardrop shape. This leads to a wider width of the bent portion when flattened, and a larger area where the screen bends. This results in greater compressive or tensile stress on the screen during bending, affecting its lifespan. Second, the symmetrical structural design of the folding mechanism results in a larger overall size, more components, and a more complex structure, leading to higher manufacturing costs and a larger space occupied by the folding mechanism within the electronic device.

[0146] In this embodiment, the folding mechanism 10 adopts an asymmetrical structural design. The first connecting component 12a and the second connecting component 12b are asymmetrical, with the size of the second connecting component 12b being smaller than that of the first connecting component 12a. This allows the screen-containing space 10b formed by the folding mechanism 10 in the closed state of the electronic device 1000 to be an asymmetrical space with a smaller volume. This results in a smaller width of the area where the screen 200 bends, reducing the compressive or tensile stress on the screen 200 during bending and extending its lifespan. Furthermore, the asymmetrical structural design of the folding mechanism 10 simplifies its structure, effectively reducing manufacturing costs, weight, and space requirements within the electronic device 1000.

[0147] In other embodiments, the folding mechanism 10 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 (not shown). Here, N is an integer greater than 2. The third set of connecting structures, the fourth set of connecting structures, ..., the Nth set of connecting structures can all connect the first housing 20, the main shaft 11, and the second housing 30. The third set of connecting structures, the fourth set of connecting structures, ..., the Nth set of connecting structures can cooperate with the first set of connecting structures 12 and the second set of connecting structures 13 to better enable the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 to be relatively unfolded or folded.

[0148] In other embodiments, the folding mechanism 10 may also exclude one or more of the first support plate 14, the second support plate 15, and the decorative element 16.

[0149] The specific structure of the folding mechanism 10 will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0150] Figure 8 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the main shaft 11 shown in Figure 7 in some embodiments. Figure 9 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the main shaft 11 shown in Figure 7 from another perspective.

[0151] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, 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 12 may be installed on the first end 11a. A second set of connecting structures 13 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 between the second end 11b and the first end 11a are allowed. 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.

[0152] For example, the inner side of the spindle 11 may have multiple movable spaces. Structural components in multiple group connection structures may be installed in the multiple movable spaces of the spindle 11. The multiple movable spaces may be arranged along the Y-axis direction. For example, the first end 11a of the spindle 11 may have a first movable space 111 and a second movable space 112 spaced apart. The second movable space 112 may be located away from the first end 11a relative to the first movable space 111.

[0153] Exemplarily, the first end 11a may also be provided with a first rotating body 113. The first rotating body 113 may be an arc-shaped groove. The number of arc-shaped grooves may be one or more, and the multiple arc-shaped grooves may be arranged along the Y-axis direction. Exemplarily, the number of arc-shaped grooves may be two, for example, including a first arc-shaped groove 1131 and a second arc-shaped groove 1132. The opening of the first arc-shaped groove 1131 may face the second end 11b. The first arc-shaped groove 1131 may connect to the first active space 111. The opening of the second arc-shaped groove 1132 may face the first arc-shaped groove 1131. The second arc-shaped groove 1132 may connect to the second active space 112. Wherein, the radius of the first arc-shaped groove 1131 and the radius of the second arc-shaped groove 1132 may be equal. The straight line connecting the center of curvature of the first arc-shaped groove 1131 and the center of curvature of the second arc-shaped groove 1132 may be a first axis. The first axis may be parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0154] Exemplarily, the first end 11a may also be provided with a second rotating body 114. The second rotating body 114 may be a circular hole. There may be one or more circular holes, and multiple circular holes may be arranged along the Y-axis direction. The shape and size of the multiple circular holes may be exactly the same. Exemplarily, there may be two circular holes, for example, including a first mounting hole 1141 and a second mounting hole 1142. Both the first mounting hole 1141 and the second mounting hole 1142 may be spaced apart from the first movable space 111 and the second movable space 112 of the main shaft 11. The central axis of the first mounting hole 1141 and the central axis of the second mounting hole 1142 may be on the same straight line. The straight line containing the central axis of the first mounting hole 1141 may be a second axis. The second axis may be parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis. The plane containing the second axis and the first axis may intersect the width extension direction of the main shaft 11.

[0155] Exemplarily, the first mounting hole 1141 and the second mounting hole 1142 can be located on the same side of the first arcuate groove 1131 and the second arcuate groove 1132. In this case, the arrangement direction of the second rotating body 114 and the first rotating body 113 can be parallel to the width extension direction of the main shaft 11. Exemplarily, the first mounting hole 1141 and the first arcuate groove 1131 can be arranged in the width extension direction of the main shaft 11. The second mounting hole 1142 and the second arcuate groove 1132 can be arranged in the width extension direction of the main shaft 11.

[0156] Exemplarily, the first end 11a may also be provided with a first auxiliary rotating body 115. The first auxiliary rotating body 115 may be a circular hole. There may be one or more circular holes, and multiple circular holes may be arranged along the Y-axis direction. The shape and size of the multiple circular holes may be exactly the same. Exemplarily, the first auxiliary rotating body 115 may have two circular holes, for example, it may include a third mounting hole 1151 and a fourth mounting hole 1152. Both the third mounting hole 1151 and the fourth mounting hole 1152 may be spaced apart from the first movable space 111 and the second movable space 112 of the main shaft 11. The central axis of the third mounting hole 1151 and the central axis of the fourth mounting hole 1152 may be on the same straight line. The straight line containing the central axis of the third mounting hole 1151 may be parallel to the first axis and spaced apart from the first axis and the second axis.

[0157] Figure 10 is an exploded structural diagram of the first set of connecting structures 12 of the folding mechanism 10 shown in Figure 7 in some embodiments. Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of the synchronizing element 7 shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments. Figure 12 is a structural schematic diagram of the synchronizing element 7 shown in Figure 11 from another perspective.

[0158] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the first set of connecting structures 12 may include a first rotating shaft 1, a second rotating shaft 2, a first rotating arm 3, a second rotating arm 4, a first fixed frame 5, a swing arm 6, a synchronizing element 7, and a damping assembly 8. The first rotating arm 3, the first fixed frame 5, the swing arm 6, and the second rotating shaft 2 can together constitute the first connecting assembly 12a. The second rotating arm 4 and the first rotating shaft 1 can together constitute the second connecting assembly 12b. For example, the width of the first rotating arm 3 may be greater than the width of the second rotating arm 4.

[0159] For example, the synchronization element 7 may include a main body 71, a first slider 72, a second slider 73, and a third slider 74. The first slider 72 and the third slider 74 may be located on opposite sides of the main body 71 and are both fixedly connected to the main body 71. The second slider 73 may be located on the same side as the first slider 72 and the third slider 74 and is fixedly connected to the main body 71.

[0160] For example, the first slider 72 can be a helical protrusion, such as a first helical protrusion 721. The second slider 73 can also be a helical protrusion, such as a second helical protrusion 731. The central axis of both the first helical protrusion 721 and the central axis of the second helical protrusion 731 can be parallel to the Y-axis direction. The helical direction of the first helical protrusion 721 can be opposite to the helical direction of the second helical protrusion 731. The radius of curvature of the first helical protrusion 721 can be larger than the radius of curvature of the second helical protrusion 731.

[0161] For example, the third slider 74 can be a groove. The groove can be elongated. The length of the groove can extend parallel to the Y-axis. For example, there can be two grooves. The two grooves can be spaced apart and arranged side by side.

[0162] In other embodiments, the first set of connection structures 12 may also exclude the swing arm 6 or the damping component 8.

[0163] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the synchronizing element 7 and the main shaft 11 shown in Figure 11 in some embodiments. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 13 from another perspective.

[0164] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the synchronizing element 7 can be installed within the first movable space 111 of the main spindle 11. The main spindle 11 may further include a fourth sliding body 116. The fourth sliding body 116 can be located within the first movable space 111. The third sliding body 74 of the synchronizing element 7 can be slidably connected to the fourth sliding body 116 of the main spindle 11. The synchronizing element 7 can slide relative to the main spindle 11 along the Y-axis direction. Exemplarily, the fourth sliding body 116 can be a slide rod. The length extension direction of the slide rod can be parallel to the Y-axis direction. There can be two slide rods. The two slide rods can be spaced apart along the width direction of the main spindle 11. The two slide rods can be slidably connected one-to-one to the two sliding grooves of the synchronizing element 7. In other embodiments, the third sliding body 74 can also be a slide rod or a slider, and the fourth sliding body 116 can also be a sliding groove.

[0165] For example, the straight line containing the central axis of the first helical protrusion 721 of the synchronizing element 7 can coincide with the first axis. The straight line containing the central axis of the second helical protrusion 731 of the synchronizing element 7 can coincide with the second axis.

[0166] Figure 15 is a structural schematic diagram of the first rotating arm 3 shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments. Figure 16 is a structural schematic diagram of the first rotating arm 3 shown in Figure 15 from another perspective. Figure 17 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the first rotating arm 3 shown in Figure 15 in some embodiments. Figure 18 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the first rotating arm 3 shown in Figure 17 from another perspective.

[0167] As shown in Figures 15 to 18, the first rotating arm 3 may include a first movable end 3a and a second movable end 3b. The first movable end 3a may be provided with a first mating sliding body 31 and a first mating rotating body 32. The first mating sliding body 31 may be a spiral groove, for example, it may include a first spiral groove 311. The first mating rotating body 32 may be an arc-shaped protrusion. For example, the number of arc-shaped protrusions may be two, for example, it may include a first arc-shaped protrusion 321 and a second arc-shaped protrusion 322. The first arc-shaped protrusion 321 and the second arc-shaped protrusion 322 may be arranged in the Y-axis direction and located on opposite sides of the first rotating arm 3. The radius of the first arc-shaped protrusion 321 and the radius of the second arc-shaped protrusion 322 may be equal. The first spiral groove 311 may be located between the first arc-shaped protrusion 321 and the second arc-shaped protrusion 322.

[0168] For example, the second movable end 3b may be provided with a third mating rotating body 33. The third mating rotating body 33 may be an arc-shaped protrusion. For example, the number of arc-shaped protrusions may be two, such as a third arc-shaped protrusion 331 and a fourth arc-shaped protrusion 332. The third arc-shaped protrusion 331 and the fourth arc-shaped protrusion 332 may be arranged in the Y-axis direction and located on opposite sides of the first rotating arm 3. The radius of curvature of the third arc-shaped protrusion 331 may be equal to the radius of curvature of the fourth arc-shaped protrusion 332. The radius of curvature of the third arc-shaped protrusion 331 may also be equal to the radius of curvature of the first helical groove 311.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first rotating arm 3 may include a first part 34 and a second part 35. A first mating rotating body 32 and a third mating rotating body 33 may both be formed in the first part 34. The first part 34 may include a top surface 341 and a bottom surface 342 disposed opposite to each other. The first part 34 may be provided with a clearance groove 343. The opening of the clearance groove 343 may be formed in the bottom surface 342. The clearance groove 343 may be located between the first arc-shaped protrusion 321 and the second arc-shaped protrusion 322. The second part 35 may be fixed to the bottom surface 342 of the first part 34 by means of screwing or the like. Part of the second part 35 may be located within the clearance groove 343. The second part 35 may cooperate with the groove wall of the clearance groove 343 to form a spiral groove. This spiral groove may constitute a first spiral groove 311. Thus, by assembling the first rotating arm 3 into two parts (i.e., the first part 34 and the second part 35), it is beneficial to reduce the manufacturing difficulty of the first rotating arm 3 and improve the manufacturing efficiency.

[0170] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first rotating arm 3, main shaft 11, and synchronizing element 7 shown in Figure 15 in some embodiments. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 19 from another perspective. Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 20 cut along CC in one embodiment.

[0171] As shown in Figures 19 to 21, the first rotating arm 3 can be mounted on the main shaft 11. Part of the first rotating arm 3 can be located within the first movable space 111, and part of the first rotating arm 3 can be located within the second movable space 112. The first movable end 3a of the first rotating arm 3 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 11. The first mating rotating body 32 of the first movable end 3a can be rotatably connected to the first rotating body 113 of the main shaft 11. Exemplarily, the first arc-shaped protrusion 321 and the second arc-shaped protrusion 322 of the first mating rotating body 32 can be correspondingly engaged with the first arc-shaped groove 1131 and the second arc-shaped groove 1132 of the first rotating body 113. The first arc-shaped protrusion 321 can rotate relative to the first arc-shaped groove 1131 around the first axis. The second arc-shaped protrusion 322 can rotate relative to the second arc-shaped groove 1132 around the first axis. That is, the first movable end 3a of the first rotating arm 3 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 around the first axis. At this time, the radius of rotation of the first rotating arm 3 relative to the main shaft 11 can be the radius of the first mating rotating body 32 (that is, the radius of the first rotating body 113). In other embodiments, the first rotating body 113 can also be an arc-shaped protrusion, and the first mating rotating body 32 can also be an arc-shaped groove.

[0172] Exemplarily, the first engaging sliding body 31 of the first movable end 3a of the first rotating arm 3 can be slidably connected to the first sliding body 72 of the synchronizing member 7. Exemplarily, the first helical protrusion 721 of the first sliding body 72 can engage with the first helical groove 311 of the first engaging sliding body 31. The first helical protrusion 721 can slide relative to the first helical groove 311. At this time, the first movable end 3a of the first rotating arm 3 can rotate relative to the synchronizing member 7 about the first axis. In other embodiments, the first sliding body 72 can also be a helical groove, and the first engaging sliding body 31 can also be a helical protrusion.

[0173] Figure 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1 cut along point AA. Figure 23 is a structural diagram of the structure shown in Figure 22 in a closed state. Figure 24 is a structural diagram of the structure shown in Figure 20 in an intermediate state.

[0174] As shown in Figures 22 to 24, the first rotating arm 3 may further include a first surface 36. The first surface 36 may be disposed opposite to the main shaft 11. Exemplarily, when the folding mechanism 10 is in the open state, the first surface 36 of the first rotating arm 3 may intersect with the width extension direction of the main shaft 11. The first surface 36 may be parallel to the XY plane. At least a portion of the first arcuate protrusion 321 of the first rotating arm 3 may be located within the first arcuate groove 1131 of the main shaft 11. At least a portion of the second arcuate protrusion 322 of the first rotating arm 3 may be located within the second arcuate groove 1132 of the main shaft 11. At least a portion of the first helical protrusion 721 of the synchronizing member 7 may be located within the first helical groove 311 of the first rotating arm 3. At this time, the synchronizing member 7 may be located in the first position.

[0175] For example, when the folding mechanism 10 is in the closed state, the first surface 36 of the first rotating arm 3 may intersect with the width extension direction of the main shaft 11. The included angle formed between the first surface 36 and the width extension direction of the main shaft 11 may be less than 90°. A portion of the first arcuate protrusion 321 of the first rotating arm 3 may be located outside the first arcuate groove 1131 of the main shaft 11. A portion of the second arcuate protrusion 322 of the first rotating arm 3 may be located outside the second arcuate groove 1132 of the main shaft 11. A portion of the first helical protrusion 721 of the synchronizing member 7 may be located outside the first helical groove 311 of the first rotating arm 3. At this time, the synchronizing member 7 may be in the second position.

[0176] For example, during the switching process of the folding mechanism 10 from the open state to the intermediate state and from the intermediate state to the closed state, the first movable end 3a of the first rotating arm 3 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in the first rotation direction, so that a portion of the first arc-shaped protrusion 321 can slide out of the first arc-shaped groove 1131, and a portion of the second arc-shaped protrusion 322 can slide out of the second arc-shaped groove 1132. At this time, a portion of the first helical protrusion 721 of the synchronizing member 7 can slide out of the first helical groove 311 of the first rotating arm 3. The synchronizing member 7 can slide relative to the main shaft 11 in a direction close to the second end 11b of the main shaft 11 (see FIG. 7) to move from the first position to the second position.

[0177] For example, during the switching process of the folding mechanism 10 from a closed state to an intermediate state and from an intermediate state to an open state, the first movable end 3a of the first rotating arm 3 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in a second rotation direction, so that a portion of the first arc-shaped protrusion 321 can slide into the first arc-shaped groove 1131, and a portion of the second arc-shaped protrusion 322 can slide into the second arc-shaped groove 1132. At this time, a portion of the first helical protrusion 721 of the synchronizing member 7 can slide into the first helical groove 311 of the first rotating arm 3. The synchronizing member 7 can slide relative to the main shaft 11 in a direction close to the first end 11a of the main shaft 11 to move from the second position to the first position.

[0178] Figure 25 is a structural schematic diagram of the first fixing frame 5 shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments. Figure 26 is a structural schematic diagram of the first fixing frame 5 shown in Figure 25 from another perspective.

[0179] As shown in Figures 25 and 26, the first fixed frame 5 may be provided with a third rotating body 51. The third rotating body 51 may be an arc-shaped groove. Exemplarily, there may be two arc-shaped grooves, such as a third arc-shaped groove 511 and a fourth arc-shaped groove 512. The third arc-shaped groove 511 and the fourth arc-shaped groove 512 may be arranged in the Y-axis direction. The opening of the third arc-shaped groove 511 may be opposite to the opening of the fourth arc-shaped groove 512. The line connecting the center of curvature of the third arc-shaped groove 511 and the center of curvature of the fourth arc-shaped groove 512 may be parallel to the Y-axis.

[0180] Exemplarily, the first fixing frame 5 may also be provided with a fixing groove 52. The fixing groove 52 may be generally arc-shaped. The fixing groove 52 may include a first groove wall 521 and a second groove wall 522 disposed opposite to each other. The first fixing frame 5 may also be provided with a second auxiliary rotating body 53. The second auxiliary rotating body 53 may be an arc-shaped groove. The number of arc-shaped grooves may be one or more, and multiple arc-shaped grooves may be arranged along the Y-axis direction. Exemplarily, the number of arc-shaped grooves may be two, for example, including a fifth arc-shaped groove 531 and a sixth arc-shaped groove 532. The opening of the fifth arc-shaped groove 531 may be formed in the first groove wall 521. The opening of the sixth arc-shaped groove 532 may be formed in the second groove wall 522. The shape of the fifth arc-shaped groove 531 may be adapted to the shape of the first arc-shaped mounting groove. The line connecting the curvature center of the fifth arc-shaped groove 531 and the curvature center of the sixth arc-shaped groove 532 may be parallel to and spaced apart from the line connecting the curvature center of the third arc-shaped groove 511 and the curvature center of the fourth arc-shaped groove 512.

[0181] Figure 27 is a structural schematic diagram of the swing arm 6 shown in Figure 10 from another perspective.

[0182] As shown in Figure 27, the swing arm 6 may include a first moving end 61 and a second moving end 62. The first moving end 61 may be provided with a third auxiliary rotating body 63. The third auxiliary rotating body 63 may be a circular hole. There may be one circular hole, for example, a first connecting hole 631. The axis of the first connecting hole 631 may be parallel to the Y-axis.

[0183] For example, the second moving end 62 may be provided with a fourth auxiliary rotating body 64. The fourth auxiliary rotating body 64 may be an arc-shaped protrusion. The number of arc-shaped protrusions may be one or more. Multiple arc-shaped protrusions may be arranged along the Y-axis direction. For example, the number of arc-shaped protrusions may be two, such as a fifth arc-shaped protrusion 641 and a sixth arc-shaped protrusion 642. The fifth arc-shaped protrusion 641 and the sixth arc-shaped protrusion 642 may be arranged in the Y-axis direction and located on opposite sides of the swing arm 6. The radius of the fifth arc-shaped protrusion 641 and the radius of the sixth arc-shaped protrusion 642 may be equal.

[0184] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the structure shown in Figure 19 with the first fixing frame 5 and the swing arm 6 in some embodiments. Figure 29 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1 cut along AA. Figure 30 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1 cut along DD.

[0185] As shown in Figures 28 to 30, the second movable end 3b of the first rotating arm 3 is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 5. The third mating rotating body 33 of the second movable end 3b is rotatably connected to the third rotating body 51 of the first fixed frame 5. Exemplarily, the third arc-shaped protrusion 331 and the fourth arc-shaped protrusion 332 of the third mating rotating body 33 can be correspondingly mated with the third arc-shaped groove 511 and the fourth arc-shaped groove 512 of the third rotating body 51 (see Figures 25 and 26). The straight line connecting the center of curvature of the third arc-shaped groove 511 and the center of curvature of the fourth arc-shaped groove 512 can be a third axis. The third axis can be parallel to and spaced apart from the first and second axes. The third arc-shaped protrusion 331 can rotate relative to the third arc-shaped groove 511 around the third axis. The fourth arc-shaped protrusion 332 can rotate relative to the fourth arc-shaped groove 512 around the third axis. That is, the first fixed frame 5 can rotate relative to the second movable end 3b of the first rotating arm 3 around the third axis.

[0186] Exemplarily, the first moving end 61 of the swing arm 6 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 11. The third auxiliary rotating body 63 of the first moving end 61 can be rotatably connected to the first auxiliary rotating body 115 of the main shaft 11. Exemplarily, referring to Figure 9, the first connecting hole 631 of the third auxiliary rotating body 63 can be located between the third mounting hole 1151 and the fourth mounting hole 1152 of the first auxiliary rotating body 115. The first connecting hole 631 can be directly opposite the third mounting hole 1151 and the fourth mounting hole 1152. The second rotating shaft 2 can pass sequentially through the third mounting hole 1151, the first connecting hole 631, and the fourth mounting hole 1152, so that the third auxiliary rotating body 63 is rotatably connected to the first auxiliary rotating body 115. The axis of the third mounting hole 1151 and the axis of the first connecting hole 631 can be on the same straight line. The straight line containing the axis of the third mounting hole 1151 can be the fourth axis. The fourth axis can be parallel to the Y-axis direction and is spaced apart from the first, second, and third axes. At this time, the first moving end 61 of the swing arm 6 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 around the fourth axis. In other embodiments, one of the third auxiliary rotating body 63 and the first auxiliary rotating body 115 can also be an arc-shaped groove, and the other can also be an arc-shaped protrusion.

[0187] Exemplarily, a portion of the swing arm 6 can be installed within the fixing groove 52 of the first fixing frame 5. The second moving end 62 of the swing arm 6 can be rotatably connected to the first fixing frame 5. The fourth auxiliary rotating body 64 of the second moving end 62 can be rotatably connected to the second auxiliary rotating body 53 of the first fixing frame 5. Exemplarily, the fifth arc-shaped protrusion 641 and the sixth arc-shaped protrusion 642 of the fourth auxiliary rotating body 64 can correspond one-to-one with the fifth arc-shaped groove 531 and the sixth arc-shaped groove 532 of the second auxiliary rotating body 53 (see Figures 25 and 27). The straight line connecting the center of curvature of the fifth arc-shaped groove 531 and the center of curvature of the sixth arc-shaped groove 532 can be the fifth axis. The fifth axis can be parallel to the Y-axis direction and spaced apart from the first axis, second axis, third axis, and fourth axis. In this case, the second moving end 62 of the swing arm 6 can rotate relative to the first fixing frame 5 around the fifth axis. In other embodiments, the fourth auxiliary rotating body 64 can also be an arc-shaped groove, and the second auxiliary rotating body 53 can also be an arc-shaped protrusion.

[0188] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 28 when it is in the closed state. Figure 32 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 29 when it is in the closed state. Figure 33 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 30 when it is in the closed state. Figure 34 is a schematic diagram of the mechanism of the structure shown in Figure 28. It should be noted that illustration (a) in Figure 34 is a schematic diagram of the mechanism when the folding mechanism 10 is in the open state, and illustration (b) in Figure 34 is a schematic diagram of the mechanism when the folding mechanism 10 is in the closed state.

[0189] Please refer to Figures 28 to 34. During the transition of the folding mechanism 10 from the open state to the closed state, the first rotating arm 3, the first fixed frame 5, and the swing arm 6 can all rotate relative to the main shaft 11 along the first rotation direction and around the first axis R1 (as shown in Figures 29 and 32). Simultaneously, the first fixed frame 5 can also rotate relative to the swing arm 6 along the second rotation direction and around the fifth axis R5 (as shown in Figures 30 and 33). The first fixed frame 5 can also rotate relative to the first rotating arm 3 along the second rotation direction and around the third axis R3 (as shown in Figures 29 and 32).

[0190] As can be understood, as shown in Figure 34, the main shaft 11, the first rotating arm 3, the first fixed frame 5, and the swing arm 6 in this embodiment can form a four-bar linkage. The rotation center of the first rotating arm 3 and the main shaft 11 is the first axis R1. The rotation center of the swing arm 6 and the main shaft 11 is the fourth axis R4. The rotation center of the first fixed frame 5 and the first rotating arm 3 is the third axis R3. The rotation center of the first fixed frame 5 and the swing arm 6 is the fifth axis R5. The distance between the third axis R3 and the fifth axis R5 can be a first distance D1. The distance between the third axis R3 and the first axis R1 can be a second distance D2. The distance between the third axis R3 and the fifth axis R5 can be a third distance D3. The distance between the first axis R1 and the fourth axis R4 can be a fourth distance D4. Exemplarily, the sum of the shortest and longest distances among the first distance D1, second distance D2, third distance D3, and fourth distance D4 can be greater than the sum of the remaining two distances. Alternatively, the first distance D1 can be the smallest of the four. At this point, the main shaft 11, the first rotating arm 3, the first fixed frame 5, and the swing arm 6 can form a double rocker mechanism in a four-bar linkage. The main shaft 11 can serve as a frame, the first rotating arm 3 and the swing arm 6 can each serve as two rockers, and the first fixed frame 5 can serve as a connecting rod.

[0191] Thus, when the first rotating arm 3, the first fixed frame 5, and the swing arm 6 all rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in the first rotation direction, the first fixed frame 5 can also rotate relative to the first rotating arm 3 and the swing arm 6 in the second rotation direction. That is, the first rotating arm 3 and the swing arm 6 can rotate in the same direction relative to the main shaft 11, and the first fixed frame 5 can undergo planar compound motion.

[0192] In other embodiments, the relative motion between the first rotating arm 3, the first fixed frame 5, and the swing arm 6 can also be designed as planar sliding motion, so that after the first rotating arm 3, the first fixed frame 5, and the swing arm 6 rotate together relative to the main shaft 11 in the first rotation direction, the first fixed frame 5 can also rotate relative to the first rotating arm 3 in the second rotation direction.

[0193] Figure 35 is a structural schematic diagram of the second rotating arm 4 of the first connecting structure 12 shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments. Figure 36 is a structural schematic diagram of the second rotating arm 4 shown in Figure 35 from another perspective. Figure 37a is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the second rotating arm 4 shown in Figure 35 in some embodiments. Figure 37b is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the second rotating arm 4 shown in Figure 37a from another perspective.

[0194] As shown in Figures 35 to 38, the second rotating arm 4 may include a first movable end 4a and a fixed end 4b. The first movable end 4a may be provided with a second mating sliding body 41 and a second mating rotating body 42. The second mating sliding body 41 may be a spiral groove, for example, it may include a second spiral groove 411. The second mating rotating body 42 may be a circular hole. The number of circular holes may be one or more, and multiple circular holes may be arranged along the Y-axis direction. The shape and size of the multiple circular holes may be exactly the same. For example, the number of circular holes may be two, for example, it may include a first rotating hole 421 and a second rotating hole 422. The first rotating hole 421 and the second rotating hole 422 may be arranged in the Y-axis direction. The axis of the first rotating hole 421 and the axis of the second rotating hole 422 may coincide. The second spiral groove 411 may be located between the first rotating hole 421 and the second rotating hole 422.

[0195] In some embodiments, the second rotating arm 4 may include a first portion 43 and a second portion 44. The second rotating hole 422 of the second mating rotating body 42 may be formed in the first portion 43. The first portion 43 may include a top surface 431 and a bottom surface 432 disposed opposite to each other. The first portion 43 may have a first mating hole 433 and a first notch 434. The first notch 434 may connect to the first mating hole 433. The second portion 44 may have a second mating hole 441 and a second notch 442. The second notch 442 may connect to the second mating hole 441. The second portion 44 may be fixed to the first portion 43. In this case, the second notch 442 of the second portion 44 connects to the first notch 434 of the first portion 43. The first notch 434 and the second notch 442 may mate to form a spiral groove. This spiral groove may constitute a second spiral groove 411. The first mating hole 433 may connect to the second mating hole 441. The first mating hole 433 and the second mating hole 441 may together constitute the first rotating hole 421 of the second mating rotating body 42. In this way, by assembling the second rotating arm 4 into two parts (i.e., the first part 43 and the second part 44), it is beneficial to reduce the difficulty of manufacturing the second rotating arm 4 and improve the manufacturing efficiency.

[0196] Figure 38 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the structure shown in Figure 28 and the second rotating arm 4 in some embodiments. Figure 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the structure shown in Figure 38 cut along EE. Figure 40 is a schematic structural view of the structure shown in Figure 38 from another perspective.

[0197] As shown in Figures 38 to 40, the second rotating arm 4 can be mounted on the main shaft 11. The first movable end 4a of the second rotating arm 4 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 11. The second mating rotating body 42 of the first movable end 4a is rotatably connected to the second rotating body 114 of the main shaft 11. Exemplarily, the first rotating hole 421 and the second rotating hole 422 of the second mating rotating body 42 can both be located between the first mounting hole 1141 and the second mounting hole 1142 of the second rotating body 114. The first rotating hole 421 can be directly opposite the first mounting hole 1141. The second rotating hole 422 can be directly opposite the second mounting hole 1142. The first rotating shaft 1 can sequentially pass through the first mounting hole 1141, the first rotating hole 421, the second rotating hole 422, and the second mounting hole 1142, so that the second mating rotating body 42 is rotatably connected to the second rotating body 114. At this time, the first movable end 4a of the second rotating arm 4 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 around a second axis. The radius of rotation of the second rotating arm 4 relative to the main shaft 11 can be the radius of the second mating rotating body 42 (that is, the radius of the second rotating body 114). In other embodiments, one of the second mating rotating body 42 and the second rotating body 114 can also be an arc-shaped groove, and the other can also be an arc-shaped protrusion.

[0198] Exemplarily, the second engaging sliding body 41 of the first movable end 4a of the second rotating arm 4 can be slidably connected to the second sliding body 73 of the synchronizing member 7. Exemplarily, the second helical protrusion 731 of the second sliding body 73 can engage with the second helical groove 411 of the second engaging sliding body 41. The second helical protrusion 731 can slide relative to the second helical groove 411. At this time, the first movable end 4a of the second rotating arm 4 can rotate relative to the synchronizing member 7 about the second axis. In other embodiments, the second sliding body 73 can also be a helical groove, and the second engaging sliding body 41 can also be a helical protrusion.

[0199] Figure 41 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 40 in its intermediate state. Figure 42 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 38 in its closed state.

[0200] Referring to Figures 40 to 42, and in conjunction with Figure 38, the second rotating arm 4 may further include a second surface 45. The second surface 45 may be positioned away from the main shaft 11. Exemplarily, when the folding mechanism 10 is in the open state, the direction in which the first rotating arm 3 points towards the second rotating arm 4 may be a first direction X. The second surface 45 of the second rotating arm 4 may intersect with the first direction X. The second surface 45 may be parallel to the XY plane. The second surface 45 may be parallel to the first surface 36 of the first rotating arm 3. At least a portion of the second helical protrusion 731 of the synchronizing member 7 may be located within the second helical groove 411 of the second rotating arm 4. At this time, the synchronizing member 7 may be in a first position.

[0201] For example, when the folding mechanism 10 is in the closed state, the second surface 45 of the second rotating arm 4 can be perpendicular to the first direction X. That is, the angle formed between the second surface 45 and the first direction X can be 90°, i.e., the second surface 45 can be perpendicular to the first direction X. The second helical protrusion 731 of the partial synchronizing member 7 can be located outside the second helical groove 411 of the second rotating arm 4. At this time, the synchronizing member 7 can be located in the second position.

[0202] For example, during the switching process of the folding mechanism 10 from the open state to the intermediate state and from the intermediate state to the closed state, the first movable end 4a of the second rotating arm 4 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in a second rotation direction, so that a portion of the second helical protrusion 731 can slide out of the second helical groove 411. The synchronizing member 7 can slide relative to the main shaft 11 in a direction away from the first end 11a of the main shaft 11 to move from the first position to the second position. At this time, a portion of the first helical protrusion 721 of the synchronizing member 7 can slide out of the first helical groove 311 of the first rotating arm 3, and the first movable end 3a of the first rotating arm 3 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in a first rotation direction.

[0203] For example, during the switching process of the folding mechanism 10 from a closed state to an intermediate state and from an intermediate state to an open state, the first movable end 4a of the second rotating arm 4 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in a first rotation direction, so that a portion of the second helical protrusion 731 of the synchronizing member 7 can slide into the second helical groove 411. The synchronizing member 7 can slide relative to the main shaft 11 in a direction close to the first end 11a of the main shaft 11 to move from the second position to the first position. At this time, a portion of the first helical protrusion 721 of the synchronizing member 7 can slide into the first helical groove 311, and the first movable end 3a of the first rotating arm 3 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in a second rotation direction.

[0204] For example, when the folding mechanism 10 switches between an open state and a closed state, the rotation radius of the first rotating arm 3 relative to the main shaft 11 can be greater than the rotation radius of the second rotating arm 4 relative to the main shaft 11. In this way, the first rotating arm 3 and the second rotating arm 4 can achieve differential rotation, with the rotation speed of the first rotating arm 3 being less than the rotation speed of the second rotating arm 4. This ensures that when the folding mechanism 10 is in the closed state, the angle between the first rotating arm 3 and the first direction X can be less than the angle between the second rotating arm 4 and the first direction X.

[0205] Figure 43 is a structural schematic diagram of the damping component 8 shown in Figure 10 in some embodiments. Figure 44 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the damping component 8 shown in Figure 43 in some embodiments. Figure 45 is a structural schematic diagram of the damping component 8 shown in Figure 43 from another perspective.

[0206] As shown in Figures 43 to 45, the damping assembly 8 may include a first connector 81, a second connector 82, a first elastic element 83, and a second elastic element 84. Both the first elastic element 83 and the second elastic element 84 can be springs. The shape and size of the first elastic element 83 can be exactly the same as those of the second elastic element 84. Exemplarily, there can be one or more first elastic elements 83, and the shapes and sizes of the multiple first elastic elements 83 can be identical. In this embodiment, there can be four first elastic elements 83.

[0207] Exemplarily, the first connector 81 may include a first body 811, a first mounting shaft 812, a first protrusion 813, and a second protrusion 814. The first body 811 may include a first end 8111 and a second end 8112. The first protrusion 813 may be fixed to the first end 8111. The second end 8112 may have a first through hole 8113. The second protrusion 814 may be fixed to the second end 8112 and surround the first through hole 8113. The first protrusion 813 and the second protrusion 814 may be located on the same side of the first body 811. The first mounting shaft 812 may be fixed to the side of the first body 811 facing away from the first protrusion 813 and the second protrusion 814. There may be multiple first mounting shafts 812. The number of first mounting shafts 812 may be the same as the number of first elastic members 83. Multiple first mounting shafts 812 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0208] For example, the second connector 82 may include a second body 821, a second mounting shaft 822, a third protrusion 823, and a fourth protrusion 824. The second body 821 may include a third end 8211 and a fourth end 8212. The third protrusion 823 may be fixed to the third end 8211. The fourth end 8212 may have a second through hole 8213. The fourth protrusion 824 may be fixed to the fourth end 8212 and surround the second through hole 8213. The third protrusion 823 and the fourth protrusion 824 may be located on the same side of the second body 821. The second mounting shaft 822 may be fixed to the side of the second body 821 facing away from the third protrusion 823 and the fourth protrusion 824. There may be multiple second mounting shafts 822. The number of second mounting shafts 822 may be the same as the number of first elastic members 83. Multiple second mounting shafts 822 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0209] For example, the first connector 81 and the second connector 82 can be arranged in the Y-axis direction. The first end 8111 of the first connector 81 can be opposite to the third end 8211 of the second connector 82. The second end 8112 of the first connector 81 can be opposite to the fourth end 8212 of the second connector 82. A plurality of first mounting shafts 812 can be opposite to a plurality of second mounting shafts 822 in a one-to-one correspondence. One end of a plurality of first elastic members 83 can be sleeved on a plurality of first mounting shafts 812 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the other end of a plurality of first elastic members 83 can be sleeved on a second mounting shaft 822 in a one-to-one correspondence. At this time, the first protrusion 813 and the second protrusion 814 can be located on the side of the first body 811 facing away from the first elastic member 83. The third protrusion 823 and the fourth protrusion 824 can be located on the side of the second body 821 facing away from the first elastic member 83.

[0210] Exemplarily, the first through hole 8113 of the first end portion 8111 of the first connector 81 may be disposed opposite to the second through hole 8213 of the third end portion 8211 of the second connector 82. The second elastic member 84 may be located between the first end portion 8111 of the first connector 81 and the third end portion 8211 of the second connector 82. The second elastic member 84 may have a third through hole 841. The third through hole 841 may be disposed opposite to the first through hole 8113 and the second through hole 8213, and communicate with the first through hole 8113 and the second through hole 8213.

[0211] Figure 46 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the folding mechanism 10 shown in Figure 6. Figure 47 is a structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 46 from another perspective. Figure 48 is a structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 46 from another perspective. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, the structure of the main shaft 11 is hidden in Figure 48.

[0212] As shown in Figures 46 to 48, and in conjunction with Figures 16 and 40, the first rotating arm 3 may also be provided with a mounting groove 37. The opening of the mounting groove 37 may face away from the first surface 36 of the first rotating arm 3. The mounting groove 37 may be located in and connected to the second active space 112. The mounting groove 37 may include a first groove surface 371 and a second groove surface 372 arranged opposite to each other along the Y-axis direction. The first groove surface 371 may be provided with a first mating protrusion 373. The second groove surface 372 may be provided with a second mating protrusion 374.

[0213] As shown in Figures 46 to 48, and in conjunction with Figures 35 and 40, the second rotating arm 4 may also be provided with a mounting notch 46. The mounting notch 46 may be opposite to and communicate with the second movable space 112 of the main shaft 11. The mounting notch 46 may include a first wall surface 461 and a second wall surface 462 that are opposite to each other along the Y-axis direction. The first wall surface 461 may be provided with a third mating protrusion 463. The second wall surface 462 may be provided with a fourth mating protrusion 464.

[0214] Exemplarily, the damping assembly 8 can be installed within the second movable space 112 of the main shaft 11. Part of the damping assembly 8 can be located within the mounting groove 37 of the first rotating arm 3, and part of the damping assembly 8 can be located within the mounting notch 46 of the second rotating arm 4. Exemplarily, the first connector 81 of the damping assembly 8 can be positioned closer to the first end 11a of the main shaft 11 than the second connector 82. A portion of the first connector 81 can be positioned opposite to the first groove surface 371 of the first rotating arm 3, and a portion of the first connector 81 can be positioned opposite to the first wall surface 461 of the second rotating arm 4. A portion of the second connector 82 can be positioned opposite to the second groove surface 372 of the first rotating arm 3, and a portion of the second connector 82 can be positioned opposite to the second wall surface 462 of the second rotating arm 4. The first protrusion 813 of the first connector 81 can engage with the first mating protrusion 373 of the first rotating arm 3. The second protrusion 814 of the first connector 81 can engage with the third mating protrusion 463 of the second rotating arm 4. The third protrusion 823 of the second connector 82 can engage with the second mating protrusion 374 of the first rotating arm 3. The fourth protrusion 824 of the second connector 82 can engage with the fourth mating protrusion 464 of the second rotating arm 4.

[0215] Exemplarily, the damping assembly 8 can be slidably connected to the main shaft 11. Both the first connector 81 and the second connector 82 can be slidably connected to the main shaft 11. Exemplarily, the first connector 81 can be provided with a sliding groove, and the main shaft 11 can be provided with a sliding rod / block. Thus, the sliding groove and the sliding rod / block cooperate to allow the first connector 81 to be slidably connected to the main shaft 11. The slidable connection between the second connector 82 and the main shaft 11 is similar to that between the first connector 81 and the main shaft 11, and will not be described further here.

[0216] Figure 49 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 48 when it is in a closed state.

[0217] As shown in Figures 47 to 49, when the folding mechanism 10 switches between the open and closed states, both the first rotating arm 3 and the second rotating arm 4 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11. Specifically, the first mating protrusion 373 and the second mating protrusion 374 of the first rotating arm 3 can first press against the first protrusion 813 of the first connecting member 81 and the third protrusion 823 of the second connecting member 82, respectively. Similarly, the third mating protrusion 463 and the fourth mating protrusion 464 of the second rotating arm 4 can first press against the second protrusion 814 of the first connecting member 81 and the fourth protrusion 824 of the second connecting member 82, respectively, allowing the first connecting member 81 and the second connecting member 82 to approach each other and compress the first elastic member 83 and the second elastic member 84. Subsequently, the first mating protrusion 373 and the second mating protrusion 374 can pass over the first protrusion 813 and the third protrusion 823 respectively, and the third mating protrusion 463 and the fourth mating protrusion 464 can pass over the second protrusion 814 and the fourth protrusion 824 respectively, so that the first rotating arm 3 and the second rotating arm 4 can relieve the force on the first connecting member 81 and the second connecting member 82, so that the first connecting member 81 and the second connecting member 82 can move away from each other under the action of the first elastic member 83 and the second elastic member 84, and the first elastic member 83 and the second elastic member 84 can return to their original length.

[0218] Thus, when the folding mechanism 10 switches from the open state to the closed state, or from the closed state to the open state, the first elastic element 83 and the second elastic element 84 of the damping assembly 8 can be compressed under the action of the first rotating arm 3 and the second rotating arm 4 to increase the frictional force when the first mating protrusion 373, the second mating protrusion 374, the third mating protrusion 463 and the fourth mating protrusion 464 pass over the first protrusion 813, the third protrusion 823, the second protrusion 814 and the fourth protrusion 824 respectively. This provides damping for the rotation of the first rotating arm 3 relative to the main shaft 11 and for the rotation of the second rotating arm 4 relative to the main shaft 11.

[0219] In other embodiments, the damping component 8 may be configured in other ways to provide damping for the folding mechanism 10 when it switches between an open and closed state.

[0220] Figure 50 is a structural schematic diagram of the folding mechanism 10 shown in Figure 6 in some embodiments. Figure 51a is a partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1 cut along FF in one embodiment. Figure 51b is a structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 51a in the closed state. Figure 52 is a simplified schematic diagram of the movement of the folding mechanism 10 shown in Figure 50. It should be noted that the illustration (a) in Figure 52 is a simplified schematic diagram of the folding mechanism 10 in the open state, and the illustration (b) in Figure 52 is a simplified schematic diagram of the movement of the folding mechanism 10.

[0221] As shown in Figures 50 to 52, the first support plate 14 can be fixedly connected to the first surface 36 of the first rotating arm 3 of the first connecting assembly 12a. The first surface 141 of the first support plate 14 can be parallel to the first surface 36. The second support plate 15 can be fixedly connected to the second surface 45 of the second rotating arm 4 of the second connecting assembly 12b. The second surface 151 of the second support plate 15 can be parallel to the second surface 45. The decorative piece 16 can be located on the side of the main shaft 11 facing away from the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15, and is fixedly connected to the main shaft 11. The decorative piece 16 can cover at least a portion of the bottom surface 11c of the main shaft 11.

[0222] Exemplarily, the third connecting component 13a may include a third rotating arm 131. The third rotating arm 131 may have a third surface 1311 facing away from the main shaft 11. The first support plate 14 may also be fixedly connected to the third surface 1311 (see FIG. 7). In this case, the first support plate 14, the first rotating arm 3 of the first connecting component 12a, and the rotating arm of the third connecting component 13a may together constitute at least a portion of the first rotating member 121 of the first connecting component 12a. The first surface 141 of the first support plate 14 may constitute at least a portion of the first support plane 1211 of the first rotating member 121. In other embodiments, the folding mechanism 10 may not include the first support plate 14. In this case, the first surface 36 of the first rotating arm 3 and the third surface 1311 of the third rotating arm 131 may constitute at least a portion of the first support plane 1211 of the first rotating member 121.

[0223] Exemplarily, the fourth connecting assembly 13b may include a fourth rotating arm 132. The fourth rotating arm 132 may have a fourth surface 1321 facing away from the main shaft 11. The second support plate 15 may also be fixedly connected to the fourth surface 1321. In this case, the second support plate 15, the second rotating arm 4 of the second connecting assembly 12b, and the fourth rotating arm 132 of the fourth connecting assembly 13b may together constitute at least a portion of the second rotating member 122 of the second connecting assembly 12b. The second surface 151 of the second support plate 15 may constitute at least a portion of the second support plane 1221 of the second rotating member 122. In other embodiments, the folding mechanism 10 may not include the second support plate 15. In this case, the second surface 45 of the second rotating arm 4 and the fourth surface 1321 of the fourth rotating arm 132 may together constitute at least a portion of the second support plane 1221 of the second rotating member 122.

[0224] For example, when the folding mechanism 10 is in the open state, the first connecting assembly 12a and the second connecting assembly 12b can be relatively flattened. The direction in which the first rotating member 121 points to the second rotating member 122 can be a first direction X. The first direction X can be parallel to the X-axis direction. The first direction X can intersect the width extension direction of the main shaft 11. The first surface 36 of the first rotating arm 3 can be parallel to the first direction X. The second surface 45 of the second rotating arm 4 can be parallel to the first direction X.

[0225] The first rotating member 121 and the second rotating member 122 can be relatively flattened. The first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 can also be relatively flattened. The first support plane 1211 of the first rotating member 121 can be parallel to the first housing 20. The first support plate 14 can be parallel to the first housing 20. The second support plane 1221 of the second rotating member 122 can be parallel to the second housing 30. The second support plate 15 can be parallel to the second housing 30. In this case, the first support plane 1211 and the second support plane 1221 can together form the support surface 10a of the folding mechanism 10. The support surface 10a can be parallel to the XY plane and intersect the width extension direction of the main shaft 11. The width of the first rotating member 121 in the first direction X can be greater than the width of the second rotating member 122 in the first direction X.

[0226] Exemplarily, when the folding mechanism 10 is in the closed state, the first connecting component 12a and the second connecting component 12b can be folded relative to each other. The first rotating member 121 and the second rotating member 122 can be folded relative to each other. The first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15 can be folded relative to each other. A first included angle α can be formed between the first support plane 1211 of the first rotating member 121 and the first direction X. A second included angle β can be formed between the second support plane 1221 of the second rotating member 122 and the first direction X. The first included angle α can be less than the second included angle β. At this time, the space enclosed by the first rotating member 121, the second rotating member 122, and the main shaft 11 can constitute a screen-accommodating space 10b. The screen-accommodating space 10b can be approximately a triangular / fan-shaped asymmetrical shape with a cross-section inclined towards the second rotating member 122. Exemplarily, the first direction X can be parallel to the width extension direction of the main shaft 11. The first included angle α can be less than 90°. The second included angle β can be equal to 90°. That is, the second support plane 1221 can be perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0227] For example, when the folding mechanism 10 switches between an open state and a closed state, the first rotating member 121 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 by a first angle M1. That is, the first support plate 14, the first rotating arm 3, and the third rotating arm 131 can all rotate relative to the main shaft 11 by a first angle M1. The radius of rotation of the first rotating member 121 relative to the main shaft 11 can be equal to the radius of rotation of the first rotating arm 3 relative to the main shaft 11. The second rotating member 122 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 by a second angle M2. That is, the second support plate 15, the second rotating arm 4, and the fourth rotating arm 132 can all rotate relative to the main shaft 11 by a second angle M2. The radius of rotation of the second rotating member 122 relative to the main shaft 11 can be equal to the radius of rotation of the second rotating arm 4 relative to the main shaft 11. The first angle M1 can be smaller than the second angle M2. For example, the difference between the first angle M1 and the second angle M2 can be greater than 15°.

[0228] It is understood that, in this embodiment, when the folding mechanism 10 switches from an open state to a closed state, the first rotating member 121 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 by a first angle M1, and the second rotating member 122 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 by a second angle M2. The first angle M1 can be smaller than the second angle M2. When the folding mechanism 10 is in the closed state, the angle between the first supporting plane 1211 of the first rotating member 121 and the first direction X can be a first included angle α, and the angle between the second supporting plane 1221 of the second rotating member 122 and the first direction X can be a second included angle β. The first included angle α and the second included angle β are not equal. The first included angle α can be smaller than the second included angle β.

[0229] In this way, compared to the general folding mechanism where the first included angle and the second included angle are equal when the mechanism is closed, the cross-section of the screen-accommodating space enclosed by the first support plate, the second support plate, and the main shaft is symmetrical, and the plane of symmetry is perpendicular to the width extension direction of the main shaft, resulting in a larger volume of the screen-accommodating space and a thicker folding mechanism when closed. In this embodiment, the first included angle α and the second included angle β are not equal, and the first included angle α can be smaller than the second included angle β. This allows the cross-section of the screen-accommodating space 10b enclosed by the first rotating member 121, the second rotating member 122, and the main shaft 11 to be approximately an asymmetrical triangular / fan-shaped shape inclined towards the second rotating member 122, which greatly reduces the volume of the screen-accommodating space 10b and effectively reduces the thickness of the folding mechanism 10 when closed, which is beneficial for achieving a thinner design of the folding mechanism 10 when closed.

[0230] Secondly, in this embodiment, the angle of rotation of the first rotating member 121 relative to the main shaft 11 (i.e., the first angle M1) is not equal to the angle of rotation of the second rotating member 122 relative to the main shaft 11 (i.e., the second angle M2). This makes it easier to realize that when the folding mechanism 10 is closed, the angle between the first rotating member 121 and the first direction X is smaller than the angle between the second rotating member 122 and the first direction X. This allows the folding mechanism 10 to form a screen-accommodating space 10b that is inclined toward the second rotating member 122 when closed, thereby reducing the thickness of the folding mechanism 10 when closed.

[0231] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the difference between the angle of rotation of the first rotating member 121 relative to the main shaft 11 (i.e., the first angle M1) and the angle of rotation of the second rotating member 122 relative to the main shaft 11 (i.e., the second angle M2) can be greater than 15°. This larger difference in the angles of rotation of the two rotating members relative to the main shaft 11 facilitates the asymmetrical arrangement of the screen space 10b in the closed state of the folding mechanism 10, thus effectively reducing the thickness of the folding mechanism 10 in the closed state.

[0232] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotation radius of the first rotating member 121 of the folding mechanism 10 relative to the main shaft 11 can be greater than the rotation radius of the second rotating member 122 relative to the main shaft 11. The first rotating member 121 and the second rotating member 122 can achieve differential synchronous movement under the action of the synchronizing member 7, thereby better achieving that the angle of rotation of the first rotating member 121 relative to the main shaft 11 is greater than the angle of rotation of the second rotating member 122 relative to the main shaft 11. This allows the angle between the first rotating member 121 and the first direction X in the closed state of the folding mechanism 10 to be smaller than the angle between the second rotating member 122 and the first direction X. Consequently, the screen-accommodating space 10b of the folding mechanism 10 in the closed state can be an asymmetrical shape, thereby better reducing the thickness of the folding mechanism 10 in the closed state.

[0233] Furthermore, when the folding mechanism 10 in this embodiment is in the open state, the width extension direction of the main shaft 11 can intersect with the first direction X. Thus, when the folding mechanism 10 switches from the open state to the closed state, the width extension direction of the main shaft 11 can be parallel to the first direction X under the differential synchronous movement of the first rotating member 121 and the second rotating member 122. This makes the appearance of the folding mechanism 10 more harmonious, improves its consistency, and enhances the user experience.

[0234] Figure 53 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the first housing 20, the second housing 30, and the folding mechanism 10 shown in Figure 5 in some embodiments. Figure 54 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the structure shown in Figure 53 and the heat spreader plate in some embodiments. Figure 55 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1 cut along FF. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, the structure of the first support plate 14, the second support plate 15, and the first mounting plate 205 of the first housing 20 is hidden in Figure 53.

[0235] As shown in Figures 53 to 55, the first housing 20 may include a first frame 201 and a first base plate 202. The first frame 201 may be fixedly connected to the periphery of the first base plate 202, and together with the first base plate 202, enclose a first mounting space 203 for the first housing 20. The first mounting space 203 may be used to accommodate other functional components of the electronic device 1000, such as a battery (not shown). A portion of the folding mechanism 10 may also be mounted in the first mounting space 203. The first connecting component 12a and the third connecting component 13a of the folding mechanism 10 may be fixedly connected to the first housing 20. For example, the portion of the first connecting component 12a away from the main shaft 11 may be fixedly connected to the first housing 20 by means of screws or similar methods. The fixed connection method between the third connecting component 13a and the first housing 20 can refer to the fixed connection method between the first connecting component 12a and the first housing 20, and will not be described further here.

[0236] For example, mounting posts 204 may be provided within the first mounting space 203. The number of mounting posts 204 can be multiple. Multiple mounting posts 204 can be spaced apart and arranged in an array. The first housing 20 may also include a first mounting plate 205. The first mounting plate 205 can be fixed to the mounting posts 204 and spaced apart from the first base plate 202. In this case, the surface of the first mounting plate 205 facing away from the first base plate 202 can be a first surface 206. Other functional components of the electronic device 1000 can be located between the first mounting plate 205 and the first base plate 202. In some embodiments, the material of the first mounting plate 205 can be a thermally conductive material, or the first mounting plate 205 can be a heat spreader / heat sink. Thus, the first mounting plate 205 can also be used to dissipate heat from other functional components housed within the first mounting space 203.

[0237] Exemplarily, the thickness of the second housing 30 may be less than the thickness of the first housing 20. The second housing 30 may not have space to accommodate other functional components of the electronic device 1000. The second housing 30 may have a second surface 301. The second housing 30 may also have a first mounting groove 302. The opening of the first mounting groove 302 may be formed on the second surface 301 and the surface of the second housing 30 facing the first housing 20. Part of the folding mechanism 10 may be mounted in the first mounting groove 302. The second connecting component 12b and the fourth connecting component 13b of the folding mechanism 10 may be fixedly connected to the second housing 30. Exemplarily, the second rotating arm 4 of the second connecting component 12b may be fixedly connected to the second housing 30. For example, the fixed end 4b of the second rotating arm 4 may be fixedly connected to the second housing 30 by means of screws or the like. The fixed connection method between the fourth connecting component 13b and the second housing 30 can refer to the fixed connection method between the second connecting component 12b and the second housing 30, and will not be described again here.

[0238] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first housing 20 may be equal to the thickness of the second housing 30. The second housing 30 may also not have the first mounting groove 302. The second housing 30 may also have a second receiving space (not shown). The second receiving space may be used to install part of the folding mechanism 10 and to receive other functional components of part of the electronic device 1000.

[0239] In other embodiments, the thickness of the first housing 20 may be equal to the thickness of the second housing 30. The portion of the first base plate 202 of the first housing 20 near the second housing 30 may be partially recessed to form a second mounting groove (not shown). The second mounting groove may be spaced apart from the first mounting space 203. A partial folding mechanism 10 may be installed within the second mounting groove of the first housing 20. The first mounting space 203 may be used solely to house other functional components of the electronic device 1000. The second housing 30 may include a second frame portion (not shown) and a second base plate (not shown). The second frame portion may be fixedly connected to the periphery of the second base plate and, together with the second base plate, enclose a second receiving space (not shown). The portion of the second base plate near the first housing 20 may also be partially recessed to form a first mounting groove 302. The first mounting groove 302 may be spaced apart from the second receiving space. A partial folding mechanism 10 may be installed within the second mounting groove of the second housing 30. At this time, the surface of the first base plate 202 facing away from the first mounting space 203, the support surface 10a of the folding mechanism 10, and the surface of the second base plate facing away from the second receiving space can be used together to support the screen 200.

[0240] Figure 56 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 55 when it is in a closed state.

[0241] As shown in Figures 55 and 56, when the housing device 100 is in the open state, the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 can be relatively flattened. At this time, the direction from the first housing 20 to the second housing 30 (i.e., the direction from the first rotating member 121 to the second rotating member 122) can be the first direction X. The first surface 206 of the first housing 20, the support surface 10a of the folding mechanism 10, and the second surface 301 of the second housing 30 can all be used to support the screen 200 (see Figure 2). In the first direction X, there can be a first gap S1 between the first support plate 14 of the folding mechanism 10 and the first mounting plate 205 of the first housing 20. The first surface 141 of the first support plate 14 can be parallel to the plane containing the first housing 20. In the first direction X, there can be a second gap S2 between the second support plate 15 of the folding mechanism 10 and the second housing 30. The second surface 151 of the second support plate 15 can be parallel to the plane containing the second housing 30.

[0242] For example, when the housing device 100 is in the closed state, the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 can be folded relative to each other. At this time, the first direction X can be parallel to the width extension direction of the main shaft 11. The first direction X can be parallel to the thickness direction of the housing device 100. The surface of the first housing 20 can be perpendicular to the width extension direction of the main shaft 11. The surface of the first housing 20 can be angled with the first support plane 1211 of the first rotating member 121, and the first housing 20 can be angled with the first support plate 14. The plane of the second housing 30 can be perpendicular to the width extension direction of the main shaft 11. The plane of the second housing 30 can be parallel to the second support plane 1221 of the second rotating member 122, and the second housing 30 can be parallel to the second support plate 15.

[0243] For example, during the transition of the housing device 100 from an open state to a closed state, the first housing 20, together with the first rotating arm 3, the first fixed frame 5, and the first support plate 14, can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in a first rotational direction. The second housing 30, together with the second rotating arm 4 and the second support plate 15, can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in a second rotational direction. Simultaneously, the first housing 20 can also rotate relative to the first rotating arm 3 in a second rotational direction, along with the first fixed frame 5; that is, the first housing 20 can also rotate relative to the first support plate 14 in a second rotational direction. At this time, the width of the first gap S1 between the first housing 20 and the first support plate 14 gradually widens with the relative movement between the first housing 20 and the first rotating arm 3. Since there is no relative movement between the second housing 30 and the second rotating arm 4, the width of the second gap S2 between the second housing 30 and the second support plate 15 can remain unchanged.

[0244] For example, during the transition of the housing device 100 from a closed state to an open state, the first housing 20, together with the first rotating arm 3, the first fixed frame 5, and the first support plate 14, can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in a second rotational direction. The second housing 30, together with the second rotating arm 4 and the second support plate 15, can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 in a first rotational direction. Simultaneously, the first housing 20 can also rotate relative to the first rotating arm 3 in the first rotational direction, along with the first fixed frame 5; that is, the first housing 20 can also rotate relative to the first support plate 14 in the first rotational direction. At this time, the width of the first gap S1 between the first housing 20 and the first support plate 14 gradually narrows with the relative movement between the first housing 20 and the first rotating arm 3. Since there is no relative movement between the second housing 30 and the second rotating arm 4, the width of the second gap S2 between the second housing 30 and the second support plate 15 can remain unchanged.

[0245] For example, when the housing device 100 switches between an open state and a closed state, the first housing 20 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 by a third angle. The second housing 30 can rotate relative to the main shaft 11 by a fourth angle. The third angle may not be equal to the fourth angle. The third angle may be less than the first angle. The fourth angle may be equal to the second angle. Specifically, the third angle may be less than the fourth angle. For example, the difference between the third angle and the fourth angle may be greater than 15°.

[0246] It is understood that when the housing device 100 in this embodiment switches between the open and closed states, the angle of rotation of the first housing 20 relative to the main shaft 11 can be smaller than the angle of rotation of the second housing 30 relative to the main shaft 11. This results in different angles of rotation of the part of the folding mechanism 10 used to connect the first housing 20 (i.e., the first connecting component 12a and the third connecting component 13a in this embodiment) and the part used to connect the second housing 30 (i.e., the second connecting component 12b and the fourth connecting component 13b in this embodiment) relative to the main shaft 11. As a result, the folding mechanism 10 can form an asymmetrical screen-accommodating space 10b in the closed state, which greatly reduces the volume of the screen-accommodating space 10b and helps to reduce the thickness of the housing device 100 in the closed state, thus achieving a thinner housing device 100 in the closed state.

[0247] Secondly, in this embodiment, the angle (i.e., the first angle) of the first rotating member 121 relative to the main shaft 11 in the folding mechanism 10 is not equal to the angle (i.e., the second angle) of the second rotating member 122 relative to the main shaft 11. This allows the folding mechanism 10 to be closed such that the angle between the first rotating member 121 and the first direction X is smaller than the angle between the second rotating member 122 and the first direction X. This enables the folding mechanism 10 to create a screen-enclosing space 10b that tilts towards the second rotating member 122 in the closed state, thereby reducing the thickness of the folding mechanism 10 in the closed state. Furthermore, the folding mechanism 10 can be better enclosed by the first housing 20 and the second housing 30, which improves the overall drop resistance and extends the service life of the housing device 100. Simultaneously, the appearance relationship between the first housing 20, the second housing 30, and the folding mechanism 10 can be adjusted, improving the overall appearance consistency and providing a better user experience.

[0248] Secondly, in this embodiment, the difference between the angle of rotation of the first rotating member 121 relative to the main shaft 11 (i.e., the first angle) and the angle of rotation of the second rotating member 122 relative to the main shaft 11 (i.e., the second angle) can be greater than 15°. In this way, the difference in the angle of rotation of the two rotating members relative to the main shaft 11 is relatively large, which is beneficial to realize the asymmetrical arrangement of the screen space 10b of the folding mechanism 10 in the closed state, and to better reduce the thickness of the folding mechanism 10 in the closed state.

[0249] Secondly, the size of the portion of the folding mechanism 10 used to connect the first housing 20 (i.e., the first connecting component 12a and the third connecting component 13a in this embodiment) can be smaller than the size of the portion of the folding mechanism 10 used to connect the second housing 30 (i.e., the second connecting component 12b and the fourth connecting component 13b in this embodiment). These two components can be asymmetrical structures, which effectively simplifies the structure of the folding mechanism 10, reduces its manufacturing cost, lightens its weight, and reduces the space occupied by the folding mechanism 10 in the electronic device 1000, thus facilitating a thinner design for the electronic device 1000. Furthermore, the asymmetrical structure of the folding mechanism 10 allows the screen-accommodating space 10b formed when the electronic device 1000 is in a closed state to be a triangular / fan-shaped asymmetrical space with a cross-section inclined towards the second housing 30. This smaller space volume results in a smaller width of the area where the screen 200 bends, thereby reducing the compressive or tensile stress on the screen 200 during bending and extending its lifespan. Meanwhile, the smaller volume of the screen space 10b also helps to reduce the thickness of the electronic device 1000 in the closed state. Specifically, the thickness of the electronic device 1000 in the closed state can be reduced by 20%. The weight of the folding mechanism 10 can be reduced by 40%. The manufacturing cost of the folding mechanism 10 can be reduced by 50%.

[0250] Secondly, in this embodiment, the thickness of the second housing 30 can be less than the thickness of the first housing 20. In this way, on the one hand, the thinner thickness of the second housing 30 is beneficial to reducing the thickness of the electronic device 1000 in the closed state, thereby improving the user experience; on the other hand, it can also simplify the structural design of the second housing 30, which is beneficial to reducing the manufacturing cost of the second housing 30 and the overall manufacturing cost of the electronic device 1000.

[0251] Furthermore, the folding mechanism 10 in this embodiment has an asymmetrical structure. The part of the folding mechanism 10 used to connect the second housing 30 (i.e., the second connecting component 12b and the fourth connecting component 13b in this embodiment) has a relatively simple structure, which can effectively reduce the space occupied by the folding mechanism 10 in the second housing 30 and improve the space utilization of the second housing 30. For example, the space saved in the second housing 30 can be used to install a larger camera module with better performance (not shown in the figure), thereby improving the shooting performance of the electronic device 1000.

[0252] Furthermore, compared to conventional electronic devices where relative movement occurs between the first housing and the first support plate of the folding mechanism, and between the second housing and the second support plate of the folding mechanism, when switching between open and closed states, causing creases to easily form on the screen at the gaps between the first housing and the first support plate, and between the second housing and the second support plate, resulting in a poor user experience, the electronic device 1000 in this embodiment does not experience relative movement (e.g., rotation) between the second housing 30 and the second support plate 15 of the folding mechanism 10 when switching between open and closed states. This effectively reduces creases on the screen 200 and improves the user experience.

[0253] Figure 57 is a simplified structural diagram of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1 in some other embodiments, and Figure 58 is a structural diagram of the structure shown in Figure 57 in a closed state.

[0254] As shown in Figures 57 and 58, the structure of the electronic device 1000 in this embodiment is largely the same as that of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1, and the identical parts will not be described again. The main differences between the two are described below. Exemplarily, the housing device 100 may further include a support layer 300. The support layer 300 may be made of a flexible material. The support layer 300 may be fixedly connected to the first rotating arm 3, the second rotating arm 4, the first housing 20, and the second housing 30 of the folding mechanism 10. The screen 200 may be located on the side of the support layer 300 facing away from the folding mechanism 10, and may be fixedly connected to the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. In some embodiments, the folding mechanism 10 may further include a first support plate 14 and a second support plate 15 (see Figure 55). The first support plate 14 may be fixedly connected to the first rotating arm 3. The second support plate 15 may be fixedly connected to the second rotating arm 4. In this case, the support layer 300 may be fixedly connected to the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15.

[0255] For example, when the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, both the support layer 300 and the screen 200 can be relatively flattened. The support layer 300 can cover the first gap S1 between the first housing 20 and the folding mechanism 10, and the second gap S2 between the second housing 30 and the folding mechanism 10 (see Figure 55). In this way, the support layer 300 can provide a relatively flat supporting environment for the screen 200, reduce creases in the screen 200, and improve the user experience.

[0256] For example, when the electronic device 1000 is in a closed state, the support layer 300 can be folded relative to the housing device 100 by movement. The screen 200 can also be folded relative to the housing device 100 by movement. A gap may exist between the support layer 300 and the screen 200.

[0257] It is understood that the electronic device 1000 in this embodiment may further include a support layer 300, which may simultaneously fix the folding mechanism 10, the first housing 20, and the second housing 30, and cover the first gap S1 between the folding mechanism 10 and the first housing 20, and the second gap S2 between the folding mechanism 10 and the second housing 30. The screen 200 may only be fixedly connected to the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. In this way, on the one hand, the support layer 300 can provide a relatively flat support environment for the screen 200 when the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, reducing creases in the screen 200; on the other hand, when the electronic device 1000 switches between the open and closed states, the bent part of the support layer 300 can be deformed by the movement of the folding mechanism 10, and the bent part of the screen 200 can be deformed by the movement of the first housing 20 and the second housing 30, so that the support layer 300 and the screen 200 can form different movement trajectories respectively. This allows a gap to exist between the support layer 300 and the screen 200 when they deform, so as to avoid the support layer 300 hitting the screen 200 and causing damage to the screen 200, which helps to extend the service life of the screen 200.

[0258] 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.

[0259] 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.

[0260] 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 (10), characterized in that, The folding mechanism (10) includes a main shaft (11), a first rotating member (121), and a second rotating member (122). The main shaft (11) rotatably connects the first rotating member (121) and the second rotating member (122). The folding mechanism (10) has an open state and a closed state. When the folding mechanism (10) is in the open state, the first rotating member (121) and the second rotating member (122) are relatively flattened. The first rotating member (121) has a first support plane (1211) facing away from the main shaft (11), and the second rotating member (122) has a second support plane (1221) facing away from the main shaft (11). The direction from which the first rotating member (121) points to the second rotating member (122) is a first direction (X). When the folding mechanism (10) is in the closed state, the first rotating member (121) and the second rotating member (122) are folded relative to each other, and a first angle (α) is formed between the first supporting plane (1211) and the first direction (X), and a second angle (β) is formed between the second supporting plane (1221) and the first direction (X), and the first angle (α) is smaller than the second angle (β).

2. The folding mechanism (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second included angle (β) is equal to 90°.

3. The folding mechanism (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the switching process between the open state and the closed state, the first rotating member (121) rotates relative to the main shaft (11) by a first angle, and the second rotating member (122) rotates relative to the main shaft (11) by a second angle, wherein the first angle is smaller than the second angle.

4. The folding mechanism (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first angle is less than 90°.

5. The folding mechanism (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The difference between the first angle and the second angle is greater than 15°.

6. The folding mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first rotating component (121) has a greater rotation radius relative to the main shaft (11) than the second rotating component (122) has a greater rotation radius relative to the main shaft (11).

7. The folding mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The main shaft (11) is provided with a first rotating body (113) and a second rotating body (114). The first rotating part (121) includes a first mating rotating body (32). One of the first rotating body (113) and the first mating rotating body (32) is an arc-shaped groove and the other is an arc-shaped protrusion. The first rotating body (113) and the first mating rotating body (32) are mated to make the first rotating part (121) rotate relative to the main shaft (11). The second rotating member (122) includes a second rotating member (122), the second rotating member (122) includes a second mating rotating body (42), one of the second rotating body (114) and the second mating rotating body (42) is an arc-shaped groove and the other is an arc-shaped protrusion, or the second rotating body (114) and the second mating rotating body (42) are both round holes, the second rotating body (114) and the second mating rotating body cooperate to make the second rotating member (122) rotate relative to the main shaft (11); The radius of the first rotating body (113) is greater than the radius of the second rotating body (114).

8. The folding mechanism (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The folding mechanism (10) further includes a synchronizing element (7), which is slidably connected to the main shaft (11). The synchronizing element (7) includes a first sliding body (72) and a second sliding body (73). The first rotating element (121) includes a first mating sliding body (31). One of the first sliding body (72) and the first mating sliding body (31) is a spiral protrusion, and the other is a spiral groove. The first sliding body (72) and the first mating sliding body (31) cooperate to make the first rotating element (121) slide relative to the synchronizing element (7). The second rotating member (122) includes a second mating sliding body (41). One of the second sliding body (73) and the second mating sliding body (41) is a spiral protrusion, and the other is a spiral groove. The second sliding body (73) and the second mating sliding body (41) are mated to make the second rotating member (122) slide relative to the synchronizing member (7). The spiral direction of the first sliding body (72) is opposite to that of the second sliding body (73), and the radius of curvature of the first sliding body (72) is greater than that of the second sliding body (73).

9. The folding mechanism (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the folding mechanism (10) is in the open state, the synchronizing element (7) is in the first position; when the folding mechanism (10) is in the closed state, the synchronizing element (7) is in the second position. During the switching process from the open state to the closed state of the folding mechanism (10), the first rotating member (121) slides relative to the synchronizing member (7) and rotates relative to the main shaft (11) by a first angle, the second rotating member (122) slides relative to the synchronizing member (7) and rotates relative to the main shaft (11) by a second angle, the first angle being smaller than the second angle, and the synchronizing member (7) slides relative to the main shaft (11) from the first position to the second position.

10. The folding mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, When the folding mechanism (10) is in the open state, the width extension direction of the main shaft (11) intersects with the first direction (X); When the folding mechanism (10) is in the closed state, the width extension direction of the main shaft (11) is parallel to the first direction (X).

11. The folding mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, When the folding mechanism (10) is in the open state, the width of the first rotating member (121) in the first direction (X) is greater than the width of the second rotating member (122) in the first direction (X).

12. The folding mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The first rotating component (121) includes a first rotating arm (3), which is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11). The second rotating component (122) includes a second rotating arm (4), which is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11). When the folding mechanism (10) is in the open state, the first rotating arm (3) has a first surface (36) facing away from the main shaft (11), the first surface (36) forming at least a portion of the first support plane (1211), and the second rotating arm (4) has a second surface (45) facing away from the main shaft (11), the second surface (45) forming at least a portion of the second support plane (1221).

13. The folding mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The first rotating component (121) includes a first rotating arm (3) and a first support plate (14). The first rotating arm (3) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11), and the first support plate (14) is fixedly connected to the first rotating arm (3). The second rotating component (122) includes a second rotating arm (4) and a second support plate (15). The second rotating arm (5) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11), and the second support plate (15) is fixedly connected to the second rotating arm (4). When the folding mechanism (10) is in the open state, the first support plate (14) is located on the side of the first rotating arm (3) facing away from the main shaft (11). The first support plate (14) has a first surface (141) facing away from the main shaft (11), and the first surface (141) constitutes at least a portion of the first support plane (1211). The second support plate (15) is located on the side of the second rotating arm (4) facing away from the main shaft (11). The second support plate (15) has a second surface (151) facing away from the main shaft (11), and the second surface (151) constitutes at least a portion of the second support plane (1221).

14. The folding mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The folding mechanism (10) further includes a first fixing frame (5), which is rotatably connected to the end of the first rotating member (121) away from the main shaft (11). When the folding mechanism (10) switches from the open state to the closed state, the first rotating member (121) and the first fixing frame (5) rotate together relative to the main shaft (11) in a first rotation direction. The first fixing frame (5) also rotates relative to the first rotating member (121) in a second rotation direction. The first rotation direction is opposite to the second rotation direction.

15. A housing device (100), characterized in that, The device includes a first housing (20), a second housing (30), and a folding mechanism (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The first housing (20) is movably connected to the first rotating member (121), and the second housing (30) is fixedly connected to the second rotating member (122). When the folding mechanism (10) is in the open state, the first housing (20) and the second housing (30) are relatively flattened. When the folding mechanism (10) is in the closed state, the first housing (20) and the second housing (30) are relatively folded. During the switching process from the open state to the closed state, the first rotating member (121) and the first housing (20) rotate together relative to the main shaft (11) in a first rotation direction, the first housing (20) rotates relative to the first rotating member (121) in a second rotation direction, and the second rotating member (122) and the second housing (30) rotate together relative to the main shaft (11) in a second rotation direction. The first rotation direction is opposite to the second rotation direction.

16. The housing device (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The folding mechanism (10) further includes a first fixing frame (5), which is rotatably connected to one end of the first rotating member (121) away from the main shaft (11), and the first housing (20) is fixedly connected to the first fixing frame (5); During the process of switching from the open state to the closed state, the first rotating member (121), the first fixed frame (5) and the first housing (20) rotate together relative to the main shaft (11) in a first rotation direction, and the first fixed frame (5) and the first housing (20) also rotate together relative to the first rotating member (121) in a second rotation direction.

17. The housing device (100) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, During the switching process between the open state and the closed state, the first housing (20) rotates relative to the main shaft (11) by a third angle, and the second housing (30) rotates relative to the main shaft (11) by a fourth angle, wherein the third angle is smaller than the fourth angle.

18. The housing device (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The difference between the third angle and the fourth angle is greater than 15°.

19. A housing device (100), characterized in that, The device includes a first housing (20), a second housing (30), and a folding mechanism (10). The folding mechanism (10) includes a main shaft (11), a first connecting component (12a), and a second connecting component (12b). The first connecting component (12a) connects the main shaft (11) and the first housing (20), and the second connecting component (12b) connects the main shaft (11) and the second housing (30). The first housing (20) and the second housing (30) can be relatively flattened to an open state or relatively folded to a closed state under the action of the folding mechanism (10). During the process of switching from the open state to the closed state, the first housing (20) rotates relative to the main shaft (11) by a third angle, and the second housing (30) rotates relative to the main shaft (11) by a fourth angle, wherein the third angle is smaller than the fourth angle.

20. The housing device (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The third angle is less than 90°.

21. The housing device (100) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The difference between the third angle and the fourth angle is greater than 15°.

22. The housing device (100) according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that, The size of the first connecting component (12a) is larger than the size of the second connecting component (12b).

23. The housing device (100) according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that, The first connecting assembly (12a) includes a first rotating member (121) and a first fixed frame (5). The first rotating member (121) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11), and the first fixed frame (5) is rotatably connected to the end of the first rotating member (121) away from the main shaft (11). The first housing (20) is fixedly connected to the first fixed frame (5). The second connecting assembly (12b) includes a second rotating member (122). The second rotating member (122) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11), and the second housing (30) is fixedly connected to the end of the second rotating member (122) away from the main shaft (11). During the process of switching from the open state to the closed state, the first rotating member (121), the first fixed frame (5) and the first housing (20) rotate together relative to the main shaft (11) in a first rotation direction. The first fixed frame (5) and the first housing (20) also rotate relative to the first rotating member (121) in a second rotation direction. The second rotating member (122) and the second housing (30) rotate together relative to the main shaft (11) in a second rotation direction. The first rotation direction is opposite to the second rotation direction.

24. The housing device (100) according to claim 23, characterized in that, During the switching process between the open state and the closed state, the first rotating member (121) rotates relative to the main shaft (11) by a first angle, and the second rotating member (122) rotates relative to the main shaft (11) by a second angle, wherein the first angle is smaller than the second angle.

25. The housing device (100) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that, The first rotating component (121) has a greater rotation radius relative to the main shaft (11) than the second rotating component (122) has a greater rotation radius relative to the main shaft (11).

26. The housing device (100) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The main shaft (11) is provided with a first rotating body (113) and a second rotating body (114). The first rotating part (121) includes a first mating rotating body (32). One of the first rotating body (113) and the first mating rotating body (32) is an arc-shaped groove and the other is an arc-shaped protrusion. The first rotating body (113) and the first mating rotating body (32) are mated to make the first rotating part (121) rotate relative to the main shaft (11). The second rotating member (122) includes a second mating rotating body (42). One of the second rotating body (114) and the second mating rotating body (42) is an arc-shaped groove, and the other is an arc-shaped protrusion. Alternatively, both the second rotating body (114) and the second mating rotating body (42) are round holes. The second rotating body (114) and the second mating rotating body cooperate to make the second rotating member (122) rotate relative to the main shaft (11). The radius of the first rotating body (113) is greater than the radius of the second rotating body (114).

27. The housing device (100) according to any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that, The folding mechanism (10) further includes a synchronizing element (7), which is slidably connected to the main shaft (11). The synchronizing element (7) includes a first sliding body (72), and the first rotating element (121) includes a first mating sliding body (31). One of the first sliding body (72) and the first mating sliding body (31) is a spiral protrusion, and the other is a spiral groove. The first sliding body (72) and the first mating sliding body (31) cooperate to make the first rotating element (121) slide relative to the synchronizing element (7). The synchronizing element (7) further includes a second sliding body (73), and the second rotating element (122) includes a second mating sliding body (41). One of the second sliding body (73) and the second mating sliding body (41) is a spiral protrusion, and the other is a spiral groove. The second sliding body (73) and the second mating sliding body (41) cooperate to make the second rotating element (122) slide relative to the synchronizing element (7). The spiral direction of the first sliding body (72) is opposite to that of the second sliding body (73), and the radius of curvature of the first sliding body (72) is greater than that of the second sliding body (73).

28. The housing device (100) according to any one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that, When the housing device (100) is in the open state, the direction in which the first housing (20) points to the second housing (30) is the first direction (X), and the width of the first rotating member (121) in the first direction (X) is greater than the width of the second rotating member (122) in the first direction (X).

29. The housing device (100) according to any one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that, When the housing device (100) is in the open state, the first rotating member (121) and the second rotating member (122) are relatively flattened. The first rotating member (121) has a first support plane (1211) facing away from the main shaft (11), and the second rotating member (122) has a second support plane (1221) facing away from the main shaft (11). When the housing device (100) is in the closed state, the first rotating member (121) and the second rotating member (122) are folded relative to each other, and a first angle (α) is formed between the first supporting plane (1211) and the thickness direction of the housing device (100), and a second angle (β) is formed between the second supporting plane (1221) and the thickness direction of the housing device (100), wherein the first angle (α) is smaller than the second angle (β).

30. The housing device (100) according to claim 29, characterized in that, The second included angle (β) is equal to 90°.

31. The housing device (100) according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that, The first rotating component (121) includes a first rotating arm (3), which is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11). The second rotating component (122) includes a second rotating arm (4), which is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11). When the folding mechanism (10) is in the open state, the first rotating arm (3) has a first surface (36) facing away from the main shaft (11), the first surface (36) forming at least a portion of the first support plane (1211), and the second rotating arm (4) has a second surface (45) facing away from the main shaft (11), the second surface (45) forming at least a portion of the second support plane (1221).

32. The housing device (100) according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, The first rotating component (121) includes a first rotating arm (3) and a first support plate (14). The first rotating arm (3) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11), and the first support plate (14) is fixedly connected to the first rotating arm (3). The second rotating component (122) includes a second rotating arm (4) and a second support plate (15). The second rotating arm (5) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (11), and the second support plate (15) is fixedly connected to the second rotating arm (4). When the folding mechanism (10) is in the open state, the first support plate (14) is located on the side of the first rotating arm (3) facing away from the main shaft (11). The first support plate (14) has a first surface (141) facing away from the main shaft (11), and the first surface (141) constitutes at least a portion of the first support plane (1211). The second support plate (15) is located on the side of the second rotating arm (4) facing away from the main shaft (11). The second support plate (15) has a second surface (151) facing away from the main shaft (11), and the second surface (151) constitutes at least a portion of the second support plane (1221).

33. The housing device (100) according to claim 32, characterized in that, When the housing device (100) is in the open state, the first support plate (14) is parallel to the first housing (20), and the second support plate (15) is parallel to the second housing (30). When the housing device (100) is in the closed state, the first support plate (14) is set at an angle to the first housing (20), and the second support plate (15) is parallel to the second housing (30).

34. The housing device (100) according to any one of claims 19 to 33, characterized in that, When the housing device (100) is in the open state, the direction from which the first housing (20) points to the second housing (30) is the first direction (X), and the width extension direction of the main shaft (11) intersects with the first direction (X); When the housing device (100) is in the closed state, the width extension direction of the main shaft (11) is parallel to the thickness direction of the housing device (100).

35. The housing device (100) according to any one of claims 19 to 34, characterized in that, The housing device (100) further includes a support layer (300), which is fixedly connected to the first housing (20), the first connecting component (12a), the second connecting component (12b), and the second housing (30). When the housing device (100) is in the open state, the support layer (300) is relatively flattened, and when the housing device (100) is in the closed state, the support layer (300) is relatively folded.

36. An electronic device (1000), characterized in that, It includes a screen (200) and a housing device (100) according to any one of claims 19 to 34, wherein the screen (200) is fixedly connected to the first housing (20) and the second housing (30).

37. The electronic device (1000) according to claim 36, characterized in that, The housing device (100) further includes a support layer (300), which is fixedly connected to the first housing (20), the folding mechanism (10) and the second housing (30). When the housing device (100) is in the closed state, there is a gap between the support layer (300) and the screen (200).

Images