Rotating shaft mechanism, support apparatus, and folding device

Abstract

A rotating shaft mechanism (23), a support apparatus (20), and a folding device (100). The rotating shaft mechanism (23) comprises a base (231), a first structural member, and a first support member (238). The first structural member can rotate around a first axis relative to the base (231). The first support member (238) comprises first support sections (2381) and second support sections (2382) which are connected to each other, and the first support sections (2381) and the second support sections (2382) are arranged along the extension direction of the first axis; each of the first support sections (2381) is provided with a connection structure, and the first support member (238) is connected to the first structural member by means of the connection structure; and each of the first support sections (2381) comprises a metal structure, and each of the second support sections (2382) comprises a plastic structure. The first support member (238) is formed by connecting the first support sections (2381) and the second support sections (2382) which are made of different materials, so that the flatness of a support surface is good, thereby ensuring the support effect, and improving the reliability of the rotating shaft mechanism.

Description

Rotating mechanism, support device and folding device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411554515.6, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on October 31, 2024, entitled "Rotating Mechanism, Support Device and Folding Equipment", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of folding equipment technology, and in particular to a pivot mechanism, a support device, and a folding device. Background Technology

[0003] With the advancement of technology, large-screen devices are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. To address the issues of traditional tablets being too large and inconvenient to carry, foldable screen devices have emerged. Foldable screen devices include a support device for supporting the foldable screen. This support device comprises two side shells and a hinge mechanism connecting the two side shells. The hinge mechanism supports the bendable portion of the foldable screen and is the core component of the foldable screen device.

[0004] The hinge mechanism typically includes a support component. When the foldable screen device is in the unfolded state, the support surface of this component provides support for the foldable screen. The drop and impact reliability of the support component plays a crucial role in the overall reliability of the foldable screen device. Furthermore, the precision of the support component significantly impacts the performance of the foldable screen device; for example, the flatness of the support component determines the display effect of the foldable screen. In related technologies, the precision and reliability of the support component are often poor, which in turn leads to poor precision and reliability of the hinge mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a pivot mechanism, a support device, and a folding device to address the problem of how to improve the reliability of the pivot mechanism.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a rotating shaft mechanism, which includes a base, a first structural member, and a first support member. The first structural member is rotatable relative to the base about a first axis. The first support member includes a first support segment and a second support segment connected to each other, the first support segment and the second support segment being arranged along the extension direction of the first axis; the first support segment has a connecting structure, and the first support member is connected to the first structural member through the connecting structure; the first support segment includes a metal structure, and the second support segment includes a plastic structure.

[0008] The hinge mechanism provided in this application embodiment, by including a metal structure in the first support segment, achieves better strength and rigidity in the first support segment, thereby improving the overall strength and rigidity of the first support member and its support reliability. By including a plastic structure in the second support segment, the weight of the second support segment is reduced, resulting in a lighter overall weight for the first support member, which is beneficial for the thinner and lighter design of the hinge mechanism, and consequently, for the thinner and lighter design of the folding device using this hinge mechanism. Furthermore, by connecting the first support member with the second support segment and the second support segment, which are made of different materials, the length dimensions of the first and second support segments are relatively small. During actual manufacturing, the processing tolerances are small, resulting in higher precision. The dimensional tolerance in the length direction of the first support member is small, and the flatness of the first support surface is good, ensuring the effective support of the first support member for other components (such as the folding screen).

[0009] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first support segment and the second support segment are integral structural components formed by injection molding.

[0010] This design ensures a high connection strength between the first and second support sections, guaranteeing the reliability of the first support component. Simultaneously, the high degree of automation and efficiency of the injection molding process improves the production efficiency of the first support component, thereby enhancing the overall production efficiency of the rotating shaft mechanism.

[0011] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first support segment has a first end face facing the second support segment, the second support segment has a second end face facing the first support segment, and the second end face is in contact with the first end face; one of the first end face and the second end face has a first groove, and the other has a first protrusion, the first protrusion being located within the first groove.

[0012] In this way, since both the first and second end faces are flat, the area of ​​the injection molding connection surface between the first and second support sections is increased, thereby increasing the bonding force between the first and second support sections and ensuring the reliability of the first support component.

[0013] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first support member has a first support surface and a first surface facing away from each other, the first support surface and the first surface being arranged along the thickness direction of the first support member. A first groove penetrates the first support surface.

[0014] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first support member has a first support surface and a first surface facing away from each other, the first support surface and the first surface being arranged along the thickness direction of the first support member. A first groove penetrates the first surface.

[0015] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first support member has a first support surface and a first surface facing away from each other, the first support surface and the first surface being arranged along the thickness direction of the first support member. A first groove penetrates the first support surface. The first groove penetrates the first surface.

[0016] This allows the injection molding connection surface area of ​​the first and second support sections to be as large as possible, thereby improving their bonding strength.

[0017] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first groove penetrates the first support surface, and the opening of the first groove on the first support surface is a first opening; along the arrangement direction of the first support surface and the first surface, at least a portion of the width of the first protrusion in the first direction is greater than the width of the first opening in the first direction. The first direction is parallel to the first support surface and perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first support segment and the second support segment.

[0018] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first groove penetrates the first surface, and the opening of the first groove on the first surface is a second opening; along the arrangement direction of the first support surface and the first surface, at least a portion of the width of the first protrusion in the first direction is greater than the width of the second opening in the first direction. The first direction is parallel to the first support surface and perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first support segment and the second support segment.

[0019] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, a first groove penetrates a first support surface, and the opening of the first groove on the first support surface is a first opening; along the arrangement direction of the first support surface and the first surface, at least a portion of the first protrusion has a width greater than the width of the first opening in the first direction. The first groove penetrates a first surface, and the opening of the first groove on the first surface is a second opening; along the arrangement direction of the first support surface and the first surface, at least a portion of the first protrusion has a width greater than the width of the second opening in the first direction. The first direction is parallel to the first support surface and perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first support segment and the second support segment.

[0020] This increases the area of ​​the injection-molded connection surface between the first and second support sections, improving their bonding strength. Furthermore, it prevents the first support section from moving or detaching relative to the second support section in a direction perpendicular to the length of the first support member.

[0021] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first support member has a first support surface parallel to the arrangement direction of the first support segment and the second support segment. Along the direction from the opening of the first groove to the bottom wall surface, at least a portion of the width of the first protrusion in the first direction is greater than the width of the opening of the first groove in the first direction; wherein the first direction is parallel to the first support surface and perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first support segment and the second support segment.

[0022] This increases the area of ​​the injection-molded connection surface between the first and second support sections, improving their bonding strength. Furthermore, it restricts the movement of the first support section relative to the second support section along the length of the first support member, further enhancing the connection reliability between the first and second support sections.

[0023] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first support segment further has a first sub-support surface and a first sub-surface facing away from each other. The first end face has a first groove that penetrates one of the first sub-support surface and the first sub-surface. The other of the first sub-support surface and the first sub-surface has a second groove that is spaced apart from the first end face. A portion of the second groove penetrates the sidewall of the first groove, and another portion of the second groove is located on the side of the first groove away from the first end face. A first protrusion fills the first groove and the second groove.

[0024] This increases the area of ​​the injection molding interface between the first and second support sections, enhancing their bonding strength. Furthermore, when the first support member is relatively thin, this connection method prevents the first protrusion of the second support section from being too thin and easily lifting off the first support section, thus ensuring the reliability of the connection between the first and second support sections.

[0025] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first structural member is a first swing arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the base to allow the rotating shaft mechanism to move between an unfolded state and a folded state; a sliding block is provided on the first swing arm. The first support section has a first groove extending in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first support section and the second support section, forming a connecting structure, and a portion of the sliding block is slidably disposed within the first groove.

[0026] In this way, the first swing arm can drive the first support member to rotate relative to the base, while also adjusting the tilt angle between the first support surface of the first support member and the reference surface of the base, so as to provide a space for the folding screen.

[0027] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first support segment has a first sub-support surface and a first sub-surface facing away from each other, and the first support segment also has a first sub-side facing the base, the first sub-side having a clearance groove that penetrates the first sub-support surface and the first sub-surface; when the pivot mechanism is in a folded state, a portion of the first swing arm is located in the clearance groove.

[0028] In this way, while ensuring the strength of the first support section, interference between the first swing arm and the first support member can be prevented during the folding process of the rotating shaft mechanism. This allows the width of the first support member to be as large as possible, so that when the rotating shaft mechanism is in the unfolded state, the support area provided by the first support member is as large as possible, and the gap between the first support member and the base is as small as possible.

[0029] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first swing arm has a first limiting protrusion; when the pivot mechanism is in a folded state, the bottom wall of the clearance groove is opposite to the first limiting protrusion to restrict the first support member from sliding relative to the first swing arm toward the base.

[0030] In this way, when the folding device using this pivot structure is dropped or impacted, it can prevent the first support member from shifting relative to the first swing arm towards the base, squeezing the folding screen and causing excessive internal stress that could damage and fail the folding screen. This improves the reliability of the folding device in the face of impacts such as falling balls and edge drops.

[0031] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the rotating shaft mechanism further includes a second swing arm, which is rotatably connected to the base and also rotatably connected to the first structural member; the first support member is located on the front side of the first structural member. The first support section has a first arc-shaped protrusion, which forms a connecting structure; the first structural member has a first arc-shaped groove, in which the first arc-shaped protrusion is slidably disposed; or, the first structural member has a first arc-shaped protrusion; the first support member has a first arc-shaped groove, which forms a connecting structure, in which the first arc-shaped protrusion is slidably disposed.

[0032] In this way, while the second swing arm and the first structural component drive the first support component to rotate relative to the base, the distance between the first support component and the base can be adjusted to adapt to the extension length of the bendable part of the foldable screen.

[0033] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the material of the first support segment includes at least one of aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, and stainless steel.

[0034] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the material of the second support segment includes at least one of liquid crystal polymer, polyamide, carbon fiber reinforced liquid crystal polymer, glass fiber reinforced liquid crystal polymer, carbon fiber reinforced polyamide, and glass fiber reinforced polyamide.

[0035] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a support device, which includes a first housing and a rotating shaft mechanism. The rotating shaft mechanism is any of the rotating shaft mechanisms described in the above implementations, and a first structural member is connected to the first housing.

[0036] Since the support device provided in this application embodiment includes the rotating shaft mechanism as described above, both can solve the same problem and achieve the same effect, and will not be described again here.

[0037] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a folding device, which includes a folding screen and a supporting device. The folding screen includes a first part and a second part connected to each other. The supporting device is the aforementioned supporting device, with the first part fixed to a first housing and the second part supported on a rotating shaft mechanism.

[0038] Since the folding device provided in this application embodiment includes the support device as described above, both can solve the same problem and achieve the same effect, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the folding device provided in some embodiments of this application in its unfolded state;

[0040] Figure 2 is a partial exploded view of the folding device shown in Figure 1;

[0041] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the folding device shown in Figure 1 when it is in a folded state;

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism of the folding device shown in Figure 3 in the unfolded state;

[0043] Figure 5 is an exploded structural diagram of part of the rotating shaft mechanism described in Figure 4;

[0044] Figure 6 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism of the folding device described in Figure 4;

[0045] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 4 at line AA;

[0046] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the first support member of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 4;

[0047] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the first support member shown in Figure 8 from another angle;

[0048] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 4 at line BB;

[0049] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 4 at line CC;

[0050] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 4 when it is in a folded state;

[0051] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 12 at line DD;

[0052] Figure 14 is another perspective view of the first support member of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 4;

[0053] Figure 15 is a partial exploded structural diagram of the first support member shown in Figure 14.

[0054] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the first support member of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 4;

[0055] Figure 17 is another cross-sectional view of the first support member of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 4;

[0056] Figure 18 is another cross-sectional view of the first support member of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 4;

[0057] Figure 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first support member of the rotating shaft mechanism shown in Figure 4.

[0058] Reference numerals: 100 - Folding device; 10 - Folding screen; 11 - First part; 12 - Second part; 121 - First transition section; 122 - Second transition section; 123 - Arc segment; 13 - Third part; 20-Support device; 21-First housing; 211-First middle frame; 22-Second housing; 221-Second middle frame; 23-Rotating shaft mechanism; 231-Base; 231a-Second arc groove; 2311-Base body; 2312-First cover plate; 232-First swing arm; 2321-First limiting protrusion; 233-Second swing arm; 233a-First limiting groove; 2331-Second arc protrusion; 2332-First pin; 234-Third swing arm; 235-Fourth swing arm; 236-First connector; 236a-First shaft hole; 236b-Second sliding groove; 236c-First arc groove; 2361-Second limiting protrusion; 237-Second connector; 238-First support member; 238a-First support surface; 238a1-First opening; 2 38b - First surface; 238b1 - First arc-shaped protrusion; 238b2 - Second protrusion; 238b3 - Second opening; 238c - First side surface; 238d - First groove; 238e - Clearance groove; 2381 - First support section; 2381a - First sub-support surface; 2381b - First sub-surface; 2381b1 - Second groove; 2381c - First sub-side surface; 2381d - First end face; 2381d1 - First protrusion; 2382 - Second support section; 2382a - Second sub-support surface; 2382b - Second sub-surface; 2382c - Second sub-side surface; 2382d - Second end face; 2382d1 - First groove; 239 - Second support member; 240 - First pivot; 241 - Second pivot; 242 - Sliding block. Detailed Implementation

[0059] In 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; it can be a fixed connection or a movable connection.

[0060] In the embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the directional terms mentioned, such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., are only for reference to the direction of the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for better and clearer explanation and understanding of the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In embodiments of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0063] 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: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0064] In the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the descriptions of "vertical" and "parallel" respectively indicate approximately vertical, approximately parallel, and approximately coaxial within a certain error range. This error range can be a range with a deviation angle of less than or equal to 5°, 8°, or 10° relative to absolute verticality, absolute parallelism, and absolute coaxiality, respectively, and is not specifically limited here.

[0065] This application provides a foldable device, which can be an electronic device with a foldable screen. This foldable device includes, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablet personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes, etc. The form of the foldable device is not specifically limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0066] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2 together. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the folding device 100 in its unfolded state according to some embodiments of this application, and Figure 2 is a partially exploded structural diagram of the folding device 100 shown in Figure 1. This embodiment and the embodiments described below are exemplified by using the folding device 100 as a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, such as a mobile phone. The folding device 100 is approximately rectangular in shape when unfolded. For the convenience of the description of the embodiments below, an XYZ coordinate system is established for the folding device 100 in its unfolded state, defining the length direction of the folding device 100 as the X-axis direction, the width direction of the folding device 100 as the Y-axis direction, and the thickness direction of the folding device 100 as the Z-axis direction. It is understood that the coordinate system setting of the folding device 100 can be flexibly set according to actual needs, and is not specifically limited here. In some other embodiments, the shape of the folding device 100 can also be a square plate, a circular plate, an elliptical plate, etc.

[0067] The folding device 100 includes a folding screen 10 and a support device 20.

[0068] The foldable screen 10 is used to display images, videos, and other information. The foldable screen 10 can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (micro organic light-emitting diode) screen, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) screen, a liquid crystal display (LCD), etc.

[0069] The foldable screen 10 has a display area for displaying image information. The display area of ​​the foldable screen 10 is exposed to facilitate the presentation of images, videos, and other information to the user. The foldable screen 10 includes a first part 11, a second part 12, and a third part 13 connected sequentially. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the foldable screen 10 is in an unfolded state, with the first part 11, the second part 12, and the third part 13 arranged sequentially along the X-axis. Thus, the folding device 100 folds laterally, and the folding axis of the foldable screen 10 is parallel to the Y-axis. In other embodiments, when the foldable screen 10 is in an unfolded state, the first part 11, the second part 12, and the third part 13 can also be arranged sequentially along the Y-axis. Thus, the folding device 100 folds longitudinally, i.e., the folding axis of the foldable screen 10 is parallel to the X-axis. When the foldable screen 10 is in an unfolded state, it enables large-screen display, providing users with richer information and a better user experience.

[0070] At least the second part 12 of the foldable screen 10 is a flexible screen structure. Thus, the second part 12 can bend and deform under external force, causing the foldable screen 10 to fold from the unfolded state shown in Figure 1 to the folded state. The first part 11 and the third part 13 of the foldable screen 10 can be flexible screen structures, rigid screen structures, or a combination of both.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a structural schematic diagram of the folding device 100 shown in Figure 1 in its folded state. The folding screen 10 in this folding device 100 is also in a folded state. Specifically, when the folding screen 10 is in a folded state, the first part 11 and the third part 13 of the folding screen 10 are approximately parallel and face each other. It should be noted that the angle between the first part 11 and the third part 13 is within 30°, and can be considered as approximately parallel. The first part 11 and the third part 13 facing each other means that the display surface of the first part 11 faces the display surface of the third part 13.

[0072] When the foldable screen 10 is in the folded state, the second part 12 is folded into a teardrop shape. In this shape, the second part 12 includes an arc segment 123, a first transition segment 121, and a second transition segment 122. The first transition segment 121 connects the arc segment 123 to the first part 11. The second transition segment 122 connects the arc segment 123 to the third part 13. The distance between the end of the first transition segment 121 connecting to the first part 11 and the end of the second transition segment 122 connecting to the third part 13 is a first distance, and the distance between the end of the first transition segment 121 connecting to the arc segment 123 and the end of the second transition segment 122 connecting to the arc segment 123 is a second distance, which is greater than the first distance. It is understood that when the foldable device 100 is in the folded state, the second part 12 of the foldable screen 10 can also be folded into other shapes as needed, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0073] Please refer to Figures 2 and 3 together. The support device 20 is used to support the folding screen 10. When the folding device 100 is in the folded state, the support device 20 protects the folding screen 10 from the outside, and the folding screen 10 is not visible to the user. That is, the folding device 100 is an inward folding device, which can prevent the folding screen 10 from being scratched by hard objects. In some other embodiments, when the folding device 100 is in the folded state, the folding screen 10 is located outside the support device 20, and the folding screen 10 is visible to the user. That is, the folding device 100 is an outward folding device, which can realize the display of video and images in the folded state. At this time, the first part 11 and the third part 13 of the folding screen 10 are approximately parallel and back-to-back. The first part 11 and the third part 13 are back-to-back, which means that the display surfaces of the first part 11 and the third part 13 are back-to-back. The second part 12 is folded into a U-shape. In this form, the aforementioned first distance is equal to the aforementioned second distance.

[0074] Please refer to Figures 2 and 3 together. The support device 20 includes a first housing 21, a second housing 22, and a pivot mechanism 23. The first housing 21 carries the first part 11, and the second housing 22 carries the third part 13. The pivot mechanism 23 connects the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 and carries the second part 12, that is, the second part 12 of the folding screen 10 is supported on the pivot mechanism 23. The pivot mechanism 23 is used to realize the rotation between the second housing 22 and the first housing 21 to support the folding screen 10 to fold between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0075] The first housing 21 may include a first middle frame 211 and a back cover (not shown) connected together. The first part 11 of the foldable screen 10 can be fixed to the first middle frame 211 of the first housing 21, that is, the first part 11 is fixed to the first housing 21. Specifically, the first part 11 can be glued to the first housing 21. The back cover is located on the side of the first middle frame 211 away from the first part 11, and the back cover can be replaced with a display screen (such as an LCD display screen). A receiving cavity is formed between the first middle frame 211 and the back cover, which is used to accommodate electronic components such as the motherboard, camera module, and battery. Based on this, the first housing 21 can be connected to the hinge mechanism 23 via the first middle frame 211, or it can be connected to the hinge mechanism 23 via the back cover. The following embodiments are described using the example of the first housing 21 being connected to the hinge mechanism 23 via the first middle frame 211.

[0076] Similarly, the second housing 22 may also include a second middle frame 221 and a back cover connected together. The third part 13 of the folding screen 10 can be fixed to the second middle frame 221 of the second housing 22, that is, the third part 13 is fixed to the second housing 22. Specifically, the third part 13 can be glued to the second housing 22. The back cover is located on the side of the second middle frame 221 away from the third part 13, and the back cover can also be replaced by a display screen (such as an LCD display screen). A receiving cavity is formed between the second middle frame 221 and the back cover, which is used to accommodate electronic components such as the sub-board, speaker module, array, and battery. Based on this, the second housing 22 can be connected to the pivot mechanism 23 via the second middle frame 221, or it can be connected to the pivot mechanism 23 via the back cover. The following embodiments are described using the example of the second housing 22 being connected to the pivot mechanism 23 via the middle frame.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a structural schematic diagram of the pivot mechanism 23 of the folding device 100 shown in Figure 3 in its unfolded state. Figure 5 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of a portion of the pivot mechanism 23 described in Figure 4, and Figure 6 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the pivot mechanism 23 of the folding device 100 described in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the pivot mechanism 23 shown in Figure 4 after the first support member 238 and the second support member 239 are concealed. The pivot mechanism 23 includes a base 231, a first swing arm 232, a second swing arm 233, a third swing arm 234, a fourth swing arm 235, a first connecting member 236, a second connecting member 237, a first support member 238, and a second support member 239.

[0078] The base 231 provides a positional reference. The materials of the base 231 include, but are not limited to, metal and plastic. The base 231 is a split structure, comprising a base body 2311 and a first cover plate 2312. The first cover plate 2312 covers the front side of the base body 2311 and is connected to it. Specifically, the first cover plate 2312 can be connected to the base body 2311 by screws. It should be noted that the "front side" of the base body 2311 refers to the side of the base body 2311 facing the folding screen 10. In the following embodiments, the term "rear side" used for other components within the pivot mechanism 23 refers to the side of the described component away from the folding screen 10, and "front side" refers to the side of the described component facing the folding screen 10. This will not be repeated in the following embodiments.

[0079] Please refer to Figures 4-6. The second swing arm 233 and the fourth swing arm 235 can be referred to as the main swing arms. The second swing arm 233 and the fourth swing arm 235 can be symmetrically arranged at opposite ends of the base 231 along the X-axis. The first swing arm 232 and the third swing arm 234 can be referred to as the auxiliary swing arms. The first swing arm 232 and the third swing arm 234 can be symmetrically arranged at opposite ends of the base 231 along the X-axis. The first swing arm 232 and the second swing arm 233 are located on the same side of the base 231, and the third swing arm 234 and the fourth swing arm 235 are located on the same side of the base 231. One end of the second swing arm 233 can be rotatably connected to the base 231, and the other end can be rotatably connected to the first connecting member 236. The extension direction of the rotation axis between the second swing arm 233 and the base 231, and the extension direction of the rotation axis between the second swing arm 233 and the first connecting member 236 are both parallel to the Y-axis.

[0080] Please refer to Figures 5-7. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 shown in Figure 4 at line AA. The second swing arm 233 has a second arc-shaped protrusion 2331 at one end near the base 231. The base body 2311 and the first cover plate 2312 form a second arc-shaped groove 231a that matches the second arc-shaped protrusion 2331. The second arc-shaped protrusion 2331 is slidably disposed within the second arc-shaped groove 231a to achieve a rotatable connection between the second swing arm 233 and the base 231. The center line of the second arc-shaped groove 231a is the axis of rotation between the second swing arm 233 and the base 231. In some other embodiments, the second swing arm 233 and the base 231 can also be rotatably connected by a pivot hinge.

[0081] The end of the second swing arm 233 away from the base 231 has a first pin 2332, and the first connecting member 236 has a first shaft hole 236a. The first pin 2332 passes through the first shaft hole 236a to realize the rotational connection between the second swing arm 233 and the first connecting member 236. That is, the first connecting member 236 is rotatably connected to the base 231 through the second swing arm 233, and the axis of rotation of the first connecting member 236 around the base 231 is the axis of rotation of the second swing arm 233 around the base 231. In the embodiments shown in Figures 5-7, the first shaft hole 236a penetrates the surface of the first connecting member 236 away from the base 231 in a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis. Based on this, the end face of the second swing arm 233 away from the base 231 has a first limiting groove 233a, and the first connecting member 236 has a second limiting protrusion 2361. The second limiting protrusion 2361 is fitted and accommodated within the first limiting groove 233a to prevent the first connecting member 236 from separating and falling off from the second swing arm 233. In some other embodiments, the hole wall of the first shaft hole 236a can also be arranged 360° around the first pin 2332, and this application does not limit this.

[0082] Based on this, the surface of the first connector 236 facing the base 231 has a second groove 236b, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis. The end of the first swing arm 232 away from the base 231 is slidably disposed within the second groove 236b. In some other embodiments, the first connector 236 may also be rotatably connected to the first swing arm 232 and slidably connected to the second swing arm 233.

[0083] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6. One end of the first swing arm 232 is rotatably connected to the base 231, and the rotation axis of the first swing arm 232 and the base 231 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. In the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rotating shaft mechanism 23 further includes a first rotating shaft 240, which is disposed on the base 231. The end of the first swing arm 232 near the base 231 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 240, and is rotatably connected to the base 231 through the first rotating shaft 240. In the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first swing arm 232 is a split structure, with the two parts of the first swing arm 232 arranged and connected along the Y-axis direction to facilitate the connection and assembly of the first swing arm 232 with other structures (e.g., a synchronization structure). In some other embodiments, the first swing arm 232 may also be an integral structural component.

[0084] Similarly, one end of the third swing arm 234 is rotatably connected to the base 231, and the direction of their rotation axes is parallel to the Y-axis. In the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rotating shaft mechanism 23 further includes a second rotating shaft 241, which is disposed on the base 231. The end of the third swing arm 234 near the base 231 is sleeved on the second rotating shaft 241, and is rotatably connected to the base 231 through the second rotating shaft 241. The connection structure between the second rotating shaft 241 and the third swing arm 234 and the base 231 can refer to the connection structure between the first rotating shaft 240 and the first swing arm 232 and the base 231, and will not be described again here.

[0085] Correspondingly, the fourth swing arm 235 is rotatably connected to the base 231. The rotatable connection between the fourth swing arm 235 and the base 231 can be referenced to the rotatable connection between the second swing arm 233 and the base 231, and will not be described further here. The fourth swing arm 235 is rotatably connected to the second connecting member 237. The rotatable connection between the fourth swing arm 235 and the second connecting member 237 can be referenced to the rotatable connection between the second swing arm 233 and the first connecting member 236, and will not be described further here. The third swing arm 234 is slidably connected to the second connecting member 237. The slidable connection between the third swing arm 234 and the second connecting member 237 can be referenced to the slidable connection between the first swing arm 232 and the first connecting member 236, and will not be described further here.

[0086] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, a first swing arm 232, a second swing arm 233, a third swing arm 234, a fourth swing arm 235, a first connector 236, and a second connector 237 form a structural unit. The pivot mechanism 23 has three structural units spaced apart along the Y-axis to facilitate precise control of the movement of the pivot mechanism 23 and to provide reliable support for the folding screen 10. In other embodiments, the structural unit may be one, two, four, or more.

[0087] Based on the above, please refer to Figures 5, 8, and 9. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the first support member 238 of the pivot mechanism 23 shown in Figure 4, and Figure 9 is a perspective view of the first support member 238 shown in Figure 8 from another perspective. The first support member 238 is generally rectangular in shape. The length direction of the first support member 238 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. When the pivot mechanism 23 is in the unfolded state, the width direction of the first support member 238 is parallel to the X-axis direction, and the thickness direction of the first support member 238 is parallel to the Z-axis direction. The first support member 238 includes a first support surface 238a and a first surface 238b facing away from each other, and a first side surface 238c. The first support surface 238a and the first surface 238b are arranged along the thickness direction of the first support member 238. The first side surface 238c is connected between the first support surface 238a and the first surface 238b and faces the base 231. The first support surface 238a is generally planar and is used to support the second part of the aforementioned folding screen.

[0088] Please refer to Figures 8 and 9. The first support member 238 includes a first support segment 2381 and a second support segment 2382 that are connected to each other. The first support segment 2381 and the second support segment 2382 are arranged along the Y-axis. When there are multiple first support segments 2381 and second support segments 2382, the first support segments 2381 and second support segments 2382 are arranged alternately, and one first support segment 2381 is movably connected to one of the aforementioned structural units. The first support segment 2381 has a first sub-support surface 2381a, a first sub-surface 2381b, and a first sub-side surface 2381c. The first sub-support surface 2381a forms a portion of the first support surface 238a, the first sub-surface 2381b forms a portion of the first surface 238b, and the first sub-side surface 2381c forms a portion of the first side surface 238c. The second support segment 2382 has a second sub-support surface 2382a, a second sub-surface 2382b, and a second sub-side surface 2382c. The second sub-support surface 2382a forms a portion of the first support surface 238a, the second sub-surface 2382b forms a portion of the first surface 238b, and the second sub-side surface 2382c forms a portion of the first side surface 238c.

[0089] Please refer to Figures 8-10. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 shown in Figure 4 at line BB. The first support member 238 is located on the front side of the first connector 236. The first sub-surface 2381b of the first support segment 2381 has a first arc-shaped protrusion 238b1 and a second protrusion 238b2. The first connector 236 has a first arc-shaped groove 236c, and the first arc-shaped protrusion 238b1 is slidably disposed in the first arc-shaped groove 236c to realize the rotational connection between the first support member 238 and the first connector 236. The center line of the first arc-shaped groove 236c is the rotation axis of the two. In the embodiment shown in Figures 8-10, the two end faces of a first connector 236 arranged along the Y-axis direction each have a first arc-shaped groove 236c, and the first support segment 2381 has two first arc-shaped protrusions 238b1 arranged at intervals along the Y-axis direction. In some other embodiments, a first connector 236 may have a first arcuate groove 236c, and a first support segment 2381 may have a first arcuate protrusion 238b1. In still other embodiments, the first connector 236 has the first arcuate protrusion 238b1, and the first support segment 2381 has the first arcuate groove 236c. The first arcuate protrusion 238b1 is slidably disposed within the first arcuate groove 236c to achieve a rotational connection between the first connector 236 and the first support segment 238.

[0090] Please refer to Figures 8, 9, and 11 together. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 shown in Figure 4 at the CC line. The second protrusion 238b2 has a first groove 238d, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first support section 2381 and the second support section 2382. That is, the plane containing the extension path of the first groove 238d is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. Based on this, a sliding block 242 is provided on the first swing arm 232. A portion of the sliding block 242 is slidably disposed within the first groove 238d to at least achieve a sliding connection between the first swing arm 232 and the first support member 238. In some examples, the sliding block 242 can be an integral structural component with the first swing arm 232. In other examples, the sliding block 242 can also be disposed on the first swing arm 232 by means of snap-fit, threaded connection, etc. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the sliding block 242 has a circular cross-sectional shape and forms a high-pair connection with the first support member 238, which can prevent the first swing arm 232 from jamming during relative movement with the first support member 238. In some other embodiments, the cross-section of the sliding block 242 may also be shaped to match the first groove 238d.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first connector 236 may form the first structural component of the rotating shaft mechanism 23, and the first arcuate protrusion 238b1 of the first support segment 2381 may form a connecting structure, or the first arcuate groove 236c of the first support segment 2381 may form a connecting structure. That is, the first support segment 2381 has a connecting structure, and the first support member 238 is connected to the first structural component through the connecting structure. The first structural component is connected to the aforementioned first housing 21, and the first structural component rotates relative to the base 231 around the center line of the second arcuate groove 231a, which is the first axis.

[0092] In other embodiments, the first swing arm 232 may form the first structural component of the pivot mechanism 23, and the first groove 238d of the first support section 2381 forms a connecting structure. The first structural component is indirectly connected to the aforementioned first housing 21 through the first connector 236, and the first structural component rotates relative to the base 231 about the axis of the first pivot 240, which is the first axis.

[0093] Based on the above, the second support member 239 is located in front of the second connector 237 and is rotatably connected to the second connector 237. The connection method between the second support member 239 and the second connector 237 can be referred to as the connection method between the first support member 238 and the first connector 236, and will not be repeated here. The second support member 239 is slidably connected to the third swing arm 234. The connection method between the second support member 239 and the third swing arm 234 can be referred to as the connection method between the first support member 238 and the first swing arm 232, and will not be repeated here. The second connector 237 is fixedly connected to the aforementioned second housing 22.

[0094] Please refer to Figures 4 and 12 together. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 shown in Figure 4 in the folded state. When the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 drive the first connecting member 236 and the second connecting member 237 to rotate in opposite directions, the first connecting member 236 drives the first swing arm 232 to rotate synchronously, and the first connecting member 236 and the second swing arm 233 can extend relative to the first swing arm 232. The second connecting member 237 drives the third swing arm 234 to rotate synchronously, and the second connecting member 237 and the fourth swing arm 235 can extend relative to the third swing arm 234 to increase the length of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 in the plane perpendicular to the first axis. Simultaneously, the first swing arm 232, which is slidably connected to the first support member 238, drives the first support member 238 to rotate relative to the first connector 236. The direction of rotation of the first support member 238 relative to the first connector 236 is the same as the direction of rotation of the first connector 236 relative to the base 231. The third swing arm 234, which is slidably connected to the second support member 239, drives the second support member 239 to rotate relative to the second connector 237. The direction of rotation of the second support member 239 relative to the second connector 237 is the same as the direction of rotation of the second connector 237 relative to the base 231, so that the first support member 238, the second support member 239 and the base 231 form a screen-accommodating space for the second part 12 of the folding screen 10.

[0095] Please refer to Figures 4 and 12. When the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 drive the first connecting member 236 and the second connecting member 237 to rotate in opposite directions, the first connecting member 236 drives the first swing arm 232 to rotate synchronously, and the first connecting member 236 and the second swing arm 233 can retract relative to the first swing arm 232. The second connecting member 237 drives the third swing arm 234 to rotate synchronously, and the second connecting member 237 and the fourth swing arm 235 can retract relative to the third swing arm 234 to reduce the length of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 in the plane perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. Simultaneously, the first swing arm 232, which is slidably connected to the first support member 238, drives the first support member 238 to rotate relative to the first connector 236. The direction of rotation of the first support member 238 relative to the first connector 236 is the same as the direction of rotation of the first connector 236 relative to the base 231. The third swing arm 234, which is slidably connected to the second support member 239, drives the second support member 239 to rotate relative to the second connector 237. The direction of rotation of the second support member 239 relative to the second connector 237 is the same as the direction of rotation of the second connector 237 relative to the base 231, so that the support surface of the first support member 238 and the support surface of the second support member 239 are located in the same plane.

[0096] Please refer to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the pivot mechanism 23 shown in Figure 12 at line DD. The first sub-side surface 2381c of the first support section 2381 has a clearance groove 238e, which penetrates the first sub-support surface 2381a and the first sub-surface 2381b. When the pivot mechanism 23 is in the folded state, a portion of the first swing arm 232 is located within the clearance groove 238e. This prevents the first swing arm 232 from interfering with the first support member 238 during the folding process, thereby maximizing the width of the first support member 238. This ensures that when the pivot mechanism 23 is in the unfolded state, the first support member 238 provides the largest possible support area for the folding screen 10, and minimizes the gap between the first support member 238 and the base 231, guaranteeing the reliability of the pivot mechanism 23's support for the folding screen 10.

[0097] Based on this, the first swing arm 232 has a first limiting protrusion 2321. When the rotating shaft mechanism 23 is in the folded state, the bottom wall of the clearance groove 238e is opposite to the first limiting protrusion 2321 to restrict the first support member 238 from sliding relative to the first swing arm 232 towards the base 231. Specifically, the bottom wall of the clearance groove 238e can contact the first limiting protrusion 2321 or have a mating gap with the first limiting protrusion 2321. In this way, when the folding device 100 is dropped or impacted, it can prevent the first support member 238 from shifting relative to the first swing arm 232 towards the base 231, squeezing the folding screen 10 and causing excessive internal stress and damage, thus improving the reliability of the folding device 100 against impacts such as falling balls and edge drops.

[0098] The aforementioned first support member 238 can be a single-piece structural component made of a single material. In some examples, the first support member 238 can be a metal structural component formed by metal injection molding and shaping processes. Since parts generally have processing tolerances, the larger the size of the part, the larger the processing tolerance and the worse the precision of the part. Therefore, the flatness of the first support surface 238a of the first support member 238 is worse, and the dimensional tolerance along its length is larger. In addition, the first support member 238 is an all-metal structural component, and the weight of the first support member 238 is relatively large, resulting in a relatively large weight for the entire folding device 100.

[0099] In some examples, the first support member 238 can be a plastic structural component formed by injection molding. In still other examples, the first support member 238 can also be a carbon fiber structural component formed by processes such as lamination, curing, and demolding. Both plastic and carbon fiber structural components suffer from poor flatness. Furthermore, the low stiffness and strength of plastic and carbon fiber result in low stiffness and strength of the first support member 238, especially in the first support segment 2381 with numerous connecting structures and narrow local widths. Consequently, the first support member 238 exhibits low support reliability when the folding device 100 is dropped or subjected to impact.

[0100] To address the aforementioned issues, please refer to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is another perspective view of the first support member 238 of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 shown in Figure 4, and Figure 15 is a partially exploded structural diagram of the first support member 238 shown in Figure 14. The embodiments shown in Figures 14 and 15 differ from those shown in Figures 8 and 9 in that the first support segment 2381 is a metal structure, while the second support segment 2382 is a plastic structure.

[0101] In this way, the first support segment 2381, which connects to the first structural component of the pivot mechanism 23, has good strength and rigidity, which in turn makes the overall strength and rigidity of the first support component 238 better, and the support reliability of the first support component 238 better. In addition, the second support segment 2382 is lighter, making the overall weight of the first support component 238 lighter, which is conducive to the thinner and lighter design of the folding device 100. Furthermore, since the first support component 238 is formed by connecting the first support segment 2381 and the second support segment 2382, which are made of different materials, the length dimensions of the first support segment 2381 and the second support segment 2382 are small. In actual manufacturing, the processing tolerance is small and the precision is high. The dimensional tolerance of the first support component 238 in the length direction is small, and the flatness of the first support surface 238a is good, ensuring the support effect of the first support component 238 on the folding screen 10 and thus ensuring the display effect of the folding screen 10.

[0102] The first support segment 2381 and the second support segment 2382 can be integral structural components formed by injection molding. Specifically, the material of the first support segment 2381 includes one or more of aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, and stainless steel. The material of the second support segment 2382 includes one or more of liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyamide (PA), carbon fiber reinforced liquid crystal polymer, glass fiber reinforced liquid crystal polymer, carbon fiber reinforced polyamide, and glass fiber reinforced polyamide.

[0103] In this way, the connection strength between the first support segment 2381 and the second support segment 2382 is high, ensuring the reliability of the first support component 238. Simultaneously, the injection molding process has a high degree of automation and high production efficiency, which helps to improve the production efficiency of the first support component 238, thereby improving the production efficiency of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 and the folding device 100. In some other embodiments, the first support component 238 can also be a split structural component, and the first support segment 2381 and the second support segment 2382 can be connected by means of bonding, snap-fitting, threaded connection, etc.

[0104] Please refer to Figures 14 and 15. The first support segment 2381 has a first end face 2381d facing the second support segment 2382, and the second support segment 2382 has a second end face 2382d facing the first support segment 2381. The second end face 2382d has a first groove 2382d1, and the first end face 2381d has a first protrusion 2381d1. The first protrusion 2381d1 is located within the first groove 2382d1, and the groove wall of the first groove 2382d1 is fitted and connected to the first protrusion 2381d1. The first groove 2382d1 and the first protrusion 2381d1 correspond one-to-one, and the number of both can be one or more; this application does not limit this. In some other embodiments, the first end face 2381d may have a first groove 2382d1, and the second end face 2382d may have a first protrusion 2381d1.

[0105] In this way, since both the first end face 2381d and the second end face 2382d are flat, the groove wall of the first groove 2382d1 is attached to the first protrusion 2381d1, which increases the area of ​​the injection molding connection surface of the first support section 2381 and the second support section 2382, thereby increasing the bonding force of the first support section 2381 and the second support section 2382, thus ensuring the reliability of the first support member 238.

[0106] Please refer to Figures 14 and 15. The first groove 2382d1 penetrates the second sub-support surface 2382a and the second sub-surface 2382b, that is, the first groove 2382d1 penetrates the first support surface 238a and the first surface 238b of the first support member 238. This allows the injection molding connection surface area of ​​the first support segment 2381 and the second support segment 2382 to be as large as possible, thereby improving their bonding strength. Furthermore, the first protrusion 2381d1 has a larger cross-sectional area in the XZ plane, which enhances the bending stiffness of the first protrusion 2381d1, further ensuring the reliability of the connection between the first support segment 2381 and the second support segment 2382. In some other embodiments, the first groove 2382d1 may also penetrate only one of the first support surface 238a and the first surface 238b.

[0107] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, along the direction from the opening of the first groove 2382d1 to the bottom wall, at least a portion of the width of the first protrusion 2381d1 in the first direction is greater than the width of the opening of the first groove 2382d1 in the first direction. This first direction is parallel to the first support surface 238a and perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first support segment 2381 and the second support segment 2382; that is, when the rotating shaft mechanism 23 is in the unfolded state, the first direction is parallel to the X-axis direction. In the embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15, along the arrangement direction of the first support surface 238a and the first surface 238b, the width of the first protrusion 2381d1 in the first direction remains constant. Along the direction from the opening of the first groove 2382d1 to the bottom wall, the width of the first protrusion 2381d1 in the first direction first remains constant, then gradually increases, and then gradually decreases, resulting in an arc-shaped bottom wall of the first groove 2382d1. In some other embodiments, the width of the first protrusion 2381d1 in the first direction can gradually increase, that is, the first groove 2382d1 is a dovetail groove. In still other embodiments, the width of the first protrusion 2381d1 in the first direction can also exhibit other variation patterns.

[0108] This increases the area of ​​the injection-molded connection surface between the first support segment 2381 and the second support segment 2382, improving their bonding strength. Furthermore, the first protrusion 2381d1 and the first groove 2382d1 restrict the movement of the first support segment 2381 relative to the second support segment 2382 along the length of the first support member 238, further improving the connection reliability of the first support segment 2381 and the second support segment 2382.

[0109] Please refer to Figure 16, which is a cross-sectional view of the first support member 238 of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 shown in Figure 4. When the first groove 2382d1 penetrates the first support surface 238a, the opening of the first groove 2382d1 on the first support surface 238a is called the first opening 238a1. Along the arrangement direction of the first support surface 238a and the first surface 238b, at least a portion of the first protrusion 2381d1 has a width in the first direction greater than the width of the first opening 238a1 in the first direction. Furthermore, when the first groove 2382d1 penetrates the first surface 238b, the opening of the first groove 2382d1 on the first surface 238b is called the second opening 238b3, and at least a portion of the first protrusion 2381d1 has a width in the first direction greater than the width of the second opening 238b3 in the first direction. This increases the area of ​​the injection-molded connection surface between the first support segment 2381 and the second support segment 2382, improving their bonding strength. Furthermore, the first protrusion 2381d1 and the first groove 2382d1 can restrict the first support segment 2381 from moving or falling off relative to the second support segment 2382 in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the first support member 238. In some other embodiments, the first groove 2382d1 may not penetrate the first surface 238b.

[0110] In some other embodiments, please refer to FIG17, which is another cross-sectional view of the first support member 238 of the pivot mechanism 23 shown in FIG4. The embodiment shown in FIG17 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG16 in that, along the arrangement direction of the first support surface 238a and the first surface 238b, the width of the first protrusion 2381d1 in the first direction is less than or equal to the width of the second opening 238b3 in the first direction.

[0111] In other embodiments, please refer to FIG18, which is another cross-sectional view of the first support member 238 of the pivot mechanism 23 shown in FIG4. The embodiment shown in FIG18 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG16 in that, along the arrangement direction of the first support surface 238a and the first surface 238b, at least a portion of the width of the first protrusion 2381d1 in the first direction is greater than the width of the second opening 238b3, and less than or equal to the width of the first opening 238a1 in the first direction. In other embodiments, the first groove 2382d1 may not penetrate the first support surface 238a.

[0112] Please refer to Figure 19, which is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first support member 238 of the rotating shaft mechanism 23 shown in Figure 4. The embodiment shown in Figure 19 differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 15 in that: the first end face 2381d has a first groove 2382d1, which penetrates the first sub-support surface 2381a. The first sub-surface 2381b has a second groove 2381b1, which is spaced apart from the first end face 2381d. A portion of the second groove 2381b1 penetrates the sidewall of the first groove 2382d1, and another portion of the second groove 2381b1 is located on the side of the first groove 2382d1 away from the first end face 2381d. The first protrusion 2381d1 fills the first groove 2382d1 and the second groove 2381b1. In some other embodiments, the first groove 2382d1 may also extend through the first sub-surface 2381b, and the first sub-support surface 2381a may have a second groove 2381b1.

[0113] This increases the area of ​​the injection molding interface between the first support segment 2381 and the second support segment 2382, enhancing their bonding strength. When the first support member 238 is relatively thin, this connection method prevents the first protrusion 2381d1 of the second support segment 2382 from being too thin and easily lifting off from the first support segment 2381, thus ensuring the reliability of the connection between the first support segment 2381 and the second support segment 2382.

[0114] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0115] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A pivot mechanism for a folding device, the folding device comprising a folding screen, characterized in that, include: Base; A first structural member, which is rotatable relative to the base; A first support member is used to support the foldable screen portion. The first support member includes a first support segment and a second support segment that are connected to each other and made of different materials. The first support segment and the second support segment are arranged along the length direction of the first support member. The first support member is connected to the first structural member. The first support segment includes a metal structure.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first support section is a metal structure.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second support section includes a plastic structure.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second support section is a plastic structure.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The material of the second support segment includes at least one of liquid crystal polymer, polyamide, carbon fiber reinforced liquid crystal polymer, glass fiber reinforced liquid crystal polymer, carbon fiber reinforced polyamide, and glass fiber reinforced polyamide.

6. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The second support section is made of glass fiber reinforced polyamide.

7. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The material of the first support segment includes at least one of aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, and stainless steel.

8. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first support section and the second support section are an integral structural component.

9. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first support segment and the second support segment are an integral structural component formed by injection molding.

10. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, There are multiple first support segments and multiple second support segments, which are arranged alternately along the length of the first support member.

11. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, It also includes a third support section, which is a metal structure; along the length direction of the first support member, the two ends of the second support section are respectively connected to the first support section and the third support section.

12. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The first support segment has a first end face facing the second support segment, and the second support segment has a second end face facing the first support segment, with the second end face being fitted and connected to the first end face.

13. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 12, characterized in that, One of the first end face and the second end face has a first groove, and the other has a first protrusion, with the first protrusion located within the first groove.

14. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first support member has a first support surface and a first surface facing away from each other, and the first support surface and the first surface are arranged along the thickness direction of the first support member; The first groove penetrates the first support surface; And / or the first groove extends through the first surface.

15. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first groove penetrates the first support surface, and the opening of the first groove on the first support surface is the first opening; along the arrangement direction of the first support surface and the first surface, at least a portion of the width of the first protrusion in the first direction is greater than the width of the first opening in the first direction. And / or, The first groove penetrates the first surface, and the opening of the first groove on the first surface is the second opening; along the arrangement direction of the first support surface and the first surface, at least a portion of the width of the first protrusion in the first direction is greater than the width of the second opening in the first direction. Wherein, the first direction is parallel to the first support surface and perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first support segment and the second support segment.

16. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The first support member has a first support surface; Along the direction from the opening of the first groove to the bottom wall, at least a portion of the width of the first protrusion in the first direction is greater than the width of the opening of the first groove in the first direction; wherein, the first direction is parallel to the first support surface and perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first support segment and the second support segment.

17. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 13-16, characterized in that, The first support segment also has a first sub-support surface and a first sub-surface facing away from each other; The first end face has the first groove, which penetrates one of the first sub-support surface and the first sub-surface. The other of the first sub-support surface and the first sub-surface has a second groove, a portion of which penetrates the sidewall of the first groove, and the first protrusion fills the first groove and the second groove.

18. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-17, characterized in that, The first support segment has a connecting structure, and the first support member is connected to the first structural member through the connecting structure.

19. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first structural component includes a first swing arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the base to allow the rotating shaft mechanism to move between an unfolded state and a folded state.

20. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first swing arm is provided with a sliding block, the first support section has a first sliding groove, the first sliding groove forms the connection structure, and the sliding block is slidably disposed in the first sliding groove.

21. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The first support segment has a first sub-support surface and a first sub-surface facing away from each other. The first support segment also has a first sub-side facing the base. The first sub-side has a clearance groove that passes through the first sub-support surface and the first sub-surface. When the pivot mechanism is in the folded state, a portion of the first swing arm is located in the clearance groove.

22. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first swing arm has a first limiting protrusion; when the pivot mechanism is in the folded state, the bottom wall of the clearance groove is opposite to the first limiting protrusion to restrict the first support member from sliding relative to the first swing arm toward the base.

23. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 18-22, characterized in that, The first support segment has a protrusion, which forms the connecting structure; the first structural member has a first arc-shaped groove, and the first arc-shaped protrusion is slidably disposed in the first arc-shaped groove; or, The first structural member has a protrusion; the first support member has a first arc-shaped groove, the first arc-shaped groove forms the connection structure, and the protrusion is slidably disposed in the first arc-shaped groove.

24. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in any one of claims 19-23, characterized in that, The rotating shaft mechanism further includes a second swing arm, which is rotatably connected to the base, and the second swing arm and the first swing arm are located on the same side of the base.

25. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in any one of claims 19-24, characterized in that, It also includes a first connector, the surface of the first connector facing the base having a second groove, and the end of the first swing arm away from the base being slidably disposed in the second groove.

26. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 25, characterized in that, Rotary connection between the first connector and the first support.

27. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in claim 26, characterized in that, The first connector has a first arc-shaped groove, and the first support has a first arc-shaped protrusion, the first arc-shaped protrusion being slidably disposed within the first arc-shaped groove.

28. The rotating shaft mechanism as described in any one of claims 25-27, characterized in that, The first support member is located on the front side of the first connector.

29. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1-28, characterized in that, The first support member is located on the front side of the first structural member.

30. A folding device, characterized in that, include: A foldable screen, the foldable screen comprising a first part and a second part connected to each other; A support device, the support device comprising a first housing and a rotating shaft mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-28, wherein the first structural member is connected to the first housing; in The first housing carries the first part, and the rotating shaft mechanism carries the second part.

31. The folding device as claimed in claim 30, characterized in that, The support device further includes a second housing, and the rotating shaft mechanism is connected between the first housing and the second housing; The foldable screen includes a third part, and the first part, the second part, and the third part are connected in sequence; wherein, the second housing carries the third part; when the foldable screen is in a folded state, the first part and the third part are opposite to each other, and the foldable screen is located between the first housing and the second housing.

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