Folding mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a folding mechanism and an electronic device. A first support plate and a second support plate of the folding mechanism move away from a main shaft during a folding process, so as to provide clearance for the main shaft and a structural member mounted on the main shaft; and the first support plate and the second support plate move closer to the main shaft during an unfolding process, so as to approach each other and form a small-gap support, thereby providing a better support environment for a flexible display screen, and making the flexible display screen have better light and shadow effects.

Description

Folding mechanism and electronic equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510061836.0, filed on January 14, 2025, entitled "Folding Mechanism 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 products technology, and more particularly to a folding mechanism and electronic device. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, flexible displays have been widely used in various foldable electronic devices due to their lightweight, thinness, and durability. Foldable electronic devices also include folding devices to support the flexible displays. These folding devices typically consist of two housings and a folding mechanism connecting the two housings. The two housings fold or unfold relative to each other through the deformation of the folding mechanism, which in turn causes the flexible displays to fold or unfold.

[0004] In traditional inward-folding electronic devices, the folding mechanism includes two support plates that support the flexible display screen when the device is open. However, in order to avoid other structural components of the folding mechanism when the device is closed, the support plates typically need to have large cutouts. As a result, when the device is open, the cutout areas are insufficient to support the flexible display screen, leading to uneven support from the folding mechanism and poor lighting effects on the flexible display screen. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a folding mechanism and an electronic device. The flexible display screen of the aforementioned electronic device exhibits superior light and shadow effects.

[0006] In one aspect, this application provides a folding mechanism that can be applied to a folding device of a foldable electronic device. The folding mechanism includes a main shaft, a first fixed frame, a second fixed frame, a first swing arm, a first connecting arm, a second swing arm, and a second connecting arm. The rotating end of the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the sliding end of the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first fixed frame. The first end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame. The rotating end of the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the sliding end of the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second fixed frame. The first end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame.

[0007] The folding mechanism also includes a first support plate, a first linkage arm, a second support plate, and a second linkage arm. The first support plate is slidably connected to the first connecting arm or the first fixed frame, and the first linkage arm is connected to the first fixed frame, the first swing arm, and the first support plate; the second support plate is slidably connected to the second connecting arm or the second fixed frame, and the second linkage arm is connected to the second fixed frame, the second swing arm, and the second support plate.

[0008] When the folding mechanism is in the open state, the first fixed frame and the second fixed frame are located on both sides of the main shaft, and the support surface of the first support plate and the support surface of the second support plate face the same direction; when the folding mechanism is in the closed state, the first fixed frame and the second fixed frame are located on the same side of the main shaft, and the support surface of the first support plate and the support surface of the second support plate are set opposite to each other.

[0009] During the movement of the folding mechanism from the open state to the closed state, the first support plate moves away from the main shaft relative to the first fixed frame, and the second support plate moves away from the main shaft relative to the second fixed frame; during the movement of the folding mechanism from the closed state to the open state, the first support plate moves closer to the main shaft relative to the first fixed frame, and the second support plate moves closer to the main shaft relative to the second fixed frame.

[0010] In this application, the rotating end of the first swing arm of the connecting assembly of the folding mechanism is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the sliding end of the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first fixed frame, forming a linkage slider structure. The first end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame, forming a linkage structure. The rotating end of the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the sliding end of the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second fixed frame, forming a linkage slider structure. The first end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the second fixed frame, forming a linkage structure.

[0011] Therefore, the folding mechanism, through a linkage-slider structure and a linkage structure, achieves the connection between the first and second fixed frames and the main shaft. Since the first fixed frame is used to fix the first housing of the folding device, and the second fixed frame is used to fix the second housing of the folding device, it also further achieves the connection between the first and second housings and the main shaft. The number of components is small, the fit is simple, and the components are easy to manufacture and assemble, which is conducive to mass production and reduces the cost of the folding mechanism and housing assembly. Furthermore, since the main shaft links the first fixed frame through the first connecting arm and the first swing arm, and links the second fixed frame through the second connecting arm and the second swing arm, the movement path of the folding mechanism is accurate, and the folding mechanism and its components have excellent tensile and compressive strength.

[0012] The folding mechanism connects the first support plate, the first fixed frame, and the first swing arm via a first linkage arm, and the second support plate, the second fixed frame, and the second swing arm via a second linkage arm. This allows the first and second support plates to move towards the main shaft relative to the first and second fixed frames during the unfolding process, resulting in a small gap between them. This provides a good support environment for the flexible display screen of the electronic device, leading to better light and shadow effects. Furthermore, during the folding process, the first and second support plates move away from the main shaft relative to the first and second fixed frames, avoiding other structural components of the folding mechanism (mainly the main shaft and components mounted on it). The first and second support plates do not require large clearance holes, thus avoiding interference with these other structural components and enabling the basic movement of the folding mechanism. This results in smaller cutouts in the first and second support plates, leading to a larger support area and a better support environment for the flexible display screen in the unfolded state, resulting in better light and shadow effects.

[0013] The folding mechanism utilizes the relative sliding between the first fixed frame and the first swing arm, and the relative sliding between the second fixed frame and the second swing arm. By adding the first linkage arm and the second linkage arm, the first support plate and the second support plate can be driven to move. This reduces the number of parts, simplifies the structure, and lightens the weight, which helps control the cost and overall weight of the folding mechanism.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the first linkage arm includes a first end, a connecting part, and a second end. The connecting part of the first linkage arm is connected between the first end and the second end of the first linkage arm. The first end of the first linkage arm is connected to a first swing arm. The connecting part of the first linkage arm is connected to a first fixed frame. The second end of the first linkage arm is connected to a first support plate.

[0015] In this implementation, since the connecting part of the first linkage arm is located between the first end and the second end of the first linkage arm, when the first fixed frame slides relative to the first swing arm and the connecting part of the first linkage arm moves closer to or further away from the main shaft relative to the first end of the first linkage arm, the second end of the first linkage arm further moves closer to or further away from the main shaft relative to the connecting part of the first linkage arm.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the connecting part of the first linkage arm is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame.

[0017] In this implementation, the first linkage arm swings around the rotation center of the connecting part of the first linkage arm relative to the first fixed frame, so that when the connecting part of the first linkage arm moves closer to / away from the main shaft relative to the first end of the first linkage arm, the second end of the first linkage arm also moves closer to / away from the main shaft relative to the connecting part of the first linkage arm.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the first end of the first linkage arm includes a first gear, the sliding end of the first swing arm includes a first rack, and the first rack meshes with the first gear.

[0019] In this implementation, since the sliding end of the first swing arm is engaged with the first end of the first linkage arm, and the connecting part of the first linkage arm is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame, when the sliding end of the first swing arm slides relative to the first fixed frame, the first linkage arm swings relative to the first fixed frame around the rotation center of the connecting part of the first linkage arm, and the first end and the second end of the first linkage arm both change position relative to the first fixed frame.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the first gear is an incomplete gear, with its axial direction coinciding with the rotation center of the connecting part of the first linkage arm. In this case, the first gear is relatively small in size and can maintain engagement with the first rack during the movement of the folding mechanism.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the sliding end of the first swing arm is provided with a first sliding groove, the extension direction of the first sliding groove intersects with the sliding direction of the sliding end of the first swing arm, and the first end of the first linkage arm includes a first protrusion, the first protrusion is located in the first sliding groove, and can slide relative to the first sliding groove along the extension direction of the first sliding groove.

[0022] In this implementation, when the sliding end of the first swing arm slides relative to the first fixed frame, the first linkage arm swings relative to the first fixed frame around the rotation center of the connecting part of the first linkage arm. The first protrusion of the first linkage arm slides in the first sliding groove of the first swing arm, and the first end of the first linkage arm remains connected to the first swing arm. Both the first end and the second end of the first linkage arm change position relative to the first fixed frame. When the first fixed frame slides relative to the first swing arm, and the connecting part of the first linkage arm moves closer to or further away from the main shaft relative to the first end of the first linkage arm, the second end of the first linkage arm also moves closer to or further away from the main shaft relative to the connecting part of the first linkage arm.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the first protrusion includes a first contact surface that contacts the wall of the first sliding groove, and the first contact surface is annular. In this case, during the swinging of the first linkage arm, the first protrusion can smoothly slide and rotate in the first sliding groove, thereby improving the motion reliability of the connecting assembly and the folding mechanism.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the folding mechanism further includes a first link, one end of which is rotatably connected to the first end of the first linkage arm, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the sliding end of the first swing arm.

[0025] In this implementation, when the sliding end of the first swing arm slides relative to the first fixed frame, the first connecting rod swings, and the first linkage arm swings relative to the first fixed frame around the rotation center of the connecting part of the first linkage arm. Both the first end and the second end of the first linkage arm change position relative to the first fixed frame. When the first fixed frame slides relative to the first swing arm, and the connecting part of the first linkage arm moves closer to or further away from the main shaft relative to the first end of the first linkage arm, the second end of the first linkage arm also moves closer to or further away from the main shaft relative to the connecting part of the first linkage arm.

[0026] In some possible implementations, the first support plate includes a first plate body and a first push-pull portion. One side surface of the first plate body forms a support surface for the first support plate. The first push-pull portion is fixed to the other side surface of the first plate body. The first push-pull portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion that are opposite to each other and spaced apart. The arrangement direction of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is parallel to the sliding direction of the first support plate or forms an angle of less than 90°. The second end of the first linkage arm includes a second protrusion, which is installed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion and contacts the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion.

[0027] In this implementation, since the first support plate is slidably connected to the first connecting arm, and the first linkage arm is connected to the first fixed frame, the first swing arm, and the first support plate, during the movement of the folding mechanism and the relative sliding of the first fixed frame and the first swing arm, the second protrusion at the second end of the first linkage arm can push the first support plate to slide relative to the first connecting arm and move relative to the first fixed frame by pushing the first protrusion or the second protrusion. For example, based on the movement of the second end of the first linkage arm, during the unfolding process of the folding mechanism, the second end of the first linkage arm can push the first support plate relative to the first fixed frame towards the main shaft; during the folding process of the folding mechanism, the second end of the first linkage arm can push the first support plate relative to the first fixed frame away from the main shaft.

[0028] In some possible implementations, the second protrusion includes a second contact surface that contacts the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion. The second contact surface is annular, and the central region of the second contact surface protrudes relative to the top and bottom regions of the second contact surface.

[0029] The distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be equal to the width of the second contact surface of the second protrusion, or slightly greater than the width of the second contact surface of the second protrusion.

[0030] Because the second contact surface is annular, during the swinging of the first linkage arm relative to the first fixed frame, the second contact surface can contact the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion through different circumferential areas to maintain contact with the first push-pull part, thereby smoothly pushing the first support plate to move. Furthermore, because the middle region of the second contact surface protrudes relative to its top and bottom regions, the second contact surface can contact the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion through different axial areas when the first linkage arm and the first support plate are in different positional relationships, thus maintaining contact with the first push-pull part.

[0031] In some possible implementations, the first support plate and the first connecting arm are arranged along the length of the main shaft. The first connecting arm has a support surface, and the support surface of the first connecting arm faces the same direction as the support surface of the first support plate and is exposed relative to the support surface of the first support plate.

[0032] In this implementation, the support surfaces of the first connecting arm and the first support plate can jointly support the flexible display screen. The first connecting arm and the first support plate are staggered, so the first connecting arm does not need to reduce its wall thickness to avoid the first support plate; it can retain a larger wall thickness, thus possessing higher structural strength, a lower risk of drop breakage, and higher reliability. Furthermore, due to the higher structural strength of the first connecting arm, its support for the flexible display screen is also more reliable.

[0033] In some possible implementations, the first support plate is slidably connected to the first connecting arm, and the sliding direction is parallel to the support surface of the first connecting arm.

[0034] In this implementation, since the first connecting arm is used to provide support for the flexible display screen, and the first support plate is slidably connected to the first connecting arm, the first support plate has no movement angle deviation during the movement of the folding mechanism, and the angle between the support surface of the first support plate and the support surface of the first connecting arm remains unchanged. Therefore, the folding mechanism provides a better support environment for the flexible display screen.

[0035] The support surface of the first connecting arm is flush with the support surface of the first support plate. At this time, the support surface of the first support plate and the support surface of the first connecting arm always maintain a flush position, which helps to ensure reliable support for the flexible display screen.

[0036] In some possible implementations, the end of the first support plate facing the first connecting arm is slidably connected to the side of the first connecting arm facing the first support plate. In this case, the first support plate and the first connecting arm can be slidably connected, and their arrangement is compact, which is beneficial for providing a continuous and complete support surface for the flexible display screen, resulting in a better support environment.

[0037] In some possible implementations, one of the ends of the first support plate facing the first connecting arm and the side of the first connecting arm facing the first support plate is provided with a guide groove, and the other is provided with a guide rail, with the guide rail slidably connected to the guide groove.

[0038] In this implementation, the sliding connection structure between the guide rail and the guide groove is stable and reliable, which helps to ensure the accuracy of the relative sliding motion between the first support plate and the first connecting arm. Specifically, the extension direction of the guide rail can be parallel to the support surface of the first connecting arm, so that the sliding direction of the first support plate relative to the first connecting arm is parallel to the support surface of the first connecting arm. At this time, the extension direction of the guide groove is also parallel to the support surface of the first support plate.

[0039] In some possible implementations, the guide groove is a T-groove or a dovetail groove, and the shape of the guide rail is adapted to the shape of the guide groove.

[0040] In this implementation, since the guide groove is a T-shaped groove or a dovetail groove, the shape of the guide rail is adapted to the shape of the guide groove. Therefore, when the guide rail and the guide groove are engaged, the guide rail is not easy to detach from the guide groove, thereby further ensuring the reliability of the sliding connection structure between the first support plate and the first connecting arm.

[0041] In some possible implementations, the number of first support plates is N, the number of first connecting arms is N+1, where N is a positive integer, a first support plate is provided between two adjacent first connecting arms, and the two ends of the first support plate are slidably connected to the two adjacent first connecting arms respectively.

[0042] In this implementation, the first connecting arm and the first support plate are arranged alternately along the X-axis. Two adjacent first connecting arms can maintain a stable connection with the first support plate located between them. Therefore, the first connecting arm and the first support plate can jointly provide a reliable support environment for the flexible display screen.

[0043] In some possible implementations, the first end of the first connecting arm includes two first arc-shaped arms located on both sides of the support surface of the first connecting arm. The spindle is provided with a first arc-shaped groove, and the two first arc-shaped arms are installed in the first arc-shaped groove.

[0044] In this implementation, a virtual axis rotational connection structure is formed between the first end of the first connecting arm and the main shaft. While meeting the design requirements for the rotation center position, the virtual axis rotational connection structure is relatively thin, which is beneficial for achieving a thinner connecting component and folding mechanism. Furthermore, since the two first arc-shaped arms are located on both sides of the first end of the first connecting arm, the movement of the first connecting arm relative to the main shaft is relatively smooth, reducing the risk of tilting or jamming, thus improving the reliability of the folding mechanism.

[0045] In some possible implementations, the rotating end of the first swing arm has a first helical surface, and the rotating end of the second swing arm has a third helical surface. The folding mechanism also includes a synchronizing element, which is mounted on the main shaft and can slide relative to the main shaft along its length. The synchronizing element includes a first synchronizing helical surface and a third synchronizing helical surface. The axial direction of the first synchronizing helical surface is parallel to the length direction of the main shaft, and the first and third synchronizing helical surfaces are symmetrically arranged. The axial direction of the first synchronizing helical surface coincides with the axial direction of the first helical surface, and the first synchronizing helical surface is slidably connected to the first helical surface; the axial direction of the third synchronizing helical surface coincides with the axial direction of the third helical surface, and the third synchronizing helical surface is slidably connected to the third helical surface.

[0046] In this implementation, the synchronizing element is helically connected to the first swing arm and also helically connected to the second swing arm. When one of the first and second swing arms rotates relative to the main shaft, it will push the synchronizing element to move relative to the main shaft, thereby causing the other of the first and second swing arms to rotate relative to the main shaft. Therefore, the first and second swing arms can swing synchronously through the synchronizing element, so that the two sides of the connecting component and the folding mechanism can swing synchronously, improving the user experience and operation of the electronic device.

[0047] In some possible implementations, the first swing arm includes a first swing block and a second swing block, which are spaced apart. A first helical surface is located on the first swing block, and the rotating end of the first swing arm also has a second helical surface, which is opposite to and spaced apart from the first helical surface. The second helical surface is located on the second swing block, and a first helical space is formed between the first and second helical surfaces. The synchronizing element includes a first synchronizing block, which includes a first synchronizing helical surface and a second synchronizing helical surface. The first synchronizing block is located in the first helical space, and the second synchronizing helical surface is slidably connected to the second helical surface.

[0048] In this implementation, since the first synchronizing block is located between the first swing block and the second swing block of the first swing arm and connects both the first and second swing blocks, the motion consistency and stability of the first and second swing blocks are better. Furthermore, the contact area between the synchronizing element and the first swing arm is larger, the connection structure is more stable, and the force transmission is more reliable, thus resulting in better synchronization performance.

[0049] Secondly, this application also provides an electronic device, including a flexible display screen, a first housing, a second housing, and a folding mechanism of any one of the above, wherein the folding mechanism is connected between the first housing and the second housing, and the flexible display screen is fixedly connected to the first housing and the second housing.

[0050] In this implementation, the flexible display screen can be unfolded or folded along with the first and second housings. When the electronic device is in the open state, the flexible display screen is in a flattened state, enabling full-screen display and giving the electronic device a larger display area to improve the user's viewing experience. When the electronic device is in the closed state, its planar dimensions are smaller, and the flexible display screen is protected within the folding device, making it easy for users to carry and store. Attached Figure Description

[0051] To illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or background art of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments or background art of this application will be described below.

[0052] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device in the open state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the electronic device shown in Figure 1A when it is in a closed state;

[0054] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the electronic device shown in Figure 1A when it is in an intermediate state;

[0055] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism of the folding device shown in Figure 1B in some embodiments;

[0056] Figure 3 is a partially exploded structural diagram of the folding mechanism shown in Figure 2;

[0057] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the folding mechanism shown in Figure 2 in another usage state;

[0058] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of one set of connecting components of the folding mechanism shown in Figure 3;

[0059] Figure 6 is an exploded structural diagram of the connecting components shown in Figure 5;

[0060] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the main shaft of the connecting assembly shown in Figure 6;

[0061] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the first and second fixing frames of the connecting assembly shown in Figure 6;

[0062] Figure 9A is a structural schematic diagram of the first and second swing arms of the connecting assembly shown in Figure 6.

[0063] Figure 9B is a structural schematic diagram of the first and second swing arms shown in Figure 9A at another angle;

[0064] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of the first and second connecting arms of the connecting assembly shown in Figure 6.

[0065] Figure 11 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the connecting component shown in Figure 5;

[0066] Figure 12 is a structural schematic diagram of the first and second linkage arms of the connecting assembly shown in Figure 6;

[0067] Figure 13A is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure after the first and second linkage arms shown in Figure 12 are installed into the structure shown in Figure 11.

[0068] Figure 13B is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure shown in Figure 13A from another angle.

[0069] Figure 14 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 13A in another usage state;

[0070] Figure 15 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 13A in another usage state (II).

[0071] Figure 16 is a structural schematic diagram of the first and second support plates shown in Figure 3;

[0072] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure after the first and second support plates shown in Figure 16 are installed into the structure shown in Figure 13A.

[0073] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the structure shown in Figure 17 cut along point AA;

[0074] Figure 19 is a structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 17 in another usage state;

[0075] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the structure shown in Figure 19 cut along BB.

[0076] Figure 21 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the connection component shown in Figure 3 in some other embodiments;

[0077] Figure 22A is a partial structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 21 in another usage state;

[0078] Figure 22B is a partial structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 21 in another usage state;

[0079] Figure 23A is a partial structural schematic diagram of the connection component shown in Figure 3 in some other embodiments;

[0080] Figure 23B is a structural schematic diagram of part of the structure shown in Figure 23A from another perspective;

[0081] Figure 24A is a partial structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 23A in another usage state;

[0082] Figure 24B is a partial structural diagram of the structure shown in Figure 23A in another usage state;

[0083] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of the synchronization component of the connecting assembly shown in Figure 6;

[0084] Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of the damping component of the connecting assembly shown in Figure 6. Detailed Implementation

[0085] The following embodiments of this application will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0086] 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. "Rotary connection" refers to a connection where the objects can rotate relative to each other after connection. "Sliding connection" refers to a connection where the objects can slide relative to each other after connection. The directional terms mentioned in the embodiments of this application, such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "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 are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component 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. "And / or" describes 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.

[0087] This application provides an electronic device including a folding device and a flexible display screen fixed to the folding device. The folding device can be unfolded to an open state, folded to a closed state, or in an intermediate state between the open and closed states. The flexible display screen unfolds and folds along with the folding device. By optimizing the folding mechanism of the folding device, the electronic device provides a better support environment for the flexible display screen, thereby improving the light and shadow display effect of the flexible display screen.

[0088] In some embodiments, the electronic device may be a foldable electronic product such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or wearable device. Wearable devices may be smartwatches, smart bracelets, etc. This application uses a mobile phone as an example for illustration.

[0089] Please refer to Figures 1A to 1C. Figure 1A is a structural schematic diagram of an electronic device 1000 in an open state according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1B is a structural schematic diagram of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1A in a closed state. Figure 1C is a structural schematic diagram of the electronic device 1000 shown in Figure 1A in an intermediate state.

[0090] In some embodiments, the electronic device 1000 includes a folding device, which includes a folding mechanism 100, a first housing 200, and a second housing 300. The folding mechanism 100 is connected between the first housing 200 and the second housing 300. That is, the folding mechanism 100 is located between the first housing 200 and the second housing 300, with one side of the folding mechanism 100 connected to the first housing 200 and the other side connected to the second housing 300. Through the movement of the folding mechanism 100, the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can be relatively unfolded or relatively folded.

[0091] As shown in Figure 1A, the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can be unfolded relative to each other to an open state. At this time, the folding mechanism 100 and the electronic device 1000 are in the open state. For example, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are in the open state, the angle between them can be approximately 180° (a slight deviation is also allowed, such as 165°, 177°, or 185°). In this state, the electronic device 1000 has a larger width and a larger planar size, resulting in a better user experience.

[0092] As shown in Figure 1B, the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can be folded relative to each other to a closed state. At this time, the folding mechanism 100 and the electronic device 1000 are in a closed state. For example, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are in the closed state, they can be completely closed to be parallel to each other (a slight deviation is also allowed), and there may be no gap or a small gap between the first housing 200 and the second housing 300. In this case, the electronic device 1000 has a smaller width dimension, making it easier for the user to store and hold the electronic device 1000.

[0093] As shown in Figure 1C, the electronic device 1000 can also be in an intermediate state between an open state and a closed state. In this state, the angle between the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can be greater than the angle between them when they are in the closed state and less than the angle between them when they are in the open state. Therefore, the electronic device 1000 can switch between the open state, the intermediate state, and the closed state through the movement of the folding mechanism 100.

[0094] In some embodiments, the electronic device 1000 further includes a flexible display screen 400. The flexible display screen 400 is used to display images. Exemplarily, the flexible display screen 400 may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) display screen, a microorganic light-emitting diode (MOLED) display screen, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen.

[0095] For example, the flexible display screen 400 is fixedly connected to the first housing 200 and the second housing 300. For instance, the flexible display screen 400 may include a first portion 4001, a second portion 4002, and a third portion 4003 arranged sequentially. The first portion 4001 of the flexible display screen 400 is fixed to the first housing 200, the third portion 4003 of the flexible display screen 400 is fixed to the second housing 300, and the second portion 4002 of the flexible display screen 400 corresponds to the folding mechanism 100. During the relative folding or unfolding of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300, the first portion 4001 of the flexible display screen 400 moves with the first housing 200, the third portion 4003 of the flexible display screen 400 moves with the second housing 300, and the second portion 4002 of the flexible display screen 400 deforms.

[0096] As shown in Figure 1A, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are in the open state, the flexible display screen 400 is in the open state. At this time, the first part 4001, the second part 4002 and the third part 4003 of the flexible display screen 400 can be coplanar, so that the flexible display screen 400 can be in a planar or near-planar shape, with a large display area and a better user experience.

[0097] As shown in Figure 1B, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are in a closed state, the flexible display screen 400 is also in a closed state, located inside the folding device. At this time, the first part 4001 and the third part 4003 can be in a parallel or nearly parallel state, while the second part 4002 is in a bent state. The electronic device 1000 is in a closed state.

[0098] As shown in Figure 1C, when the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are in an intermediate state, the flexible display screen 400 is in an intermediate state between the open state and the closed state.

[0099] In this embodiment, the flexible display screen 400 can be unfolded or folded with the folding device. When the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, the flexible display screen 400 is in a flattened state, capable of displaying the entire screen, giving the electronic device 1000 a larger display area to improve the user's viewing experience. When the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state, the planar dimensions of the electronic device 1000 are smaller (with a smaller width dimension), and the flexible display screen 400 is protected inside by the folding device, making it convenient for users to carry and store.

[0100] In some embodiments, the electronic device 1000 may further include multiple modules (not shown in the figures), which can be housed inside the folding device. The multiple modules of the electronic device 1000 may include, but are not limited to, a motherboard, processor, memory, battery, camera module, earpiece module, speaker module, microphone module, antenna module, sensor module, etc. This application does not specifically limit the number, type, or location of the modules in the electronic device 1000.

[0101] It is understood that when a user holds the electronic device 1000, the position of the earpiece module can be defined as the top of the electronic device 1000, the position of the microphone module can be defined as the bottom of the electronic device 1000, and the sides of the electronic device 1000 held by the user's left and right hands can be defined as the left and right sides of the electronic device 1000. In some embodiments, the electronic device 1000 can be folded horizontally. In other embodiments, the electronic device 1000 can be folded vertically.

[0102] It is understood that this embodiment is described using the example of "the rotation axis of the electronic device 1000 being parallel to the length direction of the electronic device 1000". In this case, the electronic device 1000 can rotate left and right, and the folding and unfolding of the electronic device 1000 affects its width. In the description of the electronic device 1000, the side of the electronic device 1000 with the flexible display screen 400 is designated as the "top", and the side of the electronic device 1000 away from the flexible display screen 400 is designated as the "bottom". For example, the direction of the folding device facing the flexible display screen 400 is the "top", and the direction away from the flexible display screen 400 is the "bottom". In other embodiments, the rotation axis of the electronic device 1000 may also be parallel to its width direction. In this case, the electronic device 1000 can rotate up and down, and the folding and unfolding of the electronic device 1000 affects its length.

[0103] It is understood that in this embodiment, the electronic device 1000 is described as having a two-fold structure, that is, the electronic device 1000 includes two shells that can be bent relative to each other. In some other embodiments, the electronic device 1000 may also have a three-fold or more-fold structure, that is, the electronic device 1000 may include three or more shells that are bent relative to each other, and any two adjacent shells are connected by a folding mechanism. 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 structures in this embodiment, and this application will not repeat it here.

[0104] Please refer to Figures 1A and 2. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the folding mechanism 100 of the folding device shown in Figure 1B in some embodiments.

[0105] In some embodiments, the folding mechanism 100 may have a length direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction. The length direction of the folding mechanism 100 may be the same as the axis of relative rotation between the first housing 200 and the second housing 300. The width direction of the folding mechanism 100 may be parallel to the direction from the first housing 200 to the second housing 300. The thickness direction of the folding mechanism 100 may be perpendicular to its length and width directions. In the embodiments of this application, the length direction of the folding mechanism 100 is illustrated as the X-axis direction, the width direction as the Y-axis direction, and the thickness direction as the Z-axis direction.

[0106] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 3 is a partially exploded structural diagram of the folding mechanism 100 shown in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a structural diagram of the folding mechanism 100 shown in Figure 2 in another usage state.

[0107] In some embodiments, the folding mechanism 100 may include a connecting assembly 10, a shaft cover 20, a first support plate 30, and a second support plate 40.

[0108] For example, the number of connecting components 10 can be one or more; for instance, this embodiment illustrates three. Multiple connecting components 10 are arranged along the X-axis. Each connecting component 10 is movable to achieve unfolding or folding. For example, each connecting component 10 includes a main shaft 1, which is located at the center of the connecting component 10 in the Y-axis direction. The two sides of the connecting component 10 can move relative to the main shaft 1 to achieve relative unfolding or relative folding. Each connecting component 10 is connected between the first housing 200 (see Figure 1A) and the second housing 300 (see Figure 1A), that is, one side of each connecting component 10 is connected to the first housing 200, and the other side of each connecting component 10 is connected to the second housing 300. Through the movement of the multiple connecting components 10, the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can move relative to each other. Thus, the coordinated movement of the multiple connecting components 10 makes the movement of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 during relative unfolding or folding more stable and reliable.

[0109] It is understood that the number of connecting components 10 can be less or more, and the connecting components 10 can be split or merged. The structures of each connecting component 10 can also be the same or have slight differences, and this application does not impose strict limitations on this.

[0110] For example, the shaft cover 20 can be located below multiple connecting components 10 and is fixedly connected to the main shaft 1 of each of the multiple connecting components 10. The shaft cover 20 is elongated, and its length direction is consistent with the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the main shafts 1 of the multiple connecting components 10 are independent of each other. In this case, the fixed connection between the shaft cover 20 and the multiple connecting components 10 allows the folding mechanism 100 to be assembled into modular components for subsequent assembly of the whole machine. In other embodiments, the main shafts 1 of the multiple connecting components 10 can also be connected into an integral structure by other structural components, or the main shafts 1 of the multiple connecting components 10 can also be an integrally formed structural component. This embodiment does not strictly limit this.

[0111] Referring to Figure 1A, when the electronic device 1000 is in the open state, the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 together cover the shaft cover 20, which is hidden inside the first housing 200 and the second housing 300. Referring to Figure 1B, when the electronic device 1000 is in the closed state, the shaft cover 20 is exposed relative to the first housing 200 and the second housing 300. The shaft cover 20 forms part of the appearance of the electronic device 1000 and can cover other structural components of the folding mechanism 100 to improve the appearance consistency and aesthetics of the electronic device 1000, and also make it easier for the user to hold the electronic device 1000.

[0112] The shaft cover 20 is provided with multiple fixing parts 201, and multiple connecting components 10 can be connected to the multiple fixing parts 201 through multiple fasteners 50 to achieve assembly. The fasteners 50 can be screws, rivets, etc., and are not strictly limited in this embodiment. It is understood that in the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, for multiple structural components, at least one component is indicated by a number, while other components may or may not be labeled. The shaft cover 20 may also be provided with reinforcing ribs 202, which extend along the X-axis to improve the structural strength of the shaft cover 20. It is understood that in some other embodiments, the folding mechanism 100 may not have a shaft cover 20.

[0113] For example, both the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 are mounted on the connecting assembly 10, and the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 are arranged in the Y-axis direction. During the movement of the connecting assembly 10, the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 move with the connecting assembly 10, moving relative to the main shaft 1, thereby realizing relative unfolding and relative folding. Specifically, when the folding mechanism 100 is in the open state, the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 are relatively open; when the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 are relatively folded.

[0114] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of one of the connecting components 10 of the folding mechanism 100 shown in Figure 3, and Figure 6 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the connecting component 10 shown in Figure 5.

[0115] In some embodiments, the connecting assembly 10 of the folding mechanism 100 may further include a first pivot 21, a second pivot 22, a first fixing frame 31, a second fixing frame 32, a first swing arm 41, a second swing arm 42, a first connecting arm 51, a second connecting arm 52, a first linkage arm 61, a second linkage arm 62, a synchronizing element 7, a third swing arm 81, a fourth swing arm 82, and a damping element 9. These multiple components can be assembled to form a modular connecting assembly 10.

[0116] The first swing arm 41 and the first connecting arm 51 can connect the main shaft 1 to the first fixed frame 31, and the second swing arm 42 and the second connecting arm 52 can connect the main shaft 1 to the second fixed frame 32, so that the first fixed frame 31 and the second fixed frame 32 can be relatively unfolded to an open state or relatively folded to a closed state. In this embodiment, the first fixed frame 31 can be fixed to the first housing 200, and the second fixed frame 32 can be fixed to the second housing 300, thereby realizing the relative unfolding or relative folding of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300.

[0117] The first linkage arm 61 can be installed on the first fixed frame 31, and the second linkage arm 62 can be installed on the second fixed frame 32.

[0118] The synchronizing element 7 can be installed on the main shaft 1. The synchronizing element 7 connects the first swing arm 41 and the second swing arm 42 to synchronize the rotation of the first swing arm 41 and the second swing arm 42.

[0119] The third swing arm 81 can connect the main shaft 1 and the first fixed frame 31, and the fourth swing arm 82 can connect the main shaft 1 and the second fixed frame 32.

[0120] The damping element 9 can be installed on the main shaft 1 to provide damping force for the first swing arm 41, the second swing arm 42, the third swing arm 81 and the fourth swing arm 82 to move relative to the main shaft 1.

[0121] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the connection component 10 may also include more or fewer components.

[0122] In the accompanying drawings following Figure 5 and the descriptions related to the drawings, the structure of one of the connecting components 10, one of the first support plates 30 and one of the second support plates 40 of the folding mechanism 100 is mainly illustrated and described. The structures of other connecting components 10 and other support plates can be designed with reference to the relevant content of the connecting components 10 and support plates mentioned above. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0123] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a structural schematic diagram of the main shaft 1 of the connecting assembly 10 shown in Figure 6.

[0124] In some embodiments, the length direction of the spindle 1 is parallel to the X-axis direction. The spindle 1 may include a first mounting portion 11, a connecting plate 12, and a second mounting portion 13. The mating structure of the spindle 1 for connecting with other components of the connecting assembly 10 is mainly provided in the first mounting portion 11 and the second mounting portion 13, and the connecting plate 12 connects the first mounting portion 11 and the second mounting portion 13. In this embodiment, by providing the connecting plate 12, the spindle 1 can not only achieve structural integration, but also the connecting plate 12 has a small volume, which is beneficial for miniaturization.

[0125] For example, the spindle 1 has a first arc-shaped groove 14, a second arc-shaped groove 15, a first shaft hole 16 and a second shaft hole 17.

[0126] For example, the first arc-shaped groove 14 and the second arc-shaped groove 15 can be disposed alternately on the first mounting portion 11, with the first arc-shaped groove 14 extending to one side of the first mounting portion 11 and the second arc-shaped groove 15 extending to the other side of the first mounting portion 11. The first mounting portion 11 may further include a first limiting block 18 and a second limiting block 19; the first limiting block 18 protrudes from the groove wall of the first arc-shaped groove 14 and is arc-shaped; the second limiting block 19 protrudes from the groove wall of the second arc-shaped groove 15 and is arc-shaped.

[0127] For example, the axial direction of the first shaft hole 16 can be parallel to the X-axis direction, and the axial direction of the second shaft hole 17 can also be parallel to the X-axis direction. In the Y-axis direction, the first shaft hole 16 and the second shaft hole 17 are located on opposite sides of the connecting plate 12. The first shaft hole 16 may include two parts, one part located in the first mounting portion 11 and the other part located in the second mounting portion 13. The second shaft hole 17 may also include two parts, one part located in the first mounting portion 11 and the other part located in the second mounting portion 13.

[0128] For example, the spindle 1 also has a plurality of fastening holes 110, which can be arranged in the first mounting portion 11, the connecting plate 12, and the second mounting portion 13. Referring to Figures 3 and 5, a plurality of fasteners 50 of the folding mechanism 100 can pass through the plurality of fastening holes 110 of the spindle 1 to fix the connecting assembly 10 to the shaft cover 20. Since the plurality of fastening holes 110 are distributed at multiple locations along the length of the spindle 1, it is beneficial to increase the connection stability between the connecting assembly 10 and the shaft cover 20.

[0129] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a structural schematic diagram of the first fixing frame 31 and the second fixing frame 32 of the connecting assembly 10 shown in Figure 6.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first fixing frame 31 may be provided with a first rotating part 311, a first sliding groove 312, and a third sliding groove 313. The first rotating part 311, the first sliding groove 312, and the third sliding groove 313 may be arranged sequentially along the length of the first fixing frame 31.

[0131] The first rotating part 311 may be provided with a rotating hole 3111. The first rotating part 311 may include two protrusions, which are spaced apart along the length direction of the first fixing frame 31, and the rotating hole 3111 may be passed through one protrusion to the other protrusion. The axial direction of the rotating hole 3111 may be parallel to the length direction of the first fixing frame 31.

[0132] The extension direction of the first slide groove 312 may intersect the length direction of the first fixing frame 31, for example, perpendicular or nearly perpendicular. In this embodiment, when the structural member is installed in the slide groove or sliding channel, the structural member can slide along the extension direction of the slide groove or sliding channel.

[0133] The extension direction of the third slide 313 can intersect with the length direction of the first fixing frame 31, for example, perpendicular or nearly perpendicular.

[0134] The first fixing frame 31 may also be provided with a first hole 314, which may be provided on the bottom wall of the first slide groove 312 and the first hole 314 is connected to the first slide groove 312.

[0135] In some embodiments, the second fixing frame 32 may be provided with a second rotating part 321, a second sliding groove 322, and a fourth sliding groove 323. The second rotating part 321, the second sliding groove 322, and the fourth sliding groove 323 may be arranged sequentially along the length of the second fixing frame 32.

[0136] The second rotating part 321 may be provided with a rotating hole 3211. The second rotating part 321 may include two protrusions, which are spaced apart along the length direction of the second fixing frame 32, and the rotating hole 3211 may be formed by one protrusion passing through the other protrusion. The axial direction of the rotating hole 3211 may be parallel to the length direction of the second fixing frame 32.

[0137] The extension direction of the second slide groove 322 may intersect with the length direction of the second fixing frame 32, for example, perpendicular or nearly perpendicular.

[0138] The extension direction of the fourth slide groove 323 can intersect with the length direction of the second fixing frame 32, for example, perpendicular or nearly perpendicular.

[0139] The second fixing bracket 32 ​​may also be provided with a second hole 324, which may be provided on the bottom wall of the second slide groove 322 and the second hole 324 is connected to the second slide groove 322.

[0140] Please refer to Figures 9A and 9B. Figure 9A is a structural schematic diagram of the first swing arm 41 and the second swing arm 42 of the connecting assembly 10 shown in Figure 6. Figure 9B is a structural schematic diagram of the first swing arm 41 and the second swing arm 42 shown in Figure 9A from another angle.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first swing arm 41 includes a rotating end 411 and a sliding end 412. The rotating end 411 and the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 can be arranged along the width direction of the first swing arm 41. For example, the first swing arm 41 may include a first swing block 41a and a second swing block 41b, which are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the first swing arm 41. The length direction of the first swing arm 41 is perpendicular to the width direction of the first swing arm 41. In this case, both the rotating end 411 and the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 have a portion located in the first swing block 41a and a portion located in the second swing block 41b.

[0142] The first swing arm 41 has a rotating end 411 with a rotating hole 4111, a first helical surface 4112, and a second helical surface 4113. The rotating hole 4111 extends along the length of the first swing arm 41 and passes through the first swing block 41a and the second swing block 41b. The first helical surface 4112 and the second helical surface 4113 are opposite to each other and spaced apart. The first helical surface 4112 is located in the first swing block 41a, and the second helical surface 4113 is located in the second swing block 41b. A first helical space 4114 is formed between the first helical surface 4112 and the second helical surface 4113. The first helical surface 4112, the second helical surface 4113, and the first helical space 4114 are all arranged around the rotating hole 4111, and their axial directions coincide. The first helical space 4114 is also connected to the rotating hole 4111.

[0143] The sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 is provided with a sliding block 4121 and a first rack 4122. There can be two sliding blocks 4121, one of which protrudes from the side of the first swing block 41a facing away from the second swing block 41b, and the other protrudes from the side of the second swing block 41b facing away from the first swing block 41a. The first rack 4122 is located on the side of the second swing block 41b facing the first swing block 41a.

[0144] A first movable space 4123 is formed between the first swing block 41a and the second swing block 41b, and the first movable space 4123 is at least partially located at the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41. The first rack 4122 is exposed in the first movable space 4123.

[0145] The first swing arm 41 may further include a connecting section 413, which connects the rotating end 411 and the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41. This improves the design flexibility of the rotating end 411 and the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 and reduces the design difficulty of the first swing arm 41. Part of the structure of the connecting section 413 of the first swing arm 41 is located in the first swing block 41a, and part of the structure is located in the second swing block 41b. In some other embodiments, the first swing arm 41 may not have a connecting section 413, and the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 may be directly connected to the rotating end 411 of the first swing arm 41. This application does not strictly limit this embodiment.

[0146] In some embodiments, the second swing arm 42 includes a rotating end 421 and a sliding end 422. The rotating end 421 and the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42 can be arranged along the width direction of the second swing arm 42. For example, the second swing arm 42 may include a third swing block 42a and a fourth swing block 42b, which are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the second swing arm 42. The length direction of the second swing arm 42 is perpendicular to its width direction. In this case, both the rotating end 421 and the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42 have a portion located in the third swing block 42a and a portion located in the fourth swing block 42b.

[0147] The rotating end 421 of the second swing arm 42 is provided with a rotating hole 4211, a third helical surface 4212, and a fourth helical surface 4213. The rotating hole 4211 of the second swing arm 42 extends along the length of the second swing arm 42 and passes through the third swing block 42a and the fourth swing block 42b. The third helical surface 4212 and the fourth helical surface 4213 are opposite to each other and spaced apart. The third helical surface 4212 is located in the third swing block 42a, and the fourth helical surface 4213 is located in the fourth swing block 42b. A second helical space 4214 is formed between the third helical surface 4212 and the fourth helical surface 4213. The third helical surface 4212, the fourth helical surface 4213, and the second helical space 4214 are all arranged around the rotating hole 4211, and their axial directions coincide. The second helical space 4214 is also connected to the rotating hole 4211.

[0148] The sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42 is provided with a sliding block 4221 and a second rack 4222. There can be two sliding blocks 4221, one of which protrudes from the side of the third swing block 42a facing away from the fourth swing block 42b, and the other protrudes from the side of the fourth swing block 42b facing away from the third swing block 42a. The second rack 4222 is located on the side of the fourth swing block 42b facing the third swing block 42a.

[0149] A second movable space 4223 is formed between the third swing block 42a and the fourth swing block 42b, and the second movable space 4223 is at least partially located at the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42. The second rack 4222 is exposed in the second movable space 4223.

[0150] The second swing arm 42 may further include a connecting section 423, which connects the rotating end 421 and the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42. This improves the design flexibility of the rotating end 421 and the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42, and reduces the design difficulty of the second swing arm 42. Part of the connecting section 423 is located in the third swing block 42a, and part is located in the fourth swing block 42b. In some other embodiments, the second swing arm 42 may not have a connecting section 423, and the sliding end 422 and the rotating end 421 of the second swing arm 42 may be directly connected. This application does not strictly limit this embodiment.

[0151] Please refer to Figure 10, which is a structural schematic diagram of the first connecting arm 51 and the second connecting arm 52 of the connecting assembly 10 shown in Figure 6.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first connecting arm 51 includes a first end 511, a second end 512, and a connecting segment 513, wherein the connecting segment 513 connects the first end 511 and the second end 512 of the first connecting arm 51. The first end 511, the connecting segment 513, and the second end 512 of the first connecting arm 51 can be arranged along the width direction of the first connecting arm 51.

[0153] The first connecting arm 51 has a support surface 514, which is at least partially located within the connecting segment 513 of the first connecting arm 51. For example, the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51 can extend from the first end 511 of the first connecting arm 51, through the connecting segment 513, to the second end 512 of the first connecting arm 51, thus having a larger area. Of course, in some other embodiments, the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51 can also be entirely located within the connecting segment 513 of the first connecting arm 51; this application does not strictly limit this.

[0154] The first end 511 of the first connecting arm 51 may be provided with a first arc-shaped arm 5111. There may be two first arc-shaped arms 5111, arranged along the length of the first connecting arm 51 on both sides of the first end 511. In this case, the two first arc-shaped arms 5111 may be located on both sides of the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51. The axis of the first arc-shaped arm 5111 may be located on the top side of the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51.

[0155] The first end 511 of the first connecting arm 51 may also be provided with a first limiting groove 5112. The first limiting groove 5112 is arc-shaped and located between the two first arc-shaped arms 5111, facing away from the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51. The two ends of the first limiting groove 5112 can penetrate through the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51.

[0156] The second end 512 of the first connecting arm 51 is provided with a rotating hole 5121, which passes through the second end 512 of the first connecting arm 51 along the length direction of the first connecting arm 51.

[0157] The first connecting arm 51 may further include a first guide rail 515, which may be disposed on the side of the first connecting arm 51. For example, there may be two first guide rails 515, which are respectively disposed on the two sides of the first connecting arm 51, and the two sides of the first connecting arm 51 are spaced apart along the length of the first connecting arm 51. The shape of the first guide rail 515 may be T-shaped or dovetail-shaped, and this embodiment of the application does not strictly limit this.

[0158] In some embodiments, the second connecting arm 52 includes a first end 521, a second end 522, and a connecting segment 523, wherein the connecting segment 523 connects the first end 521 and the second end 522 of the second connecting arm 52. The first end 521, the connecting segment 523, and the second end 522 of the second connecting arm 52 can be arranged along the width direction of the second connecting arm 52.

[0159] The second connecting arm 52 has a support surface 524, which is at least partially located within the connecting segment 523 of the second connecting arm 52. For example, the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52 can extend from the first end 521 of the second connecting arm 52, through the connecting segment 523, to the second end 522 of the second connecting arm 52, thus having a larger area. Of course, in some other embodiments, the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52 can also be entirely located within the connecting segment 523 of the second connecting arm 52; this application does not strictly limit this.

[0160] The first end 521 of the second connecting arm 52 may be provided with a second arc-shaped arm 5211. There may be two second arc-shaped arms 5211, arranged along the length of the second connecting arm 52 on both sides of the first end 521. In this case, the two second arc-shaped arms 5211 may be located on both sides of the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52. The axis of the second arc-shaped arm 5211 may be located on the top side of the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52.

[0161] The first end 521 of the second connecting arm 52 may also be provided with a second limiting groove 5212. The second limiting groove 5212 is arc-shaped and located between the two second arc-shaped arms 5211, facing away from the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52. Both ends of the second limiting groove 5212 can penetrate through the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52.

[0162] The second end 522 of the second connecting arm 52 is provided with a rotating hole 5221, which passes through the second end 522 of the second connecting arm 52 along the length direction of the second connecting arm 52.

[0163] The second connecting arm 52 may further include a second guide rail 525, which may be disposed on the side of the second connecting arm 52. For example, there may be two second guide rails 525, each disposed on one side of the second connecting arm 52, with the two sides of the second connecting arm 52 spaced apart along its length. The shape of the second guide rail 525 may be T-shaped or dovetail-shaped, and this embodiment does not strictly limit this.

[0164] Please refer to Figure 11, and also refer to Figures 7 to 10. Figure 11 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the connecting component 10 shown in Figure 5.

[0165] In some embodiments, a first rotating shaft 21 and a second rotating shaft 22 are mounted on the main shaft 1. The first rotating shaft 21 is inserted into a first shaft hole 16, and the second rotating shaft 22 is inserted into a second shaft hole 17. The first rotating shaft 21 and the second rotating shaft 22 can be located on opposite sides of the connecting plate 12.

[0166] For example, the rotating end 411 of the first swing arm 41 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 1, and the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 is slidably connected to the first fixed frame 31. The rotating end 411 of the first swing arm 41 can be sleeved onto the first rotating shaft 21 through its rotating hole 4111, thereby rotatably connecting to the main shaft 1. The sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 can be installed in the first sliding groove 312 of the first fixed frame 31 to slidably connect to the first fixed frame 31. Sliding guidance is achieved through the relative limiting between the sliding block 4121 of the first swing arm 41 and a portion of the groove wall of the first sliding groove 312.

[0167] For example, the first end 511 of the first connecting arm 51 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 1, and the second end 512 of the first connecting arm 51 is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 31. The rotation center of the first connecting arm 51 relative to the main shaft 1 does not coincide with the rotation center of the first swing arm 41 relative to the main shaft 1.

[0168] The two first arc-shaped arms 5111 of the first connecting arm 51 can be installed in the first arc-shaped groove 14 of the main shaft 1. In this case, a virtual shaft rotation connection structure is formed between the first end 511 of the first connecting arm 51 and the main shaft 1. While meeting the design requirements for the rotation center position, the virtual shaft rotation connection structure is relatively thin, which is beneficial for achieving a thinner connecting component 10 and folding mechanism 100. Furthermore, since the two first arc-shaped arms 5111 are located on both sides of the first end 511 of the first connecting arm 51, the movement of the first connecting arm 51 relative to the main shaft 1 is relatively smooth, reducing the risk of tilting or jamming, thus improving the reliability of the folding mechanism 100. The first limiting block 18 of the main shaft 1 can also be installed in the first limiting groove 5112 of the first connecting arm 51. Through the cooperation of the first limiting block 18 and the first limiting groove 5112, the relative movement of the first connecting arm 51 and the main shaft 1 in the length direction of the main shaft 1 can be restricted, making their relative rotational movement more stable and reliable.

[0169] The second end 512 of the first connecting arm 51 is rotatably connected to the first rotating part 311 of the first fixed frame 31. For example, the connecting component 10 can be inserted into the rotating hole 5121 of the second end 512 of the first connecting arm 51 and the rotating hole 3111 of the first rotating part 311 via a rotating shaft (not shown in the figure). The second end 512 of the first connecting arm 51 can be located between two protrusions of the first rotating part 311. By sequentially inserting one protrusion, the second end 512 of the first connecting arm 51, and the other protrusion via a rotating shaft (not shown in the figure), the second end 512 of the first connecting arm 51 is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 31, forming a solid shaft rotatable connection structure with good structural stability. The movement of the first connecting arm 51 relative to the first fixed frame 31 is relatively smooth, and it is not prone to risks such as tilting or jamming.

[0170] For example, the rotating end 421 of the second swing arm 42 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 1, and the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42 is slidably connected to the second fixed frame 32. The rotating end 421 of the second swing arm 42 can be sleeved onto the second rotating shaft 22 through its rotating hole 4211, thereby rotatably connecting to the main shaft 1. The sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42 can be installed in the second sliding groove 322 of the second fixed frame 32 to slidably connect to the second fixed frame 32. Sliding guidance is achieved through the relative limiting between the sliding block 4221 of the second swing arm 42 and a portion of the groove wall of the second sliding groove 322.

[0171] For example, the first end 521 of the second connecting arm 52 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 1, and the second end 522 of the second connecting arm 52 is rotatably connected to the second fixing frame 32.

[0172] The two second arc-shaped arms 5211 of the second connecting arm 52 can be installed in the second arc-shaped groove 15 of the main shaft 1. In this case, a virtual shaft rotation connection structure is formed between the first end 521 of the second connecting arm 52 and the main shaft 1. While meeting the design requirements for the rotation center position, the virtual shaft rotation connection structure is relatively thin, which is beneficial for achieving a thinner connecting component 10 and folding mechanism 100. Furthermore, since the two second arc-shaped arms 5211 are located on both sides of the first end 521 of the second connecting arm 52, the movement of the second connecting arm 52 relative to the main shaft 1 is relatively smooth, reducing the risk of tilting or jamming, thus improving the reliability of the folding mechanism 100. The second limiting block 19 of the main shaft 1 can also be installed in the second limiting groove 5212 of the second connecting arm 52. Through the cooperation of the second limiting block 19 and the second limiting groove 5212, the relative movement of the second connecting arm 52 and the main shaft 1 in the length direction of the main shaft 1 can be restricted, making their relative rotational movement more stable and reliable.

[0173] The second end 522 of the second connecting arm 52 is rotatably connected to the second rotating part 321 of the second fixed frame 32. For example, the connecting component 10 can be inserted into the rotating hole 5221 of the second end 522 of the second connecting arm 52 and the rotating hole 3211 of the second rotating part 321 via a rotating shaft (not shown in the figure). The second end 522 of the second connecting arm 52 can be located between two protrusions of the second rotating part 321. By sequentially inserting one protrusion, the second end 522 of the second connecting arm 52, and the other protrusion via a rotating shaft (not shown in the figure), the second end 522 of the second connecting arm 52 is rotatably connected to the second fixed frame 32, forming a solid shaft rotatable connection structure with good structural stability. The movement of the second connecting arm 52 relative to the second fixed frame 32 is relatively smooth, and it is not prone to risks such as tilting or jamming.

[0174] In this embodiment, the rotating end 411 of the first swing arm 41 of the connecting component 10 of the folding mechanism 10 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 1, and the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 is slidably connected to the first fixed frame 31, forming a linkage slider structure. The first end 511 of the first connecting arm 51 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 1, and the second end 512 of the first connecting arm 51 is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 31, forming a linkage structure. The rotating end 421 of the second swing arm 42 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 1, and the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42 is slidably connected to the second fixed frame 32, forming a linkage slider structure. The first end 521 of the second connecting arm 52 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 1, and the second end 522 of the second connecting arm 52 is rotatably connected to the second fixed frame 32, forming a linkage structure.

[0175] Therefore, the folding mechanism 100 achieves the connection between the first fixed frame 31 and the second fixed frame 32 and the main shaft 1 through the linkage slider structure and the linkage structure. Since the first fixed frame 31 is used to fix the first housing 200 and the second fixed frame 32 is used to fix the second housing 300, it also further achieves the connection between the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 and the main shaft 1. The number of components is small, the matching relationship is simple, and the components are easy to manufacture and assemble, which is conducive to mass production and reduces the cost of the folding mechanism 100 and the housing device. Furthermore, since the main shaft 1 links the first fixed frame 31 through the first connecting arm 51 and the first swing arm 41, and links the second fixed frame 32 through the second connecting arm 52 and the second swing arm 42, the movement path of the folding mechanism 100 is accurate, and the folding mechanism 100 and the folding mechanism 100 have better tensile and compressive strength.

[0176] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a structural schematic diagram of the first linkage arm 61 and the second linkage arm 62 of the connecting assembly 10 shown in Figure 6.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first linkage arm 61 includes a first end 611, a connecting portion 612, and a second end 613. The connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61 is connected between the first end 611 and the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61. In the embodiments of this application, structure A is connected between structure B and structure C, meaning that structure A is located between structure B and structure C and connects structure B and structure C. Furthermore, structure A being located between structure B and structure C includes: the case where structure A is located on the line connecting structure B and structure C, and the case where the line connecting structure A and structure B and the line connecting structure B and structure C form an acute angle, and the line connecting structure A and structure C and the line connecting structure B and structure C also form an acute angle.

[0178] For example, the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61 may have a rotation center. For instance, the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61 may be provided with a rotation hole 6121, and the axis of the rotation hole 6121 is the rotation center of the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61.

[0179] For example, the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61 may include a first gear 6111. The first gear 6111 is an incomplete gear, and the axial direction of the first gear 6111 coincides with the rotation center of the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61.

[0180] For example, the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 may include a second body 6131 and a second protrusion 6132, with the second protrusion 6132 protruding from one side of the second body 6131. ​​The second body 6131 connects to the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61, and the second body 6131, the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61, and the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61 may be integrally flat.

[0181] The second protrusion 6132 includes a second contact surface 6133, which is annular. The central region of the second contact surface 6133 protrudes relative to its top and bottom regions. The top region of the second contact surface 6133 is farther from the body relative to its central region, while the bottom region is closer to the body relative to its central region. The central region of the second contact surface 6133 protrudes outwards from its axis relative to its top and bottom regions. The second contact surface 6133 may be formed from a portion or all of the peripheral surface of the second protrusion 6132.

[0182] In some embodiments, the second linkage arm 62 includes a first end 621, a connecting portion 622 and a second end 623, with the connecting portion 622 connecting the first end 621 and the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62.

[0183] For example, the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62 may have a rotation center. For instance, the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62 may be provided with a rotation hole 6221, and the axis of the rotation hole 6221 is the rotation center of the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62.

[0184] For example, the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62 may include a second gear 6211. The second gear 6211 is an incomplete gear, and the axial direction of the second gear 6211 coincides with the rotation center of the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62.

[0185] For example, the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 may include a fourth body 6231 and a fourth protrusion 6232, with the fourth protrusion 6232 protruding from one side of the fourth body 6231. The fourth body 6231 connects to the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62, and the fourth body 6231, the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62, and the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62 may be integrally flat.

[0186] The fourth protrusion 6232 includes a fourth contact surface 6233, which is annular. The central region of the fourth contact surface 6233 protrudes relative to its top and bottom regions. The top region of the fourth contact surface 6233 is farther from the fourth body 6231 relative to its central region, while the bottom region is closer to the fourth body 6231 relative to its central region. The central region of the fourth contact surface 6233 protrudes outward from its axis relative to its top and bottom regions. The fourth contact surface 6233 can be formed from a portion or all of the peripheral surface of the fourth protrusion 6232.

[0187] Please refer to Figures 13A, 13B, and 14, and also to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 13A is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure after the first linkage arm 61 and the second linkage arm 62 shown in Figure 12 are installed into the structure shown in Figure 11. Figure 13B is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure shown in Figure 13A from another angle. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure shown in Figure 13A in another usage state. The viewpoint in Figure 13B is the reversed viewpoint of Figure 13A.

[0188] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61 is connected to the first fixing frame 31, and the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61 is connected to the first swing arm 41.

[0189] For example, the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61 is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame 31. For instance, the rotation hole 6121 of the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61 is aligned with the first hole 314 of the first fixing frame 31, and the axis of the rotation hole 6121 of the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61 coincides with the axis of the first hole 314 of the first fixing frame 31. The folding mechanism 100 may further include a first connector (not shown in the figure), which can pass through the rotation hole 6121 of the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61 and the first hole 314 of the first fixing frame 31, thereby rotatably connecting the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61 to the first fixing frame 31. In some other embodiments, the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61 may not have a rotation hole 6121, but instead has a rotating column. In this case, the axis of the rotating column is also the rotation center of the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61. The rotating post can be inserted into the first hole 314 of the first fixed frame 31, thereby rotatably connecting the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 to the first fixed frame 31. Alternatively, the first fixed frame 31 may not have the first hole 314, but instead have the first rotating post, which is inserted into the rotating hole 6121 of the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61, thereby rotatably connecting the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 to the first fixed frame 31.

[0190] For example, the first rack 4122 of the first swing arm 41 meshes with the first gear 6111 of the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61. At this time, the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 is connected to the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61. In this embodiment, since the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 is engaged with the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61, and the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 31, when the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 slides relative to the first fixed frame 31, the first linkage arm 61 swings relative to the first fixed frame 31 around the rotation center of the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61, and both the first end 611 and the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 change position relative to the first fixed frame 31.

[0191] For example, in FIG13A, the connecting component 10 of the folding mechanism 100 is in the open state, at which time the first fixing frame 31 is in the retracted position relative to the first swing arm 41; in FIG14, the connecting component 10 of the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, at which time the first fixing frame 31 is in the slid-out position relative to the first swing arm 41.

[0192] During the movement of the folding mechanism 100 from the open state to the closed state: the first fixed frame 31 moves away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first swing arm 41, thereby moving from the retracted position to the slid-out position. At this time, the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61 remains engaged with the first swing arm 41, the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 moves away from the main shaft 1 with the first fixed frame 31 (as shown by the dashed arrow), the first linkage arm 61 rotates relative to the first fixed frame 31, and the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 moves further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first fixed frame 31 (as shown by the dashed arrow).

[0193] During the movement of the folding mechanism 100 from the closed state to the open state: the first fixed frame 31 moves relative to the first swing arm 41 towards the main shaft 1, thereby moving from the sliding position to the retracted position. At this time, the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61 remains engaged with the first swing arm 41, the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 moves with the first fixed frame 31 towards the main shaft 1, the first linkage arm 61 rotates relative to the first fixed frame 31, and the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 moves further towards the main shaft 1 relative to the first fixed frame 31.

[0194] In this embodiment, since the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61 is located between the first end 611 and the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61, when the first fixed frame 31 slides relative to the first swing arm 41, and the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61 moves closer to or further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61, the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 further moves closer to or further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61.

[0195] Please refer to Figures 13A, 13B, and 15, and also to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 15 is a partial structural diagram of the structure shown in Figure 13A in another usage state.

[0196] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62 is connected to the second fixing frame 32, and the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62 is connected to the second swing arm 42.

[0197] For example, the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62 is rotatably connected to the second fixed frame 32. For instance, the rotation hole 6221 of the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62 is aligned with the second hole 324 of the second fixed frame 32, and the axis of the rotation hole 6221 of the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62 coincides with the axis of the second hole 324 of the second fixed frame 32. The folding mechanism 100 may also include a second connector (not shown in the figure), which can pass through the rotation hole 6221 of the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62 and the second hole 324 of the second fixed frame 32, thereby allowing the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62 to be rotatably connected to the second fixed frame 32. In some other embodiments, the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62 may not have a rotation hole 6221, but instead has a rotating column. In this case, the axis of the rotating column is also the rotation center of the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62. The rotating column can be inserted into the second hole 324 of the second fixed frame 32, thereby rotatably connecting the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62 to the second fixed frame 32. Alternatively, the second fixed frame 32 may not have the second hole 324, but instead has a second rotating column, which is inserted into the rotating hole 6221 of the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62, thereby rotatably connecting the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62 to the first fixed frame 31.

[0198] For example, the second rack 4222 of the second swing arm 42 meshes with the second gear 6211 of the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62. At this time, the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42 is connected to the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62. In this embodiment, since the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42 is engaged with the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62, and the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62 is rotatably connected to the second fixed frame 32, when the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42 slides relative to the second fixed frame 32, the second linkage arm 62 swings relative to the second fixed frame 32 around the rotation center of the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62, and the first end 621 and the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 both change position relative to the second fixed frame 32.

[0199] For example, in FIG13A, the connecting component 10 of the folding mechanism 100 is in the open state, at which time the second fixing frame 32 is in the retracted position relative to the second swing arm 42; in FIG15, the connecting component 10 of the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, at which time the second fixing frame 32 is in the slid-out position relative to the second swing arm 42.

[0200] During the movement of the folding mechanism 100 from the open state to the closed state: the second fixed frame 32 moves away from the main shaft 1 relative to the second swing arm 42, thereby moving from the retracted position to the slid-out position. At this time, the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62 remains engaged with the second swing arm 42, the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62 moves away from the main shaft 1 along with the second fixed frame 32, the second linkage arm 62 rotates relative to the second fixed frame 32, and the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 moves further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the second fixed frame 32.

[0201] During the movement of the folding mechanism 100 from the closed state to the open state: the second fixed frame 32 moves relative to the second swing arm 42 towards the main shaft 1, thereby moving from the sliding position to the retracted position. At this time, the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62 remains engaged with the second swing arm 42, the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62 moves with the second fixed frame 32 towards the main shaft 1, the second linkage arm 62 rotates relative to the second fixed frame 32, and the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 further moves relative to the second fixed frame 32 towards the main shaft 1.

[0202] Please refer to Figures 3 and 16. Figure 16 is a structural schematic diagram of the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 shown in Figure 3.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first support plate 30 includes a first plate body 301 and a first push-pull portion 302. One side surface of the first plate body 301 forms a support surface 303 of the first support plate 30, and the first push-pull portion 302 is fixed to the other side surface of the first plate body 301. The first push-pull portion 302 may include a first protrusion 3021 and a second protrusion 3022 that are opposite to each other and spaced apart. The first plate body 301 of the first support plate 30 may be elongated, and the length direction of the first plate body 301 is the length direction of the first support plate 30. The arrangement direction of the first protrusion 3021 and the second protrusion 3022 may intersect with the length direction of the first support plate 30, for example, they may be arranged in the width direction of the first support plate 30.

[0204] For example, the end of the first support plate 30 may also be provided with a first guide groove 304. For instance, the first guide groove 304 may be provided at the end of the first plate body 301. The first guide groove 304 may be a T-shaped groove or a dovetail groove.

[0205] For example, the arrangement direction of the first protrusion 3021 and the second protrusion 3022 is parallel to or at an angle of less than 90° to the extension direction of the first guide groove 304, so as to be parallel to or at an angle of less than 90° to the sliding direction of the first support plate 30.

[0206] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the first push-pull portion 302 may also include a first connecting protrusion, which can connect the first protrusion 3021 and the second protrusion 3022. In this case, the first push-pull portion 302 forms an integral structure with higher structural strength and better reliability.

[0207] In some embodiments, the second support plate 40 includes a second plate body 401 and a second push-pull portion 402. One side surface of the second plate body 401 forms a support surface 403 of the second support plate 40, and the second push-pull portion 402 is fixed to the other side surface of the second plate body 401. The second push-pull portion 402 may include a third protrusion 4021 and a fourth protrusion 4022 that are opposite to and spaced apart. The second plate body 401 of the second support plate 40 may be elongated, with the length direction of the second plate body 401 being the length direction of the second support plate 40. The arrangement direction of the third protrusion 4021 and the fourth protrusion 4022 may intersect with the length direction of the second support plate 40, for example, they may be arranged in the width direction of the second support plate 40.

[0208] For example, the end of the second support plate 40 may also be provided with a second guide groove 404. For instance, the second guide groove 404 may be provided at the end of the second plate body 401. The second guide groove 404 may be a T-shaped groove or a dovetail groove.

[0209] For example, the arrangement direction of the third protrusion 4021 and the fourth protrusion 4022 is parallel to or at an angle of less than 90° to the extension direction of the second guide groove 404, so as to be parallel to or at an angle of less than 90° to the sliding direction of the first support plate 30.

[0210] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the second push-pull portion 402 may also include a second connecting protrusion, which can connect the third protrusion 4021 and the fourth protrusion 4022. In this case, the second push-pull portion 402 forms an integral structure with higher structural strength and better reliability.

[0211] Please refer to Figures 17 to 20, and also refer to Figure 13A. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure after the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 shown in Figure 16 are installed into the structure shown in Figure 13A. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the structure shown in Figure 17 cut along AA. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 17 in another usage state. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the structure shown in Figure 19 cut along BB.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first support plate 30 may be mounted on the top side of the first fixing frame 31. The first support plate 30 and the first connecting arm 51 are arranged along the length direction of the main shaft 1, that is, along the X-axis direction, and the first support plate 30 and the first connecting arm 51 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. The support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51 faces the same direction as the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30, and is exposed relative to the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30.

[0213] In this embodiment, the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51 and the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30 can jointly support the flexible display screen 400 (see Figure 1A). The first connecting arm 51 and the first support plate 30 are staggered, so the first connecting arm 51 does not need to reduce its wall thickness to avoid the first support plate 30. The first connecting arm 51 can retain its larger wall thickness, thus having higher structural strength, lower risk of drop breakage, and higher reliability. In addition, due to the higher structural strength of the first connecting arm 51, the support of the first connecting arm 51 for the flexible display screen 400 is also more reliable.

[0214] For example, the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51 and the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30 can be flush. In this case, the first connecting arm 51 and the first support plate 30 can jointly provide a flatter support environment.

[0215] For example, the end of the first support plate 30 facing the first connecting arm 51 is slidably connected to the side of the first connecting arm 51 facing the first support plate 30. At this time, the first support plate 30 and the first connecting arm 51 can be slidably connected, and their arrangement structure is compact, which is conducive to providing a continuous and complete support surface for the flexible display screen 400, resulting in a better support environment.

[0216] For example, the first support plate 30 has the aforementioned first guide groove 304 (see Figure 16) at its end facing the first connecting arm 51, and the first connecting arm 51 has the aforementioned first guide rail 515 (see Figure 10) at its side facing the first support plate 30. The first guide rail 515 is slidably connected to the first guide groove 304. In this case, the sliding connection structure between the first guide rail 515 and the first guide groove 304 is stable and reliable, which helps ensure the accuracy of the relative sliding motion between the first support plate 30 and the first connecting arm 51. Since the first guide groove 304 is a T-shaped groove or a dovetail groove, the shape of the first guide rail 515 matches the shape of the first guide groove 304. Therefore, when the first guide rail 515 and the first guide groove 304 are engaged, the first guide rail 515 is less likely to detach from the first guide groove 304, thereby further ensuring the reliability of the sliding connection structure between the first support plate 30 and the first connecting arm 51.

[0217] It is understood that, as described above, the first support plate 30 has a guide groove at its end facing the first connecting arm 51, and the first connecting arm 51 has a guide rail at its side facing the first support plate 30. The guide rail is slidably connected to the guide groove to achieve a sliding connection between the first connecting arm 51 and the first support plate 30. In some other embodiments, the first support plate 30 may also have a guide rail at its end facing the first connecting arm 51, and the first connecting arm 51 may have a guide groove at its side facing the first support plate 30. The guide rail is slidably connected to the guide groove to achieve a sliding connection between the first connecting arm 51 and the first support plate 30. That is, if one of the first support plate 30's end facing the first connecting arm 51 and the first connecting arm 51's side facing the first support plate 30 has a guide groove, and the other has a guide rail, and the guide rail is slidably connected to the guide groove, a sliding connection between the first connecting arm 51 and the first support plate 30 can be achieved.

[0218] For example, the sliding direction of the first support plate 30 relative to the first connecting arm 51 is parallel to the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51. In this case, the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30 and the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51 always maintain a flush position, which helps to ensure reliable support for the flexible display screen 400. The extension direction of the first guide rail 515 can be parallel to the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51, so that the sliding direction of the first support plate 30 relative to the first connecting arm 51 is parallel to the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51. In this case, the extension direction of the first guide groove 304 is also parallel to the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30.

[0219] In other examples, the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51 and the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30 may be parallel to each other but not flush, and there may be a small step difference between them. Alternatively, the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51 and the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30 may also form a small angle, such as an angle of less than 10°.

[0220] For example, the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 is connected to the first support plate 30. For instance, the second protrusion 6132 of the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 is installed between the first protrusion 3021 and the second protrusion 3022 of the first push-pull portion 302, and contacts the first protrusion 3021 and / or the second protrusion 3022. The second contact surface 6133 of the second protrusion 6132 can contact the first protrusion 3021 and / or the second protrusion 3022. The distance between the first protrusion 3021 and the second protrusion 3022 can be equal to the width of the second contact surface 6133 of the second protrusion 6132, or slightly larger than the width of the second contact surface 6133 of the second protrusion 6132.

[0221] In this embodiment, since the first support plate 30 is slidably connected to the first connecting arm 51, and the first linkage arm 61 is connected to the first fixed frame 31, the first swing arm 41, and the first support plate 30, during the movement of the folding mechanism 100 and the relative sliding of the first fixed frame 31 and the first swing arm 41, the second protrusion 6132 of the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 can push the first support plate 30 to slide relative to the first connecting arm 51 and move relative to the first fixed frame 31 by pushing the first protrusion 3021 or the second protrusion 3022. For example, based on the movement of the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 (see Figures 13A and 14), during the unfolding process of the folding mechanism 100, the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 can push the first support plate 30 relative to the first fixed frame 31 towards the main shaft 1; during the folding process of the folding mechanism 100, the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 can push the first support plate 30 relative to the first fixed frame 31 away from the main shaft 1.

[0222] Since the second contact surface 6133 is annular, during the swinging of the first linkage arm 61 relative to the first fixed frame 31, the second contact surface 6133 can contact the first protrusion 3021 and / or the second protrusion 3022 through different circumferential areas to maintain contact with the first push-pull part 302, thereby smoothly pushing the first support plate 30 to move. Furthermore, since the middle region of the second contact surface 6133 protrudes relative to its top and bottom regions, the second contact surface 6133 can contact the first protrusion 3021 and / or the second protrusion 6132 through different axial areas when the first linkage arm 61 and the first support plate 30 are in different positional relationships, thereby maintaining contact with the first push-pull part 302. In some examples, the axial cross-sectional shape of the second contact surface 6133 can be arc-shaped. Of course, in other embodiments, the second contact surface 6133 can also have other shapes, such as a combination of curved and flat surfaces, or other curved surfaces; this application does not strictly limit this.

[0223] In some embodiments, the second support plate 40 may be mounted on the top side of the second fixing frame 32. The second support plate 40 and the second connecting arm 52 are arranged along the length direction of the main shaft 1, that is, along the X-axis direction, and the second support plate 40 and the second connecting arm 52 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. The support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52 faces the same direction as the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40, and is exposed relative to the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40.

[0224] In this embodiment, the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52 and the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40 can jointly support the flexible display screen 400. The second connecting arm 52 and the second support plate 40 are staggered, so the second connecting arm 52 does not need to reduce its wall thickness to avoid the second support plate 40. The second connecting arm 52 can retain its larger wall thickness, thus having higher structural strength, lower risk of drop breakage, and higher reliability. In addition, due to the higher structural strength of the second connecting arm 52, the support of the second connecting arm 52 for the flexible display screen 400 is also more reliable.

[0225] For example, the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52 and the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40 can be flush. In this case, the second connecting arm 52 and the second support plate 40 can jointly provide a flatter support environment.

[0226] For example, the end of the second support plate 40 facing the second connecting arm 52 is slidably connected to the side of the second connecting arm 52 facing the second support plate 40. At this time, the second support plate 40 and the second connecting arm 52 can be slidably connected, and their arrangement is compact, which is beneficial for jointly providing a continuous and complete support surface for the flexible display screen 400, resulting in a better support environment.

[0227] For example, the second support plate 40 has the aforementioned second guide groove 404 at its end facing the second connecting arm 52, and the second connecting arm 52 has the aforementioned second guide rail 525 at its side facing the second support plate 40. The second guide rail 525 is slidably connected to the second guide groove 404. In this case, the sliding connection structure between the second guide rail 525 and the second guide groove 404 is stable and reliable, which helps ensure the accuracy of the relative sliding motion between the second support plate 40 and the second connecting arm 52. Since the second guide groove 404 is a T-shaped groove or a dovetail groove, the shape of the second guide rail 525 matches the shape of the second guide groove 404. Therefore, when the second guide rail 525 and the second guide groove 404 are engaged, the second guide rail 525 is less likely to detach from the second guide groove 404, thereby further ensuring the reliability of the sliding connection structure between the second support plate 40 and the second connecting arm 52.

[0228] It is understood that, as described above, the second support plate 40 has a guide groove at its end facing the second connecting arm 52, and the second connecting arm 52 has a guide rail at its side facing the second support plate 40. The guide rail is slidably connected to the guide groove to achieve a sliding connection between the second connecting arm 52 and the second support plate 40. In some other embodiments, the second support plate 40 may also have a guide rail at its end facing the second connecting arm 52, and the second connecting arm 52 may have a guide groove at its side facing the second support plate 40. The guide rail is slidably connected to the guide groove to achieve a sliding connection between the second connecting arm 52 and the second support plate 40. That is, if one of the ends of the second support plate 40 facing the second connecting arm 52 and the side of the second connecting arm 52 facing the second support plate 40 has a guide groove, and the other has a guide rail, and the guide rail is slidably connected to the guide groove, a sliding connection between the second connecting arm 52 and the second support plate 40 can be achieved.

[0229] For example, the sliding direction of the second support plate 40 relative to the second connecting arm 52 is parallel to the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52. In this case, the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40 and the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52 always maintain a flush position, which helps to ensure reliable support for the flexible display screen 400. The extension direction of the second guide rail 525 can be parallel to the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52, so that the sliding direction of the second support plate 40 relative to the second connecting arm 52 is parallel to the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52. In this case, the extension direction of the second guide groove 404 is also parallel to the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40.

[0230] In other examples, the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52 and the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40 may be parallel to each other but not flush, and there may be a small step difference between them. Alternatively, the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52 and the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40 may also form a small angle, such as an angle of less than 10°.

[0231] For example, the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 is connected to the second support plate 40. For instance, the fourth protrusion 6232 of the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 is mounted between the third protrusion 4021 and the fourth protrusion 4022 of the second push-pull portion 402, and contacts the third protrusion 4021 and / or the fourth protrusion 4022. The fourth contact surface 6233 of the fourth protrusion 6232 can contact the third protrusion 4021 and / or the fourth protrusion 4022. The distance between the third protrusion 4021 and the fourth protrusion 4022 can be equal to the width of the fourth contact surface 6233 of the fourth protrusion 6232, or slightly larger than the width of the fourth contact surface 6233 of the fourth protrusion 6232.

[0232] In this embodiment, since the second support plate 40 is slidably connected to the second connecting arm 52, and the second linkage arm 62 is connected to the second fixed frame 32, the second swing arm 42, and the second support plate 40, during the relative sliding of the second fixed frame 32 and the second swing arm 42, the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 can push the second support plate 40 to slide relative to the second connecting arm 52 and move relative to the second fixed frame 32 by pushing the third protrusion 4021 or the fourth protrusion 4022. For example, based on the movement of the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 (see Figures 13A and 15), during the unfolding process of the folding mechanism 100, the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 can push the second support plate 40 to move relative to the second fixed frame 32 towards the main shaft 1; during the folding process of the folding mechanism 100, the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 can push the second support plate 40 to move relative to the second fixed frame 32 away from the main shaft 1.

[0233] Since the fourth contact surface 6233 is annular, during the swinging of the second linkage arm 62 relative to the second fixed frame 32, the fourth contact surface 6233 can contact the third protrusion 4021 and / or the fourth protrusion 4022 through different circumferential areas to maintain contact with the second push-pull part 402, thereby smoothly pushing the second support plate 40 to move. Furthermore, since the middle region of the fourth contact surface 6233 protrudes relative to its top and bottom regions, the fourth contact surface 6233 can contact the third protrusion 4021 and / or the fourth protrusion 6232 through different axial areas when the second linkage arm 62 and the second support plate 40 are in different positional relationships, thereby maintaining contact with the second push-pull part 402. In some examples, the axial cross-sectional shape of the fourth contact surface 6233 can be arc-shaped. Of course, in other embodiments, the fourth contact surface 6233 can also have other shapes, such as a combination of curved and flat surfaces, or other curved surfaces; this application does not strictly limit this.

[0234] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, when the folding mechanism 100 is in the open state, the first fixing frame 31 and the second fixing frame 32 are located on opposite sides of the main shaft 1, and the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30 and the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40 face the same direction. At this time, the support surfaces 303 of the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 can be used to jointly support a portion of the flexible display screen 400. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, when the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, the first fixing frame 31 and the second fixing frame 32 are located on the same side of the main shaft 1, and the support surfaces 303 of the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 are arranged opposite to each other. At this time, a receiving space is formed between the support surfaces 303 of the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40, which can be used to receive a portion of the flexible display screen 400.

[0235] As shown in Figures 17 to 20, during the process of the folding mechanism 100 moving from the open state to the closed state, the first support plate 30 moves away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first fixed frame 31, and the second support plate 40 moves away from the main shaft 1 relative to the second fixed frame 32; during the process of the folding mechanism 100 moving from the closed state to the open state, the first support plate 30 moves closer to the main shaft 1 relative to the first fixed frame 31, and the second support plate 40 moves closer to the main shaft 1 relative to the second fixed frame 32.

[0236] In this embodiment, the folding mechanism 100 links the first support plate 30, the first fixed frame 31, and the first swing arm 41 via the first linkage arm 61, and the second linkage arm 62 links the second support plate 40, the second fixed frame 32, and the second swing arm 42. This causes the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 to move towards the main shaft 1 relative to the first fixed frame 31 and the second fixed frame 32, respectively, during the unfolding to open state. This closes the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40, resulting in a small gap between them and providing a good support environment for the flexible display screen 400, thus improving the light and shadow effects of the flexible display screen 400. Furthermore, this also causes the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 to move towards the main shaft 1 relative to the first fixed frame 31 and the second fixed frame 32, respectively, during the folding to closed state. The first fixing frame 31 and the second fixing frame 32 move away from the main shaft 1 to avoid other structural components of the folding mechanism 100 (mainly to avoid the main shaft 1 and structural components installed on the main shaft 1, such as the synchronization component 7, the damping component 9, etc.). The first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 do not need to be provided with large avoidance holes, so as to avoid interference with the other structural components mentioned above and realize the basic movement of the folding mechanism 100. This makes the cutouts of the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 smaller and the support area of ​​the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 larger, which is conducive to providing a better support environment for the flexible display screen 400 in the open state, and the flexible display screen 400 can have better light and shadow effects.

[0237] The folding mechanism 100 utilizes the relative sliding between the first fixed frame 31 and the first swing arm 41, and the relative sliding between the second fixed frame 32 and the second swing arm 42. By adding the first linkage arm 61 and the second linkage arm 62, the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 can be driven to move. The added parts are few, the structure is simple, and the weight is light, which helps to control the cost and overall weight of the folding mechanism 100.

[0238] Since the first connecting arm 51 and the second connecting arm 52 are also used to provide support for the flexible display screen 400, the first support plate 30 is slidably connected to the first connecting arm 51, and the second support plate 40 is slidably connected to the second connecting arm 52. This ensures that the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 have no angular deviation during the movement of the folding mechanism 100. The angle between the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30 and the support surface 514 of the first connecting arm 51 remains unchanged (e.g., 0°), and the angle between the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40 and the support surface 524 of the second connecting arm 52 remains unchanged (e.g., 0°). Therefore, the folding mechanism 100 provides a better support environment for the flexible display screen 400.

[0239] For example, when the folding mechanism 100 is in the open state, the angle between the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30 and the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40 can be in the range of 170° to 190°. In some examples, the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30 and the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40 are parallel to better support the flexible display screen 400, making the second part 4002 of the flexible display screen 400 less prone to denting under user pressure and touch, thereby improving the light and shadow effect of the flexible display screen 400. The support surface 303 of the first support plate 30 and the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40 can be flush to provide a flat support environment. In other embodiments, the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30 and the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40 can also form a small step difference in the Z-axis direction.

[0240] When the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30 and the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40 can be arranged at an angle. The distance between the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30 and the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40 increases in the direction closer to the main shaft 1. For example, the distance between the ends of the first support plate 303 and the second support plate 403 away from the main shaft 1 is greater than the distance between the ends of the first support plate 303 and the second support plate 403 closer to the main shaft 1. Thus, during the process of folding the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 into a closed state, the support surface 303 of the first support plate 30 and the support surface 403 of the second support plate 40 can abut against a portion of the structure of the third part 4003 of the flexible display screen 400. This helps control the bending shape of the third part 4003 of the flexible display screen 400, reduces the pulling force exerted on the third part 4003 by the first part 4001 and the second part 4002 of the flexible display screen 400, and helps increase the service life of the flexible display screen 400. In addition, when the folded structure is in the closed state, the accommodating space formed by the first support plate 30, the main shaft 1, and the second support plate 40 can be approximately teardrop-shaped, or it can also be U-shaped, baseball-shaped, etc.

[0241] Referring again to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the number of first support plates 30 can be N, where N is a positive integer, and the number of second support plates 40 is the same as the number of first support plates 30. One first support plate 30 and one second support plate 40 form a set of support plates. The folding mechanism 100 includes N sets of support plates, arranged along the X-axis. In this embodiment, the N sets of support plates are used to jointly support the flexible display screen 400.

[0242] For example, the number of first connecting arms 51 is N+1, and a first support plate 30 is provided between two adjacent first connecting arms 51. The two ends of the first support plate 30 are slidably connected to the two adjacent first connecting arms 51, respectively. The number of second connecting arms 52 is N+1, and a second support plate 40 is provided between two adjacent second connecting arms 52. The two ends of the second support plate 40 are slidably connected to the two adjacent second connecting arms 52, respectively. For example, in Figure 2, the folding mechanism 100 includes three first connecting arms 51 correspondingly arranged at the upper, middle and lower ends of the main shaft 1. Two first support plates 30 are respectively located between the upper first connecting arm 51 and the middle first connecting arm 51 and between the middle first connecting arm 51 and the lower first connecting arm 51, and realize corresponding sliding connection relationships. The folding mechanism 100 includes three second connecting arms 52 arranged correspondingly at the upper, middle and lower ends of the main shaft 1. Two second support plates 40 are respectively located between the upper second connecting arm 52 and the middle second connecting arm 52 and between the middle second connecting arm 52 and the lower second connecting arm 52, and realize corresponding sliding connection relationship.

[0243] In this embodiment, along the X-axis, the first connecting arm 51 and the first support plate 30 are arranged alternately, and two adjacent first connecting arms 51 can maintain a stable connection with the first support plate 30 located between them. Therefore, the first connecting arm 51 and the first support plate 30 can jointly provide a reliable support environment for the flexible display screen 400. Along the X-axis, the second connecting arm 52 and the second support plate 40 are arranged alternately, and two adjacent second connecting arms 52 can maintain a stable connection with the second support plate 40 located between them. Therefore, the second connecting arm 52 and the second support plate 40 can jointly provide a reliable support environment for the flexible display screen 400.

[0244] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the first support plate 30 may not be slidably connected to the first connecting arm 51, but rather slidably connected to the first fixed frame 31; the second support plate 40 may not be slidably connected to the second connecting arm 52, but rather slidably connected to the second fixed frame 32. Based on the relative sliding between the first swing arm 41 and the first fixed frame 31, and the relative sliding between the second swing arm 42 and the second fixed frame 32, the folding mechanism 100 can also link the first support plate 30, the first fixed frame 31, and the first swing arm 41 through the first linkage arm 61, and link the second support plate 40 through the second linkage arm 62. The plate 40, the second fixing frame 32, and the second swing arm 42 cause the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 to move towards the main shaft 1 relative to the first fixing frame 31 and the second fixing frame 32 respectively during the unfolding to open state, so as to provide a good support environment for the flexible display screen 400. In addition, the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 also cause the first support plate 30 and the second support plate 40 to move away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first fixing frame 31 and the second fixing frame 32 respectively during the folding to closed state, so as to avoid other structural components of the folding mechanism 100.

[0245] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the first connecting arm 51 may not participate in supporting the flexible display screen 400, and the first support plate 30 may be erected above the first connecting arm 51. In this case, the number of first support plates 30 in the folding mechanism 100 may also be one, which extends from the upper end to the lower end of the main shaft 1 and is erected on multiple connecting components 10. Similarly, the second connecting arm 52 may not participate in supporting the flexible display screen 400, and the second support plate 40 may be erected above the second connecting arm 52. In this case, the number of second support plates 40 in the folding mechanism 100 may also be one, which extends from the upper end to the lower end of the main shaft 1 and is erected on multiple connecting components 10.

[0246] It is understood that in some embodiments, a portion of the structure of the main shaft 1 may also participate in supporting the flexible display screen 400. For example, a portion of the structure of the main shaft 1 located around the first arcuate groove 14 and the second arcuate groove 15 may participate in supporting the flexible display screen 400. Of course, in other embodiments, the main shaft 1 may not participate in supporting the flexible display screen 400, and this application does not strictly limit this.

[0247] In the above embodiment, the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61 and the first swing arm 41 are connected by an engagement structure, and the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62 and the second swing arm 42 are also connected by an engagement structure. In other embodiments, other connection structures may be used between the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61 and the first swing arm 41, and between the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62 and the second swing arm 42. Examples are given below.

[0248] Please refer to Figures 21 to 22B. Figure 21 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the connecting component 10 shown in Figure 3 in some other embodiments. Figure 22A is a partial structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 21 in another usage state (first diagram). Figure 22B is a partial structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 21 in another usage state (second diagram). The connecting component 10 shown in Figure 21 includes most of the technical features of the connecting component 10 shown in Figure 5. The identical features will not be repeated; the following mainly describes the differences between the two.

[0249] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 21 and 22A, the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 is provided with a first sliding groove 4124, the extending direction of the first sliding groove 4124 intersecting the sliding direction of the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41. The first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61 includes a first protrusion 6112, the first protrusion 6112 being located in the first sliding groove 4124 and capable of sliding relative to the first sliding groove 4124 along the extending direction of the first sliding groove 4124. In this embodiment, when the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 slides relative to the first fixed frame 31, the first linkage arm 61 swings relative to the first fixed frame 31 around the rotation center of the connecting portion 612 of the first linkage arm 61, and both the first end 611 and the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 change position relative to the first fixed frame 31.

[0250] For example, in FIG21, the connecting component 10 of the folding mechanism 100 is in the open state, at which time the first fixing frame 31 is in the retracted position relative to the first swing arm 41; in FIG22A, the connecting component 10 of the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, at which time the first fixing frame 31 is in the slid-out position relative to the first swing arm 41.

[0251] During the movement of the folding mechanism 100 from the open state to the closed state: the first fixed frame 31 moves away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first swing arm 41, thereby moving from the retracted position to the slid-out position. At this time, the first protrusion 6112 of the first linkage arm 61 slides in the first sliding groove 4124 of the first swing arm 41, the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61 remains connected to the first swing arm 41, the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 moves away from the main shaft 1 along with the first fixed frame 31, the first linkage arm 61 rotates relative to the first fixed frame 31, and the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 moves further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first fixed frame 31.

[0252] During the movement of the folding mechanism 100 from the closed state to the open state: the first fixed frame 31 moves relative to the first swing arm 41 towards the main shaft 1, thereby moving from the sliding position to the retracted position. At this time, the first protrusion 6112 of the first linkage arm 61 slides in the first sliding groove 4124 of the first swing arm 41, the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61 remains connected to the first swing arm 41, the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 moves with the first fixed frame 31 towards the main shaft 1, the first linkage arm 61 rotates relative to the first fixed frame 31, and the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 moves further towards the main shaft 1 relative to the first fixed frame 31.

[0253] In this embodiment, when the first fixed frame 31 slides relative to the first swing arm 41, and the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 moves closer to or further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61, the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 also moves closer to or further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61.

[0254] For example, the extending direction of the first sliding groove 4124 may be perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41, or intersect but not perpendicular. In this case, when the first fixed frame 31 slides relative to the first swing arm 41, the sliding stroke of the first fixed frame 31 is greater than the sliding stroke of the first protrusion 6112 in the sliding direction, so the first linkage arm 61 can swing smoothly, and the position of the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 changes.

[0255] For example, the first protrusion 6112 includes a first contact surface 6113, which contacts the groove wall of the first sliding groove 4124. The first contact surface 6113 is annular. The first protrusion 6112 can be cylindrical, and the first contact surface 6113 can be the peripheral surface of the first protrusion 6112. In this case, during the swinging of the first linkage arm 61, the first protrusion 6112 can smoothly slide and rotate within the first sliding groove 4124, thereby improving the reliability of the movement of the connecting assembly 10 and the folding mechanism 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the first contact surface 6113 can also have other shapes, such as a combination of curved and flat surfaces, or other curved surfaces. This application does not strictly limit this.

[0256] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 21 and 22B, the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42 is provided with a second sliding groove 4224, the extending direction of the second sliding groove 4224 intersecting the sliding direction of the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42. The first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62 includes a third protrusion 6212, which is located in the second sliding groove 4224 and can slide relative to the second sliding groove 4224 along the extending direction of the second sliding groove 4224. In this embodiment, when the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42 slides relative to the second fixed frame 32, the second linkage arm 62 swings relative to the second fixed frame 32 around the rotation center of the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62, and the first end 621 and the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 both change position relative to the second fixed frame 32.

[0257] For example, in FIG21, the connecting component 10 of the folding mechanism 100 is in the open state, at which time the second fixing frame 32 is in the retracted position relative to the second swing arm 42; in FIG22B, the connecting component 10 of the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, at which time the second fixing frame 32 is in the slid-out position relative to the second swing arm 42.

[0258] During the movement of the folding mechanism 100 from the open state to the closed state: the second fixed frame 32 moves away from the main shaft 1 relative to the second swing arm 42, thereby moving from the retracted position to the slid-out position. At this time, the third protrusion 6212 of the second linkage arm 62 slides in the second sliding groove 4224 of the second swing arm 42, the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62 remains connected to the second swing arm 42, the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62 moves away from the main shaft 1 along with the second fixed frame 32, the second linkage arm 62 rotates relative to the second fixed frame 32, and the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 moves further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the second fixed frame 32.

[0259] During the movement of the folding mechanism 100 from the closed state to the open state: the second fixed frame 32 moves relative to the second swing arm 42 towards the main shaft 1, thereby moving from the sliding position to the retracted position. At this time, the third protrusion 6212 of the second linkage arm 62 slides in the second sliding groove 4224 of the second swing arm 42, the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62 remains connected to the second swing arm 42, the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62 moves with the second fixed frame 32 towards the main shaft 1, the second linkage arm 62 rotates relative to the second fixed frame 32, and the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 moves further towards the main shaft 1 relative to the second fixed frame 32.

[0260] In this embodiment, when the second fixed frame 32 slides relative to the second swing arm 42, and the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62 moves closer to or further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62, the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 also moves closer to or further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62.

[0261] For example, the extending direction of the second sliding groove 4224 can be perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42, or intersect but not perpendicular. In this case, when the second fixed frame 32 slides relative to the second swing arm 42, the sliding stroke of the second fixed frame 32 is greater than the sliding stroke of the third protrusion 6212 in the sliding direction, so the second linkage arm 62 can swing smoothly, and the position of the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 changes.

[0262] For example, the third protrusion 6212 includes a third contact surface 6213, which contacts the groove wall of the second sliding groove 4224. The third contact surface 6213 is annular. The third protrusion 6212 can be cylindrical, and the third contact surface 6213 can be the peripheral surface of the third protrusion 6212. In this case, during the swinging of the second linkage arm 62, the third protrusion 6212 can smoothly slide and rotate within the second sliding groove 4224, thereby improving the reliability of the movement of the connecting assembly 10 and the folding mechanism 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the third contact surface 6213 can also have other shapes, such as a combination of curved and flat surfaces, or other curved surfaces. This application does not strictly limit this.

[0263] Please refer to Figures 23A to 24B. Figure 23A is a partial structural schematic diagram of the connecting component 10 shown in Figure 3 in some other embodiments. Figure 23B is a partial structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 23A from another perspective. Figure 24A is a partial structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 23A in another usage state (first diagram), and Figure 24B is a partial structural schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 23A in another usage state (second diagram). The connecting component 10 shown in Figure 23A includes most of the technical features of the connecting component 10 shown in Figure 5. The identical features will not be repeated; the following mainly describes the differences between the two.

[0264] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 23A, 23B, and 24A, the connecting component 10 of the folding mechanism 100 may further include a first connecting rod 614. One end of the first connecting rod 614 is rotatably connected to the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61, and the other end of the first connecting rod 614 is rotatably connected to the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41. Both ends of the first connecting rod 614 may have through holes; the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61 may have a protrusion inserted into one of the through holes of the first connecting rod 614; the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 may also have a protrusion inserted into the other through hole of the first connecting rod 614.

[0265] In this embodiment, when the sliding end 412 of the first swing arm 41 slides relative to the first fixed frame 31, the first connecting rod 614 swings, and the first linkage arm 61 swings relative to the first fixed frame 31 around the rotation center of the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61. The first end 611 and the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 both change position relative to the first fixed frame 31.

[0266] For example, in FIG23A, the connecting component 10 of the folding mechanism 100 is in the open state, at which time the first fixing frame 31 is in the retracted position relative to the first swing arm 41; in FIG24A, the connecting component 10 of the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, at which time the first fixing frame 31 is in the slid-out position relative to the first swing arm 41.

[0267] During the movement of the folding mechanism 100 from the open state to the closed state: the first fixed frame 31 moves away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first swing arm 41, thereby moving from the retracted position to the slid-out position. At this time, the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 moves away from the main shaft 1 along with the first fixed frame 31, the first connecting rod 614 swings, the first linkage arm 61 rotates relative to the first fixed frame 31, and the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 moves further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first fixed frame 31.

[0268] During the movement of the folding mechanism 100 from the closed state to the open state: the first fixed frame 31 moves relative to the first swing arm 41 towards the main shaft 1, thereby moving from the sliding position to the retracted position. At this time, the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 moves with the first fixed frame 31 towards the main shaft 1, the first connecting rod 614 swings, the first linkage arm 61 rotates relative to the first fixed frame 31, and the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 moves further towards the main shaft 1 relative to the first fixed frame 31.

[0269] In this embodiment, when the first fixed frame 31 slides relative to the first swing arm 41, and the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 moves closer to or further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61, the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 also moves closer to or further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61.

[0270] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 23A, 23B, and 24B, the connecting assembly 10 may further include a second connecting rod 624. One end of the second connecting rod 624 is rotatably connected to the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62, and the other end of the second connecting rod 624 is rotatably connected to the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42. Both ends of the second connecting rod 624 may have through holes; the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62 may have a protrusion inserted into one of the through holes of the second connecting rod 624; the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42 may also have a protrusion inserted into the other through hole of the second connecting rod 624.

[0271] In this embodiment, when the sliding end 422 of the second swing arm 42 slides relative to the second fixed frame 32, the second connecting rod 624 swings, and the second linkage arm 62 swings relative to the second fixed frame 32 around the rotation center of the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62. The first end 621 and the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 both change position relative to the second fixed frame 32.

[0272] For example, in FIG23A, the connecting component 10 of the folding mechanism 100 is in the open state, at which time the second fixing frame 32 is in the retracted position relative to the second swing arm 42; in FIG24B, the connecting component 10 of the folding mechanism 100 is in the closed state, at which time the second fixing frame 32 is in the slid-out position relative to the second swing arm 42.

[0273] During the movement of the folding mechanism 100 from the open state to the closed state: the second fixed frame 32 moves away from the main shaft 1 relative to the second swing arm 42, thereby moving from the retracted position to the slid-out position. At this time, the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62 moves away from the main shaft 1 along with the second fixed frame 32, the second connecting rod 624 swings, the second linkage arm 62 rotates relative to the second fixed frame 32, and the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 moves further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the second fixed frame 32.

[0274] During the movement of the folding mechanism 100 from the closed state to the open state: the second fixed frame 32 moves relative to the second swing arm 42 towards the main shaft 1, thereby moving from the sliding position to the retracted position. At this time, the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62 moves with the second fixed frame 32 towards the main shaft 1, the second connecting rod 624 swings, the second linkage arm 62 rotates relative to the second fixed frame 32, and the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 moves further towards the main shaft 1 relative to the second fixed frame 32.

[0275] In this embodiment, when the second fixed frame 32 slides relative to the second swing arm 42, and the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62 moves closer to or further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62, the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 also moves closer to or further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the connecting part 622 of the second linkage arm 62.

[0276] It is understood that in the above embodiment, the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 31. The first linkage arm 61 swings around the rotation center of the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 relative to the first fixed frame 31, so that when the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 moves closer to / away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61, the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 also moves closer to / away from the main shaft 1 relative to the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61. In some other embodiments, the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 may not be rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 31, but the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61 is rotatably connected to the first swing arm 41. In this case, it is also possible to achieve the same result: when the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61 moves closer to / away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first end 611 of the first linkage arm 61, the second end 613 of the first linkage arm 61 also moves closer to / away from the main shaft 1 relative to the connecting part 612 of the first linkage arm 61.

[0277] Similarly, in the above embodiment, the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62 is rotatably connected to the second fixed frame 32. The second linkage arm 62 swings relative to the second fixed frame 32 around the rotation center of the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62. This allows the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 to also move closer to or further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62. In other embodiments, the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62 may not be rotatably connected to the second fixed frame 32. Instead, the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62 may be rotatably connected to the second swing arm 42. In this case, it is also possible to achieve the same effect: when the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62 moves closer to or further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the first end 621 of the second linkage arm 62, the second end 623 of the second linkage arm 62 also moves closer to or further away from the main shaft 1 relative to the connecting portion 622 of the second linkage arm 62.

[0278] In the above embodiments, various structures of the first linkage arm 61 and the connection structure between the first linkage arm 61 and the first fixed frame 31, the first swing arm 41 and the first support plate 30 are described. It is understood that the first linkage arm 61 can also have other implementation structures, and the connection structure between the first linkage arm 61 and the first fixed frame 31, the first swing arm 41 and the first support plate 30 can also have other implementation methods, as long as the first linkage arm 61 can link the first fixed frame 31, the first swing arm 41 and the first support plate 30, and the first support plate 30 can move with the same trend (closer to the main shaft 1 or farther away from the main shaft 1) relative to the first fixed frame 31 by utilizing the relative sliding of the first fixed frame 31 and the first swing arm 41. The embodiments of this application do not strictly limit this.

[0279] Please refer to Figure 25, which is a structural schematic diagram of the synchronization element 7 of the connecting component 10 shown in Figure 6.

[0280] In some embodiments, the synchronization element 7 may include a first synchronization block 71, a connecting block 72, and a second synchronization block 73, with the connecting block 72 connecting the first synchronization block 71 and the second synchronization block 73. The first synchronization block 71 has a first through-shaft hole 711. The first synchronization block 71 includes a first synchronization helical surface 712 and a second synchronization helical surface 713, which are spaced apart axially in the first through-shaft hole 711 and both surround the first through-shaft hole 711. In this case, the axial directions of the first synchronization helical surface 712 and the second synchronization helical surface 713 are parallel to the length direction of the main shaft 1. The second synchronization block 73 has a second through-shaft hole 731. The second synchronization block 73 includes a third synchronization helical surface 732 and a fourth synchronization helical surface 733, which are spaced apart axially in the second through-shaft hole 731 and both surround the second through-shaft hole 731. At this time, the axial directions of the third synchronous spiral surface 732 and the fourth synchronous spiral surface 733 are both parallel to the length direction of the main shaft 1. Among them, the connecting block 72 can be plate-shaped, with the first synchronous block 71 connected to one of the plate edges and the second synchronous block 73 connected to the opposite plate edge.

[0281] The first synchronous spiral surface 712 and the third synchronous spiral surface 732 can be symmetrically arranged; the second synchronous spiral surface 713 and the fourth synchronous spiral surface 733 can be symmetrically arranged. In this case, it can be understood that the first synchronous block 71 and the second synchronous block 73 are both spiral structures with opposite directions of rotation.

[0282] Referring to Figures 5, 9A, and 25, in some embodiments, the synchronizing element 7 can be installed on the main shaft 1 and can slide relative to the main shaft 1 along its length. Specifically, the first synchronizing block 71 is sleeved on the first rotating shaft 21 through the first through-shaft hole 711, and the second synchronizing block 73 is sleeved on the second rotating shaft 22 through the second through-shaft hole 731. The connecting block 72 of the synchronizing element 7 can be located below the connecting plate 12 of the main shaft 1, and the two are stacked in the thickness direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) of the main shaft 1. Specifically, the first synchronizing block 71 can be located in the first helical space 4114 of the first swing arm 41. The axial directions of the first synchronizing helical surface 712 and the second synchronizing helical surface 713 coincide with the axial directions of the first helical surface 4112 and the second helical surface 4113 of the first swing arm 41. The first synchronizing helical surface 712 is slidably connected to the first helical surface 4112, and the second synchronizing helical surface 713 is slidably connected to the second helical surface 4113. The second synchronization block 73 can be located in the second spiral space 4214 of the second swing arm 42. The axial direction of the third synchronization spiral surface 732 and the fourth synchronization spiral surface 733 coincide with the axial direction of the third spiral surface 4212 and the fourth spiral surface 4213 of the second swing arm 42. The third synchronization spiral surface 732 is slidably connected to the third spiral surface 4212, and the fourth synchronization spiral surface 733 is slidably connected to the fourth spiral surface 4213.

[0283] In this embodiment, the first synchronization block 71 of the synchronization element 7 is helically connected to the first swing arm 41, and the second synchronization block 73 is helically connected to the second swing arm 42. When one of the first swing arm 41 and the second swing arm 42 rotates relative to the main shaft 1, it will push the synchronization element 7 to move relative to the main shaft 1, thereby causing the other of the first swing arm 41 and the second swing arm 42 to rotate relative to the main shaft 1. Therefore, the first swing arm 41 and the second swing arm 42 can swing synchronously through the synchronization element 7, so that the two sides of the connecting component 10 and the folding mechanism 100 can swing synchronously, which improves the user and operation experience of the electronic device 1000.

[0284] Furthermore, since the first synchronizing block 71 is located between the first swing block 41a and the second swing block 41b of the first swing arm 41 and connects both swing blocks 41a and 41b, the motion consistency and stability of the first swing block 41a and the second swing block 41b are better. Similarly, since the second synchronizing block 73 is located between the third swing block 42a and the fourth swing block 42b of the second swing arm 42 and connects both swing blocks 42a and 42b, the motion consistency and stability of the third swing block 42a and the fourth swing block 42b are better. Moreover, the contact area between the synchronizing element 7 and the first swing arm 41 and the second swing arm 42 is larger, the connection structure is more stable, and the force transmission is more reliable, thus resulting in better synchronization performance.

[0285] For example, the first linkage arm 61 is located between the first swing block 41a and the second swing block 41b, for example, it can be located in the first active space 4123, and the first linkage arm 61 is connected to the second swing block 41b. In this case, the first linkage arm 61 can utilize the space between the first swing block 41a and the second swing block 41b for installation and movement, improving the space utilization of the connecting assembly 10 and facilitating the miniaturization design of the folding mechanism 100. In some other embodiments, the first linkage arm 61 may also be connected to the first swing block 41a instead of the second swing block 41b. In this case, the structure of the first linkage arm 61, the first swing arm 41, and related structural components undergoes adaptive deformation, which will not be described in detail here.

[0286] The second linkage arm 62 is located between the third swing block 42a and the fourth swing block 42b, for example, it can be located in the second active space 4223, and the second linkage arm 62 is connected to the fourth swing block 42b. In this case, the second linkage arm 62 can be installed and moved using the space between the third swing block 42a and the fourth swing block 42b, which improves the space utilization of the connecting assembly 10 and is beneficial to the miniaturization design of the folding mechanism 100. In some other embodiments, the second linkage arm 62 may not be connected to the fourth swing block 42b, but connected to the third swing block 42a. In this case, the structure of the second linkage arm 62, the second swing arm 42 and related structural components undergo adaptive deformation, which will not be described in detail here.

[0287] In some other embodiments, the rotating end 411 of the first swing arm 41 may only have one helical surface, for example, a first helical surface 4112 may be provided, but the second helical surface 4113 may not be provided. Correspondingly, the first synchronization block 71 is provided with the first synchronization helical surface 712 and the second synchronization helical surface 713 may not be provided. In this case, a helical connection can also be achieved between the rotating end 411 of the first swing arm 41 and the first synchronization block 71. In addition, the first helical surface 4112 may be provided on the side surface of the first swing block 41a facing the second swing block 41b, or the side surface of the second swing block 41b facing the first swing block 41a, or the side surface of the first swing block 41a facing away from the second swing block 41b, or the side surface of the second swing block 41b facing away from the first swing block 41a. This application embodiment does not strictly limit this. It is understood that the rotating end 421 of the second swing arm 42 may be designed with reference to the rotating end 411 of the first swing arm 41, and the second synchronization block 73 may be designed with reference to the first synchronization block 71. It will not be described in detail here.

[0288] Referring again to Figures 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the third swing arm 81 may include a rotating end 811 and a sliding end 812. The rotating end 811 of the third swing arm 81 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 1, and the sliding end 812 of the third swing arm 81 is slidably connected to the first fixed frame 31. The rotating end 811 of the third swing arm 81 may be sleeved on the first rotating shaft 21, and the third swing arm 81 and the first swing arm 41 are spaced apart along the length direction of the main shaft 1. In this embodiment, the third swing arm 81 and the first swing arm 41 move in coordination, which helps to improve the motion stability and reliability when the first fixed frame 31 rotates relative to the main shaft 1.

[0289] In some embodiments, the fourth swing arm 82 may include a rotating end 821 and a sliding end 822. The rotating end 821 of the fourth swing arm 82 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 1, and the sliding end 822 of the fourth swing arm 82 is slidably connected to the second fixed frame 32. The rotating end 821 of the fourth swing arm 82 may be sleeved on the second rotating shaft 22, and the fourth swing arm 82 and the second swing arm 42 are spaced apart along the length of the main shaft 1. In this embodiment, the fourth swing arm 82 and the second swing arm 42 move collaboratively, which helps to improve the motion stability and reliability when the second fixed frame 32 rotates relative to the main shaft 1.

[0290] Please refer to Figure 26, which is a structural schematic diagram of the damping element 9 of the connecting assembly 10 shown in Figure 6.

[0291] In some embodiments, the damping element 9 may include a first damping block 91, a second damping block 92, a first spring 93, and a second spring 94. For example, the first damping block 91 includes a first sleeve 911, a first connecting plate 912, and a second sleeve 913 connected in sequence, with the first sleeve 911 and the second sleeve 913 having the same axial direction. The first connecting plate 912 may be flat. The second damping block 92 includes a third sleeve 921, a second connecting plate 922, and a fourth sleeve 923 connected in sequence, with the third sleeve 921 and the fourth sleeve 923 having the same axial direction. The second connecting plate 922 may be flat.

[0292] Referring to Figures 5 and 26, in some embodiments, the damping element 9 is installed on the main shaft 1 and located between the first swing arm 41 and the second swing arm 42 and the third swing arm 81 and the fourth swing arm 82, to provide damping force when the aforementioned swing arms rotate relative to the main shaft 1. Specifically, the first sleeve 911, the first spring 93, and the third sleeve 921 can be sequentially sleeved on the first rotating shaft 21, and the second sleeve 913, the second spring 94, and the fourth sleeve 923 can be sequentially sleeved on the second rotating shaft 22. The first spring 93 and the second spring 94 can be in a compressed state. The first sleeve 911 abuts against the first swing arm 41, the second sleeve 913 abuts against the second swing arm 42, the third sleeve 921 abuts against the third swing arm 81, and the fourth sleeve 923 abuts against the fourth swing arm 82. Under the contact of the damping member 9, the first swing arm 41 and the second swing arm 42 can abut against the first mounting part 11 of the main shaft 1, and the third swing arm 81 and the fourth swing arm 82 can abut against the second mounting part 13 of the main shaft 1.

[0293] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the damping element 9 may also have other implementation structures, and the embodiments of this application do not strictly limit this.

[0294] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and 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.

[0295] 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.

[0296] The above are merely some embodiments and implementation methods of this application. 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 (100), characterized in that, It includes a main shaft (1), a first fixed frame (31), a second fixed frame (32), a first swing arm (41), a first connecting arm (51), a second swing arm (42), and a second connecting arm (52); The rotating end (411) of the first swing arm (41) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (1), the sliding end (412) of the first swing arm (41) is slidably connected to the first fixed frame (31), the first end (511) of the first connecting arm (51) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (1), and the second end (512) of the first connecting arm (51) is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame (31); the rotating end (421) of the second swing arm (42) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (1), the sliding end (422) of the second swing arm (42) is slidably connected to the second fixed frame (32), the first end (521) of the second connecting arm (52) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (1), and the second end (522) of the second connecting arm (52) is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame (31); The folding mechanism (100) further includes a first support plate (30), a first linkage arm (61), a second support plate (40), and a second linkage arm (62); The first support plate (30) is slidably connected to the first connecting arm (51) or the first fixed frame (31), and the first linkage arm (61) is connected to the first fixed frame (31), the first swing arm (41) and the first support plate (30); the second support plate (40) is slidably connected to the second connecting arm (52) or the second fixed frame (32), and the second linkage arm (62) is connected to the second fixed frame (32), the second swing arm (42) and the second support plate (40); When the folding mechanism (100) is in the open state, the first fixing frame (31) and the second fixing frame (32) are located on both sides of the main shaft (1), and the support surface (303) of the first support plate (30) and the support surface (403) of the second support plate (40) face the same direction; when the folding mechanism (100) is in the closed state, the first fixing frame (31) and the second fixing frame (32) are located on the same side of the main shaft (1), and the support surface (303) of the first support plate (30) and the support surface (403) of the second support plate (40) are arranged opposite to each other; During the movement of the folding mechanism (100) from the open state to the closed state, the first support plate (30) moves away from the main shaft (1) relative to the first fixing frame (31), and the second support plate (40) moves away from the main shaft (1) relative to the second fixing frame (32); during the movement of the folding mechanism (100) from the closed state to the open state, the first support plate (30) moves closer to the main shaft (1) relative to the first fixing frame (31), and the second support plate (40) moves closer to the main shaft (1) relative to the second fixing frame (32).

2. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first linkage arm (61) includes a first end (611), a connecting part (612) and a second end (613). The connecting part (612) of the first linkage arm (61) is connected between the first end (611) and the second end (613) of the first linkage arm (61). The first end (611) of the first linkage arm (61) is connected to the first swing arm (41). The connecting part (612) of the first linkage arm (61) is connected to the first fixed frame (31). The second end (613) of the first linkage arm (61) is connected to the first support plate (30).

3. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting part (612) of the first linkage arm (61) is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame (31).

4. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first end (611) of the first linkage arm (61) includes a first gear (6111), and the sliding end (412) of the first swing arm (41) includes a first rack (4122), which meshes with the first gear (6111).

5. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first gear (6111) is an incomplete gear, and the axial direction of the first gear (6111) coincides with the rotation center of the connecting part (612) of the first linkage arm (61).

6. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sliding end (412) of the first swing arm (41) is provided with a first sliding groove (4124). The extension direction of the first sliding groove (4124) intersects with the sliding direction of the sliding end (412) of the first swing arm (41). The first end (611) of the first linkage arm (61) includes a first protrusion (6112). The first protrusion (6112) is located in the first sliding groove (4124) and can slide relative to the first sliding groove (4124) along the extension direction of the first sliding groove (4124).

7. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first protrusion (6112) includes a first contact surface (6113), which contacts the groove wall of the first sliding groove (4124), and the first contact surface (6113) is annular.

8. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The folding mechanism (100) further includes a first link (614), one end of which is rotatably connected to the first end (611) of the first linkage arm (61), and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the sliding end (412) of the first swing arm (41).

9. The folding mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The first support plate (30) includes a first plate body (301) and a first push-pull part (302). One side surface of the first plate body (301) forms the support surface (303) of the first support plate (30). The first push-pull part (302) is fixed to the other side surface of the first plate body (301). The first push-pull part (302) includes a first protrusion (3021) and a second protrusion (3022) that are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart. The arrangement direction of the first protrusion (3021) and the second protrusion (3022) is parallel to the sliding direction of the first support plate (30) or forms an angle of less than 90°. The second end (613) of the first linkage arm (61) includes a second protrusion (6132), which is installed between the first protrusion (3021) and the second protrusion (3022) and contacts the first protrusion (3021) and / or the second protrusion (3022).

10. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second protrusion (6132) includes a second contact surface (6133) that contacts the first protrusion (3021) and / or the second protrusion (3022). The second contact surface (6133) is annular, and the central region of the second contact surface (6133) protrudes relative to the top and bottom regions of the second contact surface (6133).

11. The folding mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first support plate (30) and the first connecting arm (51) are arranged along the length direction of the main shaft (1). The first connecting arm (51) has a support surface (514). The support surface (514) of the first connecting arm (51) faces the same direction as the support surface (303) of the first support plate (30) and is exposed relative to the support surface (303) of the first support plate (30).

12. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first support plate (30) is slidably connected to the first connecting arm (51), and the sliding direction is parallel to the support surface (514) of the first connecting arm (51); The support surface (514) of the first connecting arm (51) is flush with the support surface (303) of the first support plate (30).

13. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The end of the first support plate (30) facing the first connecting arm (51) is slidably connected to the side of the first connecting arm (51) facing the first support plate (30).

14. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first support plate (30) has a guide groove on one end facing the first connecting arm (51) and the first connecting arm (51) has a guide rail on the other side facing the first support plate (30), and the guide rail is slidably connected to the guide groove.

15. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The guide groove is a T-shaped groove or a dovetail groove, and the shape of the guide rail is adapted to the shape of the guide groove.

16. The folding mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that, The number of first support plates (30) is N, the number of first connecting arms (51) is N+1, where N is a positive integer, and a first support plate (30) is provided between two adjacent first connecting arms (51). The two ends of the first support plate (30) are slidably connected to the two adjacent first connecting arms (51).

17. The folding mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that, The first end (511) of the first connecting arm (51) includes two first arcuate arms (5111), which are located on both sides of the support surface (514) of the first connecting arm (51). The main shaft (1) is provided with a first arc groove (14), and two first arc arms (5111) are installed in the first arc groove (14).

18. The folding mechanism (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, The first swing arm (41) has a first helical surface (4112) at its rotating end (411), and the second swing arm (42) has a third helical surface (4212) at its rotating end (421). The folding mechanism (100) further includes a synchronizing element (7), which is mounted on the main shaft (1) and is capable of sliding relative to the main shaft (1) along the length direction of the main shaft (1); The synchronizing element (7) includes a first synchronizing spiral surface (712) and a third synchronizing spiral surface. The axial direction of the first synchronizing spiral surface (712) is parallel to the length direction of the main shaft (1). The first synchronizing spiral surface (712) and the third synchronizing spiral surface (732) are symmetrically arranged. The axial direction of the first synchronous helical surface (712) coincides with the axial direction of the first helical surface (4112), and the first synchronous helical surface (712) is slidably connected to the first helical surface (4112). The axial direction of the third synchronous helical surface (732) coincides with the axial direction of the third helical surface (4212), and the third synchronous helical surface (732) is slidably connected to the third helical surface (4212).

19. The folding mechanism (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first swing arm (41) includes a first swing block (41a) and a second swing block (41b), with the first swing block (41a) and the second swing block (41b) spaced apart. The first helical surface (4112) is located on the first swing block (41a), and the rotating end (411) of the first swing arm (41) is also provided with a second helical surface (4113). The second helical surface (4113) is opposite to and spaced apart from the first helical surface (4112). The second helical surface (4113) is located on the second swing block (41b), and a first helical space (4114) is formed between the first helical surface (4112) and the second helical surface (4113). The synchronization element (7) includes a first synchronization block (71), which includes a first synchronization spiral surface (712) and a second synchronization spiral surface (713). The first synchronization block (71) is located in the first spiral space (4114), and the second synchronization spiral surface (713) is slidably connected to the second spiral surface (4113).

20. An electronic device (1000), characterized in that, The device includes a flexible display screen (400), a first housing (200), a second housing (300), and a folding mechanism (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the folding mechanism (100) is connected between the first housing (200) and the second housing (300), and the flexible display screen (400) is fixedly connected to the first housing (200) and the second housing (300).

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