CN117006148A - Folding device and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a folding device and electronic equipment, wherein the folding device can comprise: the first rotating piece, the second rotating piece and the rotating shaft base; the first gear and the second gear are arranged on the rotating shaft base; the first gear is connected with the first rotating piece; the second gear is meshed with the first gear, and the first gear is rotatable about the second gear so that the first rotating member is rotatable about the rotation shaft base; the first connecting piece is connected with the first rotating piece and the second rotating piece, and is used for pulling the second rotating piece to move towards the rotating shaft base in the process that the first rotating piece rotates relative to the rotating shaft base; the first rotating piece drives the first connecting piece to move along the first guide groove on the rotating shaft base. The technical scheme ensures that the thickness of the folding rotating shaft is smaller, the folding reliability is high, a shielding mechanism is not required to be additionally designed in the middle frame, and the design complexity is further reduced while the beauty is improved.

Description

Folding device and electronic equipment

Technical Field

The embodiment of the application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, in particular to a folding device and electronic equipment.

Background

With the development of flexible screen technology, foldable electronic devices based on flexible screens are becoming a hot research direction. There is a tendency for the flat area of the foldable electronic device to be gradually thinned, however, the thickness of the rotation shaft is large, so that the overall thickness of the foldable electronic device is difficult to be reduced in the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment of the application provides a folding device and electronic equipment, which are used for reducing the thickness and design complexity of the folding device.

In a first aspect, there is provided a folding apparatus applied to a foldable electronic device, the folding apparatus comprising: the first rotating piece, the second rotating piece and the rotating shaft base; the first gear and the second gear are arranged on the rotating shaft base; the first synchronous gear is connected with the first rotating piece; the second gear is meshed with the first gear, and the first gear is rotatable about the second gear to enable the first rotating member to rotate about the spindle base; the first connecting piece is connected with the first rotating piece and the second rotating piece, and is used for pulling the second rotating piece to move towards the rotating shaft base in the process of rotating the first rotating piece relative to the rotating shaft base; the first rotating piece drives the first connecting piece to move along the first guide groove on the rotating shaft base.

In the embodiment of the application, in the process of opposite rotation of the first rotating member and the second rotating member, the first gear and the second gear are meshed with each other, and in the process of rotating the first rotating member relative to the rotating shaft base, the first connecting member is used for pulling the second rotating member to move towards the rotating shaft base; the first rotating piece drives the first connecting piece to move along the first guide groove on the rotating shaft base. The pulling force of the flexible display screen on the rotating shaft in the folding process can be reduced, the thickness of the rotating shaft can be reduced through double-shaft rotation, and the folding reliability is further improved; the folding device is applied to folding electronic equipment, so that the electronic equipment can be thinner, and the user experience is good.

With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementation manners of the first aspect, the apparatus further includes: the second connecting piece is connected with the rotating shaft base, and the second connecting piece is connected with the second rotating piece in a sliding mode.

In the embodiment of the application, in the process that the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate in opposite directions, the first connecting member is used for pulling the second rotating member to slide relative to the second connecting member and move towards the rotating shaft base, and the second connecting member is favorable for providing support for the second rotating member, so that the structure is stable.

With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementation manners of the first aspect, the apparatus further includes: the rotating shaft base comprises a linear groove and a first notch, and the linear groove and the first notch form the first guide groove.

In the embodiment of the application, the rotating shaft base comprises the linear groove and the first notch, so that the first guide groove comprises the linear part and the bending part, and the bending requirement of the first connecting piece can be met.

With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementation manners of the first aspect, the apparatus further includes: and a third connecting member 180, one end of which is connected with the first connecting member and the other end of which is connected with the second rotating member, and the third connecting member and the second connecting member are relatively slidable.

For example, the third connection member may be rotatably connected to the first connection member by a pin, a swivel, or the like.

In some embodiments, the first connecting piece may be a chain link, a steel sheet or steel plate with a flexible function, or other special materials with a flexible function, so that the bending function can be realized during the folding process of the folding device.

In some embodiments, the third connecting member may also be a part of the second rotating member, which is not limited in this embodiment.

In the embodiment of the application, one end of the third connecting piece is rotationally connected with the first connecting piece, and the other end of the third connecting piece is connected with the second rotating piece, so that the first connecting piece can drive the third connecting piece to move, and further drive the second rotating piece to slide relative to the second connecting piece.

With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementation manners of the first aspect, a second guide groove is further provided on the second connecting piece, the first connecting piece includes a plurality of links, and two adjacent links are connected through a pin shaft; in the process that the first rotating piece rotates relative to the rotating shaft base, the first rotating piece drives the plurality of chain links to move along the first guide groove, a first pin shaft among the plurality of chain links moves along the second guide groove, the second rotating piece is driven to slide away from or towards the rotating shaft base, and the length of the first pin shaft is larger than that of other pin shafts among the plurality of chain links.

In the embodiment of the application, the rotating shaft base is provided with the first guide groove, the second connecting piece can be provided with the second guide groove, the chain link moves along the first guide groove under the drive of the first rotating piece in the folding or unfolding process of the folding device, and the first pin shaft can slide along the second guide groove. Through the design of two guide slots, can make folding device more firm in the use, further, this second guide slot can play limiting displacement for the chain link, at folding device from folding to the in-process of expanding, can avoid the chain link to arch for the slip process is smooth and easy, promotes folding device's stability.

In some embodiments, the second guide groove may be provided on the spindle base. In some embodiments, the first guide grooves are spatially staggered with respect to the second guide grooves.

With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementation manners of the first aspect, the apparatus further includes: and the compound gear is rotationally connected with the third connecting piece, a first gear of the compound gear is meshed with a first rack of the second rotating piece, and a second gear of the compound gear is meshed with a second rack on the second connecting piece.

In the embodiment of the application, the first connecting piece, the third connecting piece and the compound gear are used as the transmission mechanism of the folding device, and in the process that the first rotating piece and the second rotating piece rotate in opposite directions, the first connecting piece drives the third connecting piece to slide and further drives the compound gear to rotate so as to drive the second rotating piece to slide, so that the movement speed of the second rotating piece is matched with the movement speed of the tail end of the flexible display screen, and the pulling force applied to the display screen is reduced.

With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementation manners of the first aspect, the apparatus further includes: the limiting component is fixedly connected with the second connecting piece; the second rotating piece further comprises a groove for accommodating the limiting assembly, and the limiting assembly slides in the groove.

In the embodiment of the application, the limiting component is arranged, so that the second rotating piece slides on a limited length in the unfolding or folding process of the folding device, and the reliability of the folding device can be ensured.

With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementation manners of the first aspect, the apparatus further includes: the damping module is fixed on the second rotating piece and is connected with the second connecting piece in a sliding way; one end of the damping module is abutted with the first protrusion on the second connecting piece.

In the embodiment of the application, when the second rotating member slides relative to the second connecting member in the folding or unfolding process of the folding device, the damping module can be extruded, so that the spring is pressed, the second connecting member and the second rotating member can be fastened, thereby providing unfolding maintaining force and locking force for the folding device, improving the stability of the folding device and bringing good experience for a user in the using process of the user.

With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the damping module includes a disc and a spring assembly, the first protrusion being slidable relative to the disc, the spring assembly abutting the second rotating member.

In the embodiment of the application, when the first bulge slides relative to the disc, the spring assembly can be stressed, so that the second rotating piece and the second connecting piece are more stable.

With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementation manners of the first aspect, a sliding groove is provided on the second connecting piece, and a second protrusion is provided on the second rotating piece, where the second protrusion is slidable in the sliding groove.

In the embodiment of the application, the second bulge can be matched with the chute in the sliding process of the second rotating piece relative to the second connecting piece, so that the sliding direction of the second rotating piece can be limited, the second rotating piece is prevented from deviating in the sliding process, and the reliability of the folding device is improved.

With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, a groove is provided in the second connecting member, and the first connecting member slides in the groove during rotation of the first rotating member relative to the spindle base.

In the embodiment of the application, the groove for sliding the first connecting piece is arranged in the second connecting piece, so that the sliding of the first connecting piece in the second connecting piece can be limited, the first connecting piece can be prevented from deviating in the sliding process, and the stability of the folding device can be improved.

With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the second connector may be housed within the second rotator.

In the embodiment of the application, the second rotating member is provided with an accommodating space and can be used for accommodating the second connecting member. So that the second connecting piece can be gradually contained in the containing space in the folding process of the folding device; in the unfolding process of the folding device, along with the sliding of the second rotating piece, the second connecting piece gradually leaks from the accommodating space, so that the technological sense of the folding device can be improved, and good experience is brought to a user.

With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementation manners of the first aspect, the apparatus further includes: and the end cover is fixed on the rotating shaft base and used for covering the first gear and the second gear.

According to the embodiment of the application, the folding device has a simple and attractive structure.

It should be appreciated that the end cap may be removable for ease of removal and installation.

With reference to the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the number of links is greater than or equal to four, and the first pin is disposed adjacent to the second rotating member.

It should be understood that the number of links may be greater or lesser, the number of first pins may be greater, the first pins may be other pins, such as a third pin adjacent to the second rotating member, etc.

In a second aspect, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprising a folding apparatus as described in the first aspect and any one of its possible implementation forms, the electronic device further comprising a flexible display screen overlaying the folding apparatus.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a folding device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 2 is a side view of a folding device according to an embodiment of the present application in an unfolded state.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a folding device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 4 is a partial exploded view of a folding device according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a folding device according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 6 is a partially expanded view of a damping module according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a link provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a second guide groove according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the direction A-A in fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view in the direction B-B of fig. 1.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view in the direction A-A of the folding device of fig. 1 in a folded state.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view in the direction B-B of the folding device of fig. 1 in a folded state.

Detailed Description

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, the terms "first," "second," and the like are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defining "a first", "a second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more such feature.

It should be further noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, the same reference numerals denote the same components or the same parts, and for the same parts in the embodiments of the present application, reference numerals may be given to only one of the parts or the parts in the drawings, and it should be understood that, for other same parts or parts, the reference numerals are equally applicable.

In the description of the present application, it should be noted that, unless explicitly specified and limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" are to be construed broadly, and may be either fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, for example; can be mechanically connected, electrically connected or can be communicated with each other; can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and can be communicated with the inside of two elements or the interaction relationship of the two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art according to the specific circumstances.

In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "side," "inner," "outer," and the like indicate an orientation or a positional relationship based on installation, and are merely for convenience of description and simplification of the description, but do not indicate or imply that the apparatus or element in question must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as limiting the application.

The foldable electronic device provided by the embodiment of the application can be any device with communication and/or storage functions, for example, can be intelligent devices such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a watch, an electronic reader, a notebook computer, a vehicle-mounted device, a network television and a wearable device, and the embodiment of the application is not limited.

With the development of flexible screen technology, foldable electronic devices based on flexible screens are becoming a hot research direction. Folding of foldable electronic equipment relies on folding devices, and rotating members of current folding devices are connected through rotating shafts, but due to the fact that the rotating shafts are large in size, the thickness of the folding devices is thick, and accordingly the whole thickness of the foldable electronic equipment is difficult to reduce in a folded state. In addition, in order to meet the rotation requirement of the rotating shaft, the rotating piece of the folding device needs to be perforated for avoiding, so that an additional shielding mechanism needs to be designed, and the complexity of the folding device is improved.

In view of this, the embodiment of the application provides a folding device and an electronic device, wherein the folding device adopts biaxial rotation, so that the thickness of a folding rotating shaft can be reduced; furthermore, the folding device does not need to additionally design a shielding mechanism, so that the complexity is reduced and the attractiveness is improved.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a folding device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 2 is a side view of a folding device according to an embodiment of the present application in an unfolded state. Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a folding device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present application.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the folding apparatus 100 may include a first rotating member 110, a second rotating member 120, a first connecting member 170, a second connecting member 160, and a hinge base 130 between the first rotating member 110 and the second connecting member 160.

The first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 may be a middle frame of an electronic device, and the folding device may carry a flexible display screen, so that the electronic device may be folded or unfolded under the action of the folding device.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the folding device 100 is in an unfolded state, and the first rotating member 110, the second rotating member 120, and the second connecting member 160 may be located in the same plane or parallel to the same plane.

Under the action of external force, the first rotating member 110, the second rotating member 120 and the second connecting member 160 can rotate towards each other until the folding device 100 is in a folded state.

In some embodiments, the second rotating member 120 may slide relative to the second connecting member 160 while rotating.

Referring to fig. 3, the folding device 100 is in a folded state.

Fig. 4 is a partial exploded view of a folding device according to an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a folding device according to an embodiment of the present application.

Referring to fig. 1 to 5, the folding apparatus 100 may include:

a first rotary member 110, a second rotary member 120, and a spindle base 130;

the first synchronous 140 and the second gear 150 are arranged on the rotating shaft base 130 and are rotationally connected with the rotating shaft base 130, and the first gear 140 is connected with the first rotating member 110; wherein the second gear 150 is engaged with the first gear 140, and the first gear 140 is rotatable about the second gear 150 such that the first rotary 110 is rotatable about the rotation shaft base 130;

the first connecting piece 170 is connected with the first rotating piece 110 and the second rotating piece 120, and the first connecting piece 170 is used for pulling the second rotating piece 120 to move towards the rotating shaft base 130 during the rotation of the first rotating piece 110 relative to the rotating shaft base 130; so that the first rotating member 110 drives the first connecting member 170 to move along the first guiding groove 131 on the rotating shaft base 130.

The first gear 140 and the second gear 150 may be disposed at both ends of the rotation shaft base 130 in the length direction and rotatably connected to the rotation shaft base 130.

In some embodiments, the first gear 140 and the second gear 150 may be disposed at other positions of the spindle base, such as a quarter position of the spindle base, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

In some embodiments, the folding device 100 may further include:

and a second link 160, the second link 160 being coupled to the spindle base 130, the second link 160 being slidably coupled to the second rotary 120. In the embodiment of the present application, the first gear 140 and the second gear 150 may be synchronous gears, the first rotating member 110 is fixedly connected with the first gear 140, the second gear 150 is fixedly connected with the second connecting member 160, and the second connecting member 160 is slidably connected with the second rotating member 120. By the first gear 140 and the second gear 150 being engaged with each other, the first rotary member 110 and the second coupling member 160 can be rotated in synchronization.

For example, the first rotating member 110 is fixedly connected to the first gear 140 by a bolt or a pin, or is fixedly connected to the first gear 140 by another fixing member, which is not limited in the manner of the fixing connection according to the embodiment of the present application.

Here, the second rotating member 120 slides relative to the second connecting member 160, which means that the two members can be in contact with each other but not fixed, and can be relatively displaced under the action of an external force.

In some embodiments, the second gear 150 may be fixed, and the first gear 140 may rotate relative to the second gear 150, such that the first rotating member 110 may rotate relative to the rotating shaft base 130.

In some embodiments, the first connector 170 is rotatably coupled to the first rotary member 110, and is slidably coupled to the second rotary member 120 with respect to the second connector. In the embodiment of the present application, in the process that the first rotating member 110, the second connecting member 160 and the second rotating member 120 rotate to the first position in opposite directions, the first gear 140 and the second gear 150 are meshed with each other, the first rotating member 110 may drive the first connecting member 170 to move along the first guiding groove on the rotating shaft base 130, and the first connecting member 170 may drive the second rotating member 120 to slide relative to the second connecting member 160 while rotating.

Illustratively, the first position is a position in which the folding device 100 is in a folded state. Then, in the process of folding the folding device 100 from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first rotating member 110 rotates and drives the first connecting member 170 to move, the first connecting member 170 drives the second rotating member 120 to slide relative to the second connecting member 160 while rotating, and when the folding device 100 is in the folded state, the second rotating member 120 slides to the rotating shaft base 130. Thereby reducing the pulling force of the flexible display screen thereon during folding.

It should be understood that the first position may also be a position where the first rotating member 110 and the second rotating member 120 of the folding device 100 are at a predetermined angle.

The present application is not limited to the form that the first connector 170 can slide relative to the second connector 160, for example, a sliding slot is provided in the second connector 160 to allow the first connector 170 to slide, or a groove is provided in the second connector 160 to allow the first connector 170 to slide, or a rack and pinion manner may also be used to slide.

The present application is not limited to a rotational connection mechanism between the first connector 170 and the first rotary member 110, and for example, the first connector 170 is rotationally connected to the first rotary member 110 by a pin, or is connected to the first rotary member by a rotary head.

In some embodiments, the first connector 170 may be a plurality of links, and the rotational connection between two adjacent links may be achieved by a pin. In the process that the first rotating piece drives the first connecting piece to move, the plurality of chain links can move along the first guide groove, so that the plurality of chain links can simultaneously span the rotation centers of the two gears, and the folding reliability is improved.

In some embodiments, the spindle base 130 may include a linear groove and a first notch that constitute the first guide groove 131. In the embodiment of the application, the rotating shaft base comprises the linear groove and the first notch, so that the first guide groove comprises the linear part and the bending part, and the bending requirement of the first connecting piece can be met.

According to the folding device provided by the embodiment of the application, in the process that the first rotating piece and the second rotating piece rotate in opposite directions, the first gear and the second gear are meshed with each other, the first rotating piece drives the first connecting piece to move, and the first connecting piece drives the second rotating piece to slide relative to the second connecting piece. The pulling force of the flexible display screen on the rotating shaft in the folding process can be reduced, the thickness of the rotating shaft can be reduced through double-shaft rotation, and the folding reliability is further improved; the folding device is applied to folding electronic equipment, so that the electronic equipment can be thinner, and the user experience is good.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the reliability of sliding between the second rotating member and the second connecting member is improved. The folding apparatus 100 may further include:

and a third link 180, one end of the third link 180 is connected to the first link 170, the other end is connected to the second rotating member 120, and the third link 180 and the second link 160 are relatively slidable.

It should be appreciated that the second connector 160 may have a groove or slot formed therein for sliding movement of the first connector 170 and the third connector 180.

In the embodiment of the application, one end of the third connecting piece can be rotationally connected with the first connecting piece, and the other end of the third connecting piece is fixedly connected with the second rotating piece, so that the first connecting piece can drive the third connecting piece to move, and further drive the second rotating piece to slide relative to the second connecting piece.

In some embodiments, the other end of the third link 180 may also be rotatably coupled to the second rotary member 120. In other embodiments, the third connecting member may also be part of the second rotating member, which is not limited in this embodiment.

The third link 180 and the first link 170 may be rotatably coupled by a pin. In some embodiments, the third link 180 and the first link 170 may also perform a rotation function through an arc-shaped track groove. In some embodiments, the first connector 170 or the third connector 180 may be a flexible material, such that a rotational connection may also be achieved.

In some embodiments, the first connector 170 may be a chain link, a steel sheet or steel plate with a flexible function, or other special materials with a flexible function, so that the bending function can be realized during the folding process of the folding device. Alternatively, the first connecting member 170 and the third connecting member 180 may be the same piece of steel sheet or steel plate with a flexible function, or other special materials with a flexible function, etc., which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further include:

a composite gear 181, the composite gear 181 being rotatably coupled to one end of the third link 180, the composite gear 181 may include a first gear engaged with the first rack 124 of the second rotary member 120 and a second gear engaged with the second rack 166 of the first link.

For example, referring to fig. 5, the center of the compound gear 181 is connected to one end of the third link 180 through a revolute pair.

It should be appreciated that the pitch circle radius of the first gear may be smaller than the pitch circle radius of the second gear. Through the compound gear, the moving speed of the second rotating piece is matched with the moving speed of the tail end of the flexible display screen, so that the arch of the flexible display screen can be reduced or the pulling force applied to the flexible display screen can be reduced.

In the embodiment of the application, the first connecting piece, the third connecting piece and the compound gear are used as the transmission mechanism of the folding device, and in the process that the first rotating piece and the second rotating piece rotate in opposite directions, the first connecting piece drives the third connecting piece to slide and further drives the compound gear to rotate so as to drive the second rotating piece to slide, so that the movement speed of the second rotating piece is matched with the movement speed of the tail end of the flexible display screen, and the pulling force applied to the display screen is reduced.

In some embodiments, the folding device 100 may further include:

the limiting assembly 182, the limiting assembly 182 is fixedly connected with the second connecting piece 160, and is slidably connected with the second rotating piece 120.

Illustratively, the stop assembly 182 is fixedly coupled to the second connector 160 by bolts, pins, or the like, it being understood that the stop assembly is removable.

It will be appreciated that referring to fig. 5, the second rotary member may be composed of two parts, a base 1201 and an upper cover 1202, respectively. The base 1201 may include a recess 122 that mates with the stop assembly 182, and one end of the stop assembly 182 may have a width that is greater than the opening of the recess 122, thereby ensuring that the stop assembly can only move back and forth within the recess 122.

In the embodiment of the application, the limiting component is arranged, so that the second rotating piece slides on a limited length in the unfolding or folding process of the folding device, and the reliability of the folding device can be ensured.

In some embodiments, the folding device 100 may further include:

the damping module 183 is fixed on the second rotating member 120 and is connected with the second connecting member 160 in a sliding manner; one end of the damping module is abutted against the first protrusion 165 on the second connecting piece 160.

It will be appreciated that the base 1201 of the second rotary member 120 may include a recess 122 therein for receiving the damping module 183.

In some embodiments, the damping module 183 includes a disc 1832 and a spring assembly 1834, the first protrusion 165 being slidable relative to the disc 1832, the spring assembly 1834 abutting the second rotary member 120.

The damping module 183 may include a plurality of springs, and when the second rotating member 120 slides relative to the second connecting member 160 during the folding or unfolding process of the folding device 100, the damping module 183 may be pressed, so that the springs are pressed, and the second connecting member 160 and the second rotating member 120 are fastened, so that an unfolding maintaining force and a locking force can be provided for the folding device, stability of the folding device is improved, and a good experience is brought to a user during the use process of the folding device.

Referring to fig. 6, fig. 6 is a partially developed view of a damping module according to an embodiment of the present application. The damping module 183 may include a body 1831, a puck 1832, and a plurality of spring assemblies 1834, which may include a plurality of support posts 1835, and pins 1833 thereon.

Wherein the disc 1832 may be rotatably coupled to the pin 1833, each spring assembly may include a spring and sleeve that may be integrally formed, the spring assembly may be mated with the support post 1835, and the spring assembly may be nested within the support post 1835.

The disc 1832 may rotate about the pin 1833 under an external force.

In some embodiments, the spring assembly may not include a sleeve, and embodiments of the present application are not limited.

It should be appreciated that the damping module 183 may also include an upper cover (not shown in fig. 6), the damping module 183 in fig. 5 showing the upper cover.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, when the second rotating member 120 slides relative to the second connecting member 160 during the folding or unfolding process of the folding device 100, the first protrusion 165 on the second connecting member 160 contacts the disc 1832, and presses the disc 1832 while sliding relatively, so that the spring assembly 1834 is stressed, so that the second connecting member 160 and the second rotating member 120 are fastened, thereby providing an unfolding maintaining force and a locking force for the folding device, and improving the stability of the folding device.

In some embodiments, the first connecting member 170 includes a plurality of links 171, two adjacent links 171 are rotatably connected by a pin 172, and the second connecting member 160 is further provided with a second guide groove;

in the process that the first rotating member 110 rotates relative to the rotating shaft base 130, the first rotating member 110 drives the plurality of links 171 to move along the first guiding groove 131 on the rotating shaft base 130, and the first pin shaft 173 moves along the second guiding groove 132 to drive the second rotating member 120 to slide away from or towards the rotating shaft base 130, wherein the length of the first pin shaft 172 is greater than the lengths of other pin shafts among the plurality of links 171.

In the embodiment of the application, the rotating shaft base is provided with the first guide groove, the second connecting piece can be provided with the second guide groove, the chain link moves along the first guide groove under the drive of the first rotating piece in the folding or unfolding process of the folding device, and the first pin shaft can slide along the second guide groove. Through the design of two guide slots, can make folding device more firm in the use, further, this second guide slot can play limiting displacement for the chain link, at folding device from folding to the in-process of expanding, can avoid the chain link to arch for the slip process is smooth and easy, promotes folding device's stability.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a link provided by an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a second guide groove according to an embodiment of the present application.

Referring to fig. 7, the first connecting member 170 may include a plurality of links 171, wherein two adjacent links of the plurality of links 171 are rotatably connected by pins 172, 173.

In some embodiments, the number of links 171 is greater than or equal to 4. In other embodiments, the number of links 171 may be greater or lesser, and embodiments of the present application are not limited.

Referring to fig. 8, the second connecting member 160 may be provided with a second guiding groove 132, and the length of the first pin 173 is greater than that of the pin 172, so that the first pin 172 may be placed in the second guiding groove 132, and thus the chain link 171 may move under the driving of the first rotating member 110 during the folding process of the folding device 100, and the pin 172 may slide along the second guiding groove 132, so that the second guiding groove 132 may play a limiting role for the chain link, and in the folding process from folding to unfolding of the folding device, the chain link may be prevented from arching, so that the sliding process is smooth, and the stability of the folding device is improved.

It should be appreciated that the second guide groove 132 is provided at both ends of the pin shaft 172 so that the pin shaft 173 can stably slide.

Illustratively, the pin 173 is disposed proximate to the second rotary member 120, and may be, for example, a second pin proximate to the second rotary member 120. In other embodiments, the number of pins 173 may be multiple.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the direction A-A in fig. 1. Fig. 10 is a sectional view in the direction B-B of fig. 1. Fig. 11 and 12 are cross-sectional views of the folding device in a folded state.

Referring to fig. 7 to 12, the first connection member 170 includes a plurality of links 171, the first connection member 170 is rotatably coupled to a fixed member of the first rotation member 110 through a pin, and the fixed member is fixedly coupled to the first rotation member 110 through a pin or a bolt, so that the plurality of links 171 can be rotatably coupled to the first rotation member 110. The first link 170 may also be rotatably coupled to a third link 180 via a pin 174.

When the folding device 100 is in the unfolded state, the plurality of chain links 171 are located above the first gear 140 and the second gear 150, the rotating shaft base 130 is provided with the first guide groove 131, the second connecting piece 160 is provided with the second guide groove 132, and when the folding device 100 is folded from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first rotating piece 110 drives the plurality of chain links 171 to move along the first guide groove 131, the plurality of chain links 171 drive the third connecting piece 180 to slide, and because the length of the pin 173 is greater than that of the pins 172 and 174, the pin 173 can slide in the second guide groove, and further drive the second rotating piece 120 to slide towards the rotating shaft base 130 relative to the second connecting piece 160.

Referring to fig. 10 to 12, the second guide groove 132 may include a straight portion and a circular arc portion, and the plurality of links 171 slide in the first guide groove 131 during the folding of the folding device 100, and the pin 173 moves along the straight portion of the second guide groove 132 and then slides along the circular arc portion.

The first guide groove 131 includes a straight portion and a bent portion.

It should be understood that the first guide grooves 131 and the second guide grooves 132 are spatially staggered. In some embodiments, the second guiding groove 132 may be disposed on the spindle base 130, which is only required to be staggered with the first guiding groove 131.

In the embodiment of the application, the rotating shaft base is provided with the first guide groove, the second connecting piece can be provided with the second guide groove, the chain link moves along the first guide groove under the drive of the first rotating piece in the folding or unfolding process of the folding device, and the first pin shaft can slide along the second guide groove. Through the design of two guide slots, can make folding device more firm in the use, further, this second guide slot can play limiting displacement for the chain link, at folding device from folding to the in-process of expanding, can avoid the chain link to arch for the slip process is smooth and easy, promotes folding device's stability.

In order to ensure that the second rotating member slides relatively smoothly with respect to the second connecting member, referring to fig. 5, a chute 161 is provided on the second connecting member 160, and a second protrusion 121 is provided on the second rotating member 120, and during the sliding process of the second rotating member 120 with respect to the first connecting member 160, the second protrusion 121 slides in the chute 161.

It should be understood that the number of the sliding grooves 161 may be plural, and the number of the second protrusions 121 may be plural, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

It should be appreciated that the second protrusion 121 may cooperate with the chute 161 during the sliding of the second rotating member 120 with respect to the second connecting member 160, so that the sliding direction of the second rotating member 120 may be restricted, the deviation of the second rotating member 120 during the sliding may be avoided, and the reliability of the folding apparatus may be improved.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, the second connecting member 160 is further provided with a groove 162, and the first connecting member 170 slides in the groove 162 during the process that the first rotating member 110, the second connecting member 160 and the second rotating member 120 are rotated to the first position in opposite directions.

It should be appreciated that when the folding device includes the third connecting member 180, the third connecting member 180 also slides in the recess 162 under the driving of the first connecting member 170.

In the embodiment of the application, the groove for sliding the first connecting piece is arranged in the second connecting piece, so that the sliding of the first connecting piece in the second connecting piece can be limited, the first connecting piece can be prevented from deviating in the sliding process, and the stability of the folding device can be improved.

In order to enhance the technical sense of the folding device, in some embodiments, referring to fig. 5, the second rotating member 120 is composed of a base 1201 and an upper cover 1202, and a receiving space is provided between the base 1201 and the upper cover 1202, and the receiving space may be used to receive the second connecting member 160. In the process that the first connecting piece 170 drives the second rotating piece 120 to slide towards the rotating shaft base 130, the second connecting piece 160 is gradually accommodated in the accommodating space.

In some embodiments, when the second connector 160 is completely accommodated in the accommodating space, the second rotating member 120 completely covers the second connector 160.

In the embodiment of the application, the second rotating member is provided with an accommodating space and can be used for accommodating the second connecting member. So that the second connecting piece can be gradually contained in the containing space in the folding process of the folding device; in the unfolding process of the folding device, along with the sliding of the second rotating piece, the second connecting piece gradually leaks from the accommodating space, so that the technological sense of the folding device can be improved, and good experience is brought to a user.

With continued reference to fig. 1-5, in some embodiments, the folding device 100 may further include:

end caps 190 fixedly coupled to both ends of the shaft base 130 for covering the first gear 140 and the second gear 150.

It should be appreciated that the end cap 190 may be removable and easily removable and attachable, and further may provide a compact and aesthetically pleasing structure for the folding device 100.

The embodiment of the application also provides electronic equipment, which comprises the folding device in any one of the possible implementation manners of the embodiment, and further comprises a flexible display screen covered on the folding device.

Alternatively, the flexible display includes a first display portion fixed to the first rotary 110, a second display portion fixed to the second rotary 120, and a foldable display portion located between the first display portion and the second display portion.

Further, the electronic device further includes a first functional device fixed to the first rotating member 110, and the flexible display screen covers the first functional device. The electronic apparatus further includes a second functional device fixed to the second rotary 120 and a circuit board connecting the first functional device and the second functional device, the flexible display screen covering the second functional device and the circuit board.

The first functional device may be at least one of a battery, a motherboard, a speaker, a receiver, or the like.

The second functional device may be at least one of a camera module, an antenna, a memory, a power connector, an earphone connector, or the like.

The circuit board may be a flexible circuit board. The circuit board provides electrical signals to the first functional device and the second functional device.

The embodiment of the application also provides electronic equipment which can comprise the folding device in any embodiment.

The foregoing is merely illustrative of the present application, and the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art will readily recognize that variations or substitutions are within the scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims (15)

1. A folding apparatus, the folding apparatus being applied to a foldable electronic device, the folding apparatus comprising:

a first rotating member (110), a second rotating member (120), and a spindle base (130);

a first gear (140) and a second gear (150), the first gear (140) and the second gear (150) being disposed on the spindle base (130); the first gear (140) is connected with the first rotary member (110);

the second gear (150) is meshed with the first gear (140), and the first gear (140) is rotatable about the second gear (150) to enable the first rotating member (110) to rotate about the spindle base (130);

a first connection member (170), the first connection member (170) being connected to the first rotation member (110) and to the second rotation member (120), the first connection member (170) being configured to draw the second rotation member (120) towards the spindle base (130) during rotation of the first rotation member (110) relative to the spindle base (130); so that the first rotating member (110) drives the first connecting member (170) to move along the first guide groove (131) on the rotating shaft base (130).

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

and the second connecting piece (160), the second connecting piece (160) is connected with the rotating shaft base (130), and the second connecting piece (160) is in sliding connection with the second rotating piece (120).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spindle base (130) comprises a linear slot and a first notch, which constitute the first guide slot (131).

4. A device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the device further comprises:

and one end of the third connecting piece (180) is connected with the first connecting piece (170), the other end of the third connecting piece (180) is connected with the second rotating piece (120), and the third connecting piece (180) and the second connecting piece (160) can slide relatively.

5. The device according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein a second guiding groove (132) is further provided on the second connecting member (160), the first connecting member (170) comprises a plurality of links (171), and two adjacent links (171) are connected by a pin shaft (172);

in the process that the first rotating member (110) rotates relative to the rotating shaft base (130), the first rotating member (110) drives the plurality of chain links (171) to move along the first guide groove (131), a first pin shaft (173) between the plurality of chain links (171) moves along the second guide groove (132) to drive the second rotating member (120) to slide away from or towards the rotating shaft base (130), and the length of the first pin shaft (173) is greater than that of other pin shafts between the plurality of links (171).

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2-5, further comprising:

and the compound gear (181) is rotationally connected with the third connecting piece (180), a first gear of the compound gear (180) is meshed with the first rack (124) of the second rotating piece (120), and a second gear of the compound gear (181) is meshed with the second rack (166) on the second connecting piece (160).

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2-6, further comprising:

the limiting component (182), the limiting component (182) is fixedly connected with the second connecting piece (160);

the second rotating member (120) further comprises a groove (123) for accommodating the limiting assembly (183), and the limiting assembly (182) slides in the groove (123).

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2-7, further comprising:

a damping module (183) fixed to the second rotating member (120) and slidably connected to the second connecting member (160);

one end of the damping module (183) is abutted with a first protrusion (165) on the second connecting piece (160).

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the damping module (183) comprises a disc (1832) and a spring assembly (1834), the first protrusion (165) being slidable relative to the disc (1832), the spring assembly (1834) abutting the second rotating member (120).

10. The device according to any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that the second connecting piece (160) is provided with a chute (161), the second rotating piece (120) is provided with a second protrusion (121), the second protrusion (121) being slidable in the chute (161).

11. The device according to any one of claims 2-10, characterized in that the second connection member (160) is provided with a recess (162), in which recess (162) the first connection member (170) slides during rotation of the first rotation member (110) relative to the spindle base (130).

12. The device according to any one of claims 2-11, wherein the second connection member (160) is receivable within the second rotation member (120).

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the apparatus further comprises:

and the end cover (190) is fixed at one end of the rotating shaft base (130) and is used for covering the first gear (140) and the second gear (150).

14. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the number of links (171) is greater than or equal to four, the first pin (173) being arranged close to the second rotating member (120).

15. An electronic device comprising a folding apparatus according to any of claims 1-14, the electronic device further comprising a flexible display screen overlaying the folding apparatus.