Patent Description:
This disclosure generally relates to the field of electronic terminal technologies, and the invention in particular relates to a rotating shaft assembly and an electronic device.

A foldable terminal generally includes two housings, and the two housings implement folding rotation by using a rotating shaft assembly. The rotating shaft assembly includes a panel which can support a flexible screen. However, the existing rotating shaft assemblies feature a complex structure and numerous parts, with a gap present between some movable parts. Such a gap may cause a panel to float up and down, which affects flatness of the panel, and further affects flatness of a flexible screen when a foldable terminal is in a fully unfolded state, resulting in poor light and shadow effect.

<CIT> discloses a foldable hinge comprising second support plates and a rotary support mechanism, wherein the rotary support mechanism comprises arc-shaped connection portions, a first support plate, and fixing plates, mounting planes being provided on the fixing plates, the second support plates being fixed to the mounting planes, and two ends of each of the arc-shaped connection portions being respectively rotatably connected to the first support plate and the fixing plates.

The object of the present invention is to provide a rotating shaft assembly and an electronic device, to resolve the prior-art problem that existence of a gap between parts of a rotating shaft assembly causes floating of a panel which in turn affects flatness of a flexible screen and light and shadow effect. This object is solved by the attached independent claims and further embodiments and improvements of the invention are listed in the attached dependent claims. Hereinafter, up to the "brief description of the drawings", expressions like ". aspect according to the invention", "according to the invention", or "the present invention", relate to technical teaching of the broadest embodiment as claimed with the independent claims. Expressions like "implementation", "design", "optionally", "preferably", "scenario", "aspect" or similar relate to further embodiments as claimed, and expressions like "example", ". aspect according to an example", "the disclosure describes", or "the disclosure" describe technical teaching which relates to the understanding of the invention or its embodiments, which, however, is not claimed as such.

A first aspect according to the invention provides a rotating shaft assembly according to claim <NUM>.

While the support structure is rotating relative to the swing arm, the limit part that is connected to the support structure also moves relative to the swing arm. Specifically, when a screen is in an unfolded state, the second limit portion of the limit part is able to abut against the first limit portion of the swing arm, thereby implementing mutual constraint between the swing arm and the support structure. This effectively prevents the swing arm and the support structure from floating due to existence of the foregoing gap, and allows the support structure to stably support the panel, thereby ensuring flatness of the panel in the unfolded state and light and shadow effect of the screen.

In a possible implementation, the first limit portion is a surface of an end of the swing arm facing away from the panel. The swing arm abuts against the second limit portion of the limit part through a surface of a side of the swing arm, which can reduce space occupied between the swing arm and the limit part without adding additional parts. The surface of the swing arm can also provide a large contact area to ensure reliability of the swing arm abutting against the limit part. In a possible implementation, the second limit portion is a surface of an end of the limit part facing towards the panel. The limit part abuts against the first limit portion of the swing arm through a surface of a side of the limit part, which can reduce space occupied between the swing arm and the limit part without adding additional parts. The surface of the limit part can also provide a large contact area to ensure the reliability of the swing arm abutting against the limit part.

In a possible implementation, when the rotatable support mechanism is in a non-fully folded state, the first limit portion is separated from the second limit portion. When a folding mobile phone is in a non-fully folded state, the rotatable support mechanism is in the folded state, and in this case, the swing arm and the limit part are separated from each other, leaving the first limit portion and the second limit portion out of contact, thereby avoiding causing resistance to folding of the folding mobile phone.

In a possible implementation, an end of the support structure is provided with a limit structure, where when the rotatable support mechanism is in the fully folded state, the limit structure laps over an end of the fixed structure facing towards the panel; and when the rotatable support mechanism is in the non-fully folded state, the limit structure is separated from the fixed structure.

When the rotating shaft assembly is in the fully unfolded state, due to a factor of fit tolerance between parts of the rotating shaft assembly, a middle part of the panel is prone to collapse. To be specific, the panel is slightly bent in a direction facing away from the screen, which may also cause poor flatness of the screen and affect light and shadow effect. In view of this, in this application, when the rotating shaft assembly is in the fully unfolded state, the limit structure is in a lap fit with the fixed structure, so that the fixed structure can support the limit structure to prevent the support structure as a whole from sinking in a direction leaving the panel, thereby avoiding the problem of collapse of the panel.

In a possible implementation, the limit structure is a thin plate structure, a limit surface is formed on the end of the fixed structure facing towards the panel, and the limit structure abuts against the limit surface when the rotatable support mechanism is in the fully unfolded state. When the rotatable support mechanism is in the fully unfolded state, the limit surface can support the limit structure to prevent the support structure from sinking in a direction leaving the panel, thereby avoiding the problem of collapse of the panel. In a possible implementation, the support structure includes a mounting part and an adapter according to the invention, where an end of the swing arm farther away from the fixed structure is rotatably connected to the adapter, and the mounting part is slidably connected to the adapter according to a preset track.

According to the invention, the adapter is fixedly connected to a first housing or a second housing of an electronic device, so that the adapter can drive the first housing or the second housing to move synchronously. When the swing arm rotates, the mounting part and the adapter also move relative to each other, so as to rotatably open or close the first housing and the second housing, preventing the first housing and the second housing from being interfered with or jammed by other surrounding components.

In a possible implementation, the limit part is provided with a positioning groove, the mounting part is provided with a positioning rod, and the positioning rod is fixedly mounted in the positioning groove.

The positioning rod of the mounting part protrudes from a side facing away from the panel. During mounting of the limit part, the positioning groove of the limit part may be fit onto a corresponding positioning rod to implement pre-positioning for mounting of the limit part, and then the limit part and the mounting part may be locked and fastened by using a screw. This not only facilitates operation but also ensures reliable connection between the limit part and the mounting part.

In a possible implementation, the positioning groove is provided with a mounting hole, the positioning rod is provided with a threaded hole, and the positioning rod is fixedly connected to the positioning groove through cooperation of the mounting hole, the threaded hole, and the screw.

After the positioning rod of the mounting part is inserted into the positioning groove of the limit part to complete pre-mounting, the screw may be tightened to the threaded hole of the positioning rod through the mounting hole of the positioning groove, allowing the limit part and the mounting part to be locked and fastened. This not only facilitates assembling of the limit part and the mounting part, but also ensures reliable connection and fastening of the limit part and the mounting part.

In a possible implementation, a mounting space is provided on a side of the mounting part facing away from the panel, and the mounting space is formed between the adapter, the mounting part, and the fixed structure. The limit part can be provided in the mounting space without occupying additional Z-directional space, thereby ensuring both the flatness of the panel and the thinness and lightness of the electronic device.

In a possible implementation, the mounting part is provided in a quantity of at least two, and the at least two mounting parts are respectively provided on two sides of the swing arm; the at least two mounting parts are all connected to the limit part, surfaces of the at least two mounting parts facing away from the limit part are formed as the mounting planes, and the mounting planes of the at least two mounting parts are all located on a same plane.

The at least two mounting parts together support the panel, which enhances reliability of supporting the panel. The mounting planes on each mounting part for supporting the panel are located on the same plane, so that the mounting planes of each mounting part have the same flatness, thereby ensuring the flatness of the panel and further ensuring good light and shadow effect of the screen.

In a possible implementation, the adapter is provided with an arc-shaped track groove, the mounting part is provided with an arc-shaped guide flange, and the guide flange is in a sliding fit with the track groove.

The track groove is provided on each of two sides of the adapter that are perpendicular to a rotation direction of the track groove, and both the track groove and the guide flange are arc-shaped. And the guide flange may slide in the track groove relative to the track groove. Cooperation of the guide flange and the track groove can ensure that the adapter rotates stably relative to the swing arm.

In a possible implementation, the track groove is provided on each of two sides of the adapter that are perpendicular to a rotation direction of the track groove, and both the track groove and the guide flange are arc-shaped. The guide flange may slide in the track groove relative to the track groove. Cooperation of the guide flange and the track groove can ensure that the adapter rotates stably relative to the swing arm.

In a possible implementation, the rotatable support mechanism further includes a hinge pin, the swing arm is provided with a first rotation hole, the adapter is provided with a second rotation hole that is coaxially disposed with the first rotation hole, and the swing arm is rotatably connected to the adapter through cooperation of the first rotation hole, the second rotation hole, and the hinge pin.

Such hinge pin can ensure that the first rotation hole and the second rotation hole coaxially rotate, avoiding a wobble between the swing arm and the adapter. In addition, connection using a hinge pin also facilitates assembly.

In a possible implementation, an end of the swing arm is provided with an arc-shaped rotating portion, an arc-shaped rotation space is formed on the fixed structure, and the rotating portion is rotatably disposed in the rotation space.

The arc-shaped rotating portion is formed as a structure with a side facing towards the panel being recessed and a side facing away from the panel being arched. The rotation space matches the rotating portion in shape, and an inner wall of the rotation space can provide movement guidance for the rotating portion to implement rotation of the rotating portion.

In a possible implementation, the fixed structure includes a first supporting part and a second supporting part, the first supporting part is fixedly connected to the second supporting part, and the rotation space is formed between the first supporting part and the second supporting part.

In a possible implementation, the first supporting part and the second supporting part are respectively located on two sides of the rotating portion, a side surface of the first supporting part facing towards the rotating portion is a first arc-shaped face, a side surface of the second supporting part facing towards the rotating portion is a second arc-shaped face, and the rotation space is formed between the first arc-shaped face and the second arc-shaped face. The first arc-shaped face and the second arc-shaped face can provide rotation guidance for the rotating portion.

In a possible implementation, a rotating shaft housing is further included, and the fixed structure is fixedly mounted to the rotating shaft housing. The rotating shaft housing can cover the fixed structure therein, to prevent parts such as the fixed structure and the swing arm from being damaged or contaminated by external environment.

In a possible implementation, the panel is made of a carbon fiber material. The panel that is made of the carbon fiber material is light in weight, allowing the electronic device to be light.

In a possible implementation, the panel is riveted to the mounting part. This can ensure stable connection between the panel and the mounting part.

A second aspect of this invention further provides an electronic device, including a first housing, a second housing, and a screen, where the screen covers the first housing and the second housing; and the electronic device further includes the rotating shaft assembly according to the first aspect of this application, where the screen is fixedly supported by the panel, and the first housing and the second housing are opened or closed through the rotating shaft assembly.

It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are only examples and are not intended to limit this application.

The accompanying drawings herein are incorporated into this specification and form a part of this specification, illustrate the embodiments conforming to this application, and are intended to explain the principles of this application together with this specification.

To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following further describes this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely used to explain this application, and are not intended to limit this application.

In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified and defined explicitly, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance; unless otherwise specified or stated, the term "a plurality of" means two or more than two. The terms "connected", "fastened", and the like should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" may be a fixed connection, and alternatively a detachable connection, or an integral connection, or an electrical connection; or may be a direct connection, and alternatively an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. A person of ordinary skills in the art can understand specific meanings of these terms in this application as appropriate to specific situations.

In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the terms such as "upper" and "lower" described in the embodiments of this application are described in the perspective shown in the accompanying drawings, which should not be understood as limitation on embodiments of this application. In addition, in the context, it should also be understood that when an element is connected "on" or "under" another element, it can not only be directly connected "on" or "under" another element, but also be indirectly connected "on" or "under" another element through an intermediate element.

A folding mobile phone (Folding mobile phone) typically includes two movable housings, and the two housings can be folded or unfolded through a rotating shaft structure. The rotating shaft structure is generally assembled from numerous parts and features a complex structure. In the rotating shaft structure, a panel is a key component used to support a flexible screen. Flatness of the panel is one of important factors for determining whether the flexible screen is flat in an unfolded state. For the existing rotating shaft assembly, due to the numerous parts, an accumulated tolerance of all parts may affect the flatness of the panel. In addition, a tiny gap is left between parts that move relative to each other, so as to ensure normal action, but such gap also causes the panel to float, resulting in poor flatness of the panel, which in turn leads to unevenness of the flexible screen and poor light and shadow effect.

In view of this, as shown in <FIG>, an embodiment of this application provides an electronic device including a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, and a screen (not shown in the figure), the screen covering the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, where the electronic device further includes a rotating shaft assembly <NUM> according to the embodiment of this application, the screen is fixedly supported by a panel <NUM> of the rotating shaft assembly <NUM>, and the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are opened or closed through the rotating shaft assembly <NUM>. The screen may be a flexible screen. When the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> rotate, the flexible screen can be folded or fully unfolded. In the folded state, the electronic device can be closed. In the fully unfolded state, the electronic device can be opened to present images through the screen. The panel <NUM> of the rotating shaft assembly <NUM> may be fixedly connected to the screen, the panel <NUM> may push the screen to be folded or fully unfolded, and the screen in the fully unfolded state may be stably supported by the panel <NUM> to ensure the flatness of the screen.

It may be understood that the electronic device provided in the embodiment of this application may be a folding mobile phone, or other electronic devices having a folding function and a flatness requirement.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotating shaft assembly <NUM> according to the embodiment of this application includes a panel <NUM> and a rotatable support mechanism <NUM>. The rotatable support mechanism <NUM> may connect the panel <NUM> and the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> of the electronic device, rotation of the rotatable support mechanism <NUM> may drive the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> to rotate, and the screen may be folded or unfolded through the panel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the rotatable support mechanism <NUM> includes a swing arm <NUM>, a fixed structure <NUM>, a limit part <NUM>, and a support structure <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> is provided with a mounting plane 3141a, and the panel <NUM> is fastened on the mounting plane 3141a. Two ends of the swing arm <NUM> are rotatably connected to the fixed structure <NUM> and the support structure <NUM> respectively, the fixed structure <NUM> may be fastened between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, and a first limit portion <NUM> is formed on an end of the swing arm <NUM> facing away from the panel <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The limit part <NUM> is connected to the support structure <NUM>, and a second limit portion <NUM> is formed on an end of the limit part <NUM> facing towards the panel <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The second limit portion <NUM> is located opposite the first limit portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the rotatable support mechanism <NUM> is in the fully unfolded state, the first limit portion <NUM> abuts against the second limit portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the rotatable support mechanism <NUM> is in the non-fully folded state, the first limit portion <NUM> is separated from the second limit portion <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a rotating shaft assembly when being folded, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of <FIG> along A-A, and <FIG> is an enlarged view of position B in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, a user typically does not have a requirement on screen flatness when the rotating shaft assembly is rotating, and has a requirement on the screen flatness only when the screen is entirely in a fully unfolded state, in order to obtain better light and shadow effect during use. Therefore, in a rotating process of the rotating shaft assembly, the first limit portion <NUM> and the second limit portion <NUM> can remain separated from each other. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a folded rotating shaft assembly, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of <FIG> along C-C, and <FIG> is an enlarged view of position D in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, after the rotating shaft assembly finishes folding, the first housing and the second housing of the electronic device are docked together, and in this state, the user has no need to use the electronic device. Therefore, in this state, the first limit portion <NUM> and the second limit portion <NUM> can also remain separated from each other.

It should be noted that the swing arm <NUM> needs to rotate relative to the fixed structure <NUM> so as to unfold or fold the screen. A tiny gap is left between the swing arm <NUM> and the fixed structure <NUM> to ensure normal rotation of the swing arm <NUM>. Such a gap may lead to a slight amount of wobble of the swing arm <NUM>, which in turn causes the panel <NUM> to float, making the panel <NUM> arched or collapsed at a joint position of the panel <NUM> and the support structure <NUM>, leading to poor flatness of the panel <NUM>, and affecting light and shadow effect.

In view of this, in this embodiment, a limit part <NUM> is used to be connected to the support structure <NUM>. The limit part <NUM> may move synchronously with the support structure <NUM>, and the support structure <NUM> may be connected to the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> of the electronic device. When an end of the swing arm <NUM> rotates relative to the fixed structure <NUM>, the swing arm <NUM> may drive the support structure <NUM> to rotate, the other end of the swing arm <NUM> is rotatably connected to the support structure <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> also rotates slightly relative to the swing arm <NUM> while the support structure <NUM>, driven by the swing arm <NUM>, rotates with the swing arm <NUM>, so as to ensure that the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> connected to the support structure <NUM> can be opened or fully unfolded without jamming.

Because the limit part <NUM> is fastened on the support structure <NUM>, while the support structure <NUM> is rotating relative to the swing arm <NUM>, the limit part <NUM> that is connected to the support structure <NUM> also moves relative to the swing arm <NUM>. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, when the screen is in the folded state, the limit part <NUM> is separated from the swing arm <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the screen is in the unfolded state, the second limit portion <NUM> of the limit part <NUM> is able to abut against the first limit portion <NUM> of the swing arm <NUM>, thereby implementing mutual constraint between the swing arm <NUM>, the support structure <NUM>, and the limit part <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the panel <NUM>. This effectively prevents the swing arm <NUM> and the support structure <NUM> from floating due to existence of the foregoing gap, and allows the support structure <NUM> to stably support the panel <NUM>, thereby ensuring flatness of the panel <NUM> in the unfolded state and light and shadow effect of the screen.

When the folding mobile phone is in the non-fully folded state, the rotatable support mechanism is in the folded state, and in this case, the swing arm <NUM> and the limit part <NUM> are separated from each other, leaving the first limit portion <NUM> and the second limit portion <NUM> out of contact, thereby avoiding causing resistance to folding of the folding mobile phone.

In addition, it should be noted that if the electronic device is a folding mobile phone, a flexible printed circuit board <NUM> (Flexible Printed Circuit, FPC for short) that is connected to the mainboard is typically disposed between the panel <NUM> and a housing of the folding mobile phone. The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> has excellent characteristics such as light mass, small thickness, and easy bending and folding. The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> is specifically disposed on at least one side of the rotatable support mechanism <NUM> in a length direction of the panel <NUM>. Because a space is present between the panel <NUM> and the housing of the folding mobile phone, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> can be flexibly deformed in the space in the folding or unfolding process of the folding mobile phone.

Specifically, <FIG> is a first schematic structural diagram of cooperation of a rotating shaft assembly <NUM> and a flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, <FIG> is a second schematic structural diagram of cooperation of a rotating shaft assembly <NUM> and a flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, <FIG> is a state diagram of a flexible printed circuit board <NUM> when a rotating shaft assembly <NUM> is in a folded state, and <FIG> is a state diagram of a flexible printed circuit board <NUM> when a rotating shaft assembly <NUM> is in a fully unfolded state. As shown in <FIG>, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> is in a stretchy state when the rotating shaft assembly <NUM> is in a non-fully folded state. As shown in <FIG>, due to relative movement between the support structure <NUM> and the swing arm, when the rotating shaft assembly <NUM> switches from a folded state to a fully unfolded state, the space between the panel <NUM> and the folding mobile phone housing is compressed to some degree, such that the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> is flexibly deformed to some degree. By utilizing the characteristics of being flexible and easily bendable and foldable, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> can generate wrinkles locally to reduce its volume, ensuring free switching between the folded state and the fully unfolded state.

However, as shown in <FIG>, when the rotating shaft assembly <NUM> is in the fully unfolded state, wrinkles generated by deformation of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> itself may cause the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> to become larger in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the panel <NUM>, such that the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> generates an extrusion force on the panel <NUM>. The panel <NUM> is partially arched due to the extrusion force, causing the screen to be uneven and have folds and affecting light and shadow effect.

In view of this, in this embodiment, the limit part <NUM> is provided, and when the rotating shaft assembly <NUM> is in the fully unfolded state, the second limit portion <NUM> of the limit part <NUM> abuts against the first limit portion <NUM> of the swing arm <NUM>. When the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> generates an extrusion force on the panel <NUM>, constraint between the limit part <NUM> and the swing arm <NUM> can prevent the panel <NUM> from being arched by the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, so that the panel <NUM> still has a good flatness while being extruded by the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, thereby ensuring good light and shadow effect of the screen.

As shown in <FIG>, the first limit portion <NUM> is a surface of an end of the swing arm <NUM> facing away from the panel <NUM>. The swing arm <NUM> abuts against the second limit portion <NUM> of the limit part <NUM> through a surface of a side of the swing arm <NUM>, which can reduce space occupied between the swing arm <NUM> and the limit part <NUM> without adding additional parts. The surface of the swing arm <NUM> can also provide a large contact area to ensure the reliability of the swing arm <NUM> abutting against the limit part <NUM>.

Likewise, as shown in <FIG>, the second limit portion <NUM> is a surface of an end of the limit part <NUM> facing towards the panel <NUM>. The limit part <NUM> abuts against the first limit portion <NUM> of the swing arm <NUM> through a surface of a side of the limit part <NUM>, which can reduce space occupied between the swing arm <NUM> and the limit part <NUM> without adding additional parts. The surface of the limit part <NUM> can also provide a large contact area to ensure the reliability of the swing arm <NUM> abutting against the limit part <NUM>.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, the panel <NUM> is generally an elongated thin plate structure. When the rotating shaft assembly <NUM> is in a fully unfolded state, due to a factor of fit tolerance between parts of the rotating shaft assembly <NUM>, the middle part of the panel <NUM> is prone to collapse, to be specific, the panel <NUM> is slightly bent in a direction facing away from the screen, which may also cause poor flatness of the screen and affect light and shadow effect.

In view of this, in this embodiment, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an end of the support structure <NUM> is provided with a limit structure 3141e. When the rotatable support mechanism <NUM> is in the fully unfolded state, the limit structure 3141e laps over an end of the fixed structure <NUM> facing towards the panel <NUM>. When the rotatable support mechanism <NUM> is in the non-fully folded state, the limit structure 3141e is separated from the fixed structure <NUM>.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the limit structure 3141e is of a thin plate structure, and a limit surface <NUM> is formed on the end of the fixed structure <NUM> facing towards the panel <NUM>. In the fully unfolded state, the limit structure 3141e laps over the limit surface <NUM> of the fixed structure <NUM>. The limit surface <NUM> can support the limit structure 3141e to prevent the support structure <NUM> from sinking in a direction leaving the panel <NUM>, thereby avoiding the problem of collapse of the panel <NUM>. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cooperation of the limit structure 3141e and the fixed structure <NUM> can prevent the support structure <NUM> and the panel <NUM> from sinking, and the cooperation of the limit part <NUM> and the swing arm <NUM> can prevent the panel from being arched by the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. Therefore, the rotating shaft assembly provided in this embodiment can effectively avoid floating or sinking of the panel, which ensures that the panel has a good flatness in the fully unfolded state, further ensuring good light and shadow effect of the screen and improving user experience.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, in a non-fully folded state, the electronic device is typically in a non-use state. In this state, the user has no requirement on screen flatness, and the limit structure 3141e is separated from the limit surface <NUM> of the fixed structure <NUM> without any constraint between them, thereby ensuring a normal folding action of the rotating shaft assembly <NUM>.

It may be understood that, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the panel <NUM> is generally an elongated thin plate structure. To support the panel <NUM> more stably, the rotatable support mechanism <NUM> may be provided in a quantity of at least two in an extension direction of the panel <NUM>. Certainly, in this application, with only one rotatable support mechanism <NUM> provided in the middle area of the panel <NUM>, the panel <NUM> can be reliably supported, ensuring the flatness of the panel <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the panel <NUM> may be made of a carbon fiber material. Compared with the panel <NUM> made of a metal material in the prior art, the panel <NUM> made of the carbon fiber material is light in mass, helping achieve a light weight of the electronic device.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotating shaft assembly <NUM> further includes a rotating shaft housing <NUM>. The fixed structure <NUM> is fixedly mounted to the rotating shaft housing <NUM>. The rotating shaft housing <NUM> can cover the fixed structure <NUM> therein, to prevent parts such as the fixed structure <NUM> and the swing arm <NUM> from being damaged or contaminated by external environment. In addition, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are symmetrically distributed on two sides of the rotating shaft housing <NUM>. The panel <NUM> may also be provided in a quantity of two, and the two panels <NUM> are symmetrically distributed on two sides of the rotating shaft housing <NUM>. Each panel <NUM> is rotatably supported by at least one rotatable support mechanism <NUM> in a length direction of the panel <NUM>. The rotatable support mechanisms <NUM> for supporting the two panels <NUM> are also symmetrically distributed on two sides of the rotating shaft housing <NUM>, thereby ensuring consistent support effect on the two panels <NUM>. The two symmetrically-distributed rotatable support mechanisms <NUM> may be jointly connected to one fixed structure <NUM>.

In a specific implementation, as shown in <FIG>, the support structure <NUM> includes a mounting part <NUM> and an adapter <NUM>, an end of the swing arm <NUM> farther away from the fixed structure <NUM> is rotatably connected to the adapter <NUM>, and the mounting part <NUM> is slidably connected to the adapter <NUM> according to a preset track.

The adapter <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> of the electronic device, so that the adapter <NUM> can drive the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> to move synchronously. When the swing arm <NUM> rotates, the mounting part <NUM> and the adapter <NUM> also move relative to each other, so as to rotatably open or close the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, preventing the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> from being interfered with or jammed by other surrounding components.

The limit structure 3141e may be integrally formed with the mounting part <NUM>. To be specific, the limit structure 3141e may be formed on an end of the mounting part <NUM> closer to the fixed structure <NUM>.

Specifically, the adapter <NUM> may be fixedly connected to the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> of the electronic device by using a screw, or certainly, by riveting, welding, or other means, which is not limited in the embodiment.

In addition, to ensure stable connection between the panel <NUM> and the mounting part <NUM>, the panel <NUM> may be riveted to the mounting part <NUM>.

In a specific implementation, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG>, the limit part <NUM> is provided with a positioning groove <NUM>, the mounting part <NUM> is provided with a positioning rod 3141c, and the positioning rod 3141c is fixedly mounted in the positioning groove <NUM>. The positioning rod 3141c of the mounting part <NUM> protrudes from a side facing away from the panel <NUM>. During mounting of the limit part <NUM>, the positioning groove <NUM> of the limit part <NUM> may be fit onto a corresponding positioning rod 3141c to implement pre-positioning for mounting of the limit part <NUM>, and then the limit part <NUM> and the mounting part <NUM> may be locked and fastened by using a screw <NUM>. This not only facilitates operation but also ensures reliable connection between the limit part <NUM> and the mounting part <NUM>.

It should be noted that, as shown in <FIG>, a mounting space <NUM> is provided on a side of the mounting part <NUM> facing away from the panel <NUM>, and the mounting space <NUM> is formed between the adapter <NUM>, the mounting part <NUM>, and the fixed structure <NUM>. The limit part <NUM> can be provided in the mounting space <NUM> without occupying additional Z-directional space, thereby ensuring both the flatness of the panel <NUM> and the thinness and lightness of the electronic device.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the positioning groove <NUM> is provided with a mounting hole 3131a, the positioning rod 3141c is provided with a threaded hole 3141d, and the positioning rod 3141c is fixedly connected to the positioning groove <NUM> through cooperation of the mounting hole 3131a, the threaded hole 3141d, and the screw <NUM>. After the positioning rod 3141c of the mounting part <NUM> is inserted into the positioning groove <NUM> of the limit part <NUM> to complete pre-mounting, the screw <NUM> may be tightened in the threaded hole 3141d of the positioning rod 3141c through the mounting hole 3131a of the positioning groove <NUM>, allowing the limit part <NUM> and the mounting part <NUM> to be locked and fastened. This not only facilitates assembling of the limit part <NUM> and the mounting part <NUM>, but also ensures reliable connection and fastening of the limit part <NUM> and the mounting part <NUM>.

In a specific implementation, as shown in <FIG>, the mounting part <NUM> is provided in a quantity of at least two, and the at least two mounting parts <NUM> are respectively provided on two sides of the swing arm <NUM>. The at least two mounting parts <NUM> are all connected to the limit part <NUM>. Surfaces of the at least two mounting parts <NUM> facing away from the limit part <NUM> are formed as mounting planes 3141a, and the mounting planes 3141a of the at least two mounting parts <NUM> are all located on a same plane. The at least two mounting parts <NUM> together support the panel <NUM>, which enhances reliability of supporting the panel <NUM>. The mounting planes 3141a on each mounting part <NUM> for supporting the panel <NUM> are located on the same plane, so that the mounting planes 3141a of each mounting part <NUM> have the same flatness, thereby ensuring the flatness of the panel <NUM>, and further ensuring good light and shadow effect of the screen.

In this embodiment, the mounting part <NUM> may be specifically provided in a quantity of two, and the two mounting parts <NUM> may be respectively provided on two sides of the swing arm <NUM>, thereby providing balanced support force for the panel <NUM> through the two mounting parts <NUM>. In addition, two ends of the limit part <NUM> may be respectively connected to the two mounting parts <NUM>. Through restriction of the limit part <NUM>, consistency of positions of the two mounting parts <NUM> can be ensured, so that the mounting planes 3141a of the two mounting parts <NUM> are located on the same plane, thereby ensuring the flatness of the panel <NUM>.

In a specific implementation, as shown in <FIG>, the adapter <NUM> is provided with an arc-shaped track groove 3142a, the mounting part <NUM> is provided with an arc-shaped guide flange 3141b, and the guide flange 3141b is in a sliding fit with the track groove 3142a.

The track groove 3142a is provided on each of two sides of the adapter <NUM> that are perpendicular to a rotation direction of the track groove. Both the track groove 3142a and the guide flange 3141b are arc-shaped, and the guide flange 3141b can slide in the track groove 3142a relative to the track groove 3142a. The cooperation of the guide flange 3141b and the track groove 3142a can ensure that the adapter <NUM> rotates stably relative to the swing arm.

It should be noted that, to implement the relative sliding of the guide flange 3141b and the track groove 3142a, a tiny gap is left between the guide flange 3141b and the track groove 3142a. When the mounting part <NUM> is not additionally constrained, such a gap may cause the mounting part <NUM> to wobble, unable to ensure position consistency of the two mounting parts <NUM>. As a result, the mounting planes 3141a of the two mounting parts <NUM> are not on the same plane, such that the flatness of the panel <NUM> at the position supported by the rotatable support mechanism <NUM> is inconsistent with the flatness of other positions, thereby causing the screen to be uneven in the unfolded state and affecting light and shadow effect.

In view of this, in this embodiment, the limit part <NUM> is connected to both the two mounting parts <NUM> to restrict the two mounting parts <NUM>, which can ensure the position consistency of the two mounting parts <NUM>. When the screen is in the fully unfolded state, the limit part <NUM> is able to abut against the swing arm to implement restriction, which prevents the mounting part <NUM> from floating up and down when the screen is in the fully unfolded state, thereby ensuring the flatness of the panel <NUM> and ensuring light and shadow effect of the screen in the unfolded state.

In a specific implementation, as shown in <FIG>, the rotatable support mechanism <NUM> further includes a hinge pin <NUM>, the swing arm <NUM> is provided with a first rotation hole <NUM>, the adapter <NUM> is provided with a second rotation hole 3142b that is coaxially disposed with the first rotation hole <NUM>, and the swing arm <NUM> is rotatably connected to the adapter <NUM> through cooperation of the first rotation hole <NUM>, the second rotation hole 3142b, and the hinge pin <NUM>. The hinge pin <NUM> can ensure that the first rotation hole <NUM> and the second rotation hole 3142b coaxially rotate, avoiding a wobble between the swing arm and the adapter <NUM>. In addition, connection using the hinge pin <NUM> also facilitates assembly. The hinge pin <NUM> may be fixedly mounted on the adapter <NUM> or the swing arm <NUM>.

In a specific implementation, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, an end of the swing arm <NUM> is provided with an arc-shaped rotating portion <NUM>, an arc-shaped rotation space <NUM> is formed on the fixed structure <NUM>, and the rotating portion <NUM> is rotatably disposed in the rotation space <NUM>. The arc-shaped rotating portion <NUM> is formed as a structure with a side facing towards the panel <NUM> being recessed and a side facing away from the panel <NUM> being arched. The rotation space <NUM> matches the rotating portion <NUM> in shape, and an inner wall of the rotation space <NUM> can provide movement guidance for the rotating portion <NUM> to implement rotation of the rotating portion <NUM>. To rotatably open and close the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> of the electronic device, the rotation center of the rotating portion <NUM> may be at a position in the external space of the electronic device.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the fixed structure <NUM> includes a first supporting part <NUM> and a second supporting part <NUM>, the first supporting part <NUM> is fixedly connected to the second supporting part <NUM>, and the rotation space <NUM> is formed between the first supporting part <NUM> and the second supporting part <NUM>.

The first supporting part <NUM> and the second supporting part <NUM> are respectively located on two sides of the rotating portion <NUM>, a side surface of the first supporting part <NUM> facing towards the rotating portion <NUM> is a first arc-shaped face 3121a, a side surface of the second supporting part <NUM> facing towards the rotating portion <NUM> is a second arc-shaped face 3122a, and the rotation space <NUM> is formed between the first arc-shaped face 3121a and the second arc-shaped face 3122a. The first arc-shaped face 3121a and the second arc-shaped face 3122a can guide the rotation of the rotating portion <NUM>. In addition, an edge region of the first supporting part <NUM> may be welded to an edge region of the second supporting part <NUM>, and the rotation space <NUM> may be formed in a middle region between the first supporting part <NUM> and the second supporting part <NUM>. Certainly, the first supporting part <NUM> and the second supporting part <NUM> may alternatively be fastened by riveting or other means, which is not limited in the embodiment.

Claim 1:
A rotating shaft assembly (<NUM>), comprising a panel (<NUM>) and a rotatable support mechanism (<NUM>) for an electronic device having a first housing (<NUM>) and a second housing (<NUM>), wherein
the rotatable support mechanism (<NUM>) comprises a swing arm (<NUM>), a fixed structure (<NUM>), a limit part (<NUM>), and a support structure (<NUM>);
the support structure (<NUM>) is provided with a mounting plane (3141a) and the panel (<NUM>) is fastened on the mounting plane (3141a), wherein the support structure includes an adapter (<NUM>) fixedly connected to the first housing (<NUM>) or the second housing (<NUM>);
two ends of the swing arm (<NUM>) are rotatably connected to the fixed structure (<NUM>) and the adapter (<NUM>) respectively, and a first limit portion (<NUM>) is formed on an end of the swing arm (<NUM>) facing away from the panel (<NUM>); and
the limit part (<NUM>) is connected to the support structure (<NUM>), and a second limit portion (<NUM>) is formed on an end of the limit part (<NUM>) facing towards the panel (<NUM>); wherein
when the rotatable support mechanism (<NUM>) is in a fully unfolded state, the first limit portion abuts against the second limit portion (<NUM>);
wherein an end of the support structure (<NUM>) is provided with a limit structure (3141e), wherein when the rotatable support mechanism (<NUM>) is in the fully unfolded state, the limit structure laps over an end of the fixed structure (<NUM>) facing towards the panel (<NUM>); and when the rotatable support mechanism (<NUM>) is in the non-fully folded state, the limit structure (3141e) is separated from the fixed structure (<NUM>).