Patent Description:
A flexible display is bendable, so that an electronic device equipped with the flexible display, namely, a foldable electronic device, can switch between folded and unfolded states. With relatively large areas for display and portability convenience, foldable electronic devices are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. However, during a folding process of a conventional foldable electronic device, a bending position of a flexible display is easily squeezed, which may finally cause damage to the flexible display, affecting service life of the flexible display. <CIT> discloses an electronic device comprising a screen and a housing device for carrying the screen.

This application provides a rotating mechanism and a foldable electronic device, to resolve a technical problem that a bending position of a flexible display of a conventional foldable electronic device is easily squeezed during a folding process.

According to a first aspect, this application provides a rotating mechanism, including a fixed base, a flexible support member, a first rotating member, and a second rotating member. The rotating mechanism includes an unfolded state and a folded state. In the unfolded state, the flexible support member is flattened, and in the folded state, the flexible support member is bent.

The fixed base includes an upper casing and a lower casing. The upper casing and the lower casing are disposed to be stacked and fixedly connected. A bottom plate of the lower casing is provided with a first rotating groove and a second rotating groove. The first rotating groove and the second rotating groove is disposed opposite to each other. Two opposite side plates of the upper casing are provided with a first notch and a second notch. The first notch is disposed corresponding to the first rotating groove, and the second notch is disposed corresponding to the second rotating groove.

The flexible support member includes a first side portion and a second side portion, the first side portion and the second side portion are respectively located on two opposite sides of the flexible support member, and the flexible support member is located on a surface of the fixed base.

The first rotating member includes a first swingarm, the first swingarm includes a first rotating body and a first rotating portion, and the first rotating body is fixedly connected to the first rotating portion. The first rotating portion is rotatably connected to the first side portion of the flexible support member, and the first rotating body extends into the first rotating groove through the first notch, and is installed in the first rotating groove and slidable along the first rotating groove. When the first rotating body rotates relative to the fixed base along the first rotating groove in a direction of getting away from the first rotating groove, the first rotating portion rotates relative to the flexible support member and the first rotating portion drives the flexible support member to unfold. When the first rotating body rotates relative to the fixed base along the first rotating groove in a direction of extending into the first rotating groove, the first rotating portion rotates relative to the flexible support member and the first rotating portion drives the flexible support member to bend.

The second rotating member includes a second swingarm, the second swingarm includes a second rotating body and a second rotating portion, and the second rotating body is fixedly connected to the second rotating portion. The second rotating portion is rotatably connected to the second side portion of the flexible support member, and the second rotating body extends into the second rotating groove through the second notch, and is installed in the second rotating groove and slidable along the second rotating groove. When the second rotating body rotates relative to the fixed base along the second rotating groove in a direction of getting away from the second rotating groove, the second rotating portion rotates relative to the flexible support member and the second rotating body drives the flexible support member to unfold. When the second rotating body rotates relative to the fixed base along the second rotating groove in a direction of extending into the second rotating groove, the second rotating portion rotates relative to the flexible support member and the second rotating body drives the flexible support member to bend. A rotation direction of the second rotating member and a rotation direction of the first rotating member are opposite.

The rotating mechanism is applied to a foldable electronic device, and the foldable electronic device includes a display. In this embodiment, folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device can be achieved through rotation of the rotating mechanism. When the foldable electronic device is in the folded state, the display is bent.

In the rotating mechanism illustrated in this application, the bendable flexible support member is disposed and is stacked on the fixed base, and the first swingarm of the first rotating member and the second swingarm of the second rotating member are movably connected to the fixed base. When the first swingarm and the second swingarm rotate, the flexible support member is bent and there is space in a bending position of the flexible support member, so as to provide bending space for the display, thereby preventing the flexible support member from squeezing the display to cause damage to the display when the rotating mechanism is folded. In addition, a round corner formed when the display is bent can also be avoided, so that a foldable part of the display is not bent by a relatively large angle, to avoid adverse phenomena such as creases on the display, thereby prolonging service life of the display. In addition, the flexible support member in the rotating mechanism provided in this application can be bent, to reduce a thickness of the rotating mechanism, which facilitates thinning of the foldable electronic device.

For ease of description, a first reference plane and a second reference plane are set in this application. The first reference plane is perpendicular to a second direction, and the second reference plane is perpendicular to a first direction. Actually, the first reference plane and the second reference plane are planes of symmetry of the rotating mechanism, where the rotating mechanism is axially symmetric with respect to the first reference plane and the second reference plane. The first direction is a width direction of the rotating mechanism, and the second direction is a length direction of the rotating mechanism.

The first rotating member and the second rotating member are mirror-symmetric with respect to the second reference plane, the fixed base is symmetric with respect to both the first reference plane and the second reference plane, and the flexible support member is symmetric with respect to both the first reference plane and the second reference plane.

A rotating assembly further includes a third rotating member and a fourth rotating member. A structure of the third rotating member is the same as that of the first rotating member, and the third rotating member and the first rotating member are symmetric with respect to the second reference plane. A structure of the fourth rotating member is the same as that of the second rotating member, and the fourth rotating member and the second rotating member are symmetric with respect to the first reference plane. The third rotating member and the fourth rotating member rotate simultaneously with the first rotating member and the second rotating member to achieve folding and unfolding of the rotating mechanism.

When the rotating mechanism is in the folded state, the flexible support member is bent to form avoidance space.

In this embodiment, when the rotating mechanism is in the folded state, the flexible support member accordingly provides bending space for the display, so as to prevent the flexible support member from being squeezed to cause damage to the display when the display is bent. When the rotating mechanism is in the unfolded state, the flexible support member is unfolded, to have an effect of supporting the display, thereby ensuring good display of the display.

In an implementation, the flexible support member includes a bending portion, the bending portion is connected between the first side portion and the second side portion, and the bending portion is bendable. When the rotating mechanism is in the folded state, the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate in a direction of approaching each other, to drive the first side portion and the second side portion to move in a direction of getting away from the fixed base. In addition, the bending portion is bent to form avoidance space, so as to accommodate the display.

In this embodiment, the bending portion is made of a flexible material. Specifically, the bending portion may be made of a rubber material, or may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer or another flexible material. In this embodiment, a flexible material is used completely between the first side portion and the second side portion, and deformation of the flexible support member can be generated under applied force. When the rotating mechanism is in the folded state, the bending portion of the flexible support member is bent, so as to provide bending space for the display, and prevent the flexible support member from squeezing the display to cause damage to the display.

In an implementation, the flexible support member includes a rigid portion, a first bending portion, and a second bending portion, the first bending portion is connected between the rigid portion and the first side portion, the second bending portion is connected between the rigid portion and the second side portion, and both the first bending portion and the second bending portion are bendable. When the rotating mechanism is in the folded state, the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate in the direction of approaching each other, to drive the first side portion and the second side portion to move in a direction of getting away from the fixed base, and the rigid portion to move in a direction of approaching the fixed base. In addition, the first bending portion and the second bending portion are bent toward a same direction to form avoidance space, so as to accommodate the display.

In this embodiment, the first bending portion and the second bending portion are easily bent under applied force, so as to provide bending space for the bending part of the display, and prevent the flexible support member from squeezing the display to cause damage to the display. The rigid portion made of a rigid material is not prone to deformation, has relatively high strength, and has an effect of increasing strength of the flexible support member, and meanwhile, a preset shape can be formed when the flexible support member is in the folded state, so that the avoidance space formed by bending of the flexible support member can better fit bending of the foldable part of the display.

In an implementation, the first bending portion includes a first rigid section, a first flexible section, and a second flexible section. The first flexible section and the second flexible section are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the first rigid section. The first flexible section is connected to the first side portion, and the second flexible section is connected to the rigid portion. The second bending portion includes a second rigid section, a third flexible section, and a fourth flexible section, the third flexible section and the fourth flexible section are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the second rigid section, the third flexible section is connected to the rigid portion, and the fourth flexible section is connected to the second side portion.

When the rotating mechanism is in the folded state, the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate in the direction of approaching each other, to drive the first side portion and the second side portion to move in a direction of getting away from the fixed base, and the rigid portion to move in the direction of approaching the fixed base. In addition, the first flexible section, the second flexible section, the third flexible section, and the fourth flexible section are deformed and bent, and the first rigid section and the second rigid section are not deformed, to form avoidance space with a specific shape, so as to accommodate the display.

In this embodiment, the first flexible section, the second flexible section, the third flexible section, and the fourth flexible section are all made of a flexible material, which may be specifically a rubber material, a thermoplastic elastomer, or another flexible material. The first rigid section, the second rigid section, and the rigid portion are all made of a rigid material such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper.

When the rotating mechanism is in the folded state, the first flexible section, the second flexible section, the third flexible section, and the fourth flexible section are all bent, so that the flexible support member is bent to form avoidance space, so as to provide bending space for a display, and avoid adverse phenomena such as creases on the display, thereby prolonging service life of the display. Strength of the flexible support member can be further increased by disposing the first rigid section and the second rigid section. Moreover, when the rotating mechanism is in the folded state, the flexible support member can be bent to form a preset shape, so that the flexible support member can better fit a foldable part of the display.

In an implementation, the first bending portion includes a first bending sub-portion and a second bending sub-portion, the first bending sub-portion and the second bending sub-portion are arranged at intervals side by side along a thickness direction of the flexible support member, two opposite ends of the first bending sub-portion are respectively connected to the rigid portion and the first side portion, and two opposite ends of the second bending sub-portion are respectively connected to the rigid portion and the first side portion. The second bending portion includes a third bending sub-portion and a fourth bending sub-portion, the third bending sub-portion and the fourth bending sub-portion are arranged at intervals side by side along the thickness direction of the flexible support member, two opposite ends of the third bending sub-portion are respectively connected to the rigid portion and the second side portion, and two opposite ends of the fourth bending sub-portion are respectively connected to the rigid portion and the second side portion.

When the rotating mechanism is in the folded state, the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate in the direction of approaching each other, to drive the first side portion and the second side portion to move in a direction of getting away from the fixed base, and the rigid portion to move in a direction of approaching the fixed base. In addition, the first bending sub-portion, the second bending sub-portion, the third bending sub-portion, and the fourth bending sub-portion are all bent to form avoidance space, so as to accommodate the display.

In this embodiment, the first bending sub-portion and the second bending sub-portion are arranged at intervals, so that bending space can be provided for the first bending sub-portion after the second bending sub-portion is bent, to increase a bending degree of the first bending sub-portion. The third bending sub-portion and the fourth bending sub-portion are arranged at intervals, so that bending space can be provided for the third bending sub-portion after the fourth bending sub-portion is bent, to further increase avoidance space formed by bending of the flexible support member, and further provide bending space for the display, thereby preventing the flexible support member from being squeezed to cause damage to the display when the display is bent.

In an implementation, the first bending sub-portion includes a first rigid sub-section, a first flexible sub-section, and a second flexible sub-section, the first flexible sub-section and the second flexible sub-section are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the first rigid sub-section, the first flexible sub-section is connected to the first side portion, and the second flexible sub-section is connected to the rigid portion. The second bending sub-portion includes a second rigid sub-section, a third flexible sub-section, and a fourth flexible sub-section, the third flexible sub-section and the fourth flexible sub-section are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the second rigid sub-section, the third flexible sub-section is connected to the first side portion, and the fourth flexible sub-section is connected to the rigid portion.

The third bending sub-portion includes a third rigid sub-section, a fifth flexible sub-section, and a sixth flexible sub-section, the fifth flexible sub-section and the sixth flexible sub-section are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the third rigid sub-section, the fifth flexible sub-section is connected to the rigid portion, and the sixth flexible sub-section is connected to the second side portion. The fourth bending sub-portion includes a fourth rigid sub-section, a seventh flexible sub-section, and an eighth flexible sub-section, the seventh flexible sub-section and the eighth flexible sub-section are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the fourth rigid sub-section, the seventh flexible sub-section is connected to the rigid portion, and the eighth flexible sub-section is connected to the second side portion.

When the rotating mechanism is in the folded state, the first flexible sub-section, the second flexible sub-section, the third flexible sub-section, the fourth flexible sub-section, the fifth flexible sub-section, the sixth flexible sub-section, the seventh flexible sub-section, and the eighth flexible sub-section are all bent.

In this embodiment, when the rotating mechanism is in the folded state, the second flexible sub-section and the fourth flexible sub-section are bent toward a same direction, the first flexible sub-section and the third flexible sub-section are bent toward a same direction, and the first rigid sub-section and the second rigid sub-section keep unchanged in shape and are displaced in their extending directions. The sixth flexible sub-section and the eighth flexible sub-section are bent toward a same direction, the fifth flexible sub-section and the seventh flexible sub-section are bent toward a same direction, and the third rigid sub-section and the fourth rigid sub-section keep unchanged in shape and are displaced in their extending directions. In this way, the flexible support member is bent to form avoidance space in a shape of a water drop, so that the shape of the avoidance space better fits a shape formed by bending of the display, to further prevent the flexible support member from squeezing the display to cause damage to the display, and in addition, to avoid adverse phenomena such as creases on the display, thereby prolonging service life of the display.

In an implementation, the flexible support member is provided with a first through-hole and a second through-hole, the first through-hole and the first swingarm are disposed opposite to each other, and the second through-hole and the second swingarm are disposed opposite to each other. The first through-hole and the second through-hole are symmetric with respect to the first reference plane. When the rotating mechanism is in the unfolded state, the first through-hole is configured to accommodate an end part of the first swingarm, and the second through-hole is configured to accommodate an end part of the second swingarm.

The first through-hole is configured to avoid an end part, facing away from a first swing portion, of the first swingarm, so as to prevent the first swingarm from abutting against the flexible support member to cause damage to the flexible support member when the first swingarm rotates relative to the fixed base. The second through-hole is configured to avoid an end part, facing away from a second swing portion, of the second swingarm, so as to prevent the second swingarm from abutting against the flexible support member to cause damage to the flexible support member when the second swingarm rotates relative to the fixed base.

In an implementation, one end of the first rotating body is provided with a first avoidance groove, and a groove opening direction of the first avoidance groove is in an extending direction of the first rotating body. One end of the second rotating body is provided with a second avoidance groove, and a groove opening direction of the second avoidance groove is in an extending direction of the second rotating body. When the rotating mechanism is in the unfolded state, a part of the flexible support member is located in the first avoidance groove and the second avoidance groove.

The first avoidance groove is configured to avoid the flexible support member to prevent an end part of the first swingarm from abutting against the flexible support member to cause damage to the flexible support member when the rotating mechanism is in the unfolded state. The second avoidance groove is configured to avoid the flexible support member to prevent an end part of the second swingarm from abutting against the flexible support member to cause damage to the flexible support member when the rotating mechanism is in the unfolded state.

In an implementation, when the first rotating body rotates relative to the fixed base along the first rotating groove and the second rotating body rotates relative to the fixed base along the second rotating groove, the first rotating portion and the second rotating portion drive the flexible support member to bend or unfold.

When the first rotating body rotates relative to the fixed base along the first rotating groove in a direction of getting away from the first rotating groove, the first rotating portion rotates relative to the flexible support member and the first rotating portion drives the flexible support member to unfold. When the first rotating body rotates relative to the fixed base along the first rotating groove in a direction of extending into the first rotating groove, the first rotating portion rotates relative to the flexible support member and the first rotating portion drives the flexible support member to bend.

When the second rotating body rotates relative to the fixed base along the second rotating groove in a direction of getting away from the second rotating groove, the second rotating portion rotates relative to the flexible support member and the second rotating body drives the flexible support member to unfold. When the second rotating body rotates relative to the fixed base along the second rotating groove in a direction of extending into the second rotating groove, the second rotating portion rotates relative to the flexible support member and the second rotating body drives the flexible support member to bend.

In an implementation, the first swingarm further includes a first swing portion, and the first swing portion is in a flat plate-like shape. The first swing portion is fixedly connected to the first rotating body. When the first swing portion rotates in a direction of getting away from the fixed base, the first rotating body slides along the first rotating groove in a direction of getting away from the first rotating groove, the first rotating portion rotates relative to the flexible support member, and the first rotating portion drives the flexible support member to unfold. When the first swing portion rotates in a direction of approaching the fixed base, the first rotating body slides along the first rotating groove in a direction of extending into the first rotating groove, the first rotating portion rotates relative to the flexible support member, and the first rotating portion drives the flexible support member to bend.

The second swingarm further includes a second swing portion, and the first swing portion is in a flat plate-like shape. The second swing portion is fixedly connected to the second rotating body. When the second swing portion rotates in a direction of getting away from the fixed base, the second rotating body slides along the second rotating groove in a direction of getting away from the second rotating groove, the second rotating portion rotates relative to the flexible support member, and the second rotating portion drives the flexible support member to unfold. When the second swing portion rotates in a direction of approaching the fixed base, the second rotating body slides along the second rotating groove in a direction of extending into the second rotating groove, the second rotating portion rotates relative to the flexible support member, and the second rotating portion drives the flexible support member to bend.

In this embodiment, the first rotating body and the first rotating portion are driven to rotate through rotation of the first swing portion, and the second rotating body and the second rotating portion are driven to rotate through rotation of the second swing portion, so as to drive the flexible support member to bend or be flattened, thereby achieving folding or unfolding of the rotating mechanism and ensuring rotation stability of the rotating mechanism.

In an implementation, the first swingarm further includes a first rotating shaft, and the first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to one end, facing away from the first rotating body, of the first swing portion. The first rotating member further includes a first fixing plate, and the first fixing plate is provided with a first shaft hole. A first rotating shaft is located in the first shaft hole, so that the first fixing plate is rotatably connected to the first rotating shaft. The second swingarm further includes a second rotating shaft, and the second rotating shaft is fixedly connected to one end, facing away from the second rotating body, of the second swing portion. The second rotating member further includes a second fixing plate, the second fixing plate is provided with a second shaft hole, and the second rotating shaft is located in the second shaft hole, so that the second fixing plate is rotatably connected to the second rotating shaft.

When the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate rotate in a direction of approaching each other, the first swingarm and the second swingarm rotate relative to the fixed base in a direction of approaching each other, and the first rotating portion and the second rotating portion drive the flexible support member to bend, so that the rotating mechanism is in the folded state. When the first fixing plate and the second fixing plate rotate in a direction of getting away from each other, the first swingarm and the second swingarm rotate relative to the fixed base in a direction of getting away from each other, and the first rotating portion and the second rotating portion drive the flexible support member to be flattened, so that the rotating mechanism is in the unfolded state.

In this embodiment, the first swingarm is driven to rotate through rotation of the first fixing plate, and the second swingarm is driven to rotate through rotation of the second fixing plate, so as to drive the flexible support member to bend or be flattened, thereby achieving folding or unfolding of the rotating mechanism and further ensuring rotation stability of the rotating mechanism and the foldable electronic device.

In an implementation, the rotating mechanism further includes a first door panel and a second door panel, the first door panel is fixedly connected to the first fixing plate, and the second door panel is fixedly connected to the second fixing plate. When the first door panel and the second door panel rotate in a direction of approaching each other, the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate relative to the fixed base in a direction of approaching each other, and the first rotating portion and the second rotating portion drive the flexible support member to bend, so that the rotating mechanism is in the folded state. When the first door panel and the second door panel rotate in a direction of getting away from each other, the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate relative to the fixed base in a direction of getting away from each other, and the first rotating portion and the second rotating portion drive the flexible support member to be flattened, so that the rotating mechanism is in the unfolded state.

The first door panel is configured to fixedly connect to a first casing of the foldable electronic device, and the second door panel is configured to fixedly connect to a second casing of the foldable electronic device. In this embodiment, when the rotating mechanism rotates, the first door panel drives the first casing to rotate, and the second door panel drives the second casing to rotate, so as to achieve relative rotation of the first casing and the second casing, that is, achieve unfolding or folding of the foldable electronic device. The first door panel and the second door panel are disposed, to increase stability of connection between the rotating mechanism and the first casing and second casing, and ensure rotation stability of the rotating mechanism and the foldable electronic device.

In an implementation, the fixed base is further provided with a first auxiliary rotating groove and a second auxiliary rotating groove, the first auxiliary rotating groove and the first rotating groove are arranged side by side, and an extending direction of the first auxiliary rotating groove is the same as an extending direction of the first rotating groove, the second auxiliary rotating groove and the second rotating groove are arranged side by side, and an extending direction of the second auxiliary rotating groove is the same as an extending direction of the second rotating groove.

The first swingarm further includes a first auxiliary rotating body, the first auxiliary rotating body is fixedly connected to the first rotating body, an extending direction of the first auxiliary rotating body is same as an extending direction of the first rotating body, and the first auxiliary rotating body is installed in the first auxiliary rotating groove and is slidable along the first auxiliary rotating groove.

The second swingarm further includes a second auxiliary rotating body, the second auxiliary rotating body is fixedly connected to the second rotating body, an extending direction of the second auxiliary rotating body is same as an extending direction of the second rotating body, and the second auxiliary rotating body is installed in the second auxiliary rotating groove and is slidable along the second auxiliary rotating groove.

In this embodiment, at the same time when the first rotating body rotates in the first rotating groove, the first auxiliary rotating body rotates in the first auxiliary rotating groove, so as to achieve rotation of the first swingarm relative to the fixed base, thereby improving stability of rotation of the first swingarm relative to the fixed base. At the same time when the second rotating body rotates in the second rotating groove, the second auxiliary rotating body rotates in the second auxiliary rotating groove, so as to achieve rotation of the second swingarm relative to the fixed base, thereby improving stability of rotation of the second swingarm relative to the fixed base.

According to a second aspect, this application provides a foldable electronic device, including a first casing, a second casing, a display, and the foregoing rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism is connected between the first casing and the second casing, and the display is installed on the first casing, the second casing, and the rotating mechanism. When the rotating mechanism rotates, the first casing and the second casing rotates relative to each other, to drive the display to bend or unfold.

When the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state, the first casing and the second casing are unfolded relative to each other, and the rotating mechanism is in the unfolded state. When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the first casing and the second casing are folded relative to each other, and the rotating mechanism is in the folded state. When the foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment uses the foregoing rotating mechanism. When the foregoing rotating mechanism is in the folded state, the flexible support member can be bent, to provide bending space for the display, so that when the foldable electronic device is in the folded state, the flexible support member does not squeeze the display, thereby avoiding damage caused to the display and prolonging service life of the display.

In an implementation, the display includes a first display part, a second display part, and a foldable part, the foldable part is connected between the first display part and the second display part, the first display part is installed on the first casing, the second display part is installed on the second casing, and the foldable part and the rotating mechanism are disposed opposite to each other.

When the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first casing, the second casing, and the rotating mechanism jointly support the display, so as to ensure normal display of the display and meanwhile achieve large-screen display, thereby improving use experience of a user. When the foldable electronic device is in the folded state, the foldable part of the display is bent, and the first display part and the second display part are disposed opposite to each other. In this case, the display is located between the first casing and the second casing, and an exposed area of the display is small, which can greatly reduce a probability of damage to the display and achieve effective protection of the display. In addition, the flexible support member of the rotating mechanism is bent, to avoid bending and deformation of a bendable part, so as to prevent the flexible support member from squeezing the display to cause damage to the display.

In an implementation, when the foldable electronic device is in the folded state, the flexible support member is bent to form avoidance space, and the bendable part is at least partially located in the avoidance space, so that the foldable part is not bent by a relatively large angle, to avoid adverse phenomena such as creases on the display, thereby prolonging service life of the display.

In summary, the rotating mechanism illustrated in this application is applied to a foldable electronic device, and the foldable electronic device includes a display. Folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device can be achieved through rotation of the rotating mechanism. When the electronic device is in the folded state, the display is bent.

The bendable flexible support member is disposed and is stacked on a fixed base, and a first swingarm of a first rotating member and a second swingarm of a second rotating member are movably connected to the fixed base. When the first swingarm and the second swingarm rotate, the flexible support member is bent and there is space in a bending position of the flexible support member, so as to provide bending space for the display, thereby preventing the flexible support member from squeezing the display to cause damage to the display when the rotating mechanism is folded. In addition, a round corner formed when the display is bent can also be avoided, so that a foldable part of the display is not bent by a relatively large angle, to avoid adverse phenomena such as creases on the display, thereby prolonging service life of the display. In addition, the flexible support member in the rotating mechanism provided in this application can be bent, to reduce a thickness of the rotating mechanism, which facilitates thinning of the foldable electronic device.

To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background more clearly, the following describes the accompanying drawings required for use in the embodiments of this application or the background.

During a folding process of an existing foldable electronic device, a bending position of a flexible display is easily squeezed by a support member, which creases the flexible display, and even causes damage to the flexible display, affecting service life of the flexible display. A rotating mechanism and a foldable electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application can prevent a bending position of a flexible display from being squeezed, which helps to prolong service life of the display.

Refer to <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a foldable electronic device <NUM> in a first state according to an embodiment of this application. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a foldable electronic device <NUM> in a second state according to an embodiment of this application. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a foldable electronic device <NUM> in a third state according to an embodiment of this application.

For ease of description, a width direction of the foldable electronic device <NUM> is defined as an X direction, a length direction of the foldable electronic device <NUM> is defined as a Y direction, and a thickness direction of the foldable electronic device <NUM> is defined as a Z direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are perpendicular to each other.

The foldable electronic device <NUM> includes, but is not limited to, a cellphone (cellphone), a notebook computer (notebook computer), a tablet personal computer (tablet personal computer), a laptop computer (laptop computer), a personal digital assistant (personal digital assistant), a wearable device (wearable device), a vehicle-mounted device (mobile device), or the like. In this embodiment of this application, a mobile phone is used as an example of the foldable electronic device <NUM> for description.

The foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is in a folded state, the foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is in a half-unfolded state, and the foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is in an unfolded state. An unfolding angle α of the foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is <NUM> degrees, and an unfolding angle β of the foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is <NUM> degrees.

It should be noted that, the angles illustrated in this embodiment of this application are all allowed to have a slight error. For example, that the unfolding angle α of the foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is <NUM> degrees means that α may be <NUM> degrees, or may be around <NUM> degrees, such as <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees. That the unfolding angle β of the foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is <NUM> degrees means that β may be <NUM> degrees, or around <NUM> degrees, such as <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees. Angles illustrated subsequently as examples may be understood in a same way.

The foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in this embodiment of this application is an electronic device that can be folded once. In some other embodiments, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may alternatively be an electronic device that can be folded a plurality of times (twice or more). In this case, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include a plurality of parts, two adjacent parts may be folded relatively close to each other until the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, and two adjacent parts may be unfolded relatively far away from each other until the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state.

Refer to <FIG> is a schematic exploded view of a structure of the foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The foldable electronic device <NUM> includes a foldable apparatus <NUM> and a display <NUM>, and the display <NUM> is installed on the foldable apparatus <NUM>. The display <NUM> includes a display surface <NUM> and an installation surface <NUM>, and the display surface <NUM> and the installation surface <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other. The display surface <NUM> is configured to display text, an image, a video, and the like. The display <NUM> includes a first display part <NUM>, a second display part <NUM>, and a foldable part <NUM>. The foldable part <NUM> is located between the first display part <NUM> and the second display part <NUM>, and the foldable part <NUM> may be bent along the Y direction. In this embodiment, the display <NUM> uses a flexible display, such as an organic light-emitting diode (organic light-emitting diode, OLED) display, an active matrix organic light emitting diode or active matrix organic light-emitting diode (active matrix organic light-emitting diode, AMOLED) display, a mini organic light-emitting diode (mini organic light-emitting diode) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (micro organic light-emitting diode) display, or a quantum dot light-emitting diodes (quantum dot light-emitting diode, QLED) display.

The foldable apparatus <NUM> includes a first casing <NUM>, a second casing <NUM>, and a rotating mechanism <NUM>. The first casing <NUM> is provided with a first installation groove <NUM>, and the second casing <NUM> is provided with a second installation groove <NUM>. The first installation groove <NUM> and the second installation groove <NUM> are connected, to form an installation groove. The rotating mechanism <NUM> is installed in the installation groove and is fixedly connected to the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> to achieve a rotatable connection between the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM>. The first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> may be rotated relative to each other by using the rotating mechanism <NUM>, so that the foldable apparatus <NUM> may be switched between the folded state and the unfolded state.

That the relative rotation of the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> enables the foldable apparatus <NUM> to be in the folded state means that the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> are rotated by using the rotating mechanism <NUM> and approach each other, and surfaces, carrying the display <NUM>, of the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> are opposite to each other. Actually, during application, when the foldable apparatus <NUM> is in a completely folded state, after the display <NUM> installed on the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> is folded, a display surface <NUM> of the display <NUM> located on the first display part <NUM> and a display surface <NUM> located on the second display part <NUM> are partially in contact, and certainly, may be completely in contact. That the relative rotation of the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> enables the foldable apparatus <NUM> to be in the half-unfolded state means that the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> are rotated by using the rotating mechanism <NUM> and get away from each other, and an included angle between the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> becomes larger, and may be close to <NUM> degrees or equal to <NUM> degrees. That the relative rotation of the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> enables the foldable apparatus <NUM> to be in the unfolded state means that the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> are rotated by using the rotating mechanism <NUM> and get away from each other, and the included angle between the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> further increases, and may be close to <NUM> degrees or equal to <NUM> degrees.

The first casing <NUM>, the second casing <NUM>, and the rotating mechanism <NUM> are arranged sequentially along the X direction, and a sum of dimensions between three of them is a dimension of the foldable apparatus <NUM> in the X direction (including assembly tolerances and assembly gaps between three of them). The dimension of the foldable apparatus <NUM> in the X direction is the same as dimensions of the display <NUM> and the electronic device in the X direction, and certainly, includes an allowed tolerance range. Dimensions of the first casing <NUM>, the second casing <NUM>, and the rotating mechanism <NUM> along the Y direction are the same, and the dimensions may allow for assembly or production tolerances. The dimensions of the first casing <NUM>, the second casing <NUM>, and the rotating mechanism <NUM> in the Y direction are a dimension of the foldable apparatus <NUM> in the Y direction. The dimension of the foldable apparatus <NUM> in the Y direction is the same as dimensions of the display <NUM> and the electronic device in the Y direction, and certainly, allows for small deviations (assembly and production tolerances). The display <NUM> is installed on the foldable apparatus <NUM>, and the installation surface <NUM> is fixedly connected to the foldable apparatus <NUM>. Specifically, the first casing <NUM> carries the first display part <NUM>, and the second casing <NUM> carries the second display part <NUM>. In other words, the first display part <NUM> is installed on the first casing <NUM>, and the second display part <NUM> is installed on the second casing <NUM>. The rotating mechanism <NUM> is disposed opposite to the foldable part <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> are rotated relative to each other by using the rotating mechanism <NUM>, and the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> approach each other to drive the display <NUM> to be folded, so that the foldable electronic device <NUM> is folded. When the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the foldable part <NUM> of the display <NUM> is bent, and the first display part <NUM> and the second display part <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other. In this case, the display <NUM> is located between the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM>, and an exposed area of the display <NUM> is small, which can greatly reduce a probability of damage to the display <NUM> and achieve effective protection of the display <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG> and <FIG> together. The first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> are rotated relative to each other by using the rotating mechanism <NUM>, and the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> get away from each other to drive the display <NUM> to be unfolded, so that the foldable electronic device <NUM> is unfolded to the half-unfolded state. When the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the half-unfolded state, the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> are unfolded to have an included angle α, the first display part <NUM> and the second display part <NUM> are unfolded relative to each other, and the foldable part <NUM> is driven to be unfolded. In this case, the included angle between the first display part <NUM> and the second display part <NUM> is α. In this embodiment, α is <NUM> degrees. In other embodiments, α may alternatively be approximately <NUM> degrees, and may be <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or the like.

Refer to <FIG> and <FIG> together. The first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> are rotated relative to each other by using the rotating mechanism <NUM>, and the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> get away from each other to drive the display <NUM> to be further unfolded until the foldable electronic device <NUM> is flattened. When the foldable apparatus <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the included angle between the first casing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM> is β. The foldable part <NUM> is flattened, and the first display part <NUM> and the second display part <NUM> are unfolded relative to each other. In this case, included angles between the first display part <NUM>, the second display part <NUM>, and the foldable part <NUM> are all β, and the display <NUM> has a large display area, to achieve large-screen display of the foldable electronic device <NUM>, thereby improving use experience of a user. In this embodiment, β is <NUM> degrees. In other embodiments, β may alternatively be approximately <NUM> degrees, and may be <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or the like.

Refer to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a rotating mechanism <NUM> in the foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

For ease of description, a first reference plane O and a second reference plane P are set in this application. The first reference plane O is perpendicular to the Y direction, and the second reference plane P is perpendicular to the X direction. Actually, the first reference plane O and the second reference plane P are planes of symmetry of the rotating mechanism <NUM>, where the rotating mechanism <NUM> is symmetric with respect to the first reference plane O and the second reference plane P.

Refer to <FIG> and <FIG> together. <FIG> is a schematic exploded view of a structure of the rotating mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic exploded view of a part of a structure of the rotating mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The rotating mechanism <NUM> includes a flexible support member <NUM>, a rotating assembly <NUM>, a fixed base <NUM>, a first door panel <NUM>, and a second door panel <NUM>. Dimensions of the flexible support member <NUM>, the fixed base <NUM>, the first door panel <NUM>, and the second door panel <NUM> along the Y direction are the same as the dimension of the electronic device along the Y direction, and certainly, allow for small deviations. In this embodiment, the flexible support member <NUM> is a rectangular plate-like structure, and the flexible support member <NUM> includes a first side portion <NUM> and a second side portion <NUM>. The first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other, and extending directions of the first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM> are both parallel to the Y direction. The flexible support member <NUM> is installed on a surface of the fixed base <NUM>, and the fixed base <NUM>, the first side portion <NUM>, and the second side portion <NUM> are configured to connect to the rotating assembly <NUM> so as to achieve connection between the rotating assembly <NUM> and the fixed base <NUM>. In addition, the rotating assembly <NUM> is further connected to the first door panel <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM> so as to achieve connection between the fixed base <NUM> and the first door panel <NUM> and second door panel <NUM>.

There are two rotating assemblies <NUM> in this embodiment. The two rotating assemblies <NUM> are a first rotating assembly 20a and a second rotating assembly 20b, respectively. The first rotating assembly 20a and the second rotating assembly 20b are spaced from each other along the Y direction, and are specifically located at two opposite ends of a length direction of the flexible support member <NUM>. The first rotating assembly 20a is located on a side facing a negative direction of the Y-axis relative to the second rotating assembly 20b. The first rotating assembly 20a and the second rotating assembly 20b are symmetric with respect to the first reference plane O. The first rotating assembly 20a includes a first rotating member <NUM> and a second rotating member <NUM>. The first rotating member <NUM> is connected to the first side portion <NUM> of the flexible support member <NUM>, the second rotating member <NUM> is connected to the second side portion <NUM> of the flexible support member <NUM>, and the first rotating member <NUM> and the second rotating member <NUM> are symmetric with respect to the second reference plane P. The first rotating member <NUM> and the second rotating member <NUM> are installed on the fixed base <NUM>, and the first rotating member <NUM> and the second rotating member <NUM> can rotate relative to the fixed base <NUM> so as to drive the flexible support member <NUM> to be bent or unfolded. The second rotating assembly 20b includes a third rotating member <NUM> and a fourth rotating member <NUM>. The third rotating member <NUM> is connected to the first side portion <NUM> of the flexible support member <NUM>, the fourth rotating member <NUM> is connected to the second side portion <NUM> of the flexible support member <NUM>, and the third rotating member <NUM> and the fourth rotating member <NUM> are symmetric with respect to the second reference plane P. The third rotating member <NUM> and the fourth rotating member <NUM> are installed on the fixed base <NUM>, and the third rotating member <NUM> and the fourth rotating member <NUM> can rotate relative to the fixed base <NUM> so as to drive the flexible support member <NUM> to be bent or unfolded.

In some other embodiments, there may alternatively be one, three, or more than three rotating assemblies <NUM>, and a quantity of the rotating assemblies <NUM> is not specifically limited in this embodiment of this application.

The first door panel <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM> are rectangular plate-like structures. In addition, the dimensions of the first door panel <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM> along the Y direction are the same as the dimension of the fixed base <NUM> along the Y direction, and certainly, allow for small deviations. The first door panel <NUM> is installed on the first rotating member <NUM> and the third rotating member <NUM> and is fixedly connected to the first rotating member <NUM> and the third rotating member <NUM>. The second door panel <NUM> is installed on the second rotating member <NUM> and the fourth rotating member <NUM> and is fixedly connected to the second rotating member <NUM> and the fourth rotating member <NUM>.

Rotation directions of the first rotating member <NUM> and the third rotating member <NUM> are the same, and rotation directions of the second rotating member <NUM> and the fourth rotating member <NUM> are the same. Rotation directions of the first rotating member <NUM> and the second rotating member <NUM> relative to the fixed base <NUM> are opposite. Rotation directions of the third rotating member <NUM> and the fourth rotating member <NUM> relative to the fixed base <NUM> are opposite. For example, when the first door panel <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM> are rotated in directions of approaching each other to be folded relative to each other, the first rotating member <NUM> and the third rotating member <NUM> are rotated clockwise (in a direction of ω1 in shown in the figure) relative to the fixed base <NUM>, the second rotating member <NUM> and the fourth rotating member <NUM> are rotated counterclockwise (in a direction of ω2 shown in the figure) relative to the fixed base <NUM>, and the flexible support member <NUM> is bent. Alternatively, when the first door panel <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM> are rotated in directions of getting away from each other to be unfolded relative to each other, the first rotating member <NUM> and the third rotating member <NUM> are rotated counterclockwise relative to the fixed base <NUM>, and the second rotating member <NUM> and the fourth rotating member <NUM> are rotated clockwise relative to the fixed base <NUM>, and the flexible support member <NUM> is unfolded.

Refer to <FIG> is a schematic exploded view of a part of a structure of a fixed base <NUM> in the rotating mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The fixed base <NUM> includes an upper casing <NUM> and a lower casing <NUM>. The upper casing <NUM> and the lower casing <NUM> are disposed to be stacked and fixedly connected. The lower casing <NUM> includes a bottom plate <NUM>, a first side plate <NUM>, a second side plate <NUM>, a first end plate <NUM>, and a second end plate (not shown). The first side plate <NUM> and the second side plate <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other, and the first side plate <NUM> and the second side plate <NUM> are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the bottom plate <NUM> in the X direction. The first end plate <NUM> is opposite to the second end plate, and both the first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate are connected between the first side plate <NUM> and the second side plate <NUM>, and are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the bottom plate <NUM> in the Y direction.

The bottom plate <NUM> is provided with a first rotating groove <NUM> and two first auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM>. Bottom walls of the first rotating groove <NUM> and the two first auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM> are arc surfaces. One end of the first rotating groove <NUM> along the X direction penetrates through the first side plate <NUM> and is connected to the outside. The two first auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM> are respectively located on two opposite sides of the first rotating groove <NUM> in the Y direction, and the two first auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM> protrude from the bottom plate <NUM> in the Z direction. Extending directions of the two first auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM> are both the same as an extending direction of the first rotating groove <NUM>.

The bottom plate <NUM> is further provided with a second rotating groove <NUM> and two second auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM>. Structures of the second rotating groove <NUM> and the first rotating groove <NUM> are the same, and the second rotating groove <NUM> and the first rotating groove <NUM> are axially symmetric with respect to the second reference plane P. Structures of the two second auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM> and the two first auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM> are the same, and the two second auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM> and the two first auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM> are axially symmetric with respect to the second reference plane P. One end of the second rotating groove <NUM> along the X direction penetrates through the second side plate <NUM> and is connected to the outside. The two second auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM> are respectively located on two opposite sides of the second rotating groove <NUM> in the Y direction, and the two second auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM> protrude from the bottom plate <NUM> in the Z direction. Extending directions of the two second auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM> are both the same as an extending direction of the second rotating groove <NUM>.

The lower casing <NUM> is further provided with a first bolt hole A. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of first bolt holes A located in the lower casing <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first bolt hole A is located at the center of the bottom plate <NUM> in the X direction, and is located between the first rotating groove <NUM> and the second rotating groove <NUM>. The first bolt hole A may also be located in the first end plate <NUM> or the second end plate. The first bolt hole A is configured to fixedly connect to the upper casing <NUM>.

The upper casing <NUM> includes a top plate <NUM>, a third side plate <NUM>, a fourth side plate <NUM>, a third end plate <NUM>, and a fourth end plate. The third side plate <NUM> and the fourth side plate <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other, and the third side plate <NUM> and the fourth side plate <NUM> are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the top plate <NUM> in the X direction. The third end plate <NUM> and the fourth end plate are disposed opposite to each other, and the third end plate <NUM> and the fourth end plate are both located between the third side plate <NUM> and the fourth side plate <NUM> and respectively connected to two opposite sides of the top plate <NUM> in the Y direction.

The third side plate <NUM> is provided with a first notch <NUM>. The first notch <NUM> penetrates through the third side plate <NUM> in the X direction and penetrates through a free end of the third side plate <NUM> in the Z direction. The fourth side plate <NUM> is provided with a second notch <NUM>, the second notch <NUM> has a same structure as the first notch <NUM>, and the second notch <NUM> and the first notch <NUM> are mirror-symmetric with respect to the second reference plane P. The second notch <NUM> penetrates through the fourth side plate <NUM> in the X direction, and penetrates through a free end of the fourth side plate <NUM> in the Z direction.

The top plate <NUM> is provided with a groove <NUM> and a first opening <NUM>, and the groove <NUM> is symmetric with respect to the second reference plane P. An extending direction of the groove <NUM> is parallel to the Y direction, two ends of the groove <NUM> in the Y direction respectively penetrate through the third end plate <NUM> and the fourth end plate, and the groove <NUM> penetrates through the top plate <NUM> in the Z direction. The groove <NUM> is configured to provide bending space for the flexible support member <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> is axially symmetric with respect to the second reference plane P, and the first opening <NUM> penetrates through the top plate <NUM> and is connected to the groove <NUM>.

The upper casing <NUM> is further provided with a second bolt hole (not shown in the figure). Specifically, the second bolt hole of the upper casing <NUM> is located in the top plate <NUM> and is disposed corresponding to the first bolt hole A of the lower casing <NUM>. A first bolt B is arranged in the second bolt hole of the upper casing <NUM>, and the first bolt B passes through the second bolt hole located in the top plate <NUM> and the first bolt hole A located in the lower casing <NUM> and is connected to the lower casing <NUM>, so that the upper casing <NUM> and the lower casing <NUM> are fixedly connected. In this case, the first notch <NUM> corresponds to one end, located on the first side plate <NUM>, of the first rotating groove <NUM>. The second notch <NUM> corresponds to one end, located on the second side plate <NUM>, of the second rotating groove <NUM>. The first notch <NUM> is used for the first rotating member <NUM> to extend into the first rotating groove <NUM> and to be able to rotate relatively in the first rotating groove <NUM>. The second notch <NUM> is used for the second rotating member to extend into the second rotating groove <NUM> and to be able to rotate relatively in the second rotating groove <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG> is a schematic exploded view of a structure of a first rotating member <NUM> in the rotating mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The first rotating member <NUM> includes a first swingarm <NUM> and a first fixing plate <NUM>. The first swingarm <NUM> is connected to the first fixing plate <NUM>. Specifically, the first fixing plate <NUM> is provided with a first shaft hole <NUM>, and an extending direction of the first shaft hole <NUM> is parallel to the Y direction. The first shaft hole <NUM> is configured to fixedly connect to the first swingarm <NUM>. The first fixing plate <NUM> is provided with a third bolt hole C, the third bolt hole C located in the first fixing plate <NUM> penetrates through the first fixing plate <NUM> in the Z direction, and the third bolt hole C corresponds to a bolt hole located in the first door panel <NUM>. A second bolt is arranged in the third bolt hole C, and the second bolt passes through the bolt hole located in the first door panel <NUM> and the third bolt hole C located in the first fixing plate <NUM> and is connected to the first fixing plate <NUM>, so that the first door panel <NUM> is connected to the first fixing panel <NUM>, and accordingly, the first swingarm <NUM> and the first door panel <NUM> can rotate relative to each other.

As shown in <FIG>, a structure of the second rotating member <NUM> is the same as that of the first rotating member <NUM>, and the second rotating member <NUM> and the first rotating member <NUM> are mirror-symmetric with respect to the second reference plane P. The second rotating member <NUM> includes a second swingarm <NUM> and a second fixing plate <NUM>. The second swingarm <NUM> is connected to the second fixing plate <NUM>. The second fixing plate <NUM> is provided with a second shaft hole, and an extending direction of the second shaft hole is parallel to the Y direction. The second shaft hole is configured to fixedly connect to the second swingarm <NUM>. The second fixing plate <NUM> is provided with a bolt hole, the bolt hole located in the second fixing plate <NUM> penetrates through the second fixing plate <NUM> in the Z direction, and the bolt hole located in the second fixing plate <NUM> corresponds to a bolt hole located in the second door panel <NUM>. A bolt is arranged in the bolt hole of the second fixing plate <NUM>, and the bolt passes through the bolt hole located in the second door panel <NUM> and the bolt hole located in the second fixing plate <NUM> and is connected to the second fixing plate <NUM>, so that the second door panel <NUM> is connected to the second fixing plate <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG> and <FIG> together. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first swingarm <NUM> in the first rotating member <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The first swingarm <NUM> includes a first rotating body <NUM>, a first swing portion <NUM>, a first rotating portion <NUM>, and a first rotating shaft <NUM>. The first rotating body <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first swing portion <NUM>. The first rotating body <NUM> is an arc plate-like structure. The first rotating body <NUM> includes an outer arc surface <NUM> and an inner arc surface <NUM>, and the outer arc surface <NUM> and the inner arc surface <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other. One end of the first rotating body <NUM> is provided with a first avoidance groove <NUM>, and a groove opening is in an arc extending direction of the first rotating body <NUM>. The first avoidance groove <NUM> is configured to avoid the flexible support member <NUM> to prevent an end part of the first swingarm <NUM> from abutting against the flexible support member <NUM> to cause damage to the flexible support member <NUM> when the rotating mechanism <NUM> is in the unfolded state. The other end of the first rotating body <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first swing portion <NUM>. The first rotating body <NUM> is configured to fit the first rotating groove <NUM>. It should be noted that, that the first rotating body <NUM> fits the first rotating groove <NUM> means that a radius of the outer arc surface <NUM> of the first rotating body <NUM> is the same as that of an arc surface of a bottom surface of the first rotating groove <NUM>. The first rotating body <NUM> can slide in the first rotating groove <NUM> to achieve relative rotation of the first rotating body <NUM> and the fixed base <NUM>. The "fit" mentioned subsequently may be understood in the same way.

The first swing portion <NUM> is in a flat plate-like shape. The first swing portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>, and the inner surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other. The inner surface <NUM> is connected to the inner arc surface <NUM>, and the outer surface <NUM> is connected to the outer arc surface <NUM>.

The first rotating portion <NUM> is located in a connection position between the first rotating body <NUM> and the first swing portion <NUM>. The first rotating portion <NUM> is disposed between and protrudes from the inner arc surface <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM>. The first rotating portion <NUM> is provided with a connecting hole, and the connecting hole penetrates through the first rotating portion <NUM> along the Y direction. The first rotating portion <NUM> is configured to rotatably connect to the flexible support member <NUM>, and the flexible support member <NUM> is driven to move by rotation of the first swingarm <NUM>, so as to achieve bending or unfolding of the flexible support member <NUM>.

The first rotating shaft <NUM> is located in one end, away from the first rotating body <NUM>, of the first swing portion <NUM>. An extending direction of the first rotating shaft <NUM> is parallel to the Y direction. The first rotating shaft <NUM> is connected to the first shaft hole <NUM> of the first fixing plate <NUM>, so that when the first swingarm <NUM> rotates, the first fixing plate <NUM> can be driven to rotate, so as to drive the first door panel <NUM> to rotate, thereby achieving unfolding or folding of the first door panel <NUM>.

The first swingarm <NUM> further includes a first auxiliary rotating body <NUM>. In this embodiment, there are two first auxiliary rotating bodies <NUM>, and the two first auxiliary rotating bodies <NUM> are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the first rotating body <NUM>. The two first auxiliary rotating bodies <NUM> are both arc-shaped, and radians of the two first auxiliary rotating bodies <NUM> are the same as a radian of the first rotating body <NUM>. The first auxiliary rotating bodies <NUM> respectively fit the first auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM>. When the first swingarm <NUM> rotates relative to the fixed base <NUM>, the first auxiliary rotating body <NUM> rotates in a corresponding first auxiliary rotating groove <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG> as well. A structure of the second swingarm <NUM> in the second rotating member <NUM> is the same as a structure of the first swingarm <NUM>. The second swingarm <NUM> includes a second rotating body, a second swing portion, a second rotating portion, and a second rotating shaft. The second rotating body is fixedly connected to the second swing portion. The second rotating body is an arc plate-like structure. The second rotating body includes an outer arc surface and an inner arc surface, and the outer arc surface and the inner arc surface are disposed opposite to each other. One end of the second rotating body is provided with a second avoidance groove, and a groove opening direction of the second avoidance groove is in an arc extending direction of the second rotating body. The second avoidance groove is configured to avoid the flexible support member <NUM> to prevent an end part of the second swingarm <NUM> from abutting against the flexible support member <NUM> to cause damage to the flexible support member <NUM> when the rotating mechanism <NUM> is in the unfolded state.

The other end of the second rotating body is fixedly connected to the second swing portion. The second rotating body is configured to fit the second rotating groove <NUM>. The second swing portion is in a flat plate-like shape. The second swing portion includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and the inner surface and the outer surface are disposed opposite to each other. The inner surface is connected to the inner arc surface, and the outer surface is connected to the outer arc surface.

The second rotating portion is located in a connection position between the second rotating body and the second swing portion. The second rotating portion is disposed between and protrudes from the inner arc surface of the second rotating body and the inner surface of the second swing portion. The second rotating portion is provided with a connecting hole, and the connecting hole penetrates through the second rotating portion along the Y direction. The second rotating portion is configured to connect to the flexible support member <NUM>, and the flexible support member <NUM> is driven to move by rotation of the second swingarm <NUM>, so as to achieve bending or unfolding of the flexible support member <NUM>.

The second rotating shaft is located in one end, facing away from the second rotating body, of the second swing portion. An extending direction of the second rotating shaft is parallel to the Y direction. The second rotating shaft is connected to the second shaft hole of the second fixing plate <NUM>, so that when the second swingarm <NUM> rotates, the second fixing plate <NUM> can be driven to rotate, so as to drive the second door panel <NUM> to rotate, thereby achieving unfolding or folding of the second door panel <NUM>.

The second swingarm <NUM> further includes a second auxiliary rotating body. In this embodiment, there are two second auxiliary rotating bodies, and the two second auxiliary rotating bodies are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the second rotating body. The two second auxiliary rotating bodies are both arc-shaped, and radians of the two second auxiliary rotating bodies are the same as a radian of the second rotating body. The second auxiliary rotating bodies respectively fit the second auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> together. The first swingarm <NUM> and the second swingarm <NUM> are both installed on the fixed base <NUM>, and the first swingarm <NUM> and the second swingarm <NUM> are mirror-symmetric with respect to the second reference plane P. Specifically, the first rotating member <NUM> extends into the fixed base <NUM> from the first notch <NUM> by using an end, facing away from the first swing portion <NUM>, of the first rotating body <NUM>. The first rotating body <NUM> is installed in the first rotating groove <NUM>, and the outer arc surface <NUM> of the first rotating body <NUM> is in contact with a bottom wall of the first rotating groove <NUM>. The two first auxiliary rotating bodies <NUM> are respectively installed in the two first auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM>. The first swingarm <NUM> is rotatably installed on the first fixing plate <NUM> through the first rotating shaft <NUM>, and the first fixing plate <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first door panel <NUM>. When the first door panel <NUM> drives the first fixing plate <NUM> to rotate, the first fixing plate <NUM> drives the first swingarm <NUM> to rotate as a whole. In other words, both the first swingarm <NUM> and the first fixing plate <NUM> rotate relative to the fixed base <NUM>. To be specific, the first swing portion <NUM> rotates relative to the fixed base <NUM> to drive the first rotating body <NUM> to rotate in the first rotating groove <NUM> in the X direction, and each of the first auxiliary rotating bodies <NUM> rotates in a corresponding first auxiliary rotating groove <NUM>.

Likewise, the second rotating member <NUM> extends into the fixed base <NUM> from the second notch <NUM> by using an end, facing away from the second swing portion, of the second rotating body. The second rotating body is installed in the second rotating groove <NUM>, and the outer arc surface of the second rotating body is in contact with a bottom wall of the second rotating groove <NUM>. The two second auxiliary rotating bodies are respectively installed in the two second auxiliary rotating grooves <NUM>. The second swingarm <NUM> is rotatably installed on the second fixing plate <NUM> through the second rotating shaft, and the second fixing plate <NUM> is fixedly connected to the second door panel <NUM>. When the second door panel <NUM> drives the second fixing plate <NUM> to rotate, the second fixing plate <NUM> drives the second swingarm <NUM> to rotate as a whole. In other words, both the second swingarm <NUM> and the second fixing plate <NUM> rotate relative to the fixed base <NUM>. To be specific, the second swing portion rotates relative to the fixed base <NUM> to drive the second rotating body to rotate in the second rotating groove <NUM> in the X direction, and each of the second auxiliary rotating bodies rotates in a corresponding second auxiliary rotating groove <NUM>, thereby achieving folding of the rotating mechanism <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG> and <FIG> together. Structures of the third rotating member <NUM> and the fourth rotating member <NUM> are the same as a structure of the first rotating member <NUM>. The third rotating member <NUM> and the first rotating member <NUM> are mirror-symmetric with respect to the first reference plane O. The fourth rotating member <NUM> and the second rotating member <NUM> are mirror-symmetric with respect to the first reference plane O. The third rotating member <NUM> and the fourth rotating member <NUM> rotate simultaneously with the first rotating member <NUM> and the second rotating member <NUM> to achieve relative rotation of the first door panel <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a flexible support member <NUM> in the rotating mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The flexible support member <NUM> is a long bar-shaped plate-like structure. A dimension of the flexible support member <NUM> long the Y direction is the same as a dimension of the display <NUM> along the Y direction, and certainly, allows for small deviations (assembly and production tolerances). The flexible support member <NUM> includes a first side portion <NUM> and a second side portion <NUM>. Extending directions of the first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM> are both parallel to the Y direction, and the first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM> are opposite to each other. The first side portion <NUM> is provided with a first rotating shaft hole <NUM>, and the second side portion <NUM> is provided with a second rotating shaft hole <NUM>. A first connecting shaft is arranged in the first rotating shaft hole <NUM>, and a second connecting shaft is arranged in the second rotating shaft hole <NUM>. The first connecting shaft is configured to rotatably connect to the first rotating portion <NUM> of the first swingarm <NUM>. The second connecting shaft is configured to rotatably connect to the second rotating portion of the second swingarm <NUM>. The first side portion <NUM> is further provided with a third rotating shaft hole <NUM>1b, and a third connecting shaft is arranged in the third rotating shaft hole <NUM>1b. The third rotating shaft hole 111b and the first rotating shaft hole <NUM> are symmetric with respect to the first reference plane O, and the third connecting shaft is configured to connect to the third rotating member <NUM>. The second side portion <NUM> is further provided with a fourth rotating shaft hole 121b, and a fourth connecting shaft is arranged in the fourth rotating shaft hole 121b. The fourth rotating shaft hole 121b and the second rotating shaft hole <NUM> are symmetric with respect to the first reference plane O, and the fourth connecting shaft is configured to connect to the fourth rotating member <NUM>.

The flexible support member <NUM> includes a rigid portion <NUM>, a first bending portion <NUM>, a second bending portion <NUM>, the first side portion <NUM>, and the second side portion <NUM>. The first bending portion <NUM> and the second bending portion <NUM> are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the rigid portion <NUM> along the X direction, and the first bending portion <NUM> and the second bending portion <NUM> are symmetric with respect to the first rigid portion <NUM>. One end, facing away from the rigid portion <NUM>, of the first bending portion <NUM> is connected to the first side portion <NUM>, and one end, facing away from the rigid portion <NUM>, of the second bending portion <NUM> is connected to the second side portion <NUM>. In other words, the first side portion <NUM>, the first bending portion <NUM>, the rigid portion <NUM>, the second bending portion <NUM>, and the second side portion <NUM> are sequentially connected.

In this embodiment, the first bending portion <NUM> and the second bending portion <NUM> include rigid sections and flexible sections. The rigid sections and the flexible sections are arranged at intervals. The rigid section and the rigid portion <NUM> are made of a rigid material, such as a metallic material. For example, both the rigid section and the rigid portion <NUM> are made of a material such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper. The rigid section and the rigid portion <NUM> are not easily deformed, have relatively high strength, and have an effect of increasing strength of the flexible support member <NUM>. The flexible section is made of a flexible material. In this embodiment, the flexible section is made of a rubber material. In other embodiments, the flexible section may alternatively be made of a thermoplastic elastomer or another flexible material. The flexible section made of a flexible material is prone to deformation under applied force.

Still refer to <FIG>. The flexible support member <NUM> is provided with a first through-hole <NUM> and a second through-hole <NUM>. Specifically, the first through-hole <NUM> is arranged in the first bending portion <NUM>, and the first through-hole <NUM> penetrates through the first bending portion <NUM> in the Z direction. The second through-hole <NUM> is arranged in the second bending portion <NUM>, and the second through-hole <NUM> penetrates through the second bending portion <NUM> in the Z direction. The first through-hole <NUM> and the second through-hole <NUM> are symmetric with respect to the second reference plane P. The first through-hole <NUM> and the first swingarm <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other. The second through-hole <NUM> and the second swingarm <NUM> are disposed opposite to each other. In this embodiment, there are two first through-holes <NUM>, and the two first through-holes <NUM> are arranged at intervals side by side along the Y direction. There are two second through-holes <NUM>, and the two second through-holes <NUM> are arranged at intervals side by side along the Y direction. In other embodiments, there may be one first through-hole <NUM> and one second through-hole <NUM>. When the rotating mechanism <NUM> is in the unfolded state, an end part, facing away from the first swing portion <NUM>, of the first swingarm <NUM> is accommodated in the first through-hole <NUM>, so as to prevent the first swingarm <NUM> from abutting against the flexible support member <NUM> to cause damage to the flexible support member <NUM>. When the rotating mechanism <NUM> is in the unfolded state, an end part, facing away from the second swing portion, of the second swingarm <NUM> is accommodated in the second through-hole <NUM>, so as to prevent the second swingarm <NUM> from abutting against the flexible support member <NUM> to cause damage to the flexible support member <NUM>.

The flexible support member <NUM> is further provided with a third through-hole 13b and a fourth through-hole 14b. The third through-hole 13b is located in a positive direction of a Y axis of the first through-hole <NUM>, and the third through-hole 13b and the first through-hole <NUM> are symmetric with respect to the first reference plane O. The third through-hole 13b is configured to avoid the third rotating member <NUM>, to avoid damage caused to the flexible support member <NUM> when the third rotating member <NUM> rotates relative to the fixed base <NUM>. The fourth through-hole 14b is located in a positive direction of a Y-axis of the second through-hole <NUM>, and the fourth through-hole 14b and the second through-hole <NUM> are symmetric with respect to the first reference plane O. The fourth through-hole 14b is configured to avoid the fourth rotating member <NUM>, to avoid damage caused to the flexible support member <NUM> when the fourth rotating member <NUM> rotates relative to the fixed base <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of the flexible support member <NUM> shown in <FIG> from another angle.

Specifically, the first bending portion <NUM> includes a first bending sub-portion <NUM> and a second bending sub-portion <NUM>. The first bending sub-portion <NUM> and the second bending sub-portion <NUM> are arranged at intervals along the Z direction, and there is a gap between the first bending sub-portion <NUM> and the second bending sub-portion <NUM>. The first bending sub-portion <NUM> includes a first rigid sub-section <NUM>, a first flexible sub-section <NUM>, and a second flexible sub-section <NUM>. The first flexible sub-section <NUM> and the second flexible sub-section <NUM> are respectively connected to two opposite ends of the first rigid sub-section <NUM>. One end, facing away from the first rigid sub-section <NUM>, of the first flexible sub-section <NUM> is connected to the first side portion <NUM>, and one end, facing away from the first rigid sub-section <NUM>, of the second flexible sub-section <NUM> is connected to the rigid portion <NUM>. The second bending sub-portion <NUM> includes a second rigid sub-section <NUM>, a third flexible sub-section <NUM>, and a fourth flexible sub-section <NUM>. The third flexible sub-section <NUM> and the fourth flexible sub-section <NUM> are respectively connected to two opposite ends of the second rigid sub-section <NUM>. The third flexible sub-section <NUM> and the first flexible sub-section <NUM> are opposite to each other. The fourth flexible sub-section <NUM> and the second flexible sub-section <NUM> are opposite to each other. The second rigid sub-section <NUM> and the first rigid sub-section <NUM> are opposite to each other. One end, facing away from the second rigid sub-section <NUM>, of the third flexible sub-section <NUM> is connected to the first side portion <NUM>, and one end, facing away from the second rigid sub-section <NUM>, of the fourth flexible sub-section <NUM> is connected to the rigid portion <NUM>.

The second bending portion <NUM> includes a third bending sub-portion <NUM> and a fourth bending sub-portion <NUM>. The third bending sub-portion <NUM> and the fourth bending sub-portion <NUM> are arranged at intervals along the Z direction, and there is a gap between the third bending sub-portion <NUM> and the fourth bending sub-portion <NUM>. The third bending sub-portion <NUM> includes a third rigid sub-section <NUM>, a fifth flexible sub-section <NUM>, and a sixth flexible sub-section <NUM>. The fifth flexible sub-section <NUM> and the sixth flexible sub-section <NUM> are respectively connected to two opposite ends of the third rigid sub-section <NUM>. One end, facing away from the third rigid sub-section <NUM>, of the fifth flexible sub-section <NUM> is connected to the rigid portion <NUM>, and one end, facing away from the third rigid sub-section <NUM>, of the sixth flexible sub-section <NUM> is connected to the second side portion <NUM>. The fourth bending sub-portion <NUM> includes a fourth rigid sub-section <NUM>, a seventh flexible sub-section <NUM>, and an eighth flexible sub-section <NUM>. The seventh flexible sub-section <NUM> and the eighth flexible sub-section <NUM> are respectively connected to two opposite ends of the fourth rigid sub-section <NUM>. The seventh flexible sub-section <NUM> and the fifth flexible sub-section <NUM> are opposite to each other. The eighth flexible sub-section <NUM> and the sixth flexible sub-section <NUM> are opposite to each other. The fourth rigid sub-section <NUM> and the third rigid sub-section <NUM> are opposite to each other. One end, facing away from the fourth rigid sub-section <NUM>, of the seventh flexible sub-section <NUM> is connected to the rigid portion <NUM>, and one end, facing away from the fourth rigid sub-section <NUM>, of the eighth flexible sub-section <NUM> is connected to the second side portion <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG> as well. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of the flexible support member <NUM> shown in <FIG> in another state.

When the flexible support member <NUM> is in a bent state, the second flexible sub-section <NUM> of the first bending sub-portion <NUM> and the fourth flexible sub-section <NUM> of the second bending sub-portion <NUM> are bent toward a same direction, and a gap is formed between the second flexible sub-section <NUM> and the fourth flexible sub-section <NUM>. The first rigid sub-section <NUM> and the second rigid sub-section <NUM> remain unchanged in shape and are displaced in their extending directions. The first flexible sub-section <NUM> of the first bending sub-portion <NUM> and the third flexible sub-section <NUM> of the second bending sub-portion <NUM> are bent toward a same direction, and a gap is formed between the first flexible sub-section <NUM> and the third flexible sub-section <NUM>. The sixth flexible sub-section <NUM> of the third bending sub-portion <NUM> and the eighth flexible sub-section <NUM> of the fourth bending sub-portion <NUM> are bent toward a same direction, and a gap is formed between the sixth flexible sub-section <NUM> and the eighth flexible sub-section <NUM>. The third rigid sub-section <NUM> and the fourth rigid sub-section <NUM> remain unchanged in shape and are displaced in their extending directions. The fifth flexible sub-section <NUM> of the third bending sub-portion <NUM> and the seventh flexible sub-section <NUM> of the fourth bending sub-portion <NUM> are bent toward a same direction, and a gap is formed between the fifth flexible sub-section <NUM> and the seventh flexible sub-section <NUM>.

In this embodiment, avoidance space <NUM> formed by bending of the flexible support member <NUM> is in a shape of a water drop, so that the shape of the avoidance space <NUM> better fits a shape formed by bending of the display <NUM>, to further prevent the flexible support member <NUM> from squeezing the display <NUM> to cause damage to the display <NUM>, and in addition, to avoid adverse phenomena such as creases on the display <NUM>, thereby prolonging service life of the display <NUM>.

In this embodiment, when the flexible support member <NUM> is in the bent state, the avoidance space <NUM> is formed, and the avoidance space <NUM> can provide bending space for the foldable part <NUM> of the display <NUM>, so as to prevent the flexible support member <NUM> from being squeezed to cause damage to the display <NUM> when the foldable part <NUM> of the display <NUM> is bent. In addition, a round corner formed when the display <NUM> is bent can also be avoided, so that the foldable part <NUM> of the display <NUM> is not bent by a relatively large angle, to avoid adverse phenomena such as creases on the display <NUM>, thereby prolonging service life of the display <NUM>. Moreover, the flexible support member <NUM> can be bent, so that a dimension of the flexible support member <NUM> in the X direction in the bent state is reduced, so as to reduce thickness of the rotating mechanism <NUM>, which facilitates thinning of the foldable electronic device <NUM>.

The gap is disposed between the first bending sub-portion <NUM> and the second bending sub-portion <NUM> of the first bending portion <NUM>, so that bending space can be provided for the first bending sub-portion <NUM> after the second bending sub-portion <NUM> is bent, to increase a bending degree of the first bending sub-portion <NUM>. The gap is disposed between the third bending sub-portion <NUM> and the fourth bending sub-portion <NUM> of the second bending portion <NUM>, so that bending space can be provided for the third bending sub-portion <NUM> after the fourth bending sub-portion <NUM> is bent, to increase a bending degree of the third bending sub-portion <NUM>. In this way, the avoidance space <NUM> formed by the bending of the flexible support member <NUM> is further increased, bending space is further provided for the display <NUM>, and the dimension of the flexible support member <NUM> in the Z direction in the folded state is further reduced.

Lengths and a ratio of the first bending portion <NUM>, the second bending portion <NUM>, and the rigid portion <NUM>, and lengths or a ratio of the flexible sections and the rigid sections in the first bending portion <NUM> and the second bending portion <NUM>, or quantities of flexible sections and rigid sections may be adjusted according to an actual requirement. In this way, a shape of the flexible support member <NUM> in the folded state varies, so that the flexible support member <NUM> can further fit a shape of the foldable part <NUM> of the display <NUM> in the bent state, to further provide bending space for the display <NUM>, and avoid adverse phenomena such as creases on the display <NUM>, thereby prolonging service life of the display <NUM>.

In an implementation, a length ratio of the first bending portion <NUM>, the second bending portion <NUM>, and the rigid portion <NUM> is <NUM>:<NUM>:<NUM>. The first bending portion <NUM> has two flexible sections and one rigid section, lengths of the two flexible sections are the same, and a length ratio of the rigid section to each flexible section is <NUM>:<NUM>. The second bending portion <NUM> has two flexible sections and one rigid section, lengths of the two flexible sections are the same, and a length ratio of the rigid section to each flexible section is <NUM>:<NUM>.

Refer to <FIG> as well. The flexible support member <NUM> is carried on the fixed base <NUM>. The first rotating portion <NUM> of the first swingarm <NUM> is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft of the flexible support member <NUM>, and the second rotating portion of the second swingarm <NUM> is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft of the flexible support member <NUM>. When the first swingarm <NUM> and the second swingarm <NUM> rotate relative to the fixed base <NUM>, the flexible support member <NUM> can be driven to switch between the bending state and the unfolding state.

Specifically, refer to <FIG> as well. When the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, an included angle between the first door panel <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM> is β. β is <NUM> degrees. The first rotating body <NUM> and the two first auxiliary rotating bodies <NUM> of the first swingarm <NUM> slide toward the fixed base <NUM> until the first rotating body <NUM> is accommodated in the first rotating groove <NUM>, and the end part of the first swingarm <NUM> is exposed through the first through-hole <NUM>. The second rotating body and the two second auxiliary rotating bodies of the second swingarm <NUM> slide toward the fixed base <NUM> until the second rotating body is accommodated in the second rotating groove <NUM>, and the end part of the second swingarm <NUM> is exposed through the second through-hole <NUM>. The flexible support member <NUM> is in a flattened state without being bent.

Refer to <FIG> and <FIG> together. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of the rotating mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG> in a folded state.

When the first door panel <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM> rotate in a direction of approaching each other, the first door panel <NUM> drives the first swingarm <NUM> to rotate clockwise through the first fixing plate <NUM>, and the first rotating body <NUM> and the two first auxiliary rotating bodies <NUM> slide in a direction of getting away from the fixed base <NUM> to drive a part, close to the first side portion <NUM>, of the flexible support member <NUM> to bend clockwise. The second door panel <NUM> drives the second swingarm <NUM> to rotate counterclockwise through the second fixing plate <NUM>, and the second rotating body and the two second auxiliary rotating bodies slide in a direction of getting away from the fixed base <NUM> to drive a part, close to the second side portion <NUM>, of the flexible support member <NUM> to bend counterclockwise. In addition, the second fixing plate <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM> are driven to rotate counterclockwise. In this case, the flexible support member <NUM> is in the bent state, the first door panel <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM> are folded relative to each other, and the rotating mechanism <NUM> is in the folded state.

Refer to <FIG> and <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of the foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The foldable electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG> shows only the rotating mechanism <NUM> and the display <NUM>.

When the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the flexible support member <NUM> is bent, the first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM> move in a direction of getting away from the fixed base <NUM>, and the rigid portion <NUM> moves in a direction of approaching the fixed base <NUM> is accommodated in the groove <NUM> to form the avoidance space <NUM>. The groove <NUM> provides space for bending of the flexible support member <NUM>, so that the flexible support member <NUM> can be smoothly bent to form the avoidance space <NUM>, and in addition, the fixed base <NUM> can be prevented from squeezing the flexible support member <NUM> to cause damage to the flexible support member <NUM>. The foldable part <NUM> of the display <NUM> is located on an inner side of the rotating mechanism <NUM>. The foldable part <NUM> is partially located between the first door panel <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM>, and is spaced from the first door panel <NUM> and the second door panel <NUM>, and the foldable part <NUM> is partially opposite to the flexible support member <NUM>, and is located in the avoidance space <NUM>. Bending of the flexible support member <NUM> can avoid a round corner formed when the foldable part <NUM> is bent, so that the foldable part <NUM> is not bent by a relatively large angle, to avoid adverse phenomena such as creases on the display <NUM>, thereby prolonging service life of the display <NUM>.

In addition, there is a gap between the display <NUM> and the flexible support member <NUM>, so as to prevent the display <NUM> from being squeezed by the flexible support member <NUM> to cause damage to the display <NUM>, and also prevent the flexible support member <NUM> from colliding with the display <NUM> in a reliability test to cause damage to the display <NUM>. Moreover, the bendable flexible support member <NUM> is disposed, so that a dimension of the flexible support member <NUM> in the Z direction in the bent state is reduced, so as to reduce thickness of the rotating mechanism <NUM>, which facilitates thinning of the foldable electronic device <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a flexible support member <NUM> in a foldable electronic device <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> of this application.

The flexible support member 10a includes a first side portion 11a, a second side portion 12a, and a bending portion 16a, and the bending portion 16a is connected between the first side portion 11a and the second side portion 12a. The bending portion 16a is made of a flexible material. Specifically, the bending portion 16a may be made of a rubber material, or may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer or another flexible material. In this embodiment, a flexible material is used completely between the first side portion 11a and the second side portion 12a, and greater deformation of the flexible support member 10a can be generated under applied force, so as to further provide bending space for a bending part of a display <NUM>, and avoid adverse phenomena such as creases on the display <NUM>, thereby prolonging service life of the display <NUM>.

The flexible support member 10b includes a first side portion 11b, a second side portion 12b, a first bending portion 16b, a second bending portion 17b, and a rigid portion 15b. The first bending portion 16b and the second bending portion 17b are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the rigid portion 15b along an X direction, and the first bending portion 16b and the second bending portion 17b are symmetric with respect to the rigid portion 15b. One end, facing away from the rigid portion 15b, of the first bending portion 16b is connected to the first side portion 11b, and one end, facing away from the rigid portion 15b, of the second bending portion 17b is connected to the second side portion 12b. In other words, the first side portion 11b, the first bending portion 16b, the rigid portion 15b, the second bending portion 17b, and the second side portion 12b are sequentially connected.

The first bending portion 16b and the second bending portion 17b are made of a flexible material. Specifically, the first bending portion 16b and the second bending portion 17b may be made of a rubber material, or may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer or another flexible material. The rigid portion 15b is made of a rigid material, such as a metallic material. For example, the rigid portion 15b is made of a material such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper. The first bending portion 16b and the second bending portion 17b made of a flexible material is prone to deformation under applied force, so as to provide bending space for a bending part of a display <NUM>, and avoid adverse phenomena such as creases on the display <NUM>, thereby prolonging service life of the display <NUM>. The rigid portion 15b made of a rigid material is not prone to deformation, has relatively high strength, and has an effect of increasing strength of the flexible support member 10b, and meanwhile, a preset shape can be formed when the flexible support member 10b is in a folded state, so that the flexible support member 10b can better fit the bending part of the display <NUM>.

The flexible support member 10c includes a first side portion 11c, a second side portion 12c, a first bending portion 16c, a second bending portion 17c, and a rigid portion 15c. The first bending portion 16c and the second bending portion 17c are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the rigid portion 15c along the X direction, and the first bending portion 16c and the second bending portion 17c are symmetric c with respect to the rigid portion 15c. The first bending portion 16c includes a first rigid section <NUM>, a first flexible section <NUM>, and a second flexible section <NUM>. The first flexible section <NUM> and the second flexible section <NUM> are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the first rigid section <NUM>. The first flexible section <NUM> is connected to the first side portion 11c, and the second flexible section <NUM> is connected to the rigid portion 15c. The second bending portion 17c includes a second rigid section <NUM>, a third flexible section <NUM>, and a fourth flexible section <NUM>. The third flexible section <NUM> and the fourth flexible section <NUM> are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the second rigid section <NUM>. The third flexible section <NUM> is connected to the rigid portion 15c, and the fourth flexible section <NUM> is connected to the second side portion 12c.

The first flexible section <NUM>, the second flexible section <NUM>, the third flexible section <NUM>, and the fourth flexible section <NUM> are all made of a flexible material, which may be specifically a rubber material, a thermoplastic elastomer, or another flexible material. The rigid portion 15c, the first rigid section <NUM>, and the second rigid section <NUM> are all made of a rigid material, such as a metallic material. When a rotating mechanism <NUM> is in a folded state, the first flexible section <NUM>, the second flexible section <NUM>, the third flexible section <NUM>, and the fourth flexible section <NUM> are all bent, so that the flexible support member <NUM> is bent to form avoidance space, so as to provide bending space for a display <NUM>, and avoid adverse phenomena such as creases on the display <NUM>, thereby prolonging service life of the display <NUM>. Strength of the flexible support member <NUM> can be further increased by disposing the first rigid section <NUM> and the second rigid section <NUM>. Moreover, when the rotating mechanism <NUM> is in the folded state, the flexible support member <NUM> can be bent to form a preset shape, so that the flexible support member <NUM> can better fit a foldable part of the display <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A rotating mechanism (<NUM>) for a foldable electronic device that comprises a foldable display, the rotating mechanism comprising a fixed base (<NUM>), a flexible support member (<NUM>), a first rotating member (<NUM>), and a second rotating member (<NUM>), wherein
the fixed base is provided with a first rotating groove (<NUM>) and a second rotating groove (<NUM>), the first rotating groove and the second rotating groove are disposed opposite to each other, the flexible support member comprises a first side portion (<NUM>) and a second side portion (<NUM>), the first side portion and the second side portion are respectively located on two opposite sides of the flexible support member, and the flexible support member is located on a surface of the fixed base;
the first rotating member comprises a first swingarm (<NUM>), the first swingarm comprises a first rotating body (<NUM>) and a first rotating portion (<NUM>), the first rotating body is fixedly connected to the first rotating portion, the first rotating portion is rotatably connected to the first side portion of the flexible support member, and the first rotating body is installed in the first rotating groove and capable of sliding along the first rotating groove; and
the second rotating member comprises a second swingarm (<NUM>), the second swingarm comprises a second rotating body and a second rotating portion, the second rotating body is fixedly connected to the second rotating portion, the second rotating portion is rotatably connected to the second side portion of the flexible support member, the second rotating body is installed in the second rotating groove and capable of sliding along the second rotating groove; and rotation directions of the first rotating member and the second rotating member relative to the flexible support member are opposite, wherein the rotating mechanism has an unfolded state and a folded state, and when the rotating mechanism is in the folded state, the flexible support member is bent to form avoidance space so as to accommodate a display of a foldable electronic device comprising the rotating mechanism.