Protective case for external folding screen electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides a protective shell for an external folding screen electronic device. The protective shell includes a middle portion, a first side portion and a second side portion, the middle portion connects the first side portion and the second side portion, and the middle portion can rotate around the second side portion so that the first side portion, the middle portion and the second side portion enclose a receiving space with an opening, or the protective shell is opened; wherein, when the protective shell encloses the receiving space, the opening is opposite to the middle portion; the protective shell is used to be mounted on the external folding screen electronic device; wherein, when the external folding screen electronic device is in a folded state, the external folding screen electronic device is accommodated in the receiving space, the first side portion and the second side portion respectively wrap the two ends of the external folding screen electronic device, and the display area of ​​the external folding screen electronic device can be exposed from the opening. When the external folding screen electronic device is in an unfolded state, the second side portion wraps one end of the external folding screen electronic device, and the middle portion and the first side portion are separated from the external folding screen electronic device. The solution of the present application enables the external folding screen electronic device to be used in a state of being covered with a protective shell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of terminal devices, and in particular to a protective case for an external folding screen electronic device. Background Art

[0002] When the folding screen phone is in the folded state, the screen is exposed to the outside, and there is a need for a protective case to protect it. There are some protective cases for folding screen phones on the market, such as envelope-like protective cases and wallet-like protective cases, in which the folding screen phone can be placed. Although this kind of protective case can provide protection, when using the folding screen phone, the protective case needs to be removed first, which makes the operation cumbersome and affects the user experience. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application provides a protective case for an external folding screen electronic device, so that the external folding screen electronic device can be used by the user while being covered with the protective case, thereby simplifying user operation and improving user experience.

[0004] The protective shell of the external folding screen electronic device of the present application is used to be put on the external folding screen electronic device. The external folding screen electronic device includes a first shell, a second shell and a flexible screen; the first shell is rotatably connected to the second shell; the flexible screen includes a first non-bending area, a bendable area and a second non-bending area, the bendable area connects the first non-bending area and the second non-bending area, the first non-bending area is fixed to the first shell, and the second non-bending area is fixed to the second shell; the first shell and the second shell can be closed so that when the external folding screen electronic device is in a folded state, the flexible screen is located on the outside of the first shell and the second shell.

[0005] The protective shell includes a middle portion, a first side portion and a second side portion, the middle portion connects the first side portion and the second side portion, and the middle portion can rotate around the second side portion so that the first side portion, the middle portion and the second side portion form a receiving space with an opening, or the protective shell is opened; wherein, when the protective shell forms the receiving space, the opening is opposite to the middle portion; the protective shell is used to be mounted on the external folding screen electronic device; wherein, when the external folding screen electronic device is in a folded state, the external folding screen electronic device is received in the receiving space, the first side portion wraps at least part of the bendable area, the second side portion wraps one end of the external folding screen electronic device away from the bendable area, and the first non-bending area is exposed from the opening; when the external folding screen electronic device is in an unfolded state, the second side portion wraps one end of the external folding screen electronic device away from the bendable area, and the middle portion and the first side portion are separated from the external folding screen electronic device.

[0006] In the present application, the middle portion can rotate relative to the second side portion, and the middle portion and the second side portion can generate mechanical movement, and the two can be connected by a mechanism that can realize rotation; or, the middle portion itself is soft and easy to deform, and the middle portion rotates relative to the second side portion by deforming itself. When the middle portion rotates relative to the second side portion, the first side portion connected to the middle portion also rotates relative to the second side portion following the middle portion. When the middle portion rotates to different positions relative to the second side portion, the protective shell can be in a first state and a second state respectively. In the first state, the first side portion, the middle portion and the second side portion form an open groove structure that is approximately C-shaped, and the receiving space is the inner cavity of the open groove structure. In the second state, the first side portion and the middle portion are unfolded relative to the second side portion, so that the protective shell no longer maintains the form of an open groove, and the receiving space is opened (or no longer exists). When the protective shell is in the first state and the second state, the second side portion of the protective shell can remain connected to the end of the external folding screen electronic device away from the bendable area. When the protective shell is in the second state, the middle portion and the first side portion are separated from the external folding screen electronic device, and the second side portion can still wrap the end of the external folding screen electronic device away from the bendable area.

[0007] In the present application, the first side portion may form a rigid connection with the middle portion, and the first side portion cannot rotate relative to the middle portion; or, the first side portion may form a movable connection with the middle portion, and the first side portion may rotate relative to the middle portion.

[0008] When the protective shell of the present application is put on the external folding screen electronic device, the user can see the screen displayed by the external folding screen electronic device through the opening of the protective shell, without removing the protective shell, thereby simplifying the user operation and enhancing the user experience. When the user wants to unfold the external folding screen electronic device for use, the middle part can be flipped over so that the middle part and the first side part avoid the second shell of the external folding screen electronic device (wherein, if the first side part and the middle part form a rigid connection, force can be applied first to deform the first side part so that the first side part is separated from the bendable area, and then the middle part is rotated; if the first side part and the middle part form an active connection, force can be applied first to rotate the first side part relative to the middle part so that the first side part is separated from the bendable area, and then the middle part is rotated) so that the second shell is unfolded relative to the first shell. When the external folding screen electronic device is finally in the unfolded state, the second side part of the protective shell can continue to be connected to the end of the external folding screen electronic device away from the hinge. That is, the protective case enables the user to unfold the external folding screen electronic device while the external folding screen electronic device and the protective case remain in cooperation, avoiding the inconvenience of completely removing the protective case from the external folding screen electronic device and then unfolding it.

[0009] In one implementation, the material of the portion of the middle portion adjacent to the second side portion is a soft material. The soft material is a soft, deformable, and bendable material. The entire area of ​​the middle portion is made of the soft material, or only the portion adjacent to the second side portion is made of the soft material. Thus, the middle portion can rotate relative to the second side portion by deforming itself. This design has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and has reliability that meets requirements.

[0010] In one implementation, the protective shell includes an inner layer, a middle layer and an outer layer, which are stacked in sequence; the material of the inner layer and the material of the outer layer are both soft materials; the first side portion includes a portion of the inner layer and a portion of the outer layer that are stacked; the second side portion includes a second substrate, and a portion of the inner layer and a portion of the outer layer that are respectively covered on opposite sides of the second substrate; the middle portion includes a portion of the inner layer and a portion of the outer layer that are stacked, and the middle layer, wherein the middle layer is spaced apart from the second substrate.

[0011] In this solution, the protective shell can be a multilayer structure. Among them, the inner layer and the outer layer are both continuously distributed single-layer structures. The middle layer is located between the inner layer and the outer layer. The material of the inner layer and the material of the outer layer can be the same or different, but the materials of both are soft materials. The first side portion can be composed of only a part of the inner layer and a part of the outer layer stacked together, or in addition to a part of the inner layer and a part of the outer layer, the first side portion can also include other structures (such as layered structures). The inner layer and the outer layer in the first side portion, the middle portion and the second side portion are all stacked. The middle layer is only located in the middle portion. The texture of the middle layer can be harder and less likely to deform; or the texture of the middle layer is not limited. The middle layer can be made of polycarbonate, for example. Since the middle layer of the middle portion is spaced apart from the second substrate of the second side portion, and the inner layer and the outer layer in the middle portion are soft and easy to deform, the middle portion can rotate relative to the second side portion by deforming itself. This kind of multilayer protective shell has a simple structure, reliable performance and is easy to manufacture. The inner layer is soft in texture, which can avoid wear and impact on the external folding screen electronic device. The outer layer is soft, which can enhance the user's touch feeling and can also reduce external impact to a certain extent. In particular, when the middle layer is hard and not easy to deform, the middle layer can have structural support performance, so that the middle part can better support and protect the external folding screen electronic device.

[0012] In one implementation, the tensile yield strength of the material of the inner layer is 5Mpa-500Mpa, and / or the tensile yield strength of the material of the outer layer is 5Mpa-500Mpa. The range of tensile yield strength is 5Mpa-500Mpa, and specifically can be 5Mpa, 100Mpa, 200Mpa, 350Mpa, 500Mpa, etc. The tensile yield strength of the materials of the inner layer and the outer layer is within this range, so that the texture of the inner layer and the outer layer is relatively soft and easy to deform. Among them, the tensile yield strength of the inner layer material and the outer layer material can be basically the same or different.

[0013] In one implementation, the first side portion includes a first substrate, and the first substrate is spaced apart from the middle layer; a portion of the inner layer and a portion of the outer layer in the first side portion are respectively connected to opposite sides of the first substrate. The first substrate may be a rigid component that is not easily deformed, or may be a component that can produce elastic deformation. When the protective shell is in the first state, the first substrate may form a detachable connection with one end of the external folding screen electronic device where the bendable area is located. The inner layer portion and the outer layer portion may cover the inner and outer sides of the first substrate, respectively. In this solution, the first substrate is spaced apart from the middle layer, and the first side portion can rotate relative to the middle portion. When the protective shell needs to be opened, the first side portion may be flipped over first to separate the first side portion from the end where the bendable area is located, and then the middle portion may be flipped over. This design can reduce the resistance to separation of the protective shell from the external folding screen electronic device, making it easier for users to operate.

[0014] In one implementation, the protective shell includes a flexible layer, which is located between the inner layer and the outer layer and connects the first substrate and the middle layer. The material of the flexible layer is a soft material. The material of the flexible layer is soft and easy to deform. In this solution, the first side portion can rotate relative to the middle portion through the deformation of the flexible layer. Moreover, the use of the flexible layer can also make the protective shell tough and have the ability to buffer impact.

[0015] In one implementation, the hardness of the material of the flexible layer is HV50-HV90, and / or the elongation of the material of the flexible layer is 300Mpa-500Mpa. The hardness refers to the Vickers hardness, for example, it can be HV50, HV60, HV70, HV80, HV90. The elongation can be, for example, 300Mpa, 350Mpa, 400Mpa, 500Mpa. With such a hardness range and elongation range, the flexible layer is easy to deform, but not too soft, and can have a certain toughness. In this solution, the hardness and elongation of the soft material are independent of each other, and at least one of the two parameters is within the corresponding range. The soft material can be, for example, soft glue.

[0016] In one implementation, the external folding screen electronic device includes a hinge, which connects the first shell and the second shell, and the hinge is used to generate mechanical movement so that the first shell and the second shell rotate relative to each other to close or unfold; the hinge includes a main shaft, and the first shell and the second shell are respectively located on both sides of the main shaft; the main shaft includes an axis body and an axis cover, and the axis cover is connected to the end of the axis body; when the external folding screen electronic device is in a folded state, the flexible screen is located on the outside of the first shell, the main shaft and the second shell, and the axis cover is exposed on the flexible screen; the first substrate includes a first main body and a protective cover connected to the first main body; a part of the inner layer and a part of the outer layer are respectively connected to opposite sides of the first main body; the protective cover has a groove, the groove is used to accommodate the axis cover, and forms a detachable snap connection with the axis cover.

[0017] This solution adapts the design of the protective shell to the hinge of the external folding screen electronic device, so that the protective cover in the protective shell can accommodate the shaft cover of the hinge. In addition, the protective cover and the shaft cover form a detachable snap connection, which facilitates the connection and separation of the first side portion and the hinge. The snap connection refers to the surface of the groove in the protective cover and the surface of the shaft cover being clamped and fastened. The snap connection is relatively simple in design and manufacturing, and the connection is reliable.

[0018] In one implementation, the groove includes a first top surface, a second top surface and an inclined side surface, the first top surface is connected to the end of the first body, the second top surface is separated from the first side portion, the inclined side surface connects the second top surface and the bottom surface of the groove, and the inclined side surface and the bottom surface form an obtuse angle; the inclined side surface is used to form a detachable snap connection with the peripheral side surface of the shaft cover. This solution provides a specific snap connection design, which is relatively simple in structural design and manufacturing and has reliable connection.

[0019] In one implementation, the protective shell includes a rotation mechanism, which is located between the inner layer and the outer layer, and connects the first substrate and the middle layer; the rotation mechanism is used to achieve relative rotation between the first substrate and the middle layer. In this solution, the first substrate and the middle part do not need to achieve relative rotation through deformation, but through the rotation mechanism. The use of the rotation mechanism can make the motion trajectory accurate and reliable, and can also ensure the life and reliability of the protective shell.

[0020] In one implementation, the rotating mechanism includes a transmission part, a first sleeve, a second sleeve, an elastic member, a rotating shaft, a connecting plate and two supporting parts; the transmission part connects the first base and the first sleeve; a first protrusion is convexly provided on the axial end face of the first sleeve, and the first protrusion has a first matching curved surface arched relative to the axial end face of the first sleeve; a second protrusion is convexly provided on the axial side of the second sleeve, and the second protrusion has a second matching curved surface arched relative to the axial end face of the second sleeve; the rotating shaft passes through the first sleeve and the second sleeve, and the axial ends of the rotating shaft are respectively fixed to a supporting part; the first sleeve and the second sleeve The cylinder and the elastic member are distributed in sequence along the rotating shaft and are located between the two supporting parts, wherein the first sleeve forms a rotational connection with the rotating shaft, the second sleeve forms a sliding connection with the rotating shaft, and the first protrusion faces the second protrusion; one end of the elastic member abuts the second sleeve, and the other end abuts a supporting part, and the elastic member can be elastically retracted; the connecting plate connects the two supporting parts and the middle layer; the first base can drive the first sleeve to rotate around the rotating shaft through the transmission part, so that the first matching surface and the second matching surface are in contact or separated; wherein when in contact, the first matching surface and the second matching surface produce relative displacement. The rotating mechanism of this scheme can be a cam mechanism, wherein the first matching surface and the second matching surface can be equivalent to two matching cams respectively. This kind of rotating mechanism has a simple structure, strong manufacturability, and accurate and reliable movement.

[0021] In one implementation, the first side portion includes a flexible layer and a substrate, the flexible layer and the substrate are both located between the inner layer and the outer layer, and the flexible layer is located between the substrate and the middle layer; the material of the flexible layer is a soft material. The material of the flexible layer is soft and easy to deform. The substrate can be a sheet-like thin layer structure, the texture of the substrate can be relatively hard and not easy to deform, for example, it can be made of glass fiber or polycarbonate; or the texture of the substrate can also be relatively soft. The substrate is sandwiched between the inner layer and the outer layer. In this solution, the substrate can serve as the main structure of the first side portion. Through the deformation of the flexible layer, the first side portion can rotate relative to the middle portion. Moreover, the use of a flexible layer can also make the protective shell tough and have the ability to buffer impact.

[0022] In one implementation, the hardness of the material of the flexible layer is HV50-HV90, and / or the elongation of the material of the flexible layer is 300Mpa-500Mpa. The hardness refers to the Vickers hardness, for example, it can be HV50, HV60, HV70, HV80, HV90. The elongation can be, for example, 300Mpa, 350Mpa, 400Mpa, 500Mpa. With such a hardness range and elongation range, the flexible layer is easy to deform, but not too soft, and can have a certain toughness. In this solution, the hardness and elongation of the soft material are independent of each other, and at least one of the two parameters is within the corresponding range. The soft material can be, for example, soft glue.

[0023] In one implementation, the inner layer is provided with a through hole; the first side portion includes an adsorbent, a portion of the adsorbent passes through the through hole and is fixed to the substrate, and another portion of the adsorbent is located on the side of the inner layer away from the substrate; another portion of the adsorbent is used to adsorb to the bendable area of ​​the external folding screen electronic device. In this solution, the adsorbent can be adsorbed by vacuum or by magnetic force. The use of the adsorbent can facilitate the detachable connection between the first side portion and the bendable area.

[0024] In one implementation, the adsorbent includes a base and a suction cup; the base is fixed to the substrate and is located in the through hole; the suction cup is connected to the base and is located on the side of the inner layer away from the substrate; the suction cup is used to adsorb to the bendable area of ​​the external folding screen electronic device. The adsorbent of this structure can use vacuum adsorption, has a simple structure, and the adsorption strength meets the design requirements.

[0025] In one implementation, the suction cup is in the shape of a round bowl; from the opening of the suction cup to the bottom of the suction cup, the wall thickness of the suction cup tends to increase. The increasing trend of the wall thickness t may refer to a continuous increase, or it may refer to a local repetition but an overall increasing trend. The wall thickness t may be, for example, 0.2mm-0.4mm (including the endpoint values), and the overall value of the wall thickness t is extremely small. Due to the current manufacturing precision, it is difficult to manufacture a suction cup with an extremely small wall thickness and a constant wall thickness. Therefore, the wall thickness t of the suction cup is designed to have an increasing trend, which can reduce the precision requirements for the process and produce a product that meets the requirements. Moreover, the variable design of the wall thickness t is conducive to the suction cup maintaining a stable shape when it is deformed under pressure, thereby ensuring the adsorption effect.

[0026] In one implementation, the first side portion can be rotated relative to the middle portion to enclose the middle portion, so that the first side portion and the second side portion are spaced apart and opposite to each other, so that the first side portion, the middle portion and the second side portion enclose a receiving space; the first side portion can also be rotated relative to the middle portion to be unfolded with the middle portion. In this solution, there is no limitation on whether the protective shell is a multi-layer structure. The first side portion can be rotated relative to the middle portion, for example, by deformation or mechanism. When the first side portion is rotated to a first position relative to the middle portion, the protective shell is in a first state; when the first side portion is rotated in the opposite direction to a second position relative to the middle portion, the protective shell is in a second state. When the protective shell needs to be opened, the first side portion can be flipped over first to separate the first side portion from the end where the bendable area is located, and then the middle portion can be flipped over. This design can reduce the resistance to the separation of the protective shell from the external folding screen electronic device, which is convenient for user operation.

[0027] In one implementation, the external folding screen electronic device includes a hinge, which connects the first shell and the second shell, and the hinge is used to generate mechanical movement so that the first shell and the second shell rotate relative to each other to close or unfold; the hinge includes a main shaft, and the first shell and the second shell are respectively located on both sides of the main shaft; the main shaft includes an axis body and an axis cover, and the axis cover is connected to the end of the axis body; when the external folding screen electronic device is in a folded state, the flexible screen is located on the outside of the first shell, the main shaft and the second shell, and the axis cover is exposed on the flexible screen; the first side portion includes a protective cover; the protective cover has a groove, the groove is used to accommodate the axis cover, and forms a detachable snap connection with the axis cover.

[0028] This solution adapts the design of the protective shell to the hinge of the external folding screen electronic device, so that the protective cover in the protective shell can accommodate the shaft cover of the hinge. In addition, the protective cover and the shaft cover form a detachable snap connection, which facilitates the connection and separation of the first side portion and the hinge. The snap connection refers to the surface of the groove in the protective cover and the surface of the shaft cover being clamped and fastened. The snap connection is relatively simple in design and manufacturing, and the connection is reliable.

[0029] In one implementation, the groove includes a first top surface, a second top surface and an inclined side surface, the first top surface is connected to the end of the first body, the second top surface is separated from the first side portion, the inclined side surface connects the second top surface and the bottom surface of the groove, and the inclined side surface and the bottom surface form an obtuse angle; the inclined side surface is used to form a detachable snap connection with the peripheral side surface of the shaft cover. This solution provides a specific snap connection design, which is relatively simple in structural design and manufacturing and has reliable connection.

[0030] In one implementation, the first side portion includes a suction cup located in the receiving space, and the suction cup is used to adsorb to the bendable area of ​​the external folding screen electronic device. The suction cup is used to adsorb to the bendable area of ​​the external folding screen electronic device. The adsorbent of this structure can be adsorbed by vacuum, has a simple structure, and the adsorption strength meets the design requirements.

[0031] In one implementation, the suction cup is in the shape of a round bowl; from the opening of the suction cup to the bottom of the suction cup, the wall thickness of the suction cup tends to increase. The increasing trend of the wall thickness t may refer to a continuous increase, or it may refer to a local repetition but an overall increasing trend. The wall thickness t may be, for example, 0.2mm-0.4mm (including the endpoint values), and the overall value of the wall thickness t is extremely small. Due to the current manufacturing precision, it is difficult to manufacture a suction cup with an extremely small wall thickness and a constant wall thickness. Therefore, the wall thickness t of the suction cup is designed to have an increasing trend, which can reduce the precision requirements for the process and produce a product that meets the requirements. Moreover, the variable design of the wall thickness t is conducive to the suction cup maintaining a stable shape when it is deformed under pressure, thereby ensuring the adsorption effect.

[0032] In one implementation, the protective shell includes a rotation mechanism, which connects the first side portion and the middle portion; the rotation mechanism is used to achieve relative rotation between the first side portion and the middle portion. In this solution, the first base and the middle portion do not need to achieve relative rotation through deformation, but through the rotation mechanism. The use of the rotation mechanism can make the motion trajectory accurate and reliable, and can also ensure the life and reliability of the protective shell.

[0033] In one implementation, the rotating mechanism includes a transmission part, a first sleeve, a second sleeve, an elastic member, a rotating shaft, a connecting plate and two supporting parts; the transmission part connects the first side part and the first sleeve; a first protrusion is convexly provided on the axial end face of the first sleeve, and the first protrusion has a first matching curved surface arched relative to the axial end face of the first sleeve; a second protrusion is convexly provided on the axial side of the second sleeve, and the second protrusion has a second matching curved surface arched relative to the axial end face of the second sleeve; the rotating shaft passes through the first sleeve and the second sleeve, and the axial ends of the rotating shaft are respectively fixed to a supporting part; the first sleeve and the second sleeve The cylinder and the elastic member are distributed in sequence along the rotating shaft and are located between the two supporting parts, wherein the first sleeve forms a rotating connection with the rotating shaft, the second sleeve forms a sliding connection with the rotating shaft, and the first protrusion faces the second protrusion; one end of the elastic member abuts the second sleeve, and the other end abuts a supporting part, and the elastic member can be elastically retracted; the connecting plate connects the two supporting parts and the middle part; the first side part can drive the first sleeve to rotate around the rotating shaft through the transmission part, so that the first matching surface and the second matching surface are in contact or separated; wherein when in contact, the first matching surface and the second matching surface produce relative displacement. The rotating mechanism of this scheme can be a cam mechanism, wherein the first matching surface and the second matching surface can be equivalent to two matching cams respectively. This kind of rotating mechanism has a simple structure, strong manufacturability, and accurate and reliable movement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the external folding screen electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application at a viewing angle;

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an external folding screen electronic device under another viewing angle;

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of a main axis in an external folding screen electronic device at a viewing angle;

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the enlarged structure of the main axis at a viewing angle;

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the main axis from another perspective;

[0039] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional assembly structure of the protective shell of the first embodiment;

[0040] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the protective shell;

[0041] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of a first substrate in a protective shell;

[0042] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure at B in the middle;

[0043] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure shown in another viewing angle;

[0044] Fig.11 yes Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of a second substrate in a protective shell;

[0045] Fig.12 yes Figure 6 AA cross-sectional structure diagram of the protective shell

[0046] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure at C in the middle;

[0047] Fig.14 yes Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure at D in the middle;

[0048] Fig.15 yes Figure 6 A side view structural diagram of a protective shell;

[0049] Fig.16 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the protective shell in one state;

[0050] Fig.17 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the protective shell in another state;

[0051] Fig.18 Yes means Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the matching structure of the protective cover in the protective shell and the shaft cover of the external folding screen electronic device;

[0052] Fig.19 It is a schematic diagram of the matching structure of the protective shell and the external folding screen electronic device of the first embodiment;

[0053] Fig. 20Ais a schematic structural diagram showing that the protective case of the first embodiment is opened so that the external folding screen electronic device can be unfolded;

[0054] Fig. 20B is a schematic structural diagram showing that the middle portion of the protective shell of the first embodiment is connected to the first shell of the external folding screen electronic device;

[0055] Fig.21 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional assembly structure of the protective shell of the second embodiment;

[0056] Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the protective shell;

[0057] Fig.23 yes Fig.21 A side view structural diagram of a protective shell;

[0058] Fig.24 yes Fig.23 Schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure at E in FIG.

[0059] Fig.25 yes Fig. 22 A schematic diagram of the structure of the adsorption member in the protective shell;

[0060] Fig.26 yes Fig.21 A side view structural diagram of a protective shell;

[0061] Fig. 27 is a schematic diagram of the matching structure of the protective shell and the external folding screen electronic device of the second embodiment;

[0062] Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 A schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure at F in the middle;

[0063] Fig.29 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional assembly structure of the protective shell of the third embodiment;

[0064] Fig.30 yes Fig.29 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the protective shell;

[0065] Fig.31 yes Fig.30 A schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the rotating mechanism in the protective shell;

[0066] Fig.32 yes Fig.31 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the rotating mechanism;

[0067] Fig.33 yes Fig.32 A schematic diagram of the structure of a rotating member in a rotating mechanism;

[0068] Fig.34 yes Fig.32 A schematic structural diagram of a second sleeve in a rotating mechanism;

[0069] Fig.35 yes Fig.29 A schematic diagram of a three-dimensional assembly structure after removing the inner layer of the protective shell;

[0070] Fig.36 yes Fig.35 A schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure at G in the middle;

[0071] Fig.37 yes Fig.35 A side view structural diagram of a protective shell;

[0072] Fig.38 It is a schematic diagram of the matching structure of the protective shell and the external folding screen electronic device of Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] The following embodiments of the present application provide a protective case for an external folding screen electronic device, which is used to accommodate and protect the external folding screen electronic device. The external folding screen electronic device can be unfolded and folded, and includes but is not limited to mobile phones, tablet computers, e-readers, etc. For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 An external folding screen electronic device 10 for a mobile phone is provided, and the external folding screen electronic device 10 is in a folded state. The structure of the external folding screen electronic device 10 is first described below by taking the external folding screen electronic device 10 as an example, and then the structure of a protective shell matched with the external folding screen electronic device 10 is described.

[0074] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the external folding screen electronic device 10 may include a first housing 14, a hinge 12, a second housing 13 and a flexible screen 11. Among them, the hinge 12 connects the first housing 14 and the second housing 13. The hinge 12 can be assembled from a number of parts, and the hinge 12 can generate a mechanical movement. Through the mechanical movement of the hinge 12, the first housing 14 and the second housing 13 can generate relative rotation, and the two can be closed to put the external folding screen electronic device 10 in a folded state, or unfolded to put the external folding screen electronic device 10 in an unfolded state.

[0075] Figure 3 As shown, the hinge 12 may include a main shaft 121, which may be approximately strip-shaped or column-shaped and may extend along the length direction of the external folding screen electronic device 10 (the length direction may be substantially in the same direction as the rotation axis of the first housing 14). There may be two main shafts 121, the two main shafts 121 may be spaced apart, and the two main shafts 121 may be substantially collinear. Figure 3 and Figure 2As shown, the first shell 14 and the second shell 13 can be located on both sides of the main shaft 121 respectively.

[0076] Figure 4 and Figure 5 They are Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a main shaft 121 (for example, the main shaft 121 on the left) at different viewing angles. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the main shaft 121 may include a connected shaft cover 122 and a shaft body 123. The shaft cover 122 may be approximately an elliptical plate-like structure, and the shaft cover 122 has a peripheral side surface 122a. The shaft cover 122 can be used as an appearance decoration of the external folding screen electronic device 10, and can also be used to cooperate with a protective case (described below). The shaft body 123 may be strip-shaped or columnar as a whole, and its extension direction may be basically consistent with the length direction of the external folding screen electronic device 10. A number of spaces may be formed inside the shaft body 123, which are used to install the moving parts in the hinge 12, and the moving parts are used to realize the movement of the mechanism. In addition, the shaft body 123 can also support the bendable area 112 (described below) of the flexible screen 11.

[0077] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 2 As shown, the shaft covers 122 of the two main shafts 121 can be arranged back to back, and both shaft covers 122 can be exposed on the flexible screen 11, that is, the two shaft covers 122 can be respectively located at two opposite outer sides of the flexible screen 11 in the length direction.

[0078] The structure of the hinge 12 described above is merely an example, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0079] In the embodiment of the present application, the first shell 14 and the second shell 13 can be a single shell, or a shell assembly assembled from several parts. The specific structure of the first shell 14 and the second shell 13 can be designed as needed, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit it. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the dimensions of the first shell 14 and the second shell 13 in the width direction of the external folding screen electronic device 10 may be different (for example, the width dimension of the first shell 14 is larger, and the width dimension of the second shell 13 is smaller), and the two may be asymmetrically distributed on both sides of the rotation axis of the external folding screen electronic device 10. When the external folding screen electronic device 10 is in a folded state, the first shell 14 and the second shell 13 do not completely overlap. This is just an example, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this. For example, the dimensions of the first shell 14 and the second shell 13 in the width direction may also be basically the same.

[0080] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the flexible screen 11 may include a first non-bending area 111, a bendable area 112 and a second non-bending area 113, which are connected in sequence (connected as one). The flexible screen 11 has flexible and bendable properties. Among them, the first non-bending area 111 is fixed to the first shell 14. For example, the first non-bending area 111 can only cover the flat large surface (a flat surface with a large area) of the first shell 14. The second non-bending area 113 is fixed to the second shell 13. Neither the first non-bending area 111 nor the second non-bending area 113 undergoes bending deformation. The bendable area 112 may correspond to the hinge 12, and the bendable area 112 can produce bending deformation. When the external folding screen electronic device 10 is in a folded state, the flexible screen 11 is located on the outside of the first shell 14 and the second shell 13.

[0081] The above describes the external folding screen electronic device 10, and the protective case of the embodiment of the present application will be described below.

[0082] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the protective shell 20 of the first embodiment may be an open groove structure approximately in the shape of a C. The protective shell 20 may include an inner layer 21, a first substrate 22, a flexible layer 23, an intermediate layer 24, a connecting layer 25, a second substrate 26 and an outer layer 27. Each of them will be described below.

[0083] like Figure 8 As shown, the first substrate 22 as a whole may be approximately strip-shaped. The first substrate 22 may include a first main body 221 and two first protective covers 222 (in order to distinguish it from the second protective cover below, the name of the first protective cover is used. The first protective cover and the second protective cover may be collectively referred to as protective covers). The first main body 221 may be approximately strip-shaped, and its cross-section (a cross-section perpendicular to its extension direction) may be approximately arc-shaped. The two first protective covers 222 are respectively connected to the opposite ends of the extension direction of the first main body 221. The two first protective covers 222 may approximately enclose a C-shaped space with the first main body 221, wherein the inner surface 221a of the first main body 221 is the inner surface of the C-shaped space, and the outer surface 221b of the first main body 221 is the outer surface of the C-shaped space. The two first protective covers 222 may be connected to the first main body 221 as a whole, or they may be assembled together. The structures of the two first protective covers 222 may be basically the same.

[0084] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 It can represent the local structure of the first substrate 22 at different viewing angles. Fig. 9 and Fig.10As shown, the first protective cover 222 as a whole may be a disc-shaped structure. The first protective cover 222 has a groove 222e. The groove 222e has a first top surface 222a and a second top surface 222b (the first top surface 222a and the second top surface 222b are both the top surfaces of the groove 222e). Among them, the first top surface 222a may be approximately a plane, and the first top surface 222a is connected to the end of the first body 221, or the first body 221 stands upright on the first top surface 222a. Thus, the first body 221 surrounds the outer periphery of the groove 222e. The second top surface 222b may include a portion that is approximately a plane and a portion that is a curved surface; or the entire area of ​​the second top surface 222b is approximately a plane or a curved surface. The second top surface 222b may be connected to the first top surface 222a, or may be spaced apart. The second top surface 222b is not connected to the first body 221, but is spaced apart from the first body 221. In the first embodiment, there may be two second top surfaces 222b, and the two second top surfaces 222b are arranged at intervals.

[0085] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the groove 222e has an inclined side surface 222c (a side surface belonging to the groove 222e), and the inclined side surface 222c connects the second top surface 222b and the bottom surface 222d of the groove 222e. The inclined side surface 222c and the bottom surface 222d may form an obtuse angle, that is, the inclined side surface 222c is inclined outwardly of the groove 222e, and the orthographic projection of the inclined side surface 222c on the bottom surface 222d falls outside the boundary of the bottom surface 222d. There may be two inclined side surfaces 222c, and the two inclined side surfaces 222c are arranged at intervals. An inclined side surface 222c and a second top surface 222b connected thereto may constitute a snap-fit ​​structure, which is used to form a detachable snap-fit ​​connection with a shaft cover 122 of the main shaft 121 (to be described below).

[0086] Combination Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, in the two first protective covers 222 connected to the opposite ends of the first body 221, the openings of the two grooves 222e can be arranged opposite to each other. The first substrate 22 is used to accommodate the area where the hinge 12 of the external folding screen electronic device 10 is located, and one of the grooves 222e is used to accommodate a shaft cover 122 in the hinge 12 (described below). The first substrate 22 is hard and not easy to deform, so it can provide protection for the area where the hinge 12 is located. The first substrate 22 can be made of plastic materials such as polycarbonate.

[0087] like Figure 7 and Fig.11 As shown, the second base body 26 as a whole may be approximately in a C-shaped frame structure. The second base body 26 may include a second main body 261 , a connecting portion 263 and two second protective covers 262 .

[0088] The second body 261 may be approximately strip-shaped, and its cross-section (a cross-section perpendicular to its extension direction) may be approximately arc-shaped. The two second protective covers 262 are respectively connected to the opposite ends of the second body 261 in the extension direction, and the two second protective covers 262 may be approximately vertically connected to the second body 261, and the two second protective covers 262 may be arranged opposite to each other. The two second protective covers 262 and the second body 261 may approximately enclose a C-shaped space, wherein the inner surface 261b of the second body 261 is the inner surface of the C-shaped space, and the outer surface 261a of the second body 261 is the outer surface of the C-shaped space. The two second protective covers 262 may be connected to the second body 261 as a whole, or they may be assembled together. The structures of the two second protective covers 262 may be different, for example Fig.11 A second protective cover 262 on the left side in the viewing angle has no opening; Fig.11 A second protective cover 262 on the right side of the viewing angle is provided with a through hole, and the through hole allows the interface on the external folding screen electronic device 10 to be exposed. This is only an example and is not a limitation of this embodiment. For example, the structures of the two second protective covers 262 can also be basically the same.

[0089] The connecting portion 263 may be approximately in the shape of a plate, connected to one side of the second body 261 and to one of the second protective covers 262. The connecting portion 263, the second body 261 and the second protective cover 262 may enclose an open space. The connecting portion 263 is used to support the inner layer 21 (described below).

[0090] In this embodiment, the second base 26 is used to accommodate the end of the folded external folding screen electronic device 10 away from the hinge 12, that is, to accommodate the end of the first housing 14 away from the hinge 12 (described below). The second base 26 is hard and not easy to deform, so it can protect the end of the first housing 14 away from the hinge 12. The second base 26 can be made of plastic materials such as polycarbonate.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, the connection layer 25 may be in the form of a sheet, which is soft and easy to deform. The connection layer 25 may be attached to the inner surface 261b of the second main body 261 of the second substrate 26. The connection layer 25 may be, for example, a sticky material (such as adhesive), and the connection layer 25 is bonded to the inner wall; or the connection layer 25 may be a micro-suction foam, which has a large number of tiny holes (equivalent to micro suction cups), and after the air in the holes is expelled by squeezing, the micro-suction foam can be adsorbed on the inner wall. The design of the connection layer 25 facilitates fixing the end of the first shell 14 away from the hinge 12 in the second main body 261. The softer connection layer 25 can also reduce the impact and wear on the end (to be described below).

[0092] like Figure 7As shown, both the inner layer 21 and the outer layer 27 can be a sheet-like thin layer structure. The texture of the inner layer 21 and the outer layer 27 is relatively soft and easy to deform. The inner layer 21 and the outer layer 27 can be made of, for example, a soft material (the material of the inner layer 21 and the outer layer 27 can be the same or different), and the tensile yield strength of the soft material can be 5Mpa-50Mpa (including the end value). This soft material is soft and easy to bend and stretch. The soft material can be, for example, polyurethane (PU), glass fiber, carbon fiber, etc.

[0093] Fig.12 express Figure 6 The structure of the protective shell 20 after being cut along the section AA is shown. For clear expression, Fig.12 A stereoscopic perspective is adopted. Fig.13 for Fig.12 The schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure at C in the middle, Fig.14 for Fig.12 Schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure at point D in the middle.

[0094] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the inner layer 21 connects the first body 221 of the first substrate 22 and the connecting portion 263 of the second substrate 26. Specifically, the inner layer 21 can be connected to the inner surface 221a of the first body 221 and the surface of the connecting portion 263 facing the inner side of the second substrate 26.

[0095] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the outer layer 27 connects the first body 221, the connecting portion 263 of the second base 26, and the second body 261. Specifically, the outer layer 27 can be connected to the outer surface 221b of the first body 221, the surface of the connecting portion 263 facing away from the inner side of the second base 26, and the outer surface 261a of the second body 261. Fig.13 As shown, the outer layer 27 can also be bent over and connected to a portion of the inner surface 221 a of the first body 221 , and this portion of the outer layer 27 can be spliced ​​with the inner layer 21 .

[0096] In this embodiment, the inner layer 21 and the outer layer 27 can sandwich the first substrate 22 and the second substrate 26, so that the inner and outer sides of the first substrate 22 and the second substrate 26 are covered with a softer material. Providing the inner layer 21 is beneficial to reducing the wear and tear of the external folding screen electronic device 10 and improving the protection of the external folding screen electronic device 10; providing the outer layer 27 is beneficial to enhancing the user's touch feel and improving the user experience (to be described below). The position design of the inner layer 21 and the outer layer 27 described above is only an example and is not a limitation of this embodiment. Under the premise of ensuring the protection of the external folding screen electronic device 10 and the user's touch feel, the position of the inner layer 21 and the outer layer 27 can be flexibly designed according to product needs.

[0097] like Figure 7 As shown, the flexible layer 23 may be approximately in the form of an elongated sheet structure. The flexible layer 23 is soft and easily deformed. The flexible layer 23 may be made of, for example, a soft material, and the soft material may have, for example, the following material parameters: the hardness may be HV50-HV90 (referring to Vickers hardness, including the endpoint value), and the elongation may be 300Mpa-500Mpa (including the endpoint value). The soft material having the above material parameters is easy to bend and stretch, and may also have reasonable toughness and the ability to buffer impact. In this embodiment, the hardness and elongation of the soft material are independent of each other, and at least one of the two parameters may be within the corresponding range. The soft material may be, for example, soft glue.

[0098] like Fig.13 As shown, the flexible layer 23 is sandwiched between the inner layer 21 and the outer layer 27 , and one side of the flexible layer 23 is connected to the first body 221 of the first substrate 22 .

[0099] Figure 7 As shown, the middle layer 24 can be approximately in the shape of a flat sheet. The middle layer 24 is hard and not easily deformed. The middle layer 24 can be made of polycarbonate, for example. Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the middle layer 24 is sandwiched between the inner layer 21 and the outer layer 27, and between the flexible layer 23 and the connecting portion 263 of the second substrate. One side of the middle layer 24 can be spliced ​​with the flexible layer 23 (approximately without a gap, or maintaining a small gap), and the other side of the middle layer 24 can be spaced apart from the connecting portion 263. In the area where the middle layer 24 is spaced apart from the connecting portion 263, the inner layer 21 and the outer layer 27 can be in direct contact.

[0100] Combination Figure 7 , Fig.13 and Fig.14As shown, in the direction from the first substrate 22 to the second substrate 26, the first body 221 of the first substrate 22, the flexible layer 23, the intermediate layer 24, the connecting portion 263 of the second substrate 26, the connecting layer 25 and the second body portion 261 of the second substrate 26 are arranged in sequence.

[0101] The structures of the various parts of the protective shell 20 are described in detail above. Fig.15 As shown, the protective shell 20 can be divided into a first side portion 20a, a middle portion 20b and a second side portion 20c which are connected in sequence. Fig.15 , Figure 6 , Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the first side portion 20a may include a first base 22, a portion of the inner layer 21 located inside the first base 22, a portion of the flexible layer 23 located inside the first base 22, a portion of the outer layer 27 located inside the first base 22, and a portion of the outer layer 27 located outside the first base 22. The second side portion 20c includes a second base 26, a connection layer 25 located inside the second base 26, a portion of the inner layer 21 located inside the second base 26, and a portion of the outer layer 27 located outside the second base 26. The portion between the first side portion 20a and the second side portion 20c is the middle portion 20b, that is, the middle portion 20b may include a portion of the flexible layer 23, a portion of the inner layer 21, a portion of the outer layer 27, and the middle layer 24.

[0102] Combination Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, the first side portion 20a contains a first substrate 22 that is not easily deformed, and the junction of the first side portion 20a and the middle portion 20b (where the inner layer 21, the flexible layer 23 and the outer layer 27 are located) is soft and easily deformable, so the first side portion 20a can be flipped relative to the middle portion 20b, and the rotation axis can be roughly located at half the width of the flexible layer 23, for example. Fig.16 It is shown that the first side portion 20a is turned over in the counterclockwise direction, but in fact the first side portion 20a can also be turned over in the clockwise direction. The setting position and material parameters of the flexible layer 23 can meet the requirement of smooth turning of the first side portion 20a.

[0103] Fig.15 It indicates that the first side portion 20a rotates to the first position relative to the middle portion 20b. Fig.15 , Figure 8 and Fig.11As shown, in the first position, the first side portion 20a and the middle portion 20b are enclosed (for example, the two can approximately form a right angle), the inner surface 221a of the first body 221 in the first side portion 20a is arranged opposite to the inner surface 261b of the second body 261 in the second side portion 20c, and the first side portion 20a, the middle portion 20b and the second side portion 20c enclose a receiving space 20e with an opening 20d, wherein the opening 20d is opposite to the middle portion 20b. The receiving space 20e is used to receive the external folding screen electronic device 10. Fig.16 It indicates that the first side portion 20a is rotated relative to the middle portion 20b to a second position. In the second position, the first side portion 20a and the middle portion 20b are unfolded.

[0104] Combination Fig.16 and Fig.17 As shown, the second side portion 20c contains a second matrix 26 that is not easily deformed, and the junction between the middle portion 20b and the second matrix 26 (where the inner layer 21 and the outer layer 27 are located) is soft and easily deformable, so the middle portion 20b can be turned over relative to the second matrix 26. It is understandable that the first side portion 20a will also turn over relative to the second matrix 26 along with the middle portion 20b. Fig.17 It is shown that the middle portion 20b is turned in the counterclockwise direction, but actually the middle portion 20b can also be turned in the clockwise direction.

[0105] The structure of the protective shell 20 of this embodiment is described in detail above. The following will describe how to put the protective shell 20 on the external folding screen electronic device 10.

[0106] When the protective case 20 is in Fig.16 or Fig.17 In the state shown, the end of the folded external folding screen electronic device 10 away from the hinge 12 is inserted into the second side portion 20c of the protective shell 20. After being inserted into place, the end of the external folding screen electronic device 10 away from the hinge 12 will be connected to the connection layer 25 in the second side portion 20c. At this time, the external folding screen electronic device 10 can be placed on the middle portion 20b of the protective shell 20. Fig.15 Then, the first side portion 20 a of the protective shell 20 is flipped over to enclose the middle portion 20 b , and the first protective cover 222 in the first side portion 20 a is matched with the shaft cover 122 of the hinge 12 .

[0107] Fig.18 FIG. 2 is a partial view showing the cooperation between the first protective cover 222 and the shaft cover 122. Fig.18As shown, the shaft cover 122 can be received in the groove 222e of the first protective cover 222, and the peripheral side surface 122a of the shaft cover 122 forms a detachable snap connection with the inclined side surface 222c of the groove 222e. That is, when the shaft cover 122 enters the groove 222e, the inclined side surface 222c can limit the peripheral side surface 122a, so that the shaft cover 122 is reliably received in the groove 222e; because the inclined side surface 222c is inclined toward the outside of the groove 222e, when the first protective cover 222 is separated from the shaft cover 122, the shaft cover 122 can be easily separated from the groove 222e.

[0108] After the first protective cover 222 and the shaft cover 122 of the hinge 12 are in place, the external folding screen electronic device 10 is installed in the protective shell 20. Fig.19 The structure of the external folding screen electronic device 10 after being covered with a protective shell 20 is shown. Fig.15 and Fig.19 As shown, the outer folding screen electronic device 10 is accommodated in the accommodation space 20e of the protective shell 20. Figure 1 , Fig.15 and Fig.19 As shown, all or part of the bendable area 112 of the flexible screen 11 can be accommodated in the first side portion 20a (determined by the size of the first body 221 in the first side portion 20a). The end of the external folding screen electronic device 10 away from the hinge 12 is accommodated in the second side portion 20c. All or part of the first non-bending area 111 of the flexible screen 11 is exposed from the opening 20d (determined by the size of the opening 20d), for example, when all of the first non-bending area 111 and part of the bendable area 112 can be exposed from the opening 20d, or only at least part of the first non-bending area 111 is exposed from the opening 20d.

[0109] Therefore, when the protective shell 20 of this embodiment is put on the outside of the external folding screen electronic device 10, the user can see the screen displayed by the external folding screen electronic device 10 through the opening 20d of the protective shell 20, without removing the protective shell 20, thereby simplifying the user operation and enhancing the user experience. In addition, the first side portion 20a of the protective shell 20 accommodates and protects the relatively weak bendable area 112, which can reduce or avoid the impact on the bendable area 112 and improve the reliability of the bendable area 112. In particular, the flexible layer 23 in the first side portion 20a has the performance of buffering impact and can better absorb the impact on the bendable area 112.

[0110] refer to Fig. 20AAs shown, when the user wants to unfold the external folding screen electronic device 10, the first side portion 20a of the protective shell can be flipped over to separate the first protective cover 222 from the shaft cover 122. Then the middle portion 20b is flipped over to make the middle portion 20b and the first side portion 20a avoid the second shell 13 of the external folding screen electronic device 10, so that the second shell 13 can be unfolded relative to the first shell 14. When the external folding screen electronic device 10 is finally in the unfolded state, the second side portion 20c of the protective shell 20 can continue to be connected to the end of the first shell 14 away from the hinge 12, and the middle portion 20b and the first side portion 20a of the protective shell 20 can be separated from the external folding screen electronic device 10.

[0111] refer to Fig. 20B As shown, in this embodiment, the protective shell 20 may also include the weak connection layer, which is arranged on the surface of the inner layer 21 in the middle part 20b, for example, close to the first side part 20a. The weak connection layer may be in the shape of strips or blocks. The weak connection layer has a certain viscosity or vacuum adsorption performance, but is relatively easy to disassemble. For example, the weak connection layer may be a weakly sticky double-sided tape (such as gecko glue), or a micro-absorption foam. Thus, after the protective shell 20 is opened and the outer folding screen electronic device 10 is unfolded, the middle part 20b can be connected to the first shell 14 of the outer folding screen electronic device 10 through the weak connection layer to avoid the middle part 20b and the first side part 20a being suspended in the air, so that the assembly structure of the protective shell 20 and the outer folding screen electronic device 10 is more compact. When the middle part 20b is connected to the first shell 14, the middle part 20b can be approximately contoured to the surface of the first shell 14. Due to the weak connection performance of the weak connection layer, the user can easily separate the middle part 20b from the first shell 14, which is convenient for other operations (such as completely removing the protective shell 20 or refolding the outer folding screen electronic device 10). It can be understood that the weak connection layer is not necessary.

[0112] Therefore, the protective case 20 of this embodiment can also allow the user to unfold the external folding screen electronic device 10 while the external folding screen electronic device 10 and the protective case 20 remain in cooperation, avoiding the inconvenience of completely removing the protective case 20 from the external folding screen electronic device 10 and then unfolding it.

[0113] like Fig.21 As shown, the second embodiment provides a protective shell 30, and the protective shell 30 has a substantially identical appearance to the protective shell 20 of the first embodiment. Fig. 22 As shown, the protective shell 30 may include an inner layer 31 , a base sheet 32 ​​, a flexible layer 33 , an intermediate layer 34 , a connecting layer 35 , a second base 36 , an outer layer 37 and an adsorbent 38 .

[0114] Among them, the structure of the inner layer 31 can be basically consistent with the structure of the inner layer 21 in the first embodiment, and the material of the inner layer 31 can be the same as the material of the inner layer 21. The structure of the intermediate layer 34 can be basically consistent with the structure of the intermediate layer 24 in the first embodiment, and the material of the intermediate layer 34 can be the same as the material of the intermediate layer 24; the structure of the connecting layer 35 can be basically consistent with the structure of the connecting layer 25 in the first embodiment, and the material of the connecting layer 35 can be the same as the material of the connecting layer 35; the structure of the second substrate 36 can be basically consistent with the structure of the second substrate 26 in the first embodiment, and the material of the second substrate 36 can be the same as the material of the second substrate 26. The connection relationship between the inner layer 31, the intermediate layer 34, the connecting layer 35, the second substrate 36 and the outer layer 37 is also consistent with the connection relationship of the corresponding components in the first embodiment. For the sake of simplicity, the second embodiment will not repeat the description of the inner layer 31, the intermediate layer 34, the connecting layer 35, the second substrate 36 and the outer layer 37, but focus on the base sheet 32, the flexible layer 33 and the adsorbent 38.

[0115] like Fig. 22 As shown, the substrate 32 may be a sheet-like thin layer structure. Fig.23 and Fig.24 As shown, the substrate 32 is sandwiched between the inner layer 31 and the outer layer 37, and can be close to the end of the inner layer 31 (or the outer layer 37) away from the second substrate 36. The texture of the substrate 32 is relatively hard and not easy to deform. For example, it can be made of glass fiber or polycarbonate. The substrate 32 serves as a mounting carrier for the adsorbent 38 (described below).

[0116] like Fig. 22 As shown, the inner layer 31 may be provided with a through hole 31a, and the position of the through hole 31a may be aligned with the substrate 32. For example, the through hole 31 may also be located at the end of the inner layer 31 away from the second substrate 36. There may be a plurality of through holes 31a. Fig. 22 9 through holes 31 a are shown in the figure. The 9 through holes can be divided into 3 groups. The 3 groups are spaced apart in sequence, and each group includes 3 through holes 31 a.

[0117] like Fig.25As shown, the adsorbent 38 may include a base 382 and a suction cup 381, which are connected (for example, they may be connected as one body). The base 382 is approximately in the shape of a cylindrical sheet. The suction cup 381 may be approximately in the shape of a bowl, and the shape of the cross section of the suction cup 381 may be approximately in the shape of a circular ring, wherein the cross section is perpendicular to the axis of the base 382. The bottom of the suction cup 381 is connected to the base 382, ​​and the opening 381a of the suction cup 381 is away from the base 382. The suction cup 381 is soft in texture and easy to deform to achieve exhaust and adsorption. In this embodiment, the base 382 is used to connect to the substrate 32 (to be described below). The base 382 connected to the substrate 32 can provide a stable support for the suction cup 381, which is convenient for the stable exhaust and adsorption of the suction cup 381. In other embodiments, the adsorbent may not have a base, in which case the suction cup may be molded on the substrate by an integrated molding process.

[0118] In this embodiment, the wall thickness t of the suction cup 381 may show an increasing trend from the opening 381a of the suction cup 381 to the bottom of the suction cup 381. "The wall thickness t shows an increasing trend" may refer to a continuous increase, or it may refer to a local repetition but an overall increasing trend. The wall thickness t may be, for example, 0.2mm-0.4mm (including the endpoint values), and the overall value of the wall thickness t is extremely small. Due to the current manufacturing precision, it is difficult to manufacture a suction cup with an extremely small wall thickness and a constant wall thickness. Therefore, the wall thickness t of the suction cup 381 is designed to have an increasing trend, which can reduce the precision requirements for the process and manufacture products that meet the requirements. Moreover, the design of the change in wall thickness t is conducive to the suction cup 381 to maintain a stable shape when it is deformed under pressure, thereby ensuring the adsorption effect. In other embodiments, the wall thickness t of the suction cup 381 may also remain basically unchanged.

[0119] In this embodiment, the number of the adsorption members 38 may be consistent with the number of the through holes 31 a on the inner layer 31 .

[0120] Combination Figure 22 to Figure 24 As shown, the base 382 of the adsorbent 38 can pass through the through hole 31a on the inner layer 31 and be connected to the substrate 32 (for example, bonded). The suction cup 381 of the adsorbent 38 is located on the side of the inner layer 31 away from the substrate 32. Several adsorbents 38 are matched with several through holes 31a in a one-to-one correspondence. The suction cup 381 is used to adsorb the bendable area 112 of the outer folding screen electronic device 10 (described below).

[0121] like Figure 22 to Figure 24 As shown, the structure of the flexible layer 33 is similar to that of the flexible layer 23 in the first embodiment, and the flexible layer 33 may also be a narrow sheet structure. The difference is that the width of the flexible layer 33 may be larger than that of the flexible layer 23. The flexible layer 33 is soft and easy to deform. The material of the flexible layer 33 may be the same as that of the flexible layer 23, and the flexible layer 33 may be made of soft glue, for example. The flexible layer 33 is sandwiched between the inner layer 31 and the outer layer 37, and is located between the base sheet 32 ​​and the middle layer 34.

[0122] like Fig.26 As shown, in the second embodiment, the protective shell 30 can be divided into a first side portion 30a, a middle portion 30b and a second side portion 30c which are connected in sequence. Fig.26 and Fig.24 As shown, the first side portion 30a may include a portion of the inner layer 31, the base sheet 32, the adsorbent 38, a portion of the flexible layer 33, and a portion of the outer layer 37. The second side portion 30c is the same as the second side portion 20c of the first embodiment, that is, the second side portion 30c includes a second substrate 36, a connecting layer 35 located inside the second substrate 36, a portion of the inner layer 31 located inside the second substrate 36, and a portion of the outer layer 37 located outside the second substrate 36. The portion between the first side portion 30a and the second side portion 30c is the middle portion 30b, that is, the middle portion 30b may include a portion of the inner layer 31, a portion of the flexible layer 33, the middle layer 34, and a portion of the outer layer 37.

[0123] The first side portion 30a and the middle portion 30b are both easily bent and deformed. Fig.26 It can be said that when the first side portion 30a is flipped to the first position relative to the middle portion 30b, the first side portion 30a, the middle portion 30b and the second side portion 30c enclose a receiving space 30e with an opening 30d, wherein the opening 30d is opposite to the middle portion 30b. The receiving space 30e is used to receive the external folding screen electronic device 10. The first side portion 30a can also be rotated to the second position relative to the middle portion 30b. In the second position, the first side portion 30a and the middle portion 30b are unfolded (similar to Fig.16 shown).

[0124] The structure of the protective shell 30 of this embodiment is described in detail above. The following will describe how to put the protective shell 30 on the external folding screen electronic device 10.

[0125] When the first side portion 30a of the protective shell 30 is unfolded relative to the middle portion 30b, the end of the folded external folding screen electronic device 10 away from the hinge 13 is inserted into the second side portion 30c of the protective shell 30. After being inserted into place, the end of the external folding screen electronic device 10 away from the hinge 13 will be connected to the connection layer 35 in the second side portion 30c. At this time, the external folding screen electronic device 10 can be placed on the middle portion 30b of the protective shell 30. Fig. 27 and Fig.28 As shown, the first side portion 30a of the protective shell 30 is then flipped over to enclose the middle portion 30b, and the suction cup 381 in the first side portion 30a is adsorbed to the bendable area 112 of the flexible screen 11, so that the external folding screen electronic device 10 can be placed in the protective shell 20.

[0126] like Fig. 27 As shown, the outer folding screen electronic device 10 is accommodated in the accommodation space 30e of the protective shell 30. Figure 1 , Fig.15 and Fig.18 As shown, all or part of the bendable area 112 of the flexible screen 11 can be accommodated in the first side portion 30a (determined by the size of the first side portion 30a). The end of the external folding screen electronic device 10 away from the hinge 13 is accommodated in the second side portion 30c. All or part of the first non-bending area 111 of the flexible screen 11 is exposed from the opening 30d (determined by the size of the opening 30d), for example, when all of the first non-bending area 111 and part of the bendable area 112 can be exposed from the opening 30d, or only at least part of the first non-bending area 111 is exposed from the opening 30d.

[0127] Therefore, when the protective shell 30 of this embodiment is put on the outside of the external folding screen electronic device 10, the user can see the screen displayed by the external folding screen electronic device 10 through the opening 30d of the protective shell 30, without removing the protective shell 30, thereby simplifying the user operation and enhancing the user experience. In addition, the first side portion 30a of the protective shell 30 accommodates and protects the relatively weak bendable area 112, which can reduce or avoid the impact on the bendable area 112 and improve the reliability of the bendable area 112. In particular, the flexible layer 33 in the first side portion 30a has the performance of buffering impact and can better absorb the impact on the bendable area 112.

[0128] refer to Fig. 27 and Fig.28 As shown, when the user wants to unfold the external folding screen electronic device 10, the first side portion 30a of the protective shell can be flipped over to separate the suction cup 381 from the bendable area 112. Then the middle portion 30b is flipped over to make the middle portion 30b and the first side portion 30a avoid the second shell 13 of the external folding screen electronic device 10, so that the second shell 13 can be unfolded relative to the first shell 14. When the external folding screen electronic device 10 is finally in the unfolded state, the second side portion 30c of the protective shell 30 can continue to be connected to the end of the first shell 14 away from the hinge 13 (similar to Fig. 20A shown).

[0129] Therefore, the protective shell 30 of this embodiment can also allow the user to unfold the external folding screen electronic device 10 while the external folding screen electronic device 10 and the protective shell 30 remain in cooperation, avoiding the inconvenience of completely removing the protective shell 30 from the external folding screen electronic device 10 and then unfolding it. In addition, the detachable connection between the first side portion 30a and the bendable area 112 is achieved through the suction cup 381, which has a simple design and a reliable connection. Moreover, the design using the suction cup 381 eliminates the need for the protective shell 30 to be adapted to the hinge of the external folding screen electronic device. Therefore, the protective shell 30 is not only suitable for the above-mentioned external folding screen electronic device 10, but also for other external folding screen electronic devices.

[0130] like Fig.29 and Fig.30As shown, the third embodiment provides a protective shell 40 , which may include an inner layer 41 , a first substrate 42 , a rotating mechanism 43 , an intermediate layer 44 , a connecting layer 45 , a second substrate 46 and an outer layer 47 .

[0131] Among them, the structure of the inner layer 41 can be basically the same as the structure of the inner layer 21 in the first embodiment, and the material of the inner layer 41 can be the same as the material of the inner layer 21. The structure of the intermediate layer 44 can be basically the same as the structure of the intermediate layer 24 in the first embodiment, and the material of the intermediate layer 44 can be the same as the material of the intermediate layer 24; the structure of the connecting layer 45 can be basically the same as the structure of the connecting layer 25 in the first embodiment, and the material of the connecting layer 45 can be the same as the material of the connecting layer 45; the structure of the second substrate 46 can be basically the same as the structure of the second substrate 26 in the first embodiment, and the material of the second substrate 46 can be the same as the material of the second substrate 26. For the sake of brevity, the inner layer 41, the intermediate layer 44, the connecting layer 45, the second substrate 46 and the outer layer 47 will not be repeatedly described in this third embodiment.

[0132] The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that: the structure of the first base body 42, the structure of the rotating mechanism 43, and the first base body 42 is rotatably connected to the intermediate layer 44 via the rotating mechanism 43. These differences will be described below.

[0133] like Fig.29 and Fig.30 As shown, the first substrate 42 may be approximately strip-shaped as a whole, and its cross section (a cross section perpendicular to its extension direction) may be approximately arc-shaped. The first substrate 42 is relatively hard and not easily deformed. The first substrate 42 may be made of plastic materials such as polycarbonate, for example.

[0134] like Fig.31 and Fig.32 As shown, the rotating mechanism 43 may include a rotating member 431 , a rotating shaft 434 , a spring 432 , a second sleeve 433 and a connecting member 435 .

[0135] like Fig.32 As shown, the rotating member 431 may include a transmission part 431a and a first sleeve 431b connected to each other. The transmission part 431a may be approximately plate-shaped. The first sleeve 431b may be approximately cylindrical, and has a round hole inside for the rotating shaft 434 to pass through. The circumferential side surface of the first sleeve 431b may be connected to the transmission part 431a, and the axial direction of the first sleeve 431b may be approximately perpendicular to the thickness direction of the transmission part 431a. The first sleeve 431b may be connected to the transmission part 431a as a whole, or the two may be assembled together.

[0136] Fig.33 for Fig.32 A schematic diagram of the partial structure of the rotating member 431 in another perspective. Fig.33As shown, the first sleeve 431b has an axial end face 431e. A first protrusion 431c is convexly provided on the axial end face 431e. For example, there may be two first protrusions 431c, and the two first protrusions 431c are arranged at intervals, for example, they may be symmetrically distributed about the axis of the first sleeve 431b. The first protrusion 431c has a first mating curved surface 431d that is arched relative to the axial end face 431e, and the first mating curved surface 431d is also the top surface of the first protrusion 431c. The first protrusion 431c is used to cooperate with the second protrusion on the second sleeve 433 (to be described below).

[0137] Fig.34 for Fig.32 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second sleeve 433 in another perspective. Fig.34 As shown, the second sleeve 433 may be approximately cylindrical, and has a waist-shaped hole 433d (or a racetrack-shaped hole) inside for the rotating shaft 434 to pass through. The second sleeve 433 has an axial end face 433c, and a second protrusion 433a is convexly provided on the axial end face 433c. For example, there may be two second protrusions 433a, and the two second protrusions 433a are arranged at intervals, for example, they can be symmetrically distributed about the axis of the second sleeve 433. The second protrusion 433a has a second mating curved surface 433b that is arched relative to the axial end face 433c, and the second mating curved surface 433b is also the top surface of the second protrusion 433a. The second protrusion 433a is used to cooperate with the above-mentioned first protrusion 431c (to be described below).

[0138] like Fig.31 and Fig.32 As shown, the rotating shaft 434 can be a round shaft, that is, its cross section is circular. The spring 432 and the second sleeve 433 can be sleeved on the rotating shaft 434. In other embodiments, other elastic members with elastic expansion and contraction properties can be used to replace the spring 432. The elastic member can be sleeved on the rotating shaft 434, or connected to the rotating shaft 434 in other suitable ways.

[0139] like Fig.31 and Fig.32 As shown, the connector 435 may include a connecting plate 435b and a supporting portion 435a connected to each other, and the connecting plate 435b and the supporting portion 435a may be connected as a whole or assembled together. The connecting plate 435b may be approximately plate-shaped. The supporting portion 435a may be connected to one side of the connecting plate 435b. The supporting portion 435a may be approximately plate-shaped, and a supporting groove 435c is provided thereon. For example, there may be two supporting portions 435a, and the two supporting portions 435a are arranged at intervals.

[0140] Combination Fig.31 and Fig.32As shown, the rotating shaft 434 can pass through the first sleeve 431b, the second sleeve 433 and the spring 432, and the first sleeve 431b, the second sleeve 433 and the spring 432 are arranged in sequence on the rotating shaft 434. The two axial ends of the rotating shaft 434 can be respectively inserted into a supporting groove 435c, so that the first sleeve 431b, the second sleeve 433 and the spring 432 are all located between the two supporting portions 435a. Among them, one end of the spring 432 abuts against one supporting portion 435a, and the other end abuts against the second sleeve 433.

[0141] Combination Fig.31 , Fig.33 and Fig.34 As shown, the first protrusion 431c on the first sleeve 431b faces the second protrusion 433a on the second sleeve 433. The second sleeve 433 can move along the rotating shaft 434 but does not rotate, and the first sleeve 431b can rotate around the rotating shaft 434. When the first sleeve 431b rotates around the rotating shaft 434, the relative positions of the first protrusion 431c and the second protrusion 433a will change, thereby causing the first matching curved surface 431d of the first protrusion 431c to abut or separate from the second matching curved surface 433b of the second protrusion 433a. When the first matching curved surface 431d abuts against the second matching curved surface 433b, as the first sleeve 431b rotates, the first protrusion 431c will slide along the second matching curved surface 433b.

[0142] When the first sleeve 431b is moved in a single direction (for example, Fig.31 When the first protrusion 431c slides from the root of the second protrusion 433a to the top of the second protrusion 433a, due to the shapes of the first matching surface 431d and the second matching surface 433b, the first protrusion 431c will squeeze the second protrusion 433a, so that the second protrusion 433 compresses the spring 432, and the spring 432 provides thrust to the second protrusion 433, so that the second protrusion 433 applies resistance to the first protrusion 431c, and the resistance tends to prevent the first sleeve 431b from rotating.

[0143] When the first sleeve 431b continues to move in the single direction (for example, Fig.31In the stroke when the first protrusion 431c slides from the top of the second protrusion 433a to the root of the second protrusion 433a, due to the shapes of the first matching curved surface 431d and the second matching curved surface 433b, the second protrusion 433a will move toward the first sleeve 431b under the push of the spring 432. In this process, the top of the second protrusion 433a gradually moves toward the root of the first protrusion 431c, and the top of the first protrusion 431c gradually moves toward the root of the second protrusion 433a. Finally, when the top of the second protrusion 433a contacts the root of the first protrusion 431c and the top of the first protrusion 431c contacts the root of the second protrusion 433a, under the push of the spring 432, the second protrusion 433a can clamp the first protrusion 431c, so that the first sleeve 431b has a tendency to continue to rotate in this single direction, but will not rotate in the opposite direction (for example, in Fig.31 The first sleeve 431b is rotated counterclockwise in the viewing angle, thereby limiting the position of the first sleeve 431b.

[0144] According to the above description, the first sleeve 431b and the second sleeve 433 of this embodiment can equivalently constitute a cam mechanism, wherein the first matching curved surface 431d and the second matching curved surface 433b are cam surfaces that match each other.

[0145] Combination Fig.35 and Fig.36 As shown, the transmission part 431a can be fixedly connected to the first base 42, the connecting plate 435b can be fixedly connected to the middle layer 44, and the rotating shaft 434, the first sleeve 431b, the second sleeve 433 and the spring 432 can be located between the first base 42 and the middle layer 44. Thus, the rotating mechanism 43 can realize the rotational connection between the first base 42 and the middle layer 44. When the user rotates the first base 42, the first base 42 can rotate relative to the middle layer 44 through the rotating mechanism 43.

[0146] When the first substrate 42 rotates clockwise relative to the middle layer 44 to Fig.36 When the first folding screen 10 is in the position shown, the second protrusion 433a in the rotating mechanism 43 clamps the first protrusion 431c, so that the first sleeve 431b will not rotate in the opposite direction, that is, the first base 42 will not rotate in the opposite direction, so that the first base 42 can be kept in this position. This is conducive to the storage of the external folding screen electronic device 10 (to be described below).

[0147] like Fig.37 As shown, in this embodiment, the protective shell 40 can be divided into a first side portion 40a, a middle portion 40b, and a second side portion 40c from a macroscopic perspective. Fig.37 , Fig.29 , Fig.30 and Fig.31As shown, the first side portion 40a may include a portion of the inner layer 41 located inside the first substrate 44, the first substrate 44, a transmission portion 431a connected to the first substrate 44, and a portion of the outer layer 47 located inside the first substrate 44. The second side portion 40c may include a connecting layer 45 located inside the second substrate 46, a portion of the inner layer 41 located inside the second substrate 46, the second substrate 46, and a portion of the outer layer 47 located outside the second substrate 46. The portion between the first side portion 40a and the second side portion 40c is the middle portion 40b, that is, the middle portion 40b may include a portion of the inner layer 41, other components of the rotating mechanism 43 except the transmission portion 431a, the middle layer 44, and a portion of the outer layer 47. The above division of the protective shell 40 is only an example (hereinafter continued to take this as an example), and the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, different from the above division, the first side portion and the middle portion may not contain the corresponding components of the rotating mechanism 43, and the first side portion realizes rotation relative to the middle portion through the rotating mechanism 43.

[0148] Fig.37 It can be said that when the first side portion 40a rotates to a first position relative to the middle portion 40b, the first side portion 40a, the middle portion 40b and the second side portion 40c enclose a receiving space 40e having an opening 40d, wherein the opening 40d is opposite to the middle portion 40b. The receiving space 40e is used to receive the external folding screen electronic device 10. The first side portion 40a can also rotate to a second position relative to the middle portion 40b. In the second position, the first side portion 40a and the middle portion 40b are unfolded (similar to Fig.16 shown).

[0149] The structure of the protective shell 40 of this embodiment is described in detail above. The following will describe how to put the protective shell 40 on the external folding screen electronic device 10.

[0150] When the first side portion 40a in the protective shell 40 is unfolded relative to the middle portion 40b, the end of the outer folding screen electronic device 10 away from the hinge 14 in the folded state is inserted into the second side portion 40c of the protective shell 40. After being inserted into place, the end of the outer folding screen electronic device 10 away from the hinge 14 will be connected to the connecting layer 45 in the second side portion 40c. At this time, the outer folding screen electronic device 10 can be placed on the middle portion 40b of the protective shell 40. Then the first side portion 40a of the protective shell 40 is turned clockwise to enclose the middle portion 40b, so that the second protrusion 433a in the rotating mechanism 43 of the protective shell 40 blocks the first protrusion 431c (the user can experience hand feedback), so that the first side portion 40a can be maintained in the enclosed position and cannot be rotated in the counterclockwise direction. At this time, the outer folding screen electronic device 10 is accommodated in the protective shell 20. In addition, due to the support of the outer folding screen electronic device 10 on the first side portion 40a, the first side portion 40a cannot continue to rotate in the clockwise direction. Therefore, the first side portion 40 a can firmly maintain contact with the outer folding screen electronic device 10 .

[0151] Fig.38 It can be indicated that the outer folding screen electronic device 10 is accommodated in the protective shell 40. Figure 1 and Fig.38 As shown, all or part of the bendable area 112 of the flexible screen 11 can be accommodated in the first side portion 40a (determined by the size of the first side portion 40a). The end of the external folding screen electronic device 10 away from the hinge 14 is accommodated in the second side portion 40c. All or part of the first non-bending area 111 of the flexible screen 11 is exposed from the opening 40d (determined by the size of the opening 40d), for example, when all of the first non-bending area 111 and part of the bendable area 112 can be exposed from the opening 40d, or only at least part of the first non-bending area 111 is exposed from the opening 40d.

[0152] Therefore, when the protective shell 40 of this embodiment is put on the outside of the external folding screen electronic device 10, the user can see the screen displayed by the external folding screen electronic device 10 through the opening 40d of the protective shell 40, without removing the protective shell 40, thereby simplifying the user operation and enhancing the user experience. In addition, the first side portion 40a of the protective shell 40 accommodates and protects the relatively weak bendable area 112, which can reduce or avoid the impact on the bendable area 112 and improve the reliability of the bendable area 112. In addition, the first side portion 40a may also include the above-mentioned flexible layer, which does not interfere with the rotating mechanism 43. For example, the flexible layer can be located above or below the rotating mechanism 43. The flexible layer has the performance of buffering impacts and can better absorb the impact on the bendable area 112. Of course, the flexible layer is not required.

[0153] When the user wants to unfold the external folding screen electronic device 10, the first side portion 40a of the protective case can be flipped over, and then the middle portion 40b can be flipped over, so that the middle portion 40b and the first side portion 40a avoid the second shell 14 of the external folding screen electronic device 10, so that the second shell 14 can be unfolded relative to the first shell 14. When the external folding screen electronic device 10 is finally in the unfolded state, the second side portion 40c of the protective case 40 can continue to be connected to the end of the first shell 14 away from the hinge 14 (similar to Fig. 20A shown).

[0154] Therefore, the protective shell 40 of this embodiment can also allow the user to unfold the external folding screen electronic device 10 while the external folding screen electronic device 10 and the protective shell 40 remain in cooperation, avoiding the inconvenience of completely removing the protective shell 40 from the external folding screen electronic device 10 and then unfolding it. In addition, the detachable connection between the first side portion 40a and the bendable area 112 is achieved through the rotating mechanism 43, which has a simple design and a reliable connection. Moreover, the design using the rotating mechanism 43 eliminates the need for the protective shell 40 to be adapted to the hinge of the external folding screen electronic device. Therefore, the protective shell 40 is not only suitable for the above-mentioned external folding screen electronic device 10, but also for other external folding screen electronic devices.

[0155] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A protective shell for an external folding screen electronic device, the external folding screen electronic device comprising a first shell, a second shell and a flexible screen; the first shell is rotatably connected to the second shell; the flexible screen comprises a first non-bending area, a bendable area and a second non-bending area, the bendable area connects the first non-bending area and the second non-bending area, the first non-bending area is fixed to the first shell, and the second non-bending area is fixed to the second shell; the first shell and the second shell can be closed so that when the external folding screen electronic device is in a folded state, the flexible screen is located on the outside of the first shell and the second shell; it is characterized in that The protective shell comprises a middle portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion, wherein the middle portion connects the first side portion and the second side portion, and the middle portion can rotate around the second side portion, so that the first side portion, the middle portion, and the second side portion enclose a receiving space with an opening, or the protective shell is opened; wherein when the protective shell encloses the receiving space, the opening is opposite to the middle portion; and the first side portion comprises an arc-shaped portion; The protective shell is used to be mounted on the external folding screen electronic device; wherein, when the external folding screen electronic device is in a folded state, the external folding screen electronic device is accommodated in the accommodating space, the first side portion wraps at least part of the bendable area, the arc-shaped portion of the first side portion cooperates with the at least part of the bendable area, the second side portion wraps one end of the external folding screen electronic device away from the bendable area, and the first non-bending area is exposed from the opening; when the external folding screen electronic device is in an unfolded state, the second side portion wraps one end of the external folding screen electronic device away from the bendable area, and the middle portion and the first side portion are separated from the external folding screen electronic device.

2. The protective case according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material of the portion of the middle portion adjacent to the second side portion is a soft material.

3. The protective case according to claim 2, characterized in that: The protective shell comprises an inner layer, a middle layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer, the middle layer and the outer layer are stacked in sequence; the material of the inner layer and the material of the outer layer are both soft materials; The first side portion includes a portion of the inner layer and a portion of the outer layer which are stacked; The second side portion includes a second base, and a portion of the inner layer and a portion of the outer layer respectively covering opposite sides of the second base; The middle portion includes a portion of the inner layer and a portion of the outer layer which are stacked, and the middle layer, wherein the middle layer is spaced apart from the second base.

4. The protective case according to claim 3, characterized in that: The tensile yield strength of the material of the inner layer is 5Mpa-500Mpa, and / or the tensile yield strength of the material of the outer layer is 5Mpa-500Mpa.

5. The protective shell according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The first side portion includes a first base body, and the first base body is spaced apart from the middle layer; a part of the inner layer and a part of the outer layer in the first side portion are respectively connected to opposite sides of the first base body.

6. The protective case according to claim 5, characterized in that: The protective shell includes a flexible layer, the flexible layer is located between the inner layer and the outer layer and connects the first substrate and the middle layer, and the material of the flexible layer is a soft material.

7. The protective case according to claim 6, characterized in that: The hardness of the material of the flexible layer is HV50-HV90, and / or the elongation of the material of the flexible layer is 300Mpa-500Mpa.

8. The protective case according to claim 5, characterized in that: The external folding screen electronic device includes a hinge, the hinge connects the first shell and the second shell, and the hinge is used to generate a mechanism movement so that the first shell and the second shell rotate relative to each other to close or unfold; the hinge includes a main shaft, and the first shell and the second shell are respectively located on both sides of the main shaft; the main shaft includes a shaft body and a shaft cover, and the shaft cover is connected to the end of the shaft body; when the external folding screen electronic device is in a folded state, the flexible screen is located on the outside of the first shell, the main shaft and the second shell, and the shaft cover is exposed on the flexible screen; The first substrate includes a first main body and a protective cover connected to the first main body; a portion of the inner layer and a portion of the outer layer are respectively connected to opposite sides of the first main body; the protective cover has a groove, which is used to accommodate the shaft cover and forms a detachable snap connection with the shaft cover.

9. The protective case according to claim 8, characterized in that: The groove includes a first top surface, a second top surface and an inclined side surface, the first top surface is connected to the end of the first body, the second top surface is separated from the first side portion, the inclined side surface connects the second top surface and the bottom surface of the groove, and the inclined side surface forms an obtuse angle with the bottom surface; the inclined side surface is used to form a detachable snap connection with the peripheral side surface of the shaft cover.

10. The protective case according to claim 5, characterized in that: The protective shell includes a rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism is located between the inner layer and the outer layer, and the rotating mechanism connects the first substrate and the middle layer; the rotating mechanism is used to achieve relative rotation between the first substrate and the middle layer.

11. The protective case according to claim 10, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism comprises a transmission part, a first sleeve, a second sleeve, an elastic member, a rotating shaft, a connecting plate and two supporting parts; The transmission part connects the first base and the first sleeve; A first convex block is convexly disposed on the axial end surface of the first sleeve, and the first convex block has a first matching curved surface arched relative to the axial end surface of the first sleeve; A second convex block is axially protruded from the second sleeve, and the second convex block has a second matching curved surface arched relative to the axial end surface of the second sleeve; The rotating shaft passes through the first sleeve and the second sleeve, and the axial ends of the rotating shaft are respectively fixed to one of the supporting parts; The first sleeve, the second sleeve and the elastic member are sequentially distributed along the rotating shaft and are all located between the two supporting parts, wherein the first sleeve is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft, the second sleeve is slidably connected to the rotating shaft, and the first protrusion faces the second protrusion; one end of the elastic member abuts against the second sleeve, and the other end abuts against one of the supporting parts, and the elastic member can be elastically retracted; The connecting plate connects the two supporting parts and the middle layer; The first base can drive the first sleeve to rotate around the rotating shaft through the transmission part, so that the first matching curved surface contacts or separates from the second matching curved surface; wherein when in contact, the first matching curved surface and the second matching curved surface generate relative displacement.

12. The protective case according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first side portion includes a flexible layer and a substrate, wherein both the flexible layer and the substrate are located between the inner layer and the outer layer, and the flexible layer is located between the substrate and the middle layer; the material of the flexible layer is a soft material.

13. The protective case according to claim 12, characterized in that: The hardness of the material of the flexible layer is HV50-HV90, and / or the elongation of the material of the flexible layer is 300Mpa-500Mpa.

14. The protective shell according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The inner layer is provided with through holes; The first side portion includes an adsorption member, a portion of the adsorption member passes through the through hole and is fixed to the substrate, and another portion of the adsorption member is located on a side of the inner layer away from the substrate; The other part of the adsorbent is used for adsorbing to the bendable area of ​​the external folding screen electronic device.

15. The protective case according to claim 14, characterized in that: The adsorbent includes a base and a suction cup; the base is fixed to the substrate and is located in the through hole; the suction cup is connected to the base, and the suction cup is located on the side of the inner layer away from the substrate; the suction cup is used to adsorb to the bendable area of ​​the external folding screen electronic device.

16. The protective case according to claim 15, characterized in that: The suction cup is in a circular bowl shape; the wall thickness of the suction cup increases from the opening of the suction cup to the bottom of the suction cup.

17. The protective shell according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first side portion can rotate relative to the middle portion to enclose the middle portion, so that the first side portion and the second side portion are spaced apart from each other and the first side portion, the middle portion and the second side portion enclose the receiving space; The first side portion can also rotate relative to the middle portion to be unfolded with the middle portion.

18. The protective case according to claim 17, characterized in that: The external folding screen electronic device includes a hinge, the hinge connects the first shell and the second shell, and the hinge is used to generate a mechanism movement so that the first shell and the second shell rotate relative to each other to close or unfold; the hinge includes a main shaft, and the first shell and the second shell are respectively located on both sides of the main shaft; the main shaft includes a shaft body and a shaft cover, and the shaft cover is connected to the end of the shaft body; when the external folding screen electronic device is in a folded state, the flexible screen is located on the outside of the first shell, the main shaft and the second shell, and the shaft cover is exposed on the flexible screen; The first side portion includes a protective cover; the protective cover has a groove, the groove is used to accommodate the shaft cover and forms a detachable snap connection with the shaft cover.

19. The protective case according to claim 18, characterized in that: The groove comprises an inclined side surface, and the inclined side surface forms an obtuse angle with the bottom surface of the groove; the inclined side surface is used to form a detachable snap connection with the peripheral side surface of the shaft cover.

20. The protective case according to claim 17, characterized in that: The first side portion includes a suction cup located in the receiving space, and the suction cup is used to adsorb to the bendable area of ​​the external folding screen electronic device.

21. The protective case according to claim 20, characterized in that: The suction cup is in a circular bowl shape; the wall thickness of the suction cup increases from the opening of the suction cup to the bottom of the suction cup.

22. The protective case according to claim 17, characterized in that: The protective shell includes a rotating mechanism, which connects the first side portion and the middle portion; the rotating mechanism is used to achieve relative rotation between the first side portion and the middle portion.

23. The protective case according to claim 22, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism comprises a transmission part, a first sleeve, a second sleeve, an elastic member, a rotating shaft, a connecting plate and two supporting parts; The transmission portion connects the first side portion and the first sleeve; A first convex block is convexly disposed on the axial end surface of the first sleeve, and the first convex block has a first matching curved surface arched relative to the axial end surface of the first sleeve; A second convex block is axially protruded from the second sleeve, and the second convex block has a second matching curved surface arched relative to the axial end surface of the second sleeve; The rotating shaft passes through the first sleeve and the second sleeve, and the axial ends of the rotating shaft are respectively fixed to one of the supporting parts; The first sleeve, the second sleeve and the elastic member are sequentially distributed along the rotating shaft and are all located between the two supporting parts, wherein the first sleeve is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft, the second sleeve is slidably connected to the rotating shaft, and the first protrusion faces the second protrusion; one end of the elastic member abuts against the second sleeve, and the other end abuts against one of the supporting parts, and the elastic member can be elastically retracted; The connecting plate connects the two supporting parts and the middle part; The first side portion can drive the first sleeve to rotate around the rotating shaft through the transmission portion, so that the first matching curved surface contacts or separates from the second matching curved surface; wherein when in contact, the first matching curved surface and the second matching curved surface produce relative displacement.

24. The protective case according to any one of claims 1-4, any one of claims 6-13, claim 15, claim 16, or any one of claims 18-23, characterized in that: The protective shell includes a weak connection layer, which is arranged on the inner side of the middle part, and the weak connection layer is used to form a detachable connection with the external folding screen electronic device.

25. The protective case according to claim 24, characterized in that: The weak connection layer is double-sided adhesive or micro-absorption foam.

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