Foldable screens and electronic devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a foldable screen and an electronic device. The foldable screen includes a screen assembly and a shell assembly. The shell assembly includes at least three shells, and the screen assembly is covered on the at least three shells. The foldable screen includes a linkage connection assembly. Any two adjacent shells among the at least three shells are connected by the linkage connection assembly. The linkage connection assembly enables at least three shells to be unfolded or folded at the same time, greatly expanding the screen area of ​​the screen assembly in the unfolded state and providing users with a better visual experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and in particular to a foldable screen and electronic device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of electronic devices, they have evolved into foldable forms. These include mobile phones and computers. Foldable electronic devices, when folded, remain the size of traditional electronic devices, making them easy to carry. When unfolded, they become tablets or computers with larger display areas. Foldable electronic devices combine entertainment and productivity functions, allowing users to browse the web, watch videos, or work, catering to current consumer demands for portability and versatile functionality.

[0003] For foldable electronic devices, the connection between the frames is extremely important, affecting the functions of the electronic devices and the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the problems existing in the related art, the present disclosure provides a foldable screen and an electronic device.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a foldable screen, comprising a screen assembly and a housing assembly, wherein the housing assembly comprises at least three housings, and the screen assembly is covered on the at least three housings;

[0006] The foldable screen includes a linkage connection component, and any two adjacent shells among the at least three shells are connected by the linkage connection component, so that the at least three shells can be simultaneously unfolded or folded through the linkage connection component.

[0007] Optionally, the at least three housings include at least one group of linked housings, and the linked housings include a first housing, an intermediate housing, and a second housing that are connected;

[0008] When the linkage housings include a plurality of groups, the second housing of one group of the linkage housings is the same housing as the first housing of the adjacent linkage housing.

[0009] Optionally, the linkage connection assembly includes at least one linkage group, and the first housing, the intermediate housing and the second housing are connected by the linkage group;

[0010] The linkage group includes a first connecting part, an adjusting connecting part and a second connecting part, the first connecting part is rotationally connected to the first shell, the second connecting part is rotationally connected to the second shell, the adjusting connecting part is connected to the intermediate shell, and the adjusting connecting part is respectively connected to the first connecting part and the second connecting part.

[0011] Optionally, the screen assembly includes an integral flexible screen; or,

[0012] The screen assembly includes a splicing screen assembly, and the splicing screen assembly includes a non-flexible screen and a flexible screen, or multiple flexible screens, or multiple non-flexible screens.

[0013] Optionally, the foldable screen is in an unfolded state, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are spaced apart, and the plate screen is located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion;

[0014] The foldable screen is in a folded state, the first area corresponding to the first connection part on the integral flexible screen or the curved flexible screen is located on the outside of the first connection part, and the second area corresponding to the second connection part on the integral flexible screen or the curved flexible screen is located on the inside of the second connection part.

[0015] Optionally, one end of the adjustable connection portion is connected to the first connection portion, and the other end of the adjustable connection portion is connected to the second connection portion, and the adjustable connection portion is configured so that the distance between one end and the other end can be adjusted.

[0016] Optionally, the adjustment connection portion includes a first adjustment member, a rotation adjustment member, and a second adjustment member, wherein a first end portion of the first adjustment member is rotationally connected to the first connection portion, and a second end portion of the first adjustment member is rotationally connected to the rotation adjustment member;

[0017] The first end of the second adjusting member is rotatably connected to the second connecting portion, and the second end of the second adjusting member is rotatably connected to the rotating adjusting member.

[0018] Optionally, the rotation adjustment member is configured to rotate around its central axis, and the rotation adjustment member includes a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis, the first rotation axis is rotationally connected to the second end of the first adjustment member, and the second rotation axis is rotationally connected to the second end of the second adjustment member;

[0019] The foldable screen is in a folded state, and the rotation adjustment member rotates around its central axis to a first position;

[0020] The foldable screen is in an unfolded state, and the rotation adjustment member rotates around its central axis to a second position;

[0021] When the rotating adjustment member rotates to the first position or the second position, the distance between the first end of the first adjustment member and the first end of the second adjustment member is different.

[0022] Optionally, the intermediate housing is provided with a mounting hole and a mounting slot, and the mounting hole is communicated with the mounting slot;

[0023] The rotation adjustment member is installed in the installation hole, and the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member are installed in the installation slot;

[0024] The first end portion of the first adjusting member and the first end portion of the second adjusting member are respectively provided with an escape portion.

[0025] Optionally, the adjustment connection portion includes a support portion, which is configured to support the screen assembly, and the support portion includes a fixed support portion and a movable support portion, the fixed support portion is connected to the second connection portion or the first connection portion, and the movable support portion is connected to the rotation adjustment member.

[0026] Optionally, the movable support portion is provided with a limiting groove, the adjusting connection portion includes a limiting portion, the limiting portion is fixedly connected to the rotating adjustment member, and the limiting portion is inserted into the limiting groove.

[0027] Optionally, the fixed support portion includes two support bodies, which are arranged on both sides of the second connecting portion, the connecting ends of the two support bodies are hinged to the second connecting portion, and the free ends of the two support bodies extend into the intermediate shell and the second shell respectively.

[0028] Optionally, the first connecting portion includes a first connecting shaft, and the first housing and the intermediate housing are rotatably connected via the first connecting shaft;

[0029] The first connecting shaft includes an arc-shaped side wall, and the screen assembly covers the arc-shaped side wall.

[0030] Optionally, the first connecting portion includes a first mounting pin disposed at an end portion of the first connecting rotating shaft, and the first mounting pin is fixedly connected to the first connecting rotating shaft;

[0031] The first housing and the intermediate housing are respectively rotatably connected to the first mounting pin.

[0032] Optionally, the number of the first mounting pins is two, and one of the two first mounting pins is rotatably connected to the first housing;

[0033] The other of the two first mounting pins is rotatably connected to the intermediate housing.

[0034] Optionally, the second connecting portion includes a second connecting shaft, and the second housing and the intermediate housing are rotatably connected via the second connecting shaft;

[0035] The second connecting shaft includes a mounting plane, and the curved surface of the screen assembly is in contact with and connected to the mounting plane.

[0036] Optionally, the second connecting portion includes a second mounting pin provided at an end portion of the second connecting rotating shaft, and the second mounting pin is fixedly connected to the second connecting rotating shaft;

[0037] The second housing and the intermediate housing are respectively rotatably connected to the second mounting pin.

[0038] Optionally, the number of the second mounting pins is two, and one of the two second mounting pins is rotatably connected to the second housing;

[0039] The other of the two second mounting pins is rotatably connected to the intermediate housing.

[0040] Optionally, the ends of the first housing, the intermediate housing and the second housing are all provided with teeth;

[0041] The foldable screen is in the unfolded state, and the first shell and the middle shell, and / or the second shell and the second shell are engaged and connected through the teeth.

[0042] Optionally, the midline along the length direction of the screen assembly is the symmetry axis, and the foldable screen includes two groups of the linkage connection components, and the two groups of the linkage connection components are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the symmetry axis.

[0043] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising the foldable screen as described in the first aspect.

[0044] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: the shell assembly of the foldable screen in the present disclosure includes at least three shells, which are connected by a linkage connection assembly to realize multi-layer folding of the screen assembly, and the linkage connection assembly is used to realize that the various shells of the shell assembly are simultaneously unfolded or folded, which greatly expands the screen area of ​​the screen assembly in the unfolded state and provides users with a better visual experience.

[0045] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0047] Figure 1FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing a foldable screen in a folded state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a foldable screen in a folded state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a linkage connection component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0050] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a foldable screen in a semi-expanded state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0051] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a foldable screen in a semi-expanded state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0052] Figure 6 FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing a foldable screen in a folded state according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, like numbers in different figures represent like or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all possible embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present invention, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0054] In related technologies, foldable electronic devices use a semi-circular axis connection structure to connect different frames together. However, the semi-circular axis connection structure has a limited expandable range for the screen assembly, and can only be folded once, and the screen size cannot be infinitely expanded, which affects the user experience.

[0055] The present disclosure proposes a foldable screen, which includes a screen assembly and a shell assembly. The shell assembly includes at least three shells, and the screen assembly is covered on the at least three shells; the foldable screen includes a linkage connection assembly, and any two adjacent shells among the at least three shells are connected by the linkage connection assembly. The linkage connection assembly enables at least three shells to be unfolded or folded at the same time, greatly expanding the screen area of ​​the screen assembly in the unfolded state and providing users with a better visual experience.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1As shown, this embodiment provides a foldable screen, which includes a screen assembly 1 and a shell assembly 2, the shell assembly 2 includes at least three shells, and the screen assembly 1 is covered on the shell assembly 2. Among them, at least a part of the screen assembly 1 is made of a flexible display screen, and the flexible display screen can be bent and folded, so that the screen assembly 1 can exist in a folded state and an unfolded state. The screen assembly 1 can be a complete flexible display screen or a spliced ​​combination screen. When the screen assembly is a spliced ​​combination screen, for example, it can be spliced ​​together by multiple flexible display screens; for another example, it can be spliced ​​together by a flexible display screen and a plate-type hard screen.

[0057] The foldable screen includes a linkage connection component 3 , and any two adjacent shells among the at least three shells are connected through the linkage connection component 3 , so that the at least three shells can be unfolded or folded at the same time through the linkage connection component 3 .

[0058] The specific structure of the linkage connection component 3 in this embodiment is not limited, as long as at least three shells can be unfolded or folded at the same time, so that when the foldable display screen is in the unfolded state, the screen area of ​​the screen component in the unfolded state is greatly expanded, providing users with a better visual experience.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a foldable screen, which includes a screen assembly 1 and a housing assembly 2. The housing assembly 2 includes at least three housings, and the screen assembly 1 is covered on the at least three housings of the housing assembly 2. The foldable screen includes a linkage connection assembly 3, and any two adjacent housings among the at least three housings are connected by the linkage connection assembly 3, so that the at least three housings can be simultaneously unfolded or folded.

[0060] Among them, the number of shells included in the shell assembly 2 is odd, for example, it can be 3 shells, 5 shells, 7 shells, etc. The at least three shells of the shell assembly 2 include at least one group of linked shells. When the shell assembly 2 includes three shells, the three shells constitute a group of linked shells. When the number of shells included in the shell assembly 2 is greater than 3, such as 5, 7, 9, etc., the shell assembly 2 includes multiple groups of linked shells. In one example, the linked shell includes a group of linked shells, and the linked shell includes a first shell 21, a second shell 22 and an intermediate shell 23. The intermediate shell 23 is arranged between the first shell 21 and the second shell 22. That is to say, Figure 1 Based on the orientation shown in FIG, the housing serving as the middle housing 23 , the housing located above it, and the housing located below it together constitute a group of linked housings.

[0061] In another example, referring to Figure 6As shown, the housing assembly in this example includes 5 housings, which form two groups of linkage housings. When the linkage housings include multiple groups, the second housing of one linkage housing in the multiple linkage housings is the same as the first housing of the adjacent linkage housing. Figure 6 The structure and orientation shown in the figure are based on the foldable screen in the folded state. From top to bottom, the shell assembly in this example includes five shells: shell A, shell B, shell C, shell D, and shell E. Shell A, shell B, and shell C form the first group of linked shells, and shell C, shell D, and shell E form the second group of linked shells. Figure 1 and Figure 6 In the first set of linked housings, housing A serves as the first housing 21, housing B serves as the intermediate housing 23, and housing C serves as the second housing 22. In the second set of linked housings, housing C serves as the first housing 21, housing D serves as the intermediate housing 23, and housing E serves as the second housing 22. Both the first and second sets of linked housings share housing C, which serves as the second housing 22 of the first set of linked housings and also as the first housing 21 of the second set of linked housings.

[0062] In order to illustrate the implementation method of the linkage shell and the linkage connection component in this embodiment, this embodiment takes the matching structure of a group of linkage shells and linkage components as an example. When multiple groups of linkage shells and linkage connection components are set, the connection method of each group of linkage shells and linkage components is the same.

[0063] The foldable screen in this embodiment includes a linkage connection component 3, a first shell 21, a second shell 22 and an intermediate shell 23, wherein the first shell 21, the intermediate shell 23 and the second shell 22 are connected by the linkage connection component 3. The midline along the length direction of the screen component 1 is the symmetry axis (refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 3 The foldable screen includes two groups of linkage connection components 3, and the two groups of linkage connection components 3 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the symmetry axis to improve the assembly effect of the shell component 2 and improve the stability of the shell component 2.

[0064] The linkage connection assembly 3 includes a first connection portion 31, an adjustment connection portion 33, and a second connection portion 32. The first housing 21 and the intermediate housing 23 are rotationally connected via the first connection portion 31, and the second housing 22 and the intermediate housing 23 are rotationally connected via the second connection portion 32. The first connection portion 31 is rotationally connected to the first housing 21, the second connection portion 32 is rotationally connected to the second housing 22, the adjustment connection portion 33 is connected to the intermediate housing 23, and the adjustment connection portion 33 is respectively connected to the first connection portion 21 and the second connection portion 22.

[0065] In one example, a group of linked shells are provided, and the linked shells include an intermediate shell 23, the first shell 21 and the intermediate shell 23 are rotatably connected through the first connecting portion 31, and the intermediate shell 23 and the second shell 22 are rotatably connected through the second connecting portion 32, forming a three-section effect of the shell assembly 2, so that the screen assembly 1 has a three-section folding form.

[0066] In another example, Figure 6 As shown, housing B and housing D serve as intermediate housing 23. Housing A and housing B are rotatably connected via a first connection, housing B and housing C are connected via a second connection, housing C and housing D are connected via a first connection, and housing D and housing E are connected via a second connection. Because the housings are connected via the first and second connections, linkage is achieved between the housings. When the user folds housing A or housing E in housing assembly 2, the linkage connection assembly operates simultaneously, causing the housings to fold or unfold simultaneously, achieving rapid unfolding or folding and enhancing the user experience.

[0067] In one example, the screen assembly in this example includes an integral flexible screen, that is, the entire screen assembly is a whole. Figure 1 As shown, the foldable screen is in a folded state, and the first area on the integral flexible screen corresponding to the first connection portion is located outside the first connection portion, that is, the first area of ​​the integral flexible screen corresponding to the first connection portion is in an outward-bent state. The second area on the integral flexible screen corresponding to the second connection portion is located inside the second connection portion, that is, the second area of ​​the integral flexible screen corresponding to the second connection portion is in an inward-bent state. In this example, except Figure 2 The surrounding mode of the screen assembly shown in FIG can also be set as follows: Figure 1 The screen assembly is set on the lower surface of the lower shell of the intermediate shell 23, and then sequentially covered on the shell assembly. It can be understood that Figure 2 The structure shown in FIG is turned upside down. In this case, the intermediate housing 23 and the housing below it are connected via a first connecting portion, and the intermediate housing 23 and the housing above it are connected via a second connecting portion.

[0068] In another example, the screen assembly includes a splicing screen assembly, and the splicing screen assembly includes a plate screen and a curved flexible screen. Among them, the plate screen is a non-flexible screen, that is, a hard screen that cannot be bent or folded, and the curved flexible screen is a flexible screen that can be bent or folded. In this example, the folding screen is in an unfolded state, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are spaced apart, and the plate screen is located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, for example, it can be set Figure 2The upper side of the first shell 21 shown in the figure, or the lower side of the second shell 22 is used as a secondary screen, which is convenient for users to check information or time when using electronic devices.

[0069] When the foldable screen is in the folded state, the first area corresponding to the first connection part on the curved flexible screen is located outside the first connection part, and the second area corresponding to the second connection part on the curved flexible screen is located inside the second connection part. Figure 2 The upper side of the first housing 21 shown in the figure is provided with a curved flexible screen at other locations where screens are required. The plate screen and the curved flexible screen are seamlessly spliced ​​together, or spliced ​​together with seams. When the user needs to use the electronic device to watch a video, or in other application scenarios where the screen area needs to be expanded, the foldable screen is unfolded, and the plate screen and the curved flexible screen are displayed together, or the curved flexible screen is displayed alone, providing the user with more display options and improving the user experience.

[0070] Of course, it is understandable that the splicing screen assembly may include multiple flexible screens, multiple non-flexible screens, or multiple flexible screens and multiple non-flexible screens, depending on the actual design.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 、 Figure 3 As shown, one end of the adjustment connection part 33 of the linkage connection assembly 3 is rotatably connected to the first connection part 31, and the other end of the adjustment connection part 33 is rotatably connected to the second connection part 32. The adjustment connection part 33 is configured so that the distance between one end and the other end can be adjusted.

[0072] The adjustable connection portion 33 is provided on and connected to the intermediate housing 23. One end of the adjustable connection portion 33 is connected to the first connection portion 31, and the other end of the adjustable connection portion 33 is connected to the second connection portion 32, thereby achieving a linkage connection. When the user unfolds or folds the screen assembly 1, the first housing 21, the second housing 22, and the intermediate housing 23 are linked together through the first connection portion 31, the adjustable connection portion 33, and the second connection portion 32. This solves the problems of wrinkles and pulling deformation that may occur during the folding process of the screen assembly 1, increases the expansion range of the screen assembly 1, improves the stability of the foldable screen, and avoids affecting the normal use of the foldable screen.

[0073] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 、 Figure 3As shown, the adjustment connection portion 33 includes a first adjustment member 331, a rotation adjustment member 332, and a second adjustment member 333. The first end of the first adjustment member 331 is rotationally connected to the first connection portion 31, and the second end of the first adjustment member 331 is rotationally connected to the rotation adjustment member 332. The second end of the second adjustment member 333 is rotationally connected to the rotation adjustment member 332, and the first end of the second adjustment member 333 is rotationally connected to the second connection portion 32.

[0074] The first adjusting member 331 and the second adjusting member 333 are both long rod structures, while the rotating adjusting member 332 is a short rod structure. The first connecting portion 31 includes a first pin 311, and the second connecting portion 32 includes a second pin 321. The first end of the first adjusting member 331 is hinged to the first pin 311, and the second end of the first adjusting member 331 is hinged to the rotating adjusting member 332 via the connecting pin. The second end of the second adjusting member 333 is also hinged to the rotating adjusting member 332 via the connecting pin, and the first end of the second adjusting member 333 is hinged to the second pin 321.

[0075] In this embodiment, the rotatable adjustment member 332 is configured to rotate about its central axis 336. The rotatable adjustment member 332 includes a first rotation axis 337 and a second rotation axis 338. The first rotation axis 337 is rotatably connected to the second end of the first adjustment member 331, and the second rotation axis 338 is rotatably connected to the second end of the second adjustment member 333. When the foldable screen is folded, the rotatable adjustment member 332 rotates about its central axis 336 to a first position. When the foldable screen is unfolded, the rotatable adjustment member 332 rotates about its central axis 336 to a second position. When the rotatable adjustment member 332 rotates to the first position or the second position, the distance between the first end of the first adjustment member 331 and the first end of the second adjustment member 333 varies.

[0076] To install the adjustable connection, the intermediate housing of this embodiment is provided with a mounting hole 2322 and a mounting slot 2321. The mounting hole 2322 communicates with the mounting slot 2321. The rotary adjustment member 332 is mounted in the mounting hole 2322, and the first adjustment member 331 and the second adjustment member 333 are mounted in the mounting slot 2321. The first end of the first adjustment member 331 and the first end of the second adjustment member 333 are respectively provided with a clearance portion for clearing the first mounting pin or the second mounting pin (described in detail later).

[0077] In the foldable screen of this embodiment, when the screen assembly 1 is folded or unfolded, the rotating adjustment member 332 can rotate along the width direction of the intermediate housing 23 (refer to Figure 3 The first adjusting member 331 is moved in the X-axis direction as shown in the figure to adjust the distance between the first end of the first adjusting member 331 and the first end of the second adjusting member 333.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the foldable screen in this embodiment includes all the technical features of the above embodiments. At the same time, the adjustment connection portion 33 of the foldable screen in this embodiment includes a first adjustment member 331, a rotation adjustment member 332, a second adjustment member 333, and a support portion 334. The specific structure and connection method of the first adjustment member 331, the rotation adjustment member 332, and the second adjustment member 333 have been described in detail in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0079] Among them, reference Figure 2 As shown, the support portion 334 is configured to support the screen assembly 1. The support portion 334 includes a fixed support portion 3341 and a movable support portion 3342. The fixed support portion 3341 is connected to the second connection portion 32, and the movable support portion 3342 is connected to the rotation adjustment member 332. The movable support portion 3342 moves along the width direction of the intermediate housing 23 (refer to FIG. Figure 3 Of course, it is understandable that the fixed support portion 3341 can also be fixedly connected to the first connection portion 31, and the movable support portion 3342 can be connected to the second connection portion 32.

[0080] In this embodiment, referring to Figure 2 As shown, the movable support portion 3342 is a plate-like structure, disposed between the intermediate housing 23 and the screen assembly 1, and connected to the screen assembly 1. The third area of ​​the screen assembly 1 corresponding to the movable support portion 3342 is a flat area, and does not have a folded state whether folded or unfolded, so that the screen assembly 1 can be completely aligned with the movable support portion 3342 without wrinkling. As the screen assembly changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the area of ​​the third area will expand. By providing the movable support portion 3342, it can move relative to the intermediate housing 23, thereby providing support for the screen assembly in both the folded and unfolded states. The linkage between the first adjustment member 331, the rotating adjustment member 332, and the second adjustment member 333 enables the movable support portion 3342 to move with the rotating adjustment member 332. The movable support portion 3342 drives the screen assembly 1 to move along the width direction of the intermediate housing 23, thereby solving problems such as wrinkles and pulling deformation during the folding process of the screen assembly 1, protecting the screen assembly 1, and reducing the damage rate.

[0081] Reference Figure 2 、 Figure 3As shown, the movable support portion 3342 is provided with a limiting groove 33421, and the adjustment connection portion 33 includes a limiting portion 335. The limiting portion 335 is a columnar structure. The limiting portion 335 is fixedly connected to the rotation adjustment member 332. The limiting portion 335 is inserted into the limiting groove 33421 to achieve the limitation between the movable support portion 3342 and the adjustment connection portion 33, ensuring that the movable support portion 3342 can move along the width direction of the intermediate housing 23 with the rotation adjustment member 332. Among them, the limiting groove 33421 can be along the thickness direction of the movable support portion 3342 (refer to Figure 3 The Z-axis shown in the figure can pass through its movable support portion 3342 to improve the connection effect between the limiting portion 335 and the limiting groove 33421; or, the limiting groove 33421 can also be a blind hole and be arranged along the thickness direction of the movable support portion 3342, so that the limiting portion 335 cannot pass through the limiting groove 33421, thereby ensuring that the limiting portion 335 will not reach the screen assembly 1, thereby avoiding damage to the screen assembly 1.

[0082] In this embodiment, referring to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, the fixed support portion 3341 includes two support bodies, each of which includes a connecting end 33411 and a free end 33412. The connecting end 33411 is annular, and the free end 33412 is rod-shaped. The two support bodies are disposed on either side of the second connecting portion 32. The connecting ends 33411 of the two support bodies are mounted to and hingedly connected to the second connecting portion 32. The free ends 33412 of the two support bodies respectively extend into the intermediate housing 23 and the second housing 22 connected to the second connecting portion 32.

[0083] The housing assembly 2 further includes an installation space (not shown) disposed between the intermediate housing 23 and the second housing 22, which are connected to the second connecting portion 32. The free end portion 33412 of the support body extends into the installation space. The installation space serves as a position limiter for the support body and restricts the movement direction of the free end portion 33412, preventing the support body from deflecting and ensuring that the support body effectively supports the screen assembly 1.

[0084] The second connecting portion 32 includes two connecting ears 322 , and the two connecting ears 322 correspond to the supporting body one by one. The connecting end portion 33411 of the supporting body is rotatably connected to the connecting ears 322 via a shaft.

[0085] Since the second area of ​​the screen assembly 1 at the second connection portion 32 is in an inward folded shape, the second area of ​​the screen assembly 1 is wrinkled. The adjustment connection portion 33 can drive the movable support portion 3342 to move, thereby driving the screen assembly 1 to move relative to the intermediate housing 23, so that the screen assembly 1 is relatively moved relative to the intermediate housing 23 along the length direction of the screen assembly 1 (refer to FIG. Figure 1 、 Figure 3 The Y-axis shown in the figure has a certain amount of movement, which reduces the restriction and pulling of the middle shell 23 and the first connecting part 31 and the second connecting part 32 on the screen assembly 1, disperses the stress when the screen assembly 1 is folded, and avoids the wrinkling of the screen assembly 1. The two supporting bodies auxiliary support the screen assembly 1, doubly ensuring that the screen assembly 1 will not wrinkle.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 、 Figure 3 As shown, the first connecting part 31 includes a first connecting shaft 312 and a first pin shaft 311 arranged on the first connecting shaft 312. The first connecting shaft 312 extends along the width direction of the screen assembly 1. The first pin shaft 311 is fixedly connected to the end of the first connecting shaft 312 and extends in the same direction as the first connecting shaft 312. The first end of the adjusting connecting part 33 is rotatably connected to the first pin shaft 311 to realize the connection between the adjusting connecting part 33 and the first connecting shaft 312.

[0087] The first connecting shaft 312 is located between the first housing 21 and the intermediate housing 23 , and the first housing 21 and the intermediate housing 23 are rotatably connected via the first connecting shaft 312 .

[0088] In one example, a ring (not shown in the figure) is provided on one side of the intermediate shell 23 and one side of the first shell 21, and the intermediate shell 23 and the first shell 21 are both mounted on the first connecting shaft 312 through the ring, so that the intermediate shell 23 and the first shell 21 can both rotate on the first connecting shaft 312, thereby improving the stability of the shell assembly 2.

[0089] In another example, the first connecting portion 31 also includes a first mounting pin 313 provided at the end of the first connecting shaft. The first mounting pin is fixedly connected to the first connecting shaft, and the first shell and the intermediate shell are rotatably connected to the first mounting pin respectively. In this example, the number of the first mounting pins 313 is two, one of the two first mounting pins 313 is rotatably connected to the first shell 21, and the other of the two first mounting pins 313 is rotatably connected to the intermediate shell 23. In other possible examples, the number of the first mounting pin 313 may also be one, and the first shell 21 and the intermediate shell 23 may be simultaneously mounted on the first mounting pin 313 and rotatably connected thereto, so that the overall structure of the shell assembly 2 is more compact. In this example, the first connecting shaft includes an arc-shaped side wall, and in the folded state, the first area of ​​the screen assembly, i.e., the outward-turned curved portion, is covered by the arc-shaped side wall.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 、 Figure 3As shown, the second connecting portion 32 includes a second connecting shaft 323, a second pin 321 and two connecting ears 322. The second connecting shaft 323 is along the width direction of the screen assembly 1 (refer to Figure 3 The second pin 321 is fixedly connected to the end of the second connecting shaft 323 and extends in the same direction as the second connecting shaft 323. The adjustable connecting portion 33 is fitted onto the second pin 321, thus connecting the adjustable connecting portion 33 to the second connecting shaft 323. When the foldable screen is in the unfolded state, two connecting ears 322 are provided on either side of the second connecting shaft 323 along the length of the screen assembly 1 and protrude from the second connecting shaft 323 to facilitate the fitting of the free end 33412 of the support body onto the connecting ears 322.

[0091] The second connecting shaft 323 is located between the second housing 22 and the intermediate housing 23, and the second housing 22 and the intermediate housing 23 are rotatably connected via the second connecting shaft 323. In one example, a collar (not shown) is provided on the other side of the intermediate housing 23 and one side of the second housing 22. The intermediate housing 23 and the second housing 22 are both fitted onto the second connecting shaft 323 via the collar, allowing both the intermediate housing 23 and the second housing 22 to rotate on the second connecting shaft 323, thereby improving the stability of the housing assembly 2.

[0092] In another example, the second connecting portion 32 also includes a second mounting pin 324 provided on the second connecting shaft 323, the second mounting pin is fixedly connected to the second connecting shaft, and the second shell and the intermediate shell are respectively rotatably connected to the second mounting pin. In this example, the number of second mounting pins 324 is two, one of the two second mounting pins 324 is rotatably connected to the second shell 22, and the other of the two second mounting pins 324 is rotatably connected to the intermediate shell 23. In other possible examples, the number of second mounting pins 324 can also be one, and the second shell 22 and the intermediate shell 23 can be simultaneously mounted on the second mounting pin 324 and rotatably connected thereto, so that the overall structure of the shell assembly 2 is more compact. In this example, the second connecting shaft 323 includes a mounting plane, and in the folded state, the curved surface of the screen assembly 1, that is, the second area folded inward, is in contact with and connected to the mounting plane.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, the first shell 21 includes a first body 211 and a first frame 212. The first frame 212 is a U-shaped structure. The first frame 212 is arranged along the circumferential direction of the first body 211, avoiding the side connected to the intermediate shell 23. The first frame 212 can surround the first body 211 to protect the first body 211.

[0094] The first body 211 is fixedly connected to the first frame 212. The end of the first frame 212 fits over one of the first mounting pins 313 located on the first connecting portion 31. The first body 211 is hingedly connected to the first mounting pin 313 via the first frame 212. The first body 211 is provided with a first relief groove 2111, which is adjacent to the first connecting shaft 312. When the foldable screen is folded or unfolded, the first body 211 and the first connecting shaft 312 do not interfere with each other, ensuring smooth folding or unfolding.

[0095] When the foldable screen is folded, a first mounting groove 2112 is provided on the side of the first body 211 away from the intermediate housing 23. Part of the screen assembly 1 is accommodated in the first mounting groove 2112, ensuring a more secure connection between the screen assembly 1 and the first housing 21. In the installed state, the surface of the screen assembly 1 is flush with the surface of the first frame 212, preventing the edge of the screen assembly 1 from being scratched and affecting its service life.

[0096] In which, the mounting groove (not shown in the figure) of the shell assembly 2 is arranged on the first body 211, so that the free end 33412 of the supporting body can extend into the mounting groove, and the mounting groove is connected to the first mounting groove 2112, so that the supporting body can be connected to the screen assembly 1 and support it.

[0097] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, the intermediate shell 23 includes an intermediate body 231 and two intermediate frames 232. The two intermediate frames 232 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the intermediate body 231 along the symmetry axis. The intermediate frames 232 are long plate structures. The intermediate frames 232 cover the outside of the intermediate body 231 to prevent the intermediate body 231 from being exposed, thereby protecting the intermediate body 231.

[0098] The middle body 231 is fixedly connected to the two middle frames 232. The ends of the two middle frames 232 are respectively mounted on the other first mounting pin 313 of the first connecting portion 31 and the second mounting pin 324 of the second connecting portion 32. The middle body 231 is hinged to the first mounting pin 313 and the second mounting pin 324 through the middle frames 232. The middle body 231 is provided with two middle avoidance grooves 2311, which are adjacent to the first connecting shaft 312 and the second connecting shaft 323, respectively, to avoid the first connecting shaft 312 and the second connecting shaft 323. When the foldable screen is folded or unfolded, the middle body 231 and the first connecting shaft 312 and the second connecting shaft 323 do not interfere with each other, ensuring smooth bending or unfolding.

[0099] The adjustable connection portion 33 is mounted on the middle frame 232. A mounting hole 2322 and a mounting slot 2321 are provided in the middle frame 232. The cross-sectional area of ​​the mounting slot 2321 is larger than that of the adjustable connection portion 33, allowing the adjustable connection portion 33 to move within the mounting slot 2321. The mounting hole 2322 of the rotatable adjustment member 332 of the adjustable connection portion 33 is small and circular, allowing the rotatable adjustment member 332 to rotate along its own circumferential direction. The stopper 335 of the adjustable connection portion 33 passes through the mounting slot 2321 and engages with the stopper slot 33421 of the movable support portion 3342.

[0100] The middle body 231 is also provided with a mounting groove of the shell assembly 2 (not shown in the figure), so that the free end 33412 of the supporting body can extend into the mounting groove, and the mounting groove is exposed on the surface of the middle body 231, so that the supporting body can be connected to the screen assembly 1 and support it.

[0101] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, the second shell 22 includes a second body 221 and a second frame 222. The second frame 222 is a U-shaped structure. The second frame 222 is arranged along the circumferential direction of the second body 221, avoiding the side connected to the intermediate shell 23. The second frame 222 can surround the second body 221 to protect the second body 221.

[0102] The second body 221 is fixedly connected to the second frame 222. The end of the second frame 222 fits over another second mounting pin 324, where the second connecting portion 32 is located. The second body 221 is hingedly connected to the second mounting pin 324 via the second frame 222. The second body 221 is provided with a second relief groove 2211, which is adjacent to the second connecting shaft 323. When the foldable screen is folded or unfolded, the second body 221 and the second connecting shaft 323 do not interfere with each other, ensuring smooth folding or unfolding.

[0103] When the foldable screen is in the folded state, a second mounting groove 2212 is provided on the side of the second body 221 away from the intermediate shell 23 or on the side close to the intermediate shell 23. The position of the second mounting groove 2212 depends on the number of intermediate shells 23, and the specific position of the second mounting groove 2212 is subject to the actual design. Part of the screen assembly 1 is accommodated in the second mounting groove 2212, making the connection between the screen assembly 1 and the second shell 22 more reliable. In the installed state, the surface of the screen assembly 1 is flush with the surface of the second frame 222, preventing the edge of the screen assembly 1 from being scratched and affecting the service life of the screen assembly 1.

[0104] The second body 221 may be provided with a mounting structure (not shown) for the housing assembly 2. Whether the second body 221 is provided with the mounting structure is determined by the number of intermediate housings 23. The free end 33412 of the support body extends into the mounting structure, and the mounting structure is connected to the second mounting groove 2212, enabling the support body to connect to and support the screen assembly 1.

[0105] It should be noted here that the end edges of the first frame 212, the end edges of the middle frame 232 and the end edges of the second frame 222 are all chamfered to avoid interference between the first shell 21, the middle shell 23 and the second shell 22 when the foldable screen is folded or unfolded.

[0106] In this embodiment, the housing assembly 2 further includes teeth (not shown in the figure), which are provided at the ends of the first housing 21, the intermediate housing 23, and the second housing 22. When the foldable screen is in the unfolded state, the first housing 21 and the intermediate housing 23, the second housing 22 and the intermediate housing 23, and any two adjacent intermediate housings 23 are meshed and connected via the teeth. Under the meshing action of the teeth, the housing assembly causes the first housing, the intermediate housing, and the second housing to rotate synchronously, achieving synchronous linkage of the entire foldable screen, improving the stability of the electronic device when folded, meeting the user's usage needs, and improving the user experience.

[0107] In one example, a first tooth portion is provided at the end of the first frame 212 of the first housing 21, intermediate teeth portions are provided at both end edges of the intermediate frame 232, and a second tooth portion is provided at the end of the second frame 222 of the second housing 22. The intermediate frame 232, where the intermediate housing 23 is located, is meshed with the first tooth portion via one of the intermediate teeth portions, and is meshed with the second tooth portion via another intermediate tooth portion of the intermediate housing 23. During the folding or unfolding process of the housing assembly 2, the first, intermediate, and second teeth portions restrain each other, preventing deviation of the first, intermediate, and second housings 21, 23, and 22 when they rotate, thereby ensuring the normal folding or unfolding of the foldable screen.

[0108] The present disclosure also provides an electronic device, which may be an electronic device such as a mobile phone or a tablet computer having a foldable screen. The electronic device includes the foldable screen in the embodiment described above.

[0109] The foldable screen disclosed in the present invention has a simple and reliable structure and is easy to produce and process. By setting a linkage connection component, the linkage between the various shells of the shell component is realized, and the display screen can be quickly opened and folded. At the same time, it can also solve the problems of wrinkles and pulling deformation caused by the screen folding process, providing support for further increasing the expanded display area of ​​the display screen, and is suitable for a variety of application scenarios.

[0110] The first, middle, and second housings of the housing assembly are all housing structures of an electronic device, used to mount the screen assembly and the linkage connection assembly, achieving a multi-folding effect for the screen assembly. This allows for unlimited expansion of the screen assembly's size, solving the problem of a small screen assembly and improving the user experience. The names "first housing," "middle housing," and "second housing" in this disclosure are merely for convenience and do not represent specific meanings.

[0111] By connecting the first and second adjusting members of the adjustable connection portion to the first and second connecting portions, respectively, the first and second adjusting members move synchronously with the rotating adjustment member when the foldable screen is folded or unfolded, causing the limiter on the rotating adjustment member to move accordingly. The limiter engages with the limiter slot of the movable support portion, and the movable support portion and the adjustable connection portion work in conjunction, thereby driving the movable support portion to move along the width direction of the intermediate housing. The movable support portion moves synchronously with the rotating adjustment member, achieving displacement changes of the screen assembly during the folding process.

[0112] Other embodiments of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0113] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact construction described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A foldable screen, characterized in that: The foldable screen includes a screen assembly and a shell assembly, the shell assembly includes at least three shells, and the screen assembly is covered on the at least three shells; The foldable screen includes a linkage connection component, and any two adjacent shells among the at least three shells are connected by the linkage connection component, and the at least three shells are simultaneously unfolded or folded by the linkage connection component; The at least three housings include at least one group of linked housings, the linked housings including a first housing, an intermediate housing, and a second housing connected to each other, the first housing, the intermediate housing, and the second housing being connected via the linked connection assembly; The linkage connection assembly includes a first connection part, an adjustment connection part and a second connection part, the first connection part is rotatably connected to the first shell, the second connection part is rotatably connected to the second shell, the adjustment connection part is connected to the intermediate shell, one end of the adjustment connection part is rotatably connected to the first connection part, and the other end of the adjustment connection part is rotatably connected to the second connection part, and the adjustment connection part is configured so that the distance between one end and the other end can be adjusted.

2. The foldable screen according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the linkage housings include a plurality of groups, the second housing of one group of the linkage housings is the same housing as the first housing of the adjacent linkage housing.

3. The foldable screen according to claim 1, characterized in that: The screen assembly includes an integral flexible screen; or The screen assembly includes a splicing screen assembly, and the splicing screen assembly includes a plate screen and a curved flexible screen, or multiple flexible screens, or multiple non-flexible screens.

4. The foldable screen according to claim 3, characterized in that: The foldable screen is in an unfolded state, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are spaced apart, and the plate screen is located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion; The foldable screen is in a folded state, the first area corresponding to the first connection part on the integral flexible screen or the curved flexible screen is located on the outside of the first connection part, and the second area corresponding to the second connection part on the integral flexible screen or the curved flexible screen is located on the inside of the second connection part.

5. The foldable screen according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjusting connection portion includes a first adjusting member, a rotating adjusting member, and a second adjusting member, wherein a first end portion of the first adjusting member is rotatably connected to the first connection portion, and a second end portion of the first adjusting member is rotatably connected to the rotating adjusting member; The first end of the second adjusting member is rotatably connected to the second connecting portion, and the second end of the second adjusting member is rotatably connected to the rotating adjusting member.

6. The foldable screen according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rotating adjustment member is configured to rotate about its central axis, and the rotating adjustment member includes a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft, the first rotating shaft being rotatably connected to the second end of the first adjustment member, and the second rotating shaft being rotatably connected to the second end of the second adjustment member; The foldable screen is in a folded state, and the rotation adjustment member rotates around its central axis to a first position; The foldable screen is in an unfolded state, and the rotation adjustment member rotates around its central axis to a second position; When the rotating adjustment member rotates to the first position or the second position, the distance between the first end of the first adjustment member and the first end of the second adjustment member is different.

7. The foldable screen according to claim 6, characterized in that: The intermediate housing is provided with a mounting hole and a mounting slot, wherein the mounting hole is communicated with the mounting slot; The rotation adjustment member is installed in the installation hole, and the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member are installed in the installation slot; The first end portion of the first adjusting member and the first end portion of the second adjusting member are respectively provided with an escape portion.

8. The foldable screen according to claim 1, wherein: The adjustment connection portion includes a support portion, which is configured to support the screen assembly. The support portion includes a fixed support portion and a movable support portion. The fixed support portion is connected to the second connection portion or the first connection portion, and the movable support portion is connected to the rotation adjustment member.

9. The foldable screen according to claim 8, characterized in that: The movable support portion is provided with a limiting groove, and the adjustment connection portion includes a limiting portion, which is fixedly connected to the rotation adjustment member and inserted into the limiting groove.

10. The foldable screen according to claim 8, characterized in that: The fixed support portion includes two support bodies, which are arranged on both sides of the second connecting portion. The connecting ends of the two support bodies are hinged to the second connecting portion, and the free ends of the two support bodies extend into the intermediate shell and the second shell respectively.

11. The foldable screen according to claim 1, wherein: The first connecting portion includes a first connecting shaft, and the first housing and the intermediate housing are rotatably connected via the first connecting shaft; The first connecting shaft includes an arc-shaped side wall, and the screen assembly covers the arc-shaped side wall.

12. The foldable screen according to claim 11, wherein: The first connecting portion includes a first mounting pin disposed at an end portion of the first connecting rotating shaft, and the first mounting pin is fixedly connected to the first connecting rotating shaft; The first housing and the intermediate housing are respectively rotatably connected to the first mounting pin.

13. The foldable screen according to claim 12, wherein: There are two first mounting pins, one of which is rotatably connected to the first housing; The other of the two first mounting pins is rotatably connected to the intermediate housing.

14. The foldable screen according to claim 1, wherein: The second connecting portion includes a second connecting shaft, and the second housing and the intermediate housing are rotatably connected via the second connecting shaft; The second connecting shaft includes a mounting plane, and the curved surface of the screen assembly is in contact with and connected to the mounting plane.

15. The foldable screen according to claim 14, characterized in that: The second connecting portion includes a second mounting pin disposed at an end portion of the second connecting rotating shaft, and the second mounting pin is fixedly connected to the second connecting rotating shaft; The second housing and the intermediate housing are respectively rotatably connected to the second mounting pin.

16. The foldable screen according to claim 15, characterized in that: There are two second mounting pins, and one of the two second mounting pins is rotatably connected to the second housing; The other of the two second mounting pins is rotatably connected to the intermediate housing.

17. The foldable screen according to claim 1, wherein: The ends of the first housing, the intermediate housing and the second housing are all provided with teeth; The foldable screen is in the unfolded state, and the first shell and the middle shell, and / or the second shell and the second shell are engaged and connected through the teeth.

18. The foldable screen according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that: The midline along the length direction of the screen assembly is the symmetry axis, and the foldable screen includes two groups of the linkage connection components, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the symmetry axis.

19. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises the foldable screen according to any one of claims 1-18.

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