A foldable electronic device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of laptop computer technology and discloses a foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device includes a flexible screen, a cover assembly, and a main unit. The cover assembly includes a first cover, a second cover, and a first connecting assembly. The flexible screen is disposed inside the first and second covers. The main unit includes a first part rotatably connected to the first cover, a second part rotatably connected to the second cover, and a second connecting assembly connecting the first and second parts. The second cover can fit against the back of the first cover, and simultaneously, the second part can fit against the back of the first part, allowing the cover assembly and the flexible screen to be fastened to the first part. This foldable electronic device improves upon the problem of existing laptops being too large and inconvenient to carry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of notebook computer technology, and in particular to a foldable electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, laptops have become increasingly widely used in people's lives and work, and people often need to carry them when they go out. To ensure that the laptop screen is large enough for convenient daily use, current laptops are generally large in size. However, the large size of laptops brings many inconveniences to users when carrying them. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a foldable electronic device that can improve the problem that existing laptops are too large and inconvenient to carry.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A foldable electronic device includes: a flexible screen, a cover plate assembly, and a main unit, wherein: the cover plate assembly includes a first cover body, a second cover body, and a first connecting assembly, the first cover body and the second cover body are arranged sequentially along a first direction, and the first connecting assembly rotatably connects the first cover body and the second cover body; the flexible screen is disposed inside the first cover body and the second cover body;

[0006] The host unit includes a first part rotatably connected to the first cover, a second part rotatably connected to the second cover, and a second connecting component rotatably connecting the first part and the second part; the second cover can fit against the back of the first cover, and while the second cover fits against the back of the first cover, the second part can fit against the back of the first part, and the cover assembly and the flexible screen can be fastened to the first part.

[0007] In this solution, on the one hand, the cover assembly can open and close relative to the host unit, allowing the foldable electronic device to function normally as a laptop. On the other hand, when it is necessary to carry the foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment, the second cover and the second part can be flipped around the corresponding connecting components. Since the screen in this embodiment is a flexible screen, the second cover can be fitted against the back of the first cover (the flexible screen bends accordingly), and the second part can be fitted against the back of the first part. Then, by flipping the cover assembly and the flexible screen relative to the first part, the folded cover assembly and the flexible screen can be fastened to the first part. In this way, when the foldable electronic device is a foldable laptop, the length of the folded laptop in the first direction will be significantly smaller than the size of existing laptops in that direction, allowing a smaller backpack or handbag to carry the foldable laptop provided in this embodiment, making the foldable laptop / foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment more convenient to carry.

[0008] Optionally, the flexible screen is a flexible touch display screen.

[0009] Optionally, the foldable electronic device includes a detection component electrically connected to the host unit for detecting the degree of folding of the foldable electronic device; in the powered-on state:

[0010] When the second cover is attached to the back of the first cover, and the second part is attached to the back of the first part, and the cover assembly and the flexible screen are fastened to the first part, the host unit can control the foldable electronic device to be in a small tablet state, and perform display and touch through the area corresponding to the second cover of the flexible touch display screen;

[0011] When the first cover and the second cover are located on the same plane, and the first part and the second part are located on the same plane, and the angle between the cover assembly and the host unit is within a preset range, the host unit can control the foldable electronic device to be in laptop mode and perform display and / or touch control through the entire flexible screen.

[0012] Optionally, when the device is powered on, and the back of the first cover is in contact with the back of the first part, and the back of the second cover is in contact with the back of the second part, the host unit can control the foldable electronic device to be in a large tablet state, and display and touch through the entire flexible screen.

[0013] Optionally, the detection component includes a first magnet, a first Hall sensor, a second magnet, and a second Hall sensor, both of which are electrically connected to the host unit. The first magnet is disposed at one end of the first cover away from the second cover and located in the middle region along the length of that end. The first Hall sensor is disposed at one end of the second cover away from the first cover and located in the middle region along the length of that end. The second Hall sensor is disposed at one end of the first part away from the second part and located in the middle region along the length of that end. The second magnet is disposed at one end of the second part away from the first part and located in the middle region along the length of that end.

[0014] Optionally, the foldable electronic device includes a third connecting component and a fourth connecting component, wherein the first cover is rotatably connected to the first part through the third connecting component, and the second cover is rotatably connected to the second part through the fourth connecting component.

[0015] Optionally, the fourth connecting component includes a magnet assembly, which includes a third magnet and a fourth magnet. The third magnet is placed in the second cover, and the fourth magnet is disposed in the second part. The south pole of the third magnet is opposite to the north pole of the fourth magnet, and the north pole of the third magnet is opposite to the south pole of the fourth magnet. The third magnet and the fourth magnet can be magnetically connected.

[0016] Optionally, the portion of the flexible touch display screen opposite to the second cover is a small tablet display unit, and the second cover and the small tablet display unit together constitute a small tablet touch screen assembly;

[0017] The small tablet touch screen assembly has a first camera assembly at the end away from the second part, and the first camera assembly is electrically connected to the host unit.

[0018] Optionally, a second camera assembly is provided at one end of the second part near the second cover, and the second camera assembly is electrically connected to the host unit.

[0019] Optionally, the first camera assembly is located at one end of the small tablet display near the first cover, and the second camera assembly is located at one end of the second part near the first part. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in laptop mode after the cover assembly is opened, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1The diagram shows the structure of the back of the foldable electronic device when the cover assembly is opened in laptop mode.

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the back of the second part is attached to the back of the first part while the second cover is attached to the back of the first cover;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a small tablet state, provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a small tablet state from another angle, provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a side view of a foldable electronic device in a small tablet state, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a large flat panel state, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of each component in a detection assembly when a foldable electronic device is in laptop mode, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of each component in a detection assembly when a foldable electronic device is in a large flat panel state, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of each component in the detection assembly when a foldable electronic device is in a small tablet state, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in laptop mode, after the cover assembly is opened, with some components omitted.

[0031] Icons: 1-Flexible screen; 2-Cover assembly; 21-First cover; 22-Second cover; 23-First connecting assembly; 3-Main unit; 31-First part; 311-First housing; 312-Cooling fan; 313-First microphone board; 314-First speaker assembly; 315-PCBA motherboard; 316-FPC main cable; 32-Second part; 321-Second housing; 322-Second microphone board; 323-Second speaker assembly; 324-Port assembly; 325-Battery; 326-Touch area; 33-Second connecting assembly; 4-Detection assembly; 41-First magnet; 42-First Hall sensor; 43-Second magnet; 44-Second Hall sensor; 5-Third connecting assembly; 6-Fourth connecting assembly; 61-Third magnet; 62-Fourth magnet; 7-First camera assembly; 8-Second camera assembly; 9-Anti-wear part. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in laptop mode after the cover assembly is opened, as provided in this embodiment. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the structure of the back of the foldable electronic device when the cover assembly is opened in laptop mode; as shown... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment includes a flexible screen 1, a cover plate assembly 2, and a host unit 3. The cover plate assembly 2 includes a first cover 21, a second cover 22, and a first connecting assembly 23. The first cover 21 and the second cover 22 are arranged sequentially along a first direction A / B. The first connecting assembly 23 rotatably connects the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. The flexible screen 1 is disposed inside the first cover 21 and the second cover 22.

[0034] The main unit 3 includes a first part 31 rotatably connected to the first cover 21, a second part 32 rotatably connected to the second cover 22, and a second connecting assembly 33 rotatably connecting the first part 31 and the second part 32. In this design, the second cover 22 can fit against the back of the first cover 21, and while the second cover 22 is fitting against the back of the first cover 21, the second part 32 can also fit against the back of the first part 31 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 As shown), the cover plate assembly 2 and the flexible screen 1 can be fastened to the first part 31 (as shown). Figures 4-6 (As shown).

[0035] It is worth noting that the inner sides of the first cover 21 and the second cover 22, i.e., when the foldable electronic device is in the conventional closed state of a laptop, face the side of the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 towards the host unit 3. The back side of the first cover 21, i.e., when the foldable electronic device is in the conventional closed state of a laptop, faces the side of the first cover 21 away from the host unit 3; the back side of the first part 31, i.e., when the foldable electronic device is in the conventional closed state of a laptop, faces the side of the first part 31 away from the cover assembly 2.

[0036] In this solution, on the one hand, the cover assembly 2 can open and close relative to the host unit 3, allowing the foldable electronic device to function normally as a laptop. On the other hand, when it is necessary to carry the foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment, the second cover 22 and the second part 32 can be flipped around the corresponding connecting components. Since the screen in this embodiment is a flexible screen 1, the second cover 22 can be made to fit against the back of the first cover 21 (the flexible screen 1 bends accordingly), and the second part 32 can fit against the back of the first part 31. Then, by flipping the cover assembly 2 and the flexible screen 1 relative to the first part 31, the folded cover assembly 2 and the flexible screen 1 can be fastened to the first part 31. In this way, when the foldable electronic device is a foldable laptop, the length of the folded laptop in the first direction A / B will be significantly smaller than the size of a laptop in the prior art in that direction, allowing a smaller backpack or handbag to carry the foldable laptop provided in this embodiment, making the foldable laptop / foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment more convenient to carry.

[0037] The foldable electronic devices mentioned in this embodiment include, but are not limited to, foldable laptops.

[0038] To facilitate the folding of the foldable electronic device, in one optional implementation, the connection between the first part 31 and the second part 32 is located in the same plane as the connection between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22.

[0039] In order to minimize the size of the foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment after folding in the first direction A / B, in an optional implementation, the first part 31 and the second part 32 have the same size in the first direction A / B, and the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 also have the same size in the first direction A / B.

[0040] Taking the direction perpendicular to the first direction in the plane where the first part 31 is located as the second direction, in order to minimize the size of the foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment after folding in the second direction, in an optional implementation, when the cover assembly 2 covers the host unit 3, the size of the cover assembly 2 and the host unit 3 in the second direction are equal.

[0041] It is worth noting that the first direction can be Figure 1 The direction indicated by the middle arrow A can also be Figure 1 In this embodiment, the direction indicated by the middle arrow B is the first direction. Figure 1 Let's take the direction indicated by the middle arrow A as an example for explanation.

[0042] Taking the direction perpendicular to the first direction within the plane of the first cover 21 as the third direction, when specifically configuring the first connecting component 23 and the second connecting component 33, both can include a hinge structure or other structure capable of rotational connection. Taking the example where both include a hinge structure, such as... Figure 2 As shown, in one specific implementation, the first connecting component 23 includes two hinges spaced apart along a third direction, and the second connecting component 33 includes two hinges spaced apart along a second direction.

[0043] In one possible implementation of the aforementioned flexible screen 1, the flexible screen 1 is a flexible touch display screen.

[0044] Furthermore, in an optional implementation, the foldable electronic device includes a detection component 4, which is electrically connected to the host unit 3 and is used to detect the degree of folding of the foldable electronic device; specifically:

[0045] When the device is powered on, and the back of the second cover 22 is attached to the back of the first cover 21, and the back of the second part 32 is attached to the back of the first part 31, and the cover assembly 2 and the flexible screen 1 are fastened to the first part 31, the host unit 3 can control the foldable electronic device to be in a small tablet state, and display and touch through the flexible touch display screen and the area corresponding to the second cover 22.

[0046] When the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 are located on the same plane, and the first part 31 and the second part 32 are located on the same plane, and the included angle between the cover assembly 2 and the host unit 3 is within a preset angle range, the host unit 3 can control the foldable electronic device to be in laptop mode and display and / or touch through the entire flexible screen 1.

[0047] In this solution, the foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment has a more diversified usage mode, which can meet the usage needs of different scenarios.

[0048] The above preset angle range can be set according to actual needs, for example: the above preset angle range is 5° to 180°.

[0049] like Figure 7 As shown, in a specific implementation, when the back of the first cover 21 is in contact with the back of the first part 31 and the back of the second cover 22 is in contact with the back of the second part 32, the host unit 3 can control the foldable electronic device to be in a large tablet state and perform display and touch control through the entire flexible screen 1.

[0050] In this solution, the foldable electronic devices have more diverse usage modes and can meet the needs of different scenarios.

[0051] In a specific implementation of the detection component 4, the detection component 4 may include a first magnet 41, a first Hall sensor 42, a second magnet 43, and a second Hall sensor 44. Both the first Hall sensor 42 and the second Hall sensor 44 are electrically connected to the host unit 3. The first magnet 41 is disposed at the end of the first cover 21 away from the second cover 22 and is located in the middle region along the length of that end. The first Hall sensor 42 is disposed at the end of the second cover 22 away from the first cover 21 and is located in the middle region along the length of that end. The second Hall sensor 44 is disposed at the end of the first part 31 away from the second part 32 and is located in the middle region along the length of that end. The second magnet 43 is disposed at the end of the second part 32 away from the first part 31 and is located in the middle region along the length of that end.

[0052] Specifically, when the foldable electronic device is powered on, if, as shown in Figure 8, the first Hall sensor 42 and the second Hall sensor 44 are both far away from the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 43, then the first Hall sensor 42 and the second Hall sensor 44 will transmit the detected magnetic field strength signal to the host unit 3, and the host unit 3 will control the foldable electronic device to be in laptop mode.

[0053] If, as shown in Figure 9, the first Hall sensor 42 is close to or attached to the second magnet 43 and away from the first magnet 41, and the second Hall sensor 44 is close to or attached to the first magnet 41 and away from the second magnet 43, then the first Hall sensor 42 and the second Hall sensor 44 will transmit the detected magnetic field strength signal to the host unit 3, and the host unit 3 will control the foldable electronic device to be in the large flat panel state.

[0054] If, as shown in Figure 10, the second Hall sensor 44 is close to or attached to the first magnet 41 and the second magnet 43, and at the same time, the first Hall sensor 42 is close to or attached to the first magnet 41, then the first Hall sensor 42 and the second Hall sensor 44 will transmit the detected magnetic field strength signal to the host unit 3, and the host unit 3 will control the foldable electronic device to be in the small tablet state.

[0055] In other implementations, when powered on, the default state of a foldable electronic device is laptop mode, until it is triggered into large tablet mode or small tablet mode.

[0056] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 11 As shown, the foldable electronic device includes a third connecting component 5 and a fourth connecting component 6. The first cover 21 is rotatably connected to the first part 31 through the third connecting component 5, and the second cover 22 is rotatably connected to the second part 32 through the fourth connecting component 6.

[0057] Exemplarily, the fourth connecting component 6 includes a magnet assembly comprising a third magnet 61 and a fourth magnet 62. The third magnet 61 is disposed on the second cover 22, and the fourth magnet 62 is disposed on the second part 32. The south pole of the third magnet 61 faces the north pole of the fourth magnet 62, and the north pole of the third magnet 61 faces the south pole of the fourth magnet 62. The third magnet 61 and the fourth magnet 62 are magnetically connected. The third connecting component 5 can be a hinge structure or other structure that enables rotational connection. When it is necessary to flip the cover assembly 2 and the flexible screen 1, the magnet assembly can be opened, thereby making the folding of the foldable electronic device more convenient.

[0058] The portion of the flexible touchscreen display opposite to the second cover 22 is a small tablet display unit, and the second cover 22 and the small tablet display unit together constitute a small tablet touchscreen assembly. In one optional implementation, a first camera assembly 7 is provided at the end of the small tablet touchscreen assembly away from the second part 32, and the first camera assembly 7 is electrically connected to the host unit 3.

[0059] Furthermore, in an optional implementation, a second camera assembly 8 is provided at one end of the second part 32 near the second cover 22, and the second camera assembly 8 is electrically connected to the host unit 3. This allows the first camera assembly 7 to function as a front-facing camera and the second camera assembly 8 to function as a rear-facing camera when the foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment is in tablet mode, making it more convenient for users.

[0060] In one specific implementation, the first camera assembly 7 is located at the end of the small tablet display unit near the first cover 21, and the second camera assembly 8 is located at the end of the second part 32 near the first part 31.

[0061] Please continue to refer to Figure 11In a specific implementation of the host unit 3, the first part 31 includes a first host component and a first housing 311, and the second part 32 includes a second host component and a second housing 321. The first housing 311 and the second housing 321 are connected by the second connecting component 33. The first host component includes a cooling fan 312 disposed at one end of the first housing 311 near the first cover 21, a first microphone board 313 disposed at one end of the first housing 311 away from the first cover 21, a first speaker component 314 disposed at one end of the first housing 311 away from the second housing 321, and a PCBA motherboard 315 and an FPC main cable 316 disposed in the middle of the first housing 311. The FPC main cable 316, the cooling fan 312, the first microphone board 313 and the first speaker component 314 are all electrically connected to the PCBA motherboard 315.

[0062] The second host component includes a second microphone board 322 disposed at the end of the second housing 321 away from the second cover 22, a second speaker assembly 323 disposed at the end of the second housing 321 away from the first housing 311, and a port assembly 324. It also includes a battery 325 disposed in the middle of the second housing 321. The second microphone board 322, the second speaker assembly 323, the port assembly 324, the battery 325, and the aforementioned first camera assembly 7 and second camera assembly 8 are all electrically connected to the aforementioned FPC main cable 316.

[0063] In addition, the back of both the first and second parts can be provided with anti-wear parts 9, and the front of the second part can be provided with a touch area 326.

[0064] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, include: The system includes a flexible screen, a cover plate assembly, and a host unit, wherein: the cover plate assembly includes a first cover body, a second cover body, and a first connecting assembly; the first cover body and the second cover body are arranged sequentially along a first direction; the first connecting assembly rotatably connects the first cover body and the second cover body; and the flexible screen is disposed inside the first cover body and the second cover body. The host unit includes a first part rotatably connected to the first cover, a second part rotatably connected to the second cover, and a second connecting assembly rotatably connecting the first part and the second part. During the folding process of the foldable electronic device, the second cover can rotate relative to the first cover around the first connecting assembly, and the second part can rotate relative to the first part around the second connecting assembly. Simultaneously, the second cover and the back of the first cover are in contact, and the second part is in contact with the back of the first part. Afterward, the cover assembly and the flexible screen can rotate around the rotatable connection between the first part and the first cover and fasten to the first part. The flexible screen is a flexible touch display screen. The portion of the flexible touch display screen opposite to the second cover is a small tablet display unit. The second cover and the small tablet display unit together constitute a small tablet touch screen assembly. A first camera assembly is provided at the end of the small tablet touch screen assembly away from the second part, and the first camera assembly is electrically connected to the host unit. A second camera assembly is provided at the end of the second part closer to the second cover, and the second camera assembly is electrically connected to the host unit. The foldable electronic device includes a detection component electrically connected to the host unit, used to detect the degree of folding of the foldable electronic device; in the powered-on state: When the second cover is attached to the back of the first cover, and the second part is attached to the back of the first part, and the cover assembly and the flexible screen are fastened to the first part, the host unit can control the foldable electronic device to be in a small tablet state, and perform display and touch control through the area corresponding to the second cover of the flexible touch display screen.

2. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first cover and the second cover are located on the same plane, and the first part and the second part are located on the same plane, and the angle between the cover assembly and the host unit is within a preset range, the host unit can control the foldable electronic device to be in laptop mode and perform display and / or touch control through the entire flexible screen.

3. The foldable electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the device is powered on, and the back of the first cover is in contact with the back of the first part, and the back of the second cover is in contact with the back of the second part, the host unit can control the foldable electronic device to be in a large tablet state, and display and touch through the entire flexible screen.

4. The foldable electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The detection component includes a first magnet, a first Hall sensor, a second magnet, and a second Hall sensor. Both the first Hall sensor and the second Hall sensor are electrically connected to the host unit. The first magnet is disposed at the end of the first cover away from the second cover and located in the middle region along the length of that end. The first Hall sensor is disposed at the end of the second cover away from the first cover and located in the middle region along the length of that end. The second Hall sensor is disposed at the end of the first part away from the second part and located in the middle region along the length of that end. The second magnet is disposed at the end of the second part away from the first part and located in the middle region along the length of that end.

5. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It includes a third connecting component and a fourth connecting component, wherein the first cover is rotatably connected to the first part through the third connecting component, and the second cover is rotatably connected to the second part through the fourth connecting component.

6. The foldable electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fourth connecting component includes a magnet assembly, which includes a third magnet and a fourth magnet. The third magnet is placed in the second cover, and the fourth magnet is disposed in the second part. The south pole of the third magnet is opposite to the north pole of the fourth magnet, and the north pole of the third magnet is opposite to the south pole of the fourth magnet. The third magnet and the fourth magnet can be magnetically connected.

7. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first camera assembly is located at one end of the small tablet display near the first cover, and the second camera assembly is located at one end of the second part near the first part.

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