Flexible screen folding assembly and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a flexible screen folding assembly and an electronic device. The flexible screen folding assembly comprises a first support and a second support, the first support is hinged with the second support, and the first support can be switched between a folding state and an unfolding state relative to the second support; a flexible screen is arranged on the first support and the second support, a first fixed area and a second fixed area of the flexible screen are foldable and unfoldable relative to a folding area of the flexible screen; a movable element is arranged between the first support and the second support, and the movable element is movable between a first position and a second position; in the unfolding state, the folding area, the first fixed area and the second fixed area are located in the same plane, the movable element is located in the first position, and part of the movable element is attached to the folding area; in the folding state, the first fixed area and the second fixed area are folded relative to the folding area, the movable element is located in the second position, and part of the movable element is attached to the folding area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electronic technology, specifically relating to a flexible screen folding assembly and an electronic device having the flexible screen folding assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Foldable electronic devices are broadly categorized into two types: vertically folding and horizontally folding, but both carry the risk of screen module warping. In the normally unfolded state, the screen is flat and not subjected to any force; for example... Figure 1 As shown, when folded, the screen rotates around the virtual rotation center. At this time, the screen is subjected to a certain pressure, causing the screen to be in a state of compression. When the screen does not follow the normal folding trajectory and an anti-arching phenomenon occurs, it may lead to the risk of the screen cracking or breaking. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application aims to provide a flexible screen folding component and electronic device, which at least solves the problem of low lifespan of flexible screens caused by anti-arching phenomenon.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose a flexible screen folding assembly, comprising: a first support member and a second support member, the first support member being hinged to the second support member, and the first support member being switchable between a folded state and an unfolded state relative to the second support member; a flexible screen, the flexible screen including a first fixed area, a second fixed area, and a folding area disposed between the first fixed area and the second fixed area, the first fixed area being disposed on the first support member, the second fixed area being disposed on the second support member, the first fixed area and the second fixed area being foldable and unfoldable relative to the folding area; a movable member, the movable member being disposed between the first support member and the second support member, and the movable member being movable between a first position and a second position; in the unfolded state, the folding area is located on the same plane as the first fixed area and the second fixed area, the movable member is located at the first position, and a portion of the movable member is attached to the folding area; in the folded state, the first fixed area and the second fixed area are folded relative to the folding area, the movable member is located at the second position, and a portion of the movable member is attached to the folding area.

[0006] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device including the flexible screen folding assembly described in the above embodiments.

[0007] In the embodiments of this application, a movable member is provided between the first support member and the second support member. The movable member always keeps in contact with the folding area of ​​the flexible screen during the folding and unfolding process, so that the folding area can move synchronously with the movable member to prevent the folding area of ​​the flexible screen from arching. This allows the folding area to bend along the set trajectory with the movable member, avoiding the risk of cracks or breakage of the flexible screen due to arching, and improving the service life of the flexible screen.

[0008] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the arching phenomenon on the screens of existing electronic devices;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a flexible screen folding assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Sectional view at centerline A-A;

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible screen folding assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the structure of a flexible screen folding assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the movable component of a flexible screen folding assembly according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure label:

[0018] Flexible screen folding component 100;

[0019] First support component 10;

[0020] Second support member 20;

[0021] Flexible screen 30; First fixed area 31; Second fixed area 32; Folding area 33;

[0022] Moving part 40; pressing part 41; guide part 42;

[0023] Support base 50; mounting channel 51; guide groove 52;

[0024] Transmission assembly 60; connecting shaft 61; first transmission part 62; second transmission part 63;

[0025] Electronic equipment 200. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] The following is a combination of... Figures 2 to 7 This application describes a flexible screen folding assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] The flexible screen folding assembly 100 according to an embodiment of this application includes a first support member 10, a second support member 20, a flexible screen 30, and a movable member 40.

[0032] Specifically, the first support member 10 is hinged to the second support member 20, and the first support member 10 can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state relative to the second support member 20; the flexible screen 30 includes a first fixed area 31, a second fixed area 32, and a folding area 33 disposed between the first fixed area 31 and the second fixed area 32, the first fixed area 31 is disposed on the first support member 10, the second fixed area 32 is disposed on the second support member 20, and the first fixed area 31 and the second fixed area 32 can be folded and unfolded relative to the folding area 33; the movable member 40 is disposed between the first support member 10 and the second support member 20, and the movable member 40 can move between a first position and a second position.

[0033] In the unfolded state, the folding area 33 is located on the same plane as the first fixed area 31 and the second fixed area 32, and the movable member 40 is located in the first position, with a portion of the movable member 40 fitting against the folding area 33; in the folded state, the first fixed area 31 and the second fixed area 32 are folded relative to the folding area 33, and the movable member 40 is located in the second position, with a portion of the movable member 40 fitting against the folding area 33.

[0034] In other words, such as Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the flexible screen folding assembly 100 according to an embodiment of this application mainly consists of a first support member 10 for supporting the flexible screen 30, a second support member 20 for supporting the flexible screen 30, and a movable member 40. The flexible screen 30 can be sequentially divided into a first fixed area 31, a folding area 33, and a second fixed area 32. The first fixed area 31 can be disposed on the first support member 10, and the second fixed area 32 can be disposed on the second support member 20. The first support member 10 and the second support member 20 are movably connected in a hinged manner, so that the first support member 10 can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state relative to the second support member 20. The first fixed area 31 of the flexible screen 30 can move with the first support member 10, so that the first fixed area 31 and the second fixed area 32 of the flexible screen 30 can be folded and unfolded relative to the folding area 33.

[0035] It should be noted that the first support member 10 can be directly connected to the second support member 20, or it can be connected through a connector. The connection method can be adjusted according to the specific structure of the first support member 10 and the second support member 20, and is not limited in this embodiment.

[0036] like Figure 2As shown, the movable member 40 can be disposed between the first support member 10 and the second support member 20, and the movable member 40 can move between a first position and a second position relative to the first support member 10 and the second support member 20. When the first support member 10 is in the unfolded state relative to the second support member 20, the mounting surface of the first support member 10 and the mounting surface of the second support member 20 can be located on the same plane, so that the first fixing area 31, the folding area 33 and the second fixing area 32 of the flexible screen 30 are located on the same plane, such as... Figure 7 As shown, at this time, the movable part 40 is in the first position, and a part of the movable part 40 is in contact with the folding area 33.

[0037] When the first support member 10 is in the folded position relative to the second support member 20, the first fixed area 31 and the second fixed area 32 of the flexible screen 30 are folded relative to the folded area 33. At this time, the movable member 40 is in the second position, and a part of the movable member 40 is in contact with the folded area 33. That is to say, when the flexible screen 30 moves from the unfolded state to the folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state, the movable member 40 always remains in contact with the folded area 33, so that the folded area 33 can move synchronously with the movement.

[0038] Therefore, according to the embodiments of this application, the flexible screen folding assembly 100, by providing a movable member 40 between the first support member 10 and the second support member 20, ensures that the movable member 40 remains in contact with the folding area 33 of the flexible screen 30 during the folding and unfolding process, so that the folding area 33 can move synchronously with the movable member 40, thereby preventing the folding area 33 of the flexible screen 30 from arching, and allowing the folding area 33 to bend along the set trajectory with the movable member 40, avoiding the risk of cracks or breakage of the flexible screen 30 due to arching, and improving the service life of the flexible screen 30.

[0039] In some specific embodiments of this application, the flexible screen folding assembly 100 further includes: a support base 50, which is disposed between the first support member 10 and the second support member 20, and the first support member 10 and the second support member 20 are respectively movable relative to the support base 50. The support base 50 is provided with an installation channel 51 extending along a first direction. The movable member 40 is movably disposed in the installation channel 51 along the first direction. The straight line of the first direction intersects the hinge axis of the first support member 10 and the second support member 20 to form an angle.

[0040] Specifically, such as Figures 3 to 6As shown, the flexible screen folding assembly 100 may further include a support base 50. A first support member 10 and a second support member 20 are respectively hinged to the support base 50, allowing the first support member 10 to rotate about a first axis, which is the hinge axis between the first support member 10 and the support base 50. The second support member 20 can rotate about a second axis, which is the hinge axis between the second support member 20 and the support base 50. The support base 50 may have an installation channel 51. The axial direction of the installation channel 51 may be perpendicular to the first and second axes and extends towards the folding area 33. A portion of the movable member 40 is located within the installation channel 51, and the movable member 40 can move along the axial direction of the installation channel 51, making the movable member 40 more stable when moving in the first and second positions.

[0041] According to one embodiment of this application, the movable member 40 is provided with a pressing part 41 at one end in a first direction. When the movable member 40 is in a first position and a second position, the pressing part 41 presses against the folding area 33.

[0042] In other words, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the end of the movable component 40 located outside the installation channel 51 may be provided with a pressing part 41. When the flexible screen 30 is folded or unfolded, the pressing part 41 always presses against the folding area 33 of the flexible screen 30, so that when the flexible screen 30 switches between the folded state and the unfolded state, the folding area 33 can move synchronously with the pressing part 41, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of reverse arching of the folding area 33.

[0043] In some specific embodiments of this application, the pressing part 41 is an elastic body.

[0044] Specifically, the pressing part 41 can be made of an elastic material. When the pressing part 41 presses against the folding area 33, it can deform synchronously with the folding area 33, allowing for better fit with the flexible screen 30 throughout the process. This effectively prevents damage to the flexible screen 30 caused by the pressing part 41 and further improves the service life of the flexible screen 30. Of course, those skilled in the art should understand that the specific shape of the pressing part 41 can be specifically set according to actual needs, and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0045] According to one embodiment of this application, the inner sidewall of the mounting channel 51 is provided with a guide groove 52 extending in a first direction, and the movable member 40 is provided with a guide portion 42 extending in the first direction, the guide portion 42 being movably disposed in the guide groove 52 in the first direction.

[0046] like Figure 4As shown, a dovetail-shaped guide groove 52 is provided on the inner wall of the installation channel 51. The guide groove 52 extends along the first direction. The movable part 40 is provided with a guide part 42 that matches the shape of the guide groove 52. The guide part 42 and the guide groove 52 cooperate with each other to guide and limit the movable part 40, making the movable part 40 more stable when it moves between the first position and the second position.

[0047] In some specific embodiments of this application, the flexible screen folding assembly 100 further includes a transmission assembly 60, which is disposed between at least one of the first support member 10 and the second support member 20 and the movable member 40. A part of the transmission assembly 60 is connected to at least one of the first support member 10 and the second support member 20 and moves synchronously with the corresponding first support member 10 or second support member 20. Another part of the transmission assembly 60 is connected to the movable member 40 to drive the movable member 40.

[0048] Furthermore, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the flexible screen folding assembly 100 may also include a transmission assembly 60. A part of the transmission assembly 60 may be connected to the first support member 10 or to the second support member 20. This embodiment takes the connection between the transmission assembly 60 and the first support member 10 as an example for specific explanation.

[0049] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a part of the transmission component 60 is connected to the first support member 10, and another part of the transmission component 60 is connected to the movable member 40. When the first support member 10 moves, the transmission component 60 can synchronously drive the movable member 40 to move, thereby driving the folding area 33 of the flexible screen 30 and the movable member 40 to move synchronously, so that the folding area 33 and the movable member 40 move synchronously with the driving member. That is, when the flexible screen 30 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the transmission component 60 drives the movable member 40 to move from the first position to the second position, and when the flexible screen 30 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the transmission component 60 drives the movable member 40 to move from the second position to the first position, further avoiding the phenomenon of reverse arching of the folding area 33.

[0050] According to one embodiment of this application, the transmission assembly 60 includes a connecting shaft 61, a first transmission part 62, and a second transmission part 63.

[0051] Specifically, the connecting shaft 61 is fixedly connected to the first support member 10 or the second support member 20. The first support member 10 or the second support member 20 is rotatable around the axis of the connecting shaft 61. The first transmission part 62 is provided on the connecting shaft 61 and moves synchronously with the connecting shaft 61. The second transmission part 63 is provided on the movable member 40 and cooperates with the first transmission part 62 so that the movable member 40 is driven by the first transmission part 62.

[0052] In other words, such as Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the transmission assembly 60 can be composed of a connecting shaft 61, a first transmission part 62, and a second transmission part 63. The connecting shaft 61 can be connected to the first support member 10 or the second support member 20. This embodiment takes the connection of the connecting shaft 61 to the first support member 10 as an example for specific explanation.

[0053] In this embodiment, as Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the connecting shaft 61 is fixedly connected to the first support member 10, and the axis of the connecting shaft 61 coincides with the first axis, so that when the first support member 10 moves, it can drive the connecting shaft 61 to rotate synchronously. The first transmission part 62 can be provided on the connecting shaft 61, so that the first transmission part 62 can move synchronously with the connecting shaft 61. The second transmission part 63 can be provided on the movable member 40. The first transmission part 62 and the second transmission part 63 cooperate, and when the first support member 10 moves, the first transmission part 62 drives the movable member to move in the first direction through the second transmission part 63.

[0054] In some specific embodiments of this application, the first transmission part 62 is formed as a gear rotatable about the axis of the connecting shaft 61, and the second transmission part 63 is formed as a rack extending along a first direction. The gear meshes with the rack to drive the movable part 40 to move along the first direction.

[0055] Specifically, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first transmission part 62 is formed as a gear fixed to the end of the connecting shaft 61, and the gear can be coaxially arranged with the connecting shaft 61 to ensure that the gear can rotate around its own axis. The second transmission part 63 is formed as a rack extending along the first direction. The gear meshes with the rack. When the first support member 10 is folded or unfolded, the gear and the connecting shaft 61 rotate around the first axis. When the gear rotates, it drives the rack to move along the first direction, so that the moving part 40 can be moved synchronously when the first support member 10 is folded or unfolded. Moreover, it does not require power to drive, has a simple structure, and has good reliability.

[0056] It should be noted that, in addition to the structures described above, the first transmission part 62 and the second transmission part 63 can also be a drive structure formed by a protrusion and a groove. Those skilled in the art should understand that the first transmission part 62 can vary depending on the specific structure of the second transmission part 63, and can be specifically configured according to actual needs.

[0057] According to one embodiment of this application, the connecting shaft 61 is connected to the first support member 10, the first end of the connecting shaft 61 is provided with a first transmission part 62, and the second transmission part 63 is provided on the side of the movable member 40 near the connecting shaft 61.

[0058] In this embodiment, as Figure 4As shown, the first end of the connecting shaft 61 is fixedly connected to the first transmission part 62, and the second end of the connecting shaft 61 is fixedly connected to the first support member 10. The movable member 40 is provided with a second transmission part 63 on the side facing the first transmission part 62. When the first support member 10 moves, the movable member 40 can be driven to move in the first direction synchronously through the cooperation of the first transmission part 62 and the second transmission part 63.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, in some specific embodiments of this application, the movable member 40 can be set to two, and the movable member 40 is located at opposite ends of the folding area 33. When the flexible screen 30 switches between the folded state and the unfolded state, the two movable members 40 can limit the folding area 33 at both ends of the folding area 33, thereby further preventing the folding area 33 of the flexible screen 30 from arching.

[0060] In this embodiment, the transmission component 60 of the first movable member 40 can be connected to the first support member 10, and the transmission component 60 of the second movable member 40 can be connected to the second support member 20, so that the first support member 10 and the second support member 20 drive the two movable members 40 respectively, which can avoid the problem of the two movable members 40 failing at the same time.

[0061] In summary, the flexible screen folding assembly 100 according to the embodiments of this application, by providing a movable member 40 between the first support member 10 and the second support member 20, ensures that the movable member 40 remains in contact with the folding area 33 of the flexible screen 30 during the folding and unfolding process, so that the folding area 33 can move synchronously with the movable member 40, thereby preventing the folding area 33 of the flexible screen 30 from arching, and allowing the folding area 33 to bend along the set trajectory with the movable member 40, avoiding the risk of cracks or breakage of the flexible screen 30 due to arching, and improving the service life of the flexible screen 30.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, embodiments of this application also provide an electronic device 200. The electronic device 200 is, for example, but not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, televisions, watches, VR headsets, and any other products and components with display functions. The electronic device 200 includes the flexible screen folding assembly 100 of any of the above embodiments. Since the flexible screen folding assembly 100 according to embodiments of this application has the aforementioned technical effects, the electronic device 200 according to embodiments of this application also has corresponding technical effects, namely, avoiding the risk of cracks or breakage of the flexible screen 30 due to anti-arching phenomena, and improving the service life of the flexible screen 30.

[0063] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0064] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A flexible screen folding assembly, characterized in that, include: A first support member and a second support member, wherein the first support member is hinged to the second support member, and the first support member can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state relative to the second support member; A flexible screen includes a first fixed area, a second fixed area, and a folding area disposed between the first fixed area and the second fixed area. The first fixed area is disposed on the first support member, and the second fixed area is disposed on the second support member. The first fixed area and the second fixed area are foldable and unfoldable relative to the folding area. The movable component has a pressing part at one end in a first direction, the pressing part is located on the display side of the folding area, the movable component is disposed between the first support component and the second support component, and the movable component is movable between a first position and a second position; In the unfolded state, the folded area is located on the same plane as the first fixed area and the second fixed area, the movable member is located at the first position, and a portion of the movable member is attached to the folded area; In the folded state, the first fixing area and the second fixing area are folded relative to the folded area, the movable member is located in the second position, and a portion of the movable member is in contact with the folded area; When the movable part is in the first position and the second position, the pressing part presses against the folded area.

2. The flexible screen folding assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A support base is provided between the first support member and the second support member, and the first support member and the second support member are movable relative to the support base. The support base is provided with an installation channel extending along a first direction. The movable member is movably provided in the installation channel along the first direction. The straight line of the first direction intersects the hinge axis of the first support member and the second support member to form an angle.

3. The flexible screen folding assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing part is an elastic body.

4. The flexible screen folding assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner wall of the installation channel is provided with a guide groove extending along the first direction, and the movable part is provided with a guide portion extending along the first direction, the guide portion being movably disposed in the guide groove along the first direction.

5. The flexible screen folding assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A transmission assembly is disposed between at least one of the first support member and the second support member and the movable member. A portion of the transmission assembly is connected to at least one of the first support member and the second support member and moves synchronously with the corresponding first support member or the second support member. Another portion of the transmission assembly is connected to the movable member to drive the movable member.

6. The flexible screen folding assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes: A connecting shaft is fixedly connected to the first support member or the second support member, and the first support member or the second support member is rotatable about the axis of the connecting shaft; A first transmission part is disposed on the connecting shaft, and the first transmission part moves synchronously with the connecting shaft. A second transmission part is disposed on the movable member, and the second transmission part cooperates with the first transmission part to drive the movable member by the first transmission part.

7. The flexible screen folding assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first transmission part is formed as a gear rotatable about the axis of the connecting shaft, and the second transmission part is formed as a rack extending along the first direction. The gear meshes with the rack to drive the movable part to move along the first direction.

8. The flexible screen folding assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connecting shaft is connected to the first support member, and the first end of the connecting shaft is provided with the first transmission part, and the second transmission part is provided on the side of the movable member near the connecting shaft.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, Includes the flexible screen folding assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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