Electronic device and screen stretching mechanism thereof

Abstract

The application relates to an electronic device and a screen stretching mechanism thereof, the screen stretching mechanism comprising a first supporting piece, a second supporting piece, a first elastic piece and a second elastic piece, the first supporting piece being provided with a circulation groove, the circulation groove being formed with a first limiting part and a second limiting part, the first elastic piece being connected with the second supporting piece, the first elastic piece having a locking end, the locking end being capable of moving to the first limiting part and the second limiting part along the circulation groove when the first supporting piece and the second supporting piece move relatively, and the second elastic piece being used for driving the first supporting piece and the second supporting piece to move in a direction away from each other. The electronic device and the screen stretching mechanism thereof can limit the first supporting piece and the second supporting piece by the locking end in the first limiting part and the second limiting part, so that the state of the flexible screen is stably kept to provide a good display effect, and the second elastic piece can save power consumption in the process of stretching the flexible screen, so that the endurance performance of the electronic device is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic equipment technology, and in particular to electronic equipment and its screen extension mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In today's intelligent information age, users are using electronic devices more and more frequently, and the usage scenarios are becoming increasingly diverse. Currently, most portable smart mobile terminals have screen sizes of less than 7 inches. Compared with tablets and laptops, the screen display area is limited, thus restricting the user's operating experience.

[0003] The emergence of flexible screens has effectively solved this problem. By bending or rolling the flexible screen, a large screen can be housed within a small body, making it easy for users to carry. At the same time, the small screen can be used as a normal phone, while when switching to the large screen, users can simultaneously read news and chat on social media, and it can also enhance the user's gaming experience, greatly enriching the user's usage scenarios.

[0004] However, current flexible screen structures typically require a large amount of electrical energy to achieve the stretching and contraction of the flexible screen, resulting in poor battery life for electronic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an electronic device and its screen extension mechanism to solve the technical problem of how to improve battery life while meeting the extension movement requirements of a flexible screen.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a screen extension mechanism, including:

[0007] The first support member is provided with a circulation groove, the circulation groove having a first limiting part and a second limiting part.

[0008] The second support member is movable relative to the first support member;

[0009] A first elastic member is connected to the second support member. The first elastic member has a locking end. When the first support member and the second support member move relative to each other, the locking end can move along the circulation groove to a first limiting part and a second limiting part. When the locking end is located at the first limiting part or the second limiting part, the first elastic member restricts the first support member and the second support member from moving away from each other.

[0010] The second elastic element is used to drive the first support and the second support to move in a direction away from each other.

[0011] On the other hand, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, including a housing assembly, a flexible screen, and a screen extension mechanism as described above. The screen extension mechanism is disposed within the housing assembly and is used to drive the flexible screen to extend.

[0012] In this embodiment, the screen extension mechanism includes a first support member and a second support member. The first and second support members can be operated to move relative to each other in a first direction so that the locking end of the first elastic member is located at the first or second limiting part. Thus, after the flexible screen is extended using the first and second support members, the state of the flexible screen can be stably maintained to provide a good display effect. Furthermore, since the second elastic member can always provide an elastic force to drive the first and second support members to move away from each other during the relative movement of the first and second support members, the power consumption during the flexible screen extension process can be saved, thereby improving the battery life of the electronic device including the screen extension mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the retracted state of the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0015] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the extended state of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a partial structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 4 An exploded view of the screen extension mechanism of the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of part A of the screen extension mechanism is shown;

[0019] Figure 6 A structural diagram of the second support member in the screen extension mechanism of an electronic device according to one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of part B of the second support member of the screen extension mechanism is shown.

[0021] Figure 8 for Figure 4 A top view schematic diagram of the screen extension mechanism is shown;

[0022] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the C-section structure of the screen extension mechanism is shown;

[0023] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of the corresponding circulation groove portion of the first support member in a screen extension mechanism according to one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram from another perspective of the corresponding circulation groove portion of the first support member in a screen extension mechanism according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the locking end of the first elastic member in the positioning groove during the relative movement of the first support member and the second support member of the screen extension mechanism in one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the locking end of the first elastic member in the return groove during the relative movement of the first support member and the second support member of the screen extension mechanism in one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the locking end of the first elastic member being located at the first limiting portion during the relative movement of the first support member and the second support member of the screen extension mechanism in one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the locking end of the first elastic member located in the second section of the blind groove during the relative movement of the first support member and the second support member of the screen extension mechanism in one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the locking end of the first elastic member moving from the blind groove to the positioning groove during the relative movement of the first support member and the second support member of the screen extension mechanism in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings. However, this application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this application.

[0031] As used herein, "electronic device" refers to, but is not limited to, a device capable of receiving and / or transmitting communication signals connected via any one or more of the following connection methods:

[0032] (1) Via wired connection, such as via Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), digital cable, or direct cable connection;

[0033] (2) Via wireless interface, such as cellular network, wireless local area network (WLAN), digital television network such as DVB-H network, satellite network, AM-FM broadcast transmitter.

[0034] An electronic device configured to communicate via a wireless interface can be referred to as a "mobile terminal". Examples of mobile terminals include, but are not limited to, the following electronic devices:

[0035] (1) Satellite phone or cellular phone;

[0036] (2) A Personal Communications System (PCS) terminal that can combine cellular radio telephone with data processing, fax and data communication capabilities;

[0037] (3) Radio telephone, pager, Internet / intranet access, web browser, notepad, calendar, personal digital assistant (PDA) equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver;

[0038] (4) Conventional above-knee and / or palm-sized receivers;

[0039] (5) Conventional knee-mounted and / or handheld wireless telephone transceivers, etc.

[0040] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electronic device 100 provided in this application embodiment can be a mobile phone or a tablet computer, and is not limited thereto.

[0041] The electronic device 100 includes a housing assembly 10 and a flexible screen 20. The housing assembly 10 forms a receiving cavity 10a, and the flexible screen 20 is connected to the housing assembly 10. The electronic device 100 may also include a circuit board (not shown) and a battery (not shown), both of which can be disposed within the receiving cavity 10a of the housing assembly 10. The circuit board may integrate the processor, power management module, storage unit, and baseband chip of the electronic device 100. The flexible screen 20 is communicatively connected to the processor, and the battery can power the flexible screen 20 and the electronic components on the circuit board. Of course, the electronic device 100 may also include a camera module (not shown), which is communicatively connected to the circuit board, and the battery can power the camera module. It is understood that the electronic device 100 of the embodiments of this application includes, but is not limited to, terminal devices such as mobile phones and tablet computers, or other portable electronic devices 100. In the embodiments of this application, a mobile phone is used as an example for description.

[0042] The shell assembly 10 includes a first shell 12 and a second shell 14, which are movable relative to each other in a first direction. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second shell 14 and the first shell 12 are slidably connected. In other words, the second shell 14 is slidable relative to the first shell 12. For example, one of the first shell 12 and the second shell 14 may be provided with a slide rail 30, and the other may slide along the slide rail 30, so that the first shell 12 and the second shell 14 can extend and retract relative to each other.

[0043] The flexible screen 20 is connected to the first housing 12 and the second housing 14. As the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 move relative to each other, a portion of the structure of the flexible screen 20 extends from or retracts into the housing assembly 10, thereby adjusting the unfolded length of the flexible screen 20.

[0044] Furthermore, the second housing 14 can slide relative to the first housing 12 along a first direction to a folded position and an unfolded position. For example... Figure 1 As shown, when the second housing 14 is in the folded position, the electronic device 100 has a relatively small size, making it easy to carry. For example... Figure 2 As shown, when the second housing 14 is in the unfolded position, the electronic device 100 can obtain a relatively large display area, thereby achieving a large-screen display visual experience and improving the user experience of the electronic device 100. Therefore, with this arrangement, the display area of ​​the flexible screen 20 (hereinafter referred to as the display interface 20a) can be adjusted by the relative sliding extension and retraction of the first housing 12 and the second housing 14.

[0045] It should be noted that the flexible screen 20, as a structural component of the electronic device 100 used for display or touch, has a display area. This display area refers to the area corresponding to the flexible screen 20 when it displays the maximum image. In other words, during the relative sliding and extending process of the first housing 12 and the second housing 14, when the second housing 14 is in the extended position (i.e., when the display interface 20a is at its maximum), the display interface 20a is the same as the display area. Because a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible screen 20 is contained internally and not exposed during the relative sliding and extending process of the first housing 12 and the second housing 14, this portion does not display an image. The display interface 20a refers to the portion of the display area exposed outside the first housing 12 and the second housing 14. Subsequently, when the display interface 20a is lit or displays an image, the content displayed on the display interface 20a can be observed from outside the electronic device 100.

[0046] It is understood that in the embodiments described below, the terms "folded position," "expanded position," and similar expressions refer to the relative positions of the second housing 14 and the first housing 12. For the sake of simplicity, expressions such as "the second housing 14 is in the folded position" or "in the folded position" mean that the second housing 14 is in the folded position relative to the first housing 12, and expressions such as "the second housing 14 is in the unfolded position" or "in the unfolded position" mean that the second housing 14 is in the unfolded position relative to the first housing 12.

[0047] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the flexible screen 20 may include a fixed end 202 and a free end 204 disposed opposite to each other. The fixed end 202 is disposed on the first housing 12 and is fixed relative to the position of the first housing 12. When the second housing 14 is in the folded position, the free end 204 of the flexible screen 20 is accommodated within the housing assembly 10, so that a portion of the structure of the flexible screen 20 is hidden within the housing assembly 10, and the portion of the flexible screen 20 hidden within the housing assembly 10 is not used for display. In other words, movement of the first housing 12 relative to the second housing 14 can cause at least a portion of the free end 204 to unfold in the second housing 14, or cause the free end 204 unfolded in the second housing 14 to retract into the housing assembly 10.

[0048] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the relatively fixed position of the two objects means that the two objects cannot move relative to each other under normal circumstances. The two objects with relatively fixed positions can be physically directly connected, or they can be indirectly connected through an intermediate structure. Taking the fixed end 202 and the first housing 12 as an example, the relatively fixed position of the fixed end 202 and the first housing 12 can be achieved by the fixed end 202 being in direct contact with the first housing 12, for example, by using threaded fasteners or clamps to achieve direct fixation of the fixed end 202 and the first housing 12. Alternatively, the fixed end 202 can be indirectly fixed to the first housing 12 through structures such as an adhesive layer or an intermediate connecting plate.

[0049] It is understandable that the fixed end 202 and the free end 204 can be distinguished in the following manner, as shown in the reference. Figure 1 As shown, when the second housing 14 is in the folded position relative to the first housing 12, the portion of the flexible screen 20 exposed outside the housing assembly 10 is the fixed end 202 of the flexible screen 20, and the portion of the flexible screen 20 housed inside the housing assembly 10 can be considered the free end 204. In some embodiments, when the second housing 14 is in the folded position, the fixed end 202 exposed outside the housing assembly 10 is generally rectangular, and its size can be 4.5 inches to 7 inches, which is comparable to the size of a typical smartphone display, so that the electronic device 100 is easy to carry and use.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, a screen extension mechanism 40 is provided within the space enclosed by the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 (i.e., the receiving cavity 10a of the housing assembly 10). The screen extension mechanism 40 is used to realize the extension movement of the flexible screen 20. In some embodiments, the screen extension mechanism 40 can further tension the part of the flexible screen 20 that is exposed on the housing assembly 10 to ensure the texture of the displayed image on the display interface 20a of the flexible screen 20.

[0051] The screen extension mechanism 40 includes a first support member 41, a second support member 42, and a traction member 43. The first support member 41 is fixed relative to the first housing 12, and the second support member 42 is fixed relative to the second housing 14. The first support member 41 can be integrally molded to the first housing 12 by injection molding, or it can be fixed relative to the first housing 12 by means of snap-fit ​​connection or glue connection. Correspondingly, the connection method between the second support member 42 and the second housing 14 can also be integral molding, glue connection, or snap-fit ​​connection. The connection structure between the first housing 12 and the first support member 41, and the connection structure between the second housing 14 and the second support member 42, will not be described in detail here.

[0052] The fixed end 202 covers the first support member 41, and the free end 204 surrounds the second support member 42 and is movably located between the second support member 42 and the second housing 14. The traction member 43 is disposed inside the housing assembly 10 and is used to traction the free end 204, so that during the relative movement of the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 in the first direction, the portion of the flexible screen 20 exhibiting the housing assembly 10 remains in an extended state.

[0053] In some implementations, combined Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the traction member 43 has a first end 43a and a second end 43b. The first end 43a is connected to the first support member 41, and the second end 43b is connected to the free end 204 of the flexible screen 20. When the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 move relative to each other, the flexible screen 20 extends from or retracts into the housing assembly 10. Because the free end 204 of the flexible screen 20 is pulled by the traction member 43, the portion of the corresponding display interface 20a of the flexible screen 20 (i.e., the portion exposed to the housing assembly 10) flattens out to obtain a flat display image.

[0054] Furthermore, combined Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the second support member 42 is provided with a limiting groove 42a. The bottom wall 42b of the limiting groove 42a is smooth. The traction member 43 wraps around the bottom wall 42b of the limiting groove 42a. Thus, during the extension and retraction movement of the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 with the shell assembly 10, the traction member 43 pulls the flexible screen 20 and smoothly slides into contact with the bottom wall 42b of the limiting groove 42a. Under the limitation of the side wall of the limiting groove 42a, the traction member 43 is not easy to deviate from the second support member 42, so that the traction member 43 can stably tension the flexible screen 20.

[0055] The first end 43a of the traction member 43 can be integrally formed or welded to the first support member 41. After the traction member 43 passes around the bottom wall 42b of the limiting groove 42a, the second end 43b of the traction member 43 is located on the side of the second support member 42 facing away from the display interface 20a, so that after the free end 204 of the flexible screen 20 passes around the end of the second support member 42 away from the limiting groove 42a and extends into the shell assembly 10, the free end 204 can be easily connected to the second end 43b of the traction member 43. The connection between the free end 204 of the flexible screen 20 and the traction member 43 can be by adhesive bonding or by locking components such as screws and snap rings.

[0056] In some embodiments, a roller can be provided at the limiting groove 42a, and the traction member 43 can be wrapped around the roller. In this way, the traction member 43 and the roller have rolling friction, so that the frictional resistance from the traction member 43 is small during the relative movement of the first support member 41 and the second support member 42, which helps to improve the smoothness of the extension and retraction movement of the flexible screen 20.

[0057] The traction member 43 has a smooth surface to further reduce the friction between the traction member 43 and the second support member 42. Specifically, during the unfolding of the flexible screen 20 from the second housing 14, the traction member 43 contacts the bottom wall 42b of the limiting groove 42a or the roller through its smooth surface.

[0058] The traction element 43 can be made of flexible wire to provide appropriate tension to the flexible screen 20.

[0059] It should be noted that, since the first housing 12 and the first support member 41 are relatively fixed, and the second housing 14 and the second support member 42 are relatively fixed, the traction member 43 disposed between the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 may not be directly connected to the first support member 41. For example, the traction member 43 may be fixed to the first housing 12. Specifically, the first end 43a of the traction member 43 may be integrally formed or welded to the first housing 12, which is not limited here.

[0060] The number of traction components 43 can be one, two, or more, for example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the first support member 41 is provided with two traction members 43, so that the two traction members 43 can be used to synchronously pull different positions of the flexible screen 20 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, thereby improving the overall flatness of the flexible screen 20.

[0061] Combination Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the first support member 41 is provided with a circulation groove 44, and the screen extension mechanism 40 also includes a first elastic member 45 and a second elastic member 46. The first elastic member 45 has a locking end 45a, which is movablely engaged with the circulation groove 44. The first elastic member 45 is connected to the second support member 42. As the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 move relative to each other in a first direction, the locking end 45a of the first elastic member 45 moves along the circulation groove 44. It should be noted that during the process of the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 driving the flexible screen 20 to unfold and retract, the locking end 45a of the first elastic member 45 can move cyclically along the circulation groove 44. Specifically, within one complete extension cycle of the flexible screen 20, the locking end 45a moves one cycle along the circulation groove 44. When the flexible screen 20 performs the next extension cycle, the locking end 45a moves along the same path along the circulation groove 44. Here, one complete extension cycle of the flexible screen 20 refers to the flexible screen 20 switching from one state to another and then returning to the original state. For example, the flexible screen 20 switches from an extended state to a retracted state, and then back to an extended state. Or, for another example, the flexible screen 20 switches from a retracted state to an extended state, and then back to a retracted state.

[0062] The extended state of the flexible screen 20 corresponds to the second housing 14 being in the unfolded position; that is, when the second housing 14 is in the unfolded position, the flexible screen 20 is in the extended state. The contracted state of the flexible screen 20 corresponds to the second housing 14 being in the folded position; that is, when the second housing 14 is in the folded position, the flexible screen 20 is in the contracted state.

[0063] The elastic force provided by the second elastic member 46 causes the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 to tend to move away from each other. Specifically, when the locking end 45a does not limit the first support member 41 and the second support member 42, the second elastic member 46 can drive the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 to move away from each other.

[0064] In some implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first support member 41 is provided with a mounting chamber 41a, and the second elastic member 46 is a compression spring, which is disposed in the mounting chamber 41a and contacts the second support member 42, so that the second support member 42 has a tendency to move away from the first support member 41. Combined with... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the second support member 42 is provided with a guide rod 421, and the second elastic member 46 is sleeved on the guide rod 421. The guide rod 421 can improve the movement stability of the second elastic member 46.

[0065] Combination Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the relative movement of the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 can be regarded as a stretching movement between them along the first direction. That is, the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 alternately move towards each other (moving towards each other) and away from each other (moving away from each other). During this process, the first elastic member 45 moves with the second support member 42 relative to the first support member 41, so that the locking end 45a moves cyclically in the circulation groove 44. Therefore, it is possible to set a limiting part in the circulation groove 44 corresponding to the extended and retracted states of the flexible screen 20. By limiting the locking end 45a with the limiting part, the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 remain relatively stationary, so that the size of the display interface 20a of the flexible screen 20 remains unchanged. In this way, the display screen of the display interface 20a will not shrink or enlarge arbitrarily, thereby enhancing the stability of the display screen. When it is necessary to change the size of the display interface 20a, the locking end 45a moves away from the limiting part to release the limiting of the first support member 41 and the second support member 42. The first support member 41 and the second support member 42 can then adjust the size of the display interface 20a through relative movement.

[0066] Specifically, in this embodiment, corresponding to the extended and retracted states of the flexible screen 20, the circulation groove 44 is formed with a first limiting portion 4401 and a second limiting portion 4402. During the relative movement of the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 along the first direction, when the locking end 45a moves to the first limiting portion 4401 and the second limiting portion 4402, the first elastic member 45 restricts the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 from moving away from each other. At this time, the first housing 12 and the second housing 14, which are fixed relative to the first support member 41 and the second support member 42, also cannot move away from each other, thereby maintaining the unchanged size of the display interface 20a of the flexible screen 20 in the first direction.

[0067] It should be noted that when the locking end 45a is located at the first limiting part 4401 and the second limiting part 4402, the first limiting part 4401 and the second limiting part 4402 of the circulation groove 44 only have a one-way locking effect on the locking end 45a. To be precise, although the locking end 45a can restrict the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 from moving away from each other in the first limiting part 4401 and the second limiting part 4402, it allows the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 to move towards each other in the first-to-last direction. This allows the second support member 42 to drive the first elastic member 45 to move relative to the first support member 41. The locking end 45a of the first elastic member 45 leaves the first limiting part 4401 or the second limiting part 4402 to release the restriction on the movement of the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 away from each other. In this way, the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 regain the freedom to move relative to each other in the first direction, so as to meet the need to adjust the size of the display interface 20a of the flexible screen 20 in the first direction.

[0068] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the locking end 45a is located at the first limiting portion 4401, the locking end 45a restricts the movement of the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 in a direction away from each other, maintaining the flexible screen 20 in an extended state. At this time, by driving the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 to move in a direction closer to each other, the locking end 45a can be moved away from the first limiting portion 4401 and eventually move to the second limiting portion 4402. When the locking end 45a is at the second limiting portion 4402, the locking end 45a restricts the movement of the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 in a direction away from each other, maintaining the flexible screen 20 in a contracted state.

[0069] When the locking end 45a is located at the second limiting part 4402, if it is necessary to restore the movement of the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 away from each other, the locking end 45a must be released from the second limiting part 4402 to limit the first support member 41. In this embodiment, the locking end 45a can be moved away from the second limiting part 4402 and switched to the groove segment of the circulation groove 44 that can move to the first limiting part 4401 by driving the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 to continue moving towards each other.

[0070] Specifically, in combination Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the circulation groove 44 includes a blind groove 441, a positioning groove 442, and a return groove 443 that are interconnected. The connection position between the return groove 443 and the blind groove 441 is located between the first limiting part 4401 and the second limiting part 4402. When the locking end 45a is removed from the second limiting part 4402, the locking end 45a moves to the return groove 443 under the action of the elastic restoring force of the first elastic member 45. At this time, the locking end 45a will no longer be limited by the second limiting part 4402. Then, the second elastic member 46 can drive the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 to move in a direction away from each other, so that the locking end 45a moves along the return groove 443 to the blind groove 441 until the locking end 45a is located at the first limiting part 4401. The flexible screen 20 will remain in the extended state, providing a large-format display effect.

[0071] Furthermore, the blind groove 441 has a blind end and a sliding end. A first limiting part 4401 is formed at the blind end of the blind groove 441. That is, when the locking end 45a is located at the blind end of the blind groove 441, the locking end 45a can only move along the blind groove 441 toward the sliding end. The sliding end is connected to the positioning groove 442, so that after the locking end 45a slides out of the blind groove 441, it enters the positioning groove 442. At the connection between the positioning groove 442 and the blind groove 441, the depth of the positioning groove 442 is greater than that of the blind groove 441, so that the groove wall 44a of the corresponding sliding end of the positioning groove 442 can play a limiting role, preventing the locking end 45a from entering the blind groove 441 from the positioning groove 442 through the sliding end. In this way, the locking end 45a can only enter the positioning groove 442 from the blind groove 441 through the sliding end. After the locking end 45a enters the positioning groove 442, it can move along the groove wall of the sliding end to the second limiting part 4402.

[0072] The side wall 44b of the positioning groove 442, which is closer to the blind end of the blind groove 441, forms a second limiting part 4402. Specifically, when the locking end 45a is located in the positioning groove 442, the locking end 45a moves toward the side where the blind end of the blind groove 441 is located. It will be limited by the second limiting part 4402 and cannot leave the positioning groove 442, thus the locking end 45a is limited within the positioning groove 442. Only when the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 move toward each other, causing the first elastic member 45 to move relative to the first support member 41 under the drive of the second support member 42, will the locking end 45a move away from the second limiting part 4402. At this time, the locking end 45a moves to the return groove 443 under the action of the elastic restoring force of the first elastic member 45. Furthermore, the bottom wall of the positioning groove 442 and the bottom wall of the return groove 443 are smoothly connected by an inclined surface 44c, so that after the locking end 45a moves out of the second limiting part 4402, it can move smoothly along the inclined surface 44c to the return groove 443.

[0073] The side wall 44b of the positioning groove 442, which is closer to the blind end of the blind groove 441, smoothly transitions with the groove wall 44a. Since the side wall 44b defines the second limiting part 4402, and since the second elastic member 46 has a tendency to drive the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 to move away from each other, when the locking end 45a is located in the positioning groove 442, the locking end 45a slides more smoothly along the groove wall 44a to the second limiting part 4402.

[0074] At the connection between the return groove 443 and the blind groove 441, the depth of the blind groove 441 is greater than that of the return groove 443. Consequently, the side wall of the blind groove 441 forms a limiting wall 44d. This limiting wall 44d restricts the locking end 45a from moving from the blind groove 441 to the return groove 443. In this way, the locking end 45a can only enter the blind groove 441 from the return groove 443. In this embodiment, since the connection between the return groove 443 and the blind groove 441 is located between the first limiting part 4401 and the second limiting part 4402, when the locking end 45a moves along the blind groove 441 from the first limiting part 4401 to the second limiting part 4402, when the locking end 45a passes the connection between the return groove 443 and the blind groove 441, it will continue to move along the blind groove 441 under the restriction of the limiting wall 44d and will not enter the return groove 443 from the blind groove 441. Thus, during the relative extension and retraction movement of the first support member 41 and the second support member 42, the locking end 45a will move along the blind groove 441 from the first limiting part 4401 to the positioning groove 442 and be limited to the second limiting part 4402.

[0075] like Figure 10As shown, the blind slot 441 includes a first segment 441a, a second segment 441b, and a third segment 441c connected in sequence. A first limiting portion 4401 is formed in the first segment 441a, and a limiting wall 44d is formed at the end of the first segment 441a away from the first limiting portion 4401 and extends to the second segment 441b, so that when the locking end 45a moves from the end of the first segment 441a away from the first limiting portion 4401, it will move along the limiting portion to the second segment 441b and enter the third segment 441c from the second segment 441b. The end of the third segment 441c away from the second segment 441b is connected to the positioning groove 442, so that the locking end 45a can enter the positioning groove 442 along the third segment 441c. Since the groove wall 44a of the corresponding sliding end of the positioning groove 442 can play a limiting role, when the locking end 45a enters the positioning groove 442 through the third section 441c, the locking end 45a will enter the second limiting part 4402 under the guidance of the groove wall 44a. The groove wall 44b of the positioning groove 442 forming the second limiting part 4402 can be V-shaped, U-shaped, or other shapes, as long as it can form the second limiting part 4402 to limit the locking end 45a located therein, and the locking end 45a can move out of the second limiting part 4402 when the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 approach each other.

[0076] In some implementations, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first elastic element 45 is a torsion spring. The end 45b of the first elastic element 45 away from the locking end 45a is limited to the second support member 42. The elastic properties of the torsion spring itself are used to enable the locking end 45a to move from the positioning groove 442 to the return groove 443 when it moves out from the second limiting part 4402.

[0077] Furthermore, the second support member 42 has a mounting groove 433, and the first elastic member 45 is disposed in the mounting groove 433. Specifically, the bottom wall of the mounting groove 433 is connected to a positioning post 4221, the first elastic member 45 is sleeved on the positioning post 4221, and the end 45b of the first elastic member 45 away from the locking end 45a abuts against the side wall 422a of the mounting groove 433. In this way, when the locking end 45a moves along the circulation groove 44, if the locking end 45a is squeezed to one side, it can obtain a torque that can drive it to return to the other side. By reasonably configuring the relative position of the first elastic member 45 and the circulation groove 44, after the locking end 45a moves out of the second limiting part 4402, the locking end 45a can return to the side where the return groove 443 is located, and finally the locking end 45a moves from the positioning groove 442 to the return groove 443.

[0078] The following will combine Figures 12 to 16 The working principle of the screen extension mechanism 40 is further explained by the movement of the locking end 45a in the circulation groove 44.

[0079] like Figure 12 As shown, before the locking end 45a moves out of the second limiting part 4402, the locking end 45a is subjected to a pulling force toward the side where the first limiting part 4401 is located, thereby limiting the locking end 45a to the second limiting part 4402. When the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 approach each other, the second support member 42 drives the first elastic member 45 to overcome the aforementioned pulling force. Figure 13 As shown, at this time, the first elastic member 45 moves away from the first limiting part 4401, and the locking end 45a leaves the second limiting part 4402 and moves from the positioning groove 442 to the return groove 443 under the elastic restoring force of the first elastic member 45 itself. Combined with Figure 14 As shown, the locking end 45a located in the return groove 443 can move along the return groove 443 to the first limiting part 4401. Specifically, since the locking end 45a located in the return groove 443 is no longer constrained by the second limiting part 4402, the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 can move in a direction away from each other, so that the unfolded size of the flexible screen 20 in the first direction increases. Until the flexible screen 20 is in the extended state, the locking end 45a is located at the first limiting part 4401 and restricts the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 from continuing to move in a direction away from each other.

[0080] When it is necessary to reduce the display size of the flexible screen 20 in the first direction, it is only necessary to move the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 toward each other. Specifically, in combination with Figure 15 combine Figure 16 As shown, the locking end 45a moves along the blind groove 441 until it moves from the sliding end of the blind groove 441 to the positioning groove 442. This cycle repeats, and the locking end 45a can keep the flexible screen 20 in the extended state and the retracted state respectively at the first limiting part 4401 and the second limiting part 4402, so that the display interface 20a of the flexible screen 20 provides a stable display effect during use.

[0081] During the above operation, the flexible screen 20 can be extended and retracted by the cooperation of the first elastic element 45 and the circulation groove 44, thereby reducing the power consumption of the electric components provided for this purpose and improving the battery life of the electronic device.

[0082] It should be noted that when the flexible screen 20 is in the retracted state, the power source for moving the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 toward each other to move the locking end 45a out of the second limiting part 4402 can be manual operation by the user or electric operation by an electric component provided in the shell assembly 10.

[0083] For example, in manual mode, the user simply needs to hold the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 and move them closer together. This brings the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 closer together. The second support member 42 then moves the first elastic member 45 relative to the first support member 41, causing the locking end 45a of the first elastic member 45 to disengage from the second limiting part 4402. After the locking end 45a disengages from the second limiting part 4402, it moves from the positioning groove 442 to the return groove 443 under the elastic force of the first elastic member 45 itself. At this point, the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 regain the freedom to move away from each other. Thus, the user can hold the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 and move them away from each other, enabling the flexible screen 20 to unfold. When it is necessary to fold the unfolded flexible screen, simply move the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 closer together.

[0084] For example, when an electric component is used for electric operation within the housing assembly 10, the electric component can be an electromagnet installed within the housing assembly 10. Specifically, one of the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 is equipped with an electromagnet, and the other is equipped with a magnetic attractor corresponding to the electromagnet. This magnetic attractor can be integrally formed onto the corresponding structure, or it can be connected to the corresponding structure by glue or screws. When no current is applied to the electromagnet, it does not generate a magnetic field and therefore does not generate a magnetic attraction with the magnetic attractor. When current is applied to the electromagnet, it generates a magnetic field to attract the magnetic attractor. Thus, when the flexible screen 20 is in a retracted state, i.e., when the locking end 45a is located at the second limiting part 4402, by controlling the electromagnet to be energized, the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 can be brought closer together, and the locking end 45a can be moved away from the second limiting part 4402. After the locking end 45a moves away from the second limiting part 4402, there is no need to continuously energize the electromagnet, allowing the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 to move away from each other to unfold the flexible screen 20. Since the electromagnet only needs to be energized during the process of the locking end 45a moving away from the second limiting part 4402, this screen extension mechanism 40 can effectively reduce the use of electrical energy, thereby effectively extending the battery life of the electronic device while completing the extension and retraction movement of the flexible screen 20.

[0085] It should be noted that the electric component is not limited to an electromagnet. The electric component can also be a structure such as a telescopic cylinder or a motor, housed within the housing assembly 10. These structures are used to allow the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 to move closer together when the flexible screen 20 is in the retracted position, thereby releasing the locking end 45a from the second limiting part 4402. Taking a telescopic cylinder as an example, when the flexible screen 20 is in the retracted position, if it is necessary to unfold the flexible screen 20, the telescopic cylinder can be used to drive the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 closer together, so that the locking end 45a of the first elastic member 45 disengages from the second limiting part 4402.

[0086] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 can provide support for the unfolded portion of the flexible screen 20, or other structures such as linkages can be provided between the first support member 41 and the second support member 42 to support the unfolded flexible screen 20, which is not limited here.

[0087] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0088] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A screen extension mechanism, characterized in that, include: The first support member is provided with a circulation groove, the circulation groove having a first limiting part and a second limiting part. The second support member is movable relative to the first support member; A first elastic member is connected to the second support member. The first elastic member has a locking end. When the first support member and the second support member move relative to each other, the locking end can move along the circulation groove to a first limiting part and a second limiting part. When the locking end is located at the first limiting part or the second limiting part, the first elastic member restricts the first support member and the second support member from moving away from each other. The second elastic element is used to drive the first support and the second support to move in a direction away from each other. The first elastic element is a torsion spring, and the end of the first elastic element away from the locking end is limited to the second support member. The circulation groove includes a blind groove, a positioning groove and a return groove that are interconnected. The connection position between the return groove and the blind groove is located between the first limiting part and the second limiting part. The elastic force of the torsion spring enables the locking end to move from the positioning groove to the return groove when it moves out of the second limiting part.

2. The screen extension mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, At the connection between the return groove and the blind groove, the depth of the blind groove is greater than that of the return groove.

3. The screen extension mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, At the connection between the positioning groove and the blind groove, the depth of the positioning groove is greater than that of the blind groove.

4. The screen extension mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The blind groove has a blind end and a sliding end, the first limiting part is formed at the blind end, and the side wall of the positioning groove that is closer to the blind end forms a second limiting part, which smoothly transitions with the groove wall of the positioning groove corresponding to the sliding end.

5. The screen extension mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sidewall of the positioning groove that is closer to the blind end is V-shaped or U-shaped.

6. The screen extension mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second support member has an installation groove, the bottom wall of which is connected to a positioning post. The first elastic member is sleeved on the positioning post, and the end of the first elastic member away from the locking end abuts against the side wall of the installation groove.

7. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a shell assembly, a flexible screen, and a screen extension mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the screen extension mechanism is disposed within the shell assembly and is used to drive the flexible screen to extend.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The shell assembly includes a first shell and a second shell. The first support member is fixed relative to the first shell, and the second support member is fixed relative to the second shell. The flexible screen has a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end is fixed relative to the first support member, and the free end wraps around the second support member and is movably located between the second support member and the second shell.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The shell assembly is provided with a traction member, which is used to pull the free end so that during the relative movement of the first shell and the second shell along the first direction, the portion of the shell assembly displayed by the flexible screen remains in an expanded state.

10. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that, An electric component is provided inside the shell assembly. When the locking end is located at the second limiting part, the electric component is used to drive the first support member and the second support member to move closer to each other so that the locking end moves away from the second limiting part.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The electric component includes an electromagnet, which is disposed on one of the first support member and the second support member. The other of the first support member and the second support member is provided with a magnetic attracting member. When the locking end is located at the second limiting part, the electromagnet is energized to generate a magnetic field to attract the magnetic attracting member.

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