Foldable devices

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application provides a foldable device, in which a flexible screen is mounted on a first shell and a second shell on both sides of a main shaft assembly in a first direction, and at least one of the first shell and the second shell is rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly. Protective blocks are provided at both ends of the main shaft assembly in the second direction, and a screen-accommodating space is provided between the protective blocks at both ends of the main shaft assembly and the main shaft assembly, and a first area of ​​the flexible screen opposite to the main shaft assembly in the third direction is located within the screen-accommodating space. A driving mechanism is transmission-connected to the protective block, and the driving mechanism is used to drive the protective block to move in a direction away from the main shaft assembly along the third direction when the foldable device is switched from a flattened state to a folded state, and to drive the protective block to move in a direction close to the main shaft assembly along the third direction when the foldable device is switched from a folded state to a flattened state. In this way, when the foldable device is in a flattened state, foreign objects are not easily introduced between the protective block and the flexible screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of electronic devices, and in particular to a foldable device. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of technology in electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets, electronic devices are becoming increasingly versatile. Larger display screens offer a better user experience for certain features. However, larger display screens can also increase the overall size of the device, making it inconvenient to carry. To make electronic devices with larger display screens more portable, some electronic devices utilize flexible screens, making them foldable.

[0003] Some related foldable devices include a flexible screen, a spindle assembly, and two housings, one on each side of the spindle assembly. The two housings are rotatably connected to the spindle assembly, and the flexible screen is mounted on the two housings. Driven by the two housings, the flexible screen can be folded and flattened, allowing the foldable device to switch between a folded state and a flattened state. To protect the sides of the folded portion of the flexible screen, the foldable device also includes a protective block at the end of the spindle assembly. The protective block is tightly connected to the spindle assembly, and the two are spaced apart. The portion of the flexible screen corresponding to the spindle assembly is located between the protective block and the spindle assembly.

[0004] However, in the related art, the foldable device is provided with a protective block, and the gap between the flexible screen and the protective block is large. When the flexible screen is flattened, debris can easily enter between the protective block and the flexible screen, and the entering debris can easily affect the use of the foldable device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An embodiment of the present application provides a foldable device, which can solve the problem that when the foldable device is in a flat state, the gap between the protective block and the flexible screen is large, which makes it easy for foreign objects to enter between the protective block and the flexible screen.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a foldable device, comprising a first housing, a second housing, a flexible screen, a main shaft assembly, a protective block, and a drive mechanism. The first housing and the second housing are respectively mounted on either side of the main shaft assembly in a first direction, the flexible screen is mounted on the first housing and the second housing, and at least one of the first housing and the second housing is rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly so that the foldable device can switch between a flat state and a folded state. The main shaft assembly is provided with a protective block at both ends in the second direction, and a screen-accommodating space is defined between the protective blocks at both ends of the main shaft assembly and the main shaft assembly. The flexible screen includes a first region opposite the main shaft assembly in a third direction, and the first region is located within the screen-accommodating space. The drive mechanism is in transmission connection with the protective block, and is configured to drive the protective block to move in the third direction away from the main shaft assembly when the foldable device switches from the flat state to the folded state, so as to create a gap between the protective block and the flexible screen. When the foldable device switches from the folded state to the flat state, the drive mechanism drives the protective block to move in the third direction toward the main shaft assembly, so as to bring the protective block into close contact with the flexible screen. The second direction is parallel to the axis of the main shaft assembly, the first direction and the third direction are both perpendicular to the second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

[0007] In the foldable device of the embodiment of the present application, when the foldable device switches from a flat state to a folded state, the protective block moves in a direction away from the main shaft assembly, and the risk of contact between the protective block and the flexible screen is small. When the foldable device switches from a flat state to a folded state, the flexible screen is not easily damaged. When the foldable device is in the flat state, the protective block is close to the flexible screen, which can reduce or eliminate the gap between the protective block and the flexible screen when the foldable device is in the flat state. When the foldable device is in the flat state, foreign objects are not easy to enter between the protective block and the flexible screen, which can reduce the risk of the foldable device opening and closing being stuck and the flexible screen being damaged by foreign objects between the protective block and the flexible screen. In addition, when the foldable device is in the flat state, the protective block is close to the flexible screen, which can also make the appearance of the foldable device more beautiful. In addition, when the foldable device is in the flat state, the degree to which the protective block protrudes from the flexible screen is reduced, which can also reduce the risk of the protruding protective block pulling, hanging, or touching other objects.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, the foldable device further includes a transmission rod, the drive mechanism being in transmission connection with the transmission rod, and the transmission rod being in transmission connection with the protective block, thereby providing a transmission connection between the drive mechanism and the protective block. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the transmission rod to move in a third direction, thereby driving the protective block to move along the third direction.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, the transmission rod is a round rod. A slot corresponding to the transmission rod is defined on a side of the protection block facing the spindle assembly. The slots are spaced at both ends in the first direction. One end of the transmission rod extends into the corresponding slot, and the transmission rod and the slot are slidably engaged. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the transmission rod to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the second direction, so that the transmission rod slides along the corresponding slot and drives the protection block to move in the third direction.

[0010] In a possible embodiment, the foldable device also includes a lifting block, which is fastened to the protective block, and a transmission rod is transmission-connected to the lifting block so that the transmission rod is transmission-connected to the protective block, and the transmission rod is used to drive the protective block to move through the lifting block.

[0011] In a possible implementation, a thickness of a portion of the protection block used for connecting with the lifting block in the second direction is smaller than a thickness of the lifting block in the second direction.

[0012] In one possible embodiment, the transmission rod is a round rod. A slot corresponding to the transmission rod is defined on the side of the lifting block facing the spindle assembly. The two ends of the slot are spaced apart in the first direction. One end of the transmission rod extends into the corresponding slot, and the transmission rod and the corresponding slot are slidably engaged. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the transmission rod to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the second direction, so that the transmission rod slides along the corresponding slot, thereby driving the lifting block and the protective block to move in the third direction.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the foldable device includes two transmission rods spaced apart in a first direction.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, the foldable device includes two transmission rods spaced apart in a first direction, and two chute slots corresponding to the two transmission rods spaced apart in the first direction. In the two chute slots corresponding to the two transmission rods, one end of each chute facing away from the other chute is open.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, at least one of the first shell and the second shell is rotatably connected to the spindle assembly through a driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is used to drive the protection block to move along the third direction when at least one of the first shell and the second shell rotates relative to the spindle assembly through the driving mechanism.

[0016] In one possible embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a rotating arm and a rotating shaft corresponding to the rotating arm. The axis of the rotating shaft is parallel to the second direction. The rotating arm is drivingly connected to the corresponding rotating shaft, which is rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly. At least one of the first and second housings is drivingly connected to the corresponding rotating arm, so that at least one of the first and second housings is rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly via the corresponding rotating arm and the corresponding rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is drivingly connected to the protective block, and is used to drive the protective block to move in the third direction.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, the rotating shaft is transmission-connected to a corresponding transmission rod, and the rotating shaft is transmission-connected to the protection block via the corresponding transmission rod. The rotating shaft is used to drive the corresponding transmission rod to move in the third direction, thereby driving the protection block to move along the third direction.

[0018] In a possible embodiment, the transmission rod is rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly through a corresponding rotating shaft. The transmission rod rotates around the corresponding rotating shaft under the drive of the corresponding rotating shaft to drive the protection block to move along the third direction.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the axis of the transmission rod is parallel to the second direction, and the transmission rod is not coaxial with the corresponding rotating shaft. The transmission rod is transmission-connected to the corresponding rotating shaft via a corresponding connecting rod.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner, the corresponding connecting rods, transmission rods and rotating shafts are an integrated structure.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, the drive mechanism includes two rotating arms corresponding to the first housing and the second housing, respectively. The first housing and the second housing are respectively connected to the corresponding rotating arms in a transmission manner, so that the first housing and the second housing are respectively connected to the main shaft assembly through the corresponding rotating arms and the corresponding rotating shaft.

[0022] In one possible embodiment, the protective block includes an end plate portion and a protrusion portion, the protrusion portion being securely connected to the end plate portion, and the drive mechanism being in transmission connection with the end plate portion. The protrusion portion is spaced apart from the spindle assembly in the third direction, and a space is defined between the protrusion portion and the end plate portion of the protective block at both ends of the spindle assembly and the spindle assembly. The side edge of the first region in the second direction is at least partially located between the protrusion portion and the spindle assembly.

[0023] In a possible implementation manner, the end plate portion and the protruding block portion of the protection block are an integrated structure.

[0024] In one possible embodiment, the first shell includes a first end facing the main shaft assembly, the second shell includes a second end facing the main shaft assembly, the first end has a first notch on a side for installing the flexible screen, and the second end has a second notch on a side for installing the flexible screen, and the protective block is arranged in the space formed by the first notch and the second notch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application in a folded state;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a portion of another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state from a viewing angle in a second direction;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a portion of another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application in a folded state from another perspective;

[0029] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a portion of another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state from another viewing angle;

[0030] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-section perpendicular to a second direction of another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application when in a folded state;

[0031] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, a flexible screen, and a protective block from a viewing angle in a second direction when another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application is in a flattened state;

[0032] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, a flexible screen, and a protective block from a viewing angle in a second direction when another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application is in a folded state;

[0033] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, a flexible screen, and a protective block from a viewing angle in a first direction when another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application is in a flattened state;

[0034] Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, a flexible screen, and a protective block from a viewing angle in a first direction when another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application is in a folded state;

[0035] Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, a flexible screen, and a protective block from another perspective when another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application is in a flattened state;

[0036] Figure 12 A schematic diagram illustrating the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, and a protective block from another perspective when another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application is in a flattened state;

[0037] Figure 13 A schematic diagram illustrating the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, a flexible screen, and a protective block from another perspective when another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application is in a folded state;

[0038] Figure 14 A schematic diagram illustrating the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, and a protective block from another perspective when a foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application is in a folded state;

[0039] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, and a protective block from a perspective in a third direction when another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application is in a flattened state;

[0040] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of a portion of another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application, in a flattened state and without a protective block installed, from another viewing angle;

[0041] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of a portion of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in a flattened state from another viewing angle.

[0042] Description of reference numerals:

[0043] 110, first housing; 111, first protective frame; 112, first end; 113, first notch; 114, second notch; 120, second housing; 121, second protective frame; 122, second end;

[0044] 200, spindle assembly;

[0045] 300, protective block; 310, protrusion portion; 320, end plate portion;

[0046] 400, flexible screen; 410, first area; 420, second area; 430, third area; 440, fourth area; 450, fifth area;

[0047] 500, driving mechanism; 510, rotating arm; 511, first rotating arm; 512, second rotating arm; 520, rotating shaft; 521, first rotating shaft; 522, second rotating shaft;

[0048] 600, lifting block;

[0049] 710, slide; 711, first slide; 712, second slide; 720, transmission rod; 721, first transmission rod; 722, second transmission rod; 730, connecting rod; 731, first connecting rod; 732, second connecting rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The terms used in the implementation section of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The implementation of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Embodiments of the present application provide a foldable device that can change its form by folding and unfolding to meet the needs of users in different scenarios. For example, when carrying, it can be folded to reduce the size of the foldable device; when in use, it can be unfolded to increase the size of the screen used for display or operation. It is understood that a foldable device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal.

[0052] The foldable device provided in the embodiment of the present application may include, but is not limited to, a tablet computer (portable android device, PAD), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, and other mobile terminals or fixed terminals. The embodiment of the present application is described by taking a handheld device with wireless communication function as an example, and the handheld device with wireless communication function can be a mobile phone.

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a foldable device in a folded state provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a first shell 110, a second shell 120 and a main shaft assembly 200. The first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are respectively installed on both sides of the main shaft assembly 200 in a first direction. At least one of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 is rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly 200 so that the foldable device can switch between a flattened state and a folded state.

[0055] It should be noted that the first direction is perpendicular to the axis of the spindle assembly 200, and the second direction is parallel to the axis of the spindle assembly 200. Components such as a processor, a battery, and a camera can be installed in the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

[0056] It is understood that at least one of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can rotate relative to the main shaft assembly 200. When the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 rotate relative to each other until they are stacked on each other, the foldable device is in a folded state. At this time, the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can be parallel to each other (a slight deviation is allowed). When the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 rotate relative to each other until the angle between them is approximately 180° (a slight deviation is allowed, such as 165°, 177° or 185°), the foldable device is in a flattened state. Of course, the foldable device also has an intermediate state in the process of switching between the folded state and the flattened state.

[0057] One of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly 200, and the other can be fixedly connected to the main shaft assembly 200; alternatively, both the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly 200.

[0058] In some examples, the first housing 110 is rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200, and the second housing 120 is fixedly connected to the spindle assembly 200. Specifically, the first housing 110 can be rotated by the rotating arm 510 (as described below). Figure 7 ) and the corresponding rotating shaft 520 (as shown below Figure 7 520) is rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200, and the first housing 110 itself can also be rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200 via the corresponding rotating shaft 520. When the first housing 110 is rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200 via the rotating mechanism and the corresponding rotating shaft 520, the first housing 110 can be fastened or slidably connected to the rotating mechanism, and the rotating mechanism is rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200 via the corresponding rotating shaft 520, so that the first housing 110 is rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200.

[0059] In some examples, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are both rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200 .

[0060] It can be understood that the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly 200 through corresponding rotating mechanisms such as the rotating arm 510 and the corresponding rotating shaft 520, and the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can also be rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly 200 through the corresponding rotating shaft 520.

[0061] When the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are both rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly 200 through corresponding rotating mechanisms and corresponding rotating shafts 520, the first shell 110 can be tightly connected to the corresponding rotating mechanism, the second shell 120 can be tightly connected to the corresponding rotating mechanism, and the corresponding rotating mechanisms of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are both rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly 200 through the corresponding rotating shafts 520; or, the first shell 110 can be slidingly connected to the corresponding rotating mechanism, the second shell 120 can be slidingly connected to the corresponding rotating mechanism, and the corresponding rotating mechanisms of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are both rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly 200 through the corresponding rotating shafts 520.

[0062] A synchronization mechanism may be provided between the corresponding rotation mechanisms of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 or between the corresponding rotation shafts 520, so that when either the first housing 110 or the second housing 120 rotates relative to the spindle assembly 200, the other rotates relative to the spindle assembly 200. The synchronization mechanism may be a structure such as a gear set that is transmission-connected to the corresponding rotation mechanisms of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 or the corresponding rotation shafts 520.

[0063] It should be noted that the foldable device may include a main shaft assembly 200 and a first shell 110 and a second shell 120 installed on both sides of the main shaft assembly 200. The first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can be rotated toward each other to be stacked and rotated away from each other to the same plane (a slight deviation is allowed). At this time, the foldable device can be folded into two layers.

[0064] The foldable device may also include two or more first shells 110 arranged in parallel, a second shell 120 is arranged between every two adjacent first shells 110, and each first shell 110 is rotatably connected to its adjacent second shell 120 via a main shaft assembly 200. In this case, the foldable device can be folded into three or more layers. For example, the foldable device includes two first shells 110 and a second shell 120, the second shell 120 is arranged between the two first shells 110, and the two sides of the second shell 120 are rotatably connected to a first shell 110 via a main shaft assembly 200. The two first shells can be rotated toward each other relative to the second shell 120 to stack, and the two first shells can also be rotated back to back relative to the second shell 120 to be coplanar with the second shell 120 (a slight deviation is allowed). In this case, the foldable device can be folded into three layers.

[0065] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a foldable device in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0066] The foldable device provided in the embodiment of the present application also includes a flexible screen 400 , which is mounted on the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 .

[0067] It is understandable that the flexible screen 400 can be used for image display, and can also be used as a virtual keyboard for inputting information. The function of the flexible screen 400 can be determined according to the specific application scenario.

[0068] The flexible screen 400 is installed on the surface of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 on the same side in the third direction. After the flexible screen 400 is installed on the first shell 110 and the second shell 120, the main shaft assembly 200 can be used to support the flexible screen 400.

[0069] It should be noted that the third direction is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction. For a foldable device such as a mobile phone or other handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, the first direction may be the length of the foldable device, the second direction may be the width of the foldable device, and the third direction may be the thickness of the foldable device.

[0070] The part of the flexible screen 400 corresponding to the first shell 110 can be installed on the first shell 110 by bonding, clamping, etc., and the part of the flexible screen 400 corresponding to the second shell 120 can be installed on the second shell 120 by bonding, clamping, etc.

[0071] Exemplarily, the flexible screen 400 can be an organic light emitting diode display, an active matrix organic light emitting diode or an active matrix organic light emitting diode display, a mini light emitting diode display, a micro light emitting diode display, a micro organic light emitting diode display, a quantum dot light emitting diode display, etc.

[0072] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a portion of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application, when in a flattened state, from a viewing angle in a second direction.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, and see Figure 2In the embodiment of the present application, the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 can be rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly 200 through corresponding rotation mechanisms. The flexible screen 400 may include a third area 430, a second area 420, a first area 410, a fourth area 440 and a fifth area 450 distributed along the first direction, wherein the third area 430 is opposite to the first shell 110 in the third direction, the third area 430 can be fastened to the first shell 110, the fifth area 450 is opposite to the second shell 120 in the third direction, the fifth area 450 can be fastened to the second shell 120, and the first area 410 is opposite to the main shaft assembly 200 in the third direction. Relative to the top, the main shaft assembly 200 is used to support the first area 410, and the two sides of the second area 420 are respectively connected to the first area 410 and the third area 430, and the rotation mechanism corresponding to the first shell 110 may include a first support plate for supporting the second area 420, and the first support plate can be rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly 200 and slidably connected to the first shell 110, and the two sides of the fourth area 440 are respectively connected to the first area 410 and the fifth area 450, and the rotation mechanism corresponding to the second shell 120 may include a second support plate for supporting the fourth area 440, and the second support plate can be rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly 200 and slidably connected to the second shell 120.

[0074] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a portion of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in a folded state from another perspective.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, and see Figure 3 It is understood that when the foldable device switches from the flat state to the folded state, the third region 430 and the fifth region 450 move with the first shell 110 and the second shell 120, respectively, causing the first region 410 to bend and the second region 420 and the fourth region 440 to bend at least partially. After the foldable device switches to the folded state, the projections of the second region 420, the first region 410, and the fourth region 440 in the second direction can be folded into a teardrop-like structure. After the foldable device switches to the flat state, the first region 410, the second region 420, the third region 430, the fourth region 440, and the fifth region 450 can be in the same plane (slight deviation is allowed).

[0076] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a portion of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in a flattened state from another viewing angle.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, and see Figure 2-Figure 4In the embodiment of the present application, a first protective frame 111 is further provided on the side of the first housing 110 for mounting the flexible screen 400, and at least a portion of the side edges of the third region 430 are located between the first protective frame 111 and the first housing 110. A second protective frame 121 is further provided on the side of the second housing 120 for mounting the flexible screen 400, and at least a portion of the side edges of the fifth region 450 are located between the second protective frame 121 and the second housing 120. In this way, the side edges of the third region 430 and the fifth region 450 are protected, reducing the risk of damage to the flexible screen 400.

[0078] It is understood that the first protective frame 111 covers at least a portion of the side edges of the third area 430, and the second protective frame 121 covers at least a portion of the side edges of the fifth area 450. The first protective frame 111 can be connected to the first housing 110 by bonding, snap-fit ​​connection, welding, etc., and the second protective frame 121 can be connected to the second housing 120 by bonding, snap-fit ​​connection, welding, etc.

[0079] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment of the present application, the foldable device further includes a protective block 300. Protective blocks 300 are provided at both ends of the spindle assembly 200 in the second direction. A screen-accommodating space is defined between the protective blocks 300 at both ends of the spindle assembly 200 and the spindle assembly 200, and the first area 410 is located within the screen-accommodating space. In this way, the protective blocks 300 can protect the sides of the first area 410, reducing the risk of damage to the flexible screen 400.

[0080] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-section perpendicular to a second direction of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in a folded state.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, it should be noted that in order to avoid the protective block 300 touching the flexible screen 400 and causing damage to the flexible screen 400 when the foldable device is switched from a flat state to a folded state, the protective block 300 is spaced apart from the flexible screen 400 when the foldable device is switched from a flat state to a folded state.

[0082] It can be understood that when the foldable device switches from a flat state to a folded state, the first area 410, the second area 420 and the fourth area 440 will bend. In order to ensure that there is a gap between the protective block 300 and the flexible screen 400 when the foldable device switches from a flat state to a folded state, the protective block 300 needs to be set at a place where the distance between the second area 420 and the fourth area 440 is larger when the foldable device is in the folded state. At this time, there is a larger gap in the third direction between the protective block 300 and the position where the first area 410 is supported by the main shaft assembly 200.

[0083] In related art, the protective block is securely connected to the spindle assembly. Regardless of whether the foldable device is in the folded or flattened state, or while switching between the folded and flattened states, the gap in the third direction between the flexible screen supported by the spindle assembly and the protective block remains unchanged. This reduces the risk of the flexible screen contacting the protective block, but when the foldable device is flattened, the gap between the flexible screen and the protective block remains relatively large. This allows debris to easily enter between the protective block and the flexible screen, potentially affecting the device's usability.

[0084] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, a flexible screen, and a protective block from a second direction when another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application is in a flattened state. Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, a flexible screen, and a protective block from a perspective in a second direction when another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application is in a folded state.

[0085] Based on this, Figure 7 、 Figure 8 As shown, the foldable device of an embodiment of the present application further includes a driving mechanism 500, which is transmission-connected to the protective block 300. The driving mechanism 500 is used to drive the protective block 300 to move along the third direction away from the main shaft assembly 200 when the foldable device is switched from a flat state to a folded state, so that there is a gap between the protective block 300 and the flexible screen 400, and when the foldable device is switched from a folded state to a flat state, the driving mechanism 500 is used to drive the protective block 300 to move along the third direction toward the main shaft assembly 200, so that the protective block 300 is close to the flexible screen 400.

[0086] In this way, when the foldable device switches from a flat state to a folded state, the protective block 300 moves in a direction away from the main shaft assembly 200, and the risk of contact between the protective block 300 and the flexible screen 400 is small. When the foldable device switches from a flat state to a folded state, the flexible screen 400 is not easily damaged. When the foldable device is in the flat state, the protective block 300 is close to the flexible screen 400, which can reduce or eliminate the gap between the protective block 300 and the flexible screen 400 when the foldable device is in the flat state. When the foldable device is in the flat state, foreign objects are not easily introduced between the protective block 300 and the flexible screen 400, which can reduce the risk of the foldable device opening and closing being stuck and the flexible screen 400 being damaged by foreign objects between the protective block 300 and the flexible screen 400. In addition, when the foldable device is in the flat state, the protective block 300 is close to the flexible screen 400, which can also make the appearance of the foldable device more beautiful. In addition, the extent to which the protective block 300 protrudes from the flexible screen 400 is reduced, and the risk of the protruding protective block 300 hooking, pulling, or pressing other objects can also be reduced.

[0087] It can be understood that the embodiment of the present application only takes the protective block 300 at one end of the spindle assembly 200 as an example. The protective blocks 300 at both ends of the spindle assembly 200 in the second direction can cooperate with the spindle assembly 200 in the same manner, and the protective blocks 300 at both ends of the spindle assembly 200 in the second direction can be driven by the same structure.

[0088] The protection block 300 may be mounted on the spindle assembly 200 via a driving mechanism 500 .

[0089] When the foldable device is in a flattened state, the protective block 300 and the flexible screen 400 may be in contact, and a gap may also be left between the protective block 300 and the flexible screen 400.

[0090] The driving mechanism 500 includes a driving motor, for example, a linear motor or a rotary motor, and the driving motor can be controlled by a controller of the foldable device; the driving mechanism 500 may also include a rotating mechanism connecting the first shell 110 and the main shaft assembly 200 and / or a rotating mechanism connecting the second shell 120 and the main shaft assembly 200; or, the driving mechanism 500 may include a rotating shaft 520 connecting the first shell 110 and the main shaft assembly 200 and / or a rotating shaft 520 connecting the second shell 120 and the main shaft assembly 200.

[0091] The driving mechanism 500 can be connected to the protection block 300 through an intermediate transmission mechanism, or the driving mechanism 500 can be directly connected to the protection block 300.

[0092] Exemplarily, the driving mechanism 500 is a linear motor mounted on the spindle assembly 200 , and an output end of the linear motor is securely connected to the protection block 300 .

[0093] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, a flexible screen, and a protective block from a perspective in a first direction when another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application is in a flattened state. Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, a flexible screen, and a protective block from a perspective in a first direction when another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application is in a folded state.

[0094] like Figure 9 、 Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment of the present application, the foldable device further includes a transmission rod 720, the driving mechanism 500 is in transmission connection with the transmission rod 720, and the transmission rod 720 is in transmission connection with the protective block 300, so that the driving mechanism 500 is in transmission connection with the protective block 300. The driving mechanism 500 is used to drive the transmission rod 720 to move in the third direction, thereby driving the protective block 300 to move along the third direction.

[0095] In this way, the transmission connection between the driving mechanism 500 and the protection block 300 is more convenient, which can reduce the restrictions on the layout of the driving mechanism 500 and facilitate the driving mechanism 500 to transmit the driving force to the protection block 300.

[0096] Exemplarily, the driving mechanism 500 may be a rotary motor mounted on the spindle assembly 200 , and an output end of the rotary motor is in transmission connection with the transmission rod 720 .

[0097] In some examples, the transmission rod 720 can be a connecting rod in a crank-connecting rod mechanism, the crank is connected to the driving mechanism 500, the protection block 300 is connected to the main shaft assembly 200 for sliding along the third direction, the driving mechanism 500 drives the crank to rotate, and the crank drives the protection block 300 to move in the third direction through the transmission rod 720.

[0098] In some examples, a rack oriented along a third direction can be provided on one side of the transmission rod 720, and the output end of the driving mechanism 500 is connected to a gear, which is engaged with the rack. The driving mechanism 500 drives the gear to rotate, and the gear drives the protective block 300 to move in the third direction through the rack on the transmission rod 720.

[0099] like Figure 7-10 As shown, in an embodiment of the present application, the foldable device also includes a lifting block 600, which is fastened to the protective block 300, and a transmission rod 720 is transmission-connected to the lifting block 600, so that the transmission rod 720 is transmission-connected to the protective block 300, and the transmission rod 720 is used to drive the protective block 300 to move through the lifting block 600.

[0100] In this way, the transmission rod 720 and the lifting block 600 can be coordinated more easily, which can reduce the restriction on the shape of the protection block 300 and help reduce the thickness of the protection block 300.

[0101] It is understandable that the lifting block 600 and the protection block 300 can be detachably connected by means of snap connection or threaded connection, or can be non-detachably connected by means of welding, riveting, bonding, etc.

[0102] When the foldable device is in the folded state and the flattened state, the lifting block 600 can be located on the side of the flexible screen 400 facing the main shaft assembly 200.

[0103] In the embodiment of the present application, the thickness of the portion of the protection block 300 used for connecting with the lifting block 600 in the second direction is smaller than the thickness of the lifting block 600 in the second direction.

[0104] In this way, when the thickness of the part of the protective block 300 used to connect with the lifting block 600 is relatively small, the thicker lifting block 600 is used to drive the protective block 300 to move more stably. After the thickness of the protective block 300 is reduced, it is helpful to reduce the gap at the surface of the foldable device where the protective block 300 is assembled.

[0105] In some examples, the lifting block 600 is detachably connected to the protection block 300. In this way, it is convenient to replace the protection block 300, and it is convenient to clean and maintain the protection block 300 and the position blocked by the protection block 300.

[0106] In some examples, the lifting block 600 is provided with a slot, and the protective block 300 is provided with a connecting portion corresponding to the slot, and the protective block 300 and the lifting block 600 are connected by the slot and the connecting portion. In this way, the lifting block 600 and the protective block 300 are assembled more conveniently.

[0107] like Figures 8-10 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the protective block 300 includes an end plate portion 320 and a protrusion portion 310. The protrusion portion 310 is fastened to the end plate portion 320, and the drive mechanism 500 is in driving connection with the end plate portion 320. The protrusion portion 310 is spaced apart from the spindle assembly 200 in the third direction. A space is provided between the protrusion portion 310 and the end plate portion 320 of the protective block 300 at both ends of the spindle assembly 200 and the spindle assembly 200. The side edge of the first region 410 in the second direction is at least partially located between the protrusion portion 310 and the spindle assembly 200.

[0108] In this way, the end plate portion 320 can protect the side of the first area 410 in the second direction, and the protrusion portion 310 can protect the side of the first area 410 in the third direction. When the foldable device switches from a flat state to a folded state, the risk of contact between the protrusion portion 310 and the flexible screen 400 is small, and the flexible screen 400 is not easily damaged when the foldable device switches from a flat state to a folded state. When the foldable device is in the flat state, the protrusion portion 310 is close to the flexible screen 400, which can reduce or eliminate the gap between the protrusion portion 310 and the flexible screen 400 when the foldable device is in the flat state. When the foldable device is in the flat state, foreign objects are not easily introduced between the protrusion portion 310 and the flexible screen 400, which can reduce the risk of jamming the foldable device when opening and closing and damaging the flexible screen 400 due to foreign objects between the protrusion portion 310 and the flexible screen 400.

[0109] It can be understood that when the foldable device switches from a flat state to a folded state, the driving mechanism 500 drives the protrusion portion 310 to move along the third direction toward the direction away from the main shaft assembly 200, so that there is a gap between the protrusion portion 310 and the flexible screen 400, and when the foldable device switches from a folded state to a flat state, the driving mechanism 500 drives the protrusion portion 310 to move along the third direction toward the direction close to the main shaft assembly 200, so that the protrusion portion 310 is close to the flexible screen 400.

[0110] The convex portion 310 and the driving mechanism 500 can be arranged on both sides of the flexible screen 400 in the third direction, and the convex portion 310 is transmission-connected to the driving mechanism 500 arranged on the other side of the flexible screen 400 in the third direction through the end plate portion 320 .

[0111] In an example where a lifting block 600 is provided, the end plate portion 320 is securely connected to the lifting block 600, such that the protrusion portion 310 is securely connected to the lifting block 600 via the end plate portion 320. The thickness of the end plate portion 320 in the second direction may be less than the thickness of the lifting block 600 in the second direction. The protrusion portion 310 may be provided at one end of the end plate portion 320 in the third direction, and the other end of the end plate portion 320 in the third direction may serve as a connecting portion for engagement with the slot.

[0112] In the embodiment of the present application, the end plate portion 320 and the protrusion portion 310 of the protection block 300 are an integrated structure.

[0113] In this way, the strength of the protection block 300 is high, and the relative position of the end plate portion 320 and the protrusion portion 310 is stable, which can reduce the risk of the end plate portion 320 and the protrusion portion 310 shifting and causing the flexible screen 400 to be touched.

[0114] In the embodiment of the present application, the surface of the protrusion 310 facing the main shaft assembly 200 is a plane, which is conducive to making the protrusion 310 close to the first area 410 when the foldable device is in a flat state.

[0115] like Figure 9 、 Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments of the present application, the transmission rod 720 is a round rod, and a sliding groove 710 corresponding to the transmission rod 720 is defined on the side of the lifting block 600 facing the spindle assembly 200. The two ends of the sliding groove 710 are spaced apart in the first direction, and one end of the transmission rod 720 extends into the corresponding sliding groove 710, and the transmission rod 720 slides in engagement with the corresponding sliding groove 710. The driving mechanism 500 is configured to drive the transmission rod 720 to rotate about a rotation axis 520 parallel to the second direction, so that the transmission rod 720 slides along the corresponding sliding groove 710, thereby driving the lifting block 600 and the protective block 300 to move in the third direction.

[0116] In this way, the movement space occupied by the transmission rod 720 in the third direction is small, which is conducive to reducing the size of the foldable component in the third direction.

[0117] It can be understood that the transmission rod 720 rotates around the rotating shaft 520 which is parallel to its axis and spaced apart. When the transmission rod 720 rotates, the force applied to the groove wall of the sliding groove 710 in the third direction can drive the protection block 300 to move along the third direction.

[0118] In some embodiments of the present application, the foldable device does not include a lifting block 600, and a chute 710 corresponding to the transmission rod 720 may be provided on the protective block 300. Specifically, the transmission rod 720 is a round rod, and a chute 710 corresponding to the transmission rod 720 is provided on the side of the protective block 300 facing the spindle assembly 200. The two ends of the chute 710 are spaced apart in the first direction, and one end of the transmission rod 720 extends into the corresponding chute 710, and the transmission rod 720 slides in engagement with the corresponding chute 710. The driving mechanism 500 is used to drive the transmission rod 720 to rotate about a rotation axis 520 parallel to the second direction, so that the transmission rod 720 slides along the corresponding chute 710 and drives the protective block 300 to move along the third direction.

[0119] In this way, the number of components of the foldable device can be reduced, making the structure of the foldable device simpler.

[0120] It is understandable that the cooperation principle between the transmission rod 720 and the slide groove 710 when the slide groove 710 is set on the protection block 300 is the same as the cooperation principle between the transmission rod 720 and the slide groove 710 when the slide groove 710 is set on the lifting block 600.

[0121] In an example where the protection block 300 includes an end plate portion 320 and a protrusion portion 310 , the slide groove 710 may be provided on the end plate portion 320 .

[0122] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the coordination of the main shaft assembly, the drive mechanism, the flexible screen, and the protective block from another perspective when another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application is in a flattened state. Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the coordination of the main shaft assembly, the drive mechanism, and the protective block from another perspective when another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application is in a flattened state. Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the coordination of the main shaft assembly, the drive mechanism, the flexible screen, and the protective block from another perspective when another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application is in a folded state. Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, and a protective block from another perspective when another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application is in a folded state.

[0123] like Figure 11-14As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the foldable device includes two transmission rods 720 spaced apart in a first direction.

[0124] Specifically, we may refer to the two transmission rods 720 spaced apart in the first direction as the first transmission rod 721 and the second transmission rod 722, the sliding groove 710 corresponding to the first transmission rod 721 is the first sliding groove 711, and the sliding groove 710 corresponding to the second transmission rod 722 is the second sliding groove 712. The first transmission rod 721 and the second transmission rod 722 are respectively connected to the driving mechanism 500 for transmission. One end of the first transmission rod 721 extends into the first sliding groove 711, and the first transmission rod 721 slides with the first sliding groove 711. The second transmission rod 72 2 extends into the second sliding groove 712, and the second transmission rod 722 slides and cooperates with the second sliding groove 712. The driving mechanism 500 is used to drive the first transmission rod 721 to rotate around the first rotation axis 520 parallel to the second direction, and the second transmission rod 722 to rotate around the second rotation axis 520 parallel to the second direction, so that the first transmission rod 721 slides along the first sliding groove 711, and the second transmission rod 722 slides along the second sliding groove 712, and the protection block 300 is driven to move along the third direction through the first transmission rod 721 and the second transmission rod 722.

[0125] In this way, the movement of the protection block 300 along the third direction is more stable, which can reduce the risk of the protection block 300 being deflected during the movement.

[0126] It can be understood that in the example where the foldable device includes a lifting block 600, the first slide groove 711 and the second slide groove 712 can both be set on the lifting block 600, and the first transmission rod 721 and the second transmission rod 722 together drive the protective block 300 to move along the third direction through the lifting block 600; in the example where the foldable device does not include a lifting block 600, the first slide groove 711 and the second slide groove 712 can both be set on the protective block 300, specifically, the first slide groove 711 and the second slide groove 712 can be set on the end plate portion 320 of the protective block 300.

[0127] The two transmission rods 720 spaced apart in the first direction may be symmetrically distributed relative to the axis of the spindle assembly 200 .

[0128] In the embodiment of the present application, the two sliding grooves 710 corresponding to the two transmission rods 720 are spaced apart in the first direction, so as to reduce the risk of the two transmission rods 720 affecting each other during the sliding process.

[0129] In the embodiment of the present application, in the two chutes 710 corresponding to the two transmission rods 720, the end of each chute 710 facing away from the other chute 710 is open. Specifically, the end of the first chute 711 facing the second chute 712 is a closed end, and the end facing away from the second chute 712 is an open end. The end of the second chute 712 facing the first chute 711 is a closed end, and the end facing away from the first chute 711 is an open end. This facilitates the assembly of the transmission rods 720 and the chutes 710.

[0130] In an embodiment of the present application, at least one of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 is rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200 through a driving mechanism 500, and the driving mechanism 500 is used to drive the protective block 300 to move along the third direction when at least one of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 rotates relative to the spindle assembly 200 through the driving mechanism 500.

[0131] In this way, the protective block 300 can be driven by utilizing a connecting assembly that rotatably connects at least one of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 to the main shaft assembly 200. There is no need to additionally provide other driving mechanisms 500 such as a driving motor in the foldable device. The structure of the foldable device is simple and the utilization efficiency of the components is high.

[0132] It is understood that when at least one of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is rotationally connected to the spindle assembly 200 via the drive mechanism 500, the drive mechanism 500 for driving the protection block 300 to move serves as a connecting assembly that rotationally connects at least one of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 to the spindle assembly 200. In other words, the corresponding rotation mechanism and / or the rotating shaft 520 for connecting to the spindle assembly 200 in at least one of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may serve as the drive mechanism 500.

[0133] When one of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 is not connected to the spindle assembly 200 through the driving mechanism 500, the first shell 110 or the second shell 120 that is not connected to the spindle assembly 200 through the driving mechanism 500 can be rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200 or can be fastened to the spindle assembly 200.

[0134] In some examples, the driving mechanism 500 includes a rotating arm 510, which is rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly 200 via a virtual axis, and at least one of the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 is rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly 200 via the corresponding rotating arm 510, and the rotating arm 510 is transmission-connected to the protective block 300, and the rotating arm 510 is used to drive the protective block 300 to move along a third direction.

[0135] Specifically, one end of the rotating arm 510 is provided with an arcuate arm, and the spindle assembly 200 is provided with an arcuate slot 710 corresponding to the arcuate arm. The arcuate arm and the corresponding arcuate slot 710 slide together to rotatably connect the rotating arm 510 to the spindle assembly 200. The arcuate arm penetrates the spindle assembly 200 in the second direction toward one end of the protective block 300. The arcuate arm penetrates the spindle assembly 200 and is in transmission connection with the protective block 300 at one end. The arcuate arm is used to drive the protective block 300 to move in the third direction. In this way, when the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are folded and flattened, the rotating arm 510 can drive the protective block 300 to move.

[0136] It can be understood that the first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120 rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200 via the corresponding rotating arms 510 can be fixedly connected or slidably connected to the corresponding rotating arms 510 .

[0137] like Figure 11-14 As shown, in this embodiment of the present application, the drive mechanism 500 includes a rotating arm 510 and a rotating shaft 520 corresponding to the rotating arm 510. The axis of the rotating shaft 520 is parallel to the second direction. The rotating arm 510 is drivingly connected to the corresponding rotating shaft 520, which is rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200. At least one of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is drivingly connected to the corresponding rotating arm 510, so that at least one of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200 via the corresponding rotating arm 510 and the corresponding rotating shaft 520. The rotating shaft 520 is drivingly connected to the protective block 300 and is used to drive the protective block 300 to move in the third direction. In this way, when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are folded and unfolded, the rotating arm 510 and the rotating shaft 520 can drive the movement of the protective block 300. The rotating shaft 520 is relatively strong, and the connection between the rotating arm 510 and the protective block 300 via the rotating shaft 520 is relatively stable.

[0138] It is understandable that the first housing 110 and / or the second housing 120 rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200 via the corresponding rotating arms 510 and rotating shafts 520 may be fixedly connected or slidably connected to the corresponding rotating arms 510 .

[0139] The rotating shaft 520 and the corresponding rotating arm 510 can be connected to each other through a structure such as a profile or a spline, and the rotating shaft 520 and the corresponding rotating arm 510 can also be connected to each other through fastening.

[0140] For example, the rotating shaft 520 and the corresponding rotating arm 510 are an integral structure. In this way, the strength between the rotating shaft 520 and the corresponding rotating arm 510 is high, and the stability of the transmission connection is good.

[0141] In some examples, the rotating shaft 520 is provided with a coaxial gear therewith, and the protective block 300 is fastened to a rack oriented along a third direction. The gear is engaged with the rack, and the rotating shaft 520 and the protective block 300 are connected through a gear and rack transmission. The rotating shaft 520 drives the gear to rotate, and the gear drives the protective block 300 to move in the third direction through the rack.

[0142] In the embodiment of the present application, the rotating shaft 520 is connected to the corresponding transmission rod 720, and the rotating shaft 520 is connected to the protection block 300 through the corresponding transmission rod 720. The rotating shaft 520 is used to drive the corresponding transmission rod 720 to move in the third direction, thereby driving the protection block 300 to move along the third direction.

[0143] In this way, the transmission connection between the rotating shaft 520 and the protection block 300 is more convenient, which is conducive to transmitting the driving force on the rotating shaft 520 to the protection block 300 to drive the protection block 300 to move.

[0144] It is understandable that the rotating shaft 520 and the corresponding transmission rod 720 can be connected through a structure such as a profile, a spline, etc., and the rotating shaft 520 and the corresponding transmission rod 720 can also be connected through fastening.

[0145] For example, the rotating shaft 520 and the corresponding transmission rod 720 are an integral structure. In this way, the strength between the rotating shaft 520 and the corresponding transmission rod 720 is high, and the stability of the transmission connection is good.

[0146] Illustratively, a crank that rotates around the rotating shaft 520 is provided, and the crank is connected to the protective block 300 through a transmission rod 720. The two ends of the transmission rod 720 are respectively connected to the crank and the protective block 300 for rotation, and the rotating axis 520 around which the transmission rod 720 rotates is not coaxial with the rotating shaft 520. The protective block 300 is connected to the main shaft assembly 200 for sliding along the third direction. The rotating shaft 520 drives the crank to rotate, and the crank drives the protective block 300 to move in the third direction through the transmission rod 720.

[0147] In the embodiment of the present application, the transmission rod 720 is rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly 200 via the corresponding rotating shaft 520. Driven by the corresponding rotating shaft 520, the transmission rod 720 rotates about the corresponding rotating shaft 520, thereby driving the protective block 300 to move along the third direction. This simplifies the structure, and the transmission rod 720 occupies a small space for movement in the third direction, which helps reduce the size of the foldable assembly.

[0148] It is understandable that the transmission rod 720 can be transmission-connected to the protection block 300 via a slide groove 710 on the protection block 300 or on the lifting block 600 that is fastened to the protection block 300 .

[0149] Exemplarily, the transmission rod 720 may be obliquely intersected with the corresponding rotating shaft 520 , one end of the transmission rod 720 is transmission-connected to the corresponding rotating shaft 520 , and the other end of the transmission rod 720 is transmission-connected to the protection block 300 .

[0150] In the embodiment of the present application, the axis of the transmission rod 720 is parallel to the second direction, and the transmission rod 720 is not coaxial with the corresponding rotating shaft 520 . The transmission rod 720 is transmission-connected to the corresponding rotating shaft 520 via the corresponding connecting rod 730 .

[0151] This helps improve the stability of the transmission connection between the transmission rod 720 and the protection block 300, and the transmission rod 720 drives the protection block 300 to move more stably. For example, when the transmission rod 720 contacts the protection block 300 or the lifting block 600 fastened to the protection block 300 to drive the protection block 300 to move, the contact area between the transmission rod 720 and the protection block 300 or the lifting block 600 is relatively stable, and the problem of the transmission rod 720 slipping due to a small contact area between the transmission rod 720 and the protection block 300 or the lifting block 600 is less likely to occur.

[0152] In the embodiment of the present application, the connecting rod 730 , the transmission rod 720 and the rotating shaft 520 corresponding to each other are an integrated structure.

[0153] In this way, the strength between the corresponding connecting rod 730, the transmission rod 720 and the rotating shaft 520 is high, and the stability of the transmission connection is good.

[0154] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the coordination of a main shaft assembly, a drive mechanism, and a protective block from a perspective in a third direction when another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application is in a flattened state.

[0155] like Figure 15 As shown, and see Figure 11-14 In the embodiment of the present application, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are both rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200 via the drive mechanism 500. The drive mechanism 500 is configured to drive the protective block 300 to move along the third direction when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 rotate relative to the spindle assembly 200 via the drive mechanism 500. This allows for more stable movement of the driven protective block 300.

[0156] It can be understood that when the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are both rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly 200 through the driving mechanism 500, the driving mechanism 500 for driving the protective block 300 to move serves as a connecting component that rotatably connects the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 to the main shaft assembly 200.

[0157] In this embodiment of the present application, the drive mechanism 500 includes two rotating arms 510 corresponding to the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, respectively. The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are respectively connected to the corresponding rotating arms 510, so that the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are rotatably connected to the spindle assembly 200 via the corresponding rotating arms 510 and the corresponding rotating shafts 520. This makes the movement of the protective block 300 in the third direction more stable, reducing the risk of the protective block 300 deflecting during movement.

[0158] Specifically, we may refer to the rotating arm 510 corresponding to the first housing 110 as the first rotating arm 511, the rotating arm 510 corresponding to the second housing 120 as the second rotating arm 512, the rotating shaft 520 corresponding to the first rotating arm 511 as the first rotating shaft 521, and the rotating shaft 520 corresponding to the second rotating arm 512 as the second rotating shaft 522. The first housing 110 is connected to the first rotating arm 511 in a transmission manner, the first rotating arm 511 is connected to the first rotating shaft 521 in a transmission manner, the first rotating shaft 521 is rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly 200, the second housing 120 is connected to the second rotating arm 512 in a transmission manner, the second rotating arm 512 is connected to the second rotating shaft 522 in a transmission manner, the second rotating shaft 522 is rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly 200, the first rotating shaft 521 and the second rotating shaft 522 are both connected to the protective block 300 in a transmission manner, and the first rotating shaft 521 and the second rotating shaft 522 are both used to drive the protective block 300 to move along the third direction.

[0159] Illustratively, the first rotating shaft 521 is transmission-connected to the first transmission rod 721 , and the second rotating shaft 522 is transmission-connected to the second transmission rod 722 . The first rotating shaft 521 and the second rotating shaft 522 are transmission-connected to the protection block 300 through the first transmission rod 721 and the second transmission rod 722 , respectively.

[0160] Illustratively, the first transmission rod 721 is rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly 200 through the first rotating shaft 521, and the first transmission rod 721 can rotate around the first rotating shaft 521 under the drive of the first rotating shaft 521, and the second transmission rod 722 is rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly 200 through the second rotating shaft 522, and the second transmission rod 722 can rotate around the second rotating shaft 522 under the drive of the second rotating shaft 522, and the first transmission rod 721 and the second transmission rod 722 are driven by the first rotating shaft 521 and the second rotating shaft 522 respectively, and together drive the protective block 300 to move along the third direction.

[0161] Illustratively, the axis of the first transmission rod 721 and the axis of the second transmission rod 722 are both parallel to the second direction, the first transmission rod 721 is transmission-connected to the first rotating shaft 521 through the first connecting rod 731, the first transmission rod 721 is rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly 200 through the first connecting rod 731 and the first rotating shaft 521, the second transmission rod 722 is transmission-connected to the second rotating shaft 522 through the second connecting rod 732, and the second transmission rod 722 is rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly 200 through the second connecting rod 732 and the second rotating shaft 522.

[0162] Illustratively, the first transmission rod 721 moves along the first slide groove 711 under the drive of the first rotating shaft 521 and abuts against the groove wall of the first slide groove 711 in the third direction. The second transmission rod 722 moves along the second slide groove 712 under the drive of the second rotating shaft 522 and abuts against the groove wall of the second slide groove 712 in the third direction. The first transmission rod 721 and the second transmission rod 722 together drive the protective block 300 to move along the third direction.

[0163] Illustratively, the first connecting rod 731 , the first connecting rod 731 , the first transmission rod 721 and the first rotating shaft 521 may be an integrated structure, and the second connecting rod 732 , the second transmission rod 722 and the second rotating shaft 522 may be an integrated structure.

[0164] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state without a protective block installed, viewed from another perspective. Figure 17 A schematic diagram of a portion of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application when in a flattened state from another viewing angle.

[0165] like Figure 16 、 Figure 17 As shown, in the embodiment of the present application, the first housing 110 includes a first end 112 facing the spindle assembly 200, and the second housing 120 includes a second end 122 facing the spindle assembly 200. The first end 112 has a first notch 113 on the side for mounting the flexible screen 400, and the second end 122 has a second notch 114 on the side for mounting the flexible screen 400. The protective block 300 is arranged in the space formed by the first notch 113 and the second notch 114. In this way, the first notch 113 and the second notch 114 can play a role in avoiding the spindle assembly 200 when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 rotate, so that the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are closer to the spindle assembly 200. The first notch 113 and the second notch 114 also provide space for mounting the protective block 300 and a channel for the protective block 300 to move.

[0166] It can be understood that the end plate portion 320 of the protective block 300 can extend from the side of the flexible screen 400 facing away from the main shaft assembly 200 to the side of the flexible screen 400 facing the main shaft assembly 200 through the first notch 113 and the second notch 114, and be connected to the driving mechanism 500 provided on the side of the flexible screen 400 facing the main shaft assembly 200.

[0167] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, internal communication between two components, or an interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on specific circumstances.

[0168] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the description and claims of the embodiments of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0169] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, ordinary technicians in this field should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. These modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A foldable device, characterized in that: It includes a first shell, a second shell, a flexible screen, a main shaft assembly, a protective block and a driving mechanism; The first housing and the second housing are respectively mounted on both sides of the main shaft assembly in a first direction, the flexible screen is mounted on surfaces of the first housing and the second housing on the same side in a third direction, and at least one of the first housing and the second housing is rotatably connected to the main shaft assembly to enable the foldable device to switch between a flattened state and a folded state; The main shaft assembly is provided with the protective blocks at both ends of the second direction. In the third direction, a screen-accommodating space is defined between the side of the main shaft assembly facing the flexible screen and the protective blocks at both ends of the main shaft assembly. The flexible screen includes a first area opposite to the main shaft assembly in the third direction, and the first area is located within the screen-accommodating space. The driving mechanism is in transmission connection with the protection block, and is configured to drive the protection block to move along the third direction away from the main shaft assembly when the foldable device switches from the flattened state to the folded state, so that a gap exists between the protection block and the flexible screen, and to drive the protection block to move along the third direction toward the main shaft assembly when the foldable device switches from the folded state to the flattened state, so that the protection block is close to the flexible screen; The second direction is parallel to the axis of the spindle assembly, the first direction and the third direction are both perpendicular to the second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

2. The foldable device according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a transmission rod; The driving mechanism is in transmission connection with the transmission rod, and the transmission rod is in transmission connection with the protection block, so that the driving mechanism is in transmission connection with the protection block; The driving mechanism is used to drive the transmission rod to move in the third direction, so as to drive the protection block to move along the third direction.

3. The foldable device according to claim 2, wherein: The transmission rod is a round rod, and a sliding groove corresponding to the transmission rod is opened on the side of the protection block facing the main shaft assembly, and the two ends of the sliding groove are spaced apart in the first direction, and one end of the transmission rod extends into the corresponding sliding groove, and the transmission rod is slidably engaged with the corresponding sliding groove; The driving mechanism is used to drive the transmission rod to rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the second direction, so that the transmission rod slides along the corresponding sliding groove and drives the protection block to move along the third direction.

4. The foldable device according to claim 2, wherein: Also includes lifting blocks; The lifting block is fastened to the protection block, and the transmission rod is transmission-connected to the lifting block, so that the transmission rod is transmission-connected to the protection block, and the transmission rod is used to drive the protection block to move through the lifting block; Wherein, the thickness of a portion of the protection block used for connecting with the lifting block in the second direction is smaller than the thickness of the lifting block in the second direction.

5. The foldable device according to claim 4, wherein: The transmission rod is a round rod, and a sliding groove corresponding to the transmission rod is opened on the side of the lifting block facing the main shaft assembly, and the two ends of the sliding groove are spaced apart in the first direction. One end of the transmission rod extends into the corresponding sliding groove, and the transmission rod is slidably engaged with the corresponding sliding groove; The driving mechanism is used to drive the transmission rod to rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the second direction, so that the transmission rod slides along the corresponding sliding groove and drives the lifting block and the protection block to move along the third direction.

6. The foldable device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The foldable device includes two transmission rods spaced apart in the first direction.

7. The foldable device according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that: The foldable device includes two transmission rods spaced apart in the first direction; The two sliding grooves corresponding to the two transmission rods are spaced apart in the first direction; In the two sliding grooves corresponding to the two transmission rods, one end of each sliding groove facing away from the other sliding groove is an open end.

8. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: At least one of the first housing and the second housing is rotatably connected to the spindle assembly via the drive mechanism; The driving mechanism is used to drive the protection block to move along the third direction when at least one of the first housing and the second housing rotates relative to the spindle assembly through the driving mechanism.

9. The foldable device according to claim 8, wherein: The driving mechanism includes a rotating arm and a rotating shaft corresponding to the rotating arm; The axis of the rotating shaft is parallel to the second direction, the rotating arm is in transmission connection with the corresponding rotating shaft, the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the spindle assembly, and at least one of the first housing and the second housing is in transmission connection with the corresponding rotating arm, so that at least one of the first housing and the second housing is rotatably connected to the spindle assembly through the corresponding rotating arm and the corresponding rotating shaft; The rotating shaft is in transmission connection with the protection block, and the rotating shaft is used to drive the protection block to move along the third direction.

10. The foldable device according to claim 9, wherein: The rotating shaft is connected to the corresponding transmission rod, and the rotating shaft is connected to the protection block through the corresponding transmission rod; The rotating shaft is used to drive the corresponding transmission rod to move in the third direction, so as to drive the protection block to move along the third direction.

11. The foldable device according to claim 10, wherein: The transmission rod is rotationally connected to the main shaft assembly through the corresponding rotating shaft. The transmission rod rotates around the corresponding rotating shaft under the drive of the corresponding rotating shaft to drive the protection block to move along the third direction.

12. The foldable device according to claim 11, wherein: The axis of the transmission rod is parallel to the second direction, and the transmission rod is not coaxial with the corresponding rotating shaft. The transmission rod is connected to the corresponding rotating shaft through a corresponding connecting rod.

13. The foldable device according to claim 12, wherein: The connecting rod, the transmission rod and the rotating shaft corresponding to each other are an integrated structure.

14. The foldable device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein: The driving mechanism includes two rotating arms corresponding to the first shell and the second shell respectively; The first shell and the second shell are respectively connected to the corresponding rotating arms in a transmission manner, so that the first shell and the second shell are respectively connected to the main shaft assembly in rotation through the corresponding rotating arms and the corresponding rotating shafts.

15. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1-5, 9-13, characterized in that: The protection block includes an end plate portion and a convex portion, the convex portion is fastened to the end plate portion, and the driving mechanism is transmission-connected to the end plate portion; The protrusion portion is spaced apart from the spindle assembly in the third direction, and there is a screen space between the protrusion portion of the protective block at both ends of the spindle assembly and the end plate portion and the spindle assembly, and the side edge of the first area in the second direction is at least partially located between the protrusion portion and the spindle assembly.

16. The foldable device according to claim 15, wherein: The end plate portion and the protruding block portion of the protection block are an integrated structure.

17. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1-5, 9-13, and 16, wherein: The first shell includes a first end facing the main shaft assembly, the second shell includes a second end facing the main shaft assembly, the first end has a first notch on a side for installing the flexible screen, the second end has a second notch on a side for installing the flexible screen, and the protective block is arranged in the space formed by the first notch and the second notch.

Images