Support assembly and terminal device

Abstract

The application provides a support assembly and a terminal device, and is applied to the technical field of terminals. The support assembly comprises a support piece, the support piece has opposite first and second side surfaces and a first end surface connected between the first and second side surfaces, the first side surface has at least a first foldable area, the first foldable area is connected with the first end surface, and a groove is arranged on the first end surface; and an adhesive structure, at least part of the adhesive structure is located on the first and second side surfaces. The application can reduce abnormal noise generated by the foldable terminal device during folding and unfolding.

Description

[0001] This patent application is a divisional application. The original application number is 202111327426.4, the application date is November 10, 2021, and the title is: Support Components and Terminal Equipment. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of terminal technology, and in particular to a support component and terminal device. Background Technology

[0003] With the continuous development of mobile phones, foldable phones have gradually appeared in people's lives. Foldable phones can unfold and fold their screens, providing a larger screen when unfolded and making them more portable when folded. Typically, a foldable phone consists of a folding component, a support plate, and a flexible screen. The support plate is located between the folding component and the flexible screen, providing support for the flexible screen. The folding and unfolding movements of the folding component move the flexible screen, enabling the foldable phone to fold and unfold.

[0004] However, foldable phones often produce abnormal noises during the folding and unfolding process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a support component and a terminal device that can reduce abnormal noise generated during the folding and unfolding process of the foldable terminal device.

[0006] This application provides a support component, including: a support member having opposing first and second sides, and a first end face connected between the first and second sides, the first side having at least a first bendable area connected to the first end face, and a groove provided on the first end face; and an adhesive structure, at least a portion of which is located on the first and second sides.

[0007] In this way, when the support component is applied to the terminal device, as the support component bends along with the flexible screen, the groove can divide the first end face into multiple parts, each of which is smaller than the size of the first end face. Therefore, during the folding or unfolding of the foldable phone, each part is more likely to deform, thereby reducing the stress difference between the peaks and troughs on the support component and thus reducing the abnormal noise generated during the bending process of the support component.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the support also includes a second end face opposite to the first end face, where the second end face is a fixed end face and the first end face is a free end face. In this way, the second end face is the end face closest to the center of the flexible screen, and the grooves provided on the free end face can better absorb the stress on the support, thereby reducing the stress difference between the peaks and troughs of the support and thus reducing abnormal noise caused by the stress difference.

[0009] In some possible implementations, the ratio of the dimension of the groove along the first direction to the dimension of the first bendable area along the first direction ranges from 0.35 to 0.65, where the first direction is the depth direction of the groove. The depth direction of the groove is from the first end face to the second end face. This reduces the stress peak of the support member during bending, thereby reducing the stress difference between the peaks and troughs during bending, and further reducing abnormal noise caused by stress difference.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the ratio between the dimension of the groove along the first direction and the dimension of the bending zone along the first direction is 0.5. This reduces the stress peak of the support during bending, thereby reducing the stress difference between the crests and troughs of the support during bending, and thus reducing abnormal noise caused by the stress difference.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the number of slots is multiple. This divides the first end face of the support into multiple smaller sections, making each section more prone to deformation during the folding or unfolding of the terminal device. This reduces the stress difference between the crests and troughs on the support, thereby reducing abnormal noise generated during bending.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the adhesive structure includes a first adhesive structure on a first side and a second adhesive structure on a second side. Thus, when the support assembly is applied to a terminal device, it can be bonded to the flexible screen via the first adhesive structure and to the folding assembly via the second adhesive structure, thereby improving the bonding strength between the support assembly and the flexible screen and the folding assembly.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the bonding structure further includes a dispensing structure, at least partially disposed on the first side and / or the second side. This allows bonding to the flexible screen via the first adhesive backing structure and the dispensing structure, and / or bonding to the folding assembly via the second adhesive backing structure and the dispensing structure, thereby further improving the bonding strength between the support assembly and the flexible screen and / or the folding assembly.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the support component further includes: a first gasket located on a first side; and / or, a second gasket located on a second side. Since the dispensing structure is typically formed by the solidification of a viscous, gel-like liquid, and the first gasket has a certain thickness, during the manufacturing of the terminal device, after the gel-like liquid is injected onto the first side, the first side and the flexible screen can effectively accommodate the gel-like liquid, thereby resulting in a high adhesive strength of the formed dispensing structure.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the first side also has a first non-bending area adjacent to the first bendable area, and the projection of the first adhesive structure on the first side is located within the first non-bending area. The first non-bending area can refer to the area that remains in a non-bending state during the folding process of the terminal device. In this way, the first adhesive structure is less likely to detach from or adhere to the flexible screen, thereby minimizing abnormal noise caused by repeated detachment and adhesion.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the second side has an adjacent second bendable area and a second non-bendable area. A portion of the second adhesive structure's projection onto the second side lies within the second non-bendable area, while other portions of the second adhesive structure's projection onto the second side lie within the second bendable area. This allows the second adhesive structure to have a larger adhesive area, thereby improving the bond strength between the support and the folding assembly.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the second side has a second non-bending area, and the projection of the second adhesive structure on the second side lies within the second non-bending area. Thus, during the folding process of the terminal device, the second adhesive structure remains in a non-bending state, making it less prone to detachment or adhesion from the folding assembly, thereby minimizing abnormal noise caused by repeated detachment and adhesion.

[0018] In some possible implementations, there is a gap between the edge of the first adhesive structure and the edge of the first gasket; or, the first adhesive structure is in contact with the first gasket. Thus, during the manufacturing of the terminal device, when the adhesive liquid is injected onto the support, the adhesive liquid can flow into the gap between the first adhesive structure and the first gasket, thereby increasing the bonding area of ​​the adhesive structure and thus increasing the adhesive strength of the adhesive structure.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the first adhesive backing structure has a first dispensing groove for accommodating the dispensing structure. Because the first adhesive backing structure has a certain thickness, the first dispensing groove can effectively accommodate the adhesive liquid, thereby improving the bonding strength of the dispensing structure.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the first adhesive groove is located at the edge of the first adhesive structure facing the first gasket. When there is a gap between the first adhesive structure and the first gasket, when the adhesive liquid is injected into the first adhesive groove, the adhesive liquid will also flow into the gap. This increases the bonding area of ​​the adhesive structure formed after the adhesive liquid solidifies, thereby improving the bonding strength. When the first adhesive structure is in contact with the first gasket, the first gasket and the first adhesive structure can form a closed shape around the first adhesive groove, so that the first adhesive groove can also effectively contain the adhesive liquid.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the first gasket has a second dispensing groove for accommodating the dispensing structure. Because the first gasket has a certain thickness, the second dispensing groove can effectively contain the adhesive liquid, thereby improving the bonding strength of the dispensing structure.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the second adhesive groove is located at the edge of the first gasket facing the first adhesive backing structure. When there is a gap between the first adhesive backing structure and the first gasket, when the adhesive liquid is injected into the second adhesive groove, the adhesive liquid will also flow into the gap. This increases the bonding area of ​​the adhesive structure formed after the adhesive liquid solidifies, thereby improving the bonding strength. When the first adhesive backing structure is in contact with the first gasket, the first gasket and the first adhesive backing structure can form a closed shape around the second adhesive groove, so that the second adhesive groove can also effectively contain the adhesive liquid.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the first dispensing groove is connected to the second dispensing groove; or, the opening of the second dispensing groove is closed. When the first and second dispensing grooves are connected, they can form a receiving space to properly accommodate the dispensing structure. When the opening of the second dispensing groove is closed, it can also properly accommodate the dispensing structure. Therefore, this application can improve the adhesive strength of the dispensing structure.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the support member is provided with a third dispensing groove for accommodating the dispensing structure. This allows the support member to be bonded to the flexible screen or folding assembly via the dispensing structure.

[0025] In some possible implementations, a third adhesive groove extends from the first side to the second side. This allows the support member to be bonded to the flexible screen and folding assembly via the adhesive structure.

[0026] In some possible implementations, the second adhesive backing structure is provided with a fourth adhesive groove for accommodating the adhesive dispensing structure. This allows the support member to be bonded to the folding assembly via the adhesive dispensing structure within the fourth adhesive groove, thereby improving the bond strength between the support member and the folding assembly.

[0027] In some possible implementations, the positional relationship between the first, second, third, and fourth adhesive grooves satisfies at least one of the following characteristics: the first and third adhesive grooves are connected; the second and third adhesive grooves are connected; and the fourth adhesive groove is connected to the third adhesive groove. Thus, during the manufacturing of the terminal device, a gel-like liquid can be injected into the fourth adhesive groove, and the gel-like liquid can flow to the third, first, and second adhesive grooves, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the adhesive dispensing structure containing the first, second, third, and fourth adhesive grooves can provide excellent adhesion to the flexible screen, the first backing structure, the support member, the second backing structure, and the folding assembly.

[0028] In some possible implementations, the edge of the second adhesive backing structure has an opening that communicates with the fourth adhesive groove. This allows a gel-like liquid to be injected into the opening during the manufacturing of the terminal device, and the liquid can flow from the opening to the fourth adhesive groove. Because the opening is located at the edge of the second adhesive backing structure, the process is simple and easy to operate.

[0029] In some possible implementations, the support components are made of titanium alloys or titanium-copper alloys. Because titanium alloys and titanium-copper alloys have a low modulus of elasticity, supports with low modulus of elasticity are easier to bend and less prone to generating abnormal noise. Therefore, the stress difference between the crests and troughs during bending can be reduced, thereby reducing abnormal noise generated during bending. Furthermore, due to the low density of titanium alloys and titanium-copper alloys, the weight of the support components can be reduced, thus achieving an overall weight reduction effect.

[0030] This application also provides a terminal device including at least one of the support components described above, wherein at least two of the support components have their first end faces disposed opposite to each other. The terminal device is capable of achieving all the effects of the aforementioned support components.

[0031] In some possible implementations, in two support components with their first end faces facing each other, the slots on one support component are offset from the slots on the other support component. When the support components provide support for the flexible screen, the offset slots can reduce the occurrence of suspended areas in larger sections of the flexible screen, thus improving the lifespan of the flexible screen.

[0032] In some possible implementations, the terminal device also includes a folding component and a flexible screen, with a support component located between the folding component and the flexible screen. A first or second side of the support component faces the flexible screen. The flexible screen has opposing third and fourth non-bending areas, and a third bendable area located between the third and fourth non-bending areas. The projection of the first bendable area of ​​the support component onto the flexible screen lies within the third bendable area, and the projection of the first non-bending area of ​​the support component onto the flexible screen lies within either the third or fourth non-bending area. The terminal device can achieve all the effects of the aforementioned support component. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application 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.

[0034] Figure 1aThis is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable mobile phone in a semi-folded state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 1b This is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable mobile phone in its unfolded state, provided as an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the disassembly structure of a foldable mobile phone provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 2b for Figure 2a The diagram shows a partial assembly structure of the foldable phone in its folded state.

[0038] Figure 3 for Figure 2a A schematic diagram of the support structure for the foldable phone is shown.

[0039] Figure 4a for Figure 3 The diagram shows one of the shapes of the support component when it is bent.

[0040] Figure 4b for Figure 3 The diagram shows another form of the support component when bent.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembly structure of a foldable phone provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The diagram shows the disassembled structure of the support components in a foldable phone.

[0043] Figure 7a for Figure 6 The diagram shows the structure of the support component in the foldable phone when it is bent at the first angle from a first-view perspective.

[0044] Figure 7b for Figure 6 The diagram shows the structure of the support component in the foldable phone when it is bent at the first angle from a second perspective.

[0045] Figure 8 for Figure 5 The diagram shows a partial assembly structure of the foldable phone in its folded state.

[0046] Figure 9a The figure shows the finite element analysis results when the depth of the stress relief groove of the support component is one-quarter of the width of the non-adhesive-backed area.

[0047] Figure 9b The figure shows the finite element analysis results when the depth of the stress relief groove of the support component is half the width of the non-adhesive-backed area.

[0048] Figure 9c The figure shows the finite element analysis results when the depth of the stress relief groove of the support component is three-quarters of the width of the non-adhesive-backed area.

[0049] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the support component in another embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a partial assembly structure of a foldable phone in another embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 12a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support component when it is bent at a second angle from a first perspective, according to another embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support component when it is bent at a second angle from a second perspective, according to another embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support component in another embodiment of this application.

[0054] Icons: 10-Folding component; 11-Motion area; 12-Non-motion area; 20-Flexible screen; 21-Bending area; 22-Non-Bending area; 30-Support component; 31-Support piece; 311-Relief groove; 312-Avoidance groove; 313-Support piece adhesive groove; 314-Free end; 32-Upper adhesive structure; 321-Adhesive notch; 322-Adhesive edge; 33-Dispensing structure; 34-Gasket; 341-Gasket edge; 342-Gasket notch; 343-Synthetic adhesive groove; 344-Gasket adhesive groove; 35-Lower adhesive structure; 351-Lower adhesive groove; 352-Injection hole; 36-Adhesive structure. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0056] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0057] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order of objects. For example, "first target object" and "second target object," etc., are used to distinguish different target objects, not to describe a specific order of target objects.

[0058] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0059] In the description of the embodiments in this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple processing units means two or more processing units; multiple systems means two or more systems.

[0060] This application provides a support component that can be applied to foldable mobile phones. The support component 30 can also be applied to other terminal devices with folding functions, such as foldable tablets, foldable game consoles, foldable personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc.

[0061] like Figure 1a and Figure 1b As shown, a foldable phone includes at least a folding component 10 and a flexible screen 20 fixed to one side of the folding component 10. The folding component 10 can be folded or unfolded to cause the flexible screen 20 to fold or unfold. The foldable phone can be an inward-folding phone, meaning the flexible screen 20 is located inside the folding component 10; or it can be an outward-folding phone, meaning the flexible screen 20 is located outside the folding component 10. When the foldable phone is an inward-folding phone, when the folding angle of the folding component 10 is 0°, the flexible screen 20 is completely enclosed inside the folding component 10, which reduces the size of the foldable phone and protects the flexible screen 20. When the folding component 10 is fully unfolded, that is, when the angle of the folding component 10 is 180°, the flexible screen 20 is in a flattened state, which is also the state of maximum display area, at which time the user can operate on the flexible screen 20.

[0062] like Figure 2a As shown, the foldable phone also includes a support component 30 fixed between the folding assembly 10 and the flexible screen 20. Figure 2aAs can be seen, the folding component 10 needs to realize the folding and unfolding of the flexible screen 20, and it has a complex structure. Therefore, there may be gaps, protrusions, grooves, and assembly holes on the side of the folding component 10 facing the flexible screen 20. In other words, there may be protrusions or depressions on the side facing the flexible screen 20, especially in the movement area 11 that realizes the bending of the folding component 10, where there are many protrusions or depressions. When the foldable phone is in a flattened state, these structures on the folding component 10 will affect the flatness of the flexible screen 20. When the user's finger touches or swipes on the flexible screen 20, there will be an uneven feeling, and it will also reduce the lifespan of the flexible screen 20. Therefore, the support component 30, located between the flexible screen 20 and the folding component 10, and providing support for the flexible screen 20, is particularly important.

[0063] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2a As shown, the support assembly 30 includes two opposing support members 31 and multiple adhesive backing structures 36. The multiple adhesive backing structures 36 are respectively disposed between the support member 31 and the flexible screen 20, and between the support member 31 and the folding assembly 10. The adhesive backing structures 36 can bond the flexible screen 20, the support member 31, and the folding assembly 10. The support member 31 is a thin metal sheet, which covers the uneven moving area 11 on the folding assembly 10 and the non-moving area 12 on the folding assembly 10 excluding the moving area 11.

[0064] To ensure the bonding strength between the flexible screen 20 and the folding component 10, the width of the adhesive backing structure 36 should meet the predetermined width requirements, such as... Figure 2b As shown, part of the adhesive structure 36 covers the non-bending area 22 of the flexible screen 20, while the rest covers the bending area 21 of the flexible screen 20. The bending area 21 refers to the area where the outer surface of the flexible screen 20 is curved when the foldable phone is folded. Because the curvature of the bending area 21 changes constantly during the folding or unfolding process of the foldable phone, the distance between the part of the bending area 21 away from the center of the flexible screen 20 and the center of the flexible screen 20 changes constantly. Therefore, the adhesive structure 36 and the flexible screen 20 are constantly subjected to shear forces. Consequently, the adhesive structure 36 covering the bending area 21 may detach due to the pulling of the flexible screen 20. When the foldable phone stops folding or unfolding to a certain angle, the adhesive structure 36 and the flexible screen 20 re-adhere. However, the folding or unfolding frequency of the foldable phone is relatively high; therefore, the repeated adhesion and detachment of the adhesive structure 36 covering the bending area 21 and the flexible screen 20 can generate abnormal noise.

[0065] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the material of support member 31 is SUS301 stainless steel. All edges of support member 31 are straight. Figure 2aAs shown, during the folding or unfolding of the foldable phone, the movement area 11 of the folding component 10 and the bending area 21 of the flexible screen 20 both bend, and the support member 31 also bends. The thickness of the metal sheet is typically very small; therefore, as... Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, the surface of the support 31 is not a smooth curved surface during the bending process, but rather a wavy surface with varying heights. During the bending process, the stress on the peaks and troughs of the bending arc is uneven, resulting in a stress difference (which can be called bending stress). After the bending stops, the bending stress is released, and the metal sheet will vibrate due to the stress difference, thus generating abnormal noise.

[0066] Based on this, such as Figure 5 As shown, in another embodiment of this application, the foldable phone includes a folding component 10, a flexible screen 20 fixed to one side of the folding component 10, and a support component 30 fixed between the folding component 10 and the flexible screen 20.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, the support assembly 30 includes two opposing support members 31, an upper adhesive structure 32, a lower adhesive structure 35, and an adhesive dispensing structure 33. Figure 6 (Not shown in the image) and gasket 34. For example... Figure 5 As shown, a portion of the support member 31 away from the center of the flexible screen 20 is bonded to the flexible screen 20 via an upper adhesive structure 32 and a dispensing structure 33. A portion of the support member 31 away from the center of the flexible screen 20 is bonded to the folding assembly 10 via a lower adhesive structure 35 and a dispensing structure 33.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, the end of the support member 31 closest to the center of the flexible screen 20 is the free end 314. The free ends 314 of the two support members 31 are opposite each other, and there is a gap between the free ends 314 of the two support members 31 to accommodate the change in curvature of the bending area 21 during the folding or unfolding of the foldable phone.

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown, the support member 31 is typically a thin metal sheet with two long edges and two short edges, one of which is a free end 314. A stress-relieving groove 311 is provided on the free end 314 of the support member 31. In this way, the stress-relieving groove 311 divides the free end 314 into multiple parts, each with a dimension smaller than the long edge dimension of the support member 31 along its length. Therefore, during the folding or unfolding of the foldable phone, each part is more prone to deformation, thereby reducing the stress difference between the crests and troughs on the support member 31 and thus reducing abnormal noise generated during the bending process of the support member 31.

[0070] In this embodiment, as Figure 6As shown, the number of stress relief grooves 311 can be one, and one stress relief groove 311 can be set at a position near the middle of the support member 31. In other embodiments of this application, the number of stress relief grooves 311 is multiple, and the multiple stress relief grooves 311 are evenly arranged along the free end 314 of the support member 31, which can achieve better noise reduction.

[0071] like Figure 7a and Figure 7b As shown, the stress-relieving grooves 311 on the two support members 31 of the support assembly 30 are staggered. If the stress-relieving grooves 311 on the two support members 31 were aligned, when the foldable phone is in a flattened state, the flexible screen 20 would lose support at the stress-relieving groove 311 and become suspended in mid-air. Furthermore, the length of the unsupported area would be greater than the sum of the lengths of the two stress-relieving grooves 311. This could easily lead to cracks due to a longer section of the flexible screen 20 being suspended in mid-air. Therefore, staggering the stress-relieving grooves 311 on the two support members 31 of the support assembly 30 can, to some extent, improve the service life of the flexible screen 20.

[0072] It should be noted that, Figure 7a This is a structural diagram of the support component 30 when it is bent at a first angle from a first-view perspective. Figure 7b for Figure 7a The diagram shows the structure of the support component 30 when it bends at a first angle from a second perspective, where the direction of the first perspective is opposite to the direction of the second perspective. Figure 7b From Figure 7a The back faces Figure 7a The view obtained by rotating the frontal projection 180°. From Figure 7a The bonding structure between the support member 31 and the flexible screen 20 can be seen from the image. Figure 7b The bonding structure between the support member 31 and the folding assembly 10 can be seen.

[0073] like Figure 7a As shown, assuming the total width of the support member 31 is D1, the width of the area on the support member 31 where the adhesive backing structure 32 is fixed is D2, and the width of the area on the side of the support member 31 where the adhesive backing structure 32 is fixed (non-adhesive area) is D3, then D1 = D2 + D3.

[0074] In this embodiment, finite element analysis is performed on the support member 31, wherein the depths of the stress relief groove 311 are one-quarter, one-half, and three-quarters of the width of the remaining area of ​​the support member 31, respectively. The analysis results are referred to... Figure 9a , Figure 9b and Figure 9c .from Figures 9a-9cAs can be seen, when the depth of the stress relief groove 311 is one-quarter of the width D3 of the non-adhesive-backed area of ​​the support 31, the maximum stress of the support 31 is 748.6 MPa; when the depth of the stress relief groove 311 is one-half of the width D3 of the non-adhesive-backed area of ​​the support 31, the maximum stress of the support 31 is 563.7 MPa; and when the depth of the stress relief groove 311 is three-quarters of the width D3 of the non-adhesive-backed area of ​​the support 31, the maximum stress of the support 31 is 633.2 MPa. Therefore, when the depth of the stress relief groove 311 is half the width of the non-adhesive-backed area of ​​the support 31, the peak stress of the support 31 is the smallest. When the depth of the stress relief groove 311 is larger or smaller, the peak stress is larger, resulting in greater stress between the crests and troughs, and also greater abnormal noise during bending. Therefore, the depth of the stress relief groove 311 can be set to half the width D3 of the non-adhesive area of ​​the support member 31. This will reduce the peak stress generated on the support member 31 during the folding or unfolding process of the foldable phone, thereby reducing the stress difference between the peak and the trough, and thus reducing the abnormal noise caused by the large stress.

[0075] It should be noted that the adhesive area of ​​the support member 31 can be the area on the side of the support member 31 facing the flexible screen 20 that always remains flat, and the non-adhesive area of ​​the support member 31 can be the area on the side of the support member 31 facing the flexible screen 20 that bends with the bending of the folding component 10.

[0076] In other embodiments of this application, the depth of the stress relief groove 311 can be set to 35%-65% of the width D3 of the non-adhesive-backed area of ​​the support member 31, referring to... Figures 9a-9c The finite element analysis results of the support 31 show that when the depth of the stress relief groove 311 is close to half the width D3 of the non-adhesive area of ​​the support 31, the stress is relatively small. Therefore, setting the depth of the stress relief groove 311 to 35%-65% of the width D3 of the non-adhesive area of ​​the support 31 will result in a smaller stress difference on the support 31 during the folding or unfolding of the foldable phone, thereby reducing abnormal noise caused by stress difference.

[0077] In addition, from Figure 5 As can be seen, the side of the folding component 10 facing the flexible screen 20 has local features such as screws, protrusions, and grooves. Therefore, as... Figure 7a As shown, multiple clearance grooves 312 are provided on the support member 31 to prevent scratches and avoid collisions. This can reduce the abnormal noise generated by the collision between the support member 31 and the folding component 10 during the folding or unfolding process of the foldable phone, thereby further reducing the abnormal noise of the foldable phone.

[0078] like Figure 7aAs shown, the support member 31 is provided with six support member adhesive dispensing grooves 313, and the six support member adhesive dispensing grooves 313 are symmetrically arranged about the center of the support member 31. That is, three support member adhesive dispensing grooves 313 are arranged on each side of the center of the support member 31. The lengths of the three support member adhesive dispensing grooves 313 are different.

[0079] In other embodiments of this application, the number of support member adhesive grooves 313 may be less than six or more than six. When the number of support member adhesive grooves 313 is one, one support member adhesive groove 313 is disposed in the middle of the length direction of the support member 31.

[0080] like Figure 8 As shown, the projection of a portion of the support adhesive groove 313 onto the flexible screen 20 is located within the bending region 21, while the projection of the other portions of the support adhesive groove 313 onto the flexible screen 20 is located in the non-bending region 22 of the flexible screen 20, excluding the bending region 21.

[0081] The support component 31 can be made of a low-density, low-modulus metal, specifically a TI alloy (titanium alloy) or a TI-Cu alloy (titanium-copper alloy). For example, the elastic modulus of TI alloy TA4 is 116 GPa. Figure 2a In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 31 is made of SUS301 stainless steel, with an elastic modulus of 194 GPa. The elastic modulus of titanium alloy TA4 is lower than that of SUS301. According to Hooke's Law, metal sheets with low elastic modulus are easier to bend and less prone to generating abnormal noise. Therefore, using a metal with low elastic modulus for the support member 31 reduces the stress difference between the crests and troughs during bending, thereby reducing abnormal noise generated during bending. Furthermore, since metals such as TI or TI-Cu alloys have low density, using TI alloys or TI-Cu alloys for the support member 31 also reduces its weight, thus achieving overall weight reduction.

[0082] like Figure 5 As shown, the upper adhesive structure 32 is fixed between the flexible screen 20 and the support member 31. The upper adhesive structure 32 is elongated. The projection of the upper adhesive structure 32 onto the flexible screen 20 is located within the non-bending area 22 of the flexible screen 20, meaning that the upper adhesive structure 32 does not overlap with the bending area 21. Thus, during the folding or unfolding process of the foldable phone, the upper adhesive structure 32 is less likely to detach from or adhere to the flexible screen 20, thereby minimizing abnormal noise caused by repeated detachment and adhesion.

[0083] like Figure 7aAs shown, the upper adhesive structure 32 has an adhesive edge 322 facing the free end 314. Upper adhesive notches 321 are provided on the adhesive edge 322. The number of upper adhesive notches 321 is the same as the number of support member adhesive grooves 313, both being six. The positions of the adhesive notches 321 on the upper adhesive structure 32 correspond to the positions of the support member adhesive grooves 313 on the support member 31. Each of the six adhesive notches 321 and the six support member adhesive grooves 313 is connected in a one-to-one correspondence. For example, the projections of the six adhesive notches 321 onto the support member 31 fall into the six support member adhesive grooves 313 respectively.

[0084] like Figure 5 As shown, the lower adhesive structure 35 is fixed between the support member 31 and the folding assembly 10.

[0085] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the lower adhesive structure 35 differs from the upper adhesive structure 32. The lower adhesive structure 35 is also elongated, but its width is greater than that of the upper adhesive structure 32. Specifically, as... Figure 8 As shown, the projection of the lower adhesive structure 35 onto the flexible screen 20 covers both a portion of the non-bending area 22 and a portion of the bending area 21. In this way, the bonding strength between the lower adhesive structure 35 and the folding component 10 can meet the usage requirements.

[0086] like Figure 7b As shown, the lower adhesive structure 35 is provided with lower adhesive dispensing grooves 351. The number of lower adhesive dispensing grooves 351 is the same as the number of support component dispensing grooves 313, which is six in total. The lower adhesive dispensing grooves 351 and the support component dispensing grooves 313 are positioned correspondingly. Each of the six lower adhesive dispensing grooves 351 and the six support component dispensing grooves 313 is connected in a one-to-one correspondence. For example, the projections of the six lower adhesive dispensing grooves 351 onto the support component 31 coincide with each other in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple support component dispensing grooves 313.

[0087] like Figure 7b As shown, an injection hole 352 extends inward from the edge of the lower adhesive structure 35. The injection hole 352 is located on the side away from the free end 314 and communicates with the lower adhesive dispensing groove 351. Thus, during the manufacturing of the foldable phone, after assembling the folding component 10, the support member 31, the upper adhesive structure 32, and the lower adhesive structure 35, a gel-like liquid can be injected into the injection hole 352. The gel-like liquid can flow from the injection hole 352 to the lower adhesive dispensing groove 351, facilitating processing.

[0088] Furthermore, such as Figure 7bAs shown, the number of injection holes 352 is the same as the number of lower adhesive dispensing grooves 351, and their positions correspond one-to-one. For example, there are also six injection holes 352. In this way, during the manufacturing process of the foldable phone, a gel-like liquid can be injected into each injection hole 352, and the gel-like liquid can flow through each injection hole 352 to each lower adhesive dispensing groove 351, thereby enabling the gel-like liquid to be evenly distributed in each lower adhesive dispensing groove 351.

[0089] Combination Figure 8 It can be seen that the bonding structure between the support member 31 and the flexible screen 20 includes an upper adhesive structure 32, an adhesive dispensing structure 33, and a gasket 34, and the two are bonded together through the upper adhesive structure 32 and the adhesive dispensing structure 33. The bonding structure between the support member 31 and the folding assembly 10 includes a lower adhesive structure 35 and an adhesive dispensing structure 33, and the two are bonded together through the lower adhesive structure 35 and the adhesive dispensing structure 33. Since debonding mainly occurs between the flexible screen 20 and the support member 31, only the lower adhesive structure 35 and the adhesive dispensing structure 33 are provided between the support member 31 and the folding assembly 10, without providing the gasket 34 and the adhesive dispensing structure 33, which can save process steps and thus save processing costs.

[0090] It should be noted that both the upper adhesive structure 32 and the lower adhesive structure 35 can be structures with adhesive functions, specifically adhesive tape, such as double-sided tape, adhesive film, etc.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, the pad 34 is disposed between the support member 31 and the flexible screen 20, and the projection of the pad 34 on the support member 31 can cover part of the support member 31. The projection of the pad 34 on the support member 31 does not overlap with the projection of the upper adhesive structure 32 on the support member 31.

[0092] like Figure 7a As shown, there may be a gap between the gasket edge 341 of the gasket 34 and the adhesive edge 322 of the upper adhesive structure 32. The gasket 34 is provided with gasket notches 342, which are located near the gasket edge 341 of the upper adhesive structure 32. The number of gasket notches 342 is the same as the number of upper adhesive notches 321, which is six. The position of the gasket notches 342 on the gasket 34 corresponds to the position of the upper adhesive notches 321 on the upper adhesive structure 32. The gasket notches 342, the upper adhesive notches 321 on the upper adhesive structure 32, and the gap between the gasket 34 and the upper adhesive structure 32 can form a large accommodating space. The adhesive groove 313 of the support member is located on the projection of the accommodating space onto the support member 31. Thus, as... Figure 7bAs shown, when the gel-like liquid is injected into the injection hole 352, the gel-like liquid can sequentially pass through the injection hole 352, the lower adhesive dispensing groove 351, the support dispensing groove 313, the upper adhesive notch 321, the gasket notch 342, and the receiving space formed by the gap, so as to... Figure 5 The flexible screen 20, support member 31, and folding assembly 10 shown are bonded together with auxiliary adhesive. This increases the capacity of the adhesive liquid. Since the adhesive liquid solidifies to form a dispensing structure 33, the area of ​​the dispensing structure 33 can be increased, thereby further increasing the bonding strength between the folding assembly 10, support member 31, and flexible screen 20. This reduces the possibility of the upper adhesive structure 32 detaching from the flexible screen 20 or support member 31, and further reduces abnormal noise caused by detachment.

[0093] In addition, such as Figure 7b As shown, the number of injection holes 352 is the same as the number of lower adhesive dispensing grooves 351, and their positions correspond one-to-one. In this way, when making a foldable phone, a gel-like liquid can be injected into each injection hole 352. The gel-like liquid in each injection hole 352 can flow through the lower adhesive dispensing groove 351 and the support dispensing groove 313 to the gap between the upper adhesive structure 32 and the pad 34. Therefore, the dispensing structure 33 formed by the gel-like liquid can be distributed as evenly as possible in the gap, thereby further increasing the bonding strength between the support 31 and the flexible screen 20.

[0094] In this embodiment, the thickness of the pad 34 is the same as the thickness of the upper adhesive structure 32. This ensures that during the rolling process after assembling the flexible screen 20, the support member 31, and the folding assembly 10, each adhesive groove can effectively accommodate the adhesive. Furthermore, it avoids problems such as localized screen depressions caused by uneven thickness on both sides of the support member 31, thus mitigating the surface light and shadow depression effect after adhesive application.

[0095] In this embodiment, the pad 34 can be a non-adhesive pad 34, specifically a non-adhesive film. In this way, during the folding or unfolding process of the foldable phone, the non-adhesive film will not detach from the flexible screen 20, and no additional abnormal noise will be generated.

[0096] like Figure 7bAs shown, the adhesive dispensing structure 33 is disposed within the lower adhesive dispensing groove 351, the support component adhesive dispensing groove 313, the upper adhesive notch 321, the gasket notch 342, and the gap between the gasket edge 341 and the adhesive edge 322. Specifically, during the manufacturing process of the foldable phone, after injecting a gel-like liquid through the injection hole 352, the gel-like liquid flows through the injection hole 352 into the lower adhesive dispensing groove 351, the support component adhesive dispensing groove 313, the upper adhesive notch 321, and the gasket notch 342 to form the structure. The adhesive dispensing structure 33 can increase the bonding strength between the flexible screen 20 and the folding assembly 10, making it less likely for the upper adhesive structure 32 to detach from the flexible screen 20 and the support component 31, and for the lower adhesive structure 35 to detach from the support component 31 and the folding assembly 10 during the folding or unfolding of the foldable phone. Therefore, it can reduce the abnormal noise caused by detachment to a certain extent.

[0097] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, since the projection of part of the adhesive dispensing groove 313 on the flexible screen 20 is located in the bending region 21, and the projection of other parts on the flexible screen 20 is located in the non-bending region 22, the projection of part of the adhesive dispensing structure 33 on the flexible screen 20 is located in the bending region 21, and the projection of other parts on the flexible screen 20 is located in the non-bending region 22.

[0098] Furthermore, the dispensing structure 33 can be formed by the curing of adhesive.

[0099] In another embodiment of this application, with Figure 8 The difference in the illustrated embodiment lies in the bonding structure between the support member 31 and the folding assembly 10. Specifically, Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, an upper adhesive structure 32, a dispensing structure 33, and a gasket 34 are provided between the support member 31 and the flexible screen 20, while only a lower adhesive structure 35 and a dispensing structure 33 are provided between the support member 31 and the folding assembly 10. That is, the bonding structure between the support member 31 and the flexible screen 20 is different from the bonding structure between the support member 31 and the folding assembly 10. In this embodiment, as... Figure 11 As shown, the bonding structure between the support member 31 and the folding assembly 10 is the same as the bonding structure between the support member 31 and the flexible screen 20.

[0100] Specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown, an upper adhesive structure 32 and a gasket 34 are provided on both sides of the support member 31. That is, referring to... Figure 11An adhesive backing structure 32, an adhesive dispensing structure 33, and a gasket 34 are also provided between the support member 31 and the folding assembly 10. The projection of the adhesive backing structure 32 between the support member 31 and the folding assembly 10 onto the folding assembly 10 is located within the non-moving area 12 of the folding assembly 10, meaning that the adhesive backing structure 32 does not overlap with the moving area 11. Thus, during the folding or unfolding of the foldable phone, the adhesive backing structure 32 will not detach from or adhere to the folding assembly 10, thereby minimizing abnormal noise caused by repeated detachment and adhesion. Furthermore, since an adhesive dispensing structure 33 is also provided between the support member 31 and the folding assembly 10 in addition to the adhesive backing structure 32, the bonding strength between the support member 31 and the folding assembly 10 meets the strength requirements.

[0101] In another embodiment of this application, with Figure 8 The difference in the illustrated embodiment lies in the positional relationship between the gasket 34 and the upper adhesive structure 32, and the dispensing structure 33. Specifically, as Figure 12a As shown, the edge 341 of the gasket 34 contacts the edge 322 of the adhesive backing structure 32. A notch 342 is provided on the edge 341 of the gasket 34 near the upper adhesive backing structure 32, and the position of the notch 342 on the gasket 34 corresponds to the position of the notch 321 on the upper adhesive backing structure 32. Therefore, the notch 342 and the notch 321 together form a composite adhesive groove 343. The composite adhesive groove 343 communicates with the support member adhesive groove 313; specifically, the projection of the composite adhesive groove 343 onto the support member 31 completely overlaps with the support member adhesive groove 313. Thus, the support member adhesive groove 313, the lower adhesive backing groove 351, and the composite adhesive groove 343 are all connected. In the manufacture of foldable phones, as... Figure 12b As shown, when the adhesive liquid is injected into the injection hole 352 of the lower adhesive structure 35, the adhesive liquid can flow sequentially through the injection hole 352 to the lower adhesive dispensing groove 351, the support dispensing groove 313 and the composite dispensing groove 343 to form the dispensing structure 33.

[0102] The dispensing structure 33 can assist in bonding the flexible screen 20, the support member 31, and the folding assembly 10. Since the cross-sectional shapes of the lower adhesive dispensing groove 351, the support member dispensing groove 313, and the composite dispensing groove 343 are all closed, they can well contain the gel-like liquid, so that the dispensing structure 33 formed after the gel-like liquid solidifies can effectively provide bonding to the flexible screen 20, the support member 31, and the folding assembly 10.

[0103] In another embodiment of this application, with Figure 8 The difference in the illustrated embodiment lies in the structure of the upper adhesive structure 32, the gasket 34, and the placement of the dispensing structure 33. Specifically, as shown... Figure 13As shown, in this embodiment, the adhesive edge 322 of the upper adhesive structure 32 is a straight line. For example, the upper adhesive structure 32 does not have an upper adhesive notch 321. A closed-shaped gasket dispensing groove 344 is provided on the gasket 34. The gasket dispensing groove 344, the support member dispensing groove 313, and the lower adhesive dispensing groove 351 are interconnected, and the projections of the gasket dispensing groove 344 on the support member 31, the projections of the lower adhesive dispensing groove 351 on the support member 31, and the support member dispensing groove 313 all coincide.

[0104] It should be noted that the projection of the adhesive groove 313 of the support member onto the flexible screen 20 can be located within the bending area 21 of the flexible screen 20. Thus, the projection of the adhesive structure 33 onto the flexible screen 20 is located within the bending area 21 of the flexible screen 20. Since the adhesive edge 322 of the upper adhesive structure 32 is a straight line, the upper adhesive structure 32 in this embodiment has a larger adhesive area, which can further increase the bonding strength between the support member 31 and the flexible screen 20 and reduce the abnormal noise caused by the detachment between the support member 31 and the flexible screen 20.

[0105] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A support component, characterized in that, The support component is used in a foldable device, the foldable device including a flexible screen and a folding component, the support component being located between the flexible screen and the folding component, for supporting the flexible screen, the support component including: Two opposing support members, each being a metal sheet, each having two opposing long edges and two opposing short edges, the length of the long edges being greater than the length of the short edges; the long edges of the support members near the center of the flexible screen are free ends, and the free ends of the two opposing support members are opposite each other; One of the support members has at least one first groove on its free end, and the ratio of the size of the first groove to the size of the first bendable area is greater than 0.35 along a first direction, so that the free end of one of the support members is divided into multiple parts by the first groove along a second direction; the other support member has a protrusion facing the first groove on its free end, and the ratio of the size of the first groove to the size of the first bendable area is less than 0.65 along the first direction, so that the support assembly can provide support for the flexible screen; Wherein, the first direction is the depth direction of the first groove, the first bendable area is the area where the support member bends as the folding assembly bends; the second direction is the extension direction of the long edge; A notch is provided at the free end of each support member near the short edge.

2. The support component according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first grooves is provided on the free end near the middle.

3. The support component according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the support members also includes a fixed end opposite to the free end, the fixed end being one of the two opposing long edges; The fixed end is used to connect to the flexible screen and / or the folding component.

4. The support component according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, There is a gap between the free ends of the two opposing support members. One of the support members has a first groove on its free end, and the other support member has a second groove on its free end. The first groove and the second groove are staggered along the extension direction of the gap.

5. The support component according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The support component has a first side facing the flexible screen and a second side opposite to the first side; The support component further includes an adhesive structure, at least a portion of which is located on the first surface and / or the second surface.

6. The support component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adhesive structure includes a first adhesive backing structure disposed on the first surface and / or a second adhesive backing structure disposed on the second surface.

7. The support component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first surface has an adjacent first bendable area and a first non-bendable area, and the projection of the first adhesive structure onto the first surface is entirely within the first non-bendable area.

8. The support component according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The second surface has a second bendable area and a second non-bendable area adjacent to each other. The projection of the second adhesive structure on the second surface is located within the second non-bendable area and the second bendable area, or the projection of the second adhesive structure on the second surface is entirely located within the second non-bendable area.

9. The support component according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The adhesive structure further includes a dispensing structure, at least a portion of which is disposed on the first surface and / or the second surface.

10. The support component according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The support components also include: A first gasket, the first gasket being located on the first surface; And / or, a second gasket, the second gasket being located on the second surface.

11. The support component according to claim 10, characterized in that, There is a gap between the edge of the first adhesive backing structure and the edge of the first pad; Alternatively, the first adhesive backing structure may come into contact with the first gasket.

12. The support component according to claim 10, characterized in that, The bonding structure further includes a dispensing structure, at least a portion of which is disposed on the first surface, and the first gasket is provided with a second dispensing groove for accommodating the dispensing structure.

13. The support component according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second adhesive groove is located at the edge of the first gasket facing the first adhesive backing structure.

14. The support component according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first adhesive backing structure does not have an adhesive dispensing groove, and the opening of the second adhesive dispensing groove is closed.

15. The support assembly according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The first adhesive backing structure is provided with a first dispensing groove for accommodating the dispensing structure.

16. The support component according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first adhesive backing structure is provided with a first dispensing groove for accommodating the dispensing structure, and the first dispensing groove is located on the edge of the first adhesive backing structure facing the first pad.

17. The support component according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first glue groove is connected to the second glue groove.

18. The support component according to claim 15, characterized in that, The support member is provided with a third dispensing groove for accommodating the dispensing structure.

19. The support component according to claim 18, characterized in that, The third adhesive groove extends from the first surface to the second surface.

20. The support component according to claim 18, characterized in that, At least a portion of the dispensing structure is disposed on the second surface, and the second adhesive backing structure is provided with a fourth dispensing groove for accommodating the dispensing structure.

21. The support component according to claim 20, characterized in that, The positional relationship between the first adhesive groove, the second adhesive groove, the third adhesive groove, and the fourth adhesive groove satisfies at least one of the following characteristics: The first glue groove is connected to the third glue groove; The second glue groove is connected to the third glue groove; The fourth glue groove is connected to the third glue groove.

22. The support component according to claim 21, characterized in that, The edge of the second adhesive backing structure is provided with an opening that communicates with the fourth adhesive groove.

23. The support component according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first adhesive backing structure and / or the second adhesive backing structure are adhesive tapes.

24. The support component according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The material of the support component includes titanium alloy or titanium-copper alloy.

25. A foldable device, characterized in that, The foldable device includes a flexible screen and a folding assembly, and at least one support assembly as described in any one of claims 1-24, the support assembly being located between the flexible screen and the folding assembly, the support assembly supporting the flexible screen.

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