Foldable device

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a kind of foldable device, it is related to display technical field, for adjusting the closing holding force of foldable device, improve the opening and closing experience of foldable device.Foldable device includes first middle frame, second middle frame, first magnet, second magnet and air pump module.First middle frame and second middle frame are rotationally connected.First magnet is located in first middle frame.Second magnet is located in second middle frame.In the case where foldable device is in folded state, the projection of first magnet on reference surface at least partially overlaps with the projection of second magnet on reference surface.Air pump module is located in first middle frame.Air pump module includes air pump and air bag that are in communication, air bag is connected with first magnet.In first direction perpendicular to reference surface, air bag and first magnet are stacked, air bag is configured to drive first magnet to move in first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to a foldable device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of electronic devices, more and more electronic devices with displays are being widely used in people's daily lives and work, such as mobile phones with displays. As screen technology advances, the displays of electronic devices are becoming larger, providing users with richer information and a better user experience. However, excessively large displays can severely impact the portability of electronic devices; therefore, foldable devices are gradually becoming the future direction of electronic device development.

[0003] Foldable devices have a closing force that makes them difficult to unfold when closed. However, when users want to unfold the foldable device, this closing force becomes a resistance, affecting the user's unfolding experience. As foldable devices become increasingly thinner and lighter, the difficulty of opening and closing them also gradually increases, impacting the user's experience with ultra-thin foldable devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a foldable device for adjusting the closing holding force of the foldable device to improve the opening and closing experience of the foldable device.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a foldable device is provided, comprising a first middle frame, a second middle frame, a first magnet, a second magnet, and an air pump module. The first and second middle frames are rotatably connected. The first magnet is located within the first middle frame. The second magnet is located within the second middle frame. When the foldable device is in a folded state, the projection of the first magnet onto a reference surface at least partially overlaps with the projection of the second magnet onto the reference surface. The reference surface is parallel to the surface of the first middle frame that faces away from the second middle frame when the foldable device is in the folded state. The air pump module is located within the first middle frame. The air pump module includes an air pump and an airbag that are interconnected, the airbag being connected to the first magnet. In a first direction perpendicular to the reference surface, the airbag and the first magnet are stacked, and the airbag is configured to drive the first magnet to move in the first direction.

[0007] The air pump and the airbag are interconnected. When the air pump operates, it inflates the airbag by pumping gas into it. A first magnet is connected to the airbag and stacked in a first direction. During the inflation of the airbag, the first magnet connected to the airbag can move along the first direction toward the side away from the airbag. When the air pump stops operating, the gas in the airbag is released, the airbag deflates, and the first magnet connected to the airbag can move along the first direction toward the side closer to the airbag.

[0008] This application embodiment can use the air pump and airbag in the airbag module to adjust the position (or height) of the first magnet in the first direction, so that when the foldable device is in a folded state and the user wants to unfold the foldable device, the distance between the first magnet and the second magnet in the first direction is changed, so that the attraction between the first magnet and the second magnet is reduced, or the repulsion between the first magnet and the second magnet is increased.

[0009] Since the first magnet is located in the first middle frame and the second magnet is located in the second middle frame, the force between the first and second magnets can be transmitted and applied to both the first and second middle frames. As the attractive force between the first and second magnets decreases, or the repulsive force between them increases, the closing and holding force acting on the first and second middle frames decreases accordingly. This makes unfolding the foldable device easier and improves the opening and closing experience.

[0010] Unlike related technologies that adjust the facing area of ​​two magnets to regulate the attractive or repulsive force between them, in this embodiment, the facing area of ​​the first and second magnets remains unchanged. By changing the position of the first magnet within the first frame, the attractive or repulsive force between the first and second magnets is altered, thereby adjusting the closing and holding force of the foldable device. This eliminates the need to reserve space for the first magnet's movement in the direction parallel to the reference plane, improving the space utilization of the first frame and consequently, the space utilization of the foldable device.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the airbag is positioned between the first magnet and the second magnet. Thus, when the airbag inflates, its gradual expansion pushes the first magnet in a direction away from the second magnet, thereby increasing the distance between the first and second magnets and decreasing the attractive or repulsive force between them. When the airbag deflates, its gradual deflation causes the first magnet to move closer to the second magnet, thereby decreasing the distance between them and increasing the attractive or repulsive force between them.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the airbag is located on the side of the first magnet away from the second magnet. Thus, when the airbag inflates, its gradual expansion pushes the first magnet closer to the second magnet, thereby reducing the distance between the first and second magnets and increasing the attractive or repulsive force between them. When the airbag deflates, its collapse causes the first magnet to move away from the second magnet, thereby increasing the distance between them and decreasing the attractive or repulsive force between them.

[0013] In some embodiments, the air pump and the airbag are arranged along a second direction parallel to the reference plane.

[0014] Thus, with the same thickness of the first frame, compared to the scheme where the air pump and airbag are stacked in the first direction, in this embodiment, the air pump and airbag are arranged in a second direction parallel to the reference plane. This allows the first magnet, which is connected to and stacked with the airbag, to have a larger range of movement in the first direction. Consequently, the difference between the attraction (or repulsion) between the first and second magnets when the airbag is inflated and the attraction (or repulsion) between the first and second magnets when the airbag is not inflated (i.e., compressed) can be larger. This results in a larger adjustment range for the closing and holding force of the foldable device. Consequently, when the user does not want to unfold the foldable device, it can have a larger closing and holding force, and when the user wants to unfold the foldable device, it can have a smaller closing and holding force, making it easier for the user to open and improving the opening and closing experience of the foldable device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the air pump module further includes a first housing, the first housing comprising a first sub-part and a second sub-part perpendicular to each other, the first sub-part including a first groove, and the second sub-part including a second recess; wherein, the air pump is connected to the first sub-part, the surface of the air pump and the first groove forming a first cavity, the air pump including an air outlet communicating with the first cavity; the airbag includes an air nozzle and an airbag body communicating with each other, the air nozzle being connected to the second groove forming a second cavity, the first cavity and the second cavity communicating. The airbag body is connected to a first magnet.

[0016] The air pump module provided in this application includes a first housing, and an air pump and an air bag are both connected to the first housing. A first groove in the first housing forms a first cavity with the surface of the air pump, and a second groove in the first housing is connected to the air nozzle of the air bag to form a second cavity. The first cavity and the second cavity are connected, so that the air pump and the air nozzle arranged in the second direction can be connected through the first cavity and the second cavity.

[0017] In some embodiments, the air pump module further includes a carrier plate and a support member. A first housing and an airbag are located on the carrier plate, with the air pump located on the side of the first housing facing away from the carrier plate. The support member is connected to the carrier plate and is located on the same side of the carrier plate as the first housing. The support member includes a first frame and a second frame disposed opposite to each other, and a third frame connecting the first and second frames. The airbag and the first housing are located between the first and second frames, and in a second direction, the third frame is located on the side of the airbag facing away from the air pump. When the airbag is in an uninflated state, the first magnet faces away from the surface of the airbag and is closer to the carrier plate than the surface of the support member facing away from the carrier plate.

[0018] The air pump module provided in this embodiment includes a carrier plate and a support member. These protect the air pump and airbag, fixing their relative positions and preventing the air pump from failing to inflate the airbag due to separation. This improves the connection stability between the air pump and airbag, enhances the operational stability of the air pump module, and ultimately increases the yield rate of foldable devices. Furthermore, in the air pump module provided in this embodiment, the first, second, and third frame edges of the support member, as well as the first housing, surround the airbag, restricting its movement in a direction parallel to the reference plane. This allows the airbag to stably push the first magnet along the thickness direction of the first middle frame when inflated.

[0019] When the airbag is not inflated, the first magnet is away from the surface of the airbag and closer to the carrier plate than the support member is away from the carrier plate. This allows the air pump module to be positioned within the first middle frame, and the support member of the air pump module can abut against the first middle frame or other components, providing movable space for the first magnet. This prevents the first magnet from directly contacting other components or the first middle frame when the air pump is not inflated, thus avoiding a situation where the first magnet cannot move along the thickness direction of the first middle frame.

[0020] In some embodiments, the support member further includes a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion, the first limiting portion being located on the first frame and on the side of the first frame closer to the second frame, the second limiting portion being located on the second frame and on the side of the second frame closer to the first frame; the first magnet includes a third groove and a fourth groove, the first limiting portion extending into the third groove, and the second limiting portion extending into the fourth groove.

[0021] By providing a first limiting part protruding towards the second frame on the first frame and a second limiting part protruding towards the first frame on the second frame, with the first limiting part extending into the third groove and the second limiting part extending into the fourth groove, the movement of the first magnet in the direction parallel to the reference plane can be restricted, so that after the airbag is inflated, the first magnet can move stably along the thickness direction of the first middle frame, thereby improving the stability of the air pump module.

[0022] In some embodiments, the air pump module further includes a second housing and a third housing, the second housing being connected to the air pump and the airbag. The second housing includes a third cavity through which the air pump and the airbag communicate. The third housing includes a third sub-section and a fourth sub-section that are perpendicular to each other, the fourth sub-section being connected to the second housing; the second housing, the third sub-section, and the fourth sub-section form a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity, the air pump being located in the first receiving cavity, and the airbag and the first magnet being located in the second receiving cavity. When the airbag is in an uninflated state, there is a gap between the surface of the first magnet facing away from the airbag and the third sub-section.

[0023] In this embodiment, a second housing including a third cavity connects the air pump and airbag arranged in the second direction. This allows the air pump module to have a smaller dimension in the thickness direction of the first mid-frame, which helps reduce the thickness of the first mid-frame and the foldable device, thus achieving an ultra-thin foldable device. Simultaneously, the second housing, the third sub-part, and the fourth sub-part form a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity, with the air pump and airbag located within them respectively. This also ensures that the relative positions of the air pump and airbag are fixed and not easily separated by other components or environmental conditions (vibration), effectively improving the connection stability between the air pump and airbag, enhancing the operational stability of the air pump module, and increasing the yield rate of the foldable device.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second housing includes a first plate and a second plate connected together, the first plate including a fifth groove, and the surface of the second plate forming a third cavity with the fifth groove. This results in a simple structure for the second housing, making it easy to manufacture and reducing the manufacturing cost of the air pump module.

[0025] In some embodiments, the air pump module further includes an elastic element, one end of which is connected to a first magnet and the other end of which is connected to a third sub-part; the elastic element is configured to undergo compression deformation when the first magnet moves toward a side away from the airbag.

[0026] In this way, when the air pump stops working, the pressure inside the airbag decreases, and the force exerted by the compressed elastic element on the first magnet is greater than the force exerted by the airbag on the first magnet. This causes the first magnet to move towards the side closer to the airbag, pushing the airbag to expel the gas inside, restoring the airbag to its compressed state, and causing the first magnet to return to its initial position.

[0027] In some embodiments, the elastic member includes a first elastic portion and a second elastic portion connected together, forming an angle between the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion. The first elastic portion is fixedly connected to a third sub-part, and the second elastic portion includes a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the first elastic portion and the second end being connected to a first magnet. Thus, when the airbag pushes the first magnet to move, the second elastic portion moves towards the first elastic portion, and the angle between the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion decreases accordingly, causing the elastic member to undergo compressive deformation.

[0028] In some embodiments, the airbag is a multi-layered airbag.

[0029] When the airbag is a multi-layered airbag, compared with a single-layered airbag, the deformation of the airbag in the first direction can be larger, which allows for a larger range of movement of the first magnet in the first direction and a larger range of distance variation between the first magnet and the second magnet. This results in a larger difference between the attraction (or repulsion) between the first magnet and the second magnet when the airbag is inflated and when the airbag is deflated (i.e., compressed). This allows for a larger range of adjustment of the closing and holding force of the foldable device. Consequently, the foldable device can have a larger closing and holding force when the user does not want to unfold it, and a smaller closing and holding force when the user wants to unfold it, making it easier for the user to open and improving the opening and closing experience of the foldable device.

[0030] In some embodiments, the foldable device further includes a pivot connecting a first middle frame and a second middle frame; wherein the second middle frame includes a first side connected to the pivot and a second side opposite to the first side; the distance from the second magnet to the first side is greater than the distance from the first magnet to the second side.

[0031] When the first magnet exerts an attractive or repulsive force on the second magnet, due to the transmission of force, the second magnet also exerts a force of the same magnitude on the second middle frame, thereby affecting the tendency of the second middle frame to rotate around the axis of rotation. In the embodiment of this application, the distance from the second magnet to the first side is greater than the distance from the second magnet to the second side, and the distance from the second magnet to the axis of rotation is larger. This allows the force exerted by the second magnet on the second middle frame to have a longer lever arm, and the torque of the force exerted by the second magnet on the second middle frame is correspondingly larger. Therefore, the influence of the force exerted by the second magnet on the second middle frame on the tendency of the second middle frame to rotate around the axis of rotation can be greater.

[0032] In this way, even if the changes in the attractive or repulsive forces between the first and second magnets are small, and the changes in the force exerted by the second magnet on the second middle frame are small, the closing holding force between the second and first middle frames can be effectively reduced or increased. This makes the scheme of adjusting the height of the first magnet in the thickness direction of the first middle frame using the air pump module, and adjusting the attractive or repulsive forces between the first and second magnets, thereby adjusting the closing holding force of the foldable device, simpler and easier to implement. Furthermore, the range of movement of the first magnet in the thickness direction of the first middle frame can be smaller, which helps to reduce the thickness of the first middle frame and the thickness of the foldable device in the folded state, thus achieving an ultra-thin foldable device.

[0033] Secondly, another foldable device is provided. This foldable device includes a first mid-frame, a second mid-frame, a flexible display panel, and an air pump module. The first and second mid-frames are rotatably connected. The flexible display panel is located on the first and second mid-frames. The air pump module is located between the first mid-frame and the flexible display panel. The air pump module includes an air pump and an airbag that are interconnected. When the airbag is inflated, the airbag contacts the flexible display panel, causing the portion of the flexible display panel in contact with the airbag to bulge away from the first mid-frame.

[0034] The foldable device provided in this application embodiment has an air pump module disposed between the first mid-frame and the flexible display panel. When the air pump is working, it inflates the airbag into the air bladder. The air bladder expands and contacts the flexible display panel, pushing the portion of the flexible display panel in contact with the airbag away from the first mid-frame, causing the portion of the flexible display panel in contact with the airbag to bulge. This bulge abuts against the portion of the flexible display panel located on the second mid-frame, creating a gap between the remaining portion of the flexible display panel on the first mid-frame and the portion of the flexible display panel on the second mid-frame, thus facilitating the user to unfold the foldable device. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this application, the accompanying drawings used in some embodiments of this application will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only drawings of some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings. In addition, the drawings described below can be regarded as schematic diagrams and are not intended to limit the actual size of the product, the actual flow of the method, the actual timing of the signals, etc. involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0036] Figure 1A A structural schematic diagram of a foldable device provided for related technologies;

[0037] Figure 1B A schematic diagram of another foldable device provided for related technologies;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded state of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 6 A perspective view of an air pump module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the provided air pump module at point A-A';

[0044] Figure 8A for Figure 6 Another cross-sectional view of the provided air pump module at point A-A';

[0045] Figure 8B for Figure 7 Enlarged view of area O in the middle region;

[0046] Figure 9 A perspective view of another air pump module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the provided air pump module at point B-B';

[0048] Figure 11 for Figure 9 Another cross-sectional view of the provided air pump module at B-B';

[0049] Figure 12 for Figure 9 Another cross-sectional view of the provided air pump module at C-C';

[0050] Figure 13 A perspective view of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 15 This is a partial structural diagram of the flexible display panel portion of the foldable device provided in this application embodiment when it protrudes. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship; for example, A / B can represent A or B.

[0054] In this application, "and / or" is merely a way of describing 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. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0055] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0056] To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0057] 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 terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0058] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A structural schematic diagram of a foldable device provided for related technologies. For example... Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the foldable device 100 provided by the related technology includes a first middle frame 01 and a second middle frame 02 that are rotatably connected, and a pivot 03 that connects the first middle frame 01 and the second middle frame 02.

[0059] In order to reduce the closing holding force of the foldable device 100 when unfolded and improve the user's opening and closing experience of the foldable device 100, the related technology sets a connected linear motor 04 and a first magnet 05 in the first middle frame 01 and a second magnet 06 in the second middle frame 02. The linear motor 04 is used to reduce the facing area of ​​the first magnet 05 in the first middle frame 01 and the second magnet 06 in the second middle frame 02 when the foldable device 100 is in the folded state.

[0060] When the first magnet 05 and the second magnet 06 attract each other, the adjustment method of the related technology can be, for example: Figure 1A As shown, when the foldable device 100 is in a folded state and the user does not want to unfold the foldable device, the facing area of ​​the first magnet 05 and the second magnet 06 is equal to the area of ​​the surface of the first magnet 05 facing the second magnet 06 (or the area of ​​the surface of the second magnet 06 facing the first magnet 05). At this time, the facing area of ​​the first magnet 05 and the second magnet 06 is at its maximum, and the attraction between the first magnet 05 and the second magnet 06 is at its maximum. The attraction between the first magnet 05 and the second magnet 06 serves as a closing retaining force to prevent the foldable device 100 from being unfolded.

[0061] like Figure 1B As shown, when the foldable device 100 is in a folded state and the user wants to unfold it, the linear electrode 04 is driven so that the facing area of ​​the first magnet 05 and the second magnet 06 is smaller than the area of ​​the surface of the first magnet 05 facing the second magnet 06 (or the area of ​​the surface of the second magnet 06 facing the first magnet 05). At this time, the facing area of ​​the first magnet 05 and the second magnet 06 is smaller, the attraction between the first magnet 05 and the second magnet 06 is smaller, and the closing holding force of the foldable device 100 is reduced, thereby making it easier for the user to unfold the foldable device 100.

[0062] Continue reading Figure 1A and Figure 1B During the adjustment of the facing area of ​​the first magnet 05 and the second magnet 06, the distance between the first magnet 05 and the second magnet 06 in the thickness direction of the foldable device 100 remains unchanged. When the facing area of ​​the two magnets increases, the attraction (or repulsion) between the two magnets increases accordingly; when the facing area of ​​the two magnets decreases, the attraction (or repulsion) between the two magnets decreases accordingly.

[0063] Because the linear motor is relatively large in the thickness direction of the foldable device, the magnet connected to the linear electrode can only move in the length or width direction of the foldable device. Therefore, in addition to reserving space to accommodate the DC motor and the first magnet in the length and width directions of the foldable device, space also needs to be reserved for the displacement of the first magnet, resulting in low space utilization of the foldable device 100.

[0064] Based on this, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, this application embodiment provides a foldable device 200, which includes a first middle frame 10, a second middle frame 20, a first magnet 30, a second magnet 40, and an air pump module 50. The first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 are rotatably connected.

[0065] In some examples, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the foldable device 200 may also include a flexible display panel 201. The first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 can be used to support the flexible display panel 201, so that the flexible display panel 201 remains as flat as possible during use and the non-display surface of the flexible display panel 201 is protected.

[0066] For example, the flexible display panel 201 can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel. Since OLED display panels are self-emissive display panels, they do not require a backlight module. Therefore, when the substrate in the OLED is made of a flexible material (e.g., polyimide), the OLED display panel can have bendable characteristics.

[0067] The flexible display panel 201 can be fixed to the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 by an adhesive layer (not shown). The adhesive layer can be a thin film layer formed after applying glue, and the specific form of the adhesive layer is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0068] In addition to supporting the flexible display panel 201, the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 can also support other electronic components, such as cameras, headphones, earpieces, buttons, batteries, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the other electronic components supported on the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20.

[0069] In some examples, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, the foldable device 200 may further include a pivot 60, with the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 both connected to the pivot 60. The first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 can rotate around the pivot 60 to realize the folding and unfolding of the foldable device 200.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, an angle α may exist between the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20. When the foldable device 200 is in the folded state, the angle α between the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 can be 0 degrees (°) or 360 degrees. When the foldable device 100 is in the unfolded state, the angle α between the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 is greater than 0 degrees and less than 360 degrees.

[0071] The unfolded state of the foldable device 200 differs depending on the included angle α between the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20. For example, the unfolded state of the foldable device 200 may include a partially unfolded state and a fully unfolded state. When the foldable device 200 is in the partially unfolded state, the included angle α between the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 can be 90 degrees. When the foldable device 200 is in the fully unfolded state, the included angle α between the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 can be 180 degrees.

[0072] This application embodiment does not limit the folding method of the foldable device 200. For example, the foldable device 200 can be folded vertically, horizontally, inwardly, or outwardly.

[0073] In some embodiments, the number of middle frames in the foldable device 100 may be greater than or equal to 3. Any two connected middle frames may be rotatably connected.

[0074] Continue reading Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first magnet 30 is located in the first middle frame 10. The second magnet 40 is located in the second middle frame 20. When the foldable device 200 is in the folded state, the projection of the first magnet 30 onto the reference plane Q at least partially overlaps with the projection of the second magnet 40 onto the reference plane Q. The reference plane Q is parallel to the surface 11 of the first middle frame 10 that faces away from the second middle frame 20 when the foldable device 200 is in the folded state.

[0075] "When the foldable device 200 is in a folded state, the projection of the first magnet 30 onto the reference plane Q at least partially overlaps with the projection of the second magnet 40 onto the reference plane Q." This includes both the case where the projection of the first magnet 30 onto the reference plane Q partially overlaps with the projection of the second magnet 40 onto the reference plane Q when the foldable device 200 is in a folded state, and the case where the projection of the first magnet 30 onto the reference plane Q completely overlaps with the projection of the second magnet 40 onto the reference plane Q when the foldable device 200 is in a folded state.

[0076] The phrase "the projection of the first magnet 30 on the reference plane Q partially overlaps with the projection of the second magnet 40 on the reference plane Q" means that when the foldable device 200 is in a folded state, there is a portion in the projection of the first magnet 30 on the reference plane Q that does not overlap with the projection of the second magnet 40 on the reference plane Q, and at the same time, there is a portion in the projection of the second magnet 40 on the reference plane Q that does not overlap with the projection of the first magnet 30 on the reference plane Q.

[0077] "The projection of the first magnet 30 on the reference plane Q completely overlaps with the projection of the second magnet 40 on the reference plane Q" can mean that the boundaries of the projections of the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 on the reference plane Q completely coincide, or that the projection of the first magnet 30 on the reference plane Q is located inside the projection of the second magnet 40 on the reference plane Q, or that the projection of the second magnet 40 on the reference plane Q is located inside the projection of the first magnet 30 on the reference plane Q.

[0078] In some examples, the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 can attract each other. Thus, when the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 are close to each other, the attraction between them increases, and when they are far apart, the attraction between them decreases.

[0079] In other examples, the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 can repel each other. Thus, when the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 approach each other, the repulsive force between them increases, and when they move away from each other, the repulsive force decreases.

[0080] In some examples, the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 can be exactly the same in shape and size. In other examples, the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 can be different in shape and size.

[0081] The air pump module 50 is located in the first middle frame 10. The air pump module 50 includes an air pump 51 and an airbag 52 that are interconnected, with the airbag 52 connected to a first magnet 30. The airbag 52 and the first magnet 30 are stacked in a first direction Z perpendicular to the reference plane Q, and the airbag 52 is configured to drive the first magnet 30 to move in the first direction. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first direction Z, which is perpendicular to the reference plane Q, is also the thickness direction of the first middle frame 10.

[0082] It is understandable that the air pump 51 and the airbag 52 are interconnected. When the air pump 51 is working, it can transfer gas from the air outlet to the airbag 52, causing the airbag 52 to inflate. When the air pump 51 stops working, the gas in the airbag 52 can also be discharged through the air outlet and vent of the air pump 51. Of course, when the air pump 51 is working, the vent should be closed to ensure that the air pump 51 can inflate gas into the airbag 52 through the air outlet.

[0083] For example, the first magnet 30 can be attached to the airbag 52.

[0084] The air pump 51 and the airbag 52 are interconnected. When the air pump 51 is working, it inflates the airbag 52 by pumping gas into it. The airbag 52 is connected to the first magnet 30 and stacked in the first direction Z. During the inflation of the airbag 52, the first magnet 30 connected to the airbag 52 can move along the first direction toward the side away from the airbag 52. When the air pump 51 stops working, the gas in the airbag 52 is released, the airbag 52 deflates, and the first magnet 30 connected to the airbag 52 moves along the first direction Z toward the side closer to the airbag 52.

[0085] In this embodiment, the air pump 51 and airbag 52 in the airbag module 52 can be used to adjust the position (or height) of the first magnet 30 in the first direction Z. This changes the distance between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 in the first direction Z when the foldable device 200 is in a folded state and the user wants to unfold the foldable device 200. This reduces the attraction between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 or increases the repulsion between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40.

[0086] Since the first magnet 30 is located in the first middle frame 10 and the second magnet 40 is located in the second middle frame 20, the force between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 can be applied to the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 through force transmission. As the attractive force between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 decreases, or the repulsive force between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 increases, the closing holding force acting on the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 decreases accordingly. This makes it easier to unfold the foldable device 200, thereby improving the opening and closing experience of the foldable device 200.

[0087] Unlike related technologies that adjust the facing area of ​​two magnets to regulate the attraction or repulsion between them, in this embodiment, the facing area of ​​the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 remains unchanged. By changing the position of the first magnet 30 within the first middle frame 10, the attraction or repulsion between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 is altered, thereby adjusting the closing and holding force of the foldable device 200. In this way, no space needs to be reserved for the movement of the first magnet 30 in the direction parallel to the reference plane Q, improving the space utilization of the first middle frame 10, and thus improving the space utilization of the foldable device 200.

[0088] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the air pump 51 and the airbag 52 can be arranged along a second direction X parallel to the reference plane Q.

[0089] In some examples, the second direction X can be the length direction of the first middle frame 10. In other examples, the second direction X can be the length direction of the first middle frame 10. In still other examples, the second direction X can form an angle with the length direction of the first middle frame 10, and also form an angle with the width direction of the first middle frame 10. The angles are greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

[0090] With the same thickness of the first frame 10, compared with the scheme where the air pump 51 and the airbag 52 are stacked in the first direction, in this embodiment, the air pump 51 and the airbag 52 are arranged along the second direction X parallel to the reference plane Q. This allows the first magnet 30, which is connected to the airbag 52 and stacked, to have a larger range of movement in the first direction Z. As a result, the difference between the attraction (or repulsion) between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 when the airbag 52 is inflated and the attraction (or repulsion) between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 when the airbag 52 is not inflated (i.e., compressed) can be larger. This results in a larger adjustment range for the closing and holding force of the foldable device 200. Consequently, when the user does not want to unfold the foldable device 200, the foldable device 200 can have a larger closing and holding force, and when the user wants to unfold the foldable device 200, the foldable device 200 can have a smaller closing and holding force, making it easier for the user to open and improving the opening and closing experience of the foldable device 200.

[0091] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 When the foldable device 200 is in the folded state, the airbag 52 is located between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40. Thus, when the airbag 52 inflates, it gradually expands, pushing the first magnet 30 away from the second magnet 40, thereby increasing the distance between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 and decreasing the attractive or repulsive force between them. When the airbag 52 deflates, it gradually collapses, causing the first magnet 30 to move closer to the second magnet 40, thereby decreasing the distance between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 and increasing the attractive or repulsive force between them.

[0092] In some examples, when the foldable device 200 is in the folded state, the airbag 52 is located between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40, and the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 attract each other. Thus, when the air pump 51 stops working and the airbag 52 deflates, the airbag 52 gradually deflates, causing the first magnet 30 to move closer to the second magnet 40. At the same time, the attraction between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 can also drive the first magnet 30 to move closer to the second magnet 40, thereby allowing the airbag 52 to be compressed more quickly, and the first magnet 30 to return to its initial position.

[0093] In other embodiments, see Figure 3 When the foldable device 200 is in a folded state, the airbag 52 is located on the side of the first magnet 30 away from the second magnet 40.

[0094] Thus, when the airbag 52 inflates, it gradually expands, pushing the first magnet 30 towards the second magnet 40, thereby reducing the distance between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 and increasing the attractive or repulsive force between them. When the airbag 52 deflates, it collapses, causing the first magnet 30 to move away from the second magnet 40, thereby increasing the distance between them and decreasing the attractive or repulsive force between them.

[0095] In some examples, when the foldable device 200 is in the folded state, the airbag 52 is located on the side of the first magnet 30 away from the second magnet 40, and the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 repel each other. Thus, when the air pump 51 stops working and the airbag 52 deflates, the airbag 52 gradually deflates, causing the first magnet 30 to move in the direction away from the second magnet 40. At the same time, the repulsive force between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 can also drive the first magnet 30 to move in the direction away from the second magnet 40, thereby allowing the airbag 52 to be compressed more quickly, and the first magnet 30 to return to its initial position.

[0096] Figure 6 and Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the air pump module 50 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 and Figure 8A All Figure 6 The cross-sectional diagram at A-A' shows the difference between the two. Figure 7 The airbag 52 is in an uninflated state (i.e., a compressed state). Figure 8A The airbag 52 is in an inflated state. Figure 8B for Figure 7 A magnified view of region O in the middle area. Figure 10 and Figure 11 All Figure 9 The cross-sectional diagram at B-B' shows the difference between the two. Figure 10 The airbag 52 in the middle is in an uninflated state. Figure 11 The airbag 52 is in an inflated state. Figure 11 The direction of gas flow in the air pump module 50 is indicated by a "black arrow", and the thrust of the airbag 52 on the first magnet 30 is indicated by a "white arrow". Figure 12 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the cross-section at C-C'. (See below for reference.) Figures 6-12The structure of the air pump module 50 is described in detail.

[0097] like Figure 6 As shown, in some examples, the projections of the air pump 51 and the airbag 52 onto the reference plane Q can both be approximately rectangular in shape. For example... Figure 9 As shown, in some examples, the shape of the projection of the air pump 51 onto the reference plane Q can be approximately rectangular, and the shape of the projection of the airbag 52 onto the reference plane Q can be approximately circular. Of course, the shapes of the projections of the air pump 51 and the airbag 52 onto the reference plane Q in the embodiments of this application are not limited to these.

[0098] In this embodiment, the size of the projection of the air pump 51 and the airbag 52 on the reference plane Q is not limited, and can be designed according to the size of the accommodating space that the first middle frame 10 can provide.

[0099] like Figure 7 , Figure 8A , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in some embodiments, the airbag 52 can be a multi-layered airbag.

[0100] When the airbag 52 is a multi-layered airbag, compared with a single-layered airbag, the deformation of the airbag 52 in the first direction Z can be larger, which allows the first magnet 30 to move a larger range in the first direction Z, and also allows the distance between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 to vary a larger range. As a result, the difference between the attraction (or repulsion) between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 when the airbag 52 is inflated and the attraction (or repulsion) between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 when the airbag 52 is inflated (i.e., compressed) can be larger. The adjustment range of the closing holding force of the foldable device 200 is larger, which allows the foldable device to have a larger closing holding force when the user does not want to unfold the foldable device, and a smaller closing holding force when the user wants to unfold the foldable device, making it easier for the user to open and improving the opening and closing experience of the foldable device.

[0101] Figure 7 , Figure 8A , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The illustration uses a double-layered airbag 52 as an example. However, it is understood that the number of layers of the airbag 52 in this embodiment is not limited to this. The number of layers of the airbag 52 can be designed according to actual needs to make the thickness of the airbag 52 smaller in the compressed state and the deformation larger in the inflated state, thereby ensuring the movable range of the first magnet 30 in the first direction Z.

[0102] In addition to the air pump 51 and airbag 52 described above, in some embodiments, such as Figures 6-8AAs shown, the air pump module 50 may further include a first housing 53. The first housing 53 includes a first sub-part 531 and a second sub-part 532 that are perpendicular to each other. The first sub-part 531 includes a first groove M1, and the second sub-part 532 includes a second groove M2.

[0103] Air pump 51 is connected to the first sub-part 531. The surface 511 of air pump 51 and the first groove M1 form a first cavity 501. Air pump 51 includes an air outlet 512, which communicates with the first cavity 501. Airbag 52 includes an air nozzle 521, which is connected to the second groove M2 to form a second cavity 502. The first cavity 501 and the second cavity 502 communicate with each other.

[0104] The air pump module 50 provided in this embodiment includes a first housing 53. The air pump 51 and the air bag 52 are both connected to the first housing 53. The first groove M1 in the first housing 53 forms a first cavity 501 with the surface of the air pump 51. The second groove M2 in the first housing 53 is connected to the air nozzle 521 of the air bag 52 to form a second cavity 502. The first cavity 501 and the second cavity 502 are connected, so that the air pump 51 and the air nozzle 521 arranged in the second direction X can be connected through the first cavity 501 and the second cavity 502.

[0105] The embodiments of this application do not impose any restrictions on the shape and size of the opening of the first groove M1 or the opening of the second groove M2, and can be designed according to the actual situation.

[0106] In some examples, the air pump 51 can be bonded to the first sub-part 531 with an adhesive layer.

[0107] In some examples, such as Figure 7 , Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the first housing 53 also includes a cover plate 533, which is connected to the first sub-part 531 and the air pump 51. The surface of the cover plate 533, the surface of the first sub-part 531, and the side of the air pump 51 form a transition chamber 510. In the first direction Z, the size d2 of the transition chamber 510 is larger than the size d3 of the first cavity 501.

[0108] The embodiments of this application do not impose any restrictions on the specific values ​​of the above-mentioned dimensions d2 and d3, and can be designed according to actual needs.

[0109] By utilizing the cover plate 533, the first sub-part 531, and the air pump 51 to form a transition chamber 510, and with the dimension d2 of the transition chamber 510 in the first direction Z being larger than the dimension d3 of the first cavity 501 in the first direction Z, gas can be transported more quickly from the first cavity 501 to the transition chamber 510, and then from the transition chamber 510 to the second cavity 502, thereby improving the gas transport rate. Furthermore, the transition chamber 510 also better connects the first cavity 501 and the second cavity 502, mitigating the problem of difficulty in connecting the first and second cavities due to the small dimension of the first cavity in the first direction Z.

[0110] In some examples, such as Figure 6 and Figure 8B As shown, the first housing 53 also includes a through hole 534. Along a second direction X parallel to the reference plane Q, the through hole 534 can extend from the bottom wall of the second groove M2 to the side wall of the transition chamber 510 (or, the through hole 534 can extend from the side wall of the transition chamber 510 to the bottom wall of the second groove M2). The second cavity 502 and the transition chamber 510 are connected through the through hole 534.

[0111] For example, the first housing 53 may include one or more through holes 534. Figure 6 The first housing 53 includes two through holes 534 as an example for illustration.

[0112] It is understood that, in addition to the air nozzle 521, the airbag 52 also includes the airbag body 522, which is interconnected with the air nozzle 521. The airbag body 522 is connected to the first magnet 30.

[0113] Continue reading Figures 6 to 8B In some embodiments, the air pump module 50 may further include a carrier plate 54 and a support member 55. The first housing 53 and the airbag 52 are located on the carrier plate 54, and the air pump 51 is located on the side of the first housing 53 facing away from the carrier plate 54. The support member 55 is connected to the carrier plate 54 and is located on the same side of the carrier plate 54 as the first housing 53. The support member 55 includes a first frame 551 and a second frame 552 disposed opposite to each other, and a third frame 553 connecting the first frame 551 and the second frame 552. The airbag 52 and the first housing 53 are located between the first frame 551 and the second frame 552. In the second direction X (i.e., the arrangement direction of the air pump 51 and the airbag 52), the third frame 553 is located on the side of the airbag 52 facing away from the air pump 51.

[0114] The air pump module 50 provided in this application embodiment is provided with a carrier plate 54 and a support member 55. The carrier plate 54 and the support member 55 protect the air pump 51 and the air bag 52, so that the relative position between the air pump 51 and the air bag 52 is fixed, avoiding the problem that the air pump cannot inflate the air bag due to the separation of the air pump and the air bag. This improves the connection stability between the air pump 51 and the air bag 52, improves the use stability of the air pump module 50, and thus improves the yield of the foldable device 200.

[0115] Furthermore, in the air pump module 50 provided in this application embodiment, the first frame 551, the second frame 552 and the third frame 553 of the support member 55, as well as the first housing 53, are arranged around the airbag 52, which can also restrict the movement of the airbag 52 in the direction parallel to the reference plane Q, so that the airbag 52 can stably push the first magnet 30 to move along the thickness direction (first direction Z) of the first middle frame 10 when it is inflated.

[0116] In some examples, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first border 551 and the second border 552 can be parallel to each other, and both the first border 551 and the second border 552 can be perpendicular to the third border 553.

[0117] In this embodiment, the thickness and length of the first border 551, the second border 552, and the third border 553 are not limited and can be designed according to actual needs.

[0118] like Figure 7 As shown, when the airbag 52 is in an uninflated state, the first magnet 30 is away from the surface S1 of the airbag 52, and closer to the carrier plate 54 than the support member 55 is away from the surface S2 of the carrier plate 54. In this way, by placing the air pump module 50 in the first middle frame 10, the support member 55 of the air pump module 50 can abut against the first middle frame or other components, providing movable space for the first magnet 30. This prevents the first magnet 30 from directly contacting other components or the first middle frame when the air pump is in an uninflated state, thus avoiding a situation where the first magnet cannot move along the thickness direction of the first middle frame.

[0119] In some examples, see Figure 7 In the thickness direction (first direction Z) of the first middle frame 10, the distance d1 between the surface S1 of the first magnet 30 facing away from the airbag 52 and the surface S2 of the support member 55 facing away from the carrier plate 54 can be 0.8 mm to 1 mm. For example, the distance d1 can be 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm or 1 mm, etc.

[0120] In this way, on the one hand, the range of motion of the first magnet 30 in the thickness direction of the first middle frame 10 will not be too small, so that when the foldable device is in the folded state, the adjustable range of the distance between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 is large. After the distance between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 is adjusted, the difference between the attraction or repulsion between the first magnet and the second magnet is large, and the adjustment range of the closing holding force of the foldable device 200 is large. As a result, when the user does not want to unfold the foldable device 200, the foldable device 200 can have a large closing holding force, and when the user wants to unfold the foldable device 200, the foldable device 200 can have a small closing holding force, which makes it convenient for the user to open and improves the opening and closing experience of the foldable device 200.

[0121] On the other hand, the dimensions of the support member 55 in the thickness direction of the first middle frame 10 will not be too large, and the dimensions of the air pump module 50 in the thickness direction of the first middle frame 10 will not be too large, which is conducive to reducing the thickness of the first middle frame 10, reducing the thickness of the foldable device 200, and realizing an ultra-thin foldable device.

[0122] In some examples, the dimension of the air pump module 50 in the thickness direction of the first middle frame 10 can be 2.5 mm to 3.2 mm. For example, the dimension of the air pump module 50 in the thickness direction of the first middle frame 10 can be 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.2 mm, etc.

[0123] In this way, the dimensions of the air pump module 50 in the thickness direction of the first middle frame 10 can be smaller, which is beneficial to reducing the thickness of the foldable device 200 and realizing an ultra-thin foldable device.

[0124] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the support member 55 also includes a first limiting portion 554 and a second limiting portion 555. The first limiting portion 554 is located on the first frame 551 and on the side of the first frame 551 closest to the second frame 552. The second limiting portion 555 is located on the second frame 552 and on the side of the second frame 552 closest to the first frame 551. The first magnet 30 includes a third groove M3 and a fourth groove M4. The first limiting portion 554 extends into the third groove M3, and the second limiting portion 555 extends into the fourth groove M4.

[0125] By providing a first limiting part 554 protruding towards the second frame 552 on the first frame 551, and a second limiting part 555 protruding towards the first frame 551 on the second frame 552, with the first limiting part 554 extending into the third groove M3 and the second limiting part 555 extending into the fourth groove M4, the movement of the first magnet 30 in the direction parallel to the reference plane Q can be restricted, so that after the airbag 52 is inflated, the first magnet 30 can move stably along the thickness direction of the first middle frame 10, thereby improving the working stability of the air pump module 50.

[0126] Among them, see Figure 3 The reference plane Q is parallel to the surface of the first middle frame 10 and is away from the second middle frame 20 when the foldable device 200 is in the folded state.

[0127] In other embodiments, such as Figures 9-11 As shown, the air pump module 50 also includes a second housing 56 and a third housing 57. The second housing 56 is connected to the air pump 51 and the airbag 52. The second housing 56 includes a third cavity 503 through which the air pump 51 and the airbag 52 communicate.

[0128] The third housing 57 includes a third sub-part 571 and a fourth sub-part 572 that are perpendicular to each other, with the fourth sub-part 572 connected to the second housing 56. The second housing 56, the third sub-part 571, and the fourth sub-part 572 form a first receiving cavity L1 and a second receiving cavity L2. An air pump 51 is located in the first receiving cavity L1, and an airbag 52 and a first magnet 30 are located in the second receiving cavity L2. When the airbag 52 is in an uninflated state (i.e., a compressed state), there is a gap d4 between the surface S1 of the first magnet 30 facing away from the airbag 52 and the third sub-part 571. When the airbag 52 is in an inflated state, as... Figure 11 As shown, the first magnet 30 can abut against the third sub-part 571.

[0129] The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific value of the above-mentioned spacing d4, and can be designed according to actual needs.

[0130] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the air pump 51 and the airbag 52 are located on the same side of the second housing 56.

[0131] In this embodiment, the air pump 51 and airbag 52, which are arranged in the second direction X parallel to the reference plane Q, are connected by the second housing 56 including the third cavity 503. This allows the air pump module 50 to have a smaller size in the thickness direction of the first middle frame 10, which is beneficial to reduce the thickness of the first middle frame 10 and the thickness of the foldable device 200, thereby realizing an ultra-thin foldable device.

[0132] Meanwhile, the second housing 56, together with the third sub-part 571 and the fourth sub-part 572, forms the first receiving cavity L1 and the second receiving cavity L2. The air pump 51 and the air bag 52 are located in the first receiving cavity L1 and the second receiving cavity L2, respectively. This also makes the relative positions of the air pump 51 and the air bag 52 fixed and not easily separated by other devices or environmental conditions (vibration). This effectively improves the connection stability between the air pump 51 and the air bag 52, improves the stability of the air pump mold 50 in use, and improves the yield of the foldable device 100.

[0133] In some examples, the second housing 56 includes a first plate 561 and a second plate 562 connected together. The first plate 561 includes a fifth groove M5, and the surface of the second plate 562 forms a third cavity 503 with the fifth groove M5. In this way, the structure of the second housing 56 is simple and easy to manufacture, which helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of the air pump module 50.

[0134] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown, the air pump module 50 also includes an elastic element 58. One end of the elastic element 58 is connected to the first magnet 30, and the other end of the elastic element 58 is connected to the third sub-part 571. The elastic element 58 is configured to generate compression deformation when the first magnet 30 moves to the side away from the airbag 52.

[0135] Thus, see Figure 12 When the air pump 51 stops working, the pressure inside the airbag 52 decreases, and the force exerted by the compressed elastic element 58 on the first magnet 30 is greater than the force exerted by the airbag 52 on the first magnet 30. This causes the first magnet 30 to move towards the side closer to the airbag 52, pushing the airbag 52 to expel the gas in the airbag 52, restoring the airbag 52 to its compressed state, and causing the first magnet 30 to return to its initial position. Figure 12 The white arrow in the image shows the thrust of the first magnet 30 on the airbag 52.

[0136] In particular, when the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 attract each other, and the airbag 52 is located on the side of the first magnet 30 away from the second magnet 40 when the foldable device 200 is in the folded state, the elastic element 58 can overcome the attraction between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 after the air pump 51 stops working and the air in the airbag 52 is discharged, causing the first magnet 30 to move away from the second magnet 40 as quickly as possible. When the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 repel each other, and the airbag 52 is located between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 when the foldable device 200 is in the folded state, the elastic element 58 can overcome the repulsive force between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 after the air pump 51 stops working and the air in the airbag 52 is discharged, causing the first magnet 30 to move closer to the second magnet 40 as quickly as possible.

[0137] The number of elastic elements 58 in this embodiment is not limited and can be designed according to actual needs. Figure 12 The following is an illustration of an air pump module 50 with two elastic elements 58.

[0138] In some examples, the elastic element 58 may be located on the side of the first magnet 30 away from the airbag 52.

[0139] In other examples, see Figure 9 Along a direction parallel to the reference plane Q, the elastic element 58 can be located on one side of the first magnet 30. Figure 12 The air pump module 50 includes two elastic elements 58, which are respectively located on both sides of the first magnet 30 in a third direction Y parallel to the reference plane Q. The third direction Y can intersect with the second direction X.

[0140] Along a direction parallel to the reference plane Q, the elastic element 58 is located on one side of the first magnet 30. In this way, when the size of the second receiving cavity L2 in the first direction is fixed, the elastic element 58 will not occupy the moving space of the first magnet 30 in the first direction Z, so that the movable range of the first magnet 30 in the first direction Z can be large, and the adjustment range of the closing holding force of the foldable device 200 can be large. This allows the foldable device to have a large closing holding force when the user does not want to unfold the foldable device, and a small closing holding force when the user wants to unfold the foldable device, making it convenient for the user to open and improving the opening and closing experience of the foldable device.

[0141] With the first magnet 30 moving a fixed distance, setting the elastic element 58 on the side of the first magnet 30 parallel to the reference plane Q also helps to reduce the size of the second receiving cavity L2 in the first direction Z and the size of the third housing 57 in the first direction Z, thereby reducing the size of the air pump module 50 and the first middle frame 10 in the first direction Z, making the thickness of the foldable device 200 smaller and realizing an ultra-thin foldable device.

[0142] See further examples. Figure 12 The elastic element 58 includes a first elastic portion 581 and a second elastic portion 582 connected together, forming an included angle β between the first elastic portion 581 and the second elastic portion 582. The first elastic portion 581 is fixedly connected to the third sub-part 571. The second elastic portion 582 includes a first end 5821 and a second end 5822. The first end 5821 is connected to the first elastic portion 581, and the second end 5822 is connected to the first magnet 30. The included angle β is an acute angle.

[0143] When the airbag 52 pushes the first magnet 30 to move, the second elastic part 582 moves toward the first elastic part 581, and the included angle β between the first elastic part 581 and the second elastic part 582 decreases accordingly, and the elastic member 58 undergoes compression deformation.

[0144] In some examples, the first magnet 30 may include a main body 31 and an extension 32, the extension 32 being connected to the edge of the main body 31. In the first direction Z, the dimension of the extension 32 is smaller than the dimension of the main body 31. The extension 32 is connected to an elastic member 58.

[0145] In this way, even if the elastic element 58 is located on the side of the extension 32 away from the airbag 52, the extension 32 can have a large movement space in the first direction Z. The movement space of the main body 31 in the first direction Z is not easily affected by the elastic element 58, which helps to reduce the size of the second receiving cavity L2 in the first direction Z, reduce the size of the third housing 57 in the first direction Z, thereby reducing the size of the air pump module 50 and the first middle frame 10 in the first direction Z, making the thickness of the foldable device 200 smaller, and realizing an ultra-thin foldable device.

[0146] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 The foldable device 100 also includes a pivot 60, which connects the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20. The second middle frame 20 may include a first side 21 connected to the pivot 60 and a second side 22 disposed opposite to the first side 21. The distance a1 from the second magnet 40 to the first side 21 is greater than the distance a2 from the second magnet 40 to the second side 22.

[0147] The embodiments of this application do not impose any restrictions on the specific value of the distance a1 from the second magnet 40 to the first side 21, or the specific value of the distance a2 from the second magnet 40 to the second side 22, and can be designed according to specific circumstances.

[0148] When the first magnet 30 applies an attractive or repulsive force to the second magnet 40, due to the transmission of force, the second magnet 40 also applies a force of the same magnitude to the second middle frame 20, thereby affecting the tendency of the second middle frame 20 to rotate around the axis 60. In this embodiment, the distance a1 from the second magnet 40 to the first side 21 is greater than the distance a2 from the second magnet 40 to the second side 22, and the distance from the second magnet 40 to the axis 60 is larger. This allows the force applied by the second magnet 40 to the second middle frame 20 to have a longer lever arm, and the torque of the force exerted by the second magnet 40 on the second middle frame 20 is correspondingly larger. Therefore, the force exerted by the second magnet 40 on the second middle frame 20 can have a greater influence on the tendency of the second middle frame 20 to rotate around the axis 60.

[0149] In this way, even if the changes in the attractive or repulsive force between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40 are small, and the changes in the force exerted by the second magnet 40 on the second middle frame 20 are small, the closing holding force between the second middle frame 20 and the first middle frame 10 can be effectively reduced or increased. This makes the scheme of adjusting the height of the first magnet 30 in the thickness direction of the first middle frame 10, adjusting the attractive or repulsive force between the first magnet 30 and the second magnet 40, and thus adjusting the closing holding force of the foldable device 200, simpler and easier to implement. Furthermore, the range of movement of the first magnet 30 in the thickness direction of the first middle frame 10 can be smaller, which helps to reduce the thickness of the first middle frame 10 and the thickness of the foldable device 200 in the folded state, thus achieving an ultra-thin foldable device.

[0150] This application also provides another foldable device 300. For example... Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the foldable device 300 includes a first middle frame 301, a second middle frame 302, a flexible display panel 303, and an air pump module 304. The first middle frame 301 and the second middle frame 302 are rotatably connected.

[0151] The flexible display panel 303 is located on the first middle frame 301 and the second middle frame 302.

[0152] For a detailed description of the first middle frame 301, the second middle frame 302 and the flexible display panel 303, please refer to the description of the first middle frame 10, the second middle frame 20 and the flexible display panel 201 in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0153] For example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the foldable device 300 may further include a pivot 305, and the first middle frame 301 and the second middle frame 302 are both connected to the pivot 305. The first middle frame 301 and the second middle frame 302 can rotate around the pivot 305 to realize the folding and unfolding of the foldable device 300.

[0154] An air pump module 304 is located between the first mid-frame 301 and the flexible display panel 303. The air pump module 304 includes an air pump 310 and an airbag 320 that are interconnected. When the airbag 320 is inflated, it contacts the flexible display panel 303, causing the portion of the flexible display panel 303 in contact with the airbag 320 to protrude away from the first mid-frame 301.

[0155] Understandably, in order for the airbag 320 to contact the flexible display panel 303 when inflated, the distance between the airbag 320 and the flexible display panel 303 when deflated should be less than the deformation of the airbag 320. For example, when the airbag 320 is deflated, it can contact the flexible display panel 303; in this case, the distance between the airbag 320 and the flexible display panel 303 when deflated is 0, which is less than the deformation of the airbag 320.

[0156] The foldable device 300 provided in this embodiment of the application has an air pump module 304 disposed between the first middle frame 301 and the flexible display panel 303. When the air pump 310 is working, the air pump 310 inflates the airbag 320, the airbag 320 expands and contacts the flexible display panel 303, and pushes the part of the flexible display panel 303 in contact with the airbag 320 to move away from the first middle frame 301, causing the part of the flexible display panel 303 in contact with the airbag 320 to bulge. Thus, see reference Figure 15 The protruding part of the flexible display panel 303 abuts against the part of the flexible display panel 303 located on the second middle frame 302, so that a gap appears between the remaining part of the flexible display panel 303 located on the first middle frame and the part of the flexible display panel 303 located on the second middle frame 20, thereby making it convenient for the user to unfold the foldable device 300.

[0157] In some examples, the foldable device may also include a reinforcing plate disposed between the first mid-frame and the flexible display panel. In this case, the airbag can be located between the foldable device and the reinforcing plate, while the air pump can be located between the reinforcing plate and the first mid-frame. The air pump and airbag can be disposed separately, thereby making the placement of the airbag more flexible and helping to further improve the space utilization of the foldable device.

[0158] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0159] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A foldable device, characterized by, include: A first middle frame and a second middle frame, the first middle frame and the second middle frame being rotatably connected; The first magnet is located in the first middle frame; The second magnet is located in the second middle frame; When the foldable device is in a folded state, the projection of the first magnet on the reference surface at least partially overlaps with the projection of the second magnet on the reference surface. The reference surface is parallel to the surface of the first middle frame that is away from the second middle frame when the foldable device is in a folded state; An air pump module is located in the first middle frame; the air pump module includes an air pump and an air bag that are interconnected, and the air bag is connected to the first magnet; in a first direction perpendicular to the reference plane, the air bag and the first magnet are stacked, and the air bag is configured to drive the first magnet to move in the first direction.

2. The foldable device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the foldable device is in a folded state, the airbag is located between the first magnet and the second magnet.

3. The foldable device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the foldable device is in a folded state, the airbag is located on the side of the first magnet away from the second magnet.

4. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The air pump and the airbag are arranged in a second direction parallel to the reference plane.

5. The foldable device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The air pump module also includes: The first housing includes a first sub-part and a second sub-part that are perpendicular to each other; the first sub-part includes a first groove and the second sub-part includes a second recess. The air pump is connected to the first sub-part, and the surface of the air pump forms a first cavity with the first groove. The air pump includes an air outlet that communicates with the first cavity. The airbag includes an air nozzle and an airbag body that communicate with each other. The air nozzle is connected to the second groove to form a second cavity. The first cavity and the second cavity communicate with each other. The airbag body is connected to the first magnet.

6. The foldable device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air pump module also includes: A carrier plate, the first housing and the airbag are located on the carrier plate, and the air pump is located on the side of the first housing opposite to the carrier plate; A support member is connected to the carrier plate and is located on the same side of the carrier plate as the first housing; the support member includes a first frame and a second frame disposed opposite to each other, and a third frame connecting the first frame and the second frame; the airbag and the first housing are located between the first frame and the second frame, and in the second direction, the third frame is located on the side of the airbag away from the air pump; When the airbag is in an uninflated state, the first magnet is away from the surface of the airbag and closer to the carrier plate than the surface of the support member is away from the carrier plate.

7. The foldable device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support member further includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part. The first limiting part is located on the first frame and on the side of the first frame closer to the second frame. The second limiting part is located on the second frame and on the side of the second frame closer to the first frame. The first magnet includes a third groove and a fourth groove. The first limiting part extends into the third groove, and the second limiting part extends into the fourth groove.

8. The foldable device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The air pump module also includes: A second housing is connected to the air pump and the airbag; the second housing includes a third cavity through which the air pump and the airbag communicate. The third housing includes a third sub-part and a fourth sub-part that are perpendicular to each other. The fourth sub-part is connected to the second housing. The second housing, the third sub-part, and the fourth sub-part form a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity. The air pump is located in the first receiving cavity, and the airbag and the first magnet are located in the second receiving cavity. When the airbag is in an uninflated state, there is a gap between the surface of the first magnet facing away from the airbag and the third sub-part.

9. The foldable device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second housing includes a first plate and a second plate connected together. The first plate includes a fifth groove, and the surface of the second plate forms a third cavity with the fifth groove.

10. The foldable device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The air pump module also includes: An elastic element, one end of which is connected to the first magnet and the other end of which is connected to the third sub-part; the elastic element is configured to undergo compressive deformation when the first magnet moves toward the side away from the airbag.

11. The foldable device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The elastic element includes a first elastic part and a second elastic part connected together, with an included angle between the first elastic part and the second elastic part; the first elastic part is fixedly connected to the third sub-part, and the second elastic part includes a first end and a second end, with the first end connected to the first elastic part and the second end connected to the first magnet.

12. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The airbag is a multi-layered airbag.

13. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, Also includes: A pivot connects the first middle frame and the second middle frame; The second middle frame includes a first side connected to the pivot and a second side opposite to the first side; the distance from the second magnet to the first side is greater than the distance from the first magnet to the second side.

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