Folding screen device

Abstract

A folding screen device comprises a first shell (100), a second shell (200), a third shell (300), a first hinge (400), a second hinge (500) and a flexible screen (600). Wherein two opposite ends of the first hinge (400) are respectively connected with the first shell (100) and the second shell (200), two opposite ends of the second hinge (500) are respectively connected with the second shell (200) and the third shell (300), and the flexible screen (600) is respectively connected with the first shell (100), the second shell (200) and the third shell (300); the first hinge (400) can deform so that the first shell (100) can be folded or unfolded relative to the second shell (200), and the second hinge (500) can deform so that the second shell (200) can be folded or unfolded relative to the third shell (300); the thickness of the third shell (300) is larger than the thickness of the first shell (100) and / or the thickness of the second shell (200), and the thickness of the first shell (100) is different from the thickness of the second shell (200). According to the folding screen equipment, the plurality of shells can be different in thickness, so that the thickness of the folding screen equipment in a folding state is reduced, the weight of the folding screen equipment is lighter, and a better holding hand feeling can be provided for a user.

Description

Folding screen devices

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on September 27, 2022, with application number 202211183546.6 and application name “A foldable electronic device”, and the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on February 21, 2023, with application number 202310180076.6 and application name “Folding screen device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a folding screen device. Background Art

[0003] With the continuous development of display technology, foldable screen devices have gradually become a development trend of future electronic products. However, existing foldable screen devices still have some defects.

[0004] On the one hand, the screen ratio of foldable screen devices in the unfolded state is not well adapted to many application scenarios (such as playing videos, playing games, reading e-books, reading papers, etc.). For example, the video ratio is generally 16:9, but the screen ratio of foldable screen devices in the unfolded state is often close to 1:1, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0005] On the other hand, when folded, the folding screen device is relatively thick and the user does not feel good to hold.

[0006] In summary, there is still room for further improvement in existing folding screen devices.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present application provides a folding screen device for improving existing folding screen devices.

[0009] In a first aspect, a folding screen device is provided, comprising a first shell, a second shell, a third shell, a first hinge, a second hinge and a flexible screen; wherein, the opposite ends of the first hinge are respectively connected to the first shell and the second shell, the opposite ends of the second hinge are respectively connected to the second shell and the third shell, and the flexible screen is respectively connected to the first shell, the second shell and the third shell; the first hinge can be deformed so that the first shell is folded or unfolded relative to the second shell, and the second hinge can be deformed so that the second shell is folded or unfolded relative to the third shell; the thickness of the third shell is greater than the thickness of the first shell and / or the thickness of the second shell, and the thickness of the first shell is different from the thickness of the second shell.

[0010] In the prior art, the thickness of multiple shells of foldable screen devices is relatively large, resulting in a poor feel for the entire device. According to the embodiments of the present application, since the thickness of the third shell is greater than the thickness of the first shell and / or the thickness of the second shell, and the thickness of the first shell is different from the thickness of the second shell, that is, the multiple shells can be of different thicknesses, thus making the foldable screen device thinner, reducing the thickness of the foldable screen device in the folded state, and making the foldable screen device lighter, thereby providing users with a better grip feel.

[0011] In addition, since the foldable screen device can be folded twice, the screen ratio of the foldable screen device in the unfolded state can better match a variety of scenarios.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the thickness of the third shell is greater than the thickness of the first shell and / or the thickness of the second shell, and the thickness of the first shell is different from the thickness of the second shell, including:

[0013] The thickness of the third shell is greater than the thickness of the second shell, and the thickness of the second shell is greater than the thickness of the first shell; or, the thickness of the third shell is equal to the thickness of the second shell, and the thickness of the second shell is greater than the thickness of the first shell; or, the thickness of the third shell is greater than the thickness of the second shell, and the thickness of the third shell is equal to the thickness of the first shell.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first shell and the third shell are both wedge-shaped.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present application, the first shell and the third shell are set to be wedge-shaped, so that the folding screen device has a better feel.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the thickness of the first shell at one end close to the first hinge is smaller than the thickness of the first shell at one end away from the first hinge, and the thickness of the third shell at one end close to the second hinge is smaller than the thickness of the third shell at one end away from the second hinge.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the thickness of the first shell at one end close to the first hinge is greater than the thickness of the first shell at one end away from the first hinge, and the thickness of the third shell at one end close to the second hinge is greater than the thickness of the third shell at one end away from the second hinge.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the folding screen device includes at least one front camera module; the interior of the first shell, and / or the interior of the second shell, and / or the interior of the third shell are used to install the front camera module.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first shell includes a first battery, the second shell includes a second battery, and the third shell includes a third battery, a mainboard, a rear camera module, and the FPC of the flexible screen.

[0020] According to the embodiment of the present application, the stacking method of the components inside the foldable screen device is relatively simple. In addition, the flexible screen FPC and the mainboard are arranged in the same housing, which can prevent the flexible screen FPC from passing through the axis, further simplifying the internal structure of the foldable screen device.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first shell includes a first speaker, and the third shell includes a second speaker.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present application, stereo sound can be achieved by providing multiple speakers.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the frame of the third shell, the upper frame of the second shell, and the lower frame of the second shell are used to install multiple antennas.

[0024] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first shell includes a first magnet, the second shell includes a second magnet and an electric device, the third shell includes a third magnet, and the folding screen device also includes a switch; the switch is used to drive the second magnet to move through the electric device, so that the first magnet and the second magnet repel each other, and the second magnet and the third magnet repel each other, so that the folding screen device unfolds from a folded state into a Z shape.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present application, by setting a magnet in the shell, the folding screen device can be electrically unfolded, thereby bringing a better experience to the user.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first hinge is an outward-folding hinge, and the second hinge is an inward-folding hinge; the flexible screen includes a first flat portion, a second flat portion, and a third flat portion, the first flat portion is connected to the first shell, the second flat portion is connected to the second shell, and the third flat portion is connected to the third shell; the thickness of the first flat portion is greater than the thickness of the second flat portion and the thickness of the third flat portion.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present application, the various flat sections of the flexible screen can have different thicknesses. For example, the thickness of the first flat section can be greater than the thickness of the second flat section, and greater than the thickness of the third flat section, thereby improving the performance of the first flat section in the folded state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG1 shows a folding screen device proposed in this application.

[0029] Figure 2 shows a form of a foldable screen device.

[0030] FIG3 shows various support states of a folding screen device.

[0031] FIG4 shows various shapes of the flexible screen at the inward folding hinge in the folded state.

[0032] FIG5 shows the thickness relationship between the multiple components of the flexible screen.

[0033] FIG. 6 shows the thickness relationship among the first shell, the second shell, and the third shell.

[0034] FIG. 7 shows a case where the housing is wedge-shaped.

[0035] FIG. 8 shows a case where the housing is wedge-shaped.

[0036] Figure 9 shows the arrangement of the front camera module of a foldable screen device.

[0037] FIG10 shows a method of using the front camera module for (c) in FIG9 .

[0038] FIG11 shows raised and recessed areas associated with the installation of the front camera module.

[0039] Figure 12 shows part of the internal structure of a foldable screen device.

[0040] FIG13 shows a partial internal structure of the third housing.

[0041] Figure 14 shows the principle of electric deployment.

[0042] FIG15 shows a method of combining electric and manual unfolding of a folding screen device.

[0043] Figure 16 shows the structure of the inward folding hinge of a folding screen device in the unfolded state.

[0044] Figure 17 shows the structure of the outward folding hinge of the folding screen device in the unfolded state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below. It should be understood that the embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. In the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted" and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; and direct or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "inside", "outside", "horizontal", "vertical", etc. indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the installation, and are only for the convenience of describing this application, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0049] An embodiment of the present application provides a foldable screen device that can be folded multiple times. The foldable screen device can be any device with communication and / or storage functions, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, watch, e-reader, laptop computer, car-mounted device, Internet TV, wearable device and other smart devices.

[0050] The folding screen device proposed in this application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] For the sake of convenience, the foldable screen device is folded twice as an example. At this time, the foldable screen device can be folded into 3 layers.

[0052] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the foldable screen device includes a first housing 100, a second housing 200, a third housing 300, a first hinge 400, a second hinge 500, and a flexible screen 600. The first hinge 400 has opposite ends connected to the first housing 100 and the second housing 200, respectively; the second hinge 500 has opposite ends connected to the second housing 200 and the third housing 300, respectively; and the flexible screen 600 is connected to the first housing 100, the second housing 200, and the third housing 300, respectively.

[0053] The flexible screen 600 may include a first flat portion 601, a second flat portion 602, a third flat portion 603, a first bent portion 604, and a second bent portion 605. The first flat portion 601 is connected to the first housing 100, the second flat portion 602 is connected to the second housing 200, and the third flat portion 603 is connected to the third housing 300.

[0054] The first hinge 400 can be deformed so that the first housing 100 can be folded or unfolded relative to the second housing 200 , and the second hinge 500 can be deformed so that the second housing 200 can be folded or unfolded relative to the third housing 300 .

[0055] As shown in FIG2 , the angle between the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 can be expressed as . If the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 are in a folded state. In some embodiments, when the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 are in a folded state, the angle between the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 may slightly deviate from 0°, such as 15°, 25°, etc. If the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 are in an unfolded state. In some embodiments, when the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 are in an unfolded state, the angle between the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 may slightly deviate from 180°, such as 165°, 177°, or 185°, etc. If the angle between the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 is within the angle range of the folded state and the unfolded state, the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 are not completely folded, or the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 are not completely unfolded, or the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 are in a transition state from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0056] Similarly, the angle between the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 can be expressed as . If the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 are in a folded state. In some embodiments, when the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 are in a folded state, the angle between the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 may slightly deviate from 0°, such as 15°, 25°, etc. If the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 are in an unfolded state. In some embodiments, when the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 are in an unfolded state, the angle between the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 may slightly deviate from 180°, such as 165°, 177°, or 185°, etc. If the angle between the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 is within the angle range of the folded state and the unfolded state, the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 are not completely folded, or the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 are not completely unfolded, or the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 are in a transition state from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0057] It is understood that for this foldable screen device, if the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are in a folded state, and the second housing 200 and the third housing 300 are in a folded state, the foldable screen device is in a folded state. If the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are in an unfolded state, and the second housing 200 and the third housing 300 are in an unfolded state, the foldable screen device is in an unfolded state. If the foldable screen device is between the folded state and the unfolded state, it can be considered that the foldable screen device is not fully folded, or that the foldable screen device is not fully unfolded, or that the foldable screen device is in a transition state from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present application, the folding screen device can be folded twice, so that the screen ratio of the folding screen device in the unfolded state can better adapt to various application scenarios.

[0059] The following first explains the hinge of the folding screen device.

[0060] In one embodiment, the first hinge 400 is an outward-folding hinge and the second hinge 500 is an inward-folding hinge. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG3 , when the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are in a folded state (e.g., α = 0°) and the second housing 200 and the third housing 300 are in a transitional state from the folded state to the unfolded state (e.g., β = 135°), a support state #1 can be formed.

[0061] Alternatively, when the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 are in the unfolded state (for example, α=180°), the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 are in the transition state from the folded state to the unfolded state (for example, β=135°), and the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 are placed horizontally, a bracket state #2 can be formed.

[0062] Alternatively, when the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 are in the unfolded state (for example, α=180°), the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 are in the transition state from the folded state to the unfolded state (for example, β=135°), and the third shell 300 is placed horizontally, a bracket state #3 can be formed.

[0063] It is understood that the flexible screen can be folded outwards by the outward folding hinge, and the flexible screen is exposed after folding. The flexible screen can be folded inwards by the inward folding hinge, and the flexible screen is hidden inside after folding.

[0064] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, if the first shell 100 and the second shell 200 are connected by an external folding hinge, and the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 are connected by an internal folding hinge, when the folding screen device is in a folded state, the first flat portion 601 and the first bent portion 604 of the flexible screen 600 are exposed to the outside, and the second flat portion 602 and the third flat portion 603 of the flexible screen 600 are hidden inside.

[0065] As another embodiment, the first hinge 400 is an inward folding hinge, and the second hinge 500 is an outward folding hinge. Similarly, in this embodiment, the folding screen device can also form a variety of bracket states, which will not be described in detail here.

[0066] It is understandable that, according to product requirements, the first hinge 400 and the second hinge 500 may have corresponding structures, thereby realizing the folding and unfolding of the flexible screen 600.

[0067] For example, the first hinge 400 and the second hinge 500 may both be symmetrical hinges. For example, the first hinge 400 may be a symmetrical outward-folding door panel hinge, and the second hinge 500 may be a symmetrical inward-folding door panel hinge.

[0068] As shown in (a) of FIG. 4 , for a symmetrical inward-folding hinge, the shape of the flexible screen 600 in the folded state can be a teardrop shape.

[0069] Optionally, the inward folding hinge may also be a golf-shaped hinge. In this case, as shown in FIG4( b ), the shape of the flexible screen 600 in the folded state may be a golf-shaped hinge.

[0070] Alternatively, the inward folding hinge may be an asymmetric hinge. In this case, as shown in FIG4( c ), the shape of the flexible screen 600 in the folded state may be an asymmetric teardrop shape (or offset teardrop shape).

[0071] Next, we will introduce the flexible screen of this foldable screen device.

[0072] In the embodiment of the present application, the first shell 100 , the second shell 200 and the third shell 300 can all serve as carriers of the flexible screen 600 .

[0073] For the convenience of description, the normal direction of the flexible screen 600 is used as the thickness direction.

[0074] In the embodiment of the present application, as an implementation manner, the thickness of the first flat portion 601 , the thickness of the second flat portion 602 , and the thickness of the third flat portion 603 may be the same.

[0075] As another implementation, the various flat portions of the flexible screen 600 can have unequal thicknesses. Taking the example of a case where the first hinge 400 is an outward-folding hinge and the second hinge 500 is an inward-folding hinge, referring to Figures 2 and 5 , since the first flat portion 601 needs to fold outward when folded, to improve the performance of the first flat portion 601 in the folded state, the thickness of the first flat portion 601 can be greater than that of the second flat portion 602, and greater than that of the third flat portion 603. For example, a support layer can be added to the screen of the first flat portion 601 to increase its thickness.

[0076] In addition, optionally, in order to improve the anti-fall performance (ie, anti-drop performance) and reliability of the first bending portion 604 in the folded state, a buffer layer can be added to the screen of the first bending portion 604.

[0077] Next, the thicknesses of the first housing 100 , the second housing 200 , and the third housing 300 will be described.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6(a), the first housing 100 includes a first top surface 101 and a first back surface 102, which are located at opposite ends of the thickness direction. In the thickness direction, the distance from a position on the first top surface 101 to a corresponding position on the first back surface 102 can be referred to as the thickness of the first housing 100 at that position.

[0079] Similarly, the second housing 200 includes a second top surface 201 and a second back surface 202, which are located at opposite ends of the thickness direction. In the thickness direction, the distance from a position on the second top surface 201 to a corresponding position on the second back surface 202 can be referred to as the thickness of the second housing 200 at that position.

[0080] The third housing 300 includes a third top surface 301 and a third back surface 302, which are located at opposite ends of the thickness direction. In the thickness direction, the distance from a position on the third top surface 301 to a corresponding position on the third back surface 302 can be referred to as the thickness of the third housing 300 at that position.

[0081] In the embodiment of the present application, the thickness of the third housing 300 is greater than the thickness of the first housing 100 and / or the thickness of the second housing 200. The thickness of the housing can be understood as the thickness of the housing as a whole, or the average thickness of the housing at various locations.

[0082] First scenario:

[0083] For example, the thickness of the first shell 100 at each position is the same, the thickness of the second shell 200 at each position is the same, and the thickness of the third shell 300 at each position is the same.

[0084] Case 1:

[0085] As shown in FIG6(b), the thickness of the third housing 300 is greater than that of the second housing 200, and the thickness of the second housing 200 is greater than that of the first housing 100. That is, the thickness relationship among the third housing 300, the second housing 200, and the first housing 100 can be thick-medium-thin.

[0086] In this case, the folding screen device can include two batteries, one of which is disposed inside the second housing 200 and the other inside the third housing 300. Since no battery is disposed inside the first housing 100, the first housing 100 can be made thinner, thereby reducing the thickness of the folding screen device in the folded state.

[0087] Case 2:

[0088] As shown in FIG6(c), the thickness of the third housing 300 is greater than that of the second housing 200, and the thickness of the second housing 200 is equal to that of the first housing 100. That is, the thickness relationship among the third housing 300, the second housing 200, and the first housing 100 can be thick-medium-medium.

[0089] In this case, the foldable screen device can include three batteries, which are respectively arranged inside the three shells. Compared with case 1, in case 2, a battery is also arranged inside the first shell 100, thereby improving the battery life of the foldable screen device.

[0090] Case 3:

[0091] As shown in FIG6(d), the thickness of the third housing 300 is equal to that of the second housing 200, and the thickness of the second housing 200 is greater than that of the first housing 100. That is, the thickness relationship among the third housing 300, the second housing 200, and the first housing 100 can be thick-thick-thin.

[0092] In this case, the folding screen device may include two batteries, which are respectively arranged inside the second shell 200 and inside the third shell 300.

[0093] Case 4:

[0094] As shown in FIG6(e), the thickness of the third housing 300 is greater than that of the second housing 200, and the thickness of the third housing 300 is equal to that of the first housing 100. That is, the thickness relationship among the third housing 300, the second housing 200, and the first housing 100 can be thick-thin-thick.

[0095] In this case, the folding screen device may include two batteries, which are respectively arranged inside the first shell 100 and inside the third shell 300.

[0096] Second scenario:

[0097] At least one of the three shells is wedge-shaped, which can be understood as: the thickness of the shell changes along the X direction.

[0098] As one approach, as shown in Figure 7(a), the thickness of the shell can be varied continuously and smoothly along the X-direction. In this case, the rate of change of the thickness can be substantially constant. If a thickness curve is constructed using the coordinates of various positions of the shell and the corresponding thickness as variables, the curve will be a straight line.

[0099] Take the example where the first housing 100 and the third housing 300 are wedge-shaped.

[0100] Case 1:

[0101] As shown in (b) in Figure 7, the thickness of the first shell 100 at one end close to the first hinge 400 is smaller than the thickness of the first shell 100 at one end away from the first hinge 400, and the thickness of the third shell 300 at one end close to the second hinge 500 is smaller than the thickness of the third shell 300 at one end away from the second hinge 500.

[0102] Case 2:

[0103] As shown in (c) in Figure 7, the thickness of the first shell 100 at one end close to the first hinge 400 is greater than the thickness of the first shell 100 at one end away from the first hinge 400, and the thickness of the third shell 300 at one end close to the second hinge 500 is greater than the thickness of the third shell 300 at one end away from the second hinge 500.

[0104] According to the embodiment of the present application, the first and third housings are configured in a wedge shape, which improves the hand feel of the foldable screen device. Furthermore, compared to FIG7(b), if the solution shown in FIG7(c) is adopted, the hand feel of the foldable screen device is further improved, and the front camera module can be positioned away from the hinge, so that the front camera module does not conflict with the hinge axis space.

[0105] As another example, as shown in FIG8( a ), the thickness of the shell may also change suddenly along the X direction.

[0106] As shown in (b) and (c) in Figure 8, assuming that the first hinge 400 is an inward-folding hinge and the second hinge 500 is an outward-folding hinge, the thickness of the third shell 300 changes suddenly. One or more of the front camera module, the rear camera module, the battery and the charging port can be arranged in the relatively thick area of ​​the third shell 300, and the mainboard can be arranged in the relatively thin area of ​​the third shell 300.

[0107] Next, let’s introduce the front camera module of this folding screen device.

[0108] The foldable screen device includes at least one front camera module. The interior of the first housing, and / or the interior of the second housing, and / or the interior of the third housing can be used to install the front camera module.

[0109] In other words, the front camera module can be set at one or more of the first flat portion 601, the second flat portion 602 and the third flat portion 603 of the flexible screen 600.

[0110] The following describes several possible arrangements for the front camera module of a foldable screen device, taking the example of a first hinge 400 being an outward-folding hinge and a second hinge 500 being an inward-folding hinge. The flexible screen hole corresponding to the front camera module may be circular, square, or capsule-shaped (also known as pill-shaped or runway-shaped), which is not limited in this application.

[0111] Method 1:

[0112] As shown in FIG9 (a), the front camera module can be set on the first flat portion 601. In this case, the front camera module can be used when the folding screen device is in the folded state; or, the front camera module can be used in the support state #3 shown in FIG3.

[0113] Specifically, the front camera module can be set at any position on the first flat portion 601. In one embodiment, the front camera module can be set at the upper right corner of the first flat portion 601, or at the middle of the upper end, so as to avoid conflict between the front camera module and the rotation axis space of the first hinge.

[0114] Method 2:

[0115] As shown in (b) of FIG9 , the front camera module can be provided on the second flat portion 602. At this time, the front camera module can be used when the folding screen device is in the unfolded state.

[0116] Specifically, the front camera module can be positioned anywhere on the second flat portion 602. In one embodiment, the front camera module can be positioned in the middle of the upper end of the second flat portion 602. Compared to positioning the front camera module in the upper left or upper right corner of the second flat portion 602, positioning the front camera module in the second flat portion 602 away from the first and second hinges in this application can avoid conflict between the front camera module and the rotation axis space of the first and second hinges.

[0117] Method 3:

[0118] As shown in FIG9( c ), the front camera module may be disposed on the third flat portion 603. In this case, the front camera module may be used in the support state #1 and the support state #2 shown in FIG3 .

[0119] Specifically, the front camera module can be set at any position on the third flat portion 603. For example, the front camera module can be set at the upper left corner of the third flat portion 603, or at the middle of the upper end of the third flat portion 603, so as to avoid conflict between the front camera module and the rotation axis space of the second hinge.

[0120] Optionally, for this method 3, in order to use the front camera module in the situation shown in (c) of Figure 1, as shown in Figure 10, holes can be dug in the first shell 100 and the second shell 200. When it is necessary to use the front camera module set on the third flat portion 603, the transmittance of area #1 on the first flat portion 601 and area #2 on the second flat portion 602 can be increased (for example, by setting area #1 and area #2 to be transparent), so that light can pass through the first flat portion 601 and the second flat portion 602 to enter the front camera module; when the front camera module is not needed, area #1 and area #2 can be displayed normally.

[0121] Specifically, the foldable screen device may include a processing module. For example, when a user makes a video call or takes a selfie, a corresponding instruction (or electrical signal) may be triggered, and the processing module may set area #1 and area #2 to be transparent according to the instruction.

[0122] Exemplarily, the flexible screen 600 may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen.

[0123] Method 4:

[0124] As shown in FIG9( d ), the front camera module can be disposed on the first flat portion 601 and the third flat portion 603. In one embodiment, the front camera module is disposed in the upper right corner of the first flat portion 601 and in the upper left corner of the third flat portion 603. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the front camera module is disposed in the upper middle portion of the first flat portion 601 and in the upper middle portion of the third flat portion 603, thereby achieving binocular vision.

[0125] It is understandable that the arrangement of the front camera module is not limited to the above four methods. For example, the front camera module can also be arranged on the first flat portion 601, the second flat portion 602 and the third flat portion 603.

[0126] In addition, optionally, considering that the front camera module of some models is larger in thickness, as a method, a corresponding raised portion can be provided on the housing to mount the front camera module. In order to reduce the thickness of the entire device, a corresponding recessed portion can be provided on other housings.

[0127] For example, as shown in Figure 11, when the front camera module is disposed on the first housing 100 and the first housing 100 and the second housing 200 are connected via an outward-folding hinge, a raised portion may be provided on the first housing 100, and a recessed portion may be provided at a corresponding position on the second housing 200. It will be understood that, in the folded state, the raised portion may be folded into the recessed portion.

[0128] As another approach, if the housing is configured to be wedge-shaped, the front camera module can be installed at a thicker portion of the housing.

[0129] For example, for the situation shown in (b) in Figure 7, when the front camera module is installed on the first shell 100, the front camera module can be installed on the side of the first shell 100 away from the first hinge 400; when the front camera module is installed on the third shell 300, the front camera module can be installed on the side of the third shell 300 away from the second hinge 500.

[0130] For the situation shown in (c) in Figure 7, when the front camera module is installed on the first shell 100, the front camera module can be installed on the side of the first shell 100 close to the first hinge 400; when the front camera module is installed on the third shell 300, the front camera module can be installed on the side of the third shell 300 close to the second hinge 500.

[0131] The following describes some of the internal structures of the foldable screen device.

[0132] As an implementation, as shown in Figure 12, the motherboard 303 and rear camera module 304 are both disposed within the third housing 300. Taking the foldable screen device as an example, which includes three batteries, the first battery 103 is disposed within the first housing 100, the second battery 203 is disposed within the second housing 200, and the third battery 305 is disposed within the third housing 300. The flexible printed circuit (FPC) of the flexible screen 600 (not shown in Figure 12) can also be disposed within the third housing 300.

[0133] It is understood that this application does not limit the dimensions of the first battery 103, the second battery 203, and the third battery 305. The dimensions of the three batteries can be the same or different. As one possible scenario, the thickness of the battery can match the thickness of the housing. In other words, the thicker the battery, the thicker the housing can be.

[0134] Optionally, the foldable screen device may have only two batteries. The two batteries may have the same or different dimensions.

[0135] Alternatively, the folding screen device may have only one battery, for example, the battery is only arranged inside the third shell 300.

[0136] It should be understood that if the flexible screen 600's FPC and the mainboard 303 are placed in different housings, the flexible screen 600's FPC needs to pass through the hinge (or cross the axis) when connecting to the mainboard 303, thereby increasing the complexity of the internal structure. In contrast, the embodiment of the present application places the flexible screen 600's FPC and the mainboard 303 in the third housing 300. The flexible screen 600's FPC can be connected to the mainboard 303 in the third housing 300, thus avoiding the cross-axis.

[0137] In the embodiment of the present application, the main board 303 can be configured to be L-shaped, and the main board 303 and the third battery 305 can be arranged on the left and right inside the third shell 300.

[0138] It is understood that the system on chip (SoC) chip 306 can be electrically connected to the motherboard 303. As an implementation method, the SoC chip 306 is disposed away from the frame of the third housing 300. In addition, the SoC chip 306 does not overlap with the FPC of the flexible screen 600 in the thickness direction, thereby reducing the thickness of the foldable screen device and reducing the impact of the heat generated by the SoC chip 306 during operation on the flexible screen 600.

[0139] As an arrangement method, as shown in Figure 13, since the thickness of the rear camera module 304 is usually large, an elevated plate can be set near the rear camera module 304. The elevated plate is used to install the SoC chip, and other devices can also be installed in the space under the elevated plate, thereby saving internal space.

[0140] In addition, the foldable screen device may further include at least one speaker. When the foldable screen device includes multiple speakers, a stereo sound effect can be achieved.

[0141] For example, a foldable screen device includes two speakers. As shown in Figure 12, the first speaker 104 can be located inside the first housing 100, and the second speaker 307 can be located inside the third housing 300. The first speaker 104 and the second speaker 307 are located at opposite ends. For example, the first speaker 104 is located at the upper end of the first housing 100, and the second speaker 307 is located at the lower end of the third housing 300.

[0142] The first speaker 104 may be connected to the mainboard 303 in the third housing 300 via an FPC (not shown in FIG. 12 ). In this case, the FPC passes through the first hinge 400 and the second hinge 500 .

[0143] The following introduces the antenna layout of the folding screen device.

[0144] In the embodiment of the present application, a plurality of slits may be provided on the frame of the third housing 300 to separate different antennas. For example, seven slits may be provided on the frame of the third housing 300 .

[0145] In addition, optionally, gaps can be provided on the frame of the first housing 100 and / or the frame of the second housing 200 to install antennas, thereby further improving the communication capabilities of the folding screen device. It is understandable that if antennas are installed on the frame of the first housing 100 and / or the frame of the second housing 200, these antennas need to pass through the hinge (or cross the axis) when electrically connected to the mainboard 303 in the third housing 300.

[0146] It is understood that if the antenna is mounted on the frame of the first housing 100, the antenna will need to cross the axis twice when electrically connecting to the mainboard 303 in the third housing 300; if the antenna is mounted on the frame of the second housing 200, the antenna will need to cross the axis once when electrically connecting to the mainboard 303 in the third housing 300. Therefore, to reduce the number of cross-axis times, the antenna can be mounted on the frame of the second housing. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the antenna can be mounted on both the upper and lower frames of the second housing 200.

[0147] The following describes how to open and close the foldable screen device.

[0148] Method 1:

[0149] Users can unfold the foldable screen device with their hands, or fold the foldable screen device with their hands.

[0150] Method 2:

[0151] The foldable screen device is unfolded by combining electric unfolding with manual unfolding, and folded by manual folding.

[0152] The electric expansion is based on magnetic poles. Specifically, when the poles of two magnetic components with opposite polarities face each other, the two magnetic components attract each other; when the poles of two magnetic components with the same polarity face each other, the two magnetic components repel each other.

[0153] It should be understood that the magnetic components involved in this application may be electromagnets, permanent magnets and other magnetic components.

[0154] The following describes in detail how to use the magnetic pole adsorption principle to achieve adsorption and repulsion between shells in the embodiment of the present application in conjunction with Figure 14.

[0155] (1) Magnetic pole adsorption based on magnetic induction coil.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 14( a ), three magnetic induction coils are included. Specifically, each magnetic induction coil includes two magnetic pole faces (a north (N) pole and a south (S) pole).

[0157] As shown on the left side of Figure 14(a), the first and second magnetic induction coils are mutually attracted, and the second and third magnetic induction coils are mutually attracted. If the first magnetic induction coil is disposed in the first housing, the second magnetic induction coil is disposed in the second housing, and the third magnetic induction coil is disposed in the third housing, then the first and second housings are mutually attracted, and the second and third housings are mutually attracted.

[0158] As shown on the right side of Figure 14(a), by changing the direction of the current flowing through the second magnetic induction coil, the first and second magnetic induction coils can be repelled from each other, and the second and third magnetic induction coils can be repelled from each other. If the first magnetic induction coil is located in the first housing, the second magnetic induction coil is located in the second housing, and the third magnetic induction coil is located in the third housing, then the first and second housings will repel each other, and the second and third housings will repel each other.

[0159] (2) Magnetic pole adsorption based on magnets and electric mechanisms.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 14( b ), three magnets are included. Specifically, each magnet includes two magnetic pole faces (a north pole and an south pole).

[0161] As shown on the left side of Figure 14(b), the first and second magnets attract each other, and the second and third magnets attract each other. If the first magnet is located in the first housing, the second and fourth magnets are located in the second housing, and the third magnet is located in the third housing, then the first and second housings attract each other, and the second and third housings attract each other.

[0162] As shown on the right side of Figure 14(b), the electric mechanism pushes the second and fourth magnets, causing the first and fourth magnets to repel each other, and the fourth and third magnets to repel each other. If the first magnet is located in the first housing, the second and fourth magnets are located in the second housing, and the third magnet is located in the third housing, then the first and second housings repel each other, and the second and third housings repel each other.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 14( c ), three magnets are included. Specifically, each magnet includes two magnetic pole faces (a north pole and an south pole).

[0164] As shown on the left side of Figure 14(c), the first magnet and the second magnet attract each other, and the second magnet and the third magnet attract each other. If the first magnet is placed in the first shell, the second magnet is placed in the second shell, and the third magnet is placed in the third shell, then the first shell and the second shell attract each other, and the second shell and the third shell attract each other.

[0165] As shown on the right side of Figure 14(c), the electric mechanism pushes the second magnet, causing the first and second magnets to repel each other, and the second and third magnets to repel each other. If the first magnet is located in the first housing, the second magnet is located in the second housing, and the third magnet is located in the third housing, then the first and second housings repel each other, and the second and third housings repel each other.

[0166] Based on the principle shown in Figure 14(c), as shown in Figure 15, a first magnet 105 is provided in the first housing 100, a second magnet 204 is provided in the second housing 200, and a third magnet 308 is provided in the third housing 300. In addition, a switch is provided on the foldable screen device (not shown in Figure 15). The position of the first magnet 105 in the first housing 100 is fixed, and the position of the third magnet 308 in the third housing 300 is also fixed. The second magnet 104 is connected to an electric mechanism. For example, the electric mechanism can also be provided in the second housing 200. The switch is used to adjust the position of the second magnet 204 in the second housing 200 via the electric mechanism, that is, the position of the second magnet 204 in the second housing 200 can be changed. For example, when the line connecting the north and south poles of the three magnets is parallel to the X direction, the second magnet 204 can move in the X direction. For another example, when the line connecting the north and south poles of the three magnets is parallel to the Y direction, the second magnet 204 can move in the Y direction. This example is not shown in Figure 15.

[0167] In the folded state, the first magnet 105 and the second magnet 204 attract each other, and the second magnet 204 and the third magnet 308 attract each other.

[0168] As shown in Figure 15, the user can control the electric mechanism through the switch so that the electric mechanism drives the second magnet 204 to move, thereby staggering the position of the second magnet 204 with the first magnet 105 and the third magnet 308. After the stagger, the north pole of the first magnet is opposite to the north pole of the second magnet, and the north pole of the second magnet is opposite to the north pole of the third magnet; or, the south pole of the first magnet is opposite to the south pole of the second magnet, and the south pole of the second magnet is opposite to the south pole of the third magnet, so that the folding screen device is unfolded into a Z shape through the magnetic force of mutual repulsion between the magnets. Furthermore, the user manually unfolds the folding screen device.

[0169] For example, the switch can be a physical switch or a virtual switch. For example, a physical switch can be provided on the third housing 300, and the user can use the physical switch to unfold the foldable screen device into a Z shape. Alternatively, a virtual switch can be provided in the outer hinge area, and the user can slide a finger in the outer hinge area to unfold the foldable screen device into a Z shape.

[0170] As a possible implementation method, when the folding screen device needs to be unfolded into a Z shape, the user can trigger an electrical signal through the switch, and the electrical signal can be transmitted to the electric device through the processor, and then the electric device can start working according to the electrical signal, thereby driving the second magnet 204 to move.

[0171] It is understandable that the combination of electric deployment and manual deployment can provide users with a better experience.

[0172] In addition, in the unfolded state, as shown in Figure 16, the middle frames of the two shells on both sides of the inward-folding hinge can be designed to collide; as shown in Figure 17, the hinge cover of the outward-folding hinge and the two shells on both sides of the outward-folding hinge can be designed to be flush, thereby making the folding screen device more beautiful and feel better in the unfolded state.

[0173] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding screen device, characterized in that: It includes a first shell, a second shell, a third shell, a first hinge, a second hinge and a flexible screen; The first hinge has two opposite ends connected to the first shell and the second shell, respectively; the second hinge has two opposite ends connected to the second shell and the third shell, respectively; and the flexible screen is connected to the first shell, the second shell, and the third shell, respectively. The first hinge is capable of deforming so that the first housing is folded or unfolded relative to the second housing, and the second hinge is capable of deforming so that the second housing is folded or unfolded relative to the third housing; The thickness of the third shell is greater than the thickness of the first shell and / or the thickness of the second shell, and the thickness of the first shell is different from the thickness of the second shell.

2. The folding screen device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the third shell is greater than the thickness of the first shell and / or the thickness of the second shell, and the thickness of the first shell is different from the thickness of the second shell, comprising: The thickness of the third shell is greater than the thickness of the second shell, and the thickness of the second shell is greater than the thickness of the first shell; or, The thickness of the third shell is equal to the thickness of the second shell, and the thickness of the second shell is greater than the thickness of the first shell; or, The thickness of the third shell is greater than the thickness of the second shell, and the thickness of the third shell is equal to the thickness of the first shell.

3. The folding screen device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first shell and the third shell are both wedge-shaped.

4. The folding screen device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The thickness of the first shell at one end close to the first hinge is smaller than the thickness of the first shell at one end away from the first hinge, and the thickness of the third shell at one end close to the second hinge is smaller than the thickness of the third shell at one end away from the second hinge.

5. The folding screen device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The thickness of the first shell at one end close to the first hinge is greater than the thickness of the first shell at one end away from the first hinge, and the thickness of the third shell at one end close to the second hinge is greater than the thickness of the third shell at one end away from the second hinge.

6. The folding screen device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The folding screen device includes at least one front camera module; The interior of the first shell, and / or the interior of the second shell, and / or the interior of the third shell are used to install the front camera module.

7. The folding screen device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first shell includes a first battery, the second shell includes a second battery, and the third shell includes a third battery, a mainboard, a rear camera module and the flexible circuit board FPC of the flexible screen.

8. The folding screen device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first shell includes a first speaker inside, and the third shell includes a second speaker inside.

9. The folding screen device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The frame of the third shell, the upper frame of the second shell and the lower frame of the second shell are used to install multiple antennas.

10. The folding screen device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The first shell includes a first magnet, the second shell includes a second magnet and an electric device, the third shell includes a third magnet, and the folding screen device further includes a switch; The switch is used to drive the second magnet to move through the electric device, so that the first magnet and the second magnet repel each other, and the second magnet and the third magnet repel each other, so that the folding screen device unfolds from a folded state into a Z shape.

11. The foldable screen device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first hinge is an outward-folding hinge, and the second hinge is an inward-folding hinge; The flexible screen includes a first flat portion, a second flat portion, and a third flat portion, wherein the first flat portion is connected to the first shell, the second flat portion is connected to the second shell, and the third flat portion is connected to the third shell; The thickness of the first flat portion is greater than the thickness of the second flat portion, and greater than the thickness of the third flat portion.

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