electronic devices
By setting decorative parts and a protective layer between the flexible screen and the hinge assembly, the problem of the gap between the flexible screen and the hinge assembly affecting the aesthetics is solved, a flatter and smoother appearance is achieved, and the user experience and structural stability are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510077134.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-26
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-01-17
AI Technical Summary
In existing foldable electronic devices, the gap between the flexible screen and the hinge assembly affects the overall aesthetics of the device and reduces the user experience.
A decorative part is arranged between the flexible screen and the hinge assembly. The decorative part includes a main body and a protruding part. The protruding part partially blocks the gap and is combined with a protective layer and a buffer part to fill the gap, thereby improving the smoothness of the appearance.
The overall appearance of the electronic device is enhanced, the user's visual experience is improved, the stability and safety of the structure are enhanced, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.
Smart Images

Figure CN119626104B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of electronic equipment, and specifically relates to an electronic equipment. Background Art
[0002] With the development of flexible display technology, foldable electronic devices have gained widespread application due to their advantages of large screens and portability. In related technologies, foldable electronic devices typically include a first body, a second body, a flexible screen, and a hinge assembly. The first and second bodies are rotatably connected by the hinge assembly, and the flexible screen is mounted on the first and second bodies. The first and second bodies can rotate relative to each other, thereby achieving folding and unfolding of the foldable electronic device.
[0003] However, there is a large gap between the flexible screen and the hinge assembly, which affects the overall aesthetics of the device and thus the user experience. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present application aims to provide an electronic device that at least solves the problem of poor overall appearance expression of existing electronic devices.
[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:
[0006] An embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, including:
[0007] a first housing and a second housing, wherein the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected via a hinge assembly so that the electronic device can be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state;
[0008] A flexible screen is provided on one side surface of the first shell and the second shell, the position where the flexible screen and the hinge assembly are opposite each other is a bend, and the first shell and the second shell are both provided with decorative parts, the decorative parts covering the edges of the flexible screen, and the decorative parts are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the bend;
[0009] Wherein, the decorative component includes a main body and a protruding portion, the protruding portion is located on a side of the main body close to the bending portion, and the protruding portion is at least partially opposite to the flexible screen.
[0010] The electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application has an installation gap between the flexible screen and the hinge assembly because the decorative part includes a main body and a protrusion. By arranging the protrusion on the side of the main body close to the flexible screen, the protrusion can at least partially block the installation gap between the flexible screen and the hinge assembly, making the appearance of the electronic device flatter and smoother, thereby improving the overall appearance expression of the electronic device and enhancing the user's visual experience.
[0011] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become obvious from the description below, or will be learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structural decomposition of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;
[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a decorative component of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;
[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of point B is shown;
[0016] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is one of the schematic diagrams of a portion of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application;
[0017] Figure 6 This is one of the partial structural schematic diagrams of a flexible screen of an electronic device described in an embodiment of the present application;
[0018] Figure 7 This is a second schematic diagram of a partial structure of a flexible screen of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;
[0019] Figure 8 This is a third schematic diagram of a partial structure of a flexible screen of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;
[0020] Figure 9 This is one of the schematic diagrams of a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;
[0021] Figure 10 This is a second schematic diagram of a portion of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application;
[0022] Figure 11 This is a schematic structural diagram of a buffer component of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application;
[0023] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of a hinge assembly of an electronic device described in an embodiment of the present application.
[0024] Figure 13 This is one of the schematic diagrams of a folded state portion of a sub-device described in an embodiment of the present application;
[0025] Figure 14This is one of the schematic diagrams of the unfolded state of an electronic device described in an embodiment of the present application.
[0026] Figure numerals: 11-first shell; 12-second shell; 111-first side wall; 112-accommodating groove; 2-hinge assembly; 20-hinge cover; 21-hinge body; 22-hinge boss; 3-flexible screen; 31-shielding layer; 32-protective layer; 33-display layer; 4-buffer, 40-raised portion; 5-decorative member; 50-protruding portion; 51-main body; 501-first side; 502-second side; 503-transition portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application and are not to be construed as limiting the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0028] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly refer to one or more of the features. Throughout the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more. Furthermore, "and / or" in the specification and claims refers to at least one of the connected entities, and the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the connected entities.
[0029] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, 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 the present application.
[0030] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0031] An embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device. Specifically, the electronic device may be a foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device may include but is not limited to at least one of a mobile phone, a tablet computer, and a wearable device. The embodiment of the present application may not limit the specific type of the foldable electronic device.
[0032] Reference Figures 1-14 As shown, the electronic device includes a first shell 11 and a second shell 12, and the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are rotatably connected by a hinge assembly 2 so that the electronic device can switch between an unfolded state and a folded state; a flexible screen 3 is arranged on one side surface of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, and the relative position of the flexible screen 3 and the hinge assembly 2 is a bending portion, and decorative parts 5 are provided on both the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, and the decorative parts 5 cover the edge of the flexible screen 3, and the decorative parts 5 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the bending portion; wherein, the decorative part 5 includes a main body 51 and a protrusion 50, and the protrusion 50 is located on the side of the main body 51 close to the bending portion 30, and the protrusion 50 is at least partially opposite to the flexible screen 3.
[0033] Specifically, if Figure 1 As shown, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are used to install various components of the electronic device. The first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are rotatably connected by a hinge assembly 2. The hinge assembly 2 can realize the relative folding or relative unfolding of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, thereby realizing that the electronic device can switch between the unfolded state and the folded state. The flexible screen 3 has a bendable property. The flexible screen 3 is arranged on the display side of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12. The first shell 11 and the second shell 12 drive the folding or unfolding of the flexible screen 3 through the hinge assembly 2. The angle between the two parts of the flexible screen 3 can be switched between 0° and 180°. This can meet the needs for a large-size flexible screen 3 or a small and portable device.
[0034] The bend of the flexible screen 3 refers to the deformable area of the flexible screen 3 that needs to fold. Within this area, the flexible screen 3 deforms significantly. A mounting gap exists between the bend and the hinge assembly 2. This gap maintains a certain distance between the hinge assembly 2 and the flexible screen 3, preventing interference between the hinge assembly 2 and the flexible screen 3. This minimizes the risk of damage to the flexible screen 3 and improves the safety and reliability of the electronic device. However, the presence of this gap affects the overall appearance of the electronic device.
[0035] The decorative piece 5 can specifically be a decorative strip. There are two decorative pieces 5, one is set on the first shell 11, and the other is set on the second shell 12. When the flexible screen 3 is installed on the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, the decorative piece 5 can cover the edge of the flexible screen 3 to protect the edge of the flexible screen and prevent the edge of the screen from being scratched and collided by external objects.
[0036] The decorative member 5 includes a main body 51 and a protruding portion 50. The protruding portion 50 is formed on the side of the main body 51 close to the bent portion 30 of the flexible screen 3, and the protruding portion 50 is located on the side of the main body 51 close to the flexible screen 3. In the embodiment of the present application, there is an installation gap between the bent portion of the flexible screen 3 and the hinge assembly 2. By providing the protruding portion 50 on the side of the main body 51 close to the flexible screen 3, the protruding portion 50 can at least partially block the installation gap between the flexible screen 3 and the hinge assembly 2, making the appearance of the electronic device flatter and smoother, thereby improving the overall appearance of the electronic device and enhancing the user's visual experience. In addition, by providing the protruding portion 50, the distance between the two decorative members 5 can be reduced, so that the decorative member 5 can better fix the flexible screen 3, making it less likely to move or deform during the folding process, improving the stability of the overall structure, and reducing the risk of the screen jumping and arching.
[0037] In some optional embodiments, the protrusion 50 is provided at each end of the main body 51 close to the bending portion 30 .
[0038] Specifically, since there are two decorative pieces 5, one is provided on the first shell 11 and the other is provided on the second shell 12, there are also two corresponding main bodies 51. Both main bodies 51 are provided with a protrusion 50 on one side close to the bending portion 30. In this way, protrusions 50 are provided on both sides of the bending portion 60. The multiple protrusions 50 can further block the installation gap between the flexible screen 3 and the hinge assembly 2, making the appearance of the electronic device more flat and smooth, thereby improving the overall appearance of the electronic device and enhancing the user's visual experience. By providing multiple protrusions 50, the distance between the two decorative pieces 5 can be further reduced, so that the decorative piece 5 can better fix the flexible screen 3, making it less likely to move or deform during the folding process, improving the stability of the overall structure, and reducing the risk of the screen jumping and arching.
[0039] like Figure 2 - Figure 5 As shown, optionally, the protruding portion 50 includes a first side 501 and a second side 502 that are arranged in opposite directions, and the first side 501 is flush with the main body 51 .
[0040] Specifically, the protrusion 50 includes a first side 501 and a second side 502 that are arranged in opposite directions. The first side 501 is the side close to the flexible screen 3, and the second side 502 is the side close to the first shell 11 or the second shell 12. The first side 501 is arranged flush with the main body 51, so that the edges of the first side 501 and the main body 51 are on the same plane. In this way, the protrusion 50 is flush with the main body 51, which can enhance the fixing effect of the flexible screen 3. This helps prevent the flexible screen 3 from moving or deforming during the folding process, and improves the stability of the overall structure. In addition, the first side 501 of the protrusion 50 and the edge of the main body 51 are on the same plane, which can form a continuous and smooth transition, making the overall appearance more flat and smooth.
[0041] Optionally, a transition portion 503 is provided between the second side 502 and the main body 51 .
[0042] like Figure 3 Specifically, a transition portion 503 is provided between the second side 502 and the main body 51. This transition portion 503 serves as a connection and smooth transition. The transition portion 503 may be a beveled surface, rounded corners, or a gradually curved surface, ensuring a smooth and continuous transition from the main body 51 to the second side 502 of the protruding portion 50. In this embodiment, the transition portion 503 further streamlines the overall lines of the decorative element 5, reducing sharp angles and corners, thereby enhancing the softer and more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the electronic device.
[0043] like Figure 4-Figure 8 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the flexible screen 3 is provided with a protective layer 32 on a side opposite to the hinge assembly 2 , and a portion of the protective layer 32 extends toward the hinge assembly 2 .
[0044] Specifically, the flexible screen 3 includes a stacked display layer 33 and a protective layer 32. The display layer 33 is a bright screen display panel, referred to as the PANEL layer, which is used to generate and display images. The protective layer 32 is a protective surface layer, referred to as the PL layer, which is used to protect the PANEL display area. To better protect the PANEL display area, the PL layer is designed to be slightly larger than the actual display area of the PANEL layer. This ensures that the edges of the PANEL are also protected to a certain extent, preventing the ingress of dust, moisture, etc., thereby extending the service life of the display. However, due to the expansion of the outline of the PL layer, it will exceed the actual display area of the PANEL. This means that there will be certain areas on the edge of the PANEL that are not covered by the PL layer. These PANEL edge portions not covered by the PL layer do not display any content and appear black or dark, which is the "black edge" area perceived by the user. This black edge area exists in the installation gap, reducing the overall aesthetics of the device.
[0045] Specifically, if Figure 4-Figure 8 As shown, the protective layer 32 is opposite to the hinge assembly 2, and part of the protective layer 32 extends toward the hinge assembly 2 to form a shielding layer 31, so that the shielding layer 31 is located on the side of the bending portion of the flexible screen 3 close to the hinge assembly 2, so that part of the shielding layer 31 is located in the installation gap between the flexible screen 3 and the hinge assembly 2.
[0046] In this embodiment, part of the protective layer 32 extends toward the hinge assembly 2 to form a shielding layer 31, which can block the "black edge" area perceived by the user, thereby improving the overall aesthetics of the device. Moreover, since the shielding layer 31 is at least partially located within the installation gap, the gap between the flexible screen 3 and the hinge assembly 2 can be further reduced, further improving the overall aesthetics of the device. In actual applications, a certain safety gap needs to be maintained between the PANEL layer and the first shell 11 and the second shell 12. By partially locating the shielding layer 31 within the installation gap, it can be ensured that the screen will not be damaged due to interference between the hinge assembly 2 and the flexible screen 3 during the folding process. It can also provide additional protection and support without changing this safety gap, ensuring the stability and safety of the screen when folded. In addition, the shielding layer 31 can provide additional cushioning and protection, reducing the impact on the flexible screen 3 and structural parts during a fall. This can effectively prevent the screen from breaking or being damaged, thereby improving the overall durability of the device.
[0047] Alternatively, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the distance a between the portion of the protective layer 32 extending toward the hinge assembly 2 and the hinge assembly 2 satisfies: a≤0.18 mm.
[0048] Specifically, the portion of the protective layer 32 extending toward the hinge assembly 2 is the shielding layer 31. The distance between the shielding layer 31 and the hinge assembly 2 is a. The distance a refers to the straight-line distance a between the top surface of the shielding layer 31 and the bottom surface of the hinge assembly 2. The distance a satisfies a≤0.18mm. Since 0.18 is a smaller distance, the distance between the shielding layer 31 and the hinge assembly 2 can be made smaller, thereby improving visual consistency.
[0049] Further, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the distance b between the unextended portion of the protective layer 32 and the hinge assembly 2 satisfies the following: 0.4mm≤b≤1mm. The distance b refers to the straight-line distance b between the top surface of the unextended portion of the protective layer 32 and the bottom surface of the hinge assembly 2. In practical applications, if b is too small, the buffer 4 will interfere with the flexible screen 3 when bending and deforming, increasing the risk of main screen failure. If b is too large, the overall appearance of the device will be reduced. By setting the thickness b to 0.4mm to 1mm, the buffer 4 can be guaranteed not to interfere with the flexible screen 3 while reducing the installation gap and improving the appearance of the device.
[0050] Optional, such as Figure 9 - Figure 14 As shown, it also includes at least two buffer members 4, one of which is arranged between the first shell 11 and the hinge assembly 2, and the other buffer member 4 is arranged between the second shell 12 and the hinge assembly 2. The buffer member 4 is provided with a protrusion 40 at one end close to the hinge assembly 2, and the protrusion 40 protrudes toward the flexible screen 3.
[0051] In the embodiment of the present application, a raised portion 40 is provided on one end of the buffer member 4 near the hinge assembly 2. The raised portion 40 protrudes toward the flexible screen 3, thereby filling the installation gap between the flexible screen 3 and the hinge assembly 2 and obscuring the gap between the hinge assembly 2 and the flexible screen 3. This makes the appearance of the foldable device flatter and smoother, thereby improving the overall appearance of the foldable electronic device and enhancing the user's visual experience. In addition, by directly providing the raised portion 40 on the buffer member 4 to obstruct the installation gap, the need for additional obstructions is eliminated, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the foldable electronic device and simplifying its structure.
[0052] In an optional embodiment, along the direction of the central axis of rotation of the hinge assembly 2, the first shell 11 or the second shell 12 includes two first side walls 111 arranged in opposite directions, and at least one of the first side walls 111 is provided with a receiving groove 112 on the side close to the hinge assembly 2, the buffer member 4 is embedded in the receiving groove 112, and the protrusion 40 at least partially extends between the hinge assembly 2 and the flexible screen 3.
[0053] Specifically, if Figures 1-14 As shown, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are external protective structures of the electronic device, which are used to protect internal components, which may include but are not limited to a motherboard, a battery, a camera, a speaker, etc.
[0054] The first housing 11 or the second housing 12 includes multiple sidewalls that enclose a cavity to house the internal electronic components. The two sidewalls, arranged opposite each other along the rotational axis of the hinge assembly 2, are first sidewalls 111. These first sidewalls 111 define a receiving slot 112 whose shape matches that of the buffer 4, which is embedded within the slot. In practice, embedding the buffer 4 within the slot 112 effectively secures the position of the buffer 4, preventing it from shifting during folding or unfolding of the device. Furthermore, the buffer 4 can be partially bonded to the slot 112 with glue to further secure its position. The raised portion 40 of the buffer 4 extends at least partially into the mounting gap between the hinge assembly 2 and the flexible screen 3, effectively filling the gap between the flexible screen 3 and the hinge assembly 2, reducing the impact of mechanical stress on the flexible screen 3 during folding or unfolding, and thus protecting the flexible screen 3 from damage. It can also block the gap between the hinge assembly 2 and the flexible screen 3, making the appearance of the foldable device more flat and smooth, thereby improving the overall appearance of the foldable electronic device and enhancing the user's visual experience.
[0055] In some other optional embodiments, there may be multiple first side walls 111, and each first side wall 111 is provided with a receiving groove 112 at one end close to the hinge assembly 2. The first shell 11 includes two first side walls 111, and the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 include four first side walls 111, that is, there are four receiving grooves 112. There are also four corresponding buffer members 4, and the four buffer members 4 are respectively arranged in the four receiving grooves 112. In actual application, by providing a receiving groove 112 on each first side wall 111 and embedding the buffer member 4, the installation gap between the flexible screen 3 and the hinge assembly 2 can be filled more evenly, and the installation gap can be blocked from multiple directions, thereby achieving a more seamless appearance design, further reducing visible gaps and spaces, and further improving the visual consistency of the entire device. As a result, when using the device, the user will not see obvious dividing lines or gaps, thereby enhancing the overall visual experience.
[0056] Optionally, the color of the portion of the raised portion 40 extending between the hinge assembly 2 and the flexible screen 3 matches or is consistent with the color of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 .
[0057] Specifically, the portion of the raised portion 40 extending between the hinge assembly 2 and the flexible screen 3 is exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device in both the folded and unfolded states, namely, the exterior surface. The exterior surface is subjected to an exterior surface treatment so that the color of the exterior surface matches the color of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12. Wherein, matching means that the color of the exterior surface is exactly the same as that of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, or a similar color. For example, when the color of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 is black, the color corresponding to the exterior surface is black. Alternatively, when the color of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 is dark gray, the exterior surface can be light gray.
[0058] In practical applications, by matching the color of the exposed protrusion 40 with the color of the first shell 11 and the second shell, the appearance of the entire device can be made more unified and harmonious. This consistency reduces visual abruptness, making the device more beautiful overall. The consistent color reduces visual differences between different components and improves the overall visual experience of the device.
[0059] Optionally, the buffer member 4 is a flexible deformable member.
[0060] Specifically, a flexible deformable member refers to a material or structure that can deform when subjected to an external force and return to its original shape after the external force is removed. It usually has good elasticity and flexibility and can absorb and disperse external impact forces. The buffer member 4 is arranged between the hinge assembly 2 and the shell, wherein the shell refers to the first shell 11 and the second shell 12. When the hinge assembly 2 drives the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 to rotate to realize the folding and unfolding of the electronic device, the buffer member 4 rotates with the hinge assembly 2, and is deformed by the force during the rotation process, and adapts to installation gaps of different shapes, so that the buffer member 4 can better fill the installation gap between the flexible screen 3 and the hinge assembly 2, thereby reducing the installation gap and improving the overall aesthetics of the device.
[0061] In addition, when the foldable electronic device is subjected to impacts such as collisions and falls, the buffer 4 can absorb and disperse these forces through deformation, reduce stress concentration, and thus buffer the collision between the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 and the hinge assembly 2, avoiding the problem of failure of the flexible screen 3 caused by deformation of the hinge assembly 2, thereby improving the service life of the foldable electronic device.
[0062] In some optional embodiments, the flexible deformable member is made of plastic.
[0063] Specifically, the cost of plastic materials is relatively low, making them suitable for large-scale production and application. This not only reduces manufacturing costs but also improves the market competitiveness of the product. And because plastic has a lower density, the final product is lighter, which is especially important for foldable electronic devices that need to be carried and used frequently, and can enhance the user experience. Plastic can be quickly formed through processes such as injection molding and extrusion molding, making it suitable for mass production and the design of complex shapes. This not only improves production efficiency, but also enables more sophisticated structural design, ensuring a tight fit between the buffer 4 and the receiving groove 112. Plastic materials have good chemical corrosion resistance and are not easily affected by chemicals in the environment. This allows the plastic flexible deformable parts to maintain their performance in various environments and extend their service life. In addition, by adding different additives, the plastic material can also adjust its physical properties, such as hardness, elasticity, wear resistance, etc. This allows the plastic flexible deformable parts to be customized according to specific application needs to meet the usage requirements in different scenarios.
[0064] In an optional embodiment, since the buffer 4 can be a plastic part and the chain mechanism can be a hardware part, the area where the protrusion 50 exists has the protrusion 40 of the buffer 4, the shielding layer 31 and the hinge assembly 2. The color of the shielding layer 31 is determined by the ink color of the flexible screen 3, the color of the protrusion 40 is determined by the plastic appearance process, and the color of the hinge assembly 2 is determined by the hardware appearance process. In the actual production process, the three will have color differences, that is, three different colors will appear. When the three colors intersect in an area, the color difference is easily amplified, which is not conducive to the consumer's visual experience. By providing the protrusion 50, the above three can be made to contact at most two by two, thereby improving visual consistency.
[0065] In some optional embodiments, the hinge assembly 2 includes a hinge body 21 and two hinge bosses 22, the hinge body 21 is connected between the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, the two hinge bosses 22 are respectively arranged on both sides of the hinge body 21, and the hinge bosses 22 are used to contact the buffer part 4 to protect the flexible screen 3; wherein, the hinge bosses 22 are integrally formed with the hinge body 21.
[0066] Specifically, the hinge assembly 2 includes a hinge body 21 and a hinge boss 22. The hinge body 21 is connected between the first shell 11 and the second shell 12. The hinge body 21 is used to realize the relative folding or unfolding of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12. The specific structure and composition of the hinge body 21 can be selected according to actual conditions, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on this.
[0067] Two hinge bosses 22 are arranged at both ends of the hinge body 21, and the buffer 4 is located between the hinge boss 22 and the shell. When the device is subjected to external impact, the hinge boss 22 contacts the buffer 4, causing the buffer 4 to deform, thereby alleviating the external impact force and protecting the main screen.
[0068] Specifically, the hinge boss 22 is integrally formed with the hinge body 21, meaning that the hinge boss 22 and the hinge body 21 are manufactured as a single, integrated component. In practical applications, this integral molding of the hinge boss 22 and the hinge body 21 improves the overall strength and stability of the hinge, reducing potential weaknesses associated with assembly. Furthermore, the integrally molded hinge assembly 2 is more resistant to wear and fatigue, maintaining excellent performance over extended use. This integrated molding reduces assembly steps, simplifies the manufacturing process, and reduces production costs.
[0069] Optionally, the hinge boss 22 is exposed on the appearance surface of the electronic device, and the appearance surface is processed so that the color of the appearance surface matches the color of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12, where matching means that the colors of the two are the same or similar. For example, when the color of the shell is black, the color of the appearance surface corresponding to the hinge boss 22 is black.
[0070] In practical applications, by matching the color of the hinge boss 22 exposed on the exterior surface of the foldable electronic device with the colors of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, the overall appearance of the device can be made more unified and harmonious. This consistency reduces visual abruptness, making the device more aesthetically pleasing overall. The consistent color also reduces visual differences between different components, further improving the overall visual experience of the device.
[0071] Optionally, the hinge assembly 2 further includes a hinge cover 20 , which is disposed on the hinge body 21 and is used to protect the hinge body 21 .
[0072] In some optional embodiments, in order to improve the reliability and overall appearance of the foldable electronic device, the following may be performed: Figure 13 and Figure 14 Multiple position sizes are limited.
[0073] Specifically, if Figure 13 As shown, Figure 13 A schematic diagram of an electronic device in a folded state. Figure 13 The dimension "e" in the figure refers to the linear distance e between the top of the hinge boss 22 and the bottom of the buffer 4 when folded. This distance e can range from 0.1 to 1 mm. If this dimension is less than 0.1, insufficient machining or assembly tolerances can easily cause friction between the buffer 4 and the hinge boss 22 during folding, affecting the unfolding feel. The requirement of less than 1 mm prevents the first and second shells 11, 12 from excessively squeezing the flexible screen 3 during folding, potentially causing failure of the flexible screen 3. Dimension D1 is the thickness of the buffer 4 outside the non-exterior surface. Dimension D2 is the thickness of the soft surface outside the exterior surface. When dropped, components of a foldable electronic device can easily shift and become misaligned due to bouncing. Without compromising the overall thickness and strength of the device, the larger the value of D1 or D2, the easier it is to offset the offset caused by misalignment. Furthermore, D2 needs to be greater than D1 to provide a larger offset margin to offset misalignment. Figure 14The dimension c in the figure is the straight-line distance c between the side of the hinge boss 22 and the buffer 4 when in the unfolded state. The distance c can be 0.1 to 0.18 mm. When c is lower than 0.1, it is easy for the buffer 4 to rub against the hinge boss 22 during the folding process of the foldable electronic device due to insufficient processing or transfer tolerances, affecting the unfolding feel. When it is higher than 0.18 mm, since 180° unfolding is the main working mode of the folding machine, the gap is too large, and the user can easily observe the bottom see-through phenomenon with the naked eye during use, which is not conducive to the consistency of appearance. The dimension d is the distance d between the raised portion 40 of the buffer 4 and the decorative part 5 in the thickness direction. The distance can be ±0.05 mm. This makes the transition between the two smoother, improves visual consistency and prevents scratches.
[0074] In summary, the electronic device described in the embodiments of the present application may have at least the following advantages:
[0075] In the embodiment of the present application, there is an installation gap between the bent portion of the flexible screen 3 and the hinge assembly 2. By providing a protrusion 50 on the side of the main body 51 close to the flexible screen 3, the protrusion 50 can at least partially block the installation gap between the flexible screen 3 and the hinge assembly 2, making the appearance of the electronic device flatter and smoother, thereby improving the overall appearance of the electronic device and enhancing the user's visual experience. In addition, by providing this protrusion 50, the distance between the two decorative members 5 can be reduced, allowing the decorative members 5 to better secure the flexible screen 3, making it less likely to move or deform during the folding process, improving the stability of the overall structure, and reducing the risk of the screen jumping or buckling.
[0076] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.
[0077] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and intent of the present application, and that the scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: a first housing and a second housing, wherein the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected via a hinge assembly so that the electronic device can be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state; A flexible screen is provided on one side surface of the first shell and the second shell, the position where the flexible screen and the hinge assembly are opposite each other is a bend, and the first shell and the second shell are both provided with decorative parts, the decorative parts covering the edges of the flexible screen, and the decorative parts are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the bend; The decorative element includes a main body and a protruding portion, wherein the protruding portion is located on a side of the main body close to the bent portion, and at least a portion of the protruding portion is opposite to the flexible screen; At least two buffer members, one buffer member is arranged between the first shell and the hinge assembly, and the other buffer member is arranged between the second shell and the hinge assembly. The buffer member is provided with a protrusion at one end close to the hinge assembly, and the protrusion protrudes toward the flexible screen.
2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The protrusion is provided at each end of the main body close to the bending portion and includes a first side and a second side that are arranged opposite to each other, and the first side is flush with the main body.
3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: A transition portion is provided between the second side and the main body.
4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The flexible screen is provided with a protective layer on a side opposite to the hinge assembly, and a portion of the protective layer extends toward the hinge assembly.
5. The electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that A distance a between a portion of the protective layer extending toward the hinge assembly and the hinge assembly satisfies: a≤0.18 mm.
6. The electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that A distance b between the unextended portion of the protective layer and the hinge assembly satisfies: 0.4 mm ≤ b ≤ 1 mm.
7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: Along the direction of the central axis of rotation of the hinge assembly, the first shell or the second shell includes two first side walls arranged in opposite directions, and at least one of the first side walls is provided with a receiving groove on the side close to the hinge assembly. The buffer is embedded in the receiving groove, and the protrusion at least partially extends between the hinge assembly and the flexible screen.
8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The color of the portion of the raised portion extending between the hinge assembly and the flexible screen is consistent with the color of the first shell and the second shell.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Folding device for flexible screen and mobile terminal
CN113870692A
Electronic device
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