Foldable devices

Abstract

This application provides a foldable device, relating to the field of terminal product technology. The foldable device includes a first structural component, a second structural component, a third structural component, a first pivot mechanism, a second pivot mechanism, and a flexible screen. One end of the first structural component is rotatably connected to the second structural component via the first pivot mechanism, and the other end of the first structural component is rotatably connected to the third structural component via the second pivot mechanism. The flexible screen includes a support layer and a cover layer. The support layer is fixedly connected to a portion of the first structural component and the second structural component, and the cover layer is fixedly connected to another portion of the first structural component and the third structural component, or the second and third structural components are folded towards different sides of the first structural component. Thus, during the folding process of the foldable device, the support layer and the cover layer are less likely to be squeezed or stretched due to overlapping and misalignment, reducing the risk of damage to the flexible screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of terminal product technology, and in particular to a foldable device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of electronic device technology such as smartphones and tablets, the screen size of electronic devices is becoming increasingly larger to improve the user experience. However, a larger screen size leads to a larger overall size of the device, making it inconvenient to carry. To make electronic devices with larger screens more portable, foldable devices such as foldable phones and foldable computers with flexible screens have emerged. Foldable devices can be folded and unfolded. When folded, they have a smaller size for easy carrying; when unfolded, they have a larger screen, resulting in a better user experience.

[0003] Typically, foldable devices are mostly two-fold structures. A two-fold foldable device includes a flexible screen, two structural components, and a pivot mechanism that connects the two structural components. The flexible screen is fixedly connected to the surface of the two structural components.

[0004] However, with the diversification of user needs, foldable devices with a two-fold structure can no longer meet the needs of some users, and foldable devices with a three-fold or higher structure have emerged. In foldable devices with a three-fold or higher structure, the flexible screen fixedly connected to the surface of the three structural components is at greater risk of damage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The foldable device provided in this application embodiment can reduce the risk of damage to the flexible screen that is fixedly connected to the surfaces of three structural components.

[0006] One embodiment of this application provides a foldable device, including a housing assembly and a flexible screen disposed on the surface of the housing assembly. The flexible screen includes a support layer and a cover layer, with the support layer located on the side of the flexible screen facing the housing assembly and the cover layer located on the side of the flexible screen away from the housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a first structural member, a second structural member, a third structural member, a first pivot mechanism, and a second pivot mechanism. The first structural member includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end being rotatably connected to the second structural member via the first pivot mechanism, and the second end being rotatably connected to the third structural member via the second pivot mechanism. The first structural member includes a first side surface located on one side in the thickness direction of the first structural member, and the first side surface includes a first region and a second region. The second structural member and the first region are fixedly connected to the support layer via a first fixed connection structure, and the third structural member and the second region are fixedly connected to the cover layer via a second fixed connection structure.

[0007] In the foldable device of the above embodiment, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the portion of the support layer opposite to the second structural member and the portion of the support layer opposite to the area between the second structural member and the first region will not move relative to the shell assembly. The portion of the support layer opposite to the third structural member and the portion of the support layer opposite to the area between the third structural member and the first region will move in the same direction as a whole. The support layer will not experience the problem of misalignment superposition caused by the rotation of the second and third structural members relative to the first structural member, which would cause the two parts of the support layer to move in opposite directions. The problem of damage to the support layer caused by the superposition of misalignment is not caused by the compression or pulling of the support layer itself. When a foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the portion of the cover layer opposite to the third structural member, and the portion of the cover layer opposite to the area between the third structural member and the second region, will not shift relative to the housing assembly. The portion of the cover layer opposite to the second structural member, and the portion of the cover layer opposite to the area between the second structural member and the second region, will shift in the same direction as a whole. The cover layer will not experience overlapping shifts due to the rotation of the second and third structural members relative to the first structural member, preventing damage caused by the cover layer being squeezed or stretched. This reduces the risk of damage to the flexible screen. Furthermore, with a lower risk of flexible screen damage, there are fewer restrictions on the folding shape and method of foldable devices with three or more folds.

[0008] In one possible implementation, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second and third structural members are located on the same side of the thickness direction of the first structural member.

[0009] In one possible implementation, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second and third structural members are located on one side of the first structural member in a first direction. The first direction is the direction in which the first side faces the flexible screen along the thickness direction of the first structural member.

[0010] In one possible implementation, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second and third structural members are located on one side of the first structural member in a second direction. The first structural member further includes a second side opposite to the first side, and the second direction is the direction in which the second side faces away from the flexible screen along the thickness direction of the first structural member.

[0011] In one possible implementation, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member is located on one side of the first structural member in a first direction. The second structural member includes opposing third and fourth ends, with the first end rotatably connected to the third end via a first pivot mechanism, and one end of the flexible screen located between the third and fourth ends. When the foldable device is in an unfolded state, there is a first gap between the cover layer and the fourth end. When the foldable device is in a folded state, there is a second gap between the cover layer and the fourth end. The first gap is larger than the second gap.

[0012] In one possible implementation, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the third structural member is located on one side of the first structural member in a second direction. The third structural member includes a fifth end and a sixth end opposite to each other, with the second end rotatably connected to the fifth end via a second pivot mechanism, and one end of the flexible screen located between the fifth and sixth ends. When the foldable device is in an unfolded state, there is a third gap between the support layer and the sixth end. When the foldable device is in a folded state, there is a fourth gap between the support layer and the sixth end. The third gap is larger than the fourth gap.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the flexible screen further includes a display layer located between the cover layer and the support layer. The cover layer includes a fixing region protruding from the outer edge of the display layer, and a second fixing connection structure is located at the fixing region.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first rotating shaft mechanism is fixedly connected to the support layer via a first fixed connection structure.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the second rotating shaft mechanism is fixedly connected to the cover plate layer via a second fixed connection structure.

[0016] In one possible implementation, both the first and second fixed connection structures are adhesive structures. The second structural member and the first region are bonded to the support layer via the first fixed connection structure, and the third structural member and the second region are bonded to the cover plate layer via the second fixed connection structure.

[0017] This application provides another foldable device, including a housing assembly and a flexible screen disposed on the surface of the housing assembly. The flexible screen includes a support layer and a cover layer, the support layer being located on the side of the flexible screen facing the housing assembly, and the cover layer being located on the side of the flexible screen away from the housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a first structural member, a second structural member, a third structural member, a first pivot mechanism, and a second pivot mechanism. The first structural member includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end being rotatably connected to the second structural member via the first pivot mechanism, and the second end being rotatably connected to the third structural member via the second pivot mechanism. The first structural member includes a first side surface and a second side surface, the first side surface and the second side surface being located on opposite sides of the thickness direction of the first structural member. When the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member is located on one side of the first structural member in a second direction, and the third structural member is located on one side of the first structural member in a first direction, wherein the first direction is the direction in which the first side surface (130) points towards the flexible screen along the thickness direction of the first structural member, and the second direction is the direction in which the second side surface faces away from the flexible screen along the thickness direction of the first structural member. One of the support layer and the cover layer is fixedly connected to the first side surface, the second structural member, and the third structural member.

[0018] In the foldable device of the above embodiment, the layer that is fixedly connected to the first side, the second structural member and the third structural member in the support layer and the cover layer will not move relative to the shell assembly. The layer that is fixedly connected to the first side, the second structural member and the third structural member in the support layer and the cover layer will not be damaged by the layer itself being squeezed or pulled due to the two parts of the layer moving in opposite directions. The rotation of the second and third structural components relative to the first structural component allows the layer in the support layer and cover layer that is not fixedly connected to the first side, the second structural component, or the third structural component to shift in the same direction. In other words, for the layer in the support layer and cover layer that is not fixedly connected to the first side, the shift caused by the rotation of the second structural component relative to the first structural component can compensate for the shift caused by the rotation of the third structural component relative to the first structural component. This ensures that the entire layer in the support layer and cover layer that is not fixedly connected to the first side, the second structural component, or the third structural component shifts in one direction. Furthermore, the layer in the support layer and cover layer that is not fixedly connected to the first side, the second structural component, or the third structural component will not experience damage to the cover layer due to the shifting of its two parts in opposite directions, which could lead to compression or stretching. This reduces the risk of damage to the flexible screen.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first side, the second structural member, and the third structural member are fixedly connected to the support layer via a first fixed connection structure.

[0020] In one possible implementation, at least one of the first rotating shaft mechanism and the second rotating shaft mechanism is fixedly connected to the support layer via a first fixed connection structure.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the third structural member includes a fifth end and a sixth end opposite to each other, with the second end rotatably connected to the fifth end via a second pivot mechanism. One end of the flexible screen is located between the fifth and sixth ends. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, there is a fifth gap between the cover layer and the sixth end. When the foldable device is in the folded state, there is a sixth gap between the cover layer and the sixth end. The fifth gap is larger than the sixth gap.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first side, the second structural member, and the third structural member are fixedly connected to the cover plate layer via a second fixed connection structure.

[0023] In one possible implementation, at least one of the first and second rotating shaft mechanisms is fixedly connected to the cover plate layer via a second fixed connection structure.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the second structural member includes opposing third and fourth ends, with the first end rotatably connected to the third end via a first pivot mechanism. One end of the flexible screen is located between the third and fourth ends. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, there is a seventh gap between the support layer and the fourth end. When the foldable device is in the folded state, there is an eighth gap between the support layer and the fourth end. The seventh gap is larger than the eighth gap.

[0025] In one possible implementation, one of the support layer and the cover layer is bonded to the first side, the second structural member, and the third structural member by an adhesive structure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a foldable device in an unfolded state, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in the embodiments of this application in an unfolded state;

[0028] Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a flexible screen of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in another embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in yet another embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in yet another embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the first side of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of yet another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of yet another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of yet another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of yet another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of yet another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of yet another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of a cover layer of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the connection between the flexible screen and the second fixed connection structure of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 19 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the AA plane.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0046] 10. Housing assembly;

[0047] 100, First structural component; 110, First end; 120, Second end; 130, First side surface; 131, First region; 132, Second region; 140, Second side surface;

[0048] 200, Second structural component; 210, Third end; 220, Fourth end;

[0049] 300, Third structural component; 310, Fifth end; 320, Sixth end;

[0050] 400. First rotating shaft mechanism;

[0051] 500. Second rotating shaft mechanism;

[0052] 600 Flexible screen; 610 Support layer; 620 Cover layer; 621 Display area; 622 Fixed area; 630 Display layer;

[0053] 710. First fixed connection structure; 720. Second fixed connection structure;

[0054] L1, first interval; L2, second interval; L3, third interval; L4, fourth interval; L5, fifth interval; L6, sixth interval; L7, seventh interval; L8, eighth interval;

[0055] x, first direction; y, second direction;

[0056] M1, the direction of displacement of the cover layer; M2, the direction of displacement of the support layer. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The terminology used in the implementation section of this application is only for explaining specific embodiments of this application and is not intended to limit this application. The implementation of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] This application provides a foldable device with folded and unfolded states. This foldable device can change its shape by folding and unfolding to meet the needs of users in different scenarios. For example, it can be folded when carried to reduce its length or width; when in use, it can be unfolded to increase the area of ​​the display screen used for display or operation. It should be noted that the foldable device can also be referred to as a user equipment (UE) or terminal, etc.

[0059] The foldable devices provided in this application can include, but are not limited to, foldable electronic products such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers, multimedia players, e-book readers, in-vehicle devices, or wearable devices. Wearable devices can include, but are not limited to, smart bracelets, smartwatches, smart head-mounted displays, and smart glasses. This application uses a mobile phone as an example of a foldable device for illustration.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in an unfolded state, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the foldable device includes a foldable housing assembly 10 and a flexible screen 600 disposed on the surface of the housing assembly 10. The housing assembly 10 includes a first structural member 100, a second structural member 200, a third structural member 300, a first pivot mechanism 400, and a second pivot mechanism 500. One end of the first structural member 100 is rotatably connected to the second structural member 200 through the first pivot mechanism 400, and the end of the first structural member 100 facing away from the first pivot mechanism 400 is rotatably connected to the third structural member 300 through the second pivot mechanism 500, so that the foldable device can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0062] When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, the second structural member 200 and the first structural member 100 rotate until the included angle between them is approximately 180°, and the third structural member 300 and the first structural member 100 rotate until the included angle between them is approximately 180°. Those skilled in the art will understand that the included angle of approximately 180° referred to in this application may not be an absolute 180° due to design tolerances and other reasons, and slight deviations are allowed, such as 165°, 177°, or 185°.

[0063] When the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member 200 and the first structural member 100 rotate to overlap each other, and the third structural member 300 and the first structural member 100 rotate to overlap each other. At this time, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 can be located on the same side of the thickness direction of the first structural member 100, or they can be located on different sides of the thickness direction of the first structural member 100.

[0064] Of course, foldable devices also have an intermediate state during the transition between the unfolded and folded states.

[0065] The axes of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 are parallel to each other. The axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 can be the length direction of the foldable device, or the axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 can be the width direction of the foldable device.

[0066] In the example where the axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 is the length direction of the foldable device, when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, the second structural member 200, the first structural member 100 and the third structural member 300 are arranged side by side along the width direction of the foldable device.

[0067] In the example where the axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 is the width direction of the foldable device, when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, the second structural member 200, the first structural member 100 and the third structural member 300 are arranged side by side along the length direction of the foldable device.

[0068] In this embodiment, the flexible screen 600 is disposed on the surface of the first structural member 100, the second structural member 200, the third structural member 300, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400, and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500. The first structural member 100, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are all fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600. The first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 can be used to support the flexible screen 600. The flexible screen 600 can be used to display information and provide an interactive interface for the user.

[0069] For example, the flexible screen 600 may include, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) display, a micro light-emitting diode (MLED) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) display, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QD) display, etc.

[0070] When the second structural member 200 rotates relative to the first structural member 100, the second structural member 200 can drive the part of the flexible screen 600 that is fixedly connected to the second structural member 200 to rotate relative to the first structural member 100. When the third structural member 300 rotates relative to the first structural member 100, the third structural member 300 can drive the part of the flexible screen 600 that is fixedly connected to the third structural member 300 to rotate relative to the first structural member 100. This allows the flexible screen 600 to flatten and bend under the action of the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 when the foldable device switches between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0071] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in the embodiments of this application in its unfolded state.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the first structural member 100 includes a first end 110 and a second end 120 opposite to each other, the second structural member 200 includes a third end 210 and a fourth end 220 opposite to each other, and the third structural member 300 includes a fifth end 310 and a sixth end 320 opposite to each other. The first end 110 of the first structural member 100 is rotatably connected to the third end 210 of the second structural member 200 through a first rotating shaft mechanism 400, and the second end 120 of the first structural member 100 is rotatably connected to the fifth end 310 of the third structural member 300 through a second rotating shaft mechanism 500.

[0073] The first structural member 100 also includes a first side 130 and a second side 140, which are located on opposite sides of the thickness direction of the first structural member 100. The first side 130 is fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, the sides of the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 used to fix the flexible screen 600 have the same orientation as the first side 130.

[0074] The first structural component 100 may include a first middle frame and a first back cover (not shown), with the first middle frame fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600 and the first back cover on both sides in the thickness direction, respectively. The second structural component 200 may include a second middle frame and a second back cover (not shown), with the second middle frame fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600 and the second back cover on both sides in the thickness direction, respectively. The third structural component 300 may include a third middle frame and a third back cover (not shown), with the third middle frame fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600 and the third back cover on both sides in the thickness direction, respectively.

[0075] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a flexible screen 600 of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0076] like Figure 3As shown in this embodiment, the flexible screen 600 includes a multi-layer structure, which includes a support layer 610, a display layer 630, and a cover layer 620. The support layer 610 is located on the side of the flexible screen 600 facing the housing assembly 10, the cover layer 620 is located on the side of the flexible screen 600 away from the housing assembly 10, and the display layer 630 is located between the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620.

[0077] The support layer 610 can be a bamboo-shaped screen layer. The support layer 610 is used to increase the structural strength of the flexible screen 600. The support layer 610 can be made of one or more of the following materials: stainless steel thin material, titanium alloy thin material, copper alloy thin material, aluminum alloy thin material, etc.

[0078] The cover layer 620 can be used to protect the display layer 630. The cover layer 620 is made of a transparent material, through which light emitted from the display layer 630 can be emitted. For example, the cover layer 620 can be made of one or more of the following: polyimide (PI) film, colorless polyimide (CPI) film, ultra-thin glass (UTG) film, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.

[0079] The display layer 630 may include multiple pixel units, which can emit light toward the cover layer 620 to display images through the cover layer 620.

[0080] It should be noted that there may be other structural layers between the display layer 630 and the cover layer 620, and between the display layer 630 and the support layer 610.

[0081] The flexible screen 600 can be connected via the first fixed connection structure 710 (as follows). Figure 4 (as shown) and the second fixed connection structure 720 (as shown below) Figure 5 At least one of the following structures (shown in the diagram) is fixedly connected to the housing assembly 10. Specifically, one end of the first fixed connection structure 710 is fixedly connected to the support layer 610, and the other end of the first fixed connection structure 710 is fixedly connected to the housing assembly 10; one end of the second fixed connection structure 720 is fixedly connected to the cover plate layer 620, and the other end of the second fixed connection structure 720 is fixedly connected to the housing assembly 10.

[0082] For example, the first fixed connection structure 710 may include, but is not limited to, an adhesive structure, a welded structure, a snap-fit ​​structure, etc. The second fixed connection structure 720 may include, but is not limited to, an adhesive structure, a welded structure, a snap-fit ​​structure, etc.

[0083] During the transition between the unfolded and folded states of the foldable device, that is, during the flattening and bending of the flexible screen 600, the structural layers of the flexible screen 600 that are not fixedly connected to the housing assembly 10 will shift. Since the cover layer 620 and the support layer 610 are located on opposite sides of the thickness direction of the flexible screen 600, the amplitude of the shift of the cover layer 620 and the support layer 610 is relatively large.

[0084] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in one embodiment, wherein M1 is the offset direction of the cover layer 620, the x direction is the first direction, the y direction is the second direction, the first direction is the direction in which the first side 130 points towards the flexible screen 600 along the thickness direction of the first structural member 100, and the second direction is the direction in which the second side 140 faces away from the flexible screen 600 along the thickness direction of the first structural member 100.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are all fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via a first fixed connection structure 710, so that the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600. When the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a first direction. In this embodiment, the rotation of the second structural member 200 toward the first side 130 causes the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 to shift away from the first end 110. The rotation of the third structural member 300 toward the first side 130 causes the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 to shift away from the second end 120. In other words, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the shift of the cover layer 620 caused by the rotation of the second structural member 200 and the shift of the cover layer 620 caused by the rotation of the third structural member 300 are in opposite directions. Moreover, the effect of the shift will be superimposed on the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130, causing the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 to be squeezed toward the center of that portion, which may cause the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 to arch or be crushed.

[0086] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in another embodiment.

[0087] like Figure 5As shown, in some other embodiments, the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are all fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, so that the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600. When the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the second direction. In this embodiment, the rotation of the second structural member 200 toward the second side 140 causes the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 to shift away from the second end 120. The rotation of the third structural member 300 toward the second side 140 causes the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 to shift away from the first end 110. In other words, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the shift of the cover layer 620 caused by the rotation of the second structural member 200 and the shift of the cover layer 620 caused by the rotation of the third structural member 300 are in opposite directions. Moreover, the effect of the shift will be superimposed on the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130, causing the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 to be pulled toward the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300, which may easily cause the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 to be damaged.

[0088] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in another embodiment, wherein M2 is the misalignment direction of the support layer 610.

[0089] like Figure 6As shown, in some other embodiments, the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are all fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via a second fixed connection structure 720, so that the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600. When the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a first direction. In this embodiment, the rotation of the second structural member 200 toward the first side 130 causes the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 to shift away from the second end 120. The rotation of the third structural member 300 toward the first side 130 causes the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 to shift away from the first end 110. In other words, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the shift of the support layer 610 caused by the rotation of the second structural member 200 and the shift of the support layer 610 caused by the rotation of the third structural member 300 are in opposite directions. Moreover, the effect of the shift will be superimposed on the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130, causing the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 to be pulled toward the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300, which may easily cause the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 to be damaged.

[0090] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in yet another embodiment.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, in some other embodiments, the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are all fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via a second fixed connection structure 720, so that the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600. When the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the second direction. In this embodiment, the rotation of the second structural member 200 toward the second side 140 causes the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 to shift away from the first end 110. The rotation of the third structural member 300 toward the second side 140 causes the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 to shift away from the second end 120. In other words, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the shift of the support layer 610 caused by the rotation of the second structural member 200 and the shift of the support layer 610 caused by the rotation of the third structural member 300 are in opposite directions. Moreover, the effect of the shift will be superimposed on the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130, causing the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 to be squeezed toward the center of that portion, which may cause the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 to arch or be crushed.

[0092] In summary, in all four embodiments described above, the flexible screen 600 is at high risk of damage when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state.

[0093] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the first side 130 of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0094] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, based on this, in some embodiments of this application, the first side 130 of the foldable device includes a first region 131 and a second region 132. The second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 through a first fixed connection structure 710. The third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 through a second fixed connection structure 720.

[0095] In this way, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the second structural member 200, and the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the area between the second structural member 200 and the first region 131, will not shift relative to the housing assembly 10. The portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the third structural member 300, and the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the area between the third structural member 300 and the first region 131, will shift in the same direction. The support layer 610 will not shift in opposite directions due to the rotation of the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 relative to the first structural member 100. The support layer 610 will not be squeezed or pulled due to the superposition of two opposing shifts, thus preventing damage to the support layer 610. When the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the portions of the cover layer 620 opposite to the third structural member 300, and the portions of the cover layer 620 opposite to the area between the third structural member 300 and the second region 132, will not shift relative to the housing assembly 10. The portions of the cover layer 620 opposite to the second structural member 200, and the portions of the cover layer 620 opposite to the area between the second structural member 200 and the second region 132, will shift in the same direction. The cover layer 620 will not shift in opposite directions due to the rotation of the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 relative to the first structural member 100. This prevents the cover layer 620 from being squeezed or pulled due to the superposition of two opposing shifts, thus avoiding damage. This reduces the risk of damage to the flexible screen 600. Furthermore, with a lower risk of damage to the flexible screen 600, there are fewer restrictions on the folding shape and method of foldable devices with three or more folds.

[0096] For example, the second region 132 may be located at the edges of the first side surface 130 on both sides of the axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400. At least a portion of the first region 131 may be located between the second regions 132 at the two edges of the first side surface 130.

[0097] This allows for a larger fixed connection area between the first side 130 and the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620, making the fixed connection between the first side 130 and the flexible screen 600 more stable.

[0098] For example, the first region 131 and the second region 132 may also be arranged along the extension direction of the first end 110 and the second end 120, with the first region 131 close to the first end 110 and the second region 132 close to the second end 120.

[0099] In some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 is fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710.

[0100] This facilitates the control of deformation of the portion of the flexible screen 600 opposite to the first pivot mechanism 400 during the switching between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable device. Furthermore, once the first pivot mechanism 400 is fixed to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, it will not affect the misalignment of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620.

[0101] In some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover plate layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 is fixedly connected to the cover plate layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0102] This facilitates the control of deformation of the portion of the flexible screen 600 and the second pivot mechanism 500 relative to each other during the switching between folded and unfolded states of the foldable device. Furthermore, once the second pivot mechanism 500 is fixed to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, it will not affect the misalignment of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620.

[0103] In some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on the same side of the thickness direction of the first structural member 100.

[0104] In this way, without easily causing damage to the flexible screen 600 due to compression or stretching of the support layer 610 and cover layer 620 caused by misalignment, the second structural component 200 and the third structural component 300 can be folded toward the same side of the first structural component 100. Furthermore, when switching between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable device, the user only needs to operate from the same side of the first structural component 100, making operation convenient.

[0105] In some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a first direction.

[0106] In this way, when the foldable device is in the folded state, the flexible screen 600 is blocked by the first structural member 100, the second structural member 200, the third structural member 300, the first pivot mechanism 400, and the second pivot mechanism 500, which can protect the flexible screen 600. Furthermore, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the third structural member 300, and the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the area between the third structural member 300 and the first region 131, are shifted in a direction away from the sixth end 320. The portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the second structural member 200, and the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the area between the second structural member 200 and the second region 132, are shifted in a direction away from the second end 120. Thus, when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, one end of both the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 can be fitted against the sixth end 320.

[0107] In some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a first direction. One end of the flexible screen 600 is located between the third end 210 and the fourth end 220. When the foldable device is in an unfolded state, there is a first gap L1 between the cover layer 620 and the fourth end 220. When the foldable device is in a folded state, there is a second gap L2 between the cover layer 620 and the fourth end 220. The first gap L1 is greater than the second gap L2. That is, the first gap L1 is used to allow the end of the cover layer 620 near the fourth end 220 to move toward the fourth end 220 when the foldable device is switched to a folded state.

[0108] In this way, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, it is less likely to cause the cover layer 620 to shift and squeeze against the second structural component 200, thereby damaging the flexible screen 600.

[0109] In some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on the same side of the thickness direction of the first structural member 100, and both the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are stacked on the surface of the first structural member 100, and the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located in the same layer.

[0110] This allows the foldable device to be thinner when folded.

[0111] like Figure 9 As shown, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on the same side of the thickness direction of the first structural member 100, and one of the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 is located between the other of the second structural member 200 and the first structural member 100.

[0112] This allows the foldable device to have a smaller size in either the length or width direction after folding.

[0113] like Figure 9 As shown, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the third structural member 300 is located between the first side 130 and the second structural member 200 when the foldable device is in the folded state.

[0114] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0115] like Figure 10 As shown, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the second structural member 200 is located between the first side 130 and the third structural member 300 when the foldable device is in the folded state.

[0116] Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0117] like Figure 11 As shown, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a second direction.

[0118] In this way, when the foldable device is in the folded state, a portion of the flexible screen 600 is exposed, and the display function can be achieved using the exposed portion of the flexible screen 600. In addition, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the third structural member 300, and the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the area between the third structural member 300 and the first region 131, are all shifted away from the first end 110. The portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the second structural member 200, and the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the area between the second structural member 200 and the second region 132, are all shifted away from the fourth end 220. Thus, when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, one end of both the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 can be fitted against the fourth end 220.

[0119] In some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in the folded state, the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the second direction. One end of the flexible screen 600 is located between the fifth end 310 and the sixth end 320. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, there is a third gap L3 between the support layer 610 and the sixth end 320. When the foldable device is in the folded state, there is a fourth gap L4 between the support layer 610 and the sixth end 320. The third gap L3 is greater than the fourth gap L4. That is, the third gap L3 is used to allow the end of the support layer 610 near the sixth end 320 to move toward the sixth end 320 when the foldable device is switched to the folded state.

[0120] In this way, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, it is less likely to cause the support layer 610 to shift and squeeze against the third structural component 300, thereby damaging the flexible screen 600.

[0121] like Figure 11As shown, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the third structural member 300 is located between the second side 140 and the second structural member 200 when the foldable device is in the folded state.

[0122] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0123] like Figure 12 As shown, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the second structural member 200 is located between the second side 140 and the third structural member 300 when the foldable device is in the folded state.

[0124] In this way, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the exposed part of the cover layer 620 will not increase the gap between it and the sixth end 320 due to misalignment. The misalignment of the cover layer 620 is not easily noticed by the user, and has little impact on the user's use of the exposed part of the flexible screen 600.

[0125] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0126] like Figure 13As shown, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a second direction, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a first direction. At this time, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the third structural member 300, and the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the area between the third structural member 300 and the first area 131, are shifted in a direction away from the sixth end 320. The portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the second structural member 200, and the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the area between the second structural member 200 and the second area 132, are shifted in a direction away from the fourth end 220. Thus, when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, one end of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 can be attached to the fourth end 220, and the other end of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 can be attached to the sixth end 320.

[0127] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0128] like Figure 14 As shown, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the first direction, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the second direction. At this time, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the third structural member 300, and the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the region between the third structural member 300 and the first region 131, are shifted in a direction away from the first end 110. Similarly, the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the second structural member 200, and the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the region between the second structural member 200 and the second region 132, are shifted in a direction away from the second end 120. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, there is a first gap L1 between the cover layer 620 and the fourth end 220, and a third gap L3 between the support layer 610 and the sixth end 320. When the foldable device is in the folded state, there is a second gap L2 between the cover layer 620 and the fourth end 220, and a fourth gap L4 between the support layer 610 and the sixth end 320. The first gap L1 is greater than the second gap L2, and the third gap L3 is greater than the fourth gap L4.

[0129] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0130] like Figure 15 As shown, in some other embodiments of this application, one of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 is fixedly connected to the first side 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300. When the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a second direction, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a first direction.

[0131] In this way, the layer in the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 that is fixedly connected to the first side 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 will not shift relative to the housing assembly 10. The layer in the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 that is fixedly connected to the first side 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 will not be squeezed or pulled by the two parts of the layer shifting in opposite directions, so that the layer is not easily damaged by the superposition of two shifts in opposite directions. The rotation of the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 relative to the first structural member 100 can cause the layer of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 that is not fixedly connected to the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 to shift in the same direction. In other words, for the layer of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 that is not fixedly connected to the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300, the shift caused by the rotation of the second structural member 200 relative to the first structural member 100 can cause the shift of the third structural member 300 relative to the first structural member 100 to shift in the same direction. The system compensates for the misalignment caused by the rotation of the first structural member 100, ensuring that the layer in the support layer 610 and cover layer 620 that is not fixedly connected to the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 does not misalign in one direction as a whole. This prevents the layer in the support layer 610 and cover layer 620 that is not fixedly connected to the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 from being squeezed or stretched due to misalignment in opposite directions. This makes the layer less susceptible to damage from the superposition of two misalignments in opposite directions. Thus, the risk of damage to the flexible screen 600 can be reduced.

[0132] In some examples, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a second direction and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a first direction. In some cases, the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 through the first fixed connection structure 710.

[0133] In this way, the fixed connection between the flexible screen 600 and the housing assembly 10 will not affect the arrangement of the display layer 630 of the flexible screen 600, nor the display area 621 of the flexible screen 600 (as follows). Figure 17 The settings shown in the diagram have a relatively small impact on the display effect, which is beneficial for the narrow bezel design of foldable devices. In addition, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the cover layer 620 shifts away from the fourth end 220 as a whole. In this way, when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, one end of both the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 can be fitted to the fourth end 220.

[0134] In some examples where the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the second direction and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the first direction when the foldable device is in the folded state, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 is fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710.

[0135] This facilitates control over the deformation of the portion of the flexible screen 600 opposite to the first hinge mechanism 400 during the switching between folded and unfolded states of the foldable device. Furthermore, the first hinge mechanism 400, after being fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, will not affect the misalignment of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620. Additionally, the fixed connection of the first hinge mechanism 400 to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710 will not affect the arrangement of the display layer 630 of the flexible screen 600, and has minimal impact on the setting of the display area 621 of the flexible screen 600 and the display effect, thus facilitating the narrow bezel design of the foldable device.

[0136] In some examples where the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the second direction and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the first direction when the foldable device is in the folded state, the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 is fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710.

[0137] This facilitates control over the deformation of the portion of the flexible screen 600 relative to the second hinge mechanism 500 during the switching between folded and unfolded states of the foldable device. Furthermore, the second hinge mechanism 500, after being fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, will not affect the misalignment of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620. Additionally, the fixed connection of the second hinge mechanism 500 to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710 will not affect the arrangement of the display layer 630 of the flexible screen 600, and has minimal impact on the setting of the display area 621 of the flexible screen 600 and the display effect, thus facilitating the narrow bezel design of the foldable device.

[0138] In some examples where the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a second direction and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a first direction when the foldable device is in the folded state, one end of the flexible screen 600 is located between the fifth end 310 and the sixth end 320. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, there is a fifth gap L5 between the cover layer 620 and the sixth end 320. When the foldable device is in the folded state, there is a sixth gap L6 between the cover layer 620 and the sixth end 320. The fifth gap L5 is greater than the sixth gap L6. That is, the fifth gap L5 is used to allow the end of the cover layer 620 closest to the sixth end 320 to move towards the sixth end 320 when the foldable device is switched to the folded state.

[0139] In this way, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, it is less likely to cause the cover layer 620 to shift and squeeze against the third structural component 300, thereby damaging the flexible screen 600.

[0140] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0141] like Figure 16As shown, in some examples, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a second direction and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a first direction. In some examples, the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 through the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0142] In this way, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the cover layer 620 will not shift, minimizing the impact on the user when using the exposed portion of the flexible screen 600 in the folded state. Furthermore, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the support layer 610 shifts away from the sixth end 320, ensuring that when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, one end of both the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 are flush with the sixth end 320.

[0143] In some examples where the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the cover plate layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, and the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a second direction, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a first direction, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 is fixedly connected to the cover plate layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0144] This facilitates the control of deformation of the portion of the flexible screen 600 opposite to the first pivot mechanism 400 during the switching between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable device. Furthermore, after the first pivot mechanism 400 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, it will not affect the misalignment of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620.

[0145] In some examples where the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the cover plate layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, and the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a second direction, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a first direction, the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 is fixedly connected to the cover plate layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0146] This facilitates control over the deformation of the portion of the flexible screen 600 opposite to the second pivot mechanism 500 during the switching between folded and unfolded states of the foldable device. Furthermore, after the second pivot mechanism 500 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, it will not affect the misalignment of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620.

[0147] In some examples where the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, and the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the second direction, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the first direction, one end of the flexible screen 600 is located between the third end 210 and the fourth end 220. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, there is a seventh interval L7 between the support layer 610 and the fourth end 220. When the foldable device is in the folded state, there is an eighth interval L8 between the support layer 610 and the fourth end 220. The seventh interval L7 is greater than the eighth interval L8. That is, the seventh interval L7 is used to allow the end of the support layer 610 closest to the fourth end 220 to move towards the fourth end 220 when the foldable device is switched to the folded state.

[0148] In this way, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, it is less likely to cause the support layer 610 to shift and squeeze against the second structural component 200, thereby damaging the flexible screen 600.

[0149] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a cover layer 620 of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the flexible screen 600 and the second fixed connection structure 720 of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0150] like Figure 17 , Figure 18 As shown, in some examples with a second fixed connection structure 720, the cover layer 620 includes a display area 621 and a fixed area 622. The orthographic projection of the display area 621 along the thickness direction of the flexible screen 600 coincides with the orthographic projection of the display layer 630 along the thickness direction of the flexible screen 600. The fixed area 622 protrudes from the outer edge of the display layer 630. The second fixed connection structure 720 is located at the fixed area 622, that is, the second fixed connection structure 720 is located at the edge of the cover layer 620 protruding from the display layer 630. The second fixed connection structure 720 fixes the cover layer 620 at the edge of the display layer 630 to the housing assembly 10.

[0151] In this way, the second fixed connection structure 720 has a relatively small impact on the display effect of the flexible screen 600.

[0152] Figure 19 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the AA plane.

[0153] like Figure 19 As shown, in the example where the first side 130 includes a first region 131 and a second region 132, the first region 131 is fixedly connected to the support layer 610 through a first fixed connection structure 710, and the second region 132 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 through a second fixed connection structure 720, the display region 621 is connected to fixed regions 622 on both sides of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 in the axial direction. The first side 130 has second regions 132 opposite to the fixed regions 622 at the two sides of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 in the axial direction. The fixed regions 622 located on both sides of the display region 621 in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 are fixedly connected to the second regions 132 located on both sides of the first side 130 at the two sides of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 in the axial direction through the second fixed connection structure 720. That is, the cover layer 620 protrudes from the display layer 630 at the two sides of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 in the axial direction and is fixedly connected to the first side 130 at the two sides of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 in the axial direction through the second fixed connection structure 720. In the axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400, the first region 131 can be located between the second regions 132 on both sides of the first side 130. That is, the first fixed connection structure 710 connected to the first region 131 can be located between the second fixed connection structures 720 provided on both sides of the first side 130 in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400.

[0154] In some examples where the first pivot mechanism 400 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the cover layer 620 protrudes from the display layer 630 on both sides of the axial direction of the first pivot mechanism 400 and is fixedly connected to the first pivot mechanism 400 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0155] In some examples where the second pivot mechanism 500 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the cover layer 620 protrudes from the display layer 630 on both sides of the axial direction of the second pivot mechanism 500 and is fixedly connected to the second pivot mechanism 500 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0156] In some examples where the second structural member 200 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the edges of the cover layer 620 on both axial sides of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 may protrude from the display layer 630 and be fixedly connected to the second structural member 200 via the second fixed connection structure 720. When one end of the flexible screen 600 is located between the third end 210 and the fourth end 220, the edge of the cover layer 620 on the side closer to the fourth end 220 may also protrude from the display layer 630 and be fixedly connected to the second structural member 200 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0157] In some examples where the third structural member 300 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the edges of the cover layer 620 on both axial sides of the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 may protrude from the display layer 630 and be fixedly connected to the third structural member 300 via the second fixed connection structure 720. When one end of the flexible screen 600 is located between the fifth end 310 and the sixth end 320, the edge of the cover layer 620 on the side closer to the sixth end 320 may also protrude from the display layer 630 and be fixedly connected to the third structural member 300 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0158] In some examples having a first fixed connection structure 710, the first fixed connection structure 710 can be an adhesive structure. That is, one end of the first fixed connection structure 710 is bonded to the support layer 610, and the other end of the first fixed connection structure 710 is bonded to the housing assembly 10. For example, the first fixed connection structure 710 can be an adhesive backing.

[0159] In this way, it is more convenient to fix the support layer 610 to the housing assembly 10 through the first fixed connection structure 710.

[0160] In some examples having a second fixed connection structure 720, the second fixed connection structure 720 can be an adhesive structure. That is, one end of the second fixed connection structure 720 is bonded to the cover plate layer 620, and the other end of the second fixed connection structure 720 is bonded to the housing assembly 10. For example, the second fixed connection structure 720 can be a frame adhesive.

[0161] In this way, it is more convenient to fix the cover plate layer 620 to the housing assembly 10 through the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0162] In some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are bonded to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are bonded to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 can be bonded to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 can be bonded to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0163] In some examples where the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are all fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are all bonded to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 are both bonded to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710.

[0164] In some examples where the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are all fixedly connected to the cover plate layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are all bonded to the cover plate layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, and the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 are both bonded to the cover plate layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0165] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0166] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0167] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although the embodiments of this application have been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A foldable device, characterized in that, Includes a housing assembly (10) and a flexible screen (600) disposed on the surface of the housing assembly (10); The flexible screen (600) includes a support layer (610) and a cover layer (620). The support layer (610) is located on the side of the flexible screen (600) facing the housing assembly (10), and the cover layer (620) is located on the side of the flexible screen (600) away from the housing assembly (10). The housing assembly (10) includes a first structural member (100), a second structural member (200), a third structural member (300), a first rotating shaft mechanism (400), and a second rotating shaft mechanism (500); The first structural member (100) includes a first end (110) and a second end (120) opposite to each other. The first end (110) is rotatably connected to the second structural member (200) through the first rotating shaft mechanism (400), and the second end (120) is rotatably connected to the third structural member (300) through the second rotating shaft mechanism (500). The first structural member (100) includes a first side surface (130), which is located on one side of the thickness direction of the first structural member (100). The first side surface (130) includes a first region (131) and a second region (132). The second structural member (200) and the first region (131) are fixedly connected to the support layer (610) through the first fixed connection structure (710), and the third structural member (300) and the second region (132) are fixedly connected to the cover plate layer (620) through the second fixed connection structure (720).

2. The foldable device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member (200) and the third structural member (300) are located on the same side of the thickness direction of the first structural member (100).

3. The foldable device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member (200) and the third structural member (300) are located on one side of the first structural member (100) in a first direction; Wherein, the first direction is the direction in which the first side (130) points from the thickness direction of the first structural member (100) toward the flexible screen (600).

4. The foldable device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member (200) and the third structural member (300) are located on one side of the first structural member (100) in a second direction; The first structural member (100) further includes a second side (140) opposite to the first side (130), and the second direction is the direction in which the second side (140) faces away from the flexible screen (600) along the thickness direction of the first structural member (100).

5. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, When the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member (200) is located on one side of the first structural member (100) in a first direction; The second structural member (200) includes a third end (210) and a fourth end (220) opposite to each other. The first end (110) is rotatably connected to the third end (210) through the first rotating shaft mechanism (400). One end of the flexible screen (600) is located between the third end (210) and the fourth end (220). When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, there is a first gap (L1) between the cover layer (620) and the fourth end (220); When the foldable device is in the folded state, there is a second gap (L2) between the cover layer (620) and the fourth end (220); The first interval (L1) is greater than the second interval (L2).

6. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4, characterized in that, When the foldable device is in a folded state, the third structural member (300) is located on one side of the first structural member (100) in a second direction; The third structural component (300) includes a fifth end (310) and a sixth end (320) opposite to each other. The second end (120) is rotatably connected to the fifth end (310) through the second rotating shaft mechanism (500). One end of the flexible screen (600) is located between the fifth end (310) and the sixth end (320). When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, there is a third gap (L3) between the support layer (610) and the sixth end (320); When the foldable device is in the folded state, there is a fourth gap (L4) between the support layer (610) and the sixth end (320); The third interval (L3) is greater than the fourth interval (L4).

7. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The flexible screen (600) also includes a display layer (630) located between the cover layer (620) and the support layer (610); The cover plate layer (620) includes a fixed area (622) protruding from the outer edge of the display layer (630), and the second fixed connection structure (720) is located at the fixed area (622).

8. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first rotating shaft mechanism (400) is fixedly connected to the support layer (610) through the first fixed connection structure (710).

9. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The second rotating shaft mechanism (500) is fixedly connected to the cover plate layer (620) through the second fixed connection structure (720).

10. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Both the first fixed connection structure (710) and the second fixed connection structure (720) are adhesive structures; The second structural member (200) and the first region (131) are bonded and fixed to the support layer (610) through the first fixed connection structure (710), and the third structural member (300) and the second region (132) are bonded and fixed to the cover plate layer (620) through the second fixed connection structure (720).

11. A foldable device, characterized in that, Includes a housing assembly (10) and a flexible screen (600) disposed on the surface of the housing assembly (10); The flexible screen (600) includes a support layer (610) and a cover layer (620). The support layer (610) is located on the side of the flexible screen (600) facing the housing assembly (10), and the cover layer (620) is located on the side of the flexible screen (600) away from the housing assembly (10). The housing assembly (10) includes a first structural member (100), a second structural member (200), a third structural member (300), a first rotating shaft mechanism (400), and a second rotating shaft mechanism (500); The first structural member (100) includes a first end (110) and a second end (120) opposite to each other. The first end (110) is rotatably connected to the second structural member (200) through the first rotating shaft mechanism (400), and the second end (120) is rotatably connected to the third structural member (300) through the second rotating shaft mechanism (500). The first structural member (100) includes a first side (130) and a second side (140), the first side (130) and the second side (140) are respectively located on both sides of the thickness direction of the first structural member (100). When the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member (200) is located on one side of the second direction of the first structural member (100), and the third structural member (300) is located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member (100). The first direction is the direction in which the first side (130) points to the flexible screen (600) along the thickness direction of the first structural member (100), and the second direction is the direction in which the second side (140) faces away from the flexible screen (600) along the thickness direction of the first structural member (100). One of the support layer (610) and the cover layer (620) is fixedly connected to the first side surface (130), the second structural member (200) and the third structural member (300); The third structural component (300) includes a fifth end (310) and a sixth end (320) opposite to each other. The second end (120) is rotatably connected to the fifth end (310) through the second rotating shaft mechanism (500). One end of the flexible screen (600) is located between the fifth end (310) and the sixth end (320). When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, there is a fifth gap (L5) between the cover layer (620) and the sixth end (320); When the foldable device is in the folded state, there is a sixth gap (L6) between the cover layer (620) and the sixth end (320); The fifth interval (L5) is greater than the sixth interval (L6).

12. The foldable device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first side (130), the second structural member (200) and the third structural member (300) are fixedly connected to the support layer (610) through a first fixed connection structure (710).

13. The foldable device according to claim 12, characterized in that, At least one of the first rotating shaft mechanism (400) and the second rotating shaft mechanism (500) is fixedly connected to the support layer (610) through the first fixed connection structure (710).

14. The foldable device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first side (130), the second structural member (200), and the third structural member (300) are fixedly connected to the cover plate layer (620) through a second fixed connection structure (720).

15. The foldable device according to claim 14, characterized in that, At least one of the first rotating shaft mechanism (400) and the second rotating shaft mechanism (500) is fixedly connected to the cover plate layer (620) via the second fixed connection structure (720).

16. The foldable device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The second structural member (200) includes a third end (210) and a fourth end (220) opposite to each other. The first end (110) is rotatably connected to the third end (210) through the first rotating shaft mechanism (400). One end of the flexible screen (600) is located between the third end (210) and the fourth end (220). When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, there is a seventh gap (L7) between the support layer (610) and the fourth end (220); When the foldable device is in the folded state, there is an eighth gap (L8) between the support layer (610) and the fourth end (220); The seventh interval (L7) is greater than the eighth interval (L8).

17. The foldable device according to any one of claims 11-15, characterized in that, One of the support layer (610) and the cover layer (620) is bonded and fixed to the first side surface (130), the second structural member (200) and the third structural member (300) by an adhesive structure.

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