Electronic device

Abstract

The invention discloses electronic equipment, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The electronic equipment comprises a hinge base, a frame body, a supporting piece and a flexible screen, the frame body can rotate relative to the hinge base so that the electronic equipment can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state, the supporting piece and the flexible screen are connected with the frame body, and when the electronic equipment is in the folded state, the surface, facing the hinge base, of the supporting piece is a first surface. The surface, facing the hinge base, of the flexible screen is a second surface, and the second surface is away from the hinge base relative to the first surface to prevent the hinge base from making contact with the flexible screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of communication technology, and specifically relates to an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of science and technology, people are becoming more and more dependent on electronic devices. In order to improve the portability and comfort of electronic devices, the application scope of foldable electronic devices is becoming wider and wider.

[0003] In the related art, a foldable electronic device includes a hinge base, a frame and a flexible screen. When the foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded, the frame rotates relative to the hinge base, and the flexible screen gradually deforms into a water drop shape. However, when the foldable electronic device in the folded state falls, the frame will also drive the flexible screen to move relative to the hinge base under the action of gravity, and then the hinge base will squeeze the flexible screen, causing the flexible screen to collide with the hinge base and damage the foldable electronic device. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide an electronic device that can solve the problem in the related art that a flexible screen is easily squeezed when a foldable electronic device falls.

[0005] An embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, comprising a hinge base, a frame, a support member, and a flexible screen, wherein the frame can rotate relative to the hinge base so that the electronic device can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state, and the support member and the flexible screen are respectively connected to the frame. When the electronic device is in the folded state, the surface of the support member facing the hinge base is the first surface, the surface of the flexible screen facing the hinge base is the second surface, and the second surface is away from the hinge base relative to the first surface to prevent the hinge base from contacting the flexible screen.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present application, a support member is additionally provided to the electronic device, and the support member is utilized to support the flexible screen. Specifically, when the electronic device is in a folded state, if the electronic device falls, the ground collides with the hinge base, and the frame drives the flexible screen to move relative to the hinge base under the action of gravity. Since the surface of the flexible screen facing the hinge base is farther away from the hinge base than the surface of the support member facing the hinge base, the hinge base will first squeeze the support member to prevent the hinge base from directly squeezing the flexible screen and damaging the electronic device, which is beneficial to protecting the flexible screen and improving the falling reliability of the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device in a folded state disclosed in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device in an unfolded state disclosed in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view at AA in the middle; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Sectional view at the middle BB; Figure 5-Figure 7 Different embodiments disclosed Figure 2 Sectional view at CC; Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device in an unfolded state disclosed in another embodiment of the present application; Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Sectional view at DD in the middle; Fig.10 yes Figure 8 Sectional view at EE; Fig.11 yes Figure 8 Cross-sectional view at FF; Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of an electronic device in an unfolded state disclosed in an embodiment of the present application; Fig.13 is a schematic structural diagram of a shielding member disclosed in an embodiment of the present application; Fig.14 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device in an unfolded state disclosed in yet another embodiment of the present application; Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Sectional view at KK in the middle; Fig.16 yes Fig.14 Sectional view at LL; Fig.17 yes Fig.14 Cross-sectional view at MM.

[0008] Description of reference numerals: 100-hinge base, 110-protrusion, 200-frame, 201-first frame, 202-second frame, 300-Flexible screen, 400-support member, 410-first surface, 401-first support member, 402-second support member, 500-shielding member, 510-shielding sheet, 520-metal support portion, a-first gap, b-second gap, 600-flexible screen decoration ring, 610-first end, 620-second end, 700-Flexible screen protective film, 800-Hinged cover, 900-Connecting glue. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments in the present application belong to the scope of protection of this application.

[0010] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described here, and the objects distinguished by "first", "second", etc. are generally of one type, and the number of objects is not limited. For example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, "and / or" in the specification and claims represents at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an "or" relationship.

[0011] The electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below through specific embodiments and application scenarios in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Please refer to Figure 1-Figure 17 The electronic device disclosed in the embodiment of the present application is a foldable electronic device, which relies on a hinge mechanism to achieve folding and unfolding. The electronic device includes a hinge base 100, a frame 200, a support member 400 and a flexible screen 300, wherein the hinge base 100 serves as a bearing base for other components of the hinge mechanism, and components such as the swing arm of the hinge mechanism can be installed on the hinge base 100. The frame 200 can rotate relative to the hinge base 100 to switch the electronic device between the folded state and the unfolded state. Optionally, the frame 200 can be connected to the swing arm through other components of the hinge mechanism, and the frame 200 rotates relative to the hinge base 100 through the swing arm. The flexible screen 300 is connected to the frame 200. Optionally, a part of the flexible screen 300 is connected to the frame 200 by welding, bonding, etc. When the frame 200 rotates relative to the hinge base 100, a part of the flexible screen 300 moves relative to other parts of the flexible screen 300, and the flexible screen 300 is deformed or flattened.

[0013] The support member 400 is used to support the flexible screen 300, and the support member 400 is connected to the frame 200. Optionally, the support member 400 can be directly connected to the frame 200 by welding, bonding, etc., or the support member 400 is indirectly connected to the frame 200 through other components. In short, when the frame 200 rotates relative to the hinge base 100, the frame 200 drives the support member 400 to move relative to the hinge base 100. The support member 400 can be a strip structure, a block structure, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific structure of the support member 400.

[0014] When the electronic device is in a folded state, the surface of the support member 400 facing the hinge base 100 is the first surface 410. Figure 1 As shown, the surface of the flexible screen 300 facing the hinge base 100 is the second surface, and the second surface is away from the hinge base 100 relative to the first surface 410 to prevent the hinge base 100 from contacting the flexible screen 300. In other words, the support member 400 is closer to the hinge base 100 relative to the flexible screen 300, and the support member 400 prevents the flexible screen 300 from colliding with the hinge base 100.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present application, a support member 400 is additionally provided to the electronic device, and the support member 400 is used to support the flexible screen 300. Specifically, when the electronic device is in a folded state, if the electronic device falls, the ground collides with the hinge base 100, and the frame 200 drives the flexible screen 300 to move relative to the hinge base 100 under the action of gravity. Since the surface of the flexible screen 300 facing the hinge base 100 is farther away from the hinge base 100 than the surface of the support member 400 facing the hinge base 100, the hinge base 100 will first squeeze the support member 400 to prevent the hinge base 100 from directly squeezing the flexible screen 300 and damaging the electronic device, which is beneficial to protecting the flexible screen 300 and improving the falling reliability of the electronic device.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, there are at least two frames 200, including a first frame 201 and a second frame 202, which are respectively located on both sides of the hinge base 100. There is one support member 400, which is located on one side of the hinge base 100.

[0017] In another embodiment, reference Figure 1 and Fig.12As shown, the number of the support members 400 is at least two, including a first support member 401 and a second support member 402, and the first support member 401 and the second support member 402 are respectively located on both sides of the hinge base 100. The structures of the first support member 401 and the second support member 402 can be the same or different, and the surfaces of the first support member 401 and the second support member 402 facing the hinge base 100 are both the first surface 410. The first support member 401 is connected to the first frame 201, and the second support member 402 is connected to the second frame 202. When the electronic device is in a folded state, the second surface of the flexible screen 300 is away from the hinge base 100 relative to the first surface 410 of the first support member 401, and the second surface of the flexible screen 300 is away from the hinge base 100 relative to the first surface 410 of the second support member 402, so as to prevent the hinge base 100 from contacting the flexible screen 300.

[0018] Optionally, the first support member 401 is connected to the first frame body 201 by welding, bonding, or the like, and the second support member 402 is connected to the second frame body 202 by welding, bonding, or the like.

[0019] With this embodiment, the number of support members 400 is increased, and support members 400 are respectively provided on both sides of the hinge base 100 to prevent the hinge base 100 from contacting the flexible screen 300, further effectively preventing the hinge base 100 from squeezing the flexible screen 300 and damaging the electronic device, which is more conducive to protecting the flexible screen 300 and further improving the drop reliability of the electronic device.

[0020] In the scheme of this application, reference is made to Figure 5-Figure 7 , Fig.11 as well as Fig.17 As shown, a first gap a is provided between the edge of the flexible screen 300 and the frame 200, and the electronic device further includes a shielding member 500, and at least a portion of the shielding member 500 shields the first gap a. The shielding member 500 may be a sheet-like structure, and of course, the shielding member 500 may also be other structures, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific structure of the shielding member 500. Optionally, a portion of the shielding member 500 shields the first gap a, or the shielding member 500 shields the first gap a as a whole.

[0021] Optionally, refer to Figure 5 As shown, the shielding member 500 can be connected to the supporting member 400 by a connecting adhesive 900, or, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the shielding member 500 can be connected to the flexible screen 300 through the connecting glue 900. Of course, the shielding member 500 can also be connected to other components. In short, at least part of the shielding member 500 can cover the first gap a.

[0022] With this embodiment, the shielding member 500 shields the first gap a between the edge of the frame body 200 and the flexible screen 300 to prevent the first gap a from being exposed, which is beneficial to improving the appearance performance of the electronic device.

[0023] Of course, in other embodiments, the electronic device may not be provided with the shielding member 500, and the first gap a between the edge of the flexible screen 300 and the frame body 200 is directly exposed.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, reference Figure 5-Figure 7 as well as Fig.11 As shown, the electronic device also includes a flexible screen decorative ring 600, which is used to decorate the flexible screen 300. The flexible screen decorative ring 600 is connected to the frame 200, and the flexible screen decorative ring 600 extends along the edge of the flexible screen 300. Optionally, the flexible screen decorative ring 600 and the frame 200 can be bonded by a connecting glue 900, or can be connected by other methods. Moreover, the flexible screen decorative ring 600 is provided with a fracture, and the shielding member 500 shields the fracture. Optionally, the flexible screen decorative ring 600 can shield a part of the fracture, or the entire fracture.

[0025] By adopting this embodiment, the shielding member 500 not only shields the first gap a between the frame 200 and the flexible screen 300, but also shields the broken edge of the flexible screen decorative ring 600, thereby preventing the broken edge of the flexible screen decorative ring 600 from being exposed, which is beneficial to further improve the appearance performance of the electronic device.

[0026] Of course, in other embodiments, the shielding member 500 may only shield the first gap a between the frame 200 and the flexible screen 300 , and the shielding member 500 is not used to shield the break of the flexible screen decorative ring 600 .

[0027] In a further embodiment, reference Fig.12 As shown, the shielding member 500 includes a shielding sheet 510, which is located at the fracture. The flexible screen decorative ring 600 has a first end 610 and a second end 620, and the first end 610 and the second end 620 form a fracture.

[0028] The shielding sheet 510 is a strip structure, the first end of the shielding sheet 510 extends to the side where the first end 610 is located, and the second end of the shielding sheet 510 extends to the side where the second end 620 is located, that is, the two ends of the shielding sheet 510 extend along the length direction of the fracture respectively. Moreover, the first end of the shielding sheet 510 is opposite to the first end 610 in the thickness direction of the flexible screen 300, and the second end of the shielding sheet 510 is opposite to the second end 620 in the thickness direction of the flexible screen 300. In other words, part of the shielding sheet 510 overlaps with the first end 610 of the flexible screen decorative ring 600, and part of the shielding sheet 510 overlaps with the second end 620 of the flexible screen decorative ring 600.

[0029] With this embodiment, the shielding sheet 510 can shield the entire fracture, effectively preventing the fracture from being exposed, which is conducive to further improving the appearance performance of the electronic device. In addition, the shielding member 500 is a sheet-like structure, which ensures the shielding effect while having a small thickness, which is conducive to reducing the volume of the shielding member 500, saving manufacturing costs, and avoiding the shielding member 500 from occupying additional space in the electronic device. Of course, in other embodiments, the shielding member 500 may also adopt other structures besides the sheet structure, and the shielding member 500 may shield a part of the fracture.

[0030] In the scheme of this application, reference is made to Figure 3-Figure 4 as well as Figure 9-10 As shown, a protrusion 110 is provided on the side of the hinge base 100 facing the flexible screen 300, and the protrusion 110 protrudes from the surface of the hinge base 100. A second gap b is provided between the edge of the flexible screen 300 and the protrusion 110, and the shielding member 500 shields at least part of the second gap b. Optionally, the shielding member 500 can shield a part of the second gap b, or the shielding member 500 shields the entire second gap b.

[0031] The hinge base 100 and the protruding portion 110 may be an integrated structure or a separate structure.

[0032] With this embodiment, the shielding member 500 not only shields the first gap a between the frame 200 and the flexible screen 300, but also shields the second gap b between the flexible screen 300 and the raised portion 110 of the hinge base 100, thereby preventing the second gap b from being exposed, thereby further improving the appearance performance of the electronic device.

[0033] Of course, in other embodiments, the shielding member 500 only shields the first gap a between the frame 200 and the flexible screen 300 , and the second gap b between the edge of the flexible screen 300 and the raised portion 110 is exposed.

[0034] In an optional embodiment, the shielding member 500 includes a shielding sheet 510. In the thickness direction of the flexible screen 300, a portion of the shielding sheet 510 is opposite to the flexible screen 300. Figure 5 As shown, the shielding sheet 510 is connected to the support member 400, or, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the shielding sheet 510 is attached to the flexible screen 300. Optionally, the shielding sheet 510 and the support member 400 can be bonded by a connecting glue 900, or the two can be connected by other means; or, the shielding sheet 510 and the flexible screen 300 can be bonded by a connecting glue 900, or the two can be connected by other means.

[0035] Optionally, when the shielding sheet 510 is connected to the support member 400, a portion of the shielding sheet 510 overlaps with the flexible screen 300 in the thickness direction of the flexible screen 300; when the shielding sheet 510 is in contact with the flexible screen 300, a portion of the shielding sheet 510 is opposite to the support member 400 in the thickness direction of the flexible screen 300 to ensure that the shielding sheet 510 blocks the first gap a.

[0036] In this embodiment, the support member 400 and the flexible screen 300 are both close to the first gap a, and the shielding piece 510 is connected to the support member 400, or the shielding piece 510 is in contact with the flexible screen 300, which means that the shielding area of ​​the shielding piece 510 is close to the connection position, which is beneficial to ensuring the shielding effect while reducing the laying area of ​​the shielding piece 510, thereby reducing the volume of the shielding member 500, saving manufacturing costs, and preventing the shielding member 500 from occupying additional space in the electronic device.

[0037] Of course, in other embodiments, the shielding sheet 510 may also be connected to other components besides the support member 400 and the flexible screen 300 .

[0038] In an alternative embodiment, reference Fig.13 and Fig.15 As shown, the shielding member 500 includes a connected shielding sheet 510 and a metal support portion 520. The shielding sheet 510 at least partially shields the first gap a. The shielding sheet 510 is a non-metallic structure. Optionally, the shielding sheet 510 may be made of TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer rubber). Of course, other non-metallic materials may also be used. The material of the metal support portion 520 may be but is not limited to stainless steel.

[0039] Optionally, the shielding sheet 510 and the metal support portion 520 may be connected by welding, bonding, or the like, or the shielding sheet 510 may be formed by injection molding outside the metal support portion 520; Fig.15 As shown, the metal support portion 520 can be connected to the raised portion 110 of the hinge base 100, or, referring to Fig.16 As shown, the metal support portion 520 can be connected to the hinge cover 800 via a connecting adhesive 900 .

[0040] The metal support part 520 is connected to at least one of the hinge base 100 and the frame 200. Optionally, the metal support part 520 may be connected only to the hinge base 100 or only to the frame 200, or the metal support part 520 may be connected to both the hinge base 100 and the frame 200 at the same time, and the connection method may be welding, bonding, etc.

[0041] In this embodiment, the shielding member 500 is additionally provided with a metal support portion 520 to support the shielding sheet 510, and the metal support portion 520 is connected to at least one of the hinge base 100 and the frame 200, so as to facilitate the fixing of the shielding sheet 510, improve the connection stability of the shielding sheet 510, and facilitate the shielding sheet 510 to shield the first gap a between the frame 200 and the flexible screen 300.

[0042] Of course, in other embodiments, the shielding member 500 may not be provided with the metal support portion 520 , that is, the shielding member 500 only includes the shielding sheet 510 .

[0043] In the solution of the present application, the electronic device further includes a functional component, a part of which forms a shielding member 500. Optionally, the functional component may be, but is not limited to, a film layer, and the functional component itself has other functions besides shielding effect.

[0044] By adopting this embodiment, the functional components of the electronic device itself are directly used as the shielding member 500, which can shield the first gap a between the frame 200 and the flexible screen 300. There is no need to set up a separate shielding member 500. This is beneficial to reducing the number of components of the electronic device and realizing the miniaturization of the electronic device. It is also beneficial to simplify the assembly process and save costs.

[0045] Of course, in other embodiments, the electronic device is provided with a shielding member 500 alone, and the functional components of the electronic device do not serve as the shielding member 500 .

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, reference Figure 9-11 As shown, the functional component is a flexible screen protective film 700, which is attached to the flexible screen 300. The flexible screen protective film 700 is used to protect the flexible screen 300. Optionally, the flexible screen protective film 700 can be attached to the flexible screen 300 by bonding. The flexible screen protective film 700 is protruding relative to the edge of the flexible screen 300, and the protruding portion of the flexible screen protective film 700 is a light-isolating structure, so that the protruding portion of the flexible screen protective film 700 forms a shielding member 500. Optionally, the protruding portion of the flexible screen protective film 700 is black to achieve a light-isolating effect.

[0047] In this embodiment, the flexible screen protection film 700 is not only used to protect the flexible screen 300, but also can serve as a shielding member 500 to shield the first gap a. The flexible screen protection film 700 can directly extend a portion outward to shield the first gap a, thereby effectively improving the appearance performance of the electronic device.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, reference Figure 1As shown, the electronic device may further include a hinge cover 800, which is located on the side of the hinge base 100 facing away from the support member 400 and the flexible screen 300. The hinge cover 800 is used to cover the hinge base 100 to prevent the hinge base 100 from being exposed, which is beneficial to improving the appearance performance of the electronic device.

[0049] The electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be a smart phone, a tablet computer, an e-book reader, a wearable device, an electronic game console, or the like. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific types of electronic devices.

[0050] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of the present application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the purpose of the present application and the scope of protection of the claims, all of which are within the protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises a hinge base (100), a frame (200), a support member (400) and a flexible screen (300); the frame (200) can rotate relative to the hinge base (100) so that the electronic device can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state; the support member (400) and the flexible screen (300) are respectively connected to the frame (200). When the electronic device is in the folded state, the surface of the support member (400) facing the hinge base (100) is the first surface (410), and the surface of the flexible screen (300) facing the hinge base (100) is the second surface, and the second surface is away from the hinge base (100) relative to the first surface (410) to prevent the hinge base (100) from contacting the flexible screen (300).

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the support members (400) is at least two, including a first support member (401) and a second support member (402), wherein the first support member (401) and the second support member (402) are respectively located on two sides of the hinge base (100), The number of the frames (200) is at least two, including a first frame (201) and a second frame (202); the first frame (201) and the second frame (202) are respectively located on two sides of the hinge base (100); the first support member (401) is connected to the first frame (201); and the second support member (402) is connected to the second frame (202).

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first gap (a) is provided between the edge of the flexible screen (300) and the frame (200), and the electronic device further comprises a shielding member (500), wherein at least a portion of the shielding member (500) shields the first gap (a).

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electronic device further comprises a flexible screen decorative ring (600), wherein the flexible screen decorative ring (600) is connected to the frame (200), the flexible screen decorative ring (600) extends along the edge of the flexible screen (300), and the flexible screen decorative ring (600) is provided with a break, and the shielding member (500) shields the break.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The shielding member (500) comprises a shielding sheet (510), the shielding sheet (510) being located at the fracture, the flexible screen decorative ring (600) having a first end (610) and a second end (620), the first end (610) and the second end (620) forming the fracture, The shielding sheet (510) is a strip-shaped structure, the first end of the shielding sheet (510) extends toward the side where the first end portion (610) is located, the second end of the shielding sheet (510) extends toward the side where the second end portion (620) is located, and the first end of the shielding sheet (510) is opposite to the first end portion (610) in the thickness direction of the flexible screen (300), and the second end of the shielding sheet (510) is opposite to the second end portion (620) in the thickness direction of the flexible screen (300).

6. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A protrusion (110) is provided on a side of the hinge base (100) facing the flexible screen (300), a second gap (b) is provided between an edge of the flexible screen (300) and the protrusion (110), and the shielding member (500) shields at least a portion of the second gap (b).

7. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shielding member (500) comprises a shielding sheet (510), a portion of which is opposite to the flexible screen (300) in the thickness direction of the flexible screen (300), and the shielding sheet (510) is connected to the support member (400), or the shielding sheet (510) is in contact with the flexible screen (300).

8. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shielding member (500) comprises a connected shielding sheet (510) and a metal support portion (520); at least a portion of the shielding sheet (510) shields the first gap (a); the shielding sheet (510) is a non-metallic structure; and the metal support portion (520) is connected to at least one of the hinge base (100) and the frame (200).

9. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electronic device further comprises a functional component, a part of which forms the shielding member (500).

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The functional component is a flexible screen protective film (700), the flexible screen protective film (700) is bonded to the flexible screen (300), the flexible screen protective film (700) is arranged to protrude relative to the edge of the flexible screen (300), and the protruding portion of the flexible screen protective film (700) is a light-isolating structure, so that the protruding portion of the flexible screen protective film (700) forms the shielding member (500).

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