Flexible screen and foldable electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a flexible screen and foldable electronic equipment. The foldable electronic device includes: a housing; the flexible screen comprises a cover plate and a display layer which are arranged in a stacked mode, the display layer comprises a bending area and a non-bending area, the cover plate comprises a flexible part and a rigid part, the flexible part corresponds to the bending area, the rigid part corresponds to the non-bending area, and the rigid part is fixedly connected with the shell. According to the technical scheme, small-frame visual design and improvement of the screen-to-body ratio can be achieved, and therefore the impression experience of a user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and more specifically, to a flexible screen and a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Foldable electronic devices are an important product form at present, and they are supported by more and more users due to their practicality. Specifically, foldable electronic devices can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state, and can provide a larger display area in the unfolded state, and can occupy a smaller space in the folded state.

[0003] With the continuous development of technology, in order to pursue a better viewing experience, users have higher and higher requirements for the screen-to-body ratio of foldable electronic devices. However, current foldable electronic devices generally have the problem of large black borders, which affects the screen-to-body ratio of the display and leads to a poor user experience. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a flexible screen and a foldable electronic device, which can achieve a small-frame visual design and an increase in the screen-to-body ratio, thereby enhancing the user's viewing experience.

[0005] In a first aspect, a foldable electronic device is provided, comprising: a shell; a flexible screen, the flexible screen comprising a cover plate and a display layer that are stacked, the display layer comprising a bending area and a non-bending area, the cover plate comprising a flexible portion and a rigid portion, wherein the flexible portion corresponds to the bending area, the rigid portion corresponds to the non-bending area, and the rigid portion is fixedly connected to the shell.

[0006] In this application, the cover plate is a combination of soft and hard forms. The flexible part can be bent, and the rigid part is used to be fixedly connected to the shell. No additional components are required for fixing. This can avoid the visual impact of the large black border caused by additional components, achieve a small border visual design and increase the screen-to-body ratio, thereby improving the user's viewing experience.

[0007] Since the rigid part is connected to the shell, during the folding process of the flexible screen, there is no obvious slippage between the cover and the shell, and there is no obvious warping at the edge of the cover, which can reduce the entry of dust and protect the edge of the screen.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the minimum bending angle of the rigid portion is greater than 90°; and / or the minimum bending angle of the flexible portion is less than or equal to 0°.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, a bending radius of the rigid portion is greater than a bending radius of the flexible portion.

[0010] In this way, the rigid part of the cover plate has greater rigidity and is not easy to bend or arch, which is conducive to fixed connection with the shell; the flexible part of the cover plate has greater flexibility and does not affect the folding and unfolding of the flexible screen.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the rigid portion is bonded and fixed to the shell.

[0012] The use of adhesive to bond the cover plate and the shell is simple, fast, efficient and has stable performance.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the shell includes a middle frame, and the rigid part is fixedly connected to the middle frame; and / or the shell includes a frame, and the rigid part is fixedly connected to the frame.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the foldable electronic device also includes a connecting mechanism, the shell includes a first shell and a second shell, the first shell and the second shell are respectively rotatably connected to the connecting mechanism, the position of the flexible part corresponds to the position of the connecting mechanism, and the rigid part is connected to the first shell and the second shell.

[0015] The position of the flexible part corresponds to the position of the connecting mechanism and does not affect the folding and unfolding of the flexible screen.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the back side of the flexible screen is bonded to the housing.

[0017] Since the rigid part of the cover plate has better rigidity, the local tension concentration on the screen caused by the glue on the back of the non-bending area of ​​the flexible screen can be reduced, thereby reducing the sudden change defects of light and shadow caused by the local tension concentration on the screen.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the back side of the flexible screen is not bonded to the shell.

[0019] By reducing the use of adhesive, local tension concentration on the screen caused by gluing on the back of the non-bending area of ​​the flexible screen can be avoided, thereby avoiding the sudden change defects of light and shadow caused by local tension concentration on the screen.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, a thickness of the flexible portion is smaller than a thickness of the rigid portion.

[0021] The flexible portion and the rigid portion are formed by partially thinning the thickness of the cover plate. The thickness of the flexible portion is small, so that a bending function can be achieved.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the material of the cover plate is any one of the following materials: glass, light-transmitting resin.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, a groove is formed between the flexible portion and the rigid portion in the thickness direction of the flexible screen, and the display layer is provided with a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is embedded in the groove.

[0024] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, a groove is formed between the flexible portion and the rigid portion in a thickness direction of the flexible screen, wherein the groove is filled with a flexible material.

[0025] In this way, the smoothness of the display effect can be improved.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the flexible portion includes a first material, the rigid portion includes a second material, and the first material is different from the second material.

[0027] The cover plate can be spliced ​​together from a variety of materials, which is beneficial for simultaneously ensuring the bendability of the flexible part and the good rigidity of the rigid part.

[0028] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first material is a flexible material; and / or the second material is a rigid material.

[0029] In this way, the rigid part of the cover plate has greater rigidity, which is conducive to fixed connection with the shell; the flexible part of the cover plate has greater flexibility and does not affect the folding and unfolding of the flexible screen.

[0030] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first material includes at least one of the following materials: polypropylene, polyethylene, polyimide, polyamide, polyester resin, thermoplastic polyurethane; and / or the second material includes at least one of the following materials: glass, light-transmitting resin.

[0031] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, a surface of the flexible part facing the rigid part in the first direction is connected to a surface of the rigid part facing the flexible part in the first direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the flexible screen and perpendicular to the folding axis of the flexible screen.

[0032] In this way, there is no need to add additional film layers, which is beneficial to reducing the stacking thickness of the flexible screen.

[0033] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the flexible screen further includes a connecting layer, and the connecting layer and the cover plate are stacked, wherein the flexible portion is connected to the connecting layer, and the rigid portion is connected to the connecting layer.

[0034] In this way, the rigid part and the flexible part are connected through the connection layer, which can increase the contact area and ensure the reliability of the connection.

[0035] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the material of the connecting layer is ultra-thin glass or optical resin.

[0036] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the connection layer is disposed between the cover plate and the display layer; or, the cover plate is disposed between the connection layer and the display layer.

[0037] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the cover plate is disposed on one side of the light emitting surface of the display layer.

[0038] In a second aspect, a flexible screen is provided, comprising a stacked cover plate and a display layer, the display layer comprising a bending area and a non-bending area, the cover plate comprising a flexible portion and a rigid portion, the flexible portion corresponding to the bending area, and the rigid portion corresponding to the non-bending area.

[0039] In this application, the cover plate is a combination of soft and hard forms. The flexible part can be bent and the rigid part has good rigidity. It can be used for connection and fixation, which is conducive to achieving a small frame visual design and an increase in the screen-to-body ratio, thereby enhancing the user's viewing experience.

[0040] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, a designed bending angle of the rigid portion is less than 90°; and / or a designed bending angle of the flexible portion is greater than or equal to 180°.

[0041] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, a bending radius of the rigid portion is greater than a bending radius of the flexible portion.

[0042] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, a thickness of the flexible portion is smaller than a thickness of the rigid portion.

[0043] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the material of the cover plate is any one of the following materials: glass, light-transmitting resin.

[0044] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, a groove is formed between the flexible portion and the rigid portion in the thickness direction of the flexible screen, and the display layer is provided with a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is embedded in the groove.

[0045] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, a groove is formed between the flexible portion and the rigid portion in a thickness direction of the flexible screen, wherein the groove is filled with a flexible material.

[0046] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the flexible portion includes a first material, the rigid portion includes a second material, and the first material is different from the second material.

[0047] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first material is a flexible material; and / or the second material is a rigid material.

[0048] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first material includes at least one of the following materials: polypropylene, polyethylene, polyimide, polyamide, polyester resin, thermoplastic polyurethane; and / or the second material includes at least one of the following materials: glass, light-transmitting resin.

[0049] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, a surface of the flexible part facing the rigid part in the first direction is connected to a surface of the rigid part facing the flexible part in the first direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the flexible screen and perpendicular to the folding axis of the flexible screen.

[0050] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the flexible screen further includes a connecting layer, and the connecting layer and the cover plate are stacked, wherein the flexible portion is connected to the connecting layer, and the rigid portion is connected to the connecting layer.

[0051] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the material of the connecting layer is ultra-thin glass or optical resin.

[0052] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the connection layer is disposed between the cover plate and the display layer; or, the cover plate is disposed between the connection layer and the display layer.

[0053] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the cover plate is disposed on one side of the light emitting surface of the display layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0055] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded diagram of a foldable electronic device in Figure 1.

[0056] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of two possible folding states of a foldable electronic device.

[0057] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of a flexible screen provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0058] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the flexible screen fixing solution of existing foldable electronic products.

[0059] Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0060] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of a cover plate provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0061] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of a flexible screen provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0062] Fig. 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of another flexible screen provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0063] Fig.10 This is a schematic structural diagram of another flexible screen provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0064] Fig.11 This is a schematic structural diagram of another flexible screen provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0065] Fig.12 This is a schematic structural diagram of another flexible screen provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The technical solution in this application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0067] It should be noted that, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, “ / ” means or, for example, A / B can mean A or B; the “and / or” in this article is merely a way to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist, for example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone.

[0068] In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined as "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, "multiple" refers to two or more than two, "at least one" and "one or more" refer to one, two or more. The singular expressions "one", "a kind", "said", "above", "the", and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more", unless there is a clear indication to the contrary in the context.

[0069] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in some other embodiments", "in some other embodiments", etc. that appear at different places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways. The terms "including", "comprising", "having" and their variations all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways.

[0070] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inside", "outside", "vertical", "horizontal", etc. indicate orientations or positional relationships that are defined relative to the orientations or positions of the components schematically placed in the drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts. They are used for description and clarification relative to the drawings, rather than indicating or implying that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. It may change accordingly according to the change in the orientation of the components placed in the drawings, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application. In addition, the "vertical" involved in the present application is not vertical in the strict sense, but is within the allowable error range. "Parallel" is not parallel in the strict sense, but is within the allowable error range.

[0071] In the embodiments of the present application, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same components or parts. For the same parts in the embodiments of the present application, only one of the parts or parts may be marked with a reference numeral in the figure. It should be understood that the reference numerals are also applicable to other identical parts or parts. In addition, the various parts in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual scale, and the sizes and dimensions of the parts shown in the drawings are only exemplary and should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0072] For ease of understanding, the technical terms involved in this application are explained and illustrated below.

[0073] Rigidity refers to the ability of a material or structure to resist deformation. When the external force is constant, the smaller the deformation, the greater the rigidity; when the deformation is constant, the smaller the external force, the smaller the rigidity.

[0074] Flexibility refers to the ability of a material or structure to respond to deformation. When the external force is constant, the greater the deformation, the greater the flexibility; when the deformation is constant, the greater the external force applied, the smaller the flexibility.

[0075] Stiffness refers to the value of external force required to produce unit deformation of an object, and symbolizes the ability of a material or structure to resist elastic deformation when subjected to force.

[0076] Flexibility refers to the displacement of an object under unit load, which symbolizes the ability of a material or structure to deform when subjected to force.

[0077] Compliance is the inverse of stiffness. Compliance and stiffness are the characteristics of the ease with which a material or structure can deform elastically.

[0078] The bending angle is the angle formed by the material after bending.

[0079] Figure 1 and Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of assembling a foldable electronic device 100, Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of an exploded view of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0080] In the embodiment of the present application, the foldable electronic device 100 may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, an e-reader, a laptop computer, a wearable device, or other electronic device with a folding function. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment is described by taking a foldable mobile phone as an example.

[0081] For the convenience of description, the following defines that the direction parallel to the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100 is the X direction, the direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100 is the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the screen when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state is the Z direction, which is perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction. The definitions of the X, Y, and Z directions here also apply to the various drawings to be described later. It should be noted that the above definitions of the X, Y, and Z directions are only for the convenience of describing the positional relationship and connection relationship between the various components in the embodiments of the present application, and should not be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0082] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The foldable electronic device 100 may include a flexible screen 110 and a housing 120. The housing 120 is formed with a receiving space for receiving various components of the foldable electronic device 100. The flexible screen 110 is disposed in the receiving space formed by the housing 120 and connected to the housing 120. The housing 120 may also protect the foldable electronic device 100 and support the entire device.

[0083] The flexible screen 110 is used to display images. Figure 1 and Figure 2The flexible screen 110 is schematically represented by a structure filled with a dot matrix pattern. The flexible screen 110 has the characteristics of strong flexibility and bendability, and can provide users with a new interaction method based on the bendable characteristics. The display panel of the flexible screen 110 can adopt, for example, any one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an active-matrix organic light emitting diode or an active-matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED), a flexible light-emitting diode (FLED), a quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED), etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0084] In the embodiment of the present application, the flexible screen 110 has a light emitting surface capable of displaying images, and a side surface of the flexible screen 110 arranged opposite to the light emitting surface can be referred to as the back side of the flexible screen 110. The back side of the flexible screen 110 is accommodated in the accommodation space formed by the housing 120 and is not visible to the user.

[0085] refer to Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the housing 120 of the foldable electronic device 100 may include a middle frame 121. The middle frame 121 is a support frame located inside the foldable electronic device 100. The middle frame 121 is generally formed of a metal material such as copper, magnesium alloy, stainless steel, etc. In the embodiment of the present application, the middle frame 121 can be used to support and fix the flexible screen 110. For example, Figure 2 As shown, the flexible screen 110 (specifically, the back side of the flexible screen 110 ) can be bonded to the middle frame 121 by an adhesive 140 .

[0086] refer to Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the housing 120 may further include a frame 122. The frame 122 is a structure surrounding the periphery of the foldable electronic device 100. For example, the frame 122 may be arranged around the periphery of the flexible screen 110, and may be used to help fix the flexible screen 110. Exemplarily, the frame 122 may be arranged around the periphery of the middle frame 121, and the frame 122 is connected to the middle frame 121. The frame 122 may be made of metal, such as copper, magnesium alloy, stainless steel, etc., or may be made of non-metallic materials, such as plastic, glass, ceramic, etc.

[0087] refer to Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the housing 120 may further include a back cover 123. The back cover 123 is generally disposed on the back of the foldable electronic device 100, for example, the back cover 123 is disposed on the side of the middle frame 121 away from the flexible screen 110. The back cover 123 is mainly used to protect the components, batteries, etc. inside the foldable electronic device 100. For example, the back cover 123 can prevent external impurities such as dust and water stains from entering the inside of the mobile phone. In some embodiments, the back cover 123 can also be used to fix other display screens besides the flexible screen 110, or to fix antennas, etc.

[0088] In some embodiments, the middle frame 121, the frame 122, and the back cover 123 may be three parts of the housing 120 of the foldable electronic device 100, that is, the middle frame 121 and the frame 122 may be connected, and the frame 122 and the back cover 123 may be connected, wherein the connection forms include but are not limited to snap connection, bonding, welding, riveting, clearance fit, and other detachable connection methods or non-detachable connection methods. In other embodiments, the frame 122 and the middle frame 121 may be an integrated structure (or an integrated molding structure); or, the frame 122 and the back cover 123 may be an integrated structure.

[0089] refer to Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the middle frame 121 may include a direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100 (eg Figure 2 The first middle frame portion 121a and the second middle frame portion 121b are arranged in the Y direction (as shown in the figure), wherein the first middle frame portion 121a and the second middle frame portion 121b are respectively located on both sides of the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0090] In some embodiments, the frame 122 may include a vertical direction (eg, Figure 2 The first frame portion 122a and the second frame portion 122b are arranged in the Y direction (as shown in the figure), wherein the first frame portion 122a and the second frame portion 122b are respectively located on both sides of the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0091] In some embodiments, the back cover 123 may include a direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100 (eg, Figure 2 The first back cover portion 123a and the second back cover portion 123b are arranged in the Y direction (as shown in the figure), wherein the first back cover portion 123a and the second back cover portion 123b are respectively located on both sides of the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0092] In the embodiment of the present application, at least part of the first middle frame portion 121a, the second middle frame portion 121b, the first frame portion 122a, the second frame portion 122b, the first back cover portion 123a and the second back cover portion 123b can form a first shell 124 and a second shell 125 for supporting the flexible screen 110. Here, the first shell 124 and the second shell 125 are two parts of the shell 120.

[0093] In other words, the housing 120 may include a first housing 124 and a second housing 125. The first housing 124 may include a first middle frame portion 121a, and the second housing 125 may include a second middle frame portion 121b, wherein the first middle frame portion 121a and the second middle frame portion 121b are respectively located on both sides of the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first shell 124 may further include a first frame portion 122a, and the second shell 125 may further include a second frame portion 122b, wherein the first frame portion 122a and the second frame portion 122b are respectively located on both sides of the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100, the first frame portion 122a and the first middle frame portion 121a are located on the same side of the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100, and the second frame portion 122b and the second middle frame portion 121b are located on the same side of the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first shell 124 may also include a first back cover portion 123a, and the second shell 125 may also include a second back cover portion 123b, wherein the first back cover portion 123a and the second back cover portion 123b are respectively located on both sides of the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100, the first back cover portion 123a and the first middle frame portion 121a are located on the same side of the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100, and the second back cover portion 123b and the second middle frame portion 121b are located on the same side of the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0096] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the foldable electronic device 100 may further include a connection mechanism 130, and the connection mechanism 130 includes a rotation axis 1301. The connection mechanism 130 is used to connect two parts of the housing 120 (such as Figure 1 and 2The first shell 124 and the second shell 125 shown in the figure can be used to realize that a part of the shell 120 rotates relative to another part of the shell 120 around the rotation axis 1301, for example, the first shell 124 and the second shell 125 rotate relative to each other around the rotation axis 1301. Accordingly, the electronic components arranged on the first shell 124 or the electronic components arranged on the second shell 125 can rotate around the rotation axis 1301, thereby realizing the folding and unfolding of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0097] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the flexible screen 110 may include a first display area 111 corresponding to the first shell 124, a second display area 112 corresponding to the second shell 125, and a third display area 113 corresponding to the connection mechanism 130, and the third display area 113 is located between the first display area 111 and the second display area 112. Under the action of the connection mechanism 130, the first shell 124 and the second shell 125 can be close to each other or away from each other, and accordingly, the third display area 113 will bend, and the first display area 111 and the second display area 112 can be close to each other or away from each other, so that the flexible screen 110 can be folded or unfolded. In the embodiment of the present application, in the process of folding or unfolding the flexible screen 110 along the rotation axis 1301, the third display area 113 of the flexible screen 110 is bent.

[0098] In one example, the connection mechanism 130 may include a main shaft, a first connection component, and a second connection component. The first connection component may be fixed to the first housing 124, the second connection component may be fixed to the second housing 125, and the first connection component and the second connection component may rotate relative to the main shaft. The mutual movement of the first connection component and the second connection component may drive the mutual movement of the first housing 124 and the second housing 125, thereby realizing the opening and closing function of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0099] Figure 1 The foldable electronic device 100 is shown in the unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the angle between the first housing 124 and the second housing 125 can be about 180°. The flexible screen 110 can be in the following state: Figure 1 The expanded state shown makes it easier for users to use the large screen.

[0100] Figure 3 Two possible folding states of the foldable electronic device 100 are shown. In the folded state, the first housing 124 and the second housing 125 are parallel to each other, and the flexible screen 110 is bent and the bending degree of the flexible screen 110 reaches the maximum.

[0101] Figure 3(a) shows a state where the screen of the foldable electronic device 100 is folded inwards, i.e., in the inward folded state. Figure 3 In the AA cross-sectional diagram shown in (a), the first display area 111 and the second display area 112 are opposite to each other, the first shell 124 and the second shell 125 are opposite to each other, and the third display area 113 is bent. Figure 3 (b) shows a state where the screen of the foldable electronic device 100 is folded outward, i.e., an outward folded state. Figure 3 In the BB cross-sectional diagram shown in (b), the first display area 111 and the second display area 112 are opposite to each other, the first shell 124 and the second shell 125 are opposite to each other, and the third display area 113 is bent. It can be understood that when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the foldable electronic device 100 is currently bent, and the bending degree of the foldable electronic device 100 reaches the maximum.

[0102] In the embodiment of the present application, the foldable electronic device 100 can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. When the foldable electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the space occupied by the foldable electronic device 100 is relatively small; when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the foldable electronic device 100 can display a relatively large screen to increase the viewing range of the user.

[0103] It should be understood that Figures 1 to 3 Only some components of the foldable electronic device 100 are schematically shown, and the shapes, sizes and structures of these components are not limited to the following. Figures 1 to 3 In some other embodiments, the foldable electronic device 100 may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In other embodiments, the types of foldable electronic devices 100 are different, and the components included in the foldable electronic devices 100 are different. The foldable electronic device structure provided in the embodiments of the present application is only an exemplary description.

[0104] It should also be understood that Figures 1 to 3It is only schematically shown that the foldable electronic device 100 includes two foldable parts (a first shell 124 and a second shell 125), that is, the foldable electronic device 100 has a folding axis. In some other embodiments, the foldable electronic device 100 may also include three or more foldable parts, and accordingly, the foldable electronic device 100 has two or more folding axes, so that the user can fold it multiple times along multiple folding axes. As the number of foldable parts of the foldable electronic device 100 increases, the occupied space of the foldable electronic device 100 can be further reduced in the folded state while maintaining the same screen size in the unfolded state; or the displayed screen area can be further enlarged in the unfolded state while occupying the same space in the folded state.

[0105] The flexible screen 110 is generally a multi-layer stacked structure. Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of the flexible screen 110. Figure 4 As shown, the flexible display screen 110 may include a supporting layer 101 , a display layer 102 , an impact protection layer 103 and a surface layer 104 which are stacked.

[0106] The support layer 101 is located at the bottom layer of the flexible screen 110 . It has a certain hardness and can play a supporting role.

[0107] The display layer 102 is located between the support layer 101 and the impact protection layer 103 and includes a plurality of pixel units for displaying images.

[0108] The impact protection layer 103 is located between the display layer 102 and the surface layer 104, and has certain impact resistance and wear resistance, and can resist external impact to protect the display layer 102. In some embodiments, the impact protection layer 103 may also be called a cover plate.

[0109] The surface layer 104 is located on the impact protection layer 103 and has a scratch resistance effect. The surface layer 104 can be easily separated from the impact protection layer 103 so as to be replaced or removed when necessary.

[0110] Understandably, Figure 4 The film layer stacking structure shown is merely exemplary. In some other embodiments, the flexible screen 110 may also have other film layer stacking methods, such as not including the surface layer 104 or including other film layers, etc., which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0111] As mentioned above, the flexible screen 110 needs to be connected to the housing 120 . Figure 5 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the flexible screen fixing scheme of the current mainstream foldable electronic products. Figure 5 As shown, the foldable electronic product includes a flexible screen 201 and a housing 202. In order to fix the flexible screen 201 on the housing 202, Figure 5 In the flexible screen fixing scheme shown, in addition to coating the adhesive 204 on the back of the flexible screen 201 to bond and fix the flexible screen 201 to the shell 202, a pressure cover 203 is also used to press the periphery of the screen along the film layer stacking direction of the flexible screen 201 for fixing.

[0112] Here, the pressure cover 203 can play the role of screen protection and screen edge appearance shielding. Specifically, each film layer of the flexible screen 201 is made of a softer flexible material with limited stretchability. In the process of folding the flexible screen 201, the gap between the flexible screen 201 and the side of the shell 202 (i.e., the edge gap) will increase, and the edge of the flexible screen 201 may also have a warping problem, making the edge gap larger. The edge gap is very easy to get dust, water stains, etc. The edge warping problem will also cause the flexible screen 201 to debond and crack. These problems will affect the performance and service life of the flexible screen 201. The pressure cover 203 is used to fix the flexible screen 201, and the pressure cover 203 can cover the gap and play a protective effect. In addition, since the flexible screen 201 is a film layer stacking structure, in the process of folding the flexible screen 201, the film layers of the flexible screen 201 will be displaced, and the pressure cover 203 can also shield the edge of the screen, thereby improving the aesthetics.

[0113] However, in order to fix the flexible screen 201, the cover 203 and the flexible screen 201 need to partially overlap, resulting in the size of the cover 203 (for example Figure 5 The dimension of the pressure cover 203 in the Y direction is too wide, and the black border is visually large, which affects the user's viewing experience.

[0114] In view of this, the present application provides a solution for fixing a flexible screen, which can avoid the visual impact of the large black border caused by the pressure cover, increase the screen-to-body ratio, and thus enhance the user experience.

[0115] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 6 The foldable electronic device 200 is shown as Figures 1 to 3 A specific example of a foldable electronic device 100 involved in.

[0116] like Figure 6As shown, the foldable electronic device 200 includes a flexible screen 210 and a housing 120, wherein the flexible screen 210 is accommodated in a receiving space formed by the housing 120, and the flexible screen 210 is connected to the housing 120. The flexible screen 210 can be folded or unfolded around the folding axis of the foldable electronic device 200. The flexible screen 210 includes a stacked cover plate 211 and a display layer 212, wherein the display layer 212 includes a bending area 2121 and a non-bending area 2122, and the cover plate 211 includes a flexible portion 2111 and a rigid portion 2112. The flexible portion 2111 of the cover plate 211 corresponds to the bending area 2121 of the display layer 212, the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 corresponds to the non-bending area 2122 of the display layer 212, and the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 is fixedly connected to the housing 120.

[0117] For details about the housing 120 in the foldable electronic device 200, see the above description of Figures 1 to 3 The description of the housing 120 involved in the embodiment is omitted for brevity. The flexible screen 210 is Figures 1 to 3 The flexible screen 110 is a specific example of the flexible screen 110 involved in the above description. The following is a detailed description of only the parts not mentioned above. For the rest of the flexible screen 210, please refer to the above description of Figures 1 to 3 Relevant introduction of the flexible screen 110 involved.

[0118] It can be understood that since the flexible screen 210 is a film layer stacking structure, folding or unfolding the flexible screen 210 is actually folding or unfolding the various film layers of the flexible screen 210, so the various film layers of the flexible screen 210 include bending areas and non-bending areas, wherein the bending areas of the various film layers correspond to each other, for example, the bending area of ​​the cover plate 211 corresponds to the bending area of ​​the display layer 212, and the non-bending areas of the various film layers correspond to each other, for example, the non-bending area of ​​the cover plate 211 corresponds to the non-bending area of ​​the display layer 212. The bending areas of the various film layers of the flexible screen 210 can be considered as the bending area of ​​the flexible screen 210 when they are superimposed, and the non-bending areas of the various film layers of the flexible screen 210 can be considered as the non-bending area of ​​the flexible screen 210 when they are superimposed.

[0119] Based on this, in the embodiment of the present application, since the flexible portion 2111 of the cover plate 211 corresponds to the bending area 2121 of the display layer 212, it can be understood that the flexible portion 2111 of the cover plate 211 corresponds to the bending area of ​​the cover plate 211. Since the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 corresponds to the non-bending area 2122 of the display layer 212, it can be understood that the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 corresponds to the non-bending area of ​​the cover plate 211.

[0120] In the embodiment of the present application, the display layer 212 is used to display images.

[0121] In the embodiment of the present application, the cover plate 211 is used to fix the display layer 212 (actually, it also fixes the flexible screen 210). More specifically, the cover plate 211 includes a flexible portion 2111 and a rigid portion 2112, wherein the position of the flexible portion 2111 corresponds to the position of the bending area 2121 of the display layer 212. Since the flexibility of the flexible portion 2111 is relatively large, when the flexible screen 210 is folded, the flexible portion 2111 can be bent, and the cover plate 211 can be folded; the position of the rigid portion 2112 corresponds to the position of the non-bending area 2122 of the display layer 212. The rigid portion 2112 does not need to bend, and since the rigid portion 2112 has a relatively large rigidity, the rigid portion 2112 can be fixedly connected to the housing 120, thereby realizing a fixed connection between the cover plate 211 and the housing 120, and then realizing a connection between the flexible screen 210 and the housing 120.

[0122] In the flexible screen fixing solution provided in the present application, the cover plate 211 is not completely soft, but a combination of soft and hard, that is, the bending area of ​​the cover plate 211 has greater flexibility (correspondingly less rigidity), and the non-bending area of ​​the cover plate 211 has less flexibility (correspondingly greater rigidity). Therefore, the cover plate 211 can be connected to the housing 120 through the non-bending area with greater rigidity, without the need for an additional pressure cover for fixing, so that the visual impact of the large black border caused by the pressure cover can be avoided, and a small frame visual design and an increase in the screen-to-body ratio can be achieved, thereby improving the user's viewing experience.

[0123] On the other hand, since the rigid part 2112 of the cover plate 211 is connected to the shell 120, during the folding process of the flexible screen 210, there is no obvious slippage between the cover plate 211 and the shell 120, and there is no obvious warping at the edge of the cover plate 211, which can reduce the entry of dust and achieve screen edge protection.

[0124] In addition, since the pressure cover is omitted, the solution provided in the present application can also reduce the assembly difficulty and processing cost of the foldable electronic device 200.

[0125] In the embodiment of the present application, the rigidity (or flexibility) of the flexible portion 2111 is different from the rigidity (or flexibility) of the rigid portion 2112. Specifically, the flexibility of the flexible portion 2111 is greater than the flexibility of the rigid portion 2112, or in other words, the rigidity of the rigid portion 2112 is greater than the rigidity of the flexible portion 2111.

[0126] In some embodiments, the flexible portion 2111 of the cover plate 211 is bendable and can undergo significant deformation, while the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 is not bendable, or can only undergo slight deformation, or can undergo significant deformation but the deformation produced under the action of force is far smaller than the deformation produced by the flexible portion 2111 under the same action of force.

[0127] In some embodiments, the minimum bending angle of the rigid portion 2112 is greater than 90°. Figure 7 As shown in (a), the bending angle of the rigid part 2112 is the angle α1 formed by the parts of the rigid part 2112 located on both sides of the bending line after being bent, wherein the minimum value of α1 is greater than 90°. When α1 is less than or equal to 90°, the rigid part 2112 will break. In other words, with respect to the cover plate 211, its rigid part 2112 will not bend (i.e., α1 = 180°), or the rigid part 2112 can be bent under the action of an external force but the minimum bending angle is greater than 90°. That is, the parts of the rigid part 2112 located on both sides of the bending line after being bent form an obtuse angle or a straight angle. Accordingly, the maximum value of the angle α2 between the part of the rigid part 2112 located on one side of the bending line and the extension line of the part of the rigid part 2112 located on the other side of the bending line is less than 90°.

[0128] In some embodiments, the minimum bending angle of the flexible portion 2111 is less than or equal to 0°. Figure 7 As shown in (b), the bending angle of the flexible portion 2111 is the angle β1 formed by the portions of the flexible portion 2111 located on both sides of the bending line after the flexible portion 2111 is bent, wherein the minimum value of β1 can be 0°. That is, the portions of the flexible portion 2111 located on both sides of the bending line after the flexible portion 2111 is bent can be parallel. In other words, with respect to the cover plate 211, the flexible portion 2111 can be bent under the action of an external force, and the minimum bending angle of the flexible portion 2111 can be 0°. Accordingly, the maximum value of the angle β2 between the portion of the flexible portion 2111 located on one side of the bending line and the extension line of the portion of the flexible portion 2111 located on the other side of the bending line can be 180°. The minimum bending angle of the flexible portion 2111 involved here is less than 0°, which can be understood as the flexible portion 2111 being able to be wound.

[0129] In some embodiments, the bending radius of the rigid portion 2112 is greater than the bending radius of the flexible portion 2111. In other words, for the cover plate 211, the bending radius of the rigid portion 2112 when bent under an external force is greater than the bending radius of the flexible portion 2111 when bent under the same external force.

[0130] In this way, the rigid part 2112 of the cover plate 211 has greater rigidity and is not easy to bend or arch, which is conducive to fixed connection with the shell 120; the flexible part 2111 of the cover plate 211 has greater flexibility and does not affect the folding and unfolding of the flexible screen 210.

[0131] In the embodiment of the present application, the fixed connection between the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 and the shell 120 can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection, wherein the specific connection method includes but is not limited to bonding, clamping, welding, etc.

[0132] In some embodiments, the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 is bonded and fixed to the housing 120. Figure 6 As shown, the rigid part 2112 can be bonded to the housing 120 by means of adhesive 140. Using adhesive 140 to bond the cover plate 211 to the housing 120 is simple, fast and efficient; in addition, adhesive 140 can bond the same or different materials, is not limited by the shape and thickness of the materials, and has relatively stable performance.

[0133] In some embodiments, the housing 120 includes a middle frame 121 , and the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 may be connected to the middle frame 121 .

[0134] In some embodiments, the housing 120 includes a frame 122 , and the rigid portion 2112 of the cover 211 may be connected to the frame 122 .

[0135] For details about the middle frame 121 and the frame 122, see the above Figures 1 to 3 For the sake of brevity, the relevant contents involved will not be repeated here.

[0136] In some embodiments, the housing 120 may include a first housing 124 and a second housing 125. The foldable electronic device 200 further includes a connecting mechanism 130, and the parts of the connecting mechanism 130 located on both sides of the folding axis are respectively connected to the first housing 124 and the second housing 125, that is, the first housing 124 and the second housing 125 are connected through the connecting mechanism 130. The first housing 124 and the second housing 125 can rotate relative to each other around the connecting mechanism 130 to achieve the unfolding and folding of the foldable electronic device 200. The position of the flexible portion 2111 of the cover plate 211 corresponds to the position of the connecting mechanism 130, and the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 is connected to the first housing 124 and the second housing 125.

[0137] The position of the flexible portion 2111 corresponds to the position of the connecting mechanism 130 and does not affect the folding and unfolding of the flexible screen 210 .

[0138] In some embodiments, the back of the flexible screen 210 is connected to the housing 120 by an adhesive 140. In the embodiment of the present application, since the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 has good rigidity, the local tension concentration of the screen caused by the glue on the back of the flexible screen 210 (especially the non-bending area of ​​the flexible screen 210) can be reduced, thereby reducing the light and shadow mutation defects (i.e., light and shadow concave and convex effects) caused by the local tension concentration of the screen.

[0139] Of course, in some other embodiments, the back side of the flexible screen 210 and the shell 120 may be fixed without bonding, so as to avoid the local tension concentration of the screen caused by gluing, thereby avoiding the sudden change of light and shadow defects caused by the local tension concentration of the screen.

[0140] In the embodiment of the present application, there are many ways to realize that the cover plate 211 is a combination of soft and hard. Figures 8 to 12 Provide a detailed introduction.

[0141] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a flexible screen provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0142] like Figure 8 As shown, the flexible screen 210 includes a stacked cover plate 211 and a display layer 212, wherein the cover plate 211 is disposed on the display layer 212, that is, the cover plate 211 is disposed on the light-emitting surface side of the display layer 212. The cover plate 211 includes a flexible portion 2111 and a rigid portion 2112, wherein the flexible portion 2111 includes a first material, and the rigid portion 2112 includes a second material, and the first material is different from the second material. In other words, the cover plate 211 can be spliced ​​from a variety of materials, which is conducive to simultaneously ensuring the bendable function of the flexible portion 2111 and the good rigidity of the rigid portion 2112.

[0143] In the embodiment of the present application, the rigidity (or flexibility) of the first material is different from the rigidity (or flexibility) of the second material. Exemplarily, the flexibility of the first material is greater than the flexibility of the second material, or in other words, the rigidity of the second material is greater than the rigidity of the first material.

[0144] In some embodiments, the first material is a flexible material.

[0145] In some embodiments, the first material may include an organic film material. Exemplarily, the first material includes at least one of the following materials: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) (also known as polyester resin), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), etc.

[0146] In this way, the flexible portion 2111 of the cover plate 211 has greater flexibility and does not affect the folding and unfolding of the flexible screen 210 .

[0147] In some embodiments, the second material is a rigid material.

[0148] In some embodiments, the second material includes at least one of the following materials: glass, transparent resin (or light-transmitting resin), etc. Exemplarily, the glass may include organic glass and organic glass (ie, polymethyl methacrylate).

[0149] In this way, the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 has greater rigidity, which is beneficial for fixed connection with the housing 120 .

[0150] There are many ways to splice the flexible part 2111 and the rigid part 2112. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Make an introduction.

[0151] As an example, Figure 8 As shown, the flexible portion 2111 and the rigid portion 2112 are connected through their respective surfaces in the first direction. Here, the first direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the flexible screen 210 (that is, the film layer stacking direction of the flexible screen 210, for example Figure 8 The Z direction shown in FIG. 1 is perpendicular to the folding axis of the flexible screen 210, for example, Figure 8 More specifically, the surface of the flexible portion 2111 facing the rigid portion 2112 in the first direction (eg, the Y direction shown in the figure) is connected to the surface of the rigid portion 2112 facing the flexible portion 2111 in the first direction.

[0152] In this way, there is no need to add additional film layers, which is beneficial for reducing the stacking thickness of the flexible screen 210.

[0153] Exemplarily, the splicing method of the flexible portion 2111 and the rigid portion 2112 (ie, the splicing method between the first material and the second material) includes but is not limited to injection molding, welding, hot melting, and the like.

[0154] As another example, Fig. 9 As shown in (a) and (b) in the figure, the flexible screen 210 further includes a connecting layer 213, and the connecting layer 213 is stacked with the cover plate 211, wherein the flexible portion 2111 is connected to the connecting layer 213, and the rigid portion 2112 is connected to the connecting layer 213, so that the flexible portion 2111 and the rigid portion 2112 can be spliced ​​together through the connecting layer 213. More specifically, the projection of the connecting layer 213 in the thickness direction of the flexible screen 210 overlaps with the projection of the flexible portion 2111 in the thickness direction of the flexible screen 210, the projection of the connecting layer 213 in the thickness direction of the flexible screen 210 overlaps with the projection of the rigid portion 2112 in the thickness direction of the flexible screen 210, the surface of the flexible portion 2111 facing the connecting layer 213 in the thickness direction is connected to the surface of the connecting layer 213 facing the flexible portion 2111 in the thickness direction, and the surface of the rigid portion 2112 facing the connecting layer 213 in the thickness direction is connected to the surface of the connecting layer 213 facing the rigid portion 2112 in the thickness direction.

[0155] In this way, the rigid portion 2112 and the flexible portion 2111 are connected via the connection layer 213 , which can increase the contact area and ensure the reliability of the connection.

[0156] Exemplarily, the connection between the cover plate 211 and the connection layer 213 may be bonding, for example, using an optically clear adhesive (OCA) to bond the cover plate 211 and the connection layer 213 together.

[0157] In some embodiments, the material of the connection layer 213 is a flexible material, such as ultra-thin glass, optical resin, etc. In this way, the connection layer 213 can be folded and unfolded without affecting the bendability of the flexible screen 210 .

[0158] In some embodiments, the connection layer 213 may be disposed on the cover plate 211 in the thickness direction of the flexible screen 210. Fig. 9 As shown in (a) in FIG. 8 , the cover plate 211 is disposed between the connection layer 213 and the display layer 212 .

[0159] Similar to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the structure shown in Fig. 9 Based on the structure shown in (a) in FIG. 1 , the flexible screen 210 may further include: Figure 4 The support layer 101 and the surface layer 104 are shown. The support layer 101 is located below the display layer 212, that is, the display layer 212 is located between the support layer 101 and the cover plate 212. The surface layer 104 is located above the connecting layer 213, that is, the connecting layer 213 is located between the surface layer 104 and the cover plate 212.

[0160] In other embodiments, the connection layer 213 may be disposed below the cover plate 211 in the thickness direction of the flexible screen 210. Fig. 9 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the connection layer 213 is disposed between the display layer 212 and the cover plate 211. Exemplarily, the edge of the connection layer 213 relative to the edge of the rigid portion 2112 may be retracted toward the center of the screen, so that the connection layer 213 does not affect the connection between the rigid portion 2112 and the housing 120.

[0161] Similar to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the structure shown in Fig. 9 Based on the structure shown in (b) in FIG. 1 , the flexible screen 210 may further include: Figure 4 The support layer 101 and the surface layer 104 are shown. The support layer 101 is located below the display layer 212, that is, the display layer 212 is located between the support layer 101 and the connecting layer 213. The surface layer 104 is located above the cover plate 212, that is, the cover plate 212 is located between the surface layer 104 and the connecting layer 213.

[0162] Fig.10 A schematic structural diagram of another flexible screen provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0163] like Fig.10As shown, the flexible screen 210 includes a stacked cover plate 211 and a display layer 212, and the cover plate 211 is arranged on the display layer 212. The cover plate 211 includes a flexible portion 2111 and a rigid portion 2112, wherein the thickness of the flexible portion 2111 is less than the thickness of the rigid portion 2112. It can be understood that the thickness involved here refers to the thickness in the stacking direction of the film layer of the flexible screen 210 (refer to Fig.10 The dimension in the Z direction.

[0164] In this embodiment, the flexible portion 2111 and the rigid portion 2112 are formed by partially thinning the thickness of the cover plate 211 , wherein the thickness of the flexible portion 2111 is relatively small and can achieve a bending function.

[0165] In some embodiments, the material of the flexible portion 2111 and the material of the rigid portion 2112 may be the same, for example, the entire cover plate 211 is made of the same material. As an example but not limitation, the material of the cover plate 211 may be glass, light-transmitting resin, or the like.

[0166] In other embodiments, the material of the flexible portion 2111 and the material of the rigid portion 2112 may be different, for example, the flexible portion 2111 includes a first material, the rigid portion 2112 includes a second material, and the first material is different from the second material. As an example and not a limitation, the first material includes at least one of the following materials: polypropylene PP, polyethylene PE, polyimide PI, polyamide PA, polyester resin PET, thermoplastic polyurethane TPU, glass, transparent resin; the second material may include at least one of the following materials: glass, transparent resin.

[0167] In this embodiment, the first material and the second material can be spliced ​​together, wherein the splicing method can refer to Figures 8 to 9 The methods introduced are described in detail above, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0168] In the embodiment of the present application, there are various ways to perform partial thinning on the cover plate 211 .

[0169] As an example, the cover plate 211 may be firstly integrally formed with uniform thickness, and then a material removal process may be performed on a partial area to form the flexible portion 2111 .

[0170] As another example, the cover plate 211 may be directly integrally formed with non-uniform thickness, wherein the area with smaller thickness is the flexible portion 2111 .

[0171] As another example, the rigid portion 2112 and the flexible portion 2111 of the cover plate 211 may be prepared separately and then spliced ​​together.

[0172] In the present application embodiment, Fig.10As shown in (a)-(c) in FIG. 1 , the cover plate 211 is provided with a groove, for example Fig.10 The first groove 2113 shown in (a) and (b) or Fig.10 The second groove 2114 shown in (b) and (c) in FIG. 2 , wherein the cover plate portion corresponding to the groove is the flexible portion 2111. Alternatively, it can be said that in the thickness direction of the flexible screen 210, a groove is formed between the rigid portion 2112 and the flexible portion 2111, wherein the bottom wall of the groove belongs to the flexible portion 2111, and the side wall of the groove belongs to the rigid portion 2112.

[0173] In the embodiment of the present application, there are many ways to set the groove on the cover plate 211. Fig.10 Provide a detailed introduction.

[0174] As an example, see Fig.10 As shown in (a), the grooves provided on the cover plate 211 include a first groove 2113, the first groove 2113 is close to the display layer 212, and the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 is connected to the display layer 212. In this example, it can also be considered that the first groove 2113 is opened on the side of the cover plate 211 facing the back of the flexible screen 210.

[0175] As another example, see Fig.10 As shown in (b), the grooves provided on the cover plate 211 include a second groove 2114, which is away from the display layer 212, and the flexible portion 2111 and the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 are both connected to the display layer 212. In this example, it can also be considered that the second groove 2114 is opened on the side of the cover plate 211 facing the light-emitting surface of the flexible screen 210.

[0176] As another example, refer to Fig.10 As shown in (c) in the figure, the grooves provided on the cover plate 211 include a first groove 2113 and a second groove 2114 , the first groove 2113 is close to the display layer 212 , the second groove 2114 is far away from the display layer 212 , and the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 is connected to the display layer 212 .

[0177] exist Fig.10 In the example of (a), the first groove 2113 is close to the display layer 212. In some embodiments, as Fig.10 As shown in (a), the surface of the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 facing the display layer 212 is attached to (or in contact with) the display layer 212, and the surface of the flexible portion 2111 facing the display layer 212 is not attached to (or in contact with) the display layer 212. In other words, the space formed by the first groove 2113 and the display layer 212 is filled with air.

[0178] In other embodiments, Fig.11As shown, the cover plate 211 includes a first groove 2113, and the first groove 2113 is close to the display layer 212, the surface of the rigid portion 2112 of the cover plate 211 facing the display layer 212 is in contact with the display layer 212, and the inner wall (including the side wall and / or the bottom wall) of the first groove 2113 is in contact with the display layer 212. In other words, the surface of the cover plate 211 facing the display layer 212 is in contact with the surface of the display layer 212 facing the cover plate 211, wherein the display layer 212 is provided with a protrusion 2123, and the protrusion 2123 is in contact with the first groove 2113. It can be understood that Fig.11 The scheme shown also applies to Fig.10 The situation shown in (c) is not described in detail here. In this way, the display effect can be improved.

[0179] In other embodiments, Fig.12 As shown, the cover plate 211 is provided with a groove 214, and a flexible material 215 is provided in the groove 214. In this way, the smoothness of the display effect can be ensured.

[0180] For example, the slot 214 includes Fig.10 The first groove 2113 shown in (a) or (c) in FIG. 1 is provided with a flexible material 215, wherein the surface of the rigid portion 2112 facing the display layer 212 is in contact with the display layer 212, and the surface of the flexible material 215 facing the display layer 212 is in contact with the display layer 212. For example, the groove 214 includes Fig.10 The second groove 2114 shown in (b) or (c) is filled with a flexible material 215.

[0181] As an example but not limitation, the flexible material 215 may include at least one of the following materials: optically clear adhesive (OCA), polypropylene PP, polyethylene PE, polyimide PI, polyamide PA, polyester resin PET, thermoplastic polyurethane TPU, etc.

[0182] It can be understood that the length direction of the grooves involved in the embodiments of the present application (for example, the groove 214, the first groove 2113, and the second groove 2114) is parallel to the folding axis of the flexible screen 210, and the width direction of the grooves is perpendicular to the folding axis of the flexible screen 210 and perpendicular to the thickness direction of the flexible screen 210.

[0183] In some embodiments, the width of the slot 214 may substantially correspond to the width of the connection mechanism 130 .

[0184] In the embodiment of the present application, the position of the cover plate 211 is not limited to Figures 8 to 12As shown in the figure, the cover plate 211 is located above the display layer 212. In some other embodiments, the cover plate 211 may also be located below the display layer 212. The splicing method, thinning method, groove setting method, flexible filling material setting, etc. involved in the aforementioned embodiments are also applicable here. For details, please refer to the relevant description above. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0185] In the embodiment of the present application, the cover plate 211 and the display layer 212 can be directly bonded, and other film layers can be arranged between the two. The splicing method, thinning treatment method, groove setting method, flexible filling material setting, etc. involved in the aforementioned embodiments are also applicable here. For details, please refer to the relevant description above. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0186] By implementing the method provided in this application, a small border visual design and an increase in the screen-to-body ratio can be achieved, thereby enhancing the user's viewing experience.

[0187] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0188] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that: include: case; A flexible screen, the flexible screen comprising a cover plate and a display layer which are stacked, the display layer comprising a bending area and a non-bending area, the cover plate comprising a flexible portion and a rigid portion, wherein the flexible portion corresponds to the bending area, the rigid portion corresponds to the non-bending area, and the rigid portion is fixedly connected to the shell.

2. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rigid part is bonded and fixed to the shell.

3. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The shell includes a middle frame, and the rigid part is fixedly connected to the middle frame; and / or The shell includes a frame, and the rigid part is fixedly connected to the frame.

4. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The foldable electronic device also includes a connecting mechanism, the shell includes a first shell and a second shell, the first shell and the second shell are respectively rotatably connected to the connecting mechanism, the position of the flexible part corresponds to the position of the connecting mechanism, and the rigid part is connected to the first shell and the second shell.

5. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The back side of the flexible screen is bonded to the housing; or, The back side of the flexible screen is not bonded to the shell.

6. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The thickness of the flexible portion is smaller than the thickness of the rigid portion.

7. The foldable electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cover plate is made of any one of the following materials: glass, light-transmitting resin.

8. The foldable electronic device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: In the thickness direction of the flexible screen, a groove is formed between the flexible part and the rigid part, and the display layer is provided with a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is embedded in the groove; or, In the thickness direction of the flexible screen, a groove is formed between the flexible part and the rigid part, wherein the groove is filled with a flexible material.

9. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The flexible portion includes a first material and the rigid portion includes a second material, the first material being different from the second material.

10. The foldable electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first material comprises at least one of the following materials: polypropylene, polyethylene, polyimide, polyamide, polyester resin, thermoplastic polyurethane; and / or The second material includes at least one of the following materials: glass and light-transmitting resin.

11. The foldable electronic device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: A surface of the flexible portion facing the rigid portion in a first direction is connected to a surface of the rigid portion facing the flexible portion in the first direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the flexible screen and perpendicular to a folding axis of the flexible screen.

12. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The flexible screen further includes a connection layer, which is stacked with the cover plate, wherein the flexible portion is connected to the connection layer, and the rigid portion is connected to the connection layer.

13. The foldable electronic device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The material of the connecting layer is ultra-thin glass or optical resin.

14. The foldable electronic device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The connection layer is disposed between the cover plate and the display layer; or, The cover plate is arranged between the connection layer and the display layer.

15. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The cover plate is arranged on one side of the light emitting surface of the display layer.

16. A flexible screen, characterized in that: It comprises a cover plate and a display layer which are stacked, wherein the display layer comprises a bending area and a non-bending area, and the cover plate comprises a flexible portion and a rigid portion, wherein the flexible portion corresponds to the bending area, and the rigid portion corresponds to the non-bending area.

17. The flexible screen according to claim 16, characterized in that: The thickness of the flexible portion is smaller than the thickness of the rigid portion.

18. The flexible screen according to claim 17, characterized in that: The cover plate is made of any one of the following materials: glass, light-transmitting resin.

19. The flexible screen according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: In the thickness direction of the flexible screen, a groove is formed between the flexible part and the rigid part, and the display layer is provided with a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is embedded in the groove; or, In the thickness direction of the flexible screen, a groove is formed between the flexible part and the rigid part, wherein the groove is filled with a flexible material.

20. The flexible screen according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that: The flexible portion includes a first material and the rigid portion includes a second material, the first material being different from the second material.

21. The flexible screen according to claim 20, characterized in that: The first material comprises at least one of the following materials: polypropylene, polyethylene, polyimide, polyamide, polyester resin, thermoplastic polyurethane; and / or The second material includes at least one of the following materials: glass and light-transmitting resin.

22. The flexible screen according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that: A surface of the flexible portion facing the rigid portion in a first direction is connected to a surface of the rigid portion facing the flexible portion in the first direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the flexible screen and perpendicular to a folding axis of the flexible screen.

23. The flexible screen according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that: The flexible screen further includes a connection layer, which is stacked with the cover plate, wherein the flexible portion is connected to the connection layer, and the rigid portion is connected to the connection layer.

24. The flexible screen according to claim 23, characterized in that: The material of the connecting layer is ultra-thin glass or optical resin.

25. The flexible screen according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that: The connection layer is disposed between the cover plate and the display layer; or, The cover plate is arranged between the connection layer and the display layer.

26. The flexible screen according to any one of claims 16 to 25, characterized in that: The cover plate is arranged on one side of the light emitting surface of the display layer.

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