Foldable assembly and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a foldable assembly and electronic equipment, the foldable assembly comprises two folding parts and a hinge assembly, and the two folding parts are connected through the hinge assembly so as to be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state; the hinge assembly comprises a first locking part, in the folded state, the first locking part is provided with a locking position and an unlocking position, in the locking position, the first locking part blocks the two folding parts from moving in the direction of the unfolded state so as to lock the two folding parts in the folded state, and in the unlocking position, the first locking part blocks the two folding parts from moving in the direction of the unfolded state. And the first locking part avoids the movement of the two folding parts in the direction of the unfolding state. According to the design, locking and unlocking of the two folding parts in the folding state are achieved through a pure mechanical structure, other parts of the electronic equipment cannot be affected, meanwhile, the foldable assembly adopting the locking mode is simple in structure, the reliability of the electronic equipment is improved, and meanwhile the lightweight design of the electronic equipment is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of electronic devices, and in particular to a foldable component and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] For example, electronic devices with folding functions, such as mobile phones, are popular among users because of their portability when folded and their ability to increase the screen size of electronic devices when unfolded.

[0003] In order to prevent abnormal noises from occurring in the folded electronic device, the folded electronic device needs to be locked and limited. However, the locking method in the related art will reduce the reliability of the electronic device. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to overcome the problems existing in the related art, the present disclosure provides a foldable component and an electronic device.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a foldable component is provided, which includes two folding parts and a hinge assembly, and the two folding parts are connected by the hinge assembly to switch between an unfolded state and a folded state; the hinge assembly includes a first locking part, and in the folded state, the first locking part has a locking position and an unlocking position, in the locking position, the first locking part blocks the movement of the two folding parts in the direction of the unfolded state to lock the two folding parts in the folded state, and in the unlocking position, the first locking part avoids the movement of the two folding parts in the direction of the unfolded state.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly includes a pivot cover, the first locking portion is arranged on both sides of the pivot cover, and the two folding portions are each provided with a second locking portion corresponding to the first locking portion. The foldable assembly also includes a pushing structure, and the pushing structure can follow the rotation of the folding portion to push the pivot cover from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the two folding portions are in an unfolded state, and in the second position, the two folding portions are in the folded state. The first locking portion is located in the locked position, and the second locking portion abuts against the first locking portion on the corresponding side.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly includes a bracket and at least one rotating arm, one end of the rotating arm is rotatably connected to the bracket, the other end of the rotating arm is movably connected to the folding part, and the pushing structure is arranged on at least one of the rotating arms.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the rotating arm includes a rotating part and a connecting part that are connected to each other, the rotating part is rotatably connected to the bracket, the connecting part is movably connected to the folding part, and the pushing structure is arranged on the rotating part.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a first boss is disposed on the inner surface of the rotating shaft cover, and in the second position, the pushing structure abuts against the first boss.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first boss includes a connected plane and a guide curved surface, and when the two folding portions are switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the pushing structure slides relatively along the guide curved surface until it abuts against the plane.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a first guide structure is provided on the bracket, and a second guide structure is provided on the rotating shaft cover, and the first guide structure cooperates with the second guide structure to guide the movement of the rotating shaft cover between the first position and the second position.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first guide structure includes a guide column arranged on the surface of the bracket facing the shaft cover, and the second guide structure includes a second boss having a guide groove arranged on the inner surface of the shaft cover, and the guide column slidably cooperates with the guide groove.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge cover is provided with a first limiting portion, and the bracket is provided with a second limiting portion. In the folded state, the first limiting portion can cooperate with the second limiting portion to lock the hinge cover in the second position, and the first limiting portion can be disengaged from the second limiting portion so that the first locking portion can move to the unlocked position.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one third boss is disposed on the inner surface of the rotating shaft cover, the first limiting portion is disposed on the third boss, and the second limiting portion is disposed on the surface of the bracket facing the rotating shaft cover.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a mounting hole is provided on the side of the third boss facing the second limiting portion, the second limiting portion includes a column and a limiting groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of the column, and the first limiting portion includes: a ball head; an elastic member, provided in the mounting hole, one end of the elastic member is connected to the hole wall of the mounting hole, and the other end of the elastic member is connected to the ball head, and in the second position, the elastic member extends so that the ball head is clamped in the limiting groove.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of the first limiting portions are arranged around the column, and the limiting groove is an annular groove. In the second position, the ball head of each of the first limiting portions is clamped in the annular groove.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising a flexible screen and a foldable component as described above, wherein the flexible screen is connected to two folding parts so as to be able to fold and unfold following the two folding parts, and the two folding parts constitute two middle frames of the electronic device.

[0018] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may have the following beneficial effects:

[0019] In the foldable assembly provided by the present disclosure, a first locking portion is arranged on the hinge assembly, and the first locking portion has a locking position and an unlocking position. When the foldable assembly is in a folded state, the first locking portion is located at the locking position, and the first locking portion blocks the two folding portions from moving in the direction of the unfolded state, so as to lock the two folding portions in the folded state. When the first locking portion is located at the unlocking position, the first locking portion avoids the movement of the two folding portions in the direction of the unfolded state, so that the foldable assembly can be switched to the unfolded state. With such a design, the locking and unlocking of the two folding portions in the folded state are realized by using a simple mechanical structure, and other components of the electronic device will not be affected. At the same time, the structure of the foldable assembly adopting the above locking method is simple, which improves the reliability of the electronic device and is conducive to the lightweight design of the electronic device.

[0020] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable component in a folded state according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along AA direction;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along the BB direction;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along CC direction;

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable component in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Cross-sectional view along the DD direction;

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Sectional view along EE direction;

[0029] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 Sectional view along the FF axis;

[0030] Fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable component in an intermediate state according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Sectional view along the GG axis;

[0032] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 Cross-sectional view along the mid-HH direction;

[0033] Fig.12 yes Fig. 9 Sectional view along the II axis;

[0034] Fig.13 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable component in an intermediate state according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0035] In the figure:

[0036] 1-folding part; 11-second locking part; 2-hinge assembly; 21-bracket; 211-guide column; 212-second limiting part; 2121-column; 2122-limiting groove; 213-avoidance groove; 22-rotating arm; 221-rotating part; 222-connecting part; 23-rotating shaft cover; 231-first locking part; 232-first boss; 2321-guide curved surface; 2322-plane; 233-second boss; 2331-guide groove; 234-first limiting part; 2341-ball head; 2342-elastic member; 235-third boss; 2351-mounting hole; 3-pushing structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0038] For example, electronic devices with folding functions, such as mobile phones, are popular among users because of their portability when folded and their ability to increase the screen size of electronic devices when unfolded.

[0039] Exemplarily, the electronic device has two folding parts and a hinge assembly, and the two folding parts are connected by the hinge assembly, and the hinge assembly can allow the two folding parts to rotate relative to each other, so as to realize the folding or unfolding of the electronic device. When the electronic device is in a folded state, it is easy to cause rubbing between the two folding parts, which may easily bring risks such as friction noise due to the rubbing phenomenon. Based on this, the related art locks and limits the folded electronic device. Exemplarily, at least one group of magnets are correspondingly arranged on the two folding parts using the magnetic attraction principle. When the two folding parts are folded, the locking and limiting of the two folding parts are realized by the attraction of the magnets. However, the magnet not only has the risk of absorbing foreign matter, which will cause harm to the flexible screen of the electronic device, but also affects the antenna, radio frequency and other components inside the electronic device, affecting the communication quality of the electronic device, thereby reducing the reliability of the electronic device. In addition, the magnet also has a certain weight, which is not conducive to the lightweight design of the electronic device.

[0040] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present disclosure provides a foldable component, wherein a first locking portion is arranged on the hinge component, and the first locking portion has a locking position and an unlocking position. When the foldable component is in a folded state, the first locking portion is located at the locking position, and the first locking portion blocks the two folding portions from moving in the direction of the unfolded state, so as to lock the two folding portions in the folded state. When the first locking portion is located at the unlocking position, the first locking portion avoids the movement of the two folding portions in the direction of the unfolded state, thereby enabling the foldable component to switch to the unfolded state. With such a design, when the two folding portions are locked in the folded state, other components of the electronic device will not be affected. At the same time, the structure of the foldable component adopting the above locking method is simple, which improves the reliability of the electronic device and is conducive to the lightweight design of the electronic device.

[0041] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a foldable component, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Fig. 9As shown, the foldable assembly includes two folding parts 1 and a hinge assembly 2. The two folding parts 1 are connected by the hinge assembly 2 to switch between the unfolded state and the folded state. The state between the unfolded state and the folded state is the intermediate state. Figure 3 As shown, the hinge assembly 2 includes a first locking portion 231. In the folded state, the first locking portion 231 has a locking position and an unlocking position. When the two folding portions 1 are in the folded state, the first locking portion 231 is in the locking position, and the first locking portion 231 blocks the movement of the two folding portions 1 in the direction of the unfolded state, so as to lock the two folding portions 1 in the folded state. Figure 7 and Fig.11 As shown, when the first locking portion 231 is in the unlocked position, the first locking portion 231 prevents the two folding portions 1 from moving toward the unfolded state, thereby preventing the first locking portion 231 from affecting the rotation of the two folding portions 1, thereby enabling the foldable assembly to switch to the unfolded state.

[0042] Such a design utilizes a simple mechanical structure to realize locking and unlocking of the two folding parts 1 in the folded state without affecting other components of the electronic device. At the same time, it makes the structure of the foldable component simple, thereby improving the reliability of the electronic device and facilitating the lightweight design of the electronic device.

[0043] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Fig.11 As shown, the hinge assembly 2 includes a shaft cover 23, a first locking portion 231 is arranged on both sides of the shaft cover 23, and the two folding parts 1 are provided with a second locking portion 11 corresponding to the first locking portion 231. The foldable assembly also includes a pushing structure 3, which can rotate with the folding part 1 to push the shaft cover 23 from the first position to the second position. By providing the pushing structure 3 to push the movement of the shaft cover 23, instead of manually moving the shaft cover 23, the convenience and efficiency of locking the two folding parts 1 in the folded state are effectively improved.

[0044] like Figure 7 As shown, when the shaft cover 23 is in the first position, the two folding parts 1 are in the unfolded state. The second locking part 11 on the folding part 1 abuts against the outer surface of the shaft cover 23. The two folding parts 1 are rotated to fold each other, and the pushing structure 3 rotates accordingly, thereby pushing the shaft cover 23 to move from the first position to the second position. Figure 3As shown, the two folding parts 1 move to the folded state, and the shaft cover 23 moves to the second position under the pushing action of the pushing structure 3. At this time, the first locking part 231 is located in the locking position, and the second locking part 11 abuts against the first locking part 231 on the corresponding side. Exemplarily, the first locking part 231 is a plane area on the side of the shaft cover 23 facing the folding part 1 in the folded state, and the plane area extends along the length direction of the shaft cover 23. The second locking part 11 is a convex structure provided on the folding part 1, and the convex structure also extends along the length direction of the shaft cover 23. When the two folding parts 1 are in the folded state, the plane area abuts against the convex structure, thereby locking the two folding parts 1 in the folded state. At this time, when the two folding parts 1 are subjected to the pulling force F1 to unfold them mutually, the first locking parts 231 on both sides of the shaft cover 23 respectively provide the two folding parts 1 with a reverse supporting force F2, so that the two folding parts 1 cannot be unfolded.

[0045] Such a configuration, on the one hand, makes the structure of the foldable component simple and easy to process. On the other hand, the locking method achieved by the abutment between the first locking portion 231 and the second locking portion 11 can not only further improve the sealing of the electronic device in the folded state, but also reduce the use of the internal space of the electronic device, thereby improving the reliability of the electronic device and facilitating the miniaturization and lightweight design of the electronic device.

[0046] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Fig.10 As shown, the hinge assembly 2 includes a bracket 21 and at least one rotating arm 22. For example, one rotating arm 22 can be provided, or multiple rotating arms 22 can be provided, such as 2, 3 or 4. One end of the rotating arm 22 is rotatably connected to the bracket 21, and the other end of the rotating arm 22 is movably connected to the folding portion 1. The movable connection mode can be, for example, a sliding connection or a rotating connection. For example, the rotating connection can be achieved by, for example, a rotating shaft, and the movable connection can be achieved by, for example, providing a slide groove on the folding portion 1. During the process of one end of the rotating arm 22 rotating around the bracket 21, the other end of the rotating arm 22 slides in the slide groove. In this way, the bracket 21 provides a fixed position for the rotating arm 22. Under the action of the rotating arm 22, the two folding portions 1 can rotate around the bracket 21 to achieve mutual folding and unfolding. The pushing structure 3 is arranged on at least one rotating arm 22. Exemplarily, the pushing structure 3 is only arranged on one rotating arm 22. Alternatively, a pushing structure 3 may be arranged on each rotating arm 22. Alternatively, a pushing structure 3 may be arranged on each of the two rotating arms 22 respectively connected to the two folding parts 1. In this way, the uniformity of the force applied to the rotating shaft cover 23 can be effectively improved, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the rotating shaft cover 23.

[0047] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Fig.10 As shown, in one embodiment, the rotating arm 22 includes a rotating portion 221 and a connecting portion 222 connected to each other, and the rotating portion 221 is rotatably connected to the bracket 21, for example, the rotating portion 221 is rotatably connected to the bracket 21 through a rotating shaft. The connecting portion 222 is movably connected to the folding portion 1, and by applying a force tending to the folding direction to the two folding portions 1, the connecting portion 222 is driven to rotate around the rotating portion 221, thereby realizing the mutual folding of the two folding portions 1. The pushing structure 3 is arranged on the rotating portion 221, and the pushing structure 3 rotates following the rotation of the rotating portion 221. In such a design, on the one hand, the pushing structure 3 is arranged on the rotating portion 221, which shortens the distance between the free end of the pushing structure 3 and the abutment area of ​​the rotating shaft cover 23, thereby facilitating the shortening of the length of the pushing structure 3, thereby avoiding the pushing structure 3 from causing scratches and other damages to the screen assembly of the electronic device on the rotating path. It can be understood that the free end of the pushing structure 3 is an end surface for abutting against the shaft cover 23 , and the abutting area of ​​the shaft cover 23 is an area of ​​the shaft cover 23 for abutting against the free end of the pushing structure 3 .

[0048] On the other hand, the pushing structure 3 is arranged on the rotating part 221 to realize the movement of the position of the rotating shaft cover 23, which will not increase the occupation of the internal space of the electronic device, and is conducive to the miniaturization design of the electronic device. Exemplarily, the rotating shaft cover 23 is a cover body with a hollow cavity with one end open, the open end of the rotating shaft cover 23 faces the bracket 21, and the abutment area of ​​the rotating shaft cover 23 is arranged on the inner surface of the rotating shaft cover 23, that is, the surface facing the bracket 21. The pushing structure 3 can be, for example, a rod-shaped structure, one end of the rod-shaped structure is connected to the rotating part 221, and the other end can be rotated into the hollow cavity of the rotating shaft cover 23 to abut on the abutment area of ​​the rotating shaft cover 23, so that at least part of the rotation path of the rotating shaft cover 23 is located in the hollow cavity of the rotating shaft cover 23, which effectively reduces the occupation of the internal space of the electronic device.

[0049] In this embodiment, the rotating portion 221 and the connecting portion 222 of the rotating arm 22 may be an integral structure, or may be designed as separate parts independently of each other and connected by bonding or the like. The pushing structure 3 and the rotating arm 22 may also be an integral structure, or may be designed as separate parts independently of each other and connected by bonding or the like.

[0050] like Figure 5 , Fig. 9 and Fig.13 As shown, in one embodiment, along the rotation path of the pushing structure 3, the bracket 21 is provided with an avoidance groove 213, and the pushing structure 3 can pass through the avoidance groove 213 when rotating. Such a design improves the smoothness of the pushing structure 3 when rotating.

[0051] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Fig.10As shown, in one embodiment, the inner surface of the rotating shaft cover 23 is provided with a first boss 232, and in the second position, the pushing structure 3 abuts against the first boss 232. With such a configuration, the distance between the free end of the pushing structure 3 and the abutting area of ​​the rotating shaft cover 23 is further shortened, thereby facilitating the shortening of the length of the pushing structure 3, and preventing the pushing structure 3 from causing scratches or other damages to the screen assembly of the electronic device during the rotation path, thereby effectively improving the reliability of the electronic device.

[0052] Continue to refer Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Fig.10 In one embodiment, the first boss 232 includes a connected plane 2322 and a guide curved surface 2321. When the two folding parts 1 are switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the pushing structure 3 rotates with the rotating part 221. The free end of the pushing structure 3 first contacts the guide curved surface 2321 of the first boss 232, and then slides relatively along the guide curved surface 2321 until it abuts against the plane 2322. In this process, the rotating shaft cover 23 is moved from the first position to the second position to lock the two folding parts 1 in the folded state. With such a design, the setting of the guide curved surface 2321 improves the smoothness of the rotation of the pushing structure 3, avoids the jamming of the pushing structure 3 caused by the corners of the first boss 232, and thus helps the two folding parts 1 to rotate to the folded position. The setting of the plane 2322 improves the stability of the pushing structure 3 when abutting, avoids the phenomenon of sliding and the like between the first boss 232 and the pushing structure 3 when abutting, and thus improves the locking effect when the two folding parts 1 are locked in the folded state.

[0053] like Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Fig.11 As shown, in one embodiment, a first guide structure is provided on the bracket 21, and a second guide structure is provided on the shaft cover 23, and the first guide structure cooperates with the second guide structure to guide the movement of the shaft cover 23 between the first position and the second position. Exemplarily, the first guide structure can be a column 2121 structure protruding toward the shaft cover 23 on the bracket 21, and the second guide structure can be, for example, a slide groove provided on the shaft cover 23. The first guide structure can also be a slide groove provided on the bracket 21, and the second guide structure is a column 2121 structure protruding toward the bracket 21 on the shaft cover 23. The movement of the shaft cover 23 is guided and limited by sliding the column 2121 structure along the slide groove. Such a design effectively improves the stability and accuracy of the movement direction of the shaft cover 23. Exemplarily, a plurality of second guide structures may be provided on the shaft cover 23, for example, provided at both ends of the shaft cover 23 along the length direction of the shaft cover 23, and the first guide structure and the second guide structure are provided one-to-one correspondingly, so that the stability of the movement of the shaft cover 23 can be further improved.

[0054] Continue to refer Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Fig.11 In one embodiment, the first guide structure includes a guide column 211 disposed on the surface of the bracket 21 facing the rotating shaft cover 23. The guide column 211 can be, for example, a cylindrical 2121 structure or a prism 2121 structure. The second guide structure includes a second boss 233 disposed on the inner surface of the rotating shaft cover 23. The second boss 233 is provided with a guide groove 2331. The guide groove 2331 is a groove structure adapted to the guide column 211. The guide column 211 and the guide groove 2331 are slidably matched to guide the movement of the rotating shaft cover 23 between the first position and the second position. Such a design makes the structures of the first guide structure and the second guide structure simple and easy to process.

[0055] like Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Fig.12 As shown, in one embodiment, the shaft cover 23 is provided with a first limiting portion 234, and the bracket 21 is provided with a second limiting portion 212. When the foldable component is in the folded state, the first limiting portion 234 can cooperate with the second limiting portion 212 to lock the shaft cover 23 in the second position. Exemplarily, when the foldable component is in the folded state, that is, the shaft cover 23 moves to the second position, at this time, the first limiting portion 234 and the second limiting portion 212 are engaged, so as to achieve locking the shaft cover 23 in the second position. With such a setting form, the shaft cover 23 is effectively prevented from falling off, the stability of the setting of the shaft cover 23 is improved, and thus the reliability of the electronic device is improved.

[0056] The first limiting portion 234 can be disengaged from the second limiting portion 212, for example, by applying pressure from the outer surface of the rotating shaft cover 23, so that the rotating shaft cover 23 moves from the second position to the first position, at which time, the first limiting portion 234 is disengaged from the second limiting portion 212. By releasing the limiting of the rotating shaft cover 23, the first locking portion 231 can move to the unlocking position, so that the two folding portions 1 can be unfolded from each other.

[0057] This arrangement improves the stability of the shaft cover 23 and further strengthens the locking effect of the two folding parts 1 in the folded state. When the two folding parts 1 need to be unfolded, the first limit part 234 and the second limit part 212 are first released to enable the first locking part 231 to move to the unlocked position. In this way, the accidental touch of the first locking part 231 leading to the unfolding of the two folding parts 1 is effectively avoided, thereby effectively improving the user experience.

[0058] Continue to refer Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Fig.12In one embodiment, at least one third boss 235 is provided on the inner surface of the rotating shaft cover 23, and the first limiting portion 234 is provided on the third boss 235. The second limiting portion 212 is provided on the surface of the bracket 21 facing the rotating shaft cover 23. Exemplarily, only one third boss 235 may be provided on the inner surface of the rotating shaft cover 23, a groove for allowing the second limiting portion 212 to extend into the third boss 235 is provided, the first limiting portion 234 is provided on the side wall of the groove, one end of the second limiting portion 212 is connected to the surface of the bracket 21 facing the rotating shaft cover 23, and the other end of the second limiting portion 212 extends into the groove of the third boss 235 and can move along the groove. A plurality of third bosses 235 may also be provided on the inner surface of the shaft cover 23, for example, two third bosses 235 are provided, the two third bosses 235 are arranged opposite to each other to form an activity space for the second limiting portion 212 to extend into, the first limiting portion 234 is provided on the side of any third boss 235 facing the activity space, or the first limiting portion 234 may be provided on the side of each third boss 235 facing the activity space. When the shaft cover 23 moves to the second position, the first limiting portion 234 and the second limiting portion 212 cooperate to lock the shaft cover 23 in the second position. In this way, the movement of the shaft cover 23 can also be guided, thereby further improving the stability of the movement of the shaft cover 23.

[0059] Such a design makes the structure of the foldable component simple and easy to process, while being beneficial to the lightweight design of the electronic equipment.

[0060] Continue to refer Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Fig.12In one embodiment, at least one third boss 235 can form an active space for the second limiting portion 212 to extend into, and the second limiting portion 212 is located in the active space and can move in the active space along the moving direction of the rotating shaft cover 23. The third boss 235 is provided with a mounting hole 2351 on the side facing the second limiting portion 212, and the second limiting portion 212 includes a column 2121 and a limiting groove 2122 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the column 2121. The first limiting portion 234 includes a ball head 2341 and an elastic member 2342, and the elastic member 2342 is provided in the mounting hole 2351, one end of the elastic member 2342 is connected to the hole wall of the mounting hole 2351, and the other end of the elastic member 2342 is connected to the ball head 2341. When the shaft cover 23 is at the first position and between the first position and the second position, the outer circumference of the column 2121 blocks the mounting hole 2351, the elastic member 2342 and the ball head 2341 are both located in the mounting hole 2351, and the elastic member 2342 is in a compressed state. When the shaft cover 23 reaches the second position, the limiting groove 2122 on the column 2121 corresponds to the mounting hole 2351, and the elastic member 2342 stretches to allow the ball head 2341 to extend from the mounting hole 2351 and be engaged in the limiting groove 2122, thereby limiting the shaft cover 23.

[0061] When the two folding parts 1 need to be unfolded, pressure is applied from the outer surface of the shaft cover 23, so that the shaft cover 23 moves from the second position to the first position. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the column 2121 presses the ball head 2341 to compress the elastic member 2342, thereby causing the ball head 2341 to retract into the mounting hole 2351, thereby realizing the release of the first limiting part 234 and the second limiting part 212. By releasing the limit of the shaft cover 23, the first locking part 231 can move to the unlocking position, so that the two folding parts 1 can be unfolded with each other.

[0062] Such a configuration makes it simple to match and detach the first limiting portion 234 and the second limiting portion 212, and facilitates operation.

[0063] In one embodiment, a plurality of first limiting portions 234 are arranged around the column 2121, and a plurality of limiting grooves 2122 are arranged one by one on the column 2121. When the rotating shaft cover 23 is in the second position, the ball head 2341 of each first limiting portion 234 is engaged with the corresponding annular groove. Such a design effectively improves the limiting effect of the rotating shaft cover 23, thereby further strengthening the locking effect of the two folding portions 1 in the folded state.

[0064] Continue to refer Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Fig.12In another embodiment, a plurality of first limiting portions 234 are provided around the column 2121, and the limiting grooves 2122 are annular grooves. When the shaft cover 23 is in the second position, the ball heads 2341 of the first limiting portions 234 are all engaged with the annular grooves. This design replaces the method of providing a plurality of limiting grooves 2122 on the column 2121, effectively improving the convenience of providing the limiting grooves 2122 and facilitating the processing of the foldable assembly.

[0065] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic device, which may be, for example, a mobile phone, a computer, or other electronic device with a folding function.

[0066] The electronic device includes a flexible screen and a foldable component as described above. The flexible screen is connected to two folding parts 1 so as to be able to be folded and unfolded along with the two folding parts 1 . The two folding parts 1 constitute two middle frames of the electronic device.

[0067] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Fig. 9 As shown, in the foldable assembly as described above, the hinge assembly 2 includes a first locking portion 231, and in the folded state, the first locking portion 231 has a locking position and an unlocking position. When the two folding parts 1 are in the folded state, the first locking portion 231 is in the locking position, and the first locking portion 231 blocks the movement of the two folding parts 1 in the direction of the unfolded state, so as to lock the two folding parts 1 in the folded state. When the first locking portion 231 is in the unlocking position, the first locking portion 231 avoids the movement of the two folding parts 1 in the direction of the unfolded state, and avoids the first locking portion 231 from affecting the rotation of the two folding parts 1, so that the foldable assembly can be switched to the unfolded state.

[0068] Such a design utilizes a simple mechanical structure to realize locking and unlocking of the two folding parts 1 in the folded state without affecting other components of the electronic device. At the same time, it makes the structure of the foldable component simple, thereby improving the reliability of the electronic device and facilitating the lightweight design of the electronic device.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present disclosure after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art that are not disclosed in the present disclosure. The specification and examples are intended to be exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0070] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A foldable component, characterized in that: The invention comprises two folding parts and a hinge assembly, wherein the two folding parts are connected by the hinge assembly to switch between an unfolded state and a folded state; The hinge assembly includes a first locking portion. In the folded state, the first locking portion has a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position, the first locking portion blocks the movement of the two folding portions toward the unfolded state to lock the two folding portions in the folded state. In the unlocking position, the first locking portion avoids the movement of the two folding portions toward the unfolded state.

2. The foldable assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hinge assembly includes a shaft cover, the first locking part is arranged on both sides of the shaft cover, and the two folding parts are each provided with a second locking part corresponding to the first locking part. The foldable assembly also includes a pushing structure, which can rotate with the folding part to push the shaft cover from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the two folding parts are in an unfolded state, and in the second position, the two folding parts are in the folded state. The first locking part is located in the locking position, and the second locking part abuts against the first locking part on the corresponding side.

3. The foldable assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The hinge assembly includes a bracket and at least one rotating arm, one end of the rotating arm is rotatably connected to the bracket, the other end of the rotating arm is movably connected to the folding part, and the pushing structure is arranged on at least one of the rotating arms.

4. The foldable assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rotating arm comprises a rotating part and a connecting part which are connected to each other. The rotating part is rotatably connected to the bracket. The connecting part is movably connected to the folding part. The pushing structure is arranged on the rotating part.

5. The foldable assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner surface of the rotating shaft cover is provided with a first boss, and in the second position, the pushing structure abuts against the first boss.

6. The foldable assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first boss includes a connected plane and a guide curved surface. When the two folding parts are switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the pushing structure slides relatively along the guide curved surface until it abuts against the plane.

7. The foldable assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The bracket is provided with a first guide structure, and the rotating shaft cover is provided with a second guide structure. The first guide structure cooperates with the second guide structure to guide the movement of the rotating shaft cover between the first position and the second position.

8. The foldable assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first guide structure includes a guide column arranged on the surface of the bracket facing the shaft cover, and the second guide structure includes a second boss with a guide groove arranged on the inner surface of the shaft cover, and the guide column is slidably matched with the guide groove.

9. The foldable assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The hinge cover is provided with a first limiting portion, and the bracket is provided with a second limiting portion. In the folded state, the first limiting portion can cooperate with the second limiting portion to lock the hinge cover in the second position, and the first limiting portion can be disengaged from the second limiting portion so that the first locking portion can move to the unlocking position.

10. The foldable assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: At least one third boss is arranged on the inner surface of the rotating shaft cover, the first limiting portion is arranged on the third boss, and the second limiting portion is arranged on the surface of the bracket facing the rotating shaft cover.

11. The foldable assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that: The third boss is provided with a mounting hole on a side facing the second limiting portion, the second limiting portion comprises a column and a limiting groove arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the column, and the first limiting portion comprises: Ball head; An elastic member is arranged in the mounting hole, one end of the elastic member is connected to the hole wall of the mounting hole, and the other end of the elastic member is connected to the ball head. In the second position, the elastic member stretches so that the ball head is clamped in the limiting groove.

12. The foldable assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that: A plurality of the first limiting portions are arranged around the column, and the limiting groove is an annular groove. In the second position, the ball head of each of the first limiting portions is clamped in the annular groove.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises a flexible screen and a foldable assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the flexible screen is connected to the two folding parts so as to be able to fold and unfold following the two folding parts, and the two folding parts constitute two middle frames of the electronic device.

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