Folding electronic equipment, screen bearing piece and flexible screen assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of terminals, and discloses a folding electronic device, a screen bearing piece and a flexible screen assembly. The electronic equipment comprises a flexible screen, a supporting mechanism and a screen bearing piece. The flexible screen comprises a deformation area. The supporting mechanism comprises a door plate corresponding to the deformation area, and an avoiding groove facing the flexible screen is formed in the door plate. And in a flattened state, the bearing part at the avoiding groove is at least partially filled between the bearing plate and the door plate corresponding to the main shaft module. In the folding state, the bearing part slides out of the avoiding groove, so that the deformation area in the flexible screen in the folding state can enter the avoiding groove. In the folding state, the bearing part slides out of the avoiding groove, the available space in the avoiding groove is increased, and a deformation area in the flexible screen enters the avoiding groove; in the flattening state, the bearing part is located in the avoiding groove, when a user touches the deformation area in the flexible screen, the virtual sense is weakened, and damage to the flexible screen when sharp foreign matter extrudes and impacts the deformation area is weakened.

Description

Foldable electronic device, screen support and flexible screen assembly

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on March 22, 2023, with application number 202310325692.6 and application name “Foldable electronic device, screen support and flexible screen assembly”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of terminals, and in particular to a foldable electronic device, a screen support, and a flexible screen assembly. Background Art

[0003] With the development of science and technology, foldable electronic devices will become the mainstream trend in the next few years. The following will describe one of the foldable electronic devices with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0004] Figure 1(a) shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1' in a folded state in some technical solutions. Figure 1(b) shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1' in a flattened state in some technical solutions. In combination with Figure 1(a) and Figure 1(b), it can be seen that the electronic device 1' is a foldable electronic device that can switch between a flattened state and a folded state. The electronic device 1' includes a flexible screen 100' and a hinge assembly 200' that are stacked. The flexible screen 100' includes a deformation area As'. The flexible screen 100' is stacked with multiple layers of material, and the multiple layers of material can be elastically deformed (for example, compressed or stretched) at the deformation area As'. The portion of the hinge assembly 200' corresponding to the deformation area As' may include a main shaft module (not shown) and a door panel corresponding to the main shaft module, wherein the door panel corresponding to the main shaft module is provided with an avoidance groove 201' facing the deformation area As' on the side facing the flexible screen 100'.

[0005] In the folded state, the hinge assembly 200' encloses a storage space, within which at least a portion of the flexible screen 100' is bent into a specific shape (e.g., a teardrop shape) and accommodated. The deformation region As' within this specific shape is located within the avoidance groove 201' of the hinge assembly 200'. The material within the deformation region As' experiences length creep: the material near the hinge assembly 200' stretches and lengthens, while the material farther from the hinge assembly 200' compresses and shortens.

[0006] However, when the electronic device 1' is bent for an extended period (e.g., for a long time or a large number of times), the length creep within the deformed area As' cannot be quickly recovered when the electronic device 1' is switched from the folded state to the flattened state. Under illumination, the deformed area As' of the flexible screen 100' forms noticeable shadows and creases. Therefore, how to quickly recover the length creep of the deformed area As' of the flexible screen 100' becomes a pressing technical challenge.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of this, the present application provides a foldable electronic device, a screen support and a flexible screen assembly. Among them, the electronic device includes a flexible screen, a hinge assembly (part of the support mechanism) and a screen support. The flexible screen includes a deformation area. A avoidance groove facing the flexible screen is provided on the door panel corresponding to the main shaft module, and the screen support includes a support plate and a support portion. In the flattened state, the hinge assembly, the support plate and the flexible screen are stacked in sequence, and the support portion is at least partially filled between the support plate and the door panel corresponding to the main shaft module at the avoidance groove. In the folded state, the support portion slides out of the avoidance groove so that the deformation area in the flexible screen in the folded state can enter the avoidance groove. When the above-mentioned electronic device is in the folded state, the supporting part slides out of the avoidance groove, increasing the available space in the avoidance groove, so that the deformation area in the flexible screen enters the avoidance groove; when it is in the flattened state, the supporting part is located in the avoidance groove, and when the user touches the deformation area in the flexible screen, the sense of empty space is reduced, and at the same time, the damage to the flexible screen caused by sharp foreign objects squeezing and hitting the deformation area is reduced.

[0009] A first aspect of the present application provides a foldable electronic device capable of switching between a folded state and an unfolded state, wherein the electronic device includes a flexible screen, a support mechanism, and a first screen support member.

[0010] The flexible screen includes a first section, a second section, and a third section, which are sequentially connected. In the folded state, the first section and the third section are disposed opposite each other. A support mechanism and the flexible screen are stacked, and the support mechanism includes a first support structure, a second support structure, and a third support structure. The first support structure is disposed opposite and fixedly connected to the first section, the second support structure is disposed opposite and fixedly connected to the second section, and the third support structure is disposed opposite and fixedly connected to the third section. The second support structure defines a relief groove facing the second section. A first screen support member is positioned between the flexible screen and the support mechanism. The first screen support member includes a first support plate and a first support portion. The first support portion is located on a side of the first support plate facing away from the flexible screen. The first support plate includes a first end distal from the second support structure, and the first end of the first support plate is connected to the first section and / or the first support structure. In the flattened state, the first support portion is located within the relief groove to support the second section. In the folded state, the first support portion is at least partially located outside the relief groove, allowing the second section to be at least partially located within the relief groove.

[0011] Among them, in the flexible screen, the second division corresponds to the deformable area in the flexible screen in the folded state. The supporting mechanism refers to a structure that can be used to support the flexible screen and the first screen support member. The supporting mechanism includes a first supporting structure, a second supporting structure and a third supporting structure. Among them, the first supporting structure is opposite to the first division, the second supporting structure is opposite to the second division, and the third supporting structure is opposite to the third division. For example, the second supporting structure includes a main shaft module and a door panel corresponding to the main shaft module (that is, the second door panel hereinafter). The second supporting structure is provided with an avoidance groove toward the second division, that is, the second door panel in the second supporting structure (that is, the door panel corresponding to the main shaft module) is provided with an avoidance groove toward the second division.

[0012] Specifically, in the implementation of this application, a clearance groove facing the flexible screen is defined on the door panel corresponding to the spindle module, and the screen support member includes a first support plate and a first support portion. In the flattened state, the hinge assembly, first support plate, and flexible screen are stacked in sequence, with the first support portion at least partially filling the space between the first support plate and the door panel corresponding to the spindle module at the location of the clearance groove. In the folded state, the first support portion slides out of the clearance groove, allowing the deformed area of ​​the flexible screen in the folded state to enter the clearance groove.

[0013] The electronic device is constructed by disposing a first screen support member between the support mechanism and the flexible screen. The first screen support member includes a first support plate and a first support portion disposed on the side of the first support plate facing away from the flexible screen. The first support portion is disposed on the first support plate so that, in a folded state, the first support portion slides out of the avoidance groove, increasing the available space within the avoidance groove and allowing the deformed area of ​​the flexible screen to enter the avoidance groove. In an unfolded state, the first support portion is located within the avoidance groove, reducing the sense of void when a user touches the deformed area of ​​the flexible screen and minimizing damage to the flexible screen caused by sharp foreign objects squeezing or impacting the deformed area.

[0014] In some possible implementations of the first aspect described above, the electronic device further comprises a second screen support. The second screen support is located between the flexible screen and the support mechanism, and the second screen support comprises a second support plate and a second support portion. The second support portion is located on the side of the second support plate facing away from the flexible screen. The second support plate comprises a third end away from the second support structure, and the third end of the second support plate is connected to the third subsection and / or the third support structure. In the flattened state, the second support portion is located in the avoidance groove to support the second subsection. In the folded state, the second support portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance groove, so that the second subsection is at least partially located in the avoidance groove.

[0015] It can be understood that the structures of the second screen support member and the first screen support member in this application are basically symmetrical except for the adaptive adjustment of some structures. Therefore, the specific structure and installation method of the second screen support member can refer to the first screen support member and will not be repeated here.

[0016] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, in the flexible screen of the above-mentioned electronic device, the first division includes a first sub-division and a second sub-division, and the first sub-division, the second sub-division and the second division are connected in sequence. In the support mechanism of the above-mentioned electronic device, the first supporting structure includes a first shell and a first door panel that are rotatably connected, wherein the first shell is arranged opposite to and fixedly connected to the first sub-division, and the first door panel is arranged opposite to the second sub-division. The second supporting structure includes a second door panel and a main shaft module arranged on a side facing away from the second door panel. The first supporting structure and the second supporting structure are switched between a folded state and a flattened state through the main shaft module, and a avoidance groove facing the second division is provided on the second door panel. The first end of the first supporting plate is connected to at least one of the first sub-division, the second sub-division, the first shell and the first door panel.

[0017] In some implementations, the first end of the first support plate is located between the second sub-division and the first door panel, and the first end of the first support plate is connected to the second sub-division and / or the first door panel.

[0018] In some implementations, the first end of the first support plate is located between the first subdivision and the first housing, and the first end of the first support plate is connected to the first subdivision and / or the first housing.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first end of the first support plate is located between the first sub-division and the first shell, and the first end of the first support plate is connected to the first sub-division and / or the first shell, and / or the first support plate is connected to the second sub-division and / or the first door panel.

[0020] It can be understood that the connection method between the first end of the first support plate and the support mechanism mentioned above is only a partial example of the implementation method in this application. Other implementation methods that can achieve the fixation of the first end of the first support plate relative to the support mechanism are also within the scope of protection of this application, and this application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0021] In the above-mentioned electronic device, the first end of the first support plate is a fixed end, and the connection scheme with other surrounding components can be flexibly selected according to the size and layout position of the first support plate, thereby reducing the design difficulty and assembly difficulty of the first screen support in the electronic device.

[0022] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the third division includes a third sub-division and a fourth sub-division, and the third sub-division, the fourth sub-division and the second division are connected in sequence. In the support mechanism of the above-mentioned electronic device, the third supporting structure includes a second shell and a third door panel that are rotatably connected, wherein the second shell is arranged opposite to and fixedly connected to the third sub-division, and the third door panel is arranged opposite to the fourth sub-division. The second supporting structure includes a second door panel and a spindle module arranged on a side facing away from the second door panel. The first supporting structure and the second supporting structure are switched between a folded state and a flattened state through the spindle module, and a avoidance groove facing the second division is provided on the second door panel. The third end of the second support plate is connected to at least one of the third sub-division, the fourth sub-division, the second shell and the third door panel.

[0023] That is, in the implementation of the present application, the support mechanism includes a first shell, a second shell, a first door panel, a second door panel, a third door panel, and a spindle module. In the flattened state, the first door panel, the second door panel, and the third door panel are arranged in sequence. In the folded state, the first door panel, the second door panel, and the third door panel are jointly arranged to form a storage space, and at least the flexible screen is bent into a specific shape (such as a teardrop shape) and accommodated in the storage space. It is not difficult to understand that in the support mechanism, the first support structure may include the first shell and the first door panel, the second support structure may include the spindle module and the second door panel, and the third support structure may include the second shell and the third door panel.

[0024] In some possible implementations of the first aspect described above, the second end of the first supporting plate opposite to the first end is a free end and is located between the second section and the second supporting structure, and the first supporting portion is installed on the second end.

[0025] In some possible implementations of the first aspect described above, the fourth end of the second supporting plate opposite to the third end is a free end and is located between the second section and the second supporting structure, and the second supporting portion is installed on the fourth end.

[0026] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, in the folded state, the second section is spaced apart from the second support structure.

[0027] For example, the electronic device includes a first screen support. The first screen support is located on one side of the central plane and is spaced apart from the central plane. The central plane is perpendicular to the spindle module and, in the flattened state, is perpendicular to the distribution plane (i.e., the projection plane) of the flexible screen. In the folded state, the first screen support and the second door panel form a release space, and the bent second subsection is located in the release space.

[0028] For another example, the electronic device includes a first screen support and a second screen support. The first screen support and the second screen support are located on either side of a central plane and spaced apart from the central plane. In the folded state, the first screen support, the second screen support, and the second door panel form a release space, and the bent second subsection is located in the release space.

[0029] The above-mentioned electronic device, in the folded state, rationally designs the structure of the first screen support and / or the second screen support so that a release space is formed between the first screen support and / or the second screen support and the second door panel, and the second section after bending is located in the release space. Based on this, the stress between the flexible screen and the first screen support and / or the second screen support can be reduced, and the pressure of the first screen support and / or the second screen support on the second section in the flexible screen can be weakened, thereby avoiding delamination and dislocation of the flexible screen.

[0030] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a first screen support, wherein the second end is in contact with the flexible screen when in a flattened state, and the second end is separated from the flexible screen when in a folded state.

[0031] That is, in the implementation method of the present application, in the folded state, the second end is separated from the flexible screen, releasing the space between the second section and the first screen support, reducing the stress between the flexible screen and the second end, weakening the pressure of the second end on the second section in the flexible screen, and avoiding delamination and dislocation of the flexible screen.

[0032] In addition, in the above-mentioned electronic device, when the distance between the second end and the center plane of the first support plate is small, a release space can be formed by separating the second end from the flexible screen, thereby expanding the size selection range of the first support plate and reducing the design difficulty of the first support plate, making it easier to ensure that the first screen support member overlaps the notch of the avoidance groove in the folded state, thereby improving the stability of the operation of the electronic device.

[0033] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the electronic device further includes a second screen support, wherein the fourth end is in contact with the flexible screen when in the flattened state, and the fourth end is separated from the flexible screen when in the folded state.

[0034] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a first screen supporting member, and in the folded state, a portion of the first screen supporting member overlaps within a notch of the avoidance groove.

[0035] The above-mentioned electronic device, by reasonably designing the structure of the first screen support, can ensure that the first screen support does not completely escape from the avoidance groove in the folded state, thereby facilitating limiting the sliding direction of the first screen support relative to the avoidance groove surface when switching from the folded state to the flattened state.

[0036] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the electronic device further includes a second screen supporting member, and in the folded state, a portion of the second screen supporting member overlaps within a notch of the avoidance groove.

[0037] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the electronic device includes a first screen support member. When in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of the first support member on the plane where the flexible screen is located partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the avoidance groove in the distribution plane of the flexible screen.

[0038] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the electronic device also includes a second screen support member. When in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of the second support member on the plane where the flexible screen is located partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the avoidance groove in the distribution plane of the flexible screen.

[0039] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the electronic device includes a first screen support member, the second end of the first support plate opposite to the first end is a free end, and is located between the third section and the third door panel, and the first support portion is installed between the first end and the second end.

[0040] The electronic device described above reduces the number of screen supporting parts, thereby facilitating improved assembly efficiency and assembly accuracy of the electronic device.

[0041] In some possible implementations of the first aspect described above, in the folded state, the second end of the first supporting plate is still located between the third section and the third door panel and is a free end.

[0042] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the electronic device includes a first screen support member, and the first support portion has a guide surface on the side facing away from the first support plate. When the electronic device switches between the flattened state and the folded state, the guide surface cooperates with the groove surface of the avoidance groove to limit the direction in which the first support portion enters and / or exits the avoidance groove.

[0043] The above-mentioned electronic device can optimize the friction between the internal components of the electronic device when switching between the flat state and the folded state by designing the guide surface, reduce the jitter during the switching process, and thus improve the stability of the electronic device when switching between the flat state and the folded state.

[0044] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the electronic device also includes a second screen support member, and the second support portion has a guide surface on the side facing away from the second support plate. When the electronic device switches between the flattened state and the folded state, the guide surface cooperates with the groove surface of the avoidance groove to limit the direction in which the second support portion enters and / or exits the avoidance groove.

[0045] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a first screen supporting member, and in a flattened state, a surface of the first supporting portion facing the avoidance groove at least partially fits into a groove surface of the avoidance groove.

[0046] The above-mentioned electronic device can optimize the guiding function of the guiding surface by reasonably designing the guiding surface, reduce the jitter of the electronic device when switching between the flat state and the folded state, and facilitate improving the stability of the electronic device when switching between the flat state and the folded state.

[0047] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the electronic device further includes a second screen supporting member, and in a flattened state, a surface of the second supporting portion facing the avoidance groove at least partially fits into a groove surface of the avoidance groove.

[0048] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a first screen supporting member, and the cross-sectional shape of the first supporting portion perpendicular to the main axis module is fan-shaped and / or rectangular.

[0049] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a second screen supporting member, and the cross-sectional shape of the second supporting portion perpendicular to the main axis module is fan-shaped and / or rectangular.

[0050] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the electronic device includes a first screen support, the first support plate and the first support part are integrally formed, and the material of the first support plate and the first support part includes at least one of metal, resin and fiber.

[0051] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the electronic device further includes a second screen support, the second support plate and the second support portion are integrally formed, and the material of the second support plate and the second support portion includes at least one of metal, resin and fiber.

[0052] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the electronic device includes a first screen support, the first support plate and the first support part are separately formed and fixedly connected, the material of the first support plate includes at least one of metal, resin and fiber, and the material of the first support part includes at least one of metal, resin and fiber.

[0053] In some implementations, the first supporting plate and the first supporting portion of the first screen supporting member may be made of the same material. For example, the first supporting plate and the first supporting portion may both be made of metal.

[0054] In some implementations, the first support plate and the first support portion are made of two or more materials based on different yield strength and wear resistance requirements, and the two or more materials are then stacked to form the first screen support member. For example, the first support plate is made of plastic, and the first support portion is made of metal.

[0055] In some implementations, the first supporting plate and the first supporting portion may be assembled by at least one of bonding, welding, and clamping, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0056] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the electronic device also includes a second screen support member, the second support plate and the first support part are separately molded and fixedly connected, the material of the first support plate includes at least one of metal, resin and fiber, and the material of the first support part includes at least one of metal, resin and fiber.

[0057] In some possible implementations of the first aspect above, the electronic device also includes a traction assembly, one end of the traction assembly is connected to the first end of the first support plate, and the other end is connected to the first support structure, and the traction assembly is used to pull the first support part into the avoidance groove when the electronic device switches from a folded state to a flattened state.

[0058] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the electronic device further includes a second screen support member, and the number of traction assemblies is two. One set is used to pull the first support portion into the avoidance groove when the electronic device switches from the folded state to the flat state, and the other set is used to pull the second support portion into the avoidance groove when the electronic device switches from the folded state to the flat state. The connection method of the traction assembly in this implementation can be found in the connection method of the previous implementation and is not further described here.

[0059] The second aspect of the present application provides a screen support member, which includes a support plate and a support portion connected to each other. The support portion is located on the side of the support plate facing away from the flexible screen. In the flattened state, the support portion is located in an avoidance groove on the support mechanism in the electronic device to support the second section in the flexible screen. In the folded state, the support portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance groove so that the second section is at least partially located in the avoidance groove.

[0060] It can be understood that the screen support member in the second aspect of the present application can be any screen support member in the above-mentioned first aspect and the implementation method of the first aspect, that is, it can be: any of the above-mentioned first screen support members, any of the above-mentioned second screen support members, and a combination of the two.

[0061] A third aspect of the present application provides a flexible screen assembly capable of switching between a folded state and a flattened state. The flexible screen assembly includes a flexible screen and a first screen support member. The flexible screen includes a first subsection, a second subsection, and a third subsection connected in sequence. In the folded state, the first subsection and the third subsection are arranged opposite each other. The first subsection is configured to oppose a first support structure, and the second subsection is configured to oppose a second support structure. The second support structure includes a clearance groove facing the second subsection. The first screen support member is located on one side of the flexible screen and includes a first support plate and a first support portion. The first support portion is located on the side of the first support plate facing away from the flexible screen. The first end of the first support plate is connected to the first subsection and / or the first support structure. In the flattened state, the first support portion is located within the clearance groove to support the second subsection. In the folded state, the first support portion is at least partially located outside the clearance groove, allowing the second subsection to be at least partially located within the clearance groove on the support mechanism of the electronic device.

[0062] In some possible implementations of the third aspect described above, the third subdivision is used to be opposite to the third supporting structure, and the flexible screen assembly further includes a second screen supporting member, the second screen supporting member is located on one side of the flexible screen, the second screen supporting member includes a second supporting plate and a second supporting portion, the second supporting portion is located on the side of the second supporting plate facing away from the flexible screen, and the third end of the second supporting plate is connected to the third subdivision and / or the third supporting structure. In the flattened state, the second supporting portion is located in the avoidance groove to support the second subdivision. In the folded state, the second supporting portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance groove, so that the second subdivision is at least partially located in the avoidance groove on the support mechanism in the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] FIG1( a ) shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1 ′ in a folded state in some technical solutions;

[0064] FIG1( b ) shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1 ′ in a flattened state in some technical solutions;

[0065] FIG2( a ) shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1 ″ in a folded state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0066] FIG2( b ) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 ″ in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0067] FIG3( a ) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 in a folded state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0068] FIG3( b ) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0069] FIG4 shows an exploded view of the electronic device 1 in some embodiments of the present application;

[0070] FIG5 shows a top view of the electronic device 1 in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0071] FIG6 shows a partial enlarged view of the area where the screen support member is located after the electronic device 1 is cut along the MM section in FIG5 in some embodiments of the present application;

[0072] FIG7 shows a perspective view of the electronic device 1 in a folded state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0073] FIG8 shows a partial enlarged view of the area where the screen support member is located after the electronic device 1 is cut along the NN section in FIG7 in some embodiments of the present application;

[0074] FIG9 shows an exploded view of the shaft assembly 200 in the electronic device 1 in some embodiments of the present application;

[0075] FIG10( a ) shows a side view of the first screen supporting member 300 in some embodiments of the present application;

[0076] FIG10( b ) shows a side view of the first screen supporting member 300 in some embodiments of the present application;

[0077] FIG11( a ) shows a side view of a first screen supporting member 300 a in some embodiments of the present application;

[0078] FIG11( b ) shows a side view of the first screen supporting member 300 a in some embodiments of the present application;

[0079] FIG12( a ) shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1 a in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0080] FIG12( b ) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 a in a folded state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0081] FIG13( a ) shows a side view of a first screen supporting member 300 b in some embodiments of the present application;

[0082] FIG13( b ) shows a side view of the first screen supporting member 300 b in some embodiments of the present application;

[0083] FIG14( a ) shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1 b in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0084] FIG14( b ) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 b in a folded state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0085] FIG15( a ) shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1 c in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0086] FIG15( b ) shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1 d in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0087] FIG16( a ) shows a schematic diagram of the relative positional relationship among the first screen supporting member 300 , the second screen supporting member 400 , and the avoidance groove 201 in some embodiments of the present application;

[0088] FIG16( b ) shows a schematic diagram of the relative positional relationship between the first screen supporting member 300 , the second screen supporting member 400 and the avoidance groove 201 in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0089] FIG16( c ) shows a schematic diagram of the relative positional relationship between the first screen supporting member 300 , the second screen supporting member 400 , and the avoidance groove 201 in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0090] FIG17 shows a side view of a first screen supporting member 300e in some embodiments of the present application;

[0091] FIG18( a ) shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1 e in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0092] FIG18( b ) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 e in a folded state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0093] FIG19 shows a side view of a first screen supporting member 300 f in some embodiments of the present application;

[0094] FIG20( a ) shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1 f in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application;

[0095] FIG20( b ) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 f in a folded state in some embodiments of the present application.

[0096] In the accompanying drawings, 1'-electronic device; 100'-flexible screen; As'-deformation area; 200'-rotating shaft assembly; 201'-avoidance groove; 1"-electronic device; 100"-flexible screen; As"-deformation area; 200"-rotating shaft assembly; 201"-avoidance groove; 300"-screen support; 1-electronic device; 1a-electronic device; 1b-electronic device; 1c-electronic device; 1d-electronic device; 1e-electronic device; 1f-electronic device; 100-flexible screen; 110-first subsection; 120-second subsection; 130-third subsection; 200-rotating shaft assembly; 201-avoidance groove; 210-first door panel; 220-second door panel; 230-third door panel; 240 - Spindle module; 250 - First bracket; 260 - Second bracket; 270 - Synchronizing structure; 271 - Synchronizing wheel; 272 - First synchronization arm; 273 - Second synchronization arm; 280 - Housing; 300 - First screen support member; 310 - First support plate; 311 - First end; 312 - Second end; 320 - First support portion; 321 - Guide surface; 3211 - First guide surface; 3212 - Second guide surface; 300a - First screen support member; 310a - First support plate; 311a - First end; 312a - Second end; 320a - First support portion; 321a - Guide surface; 3211a - First guide surface; 3212a - Second guide surface; 300b - First screen support member; 310b - first supporting plate; 311b - first end; 312b - second end; 320b - first supporting portion; 321b - guide surface; 300c - first screen supporting member; 310c - first supporting plate; 320c - first supporting portion; 300d - first screen supporting member; 310d - first supporting plate; 320d - first supporting portion; 300e - first screen supporting member; 310e - first supporting plate; 311e - first end; 312e - second end; 320e - first supporting portion; 321e - guide surface; 3211e - first guide surface; 3212e - second guide surface; 300f - first screen supporting member; 310f - first supporting plate; 311f - first end; 312f - second end; 320f-first supporting portion; 321f-guide surface; 400-second screen supporting member; 410-second supporting plate; 411-third end; 412-fourth end; 420-second supporting portion; 400a-second screen supporting member; 410a-second supporting plate; 420a-second supporting portion; 400b-second screen supporting member; 410b-second supporting plate; 420b-second supporting portion; 500-first shell; 600-second shell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the implementation methods of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0098] The present application provides an electronic device, including but not limited to any one of foldable electronic products such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and wearable devices. In the folded state, the flexible screen of the electronic device is bent into a shape including but not limited to any one of a teardrop shape, a mallet shape, and a spoon shape.

[0099] The following description will take the electronic device as a mobile phone, and the flexible screen is bent into a teardrop shape when the electronic device is in the folded state as an example. For the convenience of the following description, the plane where the flexible screen is located when it is flattened is defined as the projection surface.

[0100] In addition, in this application, the state in which the screen support, flexible screen assembly and electronic device are folded can be referred to as a folded state, and the state in which the screen support, flexible screen assembly and electronic device are flattened can be referred to as a flattened state.

[0101] FIG2( a ) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 ″ in a folded state in some embodiments of the present application. FIG2( b ) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 ″ in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application.

[0102] 2( a ) and 2( b ), it is not difficult to see that the electronic device 1″ is a foldable electronic device that can switch between a flattened state and a folded state. The electronic device 1″ includes a flexible screen 100″, a hinge assembly 200″, and a screen support 300″. The flexible screen 100″ and the hinge assembly 200″ are stacked, and the screen support 300″ is located between the flexible screen 100″ and the hinge assembly 200″. The flexible screen 100″ includes a deformation area As″. The portion of the hinge assembly 200″ corresponding to the deformation area As″ may include a main shaft module (not shown) and a door panel corresponding to the main shaft module. The door panel corresponding to the main shaft module is provided with an avoidance groove 201″ facing the deformation area As″. In the flattened state, the screen support 300″ is a plate-like structure parallel to the projection plane, and the orthographic projection of the deformation area As″ on the projection plane is located within the orthographic projection of the screen support 300″ on the projection plane.

[0103] When in the folded state, the hinge assembly 200" is enclosed to form a receiving space, and the flexible screen 100" and the screen support 300" are bent into a specific shape (for example, a water drop shape) and placed in the receiving space. The deformation area As" in the specific shape and the screen support 300" corresponding to the position of the deformation area As" are located in the avoidance groove 201" in the door panel corresponding to the main shaft module.

[0104] When the electronic device 1" switches from the folded state to the flattened state, the screen support 300" is flattened synchronously, elastically recovering to a plate-like structure, and pushing the deformation area As" in the flexible screen 100" out of the avoidance groove 201" in the vertical direction of the projection surface.

[0105] However, since the door panel corresponding to the spindle module is provided with an avoidance groove 201", when the screen support 300" is flattened, there is a pit-like gap between the door panel corresponding to the spindle module. Therefore, when the user touches the deformation area As" of the flexible screen 100", there is a noticeable sense of space. In addition, when sharp foreign objects squeeze and hit the deformation area As" of the flexible screen 100", the flexible screen 100" is easily damaged.

[0106] To address the issue of a concave gap between the screen support and the door panel corresponding to the spindle module in the flattened state in the above-mentioned embodiments, the present application provides an electronic device 1. Figure 3(a) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 in the folded state in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 3(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 in the flattened state in some embodiments of the present application. As can be seen from Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the electronic device 1 is a foldable electronic device. The electronic device 1 includes a flexible screen 100, a hinge assembly 200, and a screen support 300. The flexible screen 100 includes a deformation area As. The portion of the hinge assembly 200 corresponding to the deformation area As may include the spindle module and the door panel corresponding to the spindle module. It is understood that the area of ​​the deformation area As on the flexible screen 100, the orthographic projection area of ​​the spindle module on the flexible screen 100, and the orthographic projection area of ​​the door panel corresponding to the spindle module on the flexible screen 100 correspond to each other. The phrase "two or more orthographic projections correspond" means that the two or more orthographic projections substantially overlap. The door panel corresponding to the spindle module is provided with an escape groove 201 facing the flexible screen 100. The screen support 300 includes a first support plate 310 and a first support portion 320. In the flattened state, the hinge assembly 200, first support plate 310, and flexible screen 100 are stacked in sequence, with the first support portion 320 at least partially filling the space between the first support plate 310 and the door panel corresponding to the spindle module at the escape groove 201. In the folded state, the first support portion 320 slides out of the escape groove 201, allowing the deformation area As of the flexible screen 100 in the folded state to enter the escape groove 201.

[0107] The above-mentioned electronic device is configured by arranging a first supporting portion 320 on the first supporting plate 310: in the folded state, the first supporting portion 320 slides out of the avoidance groove 201, increasing the available space in the avoidance groove 201, so that the deformation area As in the flexible screen 100 enters the avoidance groove 201; in the flattened state, the first supporting portion 320 is located in the avoidance groove 201, and when the user touches the deformation area As in the flexible screen 100, the sense of virtual position is reduced, and at the same time, the damage to the flexible screen 100 caused by sharp foreign objects squeezing and hitting the deformation area is reduced.

[0108] In this application, the electronic device is a foldable electronic device capable of switching between a folded state and a flat state. It is worth noting that when the electronic device is in the flat state, all components of the electronic device are referred to as being in the flat state, and when the electronic device is in the folded state, all components of the electronic device are referred to as being in the folded state. Furthermore, the electronic device may also be in an intermediate state between the flat state and the folded state, wherein the intermediate state may be any state between the flat state and the folded state.

[0109] It is not difficult to find that the electronic device provided in this application includes a flexible screen, a support mechanism, and a first screen support member. The flexible screen includes a first subsection, a second subsection, and a third subsection connected in sequence. In the flattened state, the first subsection, the second subsection, and the third subsection are arranged in sequence along a certain direction. In the folded state, the first subsection and the second subsection are arranged opposite each other, and the second subsection is in a bent state. The support mechanism includes a first support structure, a second support structure, and a third support structure. The first screen support member includes a first support plate and a first support portion.

[0110] The flexible screen, first support plate, and support mechanism are stacked in sequence. The first support structure is positioned opposite and fixedly connected to the first subsection, the second support structure is positioned opposite and fixedly connected to the second subsection, and the third support structure is positioned opposite and fixedly connected to the third subsection. The second support structure is provided with a relief groove facing the second subsection. The first support portion is located on the side of the first support plate facing away from the flexible screen. The first support plate includes a first end remote from the second support structure, the first end of the first support plate being connected to the first subsection and / or the first support structure.

[0111] In the flattened state, the orthographic projection of the first supporting plate within the projection plane is at least partially located within the orthographic projection of the avoidance groove within the projection plane, and the first supporting portion is located within the avoidance groove to support the second subsection of the flexible screen. In the folded state, the first supporting portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance groove, so that the second subsection is at least partially located within the avoidance groove.

[0112] In the electronic device in the present application, the first screen support member is a non-uniform thickness structure (for example, the thickness at the location of the first support portion is greater than the thickness at other portions), so that the gap between the first screen support member and the support mechanism can be variably adjusted in the flattened state and the closed state. This enables the first screen support member to support the second section of the flexible screen in the flattened state, and enables the first screen support member to avoid the support mechanism in the folded state to form an accommodation space to accommodate the bent second section, thereby optimizing the light and shadow creases and reliability of the flexible screen in the electronic device.

[0113] In some embodiments, in a flexible screen, the first section includes a first sub-section and a second sub-section, and the first, second, and second sub-sections are sequentially connected. Similarly, the third section includes a third sub-section and a fourth sub-section, and the third, fourth, and second sub-sections are sequentially connected. In the support mechanism, the first support structure includes a rotatably connected first housing and a first door panel, wherein the first housing is disposed opposite and fixedly connected to the first sub-section, and the first door panel is disposed opposite the second sub-section. Similarly, the third support structure includes a rotatably connected second housing and a third door panel, wherein the second housing is disposed opposite and fixedly connected to the third sub-section, and the third door panel is disposed opposite the fourth sub-section. The second support structure includes a connected spindle module and a second door panel, the spindle module being connected to the first door panel, and the second door panel having a clearance groove. The first and second housings are switched between a folded state and a flattened state via the spindle module. The first and second support structures are switched between a folded state and a flattened state via the spindle module.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first end of the first support plate is connected to at least one of the first subdivision, the second subdivision, the first housing, and the first door panel.

[0115] The electronic device in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0116] Application Scenario 1

[0117] Figure 4 shows an exploded view of an electronic device 1 according to some embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 4 , in some embodiments, the electronic device 1 includes a flexible screen 100, a hinge assembly 200, a first screen support 300, a second screen support 400, a first housing 500, and a second housing 600. The first housing 500 may include a first middle frame and a first outer shell. Similarly, the second housing 600 may also include a second middle frame and a second outer shell.

[0118] In the flattened state, the flexible screen 100 and hinge assembly 200 are stacked along a first direction D1, while the first screen support 300 and the second screen support 400 are arranged side by side along a second direction D2 and positioned between the flexible screen 100 and the hinge assembly 200. The first housing 500 and the second housing 600 are located on the side of the flexible screen 100 facing the hinge assembly 200, and the first housing 500 and the second housing 600 are located on opposite sides of the hinge assembly 200. In the folded state, the flexible screen 100, the hinge assembly 200, the first screen support 300, and the second screen support 400 are all folded, with the first housing 500 and the second housing 600 positioned opposite each other.

[0119] The hinge assembly 200 is interconnected with the first housing 400 and the second housing 500, respectively. The flexible screen 100 and the first screen support 300 are correspondingly mounted on the first housing 500, and the flexible screen 100 and the second screen support 400 are correspondingly mounted on the second housing 600. The hinge assembly 200, the first housing 500, and the second housing 600 cooperate to drive the flexible screen 100, the first screen support 300, and the second screen support 400 to fold or unfold, thereby switching the electronic device 1 between a folded state and a flattened state. The extension direction of the hinge module 200 can be defined as a third direction D3.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first housing 500 may serve as a first supporting structure, and the second housing 600 may serve as a third supporting structure.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first direction D1 , the second direction D2 , and the third direction D3 intersect with each other in pairs.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are mutually perpendicular. It should be understood that the term "perpendicular" in this application does not necessarily mean "absolutely perpendicular." Approximate perpendicularity due to factors such as processing errors and assembly errors (for example, an angle between two structural features of 92°, 89.9°, 89°, 88°, etc.) is also within the scope of "perpendicularity" in this application. The definition of "perpendicularity" will not be repeated below.

[0123] The specific structure of each component in the electronic device 1 is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 5 shows a top view of the electronic device 1 in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 6 shows a partial enlarged view of the area where the screen support is located after the electronic device 1 is cut along the MM cutting plane in Figure 5 in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 7 shows a three-dimensional view of the electronic device 1 in a folded state in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 8 shows a partial enlarged view of the area where the screen support is located after the electronic device 1 is cut along the NN cutting plane in Figure 7 in some embodiments of the present application.

[0124] First, the specific structure of the flexible screen 100 in this application is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0125] As shown in conjunction with Figures 4, 6, and 8, in some embodiments, the flexible screen 100 includes a first section 110, a second section 120, and a third section 130, which are sequentially connected. The first section 110 includes a first subsection 111 and a second subsection 112, and the first subsection 111, the second subsection 112, and the second section 120 are sequentially connected. The third section 130 includes a third subsection 131 and a fourth subsection 132, and the third subsection 131, the fourth subsection 132, and the second section 120 are sequentially connected. As shown in Figure 6, in the flattened state, the first section 110, the second section 120, and the third section 130 are sequentially arranged along the first direction D1. As shown in Figure 8, in the folded state, the second subdivision 120 is in a folded state, the first subdivision 110 and the third subdivision 130 are arranged opposite each other, wherein the first subdivision 111 in the first subdivision 110 and the third subdivision 131 in the third subdivision 130 are flat, while the second subdivision 112 in the first subdivision 110 and the fourth subdivision 132 in the third subdivision 130 are bent. In summary, the second subdivision 112, the fourth subdivision 132, and the second subdivision 120 together constitute the bending zone of the flexible screen 100, which can bend into a specific shape (e.g., a teardrop shape) when the electronic device is in the folded state.

[0126] 4 , 6 and 8 , it can be seen that the first sub-division 111 is positioned opposite to and fixedly connected to the first housing 500 , and the third sub-division 131 is positioned opposite to and fixedly connected to the second housing 600 .

[0127] In some embodiments, the flexible screen 100 may be a flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED), which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0128] After describing the specific structure of the flexible screen 100 , the specific structure of the rotating shaft assembly 200 in this application will be described.

[0129] FIG9 shows an exploded view of the hinge assembly 200 in the electronic device 1 in some embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIG6 , FIG8 , and FIG9 , it can be seen that in some embodiments, the hinge assembly 200 includes a first door panel 210 , a second door panel 220 , and a third door panel 230 . The first door panel 210 is rotatably connected to the first housing 500 , and the third door panel 230 is rotatably connected to the second housing 600 . In the electronic device 1 , the first door panel 210 is disposed opposite the second subdivision 112 in the first subdivision 110 , the second door panel 220 is disposed opposite the second subdivision 120 , and the third door panel 230 is disposed opposite the fourth subdivision 132 in the third subdivision 130 . A relief groove 201 is provided on the second door panel 220 , facing the second subdivision 120 in the flexible screen 100 .

[0130] As shown in FIG6 , in the flattened state, the first door panel 210 , the second door panel 220 , and the third door panel 230 are sequentially arranged along the first direction D1 . As shown in FIG8 , in the folded state, the first door panel 210 , the second door panel 220 , and the third door panel 230 collectively enclose a storage space for accommodating at least a portion of the folded flexible screen 100 , the first screen support member 300 , and the second screen support member 400 . For example, the folded flexible screen 100 includes the folded second subdivision 120 . For another example, the folded flexible screen 100 includes at least a portion of the folded first subdivision 110 (e.g., the second subdivision 112 within the first subdivision 110 ), the second subdivision 120 , and at least a portion of the third subdivision 130 (e.g., the fourth subdivision 132 within the third subdivision 130 ).

[0131] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, when flattened, the upper surfaces of the first door panel 210, the second door panel 220, and the third door panel 230 are in the same plane. It should be understood that, in this application, the upper surface of a component refers to the surface of the component that is closest to the flexible screen 100. Multiple surfaces being in the same plane means that the surfaces are approximately parallel and essentially lie in the same plane. This means that the multiple surfaces can have angles within a certain range, and / or multiple parallel surfaces can have a certain spacing between them, which will not be discussed further below. The surface of the rotating shaft assembly 200 that is closest to the flexible screen 100 in the preceding text is considered to be in this same plane. It should be understood that parallelism in this application does not necessarily mean absolute parallelism. Approximate parallelism due to factors such as manufacturing and assembly errors (for example, angles between two structural features of 181°, 179.8°, 179°, 178°, etc.) is also within the scope of parallelism in this application. The definition of parallelism will not be repeated below.

[0132] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6 , in the flattened state, the upper surfaces of the first door panel 210, the second door panel 220, the third door panel 230, the first housing 500, and the second housing 600 are all in the same plane. By designing the upper surfaces of the door panels to be flush with the upper surface of the housing, the electronic device 1 conforms to common standards for conventional electronic devices 1, reduces the design and assembly difficulty of the electronic device 1, and improves overall economic efficiency.

[0133] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6 , in the flattened state, the upper surface of the first screen support 300 , the upper surface of the second screen support 400 , the upper surface of the first shell 500 and the upper surface of the second shell 600 are in the same plane.

[0134] The above-mentioned electronic device 1, by designing the upper surface of the screen support and the upper surface of the shell to be flush, can reduce the difficulty of laying out the flexible screen 100 on the screen support and the shell, reduce the design difficulty and assembly difficulty of the electronic device 1, and improve the overall economic benefits.

[0135] Continuing with FIG. 9 , it can be seen that in some embodiments, the rotating shaft assembly 200 further includes a spindle module 240, a first bracket 250, and a second bracket 260. The spindle module 240 includes a shaft base 241, a first rotating block 242, and a second rotating block 243. The first bracket 250 and the second bracket 260 are disposed on opposite sides of the spindle module 240 and are rotatably connected to the shaft base 240. For example, the rotating structure on the first bracket 250 cooperates with the first rotating block 242 and the second rotating block 243 to achieve a rotatable connection between the first bracket 250 and the spindle module 240. Similarly, the rotating structure on the second bracket 260 cooperates with the first rotating block 242 and the second rotating block 243 to achieve a rotatable connection between the second bracket 260 and the spindle module 240. The second door panel 220 is mounted to the spindle module 240. The first door panel 210 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 260 and is slidably connected to the spindle module 240 (e.g., the spindle seat 241 in FIG. 9 ). The first door panel 210 can rotate relative to the first bracket 260 while also sliding relative to the spindle module 240. The third door panel 230 is rotatably connected to the second bracket 260 and is slidably connected to the spindle module 240 (e.g., the spindle seat 241 in FIG. 9 ). The third door panel 230 can rotate relative to the second bracket 260 while also sliding relative to the spindle module 240.

[0136] Continuing with FIG. 9 , it can be seen that in some embodiments, the rotating shaft assembly 200 further includes a synchronization structure 270. The synchronization structure 270 is used to achieve synchronized relative folding or flattening of the first housing 500 and the second housing 600. The synchronization structure 270 includes a first synchronization wheel 271, a first synchronization arm 272, and a second synchronization arm 273. The synchronization wheel 271 is rotationally connected to the spindle module 240. The movable end of the first synchronization arm 272 is slidably connected to the first bracket 250 and rotationally connected to the first bracket 250. The synchronization end of the first synchronization arm 272 is rotationally connected to the spindle module 240 and meshes with the synchronization wheel 271. During the rotation of the first bracket 250 and the second bracket 260 relative to the spindle module 240, the first synchronization arm 272 affects the rotation angle of the first bracket 250, and the second synchronization arm 273 affects the rotation angle of the second bracket 260. In this way, when the first synchronization arm 272 and the second synchronization arm 273 rotate synchronously relative to the main shaft module 240 , the first bracket 250 and the second bracket 260 are driven to rotate synchronously relative to the main shaft module 240 .

[0137] Continuing with FIG. 9 , it can be seen that in some embodiments, the shaft assembly 200 further includes a housing 280. The housing 280 is positioned between the first housing 500 and the second housing 600, and the spindle module 240 is mounted within the housing 280. In the flattened state, the lower surface of the housing 280, the lower surface of the first housing 500, and the lower surface of the second housing 600 are in the same plane.

[0138] It is understood that the above embodiments only illustrate the specific structure of the hinge assembly 200 in some embodiments of the present application. Other hinge assemblies 200 that can include a first door panel 210, a second door panel 220, and a third door panel 230 are also within the scope of protection of the present application, and the present application does not specifically limit them.

[0139] In some embodiments, the second door panel 220 is a fixed plate and is fixedly connected to the spindle module 240. That is, when the electronic device 1 switches from the flat state to the folded state, or when the electronic device 1 switches from the folded state to the flat state, the position of the second door panel 220 relative to the spindle module 240 remains unchanged.

[0140] In some other embodiments, the second door panel 220 is a liftable plate and is liftably connected to the spindle module 240. When the electronic device 1 switches between the flattened state and the folded state, the second door panel 220 can move in the second direction D2 relative to the spindle module 240, that is, the second door panel 220 moves along the second direction D2 away from the spindle module 240 or the second door panel 220 moves along the second direction D2 toward the spindle module 240. In the above structure, during the flattening process, the second door panel 220 moves away from the housing 280, that is, the second door panel 220 gradually rises to support the flexible display panel 20. During the folding process, the second door panel 220 moves toward the housing 280, that is, the second door panel 220 gradually descends to cooperate with the first door panel 210 and the third door panel 230 to form a storage space for the flexible screen 100.

[0141] In one implementation, the hinge assembly 200 includes an elastic structure (not shown), through which the second door panel 220 is elastically connected to the hinge spindle module 240. During the folding process of the hinge assembly 200, the elastic structure drives the second door panel 220 to move along the second direction D2 toward the spindle module 240. The elastic structure has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and can control the lifting and lowering movement of the second door panel 220 with high precision.

[0142] After describing the specific structure of the hinge assembly 200 , the specific structure of the first screen supporting member 300 in this application will be described.

[0143] As shown in Figures 6 and 8 , in some embodiments, the first screen support 300 includes a first support plate 310 and a first support portion 320 connected to each other. The first support portion 320 is located on the side of the first support plate 310 facing away from the flexible screen 100. The first support plate 310 includes a first end 311 and a second end 312, with the first end 311 being the end away from the second support structure. The second end 312 may be a free end located between the second subsection 120 and the second door panel 220. The first support portion 320 is mounted on the second end 312.

[0144] As can be seen from the above, in some embodiments, the first end 311 is located between the first housing 500 and the first sub-division 111 and can be connected to the first sub-division 111 and / or the first housing 500. In other embodiments, the first end 311 is located between the second sub-division 112 and the first door panel 210 and can be connected to the second sub-division 112 and / or the first door panel 210. In still other embodiments, the first end 311 is located between the second sub-division 112 and the first door panel 210, and the first screen support 300 can be connected to at least one of the first sub-division 111, the first housing 500, the second sub-division 112, and the first door panel 210.

[0145] In some implementations, the first end 311 is fixed to at least one of the first section 110 (including the first sub-section 111 and the second sub-section 112), the first door panel 210, and the first housing 500 by adhesive bonding. It will be understood that the above connection methods are only some examples of the connection methods between the first end 311 and at least one of the first section 110, the first door panel 210, and the first housing 500 in this application. Any connection method that can achieve the connection between the first end 311 and at least one of the first section 110, the first door panel 210, and the first housing 500 is within the scope of protection of this application, and no specific examples will be given for this purpose.

[0146] When the electronic device 1 switches from the flattened state to the folded state, the first screen support 300 at least partially fills the gap between the flexible screen 100 and the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220, thereby preventing the flexible screen 100 from bending and creeping and causing a downward inclination, achieving rapid recovery from creep, and improving the lighting and crease effects on the flexible screen 100 when the electronic device 1 switches from the folded state to the flattened state. This also prevents noticeable collapse of the flexible screen 100 when the user touches the second section 120, improving the reliability of the flexible screen 100 against impacts caused by pointed foreign objects.

[0147] Several different first screen supporting members will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0148] Figure 10(a) illustrates a side view of a first screen support 300 in some embodiments of the present application. The view is taken along a third direction D3. As shown in Figure 10(a), in some embodiments, the first screen support 300 includes a first support plate 310 and a first support portion 320 connected to each other. The cross-sectional shape of the first support portion 320 perpendicular to the third direction D3 is irregular, for example, the cross-sectional shape of the first support portion 320 perpendicular to the third direction D3 is a combination of two sector shapes.

[0149] As shown in FIG10( a ), in some embodiments, the first supporting plate 310 has the same size in the second direction D2 , that is, the first supporting plate 310 is a plate-like structure with a uniform thickness.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first supporting portion 320 may be a block structure, or a three-dimensional structure formed by bending and / or combining sheet or wire shapes, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0151] As shown in Figure 10(a), in some embodiments, the first supporting portion 320 has a guide surface 321 on the side facing away from the first supporting plate 310. When the electronic device 1 switches between the flattened state and the folded state, the guide surface 321 cooperates with the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201 to provide guidance for the process of the first supporting portion 320 entering and / or exiting the avoidance groove 201.

[0152] As shown in FIG10( a ), in some implementations, the guide surface 321 is a surface on the first supporting portion 320 that is arched away from the supporting plate 310. Therefore, when the electronic device 1 switches between the flattened state and the folded state, the guide surface 321 cooperates with the second door panel 220 and the escape groove 201 on the second door panel 220, causing the first supporting plate 310 to bend according to the curvature of the guide surface 321 , thereby driving the first supporting portion 320 to enter and / or exit the escape groove 201.

[0153] As shown in FIG10( a ), in some implementations, the guide surface 321 includes a first guide surface 3211 and a second guide surface 3212. The first guide surface 3211 is closer to the first end 311 of the first support plate 310 than the second guide surface 3212. In the second direction D2, points on the first guide surface 3211 gradually move away from the perpendicular bisector of the avoidance groove 201, while points on the first guide surface 3211 gradually move closer to the perpendicular bisector of the avoidance groove 201. The perpendicular bisector of the avoidance groove 201 can be understood as a line parallel to the second direction D2 at the middle position of the cross section of the avoidance groove 201 in the first direction D1.

[0154] When the electronic device 1 switches from the flattened state to the folded state, the first guide surface 3211 provides guidance for the first supporting portion 320 in the early stages of exiting the escape groove 201, and the second guide surface 322 provides guidance for the first supporting portion 320 in the later stages of exiting the escape groove 201. When the electronic device 1 switches from the folded state to the flattened state, the second guide surface 322 provides guidance for the first supporting portion 320 in the early stages of entering the escape groove 201, and the first guide surface 3211 provides guidance for the first supporting portion 320 in the later stages of entering the escape groove 201.

[0155] As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 10(a), in some implementations, the first guide surface 3211 can be a surface that mates with the avoidance groove 201. In the flattened state, the first guide surface 3211 mates with a portion of the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201. In the electronic device 1 described above, rationally designed guide surfaces can optimize their guiding function, reduce jitter during transitions between the flattened and folded states, and improve stability during transitions between the flattened and folded states.

[0156] In addition, the assembly relationship between the flexible screen 100 and the first screen supporting member 300 will be described below with reference to FIG. 6 , FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 ( a ).

[0157] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6 , in the flattened state, the flexible screen 100 is distributed in the projection plane, and the orthographic projection of the first supporting portion 320 in the projection plane partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the avoidance groove 201 in the projection plane.

[0158] As shown in FIG10( a ), in some embodiments, in the folded state, the first supporting plate 310 and / or the first supporting portion 320 of the first screen supporting member 300 at least partially overlap the notch of the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220. The electronic device 1 described above, through a rationally designed structure of the first screen supporting member 300, can ensure that the first screen supporting member 300 does not completely escape from the avoidance groove 201 in the folded state, thereby limiting the sliding direction of the first screen supporting member 300 relative to the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201 when switching from the folded state to the flattened state.

[0159] In some embodiments, in the folded state, the second section 120 is spaced apart from the second door panel 220. As shown in FIG10(a), the first screen support member 300 is located on one side of the central plane Pc and is spaced apart from the central plane Pc. The central plane Pc is perpendicular to the main axis module and, in the flattened state, is perpendicular to the distribution plane (i.e., the projection plane) of the flexible screen 100. It is not difficult to see from FIG8 that, in the folded state, the first screen support member 300 and the second door panel 220 form a release space Sa, and the bent second section 120 is located in the release space Sa.

[0160] The above-mentioned electronic device 1, in the folded state, forms a release space Sa between the first screen support 300 and the second door panel 220 by rationally designing the structure of the first screen support 300, and the bent second section 120 is located in the release space Sa, thereby reducing the stress between the flexible screen 100 and the first screen support 300, weakening the pressure of the first screen support 300 on the second section 120 in the flexible screen 100, and avoiding delamination and dislocation of the flexible screen 100.

[0161] As shown in FIG10( a ), in some embodiments, in the flattened state, the second end 312 of the first supporting plate 310 is in contact with the flexible screen 100 . In the folded state, the second end 312 of the first supporting plate 310 is separated from the flexible screen 100 .

[0162] That is, when in the flattened state, the second end 312 is located between the avoidance groove 201 and the second division 120, and is in contact with the flexible screen 100, so that the second end 312 supports the second division 120 in the flexible screen 100 in the flattened state, thereby reducing the user's sense of virtual position when touching the second division 120.

[0163] In the folded state, the second end 312 is separated from the flexible screen 100, releasing the space between the second section 120 and the first screen support 300, reducing the stress between the flexible screen 100 and the second end 312, and weakening the pressure of the second end 312 on the second section 120 in the flexible screen 100, thereby avoiding delamination and dislocation of the flexible screen 100.

[0164] In addition, in the above-mentioned electronic device 1, when the distance between the second end 312 and the center plane Pc in the first supporting plate 310 is small, the release space Sa can be formed by separating the second end 312 from the flexible screen 100, thereby expanding the size selection range of the first supporting plate 310 and reducing the design difficulty of the first supporting plate 310, making it easier to ensure that the first screen supporting member 300 overlaps the notch of the avoidance groove 201 in the folded state, thereby improving the stability of the operation of the electronic device 1.

[0165] As shown in Figure 10(a), the first supporting plate 310 has a supporting surface 313 facing away from the first supporting portion 320. Combining Figures 6, 8, and 10(a), it is readily apparent that, in the flattened state, the supporting surface 313 of the first supporting plate 310 adheres to the lower surface of the flexible screen 100. In the folded state, the portion of the supporting surface 313 of the first supporting plate 310 near the second end 312 is detached from the lower surface of the flexible screen 100.

[0166] 6 and 10( a ), it is not difficult to find that in some embodiments, in the flattened state, the surface of the first supporting portion 320 facing the avoidance groove 201 at least partially fits with the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201 .

[0167] In some implementations, in the flattened state, the surface of the first supporting portion 320 facing the avoidance groove 201 partially mates with the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201. For example, in the flattened state, the first guide surface 3211 of the first supporting portion 320 mates with the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201. The second guide surface 3212 of the first supporting portion 320 does not mate with the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201. In other alternative implementations, in the flattened state, the entire surface of the first supporting portion 320 facing the avoidance groove 201 mates with the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201.

[0168] In some embodiments, in the flattened state, the surface of the first supporting portion 320 facing the avoidance groove 201 at least partially mates with the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201 . The surface of the first supporting portion 320 facing away from the avoidance groove 201 mates with the flexible screen 100 .

[0169] The electronic device 1 mentioned above partially fills the gap between the avoidance groove 201 and the flexible screen 100 to effectively support the second section 120 in the area where the avoidance groove 201 is located in the flattened state.

[0170] In some embodiments, in the flattened state, the surface of the first supporting portion 320 facing the avoidance groove 201 partially fits with the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201 , and the surface of the first supporting portion 320 facing away from the avoidance groove 201 fits with the flexible screen 100 .

[0171] The above-mentioned electronic device 1 can effectively support the second section 120 in the area where the avoidance groove 201 is located in the flattened state, and can also effectively make room for the first supporting portion 320 in the folded state so that the second section 120 in the flexible screen 100 can be accommodated in the avoidance groove 201.

[0172] As shown in FIG10( a ), in some embodiments, the first supporting plate 310 and the first supporting portion 320 are integrally formed, and the material of the first supporting plate 310 and the first supporting portion 320 includes at least one of metal, resin, and fiber. That is, the first supporting plate 310 and the first supporting portion 320 are integrally formed, and the material of the first supporting plate 310 is at least one of metal, resin, and fiber, and the material of the first supporting portion 320 is at least one of metal, resin, and fiber. It is understood that the materials of the first supporting plate 310 and the first supporting portion 320 may be the same or different, and this application does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0173] In some embodiments, the present application further includes a pulling assembly, wherein one end of the pulling assembly is connected to the first end 311 of the first supporting plate 310 and the other end is connected to the first door panel 210. The pulling assembly is used to pull the first supporting portion 320 into the avoidance groove 201 when the electronic device 1 switches from the folded state to the flattened state.

[0174] Figure 10(b) shows a side view of the first screen support 300 in some embodiments of the present application. The viewing angle is along the third direction D3. As shown in Figure 10(b), in some embodiments, the first support plate 310 and the first support portion 320 are separately molded and then assembled to form the first screen support 300. The material of the first support plate 310 includes at least one of metal, resin, and fiber, and the material of the first support portion 320 includes at least one of metal, resin, and fiber. In some implementations, the first support plate 310 and the first support portion 320 are separately molded and then fixedly connected.

[0175] In some embodiments, the first supporting plate 310 and the first supporting portion 320 in the first screen supporting member 300 may be made of the same material. For example, the first supporting plate 310 and the first supporting portion 320 may both be made of metal.

[0176] In other embodiments, the first supporting plate 310 and the first supporting portion 320 are made of two or more materials according to different yield strength and wear resistance requirements, and the two or more materials are then stacked to form the first screen supporting member 300. For example, the first supporting plate 310 is made of plastic, and the first supporting portion 320 is made of metal.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first supporting plate 310 and the first supporting portion 320 may be assembled by at least one of bonding, welding, and clamping, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0178] FIG11( a ) shows a side view of a first screen support member 300a in some embodiments of the present application, with the viewing angle along the third direction D3. The first screen support member 300a includes a first support plate 310a and a first support portion 320a. Comparing FIG10( a ) and FIG11( a ), it is readily apparent that the first support plate 310a has only undergone adaptive adjustments relative to the first support plate 310, which will not be described in detail here. The difference between the first screen support member 300a and the first screen support member 300 is that the first support portion 310a and the first support portion 310 have different cross-sectional shapes perpendicular to the third direction D3. The cross-sectional shape of the first support portion 320 perpendicular to the third direction D3 is a special shape, such as a combination of two sectors, while the cross-sectional shape of the first support portion 320a perpendicular to the third direction D3 is a standard shape, such as a rectangle. The first supporting portion 320a has a guide surface 321a on a plane facing away from the first supporting plate 310a. The guide surface 321a is used to guide the first supporting portion 320a when entering and / or exiting the avoidance groove 201. In some implementations, the guide surface 321a includes a first guide surface 3211a and a second guide surface 3212a.

[0179] As shown in FIG11( a ), in the first screen supporting member 300a, the first supporting plate 310a and the first supporting portion 320a are integrally formed. FIG11( b ) shows a side view of the first screen supporting member 300a in some embodiments of the present application. The viewing angle is along the third direction D3. As shown in FIG11( b ), in some embodiments, the first supporting plate 310a and the first supporting portion 320a are separately formed and then assembled into the first screen supporting member 300a. It will be understood that in the present application, the material and molding method of the first screen supporting member 300a can be specifically referred to the material and molding method of the first screen supporting member 300, and will not be described in detail here.

[0180] Figure 12(a) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1a in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 12(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1a in a folded state in some embodiments of the present application. Comparing Figure 12(a) with Figure 6 and Figure 12(b) with Figure 8, it is not difficult to find that the difference between the electronic device 1a and the electronic device 1 is that the screen support has changed. As shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), the first screen support 300a includes a first support plate 310a and a first support portion 320a that are connected to each other. Compared with the first support portion 310, the first support portion 310a has a rectangular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the third direction D3. The first support portion 320a is located on the side of the first support plate 310a facing away from the flexible screen 100. The first support plate 310a includes a first end 311a and a second end 312a that are opposite to each other. The first end 311a is located between the first section 110 (including the first subsection 111 and the second subsection 112) and the first door panel 210, and can be connected to the first section 110 (including the first subsection 111 and the second subsection 112) and / or the first door panel 210. The second end 312a can be a free end and is located between the second section 120 and the second door panel 220. The first supporting portion 320a is mounted on the second end 312a.

[0181] It can be understood that, compared to the first screen support member 300, the cross-sectional shape of the first support portion 310a perpendicular to the third direction D3 has changed. Therefore, the way the first screen support member 300 fits into the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220 has also changed. As shown in Figure 12(a), in the flattened state, an edge of the first support portion 320a abuts the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201. As shown in Figure 12(b), in the folded state, the guide surface 321a of the first support portion 320a abuts the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201.

[0182] The electronic device 1a reduces the difficulty of designing and molding the first screen supporting member 300a by designing the first supporting portion 320a in the first screen supporting member 300a as a rectangular structure.

[0183] Figure 13(a) shows a side view of a first screen support member 300b in some embodiments of the present application, viewed along the third direction D3. The first screen support member 300b includes a first support plate 310b and a first support portion 320b. Comparing Figures 10(a) and 13(a), it is readily apparent that the first support plate 310b is merely adaptively adjusted relative to the first support plate 310. The difference between the first screen support member 300b and the first screen support member 300 lies in their different cross-sectional shapes perpendicular to the third direction D3. The cross-sectional shape of the first support portion 320 perpendicular to the third direction D3 is a different shape, such as a combination of two sectors, while the cross-sectional shape of the first support portion 320b perpendicular to the third direction D3 is a semi-elliptical shape. The first support portion 320b has a guide surface 321b on the side facing away from the first support plate 310b. As shown in Figure 13(a), the guide surface 321b is an arcuate surface that arches away from the body. The guide surface 321 b is used to provide guidance for the first supporting portion 320 b to enter and / or escape from the avoidance groove 201 .

[0184] Figure 14(a) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1b when folded flat in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 14(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1b in the folded state in some embodiments of the present application. Comparing Figure 14(a) with Figure 6 and Figure 14(b) with Figure 8, it is not difficult to find that the difference between the electronic device 1b and the electronic device 1 is that the first screen support has changed. As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), the first screen support 300b includes a first support plate 310b and a first support portion 320b that are connected to each other. Compared with the first support portion 310, the cross-sectional shape of the first support portion 310b perpendicular to the third direction D3 is a semi-elliptical shape. The first support portion 320b is located on the side of the first support plate 310b facing away from the flexible screen 100. The first support plate 310b includes a first end 311b and a second end 312b that are opposite to each other. The first end 311b is located between the first section 110 (including the first subsection 111 and the second subsection 112) and the first door panel 210, and can be connected to the first section 110 (including the first subsection 111 and the second subsection 112) and / or the first door panel 210. The second end 312b can be a free end and is located between the second section 120 and the second door panel 220. The first supporting portion 320b is mounted on the second end 312b.

[0185] It can be understood that, compared to the first screen support member 300, the cross-sectional shape of the first support portion 310b perpendicular to the third direction D3 has changed. Therefore, the manner in which the first screen support member 300 fits into the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220 has also changed. As shown in Figure 14(a), in the flattened state, the guide surface of the first support portion 320b is tangent to the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201, and the remaining areas of the guide surface, excluding the tangent area, are suspended above the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201. As shown in Figure 14(b), in the folded state, the guide surface of the first support portion 320b is tangent to the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201.

[0186] The electronic device 1b improves the stability of the first screen supporting member 300b during the switching process between the flattened state and the folded state by designing the guide surface of the first supporting portion 320b in the first screen supporting member 300b to be a smooth curved surface.

[0187] After describing the specific structure of the first screen supporting member 300 , the specific structure of the second screen supporting member 400 in this application will be described below.

[0188] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, in some embodiments, the second screen support member 400 includes a second supporting plate 410 and a second supporting portion 420 connected to each other. The second supporting portion 420 is located on the side of the second supporting plate 410 facing away from the flexible screen 100. The second supporting plate 410 includes a third end 411 and a fourth end 412. The fourth end 412 may be a free end located between the second subsection 120 and the second door panel 220. The second supporting portion 420 is mounted on the fourth end 412.

[0189] As can be seen from the above, in some embodiments, the third end 411 can be connected to at least one of the third division 130 (including the third sub-division 131 and the fourth sub-division 132 ), the third door panel 230 and the second shell 600 .

[0190] It is not difficult to find that in some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 6, 8, 12(a), 12(b), 14(a), and 14(b), the second screen support 400 and the first screen support 300 are structurally symmetrical. Therefore, the corresponding features of the first screen support 300 are applicable to the second screen support 400 and will not be described in detail here.

[0191] In some other embodiments, the second screen supporting member 400 is structurally compatible with the first screen supporting member 300. Several of these embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0192] Figure 15(a) shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1c in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 15(a), the electronic device 1c includes a flexible screen 100, a hinge assembly 200, a first screen support 300c, a second screen support 400a, a first shell 500 and a second shell 600. By comparing Figure 15(a) with Figure 6, it is not difficult to find that the screen support in the electronic device 1c has changed compared to the electronic device 1. As shown in Figure 15(a), the shapes of the first screen support 300c and the second screen support 400a in one of the cross sections perpendicular to the third direction D3 are asymmetrical, that is, the first screen support 300c and the second screen support 400a are not symmetrical components. For example, the first supporting plate 310c in the first screen supporting member 300c and the second supporting plate 410a in the second screen supporting member 400a are asymmetrical, and / or the first supporting portion 320c in the first screen supporting member 300c and the second supporting portion 420a in the second screen supporting member 400a are asymmetrical.

[0193] However, it is worth noting that the cross-sectional shape of the first screen supporting member 300c and the cross-sectional shape of the second screen supporting member 400a can be similar in structure, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0194] Figure 15(b) shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1d in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 15(b), the electronic device 1d includes a flexible screen 100, a hinge assembly 200, a first screen support 300d, a second screen support 400b, a first shell 500, and a second shell 600. Comparing Figure 15(b) with Figure 15(a), it is not difficult to find that the screen support in the electronic device 1d has changed compared to the electronic device 1. As shown in Figure 15(b), the shapes of the first screen support 300d and the second screen support 400b in one cross-section perpendicular to the third direction D3 are not only asymmetrical, but the orthographic projection of the first screen support 300d on the projection plane and the orthographic projection of the second screen support 400b on the projection plane at least partially overlap.

[0195] In addition, the first screen supporting member 300d and the second screen supporting member 400b are combined to fill the entire avoidance groove 201. This application does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0196] After describing the specific structures of the first screen supporting member 300 and the second screen supporting member 400, the relative positional relationship of the first screen supporting member 300 and the second screen supporting member 400 relative to other structures (such as the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220) will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0197] Figure 16(a) shows a schematic diagram of the relative positional relationship between the first screen support member 300, the second screen support member 400, and the avoidance groove 201 in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 16(b) shows a schematic diagram of the relative positional relationship between the first screen support member 300, the second screen support member 400, and the avoidance groove 201 in some other embodiments of the present application. Figure 16(c) shows a schematic diagram of the relative positional relationship between the first screen support member 300, the second screen support member 400, and the avoidance groove 201 in some other embodiments of the present application. In Figures 16(a) to 16(c), l1 represents the orthographic projection of the centerline of the notch of the avoidance groove 201 on the projection plane, and this centerline is parallel to the central plane. S1 represents the orthographic projection of the first screen support member 300 on the projection plane, S2 represents the orthographic projection of the second screen support member 400 on the projection plane, and S3 (the gray area in the figure) represents the orthographic projection of the notch of the avoidance groove 201 on the projection plane.

[0198] It can be understood that in some implementations, the orthographic projection of the first screen support 300 on the projection plane can be the orthographic projection of the first support plate 310 in the projection plane, and the orthographic projection of the second screen support 400 on the projection plane can be the orthographic projection of the second support plate 410 in the projection plane.

[0199] As shown in Figures 16(a) to 16(c), in some embodiments, the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen support member 300 and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen support member 400 in the projection plane respectively at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection S3 of the avoidance groove 201 in the projection plane.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first shortest distance between the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen support 300 and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen support 400 in the projection plane ranges from 0.1 to 1 mm. For example, the first shortest distance can be at least one of 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm and 1 mm.

[0201] In some implementations, l1 may coincide with the orthographic projection of the folding axis on the projection plane. In other alternative implementations, l1 may not coincide with the orthographic projection of the folding axis on the projection plane. This application does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0202] As shown in FIG16( a ), in some embodiments, the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen support member 300 and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen support member 400 within the projection plane are respectively located on opposite sides of l1. That is, the first screen support member 300 and the second screen support member 400 are respectively located on opposite sides of the central plane.

[0203] In some implementations, the first screen support 300 and the second screen support 400 are structurally symmetrical and symmetrically distributed relative to the central plane. In other alternative implementations, the first screen support 300 and the second screen support 400 are asymmetrically distributed relative to the central plane. For example, the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen support 300 within the projection plane and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen support 400 within the projection plane are asymmetrically distributed relative to the central plane. For another example, the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen support 300 within the projection plane and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen support 400 within the projection plane are symmetrically distributed relative to the central plane, but the first screen support 300 and the second screen support 400 are structurally asymmetrical.

[0204] In some implementations, the gap between the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen support 300 and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen support 400 in the projection plane is at least one of a long strip gap, a wavy gap, a sawtooth gap, and a broken line gap.

[0205] As shown in FIG16( b ), in some embodiments, the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen support member 300 within the projection plane is located on both sides of l1, and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen support member 400 within the projection plane is located on one side of l1. In other words, the first screen support member 300 is located on both sides of the central plane, and the second screen support member 400 is located on one side of the central plane.

[0206] In some implementations, the gap between the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen support 300 and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen support 400 in the projection plane is at least one of a long strip gap, a wavy gap, a sawtooth gap, and a broken line gap.

[0207] As shown in FIG16( c ), in some embodiments, the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen support member 300 within the projection plane is distributed on both sides of l1. The orthographic projection S2 of the second screen support member 400 within the projection plane is distributed on both sides of l1. In other words, the first screen support member 300 is distributed on both sides of the central plane, and the second screen support member 400 is distributed on both sides of the central plane.

[0208] In some implementations, the gap between the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen support 300 and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen support 400 in the projection plane is at least one of a long strip gap, a wavy gap, a sawtooth gap, and a broken line gap.

[0209] It can be understood that the above embodiment only shows a partial scheme of the projection of the first screen support member 300 and the second screen support member 400 in the first direction D1. Any layout scheme of the first screen support member 300 and the second screen support member 400 that can include local openings to avoid surrounding components (such as the hinge assembly 200) is within the scope of protection of this application, and this application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0210] It can be understood that the above embodiment only shows the distribution characteristics of the first screen supporting members 300 and the second screen supporting members 400 in the first direction D1. In the third direction D1, the number of first screen supporting members 300 can be multiple, and the number of second screen supporting members 400 can also be multiple, which will not be described in detail here.

[0211] In some embodiments, when there are multiple first screen supports 300 in the third direction D1, the multiple first screen supports 300 may be arranged with gaps. In some implementations, the second shortest distance between two adjacent first screen supports 300 ranges from 0.1 to 1 mm. For example, the second shortest distance may be at least one of 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, and 1 mm. Similarly, when there are multiple second screen supports 400 in the third direction D1, the multiple second screen supports 400 may also be arranged with gaps. In some implementations, the third shortest distance between two adjacent second screen supports 400 ranges from 0.1 to 1 mm. For example, the third shortest distance may be at least one of 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, and 1 mm. This application does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0212] In addition, the present application also provides a screen support. It can be understood that the screen support can be any one of the above-mentioned first screen support 300, first screen support 300a, first screen support 300b, first screen support 300c, first screen support 300d, second screen support 400, second screen support 400a, and second screen support 400b.

[0213] In addition, the present application also provides a flexible screen assembly. The flexible screen assembly includes a flexible screen 100 and a screen support. The screen support can be any one of the first screen support 300, the first screen support 300a, the first screen support 300b, the first screen support 300c, the first screen support 300d, the second screen support 400, the second screen support 400a, and the second screen support 400b. The arrangement of the flexible screen 100 and the screen support can refer to the arrangement of the flexible screen 100 and the screen support in the electronic device 1, the electronic device 1a, the electronic device 1b, the electronic device 1c, and the electronic device 1d.

[0214] The following description uses the flexible screen assembly comprising a flexible screen 100 and a first screen support 300 as an example. The flexible screen 100 and the first screen support 300 are stacked. The flexible screen 100 comprises a first subsection 110, a second subsection 120, and a third subsection 130, which are sequentially connected. In the folded state, the first subsection 110 and the third subsection 130 are positioned opposite each other, and the second subsection 120 is at least partially positioned within the escape groove 201 of the hinge assembly 200 in the electronic device 1. The first screen supporting member 300 includes a first supporting plate 310 and a first supporting portion 320 connected to each other. The first end 311 of the first supporting plate 310 is connected to the first section 110 and / or the first door panel 210. The first supporting portion 320 is located on the side of the first supporting plate 310 facing away from the flexible screen 100. When in the flattened state, the first supporting portion 320 is located in the avoidance groove 201. When in the folded state, the first supporting portion 320 is at least partially located outside the avoidance groove 201.

[0215] In addition, the present application also provides another flexible screen assembly. The screen support includes a first screen support and a second screen support. The first screen support may include any one of the first screen support 300, the first screen support 300a, the first screen support 300b, the first screen support 300c, and the first screen support 300d, and the second screen support may include any one of the second screen support 400, the second screen support 400a, and the second screen support 400b. The arrangement of the flexible screen 100 and the screen support may refer to the arrangement of the flexible screen 100 and the screen support in the electronic device 1, the electronic device 1a, the electronic device 1b, the electronic device 1c, and the electronic device 1d, and will not be described in detail here.

[0216] In this application, it is not difficult to find that in the electronic device 1 corresponding to application scenario 1, the number of screen supports in the second direction D2 is two, specifically including a first screen support 300 and a second screen support 400. It is worth noting that in other application scenarios, the number of screen supports in the second direction D2 can also be one, and the specific implementation will be described in application scenarios 2 and 3.

[0217] Application Scenario 2

[0218] Figure 17 shows a side view of the first screen support 300e in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 18(a) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1e in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 18(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1e in a folded state in some embodiments of the present application.

[0219] As can be readily seen from Figures 17, 18(a), and 18(b), the present application provides an electronic device 1e. In some embodiments, the electronic device 1e includes a flexible screen 100, a hinge assembly 200, a first screen support 300e, a first housing 500, and a second housing 600. Comparing Figures 17 and 10(a), 18(a) and 6, and 18(b) and 8, it can be readily seen that, compared to electronic device 1, the number and structure of the screen support components in electronic device 1e have changed.

[0220] As shown in Figure 17, the first screen support member 300e includes a first support plate 310e and a first support portion 320e. The first support portion 320e is configured to be positioned opposite the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220. The first support plate 310e includes a first end 311e and a second end 312e that are opposite to each other. The first support portion 320e is mounted on the first support plate 310e in an area between the first end 311e and the second end 312e.

[0221] As shown in Figures 17, 18(a), and 18(b), in the flattened state, the first end 311e of the first supporting plate 310e is located between the first section 110 (including the first subsection 111 and the second subsection 112) and the first door panel 210, and is mounted on the first section 110 and / or the first door panel 210. The second end 312e of the first supporting plate 310e is located between the third section 130 (including the third subsection 131 and the fourth subsection 132) and the third door panel 230 and is a free end. The first guide surface 3211e and the second guide surface 3212e of the supporting surface 311e guide surface 321e are suspended above the groove surface of the avoidance groove 201.

[0222] Continuing with FIG17 , the first supporting plate 310e has a supporting surface 313e on the side facing the flexible screen 100. The supporting surface 313e is used to support the flexible screen 100. The first supporting portion 320e has a guide surface 321e on the side facing away from the first supporting plate 310e. When the electronic device 1e switches between the flattened state and the folded state, the guide surface 321e cooperates with the second door panel 220 and the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220, causing the first supporting plate 310e to bend and deform according to the arc of the guide surface 321e, thereby driving the first supporting portion 320e to enter and / or exit the avoidance groove 201.

[0223] Continuing with FIG. 17 , in some implementations, the guide surface 321e includes a first guide surface 3211e and a second guide surface 3212e. The first guide surface 3211e is closer to the first end 311e of the first support plate 310e than the second guide surface 3212e. In the second direction D2, points on the first guide surface 3211e gradually move away from the perpendicular midline of the avoidance groove 201, while points on the first guide surface 3211e gradually move closer to the perpendicular midline of the avoidance groove 201. It will be understood that the above implementation merely illustrates one type of guide surface structure, and other structures capable of achieving a guiding function are also within the scope of protection of this application.

[0224] In combination with Figures 17, 18(a) and 18(b), it can be seen that in some embodiments, in the flattened state, the first supporting portion 320e is located in the avoidance groove 201, and in the folded state, the first supporting portion 320e at least partially escapes from the avoidance groove 201, and the supporting surface 313e of the first supporting plate 310e is in pressure contact with the lower surface 0 of the second section 120, and the guide surface 321e of the first supporting portion 320e is in pressure contact with the groove surface 0 of the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220.

[0225] As shown in FIG. 18( b ), the second guide surface 3212e of the guide surface 321e abuts against the groove surface 0 of the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220 under pressure, and the first guide surface 3211e comes out of the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220 .

[0226] In some embodiments, in the folded state, the second end 312e of the first supporting plate 310e is still located between the third section 130 (including the third subsection 131 and the fourth subsection 132) and the third door panel 230 and is a free end.

[0227] In addition, the present application also provides a screen supporting member 300e. It can be understood that the screen supporting member 300e can be any of the above-mentioned screen supporting members 300e.

[0228] In addition, the present application also provides a flexible screen assembly. The flexible screen assembly includes a flexible screen 100 and any of the above-described first screen support members 300e. The flexible screen 100 and the first screen support member 300e are stacked. The flexible screen 100 includes a first section 110, a second section 120, and a third section 130 connected in sequence. In the folded state, the first section 110 and the third section 130 are arranged opposite each other, and the second section 120 is at least partially located in the avoidance groove 201 on the hinge assembly 200 in the electronic device 1e. The first screen supporting member 300e includes a first supporting plate 310e and a first supporting portion 320e connected to each other. The first end 311e of the first supporting plate 310e is connected to the first branch 110 and / or the first door panel 210. The first supporting portion 320e is located on the side of the first supporting plate 310e facing away from the flexible screen 100. When in the flattened state, the first supporting portion 320e is located in the avoidance groove 201. When in the folded state, the first supporting portion 320e is at least partially located outside the avoidance groove 201.

[0229] Application Scenario 3

[0230] Figure 19 shows a side view of the first screen support 300f in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 20(a) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1f in a flattened state in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 20(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1f in a folded state in some embodiments of the present application.

[0231] As can be readily seen from Figures 19, 20(a), and 20(b), the present application provides an electronic device 1f. In some embodiments, the electronic device 1f includes a flexible screen 100, a hinge assembly 200, a first screen support 300f, a first housing 500, and a second housing 600. Comparing Figures 19 and 17, 20(a) and 18(a), and 20(b) and 18(b), it can be readily seen that the structure of the screen support in the electronic device 1f has changed compared to that of the electronic device 1e.

[0232] As shown in Figure 19, the first screen support member 300f includes a first support plate 310f and a first support portion 320f. The first support portion 320f is configured to be positioned opposite the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220. The first support plate 310f includes a first end 311f and a second end 312f that are opposite to each other. The first support portion 320f is mounted on the second end 312f of the first support plate 310f.

[0233] As can be seen from Figures 19, 20(a), and 20(b), the first end 311e of the first supporting plate 310e is located between the first section 110 (including the first sub-section 111 and the second sub-section 112) and the first door panel 210, and is mounted on the first section 110 (including the first sub-section 111 and the second sub-section 112) and / or the first door panel 210. The second end 312f of the first supporting plate 310e is located between the second section 120 and the second door panel 220 and is a free end.

[0234] Continuing with FIG19 , the first supporting plate 310f has a supporting surface 313f on the side facing the flexible screen 100. The supporting surface 313f is used to support the flexible screen 100. The first supporting portion 320f has a guide surface 321f on the side facing away from the first supporting plate 310f. As shown in FIG19 , the guide surface 321f is an arc-shaped surface that arches away from the main body. When the electronic device 1f switches between the flattened state and the folded state, the guide surface 321f cooperates with the second door panel 220 and the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220, so that the first supporting plate 310f bends and deforms according to the curvature of the guide surface 321f, thereby driving the first supporting portion 320f to enter and / or exit the avoidance groove 201. It can be understood that the above implementation method only illustrates one structure of the guide surface, and other structures that can achieve the guiding function are also within the scope of protection of this application.

[0235] In combination with Figures 19, 20(a) and 20(b), it can be seen that in some embodiments, in the flattened state, the first supporting portion 320f is located in the avoidance groove 201, and in the folded state, the first supporting portion 320f at least partially escapes from the avoidance groove 201, and the supporting surface 313f of the first supporting plate 310f is in pressure contact with the lower surface 0 of the second section 120, and the guide surface 321f of the first supporting portion 320f is in pressure contact with the groove surface 0 of the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220.

[0236] As shown in FIG. 18( b ), the second guide surface 3212e of the guide surface 321e abuts against the groove surface 0 of the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220 under pressure, and the first guide surface 3211e comes out of the avoidance groove 201 on the second door panel 220 .

[0237] In addition, the present application also provides a screen supporting member 300f. It can be understood that the screen supporting member 300f can be any of the above-mentioned screen supporting members 300f.

[0238] In addition, the present application also provides a flexible screen assembly. The flexible screen assembly includes a flexible screen 100 and any of the above-described first screen support members 300f. The flexible screen 100 and the first screen support member 300f are stacked. The flexible screen 100 includes a first section 110, a second section 120, and a third section 130 connected in sequence. In the folded state, the first section 110 and the third section 130 are arranged opposite each other, and the second section 120 is at least partially located in the avoidance groove 201 on the hinge assembly 200 in the electronic device 1f. The first screen supporting member 300f includes a first supporting plate 310f and a first supporting portion 320f connected to each other. The first end 311f of the first supporting plate 310f is connected to the first section 110 and / or the first door panel 210. The first supporting portion 320f is located on the side of the first supporting plate 310f facing away from the flexible screen 100. When in the flattened state, the first supporting portion 320f is located in the avoidance groove 201. When in the folded state, the first supporting portion 320f is at least partially located outside the avoidance groove 201.

[0239] It should be noted that in this specification, similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following drawings. Therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in the above drawings.

[0240] The above describes the implementation methods of the present application by means of specific specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present application from the contents disclosed in this specification. Although the description of the present application will be introduced in conjunction with some embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to the implementation methods. On the contrary, the purpose of introducing the application in conjunction with the implementation methods is to cover other options or modifications that may be extended based on the claims of the present application. The present application can also be implemented without using these details. In addition, in order to avoid confusion or blurring the focus of the present application, some specific details are omitted in the description. It should be noted that the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other unless there is a conflict.

[0241] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "outside", "inside", "circumferential", "radial", "axial", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on this application.

[0242] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "dispose," "install," "connect," and "fit" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0243] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device is capable of switching between a folded state and an unfolded state, comprising: A flexible screen, the flexible screen comprising a first sub-section, a second sub-section and a third sub-section connected in sequence, wherein in a folded state, the first sub-section and the third sub-section are arranged opposite to each other; A support mechanism, wherein the support mechanism and the flexible screen are stacked, and the support mechanism comprises a first support structure, a second support structure and a third support structure, wherein the first support structure is arranged opposite to and fixedly connected to the first subdivision, the second support structure is arranged opposite to and fixedly connected to the second subdivision, the third support structure is arranged opposite to and fixedly connected to the third subdivision, and the second support structure is provided with an avoidance groove facing the second subdivision; a first screen supporting member, the first screen supporting member being located between the flexible screen and the supporting mechanism, the first screen supporting member comprising a first supporting plate and a first supporting portion, the first supporting portion being located on a side of the first supporting plate facing away from the flexible screen, the first supporting plate comprising a first end away from the second supporting structure, the first end of the first supporting plate being connected to the first sub-portion and / or the first supporting structure; In the flattened state, the first supporting portion is located in the avoidance groove to support the second sub-portion; In the folded state, the first supporting portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance groove, so that the second sub-portion is at least partially located in the avoidance groove.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first division includes a first sub-division and a second sub-division, and the first sub-division, the second sub-division and the second division are connected in sequence; The first supporting structure comprises a first shell and a first door panel which are rotatably connected, wherein the first shell is arranged opposite to and fixedly connected to the first sub-division, and the first door panel is arranged opposite to the second sub-division; The second support structure includes a second door panel and a spindle module disposed on a side away from the second door panel, the first support structure and the second support structure are switched between a folded state and a flattened state through the spindle module, and the avoidance groove is provided on the second door panel; The first end of the first supporting plate is connected to at least one of the first sub-division, the second sub-division, the first shell and the first door panel.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second end of the first supporting plate opposite to the first end is a free end and is located between the second sub-portion and the second supporting structure, and the first supporting portion is installed on the second end.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that: In the folded state, the second sub-portion is spaced apart from the second supporting structure.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the flattened state, the second end is in contact with the flexible screen, and in the folded state, the second end is separated from the flexible screen.

6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: In the folded state, the first screen supporting member is partially overlapped in the notch of the avoidance groove.

7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: In the flattened state, the orthographic projection of the first supporting portion on the plane where the flexible screen is located partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the avoidance groove in the distribution plane of the flexible screen.

8. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The electronic device further comprises: a second screen supporting member, the second screen supporting member is located between the flexible screen and the supporting mechanism, the second screen supporting member comprises a second supporting plate and a second supporting portion, the second supporting portion is located on a side of the second supporting plate facing away from the flexible screen, the second supporting plate comprises a third end away from the second supporting structure, the third end of the second supporting plate is connected to the third sub-portion and / or the third supporting structure; In the flattened state, the second supporting portion is located in the avoidance groove to support the second sub-portion; In the folded state, the second supporting portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance groove, so that the second sub-portion is at least partially located in the avoidance groove.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second end of the first supporting plate opposite to the first end is a free end and is located between the third subsection and the third door panel, and the first supporting portion is installed between the first end and the second end.

10. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The first supporting portion has a guide surface on the side facing away from the first supporting plate. When the electronic device switches between a flattened state and a folded state, the guide surface cooperates with the groove surface of the avoidance groove to limit the direction in which the first supporting portion enters and / or escapes from the avoidance groove.

11. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: In the flattened state, the surface of the first supporting portion facing the avoidance groove at least partially fits with the groove surface of the avoidance groove.

12. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the first supporting portion perpendicular to the main axis module is fan-shaped and / or rectangular.

13. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The first supporting plate and the first supporting portion are integrally formed, and the material of the first supporting plate and the first supporting portion includes at least one of metal, resin and fiber.

14. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The first supporting plate and the first supporting part are separately formed and fixedly connected, the material of the first supporting plate includes at least one of metal, resin and fiber, and the material of the first supporting part includes at least one of metal, resin and fiber.

15. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: It also includes a traction component, one end of which is connected to the first end of the first supporting plate, and the other end is connected to the first supporting structure. The traction component is used to pull the first supporting part into the avoidance groove when the electronic device switches from a folded state to an unfolded state.

16. A screen support, characterized in that: The screen supporting member includes a supporting plate and a supporting portion that are interconnected. The supporting portion is located on the side of the supporting plate that is away from the flexible screen. When in a flattened state, the supporting portion is located in an avoidance groove on a supporting mechanism in the electronic device to support the second section in the flexible screen. When in a folded state, the supporting portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance groove so that the second section is at least partially located in the avoidance groove.

17. A flexible screen assembly, characterized in that: The flexible screen assembly can be switched between a folded state and a flattened state, and the flexible screen assembly includes: A flexible screen, the flexible screen comprising a first sub-section, a second sub-section and a third sub-section connected in sequence, wherein the first sub-section and the third sub-section are arranged opposite to each other in a folded state; the first sub-section is used to be opposite to a first supporting structure, the second sub-section is used to be opposite to a second supporting structure, and an avoidance groove facing the second sub-section is provided on the second supporting structure; a first screen supporting member, the first screen supporting member being located at one side of the flexible screen, the first screen supporting member comprising a first supporting plate and a first supporting portion, the first supporting portion being located at a side of the first supporting plate facing away from the flexible screen, and a first end of the first supporting plate being connected to the first sub-portion and / or the first supporting structure; In the flattened state, the first supporting portion is located in the avoidance groove to support the second sub-portion; In the folded state, the first supporting portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance groove, so that the second sub-portion is at least partially located in the avoidance groove on the supporting mechanism in the electronic device.

18. The flexible screen assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that: The third subsection is used to be opposite to the third supporting structure, and the flexible screen assembly further includes: a second screen supporting member, the second screen supporting member being located at one side of the flexible screen, the second screen supporting member comprising a second supporting plate and a second supporting portion, the second supporting portion being located at a side of the second supporting plate facing away from the flexible screen, and a third end of the second supporting plate being connected to the third sub-portion and / or the third supporting structure; In the flattened state, the second supporting portion is located in the avoidance groove to support the second sub-portion; In the folded state, the second supporting portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance groove, so that the second sub-portion is at least partially located in the avoidance groove on the supporting mechanism in the electronic device.

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