Foldable electronic device

Abstract

The utility model provides foldable electronic equipment. The electronic equipment comprises a first shell, a second shell and a third shell, the first shell and the third shell are rotationally connected to the two opposite ends of the second shell respectively, and the first shell is provided with a first connecting end rotationally connected with the second shell and a first free end arranged opposite to the first connecting end; the thickness of the first shell is gradually reduced in the direction from the first connecting end to the first free end; the third shell is provided with a third connecting end rotationally connected with the second shell and a third free end opposite to the third connecting end; the thickness of the third shell is gradually reduced in the direction from the third connecting end to the third free end; in the folded state of the electronic device, the surface, away from the second shell, of the first shell is parallel to the surface, away from the second shell, of the third shell. According to the electronic equipment provided by the invention, the first shell and the third shell of which the thicknesses are gradually changed are arranged, so that an extremely light and thin three-folding complete machine model is realized in the folding form of the electronic equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic device structures, and in particular to a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Compared with traditional straight-screen phones, foldable screen phones have unique advantages such as the ability to switch between large and small screens at will, and hovering (folded to a certain angle) applications. In addition, the fundamental significance of foldable screen phones lies in the expansion of visual experience, giving users the ultimate audio-visual experience. Large screens and even larger screens are the future technology development trend.

[0003] Therefore, how to combine the ultimate light and thin technology with the ultimate large screen technology is the technical development direction of foldable screen mobile phones. However, the three-fold foldable mobile phones currently on the market are two regular stacking of single-group folding systems, which will cause the appearance size of the three-fold whole machine to be larger and thicker when designed, and cannot meet the needs and trends of lightness and thinness. Utility Model Content

[0004] An embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, the electronic device comprising a first shell, a second shell and a third shell; the first shell and the third shell are rotatably connected to opposite ends of the second shell, respectively, so that the electronic device can be switched between a folded state, a semi-folded state and an unfolded state; wherein the first shell has a first connection end rotatably connected to the second shell, and a first free end arranged opposite to the first connection end; the thickness of the first shell gradually decreases in the direction from the first connection end to the first free end; the third shell has a third connection end rotatably connected to the second shell, and a third free end arranged opposite to the third connection end; the thickness of the third shell gradually decreases in the direction from the third connection end to the third free end;

[0005] When the electronic device is in a folded form, the first shell, the second shell and the third shell are stacked in sequence; in the stacking direction of the first shell, the second shell and the third shell, the surface of the first shell facing away from the second shell is parallel to the surface of the third shell facing away from the second shell.

[0006] The foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application is provided with a first shell and a third shell with gradually varying thicknesses, and in the folded state, the surface of the first shell facing away from the second shell and the surface of the third shell facing away from the second shell are arranged in parallel, so that in the folded state of the electronic device, not only the thickness of the entire electronic device can be uniform, but also an extremely light and thin three-fold shape of the entire device can be achieved. In addition, in the semi-folded state of the electronic device, one of the first shell and the third shell is stacked with the second shell, and the other is side by side with the second shell, so that the entire device presents a shape with one side thick and the other side thin, so that it is easier to hold the electronic device in hand and can be held more stably. In the unfolded state of the electronic device, the first shell, the second shell, and the third shell are arranged in sequence, and the electronic device has a shape that is thick in the middle and thin at both ends, with a technological and fashionable appearance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in some embodiments of the present application;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of another form of the electronic device in the embodiment;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of another form of the electronic device in the embodiment;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of an electronic device in an embodiment;

[0012] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0013] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device in some other embodiments of the present application;

[0014] Figure 7 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a folded form of an electronic device in some embodiments of the present application;

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a part of the structure of the electronic device in a semi-folded state in an embodiment;

[0016] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a part of the structure of the electronic device in the embodiment in an unfolded state;

[0017] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram of the structural composition of mobile terminal devices in other embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. It is particularly noted that the following examples are only used to illustrate the present application, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. Similarly, the following examples are only some embodiments of the present application rather than all embodiments, and all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in the field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0019] Reference to "embodiments" herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of the phrase in various locations in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0020] As used herein, "electronic devices" (or simply "terminals") include, but are not limited to, devices configured to receive / send communication signals via a wireline connection (e.g., via a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a digital subscriber line (DSL), a digital cable, a direct cable connection, and / or another data connection / network) and / or via a wireless interface (e.g., for a cellular network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), a digital television network such as a DVB-H network, a satellite network, an AM-FM broadcast transmitter, and / or another communication terminal). Communication terminals configured to communicate via a wireless interface may be referred to as "wireless communication terminals", "wireless terminals" or "mobile terminals". Examples of mobile terminals include, but are not limited to, satellite or cellular phones; personal communication system (PCS) terminals that may combine cellular radiotelephones with data processing, fax, and data communication capabilities; PDAs that may include radiotelephones, pagers, Internet / intranet access, web browsers, organizers, calendars, and / or global positioning system (GPS) receivers; and conventional laptop and / or palmtop receivers or other electronic devices that include radiotelephone transceivers. A mobile phone is an electronic device equipped with a cellular communication module.

[0021] It should be noted that the electronic devices in the embodiments of the present application are mainly electronic devices with folding screens, such as folding screen mobile phones. Specifically, folding screen mobile phones have gradually become the development trend of future complete machines. The main advantage they bring is that they combine entertainment and office work, and are easy to carry, which caters to the current consumer demand for portability and diverse functions. Among them, folding screen mobile phones generally have folding methods such as inward folding and outward folding. For folding screen mobile phones with inward folding, after folding, the display surfaces of the flexible screen are close to each other along the folding area, that is, the flexible screen is in a folding form that folds inward. For folding screen mobile phones with outward folding, after folding, the display surfaces of the flexible screen deviate from each other along the folding area, that is, the flexible screen is in a folding form that folds outward.

[0022] See also Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device 100 in some embodiments of the present application, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another structure of the electronic device 100 in the embodiment, Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another structure of the electronic device 100 in the embodiment. Figure 1 The form shown is the folded form of the electronic device 100. Figure 2 The illustrated form is a half-folded form of the electronic device 100. Figure 3 The form shown is the unfolded form of the electronic device 100. In the folded form of the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 is in a tri-fold structure for easy carrying. In the unfolded form of the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 can present an extremely large screen structure to meet entertainment and office needs. In the semi-folded form of the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 can provide a richer user experience.

[0023] Specifically, the electronic device 100 may include a first housing 110, a second housing 120 and a third housing 130. The first housing 110 and the third housing 130 are rotatably connected to opposite ends of the second housing 120, respectively, so that the electronic device 100 can switch between a folded form, a semi-folded form and an unfolded form. In the unfolded form of the electronic device 100, the second housing 120 is located between the first housing 110 and the third housing 130. In the folded form of the electronic device 100, the second housing 120 is located between the first housing 110 and the third housing 130. In the semi-folded form of the electronic device 100, the first housing 110 and the third housing 130 are located on adjacent sides of the second housing 120. Among them, the foldable electronic device 100 in the embodiment of the present application can be a portable device such as a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a wearable device, etc. This application is exemplarily described by taking the electronic device 100 as a foldable mobile phone as an example.

[0024] in, Figures 1 to 3 The three directions of X, Y, and Z are exemplified in the figure. The direction indicated by the arrow X can be simply regarded as the long axis direction of the electronic device, the direction indicated by the arrow Y can be simply regarded as the short axis direction of the electronic device, and the direction indicated by the arrow Z can be simply regarded as the thickness direction of the electronic device. Generally, the size of the electronic device in the long axis direction is greater than its size in the short axis direction. Of course, in other embodiments, the size of the electronic device in the long axis direction and its size in the short axis direction can be the same, and the projection of the electronic device on the XY plane is a square. Further, in the folded form of the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 has a first length in the X direction, a first width in the Y direction, and a first thickness in the Z direction. In the semi-folded form of the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 has a second length in the X direction, a second width in the Y direction, and a second thickness in the Z direction. In the unfolded form of the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 has a third length in the X direction, a third width in the Y direction, and a third thickness in the Z direction. Among them, the first length < second length < third length, the first width = second width = third width, and the first thickness > second thickness > third thickness. It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, in the folded state of the electronic device 100 , the first housing 110 , the second housing 120 , and the third housing 130 are stacked in sequence in the Z direction.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, in the semi-folded state of the electronic device 100, the first housing 110 and the third housing 130 are respectively located on two adjacent sides of the second housing 120. For example, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 can be stacked in the Z direction, and the third housing 130 and the second housing 120 can be arranged side by side in the X direction. For another example, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 can be arranged side by side in the X direction, and the third housing 130 and the second housing 120 can be stacked in the Z direction.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100 , the first housing 110 , the second housing 120 , and the third housing 130 are sequentially arranged side by side in the X direction.

[0028] Furthermore, the electronic device 100 may further include a foldable screen 150, which changes shape synchronously when the shape of the electronic device 100 changes. The foldable screen 150 may include a first flat area 151, a second flat area 152, a third flat area 153, which are sequentially arranged at intervals, a first folding area 155 connected between the first flat area 151 and the second flat area 152, and a second folding area 156 connected between the second flat area 152 and the third flat area 153.

[0029] The first flat area 151 is disposed on the first housing 110 and can rotate synchronously with the first housing 110. The second flat area 152 is disposed on the second housing 120 and can rotate synchronously with the second housing 120. The third flat area 153 is disposed on the third housing 130 and can rotate synchronously with the third housing 130.

[0030] The first flat area 151, the second flat area 152 and the third flat area 153 generally maintain a flat shape. The first folding area 155 is in a bent shape when the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are folded, and the second folding area 156 is in a bent shape when the second shell 120 and the third shell 130 are folded. Among them, the first flat area 151, the second flat area 152, the third flat area 153, the first folding area 155, and the second folding area 156 constitute an integrated foldable screen 150 and are used to display pictures. The first flat area 151 and the second flat area 152 can be symmetrically structured relative to the first folding area 155, that is, the size, shape and other parameters of the first flat area 151 and the second flat area 152 on both sides of the first folding area 155 can be the same or similar. The third flattened area 153 and the second flattened area 152 may be symmetrically structured relative to the second folding area 156 , that is, the size, shape and other parameters of the third flattened area 153 and the second flattened area 152 on both sides of the second folding area 156 may be the same or similar.

[0031] Further, the electronic device 100 may further include a first rotation axis 161 and a second rotation axis 170. The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are connected by the first rotation axis 161, and the second housing 120 and the third housing 130 are connected by the second rotation axis 162. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the first flat area 151, the second flat area 152, the third flat area 153, the first folding area 155 and the second folding area 156 of the foldable screen 150 are located on the same side of the first rotation axis 161 and the second rotation axis 162. In the folded state of the electronic device 100, the first flat area 151, the second flat area 152 and the third flat area 153 are located between the first rotation axis 161 and the second rotation axis 162, the first folding area 155 is located on the side of the first rotation axis 161 close to the second rotation axis 162, and the second folding area 156 is located on the side of the second rotation axis 162 away from the first rotation axis 161.

[0032] In other words, the first shell 110, the second shell 120, the first flat area 151, the second flat area 152, the first folding area 155 and the first rotating shaft 161 can constitute an inner folding mechanism with an inner folding shape. The second shell 120, the third shell 130, the second flat area 152, the third flat area 153, the second folding area 156 and the second rotating shaft 162 can constitute an outer folding mechanism with an outer folding shape.

[0033] Combined with reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the electronic device 100 in the embodiment.

[0034] The first housing 110 has a first connection end 111 rotatably connected to the second housing 120, and a first free end 112 disposed opposite to the first connection end 111. The thickness of the first housing 110 (i.e., the dimension in the Z direction) gradually decreases in the direction from the first connection end 111 to the first free end 112. The first connection end 111 can be rotatably connected to the second housing 120 via a first rotating shaft 161.

[0035] The third housing 130 has a third connection end 131 rotatably connected to the second housing 120, and a third free end 132 disposed opposite to the third connection end 131. The thickness of the third housing 130 (i.e., the dimension in the Z direction) gradually decreases in the direction from the third connection end 131 to the third free end 132. The third connection end 131 can be rotatably connected to the second housing 120 via the second rotating shaft 162.

[0036] The second housing 120 has a first end 121 and a second end 122 that are oppositely disposed, a first rotating shaft 161 is disposed at the first end 121 of the second housing 120, and a second rotating shaft 162 is disposed at the second end 122 of the second housing 120. The first end 121 of the second housing 120 and the first connecting end 111 of the first housing 110 can be rotatably connected via the first rotating shaft 161. The third connecting end 131 of the third housing 130 and the second end 122 of the second housing 120 can be rotatably connected via the second rotating shaft 162.

[0037] In the folded state of the electronic device 100, the first connection end 111 of the first housing 110, the first end 121 of the second housing 120, and the third free end 132 of the third housing 130 are sequentially stacked in the Z direction; the first free end 112 of the first housing 110, the second end 122 of the second housing 120, and the third connection end 131 of the third housing 130 are sequentially stacked in the Z direction. The foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application, in the folded state of the electronic device, fully utilizes the folding space of the foldable screen, and forms an extremely light and thin three-fold whole machine shape by setting the first housing and the third housing of wedge-shaped unequal thickness.

[0038] In the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the first free end 112 of the first shell 110, the first connecting end 111 of the first shell 110, the first end 121 of the second shell 120, the second end 122 of the second shell 120, the third connecting end 131 of the third shell 130, and the third free end 132 of the third shell 130 are sequentially spaced in the X direction, so that the overall shape of the device is thin at both ends and thick in the middle, with a technological and fashionable texture.

[0039] Furthermore, if Figure 4 As shown, in the folded state of the electronic device 100, the first housing 110, the second housing 120, and the third housing 130 are stacked in sequence in the Z direction. In the stacking direction of the first housing 110, the second housing 120, and the third housing 130, i.e., the Z direction, the surface of the first housing 110 facing away from the second housing 120 is parallel to the surface of the third housing 130 facing away from the second housing 120, so that the sum of the thicknesses of the first housing 110, the second housing 120, and the third housing 130 in the Z direction remains unchanged in the direction from the first connection end 111 to the first free end 112 (i.e., the X direction).

[0040] The second shell 120 has a first surface 1201 and a second surface 1202 disposed opposite to each other. The first surface 1201 and the second surface 1202 are two end surfaces of the second shell 120 disposed opposite to each other in the Z direction. The distance between the first surface 1201 and the second surface 1202 defines the thickness dimension of the second shell 120 in the Z direction. The first shell 110 has a third surface 1101 and a fourth surface 1102 disposed opposite to each other. The third surface 1101 and the fourth surface 1102 are two end surfaces of the first shell 110 disposed opposite to each other in the Z direction. That is, the distance between the third surface 1101 and the fourth surface 1102 defines the thickness dimension of the first shell 110 in the Z direction. The third shell 130 has a fifth surface 1301 and a sixth surface 1302 disposed opposite to each other. The fifth surface 1301 and the sixth surface 1302 are two end surfaces of the third shell 130 disposed opposite to each other in the Z direction. The distance between the fifth surface 1301 and the sixth surface 1302 defines the thickness dimension of the third shell 130 in the Z direction.

[0041] In combination with the above, the thickness of the first housing 110 (i.e., the dimension in the Z direction) gradually decreases in the direction from the first connection end 111 to the first free end 112, that is, the spacing between the third surface 1101 and the fourth surface 1102 gradually decreases in the direction from the first connection end 111 to the first free end 112. The thickness of the third housing 130 (i.e., the dimension in the Z direction) gradually decreases in the direction from the third connection end 131 to the third free end 132, that is, the spacing between the fifth surface 1301 and the sixth surface 1302 gradually decreases in the direction from the third connection end 131 to the third free end 132.

[0042] In the folded state of the electronic device 100, the first housing 110 is located on the side of the first surface 1201 away from the second surface 1202, that is, the third surface 1101 is the end surface of the first housing 110 away from the second housing 120; the third housing 130 is located on the side of the second surface 1202 away from the first surface 1201, that is, the sixth surface 1302 is the end surface of the third housing 130 away from the second housing 120. The third surface 1101 is parallel to the sixth surface 1302. As a result, the first connection end 111, the first end 121, and the third free end 132 are sequentially stacked in the Z direction, and the first free end 112, the second end 122, and the third connection end 131 are sequentially stacked in the Z direction. In addition, the thickness of the first housing 110 and the third housing 130 in the folded state has opposite changing trends in the same direction, so that the electronic device 100 can be extremely light and thin in the folded state.

[0043] In the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the fourth surface 1102 of the first housing 110 and the sixth surface 1302 of the third housing 130 are located on opposite sides of the first surface 1201 of the second housing 110, and the third surface 1101 of the first housing 110 and the fifth surface 1301 of the third housing 130 are located on opposite sides of the second surface 1202 of the second housing 110. The electronic device 100 in the unfolded state is thin at both ends and thick in the middle, so that the electronic device 100 in the unfolded state has a technological and fashionable texture.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first surface 1201 and the second surface 1202 of the second shell 120 are arranged in parallel, that is, the second shell 120 is a structure of equal thickness. In other words, the distance between the first surface 1201 and the second surface 1202 remains constant in the X direction and / or the Y direction.

[0045] Among them, in the folded form of the electronic device 100, the end surface of the first shell 110 close to the second shell 120, that is, the fourth surface 1102, is parallel to the first surface 1201, and the end surface of the third shell 130 close to the second shell 120, that is, the fifth surface 1301, is parallel to the second surface 1202. Further, based on the parallelism of the third surface 1101 and the sixth surface 1302, that is, the spacing between the third surface 1101 and the sixth surface 1302 remains unchanged in the X direction and / or the Y direction, that is, a constant value, the electronic device 100 can be extremely light and thin in the folded form while maintaining the consistency of appearance. In addition, based on the gradual thickness of the first shell 110 and the third shell 130, the angle between the third surface 1101 and the fourth surface 1102 is an acute angle, and the angle between the fifth surface 1301 and the sixth surface 1302 is an acute angle.

[0046] Optionally, in the folded state of the electronic device 100, the surface of the first housing 110 facing away from the second housing 120, that is, the plane where the third surface 1101 is located, is a horizontal plane, the fourth surface 1102 is tilted relative to the third surface 1101, and the first surface 1201 and the second surface 1202 are both tilted relative to the third surface 1101, so that the second housing 120 is tilted relative to the horizontal plane in the folded state of the electronic device 100. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the second housing 120 is a parallelogram, and its cross section is parallel to the XZ plane.

[0047] Optionally, in the folded state of the electronic device 100, the surface of the third housing 130 facing away from the second housing 120, that is, the plane where the sixth surface 1302 is located, is a horizontal plane, the fifth surface 1301 is tilted relative to the sixth surface 1302, and the first surface 1201 and the second surface 1202 are both tilted relative to the sixth surface 1302, so that the second housing 120 is tilted relative to the horizontal plane in the folded state of the electronic device 100. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the second housing 120 is a parallelogram, and its cross section is parallel to the XZ plane.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, in the folded state of the electronic device 100, the third surface 1101 is parallel to the sixth surface 1302, and the first surface 1201, the second surface 1202, the fourth surface 1102, and the fifth surface 1301 are parallel, that is, the angle between the third surface 1101 and the fourth surface 1102 is the same as the angle between the fifth surface 1301 and the sixth surface 1302. Of course, in other embodiments, the angle between the third surface 1101 and the fourth surface 1102 and the angle between the fifth surface 1301 and the sixth surface 1302 may be the same or different.

[0049] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device 100 in some other embodiments of the present application, Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device 100 in other embodiments of the present application.

[0050] Among them, Figure 5 In , the angle between the third surface 1101 and the fourth surface 1102 is the same as the angle between the fifth surface 1301 and the sixth surface 1302. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the angle between the third surface 1101 and the fourth surface 1102 and the angle between the fifth surface 1301 and the sixth surface 1302 may be the same or different.

[0051] like Figure 5As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the second housing 120 is a rectangle, and its cross-sectional shape is parallel to the XZ plane. At this time, in the folded form of the electronic device 100, the plane where the first surface 1201 or the second surface 1202 of the second housing 120 is located is a horizontal plane. The first surface 1201, the second surface 1202, the fourth surface 1102 and the fifth surface 1301 are parallel, and the third surface 1101 is parallel to the sixth surface 1302. Among them, the third surface 1101 is tilted relative to the fourth surface 1102, that is, the angle between the third surface 1101 and the fourth surface 1102 is an acute angle; the sixth surface 1302 is tilted relative to the fifth surface 1301, that is, the angle between the fifth surface 1301 and the sixth surface 1302 is an acute angle.

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the second housing 120 is a trapezoid, and its cross-sectional shape is parallel to the XZ plane. At this time, in the folded form of the electronic device 100, the third surface 1101 is parallel to the sixth surface 1302, that is, the plane where the third surface 1101 or the sixth surface 1302 is located can be defined as a horizontal plane. Further, the third surface 1101 is tilted relative to the fourth surface 1102, that is, the angle between the third surface 1101 and the fourth surface 1102 is an acute angle; the sixth surface 1302 is tilted relative to the fifth surface 1301, that is, the angle between the fifth surface 1301 and the sixth surface 1302 is an acute angle. The first surface 1201 and the second surface 1202 of the second housing 120 are not parallel, and the plane where they are located is a horizontal plane. The first surface 1201 is parallel to the fourth surface 1102, and the second surface 1202 is parallel to the fifth surface 1301. Among them, the angle between the third surface 1101 and the fourth surface 1102 and the angle between the fifth surface 1301 and the sixth surface 1302 can be the same or different. When the angle between the third surface 1101 and the fourth surface 1102 is the same as the angle between the fifth surface 1301 and the sixth surface 1302, the cross-sectional shape of the second shell 120 is an isosceles trapezoid; when the angle between the third surface 1101 and the fourth surface 1102 is different from the angle between the fifth surface 1301 and the sixth surface 1302, the cross-sectional shape of the second shell 120 is a non-isosceles trapezoid.

[0053] It should be noted that Figure 5 and Figure 6 For the technical features of the electronic device 100 that are not fully described in detail, please refer to the description in the aforementioned embodiment. To avoid redundancy, they will not be repeated here.

[0054] See also Figures 7 to 9 , Figure 7 is a partial structural diagram of the folded form of the electronic device 100 in some embodiments of the present application, Figure 8 yes Figure 7A schematic diagram of a part of the structure of the electronic device 100 in a semi-folded state in the embodiment, Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a part of the structure of the electronic device 100 in the embodiment in an expanded form. Figures 7 to 9 Schematically shows a first housing 110 , a second housing 120 and a third housing 130 of the electronic device 100 .

[0055] The first housing 110 has a first carrying surface 1100, the second housing 120 has a second carrying surface 1200, and the third housing 130 has a third carrying surface 1300. The first carrying surface 1100, the second carrying surface 1200, and the third carrying surface 1300 are configured to carry the foldable screen 150 of the electronic device 100 together.

[0056] Specifically, the first bearing surface 1100 is configured to bear the first flat area 151, the second bearing surface 1200 is configured to bear the second flat area 152, and the third bearing surface 1300 is configured to bear the third flat area 153. In the folded state of the electronic device 100, the first bearing surface 1100 is located on the surface of the first housing 110 close to the first surface 1201, that is, the first bearing surface 1100 is formed on the fourth surface 1102; the second bearing surface 1200 is formed on the first surface 1201; the third bearing surface 1300 is located on the surface of the third housing 130 away from the second surface 1202, that is, the third bearing surface 1300 is formed on the sixth surface 1302. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the first bearing surface 1100, the second bearing surface 1200 and the third bearing surface 1300 are coplanar, so that the foldable screen 150 can present an ultra-large screen display state.

[0057] Further, in the folded form of the electronic device 100, the third flat area 153 carried by the third bearing surface 1300 is exposed and can be used for display, so that the electronic device 100 can meet the display requirements in a small volume. In the semi-folded form of the electronic device 100, when the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are stacked in the Z direction and the third shell 130 and the second shell 120 are arranged side by side in the X direction, the third flat area 153 carried by the third bearing surface 1300 is exposed and can be used for display; when the first shell 110 and the second shell 120 are arranged side by side in the X direction and the third shell 130 and the second shell 120 are stacked in the Z direction, the third flat area 153 carried by the third bearing surface 1300, the first flat area 151 carried by the first shell 110, and the normal second flat area 152 of the second shell 120 are all exposed and can be used for display, and at this time, the front and back sides of the electronic device 100 can realize the display function respectively.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first housing 110 may include a first side plate 113 and a second side plate 114 that are arranged oppositely and spaced apart, and a first bottom plate 115 that is arranged between the first side plate 113 and the second side plate 114, and the first side plate 113 and the second side plate 114 are arranged on the same side of the first bottom plate 115. In other words, the first side plate 113 and the second side plate 114 are arranged on two opposite edges of the first bottom plate 115, so that the first side plate 113, the second side plate 114 and the first bottom plate 115 can be surrounded to form a first receiving groove for receiving the first flat area 151. In the folded form of the electronic device 100, the first side plate 113 and the second side plate 114 can be respectively abutted against the first surface 1201 of the second housing 120, and the surface of the first bottom plate 115 close to the first surface 1201 is used to form a first bearing surface 1100 for bearing the first flat area 151.

[0059] In other words, the first side plate 113 and the second side plate 114 may be plates convexly disposed on one side of the first bottom plate 115, the surface of the first bottom plate 115 away from the first side plate 113 and the second side plate 114 is the third surface 1101 of the first shell 110, and the surface of the first side plate 113 and the second side plate 114 away from the first bottom plate 115 is the fourth surface 1102 of the first shell 110, that is, the surface of the first side plate 113 away from the first bottom plate 115 and the surface of the second side plate 114 away from the first bottom plate 115 are coplanar. The first bottom plate 115 may be a plate with uniform thickness.

[0060] The distance between the end surface of the first side plate 113 facing away from the first bearing surface 1100 and the first bearing surface 1100 gradually decreases in the direction from the first connecting end 111 to the first free end 112, and the distance between the end surface of the second side plate 114 facing away from the first bearing surface 1100 and the first bearing surface 1100 gradually decreases in the direction from the first connecting end 111 to the first free end 112, so that the fourth surface 1102 is inclined relative to the third surface 1101.

[0061] In one embodiment, the second housing 120 may include a third side plate 123 and a fourth side plate 124 that are arranged oppositely and spaced apart, and a second bottom plate 125 that is arranged between the third side plate 123 and the fourth side plate 124, and the third side plate 123 and the fourth side plate 124 are arranged on the same side of the second bottom plate 125. In other words, the third side plate 123 and the fourth side plate 124 are arranged on two opposite edges of the second bottom plate 125, so that the third side plate 123, the fourth side plate 124 and the second bottom plate 125 can be surrounded to form a second receiving groove for receiving the second flat area 152. In the folded state of the electronic device 100, the third side plate 123 and the fourth side plate 124 are respectively abutted against the first surface 1201 of the second housing 120, and the surface of the second bottom plate 125 close to the first surface 1201 of the first housing 110 is used to form a second bearing surface 1200 for bearing the second flat area 152.

[0062] Further, the third side plate 123 and the fourth side plate 124 may be plates convexly arranged on one side of the second bottom plate 125, the surface of the second bottom plate 125 away from the third side plate 123 and the fourth side plate 124 is the second surface 1202 of the second shell 120, and the surface of the third side plate 123 and the fourth side plate 124 away from the second bottom plate 125 is the first surface 1201 of the second shell 120, that is, the surface of the third side plate 123 away from the second bottom plate 125 and the surface of the fourth side plate 124 away from the second bottom plate 125 are coplanar. Among them, the second bottom plate 125 may be a plate with a gradually changing thickness, and the second surface 1202 is parallel to the first surface 1201. In the folded state, the third side plate 123 abuts against the first side plate 113, and the fourth side wall 122 abuts against the second side plate 114.

[0063] When the electronic device 100 is in the folded form, the distance between the end surface of the third side panel 123 facing away from the second bearing surface 1200 and the second bearing surface 1200 gradually decreases in the direction from the first connecting end 111 to the first free end 112, and the distance between the end surface of the fourth side panel 124 facing away from the second bearing surface 1200 and the second bearing surface 1200 gradually decreases in the direction from the first connecting end 111 to the first free end 112, and the second bearing surface 1200 is inclined relative to the first surface 1201 so that the second surface 1202 is parallel to the first surface 1201.

[0064] As mentioned above, the second housing 120 has a first end 121 and a second end 122 that are arranged opposite to each other, the distance between the end surface of the third side plate 123 that is away from the second bearing surface 1200 and the second bearing surface 1200 gradually decreases in the direction from the first end 121 to the second end 122, the distance between the end surface of the fourth side plate 124 that is away from the second bearing surface 1200 and the second bearing surface 1200 gradually decreases in the direction from the first end 121 to the second end 122, and the second bearing surface 1200 is arranged obliquely relative to the first surface 1201 so that the second surface 1202 is parallel to the first surface 1201. In other words, in the Z direction, the thickness of the second bottom plate 125 gradually increases in the direction from the first end 121 to the second end 122 to form the second bearing surface 1200 that is arranged obliquely relative to the first surface 1201 / the second surface 1202, and then in the unfolded form of the electronic device 100, the second bearing surface 1200 can be coplanar with the first bearing surface 1100.

[0065] In one embodiment, the third housing 130 may include a third plate 133 with a gradually changing thickness, that is, the thickness of the third plate 133 gradually decreases in the direction from the third connection end 131 to the third free end 132. In the folded state of the electronic device 100, the third bottom plate 133 abuts against the second bottom plate 125, and the surface of the third bottom plate 133 facing away from the second bottom plate 122 is used to form a third bearing surface 1300 for bearing the third flat area 153.

[0066] Furthermore, the two opposite sides of the third bottom plate 133 are respectively a fifth surface 1301 and a sixth surface 1302, and the sixth surface 1302 is configured to form a third bearing surface 1300. When the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the sixth surface 1302 is located on the side of the fifth surface 1301 away from the second bottom plate 125; when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the sixth surface 1302 is coplanar with the second bearing surface 1200.

[0067] It should be noted that Figures 7 to 9 For the technical features of the electronic device 100 that are not fully described in detail, please refer to the description in the aforementioned embodiment. To avoid redundancy, they will not be repeated here.

[0068] See again Figures 1 to 3The first shell 110 may be provided with a first light-transmitting portion 101, which is formed on the surface of the first shell 110 away from the second shell 120, that is, the third surface 1101, for obtaining external light. The third shell 130 may be provided with a second light-transmitting portion 102, which is formed on the surface of the third shell 130 away from the second shell 120, that is, the sixth surface 1302, for obtaining external light. As mentioned above, in the folded form of the electronic device 100, the third surface 1101 of the first shell 110 is the end surface of the first shell 110 away from the second shell 120, and the sixth surface 1302 of the third shell 130 is the end surface of the third shell 130 away from the second shell 120.

[0069] When the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, external light on opposite sides of the electronic device 100 can be collected by the first light-transmitting portion 101 and the second light-transmitting portion 102, respectively, to be transmitted to the camera inside the electronic device 100. The external light passing through the first light-transmitting portion 101 can be transmitted to the rear camera of the electronic device 100, and the external light passing through the second light-transmitting portion 102 can be transmitted to the front camera of the electronic device 100.

[0070] It can be understood that the relevant technical features of the front camera and the rear camera of the electronic device 100 are within the scope of understanding of those skilled in the art, so they will not be elaborated herein.

[0071] The foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application is provided with a first shell and a third shell with gradually varying thicknesses, and in the folded state, the surface of the first shell facing away from the second shell and the surface of the third shell facing away from the second shell are arranged in parallel, so that in the folded state of the electronic device, not only the thickness of the entire electronic device can be uniform, but also an extremely light and thin three-fold shape of the entire device can be achieved. In addition, in the semi-folded state of the electronic device, one of the first shell and the third shell is stacked with the second shell, and the other is side by side with the second shell, so that the entire device presents a shape with one side thick and the other side thin, so that it is easier to hold the electronic device in hand and can be held more stably. In the unfolded state of the electronic device, the first shell, the second shell, and the third shell are arranged in sequence, and the electronic device has a shape that is thick in the middle and thin at both ends, with a technological and fashionable appearance.

[0072] In addition, the present application also provides a mobile terminal device, see Fig.10 , Fig.10It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mobile terminal device 900 in other embodiments of the present application. The mobile terminal device 900 may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer or a wearable device, etc. The embodiment of the present application is illustrated with a mobile phone as an example. The structure of the mobile terminal device 900 may include an RF circuit 910, a memory 920, an input unit 930, a display unit 940 (i.e., the foldable screen 150 in the above embodiment), a sensor 950, an audio circuit 960, a wifi module 970, a processor 980, a power supply 990, etc. Among them, the RF circuit 910, the memory 920, the input unit 930, the display unit 940, the sensor 950, the audio circuit 960 and the wifi module 970 are respectively connected to the processor 980; the power supply 990 is used to provide power to the entire mobile terminal device 900.

[0073] Specifically, the RF circuit 910 is used to receive and send signals; the memory 920 is used to store data instruction information; the input unit 930 is used to input information, which may specifically include a touch panel 931 and other input devices 932 such as operation buttons; the display unit 940 may include a display panel 941 (i.e., the foldable screen 150 in the above embodiment); the sensor 950 includes an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, a pressure sensor and a position sensor in the above embodiment, etc., for detecting user approach signals, distance signals, pressure signals and position signals; the speaker 961 and the microphone (or microphone) 962 are connected to the processor 980 through the audio circuit 960 for receiving and sending sound signals; the wifi module 970 is used to receive and transmit wifi signals, and the processor 980 is used to process data information of the mobile terminal device. It can be understood that the technical features not fully described in this embodiment can refer to the specific description in the above embodiment, so this embodiment will not be repeated.

[0074] It should be noted that the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0075] The above descriptions are only some embodiments of the present application, and do not limit the protection scope of the present application. Any equivalent device or equivalent process transformation made using the contents of the present application specification and drawings, or directly or indirectly used in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises: A first shell, a second shell and a third shell; the first shell and the third shell are rotatably connected to opposite ends of the second shell, respectively, so that the electronic device can be switched between a folded state, a semi-folded state and an unfolded state; Wherein, the first shell has a first connection end rotatably connected to the second shell, and a first free end arranged opposite to the first connection end; the thickness of the first shell gradually decreases in the direction from the first connection end to the first free end; The third shell has a third connecting end rotatably connected to the second shell, and a third free end arranged opposite to the third connecting end; the thickness of the third shell gradually decreases in the direction from the third connecting end to the third free end; When the electronic device is in a folded form, the first shell, the second shell and the third shell are stacked in sequence; in the stacking direction of the first shell, the second shell and the third shell, the surface of the first shell facing away from the second shell is parallel to the surface of the third shell facing away from the second shell.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second shell has a first surface and a second surface that are disposed opposite to each other, and the first surface and the second surface are disposed in parallel; In which, in the folded form, the first shell is located on the side of the first surface facing away from the second surface, and the surface of the first shell close to the second shell is parallel to the first surface; the third shell is located on the side of the second surface facing away from the first surface, and the surface of the third shell close to the second shell is parallel to the second surface.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the folded state, the plane where the surface of the first shell facing away from the second shell is located is a horizontal plane, and the second shell is arranged inclined relative to the horizontal plane; and / or, In the folded state, the plane where the surface of the third shell facing away from the second shell is located is a horizontal plane, and the second shell is arranged inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

4. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first housing has a first bearing surface, the second housing has a second bearing surface, and the third housing has a third bearing surface, and the first bearing surface, the second bearing surface, and the third bearing surface are configured to jointly bear a foldable screen of the electronic device; Among them, in the folded form, the first bearing surface is located on the surface of the first shell close to the first surface, the second bearing surface is formed on the first surface, and the third bearing surface is located on the surface of the third shell away from the second surface; in the unfolded form, the first bearing surface, the second bearing surface, and the third bearing surface are coplanar.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first shell includes a first side panel and a second side panel arranged at an interval, and a first bottom panel arranged between the first side panel and the second side panel, and the first side panel and the second side panel are arranged on the same side of the first bottom panel; wherein, in the folded form, the first side panel and the second side panel are respectively abutted against the first surface of the second shell; the surface of the first bottom panel close to the first surface is used to form the first bearing surface.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The distance between the end surface of the first side plate facing away from the first bearing surface and the first bearing surface gradually decreases in the direction from the first connecting end to the first free end; the distance between the end surface of the second side plate facing away from the first bearing surface and the first bearing surface gradually decreases in the direction from the first connecting end to the first free end.

7. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second shell includes a third side panel and a fourth side panel that are spaced apart, and a second bottom panel that is disposed between the third side panel and the fourth side panel, and the third side panel and the fourth side panel are disposed on the same side of the second bottom panel; wherein, in the folded form, the third side panel abuts against the first side panel, and the fourth side panel abuts against the second side panel; and the surface of the second bottom panel close to the first shell is used to form the second bearing surface.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second housing has a first end and a second end that are oppositely disposed, the first end is rotatably connected to the first connecting end, and the second end is rotatably connected to the third connecting end; The distance between the end surface of the third side plate facing away from the second bearing surface and the second bearing surface gradually decreases in the direction from the first end to the second end; the distance between the end surface of the fourth side plate facing away from the second bearing surface and the second bearing surface gradually decreases in the direction from the first end to the second end.

9. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The third shell includes a third bottom plate with a gradually changing thickness, and the thickness of the third bottom plate gradually decreases in the direction from the third connecting end to the third free end; wherein, in the folded form, the third bottom plate abuts against the second bottom plate, and the surface of the third bottom plate facing away from the second bottom plate is used to form the third bearing surface.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first shell is provided with a first light-transmitting portion, which is formed on a surface of the first shell facing away from the second shell; the third shell is provided with a second light-transmitting portion, which is formed on a surface of the third shell facing away from the second shell.

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