Protective assembly, shell device and foldable electronic equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a protection assembly, a shell device and foldable electronic equipment. The protection assembly comprises a telescopic unit, a connecting piece, an elastic protection piece and a driving unit. The telescopic unit can be installed on a base frame assembly of the hinge mechanism, and the telescopic unit comprises a telescopic part which can do telescopic motion relative to the base frame assembly. The connecting piece is fixedly arranged on the telescopic part. The elastic protection piece comprises a buffer body. The elastic protection piece is connected with the connecting piece, so that the buffer body protrudes out of the base frame assembly in the first direction, and a first gap is formed between the buffer body and the base frame assembly. The driving unit can drive the telescopic unit so that the telescopic part can drive the buffer body to move in the direction close to the base frame assembly or away from the base frame assembly. The protection assembly and the shell device can effectively protect the flexible display screen, and in the unfolded state, the gap can be reduced, and the appearance delicacy of the foldable electronic equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablet computers have become essential technological products in people's lives, studies, and entertainments. Currently, after the flexible display screen of a foldable electronic device is folded in half, it is convenient to carry. And when the flexible display screen is unfolded, it has a larger display area, making the foldable electronic device more and more popular among consumers.

[0003] In the related art, a foldable electronic device usually uses a hinge mechanism to drive the housing assembly to rotate to realize the unfolding or folding in half of the flexible display screen. And in order to avoid the hinge mechanism, a traditional housing assembly is provided with an avoidance groove at the edge of the flexible display screen. This will cause the flexible display screen in the avoidance groove area to have no protection, and it is easy to have local black screens or damage, which is not conducive to improving the reliability of the foldable electronic device. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The present disclosure provides a protection component, a housing device, and a foldable electronic device. The protection component and the housing device can effectively protect the flexible display screen, and in the unfolded state, can reduce the gap and improve the appearance refinement of the foldable electronic device.

[0005] The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] According to the first aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a protection component is provided, including a telescopic unit, a connecting member, an elastic protection member, and a driving unit. The telescopic unit can be installed on the base frame assembly of the hinge mechanism. The telescopic unit includes a telescopic portion that can telescopically move relative to the base frame assembly. The connecting member is fixedly arranged on the telescopic portion. The elastic protection member includes a buffer body. The elastic protection member is connected to the connecting member so that the buffer body protrudes from the base frame assembly along a first direction and has a first gap with the base frame assembly. The driving unit can drive the telescopic unit so that the telescopic portion can drive the buffer body to move towards or away from the base frame assembly.

[0007] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following beneficial effects:

[0008] When the protection component is applied to the housing device, the telescopic unit can be installed on the base component of the hinge mechanism, the buffer body can be arranged between two first side parts, and the rotating component can drive the housing body to move relative to the base component along with the rotating component, so as to realize the unfolding or folding of the housing body. When the housing device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state, the driving unit can drive the telescopic unit, so that the telescopic part can drive the buffer body to move away from the base component, so as to form a larger first gap to form the space required for the deformation of the flexible display screen. When the housing device is in the unfolded state, the telescopic part can drive the buffer body to move towards the base component, thereby reducing the first gap, and effectively improving the appearance delicacy of the foldable electronic device. When the housing device is in the unfolded state, at least part of the buffer body is arranged between two housing bodies to cover the avoidance groove and can be used to protect the flexible display screen. In this way, the protection component can effectively protect the flexible display screen, and in the unfolded state, the gap can be reduced to improve the appearance delicacy of the foldable electronic device.

[0009] The technical solutions of the present disclosure will be further described below:

[0010] In one embodiment, the telescopic unit includes a shape memory alloy, at least part of the shape memory alloy forms a telescopic part, and the telescopic part can reset to the initial state. When the driving unit is disconnected from the shape memory alloy, the telescopic part is in the initial state, so that the buffer body is arranged close to the base component. When the driving unit drives the shape memory alloy, the shape memory alloy can deform to drive the telescopic part to drive the buffer body to be arranged away from the base component.

[0011] In one embodiment, the shape memory alloy is a temperature-induced shape memory alloy; when the driving unit drives the shape memory alloy, the driving unit can supply power to the shape memory alloy to make the shape memory alloy deform.

[0012] In one embodiment, the shape memory alloy is a magnetic shape memory alloy; when the driving unit drives the shape memory alloy, the driving unit can generate a magnetic field to make the shape memory alloy deform.

[0013] In one embodiment, the telescopic part is nested and matched with the connecting piece.

[0014] In one embodiment, one of the telescopic part and the connecting piece is provided with a convex body, and the other is provided with a first connection hole nested and matched with the convex body.

[0015] In one embodiment, the connecting piece includes a first connecting body fixedly connected with the telescopic part and a second connecting body connected with the first connecting body, and the second connecting body is fixedly connected with the buffer body.

[0016] In one embodiment, one end of the second connecting body is fixedly connected with the first connecting body, and the other end of the second connecting body is nested and fixed with the buffer body.

[0017] In one embodiment, a connecting convex portion is provided at the other end of the second connecting body, and the connecting convex portion is embedded in the buffer body.

[0018] In one embodiment, the connecting convex portion is provided with at least one second connecting hole, and a part of the buffer body is embedded in the second connecting hole.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is also provided a housing device, including a hinge mechanism, a housing assembly, and a protection assembly. The hinge mechanism includes a base frame assembly and a rotating assembly rotatably disposed on the base frame assembly. The rotating assembly includes two groups and is spaced apart on both sides of the base frame assembly. The housing assembly includes two housing bodies corresponding to the rotating assembly one by one. The two housing bodies are spaced apart on both sides of the base frame assembly, and the housing body is in transmission connection with the corresponding rotating assembly and rotates relative to the base frame assembly with the rotating assembly, so that the housing device has an unfolded state and a folded state. The housing body includes a first side portion for fixing the edge of the flexible display screen, and the first side portion is provided with an avoidance groove for avoiding the base frame assembly. The telescopic unit is installed on the base frame assembly, so that the elastic buffer member is disposed between the two first side portions, and the buffer body covers the avoidance groove. When the housing device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state, the driving unit can drive the telescopic unit, so that the telescopic portion can drive the buffer body to move away from the base frame assembly. When the housing device is in the unfolded state, the telescopic portion can drive the buffer body to move toward the base frame assembly.

[0020] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following beneficial effects:

[0021] When the housing device is in use, the telescopic unit is installed on the base frame assembly, so that the elastic buffer member is disposed between the two first side portions, and the buffer body covers the avoidance groove. Rotating the rotating assembly can drive the housing body to move relative to the base frame assembly with the rotating assembly, realizing the unfolding or folding of the housing body. When the housing device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state, the driving unit can drive the telescopic unit, so that the telescopic portion can drive the buffer body to move away from the base frame assembly to form a larger first gap to form the space required for the deformation of the flexible display screen. When the housing device is in the unfolded state, the telescopic portion can drive the buffer body to move toward the base frame assembly, thereby reducing the first gap, which can effectively improve the appearance fineness of the foldable electronic device. When the housing device is in the unfolded state, at least a part of the buffer body is disposed between the two housing bodies to cover the avoidance groove and can be used to protect the flexible display screen. Thus, the protection assembly can effectively protect the flexible display screen, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the foldable electronic device.

[0022] The technical solutions of the present disclosure will be further described below:

[0023] In one embodiment, when the housing device is in the unfolded state, at least a part of the buffer body bends away from the connecting member to form a protective space for protecting the flexible display screen.

[0024] In one embodiment, a part of the connecting member is fixedly connected to the end of the base frame assembly through a telescopic unit, and another part of the connecting member avoids the edge of the flexible display screen and is fixedly connected to the buffer body, so that when the housing device is in the unfolded state, the buffer body is disposed above the flexible display screen.

[0025] In one embodiment, when the housing device is in the unfolded state, at least a part of the buffer body is suspended above the base frame assembly to protect the flexible display screen;

[0026] And / or, the material of the elastic protective member is TPU;

[0027] And / or, along the thickness direction of the flexible display screen, the distance L1 between the buffer body and the bending portion of the flexible display screen satisfies 0.2mm ≤ L1 < 0.6mm; when the housing device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state, the telescopic portion can drive the buffer body to move away from the base frame assembly to increase L1.

[0028] According to the third aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is also provided a foldable electronic device, including a flexible display screen, a control device, and a housing device. The flexible display screen covers the housing device, and the flexible display screen includes a first edge. A part of the first edge is fixedly connected to the first side portion, and a part of the first edge is clamped between the base frame assembly and the buffer body. The control device is electrically connected to the driving unit.

[0029] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following beneficial effects:

[0030] When the foldable electronic device is in use, rotating the rotating component can drive the housing body to move relative to the base frame component along with the rotating component, and the flexible display screen covers the housing device, thereby being able to drive the flexible display screen to unfold or fold in half. During this process, a part of the first edge is fixedly connected to the first side portion, and a part of the first edge is clamped between the base frame component and the buffer body. Furthermore, the elastic protection member can cooperate with the first side portion of the housing body to effectively protect the first edge. The control device is electrically connected to the driving unit, so that during the process of the housing device rotating from the folded state to the unfolded state, the driving unit can drive the telescopic unit, so that the telescopic portion can drive the buffer body to move away from the base frame component to form a larger first gap to create the space required for the deformation of the flexible display screen. When the housing device is in the unfolded state, the telescopic portion can drive the buffer body to move towards the base frame component, thereby reducing the first gap, which can effectively improve the appearance fineness of the foldable electronic device. When the housing device is in the unfolded state, at least a part of the buffer body is arranged between the two housing bodies to cover the avoidance groove and can be used to protect the flexible display screen. In this way, the protection component can effectively protect the flexible display screen, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the foldable electronic device. Moreover, in the unfolded state, the gap can be reduced to improve the appearance fineness of the foldable electronic device.

[0031] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present disclosure. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] The drawings forming a part of the present disclosure are used to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure. The schematic embodiments and descriptions thereof of the present disclosure are used to explain the present disclosure and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present disclosure.

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0034] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device shown in an embodiment (the foldable device is in the folded state).

[0035] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the foldable electronic device shown in the unfolded state.

[0036] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a partial enlarged schematic diagram of the A area shown.

[0037] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a side view schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device shown

[0038] Figure 5 is a side view schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device shown in another embodiment

[0039] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a schematic diagram after deleting the elastic protection member from the structure shown

[0040] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a top view schematic diagram of the structure shown

[0041] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the foldable electronic device shown in an embodiment

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0043] 10. Foldable electronic device; 11. Processing component; 12. Memory; 13. Power supply component; 14. Multimedia component; 15. Audio component; 16. Input / output interface; 17. Sensor component; 18. Communication component; 10a. Control device; 100. Flexible display screen; 110. First edge; 120. Bending part; 200. Hinge device; 210. Base frame component; 220. Rotating component; 201. Accommodating space; 300. Housing component; 310. Housing body; 311. First side part; 301. Avoidance groove; 400. Protection component; 410. Connecting piece; 411. First connecting body; 412. Second connecting body; 403. Convex body; 404. Connecting convex part; 405. Second connecting hole; 420. Elastic protection member; 421. Buffer body; 401. Protection space; 430. Telescopic unit; 431. Telescopic part; 402. First connecting hole; 440. Driving unit Detailed implementation manners

[0044] To make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure clearer and more understandable, the present disclosure will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation manners. It should be understood that the specific implementation manners described herein are only used to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the protection scope of the present disclosure

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs. The terms used in the specification of the present disclosure herein are only for the purpose of describing specific implementation manners and are not intended to limit the present disclosure

[0046] Electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablet computers have become essential technological products in people's lives, study, and entertainment, bringing a lot of convenience and fun to people's lives. With the development of the diversification of the functions of electronic devices, there are a wide variety of electronic devices and brands, making there are many electronic devices available for consumers to choose from. Just improving the functional characteristics of electronic devices cannot meet people's requirements for electronic devices.

[0047] As the application of flexible display screens becomes more and more mature, their applications on electronic devices are becoming more and more extensive. For foldable electronic devices using flexible display screens, the flexible display screens can be folded for easy carrying. And after the flexible display screens are unfolded, they have a larger display area, and thus are increasingly favored by consumers. Among foldable electronic devices with similar display sizes and performance, the lighter the foldable electronic device is, the better the holding feel is, and thus the more attractive it is for consumers to purchase.

[0048] In related technologies, in order to avoid the hinge mechanism, traditional housing components will set avoidance grooves at the edges of flexible display screens. This will result in the flexible display screens in the avoidance groove area having no protection, being prone to local black screens or damage, which is not conducive to improving the reliability of foldable electronic devices.

[0049] Based on this, the present disclosure provides a protection component. The housing device can drive the flexible display screen to fold and can effectively protect the flexible display screen, which is conducive to improving the reliability of foldable electronic devices. Moreover, in the unfolded state of the housing device, the gap can be actively reduced, improving the appearance refinement of the foldable electronic device.

[0050] To better understand the housing device of the present disclosure, it is described through a foldable electronic device applying the housing device.

[0051] As Figures 1 to 2 shown, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device 10 is provided, including a flexible display screen 100, a housing device, and a control component 10a, and the flexible display screen 100 covers the housing device.

[0052] As Figures 1 to 3As shown, the housing device includes a hinge mechanism, a housing assembly 300 and a protective assembly 400. The hinge mechanism includes a base assembly 210 and a rotating assembly 220 rotatably disposed on the base assembly 210. The rotating assembly 220 includes two groups and is spaced apart on both sides of the base assembly 210. The housing assembly 300 includes two shell bodies 310 corresponding to the rotating assembly 220. The two shell bodies 310 are spaced apart on both sides of the base assembly 210. The shell bodies 310 are transmission-connected with the corresponding rotating assembly 220 and rotate with the rotating assembly 220 relative to the base assembly 210 so that the housing device has an unfolded state and a folded state. The shell body 310 includes a first side portion 311 for fixing the edge of the flexible display screen 100. The first side portion 311 is provided with an avoidance groove 301 for avoiding the base assembly 210.

[0053] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the protective assembly 400 includes a connecting member 410, an elastic protective member 420, a telescopic unit 430 and a driving unit 440. The telescopic unit 430 includes a telescopic portion 431 that can telescopically move relative to the base assembly 210. The connecting member 410 is fixed to the telescopic portion 431. The elastic protective member 420 includes a buffer body 421. The elastic protective member 420 is connected to the connecting member 410. The driving unit 440 can drive the telescopic unit 430 so that the telescopic portion 431 can drive the buffer body 421 to move toward or away from the base assembly 210. The telescopic unit 430 is installed on the base assembly 210 so that the elastic buffer is arranged between the two first side portions 311 and the buffer body 421 covers the avoidance groove 301. When the shell device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state, the driving unit 440 can drive the telescopic unit 430 so that the telescopic portion 431 can drive the buffer body 421 to move away from the base assembly 210. When the housing device is in the unfolded state, the telescopic portion 431 can drive the buffer body 421 to move toward the base assembly 210. The base assembly 210 has a first gap control device 10a that is in communication with the drive unit 440. In this way, the drive unit 440 is controlled by the control device 10a to adjust the first gap (such as Figure 5 The size of H1) is shown.

[0054] The flexible display screen 100 includes a first edge 110, a portion of which is fixedly connected to the first side portion 311, and a portion of the first edge 110 is sandwiched between the base assembly 210 and the buffer body 421. When the housing device is in the unfolded state, at least a portion of the buffer body 421 covers the avoidance groove 301 to protect the flexible display screen 100.

[0055] In this way, when the foldable electronic device 10 is used, rotating the rotating assembly 220 can drive the shell body 310 to move with the rotating assembly 220 relative to the base assembly 210, and the flexible display screen 100 is covered on the shell device, thereby driving the flexible display screen 100 to unfold or fold. In this process, part of the first edge 110 is fixedly connected to the first side portion 311, and part of the first edge 110 is sandwiched between the base assembly 210 and the buffer body 421. Then the elastic protective member 420 can cooperate with the first side portion 311 of the shell body 310 to effectively protect the first edge 110. The control device 10a is electrically connected to the driving unit 440, so that when the shell device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state, the driving unit 440 can drive the telescopic unit 430, so that the telescopic portion 431 can drive the buffer body 421 to move away from the base assembly 210, so as to form a larger first gap to form the space required for the deformation of the flexible display screen 100. When the shell device is in the unfolded state, the telescopic portion 431 can drive the buffer body 421 to move toward the base assembly 210, thereby reducing the first gap, which can effectively improve the appearance refinement of the foldable electronic device 10. When the shell device is in the unfolded state, at least part of the buffer body 421 is disposed between the two shell bodies 310 to cover the avoidance groove 301, and can be used to protect the flexible display screen 100. In this way, the protective assembly 400 can effectively protect the flexible display screen 100, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the foldable electronic device 10. Moreover, when the shell device is in the unfolded state, the gap can be reduced, and the appearance refinement of the foldable electronic device 10 can be improved.

[0056] It should be noted that when the housing device is in the unfolded state, the flexible display screen 100 and the foldable electronic device 10 are also in the unfolded state (including the flattened state). When the housing device is in the folded state, the flexible display screen 100 and the foldable electronic device 10 are also in the folded state (including the folded state).

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, part of the connector 410 is fixedly connected to the end of the base assembly 210 through the telescopic unit 430, and another part of the connector 410 avoids the edge of the flexible display screen 100 and is fixedly connected to the buffer body 421, so that when the housing device is in the unfolded state, the buffer body 421 is arranged above the flexible display screen 100. In this way, the part of the connector 410 fixedly connected to the end of the base assembly 210 through the telescopic unit 430 can reduce the occupation of the internal space of the foldable electronic device 10 by the connector 410, and will not interfere with the folding of the flexible display screen 100.

[0058] It should be noted that the implementation method of “fixed connection” between the telescopic unit 430 and the end of the base assembly 210 includes but is not limited to bonding, clamping, etc.

[0059] As Figure 4 or Figure 5 shown, in some embodiments, when the housing device is in the unfolded state, at least a part of the buffer body 421 is suspended above the base frame assembly 210 to protect the flexible display screen 100. In this way, at least a part of the buffer body 421 is suspended above the base frame assembly 210, having good buffering performance and being able to effectively reduce the probability of screen breakage at the bending area of the folding mobile phone.

[0060] Optionally, when the foldable electronic device 10 is unfolded for use, in the display area, the first side portion 311 is substantially flush with the elastic protection member 420.

[0061] As Figure 5 shown, in some embodiments, along the thickness direction of the flexible display screen 100, the distance L1 between the buffer body and the bending portion 120 of the flexible display screen 100 satisfies 0.2 mm ≤ L1 < 0.6 mm; when the housing device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state, the telescopic portion 431 can drive the buffer body 421 to move away from the base frame assembly 210 to increase L1. In this way, after applying the technical solution of the present disclosure, when the housing device is in the unfolded state, it can make the height of the buffer body 421 protruding from the flexible display screen 100 as low as possible to improve the flatness of the display area of the foldable electronic device 10. And when the housing device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state, in order to avoid the deformation space required for the flexible display screen 100 to bend to flatten. By controlling the driving unit 440 through the controller, the telescopic portion 431 can drive the buffer body 421 to move away from the base frame assembly 210 to form a larger first gap to form the space required for the deformation of the flexible display screen 100.

[0062] Optionally, 0.2 mm ≤ L1 ≤ 0.5 mm.

[0063] Optionally, 0.2 mm ≤ L1 ≤ 0.4 mm.

[0064] Optionally, 0.2 mm ≤ L1 ≤ 0.3 mm.

[0065] Optionally, L1 = 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, etc.

[0066] It should be noted that there can be various specific implementation manners of the telescopic unit 430, as long as it can be applied to the foldable electronic device 10.

[0067] See back Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the telescopic unit 430 includes a shape memory alloy. At least a part of the shape memory alloy forms a telescopic portion 431, and the telescopic portion 431 can reset to its initial state. When the driving unit 440 is disconnected from the shape memory alloy, the telescopic portion 431 is in its initial state, so that the buffer body 421 is disposed close to the base frame assembly 210. When the driving unit 440 drives the shape memory alloy, the shape memory alloy can deform to drive the telescopic portion 431 to drive the buffer body 421 away from the base frame assembly 210. In this way, at least a part of the shape memory alloy is used to form the telescopic portion 431, which occupies a small space and can meet the requirement of thinning the foldable electronic device 10.

[0068] Optionally, in some embodiments, the shape memory alloy is a temperature-induced shape memory alloy; when the driving unit 440 drives the shape memory alloy, the driving unit 440 can supply power to the shape memory alloy to cause the shape memory alloy to deform. In this way, by the driving unit 440 supplying power to the shape memory alloy, the shape memory alloy generates heat as a resistor and deforms, and drives the buffer body 421 to move through the telescopic portion 431, so that the first gap increases to meet the space required for the deformation of the flexible display screen 100.

[0069] Optionally, in some embodiments, the shape memory alloy is a magnetic shape memory alloy; when the driving unit 440 drives the shape memory alloy, the driving unit 440 can generate a magnetic field to cause the shape memory alloy to deform. In this way, the driving unit 440 can generate a magnetic field that deforms the shape memory alloy, causing the shape memory alloy to deform, and driving the buffer body 421 to move through the telescopic portion 431, so that the first gap increases to meet the space required for the deformation of the flexible display screen 100.

[0070] It can be understood that after the driving unit 440 is powered off, the shape memory alloy can automatically reset to reduce the first gap. Further, when the user uses the foldable electronic device 10, the gap between the buffer body 421 and the flexible display screen 100 is small, and the height of the buffer body 421 protruding from the flexible display screen 100 is small, which can improve the structural compactness of the foldable electronic device 10 and the flatness of the display area, and improve the appearance fineness of the foldable electronic device 10.

[0071] As Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the telescopic portion 431 is nested and fitted with the connecting member 410. In this way, the parts required for fixed connection can be reduced, the connection between the telescopic portion 431 and the connecting member 410 is made more compact, which is conducive to reducing the height of the buffer body 421 protruding from the flexible display screen 100, improving the structural compactness of the foldable electronic device 10 and the flatness of the display area, and improving the appearance fineness of the foldable electronic device 10.

[0072] As Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, one of the telescopic part 431 and the connecting member 410 is provided with a convex body 403, and the other is provided with a first connection hole 402 that is nested and fitted with the convex body 403. In this way, the nested fit of the convex body 403 with the first connection hole 402 can increase the connection area between the two and improve the connection strength.

[0073] As Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the thickness direction of the flexible display screen 100 is the Z-axis direction. The protruding direction of the buffer body 421 is also the Z-axis direction.

[0074] As Figure 4 shown, the telescopic direction of the telescopic part reciprocates at least in the Z-axis direction, including being parallel to the Z-axis direction or intersecting with the Z-axis but not perpendicular.

[0075] As Figure 4 or Figure 5 shown, in some embodiments, when the housing device is in the unfolded state, at least part of the buffer body 421 bends away from the connecting member 410 to form a protective space 401 for protecting the flexible display screen 100. In this way, using the buffer body 421 to form the protective space 401 can effectively reduce the probability of screen breakage at the bending area of the folding mobile phone.

[0076] In some embodiments, the connecting member 410 includes a first connecting body 411 fixedly connected to the telescopic part 431 and a second connecting body 412 connected to the first connecting body 411, and the second connecting body 412 is fixedly connected to the buffer body 421.

[0077] As Figure 5 shown, in some embodiments, one end of the second connecting body 412 is fixedly connected to the first connecting body 411, and the other end of the second connecting body 412 is nested and fixed to the buffer body 421. In this way, the number of fixed connections can be reduced, making the connection between the second connecting body 412 and the buffer body 421 more compact. Furthermore, it is beneficial to reduce the height of the buffer body 421 protruding from the flexible display screen 100, improve the structural compactness of the foldable electronic device 10, and the flatness of the display area, and enhance the appearance refinement of the foldable electronic device 10.

[0078] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, in some embodiments, the other end of the second connecting body 412 is provided with a connecting convex part 404, and the connecting convex part 404 is embedded in the buffer body 421. In this way, using the buffer body 421 to wrap the connecting convex part 404 can increase the connection area between the two and improve the connection strength.

[0079] As Figure 7As shown, in some embodiments, the connecting convex portion 404 is provided with at least one second connecting hole 405, and a part of the buffer body 421 is embedded in the second connecting hole 405. In this way, by providing the second connecting hole 405, the connecting convex portion 404 and the buffer body 421 are nested with each other, further enhancing the connection strength between the two, reducing the connection thickness in the thickness direction of the flexible display screen 100, further reducing the height of the buffer body 421 protruding from the flexible display screen 100, improving the flatness of the display area of the foldable electronic device 10, and enhancing the appearance delicacy of the foldable electronic device 10.

[0080] In some embodiments, the material of the elastic protection member is TPU. TPU, the full name of which is Thermoplastic Polyurethane, is a synthetic material with both the characteristics of an elastomer and a thermoplastic. In this way, while the buffer body has good softness and buffering performance, it also has excellent abrasion resistance, oil resistance, cold resistance and high strength. It can reliably protect the flexible display screen for a long time, improve the durability of the foldable electronic device, and reduce the maintenance cost.

[0081] The foldable electronic device 10 of the present disclosure may include a ranging device, a scanning device, a photographing device, a handheld device, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a monitoring device, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant computer, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a video camera, a video recorder, a camera, a vehicle-mounted computer, and other devices with a display function.

[0082] Refer to Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the foldable electronic device 10 further includes at least one or more of the following components: a processing component 11, a memory 12, a power supply component 13, a multimedia component 14, an audio component 15, an input / output interface 16, a sensor component 17, and a communication component 18.

[0083] The processing component generally controls the overall operation of the foldable electronic device, such as operations associated with display, telephone call, data communication, camera operation and recording operation. The processing component includes at least one or more processors to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the above methods. In addition, the processing component includes at least one or more modules to facilitate the interaction between the processing component and other components. For example, the processing component includes at least a multimedia module to facilitate the interaction between the multimedia component and the processing component.

[0084] The memory is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of the foldable electronic device. Examples of such data include instructions for any application or method operating on the foldable electronic device, contact data, phone book data, messages, pictures, videos, and the like. The memory can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, read-only memory, magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0085] The control device includes a processing component and a memory.

[0086] The power supply component provides power to various components of the foldable electronic device. The power supply component includes at least a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power for the foldable electronic device.

[0087] The multimedia component includes the display module of the present disclosure, facilitating human-computer interaction. If the display module includes a touch panel, the display module can be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from a user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches, swipes, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensors can not only sense the boundaries of touch or swipe actions but also detect the duration and pressure associated with the touch or swipe operation. In some embodiments, the multimedia component includes a front camera and / or a rear camera. When the foldable electronic device is in an operation mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front camera and / or the rear camera can receive external multimedia data. Each of the front camera and the rear camera can be a fixed optical lens system or have a focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0088] The audio component is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component includes a microphone (MIC), which is configured to receive external audio signals when the foldable electronic device is in an operation mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signals can be further stored in the memory or transmitted via the communication component. In some embodiments, the audio component further includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0089] The input / output interface provides an interface between the processing component and the peripheral interface module, and the peripheral interface module can be a keyboard, a click wheel, buttons, and the like. These buttons can include, but are not limited to: a home button, a volume button, a start button, and a lock button.

[0090] The sensor assembly includes one or more sensors for providing status evaluation of various aspects of the foldable electronic device. For example, the sensor assembly can detect the open / closed state of the foldable electronic device, the relative positioning of components, such as the display and keypad of the foldable electronic device, the sensor assembly can also detect a change in the position of the foldable electronic device or a component of the foldable electronic device, the presence or absence of user contact with the foldable electronic device, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of the foldable electronic device, and the temperature change of the foldable electronic device. The sensor assembly at least includes a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. The sensor assembly also at least includes a photosensitive element, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly also at least includes an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0091] The communication component is configured to facilitate communication between the foldable electronic device and other devices in a wired or wireless manner. The foldable electronic device can access a wireless network based on communication standards, such as Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G, or 6G, etc., or a combination thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the communication component receives a broadcast signal or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In one exemplary embodiment, the communication component also includes a near field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module can be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, infrared data association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0092] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation to the present disclosure.

[0093] In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present disclosure, the meaning of "a plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0094] In this disclosure, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as "installed", "connected", "joined", "fixed", etc. shall be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the internal connection of two components or the interaction relationship between two components, unless otherwise clearly defined. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0095] In this disclosure, unless otherwise clearly defined, the first feature being "on" or "under" the second feature can be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are indirectly in contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. The first feature being "under", "beneath" and "underneath" the second feature can be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0096] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to", "arranged on", "secured to" or "mounted on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there can also be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element at the same time. Further, when an element is considered to be "fixedly connected" to another element, the two can be fixed in a detachable connection manner or a non-detachable connection manner, such as socket connection, snap connection, integrally formed fixation, welding, etc., which can be achieved in traditional technologies and will not be elaborated here.

[0097] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope described in this specification.

[0098] The above embodiments only represent several implementation manners of this disclosure, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be pointed out that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the inventive concept of this disclosure, several deformations and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A protective component, characterized in that, Comprising: A telescopic unit, which can be installed on the base assembly of the hinge mechanism. The telescopic unit includes a telescopic portion that can telescopically move relative to the base assembly; A connecting member, fixedly provided on the telescopic portion; An elastic protective member, including a buffer body. The elastic protective member is connected to the connecting member so that the buffer body protrudes from the base assembly in a first direction and has a first gap with the base assembly; And A driving unit, which can drive the telescopic unit so that the telescopic portion can drive the buffer body to move towards or away from the base assembly.

2. The protection component according to claim 1, wherein The telescopic unit includes a shape memory alloy, at least a part of the shape memory alloy forms the telescopic portion, and the telescopic portion can reset to an initial state; When the driving unit is disconnected from the shape memory alloy, the telescopic portion is in the initial state so that the buffer body is arranged close to the base assembly; When the driving unit drives the shape memory alloy, the shape memory alloy can deform to drive the telescopic portion to drive the buffer body to be arranged away from the base assembly.

3. The protection component according to claim 2, characterized in that The shape memory alloy is a temperature-induced shape memory alloy; when the driving unit drives the shape memory alloy, the driving unit can supply power to the shape memory alloy to make the shape memory alloy deform.

4. The protection component according to claim 2, characterized in that The shape memory alloy is a magnetic shape memory alloy; when the driving unit drives the shape memory alloy, the driving unit can generate a magnetic field to make the shape memory alloy deform.

5. The protective component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The telescopic portion and the connecting member are nested and matched.

6. The protection component according to claim 5, wherein One of the telescopic portion and the connecting member is provided with a convex body, and the other is provided with a first connection hole that is nested and matched with the convex body.

7. The protection component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The connecting member includes a first connection body fixedly connected to the telescopic portion and a second connection body connected to the first connection body. The second connection body is fixedly connected to the buffer body.

8. The protection component according to claim 7, wherein One end of the second connection body is fixedly connected to the first connection body, and the other end of the second connection body is nested and fixed to the buffer body.

9. The protection component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The other end of the second connection body is provided with a connection convex portion, and the connection convex portion is embedded in the buffer body.

10. The protection component according to claim 9, characterized in that, The connection convex portion is provided with at least one second connection hole, and a part of the buffer body is embedded in the second connection hole.

11. A housing device, characterized in that, Comprising a hinge mechanism, a housing assembly, and the protective assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10; The hinge mechanism includes a base assembly and a rotating assembly rotatably provided on the base assembly. The rotating assembly includes two groups and is spaced on both sides of the base assembly; The housing assembly includes two housing bodies corresponding to the rotating assemblies one by one. The two housing bodies are spaced on both sides of the base assembly, and the housing body is in transmission connection with the corresponding rotating assembly and rotates relative to the base assembly with the rotating assembly so that the housing device has an unfolded state and a folded state. The housing body includes a first side portion for fixing the edge of the flexible display screen, and the first side portion is provided with an avoidance groove for avoiding the base assembly; The telescopic unit is installed on the base assembly so that the elastic protective member is arranged between the two first side portions and the buffer body covers the avoidance groove; When the housing device rotates from the folded state towards the unfolded state, the driving unit can drive the telescopic unit so that the telescopic part can drive the buffer body to move away from the base frame assembly; When the housing device is in the unfolded state, the telescopic part can drive the buffer body to move towards the base frame assembly.

12. The housing device according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the housing device is in the unfolded state, at least part of the buffer body bends away from the connecting member to form a protective space for protecting the flexible display screen.

13. The housing device according to claim 11, characterized in that, Part of the connecting member is fixedly connected to the end of the base frame assembly through the telescopic unit, and another part of the connecting member avoids the edge of the flexible display screen and is fixedly connected to the buffer body, so that when the housing device is in the unfolded state, the buffer body is arranged above the flexible display screen.

14. The housing device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, When the housing device is in the unfolded state, at least part of the buffer body is suspended above the base frame assembly to protect the flexible display screen; and / or, the material of the elastic protection member is TPU; and / or, when the housing device is in the unfolded state, along the thickness direction of the flexible display screen, the distance L1 between the buffer body and the bending part of the flexible display screen satisfies 0.2mm ≤ L1 < 0.6mm; when the housing device rotates from the folded state towards the unfolded state, the telescopic part can drive the buffer body to move away from the base frame assembly to increase the L1.

15. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a flexible display screen, a control device, and the housing device according to any one of claims 11 to 14. The flexible display screen covers the housing device, and the flexible display screen includes a first edge. Part of the first edge is fixedly connected to the first side part, and part of the first edge is clamped between the base frame assembly and the buffer body. The control device is electrically connected to the driving unit.

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