Foldable electronic device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a foldable electronic device. The foldable device includes: a plurality of middle frames; the rotating shaft assemblies are connected between the adjacent middle frames, and the adjacent middle frames are relatively unfolded or folded through the rotating shaft assemblies; and the flexible circuit board is respectively fixed with each middle frame and the rotating shaft assembly through fixing pieces, and the flexible circuit board moves along with the relative unfolding or folding of the adjacent middle frames. The situation that the flexible circuit board is tightly folded or pulled apart in the unfolding or folding process of the foldable electronic equipment is reduced, and the stability of the foldable electronic equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With increasing user demand for greater portability, foldable electronic devices have emerged. Typically, a foldable electronic device comprises multiple foldable sections, a hinge assembly, and a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The hinge assembly structurally connects the foldable sections, allowing them to be unfolded or folded. The FPC passes through vias in the hinge assembly and the midframe of each foldable section to electrically connect the components within the foldable section (for example, the display screens within each foldable section).

[0003] However, during the process of unfolding or folding a foldable electronic device, phenomena such as the folding or breaking of the flexible circuit board can easily cause the foldable electronic device to malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the problems existing in the related art, the present disclosure provides a foldable electronic device, which reduces the occurrence of flexible circuit boards being bent or torn during the unfolding or folding process of the foldable electronic device, and improves the stability of the foldable electronic device.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device is provided, comprising:

[0006] Multiple mid-frames;

[0007] A shaft assembly is connected between adjacent middle frames, and the adjacent middle frames are relatively unfolded or folded through the shaft assembly;

[0008] The flexible circuit board is fixed to each middle frame and the rotating shaft assembly through fixing members, and the flexible circuit board follows the relative expansion or folding movement of the adjacent middle frames.

[0009] In some embodiments, the fixing member includes two first fixing members for fixing adjacent middle frames, each first fixing member includes a positioning boss, and each adjacent middle frame includes a first positioning groove; the flexible circuit board is connected to each first fixing member and fixed in the first positioning groove of each middle frame via the positioning boss of each first fixing member;

[0010] and / or,

[0011] The fixing member includes a second fixing member, the second fixing member includes a positioning boss, and the rotating shaft assembly includes a second positioning groove; the flexible circuit board is connected to the second fixing member and is fixed in the second positioning groove of the rotating shaft assembly through the positioning boss of the second fixing member.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fixing member is a rigid fixing member.

[0013] In some embodiments, a first opening is provided on each middle frame, and the flexible circuit board passes through the first opening and is fixed to each middle frame via a fixing member.

[0014] In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device further comprises: a support member adapted to each middle frame, one support member adapted to each middle frame;

[0015] The support member is fixed to the middle frame and supports the flexible circuit board in the first opening of the middle frame.

[0016] In some embodiments, the support member includes a first body that is attached to the middle frame, and a second body that protrudes from the first body, the second body is adapted to the first opening, and is attached to the flexible circuit board in the first opening; the support member is fixed to the middle frame through the first body.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first body includes a first limiting portion, and the support member is fixed to the middle frame through two ends of the first limiting portion; the second body protrudes from a middle portion of the first limiting portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first body further includes a second limiting portion, and the second limiting portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the second body from a middle portion of the first limiting portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, both ends of the first limiting portion have second openings, and the support member is fixed to the middle frame by fasteners passing through the second openings.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second body includes spaced-apart fitting portions, each of which is fitted with the flexible printed circuit board in the first opening.

[0021] In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device further includes an elastic member, which is located in the first opening and sandwiched between the second body and the flexible circuit board.

[0022] In some embodiments, a limiting protrusion is provided at the end of the elastic member, and the flexible circuit board is located between the two limiting protrusions at the end.

[0023] In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device further comprises: a colloid;

[0024] The colloid is arranged in the gap between the second body and the flexible circuit board.

[0025] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may have the following beneficial effects:

[0026] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device fixes the flexible circuit board to each middle frame and the hinge assembly respectively through fixing parts, and performs multi-end fixation by fixing the hinge assembly and each middle frame. During the movement of the foldable electronic device, the redundant length of the flexible circuit board between the hinge assembly and each middle frame is fixed (that is, it remains consistent with the redundant setting amount), which can reduce the occurrence of dead bending due to excessive redundancy or tearing due to insufficient redundancy, thereby improving the stability of the electrical connection of each folding part and improving the stability of the foldable electronic device.

[0027] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 1 The figure is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable device in the related art.

[0031] Figure 3 The figure is a schematic structural diagram of a flexible circuit board according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a partial schematic diagram of a middle frame of a foldable electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 .

[0033] Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram showing a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a support member according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of a middle frame of a foldable electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 .

[0036] Figure 8 The figure is a structural block diagram of a foldable electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figures 1 to 7 Description of the reference numerals involved in

[0038] 1. Foldable electronic device; 10. Middle frame; 101. First positioning groove; 102. First opening; 11. Hinge assembly; 111. Hinge cover; 112. Hinge; 113. Second positioning groove; 12. Flexible circuit board; 13. Fixing member; 130. Positioning boss; 131. First fixing member; 132. Second fixing member; 14. Supporting member; 141. First body; 1411. First limiting portion; 1412. Second limiting portion; 1413. Second opening; 142. Second body; 15. Elastic member; 151. Limiting protrusion; 16. Colloid; 17. Screen; 18. Fastener.

[0039] 2. Foldable device; 201. Upper middle frame; 202. Lower middle frame; 211. Hinge; 212. Hinge cover; 22. Hinge flexible circuit; 23. Perforation; 24. Sealing silicone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, identical numerals in different figures represent identical or similar elements, unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all possible implementations consistent with the present disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of structures consistent with certain aspects of the present disclosure, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0041] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation to the present disclosure.

[0042] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] The technical solutions provided by various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the foldable electronic device 1 includes:

[0045] Multiple middle frames 10;

[0046] A shaft assembly 11 is connected between adjacent middle frames 10, and adjacent middle frames 10 are relatively unfolded or folded through the shaft assembly 11;

[0047] The flexible circuit board 12 is fixed to each middle frame 10 and the hinge assembly 11 via fixing members 13 . The flexible circuit board 12 follows the relative expansion or folding movement of the adjacent middle frames 10 .

[0048] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device 1 can be an electronic device such as a foldable mobile phone, a foldable tablet, a foldable computer, or a foldable TV.

[0049] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the middle frame 10 of the foldable electronic device 1 can be made of metal, plastic or composite materials. The middle frame 10 includes a frame portion and a middle plate portion. The frame portion forms a part of the appearance of the foldable electronic device 1, and the middle plate portion is located on the inner side of the frame portion. The middle plate portion can be provided with multiple mounting structures such as protrusions, grooves, openings, etc., which are used to cooperate with other components of the electronic device so that the various components of the foldable electronic device 1 can be installed in the middle frame 10; wherein the components may include housings, components, etc.

[0050] In the disclosed embodiment, the number of middle frames 10 of the foldable electronic device 1 can be set according to the folding requirements. For example, a mobile phone that folds in two may have two middle frames 10; another example is a tablet that folds in three may have three middle frames 10. In the disclosed embodiment, the internal structure of each middle frame 10 of the foldable electronic device 1 may include one or more positioning slots, openings, etc. The internal structure of each middle frame 10 may be the same or different.

[0051] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device 1 includes a hinge assembly 11, and the hinge assembly 11 may include a hinge cover 111 and a hinge 112. There are multiple ways to connect the hinge assembly 11 to the middle frame 10. Suitable clips may be provided on the hinge 112 of the hinge assembly 11 and the middle frame 10, respectively, to clip the middle frame 10 to the hinge 112 of the hinge assembly 11; or mounting holes may be provided on the hinge 112 of the hinge assembly 11 and the middle frame 10, respectively, to connect the middle frame 10 to the hinge 112 of the hinge assembly 11 using a connector; wherein the connector may be a screw, a pin, etc.

[0052] In the disclosed embodiment, adjacent middle frames 10 of the foldable electronic device 1 are relatively unfolded or folded via a hinge assembly 11. Adjacent middle frames 10 can be unfolded to an open state, folded to a closed state, or unfolded or folded to an intermediate state; wherein the intermediate state can be any state between the open state and the closed state. In the disclosed embodiment, each middle frame 10 of the foldable electronic device 1 is connected to the screen 17, the outer shell and other components of each folding part. When the adjacent middle frames 10 are in the open state, the screen 17 is flattened to achieve full-screen display, so that the foldable electronic device 1 has a larger display area to improve the user's viewing and operating experience; when the adjacent middle frames 10 are in the closed state, the planar size of the foldable electronic device 1 is smaller, making it easier for the user to carry and store.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable device includes a flexible circuit board 12, which is a circuit board made of a flexible base material and has flexibility and bendability. The flexible circuit board 12 can contain different numbers of conductive layers, such as a single-sided board, a double-sided board, a multi-layer board, etc.

[0054] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing part 13 can be made of materials such as plastic, metal, adhesive, etc.; the fixing part 13 has various shapes and can be set to be sheet-shaped or columnar. The fixing part 13 has various fixing types, which can be a snap-fit ​​type, such as a buckle, etc.; it can also be an adhesive type, such as glue, hot melt glue, etc.; it can also be a spiral type, such as a screw, nut, etc.

[0055] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, there are multiple ways to fix the flexible circuit board 12 to the middle frame 10 by means of the fixing member 13. The flexible circuit board 12 can be fixed to the middle frame 10 by gluing the fixing member 13 (e.g., glue); or the fixing member 13 (e.g., a snap) can be connected to the flexible circuit board 12, and the flexible circuit board 12 can be fixed to a positioning groove on the middle frame 10 that is adapted to the fixing member 13 by the fixing member 13; or the flexible circuit board 12 can be provided with a through-hole, and the fixing member 13 (e.g., a screw) can be passed through the through-hole on the flexible circuit board 12 and screwed to an opening on the middle frame 10 that is adapted to the shape of the fixing member 13.

[0056] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, there are multiple ways to fix the flexible circuit board 12 to the shaft assembly 11 by means of the fixing member 13. The flexible circuit board 12 can be bonded and fixed to the shaft cover 111 of the shaft assembly 11 by means of the fixing member 13 (e.g., glue); or the fixing member 13 (e.g., a snap) can be connected to the flexible circuit board 12, and the flexible circuit board 12 can be fixed to a positioning groove on the shaft cover 111 of the shaft assembly 11 by means of the fixing member 13, which is adapted to the fixing member 13; or the flexible circuit board 12 can be provided with a through-hole, and the fixing member 13 (e.g., a screw) can be passed through the through-hole on the flexible circuit board 12 and screwed to an opening on the shaft cover 111 of the shaft assembly 11, which is adapted to the shape of the fixing member 13.

[0057] In the disclosed embodiment, the flexible circuit board 12 is constructed with folds to provide redundant length when the foldable device is folded. This redundant length can be set based on factors such as the bending properties of the flexible circuit board 12 and the positional relationship between the middle frame 10 and the hinge assembly 11 to which the flexible circuit board 12 is fixed. For example, the flexible circuit board 12 is fixed to the hinge assembly 11, with its two sides respectively fixed to the two middle frames 10 connected to the hinge assembly 11. The flexible circuit boards 12 are redundantly arranged in the two adjacent middle frames 10.

[0058] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of a foldable device in the related art, such as Figure 2 As shown, the hinge flexible circuit board 22 in the foldable device 2 passes through the through-hole 23 on the upper middle frame 201, then passes into the hinge 211 of the foldable device and is fixed to the hinge cover 212 of the foldable device by adhesive bonding, and finally passes out from the through-hole 23 of the lower middle frame 202. Sealing silicone 24 is respectively provided at the positions of the through-holes 23 of the upper middle frame 201 and the lower middle frame 202, and the hinge flexible circuit board 22 is fixed by the interference fit between the sealing silicone 24 and the upper middle frame 201 and the lower middle frame 202.

[0059] However, the hinge flexible circuit board 22 is only fixed on the hinge cover 212. During the folding and unfolding process of the foldable device, the hinge flexible circuit board 22 and the upper middle frame 201 or the lower middle frame 202 will undergo relative displacement. The redundant length of the hinge flexible circuit board 22 on both sides of the hinge 211 is inconsistent with the design. If the redundant amount is too much, it is easy to cause the hinge flexible circuit board 22 to be bent dead. If the redundant amount is too little, it is easy to cause the hinge flexible circuit board 22 to be torn off, thereby causing abnormal electrical connection between the foldable parts, resulting in unstable operation of the foldable device 2.

[0060] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device 1 fixes the flexible circuit board 12 to each middle frame 10 and the hinge assembly 11 through the fixing parts 13, and performs multi-end fixation by fixing the hinge assembly 11 and each middle frame 10. Therefore, during the movement of the foldable electronic device 1, the redundant length of the flexible circuit board 12 between the hinge assembly 11 and each middle frame 10 is fixed (that is, it is consistent with the redundant setting amount), which can reduce the occurrence of dead bending caused by excessive redundancy or tearing caused by insufficient redundancy, thereby improving the stability of the electrical connection of each folding part and improving the stability of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0061] In some embodiments, the fixing member 13 includes two first fixing members 131 for fixing adjacent middle frames 10, each first fixing member 131 includes a positioning boss 130, and each adjacent middle frame 10 includes a first positioning groove 101; the flexible circuit board 12 is connected to each first fixing member 131 and fixed in the first positioning groove 101 of each middle frame 10 through the positioning boss 130 of each first fixing member 131;

[0062] and / or,

[0063] The fixing member includes a second fixing member 132, the second fixing member 132 includes a positioning boss 130, and the rotating shaft assembly 11 includes a second positioning groove 113; the flexible circuit board 12 is connected to the second fixing member 132 and is fixed in the second positioning groove 113 of the rotating shaft assembly 11 through the positioning boss 130 of the second fixing member 132.

[0064] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning boss 130 may be provided at the end of the first fixing member 131. The positioning boss 130 may be in a rectangular, square, cylindrical, or other shape. The number of positioning bosses 130 at the end of the first fixing member 131 may be one or more as needed. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a positioning boss 130 may be provided at the end of the second fixing member 132. The positioning boss 130 may be in a rectangular, square, cylindrical, or other shape. The number of positioning bosses 130 at the end of the second fixing member 132 may be one or more as needed.

[0065] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first fixing member 131 or the second fixing member 132 can be installed to the flexible circuit board 12 using a jig, and the installation method can be an adhesive connection, wherein the adhesive can be a dispensing glue, a back glue, etc. Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a flexible circuit board according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, two first fixing members 131 are installed on both sides of the flexible circuit board 12, and each first fixing member 131 is provided with two square positioning bosses 130; a second fixing member 132 is connected in the middle, and the second fixing member 132 is provided with two square positioning bosses 130.

[0066] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first positioning groove 101 on the middle frame 10 is adapted to the shape of the positioning boss 130 on the first fixing member 131, and the second positioning groove 113 of the hinge assembly 11 is adapted to the shape of the positioning boss 130 on the second fixing member 132. The relative position of the first fixing member 131 and the second fixing member 132 connected on the flexible circuit board 12 can be determined according to the positions of the first positioning groove 101 and the second positioning groove 113, which plays a role in limiting the relative position of the flexible circuit board 12 with respect to the middle frame 10, thereby controlling the redundant length of the flexible circuit board 12 between the middle frame 10 and the hinge.

[0067] In the disclosed embodiment, the mating structure between the first fixing member 131 and the first positioning groove 101, and the mating structure between the second fixing member 132 and the second positioning groove 113 can be a concave-convex mating structure, an interference fit structure, etc. In the disclosed embodiment, the first fixing member 131 and the second fixing member 132 can be made of a rigid material to enhance the mechanical strength of the flexible circuit board 12.

[0068] Figure 4 This is a partial schematic diagram of a middle frame of a foldable electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 ,like Figure 4 As shown, a first fixing member 131 (for example, a positioning steel sheet) is provided at a place on the flexible circuit board 12, and a square positioning boss 130 is provided at each end of the first fixing member 131. The positioning boss 130 is clamped in the first positioning groove 101 of the middle frame 10 to fix the flexible circuit board 12 to the middle frame 10.

[0069] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a partial schematic diagram showing a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, a second fixing member 132 (for example, a positioning steel sheet) is provided at a location on the flexible circuit board 12, and a second positioning groove 113 is provided on the shaft cover 111 of the shaft assembly 11. The flexible circuit board 12 is clamped in the second positioning groove 113 of the shaft cover 111 of the shaft assembly 11 using the positioning boss 130 of the second fixing member 132.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the positioning boss 130 of the first fixing member 131 cooperates with the first positioning groove 101 on each middle frame 10 to achieve fixation of the flexible circuit board 12 to the middle frame 10, and the positioning boss 130 of the second fixing member 132 cooperates with the second positioning groove 113 on the hinge assembly 11 to achieve fixation of the flexible circuit board 12 to the hinge assembly 11. Compared with the method of using glue for pasting and fixing in the related art, the reliability of fixing the flexible circuit board 12 is improved.

[0071] In some embodiments, the fixing member is a rigid fixing member.

[0072] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing part is made of a rigid material, which has the characteristics of high strength, high hardness, low deformation rate, etc.; wherein the rigid material includes metal rigid materials, such as steel, copper, etc.; polymer rigid materials, such as polycarbonate, polyamide, etc.; inorganic non-metallic rigid materials, such as ceramics, etc.

[0073] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing member is a rigid fixing member. The rigid fixing member is used to fix the flexible circuit board and the middle frame or the shaft assembly, which can enhance the mechanical strength of the flexible circuit board while fixing it.

[0074] In some embodiments, each middle frame 10 is provided with a first opening 102 , and the flexible circuit board 12 passes through the first opening 102 and is fixed to each middle frame 10 via a fixing member 13 .

[0075] As mentioned above Figure 4 As shown, the middle frame 10 can extend in two opposite directions and form a first opening 102. The shape and size of the first opening 102 can be adapted to the shape and size of the flexible circuit board 12, so that the flexible circuit board 12 passes through the first opening 102 and is fixed to each middle frame 10 through the fixing member 13; wherein, the first opening 102 can be rectangular, elliptical, or other specific shapes.

[0076] In the disclosed embodiment, the fixing member 13 can be fixed to the middle frame 10 near the first opening 102, and can be fixed inside the first opening 102, or can be located above or below the first opening 102. In the disclosed embodiment, when the flexible circuit board 12 passes through the first opening 102, the flexible circuit board 12 can be arranged to conform to the contour of the first middle frame 10. Auxiliary materials such as blue film can be used to fix the flexible circuit board 12 to prevent scratches on the flexible circuit board 12.

[0077] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible circuit board 12 is passed through the first opening 102 on the middle frame 10 and fixed to the middle frame 10 by the fixing member 13. Adding a perforation method to fix the flexible circuit board 12 helps to improve the stability of the fixing of the flexible circuit board 12.

[0078] In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device 1 further includes: a support member 14 adapted to each middle frame 10 , with one support member 14 adapted to each middle frame 10 ;

[0079] The support member 14 is fixed to the middle frame 10 and supports the flexible circuit board 12 in the first opening 102 of the middle frame 10 .

[0080] In the disclosed embodiment, the support member 14 can be made of metal, plastic, or the like. The support member 14 is compatible with the midframe 10, either in terms of material or shape. In some embodiments, the support member 14 is compatible with the midframe 10 in terms of material and shape to achieve a better fixation between the midframe 10 and the support member 14. In the disclosed embodiment, the support member 14 can be inserted into the first opening 102 and support the flexible circuit board 12 within the first opening 102 of the midframe 10.

[0081] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the flexible circuit board 12 passes through the first opening 102, the support member 14 is fixed to the middle frame 10 to press the flexible circuit board 12 against the middle frame 10, and support the flexible circuit board 12 in the first opening 102, thereby improving the firmness of the fixation between the flexible circuit board 12 and the middle frame 10.

[0082] In some embodiments, the support member 14 includes a first body 141 that is attached to the middle frame 10, and a second body 142 that protrudes from the first body 141, the second body 142 is adapted to the first opening 102, and is attached to the flexible circuit board 12 in the first opening 102; the support member 14 is fixed to the middle frame 10 through the first body 141.

[0083] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a support member according to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the support member 14 includes a first body 141 and a second body 142 . The first body 141 and the second body 142 can be an integrally formed structure made of the same material, or can be assembled from separate structures made of the same or different materials.

[0084] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second body 142 is arranged to protrude from the first body 141. In some embodiments, the second body 142 can be set as a solid structure or a hollow structure; in other embodiments, the second body 142 can be a structure set at intervals.

[0085] In the disclosed embodiment, the second body 142 of the support member 14 is adapted to the shape of the first opening 102 of the middle frame 10. When the flexible circuit board 12 passes through the first opening 102, the second body 142 of the support member 14 can be inserted into the first opening 102 and affixed to the flexible circuit board 12, thereby pressing the flexible circuit board 12 to the middle frame 10. In the disclosed embodiment, the first body 141 of the support member 14 can be provided with an opening or a buckle adapted to the middle frame 10. The support member 14 uses the opening or buckle to secure the flexible circuit board 12 to the middle frame 10.

[0086] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the support member 14 uses the first body 141 to press the flexible circuit board 12 to the middle frame 10, and uses the second body 142 to support the flexible circuit board 12, so that the flexible circuit board 12 and the middle frame 10 are fixed more firmly, thereby improving the reliability of the foldable electronic device 1 during the folding process.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first body 141 includes a first limiting portion 1411 , and the support member 14 is fixed to the middle frame 10 via both ends of the first limiting portion 1411 ; the second body 142 protrudes from the middle portion of the first limiting portion 1411 .

[0088] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first body 141 presses the flexible circuit board 12 and sets it on the middle frame 10. The first body 141 can set a first limiting portion 1411 around the first opening 102. The shape of the first limiting portion 1411 is larger than the first opening 102 and can be rectangular, trapezoidal, etc. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first body 141 is fixed to the middle frame 10, the first limiting portion 1411 can completely cover the first opening 102, and the end of the first limiting portion 1411 can be set to a second opening 1413 for fixing to the middle frame 10, and can also be set to increase the concave and convex texture that adapts to the structure of the middle frame 10. As mentioned above Figure 6 As shown, a first limiting portion 1411 is provided on the first body 141 , and the second body 142 is protruded and provided at the middle portion of the first limiting portion 1411 .

[0089] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the support member 14 is simple and easy to implement by disposing the first limiting portion 1411 at the end of the first body 141 and fixing the end to the middle frame 10 .

[0090] In some embodiments, the first body 141 further includes a second limiting portion 1412 , and the second limiting portion 1412 extends from a middle portion of the first limiting portion 1411 in a direction perpendicular to the second body 142 .

[0091] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first body 141 extends along the middle part of the first limiting portion 1411 in a direction perpendicular to the second body 142 to form a second limiting portion 1412. The second limiting portion 1412 can be arched, trapezoidal, or square. The second limiting portion 1412 can be a combination of multiple shapes. Figure 6 As shown, the second limiting portion 1412 is configured to be arched.

[0092] It should be noted that if only the ends of the first body 141 of the support member 14 are fixed to the middle frame 10, the flexible circuit board 12 of the foldable electronic device 1 may slide along the middle frame 10, which may easily cause the ends of the flexible circuit board 12 to be in contact with the middle frame 10 but bulge in the middle, causing dust to enter the foldable electronic device 1. In the disclosed embodiment, a second stopper 1412 is provided in the middle of the first stopper 1411, perpendicular to the second body 142. This facilitates the fixation of the support member 14 to the middle frame 10 in multiple directions, reduces the ingress of dust caused by the sliding and bulging of the flexible circuit board 12, improves the secure fixation of the flexible circuit board 12, and enhances the dust resistance of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first limiting portion 1411 has second openings 1413 at both ends thereof, and the support member 14 is fixed to the middle frame 10 via fasteners 18 passing through the second openings 1413 .

[0094] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, second openings 1413 are provided at both ends of the first limiting portion 1411. The second openings 1413 can be circular, square, or other shapes. The fasteners 18 can be made of metal or plastic material, and the shape is adapted to the second openings 1413. The support member 14 passes through the second openings 1413 through the fasteners 18 and is fixed to the middle frame 10. The fasteners 18 can be fixed in a spiral manner or in a plug-in manner. Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of a middle frame of a foldable electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 ,like Figure 7 As shown, circular second openings 1413 are provided at both ends of the support member 14 , and fasteners 18 (such as screws) fix the support member 14 to the middle frame 10 .

[0095] In the disclosed embodiment, a second opening 1413 is provided in the first limiting portion 1411 of the support member 14 , and a fastener 18 is used to penetrate the second opening 1413 and fix the support member 14 to the middle frame 10 , further increasing the firmness of the fixation of the support member 14 .

[0096] In some embodiments, the second body 142 includes spaced-apart fitting portions, each of which is fitted with the flexible circuit board 12 in the first opening 102 .

[0097] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second body 142 is formed by a plurality of fitting parts arranged at intervals. In some embodiments, all the fitting parts can be set to be hollow to reduce the weight of the foldable electronic device 1; in other embodiments, some of the fitting parts can be set to be hollow and some of the fitting parts can be set to be solid, which appropriately reduces the weight of the foldable electronic device 1 while meeting the support requirements for the flexible circuit board 12.

[0098] In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device 1 further includes an elastic member 15 , which is located in the first opening 102 and sandwiched between the second body 142 and the flexible circuit board 12 .

[0099] In the disclosed embodiment, the elastic member 15 is made of an elastic material and can be in a sheet, column, or other shape; the elastic material can be foam. In the disclosed embodiment, the elastic member 15 can be sandwiched between the second body 142 and the flexible circuit board 12 by gluing the elastic member 15 to the second body 142 and then pressing the support member 14 against the flexible circuit board 12. Alternatively, the elastic member 15 can be gluing the elastic member 15 to the flexible circuit board 12 and then pressing the second body 142 of the support member 14 against the elastic member 15.

[0100] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic member 15 can fill the gap between the flexible circuit board 12 and the second body 142. The elastic member 15 can apply pressure to the flexible circuit board 12 in contact with it along its deformation direction to prevent the flexible circuit board 12 from moving during the folding process, thereby enhancing the fixing effect of the flexible circuit board 12 and improving the dust-proof effect of the entire machine.

[0101] In some embodiments, a limiting protrusion 151 is provided at the end of the elastic member 15 , and the flexible circuit board 12 is located between the two limiting protrusions 151 at the end.

[0102] As mentioned above Figure 6 As shown, two limiting protrusions 151 are provided at the end of the elastic member 15 , and the limiting protrusions 151 can control the flexible circuit board 12 to slide within a set range.

[0103] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the redundancy of the flexible circuit board 12 is different in different degrees of opening and closing of the foldable device. The limiting protrusion 151 can be used to control the flexible circuit boards 12 of different shapes within a set range, thereby improving the sliding stability of the flexible circuit board 12.

[0104] In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device 1 further includes: a colloid 16;

[0105] The colloid 16 is disposed in the gap between the second body 142 and the flexible circuit board 12 .

[0106] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, after the support member 14 passes through the first opening 102 and is fixed to the middle frame 10, the colloid 16 can be covered on the support member 14. Since the elastic member 15 is consistent in shape with the flexible circuit board 12 and the elastic member 15 has a certain amount of compression, the elastic member 15 can adapt to the shape of the flexible circuit board 12 at different folding degrees of the foldable electronic device 1, and then the elastic member 15 can support the colloid 16, so that the colloid 16 can be filled into the gap between the second body 142 and the flexible circuit board 12; wherein, the colloid 16 can be a hot melt adhesive.

[0107] In the disclosed embodiment, the gap between the second body 142 and the flexible circuit board 12 is filled with the colloid 16 to prevent the hot melt adhesive from entering the shaft along the gap between the flexible circuit board 12 and the middle frame 10 and affecting the movement of the shaft, thereby completely sealing the first opening 102 and achieving a high level of waterproofing (IPX8).

[0108] Figure 8 8 is a block diagram illustrating a foldable electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the foldable electronic device 800 may be a mobile phone, a computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a messaging device, a game console, a tablet device, a medical device, a fitness device, a personal digital assistant, etc.

[0109] Reference Figure 8 The foldable electronic device 800 may include one or more of the following components: a processing component 802, a memory 804, a power component 806, a multimedia component 808, an audio component 810, an input / output (I / O) interface 812, a sensor component 814, and a communication component 816.

[0110] The processing component 802 generally controls the overall operation of the foldable electronic device 800, such as operations associated with at least one of display, phone calls, data communications, camera operation, and recording operation. The processing component 802 may include one or more processors 820 to execute instructions to perform all or part of the steps of the above-described method. In addition, the processing component 802 may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between the processing component 802 and other components. For example, the processing component 802 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between the multimedia component 808 and the processing component 802.

[0111] The memory 804 is configured to store various types of data to support operations on the foldable electronic device 800. Examples of such data include at least one of the following: instructions for any application or method operating on the foldable electronic device 800, contact data, phone book data, messages, pictures, and videos. The memory 804 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device, or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0112] The power supply component 806 provides power to various components of the foldable electronic device 800. The power supply component 806 may include at least one of the following: a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power for the foldable electronic device 800.

[0113] The multimedia component 808 includes a screen that provides an output interface between the foldable electronic device 800 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen may be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches, slides, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensor can not only sense the boundaries of a touch or slide action, but also detect the duration and pressure associated with the touch or slide operation. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 808 includes a front camera and / or a rear camera. When the foldable electronic device 800 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front camera and / or the rear camera can receive external multimedia data. Each front camera and rear camera can be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0114] The audio component 810 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component 810 includes a microphone (MIC), which is configured to receive external audio signals when the foldable electronic device 800 is in an operating mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signal can be further stored in the memory 804 or transmitted via the communication component 816. In some embodiments, the audio component 810 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0115] I / O interface 812 provides an interface between processing component 802 and peripheral interface modules, such as a keyboard, click wheel, and buttons. These buttons may include, but are not limited to, a home button, volume buttons, a start button, and a lock button.

[0116] The sensor assembly 814 includes one or more sensors for providing various state assessments of the foldable electronic device 800. For example, the sensor assembly 814 can detect the open / closed state of the foldable electronic device 800, the relative positioning of components, such as the display and keypad of the foldable electronic device 800. The sensor assembly 814 can also detect changes in the position of the foldable electronic device 800 or a component thereof, the presence or absence of user contact with the foldable electronic device 800, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of the foldable electronic device 800, and changes in the temperature of the foldable electronic device 800. The sensor assembly 814 can include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. The sensor assembly 814 can also include an optical sensor, such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 814 can also include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0117] The communication component 816 is configured to facilitate communication between the foldable electronic device 800 and other devices in a wired or wireless manner. The foldable electronic device 800 can access a wireless network based on a communication standard, such as Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 816 receives a broadcast signal or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 816 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 wide band (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology and other technologies.

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment, the foldable electronic device 800 can be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components.

[0119] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the claims.

[0120] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that: include: Multiple mid-frames; A shaft assembly is connected between adjacent middle frames, and the adjacent middle frames are relatively unfolded or folded through the shaft assembly; The flexible circuit board is fixed to each middle frame and the rotating shaft assembly through fixing members, and the flexible circuit board follows the relative expansion or folding movement of the adjacent middle frames.

2. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing member includes two first fixing members for fixing adjacent middle frames, each first fixing member includes a positioning boss, and each adjacent middle frame includes a first positioning groove; the flexible circuit board is connected to each first fixing member and fixed in the first positioning groove of each middle frame via the positioning boss of each first fixing member; and / or, The fixing member includes a second fixing member, the second fixing member includes a positioning boss, and the rotating shaft assembly includes a second positioning groove; the flexible circuit board is connected to the second fixing member and is fixed in the second positioning groove of the rotating shaft assembly through the positioning boss of the second fixing member.

3. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing member is a rigid fixing member.

4. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Each middle frame is provided with a first opening, and the flexible circuit board passes through the first opening and is fixed to each middle frame through a fixing member.

5. The foldable electronic device according to claim 4, wherein: The foldable electronic device further includes: a support member adapted to each middle frame, with one support member adapted to each middle frame; The support member is fixed to the middle frame and supports the flexible circuit board in the first opening of the middle frame.

6. The foldable electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support member includes a first body that is attached to the middle frame, and a second body that protrudes from the first body. The second body is adapted to the first opening and is attached to the flexible circuit board in the first opening. The support member is fixed to the middle frame through the first body.

7. The foldable electronic device according to claim 6, wherein: The first body includes a first limiting portion, and the support member is fixed to the middle frame through two ends of the first limiting portion; the second body protrudes from the middle part of the first limiting portion.

8. The foldable electronic device according to claim 7, wherein: The first body further includes a second limiting portion, which extends in a middle portion of the first limiting portion in a direction perpendicular to the second body.

9. The foldable electronic device according to claim 7, wherein: Two ends of the first limiting portion have second openings, and the support member is fixed to the middle frame by fasteners passing through the second openings.

10. The foldable electronic device according to claim 6, wherein: The second body includes spaced-apart fitting portions, each of which is fitted with the flexible circuit board in the first opening.

11. The foldable electronic device according to claim 6, wherein: The foldable electronic device further includes an elastic member, which is located in the first opening and sandwiched between the second body and the flexible circuit board.

12. The foldable electronic device according to claim 11, wherein: A limiting protrusion is provided at the end of the elastic member, and the flexible circuit board is located between the two limiting protrusions at the end.

13. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that: The foldable electronic device further comprises: a colloid; The colloid is arranged in the gap between the second body and the flexible circuit board.

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