Folding electronic device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a folding electronic device for improving the problem of poor reliability of a flexible screen. The folding electronic device comprises a flexible screen, a rotating mechanism and a protection plate. The protection plate is located between the flexible screen and the rotating mechanism. When the folding electronic device is in an unfolded state, the protection plate comprises a first part and a second part arranged in sequence along a second direction, the first part and the second part jointly constitute a bearing plane, a fixed end of the protection plate is connected between the flexible screen and a first rotating shaft assembly, and a free end of the protection plate is located between the flexible screen and a second rotating shaft assembly. During the conversion of the folding electronic device from the unfolded state to a folded state, the first part does not bend, and the second part bends. When the folding electronic device is in the folded state, at least part of the second part is located between the main shaft and the flexible screen. Embodiments of the present application are used to improve the stress distribution on the flexible screen, which is conducive to improving the reliability of the flexible screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of foldable electronic products technology, and more particularly to a foldable electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of display technology, foldable display terminals are gradually becoming a development trend for future mobile electronic products. When unfolded, foldable electronic devices can achieve a larger display area, enhancing the viewing experience. When folded, they can achieve a smaller size, making them easy for users to carry.

[0003] The foldable electronic device includes at least a flexible screen and a housing. The housing includes two structural components for supporting the flexible screen and a rotating mechanism. The two structural components are connected to both sides of the rotating mechanism. In actual use, the rotating mechanism drives the two structural components to rotate, causing the foldable electronic device to fold or unfold. In traditional inward-folding electronic devices, when the electronic device is folded, the flexible screen folds inside the housing. The flexible screen is easily damaged by impacts from the housing, resulting in poor reliability. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a foldable electronic device to improve the poor reliability of flexible screens in foldable electronic devices.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application provide the following solutions:

[0006] On the one hand, foldable electronic devices are provided. Foldable electronic devices include flexible screens, housings, and protective panels.

[0007] The housing assembly includes a first housing, a second housing, and a rotating mechanism connected between the first and second housings. The rotating mechanism includes a first rotating shaft assembly, a second rotating shaft assembly, and a main shaft. The main shaft extends along a first direction. A first end of the first rotating shaft assembly is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and a second end of the first rotating shaft assembly is connected to the first housing. A first end of the second rotating shaft assembly is connected to the main shaft, and a second end of the second rotating shaft assembly is connected to the second housing. A protective plate is located between the flexible screen and the rotating mechanism.

[0008] When the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first pivot assembly, the main shaft, and the second pivot assembly together form a support plane. The second end of the first pivot assembly, the first end of the first pivot assembly, the first end of the second pivot assembly, and the second end of the second pivot assembly are arranged sequentially along a second direction. The protective plate includes a first part and a second part arranged sequentially along the second direction. The first part and the second part together form a bearing plane. The fixed end of the protective plate is the end of the first part away from the second part, and the free end of the protective plate is the end of the second part away from the first part. The fixed end of the protective plate is connected between the flexible screen and the first pivot assembly, and the free end of the protective plate is located between the flexible screen and the second pivot assembly.

[0009] With the above configuration, the fixed end of the protective plate can be fixedly connected to the support surface of the first rotating shaft assembly, and the fixed end can also be fixedly connected to the non-display surface of the flexible screen, so that the fixed end is located between the first rotating shaft assembly and the flexible screen. Since the free end is located between the second rotating shaft assembly and the flexible screen, the end faces extending from the fixed end to the free end all constitute a bearing plane. This bearing plane can at least cover a portion of the first rotating shaft assembly, the main shaft, and a portion of the second rotating shaft assembly, which helps to increase the protective area of ​​the protective plate for the flexible screen.

[0010] During the transition of a foldable electronic device from an unfolded state to a folded state, the free end moves relative to the fixed end. The first part does not bend, while the second part bends. Here, "not bending" and "bending" can be understood as deformation in a macroscopic state.

[0011] In this embodiment, the fixed end is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft assembly, while the free end is not fixedly connected to the rotating mechanism or the flexible screen. During the transition of the foldable electronic device from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first rotating shaft assembly rotates relative to the main shaft. The first rotating shaft assembly can drive the fixed end to rotate relative to the main shaft. At the same time, the free end follows the movement of the fixed end relative to the main shaft and bends relative to the fixed end, so that the first part does not bend while the second part bends.

[0012] When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the first hinge assembly, the main shaft, and the second hinge assembly enclose a screen-accommodating space, with a portion of the flexible screen located within the screen-accommodating space. The first portion is located between the first hinge assembly and the flexible screen, and at least a portion of the second portion is located between the main shaft and the flexible screen.

[0013] In this embodiment, since at least a portion of the second part is located between the main shaft and the flexible screen, when the folding electronic device is impacted, the rotating mechanism transmits the impact force to the flexible screen. The protective plate located between the main shaft and the flexible screen can absorb the impact on the flexible screen, thereby improving the stress distribution on the flexible screen and thus improving the reliability of the flexible screen.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the second part bends towards the main shaft, and the free end of the protective plate is located between the flexible screen and the second pivot assembly. This arrangement facilitates increasing the size of the protective plate in the second direction, thereby increasing the protective area of ​​the protective plate over the flexible screen.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bend end of the protective plate serves as the connection point between the first part and the second part. When the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the fixed end, the bend end, and the free end of the protective plate are arranged sequentially along the second direction. This arrangement allows the first part and the second part to jointly form a bearing plane, which can be used to support the flexible screen and ensure its flatness. When the foldable electronic device is in the folded state, in the stacking direction of the first and second housings, the distance between the fixed end of the protective plate and the second pivot assembly is less than the distance between the bend end of the protective plate and the second pivot assembly. This arrangement helps to further conform the shape of the first part to the bent flexible screen, thereby further improving the protective effect on the flexible screen and enhancing its reliability.

[0016] In some embodiments, the protective plate includes a rigid layer and a wear-resistant layer, with at least a portion of the wear-resistant layer located between the rigid layer and the flexible screen. This arrangement prevents direct contact between the rigid layer and the flexible screen, avoiding friction between the rigid layer and the screen during the transition between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable electronic device. This, in turn, helps to reduce the noise generated when the rigid layer slides relative to the screen.

[0017] In some embodiments, a portion of the wear-resistant layer also covers the portion of the rigid layer located at the free end. For example, for ease of explanation, the portion of the rigid layer located at the free end is referred to as the end. The wear-resistant layer may cover the surface of the end near the flexible screen, the side of the end, and the surface of the end near the rotating mechanism, so that the wear-resistant layer can cover the end. Since the free end moves relative to both the screen and the rotating mechanism during the transition between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable electronic device, this arrangement helps to improve the situation of friction between the rigid layer and the screen, and further improves the situation of friction between the rigid layer and the rotating mechanism, thus further reducing the problem of abnormal noise.

[0018] In some embodiments, the wear-resistant layer includes one or more combinations of a Teflon layer, a Mylar layer, and a polyoxymethylene layer. This configuration helps to increase the hardness of the wear-resistant layer, reduce its roughness, improve lubrication, and further reduce abnormal noise.

[0019] In some embodiments, the size of the protective plate is smaller than the size of the main shaft in the first direction. In this embodiment, the protective plate can cover only the area where the flexible screen is easily squeezed when the rotating mechanism is impacted. This is beneficial to reducing the area of ​​the protective plate covering the rotating mechanism, improving the assembly accuracy and consistency of the protective plate during assembly, and also reducing the assembly difficulty of the protective plate.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first rotating shaft assembly includes a first swing arm and a first fixed frame. A first end of the first swing arm is rotatably connected to a main shaft, and a second end of the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first fixed frame. The first fixed frame is connected to a first housing. The second rotating shaft assembly includes a second swing arm and a second fixed frame. A first end of the second swing arm is rotatably connected to a main shaft, and a second end of the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second fixed frame. The second fixed frame is connected to a second housing. When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, a protective plate covers the first swing arm and part of the second swing arm. This arrangement allows the protective plate to protect the portion of the rotating mechanism that undergoes significant deformation when impacted, which helps absorb impacts to the flexible screen and thus improves the reliability of the flexible screen.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first rotating shaft assembly includes a first rotating member and a first fixed frame. A first end of the first rotating member is rotatably connected to a main shaft, and a second end of the first rotating member is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame. The first fixed frame is connected to a first housing. The second rotating shaft assembly includes a second rotating member and a second fixed frame. A first end of the second rotating member is rotatably connected to a main shaft, and a second end of the second rotating member is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame. The second fixed frame is connected to a second housing. When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, a protective plate covers the first rotating member and part of the second rotating member. This arrangement allows the protective plate to further protect the deformed parts of the rotating mechanism when impacted, which helps prevent the rotating shaft mechanism from squeezing the flexible screen, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible screen.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first pivot assembly further includes a first support plate, which is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame. The second pivot assembly further includes a second support plate, which is rotatably connected to the second fixing frame. The foldable electronic device further includes a first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer, and a third adhesive layer. The fixed end is connected to the flexible screen through the first adhesive layer, the fixed end is connected to the first support plate through the second adhesive layer, and the second support plate is connected to the flexible screen through the third adhesive layer. With the above configuration, the fixed end is fixedly connected between the first pivot assembly and the flexible screen.

[0023] In some embodiments, when the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the fixed end, the free end, and the third adhesive layer are arranged sequentially along a second direction. For example, in the second direction, there is a gap between the free end and the third adhesive layer. With the above arrangement, the third adhesive layer is prevented from interfering with the movement of the free end during the transition between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable electronic device.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first support plate has a protrusion on the side near the flexible screen, and a through hole at the fixed end, with the protrusion penetrating through the through hole at the fixed end. This arrangement allows the first support plate to position the protective plate, facilitating its installation and positioning. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 An exploded view of the structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 A partial structural diagram of a rotating mechanism provided for some embodiments;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the rotating mechanism along section line AA;

[0029] Figure 5 This application provides an assembly structure diagram of a rotating mechanism and a protective plate;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the structure in its unfolded state along the BB section line;

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along section line BB of the structure in a folded state;

[0032] Figure 8 A structural diagram of a protective plate provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 9A An exploded view of the structure of a protective plate provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 9B for Figure 8 Sectional view along the DD section line

[0035] Figure 10 for Figure 5 A partial structural diagram of point N in which the rotating mechanism is in the unfolded state;

[0036] Figure 11 for Figure 5 A partial structural diagram of point N in which the rotating mechanism is in a folded state;

[0037] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the force analysis of the rotating mechanism in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0039] In the following description, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for ease of description only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0040] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0041] In the embodiments of this application, the directional indications used to explain the structure and movement of different components, such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, are relative. These indications are appropriate when the components are in the positions shown in the figures. However, if the description of the component positions changes, these directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0042] This application provides a foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, television, smart wearable products (e.g., smartwatch, smart bracelet), or other terminal products.

[0043] To facilitate understanding of the foldable electronic device 1 provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 A structural diagram of a foldable electronic device 1 provided for some embodiments; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of a foldable electronic device 1 provided in an embodiment of this application. The following is a description of its structure... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The following is a description of a foldable electronic device 1:

[0044] The foldable electronic device 1 includes a flexible screen 30. The flexible screen 30 can be an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display.

[0045] As a self-emissive display, AMOLED displays do not require a backlight module (BLM). Therefore, when the substrate of an AMOLED display is made of a flexible resin material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the AMOLED display can be bent.

[0046] In addition, the foldable electronic device 1 also includes a rotating mechanism 10 for supporting the flexible screen 30, a first housing 21, and a second housing 22. The rotating mechanism 10 is connected between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. The first housing 21 and the second housing 22 support the flexible screen 30, ensuring that the flexible screen 30 remains as flat as possible during use and protecting the non-display surface of the flexible screen 30. The first housing 21 and the second housing 22 can rotate relative to the rotating mechanism 10. This application embodiment only briefly illustrates some of the structures of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, and the accompanying drawings are also simplified. This application embodiment does not strictly limit the specific structure of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22.

[0047] The first housing 21 may include a first mid-frame 211, and the second housing 22 may include a second mid-frame 221. The mid-frames can be used to mount and secure other components of the foldable electronic device 1, such as cameras, headphones, earpieces, buttons, and batteries. This embodiment does not limit the other electronic components mounted on the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. The first housing 21 may include a first back cover 212, and the second housing 22 may include a second back cover 222. The back cover can be used to protect the components inside the mid-frame structure and also to present part of the appearance of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0048] in, Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of a rotating mechanism provided for some embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The rotating mechanism 10 may include a main shaft 100, a first rotating shaft assembly 200, and a second rotating shaft assembly 300.

[0049] For ease of explanation, the first direction X is defined as the extension direction of the main shaft 100, the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X, and the third direction Z is perpendicular to the plane containing the first direction X and the second direction Y. When the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the arrangement direction of the first pivot assembly 200 and the second pivot assembly 300 is defined as the second direction Y, and the two pivot assemblies are rotatably connected to the main shaft 100. The rotation axes of the two pivot assemblies relative to the main shaft 100 are both parallel to the first direction X and do not coincide.

[0050] For example, in combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first end 200a of the first rotating shaft assembly is rotatably connected to the main shaft 100, and the second end 200b of the first rotating shaft assembly is connected to the first housing 21; the first end 300a of the second rotating shaft assembly is rotatably connected to the main shaft 100, and the second end 300b of the second rotating shaft assembly is connected to the second housing 22. With this configuration, the first housing 21 can drive the first rotating shaft assembly 200 to rotate relative to the main shaft 100, and the second housing 22 can drive the second rotating shaft assembly 300 to rotate relative to the main shaft 100, thereby realizing the folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0051] When the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are in the unfolded state, the second end 200b of the first pivot assembly, the first end 200a of the first pivot assembly, the first end 300a of the second pivot assembly, and the second end 300b of the second pivot assembly are arranged sequentially along the second direction Y. The included angle between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 can be approximately 180° (it is understood that the included angle between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 is also allowed to have a slight deviation, for example, the included angle can be 165°, 177° or 185°). At this time, the two pivot assemblies 300 are in the unfolded state, the flexible screen 30 is also in the unfolded state, that is, the foldable electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state.

[0052] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the rotating mechanism along section line AA, wherein, Figure 4 The position of the dashed box in the diagram can represent the positions of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. (Refer to...) Figure 4As shown, when the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are in a folded state, the included angle between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 can be approximately 0° (it is understood that a slight deviation in the included angle between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 is also allowed, for example, the included angle can be 1°, 3° or 5°). At this time, the two pivot assemblies 300 are in a folded state, the flexible screen 30 is also in a folded state, that is, the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state. In some embodiments, when the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are in a folded state, the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 can contact each other to achieve positioning. In some other embodiments, when the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are in a folded state, the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 can also be close to each other, and there is a small gap between them. This application does not specifically limit this aspect.

[0053] When the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, the first pivot assembly 200, the second pivot assembly 300, and the main shaft 100 together enclose a screen-accommodating space P, within which a portion of the flexible screen 30 can be located. However, when the foldable electronic device 1 is subjected to an impact, the main shaft 100 transmits the impact force to the first pivot assembly 200 and the second pivot assembly 300. The reaction forces of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are then transmitted to parts of the first pivot assembly 200 and the second pivot assembly 300, causing misalignment within these components and deformation of the rotating mechanism 10. For example, the gap h between the flexible screen 30 and the main shaft 100 decreases. This results in the flexible screen 30 being compressed upon impact, affecting its reliability.

[0054] Figure 5 This application provides an assembly structure diagram of a rotating mechanism and a protective plate. Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the structure in its unfolded state along the BB section line; Figure 7 for Figure 5 The structure in the image is shown in a folded state, along the BB section line. Figure 6 The dashed lines in the diagram are used to indicate the position of the display surface of the flexible screen. Figure 8 A structural diagram of a protective plate provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9A An exploded view of the structure of a protective plate provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9B for Figure 8 A sectional view along the DD section line.

[0055] In view of this, combined with Figures 5 to 9B The foldable electronic device 1 provided in this application embodiment also includes a protective plate 500, which is located between the flexible screen 30 and the rotating mechanism 10.

[0056] When the foldable electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state, the protective plate 500 includes a first part 500a and a second part 500b arranged sequentially along the second direction Y. The first part 500a and the second part 500b together form a bearing plane S. The fixed end 507 of the protective plate 500 is the end of the first part 500a away from the second part 500b, and the free end 509 of the protective plate 500 is the end of the second part 500b away from the first part 500a. The fixed end 507 of the protective plate 500 is connected between the flexible screen 30 and the first rotating shaft assembly 200, and the free end 509 of the protective plate 500 is located between the flexible screen 30 and the second rotating shaft assembly 300.

[0057] This application embodiment does not specifically limit the shape of the protective plate 500. For example, the protective plate 500 can be approximately a rectangular flat plate. Exemplarily, the connection end between the first part 500a and the second part 500b can be the turning end 508 of the protective plate 500. When the folding electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state, the fixed end 507, the turning end 508, and the free end 509 can be arranged sequentially along the second direction Y. Through the above arrangement, the first part 500a and the second part 500b together constitute the bearing plane S, which can be used to support the flexible screen 30 and ensure the flatness of the flexible screen 30.

[0058] The fixed end 507 of the protective plate 500 can be fixedly connected to the support surface of the first rotating shaft assembly 200 (the support surface of the first rotating shaft assembly 200 can be the surface of the first rotating shaft assembly 200 near the flexible screen), and the fixed end 507 can also be fixedly connected to the non-display surface of the flexible screen 30 (the non-display surface of the flexible screen 30 can be the surface of the flexible screen 30 near the rotating mechanism 10), so that the fixed end 507 is located between the first rotating shaft assembly 200 and the flexible screen 30. Since the free end 509 is located between the second rotating shaft assembly 300 and the flexible screen 30, the end faces extending from the fixed end 507 to the free end 509 all constitute a bearing plane S. The bearing plane S can at least cover a portion of the first rotating shaft assembly 200, the main shaft 100, and a portion of the second rotating shaft assembly 300, which is beneficial for increasing the protective area of ​​the protective plate 500 on the flexible screen 30.

[0059] During the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state of the folding electronic device 1, the free end 509 moves relative to the fixed end 507. The first part 500a does not bend, while the second part 500b bends. Here, "not bending" and "bending" can be understood as deformation in a macroscopic state.

[0060] In this embodiment, since the fixed end 507 is fixedly connected to the first rotating shaft assembly 200, the free end 509 is not fixedly connected to the rotating mechanism 10 and the flexible screen 30. During the transition of the foldable electronic device 1 from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first rotating shaft assembly 200 rotates relative to the main shaft 100. The first rotating shaft assembly 200 can drive the fixed end 507 to rotate relative to the main shaft 100. At the same time, the free end 509 follows the movement of the fixed end 507 relative to the main shaft 100, and the free end 509 bends relative to the fixed end 507 so that the first part 500a does not bend, while the second part 500b bends.

[0061] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9A as well as Figure 9B As shown, the protective plate 500 may include a rigid layer 510, for example, the protective plate 500 may be a metal plate (such as a steel plate). This is to give the protective plate 500 a certain rigidity, and the second part 500b of the protective plate 500 can be deformed under force.

[0062] When the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, the first part 500a is located between the first pivot assembly 200 and the flexible screen 30, and at least a portion of the second part 500b is located between the main shaft 100 and the flexible screen 30.

[0063] In this embodiment, since at least a portion of the second part 500b is located between the main shaft 100 and the flexible screen 30, when the folding electronic device 1 is impacted, the protective plate 500 located between the main shaft 100 and the flexible screen 30 can absorb the impact on the flexible screen 30, thereby improving the stress distribution on the flexible screen 30 and thus improving the reliability of the flexible screen 30.

[0064] Figure 10 for Figure 5 A partial structural diagram of point N in which the rotating mechanism is in the unfolded state; Figure 11 for Figure 5 The diagram below shows a partial structural view of the rotating mechanism at point N in its folded state. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 5 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The structures of the first and second rotating shaft assemblies are described.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first rotating shaft assembly 200 may include a first fixing frame 210, a first rotating member 220, and a first swing arm 230. The first fixing frame 210 is connected to the first housing. For example, the first fixing frame 210 may be fixedly connected to the first housing 21.

[0066] The first end 220a of the first rotating member can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 100, and the second end 220b of the first rotating member can be rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 210.

[0067] For example, the first end 220a of the first rotating member can be connected to the main shaft 100 via a virtual axis. For instance, the first end 220a of the first rotating member and the main shaft 100 can be rotatably connected via an arc-shaped groove and an arc-shaped slider. The rotation axis of the first end of the first rotating member relative to the main shaft 100 can be parallel to the first direction X.

[0068] For example, the second end 220b of the first rotating member and the first fixed frame 210 can be connected by a solid shaft. For instance, the second end 220b of the first rotating member and the first fixed frame 210 can be rotatably connected by a pivot. The axis of rotation of the second end 220b of the first rotating member relative to the first fixed frame 210 can be parallel to the first direction X.

[0069] The first end 230a of the first swing arm can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 100, and the second end 230b of the first swing arm can be slidably connected to the first fixed frame 210.

[0070] For example, the first end 230a of the first swing arm can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 100 via a physical shaft. For instance, the first end 230a of the first swing arm can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 100 via a rotating shaft. The axis of rotation of the first end 230a of the first swing arm relative to the main shaft 100 can be parallel to a first direction X.

[0071] For example, the second end 230b of the first swing arm and the first fixed frame 210 can be slidably connected by the first slide groove and the first slider. The extending direction of the first slide groove can intersect with the first direction X, that is, the sliding direction F1 of the second end 230b of the first swing arm relative to the first fixed frame 210 can intersect with the first direction X.

[0072] Similarly, the second rotating shaft assembly 300 may include a second fixed frame 310, a second rotating member 320, and a second swing arm 330. The second fixed frame 310 is connected to the second housing 22. For example, the second fixed frame 310 may be fixedly connected to the second housing 22.

[0073] The first end 320a of the second rotating member can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 100, and the second end 320b of the second rotating member can be rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 210.

[0074] For example, the first end 320a of the second rotating member can be connected to the main shaft 100 via a virtual axis. For instance, the first end 320a of the second rotating member and the main shaft 100 can be rotatably connected via an arc-shaped groove and an arc-shaped slider. The rotation axis of the first end of the second rotating member relative to the main shaft 100 can be parallel to the first direction X.

[0075] For example, the second end 320b of the second rotating member and the second fixed frame 310 can be connected by a solid shaft. For instance, the second end 320b of the second rotating member and the second fixed frame 310 can be rotatably connected by a pivot. The axis of rotation of the second end 320b of the second rotating member relative to the second fixed frame 310 can be parallel to the first direction X.

[0076] The first end 330a of the second swing arm can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 100, and the second end 330b of the second swing arm can be slidably connected to the second fixed frame 310.

[0077] For example, the first end 330a of the second swing arm can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 100 via a physical shaft. For instance, the first end 330a of the second swing arm can be rotatably connected to the main shaft 100 via a rotating shaft. The axis of rotation of the first end 330a of the second swing arm relative to the main shaft 100 can be parallel to the first direction X.

[0078] For example, the second end 330b of the second swing arm and the second fixed frame 310 can be slidably connected via the second slide groove and the second slider. The extending direction of the second slide groove can intersect with the first direction X, that is, the sliding direction F2 of the second end 330b of the second swing arm relative to the second fixed frame 310 can intersect with the first direction X.

[0079] With the above configuration, the first fixed frame 210, the first rotating component 220, and the first swing arm 230 in the first rotating shaft assembly 200 together with the main shaft 100 constitute a crank-slider mechanism. The second fixed frame 310, the second rotating component 320, and the second swing arm 330 in the second rotating shaft assembly 300 together with the main shaft 100 constitute another crank-slider mechanism. The first housing 21 can rotate relative to the main shaft 100 through the first rotating shaft assembly 200, and the second housing 22 can rotate relative to the main shaft 100 through the second rotating shaft assembly 300.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first end 230a of the first swing arm may be provided with a first gear, and the first end 330a of the second swing arm may be provided with a second gear that meshes with the first gear. Through the meshing transmission of the gears, synchronous movement between the first rotating shaft assembly 200 and the second rotating shaft assembly 300 can be achieved.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first pivot assembly 200 may further include a first support plate 240, which may be rotatably connected to the first fixing frame 210. For example, the first support plate 240 and the first fixing frame 210 may be rotatably connected via a virtual axis or a physical axis. The first support plate 240 may shield the first swing arm 230 and the first rotating member 220. For example, the first support plate 240 may be located between the first swing arm 230 and the flexible screen 30, and the first support plate 240 may also be located between the first rotating member 220 and the flexible screen 30.

[0082] Furthermore, in some examples, the first support plate 240 may also be slidably connected to the first swing arm 230. In some examples, the first support plate 240 may also be slidably connected to the first rotating member 220.

[0083] Similarly, the second pivot assembly 300 may also include a second support plate 340, which may be rotatably connected to the second fixed frame 310. For example, the second support plate 340 and the second fixed frame 310 may be rotatably connected via a virtual axis or a physical axis. The second support plate 340 may shield the second swing arm 330 and the second rotating member 320. For example, the second support plate 340 may be located between the second swing arm 330 and the flexible screen 30, or it may be located between the second rotating member 320 and the flexible screen 30.

[0084] Furthermore, in some examples, the second support plate 340 may also be slidably connected to the second swing arm 330. In some examples, the second support plate 340 may also be slidably connected to the second rotating member 320.

[0085] When the foldable electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state, the first support plate 240, the main shaft 100 and the second support plate 340 can form a support plane SS, which can be used to support the flexible screen 30 and improve the flatness of the flexible screen 30.

[0086] Combination Figure 8 , Figure 9A , Figure 9B as well as Figure 5 In this embodiment of the application, the fixed end 507 of the protective plate 500 can be fixedly connected to the first support plate 240 of the first rotating shaft assembly 200 so that the fixed end 507 is connected to the first rotating shaft assembly 200.

[0087] For example, the first support plate 240 may have a protrusion 241 on the side near the flexible screen 30, and the rigid layer 510 of the protective plate 500 may include a through hole 580, with the protrusion 241 passing through the through hole 580 of the rigid layer 510. This arrangement allows the first support plate 240 to position the protective plate 500, facilitating its installation and positioning.

[0088] Furthermore, in some examples, the foldable electronic device 1 may also include a first adhesive layer 530 and a second adhesive layer 540. The fixed end 507 can be connected to the flexible screen 30 through the first adhesive layer 530, and the fixed end 507 can be connected to the first support plate 240 through the second adhesive layer 540. This arrangement ensures that the fixed end 507 is fixedly connected between the first pivot assembly 200 and the flexible screen 30.

[0089] In some examples, when the foldable electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state, the free end 509 of the protective plate 500 is located between the second pivot assembly 300 and the flexible screen 30. This may include the protective plate 509 being located between the second support plate 340 of the second pivot assembly 300 and the flexible screen 30. This arrangement helps to increase the size of the protective plate 500 in the second direction Y, and thus increases the protective area of ​​the protective plate 500 on the flexible screen 30.

[0090] In some examples, the foldable electronic device 1 is located in the third adhesive layer 341, and the second support plate 340 can be connected to the flexible screen 30 through the third adhesive layer 341. When the foldable electronic device 1 is in the unfolded state, the fixed end 507, the free end 509, and the third adhesive layer 341 are arranged sequentially along the second direction Y. For example, in the second direction Y, there is a gap between the free end 509 and the third adhesive layer 341, so that the third adhesive layer 341 avoids interfering with the movement of the free end 509 during the transition between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable electronic device 1.

[0091] Furthermore, in the second direction Y, the distance between the first adhesive layer 530 and the main shaft 100 can be equal to the distance between the third adhesive layer 341 and the main shaft 100. Through the above arrangement, the fixed positions of the flexible screen 30 and the first rotating shaft assembly 200, as well as the fixed positions of the flexible screen 30 and the second rotating shaft assembly 300, can be symmetrically arranged about the main shaft 100, which helps to improve the regularity of the installation and fixation of the flexible screen 30.

[0092] In some embodiments, the protective plate 500 may further include a wear-resistant layer 520. At least a portion of the wear-resistant layer 520 may be located between the rigid layer 510 and the flexible screen 30. For example, at least a portion of the wear-resistant layer 520 may cover the surface of the rigid layer 510 near the flexible screen 30. This arrangement prevents direct contact between the rigid layer 510 and the flexible screen 30, and during the transition between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable electronic device 1, friction between the rigid layer 510 and the screen is avoided, thereby mitigating the noise generated when the rigid layer 510 slides relative to the screen.

[0093] Furthermore, the wear-resistant layer 520 may also include a portion of the rigid layer 510 located at the free end 509. For example, for ease of explanation, the portion of the rigid layer 510 located at the free end 509 is referred to as end 510a. The wear-resistant layer 520 may cover the surface of end 510a near the flexible screen 30, the side of end 510a, and the surface of end 510a near the rotating mechanism 10, so that the wear-resistant layer 520 can wrap around end 510a.

[0094] During the transition between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable electronic device 1, the free end 509 moves simultaneously relative to both the screen and the rotating mechanism 10. This arrangement helps to reduce friction between the rigid layer 510 and the screen, and further reduces friction between the rigid layer 510 and the rotating mechanism 10, thus further mitigating abnormal noise.

[0095] In this embodiment, the wear-resistant layer 520 may include one or more of a Teflon layer, a Mylar layer, and a polyoxymethylene (POM) layer. This configuration improves the hardness and reduces the roughness of the wear-resistant layer 520, enhances lubrication, and further reduces abnormal noise.

[0096] Among them, continue to refer to Figure 7 When the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, the flexible screen 30, under the action of the housing device, can be bent into a teardrop shape or a near-teardrop shape within the screen-containing space. For example, when the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, the second part 500b can be bent towards the main shaft 100, for example, it can be bent into an arc shape. This arrangement helps to make the shape of the second part 500b more closely fit the bent flexible screen 30, further improving the protective effect on the flexible screen 30 and enhancing its reliability.

[0097] Furthermore, when the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, in the stacking direction of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 (i.e., in the second direction Y), the distance between the fixed end 507 of the protective plate 500 and the second pivot assembly 300 can be less than the distance between the turning end 508 of the protective plate 500 and the second pivot assembly 300. For example, the first part 500a can be a straight plate structure, and the first part 500a can be tilted. The turning end 508 of the protective plate 500 can be tilted away from the free end 509 of the protective plate 500 in a direction away from the second pivot assembly 300. Through the above arrangement, it is beneficial to make the shape of the first part 500a more closely fit the bent flexible screen 30, which is beneficial to further improve the protective effect on the flexible screen 30 and improve the reliability of the flexible screen 30.

[0098] In some embodiments, when the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, the free end 509 is located between the flexible screen 30 and the second pivot assembly 300. For example, when the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, the free end 509 may be overlapped at one end of the second support plate 340 near the main shaft 100.

[0099] Alternatively, in some embodiments, when the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, the free end 509 may also be located between the flexible screen 30 and the second rotating member 320. For example, the free end 509 does not overlap with the second support plate 340. This application does not specifically limit the overlap position between the free end 509 and the second rotating shaft assembly 300.

[0100] The above settings help to increase the protective area of ​​the protective plate 500 on the flexible screen 30, further improve the stress distribution on the flexible screen 30, further prevent the rotating shaft mechanism from squeezing the flexible screen 30, and thus improve the reliability of the flexible screen 30.

[0101] Furthermore, when the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, the turning end 508 and the free end 509 of the protective plate 500 can be arranged along the stacking direction of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. With this arrangement, when the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, the bending shape of the second part 500b is more regular, which is beneficial for further improving the stress distribution on the flexible screen 30.

[0102] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 5 The size of the protective plate 500 along the first direction X can be smaller than the size of the main shaft 100 along the first direction X. In this embodiment, the protective plate 500 can only cover the area where the flexible screen 30 is easily squeezed when the rotating mechanism 10 is impacted. This is beneficial to reducing the area of ​​the protective plate 500 covering the rotating mechanism 10, improving the assembly accuracy and consistency of the protective plate 500 during assembly, and also reducing the assembly difficulty of the protective plate 500.

[0103] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the force analysis of the rotating mechanism in the diagram.

[0104] As described in the above embodiments, refer to Figure 12The rotating mechanism 10 may include a sliding area W1 and a rotating area W2 in the first direction X, wherein the first swing arm 230 and the second swing arm 330 are located in the sliding area W1, and the first rotating member 220 and the second rotating member 320 are located in the rotating area W2. When the folding electronic device 1 is impacted, due to the sliding connection between the first swing arm 230 and the first fixed frame 210, and between the second swing arm 330 and the second fixed frame 310, the portion of the rotating mechanism 10 located in the sliding area W1 will undergo a large deformation (the deformation amount may be ab, for example); due to the rotatable connection between the first rotating member 220 and the first fixed frame 210, and between the second rotating member 320 and the second fixed frame 310, the limiting effect is better, and the portion of the rotating mechanism 10 located in the rotating area W2 will undergo a smaller deformation (the deformation amount may be ac, for example).

[0105] In some embodiments, when the foldable electronic device 1 is in a folded state, the protective plate 500 can cover the first swing arm 230 and part of the second swing arm 330. This arrangement allows the protective plate 500 to protect the portion of the rotating mechanism 10 that undergoes significant deformation when impacted, which helps prevent the rotating shaft mechanism from squeezing the flexible screen 30, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible screen 30.

[0106] In some embodiments, when the foldable electronics are in a folded state, the protective plate 500 may also cover the first rotating member 220 and part of the second rotating member 320. This arrangement allows the protective plate 500 to further protect the deformed portion of the rotating mechanism 10 when subjected to impact, which helps prevent the rotating shaft mechanism from squeezing the flexible screen 30, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible screen 30.

[0107] In some embodiments, the number of protective plates 500 can be multiple, and the multiple protective plates 500 can be arranged at intervals along the first direction X. This is beneficial for further improving the reliability of the flexible screen 30.

[0108] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, include: Flexible screen; A housing device includes a first housing, a second housing, and a rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism is connected between the first housing and the second housing. The rotating mechanism includes a first rotating shaft assembly, a second rotating shaft assembly, and a main shaft. The main shaft extends along a first direction. A first end of the first rotating shaft assembly is rotatably connected to the main shaft, a second end of the first rotating shaft assembly is connected to the first housing, a first end of the second rotating shaft assembly is connected to the main shaft, and a second end of the second rotating shaft assembly is connected to the second housing. A protective plate is located between the flexible screen and the rotating mechanism; When the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first pivot assembly, the main shaft, and the second pivot assembly together form a support plane. The second end of the first pivot assembly, the first end of the first pivot assembly, the first end of the second pivot assembly, and the second end of the second pivot assembly are arranged sequentially along a second direction. The protective plate includes a first part and a second part arranged sequentially along the second direction. The first part and the second part together form a bearing plane. The fixed end of the protective plate is the end of the first part away from the second part, and the free end of the protective plate is the end of the second part away from the first part. The fixed end of the protective plate is connected between the flexible screen and the first pivot assembly, and the free end of the protective plate is located between the flexible screen and the second pivot assembly. During the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state of the foldable electronic device, the free end moves relative to the fixed end, the first part does not bend, and the second part bends; When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the first hinge assembly, the main shaft, and the second hinge assembly enclose a screen-accommodating space, with a portion of the flexible screen located within the screen-accommodating space. The first portion is located between the first hinge assembly and the flexible screen, and at least a portion of the second portion is located between the main shaft and the flexible screen.

2. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the second part bends toward the main shaft, and the free end of the protective plate is located between the flexible screen and the second pivot assembly.

3. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The turning end of the protective plate is the connection end between the first part and the second part; When the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the fixed end of the protective plate, the turning end of the protective plate, and the free end of the protective plate are arranged sequentially along the second direction; When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, in the stacking direction of the first housing and the second housing, the distance between the fixed end of the protective plate and the second rotating shaft assembly is less than the distance between the turning end of the protective plate and the second rotating shaft assembly.

4. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective panel includes a rigid layer and a wear-resistant layer, with at least a portion of the wear-resistant layer located between the rigid layer and the flexible screen.

5. The foldable electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The wear-resistant layer also partially covers the portion of the rigid layer located at the free end.

6. The foldable electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The wear-resistant layer includes one or more of the following: a Teflon layer, a Mylar layer, and a polyoxymethylene layer.

7. The folding electronic device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, In the first direction, the size of the protective plate is smaller than the size of the main shaft.

8. The folding electronic device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first rotating shaft assembly includes a first swing arm and a first fixed frame. The first end of the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second end of the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first fixed frame. The first fixed frame is connected to the first housing. The second rotating shaft assembly includes a second swing arm and a second fixed frame. The first end of the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second end of the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second fixed frame. The second fixed frame is connected to the second housing. When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the protective plate covers the first swing arm and part of the second swing arm.

9. The folding electronic device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first rotating shaft assembly includes a first rotating component and a first fixed frame. The first end of the first rotating component is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second end of the first rotating component is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame. The first fixed frame is connected to the first housing. The second rotating shaft assembly includes a second rotating component and a second fixed frame. The first end of the second rotating component is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second end of the second rotating component is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame. The second fixed frame is connected to the second housing. When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the protective plate covers the first rotating component and part of the second rotating component.

10. The foldable electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first rotating shaft assembly further includes a first support plate, which is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame; The second rotating shaft assembly also includes a second support plate, which is rotatably connected to the second fixing frame; The foldable electronic device further includes a first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer, and a third adhesive layer. The fixed end is connected to the flexible screen through the first adhesive layer, the fixed end is connected to the first support plate through the second adhesive layer, and the second support plate is connected to the flexible screen through the third adhesive layer.

11. The foldable electronic device according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the fixed end, the free end, and the third adhesive layer are arranged sequentially along the second direction.

12. The foldable electronic device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first support plate has a protrusion on the side near the flexible screen, and the fixed end has a through hole, with the protrusion penetrating through the through hole of the fixed end.

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