A foldable support, screen module and electronic device

Abstract

The application relates to a foldable support, a screen module and an electronic device. The foldable support comprises at least two support plates and at least one main folding part. The main folding part connects two adjacent support plates in a first direction, and the main folding part is in a curved state when the foldable support is folded along an axis. The main folding part comprises a main body and a first groove recessed relative to the main body, and the main body forms a bottom wall of the first groove. After the foldable support is provided with the first groove, the thickness of the foldable support at the position of the first groove is smaller than that at other positions. The first groove can reduce the rigidity and hardness of the main folding part, so that the folding part can be bent into a structure for accommodating a bent part of a display panel. The first groove comprises at least two recessed parts arranged in the thickness direction of the foldable support, so that the thickness of the main body of the folding part gradually decreases, the amplitude of the thickness reduction of the foldable support is reduced, and the "vertical lines" of the foldable support after folding are reduced or eliminated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of foldable electronic products technology, and in particular to a foldable support, screen module and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, various electronic devices have become indispensable products in daily life and production. Among them, foldable electronic devices have gradually become a development trend due to their advantages of large display area and portability. The screen module of a foldable electronic device includes a display panel that can be bent to achieve the folding of the electronic device. A support component is usually placed at the bottom of the display panel to support it. When the screen module is unfolded, vertical lines appear in the area corresponding to the support component, affecting the appearance of the screen module and the electronic device. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, this application provides a foldable support, a screen module, and an electronic device. The structure of the foldable support can reduce or eliminate the "vertical lines" of the screen module and improve the appearance of the screen module and the electronic device.

[0004] To address this, the first aspect of this application provides a foldable support member, comprising at least two support plates and at least one main folding portion. The main folding portion connects two adjacent support plates in a first direction and is in a bent state when the foldable support member is folded along its axis. The main folding portion includes a main body and a first groove recessed relative to the main body, with the main body forming the bottom wall of the first groove. After the first groove is provided in the foldable support member, the thickness of the foldable support member is less at the location of the first groove than at other locations; that is, the main folding portion of the foldable support member is locally thinned. This first groove can reduce the stiffness and hardness of the folding portion, thereby enabling the folding portion to be bent into a structure for accommodating the bent portion of the display panel. Because the folding portion is thinned overall, the stiffness and hardness of each location of the folding portion are uniform. Under drop conditions, the deformation of each location of the folding portion under the action of compressive impact load is not significantly different, thereby reducing or eliminating creases in the screen module under drop conditions.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first groove includes at least two recesses arranged in the thickness direction of the foldable support, making the sidewall of the first groove stepped, thereby gradually reducing the thickness of the main body of the folding part. This can slow down the reduction in the thickness of the foldable support, thereby reducing the stress at the connection between the sidewall and the bottom wall of the first groove caused by excessive thickness change, and thus reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" after the foldable support is folded.

[0006] In some embodiments, the recess includes a stepped surface, and the stepped surfaces of adjacent recesses are connected by a connecting surface, with at least one stepped surface connected to the connecting surface by a rounded corner. This rounded corner can reduce the stress between the stepped surface and the connecting surface, thereby reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" between the stepped surface and the connecting surface after the folded portion is folded.

[0007] In some embodiments, the stepped surfaces of adjacent recesses are a first stepped surface and a second stepped surface, and the connecting surface includes a first rounded corner and a second rounded corner. The first rounded corner is connected to the first stepped surface, and the second rounded corner is connected to the second stepped surface. In the thickness direction of the foldable support, the first stepped surface is located on the side closer to the opening of the first groove than the second stepped surface, and the gentleness of the second rounded corner is greater than that of the first rounded corner.

[0008] In the embodiments of this application, the smoothness of the second rounded corner is greater than that of the first rounded corner, and the sidewall and bottom wall of the first groove are connected by the second rounded corner. Therefore, the stress at the connection position of the sidewall and bottom wall of the first groove is smaller, thereby reducing the "vertical lines" at that position after the folded part is folded.

[0009] In some embodiments, the angle between the tangent of the first rounded corner and the first step surface is β, at least β > 140°, so that the thickness change at the location of the adjacent recess is relatively gentle, thereby reducing the stress at the location of the adjacent recess, and thus reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" generated by the folded part 14 at the location of the adjacent recess after folding.

[0010] In some embodiments, along the direction from the opening of the first groove to the bottom wall of the first groove, the angle between the tangent of each first rounded corner and the corresponding first step surface gradually increases, so that the stress near the bottom wall of the first groove is smaller, further reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" generated after the folded part is folded.

[0011] In some embodiments, the width of the recess gradually decreases along the direction from the opening of the first groove to the bottom wall of the first groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, the depth of each recess gradually decreases along the direction from the opening of the first groove to the bottom wall of the first groove, thereby gradually reducing the thickness variation of the folded portion and further reducing the "vertical lines" caused by the sudden change in thickness.

[0013] In some embodiments, the thickness T1 of the bottom wall of the first groove is less than 50 μm, which reduces the hardness and rigidity of the main body at the bottom wall of the first groove, making it easier to bend into an arc shape and less prone to breakage after bending, thus increasing the reliability of the folding part of the foldable support. Furthermore, during processing, a thickness T1 less than 50 μm also ensures a more uniform thickness of the bottom wall of the first groove, resulting in more uniform stress at various locations on the bottom wall of the first groove after bending. This allows the folding part to bend into a smooth arc shape, reducing the pressure or stretching on the bent part of the display panel.

[0014] In some embodiments, the foldable support further includes a first sub-fold portion and a second sub-fold portion, with the main fold portion connecting the first sub-fold portion and the second sub-fold portion in a first direction; the first sub-fold portion is provided with a second groove, and the second sub-fold portion is provided with a third groove.

[0015] In the embodiments of this application, the second groove can reduce the stiffness of the first sub-folding portion, and the third groove can reduce the stiffness of the second sub-folding portion. After the screen module is folded, the main folding portion is in a bent state, and the first and second sub-folding portions can also be bent to a certain extent.

[0016] In some embodiments, the thickness of the support plate is 50 μm to 200 μm.

[0017] A second aspect of this application provides a screen module, which includes a display panel and the aforementioned foldable support member, wherein the display panel is connected to one side of the foldable support member along its thickness direction.

[0018] When the foldable support in the screen module is the foldable support described above, the foldable support can reduce or eliminate the "vertical lines" of the screen module and improve the appearance performance of the screen module.

[0019] A third aspect of this application provides an electronic device, which includes a housing assembly and the screen module described above. The housing assembly includes at least two housings, and the electronic device also includes at least one hinge assembly connected to the at least two housings in a first direction; a support plate of a foldable support member is connected to the housing.

[0020] It is understandable that when the screen module is the screen module described above, it can reduce or eliminate the "vertical lines" on the screen module of the electronic device and improve the appearance performance of the electronic device. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electronic device 100 provided in this application, in its unfolded state;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electronic device 100 in a folded state;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the electronic device in a folded state;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partially exploded view of one embodiment of the electronic device 100 shown;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the electronic device 100 provided in this application in its unfolded state;

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of one embodiment in which the electronic device is in a folded state;

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another implementation method in which the electronic device is in a folded state;

[0029] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the electronic device 100 in an intermediate state;

[0030] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of screen module 10 in one specific embodiment;

[0031] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the foldable support member 103 in one specific embodiment;

[0032] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the stacked structure of the housing assembly 20, the foldable support 103, and the display panel 101;

[0033] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the foldable support member 103 in a folded state;

[0034] Figure 13 This is a partial enlarged view of the folded portion 14 in some embodiments of the related art;

[0035] Figure 14 for Figure 10 A sectional view along line AA in one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of blind grooves being fabricated on sheet material 50 using a spray etching method;

[0037] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 A magnified view of part I in the middle;

[0038] Figure 17 yes Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the external appearance of the foldable support 103 shown;

[0039] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view along line AA of the foldable support member 103 in one specific embodiment;

[0040] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A magnified view of a section II;

[0041] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view along line AA of the foldable support 103 in yet another specific embodiment;

[0042] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A magnified view of a section III;

[0043] Figure 22 This is a sectional view along line AA of the foldable support 103 in some embodiments;

[0044] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A partial view of the foldable support component 103 after folding;

[0045] Figure 24 yes Figure 22 A magnified view of part IV in the middle section;

[0046] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 A magnified view of the middle V section;

[0047] Figure 26 for Figure 24 A magnified view of a section VI;

[0048] Figure 27 This is a cross-sectional view along line AA of the foldable support 103 in yet another specific embodiment;

[0049] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 A magnified view of part VII in the middle section;

[0050] Figure 29 yes Figure 28 A magnified view of a section VIII;

[0051] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A schematic diagram of the location of the second fillet 1428 under a microscope;

[0052] Figure 31 yes Figure 28 A magnified view of part IX in the middle section;

[0053] Figure 32 yes Figure 31 A schematic diagram of the location of the second fillet 1428 under a microscope;

[0054] Figure 33 yes Figure 28 A magnified view of part X in the middle;

[0055] Figure 34 yes Figure 33 A schematic diagram of the location of the second fillet 1428 under a microscope;

[0056] Figure 35 yes Figure 28 A magnified view of part XI in the middle section;

[0057] Figure 36 yes Figure 35 A schematic diagram of the location of the second fillet 1428 under a microscope;

[0058] Figure 37 This is a schematic diagram of the manufacturing process of the foldable support 103 in some embodiments;

[0059] Figure 38 This is a structural schematic diagram of the foldable support member 103 in yet another specific embodiment;

[0060] Figure 39 yes Figure 38 A BB-directed sectional view in one embodiment;

[0061] Figure 40 This is a structural schematic diagram of the foldable support 103 in another specific embodiment.

[0062] 100 - Electronic devices;

[0063] 10-Screen module; 101-Display panel; 1011-First display unit; 1012-Second display unit; 1013-Third display unit; 1014-Bending part; 1014a-First bending part; 1014b-Second bending part;

[0064] 102-Cover plate; 103-Foldable support; 103a-Bottom wall of foldable support; 104-Adhesive part; 105-Protective film;

[0065] 11-First support plate; 11a-First side; 11b-Second side; 12-Second support plate; 12a-Third side; 12b-Fourth side; 13-Third support plate;

[0066] 14-Folding part; 14a-First folding part; 14b-Second folding part; 143-Main folding part; 144-First sub-folding part; 1441-Second groove; 145-Second sub-folding part; 1451-Third groove; 146-First connecting part; 147-Second connecting part;

[0067] 141-Main body; 1413-Through hole; 142-First groove; 142a-Bottom wall of the first groove; 1421-First recessed portion; 1422-Second recessed portion; 1423-Third recessed portion; 1424-Fourth recessed portion; 1425-First stepped surface; 1426-Second stepped surface; 1427-First rounded corner; 1428-Second rounded corner; 1429-Connecting surface;

[0068] 20 - Housing assembly; 201 - First housing; 202 - Second housing; 203 - Third housing;

[0069] 30 - First rotating shaft assembly; 40 - Second rotating shaft assembly;

[0070] 50-plate; 501-blind groove; 502-first recess; 503-second recess; 504-third recess; 505-fourth recess. Detailed Implementation

[0071] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0072] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0073] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0074] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0075] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the electronic device 100 provided in this application, in its unfolded state. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of one embodiment of the electronic device 100 in a folded state. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows another embodiment of the electronic device in a folded state.

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown, this application provides a foldable electronic device 100. The electronic device 100 can be a foldable device such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, personal computer, laptop computer, in-vehicle device, or wearable device. Figures 1-3 The electronic device 100 of the illustrated embodiment is described using a mobile phone as an example.

[0077] For ease of description, exemplarily, the thickness direction of the electronic device 100 is defined as the Z-axis direction, and the extension direction of the rotation axis of the electronic device 100 is defined as the X-axis direction, that is, the width direction of the electronic device 100 is defined as the X-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to both the X-axis and Z-axis is defined as the Y-axis direction, that is, the length direction of the electronic device 100 is defined as the Y-axis. It is understood that the coordinate system of the electronic device 100 can also be flexibly set according to specific needs. Exemplarily, the X-axis direction is defined as the first direction, and the Y-axis direction as the second direction. In other embodiments, the first and second directions can also be flexibly set according to needs, as long as the first and second directions are different. It is understood that in this embodiment, when the rotation axis of the electronic device 100 is in the Y-axis direction, the electronic device 100 can be relatively unfolded or folded along the X-axis direction. Thus, when the electronic device 100 is in a closed state, its size in the Y-axis direction becomes smaller.

[0078] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partially exploded view of one embodiment of the electronic device 100 shown. Please refer to... Figure 4 and combined Figure 1 As shown, the electronic device 100 includes a screen module 10, a housing assembly 20, and a first hinge assembly 30. The housing assembly 20 includes a first housing 201 and a second housing 202 distributed along the width direction X of the electronic device 100. The first hinge assembly 30 connects the first housing 201 and the second housing 202. The first hinge assembly 30 is used to allow the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 to unfold or fold relative to each other. (See also...) Figure 1 The screen module 10 includes a display panel 101, which is used to display images, etc. For example, the display panel 101 can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display panel, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display panel, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) display panel, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display panel, etc.

[0079] The display panel 101 includes a first display section 1011, a bent section 1014, and a second display section 1012 connected in sequence. The bent section 1014 connects the first display section 1011 and the second display section 1012. For example, Figure 1 The illustration takes an example where the first display unit 1011, the bending portion 1014, and the second display unit 1012 are arranged along the X-axis. The first display unit 1011 of the screen module 10 can be fixed to the first housing 201. The second display unit 1012 can be fixed to the second housing 202. It is understood that when the first pivot assembly 30 unfolds or folds the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 relative to each other, the first housing 201 can cause the first display unit 1011 of the screen module 10 to unfold or fold relative to the second display unit 1012, and the second housing 202 can cause the second display unit 1012 of the screen module 10 to unfold or fold relative to the first display unit 1011. At this time, the bending portion 1014 of the screen module 10 can bend.

[0080] In one embodiment, the first display unit 1011 of the screen module 10 can be fixedly connected to the first housing 201 via a first adhesive layer (not shown in the figure). The second display unit 1012 can be fixed to the second housing 202 via a second adhesive layer (not shown in the figure). It is understood that the shape, position, and size of the first and second adhesive layers are not specifically limited.

[0081] Please see Figure 1 When the first housing 201, the second housing 202, and the first hinge assembly 30 are relatively unfolded to the unfolded state, the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state. For example, when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the first housing 201, the second housing 202, and the first hinge assembly 30 can be arranged along the X-axis direction, and approximately at 180°. At this time, the screen module 10 has a continuous large-area display area, enabling large-screen display and providing a better user experience.

[0082] For example, when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, at least a portion of the first pivot assembly 30 can be used to support the bent portion 1014. When the bent portion 1014 of the screen module 10 is subjected to pressing, squeezing, or impact, the first pivot assembly 30 can be used to improve the pressure resistance and impact resistance of the bent portion 1014, that is, to ensure that the bent portion 1014 is not prone to problems such as dents.

[0083] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, when the first housing 201, the second housing 202, and the first hinge assembly 30 are folded relative to each other to a folded state, the electronic device 100 is in a folded state. Exemplarily, when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 can be brought close together, and the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 are stacked in the thickness direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) of the electronic device 100. When the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 change from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first hinge assembly 30 can create an accommodating space. It is understood that first hinge assemblies 30 with different structures can create accommodating spaces of different shapes.

[0084] It is understood that in this application, the first hinge assembly 30 can be either an inward folding mechanism or an outward folding mechanism. An inward folding mechanism refers to a folding mechanism that can fold at least a portion of the screen module 10 between the screen module 10 and the housing assembly 20. An outward folding mechanism refers to a folding mechanism that can fold at least a portion of the screen module 10 outside the housing assembly 20. For an example, please refer to [link to example]. Figure 1 ,like Figure 2As shown, the screen module 10 is housed between the first housing 201 and the second housing 202, meaning the first hinge assembly 30 is an inward folding mechanism. When the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 are folded from direction B to A, as... Figure 3 As shown, the screen module 10 is located outside the first housing 201 and the second housing 202, meaning that the first hinge assembly 30 is an outward folding mechanism. This application does not limit the specific structure of the first hinge assembly 30.

[0085] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 are folded from A to B, the electronic device 100 is in a folded state. The first display part 1011, the bending part 1014 and the second display part 1012 of the screen module 10 are all located between the first housing 201 and the second housing 202, and the bending part 1014 is located in the accommodating space 3104 of the first pivot assembly 30. When the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, since the first display part 1011, the bending part 1014 and the second display part 1012 of the screen module 10 are all located between the first housing 201 and the second housing 202, the display surface of the first display part 1011 faces the display surface of the second display part 1012, the bending part 1014 is bent and disposed between the first display part 1011 and the second display part 1012, and the bending part 1014 is located in the accommodating space 3104 of the first pivot assembly 30, the first display part 1011, the bending part 1014 and the second display part 1012 of the screen module 10 can be referred to as the inner screen of the screen module 10.

[0086] like Figure 3 As shown, when the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 are folded from B to A, the electronic device 100 is in a folded state. The first display part 1011, the bending part 1014 and the second display part 1012 of the screen module 10 are all located outside the first housing 201 and the second housing 202. The display surface of the first display part 1011 is located outside the first housing 201. The bending part 1014 is bent and disposed between the first display part 1011 and the second display part 1012, and the display surface of the bending part 1014 is located outside the second housing 202. The first display part 1011, the bending part 1014 and the second display part 1012 of the screen module 10 can be referred to as the outer screen of the screen module 10.

[0087] It is understandable that the number of times an electronic device can be folded is not limited to 100. Figures 1-3 The first instance indicated, that is, electronic device 100, is not limited to Figures 1-3 The illustrated two-fold electronic device 100. In other embodiments, the electronic device 100 may be folded more than once, that is, the electronic device 100 may be a two-fold or more folded electronic device 100.

[0088] For example, please refer to Figures 5-7 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the electronic device 100 provided in this application in its unfolded state; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of one embodiment in which the electronic device is in a folded state; Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another implementation method in which the electronic device is in a folded state.

[0089] Please see Figures 5-7 The housing assembly 20 includes a first housing 201, a second housing 202, and a third housing 203. The electronic device includes a first pivot assembly 30 and a second pivot assembly 40. The first pivot assembly 30 rotatably connects the first housing 201 and the second housing 202, and the second pivot assembly 40 rotatably connects the second housing 202 and the third housing 203, so that the foldable device can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. The screen module 10 includes a first display unit 1011, a second display unit 1012, a third display unit 1013, a first bending portion 1014a, and a second bending portion 1014b. The first bending portion 1014a is connected between the first display unit 1011 and the second display unit 1012, and the second bending portion 1014b is connected between the second display unit 1012 and the third display unit 1013. The first display part 1011 of the screen module 10 is fixed on the first housing 201, the second display part 1012 of the screen module 10 is fixed on the second housing 202, and the third display part 1013 of the screen module 10 is fixed on the third housing 203. The first housing 201 and the second housing 202 can rotate relative to each other. At this time, the first bending part 1014a can be folded or unfolded. The second housing 202 and the third housing 203 can rotate relative to each other. At this time, the second bending part 1014b can be folded or unfolded.

[0090] Please see Figure 5 When the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 rotate until the angle between them is approximately 180°, and the second housing 202 and the third housing 203 rotate until the angle between them is approximately 180°. Those skilled in the art will understand that the approximately 180° angle referred to in this application may not be an absolute 180° due to design tolerances and other reasons, and slight deviations are permissible, such as 165°, 177°, or 185°.

[0091] When the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 can be rotated to stack in the thickness direction Z of the electronic device, and the second housing 202 and the third housing 203 can also be rotated to stack in the thickness direction Z of the electronic device. When the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the first housing 201 and the third housing 203 can be located on the same side of the second housing 202 in the thickness direction Z, or they can be located on different sides of the second housing 202 in the thickness direction Z.

[0092] For example, please refer to Figure 6 The first display unit 1011 of the screen module 10 is housed between the first housing 201 and the third housing 203. The display surfaces of the second display unit 1012 and the third display unit 1013 face each other, and both are housed between the second housing 202 and the third housing 203. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 The first display unit 1011 of the screen module 10 is located outside the first housing 201, the second display unit 1012 is located outside the second housing 202, and the third display unit 1013 is housed between the first housing 201 and the third housing 203.

[0093] It is understood that in this application, the first pivot assembly 30 can be an inward folding mechanism or an outward folding mechanism, and the second pivot assembly 40 can be an inward folding mechanism or an outward folding mechanism, and one of the first pivot assembly 30 and the second pivot assembly 40 can be an inward folding mechanism and the other can be an outward folding mechanism. This application does not limit the specific structure of the first pivot assembly 30 and the second pivot assembly 40.

[0094] Of course, electronic device 100 also has other features besides Figure 6 and Figure 7 Other folded states besides the unfolded state. Furthermore, the electronic device 100 also has an intermediate state that switches between the unfolded and folded states. Please refer to... Figure 8 , Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the electronic device 100 in an intermediate state. The electronic device 100 in... Figure 8 In the intermediate state shown, the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 form an angle greater than 0° and less than 180°, and the second housing 202 and the third housing 203 form an angle greater than 0° and less than 180°. In some embodiments, the first pivot assembly 30 and the second pivot assembly 40 may have a damping structure to enable the electronic device 100 to be maintained in the intermediate state.

[0095] The following description uses the example of an electronic device 100 that can be folded once (a two-fold electronic device) to illustrate the specific structure of the screen module 10. When the electronic device 100 is folded more than once (e.g., a three-fold electronic device), the structure of the screen module 10 is similar.

[0096] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows an exploded view of the screen module 10 in one specific embodiment. The screen 10 includes a display panel and a support member fixedly connected. For example, when the electronic device 100 is a foldable electronic device, the display panel 101 can specifically be a flexible screen, and the support member can specifically be a foldable support member 103. The display panel 101 and the foldable support member 103 can be bonded and fixed together by an adhesive portion. Additionally, a cover plate 102 can cover the outer side of the display panel 101 to protect it. The outer side of the cover plate 102 can be covered by a protective film 105 to protect the screen module 10.

[0097] For example, the screen module 10 may also include structures such as a back film (not shown) and a polarizer (POL) (not shown). In one embodiment, the screen module 10 may also include a touchpad (not shown).

[0098] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the foldable support member 103 in one specific embodiment. Please refer to... Figure 1 The display panel 101 includes a first display portion 1011, a bent portion 1014, and a second display portion 1012 connected sequentially along the width direction X, that is, the bent portion 1014 is connected between the first display portion 1011 and the second display portion 1012. Figure 10 As shown, the foldable support member 103 includes a first support plate 11, a folding portion 14, and a second support plate 12, with the folding portion 14 connecting the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. Exemplarily, the first support plate 11, the folding portion 14, and the second support plate 12 can be arranged along the width direction X. It is understood that the arrangement direction of each part of the foldable support member 103 is the same as the arrangement direction of each part of the display panel 101; however, within the range of process errors or tolerances, the arrangement direction of each part of the foldable support member 103 and the arrangement direction of each part of the display panel 101 can be slightly different, i.e., they are not strictly parallel.

[0099] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of the stacked structure of the housing assembly 20, the foldable support member 103, and the display panel 101. The display panel 101 and the housing assembly 20 are connected to both sides of the foldable support member 103 in the thickness direction Z. For example, in the foldable support member 103, the first support plate 11 has a first surface 11a and a second surface 11b opposite to each other in the thickness direction Z, and the second support plate 12 has a third surface 12a and a fourth surface 12b opposite to each other in the thickness direction Z. The second surface 11b of the first support plate 11 is fixedly connected to the first display portion 1011 of the display panel 101, and the fourth surface 12b of the second support plate 12 is fixedly connected to the second display portion 1012 of the display panel 101. The folding portion 14 is opposite to the bending portion 1014 of the display panel 101. The first surface 11a of the first support plate 11 is fixedly connected to the first housing 201, the third surface 12a of the second support plate 12 is fixedly connected to the second housing 202, and the folded part 14 is located between the bent part 1014 and the first rotating shaft assembly 30 in the thickness direction Z.

[0100] It should be noted that, Figure 11 The part within the dashed box on the left is the first display part 1011 of the display panel 101, the part within the dashed box on the right is the second display part 1012 of the display panel 101, and the part between the two dashed boxes is the bent part 1014 of the display panel 101.

[0101] Understandably, the foldable support 103 can be used to provide rigid support for the display panel 101, thereby improving the support strength of the display panel 101. In addition, while ensuring a certain degree of rigidity, the foldable support 103 can also be bent under external force, that is, the foldable support 103 also has a certain degree of bendability.

[0102] Please see Figure 11 When the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, both the display panel 101 and the foldable support member 103 can be unfolded. For example, the first display portion 1011, the second display portion 1012, and the bending portion 1014 of the display panel 101 can be approximately 180° apart. Furthermore, the first support plate 11, the second support plate 12, and the folding portion 14 of the foldable support member 103 can form a plate-like structure. In other words, the first support plate 11, the second support plate 12, and the folding portion 14 can be approximately 180° apart.

[0103] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 12 yes Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of the foldable support member 103 in a folded state. When the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the foldable support member 103 can also be folded. For example, the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 of the foldable support member 103 are arranged close together. At this time, the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12 can be stacked along the thickness direction Z, the folded portion 14 is bent, and the first support plate 11, the second support plate 12, and the folded portion 14 form a receiving space, within which the first display portion 1011, the second display portion 1012, and the bent portion 1014 of the display panel 101 are housed. It is understood that when the first support plate 11 is fixedly connected to the first display portion 1011, the state of the first display portion 1011 when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state can be referred to the state of the first support plate 11; similarly, when the second support plate 12 is fixedly connected to the second display portion 1012, the state of the second display portion 1012 when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state can be referred to the state of the second support plate 12. The folding part 14 includes a main folding part 143, which is used to accommodate the curved display panel after being bent during the folding process of the electronic device.

[0104] Please see Figure 13 , Figure 13 This is a partial enlarged view of the folded portion 14 in some embodiments of the related art, namely Figure 13 A partially enlarged view of the main folding portion 143 of the foldable support member 103 in the related art is shown. During the unfolding or folding process of the electronic device 100, in order to enable the main folding portion 143 of the foldable support member 103 to fold, the main folding portion 143 of the foldable support member 103 includes multiple through holes 1413. The location of the through holes 1413 results in relatively low stiffness and rigidity of the main folding portion 143, thereby enabling the main folding portion 143 to bend.

[0105] For example, the through hole 1413 is elongated. The length of the through hole 1413 can extend along the Y-axis. In other embodiments, the through hole 1413 can also be dumbbell-shaped, rhomboid, square, or oval, etc., and this application does not strictly limit the specific shape.

[0106] However, the multiple through holes 1413 in the main folding part 143 are spaced apart, which makes the hardness and rigidity of the main folding part 143 uneven at different positions, resulting in more severe creases when the screen module 10 is subjected to impact load under drop conditions.

[0107] Please see Figure 14 , Figure 14 for Figure 10A cross-sectional view along line AA in one embodiment. To reduce creases in the screen module 10 during drops when the main folding portion 143 is bent, a first groove 142 may be provided in the main folding portion 143. This first groove 142 is recessed in the thickness direction Z of the foldable support member 103. In other words, at the location of the first groove 142, the thickness of the foldable support member 103 is less than the thickness at other locations; that is, the main folding portion 143 of the foldable support member 103 is locally thinned. Furthermore, the first groove 142 extends along the length direction Y; in other words, the first groove 142 penetrates both surfaces of the foldable support member 103 in the length direction Y.

[0108] The first groove 142 reduces the stiffness and rigidity of the folding portion 14, allowing it to be bent into a structure that accommodates the bent portion 1014 of the display panel 101. Because the folding portion 14 is thinned overall, its stiffness and rigidity are uniform across all positions. Under drop conditions, the deformation at different positions of the folding portion 14 under the impact load is not significantly different, thus reducing or eliminating creases in the screen module 10 under drop conditions.

[0109] Typically, spray etching can be used when machining the first groove 142 on the foldable support 103. Spray etching is a type of chemical etching. Its core principle is to uniformly spray the etching solution onto the surface of the workpiece (e.g., the plate to be etched) using a high-pressure spray device, utilizing the corrosive effect of the chemical solution to achieve precise material removal. Spray etching achieves a continuous feeding state through the linear movement of the high-pressure jet and the workpiece, effectively expanding the contact area between the spray and the workpiece, and significantly improving etching uniformity and speed. Spray etching has wide applications in the processing of thin plate workpieces.

[0110] Please see Figure 15 , Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of processing a blind groove on the sheet metal 50 using a spray etching method. When processing the first groove 142 on the foldable support 103, a blind groove 501 is etched into the sheet metal 50. The sheet metal 50 is locally thinned at the location of the blind groove 501, thereby reducing the stiffness of the sheet metal 50 at the blind groove 501 location and enabling bending. Please refer to... Figure 16 and Figure 17 , Figure 16 yes Figure 14 A magnified view of part I in the middle. Figure 17 yes Figure 14 The diagram shows the external appearance of the foldable support 103. After using the spray-etched substrate 50, the first groove 142 is formed as shown... Figure 16As shown, the angle between the bottom wall and the side wall of the first groove 142 is typically 90°. This means that the stiffness changes abruptly due to a sudden change in thickness at the connection point between the bottom wall and the side wall of the first groove 142. During bending, there is significant stress at the connection point. Under this stress, textures will form at the connection point. Since both the bottom wall and the side wall extend along the length direction Y, the foldable support 103 will develop textures extending along the length direction Y, referred to as "vertical lines." Figure 17 As shown. These "vertical lines" on the screen module affect the appearance of the screen module 10 and the electronic device 100, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0111] To reduce or eliminate vertical lines, it is necessary to mitigate abrupt changes in thickness, thereby reducing stress at the junction of the sidewalls and bottomwalls of the first groove 142. Different methods of stress reduction are described in detail below.

[0112] Please refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 , Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view along line AA of the foldable support member 103 in one specific embodiment. Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A partially enlarged view of section II. The foldable support includes a first support plate 11, a second support plate 12, and a folding portion 14 located between them. The folding portion 14 includes a main body 141 and is provided with a first groove 142, which is recessed relative to the main body 141 in the thickness direction Z. The main body 141 is the solid portion of the folding portion 14. In other words, after the first groove 142 is provided in the folding portion 14, the thickness of the main body 141 is less than the thickness of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12, thereby reducing the stiffness and rigidity of the folding portion 14 and enabling the folding portion 14 to bend.

[0113] like Figure 19 As shown, the included angle α between the bottom wall and the side wall of the first groove 142 is greater than 180°, which reduces the stiffness difference at the connection between the bottom wall and the side wall, reduces the stress at the connection between the bottom wall and the side wall, and thus reduces or eliminates the "vertical lines" caused by stress after the folded part 14 is bent.

[0114] Please refer to Figure 20 and Figure 21 , Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view along line AA of the foldable support member 103 in another specific embodiment. Figure 21 yes Figure 20A partial enlarged view of section III. The folding portion 14 of the foldable support 103 is provided with a first groove 142, which is recessed in the thickness direction Z relative to the main body 141. The main body 141 is the solid portion of the folding portion 14. In other words, after the first groove 142 is provided in the folding portion 14, the thickness of the main body 141 is less than the thickness of the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12, thereby reducing the stiffness and rigidity of the folding portion 14 and enabling the folding portion 14 to bend.

[0115] like Figure 21 As shown, the bottom wall 142a of the first groove and the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support are connected by a rounded corner. The bottom wall 103a of the foldable support is the bottom wall where the first groove 142 is located, meaning the first groove 142 is recessed inward from the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support. Specifically, the bottom wall 142a of the first groove is connected to a second rounded corner 1428, and the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support is connected to a first rounded corner 1427. Therefore, the side wall of the first groove 142 and the bottom wall 142a of the first groove are connected by a rounded corner, thereby mitigating the thickness change at the folded portion 14 of the foldable support 103, reducing the stress at the connection point between the bottom wall 142a and the side wall of the first groove 142, and thus reducing or eliminating the vertical lines after the folded portion 14 is folded.

[0116] In some embodiments, such as Figure 21 As shown, the first fillet 1427 is located on the side facing the opening of the first groove 142, and the second fillet 1428 is located on the side closer to the main body 141. The angle between the tangent of the first fillet 1427 and the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support is β, and the angle between the tangent of the second fillet 1428 and the bottom wall 142a of the first groove is γ. Figure 21 In the diagram, the thick red solid line represents the tangent of the first rounded corner 1427, the thick green solid line represents the extension of the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support, β represents the angle between the thick red solid line and the thick green solid line, the thick blue solid line represents the tangent of the second rounded corner 1428, the thick yellow solid line represents the extension of the bottom wall 142a of the first groove, and γ represents the angle between the thick yellow solid line and the thick blue solid line.

[0117] It is understandable that the size of β can represent the smoothness of the first fillet 1427. The larger the β, the smoother the first fillet 1427. The size of γ can represent the smoothness of the second fillet 1428. The larger the γ, the smoother the second fillet 1428.

[0118] In some embodiments, such as Figure 21As shown, the smoothness of the second rounded corner 1428 is greater than that of the first rounded corner 1427, i.e., γ > β. Since the sidewall of the first groove 142 and the bottom wall 142a of the first groove are connected by the second rounded corner 1428, the stress at the connection point between the sidewall of the first groove 142 and the bottom wall 142a of the first groove is smaller, thereby reducing the "vertical lines" at that position after the folded part 14 is folded.

[0119] Where β > 140°. For example, β can be 145°, 150°, 151°, 155°, 160°, 166°, 170°, 175°, 177°, etc. γ > β > 140°, for example, γ can be 150°, 151°, 153°, 157°, 165°, 168°, 173°, 176°, 178°, etc.

[0120] In this embodiment, since the angle β between the tangent of the first rounded corner 1427 and the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support is greater than 140°, the transition between the first rounded corner 1427 and the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support is relatively smooth, thereby reducing the stress at the connection point between the first rounded corner 1427 and the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support, and thus reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" at the connection point between the first rounded corner 1427 and the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support after the folded part 14 is folded. Simultaneously, since the smoothness of the second rounded corner 1428 is greater than that of the first rounded corner 1427, the stress at the connection point between the second rounded corner 1428 and the bottom wall 142a of the first groove is even smaller, thereby reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" at the connection point between the second rounded corner 1428 and the bottom wall 142a of the first groove after the folded part 14 is folded.

[0121] Please refer to Figure 22 and Figure 23 , Figure 22 This is a sectional view along line AA of the foldable support member 103 in some embodiments. Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A partial view of the foldable support component 103 after folding. (See diagram below.) Figure 22 As shown, the first groove 142 includes two recesses distributed in the thickness direction Z, making the sidewalls of the first groove 142 stepped. Specifically, the first groove 142 includes a first recess 1421 and a second recess 1422, with the first recess 1421 located on the side of the second recess 1422 facing the opening of the first groove 142. Both the first recess 1421 and the second recess 1422 are recessed in the thickness direction Z, and the width of the first recess 1421 (its dimension in the width direction X) is greater than the width of the second recess 1422 (its dimension in the width direction X).

[0122] The first recess 1421 has a first stepped surface 1425, and the second recess 1422 has a second stepped surface 1426. In other words, the first stepped surface 1425 is the bottom wall of the first recess 1421, and the second stepped surface 1426 is the bottom wall of the second recess 1422, and the second recess 1422 is recessed relative to the first stepped surface 1425. In this embodiment, the solid portion within the red dashed line area is the main body 141 of the folded portion 14. Obviously, since the sidewall of the first groove 142 is stepped, the thickness of the main body 141 is not entirely the same. The thickness of the main body 141 at the first stepped surface 1425 is W2, and the thickness of the main body 141 at the second stepped surface 1426 is W3. Therefore, the thickness of the folded portion 14 of the foldable support 103 decreases from W1 to W2, and then from W2 to W3. Compared to the thickness of the folded portion 14 decreasing directly from W1 to W3, in this embodiment, when the first groove 142 includes two recessed portions, it can slow down the reduction of the thickness of the foldable support 103, thereby reducing the stress at the connection between the sidewall and bottom wall of the first groove 142 caused by excessive thickness change, and thus reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" after the foldable support 103 is folded. Figure 23 As shown.

[0123] It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, Figure 22 The dimensions of the two recesses in the image have been enlarged.

[0124] Please continue to refer to this. Figures 24-26 , Figure 24 yes Figure 22 A magnified view of part IV in the middle section. Figure 25 yes Figure 24 A magnified view of a portion of the V-shaped section. Figure 26 for Figure 24 A magnified view of section VI. (See attached image.) Figure 24 As shown, the depth of the first recess 1421 is H1, and the depth of the second recess 1422 is H2, where H1 > H2. In other words, along the recess direction of the first groove 142, or from the opening of the first groove 142 to the bottom wall 142a of the first groove, the depth of the recess gradually decreases, thereby gradually reducing the thickness variation of the folded portion 14, further reducing the "vertical lines" caused by the sudden change in thickness.

[0125] In some embodiments, in conjunction with reference Figures 24-26A connecting surface 1429 is provided between the first step surface 1425 and the second step surface 1426. The connecting surface 1429 is connected to the first step surface 1425 via a first fillet 1427, and to the second step surface 1426 via a second fillet 1428. The first fillet 1427 reduces the stress between the first step surface 1425 and the connecting surface 1429, thereby reducing or eliminating vertical lines between the first step surface 1425 and the connecting surface 1429 after the folded portion 14 is folded. The second fillet 1428 reduces the stress between the second step surface 1426 and the connecting surface 1429, thereby reducing or eliminating vertical lines between the second step surface 1426 and the connecting surface 1429 after the folded portion 14 is folded.

[0126] In some embodiments, such as Figure 25 As shown, for the second recess 1422, the first rounded corner 1427 is located on the side facing the opening of the first groove 142, and the second rounded corner 1428 is located on the side closer to the main body 141. The angle between the tangent of the first rounded corner 1427 and the first stepped surface 1425 is β2. Figure 25 In the diagram, the thick red solid line represents the tangent to the first fillet 1427, the thick green solid line represents the extension of the first step surface 1425, and β2 represents the angle between the thick red and thick green solid lines. For example... Figure 26 As shown, for the first recess 1421, the first fillet 1427 is located on the side facing the opening of the first groove 142, and the second fillet 1428 is located on the side closer to the main body 141. The angle between the tangent of the first fillet 1427 and the first step surface 1425 is β1. Figure 26 In the diagram, the thick red solid line represents the tangent of the first fillet 1427, the thick green solid line represents the extension of the first step surface 1425, and β1 represents the angle between the thick red solid line and the thick green solid line.

[0127] The magnitude of β1 represents the smoothness of the first rounded corner 1427 in the first recess 1421. The larger β1 is, the smoother the first rounded corner 1427 of the first recess 1421 is. The magnitude of β2 represents the smoothness of the first rounded corner 1427 in the second recess 1422. The larger β2 is, the smoother the first rounded corner 1427 of the second recess 1422 is.

[0128] like Figure 24 As shown, since the first recess 1421 is located on the side of the second recess 1422 facing the opening of the first groove 142, and the deformation of the area where the second recess 1422 is located is greater after the folded part 14 is bent, the main body 141 is more likely to produce "vertical lines" at the location of the second recess 1422.

[0129] In some embodiments, such as Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown, β2 > β1, meaning that the smoothness of the first rounded corner 1427 in the second recess 1422 is greater than that of the first recess 1421, and the smoothness of the second rounded corner 1428 is greater than that of the first rounded corner 1427. This makes the thickness change of the main body 141 at the location of the second recess 1422 more gradual than the thickness change at the location of the first recess 1421. This not only reduces or eliminates the "vertical lines" of the main body 141 at the location of the first recess 1421 after the folding part 14 is folded, but also reduces or eliminates the "vertical lines" of the main body 141 at the location of the second recess 1422 after the folding part 14 is folded.

[0130] In some embodiments, at least one of β2 and β1 is greater than 140°.

[0131] Where β2 > β1 > 140°. For example, β1 can be 145°, 150°, 151°, 155°, 160°, 166°, 170°, 175°, 177°, etc. γ > β > 140°, for example, β2 can be 150°, 151°, 153°, 157°, 165°, 168°, 173°, 176°, 178°, etc.

[0132] In this embodiment, when both β1 and β2 are greater than 140°, the thickness changes at the locations of the first recess 1421 and the second recess 1422 are relatively gradual, thereby reducing the stress at the locations of the first recess 1421 and the second recess 1422, and thus reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" generated at the locations of the first recess 1421 and the second recess 1422 after folding of the folded portion 14.

[0133] Meanwhile, as described above, in the first recess 1421, the smoothness of the second rounded corner 1428 is greater than that of the first rounded corner 1427, and in the second recess 1422, the smoothness of the second rounded corner 1428 is greater than that of the first rounded corner 1427.

[0134] In other embodiments, the first groove 142 may include two or more recesses.

[0135] Please refer to Figure 27 and Figure 28 , Figure 27 This is a cross-sectional view along line AA of the foldable support member 103 in another specific embodiment. Figure 28 yes Figure 27 A magnified view of part VII. (See image below.) Figure 27 As shown, the foldable support 103 includes a first support plate 11, a second support plate 12, and a folding portion located between the two. The folding portion has a first groove 142 recessed along the thickness direction Z. Figure 28 In the illustrated embodiment, the first groove 142 includes a first recess 1421, a second recess 1422, a third recess 1423, and a fourth recess 1424 distributed in the thickness direction Z. The first recess 1421, the second recess 1422, the third recess 1423, and the fourth recess 1424 are gradually distributed from the opening of the first groove 142 to the bottom wall 142a of the first groove, and the width (dimension in the width direction X) of the first recess 1421, the second recess 1422, the third recess 1423, and the fourth recess 1424 gradually decreases. This configuration results in a stepped sidewall for the first groove 142. Figure 28 In the diagram, the part within the red dashed box is the folding portion 14 of the foldable support 103, and the solid area within the red dashed box, excluding the first groove 142, is the main body 141 of the folding portion 14. It can be seen that after the step-shaped first groove 142 is provided, the main body 141 of the folding portion 14 also becomes step-shaped, and the thickness of the bottom wall 142a of the first groove in the main body 141 is the smallest. When the foldable support 103 is bent, the deformation of the bottom wall 142a of the first groove is the largest, which can be bent into an arc-shaped structure for accommodating the bent portion of the display module.

[0136] In this embodiment, after the folding part 14 is provided with multiple recesses, the thickness of the stepped main body 141 gradually decreases, which can slow down the reduction of the thickness of the foldable support 103, thereby reducing the stress at the connection position between the side wall and the bottom wall of the first groove 142 caused by excessive thickness change, and thus reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" after the foldable support 103 is folded.

[0137] It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, Figure 28 The dimensions of the two recessed areas have been enlarged. For example... Figure 28 As shown, the depth of the first recess 1421 is H1, the depth of the second recess 1422 is H2, the depth of the third recess 1423 is H3, and the depth of the fourth recess 1424 is H4, where H1 > H2 > H3 > H4. In other words, along the recess direction of the first groove 142, or from the opening of the first groove 142 to the bottom wall 142a of the first groove, the depth of the recess gradually decreases, thereby gradually reducing the thickness variation of the folded portion 14, further reducing the "vertical lines" caused by the abrupt change in thickness.

[0138] In some embodiments, H1 can be 30μm-40μm, H2 can be 20μm-35μm, H3 can be 10μm-25μm, and H4 can be 5μm-15μm. For example, H1 can be 36μm, H2 can be 25μm, H3 can be 18μm, and H4 can be 13μm.

[0139] In some embodiments, such as Figure 28 As shown, the thickness T1 of the bottom wall 142a of the first groove is less than 50 μm, and the bottom wall 142a of the first groove is the position where the thickness of the main body 141 in the folded part 14 is the smallest. For example, T1 can be 45 μm, 40 μm, 30 μm, 20 μm, 10 μm, 5 μm, etc.

[0140] When T1 is less than 50μm, the hardness and rigidity of the main body 141 at the bottom wall 142a of the first groove are relatively low, making it easier to bend into an arc shape and less prone to breakage after bending, thus increasing the reliability of the folding portion 14 of the foldable support 103. Furthermore, during processing, a T1 of less than 50μm also ensures a more uniform thickness of the bottom wall 142a of the first groove, resulting in more uniform stress at various locations on the bottom wall 142a after bending. This allows the folding portion 14 to bend into a smooth arc shape, reducing the pressure or stretching on the bent portion of the display panel.

[0141] In some embodiments, the thickness T2 of the support plate in the foldable support member satisfies: 50μm≤T2≤200μm. For example, T2 can be 50μm, 55μm, 60μm, 65μm, 70μm, 90μm, 100μm, 120μm, 140μm, 150μm, 170μm, 180μm, 188μm, 190μm, 200μm, etc.

[0142] It is understandable that when the support plate of the foldable support member 103 is within the aforementioned thickness range, the support plate provides better support for the display portion of the display panel, improving the flatness of the screen assembly in the unfolded state. After the foldable support member 103 is provided with the first groove 142, the thickness T1 of the bottom wall 142a of the first groove is less than the thickness T2 of the support plate, thereby achieving local thinning of the foldable support member 103 at the folding portion 14, reducing the hardness and rigidity of the folding portion 14, and thus enabling the folding portion 14 to be folded into an arc shape.

[0143] Please refer to Figures 29-36 , Figure 29 yes Figure 28 A magnified view of a section VIII. Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A schematic diagram showing the location of the second fillet 1428 under a microscope. Figure 31 yes Figure 28 A magnified view of part IX in the middle. Figure 32 yes Figure 31 A schematic diagram showing the location of the second fillet 1428 under a microscope. Figure 33 yes Figure 28 A magnified view of part X in the middle. Figure 34 yes Figure 33 A schematic diagram showing the location of the second fillet 1428 under a microscope. Figure 35 yes Figure 28 A magnified view of part XI in the middle section. Figure 36 yes Figure 35 A schematic diagram showing the location of the second rounded corner 1428 under a microscope. Adjacent recessed areas each have a first stepped portion and a second stepped portion, respectively. (See diagram below.) Figure 29 As shown, the third recess 1423 and the fourth recess 1424 have a first step surface 1425 and a second step surface 1426, respectively. In other words, at the position where the third recess 1423 and the fourth recess 1424 are adjacent, the first step surface 1425 is the bottom wall of the third recess 1423, the second step surface 1426 is the bottom wall of the fourth recess 1424, and the fourth recess 1424 is recessed relative to the first step surface 1425.

[0144] In some embodiments, such as Figure 29 As shown, at the position adjacent to the third recess 1423 and the fourth recess 1424, there is a connecting surface 1429 between the first step surface 1425 and the second step surface 1426. The connecting surface 1429 is connected to the first step surface 1425 by a first fillet 1427, and the connecting surface 1429 is connected to the second step surface 1426 by a second fillet 1428. The first fillet 1427 can reduce the stress between the first step surface 1425 and the connecting surface 1429, thereby reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" between the first step surface 1425 and the connecting surface 1429 between the third recess 1423 and the fourth recess 1424 after the folded portion 14 is folded. The second rounded corner 1428 can reduce the stress between the second step surface 1425 and the connecting surface 1429, thereby reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" between the second step surface 1426 and the connecting surface 1429 between the third recess 1423 and the fourth recess 1424 after the folding part 14 is folded.

[0145] Under a microscope, the second rounded corner 1428 at the position adjacent to the third recess 1423 and the fourth recess 1424 is as follows: Figure 30 As shown, from Figure 30 It can be seen that after setting the second rounded corner 1428, the thickness change at the position where the third recess 1423 and the fourth recess 1424 are adjacent and at the position where the bottom wall and the side wall of the fourth recess are connected is relatively gentle, so that the stress at this position is small, thereby reducing the risk of "vertical lines" appearing at this position after the folding part 14 is folded.

[0146] like Figure 31As shown, the second recess 1422 and the third recess 1423 have a first step surface 1425 and a second step surface 1426, respectively. In other words, at the adjacent positions of the second recess 1422 and the third recess 1423, the first step surface 1425 is the bottom wall of the second recess 1422, the second step surface 1426 is the bottom wall of the third recess 1423, and the third recess 1423 is recessed relative to the first step surface 1425.

[0147] In some embodiments, such as Figure 31 As shown, at the position adjacent to the second recess 1422 and the third recess 1423, there is a connecting surface 1429 between the first step surface 1425 and the second step surface 1426. The connecting surface 1429 is connected to the first step surface 1425 by a first fillet 1427, and the connecting surface 1429 is connected to the second step surface 1426 by a second fillet 1428. The first fillet 1427 can reduce the stress between the first step surface 1425 and the connecting surface 1429, thereby reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" between the first step surface 1425 and the connecting surface 1429 between the second recess 1422 and the third recess 1423 after the folded portion 14 is folded. The second rounded corner 1428 can reduce the stress between the second step surface 1425 and the connecting surface 1429, thereby reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" between the second step surface 1426 and the connecting surface 1429 between the second recess 1422 and the third recess 1423 after the folding part 14 is folded.

[0148] Under a microscope, the second rounded corner 1428 at the position adjacent to the second recess 1422 and the third recess 1423 is as follows: Figure 32 As shown, from Figure 32 It can be seen that after setting the second rounded corner 1428, the thickness change at the position adjacent to the second recess 1422 and the third recess 1423 is relatively gentle, which makes the stress at this position smaller, thereby reducing the risk of "vertical lines" appearing at this position after the folded part 14 is folded.

[0149] like Figure 33 As shown, the first recess 1421 and the second recess 1422 have a first step surface 1425 and a second step surface 1426, respectively. In other words, at the adjacent positions of the first recess 1421 and the second recess 1422, the first step surface 1425 is the bottom wall of the first recess 1421, the second step surface 1426 is the bottom wall of the second recess 1422, and the second recess 1422 is recessed relative to the first step surface 1425.

[0150] In some embodiments, such as Figure 33As shown, at the adjacent positions of the first recess 1421 and the second recess 1422, there is a connecting surface 1429 between the first step surface 1425 and the second step surface 1426. The connecting surface 1429 is connected to the first step surface 1425 by a first fillet 1427, and to the second step surface 1426 by a second fillet 1428. The first fillet 1427 can reduce the stress between the first step surface 1425 and the connecting surface 1429, thereby reducing or eliminating the vertical lines between the first step surface 1425 and the connecting surface 1429 between the first recess 1421 and the second recess 1422 after the folded portion 14 is folded. The second fillet 1428 can reduce the stress between the second step surface 1425 and the connecting surface 1429, thereby reducing or eliminating the vertical lines between the second step surface 1426 and the connecting surface 1429 between the first recess 1421 and the second recess 1422 after the folded portion 14 is folded.

[0151] Under a microscope, the second rounded corner 1428 at the adjacent position of the first recess 1421 and the second recess 1422 is as follows: Figure 34 As shown, from Figure 34 It can be seen that after setting the second rounded corner 1428, the thickness change at the position adjacent to the first recess 1421 and the second recess 1422 is relatively gentle, which makes the stress at this position smaller, thereby reducing the risk of "vertical lines" appearing at this position after the folded part 14 is folded.

[0152] Reference Figure 28 and Figure 35 As shown, the first step surface 1425 and the second step surface 1426 are the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support and the bottom wall of the first recess 1421, respectively, and the first recess 1421 is recessed relative to the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support.

[0153] In some embodiments, such as Figure 35As shown, at the adjacent positions of the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support and the bottom wall of the first recess 1421, there is a connecting surface 1429 between the first step surface 1425 and the second step surface 1426. The connecting surface 1429 is connected to the first step surface 1425 by a first fillet 1427, and the connecting surface 1429 is connected to the second step surface 1426 by a second fillet 1428. The first fillet 1427 can reduce the stress between the first step surface 1425 and the connecting surface 1429, thereby reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" between the first step surface 1425 and the connecting surface 1429 between the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support and the bottom wall of the first recess 1421 after the folding part 14 is folded. The second rounded corner 1428 can reduce the stress between the second step surface 1425 and the connecting surface 1429, thereby reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" between the second step surface 1426 and the connecting surface 1429 between the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support member after the folding part 14 is folded and the bottom wall of the first recess 1421.

[0154] Under a microscope, the second rounded corner 1428 at the adjacent position of the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support and the bottom wall of the first recess 1421 is as follows: Figure 36 As shown, from Figure 36 It can be seen that after setting the second rounded corner 1428, the thickness change of the adjacent position of the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support and the bottom wall of the first recess 1421 is relatively gentle, which makes the stress at this position smaller, thereby reducing the risk of "vertical lines" appearing at this position after the folding part 14 is folded.

[0155] In some embodiments, such as Figure 29 As shown, at the position where the third recess 1423 and the fourth recess 1424 are adjacent, the first rounded corner 1427 is located on the side facing the opening of the first groove 142, and the second rounded corner 1428 is located on the side closer to the main body 141. The angle between the tangent of the first rounded corner 1427 and the first stepped surface 1425 is β4. Figure 29 In the diagram, the thick red solid line represents the tangent of the first fillet 1427, the thick green solid line represents the extension of the first step surface 1425, and β4 represents the angle between the thick red solid line and the thick green solid line.

[0156] like Figure 31 As shown, at the position adjacent to the second recess 1422 and the third recess 1423, the first rounded corner 1427 is located on the side facing the opening of the first groove 142, and the second rounded corner 1428 is located on the side closer to the main body 141. The angle between the tangent of the first rounded corner 1427 and the first stepped surface 1425 is β3. Figure 31 In the diagram, the thick red solid line represents the tangent of the first fillet 1427, the thick green solid line represents the extension of the first step surface 1425, and β3 represents the angle between the thick red solid line and the thick green solid line.

[0157] like Figure 33 As shown, at the position where the first recess 1421 and the second recess 1422 are adjacent, the first rounded corner 1427 is located on the side facing the opening of the first groove 142, and the second rounded corner 1428 is located on the side closer to the main body 141. The angle between the tangent of the first rounded corner 1427 and the first stepped surface 1425 is β2. Figure 33 In the diagram, the thick red solid line represents the tangent of the first fillet 1427, the thick green solid line represents the extension of the first step surface 1425, and β2 represents the angle between the thick red solid line and the thick green solid line.

[0158] like Figure 35 As shown, at the location of the first recess 1421, the first rounded corner 1427 is located on the side facing the opening of the first groove 142, and the second rounded corner 1428 is located on the side closer to the main body 141. The angle between the tangent of the first rounded corner 1427 and the first stepped surface 1425 is β1. The first stepped surface 1425 is the bottom wall 103a of the foldable support, and the second stepped surface 1426 is the bottom wall of the first recess 1421. Figure 35 In the diagram, the thick red solid line represents the tangent of the first fillet 1427, the thick green solid line represents the extension of the first step surface 1425, and β1 represents the angle between the thick red solid line and the thick green solid line.

[0159] The size of β4 can represent the smoothness of the first rounded corner 1427 at the position where the third recess 1423 and the fourth recess 1424 are adjacent.

[0160] The larger β4 is, the smoother the first rounded corner 1427 is. The value of β3 indicates the smoothness of the first rounded corner 1427 at the position adjacent to the second recess 1422 and the third recess 1423; the larger β3 is, the smoother the first rounded corner 1427 is. The value of β2 indicates the smoothness of the first rounded corner 1427 at the position adjacent to the first recess 1421 and the second recess 1422; the larger β2 is, the smoother the first rounded corner 1427 is. The value of β1 indicates the smoothness of the first rounded corner 1427 at the location of the first recess 1421; the larger β1 is, the smoother the first rounded corner 1427 is.

[0161] In some embodiments, please refer to the reference Figure 29 , Figure 31 , Figure 33 and Figure 35 β4>β3>β2>β1, that is, along the direction from the opening of the first groove 142 to the bottom wall 142a of the first groove, the angle between the tangent of each first rounded corner 1427 and the first step surface 1425 gradually increases, so that the stress near the bottom wall 142a of the first groove is smaller, further reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" generated after the folding part 14 is folded.

[0162] In some embodiments, at least one of β4, β3, β2 and β1 is greater than 140°.

[0163] Among them, β4>β3>β2>β1>140°.

[0164] In this embodiment, when β1, β2, β3, and β4 are all greater than 140°, the thickness changes at the locations of the first recess 1421, the second recess 1422, the third recess 1423, and the fourth recess 1424 are all relatively gradual, thereby reducing the stress at the locations of the first recess 1421, the second recess 1422, the third recess 1423, and the fourth recess 1424, and thus reducing or eliminating the "vertical lines" generated by the folded portion 14 after folding.

[0165] Meanwhile, as mentioned above, in the first groove 142, the smoothness of each second fillet 1428 is higher than that of the first fillet 1427.

[0166] Please see Figure 37 , Figure 37 This is a schematic diagram of the manufacturing process of the foldable support 103 in some embodiments. During manufacturing, a first recess 502 is first etched into the plate 50. Then, a second recess 503 is etched into the first recess 502. Next, a third recess 504 is etched into the second recess 503. Finally, a fourth recess 505 is etched into the third recess 504, forming... Figure 27 The foldable support 103 shown.

[0167] Please see Figures 38-39 , Figure 38 This is a structural schematic diagram of the foldable support member 103 in another specific embodiment. Figure 39 yes Figure 38 A BB-direction cross-sectional view in one embodiment. For example... Figure 38 As shown, the folding portion 14 of the foldable support member 103 includes a main folding portion 143, a first sub-folding portion 144, and a second sub-folding portion 145. The first sub-folding portion 144 and the second sub-folding portion 145 are located on both sides of the main folding portion 143 in the width direction X. In addition, the first sub-folding portion 144 is connected to the first support plate 11 on the side opposite to the main folding portion 143, and the second sub-folding portion 145 is connected to the second support plate 12 on the side opposite to the main folding portion 143.

[0168] like Figure 39As shown, the first sub-folding portion 144 is provided with a second groove 1441, and the second sub-folding portion 145 is provided with a third groove 1451. Both the second groove 1441 and the third groove 1451 are recessed relative to the foldable support member 103 in the thickness direction Z. The second groove 1441 can reduce the stiffness of the first sub-folding portion 144, and the third groove 1451 can reduce the stiffness of the second sub-folding portion 145. After the screen module 10 is folded, the main folding portion 143 is in a bent state after folding. The first sub-folding portion 144 and the second sub-folding portion 145 can also be bent to a certain extent. Since the main folding portion 143 is used to accommodate the bent portion of the display panel after bending, the curvature of the main folding portion 143 is relatively large. The bending of the first sub-folding portion 144 and the second sub-folding portion 145 is mainly to realize the transition between the folding portion 14 and the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12. Therefore, the curvature of the first sub-fold 144 and the second sub-fold 145 after bending is less than the curvature of the main fold 143 after bending, and the stiffness requirement of the first sub-fold 144 and the second sub-fold 145 is greater than that of the main fold 143. Therefore, as Figure 39 As shown, the depth of the second groove 1441 of the first sub-fold 144 can be less than the depth of the first groove 142 in the main fold 143, and the depth of the third groove 1451 of the second sub-fold 145 can be less than the depth of the first groove 142 in the main fold 143, so that the stiffness of the two sub-folds is greater than the stiffness of the main fold 143, and the two sub-folds have sufficient support reliability while satisfying that the two sub-folds can have a certain degree of bending.

[0169] In this embodiment, the sidewalls and bottom wall of the second groove 1441 can be perpendicular, and a rounded corner transition may not be provided between the sidewalls and bottom wall of the second groove 1441. Similarly, the sidewalls and bottom wall of the third groove 1451 can be perpendicular, and a rounded corner transition may not be provided between the sidewalls and bottom wall of the third groove 1451. In other embodiments, the structures of the second groove 1441 and the third groove 1451 may be the same as or similar to the structure of the first groove 142 described above. The structure of the second groove 1441 and the third groove 1451 is not limited in this application.

[0170] In such Figure 39 In the embodiment shown, the first groove 142 of the main fold 143 can be the structure described in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0171] It is understandable that the first support plate 11, the first sub-folding part 144, the main folding part 143, the second sub-folding part 145, and the second support plate 12 form a single integral structure, meaning the foldable support member 103 is a one-piece molded component. In this case, the connection between the first support plate 11, the first sub-folding part 144, the main folding part 143, the second sub-folding part 145, and the second support plate 12 is more robust. Furthermore, the formation steps of the first support plate 11, the first sub-folding part 144, the folding part 143, the second sub-folding part 145, and the second support plate 12 are fewer, which can reduce the cost of manufacturing the foldable support member 103.

[0172] The above describes the structure of the foldable support 103 for a double-fold electronic device. It can be understood that the foldable support 103 can also be used for triple-fold or higher electronic devices. The following description uses the foldable support 103 for a triple-fold electronic device as an example.

[0173] Please see Figure 40 , Figure 40 This is a structural schematic diagram of the foldable support member 103 in another specific embodiment, as shown below. Figure 40 As shown, the foldable support 103 includes a first support plate 11, a second support plate 12, a third support plate 13, a first folding part 14a, and a second folding part 14b. In the width direction X, the two ends of the first folding part 14a are connected to the first support plate 11 and the second support plate 12, and the two ends of the second folding part 14b are connected to the second support plate 12 and the third support plate 13.

[0174] In the foldable support member 103, the structure of the first folding part 14a and the second folding part 14b can be the structure described in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0175] It should be noted that all the above figures are exemplary illustrations of this application and do not represent the actual size of the product, and the dimensional ratio between the components in the figures are not intended to limit the actual product of this application.

[0176] Where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other, and any combination of features in different embodiments is also within the protection scope of this application. That is to say, the multiple embodiments described above can also be arbitrarily combined according to actual needs.

[0177] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A foldable support member, characterized in that, The foldable support includes at least two support plates and at least one main folding portion, wherein the main folding portion connects two adjacent support plates in a first direction, and the main folding portion is in a bent state when the foldable support is folded along the axis. The main folding portion includes a main body and a first groove recessed relative to the main body. The main body forms the bottom wall of the first groove. The first groove includes at least two recesses arranged in the thickness direction of the foldable support, such that the sidewall of the first groove is stepped.

2. The foldable support member according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recess includes a stepped surface, and the stepped surfaces of adjacent recesses are connected by a connecting surface. At least one stepped surface is connected to the connecting surface by a rounded corner.

3. The foldable support member according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjacent recessed portion has a first step surface and a second step surface. The connecting surface includes a first rounded corner and a second rounded corner. The first rounded corner is connected to the first step surface, and the second rounded corner is connected to the second step surface.

4. The foldable support member according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the thickness direction of the foldable support, the first stepped surface is located on the side closer to the opening of the first groove than the second stepped surface, and the smoothness of the second rounded corner is greater than that of the first rounded corner.

5. The foldable support member according to claim 4, characterized in that, The angle between the tangent of the first fillet and the first step surface is β, and at least β > 140°.

6. The foldable support member according to claim 3, characterized in that, Along the direction from the opening of the first groove to the bottom wall of the first groove, the angle between the tangent of each of the first rounded corners and the corresponding first step surface gradually increases.

7. The foldable support member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The width of the recess gradually decreases along the direction from the opening of the first groove to the bottom wall of the first groove.

8. The foldable support member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Along the direction from the opening of the first groove to the bottom wall of the first groove, the depth of each of the recesses gradually decreases.

9. The foldable support member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The thickness T1 of the bottom wall of the first groove is less than 50 μm.

10. The foldable support member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The foldable support also includes a first sub-folding part and a second sub-folding part, and the main folding part connects the first sub-folding part and the second sub-folding part in a first direction; The first sub-fold portion is provided with a second groove, and the second sub-fold portion is provided with a third groove.

11. The foldable support member according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The thickness of the support plate is 50 μm to 200 μm.

12. A screen module, characterized in that, The screen module includes a display panel and a foldable support member as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display panel is connected to one side of the foldable support member along the thickness direction.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a housing assembly and a screen module as described in claim 12, the housing assembly including at least two housings, and the electronic device further including at least one hinge assembly, the hinge assembly connecting at least two housings in a first direction; The support plate of the foldable support is connected to the housing.

Images