Folding electronic device, screen holder, and flexible screen assembly

Abstract

This application relates to the field of terminals and discloses a foldable electronic device, a screen holder, and a flexible screen assembly. The electronic device includes a flexible screen, a support mechanism, and a screen holder. The flexible screen includes a deformation region. The support mechanism includes a door plate corresponding to the deformation region, and the door plate is provided with an avoidance slot facing the flexible screen. In the unfolded state, the holding part is at least partially buried between the holding plate corresponding to the main shaft module in the avoidance slot and the door plate. In the folded state, the holding part slides outward from the avoidance slot, and as a result, the deformation region of the flexible screen in the folded state can enter the avoidance slot. In the folded state, the holding part slides outward from the avoidance slot to increase the available space in the avoidance slot, and as a result, the deformation region of the flexible screen enters the avoidance slot. In the unfolded state, since the holding part is located in the avoidance slot, when the user touches the deformation region of the flexible screen, the virtual sense of position is weakened, and the damage to the flexible screen caused by extrusion by sharp foreign objects and impact on the deformation region is weakened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310325692.6, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on March 22, 2023, under the title "FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE, SCREEN HOLDER, AND FLEXIBLE SCREEN ASSEMBLY", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application relates to the field of terminals, and in particular, to foldable electronic devices, screen holders, and flexible screen assemblies.

Background Art

[0003] With the development of science and technology, foldable electronic devices will become the mainstream direction in the next few years. Referring to the accompanying drawings below, one foldable electronic device will be described.

[0004] FIG. 1(a) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1' in the folded state in some technical solutions. FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1' in the unfolded state in some technical solutions. Referring to FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), it can be seen that the electronic device 1' is a foldable electronic device and can be switched between the unfolded state and the folded state. The electronic device 1' includes a stacked flexible screen 100' and a hinge assembly 200'. The flexible screen 100' includes a deformation region As'. The flexible screen 100' is formed by laminating a plurality of material layers, and the plurality of material layers can be elastically deformed (e.g., compressed or stretched) in the deformation region As'. The portion on the hinge assembly 200' corresponding to the deformation region As' may include a main shaft module (not shown) and a door plate corresponding to the main shaft module. An avoidance slot 201' facing the deformation region As' is provided on the side of the door plate corresponding to the main shaft module facing the flexible screen 100'.

[0005] In the folded state, the hinge assembly 200' surrounds the accommodation space, and at least a part of the flexible screen 100' is bent into a specific shape (for example, a water droplet shape) and accommodated in the accommodation space. The deformation region As' of the specific shape is located within the avoidance slot 201' of the hinge assembly 200'. Creep in length occurs in the material within the deformation region As', the material close to the hinge assembly 200' is stretched long, and the material away from the hinge assembly 200' is compressed and shortened.

[0006] However, when the electronic device 1' is bent for a long time (for example, the bending time is long or the amount of bending time is large), when the electronic device 1' is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, the length creep in the deformation region As' cannot be quickly recovered. Under light irradiation, obvious light shadows and creases are formed in the deformation region As' of the flexible screen 100'. Considering this, how to quickly recover the length creep in the deformation region As' of the flexible screen 100' has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In consideration of this, the present application provides a foldable electronic device, a screen holder, and a flexible screen assembly. The electronic device includes a flexible screen, a hinge assembly (a part of the support mechanism), and a screen holder. The flexible screen includes a deformation region. An avoidance slot facing the flexible screen is provided in a door plate corresponding to the main shaft module. The screen holder includes a holding plate and a holding portion. In the unfolded state, the hinge assembly, the holding plate, and the flexible screen are sequentially stacked, and the holding portion is at least partially buried between the holding plate corresponding to the main shaft module in the avoidance slot and the door plate. In the folded state, the holding portion slides outward from the avoidance slot, and as a result, the deformation region of the flexible screen in the folded state can enter the avoidance slot. According to the electronic device, in the folded state, the holding portion slides outward from the avoidance slot to increase the available space in the avoidance slot, and as a result, the deformation region of the flexible screen enters the avoidance slot. In the unfolded state, since the holding portion is located in the avoidance slot, when the user touches the deformation region of the flexible screen, the virtual sense of position is weakened, and the damage to the flexible screen caused by extrusion by sharp foreign objects and impact on the deformation region is weakened.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present application, a foldable electronic device is provided, and the electronic device is switchable between a folded state and an unfolded state. The electronic device includes a flexible screen, a support mechanism, and a first screen holder.

[0009] The flexible screen includes a first part, a second part, and a third part that are sequentially connected. In the folded state, the first part and the third part are arranged opposite to each other. The support mechanism and the flexible screen are stacked. The support mechanism includes a first support structure, a second support structure, and a third support structure. The first support structure is arranged opposite to the first part and fastened to the first part. The second support structure is arranged opposite to the second part. The third support structure is arranged opposite to the third part and fastened to the third part. An avoidance slot facing the second part is provided in the second support structure. The first screen holder is located between the flexible screen and the support mechanism. The first screen holder includes a first holding plate and a first holding portion. The first holding portion is located on the side surface of the first holding plate on the back side of the flexible screen. The first holding plate includes a first end away from the second support structure, and the first end of the first holding plate is connected to the first part and / or the first support structure. In the unfolded state, the first holding portion is located in the avoidance slot to support the second part. In the folded state, the first holding portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance slot, and as a result, the second part is at least partially located in the avoidance slot.

[0010] In the flexible screen, the second part corresponds to the deformation region of the flexible screen in the folded state. The support mechanism is a structure that can be used to support the flexible screen and the first screen holder. The support mechanism includes a first support structure, a second support structure, and a third support structure. The first support structure faces the first part, the second support structure faces the second part, and the third support structure faces the third part. For example, the second support structure includes a main shaft module and a door plate corresponding to the main shaft module (i.e., the following second door plate). An avoidance slot facing the second part is provided in the second support structure, that is, an avoidance slot facing the second part is provided in the second door plate of the second support structure (i.e., the door plate corresponding to the main shaft module).

[0011] That is, in one embodiment of the present application, the door plate corresponding to the main shaft module is provided with an avoidance slot facing the flexible screen, and the screen holder includes a first holding plate and a first holding portion. In the deployed state, the hinge assembly, the first holding plate, and the flexible screen are sequentially stacked, and the first holding portion is at least partially buried between the first holding plate corresponding to the main shaft module in the avoidance slot and the door plate. In the folded state, the first holding portion slides outward from the avoidance slot, and as a result, the deformation region of the folded flexible screen can enter the avoidance slot.

[0012] In the above electronic device, the first screen holder is disposed between the support mechanism and the flexible screen. The first screen holder includes a first holding plate and a first holding portion disposed on the side surface of the first holding plate on the back side of the flexible screen. The first holding portion is disposed on the first holding plate. In this case, in the folded state, the first holding portion slides outward from the avoidance slot to increase the available space in the avoidance slot, and as a result, the deformation region of the flexible screen enters the avoidance slot. In the deployed state, since the first holding portion is located in the avoidance slot, when the user touches the deformation region of the flexible screen, the virtual sense of position is weakened, and the damage to the flexible screen caused by extrusion by sharp foreign objects and impact on the deformation region is weakened.

[0013] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device further includes a second screen holder. The second screen holder is located between the flexible screen and the support mechanism. The second screen holder includes a second holding plate and a second holding portion. The second holding portion is located on the side surface of the second holding plate on the back side of the flexible screen. The second holding plate includes a third end away from the second support structure, and the third end of the second holding plate is connected to the third portion and / or the third support structure. In the unfolded state, the second holding portion is located within the avoidance slot to support the second portion. In the folded state, the second holding portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance slot, and as a result, the second portion is at least partially located within the avoidance slot.

[0014] In this application, it will be understood that the second screen holder and the first screen holder are basically symmetric except for some structural adaptations. Therefore, for the specific structure and attachment method of the second screen holder, reference may be made to the first screen holder. Details will not be repeated here.

[0015] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, in the flexible screen of the electronic device, the first part includes a first sub-part and a second sub-part, and the first sub-part, the second sub-part, and the second part are sequentially connected. In the support mechanism of the electronic device, the first support structure includes a first housing rotatably connected and a first door plate. The first housing is disposed opposite to and fastened to the first sub-part, and the first door plate is disposed opposite to the second sub-part. The second support structure includes a second door plate and a main shaft module on the back side of the surface of the second door plate. The first support structure and the second support structure are switched between a folded state and a deployed state via the main shaft module, and an avoidance slot facing the second part is provided on the second door plate. The first end of the first holding plate is connected to at least one of the first sub-part, the second sub-part, the first housing, and the first door plate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first end of the first holding plate is located between the second sub-part and the first door plate, and the first end of the first holding plate is connected to the second sub-part and / or the first door plate.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first end of the first holding plate is located between the first sub-part and the first housing, and the first end of the first holding plate is connected to the first sub-part and / or the first housing.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first end of the first holding plate is located between the first sub-part and the first housing, and the first end of the first holding plate is connected to the first sub-part and / or the first housing, and / or the first holding plate is connected to the second sub-part and / or the first door plate.

[0019] The above-described method of connecting the first end of the first holding plate to the support mechanism is only a part of an example of an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that another embodiment in which the first end of the first holding plate can be fastened to the support mechanism is also included within the protection scope of the present application. This is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0020] In the above electronic device, the first end of the first holding plate is a fixed end. Based on the size and layout position of the first holding plate, a solution for connecting the first holding plate to another surrounding component can be flexibly selected. As a result, the design difficulties and assembly difficulties of the first screen holder in the electronic device are reduced.

[0021] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the third part includes a third sub-part and a fourth sub-part, and the third sub-part, the fourth sub-part, and the second part are sequentially connected. In the support mechanism of the electronic device, the third support structure includes a second housing rotatably connected and a third door plate. The second housing is disposed opposite to the third sub-part and fastened to the third sub-part, and the third door plate is disposed opposite to the fourth sub-part. The second support structure includes a second door plate and a main shaft module on the back side of the surface of the second door plate. The first support structure and the second support structure can be switched between a folded state and a deployed state via the main shaft module, and an avoidance slot facing the second part is provided on the second door plate. The third end of the second holding plate is connected to at least one of the third sub-part, the fourth sub-part, the second housing, and the third door plate.

[0022] That is, in one embodiment of the present application, the support mechanism includes a first housing, a second housing, a first door plate, a second door plate, a third door plate, and a main shaft module. In the deployed state, the first door plate, the second door plate, and the third door plate are sequentially distributed. In the folded state, the first door plate, the second door plate, and the third door plate together enclose a storage space, and at least the flexible screen is bent into a specific shape (for example, a water droplet shape) and accommodated in the storage space. In the support mechanism, it can be easily understood that the first support structure may include the first housing and the first door plate, the second support structure may include the main shaft module and the second door plate, and the third support structure may include the second housing and the third door plate.

[0023] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the second end of the first holding plate, which faces the first end, is a free end, is located between the second portion and the second support structure, and the first holding portion is attached to the second end.

[0024] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the fourth end of the second holding plate, which faces the third end, is a free end, is located between the second portion and the second support structure, and the second holding portion is attached to the fourth end.

[0025] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, in the folded state, the second portion and the second support structure are spaced apart from each other.

[0026] For example, the electronic device includes a first screen holder. The first screen holder is located on the side surface of the central plane and is spaced apart from the central plane. The central plane is perpendicular to the main shaft module and perpendicular to the distribution plane (i.e., the projection plane) of the flexible screen in the deployed state. In the folded state, the first screen holder and the second door plate form a release space, and the bent second portion is located within the release space.

[0027] In another example, the electronic device includes a first screen holder and a second screen holder. The first screen holder and the second screen holder are located on both sides of the central plane and are spaced apart from the central plane. In the folded state, the first screen holder, the second screen holder, and the second door plate form a release space, and the bent second portion is located within the release space.

[0028] In the above electronic device, in the folded state, the structures of the first screen holder and / or the second screen holder are appropriately designed, so that a release space is formed between the first screen holder and / or the second screen holder and the second door plate, and the bent second portion is located within the release space. Considering this, the stress between the flexible screen and the first screen holder and / or the second screen holder can be reduced, the pressure of the first screen holder and / or the second screen holder on the second portion of the flexible screen is weakened, and the lamination and misplacement of the flexible screen are avoided.

[0029] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a first screen holder. In the unfolded state, the second end is attached to the flexible screen, and in the folded state, the second end is separated from the flexible screen.

[0030] That is, in one embodiment of the present application, in the folded state, the second end is separated from the flexible screen to release the space between the second portion and the first screen holder. As a result, the stress between the flexible screen and the second end is reduced, the pressure of the second end on the second portion of the flexible screen is weakened, and the lamination and misplacement of the flexible screen are avoided.

[0031] In addition, in the above electronic device, when the distance between the second end of the first holding plate and the central plane is small, the second end is separated from the flexible screen to form a release space. As a result, the size selection range of the first holding plate is expanded, the design difficulty of the first holding plate is reduced, and it is guaranteed that the first screen holder overlaps with the slot opening of the avoidance slot in the folded state, thereby improving the operation stability of the electronic device.

[0032] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device further includes a second screen holder. In the unfolded state, the fourth end is attached to the flexible screen, and in the folded state, the fourth end is separated from the flexible screen.

[0033] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a first screen holder, and in the folded state, the first screen holder is partially overlapped with the slot opening of the avoidance slot.

[0034] In the above electronic device, since the structure of the first screen holder is appropriately designed, it can be guaranteed that the first screen holder does not completely deviate from the avoidance slot in the folded state. This helps to limit the sliding direction of the first screen holder with respect to the slot surface of the avoidance slot when switching from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0035] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a second screen holder, and in the folded state, the second screen holder is partially overlapped with the slot opening of the avoidance slot.

[0036] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a first screen holder, and in the unfolded state, the orthographic projection of the first holding portion on the plane where the flexible screen is located partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the avoidance slot on the distribution plane of the flexible screen.

[0037] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a second screen holder. In the unfolded state, the orthographic projection of the second holding portion on the plane where the flexible screen is located partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the avoidance slot on the distribution surface of the flexible screen.

[0038] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a first screen holder. The second end of the first holding plate, which faces the first end, is a free end and is located between the third portion and the third door plate. The first holding portion is attached between the first end and the second end.

[0039] According to the above electronic device, the number of screen holders is reduced, which helps to improve the assembly efficiency and assembly accuracy of the electronic device.

[0040] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, in the folded state, the second end of the first holding plate is still located between the third portion and the third door plate and is a free end.

[0041] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a first screen holder. A guide surface is provided on the side surface of the first holding portion on the back side of the first holding plate. When the electronic device is switched between the unfolded state and the folded state, the guide surface cooperates with the slot surface of the avoidance slot to limit the direction in which the first holding portion enters and exits the avoidance slot.

[0042] By designing the guide surface, the electronic device can optimize the friction between the internal components of the electronic device during the switching between the unfolded state and the folded state, reduce the jitter in the switching process, and thereby improve the stability of the electronic device during the switching between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0043] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device further includes a second screen holder, and a guide surface is provided on a side surface of a second holding portion on a back side of the second holding plate. When the electronic device is switched between the unfolded state and the folded state, the guide surface cooperates with the slot surface of the avoidance slot to limit the direction in which the second holding portion enters and exits the avoidance slot.

[0044] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a first screen holder, and in the unfolded state, a surface of the first holding portion facing the avoidance slot is at least partially attached to the slot surface of the avoidance slot.

[0045] According to the above electronic device, by appropriately designing the guide surface, the guiding function of the guide surface can be optimized, the jitter of the electronic device during the switching between the unfolded state and the folded state can be reduced, and it helps to improve the stability of the electronic device during the switching between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0046] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device further includes a second screen holder, and in the unfolded state, a surface of the second holding portion facing the avoidance slot is at least partially attached to the slot surface of the avoidance slot.

[0047] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a first screen holder, and a cross-section of the first holding portion perpendicular to the main shaft module is fan-shaped and / or rectangular.

[0048] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a second screen holder, and a cross-section of the second holding portion perpendicular to the main shaft module is fan-shaped and / or rectangular.

[0049] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a first screen holder, a first holding plate and a first holding portion are integrally formed, and the material of each of the first holding plate and the first holding portion includes at least one of metal, resin, and fiber.

[0050] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a second screen holder, a second holding plate and a second holding portion are integrally formed, and the material of each of the second holding plate and the second holding portion includes at least one of metal, resin, and fiber.

[0051] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a first screen holder, the first holding plate and the first holding portion are formed separately and fastened to each other, the material of the first holding plate includes at least one of metal, resin, and fiber, and the material of the first holding portion includes at least one of metal, resin, and fiber.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first holding plate and the first holding portion within the first screen holder may be made of the same material. For example, the materials of both the first holding plate and the first holding portion are metals.

[0053] In some embodiments, two or more materials are appropriately selected for the first holding plate and the first holding portion based on different yield strength and wear resistance requirements, and the two or more materials are stacked to form the first screen holder. For example, the material of the first holding plate is plastic and the material of the first holding plate is metal.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first holding plate and the first holding portion may be assembled by at least one of bonding, welding, and fastening. This is not specifically limited in this application.

[0055] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device further includes a second screen holder, the second holding plate and the first holding portion are formed separately and fastened to each other, the material of the first holding plate includes at least one of metal, resin, and fiber, and the material of the first holding portion includes at least one of metal, resin, and fiber.

[0056] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device further includes a traction component, one end of the traction component is connected to the first end of the first holding plate, the other end of the traction component is connected to the first support structure, and the traction component is configured to pull the first holding portion into the avoidance slot when the electronic device is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0057] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device further includes a second screen holder, and there are two groups of traction components. One group of the traction components is configured to pull the first holding portion into the avoidance slot when the electronic device is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, and the other group of the traction components is configured to pull the second holding portion into the avoidance slot when the electronic device is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state. For the specific connection method of the traction components in this embodiment, refer to the connection method of the foregoing embodiment. Details will not be described again.

[0058] According to the second aspect of the present application, a screen holder is provided. The screen holder includes a holding plate and a holding portion connected to each other. The holding portion is located on the side surface of the holding plate on the back side of the flexible screen. In the unfolded state, the holding portion is located in the avoidance slot of the support mechanism of the electronic device to support the second portion of the flexible screen. In the folded state, the holding portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance slot. As a result, the second portion is at least partially located in the avoidance slot.

[0059] The screen holder of the second aspect of the present application may be any screen holder of the first aspect and the embodiments of the first aspect, that is, it may be any first screen holder, any second screen holder, or a combination thereof.

[0060] According to a third aspect of the present application, a flexible screen assembly is provided, which can be switched between a folded state and a deployed state. The flexible screen assembly includes a flexible screen and a first screen holder. The flexible screen includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion that are sequentially connected. In the folded state, the first portion and the third portion are arranged opposite to each other. The first portion is configured to face the first support structure, the second portion is configured to face the second support structure, and the second support structure is provided with an avoidance slot facing the second portion. The first screen holder is located on the side surface of the flexible screen, and the first screen holder includes a first holding plate and a first holding portion. The first holding portion is located on the side surface of the first holding plate on the back side of the flexible screen, and the first end of the first holding plate is connected to the first portion and / or the first support structure. In the deployed state, the first holding portion is located within the avoidance slot to support the second portion. In the folded state, the first holding portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance slot, and as a result, the second portion is at least partially located within the avoidance slot of the support mechanism of the electronic device.

[0061] In some possible embodiments of the third aspect, the third portion is configured to face the third support structure, and the flexible screen assembly further includes a second screen holder. The second screen holder is located on the side surface of the flexible screen, and the second screen holder includes a second holding plate and a second holding portion. The second holding portion is located on the side surface of the second holding plate on the back side of the flexible screen, and the third end of the second holding plate is connected to the third portion and / or the third support structure. In the deployed state, the second holding portion is located within the avoidance slot to support the second portion. In the folded state, the second holding portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance slot, and as a result, the second portion is at least partially located within the avoidance slot of the support mechanism of the electronic device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0063] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application more clear, the following will further describe the embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] This application provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes, but is not limited to, any one of foldable electronic products such as mobile phones, tablet computers, notebook computers, and wearable devices. In the folded state, the shape obtained by bending the flexible screen in the electronic device includes, but is not limited to, any one of a water droplet shape, a mallet shape, and a spoon shape.

[0065] In the following, an example is used where the electronic device is a mobile phone and when the electronic device is in the folded state, the flexible screen is bent into a water droplet shape for illustration purposes. To facilitate the following description, the plane where the flexible screen is located in the unfolded state is defined as the projection plane.

[0066] In addition, in this application, the state where the screen holder, the flexible screen assembly, and the electronic device are folded may be called the folded state, and the state where the screen holder, the flexible screen assembly, and the electronic device are unfolded may be called the unfolded state.

[0067] FIG. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view of the folded electronic device 1’’ according to some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of the unfolded electronic device 1’’ according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), it can be easily seen that the electronic device 1'' is a foldable electronic device that can be switched between a deployed state and a folded state. The electronic device 1'' includes a flexible screen 100'', a hinge assembly 200'', and a screen holder 300''. The flexible screen 100'' and the hinge assembly 200'' are stacked, and the screen holder 300'' is located between the flexible screen 100'' and the hinge assembly 200''. The flexible screen 100'' includes a deformation region As''. The portion on the hinge assembly 200'' corresponding to the deformation region As'' may include a main shaft module (not shown) and a door plate corresponding to the main shaft module. An avoidance slot 201'' facing the deformation region As'' is provided in the door plate corresponding to the main shaft module. In the deployed state, the screen holder 300'' is a plate-like structure parallel to the projection plane, and the orthographic projection of the deformation region As'' on the projection plane is located within the orthographic projection of the screen holder 300'' on the projection plane.

[0069] In the folded state, the hinge assembly 200'' surrounds the accommodation space, and the flexible screen 100'' and the screen holder 300'' are bent into a specific shape (e.g., a water droplet shape) and accommodated in the accommodation space. The deformation region As'' of the specific shape and the screen holder 300'' corresponding to the deformation region As'' at a predetermined position are located within the avoidance slot 201'' of the door plate corresponding to the main shaft module.

[0070] When the electronic device 1'' is switched from the folded state to the deployed state, the screen holder 300'' is synchronously deployed and elastically returns to the plate-like structure, pushing the deformation region As'' of the flexible screen 100'' out of the avoidance slot 201'' in the vertical direction of the projection plane.

[0071] However, since the avoidance slot 201’’ is provided in the door plate corresponding to the main shaft module, in the deployed state, there is a recessed gap between the screen holder 300’’ and the door plate corresponding to the main shaft module. Therefore, when the user touches the deformation area As’’ of the flexible screen 100’’, the virtual sense of position becomes apparent. In addition, when a sharp foreign object protrudes and collides with the deformation area As’’ of the flexible screen 100’’, the flexible screen 100’’ is likely to be damaged.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, in order to solve the problem that there is a concave gap between the screen holder and the door plate corresponding to the main shaft module in the unfolded state, the present application provides an electronic device 1. FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 in the folded state according to some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 in the unfolded state according to some embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), it can be seen that the electronic device 1 is a foldable electronic device. The electronic device 1 includes a flexible screen 100, a hinge assembly 200, and a screen holder 300. The flexible screen 100 includes a deformation region As. It is on the hinge assembly 200, and the portion corresponding to the deformation region As may include a main shaft module and a door plate corresponding to the main shaft module. It is understood that the region where the deformation region As is located on the flexible screen 100, the orthographic projection region of the main shaft module on the flexible screen 100, and the orthographic projection region of the door plate corresponding to the main shaft module on the flexible screen 100 correspond to each other. That two or more orthographic projections correspond to each other means that two or more orthographic projections basically overlap. The door plate corresponding to the main shaft module is provided with an avoidance slot 201 facing the flexible screen 100. The screen holder 300 includes a first holding plate 310 and a first holding portion 320. In the unfolded state, the hinge assembly 200, the first holding plate 310, and the flexible screen 100 are sequentially stacked, and the first holding portion 320 is at least partially buried between the first holding plate 310 corresponding to the main shaft module in the avoidance slot 201 and the door plate. In the folded state, the first holding portion 320 slides outward from the avoidance slot 201, and as a result, the deformation region As of the flexible screen 100 in the folded state can enter the avoidance slot 201.

[0073] In an electronic device, a first holding portion 320 is provided on a first holding plate 310. In the folded state, the first holding portion 320 slides outward from the avoidance slot 201 to increase the available space in the avoidance slot 201. As a result, the deformation region As of the flexible screen 100 enters the avoidance slot 201. In the unfolded state, since the first holding portion 320 is located within the avoidance slot 201, when a user touches the deformation region As of the flexible screen 100, the virtual sense of position is weakened, and damage to the flexible screen 100 due to extrusion by sharp foreign objects and impact on the deformation region is reduced.

[0074] In the present application, the electronic device is a foldable electronic device that can be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state. It should be noted that when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, all components within the electronic device may be in the unfolded state, and when the electronic device is in the folded state, all components within the electronic device may be in the folded state. Additionally, the electronic device may alternatively be in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state, and the intermediate state may be any state between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0075] It can be easily understood that the electronic device provided in the present application includes a flexible screen, a support mechanism, and a first screen holder. The flexible screen includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion that are sequentially connected. In the unfolded state, the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are arranged in order in a certain direction. In the folded state, the first portion and the second portion are arranged opposite to each other, and the second portion is in a bent state. The support mechanism includes a first support structure, a second support structure, and a third support structure. The first screen holder includes a first holding plate and a first holding portion.

[0076] The flexible screen, the first holding plate, and the support mechanism are sequentially stacked. The first support structure is disposed opposite to and fastened to the first portion, the second support structure is disposed opposite to the second portion, and the third support structure is disposed opposite to and fastened to the third portion. The second support structure is provided with an avoidance slot facing the second portion. The first holding portion is located on the side surface of the first holding plate on the back side of the flexible screen. The first holding plate includes a first end away from the second support structure, and the first end of the first holding plate is connected to the first portion and / or the first support structure.

[0077] In the unfolded state, the orthographic projection of the first holding plate on the projection plane is at least partially located within the orthographic projection of the avoidance slot on the projection plane, and the first holding portion is located within the avoidance slot to support the second portion within the flexible screen. In the folded state, the first holding portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance slot, and as a result, the second portion is at least partially located within the avoidance slot.

[0078] In the electronic device of the present application, the first screen holder has a non-uniform thickness structure (for example, the thickness of the portion where the first holding portion is located is greater than the thickness of other portions) in order to implement variable adjustment of the gap between the first screen holder and the support mechanism in the unfolded state and the closed state. As a result, in the unfolded state, the first screen holder can support the second portion within the flexible screen, and in the folded state, the first screen holder avoids the support mechanism to form an accommodation space and accommodate the bent second portion. Thereby, the light shadow, creases, and reliability of the flexible screen in the electronic device are optimized.

[0079] In some embodiments, in the flexible screen, the first part includes a first sub - part and a second sub - part, and the first sub - part, the second sub - part, and the second part are sequentially connected. Similarly, the third part includes a third sub - part and a fourth sub - part, and the third sub - part, the fourth sub - part, and the second part are sequentially connected. In the support mechanism, the first support structure includes a first housing rotatably connected and a first door plate. The first housing is disposed opposite to and fastened to the first sub - part, and the first door plate is disposed opposite to the second sub - part. Similarly, the third support structure includes a second housing rotatably connected and a third door plate. The second housing is disposed opposite to and fastened to the third sub - part, and the third door plate is disposed opposite to the fourth sub - part. The second support structure includes a main shaft module connected to each other and a second door plate. The main shaft module is connected to the first door plate, and an avoidance slot is provided in the second door plate. The first housing and the second housing are switched between a folded state and a deployed state via the main shaft module. The first support structure and the second support structure are switched between a folded state and a deployed state via the main shaft module.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first end of the first holding plate is connected to at least one of the first sub - part, the second sub - part, the first housing, and the first door plate.

[0081] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the electronic device in the present application will be described in detail.

[0082] Application scenario 1 Figure 4 is an exploded view of the electronic device 1 according to some embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 4, in some embodiments, the electronic device 1 includes a flexible screen 100, a hinge assembly 200, a first screen holder 300, a second screen holder 400, a first housing 500, and a second housing 600. The first housing 500 may include a first intermediate frame and a first cover. Similarly, the second housing 600 may include a second intermediate frame and a second cover.

[0083] In the unfolded state, the flexible screen 100 and the hinge assembly 200 are stacked in the first direction D1, the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 are arranged in parallel in the second direction D2, and are located between the flexible screen 100 and the hinge assembly 200. The first housing 500 and the second housing 600 are located on the side of the flexible screen 100 facing the hinge assembly 200, and the first housing 500 and the second housing 600 are respectively located on both sides of the hinge assembly 200. In the folded state, the flexible screen 100, the hinge assembly 200, the first screen holder 300, and the second screen holder 400 are all in the folded state, and the first housing 500 and the second housing 600 are arranged facing each other.

[0084] The hinge assembly 200 is separately connected to the first housing 400 and the second housing 500. The flexible screen 100 and the first screen holder 300 are attached corresponding to the first housing 500, and the flexible screen 100 and the second screen holder 400 are attached corresponding to the second housing 600. The hinge assembly 200, the first housing 500, and the second housing 600 cooperate with each other to drive the flexible screen 100, the first screen holder 300, and the second screen holder 400 to fold or unfold, that is, the electronic device 1 can be switched between a folded state and a deployed state. The extending direction of the hinge assembly 200 may be defined as the third direction D3.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first housing 500 may be used as the first support structure, and the second housing 600 may be used as the third support structure.

[0086] In some embodiments, any two of the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 intersect each other.

[0087] In some embodiments, any two of the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are perpendicular to each other. In this application, being perpendicular to each other does not mean absolutely perpendicular. It should be understood that approximate perpendicularity due to factors such as machining errors and assembly errors (for example, the included angle between two structural features is 92°, 89.9°, 89°, or 88°) also falls within the scope of being perpendicular to each other in this application. The limitation of being perpendicular to each other will not be repeatedly described below.

[0088] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the specific structures of the components in the electronic device 1 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a top view of the unfolded electronic device 1 according to some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the region where the screen holder is located after the electronic device 1 is cut along the M-M cross section of FIG. 5 according to some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional view of the folded electronic device 1 according to some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of the region where the screen holder is located after the electronic device 1 is cut along the N-N cross section of FIG. 7 according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0089] First, the specific structure of the flexible screen 100 in the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 4, 6, and 8, in some embodiments, it can be seen that the flexible screen 100 includes a first portion 110, a second portion 120, and a third portion 130 that are sequentially connected. The first portion 110 includes a first sub-portion 111 and a second sub-portion 112, and the first sub-portion 111, the second sub-portion 112, and the second portion 120 are sequentially connected. The third portion 130 includes a third sub-portion 131 and a fourth sub-portion 132, and the third sub-portion 131, the fourth sub-portion 132, and the second portion 120 are sequentially connected. As shown in FIG. 6, in the unfolded state, the first portion 110, the second portion 120, and the third portion 130 are sequentially arranged along the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 8, in the folded state, the second portion 120 is in a folded state, the first portion 110 and the third portion 130 are arranged opposite to each other, the first sub-portion 111 of the first portion 110 and the third sub-portion 131 of the third portion 130 are in a flat state, and the second sub-portion 112 of the first portion 110 and the fourth sub-portion 132 of the third portion 130 are in a bent state. In conclusion, the second sub-portion 112, the fourth sub-portion 132, and the second portion 120 together form a bending region on the flexible screen 100 so that the electronic device can be bent into a specific shape (e.g., a water droplet shape) when the electronic device is in the folded state.

[0091] Referring further to FIGS. 4, 6, and 8, it can be seen that the first sub-portion 111 is fastened opposite to the first housing 500, and the third sub-portion 131 is fastened opposite to the second housing 600.

[0092] In some embodiments, the flexible screen 100 may be a flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED). This is not specifically limited in this application.

[0093] After the specific structure of the flexible screen 100 is described, the specific structure of the hinge assembly 200 in this application is further described.

[0094] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the hinge assembly 200 of the electronic device 1 according to some embodiments of the present application. Referring to FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, it can be seen that in some embodiments, the hinge assembly 200 includes a first door plate 210, a second door plate 220, and a third door plate 230. The first door plate 210 is rotatably connected to the first housing 500, and the third door plate 230 is rotatably connected to the second housing 600. In the electronic device 1, in the first portion 110, the first door plate 210 is disposed opposite the second sub-portion 112, the second door plate 220 is disposed opposite the second portion 120, and in the third portion 130, the third door plate 230 is disposed opposite the fourth sub-portion 132. The second door plate 220 is provided with an avoidance slot 201 facing the second portion 120 of the flexible screen 100.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 6, in the unfolded state, the first door plate 210, the second door plate 220, and the third door plate 230 are sequentially arranged along the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 8, in the folded state, the first door plate 210, the second door plate 220, and the third door plate 230 together surround an accommodation space, and the accommodation space is used to accommodate at least a part of the flexible screen 100 in the folded state, the first screen holder 300, and the second screen holder 400. For example, the flexible screen 100 in the folded state includes the second portion 120 in the folded state. In another example, the flexible screen 100 in the folded state includes at least a part of the first portion 110 in the folded state (for example, the second sub-portion 112 of the first portion 110), the second portion 120, and at least a part of the third portion 130 (for example, the fourth sub-portion 132 of the third portion 130).

[0096] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, in the deployed state, the upper surfaces of the first door plate 210, the second door plate 220, and the third door plate 230 are in the same plane. In the present application, it should be understood that the upper surface of a component is the surface of the component that is closer to the flexible screen 100. That a plurality of surfaces are in the same plane means that the plurality of surfaces are substantially parallel to each other and are basically in the same plane. In other words, there may be a narrow angle within a specific range between the plurality of surfaces, and / or there may be a specific interval between the plurality of parallel surfaces. Details will not be described below. In the above description, the surfaces of the hinge assembly 200 that are closer to the flexible screen 100 are in the same plane. In the present application, being parallel to each other does not necessarily mean being completely parallel. It should be understood that being substantially parallel due to factors such as processing errors and assembly errors (for example, the included angle between two structural features is 181°, 179.8°, 179°, or 178°) is also included in the scope of being parallel to each other in the present application. The limitation of being parallel to each other will not be repeatedly described below.

[0097] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, in the deployed state, the upper surfaces of the first door plate 210, the second door plate 220, the third door plate 230, the upper surface of the first housing 500, and the upper surface of the second housing 600 are in the same plane. In the electronic device 1, since the upper surfaces of the door plates are designed to be uniform with the upper surfaces of the housings, the common criteria of the existing electronic device 1 are satisfied, the design difficulties and assembly difficulties of the electronic device 1 are reduced, and the overall economic benefits are improved.

[0098] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, in the deployed state, the upper surfaces of the first screen holder 300, the second screen holder 400, the upper surface of the first housing 500, and the upper surface of the second housing 600 are in the same plane.

[0099] In the electronic device 1, since the upper surface of the screen holder is designed to be flush with the upper surface of the housing, the difficulty of placing the flexible screen 100 on the screen holder and the housing can be reduced, the design difficulty and assembly difficulty of the electronic device 1 can be reduced, and the overall economic benefit can be improved.

[0100] Continue to refer to FIG. 9. It can be seen that in some embodiments, the hinge assembly 200 further includes a main shaft module 240, a first bracket 250, and a second bracket 260. The main shaft module 240 includes a shaft base 241, a first rotating block 242, and a second rotating block 243. The first bracket 250 and the second bracket 260 are disposed opposite to both sides of the main shaft module 240 and are rotatably connected to the shaft base 240 respectively. For example, the rotating structure on the first bracket 250 cooperates with the first rotating block 242 and the second rotating block 243 to implement a rotatable connection between the first bracket 250 and the main shaft module 240. Similarly, the rotating structure on the second bracket 260 cooperates with the first rotating block 242 and the second rotating block 243 to implement a rotatable connection between the second bracket 260 and the main shaft module 240. The second door plate 220 is attached to the main shaft module 240. The first door plate 210 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 260, the first door plate 210 is slidably connected to the main shaft module 240 (for example, the shaft base 241 in FIG. 9), and the first door plate 210 may further slide relative to the main shaft module 240 while rotating relative to the first bracket 260 and the first door plate 210. The third door plate 230 is rotatably connected to the second bracket 260, the third door plate 230 is slidably connected to the main shaft module 240 (for example, the shaft base 241 in FIG. 9), and the third door plate 230 may further slide relative to the main shaft module 240 while rotating relative to the second bracket 260.

[0101] Continue to refer to FIG. 9. In some embodiments, it can be seen that the hinge assembly 200 further includes a synchronization structure 270. The synchronization structure 270 is configured to achieve synchronous relative folding or relative unfolding of the first housing 500 and the second housing 600. The synchronization structure 270 includes a first synchronization wheel 271, a first synchronization arm 272, and a second synchronization arm 273. The synchronization wheel 271 is rotatably connected to the main shaft module 240. The movable end of the first synchronization arm 272 is slidably connected to the first bracket 250, and the movable end of the first synchronization arm 272 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 250. The synchronization end of the first synchronization arm 272 is rotatably connected to the main shaft module 240, and the synchronization end of the first synchronization arm 272 is engaged with the synchronization wheel 271. In the process of the first bracket 250 and the second bracket 260 rotating relative to the main shaft module 240, the first synchronization arm 272 affects the rotation angle of the first bracket 250, and the second synchronization arm 273 affects the rotation angle of the second bracket 260. In this way, in the process of the first synchronization arm 272 and the second synchronization arm 273 rotating synchronously relative to the main shaft module 240, the first bracket 250 and the second bracket 260 are driven to rotate synchronously relative to the main shaft module 240.

[0102] Continue to refer to FIG. 9. In some embodiments, it can be seen that the hinge assembly 200 further includes a cover 280. The cover 280 is located between the first housing 500 and the second housing 600, and the main shaft module 240 is attached to the cover 280. In the deployed state, the lower surface of the cover 280, the lower surface of the first housing 500, and the lower surface of the second housing 600 are in the same plane.

[0103] It should be understood that the foregoing embodiments only show a specific structure of the hinge assembly 200 in some embodiments of the present application. Another hinge assembly 200 that may include a first door plate 210, a second door plate 220, and a third door plate 230 is also included within the protection scope of the present application. This is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0104] In some embodiments, the second door plate 220 is a fixed plate body and is fastened to the main shaft module 240. Specifically, when the electronic device 1 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, or when the electronic device 1 is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, the position of the second door plate 220 relative to the main shaft module 240 remains unchanged.

[0105] In some other embodiments, the second door plate 220 is a plate body that can move up and down, and is connected to the main shaft module 240 in a manner that allows it to move up and down. When the electronic device 1 is switched between the unfolded state and the folded state, the second door plate 220 can move in a second direction D2 relative to the main shaft module 240, that is, the second door plate 220 can move away from the main shaft module 240 in the second direction D2, or the second door plate 220 can move towards the main shaft module 240 in the second direction D2. In the above structure, in the unfolding process, the second door plate 220 moves away from the cover 280, that is, the second door plate 220 gradually rises to support the flexible display panel 20. In the folding process, the second door plate 220 moves towards the cover 280, that is, the second door plate 220 gradually becomes smaller and forms a storage space for accommodating the flexible screen 100 in cooperation with the first door plate 210 and the third door plate 230.

[0106] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly 200 includes an elastic structure (not shown), and the second door plate 220 is elastically connected to the main shaft module 240 of the hinge assembly via the elastic structure. In the folding process of the hinge assembly 200, the elastic structure drives the second door plate 220 to move toward the main shaft module 240 in the second direction D2. The elastic structure has a simple structure, is convenient to operate, and has high precision in controlling the lifting movement of the second door plate 220.

[0107] After the specific structure of the hinge assembly 200 is described, the specific structure of the first screen holder 300 in the present application continues to be described.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, in some embodiments, the first screen holder 300 includes a first holding plate 310 and a first holding portion 320 connected to each other. It can be seen that the first holding portion 320 is located on the side of the first holding plate 310 facing the flexible screen 100. The first holding plate 310 includes a first end 311 and a second end 312 facing each other, and the first end 311 is the end away from the second support structure. The second end 312 may be a free end located between the second portion 120 and the second door plate 220. The first holding portion 320 is attached to the second end 312.

[0109] As can be seen from the foregoing description, in some embodiments, the first end portion 311 is located between the first housing 500 and the first sub - portion 111 and may be connected to the first sub - portion 111 and / or the first housing 500. In some other embodiments, the first end portion 311 is located between the second sub - portion 112 and the first door plate 210 and may be connected to the second sub - portion 112 and / or the first door plate 210. In some other embodiments, the first end portion 311 is located between the second sub - portion 112 and the first door plate 210, and the first screen holder 300 may be connected to at least one of the first sub - portion 111, the first housing 500, the second sub - portion 112, and the first door plate 210.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first end portion 311 is joined and fastened to at least one of the first portion 110 (including the first sub - portion 111 and the second sub - portion 112), the first door plate 210, and the first housing 500 via an adhesive layer. The foregoing connection methods are merely some examples of the connection methods between the first end portion 311 and at least one of the first portion 110, the first door plate 210, and the first housing 500 in this application. It should be understood that any connection method between the first end portion 311 and at least one of the first portion 110, the first door plate 210, and the first housing 500 is included within the protection scope of this application. Examples are not described one by one.

[0111] When the electronic device 1 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first screen holder 300 at least partially fills the gap between the flexible screen 100 and the avoidance slot 201 on the second door plate 220, prevents the concave tendency formed by the bending and creeping of the flexible screen 100, realizes a rapid recovery of creeping, and improves the light shadow and crease effect on the flexible screen 100 when the electronic device 1 is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state. In addition, when the user touches the second portion 120 within the flexible screen 100, obvious collapse is avoided, and the reliability of the flexible screen 100 when a sharp foreign object is pushed out and collides with the flexible screen is improved.

[0112] Hereinafter, several different first screen holders will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0113] FIG. 10(a) is a side view of a first screen holder 300 according to some embodiments of the present application. The viewing angle is the third direction D3. As shown in FIG. 10(a), in some embodiments, the first screen holder 300 includes a first holding plate 310 and a first holding portion 320 connected to each other. The first holding portion 320 has a special shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the third direction D3. For example, the first holding portion 320 has a shape in which two sectors are combined in a cross-section perpendicular to the third direction D3.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 10(a), in some embodiments, the first holding plate 310 has the same size in the second direction D2. That is, the first holding plate 310 is a plate-like structure with equal thickness.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first holding portion 320 may be a block-like structure, or may be a three-dimensional structure formed by bending and / or combination of a sheet-like or filament-like shape. This is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 10(a), in some embodiments, a guide surface 321 is provided on the side surface of the first holding portion 320 on the back side of the first holding plate 310. When the electronic device 1 is switched between the unfolded state and the folded state, the guide surface 321 cooperates with the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201 to provide a guide for the process of the first holding portion 320 entering and exiting the avoidance slot 201.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 10(a), in some embodiments, the guide surface 321 is a surface on the first holding portion 320 on the back side of the holding plate 310. Considering this, when the electronic device 1 is switched between the unfolded state and the folded state, the guide surface 321 cooperates with the second door plate 220 and the avoidance slot 201 on the second door plate 220, so that the first holding plate 310 is bent and deformed based on the radian formed in an arc shape from the guide surface 321, and drives the first holding portion 320 to enter and exit the avoidance slot 201.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 10(a), in some embodiments, the guide surface 321 includes a first guide surface 3211 and a second guide surface 3212. The first guide surface 3211 is closer to the first end portion 311 of the first holding plate 310 than the second guide surface 3212. In the second direction D2, the points on the first guide surface 3211 gradually move away from the vertical bisector of the avoidance slot 201, and the points on the first guide surface 3211 gradually move toward the vertical bisector of the avoidance slot 201. The vertical bisector of the avoidance slot 201 can be understood as a line parallel to the second direction D2 at the central position of the cross-section of the avoidance slot 201 in the first direction D1.

[0119] In the process of switching the electronic device 1 from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first guide surface 3211 provides guidance for the early process in which the first holding portion 320 disengages from the avoidance slot 201, and the second guide surface 322 provides guidance for the later process in which the first holding portion 320 disengages from the avoidance slot 201. In the process of switching the electronic device 1 from the folded state to the unfolded state, the second guide surface 322 provides guidance for the early process in which the first holding portion 320 enters the avoidance slot 201, and the first guide surface 3211 provides guidance for the later process in which the first holding portion 320 enters the avoidance slot 201.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 6, 8, and 10(a), it can be seen that in some embodiments, the first guide surface 3211 may be a surface that conforms to the avoidance slot 201. In the unfolded state, the first guide surface 3211 is attached to a part of the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201. In the above-mentioned electronic device 1, by appropriately designing the guide surface, the guide function of the guide surface can be optimized, the jitter during the switching between the unfolded state and the folded state can be reduced, and it helps to improve the stability during the switching between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0121] In addition, referring to FIGS. 6, 8, and 10(a), the assembly relationship between the flexible screen 100 and the first screen holder 300 will be described.

[0122] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, in the unfolded state, the flexible screen 100 is distributed on the projection plane, and the orthographic projection of the first holding portion 320 on the projection plane partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the avoidance slot 201 on the projection plane.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 10(a), in some embodiments, in the folded state, the first holding plate 310 and / or the first holding portion 320 within the first screen holder 300 are at least partially joined to the slot opening of the avoidance slot 201 on the second door plate 220. In the electronic device 1, since the structure of the first screen holder 300 is appropriately designed, it can be ensured that the first screen holder 300 does not completely disengage from the avoidance slot 201 in the folded state. This helps to limit the sliding direction of the first screen holder 300 with respect to the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201 when switching from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0124] In some embodiments, in the folded state, the second portion 120 and the second door plate 220 are spaced apart from each other. As shown in FIG. 10(a), the first screen holder 300 is located laterally of the central plane Pc and is spaced apart from the central plane Pc. The central plane Pc is perpendicular to the main shaft module and perpendicular to the distribution plane (i.e., the projection plane) of the flexible screen 100 in the unfolded state. Based on FIG. 8, it can be easily seen that in the folded state, the first screen holder 300 and the second door plate 220 form a release space Sa, and the folded second portion 120 is located within the release space Sa.

[0125] In the electronic device 1, in the folded state, the structure of the first screen holder 300 is appropriately designed, whereby the first screen holder 300 and the second door plate 220 form a release space Sa. In addition, by positioning the folded second portion 120 within the release space Sa, the stress between the flexible screen 100 and the first screen holder 300 is reduced, the pressure of the first screen holder 300 on the second portion 120 of the flexible screen 100 is weakened, and the lamination and misalignment of the flexible screen 100 are avoided.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 10(a), in some embodiments, in the unfolded state, the second end 312 of the first holding plate 310 is attached to the flexible screen 100. In the folded state, the second end 312 of the first holding plate 310 is spaced apart from the flexible screen 100.

[0127] That is, in the unfolded state, the second end 312 is located between the avoidance slot 201 and the second portion 120 and is attached to the flexible screen 100. Therefore, the second end 312 supports the second portion 120 within the flexible screen 100 in the unfolded state, and when the user touches the second portion 120, the virtual sense of position is weakened.

[0128] In the folded state, since the second end 312 is separated from the flexible screen 100, the space between the second portion 120 and the first screen holder 300 is released, the stress between the flexible screen 100 and the second end 312 is reduced, the pressure of the second end 312 on the second portion 120 of the flexible screen 100 is weakened, and the lamination and misplacement of the flexible screen 100 are avoided.

[0129] In addition, in the above electronic device 1, when the distance between the second end 312 of the first holding plate 310 and the central plane Pc is small, the second end 312 is separated from the flexible screen 100 to form a release space Sa. Thereby, the size selection range of the first holding plate 310 is expanded, the design difficulty of the first holding plate 310 is reduced, and it is ensured that the first screen holder 300 overlaps the slot opening of the avoidance slot 201 in the folded state, thereby improving the operation stability of the electronic device 1.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 10(a), the first holding plate 310 has a holding surface 313 on the back side of the first holding portion 320. Referring to FIGS. 6, 8, and 10(a), it can be easily seen that in the unfolded state, the holding surface 313 of the first holding plate 310 is attached to the lower surface of the flexible screen 100. In the folded state, the partial surface of the holding surface 313 of the first holding plate 310 close to the second end 312 is separated from the lower surface of the flexible screen 100.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 10(a), in some embodiments, it can be easily seen that in the unfolded state, the surface of the first holding portion 320 facing the avoidance slot 201 is at least partially attached to the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201.

[0132] In some embodiments, in the unfolded state, the surface of the first holding portion 320 facing the avoidance slot 201 is partially attached to the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201. For example, in the unfolded state, the first guide surface 3211 of the first holding portion 320 is attached to the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201. The second guide surface 3212 of the first holding portion 320 is not attached to the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201. In some other alternative embodiments, in the unfolded state, the surface of the first holding portion 320 facing the avoidance slot 201 is completely attached to the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201.

[0133] In some embodiments, in the unfolded state, the surface of the first holding portion 320 facing the avoidance slot 201 is at least partially attached to the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201. The surface of the first holding portion 320 on the back side of the avoidance slot 201 is attached to the flexible screen 100.

[0134] The electronic device 1 partially fills the gap between the avoidance slot 201 and the flexible screen 100, and effectively supports the second portion 120 in the region where the avoidance slot 201 is located in the unfolded state.

[0135] In some embodiments, in the deployed state, the surface of the first holding portion 320 facing the avoidance slot 201 is partially attached to the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201. The surface of the first holding portion 320 on the back side of the avoidance slot 201 is attached to the flexible screen 100.

[0136] Since the electronic device 1 can effectively support the second portion 120 in the region where the avoidance slot 201 is located in the deployed state and can more effectively release the space for the first holding portion 320 in the folded state, the second portion 120 in the flexible screen 100 can be accommodated in the avoidance slot 201.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 10(a), in some embodiments, the first holding plate 310 and the first holding portion 320 are integrally formed, and the material of each of the first holding plate 310 and the first holding portion 320 includes at least one of metal, resin, and fiber. That is, the first holding plate 310 and the first holding portion 320 are integrally formed, the material of the first holding plate 310 is at least one of metal, resin, and fiber, and the material of the first holding portion 320 is at least one of metal, resin, and fiber. It will be understood that the materials of the first holding plate 310 and the first holding portion 320 may be the same or different. This is not specifically limited in this application.

[0138] In some embodiments, this application further includes a traction component. One end of the traction component is connected to the first end portion 311 of the first holding plate 310, and the other end of the traction component is connected to the first door plate 210. The traction component is configured to traction the first holding portion 320 into the avoidance slot 201 when the electronic device 1 is switched from the folded state to the deployed state.

[0139] Figure 10(b) is a side view of the first screen holder 300 according to some embodiments of the present application. The viewing angle is the third direction D3. As shown in Figure 10(b), in some embodiments, the first holding plate 310 and the first holding portion 320 are separately formed and then assembled into the first screen holder 300. The material of the first holding plate 310 includes at least one of metal, resin, or fiber, and the material of the first holding portion 320 includes at least one of metal, resin, or fiber. In some embodiments, the first holding plate 310 and the first holding portion 320 are fastened to each other after being separately formed.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first holding plate 310 and the first holding portion 320 within the first screen holder 300 may be made of the same material. For example, the materials of the first holding plate 310 and the first holding portion 320 are both metal.

[0141] In some other embodiments, two or more materials are appropriately selected for the first holding plate 310 and the first holding portion 320 based on different yield strength and wear resistance requirements, and the two or more materials are stacked to form the first screen holder 300. For example, the material of the first holding plate 310 is plastic and the material of the first holding plate 310 is metal.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first holding plate 310 and the first holding portion 320 may be assembled by at least one of bonding, welding, and fastening. This is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0143] FIG. 11(a) is a side view of a first screen holder 300a according to some embodiments of the present application. The viewing angle is the third direction D3. The first screen holder 300a includes a first holding plate 310a and a first holding portion 320a. By comparing FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 11(a), it can be easily seen that the first holding plate 310a is only adaptively adjusted with respect to the first holding plate 310. Details are not described here. The difference between the first screen holder 300a and the first screen holder 300 is that in a cross section perpendicular to the third direction D3, the shapes of the first holding portion 310a and the first holding portion 310 are different. The first holding portion 320 has a special shape, for example, a shape in which two sectors are combined in a cross section perpendicular to the third direction D3. The first holding portion 320a has a standard shape, for example, a difficult shape in a cross section perpendicular to the third direction D3. The first holding portion 320a has a guide surface 321a on the plane on the back side of the first holding plate 310a, and the guide surface 321a is configured to provide guidance for the process of the first holding portion 320a entering and exiting the avoidance slot 201. In some embodiments, the guide surface 321a includes a first guide surface 3211a and a second guide surface 3212a.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 11(a), in the first screen holder 300a, the first holding plate 310a and the first holding portion 320a are integrally formed. FIG. 11(b) is a side view of a first screen holder 300a according to some embodiments of the present application. The viewing angle is the third direction D3. As shown in FIG. 11(b), in some embodiments, the first holding plate 310a and the first holding portion 320a are separately formed and then assembled into the first screen holder 300a. In the present application, it will be understood that for details regarding the material and formation method of the first screen holder 300a, reference may be made to the material and formation method of the first screen holder 300. Details are not repeated here.

[0145] FIG. 12(a) is a cross-sectional view of the unfolded electronic device 1a according to some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 12(b) is a cross-sectional view of the folded electronic device 1a according to some embodiments of the present application. By comparing FIG. 12(a) with FIG. 6 and FIG. 12(b) with FIG. 8, it can be easily understood that the difference between the electronic device 1a and the electronic device 1 is that the screen holder changes. As shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b), the first screen holder 300a includes a first holding plate 310a and a first holding portion 320a connected to each other. The first holding portion 310a is, for example, in a difficult state in a cross-section perpendicular to the third direction D3 as compared with the first holding portion 310. The first holding portion 320a is located on the side surface of the first holding plate 310a on the back side of the flexible screen 100. The first holding plate 310a includes a first end portion 311a and a second end portion 312a facing each other. The first end portion 311a is located between the first portion 110 (including the first sub-portion 111 and the second sub-portion 112) and the first door plate 210, and may be connected to the first portion 110 (including the first sub-portion 111 and the second sub-portion 112) and / or the first door plate 210. The second end portion 312a may be a free end located between the second portion 120 and the second door plate 220. The first holding portion 320a is attached to the second end portion 312a.

[0146] As compared with the first screen holder 300, it will be understood that the first screen holder 300 changes in the attachment method to the avoidance slot 201 on the second door plate 220 due to, for example, a change in the shape of the first holding portion 310a in a cross-section perpendicular to the third direction D3. As shown in FIG. 12(a), in the unfolded state, the edge of the first holding portion 320a abuts against the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201. As shown in FIG. 12(b), in the folded state, the guide surface 321a of the first holding portion 320a abuts against the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201.

[0147] In the electronic device 1a, since the first holding part 320a in the first screen holder 300a is designed in a difficult structure, the design difficulty and the molding difficulty of the first screen holder 300a are reduced.

[0148] FIG. 13(a) is a side view of the first screen holder 300b according to some embodiments of the present application. The viewing angle is the third direction D3. The first screen holder 300b includes a first holding plate 310b and a first holding part 320b. Comparing FIG. 10(a) with FIG. 13(a), it can be easily seen that the first holding plate 310b is only adaptively adjusted with respect to the first holding plate 310, and the difference between the first screen holder 300b and the first screen holder 300 is that the shapes of the first screen holder 300b and the first screen holder 300 in a cross section perpendicular to the third direction D3 are different. The first holding part 320 has a special shape. For example, in a cross section perpendicular to the third direction D3, it is a shape in which two sectors are combined. The first holding part 320b is semi-elliptical in a cross section perpendicular to the third direction D3. A guide surface 321b is provided on the side surface of the first holding part 320b on the back side of the first holding plate 310b. As shown in FIG. 13(a), the guide surface 321b is an arc surface formed in an arch shape on the main body. The guide surface 321b is configured to provide a guide for the process of the first holding part 320b entering and exiting the avoidance slot 201.

[0149] FIG. 14(a) is a cross-sectional view of the unfolded electronic device 1b according to some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 14(b) is a cross-sectional view of the folded electronic device 1b according to some embodiments of the present application. By comparing FIG. 14(a) with FIG. 6 and FIG. 14(b) with FIG. 8, it can be easily understood that the difference between the electronic device 1b and the electronic device 1 is that the first screen holder changes. As shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b), the first screen holder 300b includes a first holding plate 310b and a first holding portion 320b connected to each other. The first holding portion 310b has a semi-elliptical shape or the like in a cross-section perpendicular to the third direction D3 as compared with the first holding portion 310. The first holding portion 320b is located on the side surface of the first holding plate 310b on the back side of the flexible screen 100. The first holding plate 310b includes a first end portion 311b and a second end portion 312b facing each other. The first end portion 311b is located between the first portion 110 (including the first sub-portion 111 and the second sub-portion 112) and the first door plate 210, and may be connected to the first portion 110 (including the first sub-portion 111 and the second sub-portion 112) and / or the first door plate 210. The second end portion 312b may be a free end located between the second portion 120 and the second door plate 220. The first holding portion 320b is attached to the second end portion 312b.

[0150] As compared with the first screen holder 300, it will be understood that the first screen holder 300 changes in the attachment method to the avoidance slot 201 on the second door plate 220 due to, for example, a change in the shape of the first holding portion 310b in a cross-section perpendicular to the third direction D3. As shown in FIG. 14(a), in the unfolded state, the guide surface of the first holding portion 320b is in contact with the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201, and a region other than the tangent region of the guide surface is suspended on the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201. As shown in FIG. 14(b), in the folded state, the guide surface of the first holding portion 320b is in contact with the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201.

[0151] In the electronic device 1b, by designing the guide surface of the first holding portion 320b in the first screen holder 300b to be a smooth curved surface, the stability of the first screen holder 300b in the process of switching between the unfolded state and the folded state of the electronic device 1b is improved.

[0152] After the specific structure of the first screen holder 300 is described, hereinafter, the specific structure of the second screen holder 400 in the present application will continue to be described.

[0153] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, in some embodiments, the second screen holder 400 includes a second holding plate 410 and a second holding portion 420 connected to each other, and the second holding portion 420 is located on the side of the second holding plate 410 facing the flexible screen 100. The second holding plate 410 includes a third end portion 411 and a fourth end portion 412. The fourth end portion 412 may be a free end located between the second portion 120 and the second door plate 220. The second holding portion 420 is attached to the fourth end portion 412.

[0154] From the above description, it can be seen that in some embodiments, the third end portion 411 may be connected to at least one of the third portion 130 (including the third sub-portion 131 and the fourth sub-portion 132), the third door plate 230, and the second housing 600.

[0155] In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 12(a), 12(b), 14(a), and 14(b), it can be easily seen that the structure of the second screen holder 400 is symmetric with the structure of the first screen holder 300. Therefore, all the features corresponding to the first screen holder 300 are applicable to the second screen holder 400. Details are not described here.

[0156] In some other embodiments, the structure of the second screen holder 400 conforms to the structure of the first screen holder 300. Some examples are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0157] FIG. 15(a) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1c in a deployed state according to some embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 15(a), the electronic device 1c includes a flexible screen 100, a hinge assembly 200, a first screen holder 300c, a second screen holder 400a, a first housing 500, and a second housing 600. Comparing FIG. 15(a) with FIG. 6, it can be easily seen that the screen holder of the electronic device 1c has changed with respect to the screen holder of the electronic device 1. As shown in FIG. 15(a), the first screen holder 300c and the second screen holder 400a are asymmetric in a cross-section perpendicular to the third direction D3, that is, the first screen holder 300c and the second screen holder 400a are not symmetric components. For example, the first holding plate 310c in the first screen holder 300c and the second holding plate 410a in the second screen holder 400a are asymmetric, and / or the first holding portion 320c in the first screen holder 300c and the second holding portion 420a in the second screen holder 400a are asymmetric.

[0158] However, it should be noted that the cross-sectional shape of the first screen holder 300c may be a structure similar to the cross-sectional shape of the second screen holder 400a. This is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0159] FIG. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view of the unfolded electronic device 1d according to some embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 15(b), the electronic device 1d includes a flexible screen 100, a hinge assembly 200, a first screen holder 300d, a second screen holder 400b, a first housing 500, and a second housing 600. Comparing FIG. 15(b) with FIG. 15(a), it can be easily seen that the screen holder of the electronic device 1d has changed with respect to the screen holder of the electronic device 1. As shown in FIG. 15(b), the first screen holder 300d and the second screen holder 400b are asymmetric in a cross-section perpendicular to the third direction D3, and the orthographic projection of the first screen holder 300d on the projection plane at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second screen holder 400b on the projection plane.

[0160] In addition, the first screen holder 300d and the second screen holder 400b are combined so as to fill the entire avoidance slot 201. This is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0161] After describing the specific structures of the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the relative positional relationship between the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 with respect to another structure (for example, the avoidance slot 201 of the second door plate 220) will be described below.

[0162] FIG. 16(a) is a diagram of the relative positional relationship among a first screen holder 300, a second screen holder 400, and an avoidance slot 201 according to some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 16(b) is a diagram of the relative positional relationship among the first screen holder 300, the second screen holder 400, and the avoidance slot 201 according to some other embodiments of the present application. FIG. 16(c) is a diagram of the relative positional relationship among the first screen holder 300, the second screen holder 400, and the avoidance slot 201 according to some other embodiments of the present application. In FIGS. 16(a) to 16(c), l1 represents the orthographic projection of the center line of the slot opening of the avoidance slot 201 on the projection plane, and the center line is parallel to the center plane. S1 represents the orthographic projection of the first screen holder 300 on the projection plane, S2 represents the orthographic projection of the second screen holder 400 on the projection plane, and S3 (the gray area in the figure) represents the orthographic projection of the avoidance slot 201 on the projection plane.

[0163] In some embodiments, it will be understood that the orthographic projection of the first screen holder 300 on the projection plane may be the orthographic projection of the first holding plate 310 on the projection plane, and the orthographic projection of the second screen holder 400 on the projection plane may be the orthographic projection of the second holding plate 410 on the projection plane.

[0164] As shown in FIGS. 16(a) to 16(c), in some embodiments, the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen holder 300 on the projection plane and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen holder 400 on the projection plane at least partially overlap separately from the orthographic projection S3 of the avoidance slot 201 on the projection plane.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first shortest distance between the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen holder 300 on the projection plane and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen holder 400 on the projection plane is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. For example, the first shortest distance may be at least one of 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, and 1 mm.

[0166] In some embodiments, l1 may coincide with the orthographic projection of the folding axis on the projection plane. In some other alternative embodiments, l1 may alternatively not coincide with the orthographic projection of the folding axis on the projection plane. This is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 16(a), in some embodiments, the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen holder 300 on the projection plane and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen holder 400 on the projection plane are respectively distributed on two opposite sides of l1. That is, the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 are respectively distributed on both sides of the central plane.

[0168] In some embodiments, the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 have a symmetric structure and are symmetrically distributed with respect to the central plane. In some other alternative embodiments, the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 are asymmetrically distributed with respect to the central plane. For example, the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen holder 300 on the projection plane and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen holder 400 on the projection plane are asymmetrically distributed with respect to the central plane. In another example, the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen holder 300 on the projection plane and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen holder 400 on the projection plane are asymmetrically distributed with respect to the central plane, but the structures of the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 are asymmetric.

[0169] In some embodiments, the gap between the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen holder 300 on the projection plane and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen holder 400 on the projection plane is at least one of a long strip gap, a wavy gap, a serrated gap, and a fold line gap.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 16(b), in some embodiments, the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen holder 300 on the projection plane is distributed on both sides of l1, and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen holder 400 on the projection plane is located on one side of l1. That is, the first screen holder 300 is distributed on both sides of the central plane, and the second screen holder 400 is distributed on one side of the central plane.

[0171] In some embodiments, the gap between the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen holder 300 on the projection plane and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen holder 400 on the projection plane is at least one of a long strip gap, a wavy gap, a serrated gap, and a polyline gap.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 16(c), in some embodiments, the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen holder 300 on the projection plane is distributed on both sides of l1. The orthographic projection S2 of the second screen holder 400 on the projection plane is distributed on both sides of l1. That is, the first screen holder 300 is distributed on both sides of the central plane, and the second screen holder 400 is distributed on both sides of the central plane.

[0173] In some embodiments, the gap between the orthographic projection S1 of the first screen holder 300 on the projection plane and the orthographic projection S2 of the second screen holder 400 on the projection plane is at least one of a long strip gap, a wavy gap, a serrated gap, and a polyline gap.

[0174] The foregoing embodiments show only partial solutions to the projections of the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 in the first direction D1, and any layout solution of the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 that may include local openings to avoid surrounding components (e.g., the hinge assembly 200) is within the protection scope of this application. This is not specifically limited in this application.

[0175] It should be understood that the foregoing embodiments merely show the distribution characteristics of the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 in the first direction D1. In the third direction D1, there may be a plurality of first screen holders 300, or there may be a plurality of second screen holders 400. Details are not described here.

[0176] In some embodiments, when there are a plurality of first screen holders 300 in the third direction D1, the plurality of first screen holders 300 may be arranged at intervals. In some embodiments, the second shortest distance between two adjacent first screen holders 300 is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. For example, the second shortest distance may be at least one of 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, and 1 mm. Similarly, when there are a plurality of second screen holders 400 in the third direction D1, the plurality of second screen holders 400 may also be arranged at intervals. In some embodiments, the third shortest distance between two adjacent second screen holders 400 is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. For example, the third shortest distance may be at least one of 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, and 1 mm. This is not specifically limited in this application.

[0177] In addition, this application further provides a screen holder. It will be understood that the screen holder may be any one of the first screen holder 300, the first screen holder 300a, the first screen holder 300b, the first screen holder 300c, the first screen holder 300d, the second screen holder 400, the second screen holder 400a, and the second screen holder 400b.

[0178] In addition, the present application further provides a flexible screen assembly. The flexible screen assembly includes a flexible screen 100 and a screen holder. The screen holder may be any one of a first screen holder 300, a first screen holder 300a, a first screen holder 300b, a first screen holder 300c, a first screen holder 300d, a second screen holder 400, a second screen holder 400a, and a second screen holder 400b. For the arrangement of the flexible screen 100 and the screen holder, refer to the electronic device 1, the electronic device 1a, the electronic device 1b, the electronic device 1c, and the way of arranging the flexible screen 100 and the screen holder in the electronic device 1d.

[0179] Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, an example in which the flexible screen assembly includes a flexible screen 100 and a first screen holder 300 is used. The flexible screen 100 and the first screen holder 300 are stacked. The flexible screen 100 includes a first portion 110, a second portion 120, and a third portion 130 that are sequentially connected. In the folded state, the first portion 110 and the third portion 130 are arranged facing each other, and the second portion 120 is at least partially located within an avoidance slot 201 on the hinge assembly 200 of the electronic device 1. The first screen holder 300 includes a first holding plate 310 and a first holding portion 320 that are connected to each other. The first end portion 311 of the first holding plate 310 is connected to the first portion 110 and / or the first door plate 210. The first holding portion 320 is located on the side surface of the first holding plate 310 on the back side of the flexible screen 100. In the unfolded state, the first holding portion 320 is located within the avoidance slot 201, and in the folded state, the first holding portion 320 is at least partially located outside the avoidance slot 201.

[0180] In addition, this application further provides another flexible screen assembly. The screen holder includes a first screen holder and a second screen holder. The first screen holder may include any one of a first screen holder 300, a first screen holder 300a, a first screen holder 300b, a first screen holder 300c, and a first screen holder 300d. The second screen holder may include any one of a second screen holder 400, a second screen holder 400a, and a second screen holder 400b. For the arrangement of the flexible screen 100 and the screen holder, reference may be made to the electronic device 1, the electronic device 1a, the electronic device 1b, the electronic device 1c, and the way of arranging the flexible screen 100 and the screen holder in the electronic device 1d. Details will not be repeated here.

[0181] In this application, in the electronic device 1 corresponding to application scenario 1, it can be easily seen that there are two screen holders in the second direction D2, specifically, a first screen holder 300 and a second screen holder 400. In another application scenario, the number of screen holders in the second direction D2 may also be 1. It should be noted that the specific embodiments will be described in detail in application scenario 2 and application scenario 3.

[0182] Application Scenario 2 FIG. 17 is a side view of a first screen holder 300e according to some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 18(a) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1e in the unfolded state according to some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 18(b) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1e in the folded state according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 17, 18(a), and 18(b), it can be easily seen that the present application provides an electronic device 1e. In some embodiments, the electronic device 1e includes a flexible screen 100, a hinge assembly 200, a first screen holder 300e, a first housing 500, and a second housing 600. Comparing FIG. 17 with FIG. 10(a), and comparing FIG. 18(a) with FIG. 6, and FIG. 18(b) with FIG. 8, it can be easily seen that the quantity and structure of the screen holders in the electronic device 1e have changed compared to the electronic device 1.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 17, the first screen holder 300e includes a first holding plate 310e and a first holding portion 320e, and the first holding portion 320e is configured to be disposed opposite to the avoidance slot 201 of the second door plate 220. The first holding plate 310e includes a first end 311e and a second end 312e that face each other. The first holding portion 320e is attached to a region between the first end 311e and the second end 312e of the first holding plate 310e.

[0185] Referring to FIGS. 17, 18(a), and 18(b), in the unfolded state, the first end 311e of the first holding plate 310e is located between the first portion 110 (including the first sub-portion 111 and the second sub-portion 112) and the first door plate 210, and it can be seen that it is attached to the first portion 110 and / or the first door plate 210. The second end 312e of the first holding plate 310e is located between the third portion 130 (including the third sub-portion 131 and the fourth sub-portion 132) and the third door plate 230, and is a free end. Above the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201, a first guide surface 3211e and a second guide surface 3212e on the guide surface 321e of the holding surface 311e are suspended.

[0186] Continue to refer to FIG. 17. The side of the first holding plate 310e facing the flexible screen 100 has a holding surface 313e. The holding surface 313e is used to support the flexible screen 100. A guide surface 321e is provided on the side surface of the first holding portion 320e on the back side of the first holding plate 310e. When the electronic device 1e is switched between the unfolded state and the folded state, the guide surface 321e cooperates with the second door plate 220 and the avoidance slot 201 on the second door plate 220, so that the first holding plate 310e is bent and deformed based on the radian formed in an arch shape from the guide surface 321e, and drives the first holding portion 320e to enter and exit the avoidance slot 201.

[0187] Continue to refer to FIG. 17. In some embodiments, the guide surface 321e includes a first guide surface 3211e and a second guide surface 3212e. The first guide surface 3211e is closer to the first end 311e of the first holding plate 310e than the second guide surface 3212e. In the second direction D2, the points on the first guide surface 3211e gradually move away from the perpendicular bisector of the avoidance slot 201, and the points on the first guide surface 3211e gradually move toward the perpendicular bisector of the avoidance slot 201. It should be understood that the foregoing embodiments show only one structure of the guide surface, and other structures capable of implementing the guide function are also included within the protection scope of this application.

[0188] Referring to FIGS. 17, 18(a), and 18(b), in some embodiments, it can be seen that in the unfolded state, the first holding portion 320e is located within the avoidance slot 201, and in the folded state, the first holding portion 320e is at least partially disengaged from the avoidance slot 201. In addition, the holding surface 313e of the first holding plate 310e is pressed against and abuts against the lower surface 0 of the second portion 120, and the guide surface 321e of the first holding portion 320e abuts against the slot surface 0 of the avoidance slot 201 of the second door plate 220 under pressure.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 18(b), the second guide surface 3212e of the guide surface 321e abuts against the slot surface 0 of the avoidance slot 201 on the second door plate 220 under pressure, and the first guide surface 3211e is disengaged from the avoidance slot 201 of the second door plate 220.

[0190] In some embodiments, in the folded state, the second end portion 312e of the first holding plate 310e still lies between the third portion 130 (including the third sub-portion 131 and the fourth sub-portion 132) and the third door plate 230 and is a free end.

[0191] In addition, the present application further provides a screen holder 300e. It will be understood that the screen holder 300e may be any one of the aforementioned screen holders 300e.

[0192] In addition, the present application further provides a flexible screen assembly. The flexible screen assembly includes a flexible screen 100 and any one of the aforementioned first screen holders 300e. The flexible screen 100 and the first screen holder 300e are stacked. The flexible screen 100 includes a first portion 110, a second portion 120, and a third portion 130 that are sequentially connected. In the folded state, the first portion 110 and the third portion 130 are arranged opposite to each other, and the second portion 120 is at least partially located within the avoidance slot 201 on the hinge assembly 200 of the electronic device 1e. The first screen holder 300e includes a first holding plate 310e and a first holding portion 320e that are connected to each other. The first end portion 311e of the first holding plate 310e is connected to the first portion 110 and / or the first door plate 210. The first holding portion 320e is located on the side surface of the first holding plate 310e on the back side of the flexible screen 100. In the unfolded state, the first holding portion 320e is located within the avoidance slot 201, and in the folded state, the first holding portion 320e is at least partially located outside the avoidance slot 201.

[0193] Application Scenario 3 FIG. 19 is a side view of a first screen holder 300f according to some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 20(a) is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1f in a deployed state according to some embodiments of the present application. FIG. 20(b) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1f in a folded state according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0194] Referring to FIGS. 19, 20(a), and 20(b), it can be easily seen that the present application provides an electronic device 1f. In some embodiments, the electronic device 1f includes a flexible screen 100, a hinge assembly 200, a first screen holder 300f, a first housing 500, and a second housing 600. Comparing FIG. 19 with FIG. 17(a), FIG. 20(a) with FIG. 18(a), and FIG. 20(b) with FIG. 18(b), it can be easily seen that the structure of the screen holder in the electronic device 1f has changed compared to the electronic device 1e.

[0195] As shown in FIG. 19, the first screen holder 300f has a first holding plate 310f and a first holding portion 320f, and the first holding portion 320f is configured to be disposed opposite to the avoidance slot 201 of the second door plate 220. The first holding plate 310f includes a first end 311f and a second end 312f that face each other. The first holding portion 320f is attached to the second end 312f of the first holding plate 310f.

[0196] Referring to FIGS. 19, 20(a), and 20(b), the first end 311e of the first holding plate 310e is located between the first portion 110 (including the first sub-portion 111 and the second sub-portion 112) and the first door plate 210, and is attached to the first portion 110 (including the first sub-portion 111 and the second sub-portion 112) and / or the first door plate 210. The second end 312f of the first holding plate 310e is located between the second portion 120 and the second door plate 220 and is a free end.

[0197] Continue to refer to FIG. 19. The side of the first holding plate 310f facing the flexible screen 100 has a holding surface 313f. The holding surface 313f is used to support the flexible screen 100. A guide surface 321f is provided on the side surface of the first holding portion 320f on the back side of the first holding plate 310f. As shown in FIG. 19, the guide surface 321f is an arc surface formed in an arch shape on the main body. When the electronic device 1f is switched between the unfolded state and the folded state, the guide surface 321f cooperates with the second door plate 220 and the avoidance slot 201 on the second door plate 220, so that the first holding plate 310f is bent and deformed based on the radian formed in an arch shape from the guide surface 321f, driving the first holding portion 320f to enter and exit the avoidance slot 201. It should be understood that the foregoing embodiments show only one structure of the guide surface, and other structures capable of implementing the guide function are also included within the protection scope of this application.

[0198] Referring to FIGS. 19, 20(a), and 20(b), in some embodiments, it can be seen that in the unfolded state, the first holding portion 320f is located within the avoidance slot 201, and in the folded state, the first holding portion 320f is at least partially disengaged from the avoidance slot 201. In addition, the holding surface 313f of the first holding plate 310f abuts against the lower surface 0 of the second portion 120 under pressure, and the guide surface 321f of the first holding portion 320f abuts against the slot surface 0 of the avoidance slot 201 of the second door plate 220 under pressure.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 18(b), the second guide surface 3212e of the guide surface 321e abuts against the slot surface 0 of the avoidance slot 201 on the second door plate 220 under pressure, and the first guide surface 3211e is disengaged from the avoidance slot 201 of the second door plate 220.

[0200] In addition, the present application further provides a screen holder 300f. It will be understood that the screen holder 300f may be any one of the aforementioned screen holders 300f.

[0201] In addition, the present application further provides a flexible screen assembly. The flexible screen assembly includes a flexible screen 100 and any one of the aforementioned first screen holders 300f. The flexible screen 100 and the first screen holder 300f are stacked. The flexible screen 100 includes a first portion 110, a second portion 120, and a third portion 130 that are sequentially connected. In the folded state, the first portion 110 and the third portion 130 are arranged to face each other, and the second portion 120 is at least partially located within an avoidance slot 201 on the hinge assembly 200 of the electronic device 1f. The first screen holder 300f includes a first holding plate 310f and a first holding portion 320f that are connected to each other. The first end 311f of the first holding plate 310f is connected to the first portion 110 and / or the first door plate 210. The first holding portion 320f is located on the side surface of the first holding plate 310f on the back side of the flexible screen 100. In the unfolded state, the first holding portion 320f is located within the avoidance slot 201, and in the folded state, the first holding portion 320f is at least partially located outside the avoidance slot 201.

[0202] It should be noted that in this specification, the same reference numerals and characters in the following attached drawings represent the same items. Therefore, once an item is defined in the attached drawings, there is no need to further define or interpret that item in the aforementioned attached drawings.

[0203] The above describes the embodiments of the present application in specific embodiments, and other advantages and effects of the present application can be easily understood by those skilled in the art from the content disclosed herein. Although the present application has been described with reference to several embodiments, it does not mean that the characteristics of the present application are limited only to these embodiments. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the present application with reference to the embodiments is to cover other alternatives or modifications that can be derived based on the claims of the present application. The present application may be alternatively implemented without using these details. In addition, in order to avoid confusion or deviation of the focus of the present application, some specific details are omitted from the description. It should be noted that the embodiments and features of the embodiments of the present application may be combined with each other if there is no contradiction.

[0204] In the description of the present application, the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", "circumferential direction", "radical direction", and "axial direction" are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are merely intended to explain the present application and simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the indicated device or element has a specific direction or needs to be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, it should be noted that it cannot be understood as a limitation to the present application.

[0205] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that terms such as "dispose", "mount", "connect", and "attach" should be understood in a broad sense unless specifically specified and limited. For example, such terms may indicate a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integral connection, may indicate a mechanical connection or an electrical connection, may indicate a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in the present application can be understood based on specific situations.

[0206] It is obvious that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. This application is intended to cover these modifications and changes of this application as long as these modifications and changes of this application fall within the scope of protection defined by the following claims and their equivalent technologies.

Description of Reference Signs

[0207] 1' Electronic device, 100' Flexible screen, As' Deformation area, 200' Hinge assembly, 201' Avoidance slot, 1'' Electronic device, 100'' Flexible screen, As'' Deformation area, 200'' Hinge assembly, 201'' Avoidance slot, 300'' Screen holder, 1 Electronic device, 1a Electronic device, 1b Electronic device, 1c Electronic device, 1d Electronic device, 1e Electronic device, 1f Electronic device, 100 Flexible screen, 110 First part, 120 Second part, 130 Third part, 200 Hinge assembly, 201 Avoidance slot, 210 First door plate, 220 Second door plate, 230 Third door plate, 240 Main shaft module, 250 First bracket, 260 Second bracket, 270 Synchronous structure, 271 Synchronous wheel, 272 First synchronous arm, 273 Second synchronous arm, 280 Cover, 300 First screen holder, 310 First holding plate, 311 First end, 312 Second end, 320 First holding part, 321 Guide surface, 3211 First guide surface, 3212 Second guide surface, 300a First screen holder, 310a First holding plate, 311a First end, 312a Second end, 320a First holding part, 321a Guide surface, 3211a First guide surface, 3212a Second guide surface, 300b First screen holder, 310b First holding plate, 311b First end, 312b Second end, 320b First holding part, 321b Guide surface, 300c First screen holder, 310c First holding plate, 320c First holding part, 300d First screen holder, 310d First holding plate, 320d First holding part, 300e First screen holder, 310e First holding plate, 311e First end, 312e Second end, 320e First holding part, 321e Guide surface, 3211e First guide surface, 3212e Second guide surface, 300f First screen holder, 310f First holding plate, 311f First end, 312f Second end, 320f First holding part, 321f Guide surface, 400 Second screen holder, 410 Second holding plate, 411Third end, 412 Fourth end, 420 Second holding part, 400a Second screen holder, 410a Second holding plate, 420a Second holding part, 400b Second screen holder, 410b Second holding plate, 420b Second holding part, 500 First housing, 600 Second housing

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, the foldable electronic device being switchable between a folded state and an unfolded state; The foldable electronic device comprises: A flexible screen, the flexible screen comprising a first part, a second part, and a third part connected in series, the first part and the third part being disposed opposite to each other in the folded state; A support mechanism, the support mechanism and the flexible screen being stacked, the support mechanism comprising a first support structure, a second support structure and a third support structure, the first support structure being disposed opposite the first part and fastened to the first part, the second support structure being disposed opposite the second part, the third support structure being disposed opposite the third part and fastened to the third part, the second support structure being provided with an avoidance slot facing the second part; a first screen holder, the first screen holder being located between the flexible screen and the support mechanism, the first screen holder comprising a first retaining plate and a first retaining portion, the first retaining portion being located on a side of the first retaining plate behind the flexible screen, the first retaining plate comprising a first end remote from the second support structure, the first end of the first retaining plate being connected to the first portion and / or the first support structure; Equipped with In the deployed state, the first holding portion is located in the avoidance slot to support the second portion; In the folded state, the first holding portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance slot, so that the second portion is at least partially located within the avoidance slot. Foldable electronic devices.

2. the first portion comprises a first sub-portion and a second sub-portion, the first sub-portion, the second sub-portion, and the second portion being connected in series; the first support structure comprises a first housing and a first door plate rotatably connected, the first housing being arranged opposite the first sub-part and fastened to the first sub-part, the first door plate being arranged opposite the second sub-part; The second support structure includes a second door plate and a main shaft module behind the second door plate, and the first support structure and the second support structure are switched between the folded state and the unfolded state via the main shaft module, and the second door plate is provided with the avoidance slot; the first end of the first retainer plate is connected to at least one of the first sub-portion, the second sub-portion, the first housing, and the first door plate; 2. The foldable electronic device of claim 1.

3. 3. The foldable electronic device of claim 1 or 2, wherein a second end of the first retaining plate opposite the first end is a free end and is located between the second portion and the second support structure, and the first retaining part is attached to the second end.

4. 4. The foldable electronic device of claim 3, wherein in the folded state, the second portion and the second support structure are spaced apart from each other.

5. 5. The foldable electronic device of claim 4, wherein in the unfolded state, the second end is attached to the flexible screen, and in the folded state, the second end is detached from the flexible screen.

6. 6. The foldable electronic device according to claim 3, wherein in the folded state, the first screen holder is partially overlapped with a slot opening of the avoidance slot.

7. 7. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein in the unfolded state, an orthogonal projection of the first holding portion on a plane in which the flexible screen is located partially overlaps with an orthogonal projection of the avoidance slot on a distribution surface of the flexible screen.

8. The foldable electronic device comprises: a second screen holder, the second screen holder being located between the flexible screen and the support mechanism, the second screen holder comprising a second holding plate and a second holding portion, the second holding portion being located on a side of the second holding plate behind the flexible screen, the second holding plate comprising a third end remote from the second support structure, the third end of the second holding plate being connected to the third portion and / or the third support structure; Further equipped with In the deployed state, the second holding portion is located in the avoidance slot to support the second portion; In the folded state, the second holding portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance slot, so that the second portion is at least partially located within the avoidance slot. A foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. 2. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein a second end of the first retaining plate opposite the first end is a free end and is located between the third portion and a third door plate, and the first retaining portion is attached between the first end and the second end.

10. 10. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a guide surface is provided on a side surface of the first holding part on the back side of the first holding plate, and when the foldable electronic device is switched between the unfolded state and the folded state, the guide surface cooperates with a slot surface of the avoidance slot to restrict a direction in which the first holding part enters and exits the avoidance slot.

11. 11. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein in the unfolded state, a surface of the first holding portion facing the avoidance slot is at least partially attached to a slot surface of the avoidance slot.

12. The foldable electronic device according to claim 2 , wherein a cross section of the first holding portion perpendicular to the main shaft module is sector-shaped and / or rectangular.

13. 13. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first retaining plate and the first retaining portion are integrally formed, and a material of each of the first retaining plate and the first retaining portion includes at least one of metal, resin, and fiber.

14. 13. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first retaining plate and the first retaining portion are formed separately and fastened to each other, a material of the first retaining plate includes at least one of metal, resin, and fiber, and a material of the first retaining portion includes at least one of metal, resin, and fiber.

15. 15. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a traction component, one end of the traction component connected to the first end of the first retention plate and the other end of the traction component connected to the first support structure, the traction component configured to traction the first retention portion into the avoidance slot when the foldable electronic device is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state.

16. A screen holder comprising a retaining plate and a retaining portion connected to each other, the retaining portion being located on a side of the retaining plate behind a flexible screen, and in an unfolded state, the retaining portion being located within an avoidance slot of a support mechanism of an electronic device to support a second portion of the flexible screen, and in a folded state, the retaining portion being located at least partially outside the avoidance slot, such that the second portion is located at least partially within the avoidance slot.

17. A flexible screen assembly, the flexible screen assembly being switchable between a folded state and an unfolded state; The flexible screen assembly includes: A flexible screen, the flexible screen comprising a first part, a second part, and a third part connected in sequence, the first part and the third part being arranged opposite each other in the folded state, the first part being configured to face a first support structure, the second part being configured to face a second support structure, and the second support structure being provided with an avoidance slot facing the second part; a first screen holder, the first screen holder being located on a side of the flexible screen, the first screen holder comprising a first holding plate and a first holding portion, the first holding portion being located on a side of the first holding plate behind the flexible screen, and a first end of the first holding plate being connected to the first portion and / or the first support structure; Equipped with In the deployed state, the first holding portion is located in the avoidance slot to support the second portion; In the folded state, the first holding portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance slot, so that the second portion is at least partially located within the avoidance slot of a support mechanism for an electronic device. Flexible screen assembly.

18. the third portion is configured to face a third support structure, and the flexible screen assembly includes: A second screen holder, the second screen holder being located on a side of the flexible screen, the second screen holder comprising a second holding plate and a second holding portion, the second holding portion being located on a side of the second holding plate on a back side of the flexible screen, and a third end of the second holding plate being connected to the third part and / or the third support structure. Further equipped with In the deployed state, the second holding portion is located in the avoidance slot to support the second portion; In the folded state, the second holding portion is at least partially located outside the avoidance slot, such that the second portion is at least partially located within the avoidance slot of the support mechanism for the electronic device.

18. The flexible screen assembly of claim 17.

Images