Foldable electronic devices, screen holders, and flexible screen assemblies

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 the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202310325692.6, titled "FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE, SCREEN HOLDER, AND FLEXIBLE SCREEN ASSEMBLY", filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on March 22, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application relates to the field of terminals, and particularly 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 part 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' encloses the storage space, and at least a portion of the flexible screen 100' is bent into a specific shape (e.g., a teardrop shape) to accommodate it in the storage space. The deformation region As' of the specific shape is located within the avoidance slot 201' of the hinge assembly 200'. Length creep occurs in the material within the deformation region As', with the material closer to the hinge assembly 200' being stretched longer and the material further away from the hinge assembly 200' being compressed and shortened.

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

[0007] With this in mind, this application provides a foldable electronic device, a screen holder, and a flexible screen assembly. The electronic device includes a flexible screen, a hinge assembly (part of a support mechanism), and a screen holder. The flexible screen includes a deformation region. The door plate corresponding to the main shaft module is provided with a clearance slot facing the flexible screen. The screen holder includes a retaining plate and a retaining portion. In the unfolded state, the hinge assembly, retaining plate, and flexible screen are stacked sequentially, and the retaining portion is at least partially embedded between the retaining plate corresponding to the main shaft module in the clearance slot and the door plate. In the folded state, the retaining portion slides outward from the clearance slot, and as a result, the deformation region of the flexible screen in the folded state can enter the clearance slot. According to the electronic device, in the folded state, the retaining portion slides outward from the clearance slot, increasing the available space within the clearance slot, and as a result, the deformation region of the flexible screen enters the clearance slot. In the deployed state, the holding part is located within the avoidance slot, so when the user touches the deformation area of ​​the flexible screen, the virtual sense of position is weakened, and damage to the flexible screen from being pushed out by sharp foreign objects and impacts to the deformation area is reduced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect of this application, a foldable electronic device is provided, which 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 comprises a first, second, and third section connected in sequence, with the first and third sections facing each other when folded. 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 positioned opposite to and fastened to the first section, the second support structure is positioned opposite to the second section, and the third support structure is positioned opposite to and fastened to the third section, with the second support structure having a clearance slot facing the second section. The first screen holder is located between the flexible screen and the support mechanism. The first screen holder includes a first retaining plate and a first retaining portion. The first retaining portion is located on the side of the first retaining plate on the back side of the flexible screen. The first retaining plate includes a first end that is separated from the second support structure, and the first end of the first retaining plate is connected to the first part and / or the first support structure. In the deployed state, the first retaining part is located within the avoidance slot to support the second part. In the folded state, the first retaining part is located at least partially outside the avoidance slot, and as a result, the second part is located at least partially within the avoidance slot.

[0010] In the flexible screen, the second portion 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 portion, the second support structure faces the second portion, and the third support structure faces the third portion. For example, the second support structure includes a main shaft module and a door plate corresponding to the main shaft module (i.e., the second door plate below). The second support structure is provided with a clearance slot facing the second portion, that is, the second door plate of the second support structure (i.e., the door plate corresponding to the main shaft module) is provided with a clearance slot facing the second portion.

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

[0012] In the above electronic device, the first screen holder is positioned between the support mechanism and the flexible screen. The first screen holder includes a first retaining plate and a first retaining portion positioned on the side of the first retaining plate on the back side of the flexible screen. The first retaining portion is positioned on the first retaining plate. In this case, in the folded state, the first retaining portion slides outward from the avoidance slot, increasing the available space within the avoidance slot, and as a result, the deformation area of ​​the flexible screen enters the avoidance slot. In the unfolded state, since the first retaining portion is located within the avoidance slot, when a user touches the deformation area of ​​the flexible screen, the virtual sense of position is weakened, and damage to the flexible screen due to extrusion by sharp foreign objects and impact to the deformation area is reduced.

[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 retaining plate and a second retaining portion. The second retaining portion is located on the side of the second retaining plate on the back side of the flexible screen. The second retaining plate includes a third end away from the second support structure, and the third end of the second retaining plate is connected to the third portion and / or the third support structure. In the deployed state, the second retaining portion is located within the avoidance slot to support the second portion. In the folded state, the second retaining portion is located at least partially outside the avoidance slot, and as a result, the second portion is located at least partially within the avoidance slot.

[0014] In this application, it will be understood that the second screen holder and the first screen holder are basically symmetrical, with the exception of some structural adjustments. Therefore, for the specific structure and mounting method of the second screen holder, please refer to the first screen holder. Details will not be repeated here.

[0015] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, in a flexible screen of an electronic device, the first part includes a first subpart and a second subpart, and the first subpart, the second subpart, and the second part are connected sequentially. In a support mechanism for an electronic device, the first support structure includes a rotatably connected first housing and a first door plate. The first housing is positioned opposite to and fastened to the first subpart, and the first door plate is positioned opposite to the second subpart. 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 and second support structures are switched between a folded state and an unfolded state via the main shaft module, and the second door plate is provided with a clearance slot facing the second part. The first end of the first retaining plate is connected to at least one of the first subpart, the second subpart, the first housing, and the first door plate.

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

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

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

[0019] The aforementioned method of connecting the first end of the first retaining plate to the support mechanism is only one example of an embodiment of the present application, and it will be understood that other embodiments in which the first end of the first retaining plate can be fastened to the support mechanism are also included within the scope of protection of the present application. This is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0020] In the electronic device described above, the first end of the first retaining plate is a fixed end, and a solution for connecting the first retaining plate to another surrounding component can be flexibly selected based on the size and layout position of the first retaining plate, thereby reducing the design and assembly difficulties of the first screen holder in the electronic device.

[0021] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the third part includes a third subpart and a fourth subpart, and the third subpart, the fourth subpart, and the second part are connected sequentially. In a support mechanism for an electronic device, the third support structure includes a rotatably connected second housing and a third door plate. The second housing is positioned opposite to and fastened to the third subpart, and the third door plate is positioned opposite to the fourth subpart. The second support structure includes a second door plate and a main shaft module on the underside of the surface of the second door plate. The first and second support structures are switched between a folded state and an unfolded state via the main shaft module, and the second door plate is provided with a clearance slot facing the second part. The third end of the second retaining plate is connected to at least one of the third subpart, the fourth subpart, the second housing, and the third door plate.

[0022] In other words, 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 distributed sequentially. In the folded state, the first door plate, the second door plate, and the third door plate together enclose the housing space, and at least the flexible screen is bent into a specific shape (e.g., a teardrop shape) and housed in the housing space. It is readily understood that in the support mechanism, 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 retaining plate, opposite the first end, is a free end, located between the second portion and the second support structure, and the first retaining portion is attached to the second end.

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

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

[0026] For example, the electronic device includes a first screen holder. The first screen holder is located on the side of the central plane and spaced apart from the central plane. The central plane is perpendicular to the main shaft module and perpendicular to the distribution plane (i.e., projection plane) of the flexible screen in the deployed state. In the folded state, the first screen holder and the second door plate form an open space, and the bent second portion is located within this open 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 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, if the distance between the second end of the first retaining plate and the center plane is small, the second end is separated from the flexible screen to form an open space. This expands the size selection range of the first retaining plate, reduces the design difficulties of the first retaining plate, and ensures that the first screen holder overlaps with the slot opening of the avoidance slot when folded, thereby improving the operational 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, which, in the folded state, partially overlaps with the slot opening of the avoidance slot.

[0034] In the electronic device described above, the structure of the first screen holder is appropriately designed to ensure that the first screen holder does not completely detach from the avoidance slot when folded. This helps to limit the sliding direction of the first screen holder relative 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, which, in the folded state, partially overlaps 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 deployed state, the orthographic projection of the first holder on the plane in which the flexible screen is located partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the avoidance slots 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, and in the deployed state, the orthographic projection of the second holder on the plane in which the flexible screen is located partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the avoidance slots on the distribution plane of the flexible screen.

[0038] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device includes a first screen holder, the first retaining plate having a second end opposite the first end as a free end, positioned between a third portion and a third door plate, and the first retaining portion being mounted between the first end and the second end.

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

[0040] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, when folded, the second end of the first retaining 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, the first retaining portion having a guide surface on the side of the first retaining portion on the back of the first retaining plate. When the electronic device is switched between an unfolded state and a folded state, the guide surface cooperates with the slot surface of the avoidance slot to restrict the direction in which the first retaining portion moves in and out of the avoidance slot.

[0042] By designing guide surfaces, electronic devices can optimize friction between their internal components during switching between deployed and folded states, reducing jitter in the switching process and thereby improving the stability of the electronic device during the transition between deployed and folded states.

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

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

[0045] According to the above electronic device, by properly designing the guide surface, the guiding function of the guide surface can be optimized, which helps reduce jitter of the electronic device during switching between the unfolded and folded states and improves the stability of the electronic device during switching between the unfolded and folded states.

[0046] In some possible embodiments of the first aspect, the electronic device further includes a second screen holder, the second holder having a surface facing the avoidance slot in the deployed state, the surface of the second holder facing the avoidance slot being 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, the first retaining portion having a sector-shaped and / or rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the main shaft module.

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

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

[0052] In some embodiments, the first retaining plate and the first retaining part within the first screen holder may be made of the same material. For example, the material of both the first retaining plate and the first retaining part may be metal.

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

[0054] In some embodiments, the first retaining plate and the first retaining portion may be assembled by at least one of joining, 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 retaining plate and the first retaining portion being formed separately and fastened together, the material of the first retaining plate comprising at least one of metal, resin and fiber, and the material of the first retaining portion comprising 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 which is connected to a first end of a first retaining plate, and the other end of which is connected to a first support structure, and the traction component is configured to pull the first retaining portion into a relief slot when the electronic device is switched from a folded state to an 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 traction components is configured to pull the first retainer into the avoidance slot when the electronic device is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state, and the other group of traction components is configured to pull the second retainer into the avoidance slot when the electronic device is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state. For specific connection methods of the traction components in this embodiment, please refer to the connection methods of the preceding embodiments. Details will not be described again.

[0058] A screen holder is provided according to a second aspect of the present application. The screen holder includes a retaining plate and a retaining portion connected to each other, the retaining portion being located on the side of the retaining plate on the back side of a flexible screen, and in the unfolded state, the retaining portion being located within a bypass slot of the support mechanism of an electronic device to support a second portion of the flexible screen, and in the folded state, the retaining portion being located at least partially outside the bypass slot, so that the second portion is located at least partially within the bypass slot.

[0059] It will be understood that the screen holder of the second aspect of this application may be any screen holder of the first aspect and any embodiment of the first aspect, that is, any first screen holder, any second screen holder, or a combination thereof.

[0060] According to a third aspect of this application, a flexible screen assembly is provided which can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded 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, and in the folded state, the first portion and the third portion are positioned opposite each other. The first portion is configured to face a first support structure, and the second portion is configured to face a second support structure, the second support structure having a clearance slot facing the second portion. The first screen holder is located on the side of the flexible screen and includes a first retaining plate and a first retaining portion, the first retaining portion being located on the side of the first retaining plate on the back side of the flexible screen, and the first end of the first retaining plate being connected to the first portion and / or the first support structure. In the unfolded state, the first retaining portion is located in the clearance slot to support the second portion. In the folded state, the first retaining 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 for the electronic device.

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

[0062] [Figure 1(a)] This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1' in a folded state in several technical solutions. [Figure 1(b)] This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1' in its deployed state in several technical solutions. [Figure 2(a)] This is a cross-sectional view of a folded electronic device 1'' according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 2(b)] This is a cross-sectional view of an unfolded electronic device 1'' according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 3(a)] This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1 in a folded state according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 3(b)] This is a cross-sectional view of an unfolded electronic device 1 according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 4] This is an exploded view of electronic device 1 according to several embodiments of this application. [Figure 5] This is a top view of an unfolded electronic device 1 according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 6]This is a partially enlarged view of the region where the screen holder is located after the electronic device 1 has been cut along the MM cross section of Figure 5, according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 7] This is a three-dimensional view of an electronic device 1 in a folded state according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 8] This is a partially enlarged view of the region where the screen holder is located after the electronic device 1 has been cut along the NN cross section of Figure 7, according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 9] This is an exploded view of a hinge assembly 200 of an electronic device 1 according to several embodiments of this application. [Figure 10(a)] This is a side view of a first screen holder 300 according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 10(b)] This is a side view of a first screen holder 300 according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 11(a)] This is a side view of a first screen holder 300a according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 11(b)] This is a side view of a first screen holder 300a according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 12(a)] This is a cross-sectional view of an unfolded electronic device 1a according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 12(b)] This is a cross-sectional view of a folded electronic device 1a according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 13(a)] This is a side view of a first screen holder 300b according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 13(b)] This is a side view of a first screen holder 300b according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 14(a)] This is a cross-sectional view of an unfolded electronic device 1b according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 14(b)] This is a cross-sectional view of a folded electronic device 1b according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 15(a)]This is a cross-sectional view of an unfolded electronic device 1c according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 15(b)] This is a cross-sectional view of an unfolded electronic device 1d according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 16(a)] This diagram shows the relative positional relationship between the first screen holder 300, the second screen holder 400, and the avoidance slot 201 according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 16(b)] This figure shows the relative positional relationship between the first screen holder 300, the second screen holder 400, and the avoidance slot 201 according to some other embodiments of this application. [Figure 16(c)] This figure shows the relative positional relationship between the first screen holder 300, the second screen holder 400, and the avoidance slot 201 according to some other embodiments of this application. [Figure 17] This is a side view of a first screen holder 300e according to several embodiments of the present application. [Figure 18(a)] This is a cross-sectional view of an unfolded electronic device 1e according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 18(b)] This is a cross-sectional view of a folded electronic device 1e according to several embodiments of this application. [Figure 19] This is a side view of a first screen holder 300f according to several embodiments of the present application. [Figure 20(a)] This is a cross-sectional view of an unfolded electronic device 1f according to some embodiments of this application. [Figure 20(b)] This is a cross-sectional view of a folded electronic device 1f according to some embodiments of this application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0063] To further clarify the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of this application, embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] This application provides an electronic device, which includes, but is not limited to, any one of the following foldable electronic products: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, and a wearable device. In the folded state, the shape obtained by bending the flexible screen within the electronic device includes, but is not limited to, any one of the following: a teardrop shape, a mallet shape, and a spoon shape.

[0065] In the following, we will use an example where the electronic device is a mobile phone, and when the electronic device is folded, the flexible screen is bent into a teardrop shape for illustrative purposes. For the sake of the following explanation, the surface on which the flexible screen lies in the unfolded state is defined as the projection plane.

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

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

[0068] Referring to Figures 2(a) and 2(b), it is readily apparent that electronic device 1'' is a foldable electronic device that can be switched between an unfolded and a folded state. 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 positioned between the flexible screen 100'' and the hinge assembly 200''. The flexible screen 100'' includes a deformation region As''. The portion of 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. The door plate corresponding to the main shaft module is provided with an avoidance slot 201'' facing the deformation region As''. 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 lies at the orthographic projection of the screen holder 300'' on the projection plane.

[0069] In the folded state, the hinge assembly 200'' encloses the storage space, and the flexible screen 100'' and screen holder 300'' are bent into a specific shape (e.g., a teardrop shape) and housed in the storage space. The screen holder 300'' corresponding to the deformation region As'' of the specific shape and the deformation region As'' in 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 a folded state to an unfolded state, the screen holder 300'' is synchronously unfolded and elastically returns to a plate-like structure, pushing the deformation area As'' of the flexible screen 100'' out of the avoidance slot 201'' in a direction perpendicular to the projection plane.

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

[0072] In the embodiments described above, to solve the problem of a concave gap between the screen holder and the door plate corresponding to the main shaft module in the unfolded state, this application provides an electronic device 1. Figure 3(a) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 in the folded state according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1 in the unfolded state according to some embodiments of this application. Referring to Figures 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. The portion on the hinge assembly 200 corresponding to the deformation region As may include a main shaft module and a door plate corresponding to the main shaft module. It will be understood that the region where the deformation region As is located on the flexible screen 100, the orthographic region of the main shaft module on the flexible screen 100, and the orthographic region of the door plate corresponding to the main shaft module on the flexible screen 100 correspond to each other. For two or more orthographic projections to correspond to each other means that two or more orthographic projections essentially overlap. The door plate corresponding to the main shaft module is provided with a bypass slot 201 facing the flexible screen 100. The screen holder 300 includes a first retaining plate 310 and a first retaining portion 320. In the deployed state, the hinge assembly 200, the first retaining plate 310, and the flexible screen 100 are stacked in sequence, and the first retaining portion 320 is at least partially embedded between the first retaining plate 310 corresponding to the main shaft module in the bypass slot 201 and the door plate. In the folded state, the first retaining portion 320 slides outward from the bypass slot 201, and as a result, the deformation region As of the folded flexible screen 100 can enter the bypass slot 201.

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

[0074] In this application, the electronic device is a foldable electronic device that can be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state. Note that when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, all components of the electronic device may be in the unfolded state, and when the electronic device is in the folded state, all components of the electronic device may be in the folded state. In addition, the electronic device may also 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 is readily apparent that the electronic device provided in this application includes a flexible screen, a support mechanism, and a first screen holder. The flexible screen includes a first part, a second part, and a third part that are sequentially connected. In the unfolded state, the first part, the second part, and the third part are arranged in a certain direction. In the folded state, the first part and the second part are arranged facing each other, and the second part 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 retaining plate and a first retaining part.

[0076] The flexible screen, the first retaining plate, and the support mechanism are stacked sequentially. The first support structure is positioned opposite to and fastened to the first portion, the second support structure is positioned opposite to the second portion, and the third support structure is positioned opposite to and fastened to the third portion. The second support structure is provided with a clearance slot opposite to the second portion. The first retaining portion is located on the side of the first retaining plate on the back side of the flexible screen. The first retaining plate includes a first end that is separated from the second support structure, and the first end of the first retaining plate is connected to the first portion and / or the first support structure.

[0077] In the deployed state, the orthographic projection of the first retaining 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 retaining portion is located within the avoidance slot to support the second portion within the flexible screen. In the folded state, the first retaining 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 this application, the first screen holder has a non-uniform thickness structure (for example, the thickness of the part where the first retainer is located is greater than the thickness of other parts) in order to perform variable adjustment of the gap between the first screen holder and the support mechanism in the deployed and closed states. As a result, in the deployed state, the first screen holder can support the second part within the flexible screen, and in the folded state, the first screen holder avoids the support mechanism to form a housing space and accommodate the bent second part. This optimizes the light shading, folds, and reliability of the flexible screen within the electronic device.

[0079] In some embodiments, in a flexible screen, the first part includes a first subpart and a second subpart, and the first subpart, the second subpart, and the second part are connected sequentially. Similarly, the third part includes a third subpart and a fourth subpart, and the third subpart, the fourth subpart, and the second part are connected sequentially. In a support mechanism, the first support structure includes a rotatably connected first housing and a first door plate. The first housing is positioned opposite to and fastened to the first subpart, and the first door plate is positioned opposite to the second subpart. Similarly, the third support structure includes a rotatably connected second housing and a third door plate. The second housing is positioned opposite to and fastened to the third subpart, and the third door plate is positioned opposite to the fourth subpart. The second support structure includes a main shaft module and a second door plate connected to each other, the main shaft module being connected to the first door plate, and the second door plate having an avoidance slot. The first and second housings can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state via the main shaft module. The first and second support structures can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state via the main shaft module.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first end of the first retaining plate is connected to at least one of the first subpart, the second subpart, the first housing, and the first door plate.

[0081] The electronic device in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0082] Application Scenario 1 Figure 4 is an exploded view of an 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 deployed state, the flexible screen 100 and the hinge assembly 200 are stacked in a first direction D1, and the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 are positioned parallel to a second direction D2, 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 located on either side of the hinge assembly 200, respectively. 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 folded, and the first housing 500 and the second housing 600 are positioned facing each other.

[0084] The hinge assembly 200 is connected separately to the first housing 400 and the second housing 500. The flexible screen 100 and the first screen holder 300 are mounted corresponding to the first housing 500, and the flexible screen 100 and the second screen holder 400 are mounted 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, i.e., the electronic device 1 is switched between a folded state and an unfolded state. The extension direction of the hinge assembly 200 may be defined as a third direction D3.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first housing 500 may be used as a first support structure, and the second housing 600 may be used as a 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. It will be understood that, in this application, perpendicularity does not mean absolute perpendicularity, and approximate perpendicularity due to factors such as machining and assembly tolerances (e.g., the angle between two structural features is 92°, 89.9°, 89°, or 88°) also falls within the range of perpendicularity in this application. Limitations on perpendicularity are not repeated below.

[0088] The specific structure of each component in the electronic device 1 will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 5 is a top view of the electronic device 1 in an unfolded state according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 6 is a partially enlarged view of the region where the screen holder is located after the electronic device 1 has been cut along the MM cross section of Figure 5, according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 7 is a three-dimensional view of the electronic device 1 in a folded state according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 8 is a partially enlarged view of the region where the screen holder is located after the electronic device 1 has been cut along the NN cross section of Figure 7, according to some embodiments of this application.

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

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

[0091] Furthermore, referring to Figures 4, 6, and 8, it can be seen that the first sub-part 111 is fastened opposite the first housing 500, and the third sub-part 131 is fastened opposite 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 describing the specific structure of the flexible screen 100, the specific structure of the hinge assembly 200 in this application will be further described.

[0094] Figure 9 is an exploded view of a hinge assembly 200 of an electronic device 1 according to several embodiments of the present application. Referring to Figures 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 a first housing 500, and the third door plate 230 is rotatably connected to a second housing 600. In the electronic device 1, in the first portion 110, the first door plate 210 is positioned opposite the second sub-portion 112, the second door plate 220 is positioned opposite the second portion 120, and in the third portion 130, the third door plate 230 is positioned opposite the fourth sub-portion 132. The second door plate 220 is provided with a bypass slot 201 facing the second portion 120 of the flexible screen 100.

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

[0096] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, in the deployed state, the top surfaces of the first door plate 210, the second door plate 220, and the third door plate 230 are in the same plane. In this application, the top surfaces of a component will be understood to be the surfaces of the component that are close to the flexible screen 100. Multiple surfaces being in the same plane means that multiple surfaces are substantially parallel to each other and are essentially in the same plane. In other words, there may be narrow angles within a certain range between multiple surfaces, and / or there may be certain spacings between multiple parallel surfaces. Details will not be described below. In the above description, the surfaces of the hinge assembly 200 that are close to the flexible screen 100 are in the same plane. In this application, being parallel to each other does not necessarily mean being perfectly parallel, and it will be understood that being substantially parallel due to factors such as machining errors and assembly errors (e.g., the angle between two structural features is 181°, 179.8°, 179°, or 178°) is also included in the scope of being parallel to each other. The restriction that they must be parallel to each other will not be repeated below.

[0097] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, in the unfolded state, the top surfaces of the first door plate 210, the second door plate 220, the third door plate 230, the first housing 500, and the second housing 600 are coplanar. Since the electronic device 1 is designed so that the top surfaces of the door plates are uniform with the top surfaces of the housings, the common standards of existing electronic devices 1 are met, the design and assembly difficulties of the electronic device 1 are reduced, and the overall economic benefits are improved.

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

[0099] In the electronic device 1, the upper surface of the screen holder is designed to be uniform with the upper surface of the housing, which reduces the difficulty of positioning the flexible screen 100 on the screen holder and housing, thereby reducing the design and assembly difficulties of the electronic device 1 and improving the overall economic benefits.

[0100] Please continue to refer to Figure 9. In some embodiments, the hinge assembly 200 may further include 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 positioned opposite each other on either side of the main shaft module 240 and are rotatably connected to the shaft base 240, respectively. For example, a rotating structure on the first bracket 250 works in cooperation with the first rotating block 242 and the second rotating block 243 to provide a rotatable connection between the first bracket 250 and the main shaft module 240. Similarly, a rotating structure on the second bracket 260 works in cooperation with the first rotating block 242 and the second rotating block 243 to provide 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, and the first door plate 210 is slidably connected to the main shaft module 240 (e.g., the shaft base 241 in Figure 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, and the third door plate 230 is slidably connected to the main shaft module 240 (e.g., the shaft base 241 in Figure 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] Please continue to refer to Figure 9. In some embodiments, the hinge assembly 200 will be found to further include a synchronous structure 270. The synchronous structure 270 is configured to enable synchronous relative folding or relative unfolding of the first housing 500 and the second housing 600. The synchronous structure 270 includes a first synchronous wheel 271, a first synchronous arm 272, and a second synchronous arm 273. The synchronous wheel 271 is rotatably connected to the main shaft module 240, the movable end of the first synchronous arm 272 is slidably connected to the first bracket 250, the movable end of the first synchronous arm 272 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 250, the synchronous end of the first synchronous arm 272 is rotatably connected to the main shaft module 240, and the synchronous end of the first synchronous arm 272 engages with the synchronous wheel 271. In the process in which the first bracket 250 and the second bracket 260 rotate relative to the main shaft module 240, the first synchronous arm 272 affects the rotation angle of the first bracket 250, and the second synchronous arm 273 affects the rotation angle of the second bracket 260. In this way, in the process in which the first synchronous arm 272 and the second synchronous arm 273 rotate synchronously with respect to the main shaft module 240, the first bracket 250 and the second bracket 260 are rotated synchronously with respect to the main shaft module 240.

[0102] Please refer to Figure 9. In some embodiments, 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 coplanar.

[0103] It will be understood that the embodiments described above only illustrate specific structures of the hinge assembly 200 in some embodiments of this application. Other hinge assemblies 200, which may include a first door plate 210, a second door plate 220, and a third door plate 230, are also within the scope of protection of this application. This is not specifically limited in this application.

[0104] In some embodiments, the second door plate 220 is a fixed plate body fastened to the main shaft module 240. Specifically, when the electronic device 1 is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, or when the electronic device 1 is switched from a folded state to an 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 vertically movable plate body connected to the main shaft module 240 in a vertically movable manner. When the electronic device 1 is switched between an deployed state and a 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 moves away from the main shaft module 240 in the second direction D2, or the second door plate 220 moves toward the main shaft module 240 in the second direction D2. In the above structure, during the deployment 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. During the folding process, the second door plate 220 moves toward the cover 280, that is, the second door plate 220 gradually shrinks, working in cooperation with the first door plate 210 and the third door plate 230 to form a storage space for accommodating the flexible screen 100.

[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. During 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 a second direction D2. The elastic structure has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and provides high precision in controlling the raising and lowering motion of the second door plate 220.

[0107] After describing the specific structure of the hinge assembly 200, the specific structure of the first screen holder 300 in this application will be described.

[0108] Referring to Figures 6 and 8, in some embodiments, the first screen holder 300 includes a first retaining plate 310 and a first retaining portion 320 connected to each other, the first retaining portion 320 being located on the side of the first retaining plate 310 facing the flexible screen 100. The first retaining plate 310 includes a first end 311 and a second end 312 facing each other, the first end 311 being 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 retaining portion 320 is attached to the second end 312.

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

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

[0111] When the electronic device 1 is switched from the deployed 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, preventing the concave tendency formed by the bending and creeping of the flexible screen 100, enabling rapid recovery from creeping, and improving the light shadow and crease effect on the flexible screen 100 when the electronic device 1 is switched from the folded state to the deployed state. In addition, when the user touches the second part 120 inside the flexible screen 100, obvious collapse is avoided, and the reliability of the flexible screen 100 is improved when a sharp foreign object is pushed out and strikes the flexible screen.

[0112] The following describes in detail several different first screen holders with reference to the attached drawings.

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

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

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

[0116] As shown in Figure 10(a), in some embodiments, a guide surface 321 is provided on the side of the first retaining portion 320 on the back side of the first retaining plate 310. When the electronic device 1 is switched between an unfolded state and a 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 retaining portion 320 moving in and out of the avoidance slot 201.

[0117] As shown in Figure 10(a), in some embodiments, the guide surface 321 is the surface on the back of the retaining plate 310 over the first retaining portion 320. With this in mind, when the electronic device 1 is switched between an unfolded state and a folded state, the guide surface 321 cooperates with the second door plate 220 and the avoidance slot 201 on the second door plate 220, causing the first retaining plate 310 to bend and deform based on an arched radian from the guide surface 321, driving the first retaining portion 320 to move in and out of the avoidance slot 201.

[0118] As shown in Figure 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 311 of the first retaining plate 310 than the second guide surface 3212. In the second direction D2, a point on the first guide surface 3211 gradually moves away from the perpendicular bisector of the avoidance slot 201, and a point on the first guide surface 3211 gradually moves toward the perpendicular bisector of the avoidance slot 201. The perpendicular 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 an unfolded state to a folded state, the first guide surface 3211 provides a guide for the early process in which the first retaining portion 320 is released from the avoidance slot 201, and the second guide surface 322 provides a guide for the later process in which the first retaining portion 320 is released from the avoidance slot 201. In the process of switching the electronic device 1 from a folded state to an unfolded state, the second guide surface 322 provides a guide for the early process in which the first retaining portion 320 is entered into the avoidance slot 201, and the first guide surface 3211 provides a guide for the later process in which the first retaining portion 320 is entered into the avoidance slot 201.

[0120] Referring to Figures 6, 8, and 10(a), it can be seen that in some embodiments, the first guide surface 3211 may be a surface that fits into the avoidance slot 201. In the deployed state, the first guide surface 3211 is attached to a portion of the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201. In the electronic device 1 described above, the guiding function of the guide surface can be optimized by appropriately designing the guide surface, which helps to reduce jitter during the transition between the deployed and folded states and improve stability during the transition between the deployed and folded states.

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

[0122] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, when deployed, the flexible screen 100 is distributed on the projection plane, and the orthographic projection of the first retaining 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 Figure 10(a), in some embodiments, when folded, the first retaining plate 310 and / or first retaining portion 320 within the first screen holder 300 are at least partially bonded to the slot opening of the bypass slot 201 on the second door plate 220. In electronic device 1, the structure of the first screen holder 300 is well-designed so that it can be ensured that the first screen holder 300 does not completely detach from the bypass slot 201 when folded. This helps to limit the sliding direction of the first screen holder 300 relative to the slot surface of the bypass 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 Figure 10(a), the first screen holder 300 is located laterally to and 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., projection plane) of the unfolded flexible screen 100. Based on Figure 8, it is easy to see that in the folded state, the first screen holder 300 and the second door plate 220 form an open space Sa, and the folded second portion 120 is located within the open space Sa.

[0125] In the electronic device 1, in the folded state, the structure of the first screen holder 300 is appropriately designed so that the first screen holder 300 and the second door plate 220 form an open space Sa. In addition, the position of the folded second portion 120 within the open space Sa reduces the stress between the flexible screen 100 and the first screen holder 300, weakening the pressure on the second portion 120 of the first screen holder 300 on the flexible screen 100, and preventing stacking and mispositioning of the flexible screen 100.

[0126] As shown in Figure 10(a), in some embodiments, when unfolded, the second end 312 of the first retaining plate 310 is attached to the flexible screen 100. When folded, the second end 312 of the first retaining plate 310 is separated from the flexible screen 100.

[0127] In other words, in the deployed 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, so that in the deployed state the second end 312 supports the second portion 120 within the flexible screen 100, and when the user touches the second portion 120, the sense of virtual position is weakened.

[0128] In the folded state, the second end 312 is separated from the flexible screen 100, so that 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 on the second end 312 on the second portion 120 of the flexible screen 100 is weakened, and stacking and mispositioning of the flexible screen 100 are avoided.

[0129] In addition, in the electronic device 1 described above, if the distance between the second end 312 of the first retaining plate 310 and the center plane Pc is small, the second end 312 is separated from the flexible screen 100 to form an open space Sa. This expands the size selection range of the first retaining plate 310, reduces the design difficulties of the first retaining plate 310, and ensures that the first screen holder 300 overlaps with the slot opening of the avoidance slot 201 when folded, thereby improving the operational stability of the electronic device 1.

[0130] As shown in Figure 10(a), the first retaining plate 310 has a retaining surface 313 on the back side of the first retaining portion 320. Referring to Figures 6, 8, and 10(a), it is easy to see that in the unfolded state, the retaining surface 313 of the first retaining plate 310 is attached to the lower surface of the flexible screen 100. In the folded state, the portion of the retaining surface 313 of the first retaining plate 310 closest to the second end 312 is spaced apart from the lower surface of the flexible screen 100.

[0131] Referring to Figures 6 and 10(a), it is easy to see that in some embodiments, in the deployed state, the surface of the first retaining 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, when deployed, the surface of the first retaining portion 320 facing the avoidance slot 201 is partially attached to the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201. For example, when deployed, the first guide surface 3211 of the first retaining portion 320 is attached to the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201. The second guide surface 3212 of the first retaining portion 320 is not attached to the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201. In some other alternative embodiments, when deployed, the surface of the first retaining portion 320 facing the avoidance slot 201 is fully attached to the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201.

[0133] In some embodiments, when deployed, the surface of the first retaining 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 retaining 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, effectively supporting the second portion 120 in the area where the avoidance slot 201 is in the deployed state.

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

[0136] The electronic device 1 can effectively support the second portion 120 in the area where the avoidance slot 201 is located when deployed, and can more effectively free up space for the first holding portion 320 when folded, so that the second portion 120 in the flexible screen 100 can be housed in the avoidance slot 201.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0143] Figure 11(a) is a side view of a first screen holder 300a according to several embodiments of the present application. The field of view is in the third direction D3. The first screen holder 300a includes a first retaining plate 310a and a first retaining portion 320a. Comparing Figure 10(a) and Figure 11(a), it is easy to see that the first retaining plate 310a is adaptively adjusted to the first retaining plate 310. Details are not described here. The difference between the first screen holder 300a and the first screen holder 300 is that the shapes of the first retaining portion 310a and the first retaining portion 310 are different in a cross section perpendicular to the third direction D3. The first retaining portion 320 has a special shape, for example, a shape in which two sectors are joined in a cross section perpendicular to the third direction D3. The first retaining portion 320a has a standard shape, for example, a difficulty shape in a cross section perpendicular to the third direction D3. The first retaining portion 320a has a guide surface 321a on the plane on the back side of the first retaining plate 310a, and the guide surface 321a is configured to provide a guide for the process of the first retaining portion 320a moving in and out of 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 Figure 11(a), in the first screen holder 300a, the first retaining plate 310a and the first retaining portion 320a are integrally formed. Figure 11(b) is a side view of the first screen holder 300a according to some embodiments of the present application. The angle of view is in the third direction D3. As shown in Figure 11(b), in some embodiments, the first retaining plate 310a and the first retaining portion 320a are formed separately and then assembled into the first screen holder 300a. In this application, for details regarding the materials and forming methods of the first screen holder 300a, it will be understood that refer to the materials and forming methods of the first screen holder 300. Details will not be repeated here.

[0145] Figure 12(a) is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1a in an unfolded state according to some embodiments of the present application. Figure 12(b) is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1a in a folded state according to some embodiments of the present application. Comparing Figure 12(a) with Figure 6, and Figure 12(b) with Figure 8, it is easy to see that the difference between electronic device 1a and electronic device 1 is that the screen holder is different. As shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), the first screen holder 300a includes a first retaining plate 310a and a first retaining portion 320a connected to each other. The first retaining portion 310a is hardened in cross-section perpendicular to the third direction D3 compared to the first retaining portion 310. The first retaining portion 320a is located on the side of the first retaining plate 310a on the back side of the flexible screen 100. The first retaining plate 310a includes a first end 311a and a second end 312a that face each other. The first end 311a is located between the first portion 110 (including the first sub-part 111 and the second sub-part 112) and the first door plate 210 and may be connected to the first portion 110 (including the first sub-part 111 and the second sub-part 112) and / or the first door plate 210. The second end 312a may be a free end located between the second portion 120 and the second door plate 220. The first retaining portion 320a is attached to the second end 312a.

[0146] Compared to the first screen holder 300, the first screen holder 300 will be understood to have a different mounting method with respect to the avoidance slot 201 on the second door plate 220, due to changes in the shape of the first retaining portion 310a in a cross section perpendicular to the third direction D3. As shown in Figure 12(a), in the unfolded state, the edge of the first retaining portion 320a abuts against the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201. As shown in Figure 12(b), in the folded state, the guide surface 321a of the first retaining portion 320a abuts against the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201.

[0147] In the electronic device 1a, the design difficulty and molding difficulty of the first screen holder 300a are reduced by designing the first holding portion 320a of the first screen holder 300a to have a difficult-to-manufacture structure.

[0148] Figure 13(a) is a side view of a first screen holder 300b according to several embodiments of the present application. The field of view is in the third direction D3. The first screen holder 300b includes a first retaining plate 310b and a first retaining portion 320b. Comparing Figure 10(a) and Figure 13(a), it is easy to see that the first retaining plate 310b is merely adaptively adjusted to the first retaining 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 are different in a cross section perpendicular to the third direction D3. The first retaining portion 320 has a special shape, for example, a shape in which two sectors are joined in a cross section perpendicular to the third direction D3. The first retaining portion 320b has a semi-elliptical shape in a cross section perpendicular to the third direction D3. A guide surface 321b is provided on the side surface of the first retaining portion 320b on the back side of the first retaining plate 310b. As shown in Figure 13(a), the guide surface 321b is an arc-shaped surface formed on the main body. The guide surface 321b is configured to provide a guide for the process of the first retaining portion 320b moving in and out of the avoidance slot 201.

[0149] Figure 14(a) is a cross-sectional view of an unfolded electronic device 1b according to some embodiments of the present application. Figure 14(b) is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1b in a folded state according to some embodiments of the present application. Comparing Figure 14(a) with Figure 6, and Figure 14(b) with Figure 8, it is easy to see that the difference between electronic device 1b and electronic device 1 is that the first screen holder is different. As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), the first screen holder 300b includes a first retaining plate 310b and a first retaining portion 320b connected to each other. The first retaining portion 310b is semi-elliptical in cross-section perpendicular to the third direction D3 compared to the first retaining portion 310. The first retaining portion 320b is located on the side of the first retaining plate 310b on the back side of the flexible screen 100. The first retaining plate 310b includes a first end 311b and a second end 312b that face each other. The first end 311b is located between the first portion 110 (including the first sub-part 111 and the second sub-part 112) and the first door plate 210 and may be connected to the first portion 110 (including the first sub-part 111 and the second sub-part 112) and / or the first door plate 210. The second end 312b may be a free end located between the second portion 120 and the second door plate 220. The first retaining portion 320b is attached to the second end 312b.

[0150] Compared to the first screen holder 300, it will be understood that the mounting method of the first screen holder 300 with respect to the avoidance slot 201 on the second door plate 220 changes due to changes in the shape of the first retaining portion 310b in a cross section perpendicular to the third direction D3. As shown in Figure 14(a), in the unfolded state, the guide surface of the first retaining portion 320b is in contact with the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201, and a region other than the tangential region of the guide surface is suspended from the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201. As shown in Figure 14(b), in the folded state, the guide surface of the first retaining portion 320b is in contact with the slot surface of the avoidance slot 201.

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

[0152] After describing the specific structure of the first screen holder 300, the specific structure of the second screen holder 400 in this application will be described below.

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

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

[0155] In some embodiments, as can be seen, for example, in Figures 6, 8, 12(a), 12(b), 14(a), and 14(b), the structure of the second screen holder 400 is readily apparent to be symmetrical to the structure of the first screen holder 300. Therefore, all features corresponding to the first screen holder 300 are applicable to the second screen holder 400. Further details are not described here.

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

[0157] Figure 15(a) is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1c in an unfolded state according to several embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 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 Figure 15(a) with Figure 6, it is easy to see that the screen holder of electronic device 1c is different from the screen holder of electronic device 1. As shown in Figure 15(a), the first screen holder 300c and the second screen holder 400a are asymmetrical 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 symmetrical components. For example, the first retaining plate 310c in the first screen holder 300c and the second retaining plate 410a in the second screen holder 400a are asymmetrical, and / or the first retaining portion 320c in the first screen holder 300c and the second retaining portion 420a in the second screen holder 400a are asymmetrical.

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

[0159] Figure 15(b) is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1d in an unfolded state according to several embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 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 Figure 15(b) with Figure 15(a), it is readily apparent that the screen holder of electronic device 1d is different from that of electronic device 1. As shown in Figure 15(b), the first screen holder 300d and the second screen holder 400b are asymmetric in a cross-section perpendicular to a third direction D3, and the orthographic projection of the first screen holder 300d in the projection plane at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second screen holder 400b in the projection plane.

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

[0161] After describing the specific structures of the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400, 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 with reference to the attached drawings.

[0162] Figure 16(a) is a diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the first screen holder 300, the second screen holder 400, and the avoidance slot 201 according to some embodiments of the present application. Figure 16(b) is a diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the first screen holder 300, the second screen holder 400, and the avoidance slot 201 according to some other embodiments of the present application. Figure 16(c) is a diagram showing the relative positional relationship between 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 Figures 16(a) to 16(c), l1 represents the orthographic projection of the centerline of the slot opening of the avoidance slot 201 on the projection plane, and the centerline 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 (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 retaining 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 retaining plate 410 on the projection plane.

[0164] As shown in Figures 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 overlap, at least partially, separately with 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 not necessarily coincide with the orthographic projection of the folding axis on the projection plane. This is not specifically limited in this application.

[0167] As shown in Figure 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 distributed on two opposing sides of l1, respectively. That is, the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 are distributed on both sides of the central plane, respectively.

[0168] In some embodiments, the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 are structurally symmetrical and distributed symmetrically with respect to the central plane. In some other alternative embodiments, the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 are distributed asymmetrically 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 distributed asymmetrically 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 distributed asymmetrically with respect to the central plane, but the structures of the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 are asymmetrical.

[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 sawtooth gap, and a folded line gap.

[0170] As shown in Figure 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 sawtooth gap, and a folded line gap.

[0172] As shown in Figure 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 sawtooth gap, and a folded line gap.

[0174] The embodiments described above only show partial solutions for the projection of the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400 in the first direction D1, and it will be understood that any layout solutions of the first screen holder 300 and the second screen holder 400, which may include localized openings to avoid surrounding components (e.g., the hinge assembly 200), are within the scope of protection of this application. This is not specifically limited in this application.

[0175] It will be understood that the embodiments described above merely illustrate 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 multiple first screen holders 300 and multiple second screen holders 400. Details will not be explained here.

[0176] In some embodiments, when there are multiple first screen holders 300 in a third direction D1, the multiple first screen holders 300 may be spaced apart. 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 multiple second screen holders 400 in a third direction D1, the multiple second screen holders 400 may also be spaced apart. 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, this 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 the following: 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 arrangements of the flexible screen 100 and the screen holder, please refer to the arrangements of electronic device 1, electronic device 1a, electronic device 1b, electronic device 1c, and the arrangement of the flexible screen 100 and screen holder on electronic device 1d.

[0179] In the following, for illustrative purposes, an example is used in which the flexible screen assembly includes a flexible screen 100 and a first screen holder 300. The flexible screen 100 and the first screen holder 300 are stacked. The flexible screen 100 includes a first section 110, a second section 120, and a third section 130 that are sequentially connected. In the folded state, the first section 110 and the third section 130 are positioned facing each other, and the second section 120 is at least partially located within a bypass slot 201 on the hinge assembly 200 of the electronic device 1. The first screen holder 300 includes a first retaining plate 310 and a first retaining section 320 that are connected to each other. The first end 311 of the first retaining plate 310 is connected to the first section 110 and / or the first door plate 210. The first retaining section 320 is located on the side of the first retaining plate 310 on the back side of the flexible screen 100. In the deployed state, the first retaining portion 320 is located within the avoidance slot 201, and in the folded state, the first retaining portion 320 is located at least partially 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 the first screen holder 300, the first screen holder 300a, the first screen holder 300b, the first screen holder 300c, and the first screen holder 300d. The second screen holder may include any one of the second screen holder 400, the second screen holder 400a, and the second screen holder 400b. For arrangements of the flexible screen 100 and screen holder, see electronic device 1, electronic device 1a, electronic device 1b, electronic device 1c, and arrangements of the flexible screen 100 and screen holder on electronic device 1d. Details are not repeated here.

[0181] In this application, it is readily apparent that in the electronic device 1 corresponding to application scenario 1, there are two screen holders in the second direction D2, specifically a first screen holder 300 and a second screen holder 400. Note that in other application scenarios, the number of screen holders in the second direction D2 may also be one, and specific embodiments will be described in detail in application scenarios 2 and 3.

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

[0183] Referring to Figures 17, 18(a), and 18(b), it is readily apparent that this 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 Figure 17 with Figure 10(a), Figure 18(a) with Figure 6, and Figure 18(b) with Figure 8, it is readily apparent that the number and structure of screen holders in the electronic device 1e have changed compared to the electronic device 1.

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

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

[0186] Please refer to Figure 17. The side of the first retaining plate 310e facing the flexible screen 100 has a retaining surface 313e. The retaining surface 313e is used to support the flexible screen 100. A guide surface 321e is provided on the side of the first retaining portion 320e on the back side of the first retaining plate 310e. When the electronic device 1e is switched between an unfolded state and a folded state, the guide surface 321e cooperates with the second door plate 220 and the avoidance slot 201 on the second door plate 220, causing the first retaining plate 310e to bend and deform based on an arch-shaped radian formed from the guide surface 321e, driving the first retaining portion 320e to move in and out of the avoidance slot 201.

[0187] Please refer to Figure 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 retaining plate 310e than the second guide surface 3212e. In the second direction D2, a point on the first guide surface 3211e gradually moves away from the perpendicular bisector of the avoidance slot 201, and a point on the first guide surface 3211e gradually moves toward the perpendicular bisector of the avoidance slot 201. The embodiments described above show only one structure of a guide surface, and it will be understood that other structures capable of performing the guiding function are also within the scope of protection of this application.

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

[0189] As shown in Figure 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, while the first guide surface 3211e disengages from the avoidance slot 201 of the second door plate 220.

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

[0191] In addition, this 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 one of the first screen holders 300e described above. 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 positioned facing each other, and the second portion 120 is at least partially located within a bypass slot 201 on the hinge assembly 200 of the electronic device 1e. The first screen holder 300e includes a first retaining plate 310e and a first retaining portion 320e that are connected to each other. The first end 311e of the first retaining plate 310e is connected to the first portion 110 and / or the first door plate 210. The first retaining portion 320e is located on the side of the first retaining plate 310e on the back side of the flexible screen 100. In the unfolded state, the first retaining portion 320e is located within the avoidance slot 201, and in the folded state, the first retaining portion 320e is located at least partially outside the avoidance slot 201.

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

[0194] Referring to Figures 19, 20(a), and 20(b), it is readily apparent that this 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 Figure 19 with Figure 17(a), Figure 20(a) with Figure 18(a), and Figure 20(b) with Figure 18(b), it is readily apparent that the structure of the screen holder in the electronic device 1f is different from that of the electronic device 1e.

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

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

[0197] Please refer to Figure 19. The side of the first retaining plate 310f facing the flexible screen 100 has a retaining surface 313f. The retaining surface 313f is used to support the flexible screen 100. A guide surface 321f is provided on the side of the first retaining portion 320f on the back side of the first retaining plate 310f. As shown in Figure 19, the guide surface 321f is an arc-shaped surface formed in an arch on the main body. When the electronic device 1f is switched between the deployed and folded states, the guide surface 321f cooperates with the second door plate 220 and the avoidance slot 201 on the second door plate 220, causing the first retaining plate 310f to bend and deform based on the radians formed in an arch from the guide surface 321f, driving the first retaining portion 320f to move in and out of the avoidance slot 201. The embodiments described above illustrate only one structure of the guide surface, and it will be understood that other structures capable of performing the guiding function are also included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0198] Referring to Figures 19, 20(a), and 20(b), it can be seen that in some embodiments, in the unfolded state, the first retaining portion 320f is located within the avoidance slot 201, and in the folded state, the first retaining portion 320f is at least partially outside the avoidance slot 201. In addition, the retaining surface 313f of the first retaining plate 310f abuts against the lower surface 0 of the second portion 120 under pressure, and the guide surface 321f of the first retaining 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 Figure 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, while the first guide surface 3211e disengages from the avoidance slot 201 of the second door plate 220.

[0200] In addition, this 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 one of the first screen holders 300f described above. 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 positioned facing each other, and the second portion 120 is at least partially located within a bypass slot 201 on the hinge assembly 200 of the electronic device 1f. The first screen holder 300f includes a first retaining plate 310f and a first retaining portion 320f that are connected to each other. The first end 311f of the first retaining plate 310f is connected to the first portion 110 and / or the first door plate 210. The first retaining portion 320f is located on the side of the first retaining plate 310f on the back side of the flexible screen 100. In the deployed state, the first retaining portion 320f is located within the avoidance slot 201, and in the folded state, the first retaining portion 320f is located at least partially outside the avoidance slot 201.

[0202] In this specification, the same reference numerals and letters in the following attached drawings represent the same items. Therefore, once an item is defined in an attached drawing, it does not need to be further defined or interpreted in the aforementioned attached drawings.

[0203] The above describes embodiments of the present application in specific embodiments, and other advantages and effects of the present application can be readily understood by those skilled in the art from the content disclosed herein. Although the present application is described with reference to several embodiments, this does not mean that the characteristics of the present application are limited to these embodiments alone. Rather, the purpose of describing the present application with reference to embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of the present application. The present application may be carried out alternatively without using these details. In addition, some specific details have been omitted from the description in order to avoid confusion or deviation from the focus of the present application. It should be noted that the embodiments and features of the embodiments of the present application may be combined with each other insofar as they do not conflict.

[0204] In the description of this application, directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “center,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inside,” “outside,” “circumferential,” “radical direction,” and “axial direction” are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to describe and simplify the description of this application, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the shown devices or elements have a particular direction or need to be constructed and operated in a particular direction, and therefore should not be understood as limitations to this application.

[0205] In the description of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as “dispose,” “mount,” “connect,” and “attach” should be understood broadly. For example, such terms may refer to a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integral connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two elements. To those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the aforementioned terms in this application may be understood based on the specific context.

[0206] It is clear that a person 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 encompass these modifications and changes to this application, insofar as they fall within the scope of protection defined by the following claims and their equivalents in art. [Explanation of symbols]

[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 retaining plate, 311 First end, 312 Second end, 320 First retaining part, 321 Guide surface, 3211 First guide surface, 3212 Second guide surface, 300a First screen holder, 310a First retaining plate, 311a First end, 312a Second end, 320a First retaining part, 321a Guide surface, 3211a First guide surface, 3212a Second guide surface, 300b First screen holder, 310b First retaining plate, 311b First end, 312b Second end, 320b First retaining part, 321b Guide surface, 300c First screen holder, 310c First retaining plate, 320c First retaining part, 300d First screen holder, 310d First retaining plate, 320d First retaining part, 300e First screen holder, 310e First retaining plate, 311e First end, 312e Second end, 320e First retaining part, 321e Guide surface, 3211e First guide surface, 3212e Second guide surface, 300f First screen holder, 310f First retaining plate, 311f First end, 312f Second end, 320f First retaining part, 321f Guide surface, 400 Second screen holder, 410 Second retaining plate, 411Third end, 412; Fourth end, 420; Second retaining part, 400a; Second screen holder, 410a; Second retaining plate, 420a; Second retaining part, 400b; Second screen holder, 410b; Second retaining plate, 420b; Second retaining part, 500; First housing, 600; Second housing

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, wherein the foldable electronic device is switchable between a folded state and an unfolded state. The aforementioned foldable electronic device is A flexible screen comprising a first part, a second part, and a third part connected in sequence, wherein in the folded state, the first part and the third part are arranged facing each other, A support mechanism, wherein the support mechanism and the flexible screen are stacked, and the support mechanism comprises a first support structure, a second support structure, and a third support structure, wherein the first support structure is positioned opposite to and fastened to the first part, the second support structure is positioned opposite to the second part, and the third support structure is positioned opposite to and fastened to the third part, and the second support structure is provided with an avoidance slot facing the second part, A first screen holder, the first screen holder is located between the flexible screen and the support mechanism, the first screen holder comprises a first retaining plate and a first retaining portion, the first retaining portion is located on the surface of the first retaining plate opposite to the further surface of the first retaining plate facing the flexible screen, the first retaining plate has a first end away from the second support structure, and the first end of the first retaining plate is connected to the first portion and / or the first support structure, Equipped with, In the deployed state, the first retaining 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. Foldable electronic device.

2. The first part comprises a first subpart and a second subpart, and the first subpart, the second subpart, and the second part are connected in sequence. The first support structure comprises a rotatably connected first housing and first door plate, wherein the first housing is positioned opposite and fastened to the first sub-part, and the first door plate is positioned opposite the second sub-part. The second support structure comprises a second door plate and a main shaft module located on the back side of the second door plate, 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 retaining plate is connected to at least one of the first sub-part, the second sub-part, the first housing, and the first door plate. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1.

3. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the 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 portion is attached to the second end.

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

5. The foldable electronic device according to 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 separated from the flexible screen.

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

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

8. The aforementioned foldable electronic device, A second screen holder, the second screen holder is located between the flexible screen and the support mechanism, the second screen holder comprises a second retaining plate and a second retaining portion, the second retaining portion is located on the side of the second retaining plate on the back side of the flexible screen, the second retaining plate has a third end away from the second support structure, and the third end of the second retaining plate is connected to the third portion and / or the third support structure. Furthermore, In the deployed state, the second retaining portion is located within the avoidance slot to support the second portion. In the folded state, the second retaining 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. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1.

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

10. A guide surface is provided on the side surface of the first retaining portion on the back side of the first retaining plate, and when the foldable 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 restrict the direction in which the first retaining portion enters and exits the avoidance slot, according to claim 1.

11. In the unfolded state, the surface of the first holding portion facing the avoidance slot is at least partially attached to the slot surface of the avoidance slot, as described in claim 1.

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

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

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

15. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first holding portion is moved to 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, wherein the retaining portion is located on a surface of the retaining plate opposite to a further surface of the retaining plate facing a flexible screen, and in the unfolded state, the retaining portion is located within a bypass slot of a support mechanism of an electronic device to support a second portion of the flexible screen, and in the folded state, the retaining portion is located at least partially outside the bypass slot, so that the second portion is located at least partially within the bypass slot.

17. A flexible screen assembly, wherein the flexible screen assembly is switchable between a folded state and an unfolded state. The aforementioned flexible screen assembly is A flexible screen comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion connected in sequence, wherein the first portion and the third portion are arranged facing each other in the folded state, the first portion is configured to face a first support structure, the second portion is configured to face a second support structure, and the second support structure is provided with an avoidance slot facing the second portion, A first screen holder, wherein the first screen holder is located on the side of the flexible screen, and comprises a first retaining plate and a first retaining portion, wherein the first retaining portion is located on the surface of the first retaining plate opposite to any further surface of the first retaining plate facing the flexible screen, and the first end of the first retaining plate is connected to the first portion and / or the first support structure. Equipped with, In the deployed state, the first retaining 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 for the electronic device. Flexible screen assembly.

18. The third portion is configured to face the third support structure, and the flexible screen assembly is A second screen holder, wherein the second screen holder is located on the side of the flexible screen, and comprises a second retaining plate and a second retaining portion, the second retaining portion being located on the side of the second retaining plate on the back side of the flexible screen, and the third end of the second retaining plate being connected to the third portion and / or the third support structure. Furthermore, In the deployed state, the second retaining 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. The flexible screen assembly according to claim 17.

Images