Electronic device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing, a screen module (1), a functional module (2), and a control mechanism (3). The functional module (2) and the control mechanism (3) are located in an accommodating space formed by the housing and the screen module (1). The screen module (1) includes a first screen (11) and a foldable second screen (12), and the control mechanism (3) is connected to the second screen (12) and drives the second screen (12) to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. In a case that the second screen (12) is in the unfolded state, the second screen (12) blocks the functional module (2). In a case that the second screen (12) is in the folded state, the functional module (2) is exposed from the accommodating space. (FIG. 3)

Description

electronic devices Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202010139122.4, filed in China on March 3, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field The present invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an electronic device. Background Technology With the development of the mobile phone industry, phones are constantly pursuing the ultimate in appearance, and the screen-to-body ratio of mobile phone screens is getting higher and higher. Especially after the second half of 2017, how to further improve the screen-to-body ratio has become a highlight that major mobile phone manufacturers are competing to achieve. Currently, screen types with high screen-to-body ratios include notch screens, waterdrop screens, and punch-hole screens, but none of them have achieved a true full-screen display. This is because the most suitable installation location for some components that implement certain functions on a mobile phone is on the front of the phone, such as the front-facing camera that needs to capture images from the front of the phone. Therefore, further improving the screen-to-body ratio and achieving a true "full-screen" display without affecting the current functionality and usability of mobile phones has become an increasingly significant challenge. Summary of the Invention This invention provides an electronic device to solve the problem that existing electronic devices cannot achieve a true full-screen display because some functional components need to be installed on the front. To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is implemented as follows: This invention provides an electronic device, including: a housing, a screen module, a functional module, and a control mechanism; The functional module and the control mechanism are located within the accommodating space formed by the housing and the screen module; The screen module includes a first screen and a foldable second screen. The control mechanism is connected to the second screen and drives the second screen to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. When the second screen is in the unfolded state, the second screen obscures the functional module; when the second screen is in the folded state, the functional module is exposed from the accommodating space. In this embodiment of the invention, by folding and unfolding the portion of the screen above the functional module, namely the second screen, a true full-screen display is achieved while ensuring the functionality of the functional module is maintained. Furthermore, when implementing the functionality of the functional module, only the portion of the screen obscuring the functional module, namely the second screen, is folded; the other portion of the screen, namely the first screen, can still be displayed normally. Attached Figure Description Figure 1 is one of the structural schematic diagrams of an electronic device with the second screen in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device with the second screen in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a third schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device with the second screen in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the structure of an electronic device with the second screen in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a control mechanism controlling the second screen to fold in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view along direction AA in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a control mechanism controlling the unfolding of a second screen in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the BB direction in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the relative positional relationship between the support roller and the functional module when the second screen is in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the supporting roller and the functional module when the second screen is in the unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention. In related technologies, to achieve a higher screen-to-body ratio, a solution using a motor-driven pop-up camera has emerged. The camera is hidden under the screen when not in use and extends out of the phone when needed. Specifically, the automatic extension and retraction of the camera can be achieved through a drive motor, as well as complex technical structures such as lead screw mechanisms and sliding mechanisms. The design of extending the front camera using a motor-driven rotation, or a motor-driven pop-up camera design, often has the following drawbacks: 1. The pop-up camera design requires an opening in the metal frame to accommodate the camera assembly, and the resulting gap affects the refinement and aesthetics of the phone. 2. The opening in the metal frame allows moisture and sweat to easily enter, potentially corroding internal components and the motherboard. 3. The opening in the metal frame allows dust and other foreign objects to enter, causing the camera to fail to extend effectively or become stuck during extension, impacting the user experience. 4. Since the camera extension relies on a motor, the motor's start-up is slow, resulting in a slow and time-consuming extension process, taking several seconds. 5. The use of motors, lead screws, springs, and other components in the camera extension process consumes a significant amount of space. 6. The large space required for the entire device makes it unsuitable for stacking layouts; 7. Since the camera's lifting mechanism relies on a motor, if the camera falls while extended, the high speed of free fall means the extended camera, due to the resistance from the motor and lead screw, cannot immediately retract into the phone, potentially causing deformation and preventing normal extension / retraction; 8. The motor-driven lifting mechanism can generate vibrations and abnormal noises when the motor rotates the lead screw, negatively impacting the user experience; 9. The opening in the metal frame compromises the strength of the upper part, increasing the risk of screen breakage upon drop; 10. The opening in the metal frame compromises the integrity of the upper part, negatively impacting designs where the metal frame serves as the antenna radiator; 11. The extended front camera makes it easy for others to notice the user taking selfies, compromising privacy. To avoid the shortcomings of the above-mentioned solution that uses a motor-driven pop-up camera to achieve a true full-screen display, this invention provides a solution based on a flexible full-screen display, as detailed below. Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device includes: a housing, a screen module 1, a functional module 2, and a control mechanism 3. The functional module 2 and the control mechanism 3 are located within the accommodating space formed by the housing and the screen module 1; The screen module 1 includes a first screen 11 and a foldable second screen 12. The control mechanism 3 is connected to the second screen 12 and drives the second screen 12 to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. When the second screen 12 is in the unfolded state, the second screen 12 obscures the functional module 2; when the second screen 12 is in the folded state, the functional module 2 is exposed from the accommodating space. For example, when the control mechanism 3 receives a first control command, it controls the second screen 12 to move closer to the first screen 11 so that the second screen 12 is in a folded state to expose the functional module 2. When it receives a second control command, it controls the second screen 12 to move away from the first screen 11 so that the second screen 12 is in an unfolded state to cover the functional module 2. The functional module 2 can be a front-facing camera, or a light sensor, a proximity sensor, or an earpiece, etc. It can be fixed to the mid-frame 6 of the whole device. The mid-frame 6 is generally made of metal, so it can also be called a metal mid-frame. Specifically, when the functional module 2 is a front-facing camera, since the front-facing camera is located below the opaque screen module 1, it cannot take pictures when the screen module 1 is in the unfolded state. When the user needs to take a picture, after clicking the front-facing camera function, the second screen 12 located above the front-facing camera on the screen module 1 can be controlled to roll up to display the electronic device content, thus removing the obstruction of the front-facing camera's view and enabling the front-facing camera function. Optionally, the first screen 11 and the second screen 12 may be two different areas of the integrated screen module 1. In this embodiment of the invention, by folding and unfolding the portion of the screen above the functional module 2, namely the second screen 12, a true full-screen display is achieved while ensuring the functionality of the functional module is maintained. Furthermore, when implementing the functionality of the functional module 2, only the portion of the screen obscuring the functional module 2, namely the second screen 12, is folded; the other portion of the screen, namely the first screen 11, can still be displayed normally. Specifically, when the functional module 2 is a front-facing camera, by folding and unfolding the portion of the screen above the front-facing camera, i.e., the second screen 12, a true full-screen display is achieved while maintaining the front-facing camera function. Moreover, compared to solutions using a motor-driven pop-up camera, it has the following advantages: 1. Compared to the protruding camera design that requires openings in the metal frame, this invention avoids the problem of gaps affecting the refined appearance, preserving the integrity of the sidewalls and improving their aesthetics. 2. Compared to the protruding camera design that requires openings in the metal frame, this invention avoids the problem of moisture and sweat easily entering through gaps, reducing the risk of corrosion to internal components and the motherboard. 3. Compared to the protruding camera design that requires openings in the metal frame, this invention avoids the problem of dust and other foreign objects easily entering through gaps, causing the camera to fail to extend effectively or to jam during extension, resulting in a smoother user experience. 4. Compared to the slow extension of the front camera in the protruding camera design, the front camera switching time in this invention is short, providing a better user experience. 5. Compared to the protruding camera design that uses space-consuming components such as motors, lead screws, and springs, this invention occupies relatively little space in the overall device, which is beneficial for the overall device stacking. 6. Compared to the protruding camera design, which carries the risk of camera failure upon falling, the functional module 2 of this embodiment, such as the front camera, is located inside the device and is less prone to damage upon drop. 7. Compared to the protruding camera design, which generates vibration and noise during extension and retraction, this embodiment is less prone to noise, improving the user experience. 8. Compared to the protruding camera design, which requires opening holes in the metal frame and compromises its upper strength, this embodiment preserves the integrity of the frame, reducing the likelihood of screen breakage upon drop. 9. Compared to the protruding camera design, which requires opening holes in the metal frame and compromises its upper integrity, this embodiment preserves the integrity of the frame, which is advantageous for antenna layouts using the metal frame as the antenna radiator. 10. Compared to the protruding camera design, this embodiment is less likely to be noticed by those nearby while the consumer is taking a selfie, thus protecting the consumer's privacy. In addition, the electronic device provided in this embodiment of the invention only folds the part of the screen that blocks the front camera, namely the second screen 12, when taking a picture, while the other part of the screen, namely the first screen 11, can still be displayed normally, thereby enabling functions such as photo preview and filter adjustment. The following examples illustrate the aforementioned electronic devices. Optionally, referring to Figures 2 and 3, the electronic device further includes a transparent cover plate 4 disposed above the screen module 1. Specifically, the transparent cover plate 4 can be a glass cover plate. The transparent cover plate 4 can also be referred to as a touch panel (TP) cover plate. In this embodiment of the invention, the transparent cover 4 can not only protect the functional module 2 and the screen module 1, but also protect other components inside the electronic device. Alternatively, the first screen 11 is fixedly connected to the transparent cover plate 4. In this embodiment of the invention, by fixing the first screen 11 of the screen module 1, the entire screen module 1 can be fixed, preventing the screen module 1 from moving or folding within the transparent cover plate 4 and affecting the display effect. The second screen 12 of the screen module 1 is not fixed to the transparent cover plate 4, and can be bent in some parts. Optionally, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the control mechanism 3 includes: a support roller 31 and a roller drive mechanism; The support roller 31 is fixedly connected to a portion of the second screen 12; When the roller drive mechanism drives the support roller 31 to rotate in the first direction, the support roller 31 drives the second screen 12 to move closer to the first screen 11, for folding the second screen 12; when the roller drive mechanism drives the support roller 31 to rotate in the second direction, the support roller 31 drives the second screen 12 to move away from the first screen 11, for unfolding the second screen 12. Specifically, when the second screen 12 is in the unfolded state, the second screen 12 is located above the support roller 31 and in contact with the support roller 31. The contact part is fixedly connected to the support roller 31, for example, by adhesive bonding. In this embodiment of the invention, the support roller 31 occupies a small space and does not require additional space when the support roller 31 rotates, which is beneficial to the overall stacking layout and the overall size design of the machine. In other alternative embodiments, the control mechanism 3 may also take other forms, such as a telescopic mechanism, a lead screw drive mechanism, etc. Further optional, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the electronic device further includes: a roller bracket 5, which includes a support plate 51. The support plate 51 and the support roller 31 are arranged side by side. When the second screen 12 is in the unfolded state, the edge of the second screen 12 away from the first screen 11 is laid flat on the support plate 51. Specifically, the upper surface of the support plate 51 is flush with the support roller 31, so that the second screen 12 can remain flat and unbent when it is in the unfolded state, ensuring the user's viewing experience. The roller support 5 can be fixed to the whole machine. Specifically, the support plate 51 can be disposed at the edge of the electronic device, adjacent to the frame. The support roller 31 is disposed between the support plate 51 and the first screen 11 at a preset distance from the first screen 11. In this embodiment of the invention, the roller bracket 5 not only supports and fixes the supporting roller 31, but the support plate 51 on it also supports the second screen 12 when the second screen 12 is in the unfolded state, so as to make the second screen 12 flatter and prevent the second screen 12 from bending due to gravity or other forces, thus affecting the display effect. In other alternative embodiments, the roller bracket 5 may not include the support plate 51, and the support roller 31 may be disposed at the edge of the electronic device, adjacent to the frame. Optionally, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the roller drive mechanism includes: a drive motor 321, a drive gear 322, and a driven gear 323; The drive gear 322 is coaxially and fixedly connected to the drive motor 321; The driven gear 323 meshes with the driving gear 322; The driven gear 323 is coaxially and fixedly connected to the support roller 31. In this embodiment of the invention, please refer to Figures 5 and 6. When the drive motor 321 receives a positive current, it drives the active gear 322 to rotate in the forward direction. This rotation, via the driven gear 323, ultimately drives the support roller 31 below the screen module 1 to rotate in a first direction, optionally clockwise. Since a portion of the support roller 31, specifically its surface C, is bonded to the second screen 12 in the screen module 1, when the driven gear 323 rotates in the first direction, the support roller 31 rotates, causing a portion of the screen module 1, specifically part or all of the second screen 12, to curl inside the electronic device. This removes the obstruction of the front-facing camera's viewpoint, allowing it to receive light from the transparent cover 4, thus enabling the front-facing camera to take pictures. When the front-facing camera finishes taking pictures, please refer to Figures 7 and 8. When the drive motor 321 receives a negative current, it drives the driven gear 323 to rotate in a second direction, and the support roller 31 also rotates accordingly in the second direction, optionally counterclockwise. Since the second screen 12 in the screen module 1 is bonded to the surface portion C of the support roller 31, the rotation of the support roller 31 drives the screen module 1. Specifically, the second screen 12 in the screen module 1 unfolds to the functional module 2, that is, directly above the front camera, and extends to the surface of the support plate 51 of the roller bracket 5. The screen module 1 is fully unfolded, and the functional module 2 cannot be seen from above. After the screen module 1 is fully unfolded, it returns to the full-screen display state, which can realize normal full-screen display, and users can browse and watch normally. In other alternative embodiments, the driven gear 323 can be integrally formed with the support roller 31, that is, a ring of gears can be provided on the outer side wall of the support roller 31 as the driven gear 323. Optionally, the drive motor 321 is located below the support plate 51. In this embodiment of the invention, the support plate 51 can shield the drive motor 321 to prevent the drive motor 321 from being exposed and affecting the aesthetics. Optionally, the roller support 5 includes two support assemblies 52, and the functional module 2 is disposed between the two support assemblies 52. In this embodiment of the invention, by splitting the roller bracket 5 into two bracket components 52, the functional module 2 can be positioned in the middle of one side of the electronic device. When the functional module 2 is a front-facing camera, it facilitates user photography and enhances the aesthetics of the design. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the functional module 2 may also be located in one corner of the electronic device. Optionally, each of the support components 52 includes a connector 53 and a support plate 51, the connector 53 being pivotally connected to one end of the support roller 31. Thus, the support roller 31 can rotate relative to the roller support 5. Optionally, the functional module 2 can be disposed between the two support plates 51 of the two bracket assemblies 52, thereby avoiding interference between the functional module 2 and the support roller 31. In addition, the drive motor 321 can be located below one of the support plates 51 on the side away from the other support plate 51, or on the side close to the other support plate 51. In other optional embodiments, the support roller 31 has an opening with a U-shaped cross-section. Referring to Figure 9, when the support roller 31 drives the second screen 12 into a folded state, the opening faces away from the first screen 11, and the functional module 2 is located within the opening and is not obstructed. Referring to Figure 10, when the support roller 31 drives the second screen 12 into an unfolded state, the opening faces downwards, i.e., to the back of the electronic device, and the functional module 2 is located within the opening and is at least partially obstructed. Region D of the support roller 31 is fixedly connected to the second screen 12. Optionally, each of the bracket assemblies 52 further includes a baffle that forms a stepped structure with the support plate 51 and is located below the support roller 31. Optionally, the support roller 31 includes two roller assemblies 311 and a connecting shaft 312. The two roller assemblies 311 are coaxially connected through the connecting shaft 312, and the driven gear 323 is coaxially and fixedly connected to the connecting shaft 312. In this embodiment of the invention, the driven gear 323 can be disposed between the two roller assemblies 311 of the support roller 31. Compared with the one side of the support roller 31, the component layout can be better arranged, and it is not easily damaged when the whole machine is dropped. It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: Housing, screen module, functional modules, and control mechanism; The functional module and the control mechanism are located within the accommodating space formed by the housing and the screen module; The screen module includes a first screen and a foldable second screen. The control mechanism is connected to the second screen and drives the second screen to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. When the second screen is in the unfolded state, the second screen obscures the functional module; when the second screen is in the folded state, the functional module is exposed from the accommodating space.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: A transparent cover plate positioned above the screen module.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The control mechanism includes: a support roller and a roller drive mechanism; The support roller is fixedly connected to a portion of the second screen; When the roller drive mechanism drives the support roller to rotate in the first direction, the support roller moves the second screen closer to the first screen to fold the second screen; when the roller drive mechanism drives the support roller to rotate in the second direction, the support roller moves the second screen away from the first screen to unfold the second screen.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, further comprising: A roller support bracket includes a support plate, which is arranged side by side with the support roller. When the second screen is in the unfolded state, the edge of the second screen away from the first screen is laid flat on the support plate.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The roller drive mechanism includes: a drive motor, a driving gear, and a driven gear; The drive gear is fixedly connected to the drive motor on the same axis. The driven gear meshes with the driving gear; The driven gear is coaxially and fixedly connected to the support roller.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The drive motor is located below the support plate.

7. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The roller support includes two support assemblies, and the functional module is disposed between the two support assemblies.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the bracket assemblies includes a connector and a support plate, the connector being pivotally connected to one end of the support roller.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the bracket assemblies further includes a baffle that forms a stepped structure with the support plate and is located below the support roller.

10. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, The support roller includes two roller assemblies and a connecting shaft. The two roller assemblies are coaxially connected through the connecting shaft, and the driven gear is coaxially and fixedly connected to the connecting shaft.