Rotating shaft mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

A rotating shaft mechanism (200), and an electronic device comprising the rotating shaft mechanism (200). The rotating shaft mechanism (200) comprises: a first door panel (202), a second door panel (203) and a main shaft (204), one side of the first door panel (202) and the second door panel (203) being used for arranging a display module (11), and the main shaft (204) being arranged on the side of the first door panel (202) and the second door panel (203) away from the display module (11). The main shaft (204) is provided with a first mounting hole, and the first door panel (202) is provided with a second mounting hole. The first door panel (202) has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, the first surface facing the display module (11), the second face facing the main shaft (204), an opening of the second mounting hole being located on the second surface, and a spacing being formed between the bottom surface of the second mounting hole and the first surface. The first door panel (202) and the main shaft (204) are connected by means of a connecting member provided in the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole. The second mounting hole formed in the first door panel (202) is designed as a blind hole, so as to weaken light and shadow creases.

Description

Rotating shaft mechanism, electronic equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on June 30, 2023, with application number 202310800950.1 and invention name “Shaft Mechanism, Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a hinge mechanism capable of driving a display module to fold, and a foldable electronic device including the hinge mechanism. Background Art

[0003] With the development of human-computer interaction technology, display has become an important element of human-computer interaction. Therefore, foldable screen electronic devices have emerged, such as foldable mobile phones.

[0004] Improving the performance of foldable electronic devices is a major challenge. For example, reducing light and shadow creases, ensuring good bendability when folded, maintaining high flattening rigidity when flattened, and ensuring good impact and compression resistance are key.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device including the hinge mechanism, the main purpose of which is to reduce light and shadow creases in electronic devices.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a hinge mechanism that can be used in foldable electronic devices, such as three-fold, four-fold, etc.

[0009] The hinge mechanism provided in the present application includes: a first door panel, a second door panel and a main shaft, one side of the first door panel and the second door panel is used to set the display module, the first door panel and the second door panel can move toward or away from each other, driving the display module to switch between the expanded state and the closed state; the main shaft is set on the side of the first door panel and the second door panel away from the display module; a first mounting hole is provided on the main shaft, and a second mounting hole is provided on the first door panel; the first door panel has a first and second opposite surfaces, the first surface faces the display module, and the second surface faces the main shaft, the opening of the second mounting hole is located on the second surface, and there is a distance between the bottom surface of the second mounting hole and the first surface; the first door panel and the main shaft are connected by a connecting piece set in the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

[0010] In the hinge mechanism involved in the present application, the bottom surface of the second mounting hole for fixing the connecting member, which is opened on the first door panel, is spaced apart from the first surface of the first door panel (the surface facing the display module), and the second mounting hole is a blind hole; after fixing the connecting member, the connecting member will not protrude from the first surface of the first door panel as in the related art. When the hinge mechanism of the example of the present application is used to support the display module, the light and shadow crease phenomenon can be reduced.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the hinge mechanism further includes a circuit board; there is a first gap between the first door panel and the main shaft, a second gap between the second door panel and the main shaft, and the circuit board passes through the first gap and the second gap.

[0012] In some assembly processes, the circuit board may be installed first, and then the first door panel and the second door panel may be installed.

[0013] In one implementation, along the bending line of the display module, the first door panel has a first end and a second end, and the circuit board is arranged between the first end and the second end; the first end and the second end are both provided with a second mounting hole.

[0014] Providing the second mounting hole close to the end of the door panel can further reduce the light and shadow crease phenomenon.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the second mounting hole is a threaded hole, and the connecting member is a threaded connecting member.

[0016] The main shaft and the door panel are fixedly connected using threaded connectors.

[0017] In one achievable manner, the main shaft has a protrusion on one side facing the first door panel, the first door panel has an opening, the protrusion is arranged in the opening, and the surface of the protrusion away from the main shaft is flush with the first surface.

[0018] The door panel is fixedly connected to the main shaft by the protrusion disposed in the opening and the aforementioned connecting member. Moreover, since the surface of the protrusion is flush with the first surface of the first door panel, the light and shadow crease phenomenon can also be reduced.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present application also provides an electronic device comprising a display module and at least one hinge mechanism, wherein the at least one hinge mechanism is such as the hinge mechanism in any of the above-mentioned implementations, and the at least one hinge mechanism is arranged on a side of the display module away from the display surface.

[0020] The electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application includes the above-mentioned hinge mechanism. In the hinge mechanism, the second mounting hole opened in the first door panel for setting the connecting member is a blind hole. After the connecting member is fixed, the connecting member will not protrude from the first surface of the first door panel as in the related art. When the hinge mechanism of the example of the present application is used to support the display module, the light and shadow crease phenomenon can be reduced.

[0021] In one achievable manner, the at least one hinge mechanism of the electronic device includes a first hinge mechanism and a second hinge mechanism; the display module includes a display screen and a cover plate, the cover plate is arranged on the display surface side of the display screen, the cover plate includes a first non-bending area, a second non-bending area, a third non-bending area, a first bending area and a second bending area, the first bending area connects the first non-bending area and the second non-bending area, the second bending area connects the second non-bending area and the third non-bending area, both the first bending area and the second bending area can be bent along the bending line to switch between an expanded state and a closed state, the first bending area corresponds to the first hinge mechanism, and the second bending area corresponds to the second hinge mechanism; the thickness of the first non-bending area is not equal to the thickness of the second non-bending area.

[0022] This embodiment provides an electronic device that can be folded at least three times. Not only can the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism weaken the light and shadow crease phenomenon in the bending area, the thickness of the first non-bending area is not equal to the thickness of the second non-bending area, that is, the cover is designed to have an unequal thickness structure. For example, in some scenarios, in order to improve the rigidity of the first non-bending area that is exposed in the closed state (to present the picture to the user), when the thickness of the first non-bending area is increased, the unequal thickness design of the cover will basically not affect the bendability of the first bending area due to the increase in the thickness of the first non-bending area. The electronic device provided in this embodiment can not only weaken the light and shadow crease, but also improve the rigidity of the non-bending area and the bendability of the bending area.

[0023] In one implementation, the thickness of the first non-bending region is greater than the thickness of the second non-bending region.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the cover plate includes: a substrate and a first buffer layer, the first buffer layer being closer to the display screen than the substrate; the thickness of the substrate located in the first non-bending area is greater than the thickness of the substrate located in the second non-bending area, and / or; the thickness of the first buffer layer located in the first non-bending area is greater than the thickness of the first buffer layer located in the second non-bending area.

[0025] In some implementation structures, at least one of the substrate or the buffer layer in the cover plate may be designed to have unequal thickness.

[0026] In one achievable manner, the thickness of the first buffer layer located in the first bending region gradually decreases from the first non-bending region to the second non-bending region.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the cover plate includes a second buffer layer, and the second buffer layer includes a first portion and a second portion;

[0028] The first portion of the second buffer layer is located in the first non-bending region, the second portion of the second buffer layer is located in the first bending region, and the elastic modulus of the first portion of the second buffer layer is greater than the elastic modulus of the second portion of the second buffer layer.

[0029] In order to further improve the bendability of the bending area, the second buffer layer may be designed to have a structure with unequal elastic moduli. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG1 is a structural diagram of a foldable electronic device;

[0031] FIG2 is a structural diagram of another foldable electronic device;

[0032] FIG3 is a structural diagram of a rotating shaft mechanism and a display module;

[0033] FIG4 is a structural diagram of a rotating shaft mechanism;

[0034] FIG5 is a structural diagram of a rotating shaft mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG6 is a top view of a first door panel or a second door panel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG7 is a three-dimensional diagram of a first door panel or a second door panel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG8 is a bottom view of a first door panel or a second door panel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG9 is a structural diagram of a main shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG10 is a partial structural diagram of a main shaft provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG11 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided in an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0041] FIG12 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided in an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0042] FIG13 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0043] FIG14 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module in a closed state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG15 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided in an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0045] FIG16 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0046] FIG17 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module in a flattened state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG18 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0048] FIG19 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application, wherein the cover plate is in a flattened state;

[0049] FIG20 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application, wherein the cover plate is in a flattened state;

[0050] FIG21 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application, wherein the cover plate is in a flattened state;

[0051] FIG22 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application, wherein the cover plate is in a flattened state;

[0052] FIG23 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application, wherein the cover plate is in a flattened state;

[0053] FIG24 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application, wherein the cover plate is in a flattened state;

[0054] FIG25 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0055] FIG26 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application, in which a cover plate is in a flattened state;

[0056] FIG27 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application, wherein the cover plate is in a flattened state;

[0057] FIG28 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application, wherein the cover plate is in a flattened state;

[0058] FIG29 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0059] FIG30 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0060] FIG31 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0061] FIG32 is a structural diagram of a multi-folding display module provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0062] FIG33 is a structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] An embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, which may be a foldable electronic device.

[0065] The electronic device may include a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a smart wearable product (e.g., a smart watch, a smart bracelet), a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, or other electronic products with a display function. The embodiments of the present application do not impose any particular restrictions on the specific form of the electronic device with a display function.

[0066] For the convenience of explanation, the structure of the electronic device is described below by taking a mobile phone as an example.

[0067] Figure 1 shows a structural diagram of a foldable screen mobile phone, and the exemplary foldable screen mobile phone is a triple-screen foldable phone. The triple-screen foldable screen mobile phone may include a first housing 100a, a second housing 100b, and a third housing 100c, as well as a display module 11. The display module 11 may continuously cover the first housing 100a, the second housing 100b, and the third housing 100c. The foldable screen mobile phone may also include a first hinge mechanism and a second hinge mechanism.

[0068] The first shell 100a and the second shell 100b are arranged on both sides of the first rotating shaft mechanism and are respectively connected to the first rotating shaft mechanism. The first rotating shaft mechanism can move so that the first shell 100a and the second shell 100b are relatively folded or unfolded, thereby realizing the flattening and closing of the display module 11 arranged on the first shell 100a and the second shell 100b.

[0069] The second shell 100b and the third shell 100c are arranged on both sides of the second hinge mechanism and are respectively connected to the second hinge mechanism. The second hinge mechanism can move so that the second shell 100b and the third shell 100c are relatively folded or unfolded, thereby realizing the flattening and closing of the display module 11 arranged on the second shell 100b and the third shell 100c.

[0070] Figure 2 shows the structure of a dual-screen foldable phone, which includes a first housing 100a, a second housing 100b, a display module 11, and a hinge mechanism. The display module 11 can be mounted on the first and second housings 100a, 100b, with the first and second housings 100a, 100b positioned on either side of the hinge mechanism and connected to the hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism allows the display module 11 to be flattened and closed.

[0071] A foldable electronic device can unfold into a flattened state, fold into a closed state, or be in an intermediate state between the flattened and closed states. A foldable electronic device has at least two states: a flattened state and a closed state. In some cases, it may further include a third state, an intermediate state between the flattened and closed states. Intermediate states are not unique; they can be any one or more states between the flattened and closed states.

[0072] As shown in Figure 3, the hinge mechanism 200 includes a first door panel 202, a middle door panel 201, and a second door panel 203 for supporting the display module 11. The hinge mechanism 200 also includes a main shaft 204. The first door panel 202 and the second door panel 203 can rotate relative to the main shaft 204. For example, the first door panel 202 and the second door panel 203 can move toward or away from each other to switch the display module 11 between a flat state and a closed state.

[0073] To connect the door panels to the spindle, see Figure 4, which illustrates the connection structure between the first and second door panels 202, 203, and the spindle. Screw holes are provided in the first and second door panels 202, 203. Connectors are inserted into these screw holes to securely connect the first and second door panels 202 and 203 to the spindle 204, respectively. Once assembled, the connectors protrude from the surface of the door panels (the surface facing the display module), making the entire door panel surface uneven.

[0074] This makes the light and shadow creases of the display module in the screw hole area more obvious, reducing the display effect. It also makes the impact and extrusion resistance of the display module in the screw hole area poor, reducing the user experience.

[0075] In order to weaken light and shadow creases, improve display effects, and enhance impact and extrusion resistance, the embodiments of the present application provide some other hinge mechanisms, see the following structural description for details.

[0076] As shown in FIG5 , FIG5 is a diagram showing the assembly structure of the rotating shaft mechanism and the circuit board according to an embodiment of the present application. The rotating shaft mechanism includes a first door panel 202 , a second door panel 203 , and a main shaft 204 .

[0077] FIG6 shows a top view of a first door panel 202 fixedly connected to a main shaft 204, or a second door panel 203 fixedly connected to a main shaft 204, according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG6 , the first surface of the first door panel 202 or the second door panel 203 facing away from the main shaft 204 does not have a mounting hole for arranging a connector. Compared to the door panel shown in FIG4 , the surface flatness of the first surface is higher, thereby reducing the light and shadow crease phenomenon.

[0078] In some examples, as shown in Figure 7, Figure 7 illustrates the connection between the first door panel 202 or the second door panel 203 and the main shaft 204. Below, taking the first door panel 202 as an example, the connection between the second door panel 203 and the main shaft 204 can refer to the connection between the first door panel 202 and the main shaft 204.

[0079] As shown in Figure 7 , the first door panel 202 has a first and a second opposing surface. The second surface is closer to the main shaft 204 than the first surface. The first surface faces the display module, while the second surface faces the main shaft 204. Referring to Figure 8 , which is a structural diagram viewed from the second surface, the first door panel 202 has a mounting hole 202A defined in the direction from the second surface toward the first surface. This mounting hole 202A does not penetrate through to the first surface. A gap exists between the bottom surface of the mounting hole 202A and the first surface. The mounting hole 202A defined in the first door panel 202 is a blind hole.

[0080] Referring to Figures 9 and 10 , Figure 9 illustrates the assembly relationship between the main shaft 204 and the connector 600, while Figure 10 illustrates a partial view of the structure of Figure 10 . As shown in Figures 9 and 10 , the main shaft 204 has a mounting hole for inserting the connector 600. The connector 600 passes through the mounting hole of the main shaft 204 and into the first door panel 202, thereby securely connecting the first door panel 202 to the main shaft 204.

[0081] In this example, mounting hole 202A in first door panel 202 is a blind hole. As shown in FIG5 , the connector is not visible on the first surface of first door panel 202, which reduces the light and shadow creases caused by the connector. Mounting hole 202A with a blind hole structure can enhance the strength of first door panel 202 or second door panel 203, improving their impact and compression resistance.

[0082] In a foldable electronic device, either the first or second housing on either side of the hinge mechanism can form an installation space for mounting electronic components such as the device's circuit board, battery, receiver, speaker, and camera. The circuit board can integrate electronic components such as the electronic device's main controller, storage unit, antenna module, and power management module, while the battery can power the display module, circuit board, receiver, speaker, and camera.

[0083] For example, a circuit board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), may be disposed in the installation space of the first housing, and a battery may be disposed in the installation space of the second housing.

[0084] In order for the battery to power the circuit board, an electrical connection structure is provided between the first and second housings. Furthermore, because the first and second housings need to repeatedly move relative to or away from each other during use, a flexible electrical connection structure with a bendable portion is required, such as a flexible printed circuit (FPC).

[0085] As shown in Figure 5, in the example of the present application, there is a first gap between the main shaft 204 and the first door panel 202, and a second gap between the main shaft 204 and the second door panel 203. The circuit board 500 can be passed through the first gap and the second gap, and then the first door panel 202 and the second door panel 203 are installed. The main shaft 204 is passed through the connecting parts of the door panels and tightened to fix the door panels and the main shaft 204.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 8 , a plurality of mounting holes 202A may be defined on the first door panel 202 or the second door panel 203 .

[0087] The first door panel 202 or the second door panel 203 has a first end and a second end, and a plurality of mounting holes 202A can be provided at each of the first end and the second end. These mounting holes 202A are arranged near the ends of the door panel, which can further reduce the light and shadow crease phenomenon compared to being arranged near the center of the door panel.

[0088] In the embodiment of the present application, the first door panel and the main shaft can be fixedly connected by a connecting member. The embodiment of the present application also provides a connection method, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, in which a protrusion 702 is provided on the side of the main shaft 204 facing the first door panel 202. As shown in Figure 8, a hole 701 can be opened in the first door panel 202, and the protrusion 702 is disposed in the hole 701.

[0089] In some examples, the hole 701 may not penetrate to the first surface of the first door panel 202 and may be a blind hole similar in structure to the mounting hole 202A.

[0090] In other examples, the hole 701 may penetrate to the first surface of the first door panel 202, and the surface of the protrusion 702 away from the main shaft 204 is flush with the first surface of the first door panel 202, thereby reducing the light and shadow crease phenomenon caused by the protrusion.

[0091] In some hinge mechanisms, as shown in FIG5 , an intermediate door panel can be provided between the first door panel 202 and the second door panel 203 . The intermediate door panel can also adopt the connection structure between the first door panel 202 and the main shaft 204 to weaken the light and shadow crease phenomenon at the intermediate door panel.

[0092] In the embodiments of the present application shown above, the light and shadow creases in the bending area of ​​the display module can be weakened by changing the structure of the hinge mechanism. In some multi-folding electronic devices, such as tri-folding electronic devices, when the multi-folding electronic device is in a folded (or closed) state, the non-bending area of ​​the display module can be exposed, which requires sufficient rigidity and strength, and the bending area also requires good bendability.

[0093] This application provides some display module embodiments that can not only improve the rigidity of the non-bending area, but also maintain the bendability of the bending area.

[0094] 11 is a structural diagram of a display module according to an embodiment of the present application. The display module 11 may include a support plate (bracket) 111 , a display panel (panel) 112 and a cover plate 110 .

[0095] The support plate 111 and the cover plate 110 are arranged on opposite sides of the display screen 112. The support plate 111 is located on the back side of the display screen 112 and serves as a supporting structure for supporting the display screen 112; the cover plate 110 is located on the display surface side of the display screen 112 and is used to protect the display screen 112 and reduce the chance of the display screen 112 being damaged.

[0096] The display surface of the display screen 112 involved in the embodiment of the present application is the side of the display screen 112 used to display the image to the user, and the back side of the display screen 112 refers to the side opposite to the display surface of the display screen 112.

[0097] As shown in Figure 11, the display screen 112 includes: a first non-bending portion, a second non-bending portion, a third non-bending portion, a first bending portion and a second bending portion; the first bending portion connects the first non-bending portion and the second non-bending portion, and the second bending portion connects the second non-bending portion and the third non-bending portion.

[0098] As shown in FIG11 , the cover plate 110 in the display module 11 includes: a first non-bending area, a second non-bending area, and a third non-bending area, a first bending area connecting the first non-bending area and the second non-bending area, and a second bending area connecting the second non-bending area and the third non-bending area.

[0099] As shown in Figure 11, the first non-bending portion of the display screen 112 corresponds to the first non-bending area of ​​the cover plate 110, the first bending portion of the display screen 112 corresponds to the first bending area of ​​the cover plate 110, the second non-bending portion of the display screen 112 corresponds to the second non-bending area of ​​the cover plate 110, the second bending portion of the display screen 112 corresponds to the second bending area of ​​the cover plate 110, and the third non-bending portion of the display screen 112 corresponds to the third non-bending area of ​​the cover plate 110.

[0100] The first bending region, the first bending portion, the second bending region and the second bending portion can all be bent along a bending line to switch between an expanded state and a closed state.

[0101] Figure 11 takes a three-screen folding device as an example. In other examples, more bending areas and non-bending areas can be added to the structure shown in Figure 11 to form a four-screen folding device, a five-screen folding device, or even more folding devices.

[0102] As shown in Figure 11, a first hinge mechanism 20A and a second hinge mechanism 20B can be set on the back side of the display module 11. The position of the first hinge mechanism 20A corresponds to the first bending portion and the first bending area, and the position of the second hinge mechanism 20B corresponds to the second bending portion and the second bending area.

[0103] The portion including the first bending portion and the first bending area can be flattened or bent under the drive of the first rotating shaft mechanism 20A, and the portion including the second bending portion and the second bending area can be flattened or bent under the drive of the second rotating shaft mechanism 20B.

[0104] The first rotating shaft mechanism 20A and the second rotating shaft mechanism 20B in FIG11 can adopt the rotating shaft mechanism shown in FIG5 , so as to reduce the light and shadow crease phenomenon in the first bending area and the second bending area.

[0105] As shown in FIG11 , the thickness of the first non-bending region of the cover plate 110 is d1 , and the thickness of the second non-bending region is d2 . The thickness d1 is not equal to the thickness d2 . For example, the thickness d1 may be greater than the thickness d2 .

[0106] Figure 12 is a structural diagram of another display module according to an embodiment of the present application. Similar to Figure 11 above, the thickness of the first non-bending region of the cover plate 110 is d1, and the thickness of the second non-bending region is d2. Thickness d1 and thickness d2 are not equal, but are greater than thickness d2.

[0107] Figure 13 is a structural diagram of another display module according to an embodiment of the present application. Similar to Figures 11 and 12 above, in the cover plate 110, the thickness d1 of the first non-bending region is not equal to the thickness d2 of the second non-bending region, with thickness d1 being greater than thickness d2.

[0108] The thickness dimension involved in the embodiment of the present application refers to: the dimension along the stacking direction (P direction) of multiple film layers as shown in Figure 11.

[0109] In the three different examples of the display module 11 shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13, the thickness d4 of the first bending area of ​​the cover plate 110 is not constant, but gradually decreases along the direction away from the first non-bending area, or from the first non-bending area to the second non-bending area, so that the thickness d2 is smaller than the thickness d1.

[0110] As shown in FIG11 to FIG13 , in the cover plate 110 , the first non-bending area is a thick area, the second non-bending area is a thin area, and the first bending area connected between the first non-bending area and the second non-bending area is a thin-to-thick transition area.

[0111] The three different examples of the display module 11 shown in FIG11 , FIG12 and FIG13 have the following differences:

[0112] In the cover plate 110 of Figure 11 , the second bending region has a thickness of d5, and the third non-bending region has a thickness of d3. Thicknesses d2, d5, and d3 are equal. The first non-bending region is a thick region, the first bending region is a thick-to-thin transition region, and the second non-bending region, the second bending region, and the third non-bending region are thin regions of equal thickness.

[0113] Compared to Figure 11 above, in the example shown in Figure 12, not only is the thickness d4 of the first bending region not constant, but the thickness d2 of the second non-bending region is also not constant. In some examples, the thickness of the first bending region and the second non-bending region of the cover plate 110 gradually decreases as it moves away from the first non-bending region, thereby masking the visual effect of uneven thickness across the display module.

[0114] In FIG12 , the thicknesses of the second bending region and the third non-bending region of the cover plate 110 are equal, that is, the thickness d5 is equal to the thickness d3.

[0115] In FIG12 , the first non-bending region is a thick region, the first bending region and the second non-bending region are thick-thin transition regions, and the second bending region and the third non-bending region are thin regions with equal thickness.

[0116] Compared to Figures 11 and 12 above, in Figure 13, not only are the thicknesses of the first bending region and the second non-bending region of cover plate 110 not constant, but the thicknesses of the second bending region and the third non-bending region of cover plate 110 are also not constant. As one moves away from the first non-bending region, the thicknesses of the first, second, third, and third non-bending regions of cover plate 110 gradually decrease. This further masks the visual effect of uneven thickness across the display module.

[0117] Figure 14 is a structural diagram of the display module 11 given in the embodiment of the present application of Figure 11 after bending. The thickness of the exposed first non-bending area (visible to the user when folded) is greater than the thickness of the non-exposed second non-bending area (invisible to the user when folded). The first bending area connected to the exposed first non-bending area is designed to have an unequal thickness structure. Increasing the thickness of the first non-bending area to improve the rigidity and strength of the first non-bending area will not affect the bendability of the bending area. The thickness of other areas will not be increased, and when the entire device is in a folded state, the thickness of the closed state will not be significantly increased.

[0118] In some examples, the bending regions illustrated in Figures 11 to 13 can form an inner fold or an outer fold. For example, in the closed state shown in Figure 14, the first bending region forms an outer fold, and the second bending region forms an inner fold. The first non-bending region is exposed and visible to the user, while the second and third non-bending regions are opposite and invisible to the user.

[0119] As shown in Figure 15, which is a structural diagram of a display module according to an embodiment of the present application, the thickness of the display cover plate 113 in the first non-bending region is greater than that in the second non-bending region. The thickness of the display cover plate 113 in the first bending region gradually decreases as it moves away from the first non-bending region.

[0120] In FIG. 15 , the thickness of the protection layer 114 in each bending region and each non-bending region is equal.

[0121] Figure 16 is a structural diagram of another display module according to an embodiment of the present application. In this structure, the thickness of the protective layer 114 in the first non-bending region is greater than that in the second non-bending region. The thickness of the protective layer 114 in the first bending region gradually decreases as it moves away from the first non-bending region.

[0122] FIG. 16 shows that the thickness of the cover plate 113 in each bending region and each non-bending region is equal.

[0123] Figure 17 is a structural diagram of another display module according to an embodiment of the present application. Compared to Figure 16 , in this structure, the thickness of the first bending region and the thickness of the second non-bending region of the protective layer 114 gradually decrease as they move away from the first non-bending region, thereby widening the width of the thin-to-thick transition zone of the protective layer 114.

[0124] Figure 18 is a structural diagram of another display module according to an embodiment of the present application. Compared to Figures 16 and 17 , in this example, the thickness of the first bending region, the second non-bending region, the second bending region, and the third non-bending region of the protective layer 114 gradually decrease as they move away from the first non-bending region. This further widens the width of the thin-to-thick transition zone of the protective layer 114.

[0125] 16 to 18 above, the protective layer 114 is designed as a structure with uneven thickness. In other examples, the uneven thickness transition zone can be set in other film structures, for example, in the display cover 113, the structure shown in FIG16 to FIG18 can also be used.

[0126] In some examples provided in this application, as shown in FIG. 19 , the display cover 113 or the protective layer 114 may include: a substrate 11D and a buffer layer 11B.

[0127] The substrate 11D and the buffer layer 11B can be connected via an adhesive layer 11C, and the adhesive layer 11A connects the stacked film layer structure to other layer structures. In some examples, when FIG. 19 shows a protective layer 114, the adhesive layer 11A can be used to connect the structure including the substrate 11D, the adhesive layer 11C, and the buffer layer 11B to the display cover 113.

[0128] Among some selectable materials, the substrate 11D may be made of at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), and transparent polyimide (CPI).

[0129] In some examples, the buffer layer 11B is an elastomeric film material, and the elastic modulus of the buffer layer 11B is smaller than the elastic modulus of the substrate 11D. The buffer layer 11B can be made of at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer TPU, thermoplastic polyamide elastomer TPAE, and other elastomeric film materials.

[0130] The adhesive layer 11A and the adhesive layer 11C may be made of at least one of an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, and the like.

[0131] Referring to Figure 19 , in this embodiment, the buffer layer 11B in the first bending region is designed to have a unequal thickness. The thickness of the buffer layer 11B in the first bending region gradually decreases as it moves away from the first non-bending region, creating a transition zone between thick and thin regions for the protective layer 114 or display cover 113 in the first bending region.

[0132] 19 , the thickness of substrate 11D may be 25 μm to 75 μm, and the thickness of adhesive layer 11A and adhesive layer 11C may be 25 μm to 50 μm.

[0133] The thickness of the buffer layer 11B in the first non-bending region is 75 μm to 150 μm, and the thickness of the buffer layer 11B in the second non-bending region, the second bending region, and the third non-bending region is 25 μm to 75 μm.

[0134] Figure 20 illustrates another structural example of a display cover 113 or protective layer 114 according to an embodiment of the present application. In this example, the substrate 11D located in the first bend region is designed to have varying thicknesses. The thickness of the substrate 11D in the first bend region gradually decreases as it moves away from the first non-bend region, creating a transitional zone between the protective layer 114 and the display cover 113 in the first bend region.

[0135] Figure 21 shows another structural diagram of a display cover plate 113 or protective layer 114 according to an embodiment of the present application. Compared to Figure 20 , not only is the buffer layer 11B in the first bending region designed with uneven thickness, but the buffer layer 11B in the second non-bending region is also designed with uneven thickness, thereby reducing the visual effect of uneven thickness across the entire display module.

[0136] Figure 22 shows the structure of another display cover plate 113 or protective layer 114 according to an embodiment of the present application. In some examples, the buffer layer 11B is relatively thick, for example, up to 100 μm. Due to the thick buffer layer, the strain generated on the upper and lower surfaces of the display module when it is bent is more likely to enter the plastic deformation stage.

[0137] When the display module is bent, in order to weaken the strain generated on the upper and lower surfaces of the display module, it enters the plastic deformation stage and improves the bendability. In some examples, as shown in Figure 22, the buffer layer 11B includes a first buffer layer 11B1 and a second buffer layer 11B2. The first buffer layer 11B is a structure of equal thickness, and the second buffer layer 11B2 located in the first bending area is designed to have an uneven thickness structure. The second buffer layer 11B2 with uneven thickness is farther away from the display screen than the first buffer layer 11B1 with uniform thickness, that is, closer to the interface that the user can see; in other examples, the first buffer layer 11B1 with uniform thickness can also be closer to the interface that the user can see than the second buffer layer 11B2 with uneven thickness.

[0138] 22 , the first buffer layer 11B1 is connected to the second buffer layer 11B2 via an adhesive layer 11E, and the second buffer layer 11B2 is connected to the substrate 11D via an adhesive layer 11C.

[0139] Figure 23 is a structural diagram of another display cover plate 113 or protective layer 114 according to an embodiment of the present application. In some alternative processes, a coating process can be used to bond the buffer layer 11B to the substrate 11D. The adhesive layer connecting the buffer layer 11B and substrate 11D can be removed, reducing the thickness of the entire display module without compromising the rigidity of the non-bending area or the bendability of the bending area.

[0140] The material of the buffer layer 11B in the example of FIG23 can be selected from at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, silicone gel, and shear thickening material.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 23 , in this example, the buffer layer 11B located in the first bending region is designed to have an uneven thickness structure, and the thickness of each region of the substrate 11D is equal.

[0142] Figure 24 is a structural diagram of another display cover plate 113 or protective layer 114 according to an embodiment of the present application. In some alternative processes, a coating process can be used to bond the buffer layer 11B to the substrate 11D. In this example, the buffer layer 11B can be made of an adhesive material, such as optically clear adhesive (OCA). This buffer layer 11B is not only an elastomeric film material but also serves as a connector, eliminating the need for adhesive layer 11A. This can further reduce the thickness of the display module.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 24 , in this example, the buffer layer 11B located in the first bending region is designed to have an uneven thickness structure, and the thickness of each region of the substrate 11D is equal.

[0144] In order to improve the rigidity of the exposed non-bending area without weakening the bendability of the bending area, the present application also provides some possible structures, which are as follows:

[0145] Figure 25 is a structural diagram of a display module according to an embodiment of the present application. In the cover plate 110 of the display module 11, the elastic modulus in the first non-bending region is greater than the elastic modulus in the first bending region. Cover plate 110 includes a hard region with a higher elastic modulus and a soft region with a lower elastic modulus.

[0146] In some examples, when the cover plate 110 includes a display cover plate or a protective layer, the hard region and the soft region can be provided in at least one of the display cover plate and the protective layer. For example, FIG26 is a structural diagram of a display cover plate 113 or a protective layer 114 according to an embodiment of the present application. The display cover plate 113 or the protective layer 114 includes a substrate 11D and a buffer layer 11B, which are connected by an adhesive layer 11C.

[0147] As shown in Figure 26, buffer layer 11B includes a hard region 11B01 (also called the first portion) and a soft region 11B02 (also called the second portion). The elastic modulus of hard region 11B01 is greater than that of soft region 11B02. Hard region 11B01 is located in the first non-bending region, while soft region 11B02 can be located in at least one of the first bending region and the second bending region.

[0148] In Figure 26, the hard region 11B01 and the soft region 11B02 are connected together as a single unit. In some alternative process steps, a buffer layer material can be first coated on the substrate and then cured in different regions using UV (ultraviolet light) to produce buffer materials with varying hardness. In other alternative process steps, the buffer layer material can be heated in different regions to produce sections with different elastic moduli, thereby creating hard and soft regions.

[0149] The buffer layer 11B is divided into a hard area 11B01 and a soft area 11B02 with different elastic moduli. The hard area 11B01 is located in the first non-bending area, which can improve the stiffness of the first non-bending area. The soft area 11B02 with a smaller elastic modulus is located in the bending area to ensure that the bending area has better bendability.

[0150] In FIG26 , the elastic modulus of the buffer layer 11B (which may be called the third portion) located in the second non-bending region and the third non-bending region may be smaller than the elastic modulus of the hard region 11B01 and larger than the elastic modulus of the soft region 11B02 .

[0151] In some examples, to improve the stiffness of the second and third non-bending regions, the elastic modulus of the buffer layer 11B in the second and third non-bending regions may be equal to the elastic modulus of the hard region 11B01 .

[0152] When the elastic modulus of the buffer layer 11B located in the second non-bending area and the third non-bending area is smaller than the elastic modulus of the hard area 11B01 and larger than the elastic modulus of the soft area 11B02, the buffer material can be applied first, at which time its modulus is lower, and then cross-linked by local UV curing or heating. By controlling the UV energy or heating temperature, a lower modulus part and a higher modulus part can be obtained.

[0153] 27 is a structural diagram of another display cover 113 or protective layer 114 according to an embodiment of the present application, comprising a substrate 11D and a buffer layer 11B, which are connected via an adhesive layer 11C.

[0154] In this example, buffer layer 11B includes a hard portion 11B11 with a larger elastic modulus and a soft portion 11B12 with a smaller elastic modulus, which are spliced ​​together. Hard portion 11B11 is located in the first non-bending region, and soft portion 11B12 is located in at least one of the first bending region and the second bending region.

[0155] In some examples, as shown in Figure 27 , an adhesive layer 11B13 can be used to join the hard portion 11B11 and the soft portion 11B12 together. For example, when the adhesive layer 11C is applied to one side of the buffer layer 11B, the colloid can overflow into the gap between the hard portion and the soft portion, thereby bonding the hard portion and the soft portion together.

[0156] 27 , in order to improve the stiffness of the second and third non-bending regions, the elastic modulus of the buffer layer 11B located in the second and third non-bending regions may be equal to the elastic modulus of the hard portion.

[0157] In some other examples, the elastic modulus of the buffer layer 11B located in the second non-bending region and the third non-bending region may be smaller than the elastic modulus of the hard portion and larger than the elastic modulus of the soft portion.

[0158] In the example of FIG27 , the hard portion 11B11 may be made of at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and transparent polyimide (CPI). The soft portion 11B12 may be made of at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and thermoplastic polyamide (TPAE).

[0159] Figure 28 shows another structural diagram of a display cover plate 113 or protective layer 114 according to an embodiment of the present application. The buffer layer 11B comprises a first buffer layer 11B1 and a second buffer layer 11B2. The first buffer layer 11B1 includes a hard region 11B01 with a higher elastic modulus and a soft region 11B02 with a lower elastic modulus. The second buffer layer 11B2 has a unequal thickness design in the first bend region. This embodiment combines a unequal buffer layer thickness design with a unequal elastic modulus design.

[0160] When the display module is folded and the first non-bending area is exposed, the first bending area connecting the first non-bending area and the second non-bending area must have sufficient resistance to external impact. For example, if the closed electronic device is dropped, the first bending area may be damaged by the impact of the hinge mechanism on one side and the ground.

[0161] The embodiments of the present application provide some new display modules 11. As shown in FIG29 , a buffer pad 127 is provided on the side of the support plate 111 away from the display screen 112. The buffer pad 127 is provided at a position of the support plate 111 opposite to the first bending area.

[0162] In some examples, in order to improve the bendability of the support plate 111, a hollow structure 111a (which can be called a bamboo book) is opened in the part opposite to the first bending area, and the buffer pad 127 is arranged at a position opposite to the hollow structure 111a.

[0163] The buffer pad 127 may be a one-layer film structure, or a multi-layer film structure.

[0164] For example, the buffer pad 127 can be made of at least one of stainless steel SUS, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer TPU elastomer, porous foam Foam material, PET film material, and the like.

[0165] Figure 30 is a structural diagram of another display module according to an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, a buffer pad 127 is disposed within the support plate 111. For example, a groove can be provided within the support plate 111, and the buffer pad 127 can be disposed within the groove, with the groove being located opposite the first bending region.

[0166] 31 is a structural diagram of another display module according to an embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, a buffer pad 127 is provided on the first rotating shaft mechanism 20A and the second rotating shaft mechanism 20B located on one side of the display module.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 29 to FIG. 31 , since the buffer pad 127 is included, when the first bending region is impacted by external force, the buffering effect of the buffer pad 127 can reduce the degree of damage to the display module.

[0168] Figure 32 is a structural diagram of another display module according to an embodiment of the present application. In this structure, not only is the display cover plate 113 located in the first bending region designed with uneven thickness, but a cushioning pad 127 is also provided on the side of the support plate 111 away from the display screen 112. This not only increases the rigidity of the exposed, non-bending portion, but also maintains the bendability of the bending portion. Furthermore, it reduces damage to the bending portion of the display module, thereby improving the performance of the display module.

[0169] In some other examples, various regions of the protection layer 114 may be designed to have unequal thickness structures.

[0170] As shown in Figure 33, the cover plate (e.g., display cover, protective layer) located on the display surface side of display screen 112 is designed with a structure having unequal elastic moduli. Furthermore, a buffer pad 127 is positioned on the support plate 111 opposite the first bending region. This not only optimizes the bendability of the display module's bending portion, but also enhances its resistance to impact and compression.

[0171] In the examples of this application, a first pivot mechanism can be provided at a position corresponding to the first bending region, and a second pivot mechanism can be provided at a position corresponding to the second bending region. At least one of the first pivot mechanism and the second pivot mechanism can be the pivot mechanism shown in FIG5 . This not only reduces the light and shadow creases in these bending regions, but also improves the bendability of the bending regions and enhances the rigidity of the non-bending regions.

[0172] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0173] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism, which is used to be arranged in a foldable electronic device, characterized in that: The rotating shaft mechanism comprises: A first door panel and a second door panel, one side of the first door panel and the second door panel is used to set a display module, and the first door panel and the second door panel can move towards or away from each other to drive the display module to switch between an expanded state and a closed state; A main shaft, the main shaft being arranged on a side of the first door panel and the second door panel away from the display module; The main shaft is provided with a first mounting hole, and the first door panel is provided with a second mounting hole; The first door panel has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, the first surface faces the display module, the second surface faces the main axis, the opening of the second mounting hole is located on the second surface, and there is a distance between the bottom surface of the second mounting hole and the first surface; The first door panel and the main shaft are connected via a connecting piece disposed in the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.

2. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating shaft mechanism also includes a circuit board; There is a first gap between the first door plate and the main shaft, there is a second gap between the second door plate and the main shaft, and the circuit board passes through the first gap and the second gap.

3. The rotating shaft mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: Along the bending line of the display module, the first door panel has a first end and a second end, and the circuit board is arranged between the first end and the second end; The first end and the second end are both provided with the second mounting hole.

4. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The second mounting hole is a threaded hole, and the connecting piece is a threaded connecting piece.

5. The rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The main shaft has a protrusion on one side facing the first door panel, the first door panel has an opening, the protrusion is arranged in the opening, and the surface of the protrusion away from the main shaft is flush with the first surface.

6. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: Display module; At least one rotating shaft mechanism, wherein the at least one rotating shaft mechanism is the rotating shaft mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5; The at least one rotating shaft mechanism is arranged on a side of the display module away from the display surface.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The at least one rotating shaft mechanism of the electronic device includes a first rotating shaft mechanism and a second rotating shaft mechanism; The display module comprises: Display screen; a cover plate, arranged on a display surface side of the display screen, the cover plate comprising a first non-bending area, a second non-bending area, a third non-bending area, a first bending area, and a second bending area, the first bending area connecting the first non-bending area and the second non-bending area, the second bending area connecting the second non-bending area and the third non-bending area, and the first bending area and the second bending area both being able to be bent along a bending line to switch between an expanded state and a bent closed state; The position of the first rotating shaft mechanism corresponds to the first bending area, and the position of the second rotating shaft mechanism corresponds to the second bending area; The thickness of the first non-bending region is not equal to the thickness of the second non-bending region.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The thickness of the first non-bending region is greater than the thickness of the second non-bending region.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The cover plate comprises: A substrate and a first buffer layer, wherein the first buffer layer is closer to the display screen than the substrate; The thickness of the substrate in the first non-bending area is greater than the thickness of the substrate in the second non-bending area, and / or; The thickness of the first buffer layer located in the first non-bending area is greater than the thickness of the first buffer layer located in the second non-bending area.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, characterized in that: From the first non-bending area to the second non-bending area, the first buffer located in the first bending area The thickness of the layer gradually decreases.

11. The electronic device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The cover plate comprises: a second buffer layer, the second buffer layer comprising a first portion and a second portion; The first portion of the second buffer layer is located in the first non-bending region, the second portion of the second buffer layer is located in the first bending region, and the elastic modulus of the first portion of the second buffer layer is greater than the elastic modulus of the second portion of the second buffer layer.

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