Foldable electronic device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of display electronic products, and provide a foldable electronic device. According to the present application, when the foldable electronic device falls, the risk of display screen failure due to compression or impact is reduced. The foldable electronic device comprises a rotating shaft structure, a first middle frame, and a second middle frame, wherein a covering part is provided at each end portion of the rotating shaft structure, and in the axial direction of the rotating shaft structure, each covering part comprises a first side surface and a second side surface facing back to back; the first side surface faces a display screen, and the second side surface faces away from the display screen; a clearance space is formed in some areas of the first side surface; in the axial direction of the rotating shaft structure, the projection of the display screen on the first side surface is at least partially located in the clearance space; and the clearance space can be used for accommodating the display screen when said screen is offset towards the covering part. For example, when the foldable electronic device in a closed state falls and the covering parts touch the ground, the falling space of the display screen can be increased by using the clearance space, the probability of collision with the covering parts is reduced, and the falling reliability of the device is improved.

Description

Foldable electronic devices

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on September 14, 2023, with application number 202322515857.4 and invention name “Foldable Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of display electronic products, and in particular to a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0003] At present, foldable screens are widely used in electronic devices, such as foldable mobile phones, foldable tablets, etc. In these foldable electronic devices, such as double-folding electronic devices, two middle frames are included, and the two middle frames are connected by a hinge structure to achieve the flattening and closing of the foldable screen.

[0004] Foldable electronic devices are prone to being dropped during use. Foldable electronic devices are more complex than non-foldable devices and are therefore more vulnerable to drops. For example, the hinge's location makes it difficult for the device to meet drop height requirements. For example, if a closed device is dropped, the screen can swing and strike the hinge's end, potentially squeezing the foldable screen and causing black spots or line failure.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a foldable electronic device, the purpose of which is to reduce the impact on the display screen of the foldable electronic device when it falls, thereby improving the drop reliability of the device.

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

[0008] In one aspect, the present application provides a foldable electronic device, such as a foldable mobile phone or a foldable tablet.

[0009] The foldable electronic device includes a first middle frame, a second middle frame and a hinge structure, and a display screen; the first middle frame and the second middle frame are arranged on both sides of the hinge structure, and the display screen is arranged on one side of the hinge structure, the first middle frame and the second middle frame, and the first middle frame and the second middle frame move toward or away from each other through the hinge structure to enable the display screen to switch between a flattened state and a closed state; the foldable electronic device can also include more middle frames to form a double-fold, triple-fold or more foldable electronic device.

[0010] The end of the hinge structure includes a shielding member, and along the axis direction of the hinge structure, the shielding member includes a first side surface and a second side surface facing back to back; when the display screen is in a flattened state or a closed state, the first side surface faces the side of the display screen, and the second side surface faces away from the display screen; a portion of the first side surface has an escape space, and along the axis direction of the hinge structure, the projection of the display screen on the first side surface is at least partially located in the escape space, and the escape space can be used to accommodate a display screen that is offset toward the shielding member, for example, the escape space can be a cavity formed in a portion of the first side surface, and the recessed area obtained by the cavity is used to accommodate the offset display screen. In some falling scenarios, for example, when the shielding member falls toward the ground, the shielding member may be concave toward the display screen due to the impact, or the display screen may be swung and fall toward the shielding member. The escape space can be used to increase the falling buffer space of the display screen, or provide a larger space for the indentation of the shielding member, thereby reducing the risk of the display screen colliding with the shielding member and causing screen failure.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the shielding member has a recessed portion on the first side surface that is recessed toward the second side surface, and the avoidance space is located in the recessed portion.

[0012] The example of this application uses a recessed portion that is recessed toward the second side surface to form the avoidance space.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the display screen includes a first portion facing the shielding member, and along the axis direction of the rotating shaft structure, a projection of at least part of the first portion on the first side surface is located in the recessed portion.

[0014] In one possible implementation, when the display screen is in the closed state, the first portion is in a bent state, and along the axial direction of the hinge structure, at least part of the projection of the bent portion on the first side surface is located in the recessed portion; when the display screen is in the flattened state, the first portion is in a flattened state, and along the axial direction of the hinge structure, at least part of the projection of the flattened portion on the first side surface is located in the recessed portion.

[0015] When a foldable electronic device is in a closed state, in a falling scenario, such as when a shield falls toward the ground, the bent portion of the display screen has a large amount of falling. The recessed portion provided on the shield can accommodate the falling bent portion, thereby preventing the bent portion from colliding with the shield and causing screen failure.

[0016] For example, when the display screen is in a flattened state, the display screen includes a flattened portion opposite to the shielding member. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, such as when the shielding member falls toward the ground, the concave cavity can accommodate the flattened portion of the display screen, reducing the probability of the flattened portion colliding with the shielding member.

[0017] In one possible implementation, along the first direction, in the direction where the edge of the shielding member points to the middle, the first side surface of the shielding member and the portion close to the bottom of the shielding member are inclined toward the second side surface; the first direction is when the display screen is in a flat state, and the hinge structure points in the direction of the first middle frame.

[0018] This implementation structure can be understood as the shield becoming thinner from its edge to its center. For example, if the display is closed and the shield falls to the ground, the thicker edge of the shield can act as a reinforcement, reducing the shield's deflection toward the display. This, in turn, reduces the risk of screen failure caused by collision between the display and the shield.

[0019] In addition, the thicker edge of the shielding member can also improve the strength of the entire shielding member.

[0020] In one possible implementation, a protruding block protruding toward the display screen is provided on the first side surface of the shielding member near the middle of the top of the shielding member, with a distance between the protruding block and the bottom of the shielding member, and a recessed portion is formed by the recessed portion of the first side surface relative to the protruding block.

[0021] In the example of the present application, a protruding block is formed on the first side surface of the shielding member, and a recessed portion is formed on the first side surface.

[0022] In a possible implementation, when the display screen is in a flat state or a closed state, the protruding block faces a side surface of the display screen, and a gap exists between the protruding block and the side surface of the display screen.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the recessed portion includes a first area located on one side of the protruding block, a second area located on the other side of the protruding block, and a third area located between the protruding block and the bottom of the shielding member; when the display screen is in a closed state, the display screen includes a first arc segment, a second arc segment, and an intermediate arc segment connected between the first arc segment and the second arc segment; the first area faces the first arc segment, and along the axis of the rotating shaft structure, the projection of the first arc segment on the first side surface is at least partially located in the first area; the second area faces the second arc segment, and along the axis of the rotating shaft structure, the projection of the second arc segment on the first side surface is at least partially located in the second area; the third area faces the intermediate arc segment, and along the axis of the rotating shaft structure, the projection of the intermediate arc segment on the first side surface is at least partially located in the third area.

[0024] The present application utilizes the setting of the protruding blocks to form multiple areas, and different areas can accommodate corresponding arc segments of multiple different bending parts.

[0025] In one possible implementation, when the display screen is flattened, the recessed portion below the protruding block faces the side of the display screen, and along the axis of the hinge structure, the projection of the display screen on the first side is at least partially located in the concave cavity area below the protruding block.

[0026] The recessed portion below the protruding block can accommodate the offset flattened portion of the display screen.

[0027] In one possible implementation, along a first direction, the portion of the first side used to form the recessed portion is inclined from the middle to the edge; the first direction is when the display screen is in a flat state and the hinge structure points to the direction of the first middle frame.

[0028] The position near the edge of the first side surface adopts a bevel design, for example, it can further increase the distance between the bent portion of the display screen and the first side surface, and further increase the falling space of the display screen.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the first side surface of the shielding member has a protruding block arranged around the edge, and the protruding block arranged around the edge surrounds the recessed portion.

[0030] In one possible implementation, when the display screen is in a closed state, the display screen includes a first arc segment, a second arc segment, and an intermediate arc segment connected between the first arc segment and the second arc segment; along the axial direction of the rotating shaft structure, the projections of the first arc segment, the second arc segment, and the intermediate arc segment on the first side are at least partially located in the recessed portion.

[0031] In this implementation structure, the protruding block is arranged around the recessed portion, and the recessed portion is utilized to accommodate the offset bent portion.

[0032] In one possible implementation, an elastic structure is provided in the recessed portion.

[0033] The use of the elastic structure can not only weaken the impact force between the display screen and the shielding member, but also reduce the gap between the shielding member and the display screen, thereby improving the high refinement of the entire device.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the material of the elastic structure includes at least one of foam, rubber, and a brush.

[0035] In one possible implementation, along a first direction, the first side surface is inclined from the middle to the edge; the first direction is when the display screen is in a flat state and the hinge structure points to the direction of the first middle frame.

[0036] In this example, an avoidance space is formed by chopping an arc on the edge of the first side surface.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the top surface of the shielding member near the edge is an inclined surface, which points toward the edge in the middle of the shielding member and is inclined toward the connection between the shielding member and the main shaft.

[0038] With this inclined surface design, when the electronic device in a closed state falls, a buffer space can be provided for the bent portion of the display screen toward the shielding member.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the hinge structure includes a main shaft, which is located on the side of the non-display surface of the display screen, and the end of the main shaft includes the shielding member. The main shaft includes a first surface facing the non-display surface of the display screen, and a second surface back to back with the first surface, and the non-display surface of the display screen is the surface opposite to the display surface; the area of ​​the first surface close to the shielding member is an inclined surface, and in the direction of the middle of the main shaft pointing to the end, the inclined surface is inclined toward the second surface, and there is a gap between the inclined surface and the non-display surface of the display screen; when the display screen points in the direction of the main shaft, the projection of the display screen on the first surface is at least partially located on the inclined surface.

[0040] The position of the main shaft close to the shielding member is designed as an inclined surface, which can increase the distance between the display screen and the main shaft. When the electronic device falls, the larger distance can increase the buffer space of the display screen and reduce the risk of collision between the display screen and the main shaft.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the hinge structure includes a main shaft, which is located on the non-display surface side of the display screen. The end of the main shaft includes a shielding member. The main shaft includes a first surface facing the non-display surface of the display screen, and a second surface back to back with the first surface. The non-display surface of the display screen is the side opposite to the display surface; the area of ​​the first surface close to the shielding member and the position close to the middle of the shielding member have a concave cavity, and there is a gap between the non-display surface of the display screen and the bottom surface of the concave cavity.

[0042] The concave cavity design can provide a larger screen space for a fallen display screen, thereby protecting the display screen.

[0043] In one possible implementation, when the display screen is in a closed state, the display screen includes a bent portion facing the shielding member, and along the thickness direction of the main axis, the projection of the bent portion on the first surface is at least partially located in the concave cavity; when the display screen is in a flattened state, the display screen includes a flattened portion facing the shielding member, and along the thickness direction of the main axis, the projection of the flattened portion on the first surface is at least partially located in the concave cavity.

[0044] Regardless of whether the display screen is in a closed state or in a flat state, when the electronic device falls, the cavity can provide a falling space for the display screen, protect the display screen, and reduce the risk of the display screen colliding with the main shaft.

[0045] In one possible implementation, a groove is provided on at least one of the first and second middle frames near the hinge structure, and when the display screen points toward the first middle frame, the projection of the display screen on the first middle frame is at least partially located in the groove.

[0046] For example, in some falling scenarios, when an electronic device in a flat state falls, the display screen on one side of the hinge structure will arch. The groove can be used to accommodate the arched screen and reduce the risk of the arched screen colliding with the edge of the middle frame.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the groove is provided near an end of the rotating shaft structure.

[0048] When the electronic device falls, the portion of the display screen closer to the end of the hinge structure will deform more greatly, and thus, the groove is provided closer to the end of the hinge structure.

[0049] In one possible implementation, a first groove is provided on the edge of the first middle frame, and a second groove is provided on the edge of the second middle frame; the shielding member is arranged in a space enclosed by the first groove and the second groove; the edge of the first middle frame has a first surface enclosing the first groove, and the edge of the second middle frame has a second surface enclosing the second groove; when the display screen is in a closed state, the first surface faces the top surface of the shielding member, and a gap is formed between the first surface and the top surface of the shielding member, and the second surface faces the top surface of the shielding member, and a gap is formed between the second surface and the top surface of the shielding member.

[0050] In some falling scenarios, for example, when the hinge structure of an electronic device in a closed state falls to the ground, the gap between the middle frame and the shielding member can be used to reduce the amount of the middle frame falling, thereby keeping the accommodation space where the bent part of the display screen is located from being squeezed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] FIG1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG2 is an exploded schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG3 is an exploded schematic diagram of a first middle frame and a rotating shaft structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a rotating shaft structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a scenario in which a foldable electronic device falls, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of an avoidance structure on a shielding member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a rotating shaft structure and a display screen provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG8 is an enlarged view of point A in FIG6 ;

[0059] FIG9 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between an avoidance structure on a shielding member and a display screen in a closed state, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG10 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between a rotating shaft structure and a display screen in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of an avoidance structure on a shielding member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG12 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between an avoidance structure on a shielding member and a display screen in a closed state, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG13 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between an avoidance structure on a shielding member and a display screen in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of an avoidance structure on a shielding member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] FIG15 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between an avoidance structure on a shielding member and a display screen in a closed state, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of an avoidance structure on a shielding member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG17 is a detailed schematic diagram of the avoidance structure of FIG16;

[0068] FIG18 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between an avoidance structure on a shielding member and a display screen in a closed state, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] FIG19 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between a avoiding structure on a shielding member and a display screen in a closed state, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG20 is a schematic diagram of a scenario in which a foldable electronic device falls, provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG21 is a schematic diagram of a scenario in which a foldable electronic device falls, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG22 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between an avoidance structure on a shielding member and a display screen in a closed state, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG23 is a schematic structural diagram of an avoidance structure on a shielding member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG24 is a schematic structural diagram of an avoidance structure on a shielding member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] FIG25 is a schematic structural diagram of an avoidance structure on a shielding member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] FIG26 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between a avoiding structure on a shielding member and a display screen provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG27 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between an avoidance structure on a shielding member and a display screen in a closed state, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG28 is a schematic structural diagram of an avoidance structure on a shielding member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] FIG29 is a schematic structural diagram of an avoidance structure on a shielding member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] FIG30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG29;

[0081] FIG31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG29 ;

[0082] FIG32 is an exploded schematic diagram of a first middle frame and a rotating shaft structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] Figure 33 is an enlarged view of point B in Figure 32;

[0084] FIG34 is an exploded schematic diagram of a first middle frame, a second middle frame, and a rotating shaft structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] FIG35 is a schematic structural diagram of a main shaft and a shielding member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG36 is a schematic diagram of a scenario in which a foldable electronic device falls, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] Figure 37 is an enlarged view of point C in Figure 36;

[0088] FIG38 is a schematic diagram of a scenario in which a foldable electronic device falls, provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] FIG39 is a schematic diagram of a scenario in which a foldable electronic device falls, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] Figure 40 is an enlarged view of point D in Figure 39;

[0091] FIG41 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship among a main shaft, a shielding member, and a display screen according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] Figure 42 is an enlarged view of point E in Figure 41;

[0093] FIG43 is a schematic structural diagram of an avoidance structure on a shielding member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] FIG44 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between a avoiding structure on a shielding member and a display screen in a closed state, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] FIG45 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between a avoiding structure on a shielding member and a display screen in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0096] FIG46 is an exploded schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0097] FIG47 is an exploded schematic diagram of a first middle frame, a second middle frame, and a rotating shaft structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] Figure 48 is a structural schematic diagram of a first middle frame provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0099] Figure markings: 100-foldable electronic device; 011-first middle frame; 011A-first middle frame body; 011B-first frame; 011C-housing groove; 012-second middle frame; 012A-second middle frame body; 012B-second frame; 02-hinge structure; 021-main axis; 03-display screen; 031-first non-bending part; 032-second non-bending part; 033-bending part; 033A-first arc segment; 033B-second arc segment; 033C-middle arc segment; 1-shielding member; 11-protruding block; 12-recessed portion; 121-first area; 122-second area; 123-third area; 2-elastic structure; 3-decorative frame; 4-groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] Embodiments of the present application provide a foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device may include various electronic devices having a foldable screen and capable of changing the unfolded or folded configuration of the foldable screen and the electronic device itself.

[0101] Under different usage requirements, the foldable electronic device can be unfolded to a flat state, folded to a closed state, or in an intermediate state between the flat state and the closed state.

[0102] 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, namely an intermediate state between the flattened state and the closed state. It is understood that the intermediate state is not a single state and can be any one or more states between the flattened state and the closed state.

[0103] Exemplarily, foldable electronic devices may include but are not limited to mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, e-book readers, cameras, wearable devices, home electronic devices, etc.

[0104] For ease of understanding, in each embodiment of the present application, the foldable electronic device is described using a mobile phone as an example.

[0105] Referring to Figure 1, which is an exploded view of a foldable electronic device 100 in a flattened state according to an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 2, which is a further exploded view of the foldable electronic device 100 in a flattened state according to an embodiment of the present application, the foldable electronic device 100 may include a hinge structure 02, a first middle frame 011, a second middle frame 012, and a display screen 03.

[0106] Among them, the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012 are arranged on opposite sides of the hinge structure 02 and are respectively connected to the hinge structure 02. The hinge structure 02 can move so that the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012 are relatively folded or relatively unfolded. When the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012 are folded, the foldable electronic device 100 can be in a closed state. When the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012 are unfolded, the foldable electronic device 100 can be in a flattened state.

[0107] When the foldable electronic device 100 is in a closed state, the display screen 03 is in a closed state; when the foldable electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state, the display screen 03 is in an unfolded state.

[0108] The display screen 03 can be used to display information and provide an interactive interface for the user. In various embodiments of the present application, the display screen 03 may include, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MID) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MID) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MID) display screen, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen, etc. As mentioned above, the foldable electronic device 100 can switch between a flat state and a closed state by moving the hinge structure 02, and the display screen 03 can be folded or unfolded along with the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012.

[0109] For example, the folding methods of the foldable electronic device may include inward folding and outward folding.

[0110] The outward folding type means that during the process of the electronic device being converted from a flat state to a closed state, and when the electronic device is in the closed state, the display screen is on the outside of the electronic device, that is, during the folding process and in the closed state, the display screen 03 is still visible to the user, and the user can also perform some operations on the display screen 03 in the closed state.

[0111] Inward-folding means that during the transition from the flattened state to the closed state, as well as when the electronic device is in the closed state, the display screen 03 is located inside the foldable electronic device 100. That is, during the folding process, the display screen 03 gradually becomes invisible to the user until, in the closed state, the display screen 03 is housed between the two middle frames and is hidden. For example, in the foldable electronic device 100 shown in FIG1 , when the first middle frame 011 rotates along the P1 direction and the second middle frame 012 rotates along the P2 direction, the display screen 03 is located inside the foldable electronic device 100 until, in the closed state, the display screen 03 is housed between the two middle frames and is hidden. Such a foldable electronic device 100 can be referred to as an inward-folding electronic device.

[0112] Any middle frame provided in the embodiments of the present application may include a middle frame body and a frame connected to the outer periphery of the middle frame body. For example, in Figure 2, the first middle frame 011 includes a first middle frame body 011A and a first frame 011B connected to the outer periphery of the first middle frame body 011A; the second middle frame 012 includes a second middle frame body 012A and a second frame 012B connected to the outer periphery of the second middle frame body 012A.

[0113] In some examples, the first and second middle frames 011 and 012 have a rear cover on the side facing away from the display screen 03. Either the first and second middle frames 011 and 012 can form an installation space with the rear cover for mounting electronic components of the foldable electronic device, such as the circuit board, battery, receiver, speaker, and camera. The circuit board can integrate electronic components such as the foldable electronic device's main controller, storage unit, antenna module, and power management module, while the battery can power the display screen 03, circuit board, receiver, speaker, and camera.

[0114] In some structures, the first middle frame body 011A and the first side frame 011B in FIG. 2 may be an integrally formed part, or, in other structures, the first middle frame body 011A and the first side frame 011B may be independent structural parts, which may be connected together during assembly using a connecting structure, such as an adhesive layer or screws or other connecting parts.

[0115] The second middle frame body 012A and the second side frame 012B of the second middle frame 012 may also be an integrally formed part, or may be two independent structural parts that need to be connected by a connector.

[0116] 3 and 4 , FIG3 shows an exploded view of the first middle frame 011 and the rotating shaft structure 02. In some examples, the structural diagram shown in FIG3 may also be a view of the second middle frame 012.

[0117] 3 and 4 , the first middle frame 011 has a placement groove 011C near the second middle frame 012. In some structures, the second middle frame 012 has a placement groove near the first middle frame 011, and the two placement grooves can enclose an accommodating space for setting the rotating shaft structure 02.

[0118] As shown in FIG4 , FIG4 shows a schematic structural diagram of a rotating shaft structure 02 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft structure 02 , shielding members 1 are respectively provided at opposite ends of the rotating shaft structure 02 .

[0119] When the foldable electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, at least a portion of the hinge structure 02 and the shielding member 1 is hidden in the accommodating space between the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012 .

[0120] In some examples, the rotating shaft structure 02 may include the main shaft 021 shown in FIG4 and other transmission structures, and the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012 may be rotated relative to the main shaft 021 through the transmission structures. A back cover may also be provided on the side of the main shaft 021 facing away from the display screen 03.

[0121] As shown in Figure 4 , shielding member 1 can be installed at the end of main shaft 021. In some configurations, main shaft 021 and shielding member 1 can be integrally formed. This not only simplifies the structure of the foldable electronic device but also simplifies the assembly process compared to a separate shielding member (also known as a T-block), reducing the risk of product defects due to poor assembly.

[0122] When a foldable electronic device such as the above example is in use, there may be many falling scenarios. For example, as shown in Figure 5, when it falls in the direction of the black arrow in Figure 5, that is, when the shielding member 1 falls toward the ground, regardless of whether the electronic device is in a flat state, a closed state, or an intermediate state, the shielding member 1 will be concave inward toward the display screen 03 due to the impact of the ground, or the display screen 03 may be swung and hit the shielding member 1, which may cause the display screen 03 to fail.

[0123] In order to prevent the display screen from being impacted and failing in this falling scenario, the embodiments of the present application provide some means to reduce the impact failure of the display screen.

[0124] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, as well as Figure 8, Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a main shaft 021 and a shielding member 1 given in an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 7 shows an assembly relationship diagram of the structure shown in Figure 6 and the display screen 03. In order to clearly show the positional relationship between the shielding member 1 and the display screen 03, Figure 7 only shows part of the structure of the display screen and the main shaft 021, and Figure 8 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 6.

[0125] As shown in Figures 6 and 7 , along the axis of the hinge structure, the shielding member 1 has a first side surface and a second side surface that are back-to-back. When the display screen 03 is in a closed state, a flat state, or an intermediate state, the first side surface faces the side of the display screen 03, while the second side surface faces away from the display screen 03. A portion of the first side surface of the shielding member 1 has an escape space. Along the axis of the hinge structure, the projection of the display screen on the first side surface is at least partially located in the escape space. This escape space is used to accommodate the display screen 03 that is offset toward the shielding member 1.

[0126] Then, when the foldable electronic device 100 falls along the falling direction shown in Figure 5, the avoidance space can be used to increase the falling space of the display screen 03, reducing the risk of collision with the shielding member 1, or, increase the concave space of the shielding member 1 that is hit, reducing the probability of collision between the display screen 03 and the shielding member 1.

[0127] This application provides a variety of achievable avoidance spaces, as described below.

[0128] As shown in Figure 8, a protruding block 11 is provided on the first side surface of the shielding member 1. The area where the first side surface is recessed relative to the protruding block 11 forms a recessed portion 12. The recessed portion 12 can accommodate the display screen 03 that is offset toward the shielding member 1. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state or a closed state, there is a gap between the side of the protruding block 11 facing the display screen and the display screen. As shown in Figure 9, Figure 9 illustrates an exploded schematic diagram of the shielding member 1 and the display screen 03 in a closed state, and shows part of the structure of the display screen 03. The display screen 03 in a closed state includes: a first part 031, a second part 032 and a third part 033, and the third part 033 is connected between the first part 031 and the second part 032.

[0129] In some examples, the first portion 031 is connected to the first middle frame 011, the second portion 032 is connected to the second middle frame 012, and the third portion 033 is located on one side of the hinge structure 02. When the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012 rotate toward each other via the hinge structure 02, in some structures, the third portion 033 includes a bent portion, which can be in a teardrop-shaped structure as shown in FIG9 .

[0130] FIG9 exemplarily shows the approximate positions of the first portion 031 , the second portion 032 and the third portion 033 , and does not constitute an absolute limitation on the positions.

[0131] 8 and 9 , when the electronic device is in a closed state, the recessed portion 12 shown in FIG. 8 faces the third portion 033 shown in FIG. 9 , and the recessed portion 12 can accommodate the third portion 033 that is offset toward the shielding member 1 .

[0132] In some examples, when the display screen 03 is in the closed state, along the axis of the hinge structure, a projection of the third portion 033 on the first side surface is at least partially located within the recessed portion 12 .

[0133] When the closed electronic device is dropped along the direction shown in Figure 5, the third portion 033 shown in Figure 9 falls further than the first portion 031 and the second portion 032. By providing a recessed portion 12 on the first side surface of the shielding member 1, the recessed portion 12 increases the distance between the third portion 033 and the shielding member 1. This increases the space for the third portion 033 to fall, reduces the risk of the third portion 033 colliding with the shielding member 1, and ensures that the display screen will not collide with the shielding member, causing screen failure.

[0134] As shown in Figure 8 , the protruding block 11 is located near the top of the shielding member 1 and is substantially in the middle, meaning that recessed portions can be formed on both sides of the protruding block 11. A gap exists between the protruding block 11 and the bottom of the shielding member 1, which can be understood as the connection between the shielding member 1 and the main shaft 201.

[0135] 8 can be divided into: a first area 121 located on one side of the protruding block 11; a second area 122 located on the other side of the protruding block 11; and a third area 123 located between the protruding block 11 and the bottom of the shielding member 1.

[0136] The first area 121 , the second area 122 and the third area 123 in FIG. 8 are merely exemplary divisions, and may be appropriately reduced or increased based on the range.

[0137] As shown in FIG9 , the third portion 033 having a teardrop-shaped structure may include a first arc segment 033A connected to the first portion 031 , a second arc segment 033B connected to the second portion 032 , and an intermediate arc segment 033C connected between the first arc segment 033A and the second arc segment 033B.

[0138] When the display screen 033 is in a closed state, in combination with Figures 8 and 9, the first area 121 faces at least a portion of the first arc segment 033A, and the projection of the first arc segment 033A in the direction pointing to the first side surface is at least partially located within the first area 121; the second area 122 faces at least a portion of the second arc segment 033B, and the projection of the second arc segment 033B in the direction pointing to the first side surface is at least partially located within the second area 122; the third area 123 faces at least a portion of the middle arc segment 033C, and the projection of the middle arc segment 033C in the direction pointing to the first side surface is at least partially located within the third area 123.

[0139] When the closed electronic device falls, the first area 121 can be used to accommodate at least a portion of the first arc segment 033A offset toward the first side, the second area 122 can be used to accommodate at least a portion of the second arc segment 033B offset toward the first side, and the third area 123 can be used to accommodate at least a portion of the middle arc segment 033C offset toward the first side.

[0140] For example, when an electronic device in a closed state falls along the direction shown in Figure 5, the various arc segments of the third part 033 will shift toward their corresponding recessed areas, using different recessed areas to accommodate the corresponding arc segments, thereby reducing the possibility of each arc segment being hit and improving the falling reliability of the entire bent part.

[0141] The avoidance recess 12 shown in FIG8 can also accommodate a flattened display screen. For example, FIG10 illustrates the positional relationship between the flattened display screen 03 and the shielding member 1, and shows the partial structure of the main shaft 021 and the display screen 03. As shown in FIG10 , when the display screen 03 is flattened, the recess 12 faces the side of the display screen 03. There is a gap between the side of the display screen 03 and the recess 12. The recess 12 is used to accommodate the portion of the flattened display screen 03 that is offset toward the first side. When the electronic device is flattened, the projection of the display screen 03 onto the shielding member is located between the protruding block 11 and the main shaft 021.

[0142] In some examples, the display screen is in a flattened state, and the display screen includes a flattened portion located on one side of the hinge structure, and an orthographic projection of the flattened portion on the first side surface is located in the recessed portion.

[0143] When the electronic device in a flattened state falls along the direction shown in Figure 5, the flattened portion of the display screen located on the side of the hinge structure has a larger amount of falling. The recessed portion 12 provided on the shielding member 1 can increase the falling buffer space of the flattened portion located on the side of the hinge structure, thereby reducing the risk of the flattened portion colliding with the shielding member 1.

[0144] As shown in FIG8 to FIG10 , the recessed portion 12 formed on the shielding member 1 can accommodate not only the bent portion of the display screen in the closed state, but also a portion of the display screen in the flattened state.

[0145] In the examples shown in this application, as shown in Figures 8 to 10 above, a recessed portion 12 is formed on the side of the shielding member 1 to increase the distance between the display screen 03 and the shielding member 1, rather than moving the shielding member as a whole. In this way, the distance between the display screen 03 and the shielding member 1 will not be increased, thereby meeting the high-precision requirement of a small gap between the shielding member and the display screen.

[0146] Figure 11 shows another avoidance structure provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 11 , a protruding block 11 is provided on the first side of the shielding member 1 facing the display screen, and a recessed portion 12 is formed in the area of ​​the first side that is recessed relative to the protruding block 11.

[0147] 8 of the above example and FIG11 of this example, the bottom of the protruding block 11 in the example of FIG11 is closer to the bottom of the shielding member 1 (the bottom is the connection between the shielding member 1 and the main shaft 021) than the bottom of the protruding block 11 in FIG8.

[0148] In addition, the shapes of the two examples of protruding blocks 11 are different. In Figure 11, the outer edge of the protruding block 11 is an arc surface, and the distance between the outer edge of the protruding block 11 and the bottom of the shielding member 1 gradually increases along the bottom end of the arc surface to both sides.

[0149] The protruding block 11 provided on the shielding member 1 can also divide the recessed portion 12 into a first area 121 located on one side of the protruding block 11, a second area 122 located on the other side of the protruding block 11, and a third area 123 located between the protruding block 11 and the bottom of the shielding member 1.

[0150] FIG12 is an exploded view illustrating the positional relationship between the shielding member 1 shown in FIG11 and the closed display screen 03. The closed display screen's third portion 033 includes a first arcuate segment 033A, a second arcuate segment 033B, and an intermediate arcuate segment 033C connecting the first arcuate segment 033A and the second arcuate segment 033B.

[0151] As shown in Figure 12, the first area 121 faces at least a portion of the first arc segment 033A, and the projection of the first arc segment 033A in the direction pointing to the first side surface is at least partially located in the first area 121; the second area 122 faces at least a portion of the second arc segment 033B, and the projection of the second arc segment 033B in the direction pointing to the first side surface is at least partially located in the second area 122; the third area 123 faces at least a portion of the middle arc segment 033C, and the projection of the middle arc segment 033C in the direction pointing to the first side surface is at least partially located in the third area 123.

[0152] When the closed electronic device is dropped, first region 121 can accommodate at least a portion of first arc segment 033A offset toward the first side, second region 122 can accommodate at least a portion of second arc segment 033B offset toward the first side, and third region 123 can accommodate at least a portion of middle arc segment 033C offset toward the first side. In some drop scenarios, such as the drop scenario shown in FIG5 , each arc segment of third portion 033 will offset toward its corresponding recessed region. Using different recessed regions to accommodate the corresponding arc segments reduces the likelihood of impact on each arc segment and improves the drop reliability of the entire curved portion.

[0153] Figure 13 shows an exploded view of the positional relationship between the shielding member 1 shown in Figure 11 and the flattened display screen 03. When the display screen 03 is flattened, the portion of the display screen opposite the shielding member 1 and in the flattened state is projected toward the first side surface at least partially within the recessed portion 12.

[0154] In some embodiments, the portion of the display screen that is opposite to the shielding member 1 and is flattened is, at least partially, located in the recessed area below the protruding block 11 in the projection pointing toward the first side surface. In addition, as shown in FIG14 , the distance between the outer edge of the protruding block 11 and the bottom of the shielding member 1 gradually increases from the bottom end of the curved surface to the two sides. For example, in FIG14 , the closer to the two sides of the curved surface, the larger the distance d between the outer edge of the protruding block 11 and the bottom of the shielding member 1, such as d3 is greater than d2, and d2 is greater than d1. In this way, the areas of the corresponding first region 121 and the second region 122 can be increased, so that the first arc segment 033A and the second arc segment 033B of the display screen 03 can have a larger accommodation space.

[0155] For example, see Figure 15, which illustrates the positional relationship between the first and second regions 121, 122, and the first and second arc segments 033A, 033B, when the display screen is in the closed state. Because the distance between the outer edge of the protruding block 11 and the bottom of the shielding member 1 gradually increases from the bottom end of the arc surface to both sides, the outer contour of the first region 121, which accommodates the first arc segment 033A, has an arc-shaped structure, matching the shape of the first arc segment 033A. The outer contour of the second region 122, which accommodates the second arc segment 033B, also has an arc-shaped structure, matching the shape of the second arc segment 033B. This effectively reduces the probability of the display screen colliding with the protruding block 11 when it falls in the closed state.

[0156] Figures 16 and 17 illustrate another avoidance structure provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figures 16 and 17 (Figure 17 is a detailed view of Figure 16 ), a protrusion 11 is provided on the first side of the shielding member 1 facing the display screen. The protrusion 11 surrounds the outer edge of the shielding member 1 and surrounds the recessed portion 12.

[0157] Figures 18 and 19 are exploded views showing the positional relationship between the shielding member 1 shown in Figure 16 and the display screen 03 in the closed state. When the display screen 03 is in the closed state, at least a portion of the projection of the third portion 033 on the shielding member 1 is located within the recess 12, which is used to accommodate at least a portion of the third portion 033 that is offset toward the shielding member.

[0158] In some falling scenarios, for example, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, when falling along the direction of the black arrow in Figure 20, the corner of the foldable electronic device away from the hinge structure 02 lands on the ground, or when falling along the direction of the black arrow in Figure 21, the corner of the foldable electronic device with the hinge structure 02 lands on the ground, as shown in Figure 22, the display screen 03 tilts relative to the hinge structure. In this case, a larger recessed portion 12 as shown in Figure 19 provided on the shielding member 1 can provide a larger accommodation space for the inclined bent portion 033.

[0159] In some feasible structures, as shown in FIG23 , an elastic structure 2 can be provided in the recessed portion 12 of the shielding member 1 . The elastic structure can play a buffering role. The elastic structure 2 is provided on the surface of the recessed portion 12 facing the side of the display screen.

[0160] When the display screen 03 deviates toward the shielding member 1 , the elastic structure 2 can provide elasticity and cushioning to prevent the display screen 03 from directly colliding with the shielding member 1 having higher strength. Thus, the elastic structure 2 can protect the display screen 03 .

[0161] There are many materials that can be selected for the elastic structure 2, for example, at least one of foam, rubber, and brush can be selected.

[0162] The elastic structure 2 can be adhered to the recessed portion through an adhesive layer, or can be arranged in the recessed portion using other connection structures.

[0163] FIG24 is another avoidance structure provided in an embodiment of the present application, and FIG25 shows a partial structure of the top view of FIG24 . As shown in FIG24 and FIG25 , on the first side of the shielding member 1 facing the display screen, when the display screen is in a flattened state, along the direction of the first middle frame pointed by the hinge structure, and in the direction of the edge pointed by the middle portion of the shielding member 1, the first side is inclined toward the second side (as shown in the inclined surface in FIG25 ). In some embodiments, the thickness of the middle portion of the shielding member 1 is thicker than the thickness of the edge of the shielding member 1, or the distance between the middle portion of the shielding member 1 and the side of the display screen is smaller than the distance between the edge of the shielding member 1 and the side of the display screen, and the edge of the shielding member 1 is further away from the side of the display screen relative to the middle portion. For example, when the display screen 03 is in a closed state, a larger falling space can be provided for the bent portion of the display screen.

[0164] In FIG25 , in order to clearly show the inclined surface, the dotted line in FIG25 indicates the position of the first side surface when it is not inclined.

[0165] Figure 26 exemplarily shows the positional relationship between the shielding member 1 and the display screen 03. Due to the inclined surface design of the first side surface of the shielding member 1 close to the edge position, as shown in Figure 26, the closer to the edge of the shielding member 1, the larger the gap d between the side surface of the display screen 03 and the shielding member 1.

[0166] For example, when the display screen 03 is in a closed state as shown in Figure 27, the first arc segment 033A and the second arc segment 033B of the bent part face the corresponding inclined surfaces. Since there is a large gap between the inclined surface and the arc segment, the arc segment has a larger falling buffer space, which reduces the risk of failure of the arc segment due to collision with the shielding member.

[0167] Returning to FIG. 24 , the top surface of the shielding member 1 near the edge is an inclined surface, which points in the middle of the shielding member 1 toward the edge and is inclined toward the connection between the shielding member 1 and the main shaft 201 .

[0168] As shown in the example of FIG24 , the top surface of the shielding member 1 is set as an inclined surface. When the first middle frame and the second middle frame rotate relative to the shaft structure, the inclined surface can be used to provide the rotating first and second middle frames with avoidance space, thereby ensuring smooth rotation of the first and second middle frames.

[0169] Among the various avoidance structures described above, some examples employ a protrusion on the first side of the shielding member 1 facing the display screen, creating a recessed portion on the first side to accommodate a shifted display screen. Other examples employ a beveled edge on the first side to create an inclined surface, which increases the distance between the display screen and the shielding member to accommodate a shifted display screen.

[0170] In other examples, an inclined surface may also be provided on a shielding member 1 having a protruding block. For example, in FIG28 , when a protruding block 11 is provided on the first side surface of the shielding member 1, the inclined surface may be formed with the center of the first side surface pointing toward the edge and the first side surface tilted toward the second side surface.

[0171] In this way, the distance between the display screen 03 and the shielding member 1 can be further increased, the falling buffer space of the display screen can be further increased, and the falling reliability of the display screen can be improved.

[0172] FIG29 is a structural diagram of another shielding member according to an embodiment of the present application, FIG30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG29 , and FIG31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG29 .

[0173] As shown in Figure 29, this example improves the structure of the bottom of the shielding member 1 (the location shown in the dashed box). The AA section shown in Figure 30 is closer to the edge of the shielding member 1 than the BB section shown in Figure 31. That is, the BB section in Figure 31 is closer to the middle of the shielding member 1, while the AA section in Figure 30 is closer to the edge of the shielding member 1. The AA and BB sections are along a first direction. The first direction in this example can be understood as: the display is flattened, and the hinge structure points toward the first middle frame.

[0174] 29 , 30 and 31 , in this example, along the first direction, in the direction where the edge of the shielding member points to the middle, the first side surface of the shielding member and the portion close to the bottom of the shielding member are inclined toward the second side surface.

[0175] Alternatively, it can be understood as follows: as shown in Figure 30, near the edge of the shielding member 1, the distance between the first side surface and the second side surface is S1; and as shown in Figure 31, near the middle of the shielding member 1, the distance between the first side surface and the second side surface is S2, with S1 being greater than S2. In other words, in the first direction, the thickness of the bottom portion of the shielding member 1 decreases from thick to thin from the edge to the middle of the shielding member. The thickness here refers to the distance between the first side surface and the second side surface.

[0176] In some usage scenarios, for example, when the display screen is in a closed state, the shielding member 1 falls toward the ground and will be tilted toward the display screen due to the impact. The thicker edge of the shielding member 1 can reduce the offset of the shielding member 1 toward the display screen, thereby reducing the risk of the display screen colliding with the shielding member and causing failure of the display screen.

[0177] In addition, the thicker edge of the shielding member 1 can increase the mechanical resistance of the entire shielding member and reduce the risk of the shielding member falling and breaking.

[0178] In addition, in the example of the present application, the structure that changes from thick to thin is located at the bottom of the shielding member 1. The area on the bottom of the shielding member 1 can accommodate the bent display screen and also provide space for the bent display screen.

[0179] As shown in Figure 29, in this example, a protruding block 11 protruding toward the display screen is provided on the first side surface of the shielding member 1 and near the center of the top of the shielding member 1. In other examples, the first side surface of the shielding member 1 may not be provided with a protruding block.

[0180] As shown in FIG29 , the bottom of the shielding member 1 has an area with the smallest thickness (the dimension from the first side to the second side) (such as the Q area in FIG29 ), and the protruding block 11 on the shielding member 1 can be arranged opposite to the Q area with the smallest thickness.

[0181] 32 and 33 , FIG33 is an enlarged view of point B in FIG32 . In order to accommodate the shielding member 1 , a first groove 011D may be formed on the first side frame 011B of the first middle frame 011 . The first groove 011D is used to accommodate at least part of the shielding member 1 .

[0182] In some examples, a second groove may be provided on the second side frame 012B of the second middle frame 012 , and the first groove and the second groove may cooperate with each other to accommodate the shielding member 1 .

[0183] As shown in Figure 34 , the first frame 011B of the first middle frame 011 has a first surface forming a first groove 011D, which may be surface A1 in Figure 34 . The second frame 012B of the second middle frame 012 has a second surface forming a second groove 012D, which may be surface A2 in Figure 34 . When the foldable display terminal 100 is in a flattened state, surface A1 faces surface A2, and at least a portion of the shielding member 1 is disposed in the space between surfaces A1 and A2.

[0184] As shown in Figure 35, Figure 35 exemplarily shows a structural diagram of a shielding member 1, which has opposite B1 and B2 surfaces, and a B3 surface connected between the B1 and B2 surfaces. The B3 surface can also be called the top surface of the shielding member 1.

[0185] As shown in Figures 36 and 37, Figure 37 shows an enlarged view of point C in Figure 36. When the foldable electronic device 100 is in a flattened state, surface A1 faces surface B1, with a gap between them; surface A2 faces surface B2, with a gap between them.

[0186] In some examples, when the display screen is flattened, the gap between surface A1 and surface B1 is smaller than the gap between the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012, and the gap between surface A2 and surface B2 is smaller than the gap between the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012.

[0187] In this way, when the foldable electronic device 100 in a flattened state falls along the direction (black arrow direction) from the first middle frame 011 to the second middle frame 012 as shown in Figure 33, the A1 surface of the first frame 011B can be pressed against and supported by the B1 surface of the shielding member 1, and the A2 surface of the second frame 012B can be pressed against and supported by the B2 surface of the shielding member 1, thereby reducing the large extrusion force generated by the mutual abutment between the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012, and protecting the internal structure of the entire machine from further extrusion impact.

[0188] In some scenarios, the foldable electronic device may fall in the manner shown in Figure 38, that is, when the foldable electronic device is in the closed state, the hinge structure 02 faces the ground. In order to avoid damage to the display screen or other internal components in this falling scenario, as shown in Figures 39 and 40, Figure 40 is a structural diagram of the foldable electronic device in the closed state, and Figure 40 is an enlarged view of point D in Figure 39. In Figure 40, the positional relationship between the first frame 011B of the first middle frame 011 and the shielding member 1 is shown. When the foldable electronic device is in the closed state, the A1 surface of the first frame 011B faces the B3 surface of the shielding member 1, and there is a gap between the A1 surface and the B3 surface; the A2 surface of the second frame 012B faces the B3 surface of the shielding member 1, and there is a gap between the A2 surface and the B3 surface (not shown in the figure).

[0189] As shown in Figure 40, the orthographic projection of surface A1 on surface B3 overlaps at least partially with surface B3, and the orthographic projection of surface A2 on surface B3 overlaps at least partially with surface B3, as shown in Figure 40. In this way, when the foldable electronic device falls to the ground in the scenario shown in Figures 38 and 39 (indicated by the black arrows), both surface A1 and surface A2 can abut against surface B3 of the shielding member 1 to support each other, thereby reducing the amount of fall of the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012, ensuring that the screen space where the display screen 03 is located is not compressed, protecting the display screen and the internal structure of the entire device from being squeezed and impacted.

[0190] Figure 41 is an exploded schematic diagram of the main shaft 021, shielding member 1, and display screen 03 in an example of this application. Figure 42 is an enlarged view of point E in Figure 41. Main shaft 021 is located on the non-display side of display screen 03. Main shaft 021 includes a first surface facing the non-display side of display screen 03 and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The non-display side of the display screen is the side opposite the display surface. The first surface, near the shielding member, is inclined. In the middle of the main shaft, the inclined surface is inclined toward the second surface, with a gap between the inclined surface and the non-display side of the display screen. When the display screen is pointing toward the main shaft, the projection of the display screen on the first surface is at least partially located on the inclined surface.

[0191] Alternatively, in some examples, it can be understood that: as shown in Figure 41, the surface of the main shaft 021 used for connecting to the shielding member 1 can be called the connecting surface, which faces the non-display surface of the display screen, and the surface of the main shaft 021 opposite the connecting surface can be called the back surface. The area of ​​the connecting surface close to the shielding member 1 is an inclined surface, which points toward the end in the middle of the main shaft 201 and is inclined toward the back surface.

[0192] When the display screen 03 is in a flattened state or a closed state, the inclined surface faces the display screen 03 , and there is a gap between the inclined surface and the display screen, and the gap is used to accommodate the display screen 03 that is offset toward the inclined surface.

[0193] It can also be understood that: in the direction from the middle of the main shaft 201 to the end, the gap between the display screen 03 and the main shaft 021 becomes larger and larger.

[0194] When a foldable electronic device in a flattened or closed state falls to the ground in the direction of the black arrow shown in Figure 39, the display screen 03 can be offset toward the main axis 021. Since the end of the main axis 021 adopts an inclined surface design, there is a large distance between the part of the display screen 03 close to the shielding member 1 and the main axis 021. In this way, the falling display screen 03 can have a larger falling buffer space, weakening the degree of extrusion impact between the falling display screen 03 and the main axis 021, alleviating the risk of failure of the display screen due to extrusion, and protecting the display screen.

[0195] In some examples, as shown in FIG42 , the inclination angle α of the inclined surface on the main shaft 021 may be 3° to 45°, for example, α=10°, or α=20°.

[0196] In some possible implementations, the inclined surface shown in FIG. 42 may be a flat surface.

[0197] To increase the display's drop buffer space and improve its reliability, this application also provides a feasible structure, as shown in Figure 43. In this example, the first surface of the main shaft 021 facing the non-display surface of the display 03 (or the surface connected to the shielding member 1) has a concave cavity in the area near the shielding member and near the middle of the shielding member 1. There is a gap between the non-display surface of the display and the bottom of the concave cavity.

[0198] For example, as shown in FIG44 , the display screen 03 is in a closed state, and the display screen 03 includes a bent portion facing the shielding member, and along the thickness direction of the main axis (the H direction in FIG44 ), the projection of the bent portion on the first surface is at least partially located in the concave cavity.

[0199] For another example, as shown in FIG45 , the display screen 03 is in a flattened state, and the display screen includes a flattened portion facing the shielding member, and along the thickness direction of the main axis (H direction in FIG45 ), the projection of the flattened portion on the first surface is at least partially located in the concave cavity.

[0200] As shown in Figures 44 and 45 , the concave cavity can provide more space for the display screen when it is closed or flat. For example, when the main shaft falls toward the ground, the concave cavity can provide space for the display screen to fall, protecting the display screen and reducing the risk of the display screen colliding with the main shaft.

[0201] The thickness direction of the main axis of the example of the present application, such as the H direction in Figures 44 and 45, can be understood as the direction perpendicular to the surface of the display screen when the display screen is in a flat state.

[0202] Returning to FIG43 , in this example, the thickness of the bottom portion of the shielding member 1 can gradually decrease from thick to thin as it moves from the edge to the middle of the shielding member. The bottom portion of the shielding member 1 has a region (such as region Q in FIG43 ) with the smallest thickness (the dimension from the first side surface to the second side surface), and the location of the cavity can correspond to the location of region Q, where the thickness is the smallest.

[0203] Alternatively, in some examples, as shown in FIG43 , a protruding block 11 protruding toward the display screen is provided on the first side surface of the shielding member 1 and near the top center of the shielding member 1 .

[0204] As shown in Figure 43, the protruding block on the shielding member 1 can be arranged opposite to the Q region with the smallest thickness. The position of the cavity can correspond to the position of the Q region with the smallest thickness.

[0205] In some feasible processes, the shielding member 1 structure shown in FIG43 can be manufactured in one piece by injection molding.

[0206] In the foldable electronic device 100 of the example of the present application, as shown in Figure 46, Figure 46 shows a decomposed schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device. In addition to the first middle frame 011, the second middle frame 012, the display screen 03 and the hinge structure, the foldable electronic device can also include a decorative frame 3. The decorative frame 3 is arranged on the outer edge of the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012, and the edge of the display screen 03 is fixed between the middle frame and the decorative frame 3.

[0207] When the flattened foldable electronic device falls in the direction of the black arrow shown in Figure 46, that is, when the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012 are facing the ground, the flattened display screen 03 may arch. In some scenarios, the arched display screen 03 may collide with the decorative frame 3, which may cause the display screen 03 to fail.

[0208] In order to avoid squeezing between the arched display screen 03 and the decorative frame 3, or between the display screen 03 and the middle frame, as shown in Figures 47 and 48, a groove 4 can be provided on at least one of the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012, near the hinge structure 02. The projected portion of the display screen 03 on the first middle frame is located in the groove 4 of the first middle frame, and the projected portion of the display screen 03 on the second middle frame is located in the groove 4 of the second middle frame. The groove 4 is used to accommodate the deformed display screen 03.

[0209] Along the thickness direction of the middle frame, in some examples, the groove 4 may not pass through the middle frame; in other examples, the groove 4 may pass through the middle frame.

[0210] In the examples of Figures 47 and 48, the first middle frame 011 and the second middle frame 012 are partially lowered near the hinge structure 02 to increase the Z-direction space (space along the thickness direction of the electronic device), so that a portion of the arched display screen can be redundantly placed in the groove 4 of the middle frame, greatly reducing the risk of failure of the screen hitting the decorative frame.

[0211] When the foldable electronic device falls along the direction of Figure 46, the part of the display screen 03 close to the end of the hinge structure 02 arches and deforms more than other parts. Then, as shown in Figures 47 and 48, the groove 4 opened on the middle frame is set close to the end of the hinge structure 02.

[0212] 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.

[0213] 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 foldable electronic device, characterized in that: include: A first middle frame and a second middle frame; A rotating shaft structure, wherein the first middle frame and the second middle frame are arranged on both sides of the rotating shaft structure; A display screen is arranged on one side of the hinge structure, and the first middle frame and the second middle frame move toward or away from each other through the hinge structure, so that the display screen switches between a flat state and a closed state; The end of the rotating shaft structure includes a shielding member, and along the axis direction of the rotating shaft structure, the shielding member includes a first side surface and a second side surface facing back to back, and the first side surface faces the side surface of the display screen; A partial area of ​​the first side surface has an avoidance space, and along the axial direction of the rotating shaft structure, a projection of the display screen on the first side surface is at least partially located in the avoidance space.

2. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first side surface of the shielding member has a recessed portion that is recessed toward the second side surface, and the avoidance space is located in the recessed portion.

3. The foldable electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The display screen includes a first portion facing the shielding member, and along the axis direction of the rotating shaft structure, a projection of at least a portion of the first portion on the first side surface is located in the recessed portion.

4. The foldable electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the display screen is in a closed state, the first portion is in a bent state, and along the axis direction of the rotating shaft structure, a projection of at least part of the bent portion on the first side surface is located in the recessed portion; When the display screen is in the flattened state, the first portion is in the flattened state, and along the axis direction of the rotating shaft structure, a projection of at least part of the flattened portion on the first side surface is located in the recessed portion.

5. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: Along the first direction, in the direction in which the edge of the shielding member points to the middle, the portion on the first side surface of the shielding member and close to the bottom of the shielding member is inclined toward the second side surface; The first direction is the direction in which the hinge structure points to the first middle frame when the display screen is in the flattened state.

6. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: On the first side of the shielding member, there is a protruding block protruding toward the display screen near the middle of the top of the shielding member, and there is a distance between the protruding block and the bottom of the shielding member. The part of the first side that is recessed relative to the protruding block forms the recessed portion.

7. The foldable electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The recessed portion includes a first area located on one side of the protruding block, a second area located on the other side of the protruding block, and a third area located between the protruding block and the bottom of the shielding member; The display screen is in the closed state, and the display screen includes a first arc segment, a second arc segment, and an intermediate arc segment connected between the first arc segment and the second arc segment; The first area faces the first arc segment, and along the axis direction of the rotating shaft structure, a projection of the first arc segment on the first side surface is at least partially located in the first area; The second area faces the second arc segment, and along the axis direction of the rotating shaft structure, a projection of the second arc segment on the first side surface is at least partially located in the second area; The third area faces the middle arc segment, and along the axial direction of the rotating shaft structure, a projection of the middle arc segment on the first side surface is at least partially located in the third area.

8. The foldable electronic device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: When the display screen is in the flattened state, the recessed portion below the protruding block faces at least part of the side surface of the display screen, and along the axial direction of the rotating shaft structure, the projection of the display screen on the first side surface is at least partly located in the recessed portion below the protruding block.

9. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that: When the display screen is in the flattened state or the closed state, the protruding block faces the side surface of the display screen, and there is a gap between the protruding block and the side surface of the display screen.

10. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The first side surface of the shielding member has a protruding block arranged around an edge, and the protruding block arranged around the edge surrounds the recessed portion.

11. The foldable electronic device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The display screen is in the closed state, and the display screen includes a first arc segment, a second arc segment, and an intermediate arc segment connected between the first arc segment and the second arc segment; Along the axial direction of the rotating shaft structure, projections of the first arc segment, the second arc segment and the middle arc segment on the first side surface are at least partially located in the recessed portion.

12. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that: An elastic structure is arranged in the recessed portion.

13. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: Along a first direction, in a direction from the middle of the shielding member to the edge, the first side surface is inclined toward the second side surface; The first direction is the direction in which the hinge structure points to the first middle frame when the display screen is in the flattened state.

14. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The hinge structure includes a main shaft, which is located on the non-display surface side of the display screen. The end of the main shaft includes the shielding member. The main shaft includes a first surface facing the non-display surface of the display screen and a second surface back to back with the first surface. The non-display surface of the display screen is the side opposite to the display surface.

15. The foldable electronic device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The area of ​​the first surface close to the shielding member is an inclined surface, which is in the middle of the main axis and points to the end direction. The inclined surface is inclined toward the second surface, and there is a gap between the inclined surface and the non-display surface of the display screen; When the display screen points to the main axis direction, the projection of the display screen on the first surface is at least partially located on the inclined surface.

16. The foldable electronic device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: A concave cavity is provided in a region of the first surface close to the shielding member and close to the middle of the shielding member, and a gap is provided between the non-display surface of the display screen and the bottom surface of the concave cavity.

17. The foldable electronic device according to claim 16, characterized in that: When the display screen is in the closed state, the display screen comprises a bent portion facing the shielding member, and along the thickness direction of the main axis, a projection of the bent portion on the first surface is at least partially located in the concave cavity; The display screen is in the flattened state, and includes a flattened portion facing the shielding member, and along the thickness direction of the main axis, a projection of the flattened portion on the first surface is at least partially located in the concave cavity.

18. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that: A groove is provided on at least one of the first middle frame and the second middle frame at a position close to the hinge structure, and when the display screen points to the first middle frame, a projection of the display screen on the first middle frame is at least partially located in the groove.

19. The foldable electronic device according to claim 18, characterized in that: The groove is arranged close to the end of the rotating shaft structure.

20. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that: A first groove is formed at an edge of the first middle frame, and a second groove is formed at an edge of the second middle frame; The shielding member is arranged in a space enclosed by the first groove and the second groove; The edge of the first middle frame has a first surface surrounding the first groove, and the edge of the second middle frame has a second surface surrounding the second groove; When the display screen is in the closed state, the first surface faces the top surface of the shielding member, a gap is provided between the first surface and the top surface of the shielding member, and the second surface faces the top surface of the shielding member, a gap is provided between the second surface and the top surface of the shielding member.

Images