Foldable device

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of terminal products. Provided is a foldable device. The foldable device comprises a first structural member, a second structural member, a third structural member, a first rotary shaft mechanism, a second rotary shaft mechanism and a flexible screen. One end of the first structural member is rotationally connected to the second structural member by means of the first rotary shaft mechanism, and the other end of the first structural member is rotationally connected to the third structural member by means of the second rotary shaft mechanism. The flexible screen comprises a support layer and a cover plate layer, wherein the support layer is fixedly connected to one portion of the first structural member and the second structural member, and the cover plate layer is fixedly connected to the other portion of the first structural member and the third structural member, or the second structural member and the third structural member are folded towards different sides of the first structural member, respectively. In this way, during the folding of the foldable device, both the support layer and the cover plate layer are less likely to be squeezed or stretched due to dislocated superposition, which can reduce the risk of damaging the flexible screen.

Description

Foldable devices

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on September 21, 2023, with application number 202311228256.3 and application name “Foldable Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of terminal products, and in particular to a foldable device. Background Art

[0003] With the development of electronic device technology such as smartphones and tablets, the display screens of electronic devices are becoming larger and larger to improve the user experience. However, when the display screen area of ​​an electronic device is larger, the overall size of the electronic device becomes larger, making it inconvenient to carry. To make electronic devices with larger display screens more convenient to carry, foldable devices such as foldable phones and foldable computers with flexible screens have emerged. Foldable devices can be folded and flattened. When folded, they have a smaller size, making them easier to carry. When unfolded, they have a larger display screen, providing a better user experience.

[0004] Generally, foldable devices are mostly two-fold structures. A foldable device with a two-fold structure includes a flexible screen, two structural members, and a rotating shaft mechanism that rotatably connects the two structural members. The flexible screen is fixedly connected to the surfaces of the two structural members.

[0005] However, with the diversification of user needs, foldable devices with a two-fold structure can no longer meet the needs of some users, and foldable devices with a three-fold structure or above have emerged. In foldable devices with a three-fold structure or above, the flexible screen fixedly connected to the surface of three structural parts is at greater risk of damage.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The foldable device provided in the embodiment of the present application can reduce the risk of damage to the flexible screen fixedly connected to the surfaces of three structural members.

[0008] On the one hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable device, comprising a shell assembly and a flexible screen provided on the surface of the shell assembly. The flexible screen comprises a support layer and a cover layer, the support layer is located on the side of the flexible screen facing the shell assembly, and the cover layer is located on the side of the flexible screen facing away from the shell assembly. The shell assembly comprises a first structural member, a second structural member, a third structural member, a first rotating shaft mechanism, and a second rotating shaft mechanism. The first structural member comprises a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end being rotatably connected to the second structural member via a first rotating shaft mechanism, and the second end being rotatably connected to the third structural member via a second rotating shaft mechanism. The first structural member comprises a first side surface, the first side surface being located on one side in the thickness direction of the first structural member, and the first side surface comprising a first region and a second region. The second structural member and the first region are fixedly connected to the support layer via a first fixed connection structure, and the third structural member and the second region are fixedly connected to the cover layer via a second fixed connection structure.

[0009] In the foldable device of the above embodiment, when the foldable device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, the portion of the support layer opposite to the second structural member, and the portion of the support layer opposite to the area between the second structural member and the first area will not shift relative to the shell assembly, and the portion of the support layer opposite to the third structural member, and the portion of the support layer opposite to the area between the third structural member and the first area will shift in the same direction as a whole. The support layer will not have a superposition of shifts caused by the two parts of the support layer shifting in opposite directions due to the rotation of the second structural member and the third structural member relative to the first structural member, and will not cause the support layer to be squeezed or pulled itself and damaged due to the superposition of shifts. When the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the portion of the cover layer opposite to the third structural member, and the portion of the cover layer opposite to the area between the third structural member and the second area will not shift relative to the shell assembly. The portion of the cover layer opposite to the second structural member, and the portion of the cover layer opposite to the area between the second structural member and the second area will shift in the same direction as a whole. The cover layer will not shift in opposite directions due to the rotation of the second structural member and the third structural member relative to the first structural member, resulting in superposition of shifts. The cover layer itself will not be squeezed or pulled due to superposition of shifts, causing damage to the cover layer. In this way, the risk of damage to the flexible screen can be reduced. In addition, based on the low risk of damage to the flexible screen, there are fewer restrictions on the folding form and folding method of foldable devices with a three-fold structure or above.

[0010] In a possible implementation, when the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member and the third structural member are located on the same side of the first structural member in a thickness direction.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member and the third structural member are located on one side of a first direction of the first structural member, wherein the first direction is a direction in which the first side surface points toward the flexible screen along the thickness direction of the first structural member.

[0012] In one possible embodiment, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member and the third structural member are located on one side of the first structural member in a second direction. The first structural member further includes a second side surface opposite the first side surface, and the second direction is the direction of the second side surface facing away from the flexible screen along the thickness direction of the first structural member.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, when the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member is located on one side of the first structural member in the first direction. The second structural member includes opposing third and fourth ends, the first end being rotatably connected to the third end via a first hinge mechanism, and one end of the flexible screen being located between the third and fourth ends. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, a first gap exists between the cover layer and the fourth end. When the foldable device is in the folded state, a second gap exists between the cover layer and the fourth end. The first gap is greater than the second gap.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, when the foldable device is in the folded state, the third structural member is located on one side of the first structural member in the second direction. The third structural member includes opposing fifth and sixth ends, the second end being rotatably connected to the fifth end via a second hinge mechanism, and one end of the flexible screen being located between the fifth and sixth ends. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, a third gap exists between the support layer and the sixth end. When the foldable device is in the folded state, a fourth gap exists between the support layer and the sixth end. The third gap is greater than the fourth gap.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the flexible screen further includes a display layer located between the cover layer and the support layer. The cover layer includes a fixing area protruding from an outer edge of the display layer, and the second fixing connection structure is located in the fixing area.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the first rotating shaft mechanism is fixedly connected to the supporting layer via a first fixed connection structure.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the second rotating shaft mechanism is fixedly connected to the cover plate layer via a second fixed connection structure.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, the first fixed connection structure and the second fixed connection structure are both adhesive structures. The second structural member and the first region are adhesively fixed to the support layer via the first fixed connection structure, and the third structural member and the second region are adhesively fixed to the cover layer via the second fixed connection structure.

[0019] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application provides another foldable device, comprising a shell assembly and a flexible screen provided on the surface of the shell assembly. The flexible screen comprises a support layer and a cover layer, wherein the support layer is located on the side of the flexible screen facing the shell assembly, and the cover layer is located on the side of the flexible screen facing away from the shell assembly. The shell assembly comprises a first structural member, a second structural member, a third structural member, a first rotating shaft mechanism, and a second rotating shaft mechanism. The first structural member comprises a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end being rotatably connected to the second structural member via a first rotating shaft mechanism, and the second end being rotatably connected to the third structural member via a second rotating shaft mechanism. The first structural member comprises a first side surface and a second side surface, the first side surface and the second side surface being respectively located on both sides of the thickness direction of the first structural member, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member is located on one side of the second direction of the first structural member, and the third structural member is located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member, wherein the first direction is the direction in which the first side surface (130) points to the flexible screen along the thickness direction of the first structural member, and the second direction is the direction in which the second side surface faces away from the flexible screen along the thickness direction of the first structural member. One of the support layer and the cover layer is fixedly connected to the first side surface, the second structural member, and the third structural member.

[0020] In the foldable device of the above embodiment, a layer of the support layer and the cover layer that is fixedly connected to the first side surface, the second structural member and the third structural member will not shift relative to the shell assembly, and a layer of the support layer and the cover layer that is fixedly connected to the first side surface, the second structural member and the third structural member will not have the problem of damage to the cover layer due to the two parts of the layer shifting in opposite directions, causing the layer itself to be squeezed or pulled. The rotation of the second structural member and the third structural member relative to the first structural member can cause a layer of the support layer and the cover plate layer that is not fixedly connected to the first side surface, the second structural member and the third structural member to shift in the same direction. That is to say, for a layer of the support layer and the cover plate layer that is not fixedly connected to the first side surface, the second structural member and the third structural member, the shift caused by the rotation of the second structural member relative to the first structural member can supplement the shift caused by the rotation of the third structural member relative to the first structural member, so that a layer of the support layer and the cover plate layer that is not fixedly connected to the first side surface, the second structural member and the third structural member shifts in one direction as a whole, and a layer of the support layer and the cover plate layer that is not fixedly connected to the first side surface, the second structural member and the third structural member will not have the problem of the cover plate layer being damaged due to the two parts of the layer being squeezed or pulled in opposite directions. In this way, the risk of damage to the flexible screen can be reduced.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, the first side surface, the second structural member, and the third structural member are fixedly connected to the support layer via a first fixed connection structure.

[0022] In a possible implementation, at least one of the first rotating shaft mechanism and the second rotating shaft mechanism is fixedly connected to the support layer via a first fixed connection structure.

[0023] In one possible embodiment, the third structural member includes opposing fifth and sixth ends, the second end being rotatably connected to the fifth end via a second hinge mechanism, and one end of the flexible screen being located between the fifth and sixth ends. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, a fifth gap is defined between the cover layer and the sixth end. When the foldable device is in the folded state, a sixth gap is defined between the cover layer and the sixth end. The fifth gap is greater than the sixth gap.

[0024] In a possible implementation manner, the first side surface, the second structural member, and the third structural member are fixedly connected to the cover plate layer via a second fixed connection structure.

[0025] In a possible implementation, at least one of the first rotating shaft mechanism and the second rotating shaft mechanism is fixedly connected to the cover plate layer via a second fixed connection structure.

[0026] In one possible embodiment, the second structural member includes opposing third and fourth ends, the first end being rotatably connected to the third end via a first hinge mechanism, and one end of the flexible screen being located between the third and fourth ends. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, a seventh distance is defined between the support layer and the fourth end. When the foldable device is in the folded state, an eighth distance is defined between the support layer and the fourth end. The seventh distance is greater than the eighth distance.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, one of the support layer and the cover layer is bonded and fixed to the first side surface, the second structural member, and the third structural member through an adhesive structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in an unfolded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided by an embodiment of the present application in an unfolded state;

[0030] FIG3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a flexible screen of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in one embodiment;

[0032] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in another embodiment;

[0033] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in yet another embodiment;

[0034] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in yet another embodiment;

[0035] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a first side surface of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of a cover layer of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a connection between a flexible screen of a foldable device and a second fixed connection structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the AA plane in FIG1 .

[0047] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 10, housing assembly; 100, first structural member; 110, first end; 120, second end; 130, first side; 131, first area; 132, second area; 140, second side; 200, second structural member; 210, third end; 220, fourth end; 300, third structural member; 310, fifth end; 320, sixth end; 400, first rotating shaft mechanism; 500, second rotating shaft mechanism; 600, flexible screen; 610, supporting layer; 620, cover layer; 621, display area; 622, fixing area; 630, display layer; 710, first fixed connection structure; 720, second fixed connection structure; L1, first interval; L2, second interval; L3, third interval; L4, fourth interval; L5, fifth interval; L6, sixth interval; L7, seventh interval; L8, eighth interval; x, first direction; y, second direction; M1, shifting direction of the cover layer; M2, shifting direction of the support layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The terms used in the implementation section of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The implementation of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Embodiments of the present application provide a foldable device that has both a folded state and an unfolded state. This foldable device can change its form by folding and unfolding to meet the needs of users in different scenarios. For example, when carried, it can be folded to reduce the length or width of the foldable device; when in use, it can be unfolded to increase the display area for display or operation. It should be noted that a foldable device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal.

[0050] The foldable devices provided in the embodiments of the present application may include, but are not limited to, foldable electronic products such as mobile phones, tablet personal computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers, multimedia players, e-book readers, in-vehicle devices, or wearable devices. Wearable devices may include, but are not limited to, smart bracelets, smart watches, smart head-mounted displays, smart glasses, and the like. The embodiments of the present application take a mobile phone as an example for explanation.

[0051] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application in an unfolded state.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, in an embodiment of the present application, a foldable device includes a foldable housing assembly 10 and a flexible screen 600 provided on the surface of the housing assembly 10. The housing assembly 10 includes a first structural member 100, a second structural member 200, a third structural member 300, a first rotating shaft mechanism 400, and a second rotating shaft mechanism 500. One end of the first structural member 100 is rotatably connected to the second structural member 200 via the first rotating shaft mechanism 400, and the end of the first structural member 100 that is away from the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 is rotatably connected to the third structural member 300 via the second rotating shaft mechanism 500, so that the foldable device can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0053] When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, the second structural member 200 and the first structural member 100 rotate to an angle of approximately 180° between them, and the third structural member 300 and the first structural member 100 rotate to an angle of approximately 180° between them. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the angle of approximately 180° referred to in this application document may not be an absolute 180° due to design tolerances and other reasons, and slight deviations, such as 165°, 177°, or 185°, are permitted.

[0054] When the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member 200 and the first structural member 100 rotate to overlap each other, and the third structural member 300 rotates to overlap each other with the first structural member 100. At this time, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 can be located on the same side of the first structural member 100 in the thickness direction, or the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 can be located on different sides of the first structural member 100 in the thickness direction.

[0055] Of course, the foldable device also has an intermediate state during the switching process between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0056] The axes of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 are parallel to each other. The axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 can be the length direction of the foldable device, and the axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 can also be the width direction of the foldable device.

[0057] In the example where the axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 is the length direction of the foldable device, when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, the second structural member 200, the first structural member 100 and the third structural member 300 are arranged side by side along the width direction of the foldable device.

[0058] In the example where the axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 is the width direction of the foldable device, when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, the second structural member 200, the first structural member 100 and the third structural member 300 are arranged side by side along the length direction of the foldable device.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present application, the flexible screen 600 is arranged on the surface of the first structural member 100, the second structural member 200, the third structural member 300, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500. The first structural member 100, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are all fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600. The first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 can be used to support the flexible screen 600. The flexible screen 600 can be used to display information and provide an interactive interface for the user.

[0060] Exemplarily, the flexible screen 600 may include but is not limited to an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode or an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MID) display, a micro light-emitting diode (MID) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MID) display, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QDLD) display, etc.

[0061] When the second structural member 200 rotates relative to the first structural member 100, the second structural member 200 can drive the part of the flexible screen 600 fixedly connected to the second structural member 200 to rotate relative to the first structural member 100. When the third structural member 300 rotates relative to the first structural member 100, the third structural member 300 can drive the part of the flexible screen 600 fixedly connected to the third structural member 300 to rotate relative to the first structural member 100, so that when the foldable device switches between the unfolded state and the folded state, the flexible screen 600 is flattened and bent under the drive of the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300.

[0062] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application in an unfolded state.

[0063] As shown in Figure 2, the first structural member 100 includes a first end 110 and a second end 120 relative to each other, the second structural member 200 includes a third end 210 and a fourth end 220 relative to each other, and the third structural member 300 includes a fifth end 310 and a sixth end 320 relative to each other. The first end 110 of the first structural member 100 is rotatably connected to the third end 210 of the second structural member 200 via a first rotating shaft mechanism 400, and the second end 120 of the first structural member 100 is rotatably connected to the fifth end 310 of the third structural member 300 via a second rotating shaft mechanism 500.

[0064] The first structural member 100 further includes a first side surface 130 and a second side surface 140, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the thickness direction of the first structural member 100. The first side surface 130 is fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, the second structural member 200, which is used to fix the side surface of the flexible screen 600, and the third structural member 300, which is used to fix the side surface of the flexible screen 600, face the same direction as the first side surface 130.

[0065] The first structural member 100 may include a first middle frame and a first back cover (not shown). The first middle frame is fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600 and the first back cover on both sides in the thickness direction. The second structural member 200 may include a second middle frame and a second back cover (not shown). The second middle frame is fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600 and the second back cover on both sides in the thickness direction. The third structural member 300 may include a third middle frame and a third back cover (not shown). The third middle frame is fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600 and the third back cover on both sides in the thickness direction.

[0066] FIG3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a flexible screen 600 of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, in the embodiment of the present application, the flexible screen 600 includes a multi-layer structure arranged in a stacked manner, and the multi-layer structure includes a support layer 610, a display layer 630, and a cover layer 620. The support layer 610 is located on the side of the flexible screen 600 facing the housing assembly 10, the cover layer 620 is located on the side of the flexible screen 600 facing away from the housing assembly 10, and the display layer 630 is located between the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620.

[0068] The support layer 610 can be a screen bamboo book layer. The support layer 610 is used to increase the structural strength of the flexible screen 600. The support layer 610 can be made of one or more of stainless steel thin materials, titanium alloy thin materials, copper alloy thin materials, aluminum alloy thin materials, etc.

[0069] The cover layer 620 can be used to protect the display layer 630. The cover layer 620 is made of a transparent material, and light emitted by the display layer 630 can be emitted through the cover layer 620. For example, the cover layer 620 can be made of one or more of polyimide (PI) film, colorless polyimide (CPI) film, ultra-thin glass (UTG) film, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.

[0070] The display layer 630 may include a plurality of pixel units, and the pixel units may emit light toward the cover layer 620 to display an image through the cover layer 620 .

[0071] It should be noted that there may be other structural layers between the display layer 630 and the cover layer 620 and between the display layer 630 and the support layer 610 .

[0072] The flexible screen 600 can be fixedly connected to the housing assembly 10 through at least one of a first fixed connection structure 710 (as shown in FIG4 below) and a second fixed connection structure 720 (as shown in FIG5 below). One end of the first fixed connection structure 710 is fixedly connected to the support layer 610, and the other end of the first fixed connection structure 710 is fixedly connected to the housing assembly 10. One end of the second fixed connection structure 720 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620, and the other end of the second fixed connection structure 720 is fixedly connected to the housing assembly 10.

[0073] For example, the first fixed connection structure 710 may include but is not limited to an adhesive structure, a welding structure, a clamping structure, etc. The second fixed connection structure 720 may include but is not limited to an adhesive structure, a welding structure, a clamping structure, etc.

[0074] During the transition between the unfolded and folded states of the foldable device, that is, during the flattening and bending of the flexible screen 600, the structural layers of the flexible screen 600 that are not fixedly connected to the housing assembly 10 may shift. Because the cover layer 620 and the support layer 610 are located on opposite sides of the thickness of the flexible screen 600, the magnitude of the shifting between the cover layer 620 and the support layer 610 is relatively large.

[0075] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in one embodiment, wherein M1 is the staggered direction of the cover layer 620, the x direction is the first direction, and the y direction is the second direction. The first direction is the direction in which the first side surface 130 points toward the flexible screen 600 along the thickness direction of the first structural component 100, and the second direction is the direction in which the second side surface 140 points away from the flexible screen 600 along the thickness direction of the first structural component 100.

[0076] As shown in Figure 4, in some embodiments, the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are all fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via a first fixed connection structure 710, so that the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600. When the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member 100. In this embodiment, the rotation of the second structural member 200 toward the first side 130 will cause the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 to shift in a direction away from the first end 110, and the rotation of the third structural member 300 toward the first side 130 will cause the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 to shift in a direction away from the second end 120. That is, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the shift of the cover layer 620 caused by the rotation of the second structural member 200 and the shift of the cover layer 620 caused by the rotation of the third structural member 300 are in opposite directions, and the effect of the shift will be superimposed on the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130, so that the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 will be squeezed toward the middle of the portion, which may easily cause the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 to arch or be squeezed.

[0077] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in another embodiment.

[0078] As shown in Figure 5, in some other embodiments, the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are all fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via a first fixed connection structure 710, so that the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600. When the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the second direction. In this embodiment, the rotation of the second structural member 200 toward the second side 140 will cause the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 to shift in a direction away from the second end 120, and the rotation of the third structural member 300 toward the second side 140 will cause the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 to shift in a direction away from the first end 110. That is, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the shifting direction of the cover layer 620 caused by the rotation of the second structural member 200 and the shifting direction of the cover layer 620 caused by the rotation of the third structural member 300 are opposite, and the shifting effect will be superimposed on the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130, so that the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 will be pulled in the direction of the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300, which may easily cause the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the first side 130 to be damaged.

[0079] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in yet another embodiment, wherein M2 is the staggering direction of the support layer 610 .

[0080] As shown in Figure 6, in some further embodiments, the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are all fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via a second fixed connection structure 720, so that the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600. When the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member 100. In this embodiment, the rotation of the second structural member 200 toward the first side 130 will cause the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 to shift in a direction away from the second end 120, and the rotation of the third structural member 300 toward the first side 130 will cause the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 to shift in a direction away from the first end 110. That is, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the shifting direction of the support layer 610 caused by the rotation of the second structural member 200 and the shifting direction of the support layer 610 caused by the rotation of the third structural member 300 are opposite, and the shifting effect will be superimposed on the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130, so that the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 will be pulled toward the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300, which may easily cause the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 to be damaged.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a foldable device in yet another embodiment.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, in some further embodiments, the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are all fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via a second fixed connection structure 720, so that the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the flexible screen 600. When the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the second direction. In this embodiment, the rotation of the second structural member 200 toward the second side 140 will cause the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 to shift in a direction away from the first end 110, and the rotation of the third structural member 300 toward the second side 140 will cause the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 to shift in a direction away from the second end 120. That is, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the shift of the support layer 610 caused by the rotation of the second structural member 200 and the shift of the support layer 610 caused by the rotation of the third structural member 300 are in opposite directions, and the shift effect will be superimposed on the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130, so that the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 will be squeezed toward the middle of the portion, which may easily cause the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the first side 130 to arch or be squeezed.

[0083] In summary, in the above four embodiments, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the risk of damage to the flexible screen 600 is relatively high.

[0084] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application, and FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a first side 130 of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0085] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, based on this, in some embodiments of the present application, the first side 130 of the foldable device includes a first area 131 and a second area 132, the second structural member 200 and the first area 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 through a first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second area 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 through a second fixed connection structure 720.

[0086] In this way, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the second structural member 200, and the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the area between the second structural member 200 and the first area 131 will not shift relative to the shell assembly 10. The portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the third structural member 300, and the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the area between the third structural member 300 and the first area 131 will shift in the same direction as a whole. The support layer 610 will not shift in opposite directions due to the rotation of the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 relative to the first structural member 100, and the support layer 610 will not be squeezed or pulled by itself due to the superposition of two opposite shifts, thereby causing damage to the support layer 610. When the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the third structural member 300, and the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the area between the third structural member 300 and the second area 132 will not shift relative to the shell assembly 10. The portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the second structural member 200, and the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the area between the second structural member 200 and the second area 132 will shift as a whole in the same direction. The cover layer 620 will not shift in opposite directions due to the rotation of the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 relative to the first structural member 100. The cover layer 620 itself will not be squeezed or pulled due to the superposition of two opposite shifts, thereby causing damage to the cover layer 620. In this way, the risk of damage to the flexible screen 600 can be reduced. In addition, based on the low risk of damage to the flexible screen 600, there are fewer restrictions on the folding form and folding method of foldable devices with a three-fold or higher structure.

[0087] For example, the second regions 132 may be located at both sides of the first side surface 130 in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 . At least a portion of the first region 131 may be located between the second regions 132 at both sides of the first side surface 130 .

[0088] In this way, the fixed connection area between the first side surface 130 and the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 can be made larger, so that the fixed connection between the first side surface 130 and the flexible screen 600 is more stable.

[0089] Exemplarily, the first region 131 and the second region 132 may also be arranged along the extension direction of the first end 110 and the second end 120 , with the first region 131 close to the first end 110 and the second region 132 close to the second end 120 .

[0090] In some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 is fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710.

[0091] This facilitates controlling the deformation of the portion of the flexible screen 600 that faces the first hinge mechanism 400 during the transition between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable device. Furthermore, after the first hinge mechanism 400 is secured to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, it does not affect the movement of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620.

[0092] In some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0093] This helps control the deformation of the portion of the flexible screen 600 that faces the second hinge mechanism 500 during the transition between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable device. Furthermore, after the second hinge mechanism 500 is secured to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, it does not affect the movement of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620.

[0094] In some examples, the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on the same side of the first structural member 100 in the thickness direction.

[0095] In this way, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 can be folded toward the same side of the first structural member 100 without causing damage to the flexible screen 600 by squeezing or pulling the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 due to misalignment. In addition, when the foldable device switches between the folded state and the unfolded state, the user only needs to operate on the same side of the first structural member 100, which is more convenient for the user.

[0096] In some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via a first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via a second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member 100.

[0097] In this way, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the flexible screen 600 is blocked by the first structural member 100, the second structural member 200, the third structural member 300, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500, and the first structural member 100, the second structural member 200, the third structural member 300, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 can protect the flexible screen 600. In addition, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the third structural member 300, and the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the area between the third structural member 300 and the first region 131 are shifted as a whole in the direction away from the sixth end 320, and the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the second structural member 200, and the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the area between the second structural member 200 and the second region 132 are shifted as a whole in the direction away from the second end 120. In this way, when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, one end of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 can be placed in contact with the sixth end 320.

[0098] In some examples, in which the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via a first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via a second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member 100. One end of the flexible screen 600 is located between the third end 210 and the fourth end 220. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, a first distance L1 is defined between the cover layer 620 and the fourth end 220. When the foldable device is in the folded state, a second distance L2 is defined between the cover layer 620 and the fourth end 220. The first distance L1 is greater than the second distance L2. In other words, the first distance L1 allows the end of the cover layer 620, which is closer to the fourth end 220, to move toward the fourth end 220 when the foldable device is switched to the folded state.

[0099] In this way, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, it is less likely that the cover layer 620 will be squeezed against the second structural member 200 due to displacement, thereby causing damage to the flexible screen 600.

[0100] In some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on the same side in the thickness direction of the first structural member 100, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are both stacked on the surface of the first structural member 100, and the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on the same layer.

[0101] In this way, the foldable device can be made thinner when folded.

[0102] As shown in Figure 9, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via a first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via a second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on the same side of the thickness direction of the first structural member 100, and one of the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 is located between the other of the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 and the first structural member 100.

[0103] In this way, the foldable device can be made smaller in length or width after being folded.

[0104] As shown in Figure 9, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the third structural member 300 is located between the first side surface 130 and the second structural member 200.

[0105] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0106] As shown in Figure 10, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located between the first side surface 130 and the third structural member 300.

[0107] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0108] As shown in Figure 11, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are located on one side of the second direction of the first structural member 100.

[0109] In this way, when the foldable device is in the folded state, a portion of the flexible screen 600 is exposed, and the exposed portion of the flexible screen 600 can be used to realize the display function. In addition, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the portion of the support layer 610 opposite the third structural member 300 and the portion of the support layer 610 opposite the area between the third structural member 300 and the first region 131 are shifted as a whole in a direction away from the first end 110. The portion of the cover layer 620 opposite the second structural member 200 and the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite the area between the second structural member 200 and the second region 132 are shifted as a whole in a direction away from the fourth end 220. In this way, when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, one end of each of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 can be placed in contact with the fourth end 220.

[0110] In some examples, in which the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in the folded state, the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the second direction. One end of the flexible screen 600 is located between the fifth end 310 and the sixth end 320. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, a third distance L3 is defined between the support layer 610 and the sixth end 320. When the foldable device is in the folded state, a fourth distance L4 is defined between the support layer 610 and the sixth end 320. The third distance L3 is greater than the fourth distance L4. In other words, the third distance L3 allows the end of the support layer 610 near the sixth end 320 to move toward the sixth end 320 when the foldable device is switched to the folded state.

[0111] In this way, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, it is less likely that the support layer 610 will be squeezed against the third structural member 300 due to displacement, thereby causing damage to the flexible screen 600.

[0112] As shown in Figure 11, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the third structural member 300 is located between the second side surface 140 and the second structural member 200.

[0113] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0114] As shown in Figure 12, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located between the second side surface 140 and the third structural member 300.

[0115] In this way, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the exposed part of the cover layer 620 will not increase the distance between it and the sixth end 320 due to the movement. The movement of the cover layer 620 is not easily discovered by the user, and has little impact on the user's use of the exposed part of the flexible screen 600.

[0116] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0117] As shown in Figure 13, in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the second direction of the first structural member 100, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member 100. At this time, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the third structural member 300, and the portion of the support layer 610 opposite to the area between the third structural member 300 and the first area 131 are shifted as a whole in the direction away from the sixth end 320, and the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the second structural member 200, and the portion of the cover layer 620 opposite to the area between the second structural member 200 and the second area 132 are shifted as a whole in the direction away from the fourth end 220. In this way, when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, one end of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 can be attached to the fourth end 220, and the other end of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 can be attached to the sixth end 320.

[0118] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0119] As shown in FIG14 , in some examples where the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via a first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via a second fixed connection structure 720, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a first direction, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in a second direction. In this case, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the portion of the support layer 610 facing the third structural member 300 and the portion of the support layer 610 facing the region between the third structural member 300 and the first region 131 are displaced as a whole in a direction away from the first end 110, and the portion of the cover layer 620 facing the second structural member 200 and the portion of the cover layer 620 facing the region between the second structural member 200 and the second region 132 are displaced as a whole in a direction away from the second end 120. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, a first distance L1 is defined between the cover layer 620 and the fourth end 220, and a third distance L3 is defined between the support layer 610 and the sixth end 320. When the foldable device is in the folded state, a second distance L2 is defined between the cover layer 620 and the fourth end 220, and a fourth distance L4 is defined between the support layer 610 and the sixth end 320. The first distance L1 is greater than the second distance L2, and the third distance L3 is greater than the fourth distance L4.

[0120] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0121] As shown in Figure 15, in some other embodiments of the present application, one of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 is fixedly connected to the first side 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300. When the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the second direction of the first structural member 100, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member 100.

[0122] In this way, a layer of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 that is fixedly connected to the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 will not shift relative to the shell assembly 10, and a layer of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 that is fixedly connected to the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 will not be squeezed or pulled by the two parts of the layer shifting in opposite directions, so that the layer is not easily damaged by the superposition of two shifts in opposite directions. The rotation of the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 relative to the first structural member 100 can cause the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 that are not fixedly connected to the first side 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 to shift in the same direction. That is, for the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 that are not fixedly connected to the first side 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300, the shift caused by the rotation of the second structural member 200 relative to the first structural member 100 can shift the third structural member 300 relative to the first side 130. The shifting caused by the rotation of the first structural member 100 is compensated, so that a layer of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 that is not fixedly connected to the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 shifts in one direction as a whole. The layer of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 that is not fixedly connected to the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 will not be squeezed or pulled by the shifting of the two parts of the layer in opposite directions, making the layer less likely to be damaged by the superposition of the two opposite shifting directions. In this way, the risk of damage to the flexible screen 600 can be reduced.

[0123] In some examples, when one of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 is fixedly connected to the first side 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300, when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the second direction of the first structural member 100, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member 100, the first side 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via a first fixed connection structure 710.

[0124] In this way, the fixed connection between the flexible screen 600 and the housing assembly 10 does not affect the layout of the display layer 630 of the flexible screen 600, and has little impact on the layout and display effect of the display area 621 (as shown in Figure 17 below) of the flexible screen 600, which is conducive to the narrow bezel design of the foldable device. In addition, when the foldable device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the cover layer 620 as a whole shifts in the direction away from the fourth end 220. In this way, when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, one end of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 can be arranged in contact with the fourth end 220.

[0125] In some examples where the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the second direction of the first structural member 100, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member 100, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 is fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710.

[0126] This facilitates controlling the deformation of the portion of the flexible screen 600 that faces the first hinge mechanism 400 during the transition between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable device. Furthermore, after the first hinge mechanism 400 is fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, it does not affect the shifting of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620. Furthermore, the first hinge mechanism 400 is fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, which does not affect the arrangement of the display layer 630 of the flexible screen 600. This has minimal impact on the arrangement of the display area 621 of the flexible screen 600 and the display effect, thus facilitating the narrow-frame design of the foldable device.

[0127] In some examples where the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the second direction of the first structural member 100, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member 100, the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 is fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710.

[0128] This facilitates controlling the deformation of the portion of the flexible screen 600 that faces the second hinge mechanism 500 during the transition between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable device. Furthermore, after the second hinge mechanism 500 is fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, it does not affect the shifting of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620. Furthermore, the second hinge mechanism 500 is fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, which does not affect the arrangement of the display layer 630 of the flexible screen 600. This has minimal impact on the arrangement of the display area 621 of the flexible screen 600 and the display effect, thus facilitating the narrow-frame design of the foldable device.

[0129] In some examples, the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710. When the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the second direction, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the first direction. One end of the flexible screen 600 is located between the fifth end 310 and the sixth end 320. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, a fifth distance L5 is defined between the cover layer 620 and the sixth end 320. When the foldable device is in the folded state, a sixth distance L6 is defined between the cover layer 620 and the sixth end 320. The fifth distance L5 is greater than the sixth distance L6. In other words, the fifth distance L5 allows the end of the cover layer 620, which is closer to the sixth end 320, to move toward the sixth end 320 when the foldable device is switched to the folded state.

[0130] In this way, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, it is less likely that the cover layer 620 will be squeezed against the third structural member 300 due to displacement, thereby causing damage to the flexible screen 600.

[0131] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of another foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0132] As shown in Figure 16, one of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 is fixedly connected to the first side 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300. When the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the second direction of the first structural member 100, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member 100. In some examples, the first side 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via a second fixed connection structure 720.

[0133] In this way, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the cover layer 620 does not shift, minimizing the impact on the user's use of the exposed portion of the flexible screen 600 when the foldable device is in the folded state. Furthermore, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, the support layer 610 as a whole shifts away from the sixth end 320. This allows one end of both the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620 to be positioned flush against the sixth end 320 when the foldable device is in the unfolded state.

[0134] In some examples where the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, and the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the second direction of the first structural member 100, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member 100, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0135] This facilitates controlling the deformation of the portion of the flexible screen 600 that faces the first hinge mechanism 400 during the transition between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable device. Furthermore, after the first hinge mechanism 400 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, it does not affect the shifting of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620.

[0136] In some examples where the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 through the second fixed connection structure 720, and the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the second direction of the first structural member 100, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member 100, the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 through the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0137] This helps control the deformation of the portion of the flexible screen 600 that faces the second hinge mechanism 500 during the transition between the folded and unfolded states of the foldable device. Furthermore, after the second hinge mechanism 500 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, it does not affect the shifting of the support layer 610 and the cover layer 620.

[0138] In some examples, the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200, and the third structural member 300 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720. When the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member 200 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the second direction, and the third structural member 300 is located on one side of the first structural member 100 in the first direction. One end of the flexible screen 600 is located between the third end 210 and the fourth end 220. When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, a seventh distance L7 is defined between the support layer 610 and the fourth end 220. When the foldable device is in the folded state, an eighth distance L8 is defined between the support layer 610 and the fourth end 220. The seventh distance L7 is greater than the eighth distance L8. In other words, the seventh distance L7 allows the end of the support layer 610, which is closer to the fourth end 220, to move toward the fourth end 220 when the foldable device is switched to the folded state.

[0139] In this way, when the foldable device switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, it is less likely that the support layer 610 will be squeezed against the second structural member 200 due to displacement, thereby causing damage to the flexible screen 600.

[0140] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a cover layer 620 of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the connection between a flexible screen 600 and a second fixed connection structure 720 of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0141] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, in some examples with a second fixed connection structure 720, the cover layer 620 includes a display area 621 and a fixed area 622, the orthographic projection of the display area 621 along the thickness direction of the flexible screen 600 coincides with the orthographic projection of the display layer 630 along the thickness direction of the flexible screen 600, the fixed area 622 protrudes from the outer edge of the display layer 630, and the second fixed connection structure 720 is located at the fixed area 622, that is, the second fixed connection structure 720 is located at the edge of the cover layer 620 protruding from the display layer 630, and the second fixed connection structure 720 fixes the cover layer 620 protruding from the edge of the display layer 630 to the shell assembly 10.

[0142] In this way, the second fixed connection structure 720 has little impact on the display effect of the flexible screen 600.

[0143] FIG19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the AA plane in FIG1 .

[0144] As shown in Figure 19, in an example in which the first side surface 130 includes a first area 131 and a second area 132, the first area 131 is fixedly connected to the support layer 610 through a first fixed connection structure 710, and the second area 132 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 through a second fixed connection structure 720, the display area 621 is connected to fixed areas 622 on both sides of the axial direction of the first hinge mechanism 400, and the first side surface 130 has second areas 132 opposite to the fixed areas 622 at both side edges of the axial direction of the first hinge mechanism 400, and the fixed areas 622 located on both sides of the display area 621 in the axial direction of the first hinge mechanism 400 are fixedly connected to the second areas 132 located on both sides of the axial direction of the first hinge mechanism 400 on the second fixed connection structure 720, that is, the edges of the cover layer 620 on both sides of the axial direction of the first hinge mechanism 400 protrude from the display layer 630, and are fixedly connected to the first side surface 130 on both sides of the axial direction of the first hinge mechanism 400 through the second fixed connection structure 720. In the axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400, the first area 131 can be located between the second areas 132 on the two side edges of the first side surface 130, that is, the first fixed connection structure 710 connected to the first area 131 can be located between the second fixed connection structures 720 set on the two side edges of the first side surface 130 in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft mechanism 400.

[0145] In some examples where the first hinge mechanism 400 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720 , the cover layer 620 protrudes from the display layer 630 at edges on both axial sides of the first hinge mechanism 400 and is fixedly connected to the first hinge mechanism 400 via the second fixed connection structure 720 .

[0146] In some examples where the second hinge mechanism 500 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via a second fixed connection structure 720 , the cover layer 620 protrudes from the display layer 630 at edges on both axial sides of the second hinge mechanism 500 and is fixedly connected to the second hinge mechanism 500 via the second fixed connection structure 720 .

[0147] In some examples where the second structural member 200 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the edges of the cover layer 620 on both axial sides of the first hinge mechanism 400 can protrude from the display layer 630 and be fixedly connected to the second structural member 200 via the second fixed connection structure 720. When one end of the flexible screen 600 is located between the third end 210 and the fourth end 220, the edge of the cover layer 620 on the side closest to the fourth end 220 can also protrude from the display layer 630 and be fixedly connected to the second structural member 200 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0148] In some examples where the third structural member 300 is fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the edges of the cover layer 620 on both axial sides of the second hinge mechanism 500 may protrude from the display layer 630 and be fixedly connected to the third structural member 300 via the second fixed connection structure 720. When one end of the flexible screen 600 is located between the fifth end 310 and the sixth end 320, the edge of the cover layer 620 on the side closest to the sixth end 320 may also protrude from the display layer 630 and be fixedly connected to the third structural member 300 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0149] In some examples having the first fixed connection structure 710, the first fixed connection structure 710 may be an adhesive structure. That is, one end of the first fixed connection structure 710 is adhesively fixed to the support layer 610, and the other end of the first fixed connection structure 710 is adhesively fixed to the housing assembly 10. For example, the first fixed connection structure 710 may be adhesive-backed.

[0150] In this way, it is more convenient to fix the support layer 610 and the shell assembly 10 through the first fixed connection structure 710 .

[0151] In some examples having the second fixing structure 720, the second fixing structure 720 may be an adhesive structure. That is, one end of the second fixing structure 720 is adhesively fixed to the cover layer 620, and the other end of the second fixing structure 720 is adhesively fixed to the housing assembly 10. For example, the second fixing structure 720 may be a sealant.

[0152] In this way, it is more convenient to fix the cover layer 620 and the shell assembly 10 through the second fixed connection structure 720 .

[0153] In some examples in which the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the second structural member 200 and the first region 131 are bonded and fixed to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, the third structural member 300 and the second region 132 are bonded and fixed to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 can be bonded and fixed to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 can be bonded and fixed to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0154] In some examples where the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are all fixedly connected to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are all bonded and fixed to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710, and the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 can both be bonded and fixed to the support layer 610 via the first fixed connection structure 710.

[0155] In some examples where the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are all fixedly connected to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, the first side surface 130, the second structural member 200 and the third structural member 300 are all bonded and fixed to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720, and the first rotating shaft mechanism 400 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 500 can both be bonded and fixed to the cover layer 620 via the second fixed connection structure 720.

[0156] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, internal communication between two components, or an interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on specific circumstances.

[0157] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the description and claims of the embodiments of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0158] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, ordinary technicians in this field should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. These modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A foldable device, characterized in that: It comprises a housing component (10) and a flexible screen (600) arranged on the surface of the housing component (10); The flexible screen (600) comprises a support layer (610) and a cover layer (620), wherein the support layer (610) is located on a side of the flexible screen (600) facing the housing assembly (10), and the cover layer (620) is located on a side of the flexible screen (600) facing away from the housing assembly (10); The housing assembly (10) comprises a first structural component (100), a second structural component (200), a third structural component (300), a first rotating shaft mechanism (400) and a second rotating shaft mechanism (500); The first structural member (100) comprises a first end (110) and a second end (120) opposite to each other, the first end (110) being rotatably connected to the second structural member (200) via the first rotating shaft mechanism (400), and the second end (120) being rotatably connected to the third structural member (300) via the second rotating shaft mechanism (500); The first structural member (100) comprises a first side surface (130), the first side surface (130) is located at one side in a thickness direction of the first structural member (100), and the first side surface (130) comprises a first region (131) and a second region (132); The second structural member (200) and the first region (131) are fixedly connected to the support layer (610) via a first fixed connection structure (710), and the third structural member (300) and the second region (132) are fixedly connected to the cover layer (620) via a second fixed connection structure (720).

2. The foldable device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member (200) and the third structural member (300) are located on the same side of the first structural member (100) in a thickness direction.

3. The foldable device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member (200) and the third structural member (300) are located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member (100); The first direction is a direction in which the first side surface (130) points toward the flexible screen (600) along the thickness direction of the first structural component (100).

4. The foldable device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the foldable device is in the folded state, the second structural member (200) and the third structural member (300) are located on one side of the first structural member (100) in the second direction; The first structural member (100) further includes a second side surface (140) opposite to the first side surface (130), and the second direction is a direction of the second side surface (140) facing away from the flexible screen (600) along the thickness direction of the first structural member (100).

5. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: When the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member (200) is located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member (100); The second structural member (200) comprises a third end (210) and a fourth end (220) opposite to each other, the first end (110) is rotatably connected to the third end (210) via the first rotating shaft mechanism (400), and one end of the flexible screen (600) is located between the third end (210) and the fourth end (220); When the foldable device is in an unfolded state, a first interval (L1) is provided between the cover layer (620) and the fourth end (220); When the foldable device is in the folded state, a second interval (L2) is provided between the cover layer (620) and the fourth end (220); The first interval (L1) is greater than the second interval (L2).

6. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that: When the foldable device is in a folded state, the third structural member (300) is located on one side of the first structural member (100) in the second direction; The third structural member (300) comprises a fifth end (310) and a sixth end (320) opposite to each other, the second end (120) is rotatably connected to the fifth end (310) via the second rotating shaft mechanism (500), and one end of the flexible screen (600) is located between the fifth end (310) and the sixth end (320); When the foldable device is in an unfolded state, a third interval (L3) is provided between the support layer (610) and the sixth end (320); When the foldable device is in the folded state, a fourth interval (L4) is provided between the support layer (610) and the sixth end (320); The third interval (L3) is larger than the fourth interval (L4).

7. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The flexible screen (600) further comprises a display layer (630) located between the cover layer (620) and the support layer (610); The cover layer (620) comprises a fixing area (622) protruding from the outer edge of the display layer (630), and the second fixing connection structure (720) is located at the fixing area (622).

8. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first rotating shaft mechanism (400) is fixedly connected to the supporting layer (610) via the first fixed connection structure (710).

9. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The second rotating shaft mechanism (500) is fixedly connected to the cover plate layer (620) via the second fixed connection structure (720).

10. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The first fixed connection structure (710) and the second fixed connection structure (720) are both adhesive structures; The second structural member (200) and the first region (131) are bonded and fixed to the support layer (610) via the first fixed connection structure (710), and the third structural member (300) and the second region (132) are bonded and fixed to the cover layer (620) via the second fixed connection structure (720).

11. A foldable device, characterized in that: It comprises a housing component (10) and a flexible screen (600) arranged on the surface of the housing component (10); The flexible screen (600) comprises a support layer (610) and a cover layer (620), wherein the support layer (610) is located on a side of the flexible screen (600) facing the housing assembly (10), and the cover layer (620) is located on a side of the flexible screen (600) facing away from the housing assembly (10); The housing assembly (10) comprises a first structural component (100), a second structural component (200), a third structural component (300), a first rotating shaft mechanism (400) and a second rotating shaft mechanism (500); The first structural member (100) comprises a first end (110) and a second end (120) opposite to each other, the first end (110) being rotatably connected to the second structural member (200) via the first rotating shaft mechanism (400), and the second end (120) being rotatably connected to the third structural member (300) via the second rotating shaft mechanism (500); The first structural member (100) comprises a first side surface (130) and a second side surface (140), the first side surface (130) and the second side surface (140) are respectively located on both sides of the thickness direction of the first structural member (100), when the foldable device is in a folded state, the second structural member (200) is located on one side of the second direction of the first structural member (100), and the third structural member (300) is located on one side of the first direction of the first structural member (100), wherein the first direction is the direction of the first side surface (130) pointing toward the flexible screen (600) along the thickness direction of the first structural member (100), and the second direction is the direction of the second side surface (140) facing away from the flexible screen (600) along the thickness direction of the first structural member (100); One of the support layer (610) and the cover layer (620) is fixedly connected to the first side surface (130), the second structural member (200) and the third structural member (300).

12. The foldable device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first side surface (130), the second structural member (200) and the third structural member (300) are fixedly connected to the support layer (610) via a first fixed connection structure (710).

13. The foldable device according to claim 12, characterized in that: At least one of the first rotating shaft mechanism (400) and the second rotating shaft mechanism (500) is fixedly connected to the supporting layer (610) via the first fixed connection structure (710).

14. The foldable device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The third structural member (300) comprises a fifth end (310) and a sixth end (320) opposite to each other, the second end (120) is rotatably connected to the fifth end (310) via the second rotating shaft mechanism (500), and one end of the flexible screen (600) is located between the fifth end (310) and the sixth end (320); When the foldable device is in an unfolded state, a fifth interval (L5) is provided between the cover layer (620) and the sixth end (320); When the foldable device is in the folded state, a sixth interval (L6) is provided between the cover layer (620) and the sixth end (320); The fifth interval (L5) is larger than the sixth interval (L6).

15. The foldable device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first side surface (130), the second structural member (200), and the third structural member (300) are fixedly connected to the cover plate layer (620) via a second fixed connection structure (720).

16. The foldable device according to claim 15, characterized in that: At least one of the first rotating shaft mechanism (400) and the second rotating shaft mechanism (500) is fixedly connected to the cover plate layer (620) via the second fixed connection structure (720).

17. The foldable device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that: The second structural member (200) comprises a third end (210) and a fourth end (220) opposite to each other, the first end (110) is rotatably connected to the third end (210) via the first rotating shaft mechanism (400), and one end of the flexible screen (600) is located between the third end (210) and the fourth end (220); When the foldable device is in an unfolded state, a seventh interval (L7) is provided between the support layer (610) and the fourth end (220); When the foldable device is in the folded state, an eighth interval (L8) is provided between the support layer (610) and the fourth end (220); The seventh interval (L7) is larger than the eighth interval (L8).

18. The foldable device according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that: One of the support layer (610) and the cover layer (620) is bonded and fixed to the first side surface (130), the second structural member (200) and the third structural member (300) via a bonding structure.

Images