Edge protection assembly and folding device

Abstract

An edge protection assembly (100) and a folding device (1000). The edge protection assembly (100) comprises a fixing member (110), a supporting member (120) and a flexible insert (130). An elastic sheet (131) is embedded in a flexible body (132) to integrally form the flexible insert (130), the flexible body (132) being easily bent and deformed, and the elastic sheet (131) providing a reinforcing function. The fixing member (110) is fixed on a rotating shaft assembly (200), the supporting member (120) is fixed on the fixing member (110), and a middle part (130a) in the length direction of the flexible insert (130) is connected to the supporting member (120). The flexible insert (130) is fixed in the middle and has free movement at both ends, and the flexible insert (130) can maintain coverage of the edge of a display surface (300a) portion of a flexible screen (300), to achieve edge protection of a bending area (302). Under long-term repeated bending, static bending, or high-temperature and high-humidity environments, the flexible insert (130) has relatively little deformation, and is not prone to creasing, arching or detachment; when unfolded, it can return to a flat, natural shape with high reliability. The flexible insert (130) helps to form a uniform bending shape when the flexible screen (300) is bent, reducing a compression force between the flexible insert (130) and the flexible screen (300) during a folding process, and preventing the flexible screen (300) from cracking and being damaged due to compression.

Description

Edge protection component and foldable device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on January 8, 2024, with application number 202410034881.2 and application name “An edge protection component and 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 electronic devices, and in particular to an edge protection component and a foldable device. Background Art

[0003] Foldable devices of related art offer a large display area when flattened, and a compact, portable design when closed. Edge protection components can be installed at the edges of the flexible screen's folding zone to provide shielding and protection. However, edge protection components of related art are prone to plastic deformation after prolonged bending, making it difficult to return to their natural shape when flattened, and prone to creases and bulging.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide an edge protection component and a foldable device, which solve the problem that edge protection components in related technologies are prone to creases and arches after being bent for a long time.

[0006] The embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] In the first aspect, the edge protection assembly provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to a foldable device having a hinge assembly and a flexible screen, and the edge protection assembly includes: a fixing member, a support member and a flexible insert. The fixing member is used to be fixed on the hinge assembly. In the axial direction of the hinge assembly, the projection of the fixing member covers part of the side surface of the flexible screen. The support member is fixed on the fixing member. In the thickness direction of the flexible screen, the projection of the flexible insert covers the edge of the bending area of ​​the display surface of the flexible screen. The middle part of the flexible insert in the length direction is connected to the support member. The flexible insert includes an elastic sheet and a flexible body, the elastic sheet is embedded in the flexible body, and the elastic sheet and the flexible body are an integrally formed structure.

[0008] Among them, the arrangement direction of the first body and the second body when the foldable device is in a flat state is defined as the X direction, the width direction of the foldable device or the axial direction of the hinge assembly is defined as the Y direction, and the thickness direction of the foldable device is defined as the Z direction. The thickness direction of the flexible screen in the flat state is also the Z direction. The X direction, Y direction and Z direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0009] The side of the flexible screen is the outer peripheral surface connecting the display surface and the back surface. The length direction (X direction) of the flexible insert is perpendicular to the axial direction (Y direction) of the hinge assembly. The middle of the flexible insert in the length direction (X direction) does not need to be the absolute middle position in the length direction, but rather the middle region of the flexible insert in the length direction.

[0010] The edge protection assembly provided in the embodiments of the present application comprises an elastic sheet embedded in a flexible body to form an integrally formed flexible insert. The flexible body is easily bent and deformed, and the elastic sheet serves as a reinforcement. A fixing member is fixed to the rotating shaft assembly, and a support member is fixed to the fixing member. The middle portion of the flexible insert is connected to the support member along its length. When the foldable device switches between the flat and closed states, the flexible insert is fixed in the middle and free to move at both ends. The flexible insert can maintain coverage of the edges of the bending zone of the display surface of the flexible screen, providing protection for the edges of the bending zone, reducing the ingress of dust, water, and other external foreign matter into the interior of the flexible screen, and also enhancing the aesthetics of the bending zone edge of the flexible screen. The flexible insert exhibits minimal deformation during repeated bending, static bending, or in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, making it less susceptible to creases, arching, or dislodging. When flattened, it returns to a smooth, natural shape, providing a good user experience, high reliability, and a long folding life. The flexible insert facilitates the formation of a uniform bending shape when the flexible screen is bent, reduces the mutual squeezing force between the flexible insert and the flexible screen during folding, and reduces the risk of cracks and damage to the flexible screen caused by squeezing.

[0011] In one optional implementation, the fixing member may be made of metal or plastic. The supporting member may also be made of metal or plastic. This facilitates secure connection of the fixing member to the rotating shaft assembly, and secure connection of the supporting member to the fixing member. The metal material may be stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum alloy, or magnesium alloy.

[0012] In an optional implementation, the fixing and supporting members can be manufactured using a metal injection process, which has high dimensional accuracy, good structural strength, and can provide better protection for the edges of the flexible screen. Alternatively, the fixing and supporting members can be manufactured using a process such as die casting.

[0013] In an optional implementation, the supporting member and the fixing member may be roughly plate-shaped, and the thickness direction of the fixing member and the thickness direction of the supporting member are the axial direction (Y direction) of the rotating shaft assembly.

[0014] In an optional implementation, the fixing member may include a plug-in portion and an assembly portion, the plug-in portion and the assembly portion are connected, the plug-in portion is used to be inserted in the shaft assembly, and the assembly portion is used to be connected to the support member.

[0015] In an optional implementation, the length of the plug-in portion in the X direction is smaller than the length of the assembly portion in the X direction, and the plug-in portion and the assembly portion are roughly T-shaped, which facilitates the plug-in portion to be inserted into the shaft assembly, and the two ends of the assembly portion are abutted against the surface of the shaft assembly to achieve the limiting of the fixing part.

[0016] In an optional implementation, the fixing member has a mounting groove on one side facing the flexible insert, and the support member is embedded in the mounting groove, so that the support member and the fixing member occupy less space along the axial direction (Y direction) of the rotating shaft assembly.

[0017] In an optional implementation, the fixing member and the supporting member may be connected by adhesive bonding, snap connection, welding, or fasteners (such as screws).

[0018] In an optional implementation, the support member and the fixing member are both roughly plate-shaped, the support member is embedded in the installation groove of the fixing member, and the buckle of the support member is buckled into the slot of the fixing member to ensure that the support member is reliably fixed on the fixing member.

[0019] In one optional implementation, the buckle and the slot are configured to have matching shapes so that the buckle is stably fastened to the slot. For example, the buckle has a cylindrical cross-section and the slot has a cylindrical cross-section; or the buckle extends in an L-shape and the slot has a rectangular cross-section.

[0020] In an optional implementation, the supporting member and the fixing member are both roughly plate-shaped, and the supporting member and the fixing member are welded to ensure that the supporting member is reliably fixed on the fixing member.

[0021] In an optional implementation, the supporting member and the fixing member are both roughly plate-shaped, and the fastener is passed through the supporting member and is threadedly connected to the fixing member, so that the supporting member is reliably fixed to the fixing member.

[0022] In one optional implementation, the flexible insert can be configured as a generally elongated strip. Both the elastic sheet and the flexible body in the flexible insert can extend along the edges of the bending region of the flexible screen, tightly connecting the elastic sheet and the flexible body. The flexible insert can be straight, partially curved, or have a curvature.

[0023] In one optional implementation, the elastic sheet has a first surface and a second surface facing each other. The first surface is positioned opposite the edge of the bending region of the display surface of the flexible screen, and the flexible body is positioned on the second surface. Using an integrated molding process allows for a thinner flexible insert, for example, approximately 0.1 mm thick, facilitating a thinner overall foldable device. The flexible body serves as the exterior surface, allowing the top of the flexible body to be visible from the outside without the elastic sheet, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing flexible insert.

[0024] In one optional implementation, the elastic sheet can be a thin plastic sheet or a thin metal sheet, the flexible body can be made of soft rubber, and the elastic sheet and the flexible body are formed into an insert injection molded structure. The elastic sheet is used as an insert, and the flexible body is injection molded to enclose the elastic sheet. The elastic sheet and the flexible body complement each other, and the connection between the two is stable, forming an integrated flexible insert with a small overall thickness, size, weight, and high reliability.

[0025] In an optional implementation, the elastic sheet may be a plastic sheet, such as a polyethylene terephthalate sheet, a polyimide sheet, etc. The elastic sheet may also be a metal sheet, such as a steel sheet.

[0026] In an optional implementation, the material of the flexible body can be a soft rubber that is resistant to high temperature and high humidity, such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane rubber, polyvinyl chloride soft rubber, rubber (such as silicone rubber, natural rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, hexamethylene propylene rubber, etc.) and other materials.

[0027] In an optional implementation, the flexible body has a first groove on the side facing the display surface of the flexible screen, and the elastic sheet is embedded in the first groove, so that the flexible body serves as an appearance part. The flexible body covers one surface of the elastic sheet, increasing the connection area between the flexible body and the elastic sheet, so that the connection between the flexible body and the elastic sheet is reliable.

[0028] In an optional implementation, the fixing member has a protruding first positioning portion, the supporting member has a protruding second positioning portion, and the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion clamp the middle portion of the flexible insert.

[0029] The first positioning portion of the fixing member and the second positioning portion of the supporting member clamp the middle portion of the flexible insert. The fixing member is fixed to the rotating shaft assembly, and the supporting member is fixed to the fixing member. This ensures that the middle portion of the flexible insert is rigidly fixed (fixed in the Z direction) while the ends are flexible and free to move. In this embodiment, the total thickness of the flexible insert clamped by the first and second positioning portions is reduced, which helps reduce the overall thickness of the foldable device corresponding to the middle portion of the flexible insert.

[0030] In one optional implementation, a third positioning portion is provided between the first and second positioning portions, while the first and second positioning portions clamp the middle portion of the flexible insert. The flexible insert has a positioning hole in the middle of its longitudinal direction, and the third positioning portion is inserted through the positioning hole. The third positioning portion is inserted through the middle positioning hole of the flexible insert, thereby reliably securing the middle portion of the flexible insert to the support member.

[0031] In one optional implementation, the third positioning portion is provided on a side of the second positioning portion facing the first positioning portion, and an end of the third positioning portion remote from the second positioning portion is connected to or in contact with the first positioning portion. This facilitates the molding and assembly of the fixing member having the first positioning portion and the supporting member having the second and third positioning portions.

[0032] In an optional implementation, the fixing member having the first positioning portion and the supporting member having the second positioning portion and the third positioning portion are both metal members. The third positioning portion on the second positioning portion of the supporting member passes through the middle positioning hole of the flexible insert, and the end of the third positioning portion and the first positioning portion of the fixing member are welded to ensure that the supporting member is reliably fixed on the fixing member. The first positioning portion and the second positioning portion jointly clamp the flexible insert, so that the middle part of the flexible insert is reliably fixed on the supporting member.

[0033] In an optional implementation, the third positioning portion may be provided on a side of the first positioning portion facing the second positioning portion, and one end of the third positioning portion away from the first positioning portion is connected to or in contact with the second positioning portion.

[0034] In an optional implementation, the flexible body includes a strip portion and a connecting portion, the strip portion is connected to the elastic sheet, the strip portion has a first side facing the fixing member, and the connecting portion is connected to the middle portion of the first side of the strip portion; the support member is embedded in the connecting portion, and the support member, the elastic sheet and the flexible body are an integrally formed structure.

[0035] The support member is embedded in the connection portion, providing support for the middle portion of the flexible insert. The fixing member is fixed to the shaft assembly, and the support member is fixed to the fixing member. The flexible insert is flexible overall, achieving a flexible and fixed middle portion while allowing for flexible and free movement at both ends. The flexible insert in this embodiment is very thin, which helps reduce the overall thickness of the foldable device corresponding to the middle portion of the flexible insert.

[0036] In an optional implementation, the fixing member is roughly plate-shaped, and the connecting portion can be plate-shaped, so that the thickness direction of the connecting portion is the same as the thickness direction of the fixing member, and both are arranged along the Y direction, so that the structure occupies a smaller space in the Y direction and has a compact structure.

[0037] In one optional implementation, the support member includes a support portion and an assembly portion connected to the support portion. The support portion is embedded in the connection portion, and the assembly portion is connected to the fixing member. The support member is used as an insert, and the connection portion is injection molded so that the support member is embedded in the connection portion, and the two are tightly connected. The assembly portion of the support member is the part used to connect to the fixing member.

[0038] In an optional implementation, the assembly portion and the fixing member may be connected by snap fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, fasteners (such as screws), and the like.

[0039] In an optional implementation, the assembly portion may be a clip provided at opposite ends of the support portion, and the two clips can be engaged with two slots of the fixing member to fix the support member on the fixing member.

[0040] In an optional implementation, the assembling portion is embedded in the mounting groove of the fixing member, and the assembling portion and the bottom surface of the mounting groove of the fixing member are bonded by colloid.

[0041] In one optional implementation, the connecting portion is located between the fixing member and the supporting member. The fixing member has a receiving groove on its side facing the supporting member, and the connecting portion is embedded in the receiving groove. This reduces the space occupied by the connecting portion and reduces the axial dimension of the edge protection assembly on the shaft assembly, thus allowing more space for assembling other components on the shaft assembly.

[0042] In an optional implementation, the supporting portion has a first mating hole, and the connecting portion has a first mating column, the first mating column is embedded in the first mating hole, and the wall surface of the first mating hole is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first mating column, so that the connecting portion and the supporting portion are tightly connected.

[0043] In an optional implementation, the support portion has a bent section extending toward the strip portion, and the bent section is embedded in the connection area between the connecting portion and the strip portion. The bent section can provide better support for the middle portion of the flexible insert in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] In an optional implementation, the support portion may not be provided with a bending section, and the vertically extending support portion can also support the middle portion of the flexible insert in the length direction.

[0045] In an optional implementation, both ends of the side of the flexible insert facing the fixing member have limiting portions, and the limiting portions extend along the thickness direction (Z direction) of the flexible screen.

[0046] In the axial direction (Y direction) of the hinge assembly, a third gap is formed between the first frame and the side of the flexible screen, and a fourth gap is formed between the second frame and the side of the flexible screen. The stopper at one end of the flexible insert is located in the third gap, and the stopper at the other end of the flexible insert is located in the fourth gap. This allows the ends of the flexible insert to move freely with the first and second bodies, and the flexible insert remains at the edge of the flexible screen and is unlikely to fall out of the edge of the flexible screen, providing reliable shielding and protection for the edge of the flexible screen and reducing the risk of the flexible insert falling out under external forces.

[0047] In an optional implementation, the limiting portion can be configured in a sheet shape to facilitate assembly in the gap between the first frame (second frame) and the flexible screen.

[0048] In one optional implementation, the position-limiting portion includes a flexible portion and a reinforcing portion. The flexible portion is connected to the flexible body, and the reinforcing portion is embedded in the flexible portion. The position-limiting portion, the elastic sheet, and the flexible body are integrally formed. The flexible portion and the reinforcing portion complement each other, and the connection between the two is stable.

[0049] In an optional implementation, the flexible portion has a second groove, and the reinforcement portion is embedded in the second groove. The flexible portion covers the reinforcement portion, increasing the connection area between the flexible portion and the reinforcement portion, making the connection between the flexible portion and the reinforcement portion reliable.

[0050] In an optional implementation, the reinforcement portion has a second mating hole, and the flexible portion has a second mating column. The second mating column is embedded in the second mating hole, and the wall surface of the second mating hole is connected to the outer circumference of the second mating column, so that the flexible portion and the reinforcement portion are tightly connected.

[0051] In an optional implementation, the limiting portion is a flexible portion, the flexible portion is connected to the flexible body, and the limiting portion, the elastic sheet, and the flexible body are integrally formed, which is easy to form and provides reliable connections between the flexible portion and the flexible body, and between the flexible body and the elastic sheet.

[0052] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable device, comprising: a hinge assembly, a first body, a second body, a flexible screen, and the above-mentioned edge protection assembly. The hinge assembly is located between the first body and the second body, and the first body and the second body are connected by the hinge assembly. The flexible screen has a display surface and a back surface facing each other, and the back surface of the flexible screen is fixed to the first body and the second body. An edge protection assembly can be provided on the hinge assembly to shield and protect the edge of the bending area of ​​the flexible screen, reduce the entry of external foreign matter such as dust and water into the interior of the flexible screen, and make the edge position of the bending area of ​​the flexible screen beautiful. The fixing part is fixed on the hinge assembly, and the support part is fixed on the side of the fixing part facing the side of the flexible screen. It takes up less space.

[0053] In an optional implementation, a first frame is provided on the first body, and a second frame is provided on the second body. In the thickness direction (Z direction) of the flexible screen, a first gap is formed between the first frame and the display surface of the flexible screen, and a second gap is formed between the second frame and the display surface of the flexible screen. One end of the flexible insert is located in the first gap, and the other end of the flexible insert is located in the second gap. The two ends of the flexible insert are limited, and one end of the flexible insert can move freely relative to the first frame and the flexible screen, and the other end of the flexible insert can move freely relative to the second frame and the flexible screen, thereby reducing the risk of the flexible insert moving out of the predetermined position.

[0054] In one optional implementation, the first frame has a first shielding portion near the hinge assembly, and the second frame has a second shielding portion near the hinge assembly. In the axial direction (Y direction) of the hinge assembly, the projection of the first shielding portion partially covers the fixing member, and the projection of the second shielding portion partially covers the fixing member. This protects the fixing member, reduces the risk of foreign matter such as particles entering the gap between the fixing member and the hinge assembly, improves reliability, and enhances the appearance of the hinge assembly end.

[0055] In one optional implementation, one end of the first body and one end of the second body can rotate relative to the hinge assembly, and the end of the first body away from the hinge assembly and the end of the second body away from the hinge assembly can move toward or away from each other. The flexible screen can bend or unfold in response to the position changes of the first and second bodies, allowing the foldable device to switch between a flattened state, an intermediate state, and a closed state.

[0056] In an optional implementation, the flexible screen has a first fixed area, a bending area and a second fixed area connected in sequence, the first fixed area is fixed on the first body, the second fixed area is fixed on the second body, and the bending area and the hinge assembly are correspondingly arranged.

[0057] In one optional implementation, the hinge assembly may include a hinge body, a hinge housing, a first plate, and a second plate. The hinge body and the hinge housing both extend in the Y direction, with the hinge body positioned proximate to the flexible screen, and the hinge housing positioned on a side of the hinge body away from the flexible screen. The first plate and the second plate are respectively connected to opposite sides of the hinge body along the X direction and are rotatable relative to the hinge body. The first plate and the second plate may be fixedly connected to the first and second bodies in a one-to-one correspondence using fasteners or other means, such that the first and second bodies can rotate relative to the hinge body.

[0058] In one optional implementation, both the first and second bodies may include a middle shell and a rear shell. The middle shell may be referred to as a middle frame. The rear shell is disposed on a side of the middle shell away from the flexible screen. The middle shell and rear shell may be assembled. The middle shell and rear shell may also be integrally molded.

[0059] In one optional implementation, a first frame is provided on the first body, located at the edge of the flexible screen corresponding to the first body. A second frame is provided on the second body, located at the edge of the flexible screen corresponding to the second body. The first frame can shield and protect the edge of the first fixed area of ​​the flexible screen, while the second frame can shield and protect the edge of the second fixed area of ​​the flexible screen, thereby reducing damage to the edge of the flexible screen and improving the appearance.

[0060] In an optional implementation, the first body and the first frame may be an assembled structure. The first body and the first frame may also be an integrally formed structure. The second body and the second frame may be an assembled structure. The second body and the second frame may also be an integrally formed structure.

[0061] In an optional implementation, an edge protection component can be provided at each end of the hinge assembly to shield and protect the edges of the bending areas of the flexible screen corresponding to the two ends of the hinge assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the edge protection assembly and the flexible screen in the foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0064] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable device of FIG2 in a closed state;

[0065] FIG4 is an exploded perspective view of the foldable device of FIG2 ;

[0066] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable device in FIG2 after the first frame is removed:

[0067] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a display screen, an edge protection assembly, and a hinge assembly in the foldable device of FIG2 ;

[0068] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the display screen, edge protection assembly, and rotating shaft assembly of FIG6 ;

[0069] FIG8 is a three-dimensional assembly diagram of an edge protection assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG9 is a perspective view of the edge protection assembly of FIG8 from another angle;

[0071] FIG10 is an exploded perspective view of the edge protection assembly of FIG8 ;

[0072] FIG11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the foldable device of FIG2 along line AA;

[0073] FIG12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the foldable device of FIG2 along line BB;

[0074] FIG13 is a perspective view of the edge protection assembly of FIG8 from another angle;

[0075] FIG14 is an exploded perspective view of the edge protection assembly of FIG13;

[0076] FIG15 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the edge protection assembly of FIG8 taken along line CC;

[0077] FIG16 is a perspective assembly diagram of an edge protection assembly provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG17 is a perspective view of the edge protection assembly of FIG16 from another angle;

[0079] FIG18 is an exploded perspective view of the edge protection assembly of FIG16 ;

[0080] FIG19 is a further exploded perspective view of the edge protection assembly of FIG18;

[0081] FIG20 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the edge protection assembly of FIG16 taken along line DD;

[0082] FIG21 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable device in a flattened state provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG22 is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the display screen and the edge protection assembly in the foldable device of FIG21 ;

[0084] FIG23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the foldable device of FIG21 taken along line EE.

[0085] Explanation of Reference Numerals: 1-shielding member; 1a-soft glue; 1b-steel sheet; 2-flexible screen; 1000-foldable device; 100-edge protection assembly; 110-fixing member; 111-plug-in portion; 112-assembly portion; 113-installation slot; 114-first positioning portion; 115-accommodation slot; 116-clip slot; 120-support member; 121-second positioning portion; 122-third positioning portion; 123-support portion; 1231-first mating hole; 1232-bending section; 124-assembly portion; 125-clip; 130-flexible insert; 130a-middle portion; 130b-end; 131-elastic sheet; 131a-first surface; 131b-second surface; 132-flexible body; 1321 - First groove; 132a - Strip portion; 1322 - First side; 1322a - Middle portion; 132b - Connecting portion; 1323 - First mating column; 133 - Positioning hole; 134 - Limiting portion; 134a - Flexible portion; 1341 - Second groove; 1342 - Second mating column; 134b - Reinforcement portion; 1343 - Second mating hole; 200 - Rotating shaft assembly; 200a - End portion; 210 - Rotating shaft body; 220 - Rotating shaft housing; 230 - First plate; 240 - Second plate; 300 - Flexible screen; 300a - Display surface; 300b - Back surface; 300c - Side surface; 301 - First fixing area; 302 - Bending area; 303 - Second fixing area; 400 - First body; 410 - Middle shell; 420 - Back shell; 500 - Second body; 600 - first frame; 601 - opening; 602 - first shielding portion; 611 - first gap; 612 - second gap; 613 - third gap; 700 - second frame; 701 - opening; 702 - second shielding portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not used to limit this application. Although the description of this application will be introduced in conjunction with some embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the purpose of introducing the application in conjunction with the embodiment is to cover other options or modifications that may be extended based on the claims of this application. In order to provide an in-depth understanding of the application, the following description will contain many specific details. This application can also be implemented without using these details. In addition, in order to avoid confusion or blurring the focus of this application, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that the embodiments in this application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other unless there is a conflict.

[0087] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being “fixed on” or “disposed on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being “connected to” another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0088] It should be understood that in the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. The orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0089] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0090] In the embodiments of this application, "and / or" is simply a description of the association relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0091] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in yet other embodiments" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more but not all embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0092] Referring to Figure 1 , an embodiment of the present application provides an edge protection assembly applicable to foldable devices. The edge protection assembly comprises a shielding member 1 that shields and protects the edge of the bending area of ​​a flexible screen 2. Shielding member 1 can be an integrated injection-molded structure consisting of a soft adhesive 1a wrapped around a steel sheet 1b, with soft adhesive 1a on both the top and bottom sides of the steel sheet 1b.

[0093] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in order to facilitate the description of the position and direction of the foldable device 1000 and the edge protection assembly 100 of the embodiment of the present application, the arrangement direction of the first body 400 and the second body 500 when the foldable device 1000 is in a flat state is defined as the X direction, the width direction of the foldable device 1000 or the axial direction of the hinge assembly 200 is defined as the Y direction, and the thickness direction of the foldable device 1000 is defined as the Z direction. The thickness direction of the flexible screen 300 in the flat state is also the Z direction. The X direction, Y direction and Z direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0094] 2 and 3 , an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable device 1000 , which may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, an e-book reader, a netbook, a personal digital assistant, a smart wearable device (such as a smart watch), etc.

[0095] 4 , an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable device 1000, comprising: a hinge assembly 200, a first body 400, a second body 500, a flexible screen 300, and an edge protection assembly 100. The hinge assembly 200 is located between the first body 400 and the second body 500, and the first body 400 and the second body 500 are connected by the hinge assembly 200. The flexible screen 300 has a display surface 300a and a back surface 300b facing each other, and the back surface 300b of the flexible screen 300 is fixed to the first body 400 and the second body 500. One end of the first body 400 and one end of the second body 500 can rotate relative to the hinge assembly 200, and the end of the first body 400 away from the hinge assembly 200 and the end of the second body 500 away from the hinge assembly 200 can move toward or away from each other. The flexible screen 300 can bend or unfold following the position changes of the first body 400 and the second body 500, so that the foldable device 1000 can switch between a flattened state, an intermediate state, and a closed state.

[0096] Referring to Figure 2, when the foldable device 1000 is in a flattened state, the first body 400 and the second body 500 are unfolded on both sides of the hinge assembly 200, with the first body 400 and the second body 500 being approximately 180° apart. The flexible screen 300 is unfolded and supported on the first body 400, the hinge assembly 200 and the second body 500.

[0097] Referring to Figure 3, when the foldable device 1000 is in the closed state, the first body 400 and the second body 500 are folded together to form a stacked structure, and the flexible screen 300 bends along with the first body 400 and the second body 500. The intermediate state of the foldable device 1000 is a state between the flattened state and the closed state.

[0098] The foldable device 1000 can be configured as an inward-folding structure. When the hinge assembly 200 is closed, a screen-accommodating space is formed between the first body 400, the hinge assembly 200, and the second body 500. The flexible screen 300 is partially bent and located within the screen-accommodating space. The bending shape of the flexible screen 300 is influenced by the hinge assembly 200. When the hinge assembly 200 is closed, the cross-section of the bent flexible screen 300 can have a teardrop-shaped or U-shaped curve.

[0099] Flexible screen 300 is used to display images and information. Flexible screen 300 can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a mini LED display, a micro LED display, a micro OLED display, a quantum dot LED display, or the like. A touch layer can be provided within flexible screen 300 to implement touch functionality.

[0100] Referring to Figures 2 and 4 , the flexible screen 300 comprises a first fixing area 301, a bending area 302, and a second fixing area 303, which are sequentially connected. The first fixing area 301 is fixed to the first body 400, and the second fixing area 303 is fixed to the second body 500. The bending area 302 corresponds to the hinge assembly 200. The first fixing area 301 and the first body 400, and the second fixing area 303 and the second body 500 can be connected using adhesive bonding or other methods.

[0101] When setting up the hinge assembly 200, referring to FIG. 4 , the hinge assembly 200 may include a hinge body 210, a hinge housing 220, a first plate 230, and a second plate 240. The hinge body 210 and the hinge housing 220 both extend along the Y direction, with the hinge body 210 positioned proximate to the flexible screen 300, and the hinge housing 220 positioned on the side of the hinge body 210 away from the flexible screen 300. The first plate 230 and the second plate 240 are respectively connected to opposite sides of the hinge body 210 along the X direction and are rotatable relative to the hinge body 210. The first plate 230 and the second plate 240 may be fixedly connected to the first body 400 and the second body 500 in a one-to-one correspondence manner using fasteners or the like, allowing the first body 400 and the second body 500 to rotate relative to the hinge body 210.

[0102] When setting the first body 400 and the second body 500, referring to Figure 2, the first body 400 and the second body 500 may each include a middle shell 410 and a rear shell 420. The middle shell 410 can be called a middle frame. The rear shell 420 is provided on the side of the middle shell 410 away from the flexible screen 300. The middle shell 410 and the rear shell 420 can be an assembled structure, for example, the middle shell 410 is fixed to the middle shell 410 by bonding, snapping, etc. The middle shell 410 and the rear shell 420 can also be an integrally molded structure. Circuit boards, batteries, receivers, speakers, cameras, antennas and other devices can be installed on the first body 400 and the second body 500. The circuit boards can be provided with devices such as processors and storage units.

[0103] To shield and protect the edges of the flexible screen 300, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, a first frame 600 is provided on the first body 400. The first frame 600 is located at the edge of the flexible screen 300 corresponding to the first body 400. A second frame 700 is provided on the second body 500. The second frame 700 is located at the edge of the flexible screen 300 corresponding to the second body 500. The first frame 600 can shield and protect the edge of the first fixing area 301 of the flexible screen 300, and the second frame 700 can shield and protect the edge of the second fixing area 303 of the flexible screen 300, thereby reducing damage to the edges of the flexible screen 300 and improving the appearance.

[0104] The first body 400 and the first frame 600 may be assembled structures, for example, the first frame 600 is fixed to the first body 400 by means of bonding, snapping, etc. The first body 400 and the first frame 600 may also be an integrally formed structure. The second body 500 and the second frame 700 may be assembled structures, for example, the second frame 700 is fixed to the second body 500 by means of bonding, snapping, etc. The second body 500 and the second frame 700 may also be an integrally formed structure.

[0105] When setting the shape of the first body 400 and the second body 500, and the shape of the first frame 600 and the second frame 700, they can be set according to the shape of the flexible screen 300. For example, referring to Figure 4, the flexible screen 300 in a flattened state is roughly a rounded rectangle, and the outer shape of the first body 400 and the second body 500 is roughly a plate-shaped cuboid. The first frame 600 and the second frame 700 both extend roughly in a right-angled U-shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the first frame 600 and the second frame 700 perpendicular to their extension direction can be roughly L-shaped or other shapes. The opening 601 of the first frame 600 and the opening 701 of the second frame 700 are arranged facing each other. The first frame 600 and the second frame 700 are respectively arranged to correspond to different edges of the flexible screen 300 to achieve shielding protection of the corresponding edge positions of the flexible screen 300. In addition, the first body 400 and the second body 500, the first frame 600 and the second frame 700 can be set to other shapes based on the flexible screen 300.

[0106] Referring to Figures 2, 5, and 7, the edge of the bending zone 302 of the flexible screen 300 is bent. An edge protection assembly 100 can be provided between the first frame 600 and the second frame 700, i.e., on the hinge assembly 200, to shield and protect the edge of the bending zone 302 of the flexible screen 300, reduce the ingress of dust, water, and other external foreign matter into the interior of the flexible screen 300, and also enhance the aesthetic appearance of the edge of the bending zone 302 of the flexible screen 300. An edge protection assembly 100 can be provided at each end 200a of the hinge assembly 200 to shield and protect the edge of the bending zone 302 of the flexible screen 300 corresponding to the end 200a of the hinge assembly 200.

[0107] Referring to Figures 8 to 11, the edge protection assembly 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application is applied to a foldable device 1000 having a hinge assembly 200 and a flexible screen 300. The edge protection assembly 100 includes: a fixing member 110, a support member 120 and a flexible insert 130. The fixing member 110 is used to be fixed on the hinge assembly 200. In the axial direction (Y direction) of the hinge assembly 200, the projection of the fixing member 110 covers part of the side surface 300c of the flexible screen 300. The support member 120 is fixed on the fixing member 110. In the thickness direction (Z direction) of the flexible screen 300, the projection of the flexible insert 130 covers the edge of the bending area 302 of the display surface 300a of the flexible screen 300. The middle part 130a of the flexible insert 130 in the length direction (X direction) is connected to the support member 120. Flexible insert 130 includes an elastic sheet 131 and a flexible body 132. Elastic sheet 131 is embedded in flexible body 132, and elastic sheet 131 and flexible body 132 are integrally formed. The length direction of flexible insert 130 is the X direction, which is perpendicular to the axial direction of shaft assembly 200 (Y direction).

[0108] 4 , 6 , and 11 , the side surface 300 c of the flexible screen 300 is the outer peripheral surface connecting the display surface 300 a and the back surface 300 b .

[0109] The display surface 300a of the flexible screen 300 is the side from which light is emitted. The display surface 300a may include a display area and a non-display area at the edge of the display area. In the thickness direction (Z direction) of the flexible screen 300, the flexible insert 130 can partially block the edge of the non-display area without affecting the light emission and display effect of the display area of ​​the flexible screen 300.

[0110] The middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 in the longitudinal direction (X direction) may not be the absolute middle position in the longitudinal direction, but rather the middle region in the longitudinal direction of the flexible insert 130. Except for the two ends 130b in the longitudinal direction of the flexible insert 130, all positions of the flexible insert 130 can be understood as the middle portion 130a in the longitudinal direction.

[0111] In the edge protection assembly 100 provided in the embodiment of the present application, an elastic sheet 131 is embedded in a flexible body 132 to form an integrally formed flexible insert 130. The flexible body 132 is easily bent and deformed, and the elastic sheet 131 serves as a reinforcement. The fixing member 110 is fixed to the rotating shaft assembly 200, and the support member 120 is fixed to the fixing member 110. The middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 in the longitudinal direction (X direction) is connected to the support member 120. When the foldable device 1000 switches between the flat state and the closed state, the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 is fixed and the two ends 130b are free to move. The flexible insert 130 can maintain coverage of the edge of the bending area 302 of the display surface 300a of the flexible screen 300, thereby protecting the edge of the bending area 302, reducing the ingress of external foreign matter such as dust and water into the interior of the flexible screen 300, and making the edge position of the bending area 302 of the flexible screen 300 more beautiful. Under prolonged, repeated bending, static bending, or high-temperature, high-humidity conditions, the flexible insert 130 exhibits minimal deformation and is less susceptible to creases, bulging, or dislodging. When flattened, it returns to a smooth, natural shape, providing a pleasant user experience, high reliability, and a long folding life. The flexible insert 130 facilitates a uniform bending profile when the flexible screen 300 is bent, reducing the mutual compressive forces between the flexible insert 130 and the flexible screen 300 during folding, thereby minimizing the risk of cracks and damage to the flexible screen 300 caused by compression. Even with a bending radius of 1.5 mm, the flexible screen 300 is not susceptible to cracks and damage caused by compression from the flexible insert 130.

[0112] When the edge protection assembly 100 is applied to the foldable device 1000, refer to Figures 2 and 11. Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable device in a flattened state, and Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the foldable device along line AA of Figure 2. The fixing member 110 is fixed to the hinge assembly 200, and the support member 120 is fixed to the side of the side 300c of the fixing member 110 facing the flexible screen 300. This assembly method takes up less space. The top of the fixing member 110 serves as the appearance surface. From the outside, the top of the fixing member 110 can be seen but the support member 120 cannot be seen, making the edge protection assembly 100 more beautiful. The edge protection assembly 100 is arranged near the end 200a of the hinge assembly 200. The fixing member 110 and the hinge assembly 200 can be fixed by means of adhesive bonding, snap connection, fasteners (such as screws), etc.

[0113] In the case where a first frame 600 is provided on the first body 400 and a second frame 700 is provided on the second body 500, referring to Figures 2 and 12, Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the foldable device of Figure 2 along line BB. In the thickness direction (Z direction) of the flexible screen 300, a first gap 611 is formed between the first frame 600 and the display surface 300a of the flexible screen 300, and a second gap 612 is formed between the second frame 700 and the display surface 300a of the flexible screen 300. One end 130b of the flexible insert 130 is located in the first gap 611, and the other end 130b of the flexible insert 130 is located in the second gap 612.

[0114] One end 130b of the flexible insert 130 is arranged between the first frame 600 and the flexible screen 300, and the other end 130b is arranged between the second frame 700 and the flexible screen 300, so as to limit the two ends of the flexible insert 130. One end 130b of the flexible insert 130 can move freely relative to the first frame 600 and the flexible screen 300, and the other end 130b of the flexible insert 130 can move freely relative to the second frame 700 and the flexible screen 300, thereby reducing the risk of the flexible insert 130 moving out of the predetermined position.

[0115] To protect the fixing member 110, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the first frame 600 has a first shielding portion 602 near the hinge assembly 200, and the second frame 700 has a second shielding portion 702 near the hinge assembly 200; in the axial direction (Y direction) of the hinge assembly 200, the projection of the first shielding portion 602 partially covers the fixing member 110, and the projection of the second shielding portion 702 partially covers the fixing member 110. Figure 5 shows that after the first frame 600 of the foldable device is removed, the fixing member 110 is not shielded by the first shielding portion 602, the second frame 700 is installed on the second body 500, and a portion of the surface of the fixing member 110 is shielded by the second shielding portion 702 of the second frame 700.

[0116] In the axial direction (Y direction) of the hinge assembly 200, the first shielding portion 602 of the first frame 600 and the second shielding portion 702 of the second frame 700 can cover a portion of the surface of the side of the fixing member 110 away from the flexible screen 300. This can protect the fixing member 110, reduce the gap between the fixing member 110 and the hinge assembly 200 caused by external foreign matter such as particles, improve reliability, and improve the appearance of the end 200a of the hinge assembly 200. The first shielding portion 602 and the second shielding portion 702 can be strip-shaped. When the foldable device 1000 is flattened, the end of the first shielding portion 602 and the end of the second shielding portion 702 are arranged relative to each other.

[0117] Regarding the materials of the fixing member 110 and the supporting member 120, referring to Figures 8 to 10 , the fixing member 110 can be made of metal or plastic. The supporting member 120 can also be made of metal or plastic. The fixing member 110 and the supporting member 120 are made of hard materials such as metal and plastic to facilitate secure connection of the fixing member 110 to the rotating shaft assembly 200 and secure connection of the supporting member 120 to the fixing member 110.

[0118] When the fixing member 110 and the supporting member 120 are made of metal, they have high strength and can achieve a good anti-collision effect. The metal material can be stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy.

[0119] For example, the fixing member 110 and the supporting member 120 can be manufactured by a metal injection process, which has high dimensional accuracy and good structural strength, and can provide good protection for the edge of the flexible screen 300. Alternatively, the fixing member 110 and the supporting member 120 can also be manufactured by a process such as die casting.

[0120] When setting the shape of the fixing member 110 and the supporting member 120, refer to Figure 10 and adjust as needed based on the appearance and volume of the flexible screen 300 and the appearance and volume of the hinge assembly 200. For example, the supporting member 120 and the fixing member 110 can be roughly plate-shaped, with the thickness direction of the fixing member 110 and the thickness direction of the supporting member 120 corresponding to the axial direction (Y direction) of the hinge assembly 200. Alternatively, the supporting member 120 and the fixing member 110 can be block-shaped or other shapes.

[0121] For example, referring to Figures 8 to 11 , the fixing member 110 may include an inserting portion 111 and an assembly portion 112, wherein the inserting portion 111 and the assembly portion 112 are connected. In conjunction with Figures 6 and 7 , the inserting portion 111 is configured to be inserted into the shaft assembly 200, and the assembly portion 112 is configured to be connected to the support member 120. The length of the inserting portion 111 in the X-direction is less than the length of the assembly portion 112 in the X-direction. The inserting portion 111 and the assembly portion 112 are generally T-shaped, facilitating insertion of the inserting portion 111 into the shaft assembly 200. Both ends of the assembly portion 112 abut against the surface of the shaft assembly 200 to limit the position of the fixing member 110.

[0122] To minimize the space occupied by the support member 120 and the fixing member 110, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 8, 10, and 11, the fixing member 110 has a mounting groove 113 on the side facing the flexible insert 130, and the support member 120 is embedded in the mounting groove 113. By embedding the support member 120 in the mounting groove 113 of the fixing member 110, the support member 120 and the fixing member 110 occupy less space along the axial direction (Y direction) of the rotating shaft assembly 200, facilitating assembly of the fixing member 110 on the rotating shaft assembly 200 and leaving more space on the rotating shaft assembly 200 for arranging other components.

[0123] Exemplarily, the elastic sheet 131 and flexible body 132 in the flexible insert 130 are integrally formed. When connecting the fixing member 110 and the support member 120, the support member 120 is assembled onto the fixing member 110. That is, the support member 120 and the fixing member 110 are combined together, and the fixing member 110 is assembled onto the shaft assembly 200. The fixing member 110 and the support member 120 can be assembled using adhesive bonding, snap-fit ​​connection, welding, or fasteners (e.g., screws). The specific assembly method is selected as needed.

[0124] Exemplarily, the support member 120 is embedded in the installation groove 113 of the fixing member 110 , and the support member 120 and the bottom surface of the installation groove 113 of the fixing member 110 are bonded by colloid, so that the support member 120 is reliably fixed on the fixing member 110 .

[0125] Exemplarily, both the support member 120 and the fixing member 110 are roughly plate-shaped. The support member 120 is embedded in the mounting groove 113 of the fixing member 110, and the buckle 125 of the support member 120 is buckled into the slot 116 of the fixing member 110, thereby ensuring that the support member 120 is securely fixed to the fixing member 110. The slot 116 may or may not pass through the fixing member 110. The buckle 125 and the slot 116 are configured to have matching shapes so that the buckle 125 is stably buckled into the slot 116. For example, the cross-section of the buckle 125 is cylindrical, and the cross-section of the slot 116 is cylindrical; alternatively, the buckle 125 extends in an L-shape, and the cross-section of the slot 116 is rectangular. Multiple sets of buckles 125 and slots 116 can be provided to ensure a secure connection between the support member 120 and the fixing member 110.

[0126] Exemplarily, the support member 120 and the fixing member 110 are both roughly plate-shaped, and the support member 120 and the fixing member 110 are welded to ensure that the support member 120 is reliably fixed on the fixing member 110 .

[0127] Exemplarily, the support member 120 and the fixing member 110 are both roughly plate-shaped, and the fastener is passed through the support member 120 and is threadedly connected to the fixing member 110 to ensure that the support member 120 is reliably fixed to the fixing member 110.

[0128] When setting the shape of the flexible insert 130, it can be set as needed according to the appearance and volume of the flexible screen 300. For example, referring to Figures 8 to 10, the flexible insert 130 can be roughly set as a long strip structure. The elastic sheet 131 and the flexible body 132 in the flexible insert 130 can be extended along the edge of the bending area 302 of the flexible screen 300, so that the elastic sheet 131 and the flexible body 132 are tightly connected to achieve shielding and protection of the edges of the bending area 302 of the partial side surface 300c and the display surface 300a of the flexible screen 300. The flexible insert 130 can be a straight, partially curved or long strip structure with a certain curvature. In addition, the elastic sheet 131 and the flexible body 132 can also be set to other shapes.

[0129] When setting the relative positions of the elastic sheet 131 and the flexible body 132, referring to Figures 10, 11, 13, and 14, the elastic sheet 131 has a first surface 131a and a second surface 131b facing each other, the first surface 131a and the edges of the bending area 302 of the display surface 300a of the flexible screen 300 are arranged facing each other, and the flexible body 132 is arranged on the second surface 131b.

[0130] In this embodiment, along the thickness direction (Z direction) of the flexible screen 300, the flexible body 132 covers the elastic sheet 131, which in turn covers the edge of the bending region 302 of the display surface 300a of the flexible screen 300. The integrated molding process allows for a thinner flexible insert 130, for example, approximately 0.1 mm thick, facilitating a thinner overall thickness for the foldable device 1000. The flexible body 132 serves as the exterior surface, allowing the top of the flexible body 132 to be visible from the outside, while the elastic sheet 131 is not visible, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing flexible insert 130.

[0131] When manufacturing the elastic sheet 131 and the flexible body 132, referring to Figures 8 to 10, the elastic sheet 131 can be a plastic sheet or a metal sheet, the flexible body 132 can be made of soft rubber, and the elastic sheet 131 and the flexible body 132 are insert injection molding structures.

[0132] The elastic sheet 131 and the flexible body 132 adopt an insert injection molding structure. Insert injection molding is to pre-fix the insert in a predetermined position in the mold, and then inject plastic to form it. After the mold is opened, the insert is wrapped in the cooled and solidified plastic in the product. The flexible body 132 is easy to injection mold, and the elastic sheet 131 has a certain rigidity and strength. With the elastic sheet 131 as the insert, the flexible body 132 that wraps the elastic sheet 131 is obtained by injection molding. The elastic sheet 131 and the flexible body 132 complement each other, and the two are stably connected to form an integrated flexible insert 130. The overall thickness and weight are small, the reliability is high, and it can be bent repeatedly for a long time and used in high temperature and high humidity environments. It is not easy to crease, arch, or fall out.

[0133] The elastic sheet 131 may be a plastic sheet, such as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet, a polyimide (PI) sheet, etc. The elastic sheet 131 may also be a metal sheet, such as a steel sheet.

[0134] The material of the flexible body 132 can be a soft rubber that is resistant to high temperature and high humidity, such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) soft rubber, rubber (such as silicone rubber, natural rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, hexamethylene propylene rubber, etc.) and other materials.

[0135] For example, referring to Figures 13 and 14, the flexible body 132 has a first groove 1321 on the side facing the display surface 300a of the flexible screen 300, and the elastic sheet 131 is embedded in the first groove 1321, so that the flexible body 132 serves as an appearance component. The flexible body 132 covers one surface of the elastic sheet 131, increasing the connection area between the flexible body 132 and the elastic sheet 131, and ensuring a reliable connection between the flexible body 132 and the elastic sheet 131. The embodiment of the present application provides an edge protection assembly 100, referring to Figures 8, 10, and 11. The fixing member 110 has a raised first positioning portion 114, and the supporting member 120 has a raised second positioning portion 121. The first positioning portion 114 and the second positioning portion 121 clamp the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130.

[0136] The edge protection assembly 100 of this embodiment can be understood as an assembly scheme comprising three parts: a fixing member 110 having a first positioning portion 114, a support member 120 having a second positioning portion 121, and a flexible insert 130. Both the first positioning portion 114 of the fixing member 110 and the second positioning portion 121 of the support member 120 extend in the Y direction. The first positioning portion 114 of the fixing member 110 and the second positioning portion 121 of the support member 120 are used to clamp the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130. The fixing member 110 is fixed to the shaft assembly 200, and the support member 120 is assembled and fixed to the fixing member 110. This ensures that the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 is rigidly fixed (fixed in the Z direction) while the ends 130b are flexible and free to move.

[0137] As the foldable device 1000 transitions between the flattened and closed states, referring to Figures 2 and 8 , the central portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 remains on the support 120, while the ends 130b of the flexible insert 130 freely move with the first body 400 and the second body 500, allowing the flexible insert 130 to bend around the central portion 130a. Figure 8 illustrates the movement of the ends 130b of the flexible insert 130 in the directions of the arrows. At various angles between the first body 400 and the second body 500, the flexible insert 130 consistently covers the edges of the bending region 302 of the display surface 300a of the flexible screen 300, providing shielding and protection.

[0138] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the shielding member 1 utilizes an integrated injection-molded structure consisting of a soft adhesive 1a wrapped around a steel sheet 1b. The soft adhesive 1a is applied to both the upper and lower sides of the steel sheet 1b. The total thickness D0 of the shielding member 1 is the sum of the thickness D2 of the two layers of soft adhesive 1a and the thickness D1 of the steel sheet 1b. The thickness D2 of the soft adhesive layer 1a, produced using the relevant process, is significantly greater than the thickness D1 of the steel sheet 1b (or plastic sheet), resulting in a relatively large overall thickness D0 of the shielding member 1 as shown in Figure 1 .

[0139] In the embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 11 , the first positioning portion 114 and the second positioning portion 121 are sheet-like bodies made of metal or plastic, and the two clamp the flexible insert 130 along the thickness direction (Z direction) of the flexible insert 130. The thickness D11 of the first positioning portion 114 or the second positioning portion 121 in the embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 11 can be equivalent to the thickness D1 of a layer of steel sheet in the shielding member shown in Figure 1 . The thickness D12 of the flexible insert 130 (the integrally formed structure of the flexible body 132 and the elastic sheet 131) in the embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 11 can be equivalent to the thickness D2 of a layer of soft rubber in the shielding member shown in Figure 1 . Compared with the shielding member 1 shown in Figure 1, the embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 11 reduce a layer of thick soft glue, and the elastic sheet 131 (metal sheet or plastic sheet) is embedded in the flexible body 132. In this embodiment, the total thickness D10 of the flexible insert 130 clamped by the first positioning portion 114 and the second positioning portion 121 is smaller, which is beneficial to reducing the overall thickness of the foldable device 1000 corresponding to the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130.

[0140] In order to ensure that the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 is reliably fixed on the support member 120, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 8, 10, 11, and 15, on the basis of the first positioning portion 114 of the fixing member 110 and the second positioning portion 121 of the support member 120 clamping the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130, a third positioning portion 122 is provided between the first positioning portion 114 and the second positioning portion 121, and the flexible insert 130 has a positioning hole 133 in the middle portion 130a in the length direction, and the third positioning portion 122 is passed through the positioning hole 133.

[0141] The third positioning portion 122, located between the first positioning portion 114 and the second positioning portion 121, extends through a positioning hole 133 in the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130, thereby reliably securing the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 to the support member 120. This ensures that the flexible insert 130 is less likely to crease, buckle, or become dislodged during repeated bending, static bending, or in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, resulting in increased reliability. Positioning hole 133 may or may not extend through the flexible insert 130.

[0142] For example, the positioning holes 133 of the flexible insert 130 may be holes respectively provided at corresponding positions of the elastic sheet 131 and the flexible body 132 .

[0143] Exemplarily, the third positioning portion 122 may be in a columnar, block-shaped, or other shapes, and the third positioning portion 122 may pass through the positioning hole 133 of the flexible insert 130 .

[0144] In order to facilitate the support member 120 and the fixing member 110 to clamp the flexible insert 130, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 8, 10, 11, and 15, the third positioning portion 122 is provided on the side of the second positioning portion 121 facing the first positioning portion 114, and the end of the third positioning portion 122 away from the second positioning portion 121 is connected to or in contact with the first positioning portion 114.

[0145] The third positioning portion 122 is disposed on the side of the second positioning portion 121 facing the first positioning portion 114, so that the third positioning portion 122 and the first positioning portion 114 are connected or in contact with each other. This facilitates the molding and assembly of the fixing member 110 having the first positioning portion 114 and the support member 120 having the second positioning portion 121 and the third positioning portion 122. The flexible insert 130 is clamped by the first positioning portion 114 and the second positioning portion 121. The third positioning portion 122 is provided between the first positioning portion 114 and the second positioning portion 121 and is inserted into the positioning hole 133 in the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130, thereby reliably fixing the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 to the support member 120.

[0146] Exemplarily, the fixing member 110 having the first positioning portion 114 and the supporting member 120 having the second positioning portion 121 and the third positioning portion 122 are both metal parts. The third positioning portion 122 on the second positioning portion 121 of the supporting member 120 passes through the positioning hole 133 of the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130, and the end of the third positioning portion 122 and the first positioning portion 114 of the fixing member 110 are welded, so that the supporting member 120 is reliably fixed on the fixing member 110, and the first positioning portion 114 and the second positioning portion 121 jointly clamp the flexible insert 130, so that the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 is reliably fixed on the supporting member 120.

[0147] In other embodiments, the third positioning portion 122 may be provided on a side of the first positioning portion 114 facing the second positioning portion 121, with one end of the third positioning portion 122 away from the first positioning portion 114 being connected to or in contact with the second positioning portion 121. The flexible insert 130 is clamped by the first positioning portion 114 and the second positioning portion 121, and the third positioning portion 122 is provided between the first positioning portion 114 and the second positioning portion 121 and penetrates the positioning hole 133 in the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130, thereby reliably fixing the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 to the support member 120.

[0148] An embodiment of the present application provides another edge protection assembly 100. Referring to Figures 16 to 20, the flexible body 132 includes a strip portion 132a and a connecting portion 132b. The strip portion 132a is connected to the elastic sheet 131. The strip portion 132a has a first side 1322 facing the fixing member 110. The connecting portion 132b is connected to the middle portion 1322a of the first side 1322 of the strip portion 132a. The support member 120 is embedded in the connecting portion 132b. The support member 120, the elastic sheet 131 and the flexible body 132 are an integrally formed structure.

[0149] The first side 1322 may extend along the X-direction. The middle portion 1322a of the first side 1322 may not be the absolute middle position in the longitudinal direction, but rather the middle region in the longitudinal direction of the first side 1322. The middle portion 1322a of the first side 1322 and the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 in the longitudinal direction (X-direction) correspond to each other in the Y-direction.

[0150] The edge protection assembly 100 of this embodiment can be understood as an assembly scheme consisting of a fixing member 110 and an integrally formed structure, a total of two parts. The integrally formed structure includes a support member 120, an elastic sheet 131, and a flexible body 132. The support member 120, the elastic sheet 131, and the flexible body 132 are integrally formed. The first side 1322 of the strip portion 132a of the flexible body 132 is connected to the middle portion 1322a of the first side 1322 and the connecting portion 132b. The support member 120 is embedded in the connecting portion 132b, providing support for the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130. The fixing member 110 is fixed to the shaft assembly 200, and the support member 120 is assembled and fixed to the fixing member 110. The flexible insert 130 is flexible as a whole, achieving flexible fixation of the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 and soft and free movement of the two ends 130b. The middle portion 1322a of the first side 1322 of the flexible insert 130 is supported and fixed by the support member 120. During the switching of the foldable device 1000 between the flattened state and the closed state, the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 except for the first side 1322 can be deformed, that is, the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 is flexibly fixed.

[0151] During the transition between the flattened and closed states of the foldable device 1000, as shown in Figures 21 to 23 , the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 remains on the support member 120, while the ends 130b of the flexible insert 130 freely move with the first and second bodies 400, 500. The strip 132a and elastic sheet 131 of the flexible body 132 can bend around the connecting portion 132b. Figure 17 illustrates that the ends 130b of the flexible insert 130 can move in the directions indicated by the arrows. At various angles between the first and second bodies 400, 500, the flexible insert 130 can cover the edges of the bending region 302 of the display surface 300a of the flexible screen 300, providing shielding and protection.

[0152] In the embodiment shown in Figures 16 to 20, the fixing member 110 lacks the raised first positioning portion 114, meaning that the side of the flexible insert 130 facing away from the flexible screen 300 lacks the first positioning portion 114, enhancing the aesthetics of the foldable device 1000. The support member 120 lacks the raised second positioning portion 121, allowing for a smaller safety distance between the flexible insert 130 and the flexible screen 300. Compared to the shielding member shown in Figure 1, which has two layers of soft adhesive and one layer of steel sheet, the embodiment shown in Figures 16 to 20 has only the thickness D20 of the flexible insert 130, which is equivalent to the thickness D2 of the single layer of soft adhesive shown in Figure 1. The significantly reduced thickness D20 of the flexible insert 130 in the embodiment shown in Figures 16 to 20 helps reduce the overall thickness of the foldable device 1000 at the center portion 130a of the flexible insert 130.

[0153] The shape of the connecting portion 132b can be determined based on the shape of the fixing member 110. For example, referring to FIG19 , the fixing member 110 is generally plate-shaped, and the connecting portion 132b can be plate-shaped. This allows the thickness of the connecting portion 132b to be aligned with the thickness of the fixing member 110, both being arranged along the Y-direction. This results in a compact structure with minimal Y-direction space occupation. Furthermore, the connecting portion 132b can also have other shapes.

[0154] To facilitate assembly between the support member 120, the connecting portion 132b, and the fixing member 110, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 16 to 19, the support member 120 includes a support portion 123 and an assembly portion 124 connected to the support portion 123. The support portion 123 is embedded in the connecting portion 132b, and the assembly portion 124 is connected to the fixing member 110. The assembly portion 124 in the support member 120 is assembled to the fixing member 110, so that the support member 120 and the fixing member 110 are combined together, and the fixing member 110 is assembled to the shaft assembly 200.

[0155] The support member 120 is used as an insert, and the connecting portion 132b is injection molded, so that the support member 120 is embedded in the connecting portion 132b, and the two are tightly connected. The assembly portion 124 of the support member 120 is used to connect with the fixing member 110. The connection between the assembly portion 124 and the fixing member 110 can be achieved by snap fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, or fasteners (such as screws).

[0156] As an example, referring to Figures 17 to 19 , the assembly portion 124 can be a clip 125 disposed at opposite ends of the support portion 123. The two clips 125 can be snapped into the two slots 116 of the fixing member 110, thereby securing the support member 120 to the fixing member 110. The clips 125 and the slots 116 are configured with matching shapes to ensure that the clips 125 are stably snapped into the slots 116. For example, the clip 125 can extend in an L-shape, and the slots 116 can have a rectangular cross-section. The clips 125 and the fixing member 110 can also be welded to enhance the connection reliability between the support member 120 and the fixing member 110.

[0157] Exemplarily, the assembling portion 124 is embedded in the mounting groove 113 of the fixing member 110 , and the assembling portion 124 and the bottom surface of the mounting groove 113 of the fixing member 110 are bonded by colloid.

[0158] In order to make the connection portion 132b occupy less space, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 19, 20, and 23, the connection portion 132b is located between the fixing member 110 and the support portion 123, and the side of the fixing member 110 facing the support member 120 has a receiving groove 115, and the connection portion 132b is embedded in the receiving groove 115.

[0159] Connecting portion 132b is disposed within receiving groove 115 of fixing member 110. Along the axial direction (Y direction) of rotating shaft assembly 200, fixing member 110, connecting portion 132b, and supporting portion 123 of supporting member 120 are sequentially arranged. This minimizes the space occupied by connecting portion 132b and reduces the axial dimension of edge protection assembly 100 on rotating shaft assembly 200, thus providing more space for assembling other components on rotating shaft assembly 200. If fixing member 110 has mounting groove 113, mounting groove 113 can be disposed on the bottom surface of receiving groove 115, with receiving groove 115 and mounting groove 113 communicating with each other.

[0160] In order to ensure that the supporting portion 123 and the connecting portion 132b are reliably connected, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 18 and 19, the supporting portion 123 has a first matching hole 1231, and the connecting portion 132b has a first matching column 1323. The first matching column 1323 is embedded in the first matching hole 1231, and the wall surface of the first matching hole 1231 and the outer peripheral surface of the first matching column 1323 are connected.

[0161] The support part 120 serves as an insert. During the process of injection molding the connecting part 132b, part of the injection molding material fills the first matching hole 1231 of the supporting part 123. After the injection molding material in the first matching hole 1231 cools and solidifies, a first matching column 1323 is formed. The wall surface of the first matching hole 1231 and the outer peripheral surface of the first matching column 1323 are connected, thereby increasing the connection area between the connecting part 132b and the supporting part 123, and making the connecting part 132b and the supporting part 123 tightly connected.

[0162] In order to enhance the supporting effect of the support member 120 on the middle portion 130a in the longitudinal direction of the flexible insert 130, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 19, 20, and 23, the support portion 123 has a bending section 1232 that bends and extends toward the strip portion 132a, and the bending section 1232 is embedded in the connecting area between the connecting portion 132b and the strip portion 132a.

[0163] By configuring a portion of the support portion 123 as a bent section 1232, and using the support member 120 as an insert, the injection molding process of the strip portion 132a and the connecting portion 132b facilitates the flow of the injection molding material around the bent section 1232 and fully fills the area surrounding the bent section 1232. After the injection molding material cools and solidifies, a connection area is formed between the connecting portion 132b and the strip portion 132a. The bent section 1232 provides effective support for the longitudinal middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130. The bent section 1232 does not extend into the strip portion 132a, allowing deformation of the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 beyond the first side 1322.

[0164] In other embodiments, the support portion 123 may not be provided with the bending section 1232 , and the vertically extending support portion 123 can also support the middle portion 130 a of the flexible insert 130 in the longitudinal direction.

[0165] To prevent the flexible insert 130 from easily slipping off the edge of the flexible screen 300, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 8, 12, and 16, both ends of the side of the flexible insert 130 facing the fixing member 110 have a stopper 134, which extends along the thickness direction (Z direction) of the flexible screen 300. The ends of the side of the flexible insert 130 facing the fixing member 110 refer to the ends of the side of the flexible insert 130 extending along the X direction facing the fixing member 110.

[0166] In the axial direction (Y direction) of the hinge assembly 200, a third gap 613 is formed between the first frame 600 and the side surface 300c of the flexible screen 300, and a fourth gap (not shown) is formed between the second frame 700 and the side surface 300c of the flexible screen 300. The stopper 134 at one end 130b of the flexible insert 130 is located in the third gap 613, while the stopper 134 at the other end 130b of the flexible insert 130 is located in the fourth gap. This approach is applicable to various implementations of the edge protection assembly 100 described above.

[0167] During the transition between the flattened and closed states of the foldable device 1000, the middle portion 130a of the flexible insert 130 remains on the support 120. The stopper 134 of the flexible insert 130 is positioned in the gap between the first frame 600 (second frame 700) and the side 300c of the flexible screen 300. This allows the ends 130b of the flexible insert 130 to move freely with the first body 400 and the second body 500. The flexible insert 130 remains at the edge of the flexible screen 300 and is not easily dislodged from the edge of the flexible screen 300, thus reliably shielding and protecting the edge of the flexible screen 300 and reducing the risk of the flexible insert 130 being dislodged under external forces. The stopper 134 can be configured in a sheet-like shape to facilitate assembly in the gap between the first frame 600 (second frame 700) and the flexible screen 300.

[0168] There are multiple optional implementations for setting the limiting portion 134 , and two implementations are given below as examples.

[0169] The first implementation method of the limiting portion 134 is: referring to Figures 10, 14, 18, and 19, the limiting portion 134 includes a flexible portion 134a and a reinforcing portion 134b, the flexible portion 134a is connected to the flexible body 132, and the reinforcing portion 134b is embedded in the flexible portion 134a. The limiting portion 134, the elastic sheet 131, and the flexible body 132 are an integrally formed structure.

[0170] The flexible portion 134a is easy to injection mold, and the reinforcing portion 134b has a certain rigidity and strength. The structure including the limiting portion 134, the elastic sheet 131 and the flexible body 132 is manufactured by an integrated molding method. The flexible portion 134a and the reinforcing portion 134b complement each other, and the connection between the two is stable. The connection between the flexible portion 134a and the reinforcing portion 134b in the limiting portion 134, between the flexible portion 134a and the flexible body 132, and between the flexible body 132 and the elastic sheet 131 is reliable.

[0171] The reinforcing portion 134b can be made of metal or plastic, while the flexible portion 134a can be made of the same material as the flexible body 132. When using an integrated insert injection molding structure, the reinforcing portion 134b and the elastic sheet 131 are used as inserts, and the flexible portion 134a and the flexible body 132 are injection molded to form the flexible insert 130 having the limiting portion 134. The flexible portion 134a can be roughly sheet-shaped, and the reinforcing portion 134b can be roughly sheet-shaped, so that the limiting portion 134 obtained by insert injection molding has a relatively small thickness.

[0172] For example, referring to Figures 14 and 19 , the flexible portion 134a has a second groove 1341, and the reinforcement portion 134b is embedded in the second groove 1341. The flexible portion 134a covers the reinforcement portion 134b, increasing the connection area between the flexible portion 134a and the reinforcement portion 134b, and ensuring a secure connection between the flexible portion 134a and the reinforcement portion 134b. The second groove 1341 can be provided on the side of the flexible portion 134a facing the side 300c of the flexible screen 300.

[0173] For example, referring to Figures 10, 14, 18, and 19, the reinforcing portion 134b has a second mating hole 1343, and the flexible portion 134a has a second mating post 1342. The second mating post 1342 is embedded in the second mating hole 1343, and the wall surface of the second mating hole 1343 is connected to the outer circumference of the second mating post 1342. The reinforcing portion 134b acts as an insert. During the injection molding process of the flexible portion 134a, a portion of the injection molding material fills the second mating hole 1343 of the reinforcing portion 134b. After the injection molding material in the second mating hole 1343 cools and solidifies, the second mating post 1342 is formed. The wall surface of the second mating hole 1343 is connected to the outer circumference of the second mating post 1342, thereby increasing the connection area between the flexible portion 134a and the reinforcing portion 134b and ensuring a tight connection between the flexible portion 134a and the reinforcing portion 134b.

[0174] The second embodiment of the position-limiting portion 134 is as follows: the position-limiting portion 134 is a flexible portion 134a, which is connected to the flexible body 132. The position-limiting portion 134, the elastic sheet 131, and the flexible body 132 are integrally formed. The integral molding method of the structure comprising the position-limiting portion 134, the elastic sheet 131, and the flexible body 132 facilitates molding, and provides reliable connections between the flexible portion 134a and the flexible body 132, and between the flexible body 132 and the elastic sheet 131.

[0175] In other embodiments, the limiting portions 134 may not be provided at both ends of the flexible insert 130. The two ends 130b of the flexible insert 130 are respectively provided in the first gap 611 formed between the first frame 600 and the display surface 300a of the flexible screen 300, and the second gap 612 formed between the second frame 700 and the display surface 300a of the flexible screen 300, thereby achieving the limitation of the flexible insert 130.

[0176] When confirming the edge protection assembly 100 and the foldable device 1000 of the embodiment of the present application, the device can be disassembled for analysis. If the object to be confirmed is the edge protection assembly 100, confirm that the flexible insert 130 in the edge protection assembly 100 is connected to the support member 120 at the middle portion 130a in the longitudinal direction. The flexible insert 130 includes an elastic sheet 131 and a flexible body 132, with the elastic sheet 131 embedded in the flexible body 132. If the object to be confirmed is a device, confirm that the device has a foldable flexible screen 300, and the edge of the bending area 302 of the display surface 300a of the flexible screen 300 is provided with the aforementioned edge protection assembly 100.

[0177] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An edge protection component, characterized in that, Applied to a foldable device having a rotating shaft assembly and a flexible screen, the edge protection assembly includes: a fixing member, a supporting member, and a flexible insert; The fixing member is used to be fixed on the rotating shaft assembly; in the axial direction of the rotating shaft assembly, the projection of the fixing member covers a partial side surface of the flexible screen; The supporting member is fixed on the fixing member; In the thickness direction of the flexible screen, the projection of the flexible insert covers the edge of the bending area of the display surface of the flexible screen; the middle part of the flexible insert in the length direction is connected to the supporting member; the flexible insert includes an elastic sheet and a flexible body, the elastic sheet is embedded on the flexible body, and the elastic sheet and the flexible body are an integrally formed structure.

2. The edge protection component according to claim 1, wherein The elastic sheet has a first surface and a second surface facing away from each other, the first surface is arranged facing the edge of the bending area of the display surface of the flexible screen, and the flexible body is arranged on the second surface.

3. The edge protection component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The elastic sheet is a plastic thin sheet or a metal thin sheet, the material of the flexible body is soft rubber, and the elastic sheet and the flexible body are an insert injection molding structure; And / or, one side of the flexible body facing the display surface of the flexible screen has a first groove, and the elastic sheet is embedded in the first groove.

4. The edge protection component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fixing member has a protruding first positioning portion, the supporting member has a protruding second positioning portion, and the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion clamp the middle part of the flexible insert.

5. The edge protection component according to claim 4, wherein A third positioning portion is provided between the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion, the middle part of the flexible insert in the length direction has a positioning hole, and the third positioning portion passes through the positioning hole.

6. The edge protection component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third positioning portion is arranged on the side of the second positioning portion facing the first positioning portion, and one end of the third positioning portion away from the second positioning portion is connected to or in contact with the first positioning portion.

7. The edge protection component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The flexible body includes a strip portion and a connecting portion, the strip portion is connected to the elastic sheet, the strip portion has a first side facing the fixing member, and the connecting portion is connected to the middle part of the first side of the strip portion; the supporting member is embedded on the connecting portion, and the supporting member, the elastic sheet, and the flexible body are an integrally formed structure.

8. The edge protection component according to claim 7, wherein, The supporting member includes a supporting portion and an assembling portion connected to the supporting portion, the supporting portion is embedded on the connecting portion, and the assembling portion is connected to the fixing member.

9. The edge protection component according to claim 8, wherein, The connecting portion is located between the fixing member and the supporting portion, and the fixing member has a receiving groove on the side facing the supporting member, and the connecting portion is embedded in the receiving groove; And / or, the supporting portion has a first mating hole, the connecting portion has a first mating post, the first mating post is embedded at the first mating hole, and the wall surface of the first mating hole is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first mating post; And / or, the supporting portion has a bending section that bends and extends towards the strip portion, and the bending section is embedded in the connection area between the connecting portion and the strip portion.

10. The edge protection component according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that Both ends of the side surface of the flexible insert facing the fixing member have limiting portions, and the limiting portions extend along the thickness direction of the flexible screen.

11. The edge protection component according to claim 10, characterized in that, The limiting part includes a flexible part and a reinforcing part. The flexible part is connected to the flexible body. The reinforcing part is embedded in the flexible part. The limiting part, the elastic sheet, and the flexible body are of an integrally formed structure.

12. The edge protection component according to claim 11, characterized in that, The flexible part has a second groove, and the reinforcing part is embedded in the second groove; And / or, the reinforcing part has a second mating hole, and the flexible part has a second mating post. The second mating post is embedded at the second mating hole, and the wall surface of the second mating hole is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the second mating post.

13. The edge protection component according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, One side of the fixing member facing the flexible insert has a mounting groove, and the support member is embedded in the mounting groove; And / or, the fixing member and the support member are adhesively bonded with a colloid, snap-connected, welded, or connected by a fastener; And / or, the material of the fixing member is metal or plastic; And / or, the material of the support member is metal or plastic.

14. A foldable device, characterized in that, Comprising: A rotating shaft assembly, a first main body, a second main body, a flexible screen, and an edge protection assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 13; The rotating shaft assembly is located between the first main body and the second main body, and the first main body and the second main body are connected by the rotating shaft assembly; The flexible screen has a display surface and a back surface facing away from each other. The back surface of the flexible screen is fixed to the first main body and the second main body; The fixing member is fixed on the rotating shaft assembly, and the support member is fixed on the side of the fixing member facing the flexible screen.

15. The foldable device according to claim 14, wherein, A first frame is provided on the first main body, and the first frame is provided at the edge of the flexible screen corresponding to the first main body; a second frame is provided on the second main body, and the second frame is provided at the edge of the flexible screen corresponding to the second main body; The edge protection assembly is located between the first frame and the second frame.

16. The foldable device according to claim 15, wherein, In the thickness direction of the flexible screen, a first gap is formed between the first frame and the display surface of the flexible screen, and a second gap is formed between the second frame and the display surface of the flexible screen; one end of the flexible insert is located in the first gap, and the other end of the flexible insert is located in the second gap.

17. The foldable device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, Both ends of the side of the flexible insert facing the fixing member have limiting parts. In the axial direction of the rotating shaft assembly, a third gap is formed between the first frame and the side surface of the flexible screen, and a fourth gap is formed between the second frame and the side surface of the flexible screen; the limiting part at one end of the flexible insert is located in the third gap, and the limiting part at the other end of the flexible insert is located in the fourth gap.

18. The foldable device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, The first frame has a first shielding part near the rotating shaft assembly, and the second frame has a second shielding part near the rotating shaft assembly; in the axial direction of the rotating shaft assembly, the projection part of the first shielding part covers the fixing member, and the projection part of the second shielding part covers the fixing member.

Images