Electronic device

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of electronics. Provided in the embodiments of the present application is an electronic device. A conductive member capable of expansion and contraction is provided between a housing and a flexible screen of the electronic device, and the two ends of the conductive member in the direction of expansion and contraction are electrically connected to the housing and the flexible screen. The conductive member is provided with a cavity, and the flexible screen can drive the conductive member to expand or contract so as to compress or expand the cavity. The conductive member can achieve reliable assembly and electrical connection between the flexible screen and the housing, and the conductive member exerts no counterforce on the flexible screen, thereby avoiding causing blemishes of the flexible screen while ensuring stable electrical conduction between the flexible screen and the housing. Moreover, in scenarios such as touch operation, when there is a swiping over a conductive area of the flexible screen corresponding to the conductive member, the flexible screen drives the conductive member to contract and compress the cavity; for example, when the conductive member is compressed to the limit, the cavity can be completely compressed, and the flexible screen and the conductive member are stacked on the rigid housing, so that the thickness is markedly reduced, and no noticeable local bumps, bulges and the like will be formed on the flexible screen, thereby ensuring consistent tactile experience.

Description

An electronic device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on January 25, 2024, with application number 202420191628.3 and application name “An Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of electronic technology, and in particular to an electronic device. Background Art

[0003] A flexible screen refers to a screen that is flexible and can be bent or folded, allowing for the creation of more flexible and portable devices. For example, as flexible screen technology matures, the display methods of terminal devices have undergone tremendous changes. One of these is the emergence of foldable mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices. Such electronic devices can flexibly switch modes according to different usage scenarios, and also have a high screen-to-body ratio and clarity, making them one of the most sought-after products.

[0004] Currently, electronic devices include a middle frame, and flexible screens are usually mounted on the middle frame. The middle frame provides support and assembly space for the flexible screen. To meet the electromagnetic compatibility requirements of the flexible screen, the metal layer on the back of the flexible screen (the side facing the middle frame) needs to be electrically connected to the middle frame. For example, conductive foam is set between the flexible screen and the middle frame to electrically connect the flexible screen and the middle frame through the conductive foam and ground them together. The conductive foam is usually compressed and set between the flexible screen and the middle frame. The compressed conductive foam provides a counter-pushing force on the flexible screen, ensuring the fixed assembly and electrical connection reliability between the conductive foam and the flexible screen.

[0005] However, the counter-force of the conductive foam will cause local deformation of the flexible screen, making it easy for scratches to appear on the flexible screen and affecting the flatness of the flexible screen. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device that, while ensuring reliable assembly and electrical connection between the housing and the flexible screen, does not generate a reverse force on the flexible screen, reduces or avoids the problem of scratches on the flexible screen, and improves the flatness of the flexible screen.

[0007] An electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a shell, a flexible screen and a retractable conductive member. The flexible screen is arranged on the shell, and the conductive member is located between the shell and the flexible screen. The conductive member has a first end and a second end relative to each other in the retractable direction. The first end and the second end are electrically connected to the shell and the flexible screen, respectively, so that the flexible screen can be electrically connected to the shell through the conductive member.

[0008] The conductive member has a cavity, which is located between the first end and the second end. The flexible screen is used to drive the conductive member to stretch and contract through the second end to compress or expand the cavity. For example, during actual assembly, the flexible screen can be pressed along the thickness direction so that the flexible screen drives the second end of the conductive member to move toward the first end, causing the conductive member to contract and compress the cavity of the conductive member. When the conductive member is compressed to the limit, the cavity inside the conductive member is completely compressed. The flexible screen and the conductive member are stacked on the rigid shell. The flexible screen and the conductive member, as well as the conductive member and the shell, can be fully contacted and fixed, such as by fully squeezing and bonding with conductive glue to achieve electrical connection. When the pressure on the flexible screen is removed, the flexible screen will move away from the shell and drive the second end of the conductive member to move away from the first end, causing the conductive member to stretch and expand the cavity inside the conductive member. The fixation and electrical connection between the flexible screen and the conductive member, as well as the shell and the conductive member, can still be ensured, thereby achieving stable assembly and electrical connection between the flexible screen, the conductive member and the shell, and ensuring the reliability of the fixed assembly and electrical connection between the flexible screen and the shell. In addition, the conductive parts do not exert any counter-force on the flexible screen, that is, while ensuring stable conductivity between the flexible screen and the shell, the problem of causing scratches on the flexible screen is avoided, and the flatness of the flexible screen is significantly improved.

[0009] In addition, the vertical projection area of ​​the conductive part along the thickness direction on the flexible screen is taken as the conductive area. In scenarios such as touch operations on the flexible screen, when a finger or a stylus passes over the conductive area on the flexible screen, the flexible screen drives the conductive part to shrink through the second end and compresses the cavity of the conductive part. For example, when the conductive part is compressed to the limit, the cavity inside the conductive part is completely compressed. The flexible screen and the conductive part are stacked on the rigid shell, and the thickness is significantly reduced, so that no obvious local protrusions or bulges are formed on the flexible screen, which can ensure that the feel does not change significantly and does not affect the feel of the touch operation. It solves the problem of abnormal feel during touch operation and improves the user experience.

[0010] In one possible implementation, a groove is provided on the side of the housing facing the flexible screen, and the first end of the conductive member is disposed in the groove. On the one hand, the groove can facilitate the assembly of the conductive member on the housing. On the other hand, in scenarios such as touch operations, when the conductive member is extremely compressed and in a contracted state, at least part of the conductive member can be accommodated in the groove, reducing the thickness space occupied by the conductive member above the housing (facing the flexible screen), further reducing or avoiding problems such as local protrusions and bulges on the flexible screen, and ensuring that the feel is not affected.

[0011] In one possible implementation, when the conductive member is in a contracted state, the first end of the conductive member abuts the second end, and the surface of the second end facing away from the first end is flush with the surface of the housing facing the flexible screen. That is, when the conductive member is compressed to its maximum extent, its thickness fills the depth (thickness) of the groove, so that the surface of the second end facing away from the first end and the surface of the housing facing the flexible screen essentially form a flat surface, eliminating any bulges or bumps on the flexible screen. This ensures that the hand feel remains unchanged, further enhancing the user experience.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the conductive member is an annular structure with a cavity inside, which has a simple structural design and helps reduce molding difficulty and cost.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the conductive element includes a flexible conductive film that encloses a cavity, with a portion of the conductive film forming the first end and a portion of the conductive film forming the second end. The conductive film's inherent flexibility enables the conductive element to bend, fold, or otherwise deform under external forces, such as those driven by a flexible screen. This allows the conductive element to expand and contract, and this expansion and contraction causes the volume of the internal cavity to change, thereby compressing or expanding the cavity.

[0014] In addition, the thickness of the conductive film itself is relatively small, and the conductive part formed can achieve ultra-thin thickness when it is compressed to the extreme, further ensuring that no obvious protrusions, bulges, etc. will be formed on the flexible screen, which is more conducive to solving the problem of abnormal feel during touch operation.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the conductive film has a head end and a tail end in the extension direction, and the head end and the tail end of the conductive film are connected to enclose a cavity. The molding method is simple, the operation is convenient, and the production is easy to implement.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the portion where the head end and the tail end of the conductive film are connected is located at the first end or the second end of the conductive member. It is understandable that the first end and the second end of the conductive member are connected to the housing and the flexible screen respectively, and when the conductive member contracts, the portion located between the first end and the second end of the conductive member is prone to deformation. By making the portion where the head end and the tail end of the conductive film are connected be located at the first end or the second end of the conductive member, the portion between the head end and the tail end of the conductive film can form the portion between the first end and the second end of the conductive member, which can reduce or avoid deformation at the position where the head end and the tail end of the conductive film are connected, ensure the stability and reliability of the connection between the head end and the tail end, and reduce or avoid problems such as disconnection caused by deformation of the connection between the head end and the tail end due to contraction of the conductive member.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the head and tail ends of the conductive film are at least partially stacked in the telescopic direction, so that there is a larger contact area between the head and tail ends, which is beneficial to improving the stability of the connection between the head and tail ends of the conductive film, and thereby improving the reliability of the conductive part.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the overlapping region of the head end and the tail end is located at the first end of the conductive member, and the vertical projection of the overlapping region of the head end and the tail end along the extension direction coincides with the vertical projection of the second end of the conductive member along the extension direction. This reduces or avoids thickness differences of the film layer below the second end of the conductive member (on the side facing away from the flexible screen along the extension direction). When the conductive member is extremely compressed, the thickness of the film layer below the second end of the conductive member is uniform, and is the film layer stacked at the head end and the tail end. This is more conducive to ensuring that the touch feel remains unchanged when a touch operation passes through the conductive area, thereby improving the user experience.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the electronic device further includes an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is located between the head end and the tail end, so that the head end and the tail end are fixed together through the adhesive layer.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the electronic device further includes a first conductive adhesive layer, which is located between the first end of the conductive member and the shell. The first end is electrically connected to the shell through the first conductive adhesive layer, thereby achieving fixation and electrical connection between the shell and the conductive member.

[0021] The electronic device further includes a second conductive adhesive layer positioned between the second end of the conductive member and the flexible screen. The second end is electrically connected to the flexible screen via the second conductive adhesive layer, thereby securing and electrically connecting the flexible screen to the conductive member. The connection structure is simple, easy to implement, and low in cost.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the conductive film includes conductive cloth or metal film. A conductive element is formed using a thin layer structure such as a conductive metal film or conductive cloth. For example, by connecting the leading and trailing ends of the metal film or conductive cloth, a conductive element with an internal cavity can be formed. This meets the requirements of the conductive element for expansion and contraction and conduction. The structural design is simple and easy to assemble, thereby improving assembly efficiency and reducing production costs.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the conductive film includes a flexible film layer and a conductive layer. The conductive layer is disposed on a surface of the flexible film layer facing away from the cavity, and the conductive layer extends at least from the first end to the second end of the conductive element. The conductive film is flexible, enabling flexibility to be imparted to the conductive film to achieve expansion and contraction of the conductive element. The conductive layer is conductive, enabling conductivity to be imparted to the conductive film to ensure electrical connection between the first and second ends of the conductive element and the housing and the flexible screen. Enriching the structural design of the conductive film allows for greater structural flexibility of the conductive element, helping to expand the scope of application of the conductive element.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the conductive layer completely covers the side of the flexible film layer facing away from the cavity, maintaining a consistent thickness across the entire conductive film and facilitating a smooth touch experience when a touch operation is performed across the conductive area.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the conductive layer includes a conductive adhesive, with a portion of the conductive adhesive forming a first conductive adhesive layer, a portion forming a second conductive adhesive layer, and a portion forming an adhesive layer. Specifically, when a conductive film is used to form a conductive component, the conductive adhesive contained within the conductive film can be used to bond the leading and trailing ends of the conductive film. Furthermore, the conductive component can be directly bonded to the housing and the flexible screen using the conductive adhesive, eliminating the need for separate adhesive and conductive adhesive layers. This simplifies the molding and handling of the conductive component, reduces molding difficulty and cost, and facilitates production.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the flexible film layer includes conductive cloth, a metal film, and a polyimide film.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the conductive film located on the first end has a first through hole. For example, in an example where the conductive film is a conductive cloth, the conductive cloth is woven from fibers with gaps between the fibers, so that the conductive film on the first end of the conductive member has a first through hole.

[0028] The electronic device also includes a first anti-seepage layer, which is disposed on a side of the first end facing the cavity and covers the first through-hole. The first anti-seepage layer prevents the first conductive adhesive layer and the adhesive layer from overflowing through the first through-hole onto the side of the first end facing the cavity, thereby preventing adhesion between the first and second ends of the conductive member when subjected to extreme compression, thereby improving the flatness of the flexible screen.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the conductive film located on the second end has a second through hole, and the electronic device further includes a second impermeable layer disposed on a side of the second end facing the cavity, the second impermeable layer covering the second through hole. The second impermeable layer can prevent the second conductive adhesive layer from overflowing through the second through hole to the side of the second end facing the cavity, and can also prevent adhesion between the first end and the second end when the conductive member is subjected to extreme compression.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the housing includes at least a first middle frame and a second middle frame, and the electronic device further includes a hinge assembly. The first and second middle frames are located on either side of the hinge assembly, and the first and second middle frames are rotatably connected via the hinge assembly, allowing the first and second middle frames to rotate relative to each other, that is, the housing can achieve a foldable or unfoldable opening and closing movement. A flexible screen is provided on a side surface of the first and second middle frames and the hinge assembly, and the flexible screen can fold or unfold with the movement of the housing, thereby allowing the electronic device to switch between a folded state and a flattened state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in a folded state provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG1 in an intermediate state;

[0033] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG1 in a flattened state;

[0034] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the electronic device shown in FIG1 ;

[0035] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG7 is a schematic top view of a conductive film provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conductive member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another conductive member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another conductive member provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of another conductive member provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 100-electronic device; 10-housing; 101-middle frame; 101a-first middle frame; 101b-second middle frame; 11-groove; 20-flexible screen; 30-hinge assembly; 40-back cover; 50-conductive part; 50a-first end; 50b-second end; 51-cavity; 52-conductive film; 52a-head end; 52b-tail end; 521-flexible film layer; 522-conductive layer; 53-adhesive layer; 54-first conductive adhesive layer; 55-second conductive adhesive layer; 56-first anti-seepage layer; 57-second anti-seepage layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The terms used in the implementation section of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0044] An embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device having a flexible screen. Exemplarily, the electronic device can be an electronic device with a foldable screen. For example, the foldable electronic device can include but is not limited to a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a handheld computer, a touch-screen TV, a walkie-talkie, a netbook, a POS machine, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wearable device, a virtual reality device, an in-vehicle device, and other foldable fixed terminals or mobile terminals.

[0045] Of course, in some examples, the electronic device may also be an electronic device with a non-foldable screen, for example, it may be a straight-screen mobile phone with a flexible screen, a laptop or tablet computer with a flexible screen, etc.

[0046] Among them, in the scenario where the electronic device is a foldable electronic device, the electronic device can be a foldable device with a screen folded outward, or the electronic device can also be a foldable device with a screen folded inward, or the electronic device can also be a foldable device with a partial screen folded inward and a partial screen folded outward, or the electronic device can also be a foldable device with a screen folded inward and an additional external screen, etc.

[0047] In the embodiments of the present application, the electronic device is a foldable mobile phone with a foldable screen.

[0048] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device in a folded state provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, the electronic device 100 may include a shell 10 and a flexible screen 20. The flexible screen 20 is assembled on the shell 10. The flexible screen 20 and the shell 10 can form a accommodating space, which can be used to assemble and accommodate various functional components of the electronic device 100.

[0050] Exemplarily, the flexible screen 20 can be located on one side surface of the shell 10. The flexible screen 20 is the display screen of the electronic device 100, which is used to display images, text, videos, etc., and provide an interactive interface for the user. The side of the flexible screen 20 facing away from the shell 10 can be used as the display surface of the electronic device 100.

[0051] The flexible screen 20 refers to a display screen that is flexible. Flexible can also be interpreted as flexibility, which means that an object is easily deformed when subjected to force, so that it can be freely bent, rolled, and folded. The flexible screen 20 may include, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode or an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MID) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MID) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MID) display, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display.

[0052] The housing 10 may include multiple middle frames 101. For example, there may be two middle frames 101, such as a first middle frame 101a and a second middle frame 101b. The electronic device 100 may also include a hinge assembly 30. The first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b may be located on either side of the hinge assembly 30, and the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b are respectively connected to the hinge assembly 30.

[0053] The hinge assembly 30 may be a structural component used to connect the two middle frames 101 and allow relative rotation between the two middle frames 101. The first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b can be rotated together via the hinge assembly 30, allowing the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b to rotate relative to each other, thereby allowing the housing 10 to fold or unfold and open and close. The flexible screen 20 can fold or unfold with the movement of the housing 10, thereby allowing the electronic device 100 to switch between a folded state and a flattened state.

[0054] The flexible screen 20 can be set on the hinge assembly 30 and the middle frame 101. For example, the flexible screen 20 can be located on the same side of the first middle frame 101a, the second middle frame 101b and the hinge assembly 30. The part of the flexible screen 20 opposite to the first middle frame 101a can be laid flat on the first middle frame 101a, and the part of the flexible screen 20 opposite to the second middle frame 101b can be laid flat on the second middle frame 101b.

[0055] The first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b can be folded relative to each other into a closed state. As shown in FIG1 , for example, when the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b are in the closed state, they can be completely closed together to be parallel to each other (a slight deviation is allowed). At this time, the electronic device 100 is in a closed state, also known as a folded state. The portion of the flexible screen 20 that faces the hinge assembly 30 is bent and in the folded state.

[0056] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG1 in an intermediate state.

[0057] 2 , the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b can rotate relative to each other (fold or unfold) to an intermediate state, so that the electronic device 100 is in the intermediate state. The portion of the flexible screen 20 facing the hinge assembly 30 is also folded or unfolded to the intermediate state.

[0058] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device shown in FIG1 in a flattened state.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b can be relatively unfolded to an open state. For example, when the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b are in the open state, the unfolding angles between the first middle frame 101a and the hinge assembly 30, and between the hinge assembly 30 and the second middle frame 101b, can be approximately 180°, and the electronic device 100 as a whole is in the open state, also known as the flattened state. The portion of the flexible screen 20 opposite the hinge assembly 30 is also opened and flattened, that is, the flexible screen 20 as a whole can be flattened into a plane approximately 180°.

[0060] It should be noted that the angles illustrated in the embodiments of this application are subject to slight deviation. For example, the unfolded angle of the electronic device 100 (or the flattened angle of the flexible screen 20) shown in Figure 3 can be 180°, or approximately 180°, such as 170°, 175°, 185°, or 190°. The angles illustrated in the examples below should be understood in the same way.

[0061] The intermediate state shown in FIG2 can be any state between the folded state and the flattened state. That is, the housing 10 and the flexible screen 20 of the electronic device 100 can switch between the flattened state (i.e., the open state) and the folded state (i.e., the closed state) through the movement of the hinge assembly 30, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the electronic device 100.

[0062] For example, when the electronic device 100 is in the flat state, the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b are rotated toward each other and folded relative to each other, thereby enabling the electronic device 100 to switch from the flat state to the folded state (or intermediate state). When the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b are rotated away from each other and unfolded relative to each other, thereby enabling the electronic device 100 to switch from the folded state to the flat state (or intermediate state).

[0063] For example, for a foldable electronic device with an outward-folding screen, the flexible screen 20 can be provided on the outer surfaces of the first middle frame 101a, the second middle frame 101b, and the hinge assembly 30. For a foldable electronic device with an inward-folding screen, the flexible screen 20 can be provided on the inner surfaces of the first middle frame 101a, the second middle frame 101b, and the hinge assembly 30.

[0064] When the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the two adjacent and opposing surfaces of the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b may be the inner surfaces of the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b, respectively. The surface of the hinge assembly 30 located on the same side as the inner surfaces of the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b is the inner surface of the hinge assembly 30. The two opposing surfaces of the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b are the outer surfaces of the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b, respectively. The surface of the hinge assembly 30 located on the same side as the outer surfaces of the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b is the outer surface of the hinge assembly 30.

[0065] Exemplarily, the middle frame 101 can be a rectangular flat plate structure. In the embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG3 , the width direction of the middle frame 101 (such as the first middle frame 101a) is the x-direction, the length direction of the middle frame 101 is the y-direction, and the thickness direction of the middle frame 101 is the z-direction. It is understood that the length, width, and thickness in the embodiment of the present application are only for convenience of description and do not mean any limitation on the size. For example, the length can be greater than, equal to, or less than the width. It is understood that when the foldable electronic device 100 is in a folded state or a flattened state, the length direction, width direction, and thickness direction of the electronic device 100 can correspond to the length direction, width direction, and thickness direction of the middle frame 101.

[0066] Of course, in some other examples, the middle frame 101 may also be a flat plate structure in a square, circle, oval, rounded rectangle, etc. shape.

[0067] It should be noted that the electronic device 100 may include only two middle frames 101, such as one first middle frame 101a and one second middle frame 101b, so that when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b are folded relative to each other into two layers. For example, as shown in FIG1 , the electronic device 100 includes a first middle frame 101a, a second middle frame 101b, and a hinge assembly 30. The first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b are rotatably connected via the hinge assembly 30. When the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b are folded relative to each other in the folded state, the electronic device 100 is in the form of two stacked middle frames 101.

[0068] Alternatively, the electronic device 100 may also include multiple middle frames 101, such as the number of the first middle frame 101a, the second middle frame 101b, and the hinge assembly 30. Adjacent first middle frames 101a and second middle frames 101b may be connected by a hinge assembly 30, so that the electronic device 100 can be folded into a multi-layered form. For example, the electronic device 100 may include two first middle frames 101a, one second middle frame 101b, and two hinge assemblies 30. The two first middle frames 101a are located on both sides of the second middle frame 101b, and the two first middle frames 101a are rotatably connected to the second middle frame 101b via a hinge assembly 30. One of the first middle frames 101a can be folded relative to the second middle frame 101b, and the other first middle frame 101a can also be folded relative to the second middle frame 101b, so that the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, and the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b are folded relative to each other to form a three-layer stacked form. When one of the first middle frame 101 a and the second middle frame 101 b is relatively unfolded to a flat state, the electronic device 100 is in a flat state.

[0069] It can be understood that in some other examples, such as the three-middle-frame foldable electronic device 100 mentioned above, the flexible screen 20 is arranged on two first middle frames 101a, one second middle frame 101b and a hinge assembly 30, and part of the flexible screen 20 can be located on the inner surface of one of the first middle frames 101a, one of the hinge assemblies 30 and the second middle frame 101b, and part of the flexible screen 20 can be located on the outer surface of another first middle frame 101a.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present application, an electronic device 100 includes two middle frames, a first middle frame 101 a and a second middle frame 101 b , and the first middle frame 101 a and the second middle frame 101 b are rotatably coupled via a hinge assembly 30 .

[0071] In some other examples, the foldable electronic device 100 may also be a laptop computer, which may include a first middle frame 101a and a second middle frame 101b. The first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b can be folded relative to each other to a closed state, so that the laptop computer is in a closed state (i.e., a folded state). Accordingly, the first middle frame 101a and the second middle frame 101b are unfolded relative to each other from the folded state to an open state, and the laptop computer is in an open state (i.e., a flattened state). In the flattened state, at least a portion of the flexible screen on the first middle frame 101a can be used to display images, etc., and at least a portion of the flexible screen on the second middle frame 101b can be used as a virtual keyboard, etc.

[0072] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the electronic device shown in FIG1 .

[0073] As shown in Figure 4, the shell 10 may also include a back cover 40. The flexible screen 20 and the back cover 40 can be located on opposite sides of the middle frame 101 and the hinge assembly 30 along the thickness direction (z direction), and the back cover 40, the flexible screen 20 and the middle frame 101 together form the above-mentioned accommodating space.

[0074] The back cover 40 can serve as an exterior cover on the back of the electronic device 100 , protecting various functional components (such as a circuit board and a battery, etc.) inside the electronic device 100 and improving the aesthetics of the electronic device 100 .

[0075] The middle frame 101 may include a middle plate and a frame. For example, the first middle frame 101a may include a first middle plate 1012 and a first frame 1011, wherein the first frame 1011 is disposed around the outer edge of the first middle plate 1012. The second middle frame 101b may also include a second middle plate 1013 and a second frame 1014, wherein the second frame 1014 is disposed around the outer edge of the second middle plate 1013. The hinge assembly 30 may be connected to the first middle plate 1012 and the second middle plate 1013, respectively.

[0076] The flexible screen 20 is set on the middle frame 101. For example, part of the flexible screen 20 can be fixed to the frame, and part of the flexible screen 20 can be fixed to the middle plate.

[0077] It should be noted that the middle plate and the frame can be formed separately, and the middle plate and the frame can be fixed together by welding, clamping, bonding, etc. Alternatively, the middle plate and the frame can also be formed in one piece.

[0078] The molding material of the middle frame 101 may include metal. Of course, in some examples, the molding material of the middle frame 101 may also include ceramic, glass, etc.

[0079] The electronic device 100 may further include a circuit board, a battery, a charging management module, a power management module, etc. (not shown in the figure), and the circuit board, the battery, the charging management module, the power management module, etc. may be fixed in the above-mentioned accommodation space.

[0080] The circuit board may include a processor, and the processor may include an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, a video codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a baseband processor, a display processing unit (DPU), and / or a neural-network processing unit (NPU). Among them, the controller may be the nerve center and command center of the electronic device 100. The controller may generate an operation control signal based on the instruction opcode and the timing signal to complete the control of instruction fetching and execution. A memory may also be provided in the processor 110 for storing instructions and data.

[0081] The processor may include one or more interfaces, which can be used to connect a charger to charge the electronic device 100. The interface can also be used to implement data transmission between the electronic device 100 and an external device, for example, it can also be used to connect headphones, projection devices, etc.

[0082] The charging management module is configured to receive charging input from a charger. The charger can be either a wireless charger or a wired charger. In some wired charging examples, the charging management module can receive charging input from the wired charger via an interface. In some wireless charging embodiments, the charging management module can receive wireless charging input via a wireless charging coil on the electronic device 100. The charging management module can charge the battery and also provide power to the electronic device 100 through the power management module.

[0083] The power management module connects the battery, charging management module, and processor. It receives input from the battery and / or charging management module to power the processor, memory, display, camera module, and other components. The power management module can also monitor parameters such as battery capacity, battery cycle count, and battery health (leakage, impedance), among others.

[0084] In some examples, the power management module can be provided in a processor of a circuit board. In other examples, the power management module and the charging management module can also be provided in the same device.

[0085] The structures illustrated in the embodiments of the present application do not constitute a specific limitation on the electronic device 100. In other embodiments of the present application, the electronic device 100 may include more or fewer components than shown, or may combine or separate certain components, or arrange the components differently. For example, the electronic device 100 may also include a communication module, a camera module (such as a front camera and a rear camera), a microphone, a speaker, a flash, and other devices.

[0086] Among them, the side of the flexible screen 20 facing the shell 10 has a metal layer. The flexible screen 20 needs to be electrically connected to the metal structure of the shell 10 through the metal layer and grounded together to meet the electromagnetic compatibility requirements of the flexible screen 20. For example, the metal layer of the flexible screen 20 can be electrically connected to the metal middle frame 101 of the shell 10 to achieve electrical connection between the flexible screen 20 and the shell 10.

[0087] In some examples, the flexible screen can be electrically connected to the housing's middle frame via conductive foam. For example, conductive foam is placed between the flexible screen and the housing's middle plate, and the ends of the conductive foam are electrically connected to the flexible screen and the middle plate, respectively, via conductive adhesive, thereby achieving an electrical connection between the flexible screen and the middle plate. To ensure stable electrical conduction between the flexible screen and the conductive foam, during actual assembly, the conductive foam is compressed and placed on the side of the middle plate facing the flexible screen. The flexible screen is then placed on top of the compressed conductive foam. The rebound force of the conductive foam creates a counterforce on the flexible screen, ensuring the stability of the conductive foam and electrical connection.

[0088] However, the counter-force exerted by the conductive foam on the flexible screen can easily cause local deformation of the flexible screen, resulting in spots and affecting the flatness of the flexible screen. Furthermore, with the vertical projection area of ​​the conductive foam on the flexible screen (along the thickness direction) as the conductive area, when a user passes over this conductive area on the flexible screen during touch operations, such as when a finger or stylus passes over this conductive area, the conductive foam will be compressed. Even if the conductive foam is compressed to its maximum extent, the conductive foam itself is relatively thick, and obvious local bulges and bumps will form in this conductive area, affecting the touch feel and reducing the user experience.

[0089] Based on this, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, which provides a retractable conductive member between a shell and a flexible screen, wherein the two opposite ends of the conductive member along the retractable direction are electrically connected to the shell and the flexible screen respectively, and the conductive member has a cavity, and the flexible screen can drive the conductive member to retract and compress or expand the cavity. During actual assembly, the flexible screen can be pressed to drive the second end of the conductive member to move toward the first end, and the conductive member contracts and compresses the cavity of the conductive member. When the conductive member is compressed to the limit, the internal cavity is completely compressed, and the flexible screen and the conductive member, as well as the conductive member and the shell can be fully contacted and fixed, such as by fully squeezing and bonding with conductive glue to achieve electrical connection. When the pressure on the flexible screen is removed, the flexible screen will move away from the shell to drive the second end of the conductive member to move away from the first end, and the conductive member stretches and expands the cavity, which can still ensure the fixation and electrical connection between the flexible screen, the conductive member and the shell, thereby achieving reliable assembly and electrical connection between the flexible screen and the shell. In addition, the conductive parts do not have any counter-force on the flexible screen. While ensuring stable conductivity between the flexible screen and the shell, the problem of causing scratches on the flexible screen is avoided, and the flatness of the flexible screen is improved.

[0090] In addition, in scenarios such as touch operations on flexible screens, when a finger or stylus slides over the conductive area on the flexible screen corresponding to the conductive part, the flexible screen will drive the conductive part to shrink and compress the cavity. For example, when the conductive part is compressed to the limit, the cavity can be completely compressed. The flexible screen and the conductive part are stacked on the rigid shell, and the thickness is significantly reduced, so that no obvious local protrusions or bulges will be formed on the flexible screen, ensuring that the feel does not change significantly, solving problems such as abnormal feel during touch operations, and improving the user experience.

[0091] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0092] As shown in FIG5 , the electronic device 100 includes a housing 10 , a flexible screen 20 and a conductive member 50 . The conductive member 50 refers to a conductive structural member that allows current to pass through. For example, the molding material of the conductive member 50 may include conductive materials such as metal.

[0093] The conductive member 50 is located between the flexible screen 20 and the housing 10. Exemplarily, the conductive member 50 can be set between the flexible screen 20 and the metal structure of the housing 10. For example, the conductive member 50 can be set between the flexible screen 20 and the middle plate of the middle frame 101. The flexible screen 20 has a metal layer (not shown in the figure) on the side facing the housing 10. The metal layer of the flexible screen 20 can be electrically connected to the metal structure of the housing 10 through the conductive member 50, thereby achieving conduction between the flexible screen 20 and the housing 10. For example, the flexible screen 20 can be grounded through the metal structure of the housing 10, meeting the electromagnetic compatibility requirements of the flexible screen 20.

[0094] Among them, the conductive part 50 is retractable. It can be understood that, as shown in Figure 5, the flexible screen 20 can be located on one side of the shell 10 along the thickness direction (z direction), and the retractable direction of the conductive part 50 can be consistent with the thickness direction, such as the z direction shown in Figure 5.

[0095] The two opposite ends of the conductive member 50 along the extension direction (z direction) can be the first end 50a and the second end 50b respectively. The first end 50a and the second end 50b can be electrically connected to the shell 10 and the flexible screen 20 respectively. For example, the end face of the first end 50a of the conductive member 50 can be fixed to the shell 10 and electrically connected through a first conductive adhesive layer (not shown in the figure), and the end face of the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 can also be fixed to the flexible screen 20 and electrically connected through a second conductive adhesive layer (not shown in the figure).

[0096] The conductive member 50 may further include a cavity 51. For example, as shown in FIG5 , the conductive member 50 may be a hollow structure, so that the conductive member 50 includes a cavity 51 therein. The cavity 51 can be compressed or expanded as the conductive member 50 expands or contracts. For example, the flexible screen 20 can act on the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 to move the second end 50b toward or away from the first end 50a, thereby achieving expansion and contraction of the conductive member 50 and compressing or expanding the cavity 51 between the first end 50a and the second end 50b.

[0097] In an embodiment of the present application, when the conductive member 50 is extremely compressed, that is, the conductive member 50 is compressed to the maximum extent, the conductive member 50 is in a contracted state, the first end 50a and the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 can be fitted together, and there is no gap between the first end 50a and the second end 50b, so that the cavity 51 inside the conductive member 50 is completely compressed.

[0098] For example, during actual assembly, the conductive member 50 is fixed between the shell 10 and the flexible screen 20, and a first conductive adhesive layer (not shown in the figure) can be provided between the end face of the first end 50a of the conductive member 50 and the shell 10, and a second conductive adhesive layer (not shown in the figure) can be provided between the end face of the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 and the flexible screen 20. The flexible screen 20 can be pressed along the thickness direction (z direction), and the flexible screen 20 drives the second end 50b of the conductive part 50 to move toward the first end 50a, causing the conductive part 50 to shrink and compress the cavity 51. When the conductive part 50 is compressed to the limit, the cavity 51 inside the conductive part 50 is completely compressed, so that the flexible screen 20, the conductive part 50 and the shell 10 can be fully contacted and fixed, such as the flexible screen 20, the second conductive adhesive layer, the conductive part 50 and the first conductive adhesive layer are stacked in sequence on the rigid shell 10, the flexible screen 20 and the conductive part 50 can be fully extruded and bonded with the second conductive adhesive layer to achieve electrical connection, and the shell 10 and the conductive part 50 can also be fully extruded and bonded with the first conductive adhesive layer to achieve electrical connection.

[0099] When pressure on the flexible screen 20 is removed, it moves away from the housing 10 to reset. The flexible screen 20 and the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 are bonded together by a second conductive adhesive layer. The flexible screen 20 drives the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 away from the first end 50a, causing the conductive member 50 to stretch and expand the cavity 51. This maintains the secure connection and electrical connection between the flexible screen 20 and the conductive member 50, and between the housing 10 and the conductive member 50. This ensures stable assembly and electrical connection between the flexible screen 20, the conductive member 50, and the housing 10, ensuring reliable secure assembly and electrical connection between the flexible screen 20 and the housing 10. Furthermore, the conductive member 50 does not exert any counteracting force on the flexible screen 20. This means that while ensuring stable electrical continuity between the flexible screen 20 and the housing 10, it avoids any marks on the flexible screen 20, significantly improving the flatness of the flexible screen 20.

[0100] Furthermore, with the vertical projection area of ​​the conductive member 50 on the flexible screen 20 along the thickness direction as the conductive area, in scenarios such as performing touch operations on the flexible screen 20, such as when a finger or stylus swipes across this conductive area on the flexible screen 20, the flexible screen 20, through the second end 50b, drives the conductive member 50 to contract and compress the cavity 51. For example, when the conductive member 50 is extremely compressed, the cavity 51 within the conductive member 50 is completely compressed, and the flexible screen 20 and the conductive member 50 are stacked on the rigid housing 10, with a significantly reduced thickness. This prevents the formation of noticeable localized protrusions or bulges on the flexible screen 20, ensuring no noticeable change in the tactile feel, i.e., ensuring that the touch operation is not affected. This solves the problem of tactile feel changes during touch operations and enhances the user experience.

[0101] To further improve the operating feel, as shown in Figure 5, in some examples, a groove 11 can be opened on the side of the shell 10 facing the flexible screen 20, and the first end 50a of the conductive part 50 can be set in the groove 11. On the one hand, the groove 11 can facilitate the assembly of the conductive part 50 on the shell 10.

[0102] On the other hand, in scenarios such as touch operations, for example, when the conductive part 50 is extremely compressed and in a contracted state, at least part of the conductive part 50 can be accommodated in the groove 11, reducing the thickness space occupied by the conductive part 50 above the shell 10 (facing the side of the flexible screen 20), further reducing or avoiding local protrusions, bulges and other problems on the flexible screen 20, and ensuring that the feel is not affected.

[0103] Exemplarily, when the conductive member 50 is in a contracted state, the side of the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 facing away from the first end 50a can be flush with the side of the shell 10 facing the flexible screen 20, that is, when the conductive member 50 is compressed to the limit, the thickness of the conductive member 50 (the distance between the first end 50a and the second end 50b) fills the depth (thickness) of the groove 11, so that the side of the second end 50b facing away from the first end 50a and the side of the shell 10 facing the flexible screen 20 basically form a plane without any lifting, and no local protrusions, bulges, etc. will be formed on the flexible screen 20, ensuring that the hand feel does not change, further improving the user experience.

[0104] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a conductive member provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0105] As shown in FIG6 , the conductive member 50 may be an annular structure, with a cavity 51 therein. It is understood that, as shown in FIG6 , the cross-section of the conductive member 50 may be a closed annular shape, with the cavity 51 therein having a continuous cavity wall in the circumferential direction. For example, the overall extension direction of the conductive member 50 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device 100, such as the y-direction in the figure. In the y-direction, the cavity 51 may have openings on opposite sides.

[0106] For example, the cross-section of the conductive member 50 may be in the shape of a regular or irregular shape, such as a circular ring, a rectangular ring, a rounded rectangular ring, an elliptical ring, or a trapezoidal ring.

[0107] Of course, in some examples, the cross-section of the conductive member 50 may also be a non-closed ring. For example, the cross-section of the conductive member 50 may be a semicircular ring, a U-shaped ring, etc.

[0108] The following describes the conductive member 50 in detail by taking the conductive member 50 having a closed ring-shaped cross section as an example.

[0109] In some examples, the conductive member may include a flexible conductive film, and the conductive film may be used to enclose a conductive member having a cavity therein.

[0110] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the conductive part 50 includes a conductive film 52, which can surround a conductive part 50 with a cavity 51 inside. The conductive film 52 can form the cavity wall of the cavity 51, and part of the conductive film 52 forms the first end 50a of the conductive part 50, and part of the conductive film 52 forms the second end 50b of the conductive part 50.

[0111] The conductive film 52 is flexible, and the enclosed conductive member 50 is hollow and has a cavity 51. This allows the conductive member 50 to bend, fold, or deform under external forces, such as those driven by the flexible screen 20. This allows the conductive member 50 to expand or contract, for example, by causing the second end 50b and the first end 50a of the conductive member 50 to move relative to each other. Furthermore, when the conductive member 50 expands or contracts, the volume of the internal cavity 51 changes, thereby compressing or expanding the cavity 51.

[0112] A conductive part 50 with a cavity 51 inside is formed using a conductive film 52. The thickness of the conductive film 52 itself is relatively small. When the conductive part 50 is compressed to the extreme, the thickness of the conductive part 50 can be ultra-thin, further ensuring that no obvious protrusions or bulges will be formed on the flexible screen 20, which is more conducive to solving the problem of abnormal feel during touch operation.

[0113] For example, the thickness of the conductive film 52 may be 0.02 mm to 0.2 mm, which helps to achieve ultra-thinness of the conductive element 50 when it is extremely compressed, ensuring that the hand feel is not affected.

[0114] In some examples, the conductive member 50 having the cavity 51 therein can be integrally formed when the conductive film 52 is formed.

[0115] Alternatively, in some examples, the conductive film 52 may be formed first, and then the conductive member 50 having the cavity 51 therein may be surrounded by the conductive film 52 .

[0116] FIG7 is a schematic top view of a conductive film provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0117] For example, referring to FIG. 7 , before the conductive member 50 is formed, the edge profile of the conductive film 52 may be in the shape of a rectangle, and the conductive member 50 may be formed by the conductive film 52 .

[0118] For example, the conductive film 52 extends in a direction parallel to the length of the rectangular conductive film 52, such as the L direction shown in FIG7. In the extension direction, the conductive film 52 may have a leading end 52a and a trailing end 52b. By folding the rectangular conductive film 52 along the dotted line shown in FIG7 and connecting the leading end 52a and the trailing end 52b together, a conductive member 50 having a cavity 51 therein can be formed (as shown in FIG6). The molding method is simple, easy to operate, and convenient for production.

[0119] Of course, in some other examples, before being enclosed into the conductive member 50 , the edge contour shape of the conductive film 52 may also be a regular or irregular shape such as a trapezoid, an ellipse, or a circle.

[0120] It is understood that the first end 50a and the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 are connected to the housing 10 and the flexible screen 20, respectively. When the conductive member 50 contracts, the portion between the first end 50a and the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 is susceptible to deformation. Therefore, when the conductive film 52 is used to enclose the conductive member 50, the portion where the head end 52a and the tail end 52b of the conductive film 52 are connected can be located at the first end 50a or the second end 50b of the conductive member 50. The portion between the head end 52a and the tail end 52b of the conductive film 52 can form the portion between the first end 50a and the second end 50b of the conductive member 50. This can reduce or avoid deformation at the location where the head end 52a and the tail end 52b of the conductive film 52 are connected, ensure the stability and reliability of the connection between the head end 52a and the tail end 52b, and reduce or avoid problems such as disconnection caused by deformation at the connection between the head end 52a and the tail end 52b due to contraction of the conductive member 50.

[0121] For example, the portion where the head end 52a and the tail end 52b of the conductive film 52 are connected can be located at the first end 50a of the conductive member 50, that is, the portion where the head end 52a and the tail end 52b are connected is located at the end where the conductive member 50 is fixed to the shell 10, thereby avoiding the formation of a bulge on the flexible screen 20 due to the different thicknesses of the connection portion between the head end 52a and the tail end 52b, which further helps to improve the flatness of the flexible screen 20.

[0122] Of course, in some examples, the portion where the head end 52 a and the tail end 52 b of the conductive film 52 are connected may also be located at the second end 50 b of the conductive member 50 .

[0123] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conductive member provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein Figure 8 shows a surface formed by cutting the conductive member 50 along a plane parallel to the thickness direction (z direction).

[0124] In some examples, the leading end 52a and the trailing end 52b of the conductive film 52 can be stacked and fixed together. For example, as shown in FIG8 , taking the connection portion between the leading end 52a and the trailing end 52b at the first end 50a of the conductive member 50 as an example, the leading end 52a and the trailing end 52b of the conductive film 52 are at least partially stacked in the expansion and contraction direction (z-direction), that is, the projection of the leading end 52a along the expansion and contraction direction at least partially overlaps the projection of the trailing end 52b along the expansion and contraction direction. This creates a larger contact area between the leading end 52a and the trailing end 52b, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the leading end 52a and the trailing end 52b of the conductive film 52, and thereby improving the reliability of the conductive member 50.

[0125] Of course, in some examples, the head end 52a and tail end 52b of the conductive film 52 can also be aligned and spliced ​​together so that the head end 52a and tail end 52b do not overlap. For example, before the conductive film 52 is formed into the conductive member 50 (see Figure 7), the side of the head end 52a of the conductive film 52 facing away from the tail end 52b along the expansion and contraction direction is the end face of the head end 52a, and the side of the tail end 52b of the conductive film 52 facing away from the head end 52a along the expansion and contraction direction is the end face of the tail end 52b. The end faces of the head end 52a and tail end 52b of the conductive film 52 are attached and fixed together to form the conductive member 50, so that the projections of the head end 52a and tail end 52b of the conductive film 52 along the expansion and contraction direction do not overlap, and the portion where the head end 52a and tail end 52b are connected can form a plane.

[0126] It is understood that the portion where the head end 52a and the tail end 52b of the conductive film 52 are connected is located at the first end 50a of the conductive member 50. For example, the entire head end 52a and the tail end 52b of the conductive film 52 may be connected to form the first end 50a of the conductive member 50, or a portion of the head end 52a and the tail end 52b may be connected to form the first end 50a of the conductive member 50.

[0127] The leading end 52a and the trailing end 52b of the conductive film 52 are stacked, and the vertical projection of the leading end 52a along the extension direction at least partially overlaps with the vertical projection of the trailing end 52b along the extension direction. The overlapping portion may be an overlapping region of the leading end 52a and the trailing end 52b, such as the overlapping region S shown in FIG8 . The overlapping region of the leading end 52a and the trailing end 52b may also be located at the first end 50a of the conductive member 50.

[0128] The vertical projection of the overlapping area of ​​the head end 52a and the tail end 52b along the extension direction (z direction) can coincide with the vertical projection of the second end 50b of the conductive part 50 along the extension direction, reducing or avoiding the thickness difference of the film layer below the second end 50b of the conductive part 50 (the side facing away from the flexible screen 20 along the extension direction). When the conductive part 50 is compressed to the extreme, the thickness of the film layer below the second end 50b of the conductive part 50 is consistent, and both are film layers stacked by the head end 52a and the tail end 52b, which is more conducive to ensuring that the feel does not change when the touch operation passes through the conductive area, thereby improving the user experience.

[0129] Exemplarily, the head end 52a and the tail end 52b of the conductive film 52 can be connected by bonding to form the conductive member 50. For example, taking the stacking arrangement of the head end 52a and the tail end 52b of the conductive film 52 as an example, as shown in FIG8 , the conductive member 50 can further include an adhesive layer 53. The adhesive layer 53 can be located between the head end 52a and the tail end 52b, so that the head end 52a and the tail end 52b can be connected and fixed together by the adhesive layer 53.

[0130] It can be understood that before the conductive film 52 is enclosed into the conductive part 50, glue can be applied to the head end 52a and / or the tail end 52b of the conductive film 52. When the conductive film 52 is enclosed into the conductive part 50, the head end 52a and the tail end 52b are stacked, and the head end 52a and the tail end 52b are bonded together by applying glue, and an adhesive layer 53 is formed between the head end 52a and the tail end 52b.

[0131] Of course, in some other examples, the head end 52a and the tail end 52b of the conductive film 52 can also be connected in other ways to form the conductive member 50. For example, the head end 52a and the tail end 52b can be connected by welding, fastening with fixing parts, snapping, etc.

[0132] In order to achieve the fixation and electrical connection of the conductive part 50 with the shell 10 and the flexible screen 20 respectively, continuing to refer to Figure 8, the conductive part 50 can also include a first conductive adhesive layer 54 and a second conductive adhesive layer 55. The first conductive adhesive layer 54 is located between the first end 50a of the conductive part 50 and the shell 10. For example, the first conductive adhesive layer 54 can be arranged on the side of the first end 50a of the conductive part 50 facing away from the cavity 51. The first end 50a of the conductive part 50 can be electrically connected to the shell 10 through the first conductive adhesive layer 54, thereby achieving the fixation and electrical connection of the conductive part 50 and the shell 10.

[0133] The second conductive adhesive layer 55 can be located between the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 and the flexible screen 20. For example, the second conductive adhesive layer 55 can be disposed on a surface of the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 that faces away from the cavity 51. The second end 50b of the conductive member 50 can be electrically connected to the flexible screen 20 via the second conductive adhesive layer 55, thereby achieving fixation and electrical connection between the conductive member 50 and the flexible screen 20. The connection structure is simple, easy to implement, and low in cost.

[0134] In the embodiment of the present application, the conductive film 52 may be a thin layer structure having flexibility and conductivity. For example, the conductive film 52 may be a single-layer structure. For example, the conductive film 52 may be a flexible thin layer structure formed of a conductive material that is inherently conductive. For example, the conductive film 52 may be a metal film. For example, the conductive film 52 may be a metal foil, such as, but not limited to, copper foil, aluminum foil, etc.

[0135] Alternatively, the conductive film 52 may be a single-layer structure that has been modified to be conductive. For example, the conductive film 52 may be a conductive cloth. The conductive cloth may be formed from materials including polyester and conductive fibers. For example, by carbonizing the conductive fibers or mixing carbon black with fiber materials, the carbon black forms a continuous structure on the fibers, which imparts conductivity to the fibers. Conductive cloth formed from polyester and conductive fibers can be both flexible and conductive.

[0136] Specifically, the conductive element 50 is formed from a thin layer structure such as a conductive metal film or conductive cloth. By connecting the leading end 52a and the trailing end 52b of the metal film or conductive cloth, the conductive element 50 is enclosed within a cavity 51. This meets the requirements for expansion and contraction of the conductive element 50 and its conductivity. The structural design is simple and easy to assemble, thereby improving assembly efficiency and reducing production costs. Furthermore, the conductive film 52 includes conductive cloth, which is relatively cost-effective and facilitates production.

[0137] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of another conductive member provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0138] In some examples, the conductive film 52 may also have a multi-layer structure. For example, the conductive film 52 may include a flexible film layer 521 and a conductive layer 522. The conductive layer 522 is disposed on a surface of the flexible film layer 521 facing away from the cavity 51. The conductive layer 522 extends at least from the first end 50a to the second end 50b of the conductive member.

[0139] The flexible film layer 521 is flexible, imparting flexibility to the conductive film 52 to enable expansion and contraction of the conductive member 50. The conductive layer 522 is conductive, imparting conductivity to the conductive film 52 to ensure electrical connection between the first end 50a and the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 and the housing 10 and the flexible screen 20. Enhancing the structural design of the conductive film 52 provides greater structural flexibility for the conductive member 50, thereby expanding the scope of application of the conductive member 50.

[0140] It should be noted that the conductive layer 522 may only cover a portion of the flexible film layer 521 that is sufficient to ensure electrical connection between the first end 50 a and the second end 50 b of the conductive member 50 , thereby reducing costs.

[0141] Alternatively, the conductive layer 522 is located on the side of the flexible film layer 521 facing away from the cavity 51, and the conductive layer 522 can also completely cover the side of the flexible film layer 521 facing away from the cavity 51, so that the thickness of the entire conductive film 52 remains consistent, which is more conducive to achieving the effect of no change in the feel when the touch operation passes through the conductive area.

[0142] The flexible film layer 521 may be a thin layer structure without conductivity. For example, the flexible film layer 521 may include but is not limited to flexible cloth, polyimide (PI) film, etc.

[0143] The molding material of the conductive layer 522 may include a conductive material, for example, may include a metal material. For example, the conductive layer 522 may be a metal plating layer. The conductive layer 522 may include but is not limited to gold plating, nickel plating, tin plating, etc.

[0144] For example, the flexible film layer 521 may be a PI film, the conductive layer 522 may be a gold-plated layer, and the conductive film 52 may be a gold-plated PI film. Alternatively, the conductive layer 522 may be a nickel-plated layer, and the conductive film 52 may be a nickel-plated PI film. Alternatively, the conductive layer 522 may be a tin-plated layer, and the conductive film 52 may be a tin-plated PI film, etc.

[0145] Of course, in some examples, the flexible film layer 521 may also be a thin layer structure with conductivity. For example, the flexible film layer 521 may also be a metal film, conductive cloth, etc.

[0146] In some examples, the molding material of the conductive layer 522 may also include a material with adhesive properties. For example, the conductive layer 522 may be an adhesive layer including a conductive adhesive. The molding material of the conductive adhesive may include a resin and a conductive material. For example, the resin may include epoxy resin, acrylate resin, polyurethane, etc., and the conductive material may include a metal material, such as silver particles, copper particles, etc.

[0147] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of another conductive member provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0148] The conductive layer 522 may include a conductive adhesive having both electrical conductivity and adhesive properties. The conductive layer 522 may be directly bonded to the flexible film layer 521 to form the conductive film 52. When the head end 52a and the tail end 52b of the conductive film 52 are connected to form the conductive member 50, the conductive layer 522 (conductive adhesive) is positioned on the side of the flexible film layer 521 facing away from the cavity 51. The head end 52a and the tail end 52b may then be bonded together by a portion of the conductive adhesive (conductive layer 522). Specifically, the portion of the conductive adhesive may form an adhesive layer 53 located between the head end 52a and the tail end 52b.

[0149] The conductive glue (conductive layer 522) located at the first end 50a of the conductive member 50 can also be directly bonded and fixed to the shell 10 to achieve fixation and electrical connection between the first end 50a of the conductive member 50 and the shell 10, that is, part of the conductive glue can form a first conductive glue layer 54 between the conductive member 50 and the shell 10.

[0150] The conductive glue (conductive layer 522) located at the second end 50b of the conductive part 50 can also be directly bonded and fixed to the flexible screen 20 to achieve fixation and electrical connection between the second end 50b of the conductive part 50 and the flexible screen 20, that is, part of the conductive glue can form a second conductive glue layer 55 between the conductive part 50 and the flexible screen 20.

[0151] That is, when using the conductive film 52 to form the conductive part 50, the conductive glue (conductive layer 522) included in the conductive film 52 itself can be used to bond the head end 52a and the tail end 52b of the conductive film 52, and the conductive glue can also be used to directly achieve the bonding and fixation of the conductive part 50 to the shell 10 and the flexible screen 20, without the need to set up an additional adhesive layer and conductive glue layer. The molding and operation methods of the conductive part 50 are simple, the molding difficulty and cost are low, and it is easy to produce.

[0152] It is understandable that the conductive adhesive as the conductive layer 522 can form a conductive film 52 with the conductive flexible film layer 521 . For example, the flexible film layer 521 can be a metal film, a conductive cloth, or the like.

[0153] Alternatively, the conductive film 52 may be formed with a non-conductive flexible film layer 521 . For example, the flexible film layer 521 may be a flexible cloth, a PI film, or the like.

[0154] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of another conductive member provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0155] In some examples, the conductive film 52 located on the first end 50a of the conductive member 50 may have a first through hole (not shown in the figure), and the conductive film 52 located on the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 may have a second through hole (not shown in the figure).

[0156] For example, in an example where the conductive film 52 includes conductive cloth, the conductive cloth is woven from fibers, and the gaps between the fibers form through holes on the conductive cloth. After the head end 52a and the tail end 52b of the conductive cloth are connected to form the conductive member 50, the fiber gaps of the portion of the conductive cloth located on the first end 50a can form a first through hole, and the fiber gaps of the portion of the conductive cloth located on the second end 50b can form a second through hole.

[0157] It can be understood that the fiber gaps of the conductive cloth are mostly evenly distributed in an array. After the conductive cloth is used to form a conductive part 50, the fiber gaps can be evenly distributed on the entire conductive part 50. The fiber gaps located on the first end 50a can be the first through hole, and the fiber gaps located on the second end 50b can be the second through hole.

[0158] Of course, in some examples, only the conductive film 52 (conductive cloth) located on the first end 50 a may have the first through hole, and the conductive film 52 located on the second end 50 b may have the second through hole.

[0159] As shown in FIG11 , a first conductive adhesive layer 54 is provided on the surface of the first end 50a of the conductive member 50 facing away from the cavity 51 , and an adhesive layer 53 is also provided between the leading end 52a and the trailing end 52b forming the first end 50a . When the conductive member 50 is subjected to extreme compression in scenarios such as touch operation, adhesive overflow may occur from the adhesive layer 53 and the first conductive adhesive layer 54 under the pressure. For example, the adhesive may overflow through the first through hole to the side of the first end 50a of the conductive member 50 facing the cavity 51 (second end 50b), making it easy for the first end 50a of the conductive member 50 to adhere to the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 through the overflowed adhesive. This makes it difficult to reposition the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 and the flexible screen 20 after the pressure is removed, resulting in defects such as localized depressions in the flexible screen 20 and affecting its flatness.

[0160] Accordingly, a second conductive adhesive layer 55 is provided on the surface of the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 facing away from the cavity 51. In a touch operation scenario, under pressure, the second conductive adhesive layer 55 can easily overflow through the second through hole to the side of the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 facing the cavity 51 (first end 50a). This can also cause the first end 50a and the second end 50b to adhere together due to the overflowed adhesive, affecting the flatness.

[0161] Therefore, in this example, as shown in Figure 11, the conductive member 50 may further include a first anti-seepage layer 56. The first anti-seepage layer 56 may be arranged on the side of the first end 50a facing the cavity 51. The first anti-seepage layer 56 and the first conductive adhesive layer 54 are located on two opposite sides of the first end 50a along the extension direction. The first anti-seepage layer 56 may be arranged on the side of the partial conductive film 52 forming the first end 50a facing the cavity 51.

[0162] The first anti-seepage layer 56 covers the first through hole, which can prevent the first conductive glue layer 54 and the adhesive layer 53 from overflowing through the first through hole to the side of the first end 50a facing the cavity 51, thereby avoiding the adhesion problem between the first end 50a and the second end 50b when the conductive part 50 is compressed to the extreme, thereby improving the flatness of the flexible screen 20.

[0163] Correspondingly, the conductive member 50 may further include a second anti-seepage layer 57. The second anti-seepage layer 57 may be arranged on the side of the second end 50b facing the cavity 51. The second anti-seepage layer 57 and the second conductive adhesive layer 55 are located on two opposite sides of the second end 50b along the extension direction. The second anti-seepage layer 57 may be arranged on the side of the partial conductive film 52 forming the second end 50b facing the cavity 51.

[0164] The second anti-seepage layer 57 covers the second through hole, which can prevent the second conductive adhesive layer 55 from overflowing through the second through hole to the side of the second end 50b facing the cavity 51, and can also prevent the adhesion problem between the first end 50a and the second end 50b when the conductive part 50 is extremely compressed.

[0165] It can be understood that in the example where the conductive part 50 is surrounded by a conductive film 52 without through holes, for example, the example where the conductive part 50 is formed by a metal film without through holes or a PI film without through holes, the above-mentioned first waterproof layer 56 and the second waterproof layer 57 may not be provided. Omitting the provision of the waterproof layer is conducive to simplifying the molding steps and reducing production costs.

[0166] For example, taking a conductive cloth comprising a single layer of conductive film 52 as an example, during actual assembly, the conductive cloth can first be cut into a strip-like structure of a certain width, and a first and second impermeable layers 56 and 57 are placed at corresponding positions on the conductive cloth. Glue is then applied to at least one side of the leading end 52a and the trailing end 52b of the conductive cloth. The conductive cloth is then folded to form a conductive member 50 having a cavity 51 therein. The leading end 52a and the trailing end 52b are bonded together by an adhesive layer 53 formed by the application of glue. The first end 50a of the conductive member 50 facing the cavity 51 is provided with the first impermeable layer 56, and the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 facing the cavity 51 is provided with the second impermeable layer 57. Finally, a first conductive adhesive layer 54 is formed on the surface of the first end 50a of the conductive member 50 facing away from the cavity 51, and the conductive member 50 is fixed to the shell through the first conductive adhesive layer 54. A second conductive adhesive layer 55 is formed on the surface of the second end 50b of the conductive member 50 facing away from the cavity 51, and the flexible screen is bonded to the second conductive adhesive layer 55. The flexible screen is pressed, and the conductive member 50 is pressed by the flexible screen to fully squeeze and bond the flexible screen, the second conductive adhesive layer 55, the conductive member 50, and the conductive member 50, the first conductive adhesive layer 54, and the shell, thereby realizing the assembly of the conductive member 50, the shell, and the flexible screen.

[0167] Of course, in some other examples, the conductive member may also be other types of conductive structures that can shrink and have a cavity between the two ends in the direction of extension and retraction. For example, the conductive member may include two rigid conductive sheets and a flexible conductive film. The two conductive sheets may be located on both sides of the conductive film. The two conductive sheets are spaced apart and electrically connected through the conductive film. The two conductive sheets respectively form the first and second ends of the conductive member. The gap between the two conductive sheets forms a cavity. One of the conductive sheets may be electrically connected to the flexible screen, and the other conductive sheet may be electrically connected to the shell. The flexible conductive film can enable the two conductive sheets to move relative to each other to achieve the extension and retraction of the conductive member. The conductive member extends and retracts and compresses the cavity between the conductive sheets. This ensures that the flexible screen is reliably electrically connected to the shell, while also avoiding problems such as marks on the flexible screen and variations in the feel during touch operations.

[0168] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances. The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0169] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, ordinary technicians in this field should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. These modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing; A flexible screen, which is disposed on the housing; A telescopic conductive member, which is located between the housing and the flexible screen. The conductive member has opposite first and second ends in the telescopic direction, and the first and second ends are electrically connected to the housing and the flexible screen respectively; The conductive member has a cavity located between the first end and the second end. The flexible screen is used to drive the conductive member to expand and contract through the second end, so as to compress or expand the cavity.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A groove is formed on a surface of the housing facing the flexible screen, and the first end of the conductive member is disposed in the groove.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein When the conductive member is in a contracted state, the first end of the conductive member fits with the second end, and a surface of the second end facing away from the first end is flush with a surface of the housing facing the flexible screen.

4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The conductive member is an annular structure with the cavity inside.

5. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The conductive member includes a flexible conductive film, and the conductive film encloses the cavity. Part of the conductive film forms the first end, and part of the conductive film forms the second end.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The conductive film has a leading end and a trailing end in the extending direction, and the leading end and the trailing end of the conductive film are connected to enclose the cavity.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, A connecting part of the leading end and the trailing end of the conductive film is located at the first end or the second end of the conductive member.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein The leading end and the trailing end of the conductive film are at least partially stacked in the telescopic direction.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein An overlapping area of the leading end and the trailing end is located at the first end of the conductive member, and a vertical projection of the overlapping area of the leading end and the trailing end in the telescopic direction coincides with a vertical projection of the second end of the conductive member in the telescopic direction.

10. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein It further includes an adhesive layer, which is located between the leading end and the trailing end.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein It further includes a first conductive adhesive layer, which is located between the first end of the conductive member and the housing, and the first end is electrically connected to the housing through the first conductive adhesive layer; The electronic device further includes a second conductive adhesive layer, which is located between the second end of the conductive member and the flexible screen, and the second end is electrically connected to the flexible screen through the second conductive adhesive layer.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein The conductive film includes conductive cloth and metal film.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein The conductive film includes a flexible film layer and a conductive layer, and the conductive layer is disposed on a surface of the flexible film layer facing away from the cavity. The conductive layer extends at least from the first end to the second end of the conductive member.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein The conductive layer completely covers a surface of the flexible film layer facing away from the cavity.

15. The electronic device according to claim 14, wherein The conductive layer includes conductive adhesive. Part of the conductive adhesive forms the first conductive adhesive layer, part of the conductive adhesive forms the second conductive adhesive layer, and part of the conductive adhesive forms the adhesive layer.

16. The electronic device according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The flexible film layer includes conductive cloth, metal film, and polyimide film.

17. The electronic device according to any one of claims 11-15, characterized in that, The conductive film located at the first end has a first through hole; The electronic device further includes a first anti-seepage layer, which is disposed on a surface of the first end facing the cavity, and the first anti-seepage layer covers the first through hole.

18. The electronic device according to any one of claims 14-15, characterized in that, The conductive thin film located on the second end has a second through hole; The electronic device further includes a second anti-seepage layer, which is disposed on the side of the second end facing the cavity, and the second anti-seepage layer covers the second through hole.

19. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The housing at least includes a first middle frame and a second middle frame; The electronic device further includes a hinge assembly. The first middle frame and the second middle frame are located on both sides of the hinge assembly, and the first middle frame and the second middle frame are rotatably connected through the hinge assembly; The flexible screen is disposed on one side surface of the first middle frame, the second middle frame and the hinge assembly.

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