Foldable screen support mechanism and foldable electronic device

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application provide a foldable screen support mechanism and a foldable electronic device, which aim to improve the ability of flexible screen modules to resist impact and compression, and improve the display effect of flexible screen modules. The foldable electronic device comprises a first housing, a second housing, a rotating shaft assembly, and a flexible screen module. The first housing and the second housing are disposed on two sides of the rotating shaft assembly in a first direction, and the flexible screen module continuously covers surfaces of the first housing, the second housing, and the rotating shaft assembly. A support piece is arranged between the flexible screen module and the rotating shaft assembly, the support piece has a first end and a second end arranged in the first direction, the first end is secured to the first housing, and the second end is secured to the second housing. The support piece comprises a first portion and a second portion arranged in the first direction, the first portion covers a recessed region on the surface of the rotating shaft assembly, the second portion is provided with a plurality of hollow structures, and the plurality of hollow structures deform so as to impart elastic deformability to the second portion in the first direction.

Description

A foldable screen support mechanism and a foldable electronic device

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411621019.8, filed on November 13, 2024, with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China, entitled "A Foldable Screen Support Mechanism and a Foldable Electronic Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of electronic device technology, and more particularly to a foldable screen support mechanism and a foldable electronic device. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of flexible screen technology, foldable electronic devices based on flexible screens are becoming increasingly popular with consumers and have broad market prospects. The flexible screen is a key component in foldable electronic devices, characterized by its continuous foldability. The hinge assembly, as the core mechanism for realizing the folding function of foldable electronic devices, has the ability to support the flexible screen in its flattened state and also accommodate it in its folded state.

[0005] In one existing technology, when the flexible screen is in a flattened state, the side surface of the hinge assembly facing the flexible screen has a recessed area. However, the hinge assembly provides insufficient support to the flexible screen in this recessed area, resulting in a weaker ability of the portion of the flexible screen corresponding to the recessed area to withstand compression and impact. Consequently, this portion of the flexible screen corresponding to the recessed area is prone to display malfunctions such as bright spots and black spots. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a foldable screen support mechanism and a foldable electronic device, which are used to improve the impact and compression resistance of the corresponding part of the recessed area of ​​the flexible screen and the hinge assembly, and improve the display effect of the flexible screen.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a foldable electronic device, comprising a flexible screen module, multiple housings, and at least one hinge assembly. A hinge assembly is disposed between two adjacent housings. The flexible screen module covers the surfaces of the multiple housings and the at least one hinge assembly. The multiple housings include a first housing and a second housing, which are rotatably connected by the hinge assembly and located on opposite sides of the hinge assembly along a first direction. With the hinge assembly connected, the first and second housings can rotate relative to each other, thereby folding or unfolding. The flexible screen module covers the surfaces of the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge assembly located between the first and second housings. During the relative rotation of the first and second housings, the flexible screen module will bend or flatten as the angle between the first and second housings changes.

[0008] A support plate is disposed between the flexible screen module and the hinge assembly. The support plate has a first end and a second end arranged along a first direction. In the specific arrangement of the support plate, the hinge assembly includes at least one hinge, and the first end and the second end of the support plate are respectively located on opposite sides of the at least one hinge along the first direction. After the support plate is arranged in the above manner, at least a portion of the support plate is located in the bending area of ​​the foldable electronic device. In the specific fixing of the support plate, the first end of the support plate is fixed to the first housing, and the second end of the support plate is fixed to the second housing. Optionally, the first end can be directly fixed to the first housing, or indirectly fixed to the first housing through an intermediate component. The second end can be directly fixed to the second housing, or indirectly fixed to the second housing through an intermediate component.

[0009] The support plate has bending properties; when the foldable electronic device switches between a folded and flattened state, the support plate can bend along with the folding of the electronic device, and can also flatten along with the flattening of the electronic device. The support plate has elastic deformation capability along a first direction, that is, the support plate can lengthen or shorten along the first direction. When the foldable electronic device is in the folded state, the support plate will lengthen. When the foldable electronic device gradually flattens from the folded state, the support plate can recover its deformation under the action of elastic restoring force.

[0010] In the specific arrangement of the support sheet, the support sheet includes a first part and a second part, which are arranged along a first direction. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the side surface of the hinge assembly facing the flexible screen module has a recessed area, and the first part of the support sheet covers the recessed area. That is, when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the first part of the support sheet can form a shield on the surface of the recessed area, so that the recessed area will not be exposed from the surface of the first part. Or, in other words, the orthographic projection of the first part of the support sheet on the surface of the flexible screen module can cover the orthographic projection of the recessed area on the surface of the flexible screen module. The first part of the support plate can support the flexible screen module. When the part of the flexible screen module corresponding to the recessed area is squeezed or impacted, the first part of the support plate can withstand part of the squeezing or impact force and reduce the deformation of the flexible screen module. This makes up for the problem of insufficient support of the hinge assembly for the flexible screen module in the recessed area, improves the impact resistance and squeezing resistance of the part of the flexible screen module corresponding to the recessed area of ​​the hinge assembly, reduces the risk of display function failures such as bright spots and black spots in the flexible screen module, and improves the display effect of the flexible screen module.

[0011] The second part of the support sheet has multiple hollow structures, which can be deformed to allow the second part to elastically deform along the first direction. During the folding process of the foldable electronic device, the second part can undergo tensile deformation, causing the support sheet to elongate along the first direction, thus adapting to length changes during bending. As the foldable electronic device gradually flattens out, the second part can provide elastic restoring force, allowing the support sheet to return from a bent state to a flattened state.

[0012] The first part is located in the bending zone of the foldable electronic device, and it can bend and deform as the foldable electronic device folds. To improve the bending performance of the first part, one possible technical solution is that the thickness of the first part is less than the thickness of the second part. By reducing the thickness of the first part, its flexibility is improved, making it easier to bend; furthermore, it also reduces the resistance encountered by the foldable electronic device during bending, thereby improving its bending performance.

[0013] In one possible technical solution, the first housing has a first supporting surface, which faces the flexible screen module and is fixedly connected to it. The second housing has a second supporting surface, which faces the flexible screen module and is fixedly connected to it. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of one end of the first portion of the support piece along the first direction onto the surface of the flexible screen module lies within the orthographic projection of the first supporting surface onto the surface of the flexible screen module; the orthographic projection of the other end of the first portion of the support piece along the first direction onto the surface of the flexible screen module lies within the orthographic projection of the second supporting surface onto the surface of the flexible screen module.

[0014] In the above solution, one end of the first part of the support sheet arranged along the first direction can extend to the first support surface of the first housing, and the other end of the first part of the support sheet arranged along the first direction can extend to the second support surface of the second housing, thereby increasing the size of the first part along the first direction and ensuring the coverage effect of the first part on the recessed area.

[0015] In one possible technical solution, the flexible screen module includes a flexible screen and a back plate. The back plate is located on the side of the flexible screen facing the hinge assembly and provides support for the flexible screen. To improve the bending performance of the back plate, the back plate includes a bending area with multiple through holes. These through holes reduce the structural strength of the bending area, thereby improving its bending performance. In some embodiments, the bending area may also be referred to as a bamboo book area. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projections of the two ends of the first portion of the support piece along the first direction onto the surface of the flexible screen module are respectively located on both sides of the aforementioned multiple through holes. That is, when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projections of the first portion onto the surface of the flexible screen module can cover at least a portion of the through holes located on both sides of the bending area along the first direction, thereby improving the support effect of the support piece on the bending area of ​​the back plate and improving the impact resistance and compression resistance of the aforementioned area.

[0016] As an example, the aforementioned plurality of through holes includes a first through hole and a second through hole, wherein the center of the first through hole and the center of the second through hole are spaced apart along a first direction, and the distance between the centers of any two through holes along the first direction is less than or equal to the first distance. That is, the first through hole and the second through hole are located at the two sides of the bending area along the first direction. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of the first portion of the support sheet onto the surface of the flexible screen module can cover at least one of the aforementioned first through hole and at least one of the aforementioned second through hole, and can also cover other through holes located between the aforementioned first through hole and the aforementioned second through hole. The first portion of the support sheet can provide support for the aforementioned through hole area to improve the impact resistance and compression resistance of the aforementioned through hole area.

[0017] In one possible technical solution, the first part also has elastic deformation capability along the first direction. As an example, the first part can be made of rubber. The aforementioned first part can elastically deform along the first direction during the bending process of the foldable electronic device, thereby enhancing the elastic deformation capability of the support sheet.

[0018] In one possible technical solution for the second part, it has multiple hollow structures. When the second part is subjected to tension along the first direction, the shape of these hollow structures changes, and it elongates along the first direction, causing the entire second part to elongate accordingly. When the tension disappears, the hollow structures return to their original shape, and the second part returns to its original length. Thus, the second part has elastic deformation capability along the first direction. In another possible technical solution, the second part can also be a component made of rubber material, thereby possessing elastic deformation capability along the first direction.

[0019] In the specific arrangement of the above-mentioned multiple hollow structures, there are various arrangement methods. In one possible technical solution, two adjacent hollow structures along the first direction are staggered, thereby increasing the distribution range of the hollow structures, reducing the difference in elastic deformation capacity of the second part in different areas, reducing the risk of poor elastic deformation capacity in local areas, and thus improving the overall elastic deformation capacity of the second part along the first direction.

[0020] When specifically designing the hollow structure, various structural forms are possible. In one possible technical solution, the second part has two side edges arranged along the extension direction of the rotating shaft assembly. Among the aforementioned hollow structures is a first hollow structure, which is a notch structure located at the side edge. The first hollow structure can improve the elastic deformation capability of the edge region of the second part. The aforementioned hollow structures also include a second hollow structure, which is a hole structure located between the two side edges. The second hollow structure can improve the elastic deformation capability of the middle region of the second part.

[0021] In one possible technical solution, the support sheet includes a first part and two second parts, with the first part located between the two second parts. Both of the second parts have elastic deformation capability along a first direction, thereby enhancing the elastic deformation capability of the support sheet along the first direction X.

[0022] In another possible technical solution, the support sheet includes a first part and a second part, and the first part and the second part are arranged along a first direction.

[0023] When specifically connecting the first part and the second part, there are multiple connection methods. In one possible technical solution, the first part and the second part are an integral structure. During specific manufacturing, the first part and the second part are processed on the same base material, thereby eliminating gaps between the first part and the second part and reducing the likelihood of breakage.

[0024] In another possible technical solution, the first and second parts are fixed by welding or bonding. In specific manufacturing processes, the first and second parts can be produced separately and then fixed together by welding or bonding. In this way, the manufacturing processes of the first and second parts do not interfere with each other, making production more convenient.

[0025] When fixing the flexible screen module, it can be fixedly connected to both the first and second housings. Alternatively, the flexible screen module can also be fixedly connected to the hinge assembly. For the latter, one possible technical solution is that the hinge assembly has a connection area on its surface facing the flexible screen module, and this connection area is fixedly connected to the flexible screen module. Furthermore, the support piece has a connection hole, so that when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of the connection hole onto the surface of the flexible screen module completely covers the orthographic projection of the connection area onto the surface of the flexible screen module. In other words, the connection area can be exposed through the connection hole, thereby being fixedly connected to the flexible screen module. Optionally, the connection area is provided with adhesive backing, and the connection area is connected to the flexible screen module through the adhesive backing.

[0026] When specifically setting the connecting hole, it can be a circular hole or a polygonal hole. In one possible technical solution, the connecting hole has a first edge and a second edge, which are located on opposite sides of the center of the connecting hole along a first direction. The first edge bends away from the center of the connecting hole, and / or the second edge bends away from the center of the connecting hole. When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the portion of the support piece near the aforementioned edges warps less, allowing this portion to adhere to the surface of the flexible screen module, thus ensuring the support effect of the support piece on the flexible screen module.

[0027] In the aforementioned foldable electronic device, one or more support plates can be provided between the flexible screen module and the hinge assembly. In one possible technical solution, multiple support plates are provided between the flexible screen module and the hinge assembly, and these multiple support plates are spaced apart along a second direction. Each support plate can cover one recessed area or multiple recessed areas. The hinge assembly includes a hinge, and the aforementioned second direction is the extending direction of the hinge.

[0028] In another possible technical solution, a support plate is provided between the flexible screen module and the hinge assembly. The length of the support plate along the second direction is L1, and the length of the hinge assembly along the second direction is L2. L1 and L2 satisfy the following relationship: 0.8*L2≤L1≤L2. The aforementioned support plate can cover all the recessed areas on the surface of the hinge assembly.

[0029] In one possible technical solution, the first end of the support sheet has a first thinning region, and a first adhesive material is disposed in the first thinning region. The first adhesive material can bond the first end of the support sheet to the first housing, or the first adhesive material can bond the first end of the support sheet to the first intermediate component. The first intermediate component and the first housing are fixedly connected. The second end of the support sheet has a second thinning region, and a second adhesive material is disposed in the second thinning region. The second adhesive material can bond the second end of the support sheet to the second housing, or the second adhesive material can bond the second end of the support sheet to the second intermediate component. The second intermediate component and the second housing are fixedly connected.

[0030] Compared to adjacent areas, the first and second thinning zones are thinner. The design of the first and second thinning zones provides space for the adhesive material, increasing the amount of adhesive and thus improving the bonding effect of the support sheet. On the other hand, it also ensures that the adhesive material does not additionally increase the thickness of the support sheet, thereby reducing the space occupied by the support sheet in the thickness direction.

[0031] There are several options for fixing the aforementioned support plates. Several possible forms are listed below:

[0032] In one possible technical solution, the first end of the support piece is fixed to the first housing, and the second end of the support piece is fixed to the second housing. In the above technical solution, the first end of the support piece is directly fixed to the first housing, and the first end of the support piece is directly fixed to the second housing.

[0033] In another possible technical solution, the first end and the second end of the support piece are respectively fixed to the flexible screen module, the flexible screen module and the first housing are fixedly connected, and the flexible screen module and the second housing are also fixedly connected. In the above technical solution, the first end of the support piece is indirectly fixed through the flexible screen module and the first housing, and the second end of the support piece is indirectly fixed through the flexible screen module and the second housing.

[0034] In another possible technical solution, the first end of the support piece is fixed to the flexible screen module, and the flexible screen module and the first housing are fixedly connected; the second end of the support piece is fixed to the second housing. In the above technical solution, the first end of the support piece is indirectly fixed to the flexible screen module and the first housing; while the second end of the support piece is directly fixed to the second housing.

[0035] In another possible technical solution, the rotating shaft assembly includes a first support plate and a rotating shaft, wherein the first support plate and the rotating shaft are rotatably connected, and the first support plate and the first housing are fixedly connected. Specifically, when fixing the support piece, the first end of the support piece is fixed to the first support plate, thereby indirectly fixing the first end through the first support plate and the first housing; while the second end of the support piece is directly fixed to the second housing.

[0036] In another possible technical solution, the rotating shaft assembly includes a first support plate and a rotating shaft, wherein the first support plate and the rotating shaft are rotatably connected, and the first support plate and the first housing are fixedly connected. When fixing the first end of the support piece, the first end of the support piece is fixed to the aforementioned first support plate, thereby indirectly fixing the first end of the support piece through the first support plate and the first housing. When fixing the second end of the support piece, the second end of the support piece is fixed to a flexible screen module, and the flexible screen module and the second housing are fixedly connected, thereby indirectly fixing the second end of the support piece through the flexible screen module and the second housing.

[0037] Of course, the support sheet also includes other fixing methods, which will not be listed one by one in this application.

[0038] Secondly, this application also provides a foldable screen support mechanism, which is applied to a foldable electronic device and used to support a flexible screen module in the foldable electronic device. Specifically, the foldable screen support mechanism includes a hinge assembly and a support sheet. The hinge assembly includes a hinge extending along a second direction. When the flexible screen module is in a flattened state, the side surface of the hinge assembly facing the flexible screen module has a recessed area. The support sheet is located on the side of the hinge assembly facing the flexible screen module, and includes a first part and a second part, which are arranged along a first direction. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. When the flexible screen module is in a flattened state, the first part of the support sheet covers the recessed area on the surface of the hinge assembly. That is, the first part of the support sheet can form a shield on the surface of the recessed area, so that the recessed area is not exposed from the surface of the first part. Or, when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of the first part on the surface of the flexible screen module can completely cover the orthographic projection of the recessed area on the surface of the flexible screen module.

[0039] The first part of the aforementioned support piece can support the flexible screen module. When the part of the flexible screen module corresponding to the recessed area is squeezed or impacted, the first part of the support piece can withstand a portion of the squeezing or impact force and reduce the deformation of the flexible screen module. This compensates for the insufficient support of the hinge assembly for the flexible screen module in the recessed area, improves the impact resistance and squeezing resistance of the part of the flexible screen module corresponding to the recessed area of ​​the hinge assembly, reduces the risk of display function failures such as bright spots and black spots in the flexible screen module, and improves the display effect of the flexible screen module.

[0040] The second part of the support sheet has multiple hollow structures, which, through deformation, enable the second part to elastically deform along the first direction. During the folding process of the foldable electronic device, the second part can undergo tensile deformation, causing the support sheet to elongate along the first direction, thus adapting to length changes during bending. As the foldable electronic device gradually flattens out, the second part can provide elastic restoring force, allowing the support sheet to return from a bent state to a flattened state.

[0041] When specifically fixing the aforementioned support piece, both ends of the support piece along the first direction can be fixed to structural components in the foldable electronic device. Optionally, the aforementioned structural components can be the housing of the foldable electronic device, the flexible screen module, or some components other than the hinge included in the hinge assembly, so that the two ends of the support piece will not move arbitrarily during the bending or flattening process of the foldable electronic device.

[0042] In one possible technical solution for specifically designing the first part of the support sheet, the thickness of the first part is less than the thickness of the second part. By reducing the thickness of the first part, its flexibility is improved, making it easier to bend; furthermore, it reduces the resistance encountered by the foldable electronic device during bending, thereby improving the bending performance of the foldable electronic device.

[0043] In one possible technical solution, when the flexible screen module is in a flattened state, the orthographic projections of the two ends of the first part along the first direction onto the surface of the flexible screen module are located on both sides of the orthographic projection of the pivot assembly onto the surface of the flexible screen module. This allows the first part to completely cover the pivot assembly along the first direction, thereby increasing the coverage area of ​​the first part and improving the support effect of the first part on the flexible screen module.

[0044] In the specific arrangement of the second part of the support plate, among the multiple hollow structures included in the second part, two adjacent hollow structures along the first direction are staggered. This arrangement increases the distribution range of the hollow structures in the second part, reduces the difference in elastic deformation capacity in different areas of the second part, reduces the risk of poor elastic deformation capacity in local areas, and thus improves the overall elastic deformation capacity of the second part along the first direction.

[0045] In one possible technical solution, the second part has two side edges arranged along a second direction; with reference to the side edges, the second part includes a first hollow structure and a second hollow structure among multiple hollow structures; wherein, the first hollow structure is a notch structure located at the side edge, and the second hollow structure is a hole structure located between the two side edges of the second part. The aforementioned first hollow structure can improve the elastic deformation capability of the edge region of the second part, and the aforementioned second hollow structure can improve the elastic deformation capability of the middle region of the second part.

[0046] In one possible technical solution, the support sheet includes two second parts, with a first part located between the two second parts. Both second parts have elastic deformation capability along the first direction, thereby enhancing the elastic deformation capability of the support sheet along the first direction.

[0047] In one possible technical solution, the first part and the second part are an integral structure. During specific manufacturing, the first part and the second part are formed on the same base material, thus eliminating gaps between them and reducing the likelihood of breakage.

[0048] In another possible technical solution, the first and second parts are fixed by welding or bonding. In specific manufacturing processes, the first and second parts can be produced separately and then fixed together by welding or bonding. In this way, the manufacturing processes of the first and second parts do not interfere with each other, making production more convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application in a folded state;

[0050] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application in a flattened state;

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of this application in a folded state;

[0054] Figure 6 is another structural schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of this application in the folded state;

[0055] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a support sheet provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a support sheet with adhesive material at both ends provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the support sheet provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 10 is a schematic projection of the support sheet, the pivot assembly, the first housing and the second housing provided in the embodiment of this application onto the surface of the flexible screen module;

[0059] Figure 11 is a schematic projection of the support sheet provided in an embodiment of this application onto the surface of a flexible screen module;

[0060] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the support sheet provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 13 is a partial enlarged view of the support plate shown in Figure 12;

[0062] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the support sheet provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the support sheet provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the support sheet provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the support sheet provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of a combination of the support plate, the rotating shaft assembly, and the flexible screen module shown in Figure 17.

[0067] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the support sheet provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0070] Reference numerals: 10-First housing; 101-First support surface; 20-Second housing; 201-Second support surface; 30-Spindle assembly; 301-Recessed area; 302-Connecting area; 31-Spindle; 32-First support plate; 33-Second support plate; 40-Flexible screen module; 41-Back plate; 411-Bending area; 4111-Through hole; 4111a-First through hole; 4111b-Second through hole; 50-Support piece; 501-First end; 5011-First thinning area; 5012-First sub-region; 502-Second end; 5021-Second thinning area; 5022-Second sub-region; 503-Connecting hole; 5031-First edge; 5032-Second edge; 51-First part; 52-Second part; 521 - Hollowed-out structure; 521a - First hollowed-out structure; 521b - Second hollowed-out structure; 522 - Side edge; 60 - First adhesive material; 70 - Second adhesive material; 100 - Folding screen support mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0071] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The same reference numerals in the figures denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. The terms expressing position and direction described in the embodiments of this application are illustrative based on the accompanying drawings, but changes can be made as needed, and all such changes are included within the scope of protection of this application. The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application are for illustrating relative positional relationships only and do not represent actual scale.

[0072] It should be noted that specific details are set forth in the following description to facilitate understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0073] This application provides a foldable screen support mechanism and a foldable electronic device. To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application, its application scenarios are first introduced below. Foldable electronic devices have foldable capabilities. Generally, foldable electronic devices have a folded state and a flattened state. In the folded state, the foldable electronic device is compact and portable. In the flattened state, the foldable electronic device has a larger display area, thereby improving the user experience. As an example, the foldable electronic device can be a foldable mobile phone, a foldable tablet computer, a foldable e-reader, or a smart wearable device with foldable functionality. For ease of understanding, in the embodiments of this application, the foldable electronic device is described using a mobile phone as an example.

[0074] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device provided in this application in a folded state, and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device provided in this application in an unfolded state. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the foldable electronic device includes a first housing 10, a second housing 20, a flexible screen module 40, and a folding screen support mechanism 100. The folding screen support mechanism 100 includes a pivot assembly 30, which connects the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, allowing the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 to rotate relative to each other, thereby folding or unfolding. Alternatively, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are rotatably connected via the pivot assembly 30. During the relative rotation of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, the included angle between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 will change accordingly. The flexible screen module 40 continuously covers the surfaces of the first housing 10, the second housing 20, and the pivot assembly 30. During the relative rotation of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, the flexible screen module 40 will bend or flatten as the included angle between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 changes.

[0075] It should be noted that the above-mentioned foldable electronic device includes two or more housings, and the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are any two adjacent housings.

[0076] When the foldable electronic device is in different usage states, the angle between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 will change, and the shape of the flexible screen module 40 will also change. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the angle between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be approximately 0°. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are folded to a closed state, and the flexible screen module 40 presents a folded shape. As shown in Figure 2, in one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the angle between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be approximately 180°. At this time, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are respectively located on opposite sides of the hinge assembly 30 along the first direction X. Or, the first housing 10, the hinge assembly 30, and the second housing 20 are arranged sequentially along the first direction X. The flexible screen module 40 presents a flattened shape. At this time, the surface of the flexible screen module 40 facing away from the hinge assembly 30 is flat or nearly flat.

[0077] In some other embodiments, when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the included angle between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 may deviate slightly from 0°, for example, 5°, 8°, 10°, or 15°. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the included angle between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 may also deviate slightly from 180°, for example, 165°, 177°, or 185°.

[0078] In the aforementioned foldable electronic device, the hinge assembly 30 is the core component that enables the foldable electronic device to switch between folded and unfolded states. The hinge assembly 30 can be configured in various structural forms. For example, it can be a double-panel support structure or a triple-panel support structure. Of course, the hinge assembly 30 can also have other structural forms, which will not be listed here. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the hinge assembly 30 has the ability to support the bending area of ​​the flexible screen module 40. When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the hinge assembly 30 also has the ability to accommodate the bending area of ​​the flexible screen module 40.

[0079] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, in one embodiment, as the hinge assembly 30 becomes more complex, when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the side surface of the hinge assembly 30 facing the flexible screen module 40 has a recessed area 301. The recessed area 301 may be caused by various reasons. For example, in one embodiment, the side surface of the hinge assembly 30 facing the flexible screen module 40 includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface have a step difference, and the distance between the second surface and the flexible screen module 40 is greater than the distance between the first surface and the flexible screen module 40, thereby forming a recessed area 301 in the area of ​​the hinge assembly 30 corresponding to the second surface. In another embodiment, the side surface of the hinge assembly 30 facing the flexible screen module 40 has a hole located between two components to prevent interference between them. The area of ​​the hinge assembly 30 corresponding to the hole lacks a support surface, thus forming a recessed area 301. Of course, the recessed area 301 may also be caused by other reasons, which will not be listed in this application. The pivot assembly 30 provides insufficient support to the flexible screen module 40 in the recessed area 301, resulting in the part of the flexible screen module 40 corresponding to the recessed area 301 having a weaker ability to withstand compression and impact. Consequently, the part of the flexible screen module 40 corresponding to the recessed area 301 is prone to display function failures such as bright spots and black spots.

[0080] The foldable screen support mechanism and foldable electronic device provided in this application aim to improve the impact resistance and compression resistance of the portion corresponding to the recessed area 301 on the surface of the flexible screen module 40 and the hinge assembly 30, and improve the display effect of the flexible screen module 40.

[0081] Please continue referring to Figure 3. To compensate for the insufficient support of the hinge assembly 30 for the flexible screen module 40 in the recessed area 301, and to improve the impact and compression resistance of the portion of the flexible screen module 40 corresponding to the recessed area 301, in one embodiment, the foldable screen support mechanism 100 further includes a support piece 50, located on the side of the hinge assembly 30 facing the flexible screen module 40. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the support piece 50 covers the recessed area 301 on the surface of the hinge assembly 30. This can be understood as follows: when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the support piece 50 can shield the recessed area 301 on the surface of the hinge assembly 30, preventing the recessed area 301 from being exposed from the surface of the support piece 50. It can also be understood that when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of the support piece 50 on the surface of the flexible screen module 40 completely covers the orthographic projection of the recessed area 301 on the surface of the flexible screen module 40.

[0082] The aforementioned support piece 50 provides support for the flexible screen module 40. When the portion of the flexible screen module 40 corresponding to the recessed area 301 is subjected to compression or impact, the support piece 50 can reduce the deformation of the flexible screen module 40, thereby compensating for the insufficient support of the pivot assembly 30 for the flexible screen module 40 in the recessed area 301. This improves the impact resistance and compression resistance of the portion of the flexible screen module 40 corresponding to the recessed area 301 of the pivot assembly 30, reduces the risk of display function failures such as bright spots and black spots in the flexible screen module 40, and improves the display effect of the flexible screen module 40.

[0083] In the specific arrangement of the support plate 50, at least a portion of the support plate 50 is located in the bending area of ​​the foldable electronic device. When the foldable electronic device switches between a folded state and a flattened state, the support plate 50 can bend along with the bending of the foldable electronic device, and can also flatten along with the flattening of the foldable electronic device. In one embodiment, the pivot assembly 30 includes a pivot 31 extending along a second direction Y. The support plate 50 has a first end 501 and a second end 502 arranged along a first direction X, with the first end 501 and the second end 502 respectively disposed on opposite sides of the pivot 31 along the first direction X. The first direction X and the second direction Y are perpendicular. It can also be understood that the two ends of the support plate 50 are arranged across the pivot.

[0084] When installing the support plate 50, the first end 501 and the second end 502 of the support plate 50 can be fixed to a structural component in the foldable electronic device. Optionally, the structural component can be a shell, a flexible screen module 40, or some components other than the pivot 31 in the pivot assembly 30 of the foldable electronic device, so that the two ends of the support plate 50 will not move arbitrarily during the bending or flattening of the foldable electronic device.

[0085] The support piece 50 has elastic deformation capability along the first direction X, or in other words, the support piece 50 can lengthen and shorten along the first direction X. When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the support piece 50 will lengthen. When the foldable electronic device gradually flattens from a folded state, the support piece 50 can recover its deformation under the action of elastic restoring force. The support piece 50 can undergo elastic deformation before reaching its bending life. If the length of the support piece 50 along the first direction X in the flattened state before the foldable electronic device leaves the factory is recorded as the initial length, then after the foldable electronic device is repeatedly folded and flattened during use, when the foldable electronic device is flattened again, the length of the support piece 50 along the first direction X can be basically equal to the above-mentioned initial length. That is to say, the support piece 50 is not prone to wrinkles, thus reducing the risk that the support piece 50 will lift the flexible screen module 40 due to wrinkles, making the flexible screen module 40 unable to display normally.

[0086] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 4, in one embodiment, the first end 501 of the support piece 50 can be fixed to the first housing 10, and the second end 502 of the support piece 50 can be fixed to the second housing 20. During the relative folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device, the relative positional relationship between the first end 501 of the support piece 50 and the first housing 10 remains unchanged, and the relative positional relationship between the second end 502 of the support piece 50 and the second housing 20 remains unchanged. In other words, the first end 501 of the support piece 50 will not shift relative to the first housing 10, and the second end 502 of the support piece 50 will not shift relative to the second housing 20. In specific implementation, the first end 501 of the support piece 50 can be directly fixed to the first housing 10, or indirectly fixed to the first housing 10 through an intermediate component. The second end 502 of the support piece 50 can be directly fixed to the second housing 20, or indirectly fixed to the second housing 20 through an intermediate component. Since the first end 501 of the support piece 50 is fixed to the first housing 10, and the second end 502 of the support piece 50 is fixed to the second housing 20, the support piece 50 is less likely to be misaligned relative to the recessed area 301, and thus has high reliability.

[0087] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device provided in this application embodiment in a folded state. As shown in Figure 5, the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, and the bending shape of the support piece 50 is basically the same as that of the flexible screen module 40. As an example, both the bending shape of the support piece 50 and the bending shape of the flexible screen module 40 are teardrop-shaped. The support piece 50 can be closely attached to the surface of the flexible screen module 40, thereby providing support for the flexible screen module 40. Since both ends of the support piece 50 are fixed, the ends of the support piece 50 are not prone to shifting under the action of elastic restoring force, thus ensuring the support effect of the support piece 50 on the flexible screen module 40. In addition, when the flexible screen module 40 is in a static bending state for a long time, the support of the support piece 50 on the flexible screen module 40 can reduce the creep of the adhesive and film materials inside the flexible screen module 40, thereby reducing the resulting depressions in the flexible screen module 40 and improving the problem of depressions and shadows after the flexible screen module 40 has been in a static bending state for a long time.

[0088] During the process of gradually flattening the foldable electronic device from a folded state, the support piece 50 can recover its deformation under the action of elastic restoring force. In this process, since the first end 501 of the support piece 50 is fixed to the first housing 10, and the second end 502 is fixed to the second housing 20, no relative displacement occurs between the first end 501 and the first housing 10, nor between the second end 502 and the second housing 20. This results in less resistance to the support piece 50 during the flattening process, thereby reducing the risk of the support piece 50 jamming or making abnormal noises during the flattening process.

[0089] In the specific fixing of the support piece 50, the support piece 50 can be fixed in various ways. As shown in Figure 5, in one embodiment, the first end 501 of the support piece 50 is fixed to the first housing 10, and the second end 502 of the support piece 50 is fixed to the second housing 20. Optionally, the first end 501 of the support piece 50 can be bonded to the first housing 10 or welded to it. The second end 502 of the support piece 50 can be bonded to the second housing 20 or welded to it.

[0090] In one specific embodiment, the first housing 10 includes a first middle frame and a first rear shell located on the side of the first middle frame opposite to the flexible screen module 40, and the first end 501 of the support piece 50 is directly fixedly connected to the first middle frame. The second housing 20 includes a second middle frame and a second rear shell located on the side of the second middle frame opposite to the flexible screen module 40, and the second end 502 is directly fixedly connected to the second middle frame.

[0091] In another embodiment, the first end 501 and the second end 502 of the support piece 50 are respectively fixed to the flexible screen module 40, and the flexible screen module 40 is fixedly connected to the first housing 10, and the flexible screen module 40 is fixedly connected to the second housing 20. That is, the first end 501 of the support piece 50 is indirectly fixed through the flexible screen module 40 and the first housing 10, and the second end 502 of the support piece 50 is indirectly fixed through the flexible screen module 40 and the second housing 20. Optionally, the first end 501 of the support piece 50 can be bonded to the flexible screen module 40 or welded to it. The second end 502 of the support piece 50 can be bonded to the flexible screen module 40 or welded to it.

[0092] In one specific embodiment, the flexible screen module 40 includes a flexible screen and a back plate, with the back plate located on the side of the flexible screen facing the pivot assembly 30. The back plate includes a first sub-part and a second sub-part, wherein the first sub-part is fixedly connected to the first housing 10, and the second sub-part is fixedly connected to the second housing 20. When specifically connecting the support piece 50 and the aforementioned flexible screen module 40, the first end 501 of the support piece 50 is directly fixedly connected to the first sub-part of the back plate, and the second end 502 of the support piece 50 is directly fixedly connected to the second sub-part of the back plate.

[0093] In another embodiment, the first end 501 of the support piece 50 is fixed to the flexible screen module 40, and the flexible screen module 40 is fixedly connected to the first housing 10, thereby indirectly fixing the first end 501 of the support piece 50 through the flexible screen module 40 and the first housing 10. Optionally, the first end 501 of the support piece 50 can be bonded or welded to the flexible screen module 40. In a specific embodiment, the structure of the flexible screen module 40 is the same as that in the above embodiment, both including a flexible screen and a back plate. The first end 501 of the support piece 50 can be directly fixedly connected to the first sub-part of the back plate. The structure of the flexible screen module 40 will not be described in detail here.

[0094] The second end 502 of the support piece 50 is fixed to the second housing 20. Optionally, the second end 502 of the support piece 50 can be bonded to the second housing 20 or welded to the second housing 20. In a specific embodiment, the second housing 20 includes a second middle frame and a second rear shell located on the side of the second middle frame opposite to the flexible screen module 40, and the second end 502 is directly fixedly connected to the second middle frame.

[0095] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG6, the rotating shaft assembly 30 includes a rotating shaft 31 and a first support plate 32. The first support plate 32 and the rotating shaft 31 are rotatably connected, and the first support plate 32 and the first housing 10 are fixedly connected. When specifically fixing the first end 501 of the support piece 50, the first end 501 is fixed to the first support plate 32, thereby indirectly fixing the first end 501 through the first support plate 32 and the first housing 10. Optionally, the first end 501 of the support piece 50 can be bonded and fixed to the first support plate 32, or it can be welded and fixed. Referring to FIG6, in a specific embodiment, the rotating shaft assembly 30 further includes a second support plate 33. The second support plate 33 and the first support plate 32 are located on opposite sides of the rotating shaft 31, and the second support plate 33 and the second housing 20 are fixedly connected.

[0096] When fixing the second end 502 of the support piece 50, the second end 502 is fixed to the second housing 20. Optionally, the second end 502 of the support piece 50 can be bonded to the second housing 20 or welded to the second housing 20. In a specific embodiment, the second housing 20 includes a second middle frame and a second rear shell located on the side of the second middle frame opposite to the flexible screen module 40, and the second end 502 is directly fixedly connected to the second middle frame.

[0097] In other embodiments, the structure of the rotating shaft assembly 30 is the same as that shown in FIG. 6, and the structure of the rotating shaft assembly 30 will not be described again here. Specifically, the first end 501 of the fixed support piece 50 is also fixed to the first support plate 32 of the rotating shaft assembly 30, thereby indirectly fixed through the first support plate 32 and the first housing 10.

[0098] When fixing the second end 502 of the support piece 50, the second end 502 of the support piece 50 is fixed to the flexible screen module 40, and the flexible screen module 40 is fixedly connected to the second housing 20, thereby indirectly fixing the second end 502 of the support piece 50 through the flexible screen module 40 and the second housing 20. In a specific embodiment, the structure of the flexible screen module 40 is the same as that in the above embodiment, both including a flexible screen and a back plate. The second end 502 of the support piece 50 can be directly fixedly connected to the second sub-part of the back plate. The structure of the flexible screen module 40 will not be described in detail here.

[0099] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a support sheet provided in an embodiment of this application, and Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a support sheet with adhesive material at both ends provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in some embodiments, the first end 501 of the support sheet 50 has a first thinning region 5011, and the first thinning region 5011 is provided with a first adhesive material 60. The first adhesive material 60 can bond the first end 501 of the support sheet 50 to the first housing 10, or the first adhesive material 60 can bond the first end 501 of the support sheet 50 to a first intermediate component, and the first intermediate component is then fixedly connected to the first housing 10. Optionally, the first intermediate component can be a pivot assembly 30 or a flexible screen module 40.

[0100] As shown in Figure 7, in addition to the first thinning region 5011, the support sheet 50 also has a first sub-region 5012, which is adjacent to the first thinning region 5011. Compared to the first sub-region 5012, the thickness of the first thinning region 5011 is less than the thickness of the first sub-region 5012. The first sub-region 5012 can surround the periphery of the first thinning region 5011, thereby forming a groove structure on the surface of the first end 501. Alternatively, the first sub-region 5012 can also be located on the side of the first thinning region 5011 closer to the second thinning region 5021, thereby forming a stepped structure on the surface of the first end 501.

[0101] As shown in Figure 8, when the first adhesive material 60 is specifically provided in the first thinning region 5011, the first adhesive material 60 can cover the entire area of ​​the first thinning region 5011, or it can cover a partial area of ​​the first thinning region 5011. The surface of the first adhesive material 60 facing away from the first thinning region 5011 can be flush with the surface of the first sub-region 5012, or the surface of the first adhesive material 60 facing away from the first thinning region 5011 can be slightly higher than the surface of the first sub-region 5012, so that the first adhesive material 60 can bond the first end 501 of the support sheet 50 and the first shell 10.

[0102] Please continue referring to Figures 7 and 8. In some embodiments, the second end 502 of the support sheet 50 has a second thinning region 5021, and the second thinning region 5021 is provided with a second adhesive material 70. The second adhesive material 70 can bond the second end 502 of the support sheet 50 to the second housing 20, or the second adhesive material 70 can bond the second end 502 of the support sheet 50 to the second intermediate component, and the second intermediate component is then fixedly connected to the second housing 20. Optionally, the second intermediate component can be a pivot assembly 30 or a flexible screen module 40.

[0103] As shown in Figure 7, in addition to the second thinning region 5021, the support sheet 50 also has a second sub-region 5022, which is adjacent to the second thinning region 5021. Compared to the second sub-region 5022, the thickness of the second thinning region 5021 is less than the thickness of the second sub-region 5022. The second sub-region 5022 can surround the periphery of the second thinning region 5021, thereby forming a groove structure on the surface of the second end 502. Alternatively, the second sub-region 5022 can also be located on the side of the second thinning region 5021 closer to the first thinning region 5011, thereby forming a stepped structure on the surface of the second end 502.

[0104] As shown in Figure 8, when the second adhesive material 70 is specifically provided in the second thinning region 5021, the second adhesive material 70 can cover the entire area of ​​the second thinning region 5021, or it can cover a partial area of ​​the second thinning region 5021. The surface of the second adhesive material 70 facing away from the second thinning region 5021 can be flush with the surface of the second sub-region 5022, or it can protrude from the surface of the second sub-region 5022, thereby allowing the second adhesive material 70 to bond the second end 502 of the support sheet 50 and the second shell 20.

[0105] In the above embodiments, the first thinning region 5011 and the second thinning region 5021 provide space for the adhesive material, increasing the amount of adhesive material and thus improving the bonding effect of the support sheet 50. Furthermore, they prevent the adhesive material from excessively increasing the thickness of the support sheet 50, thereby reducing the space occupied by the support sheet 50 in the thickness direction. For the support sheet 50, a thinning region can be provided at one end as needed, or thinning regions can be provided at both ends.

[0106] In specific configurations of the support sheet 50, the support sheet 50 can include various structural forms. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the support sheet provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 9, in one embodiment, the support sheet 50 includes a first part 51 and a second part 52, which are arranged along a first direction X. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the first part 51 of the support sheet 50 can cover the recessed area 301 on the surface of the hinge assembly 30 and form support for the flexible screen module 40 on the surface of the recessed area 301. This compensates for the insufficient support of the hinge assembly 30 for the flexible screen module 40 in the recessed area 301, improves the impact resistance and compression resistance of the part of the flexible screen module 40 corresponding to the recessed area 301, reduces the risk of display function failures such as bright spots and black spots in the flexible screen module 40, and improves the display effect of the flexible screen module 40. The second part 52 of the support piece 50 has elastic deformation capability along the first direction X, so that the support piece 50 can extend along the first direction X during the folding process of the foldable electronic device to adapt to the length change during the bending process.

[0107] In the specific configuration of the first part 51, the first part 51 can form a shield on the surface of the recessed area 301, so that the recessed area 301 will not be exposed from the surface of the first part 51. In other words, when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of the first part 51 on the surface of the flexible screen module 40 can cover the orthographic projection of the recessed area 301 on the surface of the flexible screen module 40.

[0108] The first part 51 is located in the bending area of ​​the foldable electronic device, and can bend and deform as the foldable electronic device bends. To improve the bending performance of the first part 51, in one embodiment, the thickness of the first part 51 is less than the thickness of the second part 52. In the above embodiment, by reducing the thickness of the first part 51, the flexibility of the first part 51 is improved, making the first part 51 easier to bend; furthermore, the resistance encountered by the foldable electronic device during bending is reduced, thereby improving the bending performance of the foldable electronic device.

[0109] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first portion 51 is less than or equal to 0.03 mm. Optionally, the thickness of the first portion 51 can be 0.01 mm, 0.015 mm, 0.02 mm, or 0.025 mm. Of course, the thickness of the first portion 51 can also be other values ​​that satisfy the above range, which will not be listed one by one in this application.

[0110] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second portion 52 is greater than or equal to 0.05 mm. Optionally, the thickness of the second portion 52 can be 0.06 mm, 0.065 mm, 0.07 mm, or 0.075 mm. Of course, the thickness of the second portion 52 can also be other values ​​that satisfy the above range, which will not be listed one by one in this application.

[0111] Figure 10 is a schematic projection of the support sheet, pivot assembly, first housing, and second housing provided in an embodiment of this application onto the surface of a flexible screen module. As shown in Figure 10, in one embodiment, the first housing 10 has a first support surface 101, which faces the flexible screen module 40 and is fixedly connected to it. The second housing 20 has a second support surface 201, which faces the flexible screen module 40 and is fixedly connected to it. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of one end of the first portion 51 of the support sheet 50 arranged along the first direction X onto the surface of the flexible screen module 40 is located within the orthographic projection of the first support surface 101 onto the surface of the flexible screen module 40; the orthographic projection of the other end of the first portion 51 arranged along the first direction X onto the surface of the flexible screen module 40 is located within the orthographic projection of the second support surface 201 onto the surface of the flexible screen module 40.

[0112] One end of the first portion 51 of the aforementioned support piece 50, arranged along the first direction X, can extend to the first support surface 101 of the first housing 10, and the other end of the first portion 51 of the support piece 50, arranged along the first direction X, can extend to the second support surface 201 of the second housing 20. This increases the size of the first portion 51 along the first direction X, ensuring the coverage effect of the first portion 51 on the recessed area 301. In addition, the first end 501 and the second end 502 of the aforementioned support piece 50 can be moved away from the rotating shaft 31 of the rotating shaft assembly 30, thereby improving the fixing effect of the first end 501 and the second end 502.

[0113] Referring to Figure 10, when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projections of the two ends of the first portion 51 of the support piece 50 along the first direction X onto the surface of the flexible screen module 40 are respectively located on both sides of the orthographic projection of the hinge assembly 30 onto the surface of the flexible screen module 40. This allows the first portion 51 along the first direction X to completely cover the hinge assembly 30, thereby increasing the coverage area of ​​the first portion 51 and improving the support effect of the first portion 51 on the flexible screen module 40. Optionally, the dimension of the first portion 51 along the first direction X is greater than or equal to the maximum dimension of the hinge assembly 30 along the first direction X. The thickness of the first portion 51 can be equal to or less than the thickness of the second portion 52. In a specific embodiment, the thickness of the first portion 51 is less than the thickness of the second portion 52, making the corresponding parts of the support piece 50 and the hinge assembly 30 easier to bend, thereby improving the bending performance of the foldable electronic device.

[0114] Figure 11 is a schematic projection of the support sheet provided in an embodiment of this application onto the surface of a flexible screen module. As shown in Figure 11, in one embodiment, the flexible screen module 40 includes a flexible screen (not shown) and a back plate 41. The back plate 41 is located on the side of the flexible screen facing the pivot assembly 30, and the back plate 41 can support the flexible screen. To improve the bending performance of the back plate 41, the back plate 41 includes a bending region 411, which has multiple through holes 4111. These multiple through holes 4111 reduce the structural strength of the bending region 411, thereby improving the bending performance of the bending region 411. In some embodiments, the bending region 411 of the back plate 41 has a structure similar to a bamboo book. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projections of the two ends of the first portion 51 of the support sheet 50 arranged along the first direction X on the surface of the flexible screen module 40 are respectively located on both sides of the multiple through holes 4111. In other words, when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of the first part 51 on the surface of the flexible screen module 40 can cover at least a portion of the through holes 4111 located on both sides of the first direction X among the plurality of through holes 4111, thereby improving the support effect of the support piece 50 on the bending area 411 of the back plate and improving the impact resistance and compression resistance of the above area.

[0115] In one specific embodiment, the plurality of through holes 4111 includes a first through hole 4111a and a second through hole 4111b. The center of the first through hole 4111a and the center of the second through hole 4111b are spaced apart along a first direction X. The distance between the centers of any two through holes 4111 along the first direction X is less than or equal to the first distance. If the plurality of through holes 4111 are considered as a whole, the first through hole 4111a and the second through hole 4111b are located at the edge of the plurality of through holes 4111. The number of first through holes 4111a is generally multiple, and these multiple first through holes 4111a are arranged at intervals along a second direction Y. The number of second through holes 4111b is also generally multiple, and these multiple second through holes 4111b are also arranged at intervals along the second direction Y. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of the first portion 51 of the support piece 50 onto the surface of the flexible screen module 40 covers at least one of the first through holes 4111a and at least one of the second through holes 4111b.

[0116] The first part 51 has a size greater than the first spacing along the first direction X. The first part 51 can cover a set of through holes 4111 arranged along the first direction X and including at least one first through hole 4111a and at least one second through hole 4111b. The first part 51 can provide support for the through hole area, thereby improving the impact resistance and compression resistance of the through hole area.

[0117] Please continue referring to Figure 11. In one embodiment, when arranging the above-mentioned multiple through holes 4111, the multiple through holes 4111 are arranged in multiple rows along the first direction X, and each row includes multiple through holes 4111 spaced apart along the second direction Y. The first through hole 4111a and the second through hole 4111b are located in the two outermost rows of through holes 4111 in the above-mentioned multiple rows of through holes 4111.

[0118] In one embodiment, the first part 51 can be made of stainless steel or titanium alloy. From a product perspective, the first part 51 is a thin sheet. The first part 51 has high structural strength, providing good support for the flexible screen module 40. Simultaneously, the first part 51 also has good bending performance, making it less prone to breakage during bending. The first part 51 does not have elastic deformation capability along the first direction X. In other words, when both ends of the first part along the first direction X are subjected to tension, the length of the first part 51 along the first direction X does not change. In another embodiment, the first part 51 also has elastic deformation capability along the first direction X. As an example, the first part 51 can be made of rubber. The first part 51 can elastically deform along the first direction X during the bending process of the foldable electronic device, thereby enhancing the elastic deformation capability of the support sheet 50.

[0119] In one embodiment, the second part 52 may be flexible due to a special material design, thus possessing elastic deformation capability. When preparing the second part 52, it may be made of a flexible material. Optionally, the flexible material is rubber. Alternatively, the second part 52 may also be flexible due to a special structural design, allowing it to deform. This second part 52, which is flexible due to a special structural design, will be described in detail below.

[0120] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the support sheet provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 12, in one embodiment, the second part 52 has multiple hollow structures 521 that penetrate the second part 52 along its thickness direction. When the second part 52 is subjected to tension along the first direction X, the shape of the multiple hollow structures 521 changes and elongates along the first direction X, and the entire second part 52 also elongates accordingly along the first direction X. When the tension disappears, the multiple hollow structures 521 return to their original shape, and the second part 52 returns to its original length. Thus, the second part 52 has elastic deformation capability along the first direction X. When manufacturing the second part 52, it can be made of stainless steel, titanium alloy, or carbon fiber. From the product perspective, the second part 52 is a thin sheet with hollow structures 521. In some embodiments, the second part 52 has a structure similar to a bamboo book. In addition, layout designs that facilitate stretching and deformation can be incorporated into this solution.

[0121] When specifically setting the hollow structure 521, the position of the hollow structure 521 is offset from the recessed area 301 on the surface of the pivot assembly 30. In other words, when the flexible screen module 40 is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of the hollow structure 521 on the surface of the flexible screen module 40 and the orthographic projection of the recessed area 301 on the surface of the flexible screen module 40 do not coincide, thereby ensuring that the solid structure of the support piece 50 can cover the recessed area 301. In one embodiment, when the flexible screen module 40 is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of the hollow structure 521 on the surface of the flexible screen module 40 is located outside the orthographic projection of the pivot assembly 30 on the surface of the flexible screen module 40. This ensures that the hollow structure 521 does not affect the structural rigidity of the portion of the support piece 50 that covers the surface of the pivot assembly 30, thus allowing this portion to provide good support for the flexible screen module 40.

[0122] The hollow structure 521 can have various shapes, such as a circle, a rectangle, or other shapes. As shown in Figure 12, in one embodiment, the hollow structure 521 is rectangular and has a short side arranged along the first direction X and a long side arranged perpendicular to the first direction X, with the length of the long side being greater than the length of the short side. When the support piece 50 is subjected to tension along the first direction X, the long side can undergo significant bending deformation, thereby giving the second part 52 a greater deformation capacity along the first direction X.

[0123] Figure 13 is a partially enlarged view of the support piece shown in Figure 12. As shown in Figure 13, in one embodiment, the second part 52 has two side edges 522 arranged along the second direction Y. Depending on the positional relationship between the hollow structure 521 and the side edges 522, the second part 52 includes two different hollow structures 521. Specifically, the second part 52 includes a first hollow structure 521a, which is a notch structure located on the side edge 522. In terms of shape, the edge of the first hollow structure 521a is not closed. Specifically, the edge of the first hollow structure 521a has a third end and a fourth end, which are disconnected, and the third end and the fourth end are respectively located on the aforementioned side edge 522. Furthermore, the second part 52 includes a second hollow structure 521 among the multiple hollow structures 521. Compared with the first hollow structure 521a, the second hollow structure 521b is a hole structure, and the second hollow structure 521b is located between the two side edges 522 of the second part 52, with a gap between the second hollow structure 521b and each side edge 522. In terms of shape, the second hollow structure 521b has a closed edge.

[0124] In the above embodiments, the first hollow structure 521a can improve the deformation capability of the edge area of ​​the second part 52, and the second hollow structure 521b can improve the deformation capability of the middle area of ​​the second part 52, thereby making the bending performance of the entire area of ​​the second part 52 more uniform, and thus improving the overall deformation capability of the second part 52.

[0125] When arranging the aforementioned multiple hollow structures 521, there are various arrangement methods for the multiple hollow structures 521. As shown in Figure 14, in one embodiment, two adjacent hollow structures 521 along the first direction X are staggered. For any two adjacent hollow structures 521 along the first direction X, there are no other hollow structures 521 located in the gap between these two hollow structures 521 extending along the second direction Y. By arranging the hollow structures 521 in the above manner, the distribution range of the hollow structures 521 is increased, the difference in elastic deformation capacity of the second part 52 in different areas is reduced, the risk of poor elastic deformation capacity in local areas is reduced, and thus the overall elastic deformation capacity of the second part 52 along the first direction X is improved.

[0126] As an example, the aforementioned multiple hollow structures 521 are arranged in multiple rows along the first direction X, with adjacent rows of hollow structures 521 staggered. For each row of hollow structures 521, each row can have one hollow structure 521, or multiple hollow structures 521 can be arranged at intervals along the second direction Y. For adjacent rows of hollow structures 521, the two adjacent rows can contain the same number of hollow structures 521, or they can contain different numbers of hollow structures 521. Taking any one row of hollow structures 521 as an example, this row of hollow structures 521 can include only multiple second hollow structures 521b, which are arranged at intervals. Alternatively, this row of hollow structures 521 can also include two first hollow structures 521a and at least one second hollow structure 521b, with the two first hollow structures 521a located at both ends, and the at least one second hollow structure 521b located between the two first hollow structures 521a. Alternatively, this row of hollow structures 521 may consist of only two first hollow structures 521a, with the two first hollow structures 521a arranged at intervals.

[0127] In another embodiment, two adjacent cutout structures 521 along the first direction X can also be aligned. As an example, the above-mentioned multiple cutout structures 521 are arranged in multiple rows along the first direction X, and adjacent rows of cutout structures 521 are aligned. Specifically, each row includes the same number and type of cutout structures 521.

[0128] The support piece 50 may include one second part 52 or two second parts 52. As shown in FIG12, in one embodiment, the first part 51 includes a first part 51 and a second part 52, and the first part 51 and the second part 52 are arranged along the first direction X. As shown in FIG14, in another embodiment, the support piece 50 includes a first part 51 and two second parts 52, and the two second parts 52 are located at both ends of the first part 51 along the first direction X, or in other words, the first part 51 is located between the two second parts 52. Both of the above-mentioned second parts 52 have elastic deformation capability along the first direction X, thereby enhancing the elastic deformation capability of the support piece 50 along the first direction X. When specifically setting the above-mentioned two second parts 52, the two second parts 52 can be components made of flexible materials. Alternatively, the above-mentioned two second parts 52 can also be components made of stainless steel, titanium alloy or carbon fiber, and both of the above-mentioned second parts 52 have a hollow structure 521.

[0129] When specifically connecting the first part 51 and the second part 52, various connection methods are available. In one embodiment, the first part 51 and the second part 52 can be an integral structure. During specific fabrication, the first part 51 and the second part 52 are formed on the same base material, thereby eliminating gaps between them and reducing the likelihood of breakage. During the fabrication process, the first part 51 can be chemically etched, making its thickness less than that of the second part 52.

[0130] Figures 15 and 16 are schematic diagrams of another structure of the support sheet provided in the embodiments of this application. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, in some embodiments, the first part 51 and the second part 52 are separate structures, and the first part 51 and the second part 52 are fixed by welding or bonding. Optionally, the first part 51 and the second part 52 can be bonded by applying adhesive or using a backing adhesive. In specific manufacturing, the first part 51 and the second part 52 can be produced separately and then fixed together by welding or bonding. In this way, the manufacturing processes of the first part 51 and the second part 52 will not affect each other, making production more convenient. Furthermore, during the manufacturing process of the first part 51, the thickness of the first part 51 can be reduced by machining, so that the thickness of the first part 51 is less than the thickness of the second part 52.

[0131] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, in some embodiments, the thickness of the first portion 51 is less than the thickness of the second portion 52, and the second portion 52 has a hollow structure 521. In the above embodiments, the relatively small thickness of the first portion 51 improves its bending performance. The relatively large thickness of the second portion 52 reduces the risk of breakage between adjacent hollow areas 521 in the second portion 52. Because the second portion 52 is relatively thick, a thinning area can be provided at the end of the second portion 52 closest to the first portion 51, and a thinning area can also be provided at the other end of the second portion 52 furthest from the first portion 51. The thickness of the thinning area is smaller than that of other areas of the second portion 52. The thinning area is provided with adhesive material, which can bond and fix the second portion 52 to the first portion 51, or bond and fix the second portion 52 to structural components inside the foldable electronic device. The aforementioned thinning zone provides space for the adhesive material, increasing the amount of adhesive material and thus improving the bonding effect of the second part 52. On the other hand, it also ensures that the adhesive material does not additionally increase the thickness of the support sheet 50, thereby reducing the space occupied by the support sheet 50 in the thickness direction.

[0132] Comparing the two support pieces 50 in Figures 15 and 16, they share the following similarities: the first part 51 and the second part 52 of both support pieces 50 are separate structures, and the second part 52 has a hollow structure, with thinning areas possible at both ends. The difference lies in the dimensions of the two support pieces 50 along the second direction Y. The support piece 50 shown in Figure 15 has a smaller dimension along the second direction Y, while the support piece 50 shown in Figure 16 has a larger dimension. Correspondingly, the coverage area of ​​the support pieces 50 on the surface of the rotating shaft assembly 30 differs; the support piece 50 shown in Figure 15 has a larger coverage area, while the support piece 50 shown in Figure 16 has a smaller coverage area. In practical use, the dimension of the support piece 50 along the second direction Y can be set as needed. Alternatively, for support pieces 50 where the first part 51 and the second part 52 are an integral structure, the dimension of the support piece 50 along the second direction Y can also be set as needed.

[0133] When fixing the flexible screen module 40, it can be fixedly connected to the first housing 10 and the second housing 20. As an example, the flexible screen module 40 can be bonded to the surfaces of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20. In addition to the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, the flexible screen module 40 can also be connected to the hinge assembly 30. The connection method between the flexible screen module 40 and the hinge assembly 30 will be described in detail below.

[0134] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the support piece provided in an embodiment of this application, and Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of a combination of the support piece, the pivot assembly, and the flexible screen module shown in Figure 17. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, in some embodiments, the support piece 50 has a connecting hole 503, and correspondingly, the pivot assembly 30 has a connecting area 302 on the side surface facing the flexible screen module 40, and the connecting area 302 and the recessed area 301 do not coincide. When the flexible screen module 40 is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of the connecting hole 503 of the support piece 50 onto the surface of the flexible screen module 40 covers the orthographic projection of the connecting area 302 onto the surface of the flexible screen module 40. That is, the connecting area 302 can be exposed from the connecting hole 503 of the support piece 50. When specifically connecting the flexible screen module 40 and the pivot assembly 30, the connecting area 302 and the flexible screen module 40 are fixedly connected. In the above embodiments, by fixing the pivot assembly 30 and the flexible screen module 40, the fixing effect of the flexible screen module 40 can be improved.

[0135] In one specific embodiment, the connecting area 302 and the flexible screen module 40 are bonded and fixed together. Optionally, the connecting area 302 can be bonded and fixed to the flexible screen module 40 by dispensing adhesive or using adhesive backing.

[0136] During the folding or flattening process of the foldable electronic device, the support piece 50 will also fold or flatten accordingly. Furthermore, the connecting hole 503 of the support piece 50 will shift relative to the connecting area 302 of the hinge assembly 30. Since the connecting area 302 of the hinge assembly 30 is fixedly connected to the flexible screen module 40 via adhesive, the edge of the connecting hole 503 may come into contact with and be blocked by the adhesive, resulting in deformation of the edge area of ​​the connecting hole 503. To reduce the risk of the connecting hole 503 being blocked by the adhesive located between the connecting area 302 and the flexible screen module 40 during shifting, in one specific embodiment, the area of ​​the connecting hole 503 is larger than the surface of the connecting area 302. This allows the connecting hole 503 to have a certain amount of shifting relative to the adhesive located between the connecting area 302 and the flexible screen module 40, thereby reducing the risk of the connecting hole 503 being blocked by the adhesive during shifting and minimizing the deformation of the edge of the connecting hole 503.

[0137] Furthermore, the connecting hole 503 and the recessed area 301 are offset. That is, when the flexible screen module 40 is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of the connecting hole 503 onto the surface of the flexible screen module 40 and the orthographic projection of the recessed area 301 onto the surface of the flexible screen module 40 do not coincide. With the connecting hole 503 and the recessed area 301 satisfying the above positional relationship, on the one hand, the recessed area 301 will not be exposed from the connecting hole 503, thereby reducing the risk of a loose connection between the hinge assembly 30 and the flexible screen module 40 and improving their fixing effect; on the other hand, the recessed area 301 on the surface of the hinge assembly 30 can be covered by the solid portion of the support piece 50, thus allowing the support piece 50 to compensate for the insufficient support of the hinge assembly 30 for the flexible screen module 40 in the recessed area 301, thereby improving the impact resistance and compression resistance of the portion of the flexible screen module 40 corresponding to the recessed area 301 of the hinge assembly 30, and improving the display effect of the flexible screen module 40.

[0138] The number of connection holes 503 can be one or more. In specific implementations, the number of connection holes 503 can be set according to the needs of fixing the flexible screen module 40, and this application does not limit it. Connection holes 503 include various shapes, for example, connection holes 503 can be circular or polygonal. Of course, connection holes 503 can also be other shapes, which are not listed one by one in this application.

[0139] Since the connecting hole 503 and the pivot assembly 30 are opposite each other, the position of the connecting hole 503 on the support piece 50 is located in the bending area of ​​the foldable electronic device. This makes the edge area of ​​the connecting hole 503 prone to warping when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, thus affecting the support effect of the support piece 50 on the flexible screen module 40. In view of the above, this application embodiment provides a support piece 50 to improve the warping phenomenon of the edge area of ​​the connecting hole 503 and ensure the support effect of the support piece 50 on the flexible screen module 40.

[0140] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the support sheet provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 19, in one embodiment, the connecting hole 503 has a first edge 5031 and a second edge 5032, which are located on both sides of the center of the connecting hole 503 along a first direction X. The first edge 5031 is bent toward the side away from the center of the connecting hole 503, and / or the second edge 5032 is bent toward the side away from the center of the connecting hole 503. In the above embodiment, by bending the first edge 5031 and the second edge 5032 toward the side away from the center of the connecting hole 503, the stress distribution of the portion of the support sheet 50 near the aforementioned edges can be improved when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, reducing the warping of the portion of the support sheet 50 near the aforementioned edges. This allows the portion of the support sheet 50 near the aforementioned edges to adhere to the surface of the flexible screen module 40, thereby ensuring the support effect of the support sheet 50 on the flexible screen module 40.

[0141] In the specific configuration of the first edge 5031 and the second edge 5032, the first edge 5031 and the second edge 5032 can include various shapes. Taking the first edge 5031 as an example, in one embodiment, the first edge 5031 is an arc-shaped edge. In another embodiment, the first edge 5031 is a polygonal edge. As an example, the first edge 5031 includes at least two straight edge segments, which are connected sequentially to form a first edge 5031 that is generally polygonal. In yet another embodiment, the first edge 5031 includes both an arc-shaped edge and a straight edge. As an example, the first edge 5031 includes two straight edge segments and one arc-shaped edge. The arc-shaped edge is located between the two straight edge segments and is connected to both of them.

[0142] In one specific embodiment, the connecting hole 503 is located on the side of the central axis OP of the rotating shaft assembly 30, with the first edge 5031 close to the central axis OP and the second edge 5032 away from the central axis OP. Since the closer to the central axis OP, the greater the bending deformation of the support piece 50, the more severe the warping of the first edge 5031 is compared to the second edge 5032. Therefore, in the specific arrangement of the first edge 5031 and the second edge 5032, the first edge 5031 can be bent towards the side away from the center of the connecting hole 503, or in other words, the first edge 5031 can be bent towards the central axis OP; the second edge 5032 can extend in a straight line.

[0143] Besides being connected to the hinge assembly 30 in the manner described above, the flexible screen module 40 can also be connected to the hinge assembly 30 in other ways. For example, in one embodiment, the hinge assembly 30 has a first segment and a second segment, which are arranged along a second direction Y; a recessed area 301 is located in the first segment, a support piece 50 is specifically disposed between the first segment and the flexible screen module 40, while the second segment is not covered by the support piece 50, and the second segment is connected to the flexible screen module 40. Optionally, the second segment is bonded to the flexible screen module 40 by dispensing adhesive or using adhesive backing.

[0144] In the aforementioned foldable electronic device, a support piece 50 may be provided between the flexible screen module 40 and the hinge assembly 30, or multiple support pieces 50 may be provided. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 20, in one embodiment, multiple support pieces 50 are provided between the flexible screen module 40 and the hinge assembly 30, and these multiple support pieces 50 are arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the central axis OP. Each support piece 50 may cover one recessed area 301, or multiple recessed areas 301. In a specific embodiment, two support pieces 50 are provided between the flexible screen module 40 and the hinge assembly 30, and these two support pieces 50 are located at both ends of the hinge assembly 30. The dimensions of each support piece 50 along the extension direction of the central axis OP are small, and each support piece 50 only covers a portion of the multiple recessed areas 301 on the surface of the hinge assembly 30.

[0145] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 21, in one embodiment, a support piece 50 is provided between the flexible screen module 40 and the hinge assembly 30. The length of the support piece along the second direction Y is L1, and the length of the hinge assembly 30 along the second direction Y is L2. L1 and L2 satisfy the following relationship: 0.8*L2≤L1≤L2. Optionally, the value of L1 can be 0.85*L2, 0.9*L2, 0.95*L2, or other values ​​that satisfy the above range. In specific installation, the two ends of the support piece 50 arranged along the second direction Y do not exceed the ends of the hinge assembly 30. Compared with the support piece 50 in the embodiment shown in Figure 18, the support piece 50 has a larger dimension along the second direction Y, and the support piece 50 can cover all the recessed areas 301 on the surface of the hinge assembly 30.

[0146] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, characterized by, The device includes a first housing, a second housing, a pivot assembly, and a flexible screen module. The first housing and the second housing are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the pivot assembly along a first direction, and the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected through the pivot assembly. The flexible screen module continuously covers the surfaces of the first housing, the second housing, and the pivot assembly. A support plate is provided between the flexible screen module and the rotating shaft assembly. The support plate has a first end and a second end arranged along the first direction. The first end is fixed to the first housing, and the second end is fixed to the second housing. The support sheet includes a first part and a second part, which are arranged along the first direction; when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the side surface of the pivot assembly facing the flexible screen module has a recessed area, and the first part covers the recessed area. The second part has multiple hollow structures, which, through deformation, enable the second part to have elastic deformation capability along the first direction.

2. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the first part is less than the thickness of the second part.

3. The foldable electronic device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first housing has a first support surface on the side facing the flexible screen module, and the first support surface is fixedly connected to the flexible screen module; the second housing has a second support surface on the side facing the flexible screen module, and the second support surface is fixedly connected to the flexible screen module. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of one end of the first part arranged along the first direction on the surface of the flexible screen module is located within the orthographic projection of the first support surface on the surface of the flexible screen module. The other end of the first portion arranged along the first direction has its orthographic projection on the surface of the flexible screen module located within the orthographic projection of the second support surface on the surface of the flexible screen module.

4. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The flexible screen module includes a flexible screen and a back plate, the back plate being located on the side of the flexible screen facing the pivot assembly; the back plate includes a bending area, the bending area having multiple through holes; When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the two ends of the first part arranged along the first direction are respectively located on both sides of the plurality of through holes on the surface of the flexible screen module.

5. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first part also has elastic deformation capability along the first direction.

6. The foldable electronic device of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, In the plurality of hollow structures, two adjacent hollow structures along the first direction are staggered.

7. The foldable electronic device of claim 6, wherein, The pivot assembly includes a pivot extending along a second direction; the second portion has two side edges arranged along the second direction. The plurality of hollow structures include a first hollow structure and a second hollow structure. The first hollow structure is a notch structure located on the side edge; the second hollow structure is a hole structure located between the two side edges.

8. The foldable electronic device of any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The support sheet includes two second portions, with the first portion located between the two second portions.

9. The foldable electronic device of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The first part and the second part are a single integrated structure; Alternatively, the first part and the second part can be welded or bonded together.

10. The foldable electronic device of any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The rotating shaft assembly has a connection area on one side surface facing the flexible screen module, and the connection area is fixedly connected to the flexible screen module; The support plate has a connection hole. When the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the orthographic projection of the connection hole on the surface of the flexible screen module completely covers the orthographic projection of the connection area on the surface of the flexible screen module.

11. The foldable electronic device of claim 10, wherein, The connecting hole has a first edge and a second edge, the first edge and the second edge being located on both sides of the center of the connecting hole along the first direction; The first edge is bent toward the side away from the center of the connection hole, and / or the second edge is bent toward the side away from the center of the connection hole.

12. The foldable electronic device of any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The rotating shaft assembly includes a rotating shaft that extends along a second direction; A plurality of support plates are provided between the flexible screen module and the pivot assembly, and the plurality of support plates are arranged at intervals along the second direction.

13. The foldable electronic device of any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The rotating shaft assembly includes a rotating shaft that extends along a second direction; A support piece is provided between the flexible screen module and the pivot assembly. The length of the support piece along the second direction is L1, and the length of the pivot assembly along the second direction is L2. The L1 and L2 satisfy the following relationship: 0.8*L2≤L1≤L2.

14. The foldable electronic device of any one of claims 1-13, wherein, The first end of the support sheet has a first thinning region, and the first thinning region is provided with a first adhesive material; and / or, the second end of the support sheet has a second thinning region, and the second thinning region is provided with a second adhesive material.

15. The foldable electronic device of any one of claims 1-14, wherein, The first end is fixed to the first housing, and the second end is fixed to the second housing; Alternatively, the first end and the second end are respectively fixed to the flexible screen module, and the flexible screen module is respectively fixedly connected to the first housing and the second housing; Alternatively, the first end is fixed to the flexible screen module, and the flexible screen module and the first housing are fixedly connected; the second end is fixed to the second housing. Alternatively, the rotating shaft assembly includes a first support plate and a rotating shaft, the first support plate and the rotating shaft being rotatably connected, the first support plate being fixedly connected to the first housing, the first end being fixed to the first support plate, and the second end being fixed to the second housing; Alternatively, the rotating shaft assembly includes a first support plate and a rotating shaft, the first support plate and the rotating shaft being rotatably connected, the first support plate and the first housing being fixedly connected, the first end being fixed to the first support plate; the second end being fixed to the flexible screen module, and the flexible screen module and the second housing being fixedly connected.

16. A folding screen support mechanism comprising: Used to support a flexible screen module; the folding screen support mechanism includes a pivot assembly and a support piece, the pivot assembly includes a pivot extending along a second direction; when the flexible screen module is in a flattened state, the pivot assembly has a recessed area on one side surface facing the flexible screen module; The support piece is located on the side of the rotating shaft assembly facing the flexible screen module; the support piece includes a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part are arranged along a first direction, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular; When the flexible screen module is in a flattened state, the first part covers the recessed area; The second part has multiple hollow structures, which, through deformation, enable the second part to have elastic deformation capability along the first direction.

17. The folding screen support mechanism of claim 16, wherein, The thickness of the first part is less than the thickness of the second part.

18. The folding screen supporting mechanism according to claim 16 or 17, wherein When the flexible screen module is in a flattened state, the orthographic projections of the two ends of the first part along the first direction onto the surface of the flexible screen module are located on both sides of the orthographic projection of the rotating shaft assembly onto the surface of the flexible screen module.

19. The folding screen support mechanism according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein In the plurality of hollow structures, two adjacent hollow structures along the first direction are staggered.

20. The folding screen support mechanism according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein The second part has two side edges arranged along the second direction; The plurality of hollow structures include a first hollow structure and a second hollow structure. The first hollow structure is a notch structure located on the side edge; the second hollow structure is a hole structure located between the two side edges.

21. The folding screen support mechanism according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein The support sheet includes two second portions, with the first portion located between the two second portions.

22. The folding screen support mechanism according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein The first part and the second part are a single integrated structure; Alternatively, the first part and the second part can be welded or bonded together.

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