Folding assembly and foldable electronic device

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of electronic devices. Provided are a folding assembly and a foldable electronic device. The folding assembly is used for carrying a screen, and comprises: a first structural member, a second structural member and a third structural member, the first structural member being rotatably connected to the second structural member by means of a first rotating shaft, the second structural member being rotatably connected to the third structural member by means of a second rotating shaft, and the screen comprising a first non-bending area, a first bending area, a second non-bending area, a second bending area and a third non-bending area which are connected in sequence; and a stop structure, which is arranged at an end part of the second rotating shaft in a first direction. In a folded state, the stop structure is higher than the second bending area, and the vertical projection of the stop structure in a first plane and the vertical projection of the first structural member in the first plane overlap each other, wherein the first direction is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis of the second rotating shaft, and the first plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft. Screens can be protected when foldable electronic devices fall down.

Description

Foldable components and foldable electronic devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510034016.2, filed on January 7, 2025, entitled "Folding Component and Foldable Electronic Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of electronic devices, and more particularly to a foldable component and a foldable electronic device. Background Technology

[0003] Compared to electronic devices with only one hinge, foldable electronic devices with three or more folds, that is, electronic devices that increase screen size by unfolding more than twice, are gradually becoming a development trend in electronic devices.

[0004] Foldable electronic devices consist of a screen and a folding mechanism to support it. The screen is relatively fragile and easily damaged or malfunctions. During use, foldable electronic devices inevitably encounter drops. When a foldable electronic device is dropped, the folding mechanism, due to inertia, will move towards the screen, impacting it and causing damage or malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a folding component and a foldable electronic device for protecting the screen when the foldable electronic device is dropped, preventing the screen from being damaged by the impact of the folding component, and improving the screen's lifespan.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a folding assembly for supporting a screen; the folding assembly includes: a first structural member, a second structural member, and a third structural member; the first structural member and the second structural member are rotatably connected via a first pivot; the second structural member and the third structural member are rotatably connected via a second pivot; the screen includes a first non-bending area, a first bending area, a second non-bending area, a second bending area, and a third non-bending area connected sequentially; the first non-bending area is connected to the first structural member; the first bending area corresponds to the first pivot; the second non-bending area is connected to the second structural member; the second bending area corresponds to the second pivot; the third non-bending area is connected to the third pivot; the first non-bending area is connected to the first structural member; the first bending area corresponds to the first pivot; the second non-bending area is connected to the second structural member; the second bending area corresponds to the second pivot; the third non-bending area is connected to the third pivot; the second non-bending area is connected to the second structural member; the second bending area corresponds to the second pivot; the third non-bending area is connected to the third pivot; the second non-bending area is connected to the second structural member; the second non-bending ... The structural components are connected; when the folding assembly is in the folded state, the second structural component, the first structural component, and the third structural component are stacked sequentially, and the display surface of the first non-bending area faces the display surface of the second non-bending area, and the display surface of the third non-bending area faces the second non-bending area; a stop structure is provided at the end of the second rotating shaft along the first direction; in the folded state, the stop structure is higher than the second bending area, and the vertical projection of the stop structure in the first plane overlaps with the vertical projection of the first structural component in the first plane; wherein, the first direction is parallel to the rotation axis direction of the second rotating shaft; the first plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft.

[0008] The phrase "the stop structure is higher than the second bending area of ​​the screen" means that, in the thickness direction of the second pivot, the stop structure is further away from the second pivot relative to the second bending area of ​​the screen.

[0009] The vertical projection of the stop structure in the first plane overlaps with the vertical projection of the first structural member in the first plane, and the stop structure is higher than the second bending area of ​​the screen. This allows a portion of the first structural member to contact and impact the stop structure before the second bending area when the electronic device is dropped. Since the stop structure is located on the second pivot, the impact force can be transferred to the second pivot when the first structural member impacts the stop structure. Therefore, compared to the direct impact between the first structural member and the screen during a drop, the folding assembly provided in this embodiment can protect the screen in the folded state, preventing direct collision between the first structural member and the screen, preventing screen damage, improving screen lifespan, and enhancing the reliability of the foldable electronic device.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the length of the second pivot is less than the length of the first structural member in the first direction. This increases the contact area between the stop structure and the first structural member when the folded assembly is dropped in its folded state, thus improving the protective effect of the stop structure on the screen.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second rotating shaft includes a base and a door panel, with a second structural member and a third structural member rotatably connected to the base; the door panel is located on the side of the base facing the screen and is used to support the screen; a stop structure is disposed at the end of the door panel along the first direction. Thus, a stop structure can be provided on the second rotating shaft without changing the structure of the base. Furthermore, this structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the stop structure is integrally formed with the door panel. This increases the connection strength between the stop structure and the door panel, further enhancing the impact resistance of the stop structure.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second rotating shaft includes a shaft cover and a base, with the base disposed within the shaft cover; a second structural member and a third structural member are rotatably connected to the base; the shaft cover is located on the side of the base facing away from the screen, and a stop structure is disposed at the end of the shaft cover along the first direction. Thus, a stop structure can be provided on the second rotating shaft without changing the structure of the base. Furthermore, this structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the stop structure and the shaft cover are integrally formed. This improves the connection strength between the stop structure and the shaft cover, further enhancing the anti-collision performance of the stop structure.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second rotating shaft includes a shaft cover and a base; the base is disposed within the shaft cover; a second structural member and a third structural member are rotatably connected to the base; and a stop structure is connected to the base. This structure is simple and easy to implement, and when the stop structure is damaged, only the stop structure needs to be repaired and replaced, reducing the maintenance cost of the stop structure.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the folding assembly further includes a transmission assembly and a limiting structure; the transmission assembly is rotatably connected to the second rotating shaft and slidably connected to the stop structure, the transmission assembly being used to transmit rotation along the second rotating shaft to the stop structure; the limiting structure is disposed between the second rotating shaft and the stop structure, the stop structure being movable along the extension direction of the limiting structure, the extension direction of the limiting structure being parallel to the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft; wherein, when the folding assembly is in the unfolded state, the display surfaces of the second non-bending area, the second bending area, and the third non-bending area face the same direction, the stop structure is flush with the second bending area, or the stop structure is lower than the second bending area.

[0017] By incorporating a transmission component and a limiting structure, during the rotation of the folding component from a folded state to an unfolded state, the stop structure, driven by the transmission component and limited by the limiting structure, moves along the thickness direction of the second axis of rotation away from the second bending area of ​​the screen. This ensures that, in the unfolded state, the stop structure does not rise above the second bending area. Consequently, the flatness of the foldable electronic device, including the folding component, is improved in the unfolded state, enhancing its usability.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the transmission assembly includes a connector comprising a first part and a second part connected to each other; the first and second parts are eccentrically positioned, the first part is slidably connected to a stop structure, and the second part is rotatably connected to a second rotating shaft; the height of the first part in the folded state is higher than the height of the first part in the unfolded state. Thus, when the folding assembly changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the stop structure can move towards the shaft cover along the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft under the drive of the first part, ensuring that the stop structure is not higher than the second bending area in the unfolded state. Simultaneously, the eccentric positioning of the first and second parts in the connector helps reduce the structural complexity of the transmission assembly and lowers the production cost of the second rotating shaft.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the transmission assembly further includes: a first sliding groove and a first sliding member; one of the first sliding groove and the first sliding member is disposed on the transmission assembly, and the other of the first sliding groove and the first sliding member is disposed on the stop structure, with the first sliding member slidably connected within the first sliding groove. In this way, when the transmission assembly rotates relative to the second rotating shaft, the transmission assembly is connected to the stop structure via the sliding pair formed by the first sliding groove and the first sliding member, thereby using the first sliding groove and the first sliding member to push the stop structure to move along the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft during the rotation of the transmission assembly. This reduces the structural complexity of the transmission assembly and lowers the production cost of the second rotating shaft.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the transmission assembly further includes a first swing arm rotatably connected to a second rotating shaft; the first swing arm is capable of switching between a folded state and an unfolded state relative to the second rotating shaft; and a second part is fixedly connected to the first swing arm. By providing the first swing arm, the connecting member can rotate relative to the second rotating shaft under the drive of the first swing arm, reducing the structural complexity of the transmission assembly and lowering the production cost of the second rotating shaft.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the rotation of the first swing arm relative to the second pivot is synchronized with the rotation of the folding assembly. That is, when the folding assembly is in the unfolded state, the first swing arm is in the unfolded state; when the folding assembly is in the folded state, the first swing arm is also in the folded state. Thus, the first swing arm drives the connector to rotate relative to the second pivot and transmits this rotation to the stop structure, causing the linear movement of the stop structure along the thickness direction of the second pivot to be synchronized with the rotation of the folding assembly. Specifically, when the folding assembly switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the stop structure, driven by the first swing arm and the connector, moves along the thickness direction of the second pivot towards the second pivot, enabling the stop structure to move promptly to a position above the second bending area of ​​the screen, thus ensuring the stop structure's protective effect on the second bending area of ​​the screen.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the limiting structure includes a limiting groove and a limiting slider, one of which is disposed on the stop structure, and the other is disposed on the second rotating shaft. Thus, the limiting groove and the limiting slider form a sliding constraint, allowing the stop structure to slide relative to the second rotating shaft along the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft. This structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, there are two stop structures, which are symmetrically arranged at the two ends of the second rotating shaft along the first direction.

[0024] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the stop structure does not overlap with the projection of the screen onto the first plane. This avoids the stop structure compressing the screen and improves the support effect of the folding assembly on the screen.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first structural member includes a first region, the projection of the first region onto the first plane coincides with the projection of the stop structure onto the first plane; the stiffness of the stop structure is greater than or equal to the stiffness of the first region. In this way, when the first region collides with the stop structure, the stop structure is prevented from breaking due to its stiffness being less than that of the first region, thereby preventing the first structural member from continuing to move towards the screen after colliding with the stop structure, thus improving the protective effect of the stop structure on the screen.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the material of the stop structure includes stainless steel, ceramic, titanium alloy, amorphous metal, and bulletproof steel. This ensures the rigidity of the stop structure, reduces its deformation during impact, and improves its protective effect on the screen.

[0027] Secondly, this application provides a foldable electronic device, including a screen and a folding assembly, the folding assembly including any of the folding assemblies in the first aspect; the screen includes a first non-bending area, a first bending area, a second non-bending area, a second bending area, and a third non-bending area connected in sequence; the first non-bending area is connected to a first structural member; the first bending area corresponds to a first pivot; the second non-bending area is connected to a second structural member; the second bending area corresponds to a second pivot; and the third non-bending area is connected to a third structural member.

[0028] Since the foldable electronic device provided in the second aspect of the present application includes the folding component of any of the above technical solutions, both can solve the same technical problem and achieve the same technical effect. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in some embodiments of this application in its unfolded state;

[0030] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state provided by some other embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to some embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a drop scenario of a foldable electronic device provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the folding component and screen provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 6 is an enlarged schematic diagram of region B in Figure 5;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the projection of the first structural member and the stop structure in the first plane of the folding assembly shown in Figure 5.

[0036] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the assembly structure of the folding component and screen provided in some other embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 9 is an enlarged schematic diagram of region C in Figure 8;

[0038] Figure 10 is a projection diagram of the assembly structure of the folding component and the screen provided in some embodiments of this application in a first plane;

[0039] Figure 11 is an exploded structural diagram of the second rotating shaft provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 12 is an exploded structural diagram of the second rotating shaft provided in some other embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 13 is a partially exploded structural diagram of the second rotating shaft provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembly structure of the folding component and screen provided in some embodiments of this application in the folded state;

[0043] Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembly structure of the folding component and screen provided in some embodiments of this application in the unfolded state.

[0044] Figure 16 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a folding assembly provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 17 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the transmission component and the stop structure provided in some embodiments of this application in the folded state;

[0046] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a transmission assembly provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the transmission assembly provided in some embodiments of this application in a folded state;

[0048] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first swing arm provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 21 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a folding assembly provided in some other embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 22 is a partial exploded view of the folding assembly provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0051] Reference numerals: Foldable electronic device 100; screen 10; first non-bending area 11; first bending area 14; second non-bending area 12; second bending area 15; third non-bending area 13; folding assembly 20; first structural member 21; first area 211; second structural member 22; third structural member 23; first pivot 24; second pivot 25; door panel 251; base 252; shaft cover 253; first plane m1; stop structure 26; first stop structure 261; second stop structure 262; transmission assembly 27; connector 271; first part 271a; second part 271b; first slide groove c1; first sliding member d1; first swing arm 272; limiting structure 28; limiting slide groove 281; limiting sliding member 282. Detailed Implementation

[0052] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0053] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "linked" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0054] In the description of embodiments of this application, the term "comprising" or any other variations thereof is intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0055] As used herein, “parallel” and “perpendicular” include the described situation and situations that are similar to the described situation, within an acceptable deviation range, which is determined by those skilled in the art taking into account the measurement under discussion and the error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “parallel” includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, where the acceptable deviation range for approximate parallelism can be, for example, within ±10°; “perpendicular” includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, where the acceptable deviation range for approximate perpendicularity can also be, for example, within ±10°.

[0056] This application provides a foldable electronic device, which can be user equipment (UE) or a terminal device. For example, the foldable electronic device can be a portable Android device (PAD), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, and other mobile or fixed terminals. The specific form of the foldable electronic device is not specifically limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0057] This application describes a foldable electronic device with three or more folds as an example, that is, a foldable electronic device that increases the screen size by unfolding two or more times. The following description uses a three-fold foldable electronic device as an example, but this does not imply a special limitation on this application. In other words, the foldable electronic device can also be a four-fold, five-fold, six-fold, etc.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a foldable electronic device 100 in its unfolded state according to some embodiments of this application. The foldable electronic device 100 includes a screen 10 and a folding assembly 20. The foldable electronic device 100 is approximately rectangular in shape when unfolded. In other embodiments, the foldable electronic device 100 may also be square, circular, elliptical, or other shapes.

[0059] Screen 10 is used to display images, videos, and other information. Screen 10 may be, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) display, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display, etc.

[0060] The screen 10 includes a first non-bending area 11, a first bending area 14, a second non-bending area 12, a second bending area 15, and a third non-bending area 13. The first non-bending area 11 and the third non-bending area 13 are located on opposite sides of the second non-bending area 12. The first bending area 14 connects the first non-bending area 11 and the second non-bending area 12, and the second bending area 15 connects the second non-bending area 12 and the third non-bending area 13.

[0061] At least the first bending region 14 and the second bending region 15 of the screen 10 are flexible screen structures. Thus, the first bending region 14 and the second bending region 15 can bend and deform under external force, causing the screen 10 to fold from the unfolded state shown in Figure 1 to the folded state. The first non-bending region 11, the second non-bending region 12, and the third non-bending region 13 of the screen 10 can be flexible screen structures, rigid screen structures, or a combination of both; no specific limitations are made here.

[0062] The folding assembly 20 includes a first structural member 21, a second structural member 22, a third structural member 23, a first pivot 24 located between the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22, and a second pivot 25 located between the second structural member 22 and the third structural member 23.

[0063] The first structural component 21 and the second structural component 22 are connected by the first rotating shaft 24. The second structural component 22 and the third structural component 23 are connected by the second rotating shaft 25.

[0064] The screen 10 has opposing display and non-display surfaces, with the display surface used to display images. The first structural member 21, the second structural member 22, and the third structural member 23 can support the screen 10, ensuring its flatness during use and protecting the non-display surface.

[0065] The first non-bending area 11 of the screen 10 is connected to the first structural member 21, the second non-bending area 12 is connected to the second structural member 22, the third non-bending area 13 is connected to the third structural member 23, and the remaining part of the screen 10 is located between the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22, and between the second structural member 22 and the third structural member 23.

[0066] Other electronic components, such as cameras, earphones, handsets, buttons, and batteries, may also be provided on the first structural component 21, the second structural component 22, and the third structural component 23. This application embodiment does not limit the other electronic components provided on the first structural component 21, the second structural component 22, and the third structural component 23.

[0067] The first structural component 21 and the second structural component 22 can rotate along the first axis O1-O1 of the first rotating shaft 24, and the second structural component 22 and the third structural component 23 can rotate along the second axis O2-O2 of the second rotating shaft 25, thereby causing the screen 10 to fold or unfold, as shown in Figure 1.

[0068] For ease of description in the following embodiments, an XYZ coordinate system is established for the second axis 25 of the foldable electronic device 100. The second axis O2-O2 of the second axis 25 is defined as the Y-axis direction (i.e., the first direction in the following text), and the thickness direction of the second axis 25 is defined as the Z-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to both the Y-axis and Z-axis directions is defined as the X-axis direction. It is understood that the coordinate system setting of the foldable electronic device 100 can be flexibly set according to actual needs, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0069] The foldable electronic device 100 includes an unfolded state and a folded state. The unfolded state includes a fully unfolded state and a partially unfolded state.

[0070] In the unfolded state, as shown in Figure 1, the first non-bending area 11, the first bending area 14, the second non-bending area 12, the second bending area 15, and the third non-bending area 13 of the screen 10 are arranged sequentially, and the display surfaces of the first non-bending area 11, the first bending area 14, the second non-bending area 12, the second bending area 15, and the third non-bending area 13 face the same direction. At this time, the foldable electronic device 100 is in a fully unfolded state, and the display surfaces of the first non-bending area 11, the first bending area 14, the second non-bending area 12, the second bending area 15, and the third non-bending area 13 are all used to display images.

[0071] In the partially unfolded state, please refer to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device 100 provided in some embodiments of this application in the unfolded state. The second non-bending area 12, the second bending area 15, and the third non-bending area 13 are arranged sequentially, and the display surfaces of the second non-bending area 12, the second bending area 15, and the third non-bending area 13 face the same direction. At the same time, the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are stacked, and the display surface of the first non-bending area 11 and the second non-bending area 12 face each other. At this time, the display surface of the third non-bending area 13 and the second bending area 15 is used to display images.

[0072] When in the folded state, please refer to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device 100 provided in some embodiments of this application in the folded state. The second structural member 22, the first structural member 21, and the third structural member 23 are stacked sequentially. The first non-bending area 11, the second non-bending area 12, and the third non-bending area 13 are stacked sequentially, with the display surface of the first non-bending area 11 facing the display surface of the second non-bending area 12, and the display surface of the third non-bending area 13 facing the second non-bending area 12. In this way, the extension path of the screen 10 in the folded state is approximately G-shaped, which is the extension path of the dashed line L1 in Figure 3. Therefore, the folded state shown in Figure 3 is also called the G-shaped folded state. When the foldable electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the first non-bending area 11, the second non-bending area 12, and the third non-bending area 13 are not visible to the user, which can prevent the first non-bending area 11, the second non-bending area 12, and the third non-bending area 13 from being scratched by hard objects. The foldable electronic device 100 reduces its size by folding twice, making it easy to carry.

[0073] For the foldable electronic device 100 in a G-shaped folded state, the first structural member 21 is typically folded first, followed by the third structural member 23. In this way, when folded, the first structural member 21 is located between the second structural member 22 and the third structural member 23. Similarly, the first non-bending area 11 of the screen 10 is located between the second non-bending area 12 and the third non-bending area 13.

[0074] The screen 10 is relatively fragile. In the folded state, it is typically protected by a folding assembly 20 that wraps around the inside of the folding assembly 20. However, during use, the foldable electronic device 100 may be dropped. In various drop scenarios, when the foldable electronic device 100 is dropped in the folded state, the outer side of the second pivot 25 is impacted first, as shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of drop scenarios for the foldable electronic device 100 provided in some embodiments of this application. When the electronic device 100 falls and the outer side of the second pivot 25 contacts the impact surface m0, due to inertia, the first structural member 21 will continue to move towards the second pivot 25 (i.e., along the direction indicated by arrow A in Figure 4), thereby impacting the screen 10 and causing damage to the screen 10.

[0075] This application does not limit the specific form of the impact surface m0. For example, the impact surface m0 can be the ground, a tabletop, etc. In addition, the inner side of the folding assembly 20 refers to the side of the folding assembly 20 that is not visible to the user during the use of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0076] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a folding assembly 20. By adjusting the relative position and dimensional relationship between the second pivot 25 and the first structural member 21, during a drop, the first structural member 21 first contacts the second pivot 25 during movement, thereby transferring the impact force to the second pivot 25. This avoids contact and collision between the first structural member 21 and the screen 10, preventing damage to the screen 10, improving the lifespan of the screen 10, and enhancing the reliability of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0077] The specific structure of the folding component 20 provided in this application is described below.

[0078] Please refer to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the folding component 20 and the screen 10 provided in some embodiments of this application, and Figure 6 is an enlarged schematic diagram of region B in Figure 5. The folding component 20 includes a first structural member 21, a second structural member 22, and a third structural member 23; the first structural member 21 and the second structural member 22 are rotatably connected by a first rotating shaft 24; the second structural member 22 and the third structural member 23 are rotatably connected by a second rotating shaft 25.

[0079] This application does not limit the specific structure of the first structural member 21. For example, the first structural member 21 may be the housing, mid-frame structure, etc. of an electronic device.

[0080] This application does not limit the specific structure of the second structural member 22. For example, the second structural member 22 may be the housing, mid-frame structure, etc. of an electronic device.

[0081] This application does not limit the specific structure of the third structural member 23. For example, the third structural member 23 may be the housing, mid-frame structure, etc. of an electronic device.

[0082] The folding assembly 20 provides support and protection for the screen 10. The screen 10 includes a first non-bending area 11, a first bending area 14, a second non-bending area 12, a second bending area 15, and a third non-bending area 13 connected in sequence. The first non-bending area 11 is connected to the first structural member 21, the second non-bending area 12 is connected to the second structural member 22, and the third non-bending area 13 is connected to the third structural member 23.

[0083] This application does not limit the connection method between the folding component 20 and the first non-bending area 11, the second non-bending area 12, and the third non-bending area 13. For example, the connection methods between the folding component 20 and the first non-bending area 11, the second non-bending area 12, and the third non-bending area 13 include, but are not limited to, adhesive bonding, sliding groove connection, magnetic attraction, etc.

[0084] The first bending zone 14 corresponds to the first pivot 24. In the unfolded state, the first pivot 24 provides support for the first bending zone 14. In the folded state, the first pivot 24 protects the first bending zone 14.

[0085] The second bending zone 15 corresponds to the second pivot 25. In the unfolded state, the second pivot 25 provides support for the second bending zone 15. In the folded state, the second pivot 25 protects the second bending zone 15.

[0086] The folding assembly 20 also includes a stop structure 26, which is disposed at the end of the second pivot 25 along the first direction.

[0087] The rotation axis of the second rotating shaft 25 is the second axis O2-O2, and the first direction is parallel to the direction of the second axis O2-O2, that is, the first direction is parallel to the Y-axis direction in Figure 5. The same applies to the embodiments below, and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0088] In the folded state, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the stop structure 26 is higher than the second bending area 15 of the screen 10. Here, "the stop structure 26 is higher than the second bending area 15 of the screen 10" means that, in the thickness direction of the second pivot 25, the stop structure 26 is further away from the second pivot 25 relative to the second bending area 15 of the screen 10.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a schematic projection of the first structural member 21 and the stop structure in the first plane m1 of the folding assembly 20 shown in Figure 5. The vertical projection of the stop structure 26 in the first plane m1 overlaps with the vertical projection of the first structural member 21 in the first plane m1. The first plane m1 is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft 25, which is the Z-axis direction in Figure 7. That is, the first plane m1 is the XY plane in Figure 7. The same applies to the embodiments described below, and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0090] The vertical projection of the stop structure 26 in the first plane m1 overlaps with the vertical projection of the first structural member 21 in the first plane m1, and the stop structure 26 is higher than the second bending area 15 of the screen 10. This allows a portion of the first structural member 21 to contact and impact the stop structure 26 before the second bending area 15 when the electronic device is dropped. Since the stop structure 26 is located on the second pivot 25, the impact force can be transmitted to the second pivot 25 when the first structural member 21 impacts the stop structure 26. Therefore, compared to the direct impact between the first structural member 21 and the screen 10 during a drop, the folding assembly 20 provided in this embodiment can protect the screen 10 in the folded state, preventing direct collision between the first structural member 21 and the screen 10, preventing damage to the screen 10, improving the lifespan of the screen 10, and enhancing the reliability of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0091] To improve the protective effect of the stop structure 26 on the screen 10, in some embodiments, please continue to refer to Figures 6 and 7, the first structural member 21 includes a first region 211 (not shown in Figure 6), the projection of the first region 211 on the first plane m1 coincides with the projection of the stop structure 26 on the first plane m1. The stiffness of the stop structure 26 is greater than or equal to the stiffness of the first region 211. In this way, when the first region 211 collides with the stop structure 26, the stop structure 26 can be prevented from breaking due to its stiffness being less than that of the first region 211, thereby preventing the first structural member 21 from continuing to move towards the screen 10 after colliding with the stop structure 26, thus improving the protective effect of the stop structure 26 on the screen 10.

[0092] It should be noted that the first region 211 is a part of the first structural member 21 near the stop structure 26. The first region 211 and the first structural member 21 can be connected by welding, bonding, snap-fitting, or bolting, or the first region 211 and the first structural member 21 can be integrally formed. This application does not impose any restrictions on this. In Figure 7, the first region 211 is illustrated with a shaded line, but this does not constitute a limitation on the first region 211.

[0093] This application does not limit the material of the stop structure 26. Exemplarily, the material of the stop structure 26 includes stainless steel, ceramic, titanium alloy, amorphous metal, bulletproof steel, etc. This ensures the rigidity of the stop structure 26, reduces its deformation during impact, and improves the protective effect of the stop structure on the screen 10.

[0094] Furthermore, to further improve the protective effect of the stop structure 26 on the screen 10, in some embodiments, please refer to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the folding assembly 20 and the screen 10 provided in other embodiments of this application, and Figure 9 is an enlarged schematic diagram of region C in Figure 8. In the first direction, the length of the second pivot 25 is less than the length of the first structural member 21. That is, in the first direction, the end of the second pivot 25 is recessed relative to the end of the first structural member 21, so that when the folding assembly 20 is in the folded state, the overlap area of ​​the vertical projection of the stop structure 26 on the first plane m1 and the vertical projection of the first structural member 21 on the first plane m1 is increased. As a result, the contact area between the stop structure 26 and the first structural member 21 is increased when the folding assembly 20 is dropped in the folded state, thereby improving the protective effect of the stop structure 26 on the screen 10.

[0095] This application does not limit the number of stop structures 26. In some embodiments, there are two stop structures 26, which are symmetrically arranged at the two ends of the second pivot 25 along the first direction. This ensures that when the foldable electronic device 100 is dropped, neither end of the second bending area 15 of the screen 10 along the first direction will collide with the first structural member 21, thus enhancing the effect of the stop structures 26 in dispersing the impact force from the first structural member 21.

[0096] Please refer to Figure 8. The stop structure 26 includes a first stop structure 261 and a second stop structure 262, which are symmetrically arranged at two ends of the second rotating shaft 25 along the first direction. Since the first stop structure 261 and the second stop structure 262 are symmetrical structures, in the following embodiments, the first stop structure 261 will be used as the representative of the stop structure 26 for description.

[0097] Please refer to Figure 10, which is a schematic projection of the assembly structure of the folding component 20 and the screen 10 provided in some embodiments of this application onto the first plane m1. The projection of the stop structure 26 and the screen 10 on the first plane m1 does not overlap. Therefore, the stop structure 26 can be prevented from squeezing the screen 10, thus improving the support effect of the folding component 20 on the screen 10.

[0098] This application does not limit the structure of the second rotating shaft 25. When the structure of the second rotating shaft 25 is different, the position of the stop structure 26 on the second rotating shaft 25 is also different.

[0099] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 11, which is an exploded structural diagram of the second rotating shaft 25 provided in some embodiments of this application. The second rotating shaft 25 includes a base 252 and a door panel 251, with the door panel 251 located on the side of the base 252 facing the screen 10. The second structural member 22 and the third structural member 23 are rotatably connected to the base 252.

[0100] The door panel 251 is used to support the screen 10. The stop structure 26 is provided at the end of the door panel 251 along the first direction.

[0101] This application does not limit the connection method between the stop structure 26 and the door panel 251. In some embodiments, the stop structure 26 and the door panel 251 are integrally formed, which can improve the connection strength between the stop structure 26 and the door panel 251 and further improve the anti-collision performance of the stop structure 26. It is understood that in other examples, the stop structure 26 and the door panel 251 can also be connected by means of bonding, snap-fitting, bolting, etc.

[0102] By setting the stop structure 26 on the door panel 251, the stop structure 26 can be set on the second rotating shaft 25 without changing the structure of the base 252. At the same time, this structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0103] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 12, which is an exploded structural diagram of the second rotating shaft 25 provided in other embodiments of this application. The second rotating shaft 25 includes a shaft cover 253 and a base 252. The base 252 is disposed inside the shaft cover 253, and the shaft cover 253 is located on the side of the base 252 opposite to the screen 10. The second structural member 22 and the third structural member 23 are rotatably connected to the base 252. The base 252 is used to support the screen 10.

[0104] At this time, as shown in Figure 12, the stop structure 26 can be set at the end of the shaft cover 253 along the first direction.

[0105] This application does not limit the connection method between the stop structure 26 and the shaft cover 253. In some embodiments, the stop structure 26 and the shaft cover 253 are integrally formed, which can improve the connection strength between the stop structure 26 and the shaft cover 253 and further improve the anti-collision performance of the stop structure 26. It is understood that in other examples, the stop structure 26 and the shaft cover 253 can also be connected by means of bonding, snap-fitting, bolting, etc.

[0106] By setting the stop structure 26 on the shaft cover 253, the stop structure 26 can be set on the second rotating shaft 25 without changing the structure of the base 252. At the same time, this structure is simple and easy to implement.

[0107] When the second rotating shaft 25 includes a shaft cover 253 and a base 252, in some embodiments, please refer to FIG13, which is a partially exploded structural diagram of the second rotating shaft 25 provided in some embodiments of this application. The stop structure 26 can also be connected to the base 252, that is, the stop structure 26 is disposed at the end of the base along the first direction. This structure is simple and easy to implement, and when the stop structure 26 is damaged, only the stop structure 26 needs to be repaired and replaced, reducing the maintenance cost of the stop structure 26.

[0108] This application does not limit the connection relationship between the stop structure 26 and the base 252. For example, the stop structure 26 may be integrally formed with the base 252, or connected to the base 252 by means of fixing, snap-fitting, or bonding.

[0109] It is understood that in other embodiments, the second rotating shaft 25 may also simultaneously include a door panel 251, a base 252, and a shaft cover 253. In this case, the stop structure 26 may be respectively disposed at the end of the door panel 251, the base 252, or the shaft cover 253 along the first direction. The arrangement of the stop structure 26 and the relative positional relationship between the door panel 251, the base 252, and the shaft cover 253 are as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the stop structure 26 is directly connected to the second rotating shaft 25, so that when the foldable electronic device 100 in the folded state is dropped, the stop structure 26 can collide with the first structural member 21 before the screen 10, thus avoiding a collision between the first structural member 21 and the screen 10. The relative positional relationship between the stop structure 26 and the first plane m1 is the same whether the foldable electronic device 100 is in the unfolded or folded state.

[0111] In other words, the stop structure 26 only serves to prevent impact between the first structural member 21 and the screen 10 when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the folded state. However, when the foldable electronic device 100, including the folding assembly 20, is used in the unfolded state, the stop structure 26 is higher than the second bending area 15 of the screen 10, which negatively impacts the overall flatness of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0112] Therefore, in some embodiments, the stop structure 26 can be driven to the second rotating shaft 25 via a transmission assembly, such that the stop structure 26 is higher than the second bending area 15 of the screen 10 only when the foldable electronic device 100 is in a folded state. The structure of the folding assembly 20 when the stop structure 26 is driven to the second rotating shaft 25 will be described below.

[0113] "Transmission connection" refers to the connection between two components in which the movement of one component can be transmitted to the other component. The connection between the two components includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following connection methods: rotational connection, sliding connection, gear meshing transmission connection, sprocket transmission connection, cam mechanism transmission connection, etc.

[0114] Please refer to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembly structure of the folding component 20 and the screen 10 provided in some embodiments of this application in the folded state. Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembly structure of the folding component 20 and the screen 10 provided in some embodiments of this application in the unfolded state. The second rotating shaft 25 includes a base 252 and a shaft cover 253. The base 252 is disposed inside the shaft cover 253, and the shaft cover 253 is located on the side of the base 252 opposite to the screen 10. The second structural member 22 and the third structural member 23 are rotatably connected to the base 252. The stop structure 26 is connected to the base 252.

[0115] This application does not limit the connection method between the base 252 and the shaft cover 253. For example, the base 252 and the shaft cover 253 can be connected by means of bonding, snap-fitting, bolting, etc., or the base 252 and the shaft cover 253 can also be integrally formed parts.

[0116] The folding assembly 20 also includes a transmission assembly 27 and a limiting structure 28. Please refer to Figures 14, 15, and 16. Figure 16 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the folding assembly 20 provided in some embodiments of this application. The transmission assembly 27 is rotatably connected to the base 252 and slidably connected to the stop structure 26. The transmission assembly 27 is used to transmit rotation along the second rotating shaft 25 to the stop structure 26.

[0117] The limiting structure 28 is disposed between the second rotating shaft 25 and the stop structure 26. The stop structure 26 can move along the extension direction of the limiting structure 28. The extension direction of the limiting structure 28 is parallel to the thickness direction of the base 252.

[0118] Through the cooperation of the transmission component 27 and the limiting structure 28, the stop structure 26 is not higher than the second bending area 15 of the screen 10 in the unfolded state, that is, the stop structure 26 is flush with the second bending area 15 or the stop structure 26 is lower than the second bending area 15.

[0119] The fact that the stop structure 26 is lower than the second bending area 15 means that, in the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft 25, the stop structure 26 is closer to the second rotating shaft 25 than the second bending area 15.

[0120] It should be noted that the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 100 includes both the fully unfolded state, as shown in Figure 1, and the partially unfolded state, as shown in Figure 2.

[0121] The following describes the specific method by which the transmission assembly 27 transmits the rotation along the second shaft 25 to the stop structure 26.

[0122] This application does not limit the number of transmission components 27. Exemplarily, there are two transmission components 27, symmetrically arranged along the X-axis, connected to the two ends of a stop structure 26 along the X-axis. Thus, the two transmission components 27 can cooperate synchronously to convert rotation along the second rotating shaft 25 into linear motion along the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft 25, thereby causing the stop structure 26 to move along the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft 25.

[0123] In the following embodiments, two transmission components 27 are used as examples for illustration, which does not constitute a limitation on the transmission components. Furthermore, since the two transmission components 27 are symmetrically arranged, the description of the structure of each transmission component 27 will only use one of the transmission components 27 as an example.

[0124] This application does not limit the specific structure of the transmission assembly 27. In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 17 and 18. Figure 17 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the transmission assembly 27 and the stop structure 26 provided in some embodiments of this application in a folded state, and Figure 18 is a structural schematic diagram of the transmission assembly 27 provided in some embodiments of this application. The transmission assembly 27 includes a connector 271. The connector 271 includes a first part 271a and a second part 271b connected to each other; the first part 271a and the second part 271b are eccentrically arranged, the first part 271a is slidably connected to the stop structure 26, and the second part 271b is rotatably connected to the second rotating shaft 25. At this time, the rotation axis of the second part 271b is parallel to the first direction.

[0125] The height of the first part 271a when the folding assembly 20 is in the folded state is higher than the height of the first part 271a when the folding assembly 20 is in the unfolded state. The height of the first part 271a refers to the distance between the geometric center of the first part 271a and the shaft cover 253 in the thickness direction of the second pivot 25. The greater the distance between the geometric center of the first part 271a and the shaft cover 253, the higher the geometric height of the first part 271a.

[0126] In this way, when the folding assembly 20 changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the stop structure 26, driven by the first part 271a, can move towards the shaft cover 253 along the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft 25, so that in the unfolded state, the stop structure 26 is not higher than the second bending area 15. At the same time, the eccentric arrangement of the first part 271a and the second part 272b in the connector 271 helps to reduce the structural complexity of the transmission assembly 27 and reduce the production cost of the second rotating shaft 25.

[0127] Based on this, in some embodiments, please refer to Figure 19, which is a structural schematic diagram of the transmission component 27 in a folded state provided in some embodiments of this application. The transmission component 27 further includes a first swing arm 272, which is rotatably connected to a second rotating shaft 25 (not shown in Figure 19). The first swing arm 272 can switch between a folded state and an unfolded state relative to the second rotating shaft 25. The folding state of the first swing arm 272 is synchronized with the folding state of the folding component 20; that is, when the folding component 20 is in the unfolded state, the first swing arm 272 is in the unfolded state, and when the folding component 20 is in the folded state, the first swing arm 272 is also in the folded state.

[0128] The second part 271b of the connector 271 is fixedly connected to the first swing arm 272. This application does not limit the connection method between the second part 271b and the first swing arm 272. Exemplarily, the second part 271b of the connector 271 and the first swing arm 272 can be fixed together by welding, snap-fitting, threaded connection, bonding, etc., and the connector 271 and the first swing arm 272 can also be integrally formed.

[0129] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 18, 19, and 20. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first swing arm 272 provided in some embodiments of this application. A flat portion n is provided on the side of the second portion 271b, as shown in Figure 18. A flat portion hole 272a is provided on the first swing arm 272, as shown in Figure 20. The shape and dimensions of the flat portion hole 272a are adapted to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the second portion 271b at the location of the flat portion n. Thus, the cooperation between the flat portion n and the flat portion hole 272a prevents the first swing arm 272 from rotating relative to the connecting member 271.

[0130] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the first swing arm 272 may also be prevented from rotating relative to the connector 271 by means of pin fixing, interference fit, etc., and no specific limitation is made here.

[0131] By setting the first swing arm 272, the connecting piece 271 can rotate relative to the second rotating shaft 25 under the drive of the first swing arm 272, which reduces the structural complexity of the transmission assembly 27 and lowers the production cost of the second rotating shaft 25.

[0132] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the rotation of the first swing arm 272 relative to the second pivot 25 is synchronized with the rotation of the folding assembly 20. That is, when the folding assembly 20 is in the unfolded state, the first swing arm 272 is in the unfolded state; when the folding assembly 20 is in the folded state, the first swing arm is also in the folded state. Thus, the first swing arm 272 drives the connector 271 to rotate relative to the second pivot 25 and transmits this rotation to the stop structure 26, so that the linear movement of the stop structure 26 along the thickness direction of the second pivot 25 is synchronized with the rotation of the folding assembly 20. That is, when the folding assembly 20 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the stop structure 26, driven by the first swing arm 272 and the connector 271, moves away from the second pivot 25 along the thickness direction of the second pivot 25, so that the stop structure 26 can move to the second bending area 15 above the screen 10 in a timely manner, ensuring the protective effect of the stop structure 26 on the second bending area 15 of the screen 10.

[0133] This application does not specifically limit the sliding connection method between the transmission assembly 27 and the stop structure 26. For example, the transmission assembly 27 includes a first groove c1 and a first sliding member d1.

[0134] In some embodiments, please refer to FIG21, which is a partial structural schematic diagram of the folding assembly 20 provided in other embodiments of this application. The first slide groove c1 is disposed on the stop structure 26, and the first sliding member d1 is disposed on the transmission assembly 27.

[0135] Specifically, the first groove c1 extends along the X-axis direction on the stop structure 26, allowing the first sliding member 27 to slide within the first groove c1 along the X-axis direction. When the transmission assembly 27 includes the connecting member 271, the first sliding member d1 is the eccentrically positioned first part 271a.

[0136] When the transmission assembly 27 rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state, the second part 271b rotates relative to the base 252 in direction a1, and the first part 271a rotates with the second part 272b. The first part 271a, which is eccentrically set, moves the first slide groove c1 to drive the stop structure 26 to move towards the shaft cover 253 in direction a3. At the same time, the first part 271a (i.e. the first sliding member d1) slides in the first slide groove c1 in direction a2 so that the stop structure 26 is not higher than the second bending area 15 of the screen 10 in the unfolded state.

[0137] When the transmission assembly 27 rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second part 271a rotates relative to the base 252 in the direction opposite to direction a1. The first part 271a rotates with the second part 272b and, with the aid of the eccentrically set first part 271a, moves the first slide groove c1 to drive the stop structure 26 to move away from the shaft cover 253 in the direction opposite to direction a3. At the same time, the first part 271a slides in the first slide groove c1 in the direction opposite to direction a2, so that when in the folded state, the stop structure 26 is higher than the second bending area 15 of the screen 10.

[0138] It is understood that in other embodiments, the first groove c1 may also be disposed on the transmission assembly 27, and the first sliding member d1 may be disposed on the stop structure 26.

[0139] In this way, as the transmission assembly 27 rotates relative to the second rotating shaft 25, the transmission assembly 27 is connected to the stop structure 26 via a sliding pair consisting of the first sliding groove c1 and the first sliding member d1. Thus, during the rotation of the transmission assembly 27, the first sliding groove c1 and the first sliding member d1 push the stop structure 26 to move along the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft 25. This reduces the structural complexity of the transmission assembly 27 and lowers the production cost of the second rotating shaft 25.

[0140] It is understood that in other examples, the first groove c1 and the first slider d1 can also be structural components that can slide relative to each other, such as guide rails and sliders, and this application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0141] The above embodiments describe the specific manner in which the transmission assembly 27 transmits the rotation along the second rotating shaft 25 to the stop structure 26. The following describes the specific manner in which the limiting structure 28 enables the limiting structure 28 to move along the thickness direction of the base 252.

[0142] Please refer to Figure 22, which is a partially exploded structural diagram of the folding assembly 20 provided in some embodiments of this application. A limiting structure 28 is disposed between the shaft cover 253 and the stop structure 26. The stop structure 26 can move along the extending direction of the limiting structure 28, which is parallel to the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft 25. In other words, the limiting structure 28 restricts the stop structure 26 to move only along the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft 25, preventing it from moving along a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft 25 (i.e., the XY plane). Thus, by limiting the stop structure 26 relative to the second rotating shaft 25, misalignment of the stop structure 26 with respect to the second rotating shaft 25 can be avoided, preventing obstruction of the sliding connection between the stop structure 26 and the transmission assembly 27, and ensuring the stability of the stop structure 26's movement along the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft 25.

[0143] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG22, the limiting structure 28 may include a limiting groove 281 and a limiting slider 282. The limiting groove 281 is disposed on the stop structure 26, and the limiting slider 282 is disposed on the shaft cover 253. In some other embodiments, the limiting groove 281 may also be disposed on the shaft cover 253, and the limiting slider 282 may be disposed on the stop structure 26. The limiting groove 281 and the limiting slider 282 extend along the Z-axis direction. The limiting slider 282 is disposed within the limiting groove 281 and can slide along the limiting groove 281. The limiting groove 281 and the limiting slider 282 form a sliding constraint, so that the stop structure 26 slides relative to the shaft cover 253 along the Z-axis direction. This structure is simple and easy to implement. In some other embodiments, the limiting structure 28 may also consist of a guide rail and a slider slidably connected to the guide rail, or a limiting hole and a limiting post slidably passing through the limiting hole. No limitation is made here.

[0144] As shown in the embodiments corresponding to Figures 14-22, the folding assembly 20, by providing the transmission assembly 27 and the limiting structure 28, ensures that during the rotation of the folding assembly 20 from the folded state to the unfolded state, the stop structure 26, driven by the transmission assembly 27 and limited by the limiting structure 28, moves along the thickness direction of the second axis of rotation 25 away from the second bending area 15 of the screen 10, so that in the unfolded state, the stop structure 26 does not exceed the second bending area 15. This improves the flatness of the foldable electronic device 100, including the folding assembly 20, in the unfolded state, thus enhancing the usability of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0145] The above embodiments illustrate the structure of the folding component 20 by taking a three-fold foldable electronic device 100 as an example. As can be seen from the above embodiments, the folding component 20 provided in this application, by providing a stop structure 26 on the pivot inside the foldable electronic device 100, can prevent the impact of structural components inside the foldable electronic device 100 on the screen 10 (in the above embodiment, the first structural component 21 impacts the second bending portion 15 of the screen 10) when the foldable electronic device 100 is dropped in its folded state.

[0146] The term "structural component inside the foldable electronic device 100" refers to a structural component that, in the folded state, has other structural components on both sides of its thickness direction. For example, the first structural component 21 in the above embodiment. The term "rotating hinge inside the foldable electronic device 100" refers to a structural component inside the foldable electronic device 100 that may collide with the screen 10 corresponding to the rotating hinge when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the folded state, along the drop direction of the foldable electronic device 100. For example, the second rotating hinge 25 in the above embodiment.

[0147] It is understood that the folding component 20 provided in this application embodiment can also be used in foldable electronic devices 100 with more than three folds, such as four-fold, five-fold, and six-fold, as long as a stop structure is provided on the pivot inside the foldable electronic device 100.

[0148] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0149] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A folding assembly, characterized in that, The folding component is used to support the screen; the folding component includes: A first structural component, a second structural component, and a third structural component; the first structural component and the second structural component are rotatably connected via a first rotating shaft; the second structural component and the third structural component are rotatably connected via a second rotating shaft; The screen includes a first non-bending area, a first bending area, a second non-bending area, a second bending area, and a third non-bending area connected in sequence; the first non-bending area is connected to the first structural component; the first bending area corresponds to the first rotating shaft; the second non-bending area is connected to the second structural component; the second bending area corresponds to the second rotating shaft; and the third non-bending area is connected to the third structural component. When the folding component is in a folded state, the second structural member, the first structural member, and the third structural member are stacked sequentially, and the display surface of the first non-bending area faces the display surface of the second non-bending area, while the display surface of the third non-bending area faces the second non-bending area. A stop structure is provided at the end of the second rotating shaft along the first direction; In the folded state, the stop structure is higher than the second bending area, and the vertical projection of the stop structure in the first plane overlaps with the vertical projection of the first structural member in the first plane. Wherein, the first direction is parallel to the rotation axis direction of the second rotating shaft; the first plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft.

2. The folding assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first direction, the length of the second rotating shaft is less than the length of the first structural member.

3. The folding assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second rotating shaft includes a base and a door panel, and the second structural component and the third structural component are rotatably connected to the base; The door panel is located on the side of the base facing the screen, and the door panel is used to support the screen. The stop structure is disposed at the end of the door panel along the first direction.

4. The folding assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The stop structure is integrally formed with the door panel.

5. The folding assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second rotating shaft includes a shaft cover and a base, the base being disposed within the shaft cover; the second structural member and the third structural member are rotatably connected to the base; The shaft cover is located on the side of the base away from the screen, and the stop structure is disposed at the end of the shaft cover along the first direction.

6. The folding assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The stop structure is integrally formed with the shaft cover.

7. The folding assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second rotating shaft includes a shaft cover and a base; the base is disposed inside the shaft cover; the second structural member and the third structural member are rotatably connected to the base; The stop structure is connected to the base.

8. The folding assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The folding assembly also includes a transmission assembly and a limiting structure; The transmission assembly is rotatably connected to the second rotating shaft and slidably connected to the stop structure. The transmission assembly is used to transmit rotation along the second rotating shaft to the stop structure. The limiting structure is disposed between the second rotating shaft and the stop structure. The stop structure is capable of moving along the extension direction of the limiting structure. The extension direction of the limiting structure is parallel to the thickness direction of the second rotating shaft. When the folding component is in the unfolded state, the display surfaces of the second non-bending area, the second bending area, and the third non-bending area face the same direction, and the stop structure is flush with the second bending area or lower than the second bending area.

9. The folding assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes a connector, which includes a first part and a second part connected to each other; the first part and the second part are eccentrically arranged, the first part is slidably connected to the stop structure, and the second part is rotatably connected to the second rotating shaft. The height of the first part in the folded state is higher than the height of the first part in the unfolded state.

10. The folding assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The transmission assembly further includes: a first slide groove and a first sliding member; One of the first slide groove and the first sliding member is disposed on the transmission assembly, and one of the first slide groove and the first sliding member is disposed on the stop structure, and the first sliding member is slidably connected to the first slide groove.

11. The folding assembly according to any one of claims 8-10, characterized in that, The transmission assembly further includes a first swing arm, which is rotatably connected to the second rotating shaft; the first swing arm is capable of switching between the folded state and the unfolded state relative to the second rotating shaft. The second part is fixedly connected to the first swing arm.

12. The folding assembly according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The number of the stop structures is two, and the two stop structures are symmetrically arranged at the two ends of the second rotating shaft along the first direction.

13. The folding assembly according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The stop structure does not overlap with the projection of the screen onto the first plane.

14. The folding assembly according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The first structural member includes a first region, the projection of the first region onto the first plane coincides with the projection of the stop structure onto the first plane; The stiffness of the stop structure is greater than or equal to the stiffness of the first region.

15. The folding assembly according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, The materials used for the stop structure include stainless steel, ceramics, titanium alloys, amorphous metals, and bulletproof steel.

16. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, Includes a screen, and a folding assembly as described in any one of claims 1-15; The screen includes a first non-bending area, a first bending area, a second non-bending area, a second bending area, and a third non-bending area connected in sequence; the first non-bending area is connected to the first structural component; the first bending area corresponds to the first rotating shaft; the second non-bending area is connected to the second structural component; the second bending area corresponds to the second rotating shaft; and the third non-bending area is connected to the third structural component.

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