Foldable electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides a foldable electronic device, comprising a folding apparatus and a flexible display screen. The folding apparatus comprises a first housing, a second housing, and an outer bending mechanism. The flexible display screen comprises a first non-bent portion, an outer bent portion, and a second non-bent portion. The first non-bent portion is fixedly connected to the first housing, and the second non-bent portion is fixedly connected to the second housing. In an open state, the flexible display screen is flattened, a top end region of a support surface of a main shaft supports the outer bent portion, a first reference surface is perpendicular to the outer bent portion and coincides with the center line of the top end region, and the distance between the second non-bent portion and the first reference surface is greater than the distance between the first non-bent portion and the first reference surface. In a closed state, the outer bent portion is bent, the second non-bent portion is arranged opposite to and parallel to the first non-bent portion, the second non-bent portion is close to the first non-bent portion relative to a part of the outer bent portion, and the distance between the second non-bent portion and the first reference plane is less than the distance between the first non-bent portion and the first reference plane. The electronic device has a small overall thickness.

Description

Foldable electronic devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510100077.4, filed on January 21, 2025, entitled "Foldable Electronic Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0003] In recent years, flexible displays have been widely used in various foldable electronic devices due to their lightweight, thinness, and durability. Currently, in electronic devices with outward-folding flexible displays, to ensure the reliability of the display, the bending radius of the outward fold cannot be too small, resulting in a limitation on the overall thickness of the electronic device and hindering the achievement of a thinner and lighter design. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a foldable electronic device that has a small overall thickness without reducing the bending radius of the outer bending portion of the flexible display screen.

[0005] This application provides a foldable electronic device. The electronic device includes a folding device and a flexible display screen. The folding device includes a first housing, a second housing, and an outward folding mechanism, which is connected between the first housing and the second housing. The folding device has an open state and a closed state. The outward folding mechanism includes a main shaft with a support surface and a first reference surface. The flexible display screen includes a first non-bending portion, an outward folding portion, and a second non-bending portion connected in sequence. The first non-bending portion is fixedly connected to the first housing, and the second non-bending portion is fixedly connected to the second housing.

[0006] In the open state, the first housing and the second housing unfold relative to each other, the flexible display screen flattens out, the top area of ​​the support surface of the main shaft supports the outer bending part, the first reference surface is perpendicular to the outer bending part and coincides with the center line of the top area, and the distance between the second non-bending part and the first reference surface is greater than the distance between the first non-bending part and the first reference surface.

[0007] In the closed state, the first housing and the second housing are folded relative to each other, the outer bend is bent, the support surface of the main shaft supports the outer bend, the second non-bend is opposite to and parallel to the first non-bend, the outer bend of the opposite part of the second non-bend is close to the first non-bend, and the distance between the second non-bend and the first reference surface is less than the distance between the first non-bend and the first reference surface.

[0008] In this application, the flexible display screen can move with the folding device. When the electronic device is in the open state, the flexible display screen flattens out, enabling full-screen display and giving the electronic device a larger display area to improve the user's viewing experience. When the electronic device is in the closed state, its planar dimensions are small, making it easy for users to carry and store.

[0009] In this design, the outer bending portion of the flexible display screen is offset, and a larger length is reserved on the side of the first reference surface closer to the second non-bending portion. This allows for a larger bending radius in the closed state, ensuring the reliability of the flexible display screen, while also bringing the second non-bending portion closer to the first reference surface, resulting in a smaller distance between the second and first non-bending portions. This makes the overall thickness of the electronic device thinner, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of electronic devices.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the outward bending portion includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment connected sequentially. The first segment connects to a first non-bending portion, and the third segment connects to a second non-bending portion. In the closed state, the first segment is located on the side of the first reference surface facing the first housing, and the center of curvature of the first segment is on the side of the first segment closer to the outward bending mechanism. At this time, the first segment bends inward. In the closed state, the second and third segments are located on the side of the first reference surface facing the second housing, with the center of curvature of the second segment on the side of the second segment closer to the outward bending mechanism, and the center of curvature of the third segment on the side of the third segment away from the outward bending mechanism. At this time, the second segment bends inward, and the third segment bends outward.

[0011] In this embodiment, in the closed state, the first segment of the outer bending portion of the flexible display bends inward, the second segment bends inward, and the third segment bends outward, so that the outer bending portion bends smoothly. While maintaining a large bending radius, the second non-bending portion can bend smoothly to the desired position on the back side of the first non-bending portion, and the outer bending portion and the second non-bending portion transition smoothly, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the flexible display.

[0012] For example, the first segment of the outer bending portion of the flexible display screen is smoothly connected to the first non-bending portion, and the two can be in a tangential positional relationship.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the radius of curvature of the second segment is larger than that of the first segment. In this case, the overall bending radius of the outer bend of the flexible display is larger, which is beneficial to improving reliability. In addition, since the outer bend has an outwardly bending third segment, even if the radius of curvature of the second segment is larger, the second segment can still be smoothly connected to the second non-bent segment through the third segment, ensuring the reliability of the flexible display.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the radius of curvature of the second segment is equal to that of the first segment. In this case, the second segment and the first segment can be set symmetrically with respect to the first reference plane.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the outward folding mechanism also has a second reference surface, which is perpendicular to the first reference surface and coincides with the top region. In the closed state, the distance between the second non-bent portion and the second reference surface is greater than the distance between the first non-bent portion and the second reference surface.

[0016] In this embodiment, by designing a large distance between the second non-bending portion of the flexible display screen and the second reference surface, the outer bending portion can have sufficient arrangement space in the thickness direction of the electronic device to have a large bending radius, and can also have sufficient arrangement space in the width direction of the electronic device to smoothly transition and connect with the second non-bending portion, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible display screen.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the thickness of the second housing is not equal to the thickness of the first housing. In this embodiment, since the outer bending portion of the flexible display screen is offset relative to the first reference surface, the outer folding mechanism adopts an asymmetrical structure. Therefore, it is not required that the thicknesses of the first housing and the second housing be equal. The thicknesses of the first housing and the second housing can be unequal, so that the structural design of the folding device and the electronic device is more flexible, and the thinner electronic device can be better achieved by reducing the thickness of one or both of them.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the outward folding mechanism further includes a first fixed frame, a first swing arm, a second fixed frame, and a second swing arm. The first fixed frame is fixedly connected to the first housing. The first swing arm includes a rotating end and a sliding end. The rotating end of the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the sliding end of the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first fixed frame. The second fixed frame is fixedly connected to the second housing. The second swing arm includes a rotating end and a sliding end. The rotating end of the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the sliding end of the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second fixed frame.

[0019] The distance between the rotation center of the rotating end of the second swing arm and the first reference surface is less than the distance between the rotation center of the rotating end of the first swing arm and the first reference surface, and the distance between the rotation center of the rotating end of the second swing arm and the second reference surface is less than the distance between the rotation center of the rotating end of the first swing arm and the second reference surface.

[0020] In this embodiment, by setting the rotation center of the rotating end of the second swing arm to be closer to the first reference surface and closer to the second reference surface than the rotation center of the rotating end of the first swing arm, the rotation radius of the structure used to fix the second non-bending part of the flexible display screen is large when the second swing arm drives the structure to rotate. This allows the second non-bending part of the flexible display screen to move along the desired motion path, and the outer bending part to present the desired bending shape. This makes it easier for the electronic device to balance the appropriate bending radius of the flexible display screen and the small thickness of the whole device in the closed state.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the outward folding mechanism further includes a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm. The first connecting arm includes a first end and a second end, with the first end rotatably connected to the main shaft and the second end rotatably connected to the first fixed frame. The second connecting arm includes a first end and a second end, with the first end rotatably connected to the main shaft and the second end rotatably connected to the second fixed frame.

[0022] In this embodiment, the rotating end of the first swing arm of the outward folding mechanism is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the sliding end of the first swing arm is slidably connected to the first fixed frame, forming a linkage-slider structure. The first end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second end of the first connecting arm is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame, forming a linkage structure. The rotating end of the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the sliding end of the second swing arm is slidably connected to the second fixed frame, forming a linkage-slider structure. The first end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the second end of the second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the second fixed frame, forming a linkage structure.

[0023] Therefore, the outward folding mechanism, through a linkage-slider structure and a linkage structure, achieves the connection between the first and second fixed frames and the main shaft. Since the first fixed frame is used to fix the first housing and the second fixed frame is used to fix the second housing, it also further achieves the connection between the first and second housings and the main shaft. The mechanism has few components, simple mating relationships, and easy-to-manufacture and assemble components, which is conducive to mass production and reduces the cost of the outward folding mechanism and folding device. Furthermore, since the main shaft links the first fixed frame through the first connecting arm and the first swing arm, and links the second fixed frame through the second connecting arm and the second swing arm, the motion path of the outward folding mechanism is accurate, and the outward folding mechanism and its components have excellent tensile and compressive strength.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the rotating end of the first swing arm may include a first arc-shaped arm. The main shaft may have a first arc-shaped groove, and the first arc-shaped arm may be mounted in and slide within this groove. In this case, a virtual shaft rotational connection structure is formed between the rotating end of the first swing arm and the main shaft. While meeting the design requirements for the rotation center position, the thickness of this virtual shaft rotational connection structure is relatively thin, which is beneficial for achieving a thinner external folding mechanism.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the first end of the first connecting arm includes a third arc-shaped arm, and the second end of the first connecting arm includes a fourth arc-shaped arm. The main shaft has a third arc-shaped groove, and the third arc-shaped arm is installed in the third arc-shaped groove. In this case, a virtual shaft rotational connection structure is formed between the first end of the first connecting arm and the main shaft. While meeting the design requirements for the rotation center position, the thickness of the virtual shaft rotational connection structure is relatively thin, which is beneficial for achieving a thinner external folding mechanism. The first fixed frame has a fourth arc-shaped groove, and the fourth arc-shaped arm is installed in the fourth arc-shaped groove. In this case, a virtual shaft rotational connection structure is formed between the second end of the first connecting arm and the first fixed frame. While meeting the design requirements for the rotation center position, the thickness of the virtual shaft rotational connection structure is relatively thin, which is beneficial for achieving a thinner external folding mechanism.

[0026] In some possible implementations, the first housing includes a first supporting surface, the first fixing frame includes a third supporting surface, the third supporting surface is coplanar with the first supporting surface, and the first non-bending portion is fixedly connected to the third supporting surface and the first supporting surface. In this case, the connection area between the first non-bending portion of the flexible display and the folding device is large, and the connection is firm. Furthermore, since the end of the first non-bending portion of the flexible display near the outer bending portion can be fixed to the third supporting surface, and thus fixed to the folding device without being suspended, the position of one end of the outer bending portion can be constrained during the movement of the electronic device. This is beneficial for controlling the shape change of the outer bending portion and improving the reliability of the flexible display.

[0027] In some possible implementations, the second housing includes a second support surface, and a second non-bent portion is fixedly connected to the second support surface. The second fixing frame includes a fourth support surface, which is coplanar with the second support surface. In the open state, the fourth support surface supports the outwardly bent portion; in the closed state, a gap is formed between the fourth support surface and the outwardly bent portion.

[0028] In this embodiment, the second fixing frame can support the outward bending portion when it is open, reducing the risk of the outward bending portion being dented due to pressure, and improving the light and shadow effect and reliability of the flexible display screen. Furthermore, in the closed state, the shape of the outward bending portion is not restricted by the fourth support surface and can be bent freely to better meet its shape requirements.

[0029] In the closed state, a portion of the main shaft's structure protrudes away from the first mounting bracket relative to the fourth support surface. At this time, the second mounting bracket, when closed, can form a space relative to the main shaft in the thickness direction of the electronic device to avoid the outward bending portion, allowing the outward bending portion to bend freely within this space to better meet its shape requirements.

[0030] In some possible implementations, the second housing includes a second support surface, a second non-bent portion is fixedly connected to the second support surface, and in the closed state, a portion of the main shaft structure protrudes relative to the second support surface in a direction away from the first housing.

[0031] In this embodiment, by setting a portion of the main shaft structure to protrude relative to the second support surface, the support surface of the main shaft can better support the outward bending portion of the flexible display screen, and a portion of the outward bending portion can protrude relative to the second non-bending portion. This better balances the bending radius requirements of the outward bending portion and the thinness requirements of the electronic device. Furthermore, because the support surface of the main shaft supports the outward bending portion, the outward bending portion can maintain its bent shape better when the user holds or presses it, which also helps reduce damage to the outward bending portion from external forces, resulting in higher reliability of the flexible display screen.

[0032] In some possible implementations, the top region is a linear region. The support surface of the spindle can be curved, and the contact between the spindle's support surface and the outward bend is a line contact. In this case, the contact area between the two, i.e., the top region, is a linear region. It is understandable that in actual products, due to assembly relationships and external forces, although the top region is linear, it can have a certain line width.

[0033] In some possible implementations, the top region is a strip-shaped region. The support surface of the spindle may include a plane located at the top of the spindle, forming the top region of the spindle's support surface. This plane contacts the outward bend, forming a surface contact.

[0034] In some possible implementations, the spindle's support surface further includes a first support region and a second support region, with a top region connecting the first and second support regions. The first support region is located on the side of the top region closer to the first housing, and the second support region is located on the side of the top region closer to the second housing. The radius of curvature of the second support region is greater than that of the first support region.

[0035] In this embodiment, in the closed state, the first support region can independently support the first segment of the outer bend of the flexible display screen, or jointly support the first segment of the outer bend of the flexible display screen with a portion of the top region. The second support region can independently support a portion of the second segment of the outer bend of the flexible display screen, or jointly support a portion of the second segment of the outer bend of the flexible display screen with a portion of the top region. By setting the radius of curvature of the second support region to be larger than that of the first support region, the overall radius of curvature of the support surface of the main shaft is made larger, which helps to ensure that the outer bend of the flexible display screen has a larger bending radius.

[0036] Alternatively, the radius of curvature of the second support region is equal to that of the first support region. In this case, the second support region and the first support region can be symmetrically arranged relative to the first reference plane.

[0037] In some possible implementations, the folding device further includes an inward folding mechanism and a third housing. The inward folding mechanism is connected between the second and third housings, and in the closed state, the third housing is located on the side of the second housing facing away from the first housing. The flexible display also includes an inward bending portion and a third non-bending portion, the inward bending portion connecting the second and third non-bending portions, and the third non-bending portion being fixedly connected to the third housing.

[0038] In this embodiment, the electronic device adopts a tri-fold shape, which can have a larger display area in the open state to improve the user's viewing experience, and a smaller planar size in the closed state to facilitate user carrying and storage.

[0039] In some possible implementations, the thickness of the third shell is equal to the thickness of the second shell, while the thickness of the second shell is not equal to the thickness of the first shell.

[0040] In this embodiment, since the third shell and the second shell have the same thickness, the inward folding mechanism can adopt a symmetrical structure, which helps reduce the design difficulty of the inward folding mechanism and makes the structure of the folding device easier to realize. The outward folding mechanism, however, adopts the asymmetrical mechanism described above. The thickness of the second shell and the first shell can be designed to be unequal, allowing one to be designed to be thinner, thus facilitating the thinner design of the electronic device. For example, the second shell can be designed to have a smaller thickness, in which case the third shell will also have a smaller thickness, resulting in a smaller overall thickness of the electronic device. Alternatively, the second and third shells can maintain a suitable thickness, while the first shell is designed to have a smaller thickness, thus also resulting in a smaller overall thickness of the electronic device.

[0041] In some possible implementations, the third housing has an end that is away from the inward folding mechanism, and the thickness of the end of the third housing decreases in the direction away from the inward folding mechanism to form a clearance space. In the closed state, in the thickness direction of the electronic device, the outward bend faces the clearance space, or a portion of the outward bend is located in the clearance space.

[0042] In this embodiment, by providing a clearance space at the end of the third housing, a portion of the structure of the outer bending part of the flexible display screen can be arranged using this clearance space to maintain a suitable bending radius and avoid interference between the outer bending part and the third housing. This not only facilitates the compact arrangement of the third housing, the second housing, and the outer bending mechanism, but also helps to prevent damage to the outer bending part of the flexible display screen due to impact, thereby improving the reliability of the electronic device.

[0043] In some possible implementations, the third non-bent portion is staggered from the outer bent portion in the thickness direction of the electronic device. In this case, the risk of collision between the third non-bent portion and the outer bent portion of the flexible display is low, which helps to improve the reliability of the flexible display. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or background art of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments or background art of this application will be described below.

[0045] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device in the open state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the electronic device shown in Figure 1A when it is in a closed state;

[0047] Figure 2 is a comparison of the various forms of the flexible display screen of the electronic device shown in Figure 1A;

[0048] Figure 3A is a structural schematic diagram of the folding device shown in Figure 1A in some embodiments;

[0049] Figure 3B is a structural schematic diagram of the folding device shown in Figure 3A in another usage state;

[0050] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the outward folding mechanism of the folding device shown in Figure 3A;

[0051] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the outward folding mechanism of the folding device shown in Figure 4;

[0052] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the outward folding mechanism shown in Figure 4, cut along point AA;

[0053] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 6A in another usage state;

[0054] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the outward folding mechanism shown in Figure 4, cut along BB.

[0055] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the outward folding mechanism shown in Figure 4, cut along CC.

[0056] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 7A in another usage state;

[0057] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 7B in another usage state;

[0058] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the movement of the folding device shown in Figure 3A;

[0059] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the outward folding mechanism shown in Figure 4, cut along DD.

[0060] Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of the structure shown in Figure 10A in another usage state;

[0061] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in this application in some other embodiments;

[0062] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in some other embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The following embodiments of this application will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0064] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. "Fixed connection" refers to a connection where the relative positional relationship remains unchanged after connection. "Rotary connection" refers to a connection where the objects can rotate relative to each other after connection. "Sliding connection" refers to a connection where the objects can slide relative to each other after connection. The directional terms mentioned in the embodiments of this application, such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," are only for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for better and clearer explanation and understanding of the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. "Multiple" refers to at least two. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone.

[0065] This application provides an electronic device including a folding device and a flexible display screen fixed to the folding device. The folding device can be unfolded to an open state, folded to a closed state, or in an intermediate state between the open and closed states. The flexible display screen unfolds and folds along with the folding device. By optimizing the structure of the folding device and the fixing structure between the flexible display screen and the folding device, the overall thickness of the electronic device can be reduced without reducing the bending radius of the outer bending portion of the flexible display screen, which is beneficial for achieving a thinner electronic device.

[0066] In some embodiments, the electronic device may be a foldable electronic product such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or wearable device. Wearable devices may be smartwatches, smart bracelets, etc. This application uses a mobile phone as an example for illustration.

[0067] Please refer to Figures 1A and 1B. Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device 100 in the open state according to an embodiment of this application, and Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device 100 shown in Figure 1A in the closed state.

[0068] In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 includes a folding device 10, which includes a first housing 1, a second housing 2, and an outward folding mechanism 3 connected between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. That is, the outward folding mechanism 3 is located between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, with one side of the outward folding mechanism 3 connected to the first housing 1 and the other side connected to the second housing 2. Through the movement of the outward folding mechanism 3, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be relatively unfolded or relatively folded. For example, the folding device 10 has an open state and a closed state, and the folding device 10 can switch between the open state and the closed state.

[0069] As shown in Figure 1A, the folding device 10 is in the open state, with the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 unfolded relative to each other. At this time, the outer folding mechanism 3 and the electronic device 100 are also in the open state. In the open state, the angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be approximately 180° (slight deviations are also allowed, such as 165°, 177°, or 185°). In this state, the electronic device 100 has a larger width and a larger planar size, resulting in a better user experience.

[0070] As shown in Figure 1B, the folding device 10 is in the closed state, with the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 folded relative to each other. At this time, the outward folding mechanism 3 and the electronic device 100 are also in the closed state. In the closed state, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be completely closed to be parallel to each other (a slight deviation is also allowed). There may be no gap or a small gap between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2; for example, Figure 1B illustrates a small gap between them. In this state, the electronic device 100 has a smaller width, making it easier for the user to store and hold the electronic device 100.

[0071] Furthermore, the folding device 10, the outward folding mechanism 3, and the electronic device 100 can also be in an intermediate state between an open state and a closed state. In this state, the angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be greater than the angle between them in the closed state and less than the angle between them in the open state. Therefore, the electronic device 100 can switch between the open state, the intermediate state, and the closed state through the movement of the outward folding mechanism 3.

[0072] In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 further includes a flexible display screen 20. Exemplarily, the flexible display screen 20 may integrate display functionality and touch sensing functionality. The display function of the flexible display screen 20 is used to display images, videos, etc., and the touch sensing function of the flexible display screen 20 is used to sense user touch actions to achieve human-computer interaction. Exemplarily, the flexible display screen 20 may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) display screen, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen, etc.

[0073] For example, the flexible display screen 20 may include a first non-bending portion 201, an outer bending portion 202, and a second non-bending portion 203 connected in sequence. The first non-bending portion 201 of the flexible display screen 20 is fixed to the first housing 1, and the second non-bending portion 203 of the flexible display screen 20 is fixed to the second housing 2. At this time, the outer bending portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20 at least partially corresponds to the outer bending mechanism 3. During the relative movement between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, the first non-bending portion 201 of the flexible display screen 20 moves with the first housing 1, the second non-bending portion 203 of the flexible display screen 20 moves with the second housing 2, and the outer bending portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20 deforms.

[0074] As shown in Figure 1A, when the folding device 10 is in the open state, the flexible display screen 20 is flattened and in an open shape. At this time, the first non-bending portion 201, the outer bending portion 202, and the second non-bending portion 203 of the flexible display screen 20 can be coplanar, so that the flexible display screen 20 can be in a planar or near-planar shape, with a large display area and a better user experience.

[0075] As shown in Figure 1B, when the folding device 10 is in the closed state, the flexible display screen 20 is located outside the first housing 1, the outer folding mechanism 3 and the second housing 2. The outer bending portion 202 is bent, and the second non-bending portion 203 is arranged opposite to and parallel to the first non-bending portion 201. The flexible display screen 20 is in a closed state.

[0076] Understandably, when the folding device 10 is in the intermediate state, the flexible display screen 20 is in an intermediate state between the open and closed states.

[0077] In this embodiment, the flexible display screen 20 can move with the folding device 10. When the electronic device 100 is in the open state, the flexible display screen 20 is flattened, enabling full-screen display and giving the electronic device 100 a larger display area to improve the user's viewing experience. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed state, its planar dimensions are smaller, making it easier for users to carry and store.

[0078] In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 may further include multiple modules (not shown in the figures), which can be housed inside the folding device 10. These multiple modules of the electronic device 100 may include, but are not limited to, a motherboard, processor, memory, battery, camera module, earpiece module, speaker module, microphone module, antenna module, sensor module, etc. This application does not specifically limit the number, type, or location of the modules in the electronic device 100.

[0079] In this embodiment, the electronic device 100 has two perpendicular length directions, width directions, and thickness directions. This embodiment is illustrated by the example where the rotation axis of the electronic device 100 is parallel to its length direction. In this case, the electronic device 100 can rotate left and right, and the folding and unfolding of the electronic device 100 affects its width. The thickness direction of the electronic device 100 is perpendicular to the flexible display screen 20. In the description of the electronic device 100, the side of the electronic device 100 with the flexible display screen 20 is designated as the "top," and the side of the electronic device 100 away from the flexible display screen 20 is designated as the "bottom." For example, the direction of the folding device 10 facing the flexible display screen 20 is the "top," and the direction away from the flexible display screen 20 is the "bottom." In other embodiments, the rotation axis of the electronic device 100 may also be parallel to its width direction. In this case, the electronic device 100 can rotate up and down, and the folding and unfolding of the electronic device 100 affects its length.

[0080] Please refer to Figures 1A and 2. Figure 2 is a comparison of the various forms of the flexible display screen 20 of the electronic device 100 shown in Figure 1A.

[0081] In some embodiments, the outward folding mechanism 3 includes a main shaft 31, and other structural components of the outward folding mechanism 3 connect the main shaft 31 to the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. The main shaft 31 has a support surface 311, which faces the flexible display screen 20. In the open state, the top region 3111 of the support surface 311 of the main shaft 31 supports the outward folded portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20. The top region 3111 of the support surface 311 of the main shaft 31 extends along the length of the main shaft 31. In the closed state, the support surface 311 of the main shaft 31 supports the outward folded portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20. The supporting area of ​​the support surface 311 of the main shaft 31 in the closed state is greater than the supporting area of ​​the outward folded portion 202 in the open state. In the closed state, the support surface 311 of the main shaft 31 can be the outer bending part 202 that supports the entire flexible display screen 20, or it can be the outer bending part 202 that supports most of the flexible display screen 20, with a small part of the area not used for support.

[0082] It is understandable that the support surface 311 or its top area 3111 of the main shaft 31 supports the outer bend 202 of the flexible display screen 20. This includes the case where the support surface 311 or its top area 3111 of the main shaft 31 is in contact with the outer bend 202, and also the case where the support surface 311 or its top area 3111 of the main shaft 31 is in contact with the outer bend 202 under the user's pressing pressure when the user uses the electronic device 100 to perform a touch operation on the outer bend 202.

[0083] In some examples, the top region 3111 is a linear region. The support surface 311 of the spindle 31 can be curved, and the contact between the support surface 311 and the outer bend 202 is a line contact. In this case, the contact area between the two, i.e., the top region 3111, is a linear region. It is understood that in actual products, due to assembly relationships and external forces, although the top region 3111 is a linear region, it can have a certain line width. This application embodiment does not strictly limit the specific line width.

[0084] In other examples, the top region 3111 is a strip-shaped region. The support surface 311 of the spindle 31 may include a plane located at the top of the spindle 31, which is the top region 3111 of the support surface 311 of the spindle 31. This plane contacts the outer bend 202 to form a surface contact.

[0085] For example, the outward folding mechanism 3 has a first reference surface 3a. The first reference surface 3a is perpendicular to the outward folding portion 202 and coincides with the centerline of the top region 3111. The centerline of the top region 3111 is parallel to the length extension direction of the main shaft 31. It can be understood that when the top region 3111 is a linear region, the centerline of the top region 3111 can also be understood as the top region 3111 itself.

[0086] In some embodiments, in the open state, the distance S1 between the second non-bent portion 203 of the flexible display screen 20 and the first reference surface 3a is greater than the distance S2 between the first non-bent portion 201 and the first reference surface 3a; in the closed state, the relative portion of the second non-bent portion 203 with the outer bend portion 202 is closer to the first non-bent portion 201, and the distance S3 between the second non-bent portion 203 and the first reference surface 3a is less than the distance S4 between the first non-bent portion 201 and the first reference surface 3a.

[0087] In this embodiment, the outer bending portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20 is offset. The outer bending portion 202 has a larger length reserved on the side of the first reference surface 3a near the second non-bending portion 203. This allows for a larger bending radius in the closed state to ensure the reliability of the flexible display screen 20. It also allows the second non-bending portion 203 to be closer to the first reference surface 3a, resulting in a smaller distance between it and the first non-bending portion 201. This makes the overall thickness of the electronic device 100 thinner, which is beneficial for the thinning of the electronic device 100.

[0088] It is understood that, in the closed state, the thickness direction of the electronic device 100 is perpendicular to the first non-bent portion 201 and the second non-bent portion 203. The thickness of the structure of the electronic device 100 with a larger planar dimension is understood as the overall thickness of the electronic device 100, and the thickness of a portion of the electronic device 100 (with a smaller planar dimension) may be greater than the overall thickness. For example, in the closed state, the thickness of the structure corresponding to the second non-bent portion 203 is understood as the overall thickness, and the thickness of the structure corresponding to the outward bending portion 202 may be greater than the overall thickness.

[0089] In some embodiments, the outward bending portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20 includes a first segment 2021, a second segment 2022, and a third segment 2023 connected in sequence. The first segment 2021 is connected to the first non-bending portion 201, and the third segment 2023 is connected to the second non-bending portion 203. In the closed state, the first segment 2021 is located on the side of the first reference surface 3a facing the first housing 1, and the center of curvature of the first segment 2021 is on the side of the first segment 2021 closer to the outward bending mechanism 3. At this time, the first segment 2021 bends inward. The second segment 2022 and the third segment 2023 are located on the side of the first reference surface 3a facing the second housing 2, the center of curvature of the second segment 2022 is on the side of the second segment 2022 closer to the outward bending mechanism 3, and the center of curvature of the third segment 2023 is on the side of the third segment 2023 away from the outward bending mechanism 3. At this time, the second segment 2022 bends inward, and the third segment 2023 bends outward.

[0090] In this embodiment, in the closed state, the first segment 2021 of the outer bending portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20 bends inward, the second segment 2022 bends inward, and the third segment 2023 bends outward, so that the outer bending portion 202 bends smoothly. While maintaining a large bending radius, the second non-bending portion 203 can bend smoothly to the desired position on the back side of the first non-bending portion 201. Furthermore, the outer bending portion 202 and the second non-bending portion 203 transition smoothly, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the flexible display screen 20.

[0091] Understandably, in the open state, the greater the distance between the second non-bent portion 203 and the first reference surface 3a, the longer the length of the portion of the outer bent portion 202 located on the side of the first reference surface 3a closer to the second non-bent portion 203. In the closed state, the larger the radius of curvature of the second segment 2022 and the third segment 2023, the larger the bending radius of the outer bent portion 202, and the smaller the distance between the second non-bent portion 203 and the first reference surface 3a, as well as the smaller the distance between the second non-bent portion 203 and the first non-bent portion 201, which is beneficial for the thinning of the electronic device 100. Of course, the bending radius of the outer bent portion 202 of the electronic device 100 will also be controlled within a certain size to avoid the overall thickness of the structure of the electronic device 100 corresponding to the outer bent portion 202 being too large.

[0092] For example, the first segment 2021 of the outer bending portion 202 of the flexible display 20 is smoothly connected to the first non-bending portion 201, and the two can be in a tangential positional relationship.

[0093] For example, the radius of curvature of the second segment 2022 of the outer bending portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20 is greater than that of the first segment 2021. In this case, the overall bending radius of the outer bending portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20 is larger, which is beneficial for improving reliability. Furthermore, since the outer bending portion 202 is provided with an outwardly bending third segment 2023, even if the radius of curvature of the second segment 2022 is larger, the second segment 2022 can still be smoothly connected to the second non-bending portion 203 through the third segment 2023, ensuring the reliability of the flexible display screen 20.

[0094] In some other embodiments, the radius of curvature of the second segment 2022 of the outer bend 202 of the flexible display screen 20 may also be equal to the radius of curvature of the first segment 2021. In this case, the second segment 2022 and the first segment 2021 may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the first reference surface 3a.

[0095] In some embodiments, the outward folding mechanism 3 further has a second reference surface 3b, which is perpendicular to the first reference surface 3a and coincides with the top end region 3111 of the support surface 311 of the main shaft 31. In the closed state, the distance between the second non-bending portion 203 and the second reference surface 3b is greater than the distance between the first non-bending portion 201 and the second reference surface 3b.

[0096] In this embodiment, by designing a large distance between the second non-bending portion 203 and the second reference surface 3b of the flexible display screen 20, the outer bending portion 202 can have sufficient arrangement space in the thickness direction of the electronic device 100 to have a large bending radius, and can also have sufficient arrangement space in the width direction of the electronic device 100 to smoothly transition and connect with the second non-bending portion 203, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible display screen 20.

[0097] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first housing 1 and the thickness of the second housing 2 may not be equal. In this embodiment, since the outer bending portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20 is offset relative to the first reference surface 3a, and the outer folding mechanism 3 adopts an asymmetrical structure, it is not required that the thicknesses of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 be equal. The thicknesses of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 may be unequal, so that the structural design of the folding device 10 and the electronic device 100 is more flexible, and the thinning of the electronic device 100 can be better achieved by reducing the thickness of one or both of them.

[0098] In some embodiments, in the closed state, the distance between the first non-bent portion 201 and the first reference surface 3a can be about 4 mm, and the distance between the second non-bent portion 203 and the first reference surface 3a can be in the range of 2.5 mm to 4 mm. In this case, the outer bending portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20 can have a suitable bending radius to meet reliability and small size requirements, and the overall thickness of the electronic device 100 is relatively thin.

[0099] In the closed state, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are in contact at the first reference surface 3a, the thickness of the first housing 1 can be approximately 4 mm, and the thickness of the second housing 2 can be in the range of 2.5 mm to 4 mm. When the contact surfaces of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are misaligned from the first reference surface 3a, the thicknesses of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be adjusted accordingly; however, this embodiment does not impose strict limitations on this.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first housing 1 includes a first support surface 11, and a first non-bending portion 201 of the flexible display screen 20 is fixedly connected to the first support surface 11. The second housing 2 includes a second support surface 21, and a second non-bending portion 203 is fixedly connected to the second support surface 21. In the closed state, a portion of the structure of the main shaft 31 protrudes away from the first housing 1 relative to the second support surface 21.

[0101] In this embodiment, by setting a portion of the main shaft 31 to protrude relative to the second support surface 21, the support surface 311 of the main shaft 31 can better support the outer bending portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20, and a portion of the structure of the outer bending portion 202 can protrude relative to the second non-bending portion 203, thereby better balancing the bending radius requirements of the outer bending portion 202 and the thinness requirements of the electronic device 100. Furthermore, since the support surface 311 of the main shaft 31 supports the outer bending portion 202, the outer bending portion 202 can maintain its bent shape better when the user holds or presses it, which also helps reduce damage to the outer bending portion 202 from external forces, resulting in higher reliability of the flexible display screen 20.

[0102] In some embodiments, the support surface 311 of the spindle 31 further includes a first support region 3112 and a second support region 3113, with the top region 3111 connecting the first support region 3112 and the second support region 3113. In some examples, the first support region 3112 is a curved surface, and the second support region 3113 is also a curved surface. It can be understood that when the top region 3111 is a linear region, the first support region 3112 connects to the second support region 3113, and the connection between the two forms the top region 3111. In this case, it can also be understood that the top region 3111 connects the first support region 3112 and the second support region 3113.

[0103] The first support region 3112 is located on the side of the top region 3111 closer to the first housing 1, and the second support region 3113 is located on the side of the top region 3111 closer to the second housing 2. The radius of curvature of the second support region 3113 is greater than the radius of curvature of the first support region 3112.

[0104] In this embodiment, in the closed state, the first support region 3112 can independently support the first segment 2021 of the outer bend 202 of the flexible display screen 20, or jointly support the first segment 2021 of the outer bend 202 of the flexible display screen 20 with a portion of the top region 3111. The second support region 3113 can independently support a portion of the second segment 2022 of the outer bend 202 of the flexible display screen 20, or jointly support a portion of the second segment 2022 of the outer bend 202 of the flexible display screen 20 with a portion of the top region 3111. By setting the radius of curvature of the second support region 3113 to be larger than that of the first support region 3112, the overall radius of curvature of the support surface 311 of the main shaft 31 is larger, which helps to ensure that the outer bend 202 of the flexible display screen 20 has a larger bending radius.

[0105] In some other embodiments, the radius of curvature of the second support region 3113 is equal to the radius of curvature of the first support region 3112. In this case, the second support region 3113 and the first support region 3112 can be symmetrically arranged with respect to the first reference surface 3a.

[0106] In this embodiment, since the first non-bending portion 201 of the flexible display screen 20 is fixedly connected to the first housing 1 and the second non-bending portion 203 is fixedly connected to the second housing 2, the movement paths of the first non-bending portion 201 and the second non-bending portion 203 can be controlled by controlling the relative movement paths of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, thereby controlling the shape changes of the outer bending portion 202 and the entire flexible display screen 20 in the open and closed states.

[0107] The following is an example illustrating the implementation structure of the folding device 10 of the electronic device 100.

[0108] Please refer to Figures 3A and 3B. Figure 3A is a structural schematic diagram of the folding device 10 shown in Figure 1A in some embodiments, and Figure 3B is a structural schematic diagram of the folding device 10 shown in Figure 3A in another usage state.

[0109] In some embodiments, the outward folding mechanism 3 further includes a first fixing frame 32 and a second fixing frame 33. The first fixing frame 32 is fixedly connected to the first housing 1, and the second fixing frame 33 is fixedly connected to the second housing 2. In this case, the movement of the first fixing frame 32 is synchronized with the movement of the first housing 1, and the movement of the second fixing frame 33 is synchronized with the movement of the second housing 2. The first fixing frame 32 and the second fixing frame 33 of the outward folding mechanism 3 can be relatively unfolded or relatively folded. As shown in Figure 3A, the outward folding mechanism 3 is in the open state, with the first fixing frame 32 and the second fixing frame 33 relatively unfolded; as shown in Figure 3B, the outward folding mechanism 3 is in the closed state, with the first fixing frame 32 and the second fixing frame 33 relatively folded. In this embodiment, by designing the movement paths of the first fixing frame 32 and the second fixing frame 33, the movement paths of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be controlled.

[0110] Referring to Figures 1A, 1B, 3A, and 3B, in some embodiments, the first mounting bracket 32 ​​includes a third support surface 321, which may be coplanar with the first support surface 11 of the first housing 1. In this case, the third support surface 321 and the first support surface 11 are joined together to form a larger support surface. For example, the third support surface 321 and the first support surface 11 may be arranged side-by-side, with the third support surface 321 located between the first support surface 11 and the main shaft 31. In this case, both are arranged in the width direction of the electronic device 100.

[0111] The first non-bending portion 201 of the flexible display screen 20 can be fixedly connected to the third support surface 321 and the first support surface 11 to increase the connection area with the folding device 10 and improve the connection strength. In addition, since the end of the first non-bending portion 201 of the flexible display screen 20 near the outer bending portion 202 can be fixed to the third support surface 321 and fixed to the folding device 10 without being suspended, the position of one end of the outer bending portion 202 can be constrained during the movement of the electronic device 100, which is beneficial to control the shape change of the outer bending portion 202 and improve the reliability of the flexible display screen 20.

[0112] In some other embodiments, the third support surface 321 and the first support surface 11 may also be embedded or interlocked, and this application does not strictly limit this. In this case, the first non-bending portion 201 of the flexible display screen 20 can still be fixedly connected to both the third support surface 321 and the first support surface 11. Alternatively, when one end of the first non-bending portion 201 near the outer bending portion 202 can be fixed by connecting to the first support surface 11, it may not need to be connected to the third support surface 321.

[0113] In some other embodiments, the first fixing frame 32 may not have a third support surface 321. The first fixing frame 32 is located on the bottom side of the first support surface 11 of the first housing 1 and is covered by the first support surface 11. In this case, the first non-bending portion 201 of the flexible display screen 20 is not directly connected to the first fixing frame 32.

[0114] It is understood that the embodiments of this application do not strictly limit the relative positional relationship between the first fixing frame 32 and the first support surface 11 of the first housing 1, or the specific connection structure between the first non-bending portion 201 of the flexible display screen 20 and the first support surface 11 and the first fixing frame 32.

[0115] In some embodiments, the second mounting bracket 33 includes a fourth support surface 331, which is coplanar with the second support surface 21. In this case, the fourth support surface 331 and the second support surface 21 are joined together to form a larger support surface. For example, the fourth support surface 331 and the second support surface 21 can be arranged side-by-side, with the fourth support surface 331 located between the second support surface 21 and the main shaft 31. In this case, both are arranged along the width direction of the electronic device 100.

[0116] For example, in the open state, the fourth support surface 331 supports the outwardly bent portion 202; in the closed state, a gap is formed between the fourth support surface 331 and the outwardly bent portion 202. In this embodiment, the second fixing frame 33 can support the outwardly bent portion 202 in the open state to reduce the risk of the outwardly bent portion 202 being pressed and dented, thereby improving the light and shadow effect and reliability of the flexible display screen 20. Furthermore, in the closed state, the shape of the outwardly bent portion 202 is not restricted by the fourth support surface 331 and can be bent freely to better meet its shape requirements.

[0117] In the closed state, a portion of the main shaft 31 protrudes away from the first fixing frame 32 relative to the fourth support surface 331. At this time, the second fixing frame 33, when closed, can form a space in the thickness direction of the electronic device 100 relative to the main shaft 31 to avoid the outward bending portion 202, allowing the outward bending portion 202 to bend freely in this space to better meet its shape requirements.

[0118] In some examples, the second non-bending portion 203 of the flexible display 20 may be fixedly connected to the second support surface 21 but not to the fourth support surface 331. In other examples, the second non-bending portion 203 of the flexible display 20 may be fixedly connected to the second support surface 21 while also connecting to a portion of the fourth support surface 331, for example, connecting the area of ​​the fourth support surface 331 close to the second support surface 21.

[0119] In some other embodiments, the fourth support surface 331 and the second support surface 21 may also be embedded or interlocked, and this application does not strictly limit this. In some other embodiments, the first fixing frame 32 may not have the fourth support surface 331, and the second fixing frame 33 may be located on the bottom side of the second support surface 21 of the second housing 2 and covered by the second support surface 21.

[0120] It is understood that the embodiments of this application do not strictly limit the relative positional relationship between the second fixing frame 33 and the second support surface 21 of the second housing 2, or the specific connection structure between the second non-bending part 203 of the flexible display screen 20 and the second support surface 21 and the second fixing frame 33.

[0121] Please refer to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the outer folding mechanism 3 of the folding device 10 shown in Figure 3A, and Figure 5 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the outer folding mechanism 3 of the folding device 10 shown in Figure 4.

[0122] In some embodiments, the outward folding mechanism 3 further includes a first swing arm 34, a second swing arm 35, a first connecting arm 36, and a second connecting arm 37.

[0123] For example, the first swing arm 34 includes a rotating end 341 and a sliding end 342. The rotating end 341 of the first swing arm 34 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 31, and the sliding end 342 of the first swing arm 34 is slidably connected to the first fixed frame 32. The second swing arm 35 includes a rotating end 351 and a sliding end 352. The rotating end 351 of the second swing arm 35 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 31, and the sliding end 352 of the second swing arm 35 is slidably connected to the second fixed frame 33.

[0124] The first connecting arm 36 includes a first end 361 and a second end 362. The first end 361 of the first connecting arm 36 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 31, and the second end 362 of the first connecting arm 36 is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame 32. The second connecting arm 37 includes a first end 371 and a second end 372. The first end 371 of the second connecting arm 37 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 31, and the second end 372 of the second connecting arm 37 is rotatably connected to the second fixing frame 33.

[0125] In this embodiment, the rotating end 341 of the first swing arm 34 of the outward folding mechanism 3 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 31, and the sliding end 342 of the first swing arm 34 is slidably connected to the first fixed frame 32, forming a linkage slider structure. The first end 361 of the first connecting arm 36 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 31, and the second end 362 of the first connecting arm 36 is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 32, forming a linkage structure. The rotating end 351 of the second swing arm 35 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 31, and the sliding end 352 of the second swing arm 35 is slidably connected to the second fixed frame 33, forming a linkage slider structure. The first end 371 of the second connecting arm 37 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 31, and the second end 372 of the second connecting arm 37 is rotatably connected to the second fixed frame 33, forming a linkage structure.

[0126] Therefore, the outward folding mechanism 3, through the linkage slider structure and the linkage structure, realizes the connection between the first fixed frame 32 and the second fixed frame 33 and the main shaft 31. Since the first fixed frame 32 is used to fix the first housing 1 and the second fixed frame 33 is used to fix the second housing 2, it also further realizes the connection between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 and the main shaft 31. The number of components is small, the matching relationship is simple, and the components are easy to manufacture and assemble, which is conducive to mass production and reduces the cost of the outward folding mechanism 3 and the folding device 10. Furthermore, since the main shaft 31 links the first fixed frame 32 through the first connecting arm 36 and the first swing arm 34, and links the second fixed frame 33 through the second connecting arm 37 and the second swing arm 35, the movement path of the outward folding mechanism 3 is accurate, and the outward folding mechanism 3 and the outward folding device 3 have better tensile and compressive strength.

[0127] Please refer to Figures 4 to 6B. Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the outward folding mechanism 3 shown in Figure 4 cut along point AA. Figure 6B is a structural diagram of the structure shown in Figure 6A in another usage state. In Figure 6A, the outward folding mechanism 3 is in the open state, and in Figure 6B, the outward folding mechanism 3 is in the closed state.

[0128] In some embodiments, the rotating end 341 of the first swing arm 34 may include a first arc-shaped arm. The main shaft 31 may be provided with a first arc-shaped groove 312, and the first arc-shaped arm may be installed in the first arc-shaped groove 312 and be able to slide in the first arc-shaped groove 312. In this case, a virtual shaft rotation connection structure is formed between the rotating end 341 of the first swing arm 34 and the main shaft 31. While meeting the design requirements of the rotation center position, the thickness of the virtual shaft rotation connection structure is relatively thin, which is beneficial to achieving the thinning of the outward folding mechanism 3.

[0129] There can be two first arc-shaped arms, which are arranged at intervals along the length of the main shaft 31 and are both connected to the main shaft 31. In this case, the movement of the first swing arm 34 relative to the main shaft 31 is relatively smooth, and it is not easy to have risks such as tilting or movement jamming, which helps to improve the reliability of the outward folding mechanism 3.

[0130] For example, the sliding end 342 of the first swing arm 34 may be provided with a guide groove. The first fixed frame 32 is provided with a first sliding groove 322, and a guide rail is provided on the groove wall of the first sliding groove 322. The sliding end 342 of the first swing arm 34 can be installed in the first sliding groove 322 and can slide in the first sliding groove 322. The guide groove of the first swing arm 34 can be slidably connected with the guide rail of the first fixed frame 32. At this time, the sliding end 342 of the first swing arm 34 is slidably connected with the first fixed frame 32, and the relative sliding movement is stable and accurate.

[0131] In some other embodiments, the sliding end 342 of the first swing arm 34 may not have a guide groove but a guide rail, and the first fixed frame 32 may not have a guide rail but a guide groove, with the guide rail and guide groove slidably connected. In other words, one of the sliding end 342 of the first swing arm 34 and the first fixed frame 32 has a guide groove, and the other has a guide rail, with the guide rail and guide groove cooperating to make the sliding connection structure between the sliding end 342 of the first swing arm 34 and the first fixed frame 32 stable and reliable.

[0132] In some embodiments, the rotating end 351 of the second swing arm 35 may include a second arc-shaped arm. The main shaft 31 may be provided with a second arc-shaped groove 313, and the second arc-shaped arm may be installed in the second arc-shaped groove 313 and be able to slide in the second arc-shaped groove 313. In this case, a virtual shaft rotation connection structure is formed between the rotating end 351 of the second swing arm 35 and the main shaft 31. While meeting the design requirements of the rotation center position, the thickness of the virtual shaft rotation connection structure is relatively thin, which is beneficial to achieving the thinning of the outward folding mechanism 3.

[0133] The second arc-shaped arm can be two in number, and the two second arc-shaped arms are arranged at intervals along the length of the main shaft 31 and are both connected to the main shaft 31. In this case, the movement of the second swing arm 35 relative to the main shaft 31 is relatively smooth, and it is not easy to have risks such as tilting or movement jamming, which helps to improve the reliability of the outer folding mechanism 3.

[0134] For example, the sliding end 352 of the second swing arm 35 may be provided with a guide groove. The second fixed frame 33 is provided with a second sliding groove 332, and a guide rail is provided on the groove wall of the second sliding groove 332. The sliding end 352 of the second swing arm 35 can be installed in the second sliding groove 332 and can slide in the second sliding groove 332. The guide groove of the second swing arm 35 can be slidably connected with the guide rail of the second fixed frame 33. At this time, the sliding end 352 of the second swing arm 35 is slidably connected with the second fixed frame 33, and the relative sliding movement is stable and accurate.

[0135] In some other embodiments, the sliding end 352 of the second swing arm 35 may not have a guide groove, but instead has a guide rail; the second fixed frame 33 may not have a guide rail, but instead has a guide groove, with the guide rail and guide groove slidably connected. In other words, one of the sliding end 352 of the second swing arm 35 and the second fixed frame 33 has a guide groove, and the other has a guide rail, with the guide rail and guide groove cooperating to make the sliding connection structure between the sliding end 352 of the second swing arm 35 and the second fixed frame 33 stable and reliable.

[0136] It is understood that in some other embodiments, a solid shaft rotatable connection structure can also be used between the rotating end 341 of the first swing arm 34 and the main shaft 31. That is, the rotating end 341 of the first swing arm 34 and the main shaft 31 are connected by a solid rotating shaft, and the relative rotation center of the rotating end 341 of the first swing arm 34 and the main shaft 31 coincides with the axis of the rotating shaft. In some other embodiments, a solid shaft rotatable connection structure can also be used between the rotating end 351 of the second swing arm 35 and the main shaft 31.

[0137] Please refer to Figures 4, 5, 7A to 8B. Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of the outward folding mechanism 3 shown in Figure 4 cut along BB; Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of the outward folding mechanism 3 shown in Figure 4 cut along CC; Figure 8A is a structural diagram of the structure shown in Figure 7A in another usage state; and Figure 8B is a structural diagram of the structure shown in Figure 7B in another usage state. In Figures 7A and 7B, the outward folding mechanism 3 is in the open state; in Figures 8A and 8B, the outward folding mechanism 3 is in the closed state.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first end 361 of the first connecting arm 36 includes a third arc-shaped arm, and the second end 362 of the first connecting arm 36 includes a fourth arc-shaped arm. The main shaft 31 is provided with a third arc-shaped groove 314, and the third arc-shaped arm is installed in the third arc-shaped groove 314. The third arc-shaped arm can slide in the third arc-shaped groove 314. At this time, a virtual shaft rotation connection structure is formed between the first end 361 of the first connecting arm 36 and the main shaft 31. Under the condition of meeting the design requirements of the rotation center position, the thickness of the virtual shaft rotation connection structure is relatively thin, which is beneficial to achieving the thinness of the outward folding mechanism 3. The first fixing frame 32 is provided with a fourth arc-shaped groove 323, and the fourth arc-shaped arm is installed in the fourth arc-shaped groove 323. The fourth arc-shaped arm can slide in the fourth arc-shaped groove 323. At this time, a virtual shaft rotation connection structure is formed between the second end 362 of the first connecting arm 36 and the first fixing frame 32. Under the condition of meeting the design requirements of the rotation center position, the thickness of the virtual shaft rotation connection structure is relatively thin, which is beneficial to achieving the thinness of the outward folding mechanism 3.

[0139] The first connecting arm 36 further includes a first connecting body 363, a third arc-shaped arm fixed to one side of the first connecting body 363, and a fourth arc-shaped arm fixed to the other side of the first connecting body 363. The first connecting body 363 increases the structural strength of the first connecting arm 36. Furthermore, the first connecting body 363 can also serve as a limiting structure along the length extension direction of the main shaft 31, defining the relative position of the first connecting arm 36 with the main shaft 31 and the first fixing bracket 32.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first end 371 of the second connecting arm 37 includes a fifth arcuate arm, and the second end 372 of the second connecting arm 37 includes a sixth arcuate arm. The main shaft 31 is provided with a fifth arcuate groove 315, and the fifth arcuate arm is installed in the fifth arcuate groove 315. The fifth arcuate arm can slide in the fifth arcuate groove 315. At this time, a virtual shaft rotation connection structure is formed between the first end 371 of the second connecting arm 37 and the main shaft 31. Under the condition of meeting the design requirements of the rotation center position, the thickness of the virtual shaft rotation connection structure is relatively thin, which is beneficial to achieving the thinness of the outward folding mechanism 3. The second fixing frame 33 is provided with a sixth arcuate groove 333, and the sixth arcuate arm is installed in the sixth arcuate groove 333. The sixth arcuate arm can slide in the sixth arcuate groove 333. At this time, a virtual shaft rotation connection structure is formed between the second end 372 of the second connecting arm 37 and the second fixing frame 33. Under the condition of meeting the design requirements of the rotation center position, the thickness of the virtual shaft rotation connection structure is relatively thin, which is beneficial to achieving the thinness of the outward folding mechanism 3.

[0141] The second connecting arm 37 further includes a second connecting body 373, with a fifth arc-shaped arm fixed to one side of the second connecting body 373 and a sixth arc-shaped arm fixed to the other side of the second connecting body 373. The second connecting body 373 increases the structural strength of the second connecting arm 37. Furthermore, the second connecting body 373 can also serve as a limiting structure along the length extension direction of the main shaft 31, defining the relative position of the second connecting arm 37 with the main shaft 31 and the second fixing bracket 33.

[0142] It is understood that the first end 361 and / or the second end 362 of the first connecting arm 36 may include only the arc-shaped arm structure, or may include both the arc-shaped arm structure and other structures. Similarly, the first end 371 and / or the second end 372 of the second connecting arm 37 may include only the arc-shaped arm structure, or may include both the arc-shaped arm structure and other structures. This application does not impose strict limitations on this.

[0143] Please refer to Figure 9, and in conjunction with Figures 2, 6A to 8B. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the movement of the folding device 10 shown in Figure 3A.

[0144] Figure 9 shows the first structure 101 of the folding device 10 within a first box. The end of the first non-bent portion 201 of the flexible display screen 20 near the outer bend portion 202 can be fixed to the first structure 101. For example, the first structure 101 is described as the first fixing frame 32. Figure 9 shows the second structure 102 of the folding device 10 within a second box. The end of the second non-bent portion 203 of the flexible display screen 20 near the outer bend portion 202 can be fixed to the second structure 102. For example, the second structure 102 is described as the second housing 2. In this case, the outer bend portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20 corresponds to the area between the first and second boxes.

[0145] Figure 9 also illustrates the main shaft 31, the first swing arm 34, the second swing arm 35, the first connecting arm 36, and the second connecting arm 37. One end of the first swing arm 34 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 31, and the other end is slidably connected to the first fixed frame 32 (i.e., the first structure 101). One end of the first connecting arm 36 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 31, and the other end is rotatably connected to the first fixed frame 32 (i.e., the first structure 101). Since the second fixed frame 33 is fixedly connected to the second housing 2, the connection relationship between the second swing arm 35 and the second connecting arm 37 and the second fixed frame 33 can be equated to their connection relationship with the second housing 2. Therefore, one end of the second swing arm 35 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 31, and the other end is slidably connected to the second housing 2 (i.e., the second structure 102). Similarly, one end of the second connecting arm 37 is rotatably connected to the main shaft 31, and the other end is rotatably connected to the second housing 2 (i.e., the second structure 102).

[0146] For example, the distance between the rotation center of the rotating end 351 of the second swing arm 35 and the first reference surface 3a is less than the distance between the rotation center of the rotating end 341 of the first swing arm 34 and the first reference surface 3a, and the distance between the rotation center of the rotating end 351 of the second swing arm 35 and the second reference surface 3b is less than the distance between the rotation center of the rotating end 341 of the first swing arm 34 and the second reference surface 3b. The second swing arm 35 rotates relative to the main shaft 31 about the rotation center of its rotating end 351, and the first swing arm 34 rotates relative to the main shaft 31 about the rotation center of its rotating end 341.

[0147] In this embodiment, by setting the rotation center of the rotating end 351 of the second swing arm 35 to be closer to the first reference surface 3a and the second reference surface 3b relative to the rotation center of the rotating end 341 of the first swing arm 34, the rotation radius of the second structure 102 is larger when the second swing arm 35 drives the second structure 102 to rotate. This allows the second non-bending portion 203 of the flexible display screen 20 to move along the desired motion path, and the outer bending portion 202 to present the desired bending shape. This makes it easier for the electronic device 100 to balance the appropriate bending radius of the flexible display screen 20 and the smaller thickness of the whole device in the closed state.

[0148] The first connecting arm 36 and the second connecting arm 37 are configured to work with the first swing arm 34 and the second swing arm 35 to constrain the movement of the first structure 101 and the second structure 102, so that the movement of the first structure 101 and the second structure 102 is smooth and accurate.

[0149] Since the first connecting arm 36 and the second connecting arm 37 are connected to the main shaft 31 via a virtual axis rotational connection structure, the corresponding rotation centers can be located outside the main shaft 31, for example, on the top side of the main shaft 31 as shown in Figure 9. Similarly, the first connecting arm 36 is connected to the first fixed frame 32 via a virtual axis rotational connection structure, and the rotation center can be located outside the first fixed frame 32. The second connecting arm 37 is connected to the second fixed frame 33 via a virtual axis rotational connection structure, and the rotation center can be located outside the second fixed frame 33.

[0150] The main shaft 31 has an asymmetrical structure. The first swing arm 34 and the second swing arm 35 can also have asymmetrical structures, as can the first connecting arm 36 and the second connecting arm 37, and the first fixing frame 32 and the second fixing frame 33.

[0151] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the first structure 101 may also be the first housing 1, and the second structure 102 may also be the second fixing frame 33. For relevant details, please refer to the above description of the design scheme of the flexible display screen 20, which will not be repeated here.

[0152] In some other embodiments, the outer folding mechanism 3 can also replace the first connecting arm 36 with a double-link structure, which can also work with the first swing arm 34 to constrain the movement of the first fixed frame 32 (i.e., the first structure 101); similarly, the outer folding mechanism 3 can also replace the second connecting arm 37 with a double-link structure, which can also work with the second swing arm 35 to constrain the movement of the second fixed frame 33 and the second housing 2 (i.e., the second structure 102). Alternatively, the first connecting arm 36 and / or the second connecting arm 37 can also be replaced with other structures, as long as they can work with the first swing arm 34 and the second swing arm 35 to make the first fixed frame 32 and the second fixed frame 33 move along the desired movement path, which will not be elaborated here.

[0153] Please refer to Figures 4, 5, 10A, and 10B. Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of the outward folding mechanism 3 shown in Figure 4 cut along point DD. Figure 10B is a structural diagram of the structure shown in Figure 10A in another usage state. In Figure 10A, the outward folding mechanism 3 is in the open state, and in Figure 10B, the outward folding mechanism 3 is in the closed state.

[0154] In some embodiments, the outward folding mechanism 3 may further include a first synchronous swing arm 38 and a second synchronous swing arm 39.

[0155] For example, the first synchronous swing arm 38 may include a rotating end 381 and a sliding end 382. The rotating end 381 of the first synchronous swing arm 38 may include a first shaft hole 3811 and a first gear 3812. The main shaft 31 may be provided with a first shaft 317, and the rotating end 381 of the first synchronous swing arm 38 can be sleeved on the first shaft 317 of the main shaft 31 through the first shaft hole 3811, thereby forming a solid shaft rotational connection structure with the main shaft 31.

[0156] For example, the sliding end 382 of the first synchronous swing arm 38 may be provided with a guide rail. The first fixed frame 32 is provided with a third sliding groove 324, and a guide groove is provided on the groove wall of the third sliding groove 324. The sliding end 382 of the first synchronous swing arm 38 can be installed in the third sliding groove 324 and can slide in the third sliding groove 324. The guide rail of the first synchronous swing arm 38 can be slidably connected with the guide groove of the first fixed frame 32. At this time, the sliding end 382 of the first synchronous swing arm 38 is slidably connected with the first fixed frame 32, and the relative sliding movement is stable and accurate.

[0157] In some other embodiments, the sliding end 382 of the first synchronous swing arm 38 may not have a guide rail, but instead has a guide groove, and the first fixed frame 32 may not have a guide groove, but instead has a guide rail, with the guide rail and guide groove slidably connected. In other words, one of the sliding end 382 of the first synchronous swing arm 38 and the first fixed frame 32 has a guide groove, and the other has a guide rail, with the guide rail and guide groove cooperating to make the sliding connection structure between the sliding end 382 of the first synchronous swing arm 38 and the first fixed frame 32 stable and reliable.

[0158] For example, the second synchronous swing arm 39 may include a rotating end 391 and a sliding end 392. The rotating end 391 of the second synchronous swing arm 39 may include a second shaft hole 3911 and a second gear 3912. The main shaft 31 may be provided with a second shaft 318, and the rotating end 391 of the second synchronous swing arm 39 may be sleeved on the second shaft 318 of the main shaft 31 through the second shaft hole 3911, thereby forming a solid shaft rotational connection structure with the main shaft 31.

[0159] For example, the sliding end 392 of the second synchronous swing arm 39 may be provided with a guide rail. The second fixed frame 33 is provided with a fourth sliding groove 334, and a guide groove is provided on the groove wall of the fourth sliding groove 334. The sliding end 392 of the second synchronous swing arm 39 can be installed in the fourth sliding groove 334 and can slide in the fourth sliding groove 334. The guide rail of the second synchronous swing arm 39 can be slidably connected with the guide groove of the second fixed frame 33. At this time, the sliding end 392 of the second synchronous swing arm 39 is slidably connected with the second fixed frame 33, and the relative sliding movement is stable and accurate.

[0160] In some other embodiments, the sliding end 392 of the second synchronous swing arm 39 may not have a guide rail, but instead has a guide groove, and the second fixed frame 33 may not have a guide groove, but instead has a guide rail, with the guide rail and guide groove slidably connected. In other words, one of the sliding end 392 of the second synchronous swing arm 39 and the second fixed frame 33 has a guide groove, and the other has a guide rail, with the guide rail and guide groove cooperating to make the sliding connection structure between the sliding end 392 of the second synchronous swing arm 39 and the second fixed frame 33 stable and reliable.

[0161] For example, the first gear 3812 of the first synchronous swing arm 38 meshes with the second gear 3912 of the second synchronous swing arm 39. At this time, when the first synchronous swing arm 38 drives the first fixed frame 32 to rotate relative to the main shaft 31, the second synchronous swing arm 39 also drives the second fixed frame 33 to rotate relative to the main shaft 31, so that the movement synchronization of the outward folding mechanism 3 and the folding device 10 is good, and the user has a better operating experience of the electronic device 100.

[0162] The above embodiments mainly use a two-fold structure for the electronic device 100 as an example for description. The following embodiments will use a three-fold structure for the electronic device 100 as an example for description.

[0163] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device 100 provided in this application embodiment in some other embodiments. The electronic device 100 shown in Figure 11 may include most or all of the technical features of the electronic device 100 in the above embodiments. The parts that are the same in both will not be repeated. The following mainly describes the differences between the two.

[0164] In some embodiments, the folding device 10 of the electronic device 100 includes a first housing 1, an outer folding mechanism 3, a second housing 2, an inner folding mechanism 4, and a third housing 5. The outer folding mechanism 3 is connected between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, and the inner folding mechanism 4 is connected between the second housing 2 and the third housing 5.

[0165] In the open state, the first housing 1, the outer folding mechanism 3, the second housing 2, the inner folding mechanism 4, and the third housing 5 are unfolded. In the closed state, the outer folding mechanism 3 is bent, the second housing 2 is located on one side of the first housing 1, the inner folding mechanism 4 is bent, and the third housing 5 is located on the side of the second housing 2 facing away from the first housing 1. The descriptions of the first housing 1, the outer folding mechanism 3, and the second housing 2 in the above embodiments are provided and will not be repeated here.

[0166] The flexible display screen 20 of the electronic device 100 includes a first non-bending portion 201, an outer bending portion 202, a second non-bending portion 203, an inner bending portion 204, and a third non-bending portion 205. The outer bending portion 202 connects the first non-bending portion 201 and the second non-bending portion 203. The first non-bending portion 201 is fixedly connected to the first housing 1, and the second non-bending portion 203 is fixedly connected to the second housing 2. The inner bending portion 204 connects the second non-bending portion 203 and the third non-bending portion 205, and the third non-bending portion 205 is fixedly connected to the third housing 5. When the second housing 2 and the third housing 5 of the electronic device 100 move relative to each other, the inner bending portion 204 deforms. The second non-bending portion 203, the inner bending portion, and the third non-bending portion 205 are enclosed inside the folding device 10.

[0167] In this embodiment, the electronic device 100 adopts a tri-fold shape, which can have a larger display area in the open state to improve the user's viewing experience, and a smaller planar size in the closed state to facilitate user carrying and storage.

[0168] In some embodiments, the thickness of the third housing 5 is equal to the thickness of the second housing 2, and the thickness of the second housing 2 is not equal to the thickness of the first housing 1.

[0169] In this embodiment, since the third housing 5 and the second housing 2 have the same thickness, the inner folding mechanism 4 can adopt a symmetrical structure, which helps to reduce the design difficulty of the inner folding mechanism 4 and makes the structure of the folding device 10 easier to realize. The outer folding mechanism 3 adopts the asymmetrical mechanism mentioned above, and the thickness of the second housing 2 and the first housing 1 can be designed to be unequal, allowing one to be designed to be thinner, thus facilitating the thinner design of the electronic device 100. For example, the thickness of the second housing 2 can be less than the thickness of the first housing 1, and the second housing 2 can be designed to have a smaller thickness. In this case, the thickness of the third housing 5 is also smaller, resulting in a smaller overall thickness of the electronic device 100. Alternatively, the second housing 2 and the third housing 5 can maintain a suitable thickness, while the first housing 1 is designed to have a smaller thickness, thus also resulting in a smaller overall thickness of the electronic device 100.

[0170] In some embodiments, the third housing 5 has an end 51 away from the inward folding mechanism 4, and the thickness of the end 51 of the third housing 5 decreases in the direction away from the inward folding mechanism 4 to form a clearance space 52. In the closed state, in the thickness direction of the electronic device 100, the outward bend 202 is directly opposite the clearance space 52, or a portion of the outward bend 202 is located in the clearance space 52.

[0171] In this embodiment, by providing a clearance space 52 at the end 51 of the third housing 5, a portion of the structure of the outer bending portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20 can be arranged using the clearance space 52 to maintain a suitable bending radius and avoid interference between the outer bending portion 202 and the third housing 5. This not only facilitates the compact arrangement of the third housing 5, the second housing 2, and the outer bending mechanism 3, but also helps to prevent damage to the outer bending portion 202 of the flexible display screen 20 due to impact, thereby improving the reliability of the electronic device 100.

[0172] For example, the third housing 5 may have a support surface 53 and a bottom surface 54 disposed opposite to each other, and the third non-bending portion 205 of the flexible display screen 20 is fixedly connected to the support surface 53 of the third housing 5. The end 51 of the third housing 5 may be provided with an inclined surface 55, which is connected to the support surface 53 of the third housing 5. In the direction away from the inward folding mechanism 4, the inclined surface 55 is inclined towards the bottom surface 54 of the third housing 5. A clearance space 52 is formed on the side of the inclined surface 55 facing away from the bottom surface 54 of the third housing 5.

[0173] In some embodiments, in the closed state, the third non-bent portion 205 of the flexible display screen 20 is staggered from the outer bent portion 202 in the thickness direction of the electronic device 100. In this case, the risk of collision between the third non-bent portion 205 and the outer bent portion 202 is low, which helps improve the reliability of the flexible display screen 20.

[0174] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device 100 provided in this application embodiment in some other embodiments. The electronic device 100 shown in Figure 12 may include most or all of the technical features of the electronic device 100 in the above embodiments. The parts that are the same in both will not be described again. The following mainly describes the differences between the two.

[0175] In some embodiments, the third non-bending portion 205 of the flexible display screen 20 is also fixedly connected to the inclined surface 55 of the third housing 5. In this case, the third non-bending portion 205 of the flexible display screen 20 has a larger area, which is beneficial to increasing the display area of ​​the flexible display screen 20 in the open state.

[0176] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other, and any combination of features in different embodiments is also within the protection scope of this application. That is to say, the multiple embodiments described above can also be arbitrarily combined according to actual needs.

[0177] It should be noted that all the above figures are exemplary illustrations of this application and do not represent the actual size of the product. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions between the components in the figures are not intended to limit the actual product of this application.

[0178] The above are merely some embodiments and implementation methods of this application. The scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device (100), characterized in that, Includes a folding device (10) and a flexible display screen (20); The folding device (10) includes a first housing (1), a second housing (2) and an outward folding mechanism (3). The outward folding mechanism (3) is connected between the first housing (1) and the second housing (2). The folding device (10) has an open state and a closed state. The outward folding mechanism (3) includes a main shaft (31), the main shaft (31) has a support surface (311), and the outward folding mechanism (3) has a first reference surface (3a); The flexible display screen (20) includes a first non-bending part (201), an outer bending part (202) and a second non-bending part (203) connected in sequence. The first non-bending part (201) is fixedly connected to the first housing (1), and the second non-bending part (203) is fixedly connected to the second housing (2). In the open state, the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) are unfolded relative to each other, the flexible display screen (20) is flattened, the top area (3111) of the support surface (311) of the main shaft (31) supports the outer bending part (202), the first reference surface (3a) is perpendicular to the outer bending part (202) and coincides with the center line of the top area (3111), and the distance between the second non-bending part (203) and the first reference surface (3a) is greater than the distance between the first non-bending part (201) and the first reference surface (3a); In the closed state, the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) are folded relative to each other, the outer bend (202) is bent, the support surface (311) of the main shaft (31) supports the outer bend (202), the second non-bend (203) is opposite to and parallel to the first non-bend (201), the second non-bend (203) is closer to the outer bend (202) than the first non-bend (201), and the distance between the second non-bend (203) and the first reference surface (3a) is smaller than the distance between the first non-bend (201) and the first reference surface (3a).

2. The electronic device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer bending portion (202) includes a first segment (2021), a second segment (2022) and a third segment (2023) connected in sequence. The first segment (2021) is connected to the first non-bending portion (201), and the third segment (2023) is connected to the second non-bending portion (203). In the closed state, the first segment (2021) is located on the side of the first reference surface (3a) facing the first housing (1), and the center of curvature of the first segment (2021) is on the side of the first segment (2021) closer to the outer folding mechanism (3). The second segment (2022) and the third segment (2023) are located on the side of the first reference surface (3a) facing the second housing (2), and the center of curvature of the second segment (2022) is on the side of the second segment (2022) closer to the outer folding mechanism (3). The center of curvature of the third segment (2023) is on the side of the third segment (2023) away from the outer folding mechanism (3).

3. The electronic device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The radius of curvature of the second segment (2022) is greater than that of the first segment (2021), or the radius of curvature of the second segment (2022) is equal to that of the first segment (2021).

4. The electronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The outward folding mechanism (3) also has a second reference surface (3b), which is perpendicular to the first reference surface (3a) and coincides with the top region (3111). In the closed state, the distance between the second non-bent portion (203) and the second reference surface (3b) is greater than the distance between the first non-bent portion (201) and the second reference surface (3b).

5. The electronic device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outward folding mechanism (3) further includes a first fixed frame (32), a first swing arm (34), a second fixed frame (33), and a second swing arm (35); The first fixed frame (32) is fixedly connected to the first housing (1), and the first swing arm (34) includes a rotating end (341) and a sliding end (342). The rotating end (341) of the first swing arm (34) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (31), and the sliding end (342) of the first swing arm (34) is slidably connected to the first fixed frame (32). The second fixed frame (33) is fixedly connected to the second housing (2), and the second swing arm (35) includes a rotating end (351) and a sliding end (352). The rotating end (351) of the second swing arm (35) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (31), and the sliding end (352) of the second swing arm (35) is slidably connected to the second fixed frame (33). The distance between the rotation center of the rotating end (351) of the second swing arm (35) and the first reference surface (3a) is less than the distance between the rotation center of the rotating end (341) of the first swing arm (34) and the first reference surface (3a), and the distance between the rotation center of the rotating end (351) of the second swing arm (35) and the second reference surface (3b) is less than the distance between the rotation center of the rotating end (341) of the first swing arm (34) and the second reference surface (3b).

6. The electronic device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outward folding mechanism (3) also includes a first connecting arm (36) and a second connecting arm (37); The first connecting arm (36) includes a first end (361) and a second end (362). The first end (361) of the first connecting arm (36) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (31), and the second end (362) of the first connecting arm (36) is rotatably connected to the first fixing frame (32). The second connecting arm (37) includes a first end (371) and a second end (372). The first end (371) of the second connecting arm (37) is rotatably connected to the main shaft (31), and the second end (372) of the second connecting arm (37) is rotatably connected to the second fixing frame (33).

7. The electronic device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first end (361) of the first connecting arm (36) includes a third arcuate arm (), and the second end (362) of the first connecting arm (36) includes a fourth arcuate arm (3622). The main shaft (31) is provided with a third arc-shaped groove (314), and the third arc-shaped arm () is installed in the third arc-shaped groove (314); The first fixing frame (32) is provided with a fourth arc-shaped groove (323), and the fourth arc-shaped arm (3622) is installed in the fourth arc-shaped groove (323).

8. The electronic device (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The first housing (1) includes a first support surface (11), the first fixing frame (32) includes a third support surface (321), the third support surface (321) is coplanar with the first support surface (11), and the first non-bending part (201) is fixedly connected to the third support surface (321) and the first support surface (11).

9. The electronic device (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The second housing (2) includes a second support surface (21), and the second non-bent portion (203) is fixedly connected to the second support surface (21); The second fixing frame (33) includes a fourth support surface (331), which is coplanar with the second support surface (21). In the open state, the fourth support surface (331) supports part of the outer bend (202). In the closed state, a gap is formed between the fourth support surface (331) and the outer bend (202).

10. The electronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The second housing (2) includes a second support surface (21), and the second non-bent portion (203) is fixedly connected to the second support surface (21). In the closed state, a portion of the structure of the main shaft (31) protrudes away from the first housing (1) relative to the second support surface (21).

11. The electronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and 10, characterized in that, The top region (3111) is a linear region or a strip-shaped region.

12. The electronic device (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The support surface (311) of the main shaft (31) further includes a first support region (3112) and a second support region (3113). The top region (3111) is connected between the first support region (3112) and the second support region (3113). The first support region (3112) is located on the side of the top region (3111) closer to the first housing (1). The second support region (3113) is located on the side of the top region (3111) closer to the second housing (2). The radius of curvature of the second support region (3113) is greater than the radius of curvature of the first support region (3112), or the radius of curvature of the second support region (3113) is equal to the radius of curvature of the first support region (3112).

13. The electronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The folding device (10) further includes an inward folding mechanism (4) and a third housing (5). The inward folding mechanism (4) is connected between the second housing (2) and the third housing (5). In the closed state, the third housing (5) is located on the side of the second housing (2) facing away from the first housing (1). The flexible display screen (20) further includes an inner bending portion (204) and a third non-bending portion (205). The inner bending portion (204) connects the second non-bending portion (203) and the third non-bending portion (205). The third non-bending portion (205) is fixedly connected to the third housing (5).

14. The electronic device (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The thickness of the third shell (5) is equal to the thickness of the second shell (2), and the thickness of the second shell (2) is not equal to the thickness of the first shell (1).

15. The electronic device (100) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The third housing (5) has an end (51) away from the inward folding mechanism (4), and the thickness of the end (51) of the third housing (5) decreases in the direction away from the inward folding mechanism (4) to form a clearance space (52). In the closed state, in the thickness direction of the electronic device (100), the outer bend (202) is directly opposite the clearance space (52), or a portion of the outer bend (202) is located in the clearance space (52).

16. The electronic device (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that, In the closed state, the third non-bent portion (205) is staggered from the outer bent portion (202) in the thickness direction of the electronic device (100).

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