CN116055593B

CN116055593B - Foldable electronic equipment

Info

Publication number: CN116055593B
Application number: CN202210583170.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 宋少华; 徐川; 曹家赫; 吴崚; 唐奉
Original assignee: Honor Device Co Ltd
Current assignee: Honor Device Co Ltd
Priority date: 2022-05-26
Filing date: 2022-05-26
Publication date: 2023-10-20
Anticipated expiration: 2042-05-26
Also published as: CN116055593A

Abstract

The present application provides a foldable electronic device, comprising: the folding screen, the first middle frame, the second middle frame, the first adhesive part and the rotating mechanism; the first middle frame and the second middle frame are respectively positioned at two opposite sides of the rotating mechanism, and are configured to rotate relatively through the rotating mechanism; the first middle frame comprises a first middle plate and a first frame which are fixedly connected, the first frame is arranged along the peripheral edge of the first middle plate and is positioned on one side of the first portion, the first frame protrudes out of the first portion in the direction of the first supporting surface, and the inner peripheral surface of the first frame is adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the first portion through a first adhesive part. According to the foldable electronic device, the screen ratio is high.

Description

Foldable electronic equipment

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to electronic technology, and more particularly, to a foldable electronic device.

Background

With the development of electronic technology, foldable electronic devices are increasingly favored by users. The foldable electronic device is switchable between an unfolded state and a folded state. Under the unfolding state, the foldable electronic equipment can obtain a larger display area, and the viewing effect is improved. In the folded state, the foldable electronic equipment can obtain smaller volume and is convenient for users to carry.

However, in the related art, the screen occupation of the foldable electronic device is relatively small, and the use requirement of the user still cannot be met, and further improvement is needed.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment of the application provides foldable electronic equipment, which has a larger screen occupation ratio.

According to an embodiment of the application, a foldable electronic device includes: the folding screen, the first middle frame, the second middle frame, the first adhesive part and the rotating mechanism; the folding screen comprises a first part, a second part and a third part, wherein the third part is connected between the first part and the second part; the first middle frame and the second middle frame are respectively positioned at two opposite sides of the rotating mechanism, and are configured to rotate relatively through the rotating mechanism; the first middle frame comprises a first middle plate and a first frame which are fixedly connected, the first middle plate is provided with a first supporting surface, a first part of the first middle plate is fixedly overlapped on the first supporting surface, the second middle frame is provided with a second supporting surface, a second part of the second middle frame is fixedly overlapped on the second supporting surface, the rotating mechanism is provided with a third supporting surface, and the third part of the rotating mechanism is supported on the third supporting surface; the first frame is arranged along the peripheral edge of the first middle plate and is positioned on the side facing the peripheral surface of the first part, the first frame protrudes out of the first part towards the direction facing the first supporting surface, and the inner peripheral surface of the first frame is adhered to the peripheral surface of the first part through a first adhesive part.

According to the foldable electronic equipment provided by the embodiment of the application, on one hand, the first frame protruding out of the first part can be utilized to protect the first part, so that a plastic shell is not required to be arranged, the assembly problem of the plastic shell and the first frame is not required to be considered, a groove on the first frame and a protruding part on the plastic shell are eliminated, and sealing foam for assembling the plastic shell is not required to be arranged, so that the wall thickness of the first frame is reduced to a certain extent, and the screen occupation ratio of the foldable electronic equipment is improved. In addition, utilize protruding in the first frame of first part to protect first part to cancel the plastic shell still to be favorable to improving collapsible electronic equipment's outward appearance uniformity to a certain extent at least, avoided gap and the section difference between plastic shell and the first frame. On the other hand, the first adhesive portion may bond the outer peripheral surface of the first portion and the inner peripheral surface of the first frame to each other so as to achieve fixed connection between the two.

In some embodiments of the application, a height dimension of the first frame protruding from the first portion toward the first supporting surface is less than or equal to 1mm. In this way, not only the first frame can be used for protecting the first part, but also the problem of thickness increase of the foldable electronic equipment caused by overlarge height dimension of the first frame protruding out of the first part in the direction of the first supporting surface can be avoided. The height dimension of the first frame protruding from the first portion in the direction of the first supporting surface is smaller than or equal to 0.5mm and larger than or equal to 0.2mm.

In some embodiments of the present application, in order to simplify the processing technology of the first middle frame, reduce the manufacturing cost, and improve the structural strength of the first middle frame, the first frame and the first middle plate are connected to form an integral structure, so that the first middle frame is an integral molding.

In some embodiments of the application, the first adhesive part is an ultraviolet curable adhesive. When the ultraviolet curing adhesive is cured, the ultraviolet curing adhesive near the outer side of the electronic equipment is cured firstly, and the ultraviolet curing adhesive near the first middle plate is cured finally. In this way, the portion of the cured first adhesive portion that is located near the outside of the foldable electronic device is the hardest, while the portion that is located near the first middle plate is relatively soft and elastic. Therefore, the folding screen and the first frame can be effectively fixed by the hard first adhesive part near the outer side of the foldable electronic equipment, the first adhesive part is prevented from falling out or sinking from between the first frame and the first part, and the outer peripheral surface of the folding screen is protected by the soft first adhesive part near the first middle plate, so that the protective effect is good.

In some embodiments of the application, the display surface of the first portion includes a first display region and a first non-display region, the first non-display region being disposed along an edge of the first display region; the foldable electronic equipment comprises a first colloid part, wherein the first colloid part covers at least part of the first non-display area, and the first colloid part and the first adhesive part are integrally formed. In this way, the sealing and protecting properties between the first frame and the first portion can be improved without affecting the screen ratio of the folding screen.

In some embodiments of the present application, the first gel portion covers the entire first non-display area. In this way, the sealing and protecting properties between the first frame and the first portion can be improved without affecting the screen ratio of the folding screen.

In some embodiments of the application, the first adhesive portion and the first glue portion are both uv curable glue.

In some embodiments of the application, the foldable electronic device further comprises a second glue portion. The second middle frame comprises a second middle plate and a second frame, the second middle plate is provided with a second supporting surface, the second frame is arranged along the peripheral edge of the second middle plate and is positioned on one side, facing the peripheral surface of the second part, of the second middle plate, and the inner peripheral surface of the second frame is adhered to the peripheral surface of the second part through a second adhesive part. The second adhesive part has good adhesive property, and the second adhesive part can bond the outer peripheral surface of the second part and the inner peripheral surface of the second frame so as to realize the fixed connection of the second part and the second frame.

In some embodiments of the present application, in order to simplify the processing technology of the second middle frame, reduce the manufacturing cost, and improve the structural strength of the second middle frame, the second frame and the second middle plate are in an integral structure, so that the second middle frame is an integral molding.

In some embodiments of the application, the second frame protrudes from the second portion in a direction toward which the second supporting surface faces. Therefore, the second frame protruding out of the second part can be utilized to protect the second part, so that a plastic shell is not required to be arranged, the assembly problem of the plastic shell and the second frame is not required to be considered, a groove on the second frame and a protruding part on the plastic shell are eliminated, sealing foam for assembling the plastic shell is not required to be arranged, the wall thickness of the second frame is reduced to a certain extent, and the screen duty ratio of the foldable electronic equipment is improved. In addition, utilize the second frame that protrudes in the second part to protect the second part to cancel the plastic shell, still be favorable to improving collapsible electronic equipment's outward appearance uniformity to a certain extent at least, avoided gap and the section difference between plastic shell and the second frame.

In some embodiments of the application, a height dimension of the second frame protruding from the second portion toward the second supporting surface is less than or equal to 1mm. In this way, the second frame can be used for protecting the second part, and the problem of thickness increase of the foldable electronic device caused by overlarge height dimension of the second frame protruding out of the second part in the direction of the second supporting surface can be avoided. The height dimension of the second frame protruding from the first portion toward the second supporting surface is smaller than or equal to 0.5mm and larger than or equal to 0.2mm.

Specifically, the height dimension of the second frame protruding from the second portion in the direction of the second supporting surface is equal to the height dimension of the first frame protruding from the first portion in the direction of the first supporting surface. Thereby, it is advantageous to ensure uniformity of thickness of the foldable electronic device.

In some embodiments of the present application, the foldable electronic device is capable of being switched between an unfolded state and a folded state, in which the first middle frame and the second middle frame are stacked and spaced apart, the first frame and the second frame are opposite, and the folding screen is located between the first middle frame and the second middle frame. Therefore, the first frame can be used for protecting the first part, and the second frame can be used for protecting the second part, so that the use reliability of the foldable electronic equipment is improved.

In some embodiments of the application, the second adhesive part is an ultraviolet curable adhesive. When the ultraviolet curing glue is cured, the ultraviolet curing glue near the outer side of the foldable electronic equipment is cured firstly, and the ultraviolet curing glue near the second middle plate is cured finally. In this way, the portion of the cured second adhesive portion that is located near the outside of the foldable electronic device is the hardest, while the portion that is located near the second middle plate is relatively soft and elastic. Therefore, the folding screen and the second frame can be effectively fixed by the second adhesive part which is harder and is close to the outer side of the foldable electronic device, the second adhesive part is prevented from falling out or sinking from between the second frame and the second part, and the outer peripheral surface of the folding screen can be protected by the second adhesive part which is soft and is close to the second middle plate, so that the protective effect is good.

In some embodiments of the application, the display surface of the second portion includes a second display region and a second non-display region, the second non-display region being disposed along an edge of the second display region; the foldable electronic device comprises a second colloid part, the second colloid part covers at least part of the second non-display area, and the second colloid part and the second adhesive part are integrally formed. Thus, the sealing performance and the protection performance between the second frame and the second part can be improved, and the screen occupation ratio of the folding screen is not influenced.

Specifically, the second adhesive part and the second colloid part are ultraviolet curing adhesives.

In some embodiments of the present application, the first middle frame includes two first extension plates, the two first extension plates are located on a side of the first middle plate, which is close to the rotation mechanism, and are oppositely disposed in a direction where a pivot axis of the rotation mechanism is located, the two first extension plates are in one-to-one correspondence with and connected to two ends of the first frame along a circumferential direction of the first middle plate, and a portion of the rotation mechanism is located between the two first extension plates. In this way, the rotating mechanism can be shielded by the two first extension plates, which is beneficial to ensuring the consistency of the appearance of the foldable electronic equipment at least to a certain extent.

In some embodiments of the present application, in order to simplify the processing technology of the first middle frame, reduce the manufacturing cost, and improve the structural strength of the first middle frame, the first frame and the first extension plate are connected to form an integral structure, so that the first middle frame is an integral molding.

In some embodiments of the application, the second intermediate frame comprises two second extension plates arranged opposite each other in the direction of the pivot axis of the rotation mechanism, a part of the rotation mechanism being located between the two second extension plates. In this way, the two second extension plates can be utilized to shield the rotating mechanism, which is beneficial to ensuring the consistency of the appearance of the foldable electronic equipment at least to a certain extent.

In some embodiments of the present application, in order to simplify the processing technology of the second middle frame, reduce the manufacturing cost, and improve the structural strength of the first middle frame, the second frame and the second extension plate are connected to form an integral structure, so that the second middle frame is an integral molding.

In some embodiments of the application, the foldable electronic device is switchable between an unfolded state in which the first support surface, the second support surface, and the third support surface are congruent and coplanar; the foldable electronic equipment further comprises two flexible pieces, the two flexible pieces are arranged at intervals in the direction of the pivot axis of the rotating mechanism, and each flexible piece corresponds to one first extension plate and one second extension plate; each flexible piece comprises a fixing part and an abutting part, the flexible pieces are fixedly connected with the corresponding first extending plate and second extending plate by means of the fixing parts, the abutting part is located at one side, deviating from the rotating mechanism, of the third part, and in the unfolded state, the abutting part abuts against the third part. Therefore, for the foldable electronic equipment which is folded inwards, when the foldable electronic equipment is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the abutting part can apply the acting force towards the rotating mechanism to the third part, so that the third part is bent towards the side where the rotating mechanism is located, and the reliability of the foldable electronic equipment when the foldable electronic equipment is switched between the unfolded state and the folded state is improved. Meanwhile, the flexible piece has certain flexibility, and can be bent along with the bending of the third part, so that the influence on the bending effect of the third part is reduced.

Specifically, the width dimension of the abutment portion in the direction of the pivot axis of the rotation mechanism is not more than 1.5mm. Further, a width dimension of the abutment portion in a direction of a pivot axis of the rotation mechanism is greater than or equal to 0.2mm and less than or equal to 1.2mm. Thus, the screen ratio of the folding screen is prevented from being influenced by the overlarge width of the abutting portion, and the abutting effect of the abutting portion on the third portion can be ensured.

In some embodiments of the present application, a portion of the first extending plate protruding from the first portion in a direction in which the first supporting surface faces forms a first raised portion, and first stepped portions are respectively provided on surfaces of the first raised portions of the two first extending plates facing each other, the first stepped portions extending to one side edge of the first extending plate adjacent to the second extending plate; the second extending plates protrude out of the second parts in the direction of the second supporting surfaces to form second heightened parts, second step parts are respectively arranged on the surfaces of the second heightened parts of the two second extending plates facing each other, and the second step parts extend to the edge of one side of the second extending plates, which is adjacent to the first extending plates; the fixing part is fixed and supported on the corresponding first step part and second step part. In this way, the thinner flexible piece is favorable to adopting the cooperation of the first extension plate, the second extension plate and the third part simultaneously, the structure of the flexible piece can be simplified, the thickness of the flexible piece is reduced, the thickness of the whole machine is reduced, the processing and manufacturing cost is reduced, the flexible piece is also favorable to being bent along with the bending of the third part, and the influence of the flexible piece on the bending effect of the third part is further reduced.

In some embodiments of the present application, a foldable electronic device includes a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer. The fixing part is adhered to the corresponding first step part through a first adhesive layer, and the fixing part is adhered to the corresponding second step part through a second adhesive layer. Therefore, the structure is simple, and the assembly is convenient.

The first adhesive layer may be a double sided adhesive or an ultraviolet curable adhesive, for example. The second adhesive layer can be double sided adhesive or ultraviolet curable adhesive.

In some embodiments of the present application, the display surface of the third portion includes a third display area and two third non-display areas, the two third non-display areas are located on two sides of the third display area in a direction where a pivot axis of the rotation mechanism is located, the two flexible pieces are in one-to-one correspondence with the two third non-display areas, and the abutting portion of each flexible piece is located in the corresponding third non-display area. Thus, the abutting portion can be prevented from blocking the third display area, and blocking of display information of the third display area is avoided.

Specifically, in the arrangement direction of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion, the size of the abutting portion is the same as the size of the third non-display area. In this way, the abutting portion overlaps with the third non-display region at both side edges in the arrangement direction of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion. Thereby being beneficial to increasing the abutting area between the abutting part and the third part and improving the abutting effect.

In some embodiments of the application, the pliable component is sheet-like. Therefore, the flexible piece is simple in structure, convenient to process and manufacture and beneficial to reducing the thickness of the foldable electronic equipment.

In some embodiments of the application, the flexible member further comprises a connecting portion connected between the fixing portion and the abutting portion, the connecting portion being suspended. Therefore, when the foldable electronic equipment is switched from the unfolding state to the folding state, the flexible piece is more beneficial to bending along with the folding of the foldable electronic equipment, and the influence of the flexible piece on the bending effect of the third part is further reduced.

Specifically, the flexible piece is a rubber piece or a silica gel piece. Thus, the cost is low.

Specifically, the symmetry plane of the flexible member in the extending direction of the pivot axis of the rotation mechanism coincides with the symmetry plane of the third portion in the extending direction of the pivot axis of the rotation mechanism. In this way, the abutting part of the flexible part is beneficial to exerting the acting force towards the rotating mechanism on the middle part of the third part, so that the third part is bent towards the side where the rotating mechanism is located, and the reliability of the foldable electronic equipment in switching between the unfolding state and the folding state is improved.

In some embodiments of the present application, the second middle frame includes a second middle plate and a second frame, the second middle plate has a second supporting surface, the second frame is disposed along an outer peripheral edge of the second middle plate and is located at a side towards which an outer peripheral surface of the second portion faces, an inner peripheral surface of the second frame is bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the second portion through a second adhesive portion, two second extension plates are located at a side of the second middle plate close to the rotating mechanism, and each second extension plate corresponds to and is connected to an end portion of the second frame along a circumferential direction of the second middle plate; in the arrangement direction of the first part, the second part and the third part, the connecting parts of the two flexible parts are in one-to-one correspondence with and bonded with the two ends of the second adhesive part in the circumferential direction of the second middle plate. Therefore, the fixing reliability of the flexible piece is improved, gaps between the connecting part and the second adhesive part can be filled, and the dustproof and waterproof effects are improved.

In some embodiments of the present application, in the arrangement direction of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion, the connection portions of the two flexible pieces are in one-to-one correspondence with and bonded to both ends of the first adhesive portion in the circumferential direction of the first middle plate. Therefore, the fixing reliability of the flexible piece is improved, gaps between the connecting portions and the first adhesive portions can be filled, and the dustproof and waterproof effects are improved.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a part of a sectional structure of a foldable electronic device according to the related art;

fig. 2 is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG. 2 in a folded state;

FIG. 3b is a schematic view of a foldable electronic device in accordance with another aspect of the present application;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG. 2 with the folding screen and the support device in an exploded state;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a rotating mechanism in the support device according to FIG. 4;

FIG. 6a is a schematic cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG. 2, taken along line A-A;

FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG. 3a, taken along line B-B;

fig. 7a is a perspective view of a first housing in the support device according to fig. 4;

FIG. 7b is a schematic view illustrating the engagement of the first housing with the folding screen according to FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating an assembly process of the first middle frame and the first portion shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the engagement of a first housing with a folding screen according to further embodiments of the present application;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a second housing in the support device according to fig. 4;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the second housing shown in FIG. 4 mated with a folding screen;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the engagement of a second housing with a folding screen according to further embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a circled portion at C of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the relative relationship of the folding screen and the flexible member in an unfolded state;

fig. 15 is an enlarged view of a circled portion at D of the foldable electronic device shown in fig. 4.

Reference numerals:

100. a foldable electronic device;

10. folding the screen; 11. a first portion; 12. a second portion; 13. a third section; 14. a display area; 141. a first display area; 142. a second display area; 143. a third display area; 15. a non-display area; 151. a first non-display area; 152. a second non-display area; 153. a third non-display area; 161. a first outer peripheral surface; 162. a second outer peripheral surface; 163. a third outer peripheral surface;

20. a support device; 21. a first housing; 211. a first middle frame; 2111. a first middle plate; 2112. a first side frame; 21121. a first frame; 21122. a first sidewall; 212. a first back cover; 213. a first connection plate; 214. a first extension plate; 2141. a first step portion; 22. a second housing; 221. a second middle frame; 2211. a second middle plate; 2212. a second side frame; 22121; a second frame; 22122. a second sidewall; 222. a second back cover; 223. a second connecting plate; 224. a second extension plate; 2241. a second step portion; 23. a rotating mechanism; 24. a shaft seat; 241. a bottom plate; 242. side coaming; 24a, an accommodation space; 25. a spindle mechanism; 251. a first swing arm; 2511. a first swing arm body; 2512. a first connection portion; 2512a, a first shaft hole; 252. a first rotating shaft; 2521. a first mating segment; 253. a second rotating shaft; 2531. a second mating section; 254. a second swing arm; 2541. a second swing arm body; 2542. a second connecting portion; 2542a, a second shaft hole; 255. a transmission assembly; 2551. a first gear; 2552. a second gear; 2553. an intermediate gear; 256. a first support arm; 257. a second support arm; lifting plate 258; a force applying member 259; 26. a flexible member; 261. a fixing part; 262. an abutting portion; 263. a connection part; 271. a first adhesive part; 272. a first colloid portion; 281. a second adhesive part; 282. and a second colloid part.

Detailed Description

In embodiments of the present application, the terms "exemplary" or "such as" and the like are used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" or "e.g." in an embodiment should not be taken as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "such as" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete fashion.

In embodiments of the present application, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defining "a first" or "a second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more such feature.

In the description of embodiments of the present application, the term "and/or" refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term "and/or" is an association relationship describing an associated object, and means that there may be three relationships, for example, a and/or B, and may mean: a exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone. In the present application, the character "/" generally indicates that the front and rear related objects are an or relationship.

In the description of embodiments of the present application, unless explicitly stated and limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" are to be construed broadly, and for example, "connected" may be either detachably connected or non-detachably connected; may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. References to orientation terms, such as "inner", "outer", etc., in the embodiments of the present application are only with reference to the orientation of the accompanying drawings, and thus, the use of orientation terms is intended to better and more clearly describe and understand the embodiments of the present application, rather than to indicate or imply that the apparatus or elements being referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore, should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present application.

In the description of embodiments of the present application, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one … …" does not exclude the presence of other like elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one … …" does not exclude the presence of other like elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

The terms "parallel", "coplanar", and the like, as used herein, all allow for a range of errors. For example, parallel a and B means that the angle between a and B is within 15 °. For example, a is coplanar with B means that the angle between a and B is between 170 ° and 190 °.

Referring to fig. 1, fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device 100a according to the related art. The foldable electronic device 100a includes a folding screen 10a, a center 20a, and a plastic case 20b. Wherein, middle frame 20a includes middle plate 20a1 and frame 20a2. The folding screen 10a is stacked and fixed on the middle plate 20a 1. The rim 20a2 is fixed to the outer peripheral edge of the middle plate 20a1 and extends in the circumferential direction of the middle plate 20a 1. The rim 20a2 has a first end face 20a21. The first end face 20a21 is oriented in line with the display surface of the folding screen 10a (e.g., the first end face 20a21 and the display surface of the folding screen 10a are both oriented upward in fig. 1). The display surface of the folding screen 10a protrudes from the first end surface 20a21. The plastic shell 20b is located on the side facing the first end face 20a21, and is fixed to the first end face 20a21. Specifically, the first end face 20a21 has a groove 20a22. The plastic case 20b has a protrusion 20b1. The projection 20b1 is fixed in the recess 20a22. In order to protect the folding screen 10a by using the plastic case 20a, a portion of the plastic case 20a is located at a side of the folding screen 10a toward which the display surface faces, and covers a portion of the display surface of the folding screen 10a to form an overlapping area with the folding screen 10 a. In order to improve the sealing property, a sealing foam 20c is provided between the folding screen 10a and the plastic case 20b. The space between the projection 20b1 and the groove 20a22 is sealed by dispensing.

In this way, on the one hand, in order to facilitate forming the groove 20a22 on the frame 20a2, the plastic shell 20b is fixed to the frame 20a 2. The wall thickness m1 of the rim 20a2 is large. Moreover, the wall thickness m1 of the bezel 20a2 plus the width m2 of the portion of the plastic case 20a extending to the side of the display surface of the folding screen 10a (i.e., the width of the overlapping area) results in the entire foldable electronic device 100a presenting a wider bezel and a lower screen footprint. On the other hand, the whole structure is complex and the assembly is complex. Further, the plastic case 20b and the middle frame 20a are two separate and independent components, so that the foldable electronic device 100a has poor consistency in appearance.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have made long-term efforts to develop and alter the design concept and have improved the above-mentioned related art. In the foldable electronic equipment provided by the embodiment of the application, the frame protrudes from the folding screen towards the direction of the display surface of the folding screen so as to protect the folding screen, and therefore, the plastic shell can be omitted, the assembly problem of the plastic shell and the frame is not required to be considered, the groove on the frame and the protruding part on the plastic shell are omitted, and the sealing foam for assembling the plastic frame is not required to be arranged, so that the wall thickness of the frame can be reduced to a certain extent, and the screen occupation ratio of the foldable electronic equipment is improved. And moreover, the frame protrudes out of the folding screen towards the direction of the display surface of the folding screen, so that the folding screen is protected, the plastic shell is canceled, the appearance consistency of the foldable electronic equipment is improved at least to a certain extent, gaps and section differences between the plastic shell and the frame are avoided, and the fineness of the whole machine can be improved. In addition, in the embodiment of the application, the adhesive part is used for bonding between the inner peripheral surface of the frame and the outer peripheral surface of the folding screen, so that the outer peripheral surface of the folding screen and the inner peripheral surface of the frame are fixed and sealed. The structure of the whole foldable electronic device becomes simple and the assembly process is simplified.

The specific structure of the foldable electronic device of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The embodiment of the application provides foldable electronic equipment. Foldable electronic devices may include various electronic devices that have a folding screen and that can change the folding screen and its own unfolded or folded configuration. Under different use demands, the foldable electronic equipment can be unfolded to an unfolding state, can be folded to a folding state and can be in an intermediate state between the unfolding state and the folding state. That is, the foldable electronic device has at least two states, i.e., an unfolded state and a folded state. In some cases, a third state, an intermediate hover state between the expanded state and the collapsed state, may also be further included. It will be appreciated that the intermediate hover state is not the only state, but may be any state or states of the foldable electronic device between an expanded state and a collapsed state.

In particular, the foldable electronic device includes, but is not limited to, a cell phone, a tablet (tablet personal computer), and the like.

Referring to fig. 2, fig. 2 is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device 100 in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the application. In this embodiment, the foldable electronic device 100 is a foldable mobile phone. The foldable electronic device 100 comprises a folding screen 10 and a support means 20.

It will be appreciated that fig. 2 only schematically illustrates some of the components comprised by the foldable electronic device 100, the actual shape, actual size, actual position and actual configuration of which are not limited by fig. 2.

The folding screen 10 has opposite display and fastening surfaces. The display surface faces the outside of the foldable electronic device 100. The folding screen 10 can be used to display information and provide an interactive interface for a user. In various embodiments of the present application, the folding screen 10 may be, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) folding screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) folding screen, a mini-light-emitting diode (mini organic light-emitting diode) folding screen, a micro-light-emitting diode (micro organic light-emitting diode) folding screen, a micro-organic light-emitting diode (micro organic light-emitting diode) folding screen, a quantum dot (quantum dot light emitting diodes, QLED) folding screen, or the like.

The folding screen 10 is switchable between an unfolded state and a folded state. The folding screen 10 is fixed and supported to the supporting means 20 by means of a fixing surface. The support device 20 allows the folding screen 10 to be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state.

In particular, referring still to fig. 2, the folding screen 10 may include a first portion 11, a second portion 12, and a third portion 13. The third portion 13 is connected between the first portion 11 and the second portion 12. At least the third portion 13 of the folding screen 10 is made of a flexible material. The first portion 11 and the second portion 12 may be made of a flexible material, may be made of a rigid material, and may be made of a flexible material, and are not particularly limited herein.

With continued reference to fig. 2, when the folding screen 10 is in the unfolded state, the first portion 11, the second portion 12 and the third portion 13 are disposed coplanar and facing the same. In this state, can realize the large-scale display, can provide richer information for the user, bring better use experience for the user.

Referring to fig. 3a, fig. 3a is a perspective view of the foldable electronic device 100 shown in fig. 2 in a folded state. When the folding screen 10 is in the folded state, the third portion 13 is in the folded state, and the first portion 11 (not shown in fig. 3 a) is stacked with the second portion 12 (not shown in fig. 3 a). In this state, the folding screen 10 is invisible to the user, and the supporting means 20 is protected outside the folding screen 10 to prevent the folding screen 10 from being scratched by hard objects. The foldable electronic device 100 is an electronic device with a folded screen, i.e. an electronic device with a folded screen.

In other examples, the foldable electronic device may also be a folding-screen-folded electronic device, i.e., an out-folded electronic device. For a fold-out electronic device. In the folded state, the third portion is in a folded state, the first portion is stacked and spaced from the second portion, and the support means is between the first portion and the second portion, with the folding screen being outboard of the support means.

For example, with continued reference to fig. 2 and 3a, the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 of the foldable electronic device 100 are each formed in a generally rectangular shape. In this way, the foldable electronic device 100 may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape when in a folded state.

Referring to fig. 3b, fig. 3b is a schematic view of a foldable electronic device 100 according to another aspect of the present application, wherein the foldable electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state. In this embodiment, the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 of the foldable electronic device 100 are each formed in a substantially square shape. In this way, the foldable electronic device 100 may be formed in a substantially square shape when in a folded state.

Referring to fig. 4, fig. 4 is a perspective view of the foldable electronic device 100 according to the folding screen 10 and the supporting device 20 shown in fig. 2 in an exploded state. The outer peripheral surface of the folding screen 10 includes a first outer peripheral surface 161, a second outer peripheral surface 162, and a third outer peripheral surface 163.

The first outer peripheral surface 161 is the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 11, in other words, the outer peripheral surface of the folding screen 10 on the first portion 11 is the first outer peripheral surface 161. The second peripheral surface 162 is the peripheral surface of the second portion 12, in other words, the peripheral surface of the folding screen 10 on the second portion 12 is the second peripheral surface 162. The third outer circumferential surface 163 is the outer circumferential surface of the third portion 13, in other words, the outer circumferential surface of the folding screen 10 on the third portion 13 is the third outer circumferential surface 163. Since the third portion 13 is located between the first portion 11 and the second portion 12, the third outer peripheral surfaces 163 are two. The two third outer peripheral surfaces 163 are both end surfaces of the third portion 13 in the extending direction of the folding axis of the folding screen 10, respectively. Thus, the two third outer peripheral surfaces 163, the two ends of the first outer peripheral surface 161 in the circumferential direction of the folding screen 10 and the two ends of the second outer peripheral surface 162 in the circumferential direction of the folding screen 10 are in one-to-one correspondence and connected.

The display surface of the folding screen 10 generally includes a display area 14 and a non-display area 15. The non-display area 15 surrounds the display area 14 for one week. In order to prevent the problem of light leakage in the display of the folding screen 10 when the folding screen 10 displays image information, the non-display area 15 is generally formed of a light shielding layer (e.g., an ink layer or the like) formed on the folding screen 10, thereby preventing the problem of light leakage in the displayable area 14.

Specifically, with continued reference to FIG. 4, the display area 14 includes a first display area 141 on the first portion 11, a second display area 142 on the second portion 12, and a third display area 143 on the third portion 13. The third display area 143 is connected between the first display area 141 and the second display area 142.

The non-display area 15 includes a first non-display area 151 on the first portion 11, a second non-display area 152 on the second portion 12, and a third non-display area 153 on the third portion 13. The first non-display area 151 is disposed along an edge of the first display area 141. The second non-display area 152 is disposed along an edge of the second display area 142. The third non-display area 153 is connected between the first non-display area 151 and the second non-display area 152. And the third non-display area 153 is at both ends of the third display area 143 in the extending direction of the folding axis of the folding screen 10. The two third non-display areas 153, the two ends of the first non-display area 151 in the circumferential direction of the folding screen 10, and the two ends of the second non-display area 152 in the circumferential direction of the folding screen 10 are in one-to-one correspondence and connected.

Specifically, with continued reference to fig. 4, the support device 20 includes a first housing 21, a second housing 22, and a rotation mechanism 23. It will be appreciated that fig. 4 only schematically illustrates some of the components comprised by the support device 20, the actual shape, actual size, actual position and actual configuration of which are not limited by fig. 4.

The first housing 21 has a first support surface M1. The fixing surface of the first portion 11 of the folding screen 10 in fig. 2 is directed towards the first support surface M1. The first portion 11 is secured to the first support surface M1 in a stacked manner. Exemplary connection of the first support surface M1 to the first portion 11 includes, but is not limited to, gluing.

The second housing 22 has a second support surface M2. The second portion 12 of the folding screen 10 in fig. 2 has its fixing surface facing the second support surface M2. The second portion 12 is secured to the second support surface M2 in a stacked manner. Exemplary, the connection of the second support surface M2 to the second portion 12 includes, but is not limited to, gluing.

The rotation mechanism 23 has a third support surface M3. The rotation mechanism 23 may support the third portion 13 of the folding screen 10 via the third support surface M3. The rotation mechanism 23 is connected between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, and the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are configured to be rotatably connected through the rotation mechanism 23, so as to enable the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 to be folded or unfolded relatively, and further enable the folding screen 10 to be folded or unfolded relatively.

Specifically, referring to fig. 4, in the unfolded state, the first supporting surface M1 of the first housing 21, the second supporting surface M2 of the second housing 22, and the third supporting surface M3 of the rotating mechanism 23 are coplanar and oriented uniformly. Thereby, the folding screen 10 can be reliably supported, and the flatness of the folding screen 10 is ensured. In the folded state, the first casing 21 and the second casing 22 are stacked and disposed at a distance from each other, and the first support surface M1 of the first casing 21 and the second support surface M2 of the second casing 22 are opposite (in conjunction with fig. 3 a), so as to hide the folding screen 10 between the first casing 21 and the second casing 22, thereby achieving protection of the folding screen 10.

The foldable electronic device 100 provided by the embodiment of the application can be switched between an unfolding state and a folding state. When a user uses the foldable electronic device 100 to browse web pages, information, video, play games, etc., the foldable electronic device 100 may be switched from the folded state to the unfolded state. Specifically, the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 may be respectively rotated by 90 ° toward directions away from each other, so that the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 form an angle of 180 °. The large-screen display can be realized, richer information can be provided for the user, and better use experience is brought to the user.

When the user finishes using the foldable electronic device 100, the foldable electronic device 100 may be switched from the unfolded state to the folded state. Specifically, the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 may be respectively rotated by 90 ° toward each other so that the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 form an angle of 0 °. In this way, the volume of the foldable electronic device 100 can be reduced, the foldable electronic device 100 can be conveniently stored, and in the folded state, the folding screen 10 is invisible to the user, so that the folding screen 10 can be prevented from being scratched by hard objects.

Referring to fig. 5, fig. 5 is an exploded view of the rotating mechanism 23 in the supporting device 20 shown in fig. 4. In the present embodiment, the rotation mechanism 23 includes a shaft seat 24 and a rotation shaft mechanism 25.

It will be appreciated that fig. 5 only schematically illustrates some of the components comprised by the rotation mechanism 23, the actual shape, actual size, actual position and actual configuration of which are not limited by fig. 5.

For convenience in description of the embodiments below, an XYZ coordinate system is established for the axle seat 24. Specifically, the thickness direction of the shaft seat 24 is defined as the Z-axis direction, the length direction of the shaft seat 24 (i.e., the extending direction of the folding axis of the folding screen 10) is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is defined as the X-axis direction. It is to be understood that the coordinate system setting may be flexibly set according to actual needs, which is not specifically limited herein. Wherein in the unfolded state, the first portion 11, the second portion 12 and the third portion 13 are arranged in the X-axis direction.

The shaft seat 24 is used for fixing the rotating shaft mechanism 25. With continued reference to FIG. 5, the axle seat 24 includes a bottom plate 241 and side panels 242. The bottom plate 241 extends in the Y-axis direction. Illustratively, the base 241 is formed as a generally rectangular plate-like structure. The side gusset 242 surrounds the outer periphery of the bottom plate 241, and an accommodating space 24a is defined between the side gusset 242 and the bottom plate 241. A part of the structure of the rotation shaft mechanism 25 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 24a. In this way, the components of the hinge mechanism 25 can be hidden inside the shaft seat 24, and the external appearance of the foldable electronic device 100 can be improved.

The number of the spindle mechanisms 25 may be one, two or more. Fig. 5 gives only an example of the number of the spindle mechanisms 25 as one, which is not to be construed as a particular limitation of the constitution of the present application.

With continued reference to fig. 5 and 6a, fig. 6a is a schematic cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device 100 at line A-A according to fig. 2. The spindle mechanism 25 includes a first swing arm 251, a first spindle 252, a second spindle 253, a second swing arm 254, a first support arm 256, a second support arm 257, a lifter plate 258, a force member 259, and a transmission assembly 255.

The first swing arm 251 is for fixing with the first casing 21. The first swing arm 251 may be fixedly connected to the first housing 21 by means of adhesion, clamping, welding, screw connection, or the like. The first swing arm 251 is rotatably connected to the shaft seat 24 by means of a first rotation shaft 252. The first support arm 256 is fixed relative to the first swing arm 251.

Specifically, referring to fig. 5, the first swing arm 251 includes a first swing arm body 2511 and two first connection portions 2512. The first swing arm body 2511 has a rectangular plate shape. The length direction of the first swing arm body 2511 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The first swing arm 251 is fixedly connected with the first housing 21 by means of a first swing arm body 2511.

With continued reference to fig. 5, two first connection portions 2512 are disposed on a side of the first swing arm body 2511 near the axle seat 24. The two first connection portions 2512 are provided at intervals in the length direction of the first swing arm 251. The two first connection portions 2512 are connected with the first swing arm body 2511 as an integral structure. Each of the first connection portions 2512 has a first shaft hole 2512a formed therein, and the first shaft hole 2512a has a non-circular shape. The first shaft hole 2512a may have an oblong shape, a triangular shape, or a trapezoidal shape, for example.

The first rotation shaft 252 is located in the accommodating space 24 a. And the first shaft 252 is rotatably coupled to the shaft mount 24. The pivot axis of the first shaft 252 extends in the Y-axis direction. The first shaft 252 has a first mating segment 2521. The first engagement section 2521 is adapted to the first shaft bore 2512 a. Because the first axle bore 2512a is non-circular, the first mating segment 2521 is compatible with the first axle bore 2512 a. So that a limit between the first rotation shaft 252 and the first swing arm 251 can be formed. Thus, when the first housing 21 rotates, the first swing arm 251 can rotate along with the first housing 21, and further can drive the first rotating shaft 252 to rotate, so as to realize the relative rotation between the first housing 21 and the shaft seat 24. It will be appreciated that the pivot axis of the first housing 21 is the pivot axis of the first shaft 252. In other examples, the first shaft 252 and the first swing arm 251 may be integrally formed. So long as the first swing arm 251 is guaranteed to be rotatable relative to the axle seat 24.

The second swing arm 254 is disposed apart from the first swing arm 251 in the X-axis direction. The second swing arm 254 is for fixing with the second housing 22. The second swing arm 254 may be fixedly connected to the second housing 22 by means of adhesion, clamping, welding, screw connection, or the like. The second swing arm 254 is rotatably connected to the base by means of a second shaft 253. The second support arm 257 is fixed relative to the second swing arm 254.

Specifically, the second swing arm 254 includes a second swing arm body 2541 and two second connection portions 2542. The second swing arm body 2541 has a rectangular plate shape. The length direction of the second swing arm body 2541 is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The second swing arm 254 is fixedly connected with the second housing 22 by means of a second swing arm body 2541.

With continued reference to fig. 5, two second connection portions 2542 are disposed on a side of the second swing arm body 2541 near the axle seat 24. The two second connection portions 2542 are disposed at intervals in the length direction of the second swing arm 254. The two second connection portions 2542 are connected with the second swing arm body 2541 as an integral structure. Each of the second connection portions 2542 has a second shaft hole 2542a formed therein. The second shaft hole 2542a is non-circular. The second shaft hole 2542a is formed in an oblong shape, a triangular shape, or a trapezoidal shape, for example.

The second rotating shaft 253 is located in the accommodating space 24 a. The second rotation shaft 253 is parallel to the first rotation shaft 252 and spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The second shaft 253 is rotatably connected to the shaft seat 24. The pivot axis of the second rotary shaft 253 extends in the Y-axis direction. The second shaft 253 has a second mating segment 2531. The second mating segment 2531 is mated with the second shaft bore 2542a. Since the second shaft hole 2542a is non-circular, the second mating segment 2531 is adapted to the second shaft hole 2542a. So that a limit between the second rotation shaft 253 and the second swing arm 254 can be formed. Thus, when the second housing 22 rotates, the second swing arm 254 can rotate along with the second housing 22, and further can drive the second rotating shaft 253 to rotate, so as to realize the relative rotation between the second housing 22 and the shaft seat 24. It is understood that the pivot axis of the second housing 22 is the pivot axis of the second rotating shaft 253.

In other examples, the second rotating shaft 253 and the second swing arm 254 may be integrated. So long as the second swing arm 254 is guaranteed to be rotatable relative to the axle seat 24.

It should be noted that, since the pivot axis of the first housing 21 and the pivot axis of the second housing 22 both extend along the Y axis, the two are parallel. Therefore, the pivot axis of the turning mechanism 23 mentioned hereinafter refers to the pivot shaft of the first housing 21 and the pivot axis of the second housing 22.

The transmission assembly 255 is positioned within the receiving space 24 a. The transmission assembly 255 is configured to effect synchronous counter-rotation of the first shaft 252 and the second shaft 253. That is, the transmission assembly 255 is capable of correlating the rotation of the first shaft 252 and the second shaft 253, and thus the rotation of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. Specifically, the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 may be rotated reversely in synchronization with each other, that is, when the first housing 21 is rotated, the second housing 22 is rotated reversely with respect to the first housing 21. The synchronous rotation design can increase the folding and unfolding speed of the foldable electronic device 100 and reduce the operation time of a user. Moreover, the synchronous rotation design enables a user to operate only on any side of the first shell 21 and the second shell 22 without operating on both sides of the first shell 21 and the second shell 22, so that the operation can be simplified, and the user experience can be improved. Of course, it will be appreciated that in other examples, the spindle mechanism 25 may also include a drive assembly 255.

The first housing 21 and the second housing 22 that are rotated in opposite directions may include two states, the first being that the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are rotated in opposite directions (or referred to as opposite directions) when the foldable electronic device 100 is folded; the second type is that when the foldable electronic device 100 is unfolded, the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 rotate away from each other.

With continued reference to fig. 5, the transmission assembly 255 includes a first gear 2551, a second gear 2552, and an intermediate gear 2553. The first gear 2551 is fixed on the first rotating shaft 252, and is disposed coaxially with the first rotating shaft 252. For example, the first gear 2551 and the first shaft 252 may be integrally formed by milling with a numerically controlled milling machine (computer numerical control, CNC). In this way, the structural accuracy of the first shaft 252 and the first gear 2551 can be improved, the connection strength between the first gear 2551 and the first shaft 252 can be improved, the assembly process of the shaft mechanism 25 can be simplified, and the assembly error of the shaft mechanism 25 can be reduced.

The second gear 2552 is fixed on the second rotating shaft 253, and is disposed coaxially with the second rotating shaft 253. For example, the second gear 2552 and the second rotating shaft 253 may be integrally formed by milling through a numerically controlled milling machine (computer numerical control, CNC). In this way, the structural accuracy of the second rotating shaft 253 and the second gear 2552 can be improved, the connection strength between the second gear 2552 and the second rotating shaft 253 can be improved, the assembly process of the rotating shaft mechanism 25 is simplified, and the assembly error of the rotating shaft mechanism 25 is reduced.

The intermediate gears 2553 are provided in two. The two intermediate gears 2553 are meshed with each other. And one intermediate gear 2553 is meshed with the first gear 2551. The other intermediate gear 2553 is meshed with the second gear 2552. The diameter and the number of teeth of the intermediate gear 2553, the first gear 2551 and the second gear 2552 are all the same. In this way, the provision of the two intermediate gears 2553 engaged between the first gear 2551 and the second gear 2552 enables the first gear 2551 and the second gear 2552 to be rotated synchronously and reversely, that is, the first rotation shaft 252 and the second rotation shaft 253 can be rotated synchronously and reversely, so that when a user applies a force to one of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, the synchronous and reverse rotation of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 can be achieved, so that the foldable electronic device 100 can be switched between the folded state and the unfolded state, and the switching speed can be increased.

The number of the intermediate gears 2553 is not limited to two, and the number of the intermediate gears 2553 may be an even number, for example, 4, 6, or 8, of the intermediate gears 2553. Of course, the intermediate gear 2553 may not be provided in the transmission assembly 255, and the first gear 2551 and the second gear 2552 may be directly engaged.

The lifter plate 258 is positioned between the first swing arm 251 and the second swing arm 254. The lifter plate 258 has a third support surface M3. The force applying member 259 is located on a side of the lifting plate 258 facing away from the third supporting surface M3 and is disposed opposite to the lifting plate 258. The urging member 259 is configured to apply a pulling force to the lifter plate 258 away from the third support surface M3. With continued reference to fig. 6a, when the first swing arm 251 and the second swing arm 254 are switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first support arm 256 and the second support arm 257 apply an upward supporting force to the lifting plate 258, and the supporting force can overcome the pulling force of the force applying member 259 to lift the third supporting surface M3 of the lifting plate 258 to a position flush with the first supporting surface M1 and the second supporting surface M2.

Referring to fig. 6B, fig. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional structure of the foldable electronic device 100 shown in fig. 3a at line B-B. When the first swing arm 251 and the second swing arm 254 are switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the supporting force of the first support arm 256 and the second support arm 257 on the lifting plate 258 is gradually removed, and the force application member 259 can drive the lifting plate 258 to sink towards the direction close to the bottom plate 241 of the shaft seat 24 so as to avoid the third portion 13, so that the third portion 13 is folded into a "drop shape" due to the convenience in bending and sinking of the third portion 13.

In some embodiments, with continued reference to fig. 6a and 6b, the force member 259 is a coil spring. The coil spring extends along the Z-axis direction, and the upper end of the coil spring is connected to the lifting plate 258, and the lower end of the coil spring is connected to the bottom plate 241 of the shaft seat 24. In other embodiments, the force application member includes a magnet (not shown) and a magnetically permeable sheet (not shown). The magnets and the magnetic conductive sheets are arranged along the Z-axis direction. One of the magnet and the magnetic conductive sheet is fixed to the elevating plate 258, and the other of the magnet and the magnetic conductive sheet is fixed to the bottom plate 241.

Referring to fig. 7a, fig. 7a is a perspective view of the first housing 21 in the supporting device 20 shown in fig. 4. The first housing 21 includes a first back cover 212 and a first middle frame 211.

The first back cover 212 is flat. For example, the first back cover 212 has a rectangular flat plate shape or a rounded rectangular flat plate shape. Of course, in other examples, the first back cover 212 may also have a semicircular flat plate shape, a diamond flat plate shape, an oblong flat plate shape, an oval shape, or a special shape. The material of the first back cover 212 includes, but is not limited to, glass, plastic, and metal.

The first middle frame 211 includes a first middle plate 2111 and a first side frame 2112. The first middle plate 2111 is stacked and spaced apart from the first back cover 212. Specifically, the shape of the first middle plate 2111 is adapted to the shape of the first back cover 212. The material of the first middle plate 2111 includes, but is not limited to, metal, plastic, and combinations thereof. The first middle plate 2111 has a first support surface M1.

The first side frame 2112 is provided around the first middle plate 2111 and the edge of the first back cover 212. And is fixedly coupled to the first middle plate 2111 and the first back cover 212 to define a first installation space (not shown) with the first middle plate 2111 and the first back cover 212. The first installation space may be used to accommodate a battery, a circuit board, a functional device, etc.

In some examples, the first side frame 2112 and the first middle plate 2111 are integrally formed, which is beneficial to improving the connection strength between the first side frame 2112 and the first middle plate 2111, simplifying the processing technology and reducing the assembly cost.

In other examples, the connection between the first side frame 2112 and the first middle plate 2111 includes, but is not limited to, gluing, welding, clamping, or screwing. By this arrangement, the mold structure of the first side frame 2112 and the first middle plate 2111 can be simplified, and the independent processing and manufacturing of the first side frame 2112 and the first middle plate 2111 can be facilitated.

In some examples, the connection between the first side frame 2112 and the first back cover 212 includes, but is not limited to, gluing, clamping, or screw connection. By this arrangement, the molds of the first side frame 2112 and the first back cover 212 can be simplified, and the independent processing and manufacturing of the first side frame 2112 and the first back cover 212 can be facilitated.

The material of the first side frame 2112 includes, but is not limited to, metal, plastic, and combinations thereof.

Specifically, the first side frame 2112 includes a first side wall 21122 and a first side frame 21121 that are connected in the circumferential direction of the first middle plate 2111.

The first side wall 21122 has a rectangular flat plate shape. The first side wall 21122 is connected between a side edge of the first middle plate 2111 adjacent to the rotation mechanism 23 and a side edge of the first back cover 212 adjacent to the rotation mechanism 23. And the first side wall 21122 faces the rotation mechanism 23 (see fig. 6a and 6 b).

Specifically, the first side frame 21121 and the first middle plate 2111 are integrally formed, so that the first middle frame 211 is advantageously formed as an integrally formed piece. For example, the first rim 21121 and the first middle plate 2111 are manufactured by an injection molding process. Thereby simplifying the processing technique and reducing the manufacturing cost.

Referring to fig. 7b, fig. 7b is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the first housing 21 and the folding screen 10 shown in fig. 4. The first frame 21121 is located on a side of the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 11 (i.e., the first outer peripheral surface 161) facing, so that the first frame 21121 is located on a side of the first side wall 21122 away from the rotation mechanism 23 and is connected to both the first middle plate 2111 and the first back cover 212. Also, both ends of the first side frame 21121 in the circumferential direction of the first middle plate 2111 are connected to the first side wall 21122. Thereby, a closed first installation space is formed.

The first frame 21121 protrudes from the first portion 11 in a direction toward which the first supporting surface M1 faces. It is understood that, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 100, the first supporting surface M1 faces in the positive Z-axis direction. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 100, the first supporting surface M1 faces in a direction in which the first supporting surface M1 faces the second supporting surface M2. The foldable electronic device 100 includes a first adhesive portion 271. The inner peripheral surface of the first rim 21121 is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 11 so that a first adhesive portion 271 is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the first rim 21121 and the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 11, which can be adhered by the first adhesive portion 271.

Thus, on the one hand, the first portion 11 may be protected by the first rim 21121 protruding from the first portion 11. For example, when the foldable electronic device 100 is an in-folded electronic device, the first portion 11 is protected by the first rim 21121 protruding from the first portion 11 during the process of switching the foldable electronic device 100 from the unfolded state to the folded state, so as to prevent the first portion 11 from being damaged due to the impact between the first portion 11 and the second portion 12. For another example, when the foldable electronic device 100 is an out-folded electronic device, the first portion 11 is protected by the first rim 21121 protruding from the first portion 11, so as to prevent the first portion 11 from being damaged due to a falling impact of the foldable electronic device 100. Therefore, no plastic shell is needed, so that the assembly problem of the plastic shell and the first side frame 21121 is not needed to be considered, a groove on the first side frame 21121 and a protruding part on the plastic shell are eliminated, and sealing foam for assembling the plastic shell is not needed to be arranged, so that the wall thickness of the first side frame 21121 is reduced to a certain extent (for example, the wall thickness of the first side frame can be reduced from 1.2mm to 0.4mm, and the black edge of the whole machine can be reduced from 3.3mm to 2 mm), the screen occupation ratio of the foldable electronic device 100 is improved, and the immersion feeling of a consumer using the foldable electronic device 100 is improved at least to a certain extent. In addition, the first side frame 21121 protruding from the first portion 11 is used to protect the first portion 11, so as to eliminate the plastic shell, and further facilitate at least to some extent improving the uniformity of the appearance of the foldable electronic device 100, and avoid the gap and the step between the plastic shell and the first side frame 21121. On the other hand, the first adhesive portion 271 may be fixedly connected by bonding the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 11 and the inner peripheral surface of the first rim 21121.

Specifically, the height d1 of the first rim 21121 protruding from the first portion 11 in the direction of the first supporting surface M1 is less than or equal to 1mm. Exemplary values for d1 are 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm or 0.9mm. In this way, not only the first portion 11 can be protected by the first side frame 21121, but also the problem of an increase in thickness of the foldable electronic device 100 due to an excessively large height of the first portion 11 protruding in the direction in which the first support surface M1 faces the first side frame 21121 can be avoided.

Further, the height d1 of the first rim 21121 protruding from the first portion 11 in the direction of the first supporting surface M1 is less than or equal to 0.5mm and greater than or equal to 0.2mm. Thus, the problem of an increase in thickness of the foldable electronic device 100 due to an excessively large height of the first frame 21121 protruding from the first portion 11 in the direction in which the first support surface faces can be avoided, and the protective effect of the first frame 21121 on the first portion 11 can be improved.

With continued reference to fig. 7a and 7b, the first middle frame 211 further includes two first extension plates 214. The first extension plate 214 has a flat plate shape. Two first extension plates 214 are on the side of the first middle plate 2111 near the rotation mechanism 23. And are disposed opposite to each other in the direction in which the pivot axis of the rotation mechanism 23 is located (i.e., the Y-axis direction). Illustratively, two first extension plates 214 are disposed in parallel.

The two first extension plates 214 are in one-to-one correspondence with and connected to both ends of the first side frame 21121 in the circumferential direction of the first middle plate 2111, and a part of the rotation mechanism 23 is located between the two first extension plates 214. In this way, the two first extension plates 214 can be used to block the rotation mechanism 23, which is beneficial to ensuring the uniformity of the appearance of the foldable electronic device 100 at least to some extent.

In some examples, to improve the connection reliability of the first extension plate 214 and the first side frame 21121 and simplify the processing of the first middle frame 211, the first extension plate 214 and the first side frame 2112 are integrally formed. Of course, the present application is not limited thereto, and in other examples, the first extension plate 214 may be fixed to the first frame 21121 by gluing, clamping, welding, screwing, or the like.

With continued reference to fig. 7a and 7b, the first middle frame 211 further includes a first connection plate 213. The first connection plate 213 is formed in a flat plate shape. The material of the first connecting plate 213 includes, but is not limited to, metal, plastic, and a combination thereof. The first connection plate 213 is connected to an end of the first side wall 21122 remote from the first support surface M1. And the first connecting plate 213 is connected between the two first extending plates 214 to define a fixed space with the two first extending plates 214 and the first side wall 21122, and a part of the rotating mechanism 23 is located in the fixed space. Thus, not only the fixing of the rotation mechanism 23 is facilitated, but also the hiding effect of the rotation mechanism 23 can be further improved.

In some examples, to improve connection reliability of the first connection plate 213, the first side wall 21122, and the first extension plate 214, and to simplify a processing process, the first connection plate 213, the first side frame 2112, and the first extension plate 214 are integrally formed. Of course, the present application is not limited thereto, and in other examples, the first connection plate 213 may be fixed to the first side wall 21122 by gluing, clamping, welding, screwing, or the like. The first connecting plate 213 may be further fixed to the first extension plate 214 by means of gluing, clamping, welding, screw connection, or the like.

Specifically, in order to simplify the processing technology of the first middle frame 211, reduce the manufacturing cost, and improve the structural strength of the first middle frame 211, the first middle frame 211 is an integrally formed piece.

In some examples, the first adhesive 271 may be selected from a liquid adhesive. Specifically, the first adhesive portion 271 is an ultraviolet curable adhesive. The first adhesive portion 271 is, for example, an epoxy adhesive or a two-component adhesive. For example, as shown in fig. 8, fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an assembly process of the first middle frame 211 and the first portion 11 according to fig. 4. As in (a) of fig. 8, liquid glue may be injected on the inner peripheral surface of the first rim 21121 by a dispensing process. As shown in fig. 8 (b), the first portion 11 of the folding screen 10 is then fixed to the first middle plate 2111 to press the liquid cement so that the liquid cement can spread in the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the first side frame 21121 and the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 11 to fill the entire gap. As in fig. 8 (c), the excess liquid glue may be wiped off using a glue wiping process. As in (d) of fig. 8, the liquid glue is then irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the side toward which the display surface of the folding screen 10 faces, to cure the liquid glue, thereby obtaining the first adhesive portion 271.

Since the liquid glue is cured, the liquid glue near the outer side of the foldable electronic device 100 is cured first, and the liquid glue near the first middle plate 2111 is cured last. In this way, the portion of the cured first adhesive 271 near the outside of the foldable electronic device 100 is the hardest, while the portion near the first middle plate 2111 is relatively soft and elastic. Therefore, the first adhesive portion 271, which is hard near the outer side of the foldable electronic device 100, can effectively fix the folding screen 10 and the first side frame 21121, prevent the first adhesive portion 271 from coming out or sinking from between the first side frame 21121 and the first portion 11, and protect the outer peripheral surface of the folding screen 10 by the first adhesive portion 271, which is soft near the portion of the first middle plate 2111, with good protection effect. But also to reduce the gap between the first portion 11 and the first bezel 21121, and to further increase the screen ratio of the foldable electronic device 100. In addition, the first adhesive portion 271 has good adhesion performance, and the first adhesive portion 271 can adhere the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 11 and the inner peripheral surface of the first rim 21121 to achieve fixed connection therebetween, and the first adhesive portion 271 has good waterproof and oil-resistant performance, so that the sealing performance can be improved.

In some examples, referring to fig. 9, fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation of the first housing 21 and the folding screen 10 according to other embodiments of the present application. The foldable electronic device 100 includes a first gel portion 272. The first colloid portion 272 covers the entire first non-display area 151 of the first portion 11. Of course, in other examples, the first colloid portion 272 may cover a portion of the first non-display area 151. The first glue portion 272 is integrally formed with the first adhesive portion 271. In this way, the sealing and shielding properties between the first bezel 21121 and the first portion 11 are improved without affecting the screen ratio of the folded screen 10.

Specifically, the first adhesive portion 271 and the first gel portion 272 may be selected from liquid gels. Specifically, the first adhesive portion 271 and the first adhesive portion 272 are ultraviolet curable adhesives. Illustratively, the first adhesive portion 271 and the first adhesive portion 272 are both epoxy glue or a two-component adhesive. For example, before assembling the folding screen 10 and the supporting device 20, a protective film may be attached to the display area 14 of the folding screen 10 so that the protective film covers at least the display area 14. Then, a liquid cement is injected into the inner circumferential surface of the first rim 21121, and then the first portion 11 of the folding screen 10 is fixed to the first middle plate 2111 to press the liquid cement, so that the liquid cement may spread in a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the first rim 21121 and the outer circumferential surface of the first portion 11 to fill the entire gap, and the surplus liquid cement may also spread to the first non-display area 151. Since the protective film protrudes from the first non-display area 151, the liquid crystal on the first non-display area 151 can be easily maintained after the excess liquid crystal is erased by a rubbing process. Then, the liquid crystal glue is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the side of the display surface of the folding screen 10 to cure the liquid crystal glue, thereby obtaining the integrated first adhesive part 271 and first adhesive part 272. The first colloid portion 272 does not block the first display area 141 under the protection of the protective film. And the first gel portion 272 does not affect the screen ratio of the folding screen 10.

Of course, it is understood that in other examples, the first gel portion 272 may not be provided.

Referring to fig. 10, fig. 10 is a perspective view of the second housing 22 in the supporting device 20 shown in fig. 4. The second housing 22 includes a second back cover 222 and a second middle frame 221.

The second back cover 222 is flat. For example, the second back cover 222 has a rectangular flat plate shape or a rounded rectangular flat plate shape. Of course, in other examples, the second back cover 222 may also have a semicircular flat plate shape, a diamond flat plate shape, an oblong flat plate shape, an oval shape, or a special shape. The material of the second back cover 222 includes, but is not limited to, glass, plastic, and metal.

The second middle frame 221 includes a second middle plate 2211 and a second side frame 2212. The second middle plate 2211 is stacked and spaced apart from the second back cover 222. Specifically, the shape of the second middle plate 2211 is adapted to the shape of the second back cover 222. The material of the second middle plate 2211 includes, but is not limited to, metal, plastic, and a combination thereof. The second middle plate 2211 has a second supporting surface M2.

The second side frame 2212 is disposed around the edges of the second middle plate 2211 and the second back cover 222. And is fixedly coupled to the second middle plate 2211 and the second back cover 222 to define a second installation space (not shown) with the second middle plate 2211 and the second back cover 222. The second installation space can be used for accommodating electronic components such as batteries, circuit boards, functional devices and the like.

In some examples, the second side frame 2212 and the second middle plate 2211 are integrally formed, which is beneficial to improving the connection strength between the second side frame 2212 and the second middle plate 2211, simplifying the processing technology and reducing the assembly cost.

In other examples, the connection between the second side frame 2212 and the second middle plate 2211 includes, but is not limited to, gluing, welding, clamping, screw connection, and the like. By the arrangement, the die of the second side frame 2212 and the second middle plate 2211 can be simplified, and independent processing and manufacturing of the second side frame 2212 and the second middle plate 2211 are facilitated.

In some examples, the connection between the second side frame 2212 and the second back cover 222 includes, but is not limited to, gluing, clamping, or screw connection. By this arrangement, the mold for the second side frame 2212 and the second back cover 222 can be simplified, and the second side frame 2212 and the second back cover 222 can be manufactured independently.

The material of the second side frame 2212 includes, but is not limited to, metal, plastic, and a combination thereof.

Specifically, the second side frame 2212 includes a second side wall 22122 and a second side frame 22121 connected in the circumferential direction of the second middle plate 2211.

The second side wall 22122 is rectangular and flat. The second side wall 22122 is connected between a side edge of the second middle plate 2211 adjacent to the rotating mechanism 23 and a side edge of the second back cover 222 adjacent to the rotating mechanism 23. And the second side wall 22122 faces the rotation mechanism 23 (see fig. 6a and 6 b).

Specifically, the second frame 22121 is integrally formed with the second middle plate 2211, so that the second middle frame 221 is advantageously formed as an integrally formed piece. Thereby simplifying the processing technique and reducing the manufacturing cost.

Referring to fig. 11, fig. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the second housing 22 and the folding screen 10 shown in fig. 4. The second frame 22121 is located on a side toward which the outer peripheral surface of the second portion 12 (i.e., the second outer peripheral surface 163) faces. Thus, the second frame 22121 is located on a side of the second side wall 22122 away from the rotating mechanism 23, and is connected to the second middle plate 2211 and the second back cover 222. Also, both ends of the second frame 22121 in the circumferential direction of the second intermediate plate 2211 are connected to the second side wall 22122. Thereby, a closed second installation space is formed.

The second frame 22121 protrudes from the second portion 12 toward the second supporting surface M2. It is understood that, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 100, the second supporting surface M2 faces in the positive Z-axis direction. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device 100, the second supporting surface M2 faces in a direction in which the second supporting surface M2 faces the first supporting surface M1. The foldable electronic device 100 may further comprise a second adhesive portion 281. The inner circumferential surface of the second frame 22121 is spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 12 so that a second adhesive portion 281 is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the second frame 22121 and the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 12, which can be adhered by the second adhesive portion 281.

In this way, in one aspect, the second portion 12 may be shielded by the second frame 22121 protruding from the second portion 12. For example, when the foldable electronic device 100 is an in-folded electronic device, the second frame 22121 protruding from the second portion 12 is used to protect the second portion 12 from being impacted between the second portion 12 and the first portion 11 and damage the second portion 12 during the process of switching the foldable electronic device 100 from the unfolded state to the folded state. For another example, when the foldable electronic device 100 is an out-folded electronic device, the second frame 22121 protruding from the second portion 12 is used to protect the second portion 12 from damage caused by falling impact of the foldable electronic device 100. Therefore, the plastic shell is not required to be arranged, so that the assembly problem of the plastic shell and the second frame 22121 is not required to be considered, the groove on the second frame 22121 and the protruding part on the plastic shell are eliminated, and the sealing foam for assembling the plastic shell is not required to be arranged, so that the wall thickness of the second frame 22121 is reduced to a certain extent, and the screen occupation ratio of the foldable electronic device 100 is improved. Moreover, the second frame 22121 protruding from the second portion 12 is used to protect the second portion 12, so as to cancel the plastic shell, and further to improve the uniformity of the appearance of the foldable electronic device 100 at least to a certain extent, and avoid gaps and step differences between the plastic shell and the second frame 22121. On the other hand, the second adhesive portion 281 may adhere the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 12 and the inner circumferential surface of the second frame 22121 to achieve a fixed connection therebetween.

In some specific examples, foldable electronic device 100 is an in-turned electronic device. At this time, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 100, the first middle frame 211 and the second middle frame 221 are stacked so that the first support surface M1 on the first middle frame 211 and the second support surface M2 on the second middle frame 221 may be opposite. In order to set the folding screen 10 between the first middle frame 211 and the second middle frame 221, the first middle frame 211 and the second middle frame 221 are stacked and spaced apart.

On this basis, in order to improve the protection effect on the folding screen 10, in the folded state, the first frame 21121 is opposite to the second frame 22121. That is, in the folded state, the front projection of the first bezel 21121 on the second bezel 22121 is completely or partially overlapped with the second bezel 22121. Thus, the protective effect of the folding screen 10 can be improved.

Specifically, the height d2 of the second frame 22121 protruding from the second portion 12 toward the second supporting surface M2 is less than or equal to 1mm. Exemplary values for d2 are 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm or 0.9mm. In this way, not only the second frame 22121 can be used to protect the second portion 12, but also the problem that the thickness of the foldable electronic device 100 increases due to the fact that the second frame 22121 protrudes from the height dimension of the second portion 12 toward the second supporting surface M2 to be too large can be avoided.

Further, the height d2 of the second frame 22121 protruding from the second portion 12 toward the second supporting surface M2 is less than or equal to 0.5mm and greater than or equal to 0.2mm. The problem of thickness increase of the foldable electronic device 100 caused by the fact that the second frame 22121 protrudes from the second portion 12 toward the second supporting surface M2 in too large height can be avoided, and the protection effect of the second frame 22121 on the second portion 12 can be improved.

Specifically, the height dimension of the second frame 22121 protruding from the second portion 12 toward the second supporting surface M2 is equal to the height dimension of the first frame 21121 protruding from the first portion 11 toward the first supporting surface M1. Thereby, it is advantageous to ensure uniformity of thickness of the foldable electronic device 100.

With continued reference to fig. 10 and 11, the second middle frame 221 further includes two second extension plates 224. The second extension plate 224 is flat. Two second extension plates 224 are on the side of the second intermediate plate 2211 near the rotation mechanism 23. And are disposed opposite to each other in the direction in which the pivot axis of the rotation mechanism 23 is located (i.e., the Y-axis direction). Illustratively, two second extension plates 224 are disposed in parallel. The two second extension plates 224 are in one-to-one correspondence with and connected to both ends of the second frame 22121 in the circumferential direction of the second middle plate 2211. That is, each of the second extension plates 224 corresponds to and is connected to an end of the second frame 22121 in the circumferential direction of the second middle plate 2211. A portion of the rotation mechanism 23 is located between the two second extension plates 224. In this way, the two second extension boards 224 can be used to block the rotation mechanism 23, which is beneficial to ensuring the uniformity of the appearance of the foldable electronic device 100 at least to some extent.

In some examples, to improve the connection reliability of the second extension plate 224 and the second frame 22121 and simplify the processing process, the second extension plate 224 and the second side frame 2212 are integrally formed. Of course, the present application is not limited thereto, and in other examples, the second extension plate 224 may be fixed to the second frame 22121 by gluing, clamping, welding, or screwing.

With continued reference to fig. 10 and 11, the second middle frame 221 further includes a second connection plate 223. The second connection plate 223 is formed in a flat plate shape. The material of the second connection plate 223 includes, but is not limited to, metal, plastic, and a combination thereof. The second connection plate 223 is connected to an end of the second sidewall 22122 remote from the second supporting surface M2. The first connecting plate 213 is connected between the two second extending plates 224 to define a fixed space with the two second extending plates 224 and the second side wall 22122, and a part of the rotating mechanism 23 is located in the fixed space. Thus, not only the fixing of the rotation mechanism 23 is facilitated, but also the hiding effect of the rotation mechanism 23 can be further improved.

In some examples, in order to improve connection reliability of the second connection plate 223, the second side wall 22122, and the second extension plate 224 and simplify a process, the second connection plate 223, the second side frame 2212, and the second extension plate 224 are integrally formed. Of course, the present application is not limited thereto, and in other examples, the second connection plate 223 may be fixed to the second side wall 22122 by gluing, clamping, welding, screw connection, or the like. The second connection plate 223 may be further fixed to the second extension plate 224 by means of gluing, clamping, welding, screw connection, or the like.

Specifically, in order to simplify the processing process of the second middle frame 221, reduce the manufacturing cost, and improve the structural strength of the second middle frame 221, the second middle frame 221 is an integrally formed piece.

In some examples, the second adhesive portion 281 is selected from a liquid adhesive. Specifically, the second adhesive portion 281 is an ultraviolet curable adhesive. The second adhesive portion 282 is illustratively an epoxy glue or a two-component adhesive. For example, the assembly process of the second portion 12 with the second frame 22121 may refer to the assembly process of the first portion 11 and the first frame 21121 in fig. 8. The liquid glue may be injected onto the inner circumferential surface of the second frame 22121 through a glue dispensing process, and then the second portion 12 of the folding screen 10 is fixed to the second middle plate 2211 to squeeze the liquid glue, so that the liquid glue may spread in a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the second frame 22121 and the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 12 to fill the entire gap, and the surplus liquid glue may be erased by a glue rubbing process. The liquid glue is then irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the side of the folding screen 10 toward which the display surface faces, so as to cure the liquid glue, thereby obtaining a second adhesive portion 281.

Since the liquid glue is cured, the liquid glue near the outer side of the foldable electronic device 100 is cured first, and the liquid glue near the second middle plate 2211 is cured finally. In this way, the portion of the cured second adhesive portion 281 near the outer side of the foldable electronic device 100 is the hardest, while the portion near the second middle plate 2211 is relatively soft and elastic. Therefore, the second adhesive portion 281, which is relatively hard near the outer side of the foldable electronic device 100, can be used to effectively fix the folding screen 10 and the second frame 22121, prevent the second adhesive portion 281 from being separated or recessed from between the second frame 22121 and the second portion 12, and protect the outer peripheral surface of the folding screen 10 by the second adhesive portion 281, which is relatively soft near the portion of the second middle plate 2211, with good protection effect. But also to reduce the gap between the second portion 12 and the second frame 22121, and to further increase the screen ratio of the foldable electronic device 100. In addition, the second adhesive portion 281 has good adhesion performance, and the second adhesive portion 281 can adhere the outer peripheral surface of the second portion 12 and the inner peripheral surface of the second frame 22121 to achieve fixed connection of the two, and meanwhile, the second adhesive portion 281 has good waterproof and oil-resistant performance, so that sealing performance can be improved.

In some examples, referring to fig. 12, fig. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation of the second housing 22 and the folding screen 10 according to other embodiments of the present application. The foldable electronic device 100 includes a second gel portion 282. The second gel portion 282 covers the entire second non-display area 152. Of course, in other examples, the second colloid portion 282 may also cover a portion of the second non-display area 152. The second glue portion 282 is integrally formed with the second adhesive portion 281. In this way, the seal and protection between the second frame 22121 and the second portion 12 is improved without affecting the screen ratio of the folded screen 10.

Specifically, the second adhesive portion 281 and the second adhesive portion 282 are selected from liquid adhesives. Specifically, the second adhesive portion 281 and the second adhesive portion 282 are selected from ultraviolet curable adhesives. Illustratively, the second adhesive portion 281 and the second adhesive portion 282 are both epoxy glue or two-component adhesive.

For example, the assembly process of the second portion 12 with the second frame 22121 may refer to the assembly process of the first portion 11 and the first frame 21121 in fig. 8. Before assembling the folding screen 10 and the supporting means 20, a protective film may be attached to the display area 14 of the folding screen 10 such that the protective film covers at least the display area 14. Then, a liquid cement is injected into the inner circumferential surface of the second frame 22121, and then the second portion 12 of the folding screen 10 is fixed to the second middle plate 2211 to press the liquid cement, so that the liquid cement may spread in the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the second frame 22121 and the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 12 to fill the entire gap, and the surplus liquid cement may also spread to the second non-display area 152. Since the protective film protrudes from the second non-display area 152. Therefore, after the excess liquid glue is erased by the rubbing process, the liquid glue in the second non-display area 152 can be easily retained. Then, the liquid crystal glue is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the side of the display surface of the folding screen 10 to cure the liquid crystal glue, thereby obtaining the integrated second adhesive portion 281 and second adhesive portion 282. The second colloid portion 282 does not block the second display area 142 under the protection of the protection film. And the second gel portion 282 does not affect the screen ratio of the folding screen 10.

Of course, it is understood that in other examples, the second gel portion 282 may not be provided.

Referring to fig. 13, fig. 13 is an enlarged view of a circled portion at C of the foldable electronic device 100 shown in fig. 2. The foldable electronic device 100 further comprises two flexible members 26. The two flexible pieces 26 are disposed at intervals in the direction in which the pivot axis of the rotation mechanism 23 is located (i.e., the Y-axis direction). The flexible member 26 may be made of materials including, but not limited to, rubber and/or silicone.

The two flexible members 26, the two first extension plates 214 and the two second extension plates 224 are in one-to-one correspondence, that is, each flexible member 26 corresponds to one first extension plate 214 and one second extension plate 224. Each flexible member 26 is connected to a corresponding first extension panel 214 and second extension panel 224.

Specifically, each of the flexible pieces 26 includes a fixed portion 261 and an abutment portion 262. The flexible member 26 is fixedly connected to the corresponding first extension plate 214 and second extension plate 224 by means of the fixing portion 261. The abutment 262 is on the side of the third portion 13 facing away from the rotation mechanism 23. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 100, the abutment 262 abuts against the third portion 13.

Thus, in the foldable electronic device 100, when the foldable electronic device 100 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the abutting portion 262 can apply a force to the third portion 13 toward the rotation mechanism 23, so that the third portion 13 is bent toward the side where the rotation mechanism 23 is located, thereby being beneficial to improving the reliability of the foldable electronic device 100 when switching between the unfolded state and the folded state. Meanwhile, the flexible piece 26 has certain flexibility, and can be bent along with the bending of the third part 13, so that the influence on the bending effect of the third part 13 is reduced.

Specifically, the width dimension w1 of the abutment 262 in the direction of the pivot axis of the rotation mechanism 23 is not more than 1.5mm. Further, a width dimension w1 of the abutment 262 in a direction of the pivot axis of the rotation mechanism 23 is greater than or equal to 0.2mm and less than or equal to 1.2mm. For example, the width dimension w1 of the abutment 262 in the direction of the pivot axis of the rotation mechanism 23 is 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1.0mm or 1.1mm. In this way, the abutting effect of the abutting portion 262 on the third portion 13 can be ensured while avoiding the influence of the excessive width of the abutting portion 262 on the screen ratio of the folding screen 10.

In particular, referring to fig. 14, fig. 14 is a schematic view of the relative relationship of the folding screen 10 and the flexible member 26 in the unfolded state. In order to prevent the flexible member 26 from obscuring the display information of the folding screen 10, the abutment 262 of the flexible member 26 is located in the third non-display area 153. Thus, the abutting portion 262 can be prevented from blocking the third display area 143, and blocking of display information of the third display area 143 is avoided.

Specifically, in the arrangement direction of the first portion 11, the second portion 12, and the third portion 13, the size of the abutment 262 is the same as the size of the third non-display area 153. In this way, the abutting portions 262 overlap with the third non-display area 153 at both side edges in the arrangement direction of the first portion 11, the second portion 12, and the third portion 13. Thereby, the contact area between the contact portion 262 and the third portion 13 is advantageously increased, and the contact effect is improved.

Referring to fig. 15, fig. 15 is an enlarged view of a circled portion at D of the foldable electronic device 100 shown in fig. 4. The first extension plate 214 protrudes from the first portion 11 toward the first supporting surface M1 to form a first raised portion, that is, a portion of the first extension plate 214 protruding from the first portion 11 toward the first supporting surface M1 forms a first raised portion. First stepped portions 2141 are provided on surfaces of the first raised portions of the two first extension plates 214 toward each other, respectively. The first step 2141 extends to a side edge of the first extension plate 214 adjacent to the second extension plate 224.

The second extending plate 224 protrudes from the second portion 12 toward the second supporting surface M2 to form a second raised portion, that is, a portion of the second extending plate 224 protruding from the second portion 12 toward the second supporting surface M2 forms a second raised portion. The second stepped portions 2241 are provided on surfaces of the second elevated portions of the two second extension plates 224 toward each other. The second stepped portion 2241 extends to a side edge of the second extension plate 224 adjacent to the first extension plate 214. The fixing portion 261 of each flexible member 26 is fixed and supported to the first stepped portion 2141 of the corresponding first extension plate 214 and the second stepped portion 2241 of the second extension plate 224 in the corresponding first extension plate 214, second extension plate 224, and flexible member 26.

In this way, the thinner flexible member 26 (for example, the sheet-shaped flexible member 26) is advantageously adopted to cooperate with the first extension plate 214, the second extension plate 224 and the third portion 13 at the same time, so that the structure of the flexible member 26 can be simplified, the thickness of the flexible member 26 can be reduced, the thickness of the whole machine can be reduced, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, the flexible member 26 can be bent along with the bending of the third portion 13, and the influence of the flexible member 26 on the bending effect of the third portion 13 can be further reduced.

Specifically, the flexible member 26 is sheet-like. The sheet-like flexible member 26 is relatively thin, does not occupy space, and is advantageous for reducing the thickness of the foldable electronic device 100. Of course, it is understood that in other examples, the pliable component 26 may not be in a sheet form, e.g., the pliable component 26 may be stepped.

In some examples, the foldable electronic device 100 includes a first glue layer. The fixing portion 261 and the corresponding first step portion 2141 are adhered by a first adhesive layer. Illustratively, the first adhesive layer includes, but is not limited to, a double sided adhesive or a liquid adhesive, which illustratively may be an ultraviolet curable adhesive. Of course, it is understood that, in other examples, the fixing portion 261 and the first step portion 2141 may be connected by a clamping connection, a screw connection, or the like.

In some examples, the foldable electronic device 100 includes a second glue layer. The fixed portion 261 and the corresponding second step portion 2241 are adhered by a second adhesive layer. Illustratively, the second adhesive layer includes, but is not limited to, a double sided adhesive or a liquid adhesive, which illustratively may be an ultraviolet curable adhesive. Of course, it is understood that, in other examples, the fixing portion 261 and the second step portion 2241 may be connected by a clamping connection, a screw connection, or the like.

With continued reference to fig. 13 and 14, each flexible member 26 further includes a connecting portion 263. The connection portion 263 is connected between the fixed portion 261 and the abutment portion 262. In the extending direction of the pivot axis of the rotation mechanism 23, the connecting portion 263 is located between the first extending plate 214 and the third portion 13 and between the second extending plate 224 and the third portion 13. Therefore, the connection portion 263 is in a floating state. In this way, when the foldable electronic device 100 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the flexible member 26 is more easily bent along with the folding of the foldable electronic device 100, and the influence of the flexible member 26 on the bending effect of the third portion 13 is further reduced.

Specifically, the symmetry plane of the flexible member 26 in the extending direction of the pivot axis of the rotation mechanism 23 coincides with the symmetry plane of the third portion 13 in the extending direction of the pivot axis of the rotation mechanism 23. In this way, the abutment portion 262 of the flexible member 26 is beneficial to improving the force applied to the middle portion of the third portion 13 toward the rotation mechanism 23, so that the third portion 13 is bent toward the side where the rotation mechanism 23 is located, and the reliability of the foldable electronic device 100 when switching between the unfolded state and the folded state is improved.

In some examples, in the arrangement direction of the first portion 11, the second portion 12, and the third portion 13, the connection portions 263 of the two flexible pieces 26 are in one-to-one correspondence with and bonded to both ends of the first adhesive portion 271 in the circumferential direction of the first middle plate 2111. In this way, the fixing reliability of the flexible material 26 can be improved, and the gap between the connecting portion 263 and the first adhesive portion 271 can be filled, thereby improving the dustproof and waterproof effect.

The connection portions 263 of the two flexible pieces 26 are bonded in one-to-one correspondence with both ends of the second adhesive portion 281 in the circumferential direction of the second intermediate plate 2211 in the arrangement direction of the first portion 11, the second portion 12, and the third portion 13. In this way, the fixing reliability of the flexible member 26 can be improved, and the gap between the connecting portion 263 and the second adhesive portion 281 can be filled, thereby improving the dustproof and waterproof effects.

Specifically, referring back to fig. 8, in the assembly process of the foldable electronic device 100, the supporting device 20 may be assembled first. And the support device 20 is brought into the unfolded state. Next, liquid glue may be injected into the inner circumferential surface of the first frame 21121 and the inner circumferential surface of the second frame 22121 through a dispensing process, and then the folding screen 10 may be fixed to the supporting device 20. While the liquid glue is pressed by the folding screen 10. Thus, the liquid glue between the inner peripheral surface of the first frame 21121 and the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 11 may spread in the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the first frame 21121 and the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 11 to fill the entire gap, and the liquid glue between the inner peripheral surface of the second frame 22121 and the outer peripheral surface of the second portion 12 may spread in the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the second frame 22121 and the outer peripheral surface of the second portion 12 to fill the entire gap. In this process, the liquid glue spreads to the side of the connection portion 263 to be in contact with the connection portion 263. And then the redundant liquid glue is erased by a glue rubbing process. Then, the liquid crystal glue is irradiated with ultraviolet rays in a direction in which the display surface of the folding screen 10 faces, so that the liquid crystal glue is cured, thereby obtaining the first adhesive part 271 and the second adhesive part 281. Wherein the first adhesive portion 271 may connect the inner peripheral surface of the first frame 21121 and the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 11, and may also be connected to a side edge of the connecting portion 263 near the first frame 21121. The second adhesive portion 281 may connect the inner circumferential surface of the second frame 22121 and the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 12, and may also be connected to a side edge of the connection portion 263 adjacent to the second frame 22121.

In the description of the present specification, a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

Finally, it should be noted that: the above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical solution of the present application, and are not limiting; although the application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that: the technical scheme described in the foregoing embodiments can be modified or some technical features thereof can be replaced by equivalents; such modifications and substitutions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, comprising: the folding screen, the first middle frame, the second middle frame, the rotating mechanism and the first adhesive part;

the folding screen includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion connected between the first portion and the second portion;

the first middle frame and the second middle frame are respectively positioned at two opposite sides of the rotating mechanism, and the first middle frame and the second middle frame are configured to rotate relatively through the rotating mechanism;

The first middle frame comprises a first middle plate and a first frame which are fixedly connected, the first middle plate is provided with a first supporting surface, the first part is fixedly overlapped on the first supporting surface, the second middle frame is provided with a second supporting surface, the second part is fixedly overlapped on the second supporting surface, the rotating mechanism is provided with a third supporting surface, and the third part is supported on the third supporting surface;

the first frame is arranged along the peripheral edge of the first middle plate and is positioned on the side facing the peripheral surface of the first part, the first frame protrudes out of the first part towards the direction facing the first supporting surface, and the inner peripheral surface of the first frame is adhered to the peripheral surface of the first part through the first adhesive part;

the foldable electronic device is switchable between an unfolded state in which the first, second and third support surfaces are congruent and coplanar;

the foldable electronic equipment further comprises a flexible piece, the flexible piece comprises a fixing part and an abutting part, the flexible piece is fixedly connected with the first middle frame and the second middle frame respectively by virtue of the fixing part, the abutting part is positioned at one side of the third part, which is away from the rotating mechanism, and in the unfolding state, the abutting part is abutted with the third part.

2. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first rim and the first middle plate are connected as a unitary structure such that the first middle frame is a unitary piece.

3. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first adhesive portion is an ultraviolet curable adhesive.

4. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the display surface of the first portion comprises a first display area and a first non-display area, the first non-display area disposed along an edge of the first display area;

the foldable electronic device comprises a first colloid part, wherein the first colloid part covers at least part of the first non-display area, and the first colloid part and the first adhesive part are integrally formed.

5. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the foldable electronic device includes a second adhesive portion, the second middle frame includes a second middle plate and a second side frame, the second middle plate has the second supporting surface, the second side frame is disposed along an outer peripheral edge of the second middle plate and is located on a side toward which an outer peripheral surface of the second portion faces, and an inner peripheral surface of the second side frame and an outer peripheral surface of the second portion are adhered by the second adhesive portion.

6. The foldable electronic device of claim 5, wherein the second rim protrudes from the second portion in a direction toward which the second support surface faces.

7. The foldable electronic device of claim 5, wherein the foldable electronic device is switchable between an unfolded state and a folded state, wherein in the folded state, the first middle frame and the second middle frame are stacked and spaced apart, the first side frame and the second side frame are opposite, and the folding screen is positioned between the first middle frame and the second middle frame.

8. The foldable electronic device of claim 5, wherein the second adhesive portion is an ultraviolet curable adhesive.

9. The foldable electronic device of claim 5, wherein the display surface of the second portion comprises a second display area and a second non-display area, the second non-display area disposed along an edge of the second display area;

the foldable electronic device comprises a second colloid part, wherein the second colloid part covers at least part of the second non-display area, and the second colloid part and the second adhesive part are integrally formed.

10. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first middle frame includes two first extension plates, the two first extension plates are located on a side of the first middle plate, which is close to the rotating mechanism, and are disposed opposite to each other in a direction in which a pivot axis of the rotating mechanism is located, the two first extension plates are in one-to-one correspondence with and connected to both ends of the first frame in a circumferential direction of the first middle plate, and a portion of the rotating mechanism is located between the two first extension plates.

11. The foldable electronic device of claim 10, wherein the second middle frame comprises two second extension plates, the two second extension plates being disposed opposite each other in a direction in which a pivot axis of the rotation mechanism is located, a portion of the rotation mechanism being located between the two second extension plates.

12. The foldable electronic device of claim 11, wherein the foldable electronic device comprises a plurality of foldable panels,

the foldable electronic equipment further comprises two flexible pieces, wherein the two flexible pieces are arranged at intervals in the direction of the pivot axis of the rotating mechanism, and each flexible piece corresponds to one first extension plate and one second extension plate;

Each flexible piece is fixedly connected with the corresponding first extension plate and the corresponding second extension plate by the fixing part.

13. The foldable electronic device according to claim 12, wherein a portion of the first extension plate protruding from the first portion in a direction in which the first support surface faces forms a first raised portion, first stepped portions are provided on surfaces of the first raised portions of the two first extension plates facing each other, respectively, the first stepped portions extending to one side edge of the first extension plate adjacent to the second extension plate;

the parts of the second extending plates protruding out of the second parts towards the direction of the second supporting surfaces form second heightening parts, second step parts are respectively arranged on the surfaces of the second heightening parts of the two second extending plates facing each other, and the second step parts extend to one side edge of the second extending plates adjacent to the first extending plates;

the fixing portion is fixed and supported to the corresponding first step portion and second step portion.

14. The foldable electronic device of claim 13, wherein the foldable electronic device comprises a first glue layer and a second glue layer, the securing portion being bonded to the corresponding first step portion by the first glue layer and to the corresponding second step portion by the second glue layer.

15. The foldable electronic device of claim 12, wherein the display surface of the third portion includes a third display area and two third non-display areas, the two third non-display areas being located on both sides of the third display area in a direction in which a pivot axis of the rotation mechanism is located, the two flexible members being in one-to-one correspondence with the two third non-display areas, the abutment portion of each flexible member being located in the corresponding third non-display area.

16. The foldable electronic device of claim 12, wherein the flexible member is sheet-like.

17. The foldable electronic device of claim 12, wherein the flexible member further comprises a connecting portion connected between the fixed portion and the abutment portion, the connecting portion being suspended.

18. The foldable electronic device according to claim 17, wherein the foldable electronic device includes a second adhesive portion, the second middle frame includes a second middle plate and a second side frame, the second middle plate has the second support surface, the second side frame is provided along an outer peripheral edge of the second middle plate and is located on a side toward which an outer peripheral surface of the second portion faces, an inner peripheral surface of the second side frame is adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the second portion by the second adhesive portion, two second extension plates are located on a side of the second middle plate close to the rotation mechanism, and each of the second extension plates is corresponding to and connected to an end portion of the second side frame in a circumferential direction of the second middle plate;

In the arrangement direction of the first part, the second part and the third part, the connecting parts of the two flexible parts are in one-to-one correspondence with and are adhered to two ends of the second adhesive part in the circumferential direction of the second middle plate.

19. The foldable electronic device according to claim 18, wherein the connecting portions of the two flexible members are bonded in one-to-one correspondence with both ends of the first adhesive portion in the circumferential direction of the first middle plate in the arrangement direction of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion.

20. The foldable electronic device of any one of claims 1-19, wherein a height of the first rim protruding from the first portion in a direction toward which the first support surface is oriented is less than or equal to 1mm.