Patent Description:
This disclosure relates to the field of terminal technologies, and the invention in particular relates to an electronic device.

With the explosive growth of electronic devices such as a smartphone or portable equipment (portable equipment, PAD), the electronic devices offer more and more functions. For electronic devices with displays of different areas, relevant functions of the electronic devices offer different experience. Display areas of the displays of the electronic devices are increasingly large. However, when the display area of an electronic device is large, an overall size of the electronic device is relatively large, and the electronic device is not easy to carry. With development of display technologies, a flexible display module may be processed and manufactured.

The flexible display module includes a flexible display and a backplane. Compared with a conventional screen, the flexible display has a significant advantage. For example, the flexible display are bendable and flexible. Therefore, the flexible display can be applied to a foldable electronic device, so as to implement flexible change of a display area, and the folded electronic device has a small size, and is easy to carry. The flexible display needs to use a backplane as a substrate, so that the backplane can provide support for the flexible display, and ensure that the flexible display is even. The backplane includes a bendable area. When parts that are of the backplane and that are located on both sides of the bendable area move close to each other because of an external force, the bendable area can be bent and deformed. In addition, the flexible display and the backplane are synchronously bent. In a related technology, the bendable area of the flexible display of the electronic device is uneven, and consequently, when the flexible display is observed in an off-screen state, reflected light and shadow are deformed, which affects use experience of the flexible display.

<CIT> relates to display device. A display device includes a display panel. The display panel includes a folding region, a first and a second non-folding regions. The first and second non-folding regions at opposite sides of the folding region. A first support plate is below the display panel to overlap the first non-folding region and to partially overlap the folding region. A second support plate is below the display panel to overlap the second non-folding region and to partially overlap the folding region. A first plate coupling film is between the display panel and the first support plate to overlap the first non-folding region. A second plate coupling film is between the display panel and the second support plate to overlap the second non-folding region. A first-step compensating member is between the display panel and the first support plate to overlap the folding region. Apart from the first plate coupling film, the first step compensating member includes a light-shielding layer. A second step compensating member is between the display panel and the second support plate to overlap the folding region. Apart from the second plate coupling film, the second step compensating member includes a light shielding layer.

<CIT> relates to a display module and electronic device including the same. The display module includes a display panel. The display panel includes a first edge and a second edge facing the face edge. A support plate is on a rear surface of the display panel. An adhesive layer is between the display panel and the support plate. The adhesive layer includes a first area and a second area providing a first adhesive force. A third area provides a second adhesive area different from the first adhesive force and disposed between the first area and second area. The third area extends from the first edge to the second edge. The third area has a first width in a central area between the first edge and the second edge. A second width in areas adjacent to the first edge and the second edge. The second width is different from the first width.

The objective of the present invention is to provide an electronic device, so as to resolve a problem that reflected light and shadow on the flexible display are deformed due to an uneven bendable area of the flexible display. This object is solved by the attached independent claims, and further embodiments and improvements of the invention are listed in the attached dependent claims. Hereinafter, up to the "brief description of the drawings", expressions like ". aspect according to the invention", "according to the invention", or "the present invention", relate to technical teaching of the broadest embodiment as claimed with the independent claims. Expressions like "implementation", "design", "optionally", "preferably", "scenario", "aspect" or similar relate to further embodiments as claimed, and expressions like "example", ". aspect according to an example", "the disclosure describes", or "the disclosure" describe technical teaching which relates to the understanding of the claimed invention or its embodiments.

The invention provides an electronic device, and the electronic device includes at least a housing, a flexible display module, a protection plate, a first connector, and a first base plate. The housing includes at least a rotating assembly and two supporters. The rotating assembly is disposed between the two supporters. The supporter is rotatably connected to the rotating assembly. The flexible display module is covered on the housing. The flexible display module includes a backplane. The backplane includes a bendable area. The bendable area of the backplane is disposed facing the rotating assembly. The protection plate is disposed between the backplane and the housing. One of the backplane and the protection plate is connected to the first base plate. A part of the protection plate is located between the bendable area of the backplane and the housing. The first connector connects the backplane and the protection plate. The first connector is disposed on an outer side of the bendable area of the backplane. The first base plate is disposed between the backplane and the protection plate. The first base plate is located on one side that is of the first connector and that faces the bendable area. At least a part of the first base plate is located on the outer side of the bendable area.

In the electronic device according to the invention , a part that is of the backplane and that is close to the bendable area is not limited or restricted by the first base plate and the protection plate, so that when being subjected to a force along a thickness direction, the backplane may move relative to the protection plate, for example, the backplane may move away from the protection plate and cause warping deformation. Therefore, when the bendable area of the backplane generates a bump and deformation, under the action of internal stress, due to stress concentration, deformation of the bendable area may be transmitted to an area that is of the backplane and that is close to the bendable area, so as to drive the area that is of the backplane and that is close to the bendable area to move away from the protection plate to cause the warping deformation. Therefore, a relatively gentle and smooth transition can be implemented between the part that is of the backplane and that is close to the bendable area and the bendable area, stress of the bendable area is released, and a degree of deformation of the bendable area can be reduced, so that an abrupt height difference change occurs between the bendable area and a surface of that is of the backplane and that is close to a part of the bendable area, thereby causing a possibility of uneveness of the flexible display, and reducing a possibility of deformation of reflected light and shadow on the flexible display.

In a possible implementation, the protection plate is connected to the first base plate. The backplane and the first base plate may come into contact with each other or be freely separated from each other. If the first base plate is disposed on the backplane, because the backplane has a relatively small thickness, the disposed first base plate has a possibility of strengthening stiffness of a corresponding area on the backplane, so that a deformation capability of the backplane corresponding to the area of the first base plate is weaker than a deformation capability of another area, and therefore there is a possibility of inconsistent deformation of the backplane, which affects a display effect of the flexible display. In this embodiment, a manner in which the first base plate is fastened to the protection plate may avoid the foregoing case.

In a possible implementation, the protection plate is bonded to the first base plate, so that no additional connection component such as a screw, a buckle, or a rivet needs to be disposed between the protection plate and the first base plate. Therefore, on one hand, complexity of a connection structure between the protection plate and the first base plate is reduced, and assembling difficulty is reduced. On the other hand, a corresponding connection structure, such as a hole, does not need to be disposed on the protection plate and the first base plate, which reduces processing difficulty of the protection plate and the first base plate.

In a possible implementation, a material of the first base plate is an insulating material, so that the first base plate insulates and isolates the flexible display module and the protection plate, thereby reducing a possibility that an electrical signal is transmitted between the protection plate and the flexible display module by using the first base plate.

In a possible implementation, the first base plate is wholly located on the outer side of the bendable area. A manner in which the first base plate is wholly located on the outer side of the bendable area can reduce a processing precision requirement of the backplane, the first base plate, and the protection plate, and avoid a case in which the first base plate jacks up the bendable area.

In a possible implementation, a maximum thickness of the first connector is equal to a maximum thickness of the first base plate, so that a surface that is of the first connector and that faces the backplane may be flush with a surface that is of the first base plate and that faces the backplane. Therefore, when both the first connector and the first base plate come into contact with the backplane, any one of the first connector and the first base plate does not exert a jacking force on the backplane to cause the backplane to generate a bump and deformation.

In a possible implementation, the protection plate includes a through hole. The through hole is located on the outer side of the bendable area of the backplane. The electronic device further includes a second connector. The second connector passes through the through hole and connects the backplane and the housing. The first connector and the first base plate are disposed around the second connector. The backplane is connected to the housing by using the first connector and the protection plate, and is connected to the housing by using the second connector, thereby improving stability of a connection between the backplane and the housing.

In a possible implementation, one of the first connector and the first base plate is connected to the second connector.

In a possible implementation, the second connector is a bonding member, so that no additional connection component such as a screw, a buckle, or a rivet needs to be disposed between the housing and the backplane. Therefore, on one hand, complexity of a connection structure between the housing and the backplane is reduced, and assembling difficulty is reduced. On the other hand, a corresponding connection structure, such as a hole, does not need to be disposed on the housing and the backplane, which reduces processing difficulty of the housing and the backplane, and improves structural integrity of the housing and the backplane.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, there is a spacing between a wall surface that is of the first connector and that faces the through hole and an edge of the through hole, so that a step structure is formed between the first connector and the protection plate. When glue is injected into a position of the through hole, a part of the glue flows to an area exposed by the protection plate, and a part of the second connector formed after the glue is cured is located between the protection plate and the backplane. Therefore, the second connector may be limited or restricted by the protection plate, so that the second connector cannot easily fall out of the through hole and be separated from the protection plate.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, there is a spacing between a wall surface that is of the first base plate and that faces the through hole and the edge of the through hole, so that a step structure is formed between the first base plate and the protection plate. When glue is injected into a position of the through hole, a part of the glue flows to an area exposed by the protection plate, and a part of the second connector formed after the glue is cured is located between the protection plate and the backplane. Therefore, the second connector may be limited or restricted by the protection plate, so that the second connector cannot easily fall out of the through hole and be separated from the protection plate.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, more than two through holes are spaced along an axial direction of a rotating shaft of the rotating assembly. A glue dispensing device controls the amount of glue dispensed at a time, so that after glue dispensing is performed on each through hole, it can be ensured that the through hole is filled with sufficient glue, and a case in which the glue is not controlled accurately because a size of the through hole is excessively large can be avoided, thereby improving glue dispensing efficiency, and reducing a possibility that the through hole is filled with insufficient glue or the glue overflows after the through hole is filled with excessive glue. In addition, a manner in which a plurality of through holes are disposed on the protection plate may avoid a case in which an overall stiffness of the protection plate is low due to large sizes of the through holes.

In a possible implementation, the first connector is a bonding member, so that no additional connection component such as a screw, a buckle, or a rivet needs to be disposed between the protection plate and the backplane. Therefore, on one hand, complexity of a connection structure between the protection plate and the backplane is reduced, and assembling difficulty is reduced. On the other hand, a corresponding connection structure, such as a hole, does not need to be disposed on the protection plate and the backplane, which reduces processing difficulty of the protection plate and the backplane, and improves structural integrity of the protection plate and backplane.

In a possible implementation, a thickness of the backplane is greater than a thickness of the protection plate. Compared with the backplane, the protection plate has lower stiffness, so that the protection plate can be easily bent and deformed relative to the backplane. This reduces a possibility that the protection plate exerts great resistance on a bending process of the backplane because the protection plate cannot be bent and affects the stability of the bending process of the backplane.

In a possible implementation, a material of the backplane includes at least one of iron, titanium, nickel, and chromium elements. Alternatively, a material of the protection plate includes at least one of iron, titanium, nickel, and chromium elements.

In a possible implementation, the bendable area is a stiffness weakening area.

In a possible implementation, the electronic device further includes a third connector. The third connector connects the protection plate and the housing, so that the protection plate cannot easily move, and then relative positions of the protection plate and the housing cannot easily change.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, the third connector is a bonding member, so that no additional connection component such as a screw, a buckle, or a rivet needs to be disposed between the protection plate and the housing. Therefore, on one hand, complexity of a connection structure between the protection plate and the housing is reduced, and assembling difficulty is reduced. On the other hand, a corresponding connection structure, such as a hole, does not need to be disposed on the protection plate and the housing, which reduces processing difficulty of the protection plate and the housing, and improves structural integrity of the protection plate and the housing.

In a possible implementation, the electronic device further includes a second base plate. One of the backplane and the protection plate is connected to the second base plate. The second base plate is located on one side that is of the first base plate and that is away from the first connector. At least a part of the second base plate is located between the bendable area and the protection plate. The second base plate may separate the backplane from the protection plate, so that when the backplane is bent, there is no direct contact between the bendable area and the protection plate, but the bendable area and the protection plate may separately come into contact with the second base plate, thereby reducing a possibility that the bendable area and the protection plate generate noise or structural abrasion due to mutual impact or relative slip after the bendable area and the protection plate directly come into contact with each other.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, a thickness of the second base plate is less than a thickness of the first base plate, so that a surface that is of the first base plate and that faces the backplane is higher than a surface that is of the second base plate and that faces the backplane. Because a spacing between the bendable area of the backplane and a protection plate is relatively small, and there are errors in thicknesses of the backplane, the second base plate, and the protection plate in a processing and manufacturing process, when the thickness of the second base plate is greater than a spacing between the bendable area and the protection plate, the second base plate exerts a jacking force on the bendable area, so that the bendable area generates a bump. In this embodiment, a manner in which the thickness of the second base plate is less than the thickness of the first base plate can reduce a processing precision requirement of the backplane, the second base plate, and the protection plate, and avoid a case in which the second base plate jacks up the bendable area.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, the protection plate is bonded to the second base plate, so that no additional connection component such as a screw, a buckle, or a rivet needs to be disposed between the protection plate and the second base plate. Therefore, on one hand, complexity of a connection structure between the protection plate and the second base plate is reduced, and assembling difficulty is reduced. On the other hand, a corresponding connection structure, such as a hole, does not need to be disposed on the protection plate and the second base plate, which reduces processing difficulty of the protection plate and the second base plate.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, a material of the second base plate is an insulating material, so that the second base plate may insulate and isolate the backplane and the protection plate, thereby reducing a possibility that an electrical signal is transmitted between the backplane and the protection plate by using the second base plate.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, the first base plate and the second base plate are integrally formed. Both the first base plate and the second base plate are connected to the protection plate. Alternatively, both the first base plate and the second base plate are connected to the backplane.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, the electronic device further includes a third base plate. The third base plate is located between the protection plate and the housing. The third base plate may separate the housing from the protection plate. There is no direct contact between the housing and the protection plate, but the housing and the protection plate may separately come into contact with the third base plate, thereby reducing a possibility that noise or structural abrasion occurs between the housing and the protection plate due to mutual impact or relative slip after the housing and the protection plate directly come into contact with each other.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, the third base plate is located on one side that is of the first base plate and that is away from the first connector.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, the third base plate is disposed on a surface that is of the protection plate and that is away from the backplane.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, the protection plate is bonded to the third base plate, so that no additional connection component such as a screw, a buckle, or a rivet needs to be disposed between the protection plate and the third base plate. Therefore, on one hand, complexity of a connection structure between the protection plate and the third base plate is reduced, and assembling difficulty is reduced. On the other hand, a corresponding connection structure, such as a hole, does not need to be disposed on the protection plate and the third base plate, which reduces processing difficulty of the protection plate and the third base plate.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, a material of the third base plate is an insulating material, so that the third base plate insulates and isolates the housing and the protection plate, thereby reducing a possibility that an electrical signal is transmitted between the housing and the protection plate by using the third base plate.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, a quantity of protection plates is two. The two protection plates are separately connected to the two supporters. A gap is formed between the two protection plates. When the electronic device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, because there is a gap between the two protection plates, there is no contact between the two protection plates, thereby reducing a possibility of an abnormal sound, noise, or abrasion of the two protection plates due to mutual impact or relative extrusion between the two protection plates.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, a quantity of protection plates is one. The protection plate includes a bendable segment and a transfer segment. The bendable segment of the protection plate is disposed between the two transfer segments. The bendable segment of the protection plate is disposed corresponding to the bendable area of the backplane. The two transfer segments are separately connected to the two supporters. The first connector connects the backplane and the transfer segment. The first base plate is disposed between the backplane and the transfer segment. Because the protection plate is an integrated structure, in a process in which the electronic device switches from a folded state to an unfolded state, the protection plate cannot be easily inserted into a hole or a concave part on a housing, thereby reducing a possibility that the electronic device cannot continue to unfold because the protection plate is stuck during insertion of the protection plate into the housing and cannot be moved.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, a plurality of through holes are disposed on the bendable segment, so as to reduce stiffness of the bendable segment, thereby facilitating bending deformation of the bendable segment when being subjected to a relatively small force.

In a possible not-claimed implementation, an area that is of the housing and that faces the bendable area includes a hole and a concave part, and the protection plate covers the hole and the concave part. The protection plate can strengthen the protection capability of the bendable area on the backplane, effectively protect the bendable area, and reduce a possibility that the bendable area is subjected to impact to be deformed and damaged.

Electronic device; <NUM>. Housing; 20a. Concave part; <NUM>. Supporter; <NUM>. Rotating assembly; 22a. Rotating shaft; <NUM>. Flexible display module; <NUM>. Flexible display; <NUM>. First display area; <NUM>. Second display area; <NUM>. Third display area; <NUM>. Backplane; 32a. Hollowed-out hole; <NUM>. Bendable area; <NUM>. Support area; <NUM>. Protection plate; 40a. Through hole; 40b. Concave surface; 40c. Convex surface; 40d. Through hole; <NUM>. Bendable segment; <NUM>. Transfer segment; <NUM>. First connector; <NUM>. First base plate; <NUM>. Second connector; <NUM>. Third connector; 80a. Avoidance hole; <NUM>. Second base plate; <NUM>. Third base plate; <NUM>. Gap; <NUM>. Avoidance space; <NUM>. Concave groove; <NUM>. Convex part; Y. Axial direction; Z. Thickness direction.

An electronic device in embodiments of this application may be a mobile terminal or a fixed terminal, such as user equipment (user equipment, UE) or a terminal (terminal). For example, the electronic device may be a portable android device (portable android device, PAD), a personal digital assistant (personal digital assistant, PDA), a handheld device with a wireless communication function, a computing device, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a virtual reality (virtual reality, VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (augmented reality, AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control (industrial control), a wireless terminal in self driving (self driving), a wireless terminal in remote medical (remote medical), a wireless terminal in a smart grid (smart grid), a wireless terminal in transportation safety (transportation safety), a wireless terminal in a smart city (smart city), or a wireless terminal in a smart home (smart home). A form of the terminal device is not specifically limited in embodiments of this application.

In embodiments of this application, <FIG> schematically shows a structure of an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, an example in which the electronic device <NUM> is a handheld device with a wireless communication function is used for description. For example, the handheld device with a wireless communication function may be a mobile phone. For example, the mobile phone may be a foldable mobile phone including a flexible display.

<FIG> schematically shows a structure of the electronic device <NUM> in a semi-folded state. <FIG> schematically shows a structure of the electronic device <NUM> in a folded state. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> includes at least two supporters <NUM> and a rotating assembly <NUM>. The two supporters <NUM> are separately located on two sides of the rotating assembly <NUM>. The rotating assembly <NUM> includes a rotating shaft. The two supporters <NUM> are separately rotatably connected to the rotating assembly <NUM>. For example, the two supporters <NUM> may be separately connected to the rotating assembly <NUM> in a welding manner, a fastener locking manner, or the like. The two supporters <NUM> may rotate and fold relative to the rotating assembly <NUM>. When the two supporters <NUM> are close to each other and are stacked on each other, the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state. When the two supporters <NUM> are separated from each other from a stacked state and the two supporters <NUM> cannot rotate, the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state. A process in which the two supporters <NUM> switch from the folded state to the unfolded state is an unfolding process, and a process in which the two supporters <NUM> switch from the unfolded state to the folded state is a folding process. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state, the two supporters <NUM> are stacked in a state of a two-layer structure. For example, the supporter <NUM> may include a middle frame or a rear cover.

<FIG> schematically shows a partial decomposition structure of an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> further includes a flexible display module <NUM>. The flexible display module <NUM> is covered on a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may provide a mounting base for the flexible display module <NUM>.

The flexible display module <NUM> includes a flexible display <NUM> and a backplane <NUM>. The flexible display <NUM> includes a display area used to display image information. The flexible display <NUM> may include a touch function. The user may touch the display area of the flexible display <NUM> with a hand, to execute a corresponding operation instruction.

The flexible display <NUM> may include a first display area <NUM>, a second display area <NUM>, and a third display area <NUM>. The first display area <NUM> may be disposed corresponding to one supporter <NUM>. The second display area <NUM> may be disposed corresponding to the other supporter <NUM>. The third display area <NUM> may be disposed corresponding to the rotating assembly <NUM>. The flexible display <NUM> is bendable. When the two supporters <NUM> are in a folded state, the flexible display <NUM> is in a bent state. The first display area <NUM> and the second display area <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> are close to each other, and the third display area <NUM> may be bent into an arc state. When the two supporters <NUM> are in an unfolded state, the flexible display <NUM> is in an unfolded state, and the first display area <NUM>, the second display area <NUM>, and the third display area <NUM> are in a flat state. Therefore, the electronic device <NUM> may change an overall size in a folded manner or an unfolded manner, and may also has a relatively large display area in an unfolded state.

<FIG> schematically shows a structure of a backplane <NUM> according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the backplane <NUM> includes a bendable area <NUM> and a support area <NUM>. Two support areas <NUM> are separately located on two sides of the bendable area <NUM>. The bendable area <NUM> is disposed facing the rotating assembly <NUM>. Along a thickness direction Z of the electronic device <NUM>, there is a spacing gap between the bendable area <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility of position interference between the bendable area <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. It should be noted that the thickness direction Z of the electronic device <NUM> refers to a stacking direction of the flexible display module <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The thickness direction Z of the electronic device <NUM> is perpendicular to an axial direction Y of a rotating shaft of the rotating assembly <NUM>.

The backplane <NUM> is bendable in the bendable area <NUM>. When the backplane <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the two support areas <NUM> and the bendable areas <NUM> are flush with each other. When the backplane <NUM> is in a folded state, the bendable area <NUM> is bent, and the two support areas <NUM> are close to each other and are stacked on each other. For example, the bendable area <NUM> can be in a circular arc shape after being bent.

The flexible display <NUM> is laid flat on a surface that is of the backplane <NUM> and that is away from the housing <NUM>. The flexible display <NUM> and the backplane <NUM> may be synchronously folded or unfolded. The flexible display <NUM> may be connected to a surface of the backplane <NUM>, for example, through bonding. The first display area <NUM> may be disposed corresponding to one support area <NUM>. The second display area <NUM> may be disposed corresponding to the other support area <NUM>. The third display area <NUM> may be disposed corresponding to the bendable area <NUM>.

A material of the backplane <NUM> may be a metal material. For example, a material of the backplane <NUM> includes at least one of iron, titanium, nickel, and chromium elements. For example, a material of the backplane <NUM> may be, but is not limited to, steel, stainless steel, or titanium alloy. A shape of the backplane <NUM> in an unfolded state may be, but is not limited to, a rectangle or a square.

Along the thickness direction Z of the electronic device <NUM>, each of the flexible display <NUM> and the backplane <NUM> has a relatively small thickness, so that an overall thickness of the assembled flexible display module <NUM> is relatively small. Therefore, the flexible display module <NUM> is sensitive to an action force in the thickness direction Z, that is, the flexible display module <NUM> can be easily deformed when being subjected to the action force in the thickness direction Z. For example, a value range of the thickness of the backplane <NUM> may be, but is not limited to, <NUM> to <NUM>.

The bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> is a stiffness weakening area. Stiffness of each of the two support areas <NUM> is higher than stiffness of the bendable area <NUM>, so that when the two support areas <NUM> are subjected to a folding force, the backplane <NUM> may be relatively easily bent in the bendable area <NUM>. In some examples, a plurality of hollowed-out holes 32a may be disposed on the bendable area <NUM>, so as to reduce the stiffness of the bendable area <NUM>, thereby facilitating bending deformation of the bendable area <NUM> when being subjected to a relatively small force. For example, the hollowed-out hole 32a is disposed penetrating through the backplane <NUM>. In some other examples, thicknesses of the two support areas <NUM> are greater than the thickness of the bendable area <NUM>, so as to reduce the stiffness of the bendable area <NUM>, thereby facilitating bending deformation of the bendable area <NUM> when being subjected to a relatively small force.

<FIG> schematically shows a partial cross-sectional structure of an electronic device <NUM> in a related technology. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an area that is on two support areas <NUM> of a backplane <NUM> and that is close to a bendable area <NUM> is connected to a housing <NUM>. Therefore, the area is restricted, and can hardly move relative to the housing <NUM>. Because stiffness of the bendable area <NUM> is relatively small and may be deformed due to internal stress, after the area that is of two support areas <NUM> and that is close to a bendable area <NUM>, deformation of the bendable area <NUM> cannot be transmitted to the support area <NUM>, so as to drive the support area <NUM> to move relative to the housing <NUM>, so that the bendable area <NUM> has a bump relative to the support area <NUM>, and a case of height difference mutation occurs between the bump and a surface of the support area <NUM>. This deformation of the backplane <NUM> is transmitted to a corresponding area of a flexible display <NUM>, which causes uneveness of the flexible display <NUM>. Therefore, when the opened flexible display <NUM> is observed in a closed screen state, there is a problem of deformation of reflected light and shadow.

The electronic device <NUM> in this embodiment of this application can resolve a problem of deformation of reflected light and shadow on the flexible display <NUM> due to uneveness of the flexible display <NUM> in the bendable area <NUM>, thereby improving use experience satisfaction of the flexible display <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically shows a partial cross-sectional structure of an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in this embodiment of this application further includes a protection plate <NUM>, a first connector <NUM>, and a first base plate <NUM>.

The protection plate <NUM> is disposed between a backplane <NUM> and a housing <NUM>. The backplane <NUM> and the housing <NUM> are separately connected to the protection plate <NUM>. For example, the protection plate <NUM> may be connected to a supporter <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the protection plate <NUM> may be connected to a rotating assembly <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. A part of the protection plate <NUM> is located between a bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, that is, a part of the protection plate <NUM> is located on an inner side of the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM>. It should be noted that the fact that a part of the protection plate <NUM> is located on an inner side of the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> means that an orthographic projection of the part of the protection plate <NUM> overlaps with an orthographic projection of the bendable area <NUM> along a thickness direction Z. A part of the protection plate <NUM> is located on an outer side of the bendable area <NUM>, and there is a spacing between the part of the protection plate <NUM> and the bendable area <NUM>. For example, a part of the protection plate <NUM> may be located between a support area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The support area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> may be connected to the protection plate <NUM>. It should be noted that the fact that a part of the protection plate <NUM> is located on an outer side of the bendable area <NUM> means that an orthographic projection of the part of the protection plate <NUM> does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the bendable area <NUM> along a thickness direction Z.

It should be noted that the outer side of the bendable area <NUM> refers to an area that is outside the orthographic projection of the bendable area <NUM> along the thickness direction Z. The inner side of the bendable area <NUM> refers to an area that is located within the orthographic projection of the bendable area <NUM> along the thickness direction Z. A boundary line between the outer side and the inner side of the bendable area <NUM> is an edge line of the bendable area <NUM> along the thickness direction Z.

Because stiffness of the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> is relatively small, an impact resistance capability of the bendable area <NUM> is weaker than that of the support area <NUM>. Therefore, when being subjected to a force along the thickness direction Z, the bendable area <NUM> may be relatively easily deformed or damaged. In addition, an area that is of the housing <NUM> and that faces the bendable area <NUM> includes a hole 20a or a concave part 20b. For example, the hole 20a needs to be reserved at a position in which the supporter <NUM> is connected to the rotating assembly <NUM>. Alternatively, there is a height difference between the supporter <NUM> and the rotating assembly <NUM> to form a concave part 20b. Alternatively, there is a height difference between structures of the rotating assembly <NUM> to form a concave part 20b. In a dimension of the entire electronic device <NUM>, an area that includes a hole 20a or a concave part 20b has a relatively weak impact resistance capability, and consequently, a protection capability below the bendable area <NUM> is weak, and there is a possibility that the bendable area <NUM> is subjected to impact to be deformed and damaged. The protection plate <NUM> disposed in this application may cover the hole 20a or the concave part 20b, so as to strengthen the protection capability of the bendable area <NUM>, thereby forming effective protection against the bendable area <NUM>, and reducing a possibility that the bendable area <NUM> is subjected to impact to be deformed and damaged.

A material of the protection plate <NUM> may be a metal material. For example, a material of the protection plate <NUM> includes at least one of iron, titanium, nickel, and chromium elements. For example, a material of the protection plate <NUM> may be, but is not limited to, steel, stainless steel, or titanium alloy. For example, a material of the backplane <NUM> may be the same as a material of the protection plate <NUM>.

The first connector <NUM> connects the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>. The backplane <NUM> is connected to the protection plate <NUM> by using the first connector <NUM>. After the first connector <NUM> connects the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, the first connector <NUM> exerts a binding force on the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, so that at the first connector <NUM>, the backplane <NUM> cannot easily move relative to the protection plate <NUM>. For example, when the backplane <NUM> is subjected to a force along the thickness direction Z, an area that is of the backplane <NUM> and that is at the first connector <NUM> cannot easily move away from the protection plate <NUM>. For example, the first connector <NUM> connects the support area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>.

The first connector <NUM> is disposed on the outer side of the bendable area <NUM>, so that an orthographic projection of the first connector <NUM> does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the bendable area <NUM> along a thickness direction Z. There is a predetermined spacing between the first connector <NUM> and the bendable area <NUM>. Therefore, the first connector <NUM> is relatively far from the bendable area <NUM>, so that a part that is of the support area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> and that goes beyond the first connector <NUM> is located between the first connector <NUM> and the bendable area <NUM>.

The first base plate <NUM> is disposed between the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, so that the first base plate <NUM> may fill space between the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>. The first base plate <NUM> is located on one side that is of the first connector <NUM> and that faces the bendable area <NUM>. One of the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> is connected to the first base plate <NUM>, so that the first base plate <NUM> is fastened to one of the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, and the other of the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> is not connected to the first base plate <NUM>, that is, the other of the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> may come into contact with each other or be freely separated from each other.

For example, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the backplane <NUM>, the first base plate <NUM>, and the protection plate <NUM> may come into contact with each other, so that the first base plate <NUM> may support the backplane <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility that the backplane <NUM> is dented toward the housing <NUM> because of suspension of the backplane <NUM> in an area of the first base plate <NUM>. When the electronic device <NUM> switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, at the first base plate <NUM>, a spacing between the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> may be increased, so that one of the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> is separated from the first base plate <NUM>, and no tension stress is generated on the first base plate <NUM> when the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> are separated. Therefore, when the backplane <NUM> moves away from the protection plate <NUM>, the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> do not exert a tension stress on the first base plate <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility that the electronic device <NUM> generates an abnormal sound or deformation of the backplane <NUM> because the first base plate <NUM> bears a relatively large tension stress and is peeled off from one of the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>.

At least a part of the first base plate <NUM> is located on the outer side of the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM>, so that an orthographic projection of the part of the first base plate <NUM> on the outer side of the bendable area <NUM> does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the bendable area <NUM> along the thickness direction Z. A part that is of the first base plate <NUM> and that is located on the outer side of the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> is disposed between the first connector <NUM> and the bendable area <NUM>. For example, a part that is of the first base plate <NUM> and that is located on the outer side of the bendable area <NUM> is located below the support area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM>, so that a part that is of the support area <NUM> and that goes beyond the first connector <NUM> can be supported.

The part that is of the support area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> and that goes beyond the first connector <NUM> is not limited or restricted by the first base plate <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, so that the backplane <NUM> may move relative to the protection plate <NUM> when being subjected to an action force along the thickness direction Z, for example, may move away from the protection plate <NUM> to cause the warping deformation. Therefore, when the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> generates a bump and deformation, under the action of internal stress, due to stress concentration, deformation of the bendable area <NUM> may be transmitted to an area that is of the support area <NUM> and that is close to the bendable area <NUM>, so as to drive the area that is of the support area <NUM> and that is close to the bendable area <NUM> to move away from the protection plate <NUM> to cause the warping deformation. Therefore, a relatively gentle and smooth transition can be implemented between the support area <NUM> and the bendable area <NUM>, stress of the bendable area <NUM> is released, and a degree of deformation of the bendable area <NUM> can be reduced, so that an abrupt height difference change occurs between surfaces that are of the bendable area <NUM> and the support area <NUM>, thereby causing a possibility of uneveness of the flexible display <NUM>, and reducing a possibility of deformation of reflected light and shadow on the flexible display <NUM>.

In some implementations, the protection plate <NUM> is connected to the first base plate <NUM>, that is, the protection plate <NUM> cannot be easily separated from the first base plate <NUM>, and the backplane <NUM> is not connected to the first base plate <NUM>, that is, the backplane <NUM> may be freely separated from the first base plate <NUM>. It should be noted that free separation means that when the backplane <NUM> is separated from the first base plate <NUM>, the backplane <NUM> does not exert a tension stress on the first base plate <NUM>. The first base plate <NUM> has a predetermined thickness, so the first base plate <NUM> has specific stiffness. If the first base plate <NUM> is disposed on the backplane <NUM>, because the backplane <NUM> has a relatively small thickness, the disposed first base plate <NUM> has a possibility of strengthening stiffness of a corresponding area on the backplane <NUM>, so that a deformation capability of the backplane <NUM> corresponding to the area of the first base plate <NUM> is weaker than a deformation capability of another area, and therefore there is a possibility of inconsistent deformation of the backplane <NUM>, which affects a display effect of the flexible display <NUM>. In this embodiment, a manner in which the first base plate <NUM> is fastened to the protection plate <NUM> may avoid the foregoing case.

The backplane <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> may come into contact with each other or be freely separated from each other. Referring to <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the backplane <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> are in a contact state, so that the first base plate <NUM> may form a support for the backplane <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically shows a partial cross-sectional structure of an electronic device <NUM> in a semi-folded state according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, in a position of a first base plate <NUM>, a spacing between a backplane <NUM> and a protection plate <NUM> may be increased, so that the backplane <NUM> may be partially or completely separated from the first base plate <NUM>. When the backplane <NUM> is separated from the first base plate <NUM>, the backplane <NUM> does not generate a tension stress on the first base plate <NUM>.

In some examples, a first connector <NUM> may be disposed in an edge area of the protection plate <NUM>. The first base plate <NUM> and the first connector <NUM> may come into contact with each other. At least a part of a surface that is of the first base plate <NUM> and that faces the first connector <NUM> comes into contact with the first connector <NUM>. Therefore, a surface that is of the first connector <NUM> and that faces the first base plate <NUM> is used as a reference, and then the first base plate <NUM> is disposed on the protection plate <NUM>, which can improve position assembly precision of the first base plate <NUM>.

In some other examples, a spacing may be reserved between the first base plate <NUM> and the first connector <NUM>, so that a buffer space is formed between the first base plate <NUM> and the first connector <NUM>. When at least one of the first base plate <NUM> and the first connector <NUM> expands toward each other, a possibility of mutual extrusion between the first base plate <NUM> and the first connector <NUM> may be reduced.

In some implementations, the protection plate <NUM> is bonded to the first base plate <NUM>, so that no additional connection component such as a screw, a buckle, or a rivet needs to be disposed between the protection plate <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM>. Therefore, on one hand, complexity of a connection structure between the protection plate <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> is reduced, and assembling difficulty is reduced. On the other hand, a corresponding connection structure, such as a hole, does not need to be disposed on the protection plate <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM>, which reduces processing difficulty of the protection plate <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM>. In some examples, glue is applied to a predetermined position of at least one of the protection plate <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM>, and then the protection plate <NUM> is bonded to the first base plate <NUM>. After the glue is cured, the first base plate <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> are firmly connected, and the two cannot be easily separated. In some other examples, the first base plate <NUM> includes a sticky surface. The first base plate <NUM> may be directly stuck to a surface that is of the protection plate <NUM> and that faces the backplane <NUM>. In this embodiment, when the backplane <NUM> is separated from the first base plate <NUM>, the backplane <NUM> does not generate the tension stress on the first base plate <NUM>, so that a bonding layer between the first base plate <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> does not peel off from the protection plate <NUM> and generate an abnormal sound.

In some implementations, a material of the first base plate <NUM> is an insulating material, so that the first base plate <NUM> insulates and isolates a flexible display module <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility that an electrical signal is transmitted between the protection plate <NUM> and the flexible display module <NUM> by using the first base plate <NUM>. The first base plate <NUM> has good flexibility. When the backplane <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> are switched between a contact state and a separation state, the backplane <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> cannot easily generate noise due to mutual impact or friction between the two. This improves mute degree in a switching process of the electronic device <NUM> between the unfolded state and the folded state, and also reduces a possibility that the backplane <NUM> is scratched by the first base plate <NUM> and scratches occur. In some examples, the first base plate <NUM> may be a plastic diaphragm or a plastic film. For example, a material of the first base plate <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polystyrene.

In some implementations, <FIG> schematically shows a partial cross-sectional structure of an electronic device <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, a first base plate <NUM> is wholly located on an outer side of a bendable area <NUM> of a backplane <NUM>, so that an orthographic projection of the first base plate <NUM> does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the bendable area <NUM> along a thickness direction Z. The first base plate <NUM> is disposed between a first connector <NUM> and the bendable area <NUM>. Because a spacing between the bendable area <NUM> and a protection plate <NUM> is relatively small, and a thickness error exists between the backplane <NUM>, the first base plate <NUM>, and the protection plate <NUM> in a processing and manufacturing process, when the thickness of the first base plate <NUM> is greater than a spacing between the bendable area <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, the first base plate <NUM> exerts a jacking force on the bendable area <NUM>, so that the bendable area <NUM> generates a bump. In this embodiment, a manner in which the first base plate <NUM> is wholly located on the outer side of the bendable area <NUM> can reduce a processing precision requirement of the backplane <NUM>, the first base plate <NUM>, and the protection plate <NUM>, and avoid a case in which the first base plate <NUM> jacks up the bendable area <NUM>.

In some examples, a value range of a spacing between the first connector <NUM> and the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> may be, but is not limited to, <NUM> to <NUM>. A side face that is of the first base plate <NUM> and that is away from the first connector <NUM> may be flush with an edge of the bendable area <NUM> in the thickness direction Z. Alternatively, a spacing between the side face that is of the first base plate <NUM> and that is away from the first connector <NUM> and the edge of the bendable area <NUM> is reserved. For example, a value range of the reserved spacing may be, but is not limited to, <NUM> to <NUM>.

In some implementations, the first connector <NUM> is a bonding member, so that no additional connection component such as a screw, a buckle, or a rivet needs to be disposed between the protection plate <NUM> and the backplane <NUM>. Therefore, on one hand, complexity of a connection structure between the protection plate <NUM> and the backplane <NUM> is reduced, and assembling difficulty is reduced. On the other hand, a corresponding connection structure, such as a hole, does not need to be disposed on the protection plate <NUM> and the backplane <NUM>, which reduces processing difficulty of the protection plate <NUM> and the backplane <NUM>, and improves structural integrity of the protection plate <NUM> and backplane <NUM>. In some examples, the first connector <NUM> may be a double faced adhesive tape. Alternatively, glue is applied to a predetermined position of at least one of the protection plate <NUM> and the backplane <NUM>, and the protection plate <NUM> and the backplane <NUM> are bonded to each other. After the glue is cured, a first connector <NUM> is formed. In some examples, the first connector <NUM> is an insulating member, so that the first connector <NUM> insulates and isolates the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility that an electrical signal is transmitted between the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> by using the first connector <NUM>.

In some implementations, a maximum thickness of the first connector <NUM> is equal to a maximum thickness of the first base plate <NUM>, so that a surface that is of the first connector <NUM> and that faces the backplane <NUM> may be flush with a surface that is of the first base plate <NUM> and that faces the backplane <NUM>. Therefore, when both the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> come into contact with the backplane <NUM>, any one of the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> does not exert a jacking force on the backplane <NUM> to cause the backplane <NUM> to generate a bump and deformation. For example, the surface that is of the first connector <NUM> and that faces the backplane <NUM> is a plane. The surface that is of the first base plate <NUM> and that faces the backplane <NUM> is a plane. For example, the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> each are a structural member with an even thickness.

In some implementations, <FIG> schematically shows a structure of a connection state of a protection plate <NUM>, a first connector <NUM>, and a first base plate <NUM> according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, the protection plate <NUM> includes a through hole 40a. The through hole 40a is located on an outer side of a bendable area <NUM> of a backplane <NUM>. Along a thickness direction Z of the electronic device <NUM>, the through hole 40a penetrates through two surfaces of the protection plate <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> further includes a second connector <NUM>. The second connector <NUM> passes through the through hole 40a and connects the backplane <NUM> and a housing <NUM>. One end of the second connector <NUM> is directly connected to the backplane <NUM>, and the other end is directly connected to the housing <NUM>. The first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> are disposed around the second connector <NUM>, that is, the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> are disposed along a circumferential direction of the second connector <NUM>. The backplane <NUM> is connected to the housing <NUM> by using the first connector <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, and is connected to the housing <NUM> by using the second connector <NUM>, thereby improving stability of a connection between the backplane <NUM> and the housing <NUM>.

In some examples, the second connector <NUM> is a bonding member, so that no additional connection component such as a screw, a buckle, or a rivet needs to be disposed between the housing <NUM> and the backplane <NUM>. Therefore, on one hand, complexity of a connection structure between the housing <NUM> and the backplane <NUM> is reduced, and assembling difficulty is reduced. On the other hand, a corresponding connection structure, such as a hole, does not need to be disposed on the housing <NUM> and the backplane <NUM>, which reduces processing difficulty of the housing <NUM> and the backplane <NUM>, and improves structural integrity of the housing <NUM> and the backplane <NUM>.

For example, glue is then injected into a position of the through hole 40a in a glue dispensing manner, and the backplane <NUM> is covered and disposed on the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM>. After the glue is cured, a second connector <NUM> is formed, so that both the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> are connected to the backplane <NUM>.

For example, a maximum thickness of the first connector <NUM> is equal to a maximum thickness of the first base plate <NUM>, so that in a process of injecting the glue and when the backplane <NUM> is covered and disposed on the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM>, the glue is blocked by the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> along a radial direction of the through hole 40a, and does not flow between the backplane <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility that the backplane <NUM> is bonded to the first base plate <NUM>, or does not flow to outer side areas of the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility that the backplane <NUM> is unnecessarily connected to another structure by using overflow glue.

<FIG> schematically shows a partial cross-sectional structure of an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, a first connector <NUM> and a first base plate <NUM> are disposed avoiding a through hole 40a of a protection plate <NUM>. An avoidance space <NUM> is formed between the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM>, so that neither the first connector <NUM> nor the first base plate <NUM> shields the through hole 40a, so as to avoid that in an axial direction of the through hole 40a, the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> form a barrier against glue, and then the glue cannot be easily injected into the through hole 40a. An axial direction of the through hole 40a is the same as a thickness direction Z.

In some examples, the first connector <NUM> is connected to a second connector <NUM>, so that the first connector <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> may form an integrated structure, which improves stability of a connection structure of a backplane <NUM>, the first connector <NUM>, the second connector <NUM>, and the protection plate <NUM>, and also reduces a possibility that the first connector <NUM> is separated from the backplane <NUM> or the first connector <NUM> is separated from the protection plate <NUM>.

In some examples, the first base plate <NUM> is connected to the second connector <NUM>, so that the first base plate <NUM> and the second connector <NUM> may form an integrated structure, which improves stability of a connection structure of the first base plate <NUM>, the second connector <NUM>, and the protection plate <NUM>, and also reduces a possibility that the first base plate <NUM> is separated from the protection plate <NUM>.

It can be understood that both the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> are connected to the second connector <NUM>.

In some examples, there is a spacing between a wall surface that is of the first connector <NUM> and that faces the through hole 40a and an edge of the through hole 40a, so that a step structure is formed between the first connector <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>. The first connector <NUM> does not cover an area that is of the protection plate <NUM> and that is close to the through hole 40a, so that the area is exposed. When the glue is injected into a position of the through hole 40a, a part of the glue flows to an area exposed by the protection plate <NUM>, and a part of the second connector <NUM> formed after the glue is cured is located between the protection plate <NUM> and the backplane <NUM>. In some other examples, there is a spacing between a wall surface that is of the first base plate <NUM> and that faces the through hole 40a and the edge of the through hole 40a, so that a step structure is formed between the first base plate <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>. The first base plate <NUM> does not cover an area that is of the protection plate <NUM> and that is close to the through hole 40a, so that the area is exposed. When the glue is injected into a position of the through hole 40a, a part of the glue flows to an area exposed by the protection plate <NUM>, and a part of the second connector <NUM> formed after the glue is cured is located between the protection plate <NUM> and the backplane <NUM>. Therefore, the second connector <NUM> may be limited or restricted by the protection plate <NUM>, so that the second connector <NUM> cannot easily fall out of the through hole 40a and be separated from the protection plate <NUM>.

It can be understood that there is a spacing between the wall surface that is of the first connector <NUM> and that faces the through hole 40a and the edge of the through hole 40a, and there is a spacing between the wall surface that is of the first base plate <NUM> and that faces the through hole 40a and the edge of the through hole 40a. For example, the avoidance space <NUM> formed after the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> are enclosed has a same shape as the through hole 40a, and a size of the avoidance space <NUM> is greater than a size of the through hole 40a.

In some examples, as shown in <FIG>, both the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> are in a shape of comb teeth with a concave groove <NUM> and a convex part <NUM>. In an area between two adjacent through holes 40a, one part is covered by the convex part <NUM> of the first connector <NUM>, and the other part is covered by the convex part <NUM> of the first base plate <NUM>. A concave groove <NUM> of the first connector <NUM> and a concave groove <NUM> of the first base plate <NUM> jointly form an avoidance space <NUM>.

In some examples, the through hole 40a may be, but is not limited to, a strip-shaped hole extending along the axial Y of the rotating shaft 22a in the rotating assembly <NUM>. A quantity of through holes 40a may be one or more than two.

In some examples, more than two through holes 40a are spaced along the axial direction Y of the rotating shaft 22a in the rotating assembly <NUM>. When glue is injected into a position of the through hole 40a by using a glue dispensing device, to avoid overflow of the glue, the glue dispensing device control an amount of glue dispensed each time. For example, the amount of glue dispensed is controlled from <NUM> to <NUM> each time, for example, the amount of glue dispensed is controlled at <NUM> each time. A plurality of through holes 40a are disposed on the protection plate <NUM>, so that a size of each through hole 40a can be designed to be relative small. Therefore, the amount of glue dispensed at a time can fill the through hole 40a after free flow. A glue dispensing device controls the amount of glue dispensed at a time, so that after glue dispensing is performed on each through hole 40a, it can be ensured that the through hole 40a is filled with sufficient glue, and a case in which the glue is not controlled accurately because a size of the through hole 40a is excessively large can be avoided, thereby improving glue dispensing efficiency, and reducing a possibility that the through hole 40a is filled with insufficient glue or the glue overflows after the through hole 40a is filled with excessive glue. In addition, a manner in which a plurality of through holes 40a are disposed on the protection plate <NUM> may avoid a case in which the overall stiffness of the protection plate <NUM> is low due to large sizes of the through holes 40a.

In some implementations, referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> further includes a third connector <NUM>. The third connector <NUM> is disposed between the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The third connector <NUM> connects the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, so that the protection plate <NUM> cannot easily move, and then relative positions of the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM> cannot easily change. For example, the third connector <NUM> connects the protection plate <NUM> and the supporter <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, a part of the third connector <NUM> is located below the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM>. A part that is of the third connector <NUM> that goes beyond the first base plate <NUM> may extend below the bendable area <NUM>. When the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, there is a spacing between a part of the protection plate <NUM> that is located on one side of the third connector <NUM> and that faces the bendable area <NUM> and the housing <NUM>.

In some examples, along a thickness direction Z, an orthographic projection area of the first connector <NUM> on the protection plate <NUM> is smaller than an orthographic projection area of the third connector <NUM> on the protection plate <NUM>, and therefore a connection area between the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM> is larger than a connection area between the protection plate <NUM> and the backplane <NUM>, so that a connection strength between the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM> is relatively high, and the two cannot be easily separated.

In some examples, referring to <FIG>, the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> are disposed side by side, and the third connector <NUM> is an integrated structure without openings. In some other examples, as shown in <FIG>, a through hole 40a is disposed on the protection plate <NUM>, and the first connector <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> form an avoidance space <NUM> for avoiding the through hole 40a. The third connector <NUM> includes an avoidance hole 80a that is used to avoid the through hole 40a. The through hole 40a of the protection plate <NUM> is connected to the avoidance hole 80a of the third connector <NUM>. When glue is injected into a position of the through hole 40a to form the second connector <NUM>, the second connector <NUM> may fill the through hole 40a, the avoidance space <NUM>, and the avoidance hole 80a.

For example, a size of the avoidance hole 80a is greater than a size of the through hole 40a, so that there is a spacing between a wall surface that is of the avoidance hole 80a and that faces the through hole 40a and an edge of the through hole 40a, and then a step structure is formed between the third connector <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>. The third connector <NUM> does not cover an area that is of the protection plate <NUM> and that is close to the through hole 40a, so that the area is exposed. When the glue is injected into a position of the through hole 40a, a part of the glue flows to an area exposed by the protection plate <NUM>, and a part of the second connector <NUM> formed after the glue is cured is located between the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. Therefore, the second connector <NUM> may be limited or restricted by the protection plate <NUM>, so that the second connector <NUM> cannot easily fall out of the through hole 40a and be separated from the protection plate <NUM>.

For example, a shape of the through hole 40a is the same as a shape of the avoidance hole 80a.

In some examples, the third connector <NUM> is a bonding member, so that no additional connection component such as a screw, a buckle, or a rivet needs to be disposed between the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. Therefore, on one hand, complexity of a connection structure between the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM> is reduced, and assembling difficulty is reduced. On the other hand, a corresponding connection structure, such as a hole, does not need to be disposed on the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, which reduces processing difficulty of the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, and improves structural integrity of the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the third connector <NUM> may be a double faced adhesive tape. Alternatively, glue may be applied to a predetermined position of at least one of the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, and the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM> are bonded to each other. After the glue is cured, a third connector <NUM> is formed. In some examples, the third connector <NUM> is an insulation member. The third connector <NUM> insulates and isolates the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility that an electrical signal is transmitted between the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM> by using the third connector <NUM>.

In some implementations, <FIG> schematically shows a structure of a connection state of a protection plate <NUM>, a first connector <NUM>, a first base plate <NUM>, and a second base plate <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> schematically shows a partial cross-sectional structure of an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> further includes a second base plate <NUM>. One of a backplane <NUM> and a protection plate <NUM> is connected to the second base plate <NUM>. The second base plate <NUM> is located on one side that is of a first base plate <NUM> and that is away from a first connector <NUM>. One of the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> is connected to the second base plate <NUM>, so that the second base plate <NUM> is fastened to one of the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, and the other of the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> is not connected to the second base plate <NUM>. Therefore, when the backplane <NUM> moves away from the protection plate <NUM>, the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> do not exert a tension stress on the second base plate <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility that the electronic device <NUM> generates an abnormal sound or deformation of the backplane <NUM> because the second base plate <NUM> bears a relatively large tension stress and is peeled off from one of the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>.

In some examples, at least a part of the second base plate <NUM> is located between a bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, that is, at least a part of the second base plate <NUM> is located on an inner side of the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM>. It should be noted that the fact that at least a part of the second base plate <NUM> is located on an inner side of the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> means that an orthographic projection of the part of the second base plate <NUM> overlaps with an orthographic projection of the bendable area <NUM> along a thickness direction Z. For example, the second base plate <NUM> is wholly located between the bendable area <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, that is, the second base plate <NUM> is wholly located on the inner side of the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM>. In the thickness direction Z, an orthographic projection of the second base plate <NUM> may be located in an orthographic projection of the bendable area <NUM>. The second base plate <NUM> may separate the backplane <NUM> from the protection plate <NUM>, so that when the backplane <NUM> is bent, there is no direct contact between the bendable area <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, but the bendable area <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> may separately come into contact with the second base plate <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility that the bendable area <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> generate noise or structural abrasion due to mutual impact or relative slip after the bendable area <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> directly come into contact with each other.

In some implementations, the protection plate <NUM> is connected to the second base plate <NUM>, and the backplane <NUM> is not connected to the second base plate <NUM>. A thickness of the second base plate <NUM> is less than a thickness of the first base plate <NUM>. Therefore, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, there is a spacing between the backplane <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM>, so that there is no contact between the backplane <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM>. Alternatively, the backplane <NUM> is connected to the second base plate <NUM>. A thickness of the second base plate <NUM> is less than a thickness of the first base plate <NUM>. Therefore, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, there is a spacing between the protection plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM>, so that there is no contact between the protection plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM>.

Because a spacing between the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> is relatively small, and a thickness error exists between the backplane <NUM>, the second base plate <NUM>, and the protection plate <NUM> in a processing and manufacturing process, when the thickness of the second base plate <NUM> is greater than a spacing between the bendable area <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, the second base plate <NUM> exerts a jacking force on the bendable area <NUM>, so that the bendable area <NUM> has a bump. In this embodiment, a manner in which the thickness of the second base plate <NUM> is less than the thickness of the first base plate <NUM> can reduce a processing precision requirement of the backplane <NUM>, the second base plate <NUM>, and the protection plate <NUM>, and avoid a case in which the second base plate <NUM> jacks up the bendable area <NUM>.

In some examples, there may be a spacing between the first base plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM>, so that there is no contact between the first base plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM>, and then there is a buffer space between the first base plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM>. When at least one of the first base plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM> expands toward each other, a possibility of mutual extrusion between the first base plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM> may be reduced.

In some implementations, the second base plate <NUM> is disposed on a surface that is of the protection plate <NUM> and that faces the backplane <NUM>. The second base plate <NUM> has a predetermined thickness, so the second base plate <NUM> has specific stiffness. If the second base plate <NUM> is disposed on the backplane <NUM>, because the backplane <NUM> has a relatively small thickness, the disposed second plate <NUM> has a possibility of strengthening stiffness of a corresponding area on the backplane <NUM>, so that a deformation capability of the backplane <NUM> corresponding to the area of the second base plate <NUM> is weaker than a deformation capability of another area, and therefore there is a possibility of inconsistent deformation of the backplane <NUM>, which affects a display effect of the flexible display <NUM>. In this embodiment, a manner in which the second base plate <NUM> is fastened to the protection plate <NUM> may avoid the foregoing case.

In some examples, the protection plate <NUM> is bonded to the second base plate <NUM>, so that no additional connection component such as a screw, a buckle, or a rivet needs to be disposed between the protection plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM>. Therefore, on one hand, complexity of a connection structure between the protection plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM> is reduced, and assembling difficulty is reduced. On the other hand, a corresponding connection structure, such as a hole, does not need to be disposed on the protection plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM>, which reduces processing difficulty of the protection plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM>. In some examples, glue is applied to a predetermined position of at least one of the protection plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM>, and then the protection plate <NUM> is bonded to the second base plate <NUM>. After the glue is cured, the second base plate <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> are firmly connected, and the two cannot be easily separated. In some other examples, the second base plate <NUM> includes a sticky surface. The second base plate <NUM> may be directly stuck to a surface that is of the protection plate <NUM> and that faces the backplane <NUM>.

In an embodiment in which the protection plate <NUM> is bonded to the second base plate <NUM>, when the backplane <NUM> is separated from the second base plate <NUM>, the backplane <NUM> does not generate the tension stress on the second base plate <NUM>, so that a bonding layer between the second base plate <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> does not peel off from the protection plate <NUM> and generate an abnormal sound.

In some implementations, a material of the second base plate <NUM> is an insulating material, so that the second base plate <NUM> may insulate and isolate the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility that an electrical signal is transmitted between the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> by using the second base plate <NUM>. The second base plate <NUM> has good flexibility. When the backplane <NUM> comes into contact with the second base plate <NUM>, the backplane <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM> cannot easily generate a case of noise due to mutual impact or friction between the two. This improves mute degree in a switching process of the electronic device <NUM> between the unfolded state and the folded state, and also reduces a possibility that the backplane <NUM> is scratched by the second base plate <NUM> and scratches occur. In some examples, the second base plate <NUM> may be a plastic diaphragm or a plastic film. For example, a material of the second base plate <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polystyrene. For example, a material of the first base plate <NUM> may be the same as a material of the second base plate <NUM>.

In some implementations, the first base plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM> are integrally formed. Both the first base plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM> are connected to the protection plate <NUM>. For example, the integrally formed first base plate <NUM> and the integrally formed second base plate <NUM> may be manufactured in a mold processing manner.

In some implementations, the first base plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM> are integrally formed. Both the first base plate <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM> are connected to the backplane <NUM>.

In some implementations, <FIG> schematically shows a structure of a connection state of a protection plate <NUM>, a third connector <NUM>, and a third base plate according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> further includes a third base plate <NUM>. The third base plate <NUM> is located between the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. In a thickness direction Z, an orthographic projection of the third base plate <NUM> may overlap with an orthographic projection of the protection plate <NUM>. One of the housing <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> is connected to the third base plate <NUM>. One of the housing <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> is connected to the third base plate <NUM>, so that the third base plate <NUM> is fastened to one of the housing <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, and the other of the housing <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> is not connected to the third base plate <NUM>. Therefore, when the protection plate <NUM> moves away from the housing <NUM>, the housing <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> do not exert a tension stress on the third base plate <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility that the electronic device <NUM> generates an abnormal sound because the third base plate <NUM> bears a relatively large tension stress and is peeled off from one of the housing <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>.

In addition, the third base plate <NUM> may separate the housing <NUM> from the protection plate <NUM>. There is no direct contact between the housing <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, but the housing <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> may separately come into contact with the third base plate <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility that noise or structural abrasion occurs between the housing <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> due to mutual impact or relative slip after the housing <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> come into contact with each other.

In some examples, at least a part of the third base plate <NUM> is located below the bendable area <NUM>. For example, the third base plate <NUM> is wholly located below the bendable area <NUM>. For example, a thickness of the third base plate <NUM> is less than a spacing between the housing <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>. For example, a thickness of the third base plate <NUM> is less than a thickness of the first base plate <NUM>.

In some examples, the protection plate <NUM> is connected to the third base plate <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> is not connected to the third base plate <NUM>. When the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, there is a spacing between the housing <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM>, so that there is no contact between the housing <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM>. Alternatively, the housing <NUM> is connected to the third base plate <NUM>. When the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, there is a spacing between the protection plate <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM>, so that there is no contact between the protection plate <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM>.

In some examples, the third base plate <NUM> is disposed on a surface that is the protection plate <NUM> and that is away from the backplane <NUM>. The protection plate <NUM> is bonded to the third base plate <NUM>, so that no additional connection component such as a screw, a buckle, or a rivet needs to be disposed between the protection plate <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM>. Therefore, on one hand, complexity of a connection structure between the protection plate <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM> is reduced, and assembling difficulty is reduced. On the other hand, a corresponding connection structure, such as a hole, does not need to be disposed on the protection plate <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM>, which reduces processing difficulty of the protection plate <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM>. For example, glue is applied to a predetermined position of at least one of the protection plate <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM>, and then the protection plate <NUM> is bonded to the third base plate <NUM>. After the glue is cured, the third base plate <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> are firmly connected, and the two cannot be easily separated. For example, the third base plate <NUM> includes a sticky surface. The third base plate <NUM> may be directly stuck to a surface that is of the protection plate <NUM> and that faces the backplane <NUM>.

In an embodiment in which the protection plate <NUM> is bonded to the third base plate <NUM>, when the housing <NUM> is separated from the third base plate <NUM>, the housing <NUM> does not generate the tension stress on the third base plate <NUM>, so that a bonding layer between the third base plate <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> does not peel off from the protection plate <NUM> and generate an abnormal sound.

In some examples, a material of the third base plate <NUM> is an insulating material, so that the third base plate <NUM> insulates and isolates the housing <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility that an electrical signal is transmitted between the housing <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> by using the third base plate <NUM>. The third base plate <NUM> has good flexibility. When the housing <NUM> comes into contact with the third base plate <NUM>, the housing <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM> cannot easily generate a case of noise due to mutual impact or friction between the two. This improves mute degree in a switching process of the electronic device <NUM> between the unfolded state and the folded state, and also reduces a possibility that the housing <NUM> is scratched by the third base plate <NUM> and scratches appear. In some examples, the third base plate <NUM> may be a plastic diaphragm or a plastic film. For example, a material of the third base plate <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polystyrene. For example, a material of the first base plate <NUM>, a material of the second base plate <NUM>, and a material of the third base plate <NUM> are the same.

In some examples, the electronic device <NUM> further includes a third connector <NUM>. Both the third connector <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM> are located on a same side of the protection plate <NUM>. The third base plate <NUM> is located on one side that is of the third connector <NUM> and that faces the bendable area <NUM>. For example, there may be a spacing between the third connector <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM>, so that there is no contact between the third connector <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM>, so that a buffer space is formed between the third connector <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM>. When at least one of the third connector <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM> expands toward each other, a possibility of mutual extrusion between the third connector <NUM> and the third base plate <NUM> may be reduced.

In some implementations, a quantity of protection plates <NUM> is two. The two protection plates <NUM> are separately connected to the two supporters <NUM>. An arrangement direction of the two protection plates <NUM> is the same as an arrangement direction of the two supporters <NUM>. A gap <NUM> is formed between the two protection plates <NUM>, so that there is no contact between the two protection plates <NUM>. Each protection plate <NUM> may block a hole 20a or a concave part 20b that is disposed in a corresponding area on the housing <NUM>. An area corresponding to the gap <NUM> between the housing <NUM> and the two protection plates <NUM> does not include a hole 20a or a concave part 20b.

Referring to <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, there is a predetermined spacing between the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, and the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> do not come into contact with each other; and there is a predetermined spacing between the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, and the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM> do not come into contact with each other.

<FIG> schematically shows a partial cross-sectional structure of an electronic device <NUM> in a semi-folded state according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, in a process in which the electronic device <NUM> switches from an unfolded state to a folded state, a bendable area <NUM> of a backplane <NUM> is bent, and a part that is of each protection plate <NUM> and that is located below the bendable area <NUM> moves close to a housing <NUM>, for example, moves close to a rotating assembly <NUM>. After the part that is of the protection plate <NUM> and that is located below the bendable area <NUM> comes into contact with the housing <NUM>, the protection plate <NUM> starts to be limited or restricted by the housing <NUM>. The bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> continues to bend, and the protection plate <NUM> that abuts on the housing <NUM> also starts to bend. In some cases, after the protection plate <NUM> abuts on the housing <NUM>, the protection plate <NUM> may slide relative to the housing <NUM> when the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> continues to bend.

In a process in which the electronic device <NUM> switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> gradually unfolds, and a bent part of each protection plate <NUM> also gradually unfolds. The bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> continues to unfold, the protection plate <NUM> is finally disengaged from the housing <NUM>, and gradually moves away from the housing <NUM>. After the backplane <NUM> is completely flattened, two protection plates <NUM> return to original positions. Because there is a gap <NUM> between the two protection plates <NUM>, there is no contact between the two protection plates <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility of abnormal sound, noise, or abrasion of the two protection plates <NUM> due to mutual impact or relative extrusion between the two protection plates <NUM>.

In some examples, when a second base plate <NUM> is disposed on the protection plate <NUM>, the protection plate <NUM> abuts on the backplane <NUM> by using the second base plate <NUM>. When the third base plate <NUM> is disposed on the protection plate <NUM>, the protection plate <NUM> abuts on the housing <NUM> by using the third base plate <NUM>.

In some examples, <FIG> schematically shows a structure of a connection state of a protection plate <NUM>, a first connector <NUM>, a first base plate <NUM>, and a second base plate <NUM> according to another embodiment. Referring to <FIG>, in the two protection plates <NUM>, a surface that is of one protection plate <NUM> and that faces the other protection plate <NUM> may be an irregular surface that includes a concave surface 40b and a convex surface 40c. The concave surface 40b and the convex surface 40c of one protection plate <NUM> respectively cooperate with the convex surface 40c and the concave surface 40b of the other protection plate <NUM>, so that the gap <NUM> formed between the two protection plates <NUM> is in an irregular shape. For example, the width of the gap <NUM> formed between the two protection plates <NUM> at two different positions may change, for example, a width at one position may be less than a width at the other position. Alternatively, a width of the gap <NUM> formed between the two protection plates <NUM> is the same at any position, that is, a width of the gap <NUM> does not change. For example, a surface that is of one protection plate <NUM> and that is away from the other protection plate <NUM> is a flat surface.

In some other examples, in the two protection plates <NUM>, the surface that is of one protection plate <NUM> and that is away from the other protection plate <NUM> is a flat surface, so that the gap <NUM> formed between the two protection plates <NUM> may be in a linear shape extending along an axial direction Y A width of the gap <NUM> formed between the two protection plates <NUM> is the same at any position, that is, a width of the gap <NUM> does not change. For example, structures of the two protection plates <NUM> are the same. Therefore, on one hand, in a processing process, the protection plate <NUM> of a structure may be manufactured, which reduces processing difficulty of the protection plate <NUM>. On the other hand, when the protection plate <NUM> is assembled with the housing <NUM>, it is no longer necessary to sort the protection plates <NUM> of different structures to assemble, which improves assembly working efficiency. For example, a surface that is of one protection plate <NUM> and that is away from the other protection plate <NUM> is a flat surface.

In some implementations, <FIG> schematically shows a structure of a connection state of a protection plate <NUM>, a first connector <NUM>, and a first base plate <NUM> according to another embodiment. <FIG> schematically shows a partial cross-sectional structure of an electronic device <NUM> in a semi-folded state according to an embodiment. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a quantity of protection plates <NUM> is one. The protection plate <NUM> includes a bendable segment <NUM> and a transfer segment <NUM>. The bendable segment <NUM> is disposed between the two transfer segments <NUM>. The bendable segment <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM> is disposed corresponding to the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM>. The bendable segment <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM> is located below the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM>. The two transfer segments <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM> are separately connected to the two supporters <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The first connector <NUM> connects the backplane <NUM> and the transfer segment <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM>. The first base plate <NUM> is disposed between the backplane <NUM> and the transfer segment <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM>. For example, the first base plate <NUM> is disposed on the transfer segment <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM>.

The bendable segment <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM> is a stiffness weakening area. Stiffness of each of the two transfer segments <NUM> is higher than stiffness of the bendable segment <NUM>, so that the protection plate <NUM> may be bent relatively easily in the bendable segment <NUM>. In some examples, thicknesses of the two transfer segments <NUM> are greater than the thickness of the bendable segment <NUM>, so as to reduce the stiffness of the bendable segment <NUM>, thereby facilitating bending deformation of the bendable segment <NUM> when being subjected to a relatively small force. In some other examples, a plurality of through holes 40d may be disposed on the bendable segment <NUM>, so as to reduce the stiffness of the bendable segment <NUM>, thereby facilitating bending deformation of the bendable segment <NUM> when being subjected to a relatively small force. For example, a through hole 40d is disposed penetrating through the protection plate <NUM>.

When the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, there is a predetermined spacing between the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM>, and the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> do not come into contact with each other; and there is a predetermined spacing between the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, and the protection plate <NUM> and the housing <NUM> do not come into contact with each other. In a process in which the electronic device <NUM> switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, a bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> is bent, and a bendable segment <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM> is also bent synchronously. The bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> continues to bend, and a bending degree of the bendable segment <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM> gradually increases. In some cases, the bendable segment <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM> may abut on the housing <NUM>. The bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> may come into contact with the bendable segment <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM>.

In a process in which the electronic device <NUM> switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> gradually unfolds, and the flexible segment <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM> also gradually unfolds synchronously.

Because the protection plate <NUM> is an integrated structure, in a process in which the electronic device <NUM> switches from a folded state to an unfolded state, the protection plate <NUM> cannot be easily inserted into a hole 20a or a concave part 20b on a housing <NUM>, thereby reducing a possibility that the electronic device <NUM> cannot continue to unfold because the protection plate <NUM> is stuck during insertion of the protection plate <NUM> into the housing <NUM> and cannot be moved.

In some examples, when a second base plate <NUM> is disposed on the protection plate <NUM>, the second base plate <NUM> may cover the bendable segment <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM>. When a third base plate <NUM> is disposed on the protection plate <NUM>, the third base plate <NUM> may cover the bendable segment <NUM> of the protection plate <NUM>.

In some implementations, a thickness of the backplane <NUM> is greater than a thickness of the protection plate <NUM>. Stiffness of the protection plate <NUM> is lower than stiffness of the backplane <NUM>. When the backplane <NUM> transitions from an unfolded state to a folded state, the bendable area <NUM> of the backplane <NUM> is bent and deformed, and the protection plate <NUM> is also bent and deformed. Compared with the backplane <NUM>, the protection plate <NUM> has lower stiffness, so that the protection plate <NUM> is easily bent and deformed relative to the backplane <NUM>. This reduces a possibility that the protection plate <NUM> exerts great resistance on a bending process the backplane <NUM> because the protection plate <NUM> cannot be bent and affects the stability of the bending process of the backplane <NUM>.

In some examples, a value range of the thickness of the protection plate <NUM> may be, but is not limited to, <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, a thickness of the protection plate <NUM> may range from <NUM> to <NUM>.

In some examples, both the backplane <NUM> and the protection plate <NUM> are structural members with uniform thicknesses. A material of the backplane <NUM> may be the same as a material of the protection plate <NUM>.

In the descriptions of embodiments of this application, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified and defined explicitly, the terms "mount", "connected to" and "connect" should be understood in a broad sense, and for example, may be a fixed connection or an indirect connection by using an intermediate medium, or may be internal communication between two elements or an interaction relationship between two elements. A person of ordinary skill in the art can understand specific meanings of the foregoing terms in embodiments of this application based on a specific situation.

The device or element referred to in or implied in embodiments of this specification needs to have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as a limitation on embodiments of this specification. In the descriptions of embodiments of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

In the specification of embodiments, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", and the like (if existent) are intended to distinguish between similar objects but do not necessarily indicate a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data termed in such a way is interchangeable in proper circumstances, so that embodiments described herein can be implemented in orders except the order illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "include" and "have", and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, a method, a system, a product, or a device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or are inherent to the process, method, product, or device.

The term "a plurality of" in this specification refers to two or more than two. In this specification, the term "and/or" is only used to describe an association relationship between associated objects, and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and/or B may indicate the following: Only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists. In addition, the symbol "/" in this specification usually indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects. In the formula, the symbol "/" indicates a "division" relationship between the associated objects.

It can be understood that various numeric numbers used in embodiments of this application are merely described for easy differentiation, and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of this application.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), comprising at least:
a housing (<NUM>), comprising a rotating assembly (<NUM>) and two supporters (<NUM>), wherein the rotating assembly (<NUM>) is disposed between the two supporters (<NUM>), and the supporters (<NUM>) are rotatably connected to the rotating assembly (<NUM>);
a flexible display module (<NUM>), covered on the housing (<NUM>), wherein the flexible display module (<NUM>) comprises a backplane (<NUM>), the backplane (<NUM>) comprises a bendable area (<NUM>), and the bendable area (<NUM>) is disposed facing the rotating assembly (<NUM>);
a protection plate (<NUM>), disposed between the backplane (<NUM>) and the housing (<NUM>), wherein one of the backplane (<NUM>) and the protection plate (<NUM>) is connected to a first base plate (<NUM>), and a part of the protection plate (<NUM>) is located between the bendable area (<NUM>) and the housing (<NUM>);
a first connector (<NUM>), connecting the backplane (<NUM>) and the protection plate (<NUM>), wherein the first connector (<NUM>) is disposed on an outer side of the bendable area (<NUM>), wherein the outer side of the bendable area is an area which is outside the orthographic projection of the bendable area along the thickness direction of the electronic device (<NUM>);
characterized in that the first base plate (<NUM>) is disposed between the backplane (<NUM>) and the protection plate (<NUM>), and wherein the first base plate (<NUM>) is located on one side that is of the first connector (<NUM>) and that faces the bendable area (<NUM>), and at least a part of the first base plate (<NUM>) is located on the outer side of the bendable area (<NUM>).