Patent Description:
With the development of technologies, the development of electronic devices is increasingly rapid, and users' requirements on the electronic devices are increasingly high. At present, flexible screens are also widely used in electronic devices, to form foldable electronic devices.

A folding problem often occurs in a folding process of a foldable electronic device. For example, when a foldable electronic device is folded inwards, because a bending radius at the position of a hinge is small, the following problem is easily caused: A flexible screen is creased or damaged due to excessive squeezing. When the foldable electronic device is folded outwards, because a bending radius at the position of the hinge is large, the following problem is easily caused: The flexible screen is excessively stretched and deformed, or even cracked. It can be learned that the following problem is caused in a folding process of an existing foldable electronic device: A flexible screen is damaged easily. As a result, the service life of the flexible screen is short.

Chinese patent publication No. <CIT> discloses an electronic device having a first shell rotatably connected with a second shell through a rotating shaft. A peripheral surface of the rotating shaft is provided with a first slide rail and a second slide rail. A first end of a first adjusting bracket is fixed in the first slide rail. The first end of a second adjusting bracket is fixed in the second slide rail. A second end of the first adjusting bracket is connected with the first shell. The second end of the second adjusting bracket drives the first shell and the second shell to rotate towards unfolding direction.

Embodiments of this application aim to provide an electronic device, which can resolve a problem that a flexible screen is easily damaged in a folding process of an electronic device.

To resolve the technical problem, the present invention is defined in the accompanying claims.

The technical solutions used in the present invention can achieve the following beneficial effects.

According to the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention, a first housing and a second housing are in rotational fit with each other through a shaft assembly, so that the first housing and the second housing can rotate relative to each other, to implement unfolding and folding of the first housing and the second housing. A first pushing portion and a second guide surface are provided, so that in a case that the electronic device is folded outwards, that is, in a case that the first housing rotates relative to the second housing towards the side away from a screen assembly, relative rotation of the first housing and the second housing can drive a transmission member to move along a rotating shaft. Then, the transmission member drives a second section of the screen assembly to move towards a first section of the screen assembly, to prevent the screen assembly from being damaged due to stretching in a process of folding the electronic device. This achieves the objective of protecting the screen assembly, and resolves the problem that the screen assembly is easily damaged in a process of folding the electronic device.

Reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are as follows: <NUM>: first housing; <NUM>: first teeth structure; <NUM>: sliding groove; <NUM>: second fixing block; <NUM>: second housing; <NUM>: first pushing portion; <NUM>: second teeth structure; <NUM>: screen assembly; <NUM>: second guide surface; <NUM>: first support plate; <NUM>: second support plate; <NUM>: flexible screen; <NUM>: guide block; <NUM>: third guide surface; <NUM>: first fixing block; <NUM>: shaft assembly; <NUM>: first rotating shaft; <NUM>: second rotating shaft; <NUM>: middle shaft; <NUM>: limiting groove; <NUM>: transmission member; <NUM>: first guide surface; <NUM>: second pushing portion; <NUM>: limiting protrusion; <NUM>: sleeve; <NUM>: first transmission block; <NUM>: rotating portion; <NUM>: third pushing portion; <NUM>: second transmission block; <NUM>: elastic member; <NUM>: external housing; <NUM>: spring; <NUM>: push rod; <NUM>: rotation limiting member.

The following clearly and completely describes technical solutions in embodiments of this application with reference to accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application.

The terms "first", "second", and the like in this specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish between similar objects instead of describing a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that data used in such a way are interchangeable in proper circumstances, so that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in an order other than the order illustrated or described herein. Objects classified by "first", "second", and the like are usually of a same type, and the quantity of objects is not limited. For example, there may be one or more first objects. In addition, in this specification and the claims, "and/or" represents at least one of connected objects, and a character "/" generally represents an "or" relationship between associated objects.

With reference to <FIG>, an electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail by using specific embodiments and application scenarios of the embodiments.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device disclosed in the embodiments of this application includes a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, a screen assembly <NUM>, a shaft assembly <NUM>, and a transmission member <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are basic structural members, which can provide a mounting foundation for components of the electronic device.

With reference to <FIG>, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are in rotational fit with each other through the shaft assembly <NUM>, so that the electronic device can be folded or unfolded through relative rotation of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the transmission member <NUM> sleeves on the shaft assembly <NUM>. The transmission member <NUM> is capable of moving in an axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM>. For example, the transmission member <NUM> is in sliding fit with the shaft assembly <NUM>, so that the transmission member <NUM> is enabled to move in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> each are/is provided with a first pushing portion <NUM>. The transmission member <NUM> is provided with a first guide surface <NUM>. The first pushing portion <NUM> is abutted on the first guide surface <NUM>. Optionally, the first pushing portion <NUM> is in sliding fit with the first guide surface <NUM>, so that the first pushing portion <NUM> is enabled to slide along the first guide surface <NUM>. For example, in a process of folding the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> drive/drives the first pushing portion <NUM> to slide along the first guide surface <NUM>, thereby pushing the transmission member <NUM> to move in an axial direction of the first rotating shaft <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the screen assembly <NUM> includes a first section and a second section. The first section is connected to the second section. For example, the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> is disposed in the first housing <NUM>; and the second section of the screen assembly <NUM> is disposed in the second housing <NUM>. For example, the first housing <NUM> may rotate relative to the second housing <NUM> between a first position and a second position. In a case that the first housing <NUM> is at the first position relative to the second housing <NUM>, display surfaces of the screen assembly <NUM> are in a same plane, that is, the electronic device is unfolded. In a case that the first housing <NUM> is at the second position relative to the second housing <NUM>, the side of the first housing <NUM> away from the screen assembly <NUM> is superposed on the side of the second housing <NUM> away from the screen assembly <NUM>, that is, the electronic device is folded outwards.

In an optional embodiment, the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> is in sliding fit with the first housing <NUM>, so that the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> is enabled to slide along the first housing <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the transmission member <NUM> is connected to the first section of the screen assembly <NUM>, so that the transmission member <NUM> is enabled to drive the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move along the first housing <NUM>. For example, one of the transmission member <NUM> and the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> is provided with a second pushing portion <NUM>. The other one of the transmission member <NUM> and the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> is provided with a second guide surface <NUM>. The second guide surface <NUM> is disposed aslant relative to the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM>. The second pushing portion <NUM> is abutted on the second guide surface <NUM>. For example, the second pushing portion <NUM> is in sliding fit with the second guide surface <NUM>, so that the second pushing portion <NUM> is enabled to slide along the second guide surface <NUM>. For example, in a case that the first housing <NUM> rotates relative to the second housing <NUM> towards a side provided with the screen assembly <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> slide along the first guide surface <NUM> through the first pushing portion <NUM>, and push the transmission member <NUM> to slide in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM>. The transmission member <NUM> slides along the second guide surface <NUM> through the second pushing portion <NUM>, and drives the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move towards the second section of the screen assembly <NUM>.

It should be noted that, in this specification of this application, that the electronic device is folded outwards means that after the electronic device is folded, the screen assembly <NUM> is disposed on sides of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> that are close to an outer surface. According to the electronic device in the foregoing embodiment, in a process of folding the electronic device outwards, the transmission member <NUM> drives the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move towards the second section of the screen assembly <NUM>, to prevent the screen assembly <NUM> from being stretched in the process of folding the electronic device outwards. Therefore, the following problem can be resolved: The screen assembly <NUM> is damaged due to stretching that easily occurs in the process of folding the electronic device outwards.

With reference to <FIG>, the first guide surface <NUM> is disposed around the shaft assembly <NUM>; and the first guide surface <NUM> is inclined to the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM>. For example, the first guide surface <NUM> may be a spirally inclined surface around the shaft assembly <NUM>. Optionally, the first guide surface <NUM> is disposed at an end of the side of the transmission member <NUM> close to the first pushing portion <NUM>. In another optional embodiment, a circumferential side wall of the transmission member <NUM> is provided with a spiral groove or protrusion, to form the first guide surface <NUM> through an inner side wall of the spiral groove or a side wall of the protrusion.

With reference to <FIG>, in an optional embodiment, the transmission member <NUM> sleeves on the shaft assembly <NUM>. An end of the transmission member <NUM> is provided with a second pushing portion <NUM>. The first section of the screen assembly <NUM> is provided with a second guide surface <NUM>. For example, an end of the transmission member <NUM> is provided with a circular hole or a circular groove. The screen assembly <NUM> is provided with a protrusion structure that protrudes towards the circular hole or the circular groove of the transmission member <NUM>. The second guide surface <NUM> is disposed on the protrusion structure, so that the end of the transmission member <NUM> close to the protrusion structure is enabled to slide along the second guide surface <NUM>. In a process of folding the electronic device, the first pushing portion <NUM> rotates along with the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>, so that the transmission member <NUM> is pushed to move towards the second guide surface <NUM>. Therefore, the second guide surface <NUM> is enabled, under the action of the transmission member <NUM>, to move towards the first rotating shaft <NUM>, thereby driving the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move towards the second section of the screen assembly <NUM>.

In another optional embodiment, the second guide surface <NUM> is a taper hole or taper groove disposed in an end of the transmission member <NUM>. An inner side wall of the taper hole or taper groove is disposed aslant relative to the shaft assembly <NUM>. The second pushing portion <NUM> is a protrusion structure disposed on the screen assembly <NUM>. The protrusion structure protrudes towards the taper hole or taper groove. The protrusion structure is at least partially disposed in the taper hole or taper groove, so that the second pushing portion <NUM> is enabled to be abutted on the inner side wall of the taper hole or taper groove. In a process in which the transmission member <NUM> slides in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM>, the second pushing portion may slide along the inner side wall of the taper hole or taper groove in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM>, thereby driving the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move towards the second section of the screen assembly <NUM>.

In an optional embodiment, the transmission member <NUM> includes a sleeve <NUM> and a first transmission block <NUM>. For example, the sleeve <NUM> sleeves on the shaft assembly <NUM>; and the first guide surface <NUM> is disposed in the sleeve <NUM>. A first end of the first transmission block <NUM> is connected to the transmission member <NUM>. The first transmission block <NUM> is capable of rotating around the shaft assembly <NUM> relative to the sleeve <NUM>. A second end of the first transmission block <NUM> is connected to the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> through the second pushing portion <NUM> and the second guide surface <NUM>. In a process of folding the electronic device, that is, in a case that the first housing <NUM> rotates relative to the second housing <NUM> towards the side away from the screen assembly <NUM>, the first pushing portion <NUM> drives the sleeve <NUM> to move in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM>; and the sleeve <NUM> drives, through the first transmission block <NUM>, the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move relative to the first housing <NUM>. Therefore, in a process of folding the electronic device outwards, the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> slides relative to the first housing <NUM>, to resolve the following problem: The screen assembly <NUM> is damaged due to excessive stretching at a bendable portion of the electronic device.

In the foregoing embodiment, the first transmission block <NUM> may convert movement of the sleeve <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM> into movement of the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> towards the second section of the screen assembly <NUM>, so that the screen assembly <NUM> can be prevented from being stretched in a process of folding the electronic device. In addition, as the first transmission block <NUM> is provided, displacement of the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> relative to the first housing <NUM> can be prevented from being affected by the diameter of the sleeve <NUM>, so that the diameter of the first transmission block <NUM> of the electronic device can be reduced as required. This facilitates thickness reduction of the electronic device.

With reference to <FIG>, the shaft assembly <NUM> may include a first rotating shaft <NUM> and a second rotating shaft <NUM>. The first rotating shaft <NUM> and the second rotating shaft <NUM> may be disposed parallel to each other. The first rotating shaft <NUM> is disposed on the first housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> is in rotational fit with the transmission member <NUM> through the first rotating shaft <NUM>. The second rotating shaft <NUM> is disposed on the second housing <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> is in rotational fit with the transmission member <NUM> through the second rotating shaft <NUM>. For example, the transmission member <NUM> may be provided with two parallel mounting holes. The first rotating shaft <NUM> and the second rotating shaft <NUM> may be in clearance fit with the two mounting holes of the transmission member <NUM> respectively, so that the first rotating shaft <NUM> and the second rotating shaft <NUM> are enabled to rotate relative to the transmission member <NUM> separately, and the transmission member <NUM> is enabled to slide along the first rotating shaft <NUM> and the second rotating shaft <NUM>. In this solution, the first rotating shaft <NUM> and the second rotating shaft <NUM> are parallel to each other and spaced apart, so that the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> respectively rotate around two parallel axes. Therefore, a space by which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> avoid each other is enlarged, to prevent the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> from interfering with each other in a process of unfolding or folding the electronic device.

In an optional embodiment, the distance between the first rotating shaft <NUM> and the second rotating shaft <NUM> is a first distance. The distance from the first rotating shaft <NUM> to the side of the first housing <NUM> away from the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> is a second distance. The distance from the second rotating shaft <NUM> to the side of the second housing <NUM> away from the second section of the screen assembly <NUM> is a third distance. The first distance is not less than the sum of the second distance and the third distance. Therefore, in a case that the electronic device is folded outwards, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> can be attached to each other better, to reduce the folded thickness of the electronic device, and improve the comfort level of the electronic device.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the shaft assembly <NUM> may further include a middle shaft <NUM>. The middle shaft <NUM> has a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole. The middle shaft <NUM> is in rotational fit with the first rotating shaft <NUM> through the first mounting hole. The middle shaft <NUM> is in rotational fit with the second rotating shaft <NUM> through the second mounting hole. The transmission member <NUM> sleeves on the middle shaft <NUM>. The transmission member <NUM> is in sliding fit with the middle shaft <NUM>. The transmission member <NUM> is in rotational fit with the first rotating shaft <NUM> and the second rotating shaft <NUM> through the middle shaft <NUM>, so that resistance to movement of the transmission member <NUM> along the axis of the first rotating shaft <NUM> can be reduced.

It should be noted that, in a process in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> rotate relative to each other, the first rotating shaft <NUM> and the second rotating shaft <NUM> are under action forces of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, so that the first rotating shaft <NUM> and the second rotating shaft <NUM> tend to move away from each other or towards each other. In a case that the transmission member <NUM> is provided with a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole that are respectively used for mounting of the first rotating shaft <NUM> and the second rotating shaft <NUM>, due to action of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, an extrusion force between the first rotating shaft <NUM> and a hole wall of the first mounting hole is increased, and an extrusion force between the second rotating shaft <NUM> and a hole wall of the second mounting hole is increased. This further increases friction between the first rotating shaft <NUM> and the hole wall of the first mounting hole, and increases friction between the second rotating shaft <NUM> and the interior of the second mounting hole. Therefore, the transmission member <NUM> is directly provided with the first mounting hole assembled with the first rotating shaft <NUM> and the second mounting hole assembled with the second rotating shaft <NUM>, making the friction between the first rotating shaft <NUM> and the first mounting hole not only prevent the first rotating shaft <NUM> from rotating relative to the transmission member <NUM>, but also prevent the transmission member <NUM> from moving in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft <NUM>. Similarly, the friction between the second rotating shaft <NUM> and the second mounting hole not only prevents the second rotating shaft <NUM> from rotating relative to the transmission member <NUM>, but also prevents the transmission member <NUM> from moving in the axial direction of the second rotating shaft <NUM>. In the foregoing embodiment, the middle shaft <NUM> is provided, and the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole are disposed in the middle shaft <NUM>, so that the transmission member <NUM> is in sliding fit with the middle shaft <NUM>. This can prevent the first rotating shaft <NUM> and the second rotating shaft <NUM> from being stressed, which affects resistance to sliding of the transmission member <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, in a case that the friction between the first rotating shaft <NUM> and the first mounting hole increases, only resistance to rotation of the first rotating shaft <NUM> relative to the transmission member <NUM> is increased, and resistance to movement of the transmission member <NUM> along the middle shaft <NUM> is not increased; and in a case that the friction between the second rotating shaft <NUM> and the second mounting hole increases, only resistance to rotation of the second rotating shaft <NUM> relative to the transmission member <NUM> is increased, and resistance to movement of the transmission member <NUM> along the middle shaft <NUM> is not increased. Therefore, as the middle shaft <NUM> is provided in the foregoing embodiment, resistance to movement of the transmission member <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM> can be reduced.

With reference to <FIG>, the first guide surface <NUM> is disposed around the middle shaft <NUM>; and the first guide surface <NUM> is inclined to an axial direction of the middle shaft <NUM>. For example, the transmission member <NUM> may be provided with a guide rail or guide groove, thereby forming, through the guide rail or guide groove, the first guide surface <NUM> disposed around the middle shaft <NUM>. In a process of folding the electronic device, the first pushing portion <NUM> slides along the first guide surface <NUM>, thereby pushing the transmission member <NUM> to move in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the first guide surface <NUM> may be a spiral guide surface disposed at the periphery of the transmission member <NUM>. For example, the first pushing portion <NUM> may be a convex block or convex column disposed on the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>. For example, the end of the first pushing portion <NUM> in contact with the first guide surface <NUM> is provided as an arc-shaped surface, to reduce resistance to sliding of the first pushing portion <NUM> along the first guide surface <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, one of the middle shaft <NUM> and the transmission member <NUM> is provided with a limiting groove <NUM>, and the limiting groove <NUM> is disposed in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft <NUM>. The other one of the middle shaft <NUM> and the transmission member <NUM> is provided with a limiting protrusion <NUM>, the limiting protrusion <NUM> is at least partially embedded in the limiting groove <NUM>, and the limiting protrusion <NUM> is in sliding fit with the limiting groove <NUM>. Due to the limiting groove <NUM> and the limiting protrusion <NUM>, the transmission member <NUM> is enabled to slide along the middle shaft <NUM>, and the transmission member <NUM> and the middle shaft <NUM> can be prevented from rotating relative to each other. As rotation of the transmission member <NUM> relative to the middle shaft <NUM> is limited, the following can be ensured: The transmission member <NUM> can move in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft <NUM> under the action of the first pushing portion <NUM>.

In another optional embodiment, the middle shaft <NUM> may be provided as a square shaft, and the transmission member <NUM> is provided with a square hole, so that the transmission member <NUM> can be in sliding fit with the middle shaft <NUM> through the square hole, and a degree of freedom of rotation of the transmission member <NUM> relative to the middle shaft <NUM> is limited. There are a plurality of manners of limiting rotation of the transmission member <NUM> relative to the middle shaft <NUM>. For example, the middle shaft <NUM> is provided as a hexagonal prism, and the transmission member <NUM> is provided with a hexagonal hole that is in sliding fit with the middle shaft <NUM>. Therefore, a structure that limits rotation of the middle shaft <NUM> and the transmission member <NUM> is not specifically limited in this application.

With reference to <FIG>, in an optional embodiment, the first transmission block <NUM> is in sliding fit with the first housing <NUM>, the first end of the first transmission block <NUM> sleeves on the first rotating shaft <NUM>, the first transmission block <NUM> is in sliding fit with the first rotating shaft <NUM>, and in a process of folding the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> drives the first transmission block <NUM> to rotate relative to the first rotating shaft <NUM>, and the sleeve <NUM> drives the first transmission block <NUM> to move in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft <NUM>. For example, the first housing <NUM> is provided with a sliding groove, and the first transmission block <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the sliding groove, so that the first transmission block <NUM> is enabled to slide along the sliding groove. In this embodiment, the first transmission block <NUM> slides along the first housing <NUM>, so that the first transmission block <NUM> interacts with the first section of the screen assembly <NUM>, thereby driving the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move towards the second section of the screen assembly <NUM>. For example, the first transmission block <NUM> may be in abutted connection with and/or in rotational fit with the sleeve <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, in an optional embodiment, the first transmission block <NUM> is provided with a rotating portion <NUM>, the rotating portion <NUM> is in rotational fit with the first housing <NUM>, and in a process of folding the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, the sleeve <NUM> drives the first transmission block <NUM> to rotate relative to the first housing <NUM>. For example, the distance between the rotating portion <NUM> and the joint of the first transmission block <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> is a first moment arm, the distance between the rotating portion <NUM> and the joint of the rotating portion <NUM> and the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> is a second moment arm, and the first moment arm is greater than the second moment arm, so that resistance in a process of folding the electronic device is reduced. For example, the rotating portion <NUM> is disposed between the first end of the first transmission block <NUM> and the second end of the first transmission block <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, in an optional embodiment, the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> is provided with a guide block <NUM>, and the guide block <NUM> is disposed on the side of the screen assembly <NUM> away from a display surface. For example, the second guide surface <NUM> may be disposed on the guide block <NUM>, and the second pushing portion <NUM> may be disposed on the first transmission block <NUM>, so that the guide block <NUM> can be connected to the first transmission block <NUM> through the second guide surface <NUM> and the second pushing portion <NUM>, and the first transmission block <NUM> is enabled to drive the guide block <NUM> and the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move towards the second section of the screen assembly <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the screen assembly <NUM> further includes a first fixing block <NUM>. The first fixing block <NUM> is fixedly disposed on the side of the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> away from the display surface. Further, the guide block <NUM> may be fixedly connected to the screen assembly <NUM> through the first fixing block <NUM>. Certainly, the guide block <NUM> may alternatively be fixed to the side of the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> away from the display surface via sticking.

With reference to <FIG>, the second section of the screen assembly <NUM> is in sliding fit with the second housing <NUM>. One of the transmission member <NUM> and the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> is provided with a third pushing portion <NUM>. The other one of the transmission member <NUM> and the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> is provided with a third guide surface <NUM>. The third guide surface <NUM> is disposed aslant relative to the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM>. The third pushing portion <NUM> is in sliding fit with the third guide surface <NUM>. In a process of folding the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, the transmission member <NUM> drives the second section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move towards the first section of the screen assembly <NUM>. For example, the third guide surface <NUM> may be disposed on the transmission member <NUM> or the screen assembly <NUM>, so that in a process of sliding along the third guide surface <NUM>, the third pushing portion <NUM> can drive the second section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move towards the first section of the screen assembly <NUM>.

For example, the transmission member <NUM> further includes a second transmission block <NUM>. A first end of the second transmission block <NUM> is connected to the transmission member <NUM>. The second transmission block <NUM> is capable of rotating around the shaft assembly <NUM> relative to the sleeve <NUM>. A second end of the second transmission block <NUM> is connected to the second section of the screen assembly <NUM> through the third pushing portion <NUM> and the third guide surface <NUM>. In a process of folding the electronic device, that is, in a case that the first housing <NUM> rotates relative to the second housing <NUM> towards the side away from the screen assembly <NUM>, the first pushing portion <NUM> drives the sleeve <NUM> to move in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM>; and the sleeve <NUM> drives, through the second transmission block <NUM>, the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move relative to the first housing <NUM>. Therefore, in a process of folding the electronic device outwards, the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> slides relative to the first housing <NUM>.

It should be noted that, in this application, a structure connecting the transmission member <NUM> with the second section of the screen assembly <NUM> may be the same as a structure connecting the transmission member <NUM> with the first section of the screen assembly <NUM>. Therefore, the structure connecting the transmission member <NUM> with the second section of the screen assembly <NUM> is not further described in the embodiments of this application.

With reference to <FIG>, there may be two transmission members <NUM>. The two transmission members <NUM> may be distributed at two ends of the shaft assembly <NUM> symmetrically, so that the screen assembly <NUM> is stressed uniformly, and thus the following problem is avoided: A jam occurs when the screen assembly <NUM> slides along the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>. Certainly, there may alternatively be a plurality of transmission members <NUM>. The plurality of transmission members <NUM> may be uniformly distributed on the shaft assembly <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM>. Therefore, a specific quantity of transmission members <NUM> is not limited in this application.

With reference to <FIG>, the screen assembly <NUM> further includes a first support plate <NUM>, a second support plate <NUM>, and a flexible screen <NUM>. A first section of the flexible screen <NUM> is connected to the first support plate <NUM>. A second section of the flexible screen <NUM> is connected to the second support plate <NUM>. The first support plate <NUM> is in sliding fit with the first housing <NUM>. The first support plate <NUM> is capable of moving towards or away from the shaft assembly <NUM> along the first housing <NUM>. The second support plate <NUM> is in sliding fit with the second housing <NUM>. The second support plate <NUM> is capable of moving towards or away from the shaft assembly <NUM> along the second housing <NUM>. For example, the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM> may be made of a hard material. The first section of the flexible screen <NUM> may be fixedly stuck to the first support plate <NUM>. The second section of the flexible screen <NUM> may be fixedly stuck to the second support plate <NUM>. It should be noted that there are many types of hard materials, such as a stainless steel plate, an aluminum alloy plate, an acrylic plate, and the like. Therefore, a specific type of the material of the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM> is not limited in this embodiment.

With reference to <FIG>, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> each are provided with a sliding groove <NUM>. The first section of the screen assembly <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the sliding groove <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, so that the screen assembly <NUM> can be in sliding fit with the first housing. Similarly, the second section of the screen assembly <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the sliding groove <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>, so that the second section of the screen assembly <NUM> can be in sliding fit with the second housing <NUM>. For example, the dimension of the first support plate <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM> is greater than the dimension of the flexible screen <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM>, so that the two sides of the first support plate <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM> may protrude from the flexible screen <NUM>. Therefore, the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> can be in sliding fit with the first housing <NUM> by at least partially disposing, in the sliding groove <NUM>, the part of the first support plate <NUM> protruding from the flexible screen <NUM>. Similarly, the dimension of the second support plate <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM> is greater than the dimension of the flexible screen <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM>, so that the two sides of the second support plate <NUM> in the axial direction of the shaft assembly <NUM> may protrude from the flexible screen <NUM>. Therefore, the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> can be in sliding fit with the second housing <NUM> by at least partially disposing, in the sliding groove <NUM>, the part of the second support plate <NUM> protruding from the flexible screen <NUM>.

In an optional embodiment, the electronic device further includes an elastic member <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> is disposed in the first housing <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> is connected to the first section of the screen assembly <NUM>, and in a process of unfolding the electronic device, the elastic member <NUM> is capable of driving the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move away from the second section of the screen assembly <NUM>; and/or the elastic member <NUM> is disposed in the second housing <NUM>, the elastic member <NUM> is connected to the second section of the screen assembly <NUM>, and in a process of unfolding the electronic device, the elastic member <NUM> is capable of driving the second section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move away from the first section of the screen assembly <NUM>. For example, the elastic member <NUM> may be a spring. For example, in a case that the electronic device is folded, the elastic member is stretched or compressed, so that an elastic force generated by the elastic member can drive the first section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move away from the second section of the screen assembly <NUM>; and/or in a case that the electronic device is folded, the elastic force generated by the elastic member can drive the second section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move away from the first section of the screen assembly <NUM>. There are a plurality of types of elastic members. For example, the elastic member may be a rubber band, a spring <NUM>, a spring plate, or the like. Therefore, a specific type of the elastic member is not limited in this embodiment.

With reference to <FIG>, in an optional embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> includes an external housing <NUM>, a spring <NUM>, and a push rod <NUM>. The external housing <NUM> sleeves on the push rod <NUM>. The push rod <NUM> is in sliding fit with the external housing <NUM>. For example, the spring <NUM> is disposed in the external housing <NUM>, a first end of the spring <NUM> is connected to the external housing <NUM>, and a second end of the spring <NUM> is connected to the push rod <NUM>, so that the spring <NUM> is capable of driving the push rod <NUM> to slide along the external housing <NUM>. For example, one of the push rod <NUM> and the external housing <NUM> is connected to the first housing <NUM>, and the other one of the push rod <NUM> and the external housing <NUM> is connected to the first section of the screen assembly <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, in an optional embodiment, the external housing <NUM> may be fixed to the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> through the second fixing block <NUM>. The end of the push rod <NUM> away from the spring <NUM> may be fixed onto the first support plate <NUM> and/or the second support plate <NUM> through the first fixing block <NUM>. Therefore, in a process of unfolding the electronic device, the spring <NUM> can act on the push rod <NUM> and drive the first section and the second section of the screen assembly <NUM> to move away from each other.

With reference to <FIG>, the first housing <NUM> is provided with a first teeth structure <NUM>, the second housing <NUM> is provided with a second teeth structure <NUM>, the first teeth structure <NUM> is meshed with the second teeth structure <NUM>, and in a case that the first housing <NUM> rotates, the first housing <NUM> drives, through the first teeth structure <NUM> and the second teeth structure <NUM>, the second housing <NUM> to rotate. As the first teeth structure <NUM> and the second teeth structure <NUM> are provided, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> can rotate synchronously, thereby improving user experience. Optionally, the first teeth structure <NUM> may be an arc-shaped teeth section disposed on the first housing <NUM>, and the second teeth structure <NUM> may be an arc-shaped teeth section disposed on the second housing <NUM>. Certainly, the first teeth structure <NUM> may alternatively be a gear that is fixedly disposed on the first housing, and the second teeth structure may alternatively be a gear that is fixedly disposed on the second housing <NUM>.

In an optional embodiment, the electronic device includes a rotation limiting member <NUM>. The rotation limiting member <NUM> is disposed on the first rotating shaft <NUM> and/or the second rotating shaft <NUM>. Inward folding of the electronic device is limited through the rotation limiting member <NUM>. For example, the rotation limiting member <NUM> has a fixing portion and a limiting portion. The fixing portion is perpendicular to the limiting portion. The fixing portion is fixed on the first rotating shaft <NUM> and/or the second rotating shaft <NUM>. The limiting portion is bent towards the sides of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> close to the display surface of the screen assembly <NUM>. In addition, in a case that the electronic device is unfolded, the limiting portion is abutted on the sides of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> close to the display surface of the screen assembly <NUM>, thereby preventing the electronic device from being folded inwards.

In an optional embodiment, the electronic device further includes a damping mechanism. Resistance to rotation of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> can be increased through the damping mechanism, so that rotation of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be stopped at any angle. It should be noted that there are many types of damping mechanisms, such as a liquid damper, a gas damper, and an electromagnetic damper. Therefore, a specific type of the damping mechanism is not limited in this embodiment.

It should be noted that, in this specification, the term "include", "comprise", or any other variant thereof is intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, a method, an article, or an apparatus that includes a list of elements not only includes those elements but also includes other elements which are not expressly listed, or further includes elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In absence of more constraints, an element preceded by "includes a. " does not preclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element. In addition, it should be noted that the apparatus in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in an illustrated or discussed sequence, and may further include performing functions in a basically simultaneous manner or in a reverse sequence according to the functions concerned.

Claim 1:
An electronic device, characterized by comprising a first housing (<NUM>), a second housing (<NUM>), a screen assembly (<NUM>), a shaft assembly (<NUM>), and a transmission member (<NUM>), wherein the first housing (<NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>) are in rotational fit with each other through the shaft assembly (<NUM>), the transmission member (<NUM>) sleeves on the shaft assembly (<NUM>), and the transmission member (<NUM>) is capable of moving in an axial direction of the shaft assembly (<NUM>);
the first housing (<NUM>) and/or the second housing (<NUM>) each are/is provided with a first pushing portion (<NUM>), the transmission member (<NUM>) is provided with a first guide surface (<NUM>), and the first pushing portion (<NUM>) is abutted on the first guide surface (<NUM>);
a first section of the screen assembly (<NUM>) is in sliding fit with the first housing (<NUM>), a second section of the screen assembly (<NUM>) is disposed in the second housing (<NUM>), one of the transmission member (<NUM>) and the first section of the screen assembly (<NUM>) is provided with a second pushing portion (<NUM>), the other one of the transmission member (<NUM>) and the first section of the screen assembly (<NUM>) is provided with a second guide surface (<NUM>), the second guide surface (<NUM>) is disposed aslant relative to the axial direction of the shaft assembly (<NUM>), and the second pushing portion (<NUM>) is abutted on the second guide surface (<NUM>); and
in a case that the first housing (<NUM>) rotates relative to the second housing (<NUM>) towards the side away from the screen assembly (<NUM>), the first pushing portion (<NUM>) slides along the first guide surface (<NUM>), and pushes the transmission member (<NUM>) to slide in the axial direction of the shaft assembly (<NUM>); and the transmission member (<NUM>) slides along the second guide surface (<NUM>) through the second pushing portion (<NUM>), and drives the first section of the screen assembly (<NUM>) to move towards the second section of the screen assembly (<NUM>), wherein the first guide surface (<NUM>) is disposed around the shaft assembly (<NUM>), and the first guide surface (<NUM>) is inclined to the axial direction of the shaft assembly (<NUM>).