Folding device and electronic device

Abstract

The application relates to a folding device and an electronic device, comprising at least two folding modules and a connecting module connected between the two folding modules, the folding module comprising a middle beam and door plate assemblies arranged on opposite sides of the middle beam, the door plate assembly comprising a transmission door plate and a fixed door plate, the transmission door plate being rotatably connected with the middle beam and the fixed door plate, so that the flexible screen of the electronic device can be provided with multi-point support in the unfolding and folding process, the pulling of the flexible screen is reduced, the failure risk of the flexible screen is reduced, the length of each component in a single folding module is short, the folding device is easy to process and manufacture, the preparation yield of the folding device is improved, the assembly difficulty between the components is reduced, the assembly of the folding module is facilitated, in addition, in the process of assembling the folding device, the components can be assembled in modules, the assembly difficulty of the folding device is further reduced, the mass production of the folding device is facilitated, and the preparation cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic product technology, and in particular to a folding device and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Foldable electronic devices typically include two housings, a folding mechanism, and a flexible screen. The folding mechanism is located between the two housings, and the flexible screen is mounted on the two housings. When the two housings are folded or unfolded relative to each other by the deformation of the folding mechanism, the flexible screen can be folded or unfolded to facilitate use by users in different environments.

[0003] Some existing folding devices adopt an integrated five-panel structure. However, the integrated panel structure is more complex to process and has a lower yield, resulting in higher costs for folding electronic devices and greater assembly difficulties. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a folding device and an electronic device to solve the problems of complex structure processing, difficult assembly and high cost of the folding device in the prior art.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a folding device, including at least two folding modules and a connecting module connected between the two folding modules. Each folding module includes a central beam and door panel assemblies disposed on opposite sides of the central beam. Each door panel assembly includes a transmission door panel and a fixed door panel, wherein the transmission door panel is rotatably connected to the central beam and the fixed door panel respectively.

[0006] In this application, the folding device comprises a five-panel structure consisting of a central beam, two transmission panels, and two fixed panels. During the rotational unfolding process, while the fixed and transmission panels rotate relative to the central beam, the fixed panels also continue to rotate relative to the transmission panels. This allows more of the fixed panels, transmission panels, and central beam to lie on the same support plane when the folding module is unfolded. This provides multi-point support for the flexible screen above the folding device when unfolded, resulting in a flatter screen and improved user experience. Furthermore, during the rotational folding process, the fixed and transmission panels rotate relative to the central beam, and the fixed panels also continue to rotate relative to the transmission panels. This allows the exposed support surfaces of the fixed panels, transmission panels, and central beam to form smoother curved surfaces when the folding module is folded, providing reliable support for the flexible screen above and reducing strain on the screen during folding, thus lowering the risk of screen failure.

[0007] Furthermore, within a single folding module, the central beam, transmission door panel, and fixed door panel are relatively short in length, simplifying the manufacturing process and making them easier to process and manufacture. This improves the yield rate of the folding device and reduces the assembly difficulty between components, facilitating the assembly of the folding modules and increasing assembly efficiency. Moreover, adjacent folding modules are connected by connecting modules to form the folding device, allowing for modular assembly of each component during the assembly process. This further reduces the assembly difficulty of the folding device, facilitating mass production and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0008] Furthermore, since the folding device consists of multiple folding modules and connecting modules, it is possible to replace some of the folding modules or connecting modules individually, which can further reduce maintenance or replacement costs.

[0009] In one possible design, the fixed door panel includes a fixed plate body and a swing arm fixed to the fixed plate body. The end of the swing arm away from the fixed plate body is provided with a first arc-shaped groove. The transmission door panel includes a support plate and a first sliding tongue provided on the support plate. The first sliding tongue is slidably connected to the first arc-shaped groove.

[0010] In this design, the transmission door panel and the fixed door panel are slidably connected via a first sliding tongue and a first arc-shaped groove. This allows the fixed door panel to rotate relative to the transmission door panel, ensuring that the fixed plate of the fixed door panel and the support plate of the transmission door panel are on the same supporting plane in the unfolded state. This enables the folding device to provide multi-point support for the flexible screen of the electronic device in the unfolded state. Furthermore, this structure can adjust the gap between the transmission door panel and the fixed door panel in the folded state, reducing the gap and making the transition between the support plate and the fixed plate smoother. It also further reduces the strain on the flexible screen of the electronic device during folding, lowering the risk of screen failure. Moreover, this structure is simple, easy to implement, and easier to assemble, further reducing the cost of the folding device.

[0011] In one possible design, the folding module further includes a damping assembly and a synchronizing gear assembly, with the synchronizing gear assembly disposed between the damping assembly and the swing arm along the length of the folding device. In another possible design, the folding module further includes a synchronizing gear assembly and a damping assembly, with the damping assembly disposed between the synchronizing gear assembly and the swing arm along the length of the folding device. In yet another possible design, the fixed door panel includes multiple swing arms, with the synchronizing gear assembly and the damping assembly located between adjacent swing arms.

[0012] In this design, the distance between the swing arm, damping component, and synchronous gear component in the folding module is relatively small. This reduces the damping force of the damping component during the folding process of the door panel component, ensures the synchronicity of the movement of the door panel components on both sides of the central beam, prevents deformation or damage to the door panel component, and further improves the stability and reliability of the folding device and electronic equipment during unfolding and folding.

[0013] In one possible design, the distance between the centerline of the synchronizing gear assembly and the centerline of the damping assembly along the length of the folding device is L, where 9mm ≤ L ≤ 12mm.

[0014] In this solution, when the distance L between the centerline of the synchronous gear assembly and the centerline of the damping assembly satisfies 9mm≤L≤12mm, the synchronous gear assembly and the damping assembly have sufficient volume to ensure that their performance meets the usage requirements of the folding device 1. It also avoids motion interference between the synchronous gear assembly and the damping assembly during unfolding and folding, reduces the damping force of the damping assembly, ensures the motion synchronization of the door panel assemblies on both sides of the middle beam, prevents deformation or damage to the door panel assembly 2, and further improves the stability and reliability of the folding device and electronic equipment during unfolding and folding.

[0015] In one possible design, the damping assembly includes a housing, a bracket, an elastic element, and an abutment portion. One end of the housing is slidably connected to the fixed door panel, and the other end is rotatably connected to the center beam. The housing has a receiving cavity, and the bracket and the elastic element are disposed within the receiving cavity. Both ends of the elastic element abut against the bracket and the housing, respectively. The end of the bracket away from the elastic element is connected to the abutment portion, which is used to abut against the center beam.

[0016] In this design, the damping component of this structure can also be assembled as a separate module when assembling the folding device, further reducing the assembly difficulty and improving the assembly efficiency. During unfolding and folding, the door panel assemblies on both sides of the central beam can drive the damping component to rotate relative to the central beam. Since one end of the damping component's outer shell is slidably connected to the fixed door panel, the damping component can slide within the fixed door panel during folding, avoiding jamming and ensuring the stability and reliability of the folding device and electronic equipment during unfolding and folding. Furthermore, in the unfolded state, the abutting part contacts the central beam, allowing the abutting part to drive the bracket to move towards the elastic element, compressing the elastic element and generating damping force. This prevents the folding module from over-unfolding and maintains the stability of the folding device in the unfolded state, improving the reliability of the folding device and electronic equipment. It also enhances the feel during unfolding and folding, improving the user experience. In the folded state, the abutting part contacts the central beam, further improving the synchronization of the door panel assembly during folding, further enhancing the stability and reliability of the folding device and electronic equipment during unfolding and folding.

[0017] In one possible design, the abutment portion and the bracket are integrally formed to further reduce the structural complexity of the damping assembly, making it easier to process, manufacture, and assemble, and further reducing costs.

[0018] In one possible design, the abutment is a roller, which is rotatably connected to the end of the bracket away from the elastic element. This allows the abutment to roll on the center beam, reducing the frictional resistance between the abutment and the center beam. This further reduces the influence of damping force during unfolding and folding, improving the smoothness and stability of the door panel assembly during rotation relative to the center beam. Consequently, this further enhances the stability and reliability of the folding device and electronic equipment during unfolding and folding.

[0019] In one possible design, the elastic element includes multiple straight segments and multiple bent segments, the multiple straight segments being spaced apart and adjacent straight segments being connected by the bent segments, and within the housing, the multiple straight segments are able to approach each other during the compression of the support and the housing.

[0020] In this solution, the elastic element has a simple structure, which can ensure the reliability of linear movement of the elastic element during the expansion and contraction process. It is not easy to bend, which improves the reliability of the elastic element. Moreover, there is no need for additional positioning pillars or other positioning structures to limit the elastic element, which further reduces the structural complexity of the damping component, facilitates the assembly of the folding device, and reduces the cost of the folding device.

[0021] In one possible design, the elastic element is integrally molded to facilitate mass production of the elastic element, further saving costs and reducing assembly difficulty. It also reduces the number of parts in the damping assembly, which is conducive to improving the modularity of the damping assembly and making it easier to assemble the folding device.

[0022] In one possible design, the outer casing includes a housing and a sliding arm, the sliding arm being formed in the housing, the fixed door panel being provided with a first sliding groove, the housing being slidably disposed within the first sliding groove, the central beam being provided with a third arc-shaped groove, and the sliding arm being slidably connected to the third arc-shaped groove.

[0023] In this solution, the damping component can rotate relative to the center beam while simultaneously sliding relative to the fixed door panel, adjusting the position of the damping component during unfolding and folding to prevent jamming. Furthermore, both the first slide groove and the third arc-shaped groove have guiding and limiting functions, further enhancing the stability and reliability of the folding device and electronic equipment during unfolding and folding.

[0024] In one possible design, the synchronizing gear assembly includes a first synchronizing element and a second synchronizing element. The first synchronizing element is provided with a first sliding portion and a first tooth portion, and the second synchronizing element is provided with a second sliding portion and a second tooth portion. Along the width direction of the folding device, the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion are slidably connected to the fixed door panels on both sides of the middle beam, and the first tooth portion and the second tooth portion are rotatably connected to the middle beam, and the first tooth portion and the second tooth portion mesh with each other.

[0025] In this design, during unfolding and folding, the first tooth of the first synchronizing member and the second tooth of the second synchronizing member mesh with each other, ensuring that the door panel assemblies on both sides of the central beam have the same opening and closing angle relative to the central beam during rotation. This allows the door panel assemblies on both sides of the central beam to open and close synchronously, improving the efficiency of folding and unfolding, and also enhancing the stability and reliability of the folding device and electronic equipment during unfolding and folding. Furthermore, the first sliding part of the first synchronizing member and the second sliding part of the second synchronizing member can slide relative to the fixed door panel. This allows the first and second synchronizing members to adjust their positions relative to the fixed door panel when the gap between the fixed door panel, the transmission door panel, and the central beam decreases during folding, preventing jamming and further enhancing the stability and reliability of the folding device and electronic equipment during unfolding and folding.

[0026] In one possible design, the middle beam is provided with a second arc-shaped groove, and the transmission door panel further includes a second sliding tongue disposed on the support plate, the second sliding tongue being slidably connected to the second arc-shaped groove.

[0027] In this design, the central beam and the transmission door panel are slidably connected via a second sliding tongue and a second arc-shaped groove a. This allows the transmission door panel to rotate relative to the central beam, ensuring that the support plate of the transmission door panel is on the same supporting plane as the central beam in the unfolded state. This enables the folding device to provide multi-point support for the flexible screen of the electronic device in the unfolded state. Furthermore, this structure can adjust the gap between the transmission door panel and the central beam in the folded state, reducing the gap and making the transition between the central beam and the support plate smoother. It also further reduces the strain on the flexible screen of the electronic device during folding, lowering the risk of screen failure. Moreover, this structure is simple, easy to implement, and easier to assemble, further reducing the cost of the folding device.

[0028] In one possible design, the transmission door panel is integrally formed from the support plate, the first sliding tongue, and the second sliding tongue to facilitate mass production, further improve the manufacturing efficiency of the folding device, simplify the assembly steps, further improve the assembly efficiency, and further reduce the cost of the folding device.

[0029] In one possible design, the connecting module includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate, the first connecting plate being connected to the middle beam of the two folding modules, and the second connecting plate being connected to the transmission door panel of the two folding modules.

[0030] In this solution, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are both separate connectors, which are simple in structure, easy to manufacture, and do not interfere with each other, so as to facilitate the connection, disassembly and replacement of multiple components or modules, and further reduce the cost of the folding device.

[0031] In one possible design, the transmission door panel has a groove at one end near the connecting module, and the second connecting plate has connecting protrusions at both ends, which engage with the groove.

[0032] In this solution, the mortise and tenon connection between the transmission door panel and the second connecting plate, which is connected by the groove and the connecting protrusion a, can reduce the use of screws and other connecting parts, further reduce costs, and make assembly and disassembly easier. It can also make the transition at the connection between the transmission door panel and the second connecting plate smoother, improve the flatness of the support surface of the folding device, and thus improve the support effect of the folding device on the flexible screen of electronic devices.

[0033] A second aspect of this application provides an electronic device comprising a first middle frame, a second middle frame, and a folding device as described in any of the above embodiments. The first middle frame and the second middle frame are disposed on both sides of the folding device and fixedly connected to the fixed door panel. Since the folding device has the aforementioned technical effects, the electronic device including the folding device should also have corresponding technical effects, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0034] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of an electronic device in one embodiment of the prior art;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a partially exploded view of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the electronic device in its unfolded state.

[0038] Figure 4 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the electronic device in its folded state.

[0039] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A partially exploded diagram of the folding mechanism;

[0040] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A front view of the folding module in its unfolded state;

[0041] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of part of the folding module from another perspective;

[0042] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the folding module along the AA direction;

[0043] Figure 9 for Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the folding module in the folded state;

[0044] Figure 10 for Figure 7 Exploded view of the fixed door panel;

[0045] Figure 11 for Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of the middle connection module from another perspective;

[0046] Figure 12 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point I;

[0047] Figure 13 for Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of the folding module from another perspective;

[0048] Figure 14 for Figure 5 Rear view of the folding module in its unfolded state;

[0049] Figure 15 for Figure 13 Exploded view of the medium damping component;

[0050] Figure 16 for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the middle damping component without the damping cover plate;

[0051] Figure 17 for Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic element in another embodiment;

[0052] Figure 18 for Figure 13 An exploded view of the structure of the folding module;

[0053] Figure 19 for Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of the folding module along the BB direction;

[0054] Figure 20 for Figure 19 Cross-sectional view of the folding module in the folded state;

[0055] Figure 21 for Figure 13 An exploded view of the structure of the folding module;

[0056] Figure 22 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the folding module along the CC direction;

[0057] Figure 23 for Figure 22 Cross-sectional view of the folding module in the folded state;

[0058] Figure 24 for Figure 13 Exploded view of the intermediate synchronous gear assembly;

[0059] Figure 25 for Figure 24 Assembly diagram of the intermediate synchronous gear assembly.

[0060] Figure label:

[0061] 100'-folding device;

[0062] 1'-Center beam;

[0063] 2'-Transmission door panel;

[0064] 3' - Fixed door panel;

[0065] 200' - First middle frame;

[0066] 300' - Second middle frame;

[0067] 100-folding device;

[0068] 10-fold module;

[0069] 1-Center beam;

[0070] 11-Second arc groove;

[0071] 12-Third arc groove;

[0072] 13-Beam structure;

[0073] 14-Center beam cover plate;

[0074] 2-Door panel assembly;

[0075] 21-Transmission door panel;

[0076] 211-Support plate;

[0077] 212-First slippery tongue;

[0078] 213-Second slippery tongue;

[0079] 214 - Groove;

[0080] 22-Fixed door panel;

[0081] 221-Fixed plate;

[0082] 222-Swing arm;

[0083] 222a - First arc-shaped groove;

[0084] 223 - First groove;

[0085] 224 - Second groove;

[0086] 225 - Mounting slot;

[0087] 3-Damping components;

[0088] 31 - Outer shell;

[0089] 311 - Receiving cavity;

[0090] 312 housing;

[0091] 313 sliding arm;

[0092] 32-Staff;

[0093] 33-Elastic element;

[0094] 331-Straight section;

[0095] 332-Bent section;

[0096] 34-butt part;

[0097] 35-shaft core;

[0098] 36-Damping cover plate;

[0099] 4-Synchronous gear assembly;

[0100] 41 - First Synchronizer;

[0101] 411 - First sliding part;

[0102] 412 - First tooth;

[0103] 413 - First pivot;

[0104] 42 - Second synchronization element;

[0105] 421 - Second sliding part;

[0106] 422 - Second tooth;

[0107] 423 - Second shaft;

[0108] 43-Baffle;

[0109] 431 - Shaft hole;

[0110] 20-Connection Module

[0111] 201 - First connecting plate;

[0112] 202 - Second connecting plate;

[0113] 202a - Connecting protrusion;

[0114] 203-Connector cover plate;

[0115] 200 - First middle frame;

[0116] 300 - Second middle frame;

[0117] 400 - Support surface;

[0118] X - Length direction;

[0119] Y-width direction;

[0120] Z - Thickness direction.

[0121] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0122] First, let's explain the relevant technologies: such as Figure 1 As shown, existing foldable electronic devices typically include a first middle frame 200', a second middle frame 300', a folding device 100', and a flexible screen (not shown in the figure). The folding device 100' is located between the first middle frame 200' and the second middle frame 300', and the flexible screen is mounted on the first middle frame 200' and the second middle frame 300'. The folding device 100' includes a middle beam 1' and a transmission door plate 2' and a fixed door plate 3' disposed on both sides of the middle beam 1'. The transmission door plate 2' and the fixed door plate 3' can rotate relative to the middle beam 1'. The fixed door plates 3' on both sides of the middle beam 1' are fixedly connected to the first middle frame 200' and the second middle frame 300', respectively. When the fixed door plate 3' drives the first middle frame 200' and the second middle frame 300' to fold or unfold relative to each other, it can drive the flexible screen to fold or unfold.

[0123] Among them, such as Figure 1 As shown, the central beam 1', transmission door panel 2', and fixed door panel 3' of the folding device 100' are all integral door panel structures in their length direction X. However, due to the complex processing and low yield of integral door panel structures, the cost of foldable electronic devices is relatively high, and the assembly between the components is difficult and inconvenient.

[0124] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, including, for example, mobile phones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops, in-vehicle computers, foldable display devices, foldable displays, wearable devices, and other electronic devices. Embodiments of this application do not impose special limitations on the specific form of the aforementioned electronic device. For ease of explanation, the following description uses a mobile phone as an example, and specific embodiments of the electronic device of this application will be used to describe it.

[0125] Please refer to Figures 2-4 , Figure 2 This is a partially exploded view of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the electronic device in its unfolded state. Figure 4 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the electronic device in its folded state.

[0126] like Figure 2 As shown, the electronic device includes a folding device 100, a first middle frame 200, and a second middle frame 300. The first middle frame 200 and the second middle frame 300 are disposed on both sides of the folding device 100 along the width direction Y and are connected to the folding device 100. The first middle frame 200 and the second middle frame 300 are used to install components such as batteries, circuit boards, cameras, headphones, earpieces, buttons, and batteries of the electronic device.

[0127] Among them, such as Figure 2 As shown, the extension direction of the folding device 100 is defined as the length direction X of the folding device. When in the unfolded state, the arrangement direction of the first middle frame 200 and the second middle frame 300 is defined as the width direction Y of the folding device. The height direction Z of the folding device is positioned in a direction that is perpendicular to both the length direction X and the width direction Y of the folding device.

[0128] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first middle frame 200, the second middle frame 300, and the folding device 100 together form a support surface 400 for fixing and supporting a flexible screen (not shown) of an electronic device. This flexible screen is used to display images, videos, etc. The specific type of flexible screen in this application is not limited. For example, the flexible screen can be an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display. As a self-emissive display, AMOLED does not require a backlight module (BLM). Therefore, when the substrate in the AMOLED display is made of a flexible resin material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the AMOLED display can have bendable characteristics. For example, the flexible screen 2 can also be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display, a microorganic light-emitting diode (MOLED) display, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MOLED) display, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display, etc.

[0129] During the use of the electronic device, the folding device 100 includes at least the following: Figure 3 The unfolded state shown and as Figure 4 The folded state shown is illustrated in this embodiment of the application, where the electronic device is a flexible screen outward folding structure, meaning that the flexible screen remains exposed even when folded, allowing the user to control the flexible screen while it is folded.

[0130] like Figure 3 As shown, in the unfolded state, the first middle frame 200 and the second middle frame 300 are approximately on the same plane, making the supporting surface 400 approximately flat. At this time, the single-sided display interface facing the user is maximized, improving the user's operating and viewing experience. Furthermore, when the folding device 100 is in the unfolded state, the first middle frame 200 and the second middle frame 300 can rotate relative to each other in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure, thereby driving the folding device 100 to fold. During the folding process, the sides of the first middle frame 200 and the second middle frame 300 that are away from the supporting surface 400 move closer to each other, allowing the electronic device to be positioned as shown in the figure. Figure 4 The folded state shown.

[0131] like Figure 4 As shown, in the folded state, the support surface 400 is folded, reducing the size of the single-sided display interface facing the user, which facilitates one-handed operation and use, and also makes it easier for the user to store and carry. Furthermore, when the folding device 100 is in the folded state, the first middle frame 200 and the second middle frame 300 can rotate in mutually distancing directions, thereby unfolding the folding device 100 and allowing the electronic device to be in the folded state as shown in the diagram. Figure 3 The unfolded state shown.

[0132] Therefore, in this application, the folding device 100 can be used to fold and unfold electronic devices to meet various user needs and improve the user experience.

[0133] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structures illustrated in the embodiments of this application do not constitute a specific limitation on the electronic device. In other possible embodiments of this application, the electronic device may include more components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements.

[0134] Further, please refer to Figures 5-9 , Figure 5 for Figure 2 Partial exploded view of the folding mechanism. Figure 6 for Figure 5 The front view of the folding module in its unfolded state. Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of part of the folding module from another perspective. Figure 8 for Figure 6A cross-sectional view of the folding module along the AA direction. Figure 9 for Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the folding module in the folded state.

[0135] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, along the length direction X of the folding device 100, the folding device 100 includes at least two folding modules 10 and a connecting module 20 connecting the two folding modules 10. For example, the folding device 100 may include two folding modules 10, three folding modules 10, etc., and the specific design can be made according to actual needs, without limitation here.

[0136] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 5 As shown, the folding device 100 includes two folding modules 10 and one connecting module 20 to simplify assembly steps and improve the overall strength of the folding device 100. Furthermore, since the folding device 100 consists of multiple folding modules 10 and connecting modules 20, it is possible to individually replace some of the folding modules 10 or connecting modules 20, further reducing maintenance or replacement costs.

[0137] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the folding module 10 includes a central beam 1 and door panel assemblies 2 disposed on opposite sides of the central beam 1. The door panel assemblies 2 include a transmission door panel 21 and a fixed door panel 22. The transmission door panel 21 is rotatably connected to both the central beam 1 and the fixed door panel 22. The fixed door panel 22 is used for... Figure 2 The first middle frame 200 and the second middle frame 300 shown are fixedly connected by screws or other means, which facilitates the user to rotate the door panel assembly 2 of the folding device 100 relative to the middle beam 1 when rotating the first middle frame 200 and the second middle frame 300, thereby realizing the folding device 100 in the following way: Figure 8 The unfolded state shown and as Figure 9 Switch between the shown folded states.

[0138] In this embodiment, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in a single folding module 10, the central beam 1, transmission door panel 21, and fixed door panel 22 are relatively short in the length direction X, simplifying the manufacturing process and making them easier to process and manufacture. This improves the yield of the folding device 100 and reduces the assembly difficulty between components, facilitating the assembly of the folding module 10 and increasing assembly efficiency. Furthermore, adjacent folding modules 10 are connected by a connecting module 20 to form the folding device 100, allowing each component to be assembled modularly during the assembly of the folding device 100. This further reduces the assembly difficulty of the folding device 100, facilitating mass production of the folding device 100 and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0139] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, in the folding device 100 of this structure, each folding module 10 includes a five-door panel structure consisting of a central beam 1, two transmission door panels 21, and two fixed door panels 22. The door panel assembly 2 is along the... Figure 8 During the rotation and unfolding process as indicated by the middle arrow, while the fixed door panel 22 and the transmission door panel 21 rotate and unfold relative to the central beam 1, the fixed door panel 22 will also continue to rotate a certain distance relative to the transmission door panel 21 in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. This allows more of the fixed door panel 22, the transmission door panel 21, and the central beam 1 to be located on the same supporting plane when the folding module 10 is in the unfolded state. This enables the folding device 100 to provide multi-point support for the flexible screen located above it when unfolded, making the flexible screen of the electronic device flatter and improving the user experience. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 As shown, door panel assembly 2 is along Figure 9 During the folding process in the direction indicated by the middle arrow, while the fixed door panel 22 and the transmission door panel 21 rotate and fold relative to the middle beam 1, the fixed door panel 22 will also continue to rotate a certain distance relative to the transmission door panel 21 in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. This allows the exposed support surfaces of the fixed door panel 22, the transmission door panel 21, and the middle beam 1 to form a smoother curved surface when the folding module 10 is in the folded state. This provides reliable support for the flexible screen located above it and reduces the pulling on the flexible screen during the folding process, thereby reducing the risk of failure of the flexible screen.

[0140] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the fixed door panel 22 includes a fixed plate body 221 and a swing arm 222 fixed on the fixed plate body 221. The end of the swing arm 222 away from the fixed plate body 221 is provided with a first arc-shaped groove 222a. The transmission door panel 21 includes a support plate 211 and a first sliding tongue 212 provided on the support plate 211. The first sliding tongue 212 is slidably connected with the first arc-shaped groove 222a.

[0141] The number of swing arms 22 and first sliding tongues 212 can be one or more, specifically designed according to the size of the folding module 10. Multiple swing arms 22 can be spaced apart along the length X direction on the fixed plate 221, and multiple first sliding tongues 212 can be spaced apart along the length X direction on the support plate 211. As long as the number of swing arms 22 and first sliding tongues 212 is equal and their positions correspond, there are no restrictions. Figure 7 As shown in the embodiment of this application, there are two swing arms 22 and two first sliding tongues 212, which can improve the rotational stability between the fixed door panel 22 and the transmission door panel 21 during the rotation of the door panel assembly 2, and provide more installation space on the fixed plate 221 to facilitate the installation of other components in the folding module 10.

[0142] In this embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown, the transmission door plate 21 and the fixed door plate 22 are slidably connected to the first arc-shaped groove 222a via the first sliding tongue 212. This allows the fixed door plate 22 to rotate relative to the transmission door plate 21, ensuring that the fixed plate 221 of the fixed door plate 22 and the support plate 211 of the transmission door plate 21 are on the same supporting plane in the unfolded state. This allows the folding device 100 to provide multi-point support for the flexible screen of the electronic device in the unfolded state. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 As shown, this structure can adjust the gap between the transmission door plate 21 and the fixed door plate 22 when in the folded state, that is, reduce the gap between the transmission door plate 21 and the fixed door plate 22 when in the folded state, making the transition between the support plate 211 and the fixed plate 221 smoother. It can also further reduce the pulling on the flexible screen of the electronic device during the folding process, reduce the risk of failure of the flexible screen. Moreover, the structure is simple, easy to implement, and easier to assemble, which can further reduce the cost of the folding device 100.

[0143] Among them, such as Figures 7-9 As shown, the first sliding tongue 212 can be an arc-shaped sliding tongue structure that matches the shape of the first arc-shaped groove 222a, so as to further improve the smoothness of rotation between the fixed door panel 22 and the transmission door panel 21.

[0144] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the middle beam 1 is provided with a second arc-shaped groove 11, and the transmission door panel 21 also includes a second sliding tongue 213 provided on the support plate 211. The second sliding tongue 213 is slidably connected with the second arc-shaped groove 11.

[0145] The number of second sliding tongues 213 and second arc-shaped grooves 11 can be one or more, specifically designed according to the dimensions of the folding module 10. Multiple second sliding tongues 213 can be spaced apart along the length X direction on the support plate 211, and multiple second arc-shaped grooves 11 can be spaced apart along the length X direction on the middle beam 1. As long as the number of second sliding tongues 213 and the number of second arc-shaped grooves 11 on the middle beam 1 are the same and their positions correspond, no restrictions are imposed. Figure 7 As shown in this embodiment, four second arc-shaped grooves 11 are provided on the middle beam 1, and two second sliding tongues 213 are respectively provided on the transmission door panels 21 on both sides of the middle beam 1. This can improve the rotational stability between the transmission door panels 21 and the middle beam 1 during the rotation of the door panel assembly 2. In the length direction X, the positions of the second sliding tongues 213 on the transmission door panels 21 on both sides of the middle beam 1 are staggered, which can avoid interference between the transmission door panels 21 on both sides of the middle beam 1 during unfolding and folding, and further improve the rotational stability.

[0146] In this embodiment, as Figure 8As shown, the central beam 1 and the transmission door panel 21 are slidably connected through the second sliding tongue 213 and the second arc-shaped groove 11, enabling the transmission door panel 21 to rotate relative to the central beam 1. This allows the support plate 211 of the transmission door panel 21 to be located on the same support plane as the central beam 1 in the unfolded state, thus enabling the folding device 100 to provide multi-point support for the flexible screen of the electronic device in the unfolded state. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 As shown, this structure can also adjust the gap between the transmission door plate 21 and the middle beam 1 when in the folded state, that is, reduce the gap between the transmission door plate 21 and the middle beam 1 when in the folded state, making the transition between the middle beam 1 and the support plate 211 smoother. It can also further reduce the pulling on the flexible screen of the electronic device during the folding process, reduce the risk of failure of the flexible screen. Moreover, the structure is simple, easy to implement, and easier to assemble, which can further reduce the cost of the folding device 100.

[0147] In addition, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 The central beam 1 and the transmission door panel 21 are slidably connected to the second arc-shaped groove 11 through the second sliding tongue 213. The transmission door panel 21 and the fixed door panel 22 are slidably connected to the first arc-shaped groove 222a through the first sliding tongue 212. This can further improve the support of the folding device 100 for the flexible screen of the electronic device in the unfolded and folded states, reduce the pulling on the flexible screen during the folding process, improve the service life of the flexible screen, and further reduce costs.

[0148] Among them, such as Figures 7-9 As shown, the second sliding tongue 213 can be an arc-shaped sliding tongue structure that matches the shape of the second arc-shaped groove 11, so as to further improve the smoothness of rotation between the transmission door plate 21 and the middle beam 1.

[0149] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the transmission door panel 21 can be a structure integrally formed by the support plate 211, the first sliding tongue 212 and the second sliding tongue 213, so as to facilitate mass production, further improve the manufacturing efficiency of the folding device 100, simplify the assembly steps, further improve the assembly efficiency, and further reduce the cost of the folding device 100.

[0150] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 7As shown, the middle beam 1 includes a beam body 13 and a middle beam cover plate 14. The middle beam cover plate 14 and the beam body 13 surround to form the aforementioned second sliding groove 11. The structure is simple and can reduce the assembly difficulty between the middle beam 1 and the transmission door plate 21. Moreover, the opening of the second sliding groove 11 formed by the middle beam cover plate 14 and the beam body 13 can be small, which makes it easy to limit the second sliding tongue 213 of the transmission door plate 21 and prevent the second sliding tongue 213 from disengaging from the second sliding groove 11 during rotation along the second sliding groove 11. This further improves the structural stability of the folding device 100 and ensures the reliability of the folding device 100.

[0151] The middle beam cover plate 14 and the middle beam 13 can be fixedly connected by screws or other connectors to improve the connection strength between the middle beam cover plate 14 and the beam body 13. Of course, the middle beam cover plate 14 and the middle beam 13 can also be connected by snap-fit, adhesive or other methods, which are not limited here.

[0152] In one specific embodiment, please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 for Figure 7 An exploded view of the fixed door panel. (See diagram below.) Figure 10 As shown, a mounting groove 225 is recessed on the fixed plate 221, and the swing arm 222 is set in the groove 225 and can be fixedly connected to the fixed plate 221 by means of screws, etc., thereby restricting the movement displacement of the swing arm 222 on the fixed plate 221 and improving the connection stability between the fixed plate 221 and the swing arm 222.

[0153] Of course, the fixed door panel 22 can also be a one-piece molded structure to further reduce manufacturing costs, and there are no restrictions here.

[0154] Please refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 , Figure 11 for Figure 5 A structural diagram of the middle connection module from another perspective. Figure 12 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point I.

[0155] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the connecting module 20 includes a first connecting plate 201 and a second connecting plate 202. The first connecting plate 201 is connected to the middle beam 1 of the two folding modules 10, and the second connecting plate 202 is connected to the transmission door plate 21 of the two folding modules 10.

[0156] In this embodiment, as Figure 11As shown, the first connecting plate 201 and the second connecting plate 202 are both separate connectors with simple structures, easy to manufacture, and do not interfere with each other, so as to facilitate the connection, disassembly and replacement of multiple components or modules, and further reduce the cost of the folding device 100.

[0157] Among them, such as Figure 11 As shown, the connection module 20 also includes a connector cover plate 203. The connector cover plate 203 can be fixed to the first connection plate 201 by means of snap-fit, adhesive, screw connection, etc., and a gap is formed between it and the first connection plate 201 to facilitate the insertion of flexible components inside the electronic device and meet the usage requirements of the electronic device. The flexible component can be a connecting component of a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or other connecting components, which is not limited here.

[0158] Furthermore, such as Figure 12 As shown, the transmission door plate 21 has a groove 214 at one end near the connecting module 20, and the two ends of the second connecting plate 202 have connecting protrusions 202a, which are engaged with the groove 214.

[0159] In this embodiment, as Figure 12 As shown, the mortise and tenon connection between the transmission door panel 21 and the second connecting plate 202 via the insertion of the groove 214 and the connecting protrusion 202a reduces the use of screws and other connectors, further reducing costs and making assembly and disassembly easier. It also makes the transition at the connection between the transmission door panel 21 and the second connecting plate 202 smoother, improving the flatness of the support surface of the folding device 100, thereby improving the support effect of the folding device 100 on the flexible screen of electronic devices.

[0160] The cross-sectional shape of the connecting protrusion 202a can be trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal or other irregular shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the groove 214 can be trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal or other irregular shape that matches the connecting protrusion 202a, so as to ensure the rotation limit effect between the second connecting plate 202 and the transmission door plate 21 and improve the reliability of the folding device 100. The specific design can be made according to the actual design requirements, and no restrictions are imposed here.

[0161] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, there can be multiple connecting protrusions 202a and multiple corresponding grooves 214, such as two, three, four, etc., to further improve the rotation limiting effect and connection strength between the second connecting plate 202 and the transmission door plate 21. The specific design can be carried out according to the actual design requirements, and no restrictions are imposed here.

[0162] Furthermore, the shapes of the multiple connecting protrusions 202a can be different, as long as the groove 214 has the same shape as the corresponding connecting protrusion 202a, and there is no restriction here.

[0163] For example, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown in the embodiment of this application, there are three connecting protrusions 202a and grooves 214. The connecting protrusions 202a and grooves 214 located in the middle position have a trapezoidal cross-section, while the connecting protrusions 202a and grooves 214 located on both sides have a semi-circular cross-section. This facilitates insertion and assembly and can also effectively prevent relative rotation between the second connecting plate 202 and the transmission door plate 21, thereby improving the structural stability and folding reliability of the folding device 100.

[0164] Of course, the transmission door panel 21 and the second connecting plate 202 can also be connected by screws to further improve the connection strength between the transmission door panel 21 and the second connecting plate 202, and no restriction is imposed here.

[0165] Furthermore, such as Figure 12 As shown, the first connecting plate 201 and the middle beam 1 of the two folding modules 10 can be locked together with screws to improve the connection strength between the first connecting plate 201 and the middle beam 1, thereby improving the structural stability of the folding device 100.

[0166] Of course, the first connecting plate 201 can also be connected to the middle beam 1 by means of plugging or snapping, so as to further simplify the assembly steps, reduce the assembly difficulty, improve the flatness of the connection between the first connecting plate 201 and the middle beam 1, and further improve the support effect of the folding device 100 on the flexible screen of the electronic device.

[0167] Further, please refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 , Figure 13 for Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of the folding module from another perspective. Figure 14 for Figure 5 The rear view of the folded module in its unfolded state.

[0168] like Figure 13As shown, the folding module 10 also includes a damping component 3 and a synchronizing gear component 4. The damping component 3 is used to abut against at least a portion of the central beam 1 in the unfolded state, thereby generating a damping force to prevent the folding module 10 from over-unfolding and to maintain the stability of the folding device 100 in the unfolded state, thereby improving the reliability of the folding device 100 and the electronic equipment. The synchronizing gear component 4 is used to ensure that the rotation angle of the door panel components 2 on both sides of the central beam 1 is the same relative to the central beam 1 during the unfolding and folding process, that is, to ensure that the opening and closing of the door panel components 2 on both sides of the central beam 1 is synchronized during the unfolding and folding process, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the folding device 100 and the electronic equipment during the unfolding and folding process.

[0169] The fixed door panel 22 may have one or more swing arms 222, and the specific design can be tailored to actual needs without limitation. For example, when the fixed door panel 22 has only one swing arm 222, the synchronizing gear assembly 4 can be disposed between the damping assembly 3 and the swing arm 222 along the length X of the folding device 100. For example, the damping assembly 3 can also be disposed between the synchronizing gear assembly 4 and the swing arm 222 along the length X of the folding device 100. For example, when the fixed door panel 22 includes multiple swing arms 222, the synchronizing gear assembly 4 and the damping assembly 3 are located between two adjacent swing arms 222.

[0170] In this embodiment, as Figure 13 As shown, in the folding module 10 of this structure, the distance between the swing arm 222, the damping component 3 and the synchronous gear component 4 is relatively close, which can reduce the damping force of the damping component 3 during the folding process of the door panel component 2, ensure the synchronicity of the movement of the door panel components 2 on both sides of the middle beam 1, prevent the door panel components 2 from deforming or being damaged, and further improve the stability and reliability of the folding device 100 and electronic equipment during the unfolding and folding process.

[0171] Each folding module 10 may include multiple damping components 3 and multiple synchronous gear components 4, which can be set according to actual design requirements and are not limited here.

[0172] like Figure 13In the specific embodiment shown, the folding module 10 has two damping components 3 and one synchronous gear assembly 4. The two damping components 3 are arranged sequentially along the first direction X. The fixed door panel 22 has two swing arms 222, so that the fixed door panel 22 has sufficient space to install the synchronous gear assembly 4 and the damping component 3, preventing motion interference between the synchronous gear assembly 4 and the damping component 3 during unfolding and folding. Along the length direction X of the folding device 100, the synchronous gear assembly 4 and the damping component 3 are located between the two swing arms 222, so that rotational force can be applied to both sides of the damping component 3 along the length direction X during the folding or unfolding of the door panel assembly 2, further reducing the damping force of the damping component 3, further ensuring the motion synchronization of the door panel assembly 2 on both sides of the middle beam 1, preventing deformation or damage to the door panel assembly 2, and further improving the stability and reliability of the folding device 100 and electronic equipment during unfolding and folding.

[0173] Furthermore, such as Figure 14 As shown, along the length direction X of the folding device 100, the distance between the centerline of the synchronous gear assembly 4 and the centerline of the damping assembly 3 is L, where 9mm ≤ L ≤ 12mm. For example, L can be 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, etc., and can be set according to the installation space on the folding module 10, without any restrictions here.

[0174] like Figure 14 As shown, if the distance L between the centerline of the synchronous gear assembly 4 and the centerline of the damping assembly 3 is too small, for example, L < 9mm, then the synchronous gear assembly 4 and the damping assembly 3 need to be smaller in size, which easily leads to a decrease in the performance of the damping assembly 3 and the synchronous gear assembly 4, failing to meet the usage requirements of the folding device 100. Furthermore, it easily causes motion interference between the synchronous gear assembly 4 and the damping assembly 3 during unfolding and folding, thereby reducing the stability and reliability of the folding device 100 and the electronic equipment during unfolding and folding. If the distance L between the centerline of the synchronous gear assembly 4 and the centerline of the damping assembly 3 is too large, for example, L > 12mm, then the distance between the synchronous gear assembly 4 and the damping assembly 3 is too great, making the door panel assembly 2 susceptible to the damping force of the damping assembly 3 during unfolding and folding, reducing the motion synchronization of the door panel assemblies 2 on both sides of the middle beam 1, or causing deformation or damage to the door panel assembly 2.

[0175] In this embodiment, as Figure 14As shown, when the distance L between the centerline of the synchronous gear assembly 4 and the centerline of the damping assembly 3 satisfies 9mm≤L≤12mm, the synchronous gear assembly 4 and the damping assembly 3 can have sufficient volume to ensure that their performance meets the usage requirements of the folding device 100. It can also avoid motion interference between the synchronous gear assembly 4 and the damping assembly 3 during unfolding and folding, reduce the damping force of the damping assembly 3, ensure the motion synchronization of the door panel assemblies 2 on both sides of the middle beam 1, prevent deformation or damage to the door panel assemblies 2, and further improve the stability and reliability of the folding device 100 and electronic equipment during unfolding and folding.

[0176] Further, please refer to Figures 15-20 , Figure 15 for Figure 13 Exploded view of the medium damping component. Figure 16 for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the intermediate damping component without the damping cover plate. Figure 17 for Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic element in another embodiment. Figure 18 for Figure 13 An exploded view of the structure of the folding module. Figure 19 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the folding module along the BB direction. Figure 20 for Figure 19 A cross-sectional view of the folding module in the folded state.

[0177] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the damping assembly 3 includes a housing 31, a bracket 32, an elastic element 33, and an abutment portion 34. The housing 31 has a receiving cavity 311. The bracket 32 ​​and the elastic element 33 are disposed in the receiving cavity 311. Both ends of the elastic element 33 abut against the bracket 32 ​​and the housing 31, respectively. The end of the bracket 32 ​​away from the elastic element 33 is connected to the abutment portion 34. This allows the damping assembly 3 to be assembled as a separate module in the folding device 100, further reducing the assembly difficulty of the folding device 100 and improving the assembly efficiency of the folding device 100.

[0178] Furthermore, such as Figure 15 As shown, the damping assembly 3 may also include a damping cover plate 36, which covers the receiving cavity 311 of the outer shell 31, thereby protecting and limiting the support 32 and elastic element 33 inside the receiving cavity 311, preventing the support 32 and elastic element 33 from detaching from the receiving cavity 311 during folding and unfolding, improving the structural stability and reliability of the damping assembly 3, further enhancing the modularity of the damping assembly 3, and facilitating the assembly of the folding device 100.

[0179] Furthermore, such as Figure 16 As shown, the elastic element 33 may include multiple straight sections 331 and multiple bent sections 332. The multiple straight sections 331 are spaced apart, and adjacent two straight sections 331 are connected by the bent sections 332. Inside the housing 31, the multiple straight sections 331 can approach each other during the compression process of the bracket 32 ​​and the housing 31.

[0180] In this embodiment, as Figure 16 As shown, compared to a coil spring, the elastic element 33 of this structure is simple in structure, which can ensure the reliability of linear movement of the elastic element 33 during the extension and contraction process, and is not prone to bending, thus improving the reliability of the elastic element 33. Moreover, there is no need for additional positioning structures such as positioning pins to limit the elastic element 33, which further reduces the structural complexity of the damping component 3, facilitates the assembly of the folding device 100, and reduces the cost of the folding device 100.

[0181] In one specific embodiment, the elastic element 33 is integrally formed, which facilitates the mass production of the elastic element 33, further saves costs, further reduces assembly difficulty, and reduces the number of parts of the damping component 3, which is conducive to improving the modularity of the damping component 3 and makes it easier to assemble the folding device 100.

[0182] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, the elastic element 33 can be a single-winding elastic structure formed by repeatedly bending an elastic metal strip. The structure is simple and easy to manufacture. For example, as... Figure 17 As shown, the elastic element 33 can also be a double-wound elastic structure formed by bending an elastic metal strip from both ends back and forth, in order to further improve the uniformity of the force on the elastic element 33, further avoid the bending deformation of the elastic element 33 during the expansion and contraction process, and further improve the reliability of the elastic element 33.

[0183] The damping component 3 may include one or more elastic elements 33, the specific configuration of which can be determined according to actual needs and is not limited herein. For example, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the damping assembly 3 includes two elastic elements 33. Each elastic element 33 is small in size and easy to assemble. For example, as... Figure 17 As shown, when the elastic element 33 of this structure is used, since the elastic element 33 of this structure has high reliability and uniform force distribution, the damping component 3 can be provided with only one elastic element 33, so as to further simplify the structure of the damping component 3.

[0184] like Figure 18 As shown, during the assembly process, one end of the housing 31 of the damping component 3 is slidably connected to the fixed door panel 22, and the other end is rotatably connected to the middle beam 1, with the abutment part 34 used to abut against the middle beam 1.

[0185] In this embodiment, as Figures 18-20 As shown, during the unfolding and folding process, the door panel assemblies 2 on both sides of the central beam 1 can drive the damping assembly 3 to rotate relative to the central beam 1. Since one end of the outer shell 31 of the damping assembly 3 is slidably connected to the fixed door panel 22, the damping assembly 3 can slide within the fixed door panel 22 during the folding process, avoiding jamming, so as to ensure the stability and reliability of the folding device 100 and electronic equipment during the unfolding and folding process.

[0186] In addition, such as Figure 19 As shown, in the unfolded state, the abutment portion 34 abuts against the central beam 1, thereby enabling the abutment portion 34 to drive the bracket 32 ​​to move in the direction close to the elastic member 33, so that the elastic member is in a compressed state, thereby generating a damping force to prevent the folding module 10 from over-unfolding and to maintain the stability of the folding device 100 in the unfolded state, improving the reliability of the folding device 100 and electronic equipment, and also improving the feel during unfolding and folding, thus enhancing the user experience. Figure 20 As shown, in the folded state, the abutment part 34 can contact and abut with the central beam 1, thereby further improving the synchronization of the door panel assembly 2 during the folding process, and further enhancing the stability and reliability of the folding device 100 and electronic equipment during the unfolding and folding process.

[0187] Furthermore, such as Figure 18 As shown, the outer casing 31 includes a housing 312 and a sliding arm 313. The sliding arm 313 is formed in the housing 312. The fixed door panel 22 is provided with a first sliding groove 223. The housing 312 is slidably disposed in the first sliding groove 223. The middle beam 1 is provided with a third arc-shaped groove 12. The sliding arm 313 and the third arc-shaped groove 12 are slidably connected, thereby enabling the damping component 3 to rotate relative to the middle beam 1 while allowing the damping component 3 to slide relative to the fixed door panel 22. This adjusts the position of the damping component 3 during unfolding and folding, preventing jamming. Furthermore, both the first sliding groove 223 and the third arc-shaped groove 12 have guiding and limiting functions, further improving the stability and reliability of the folding device 100 and electronic equipment during unfolding and folding.

[0188] Among them, the sliding arm 313 can be an arc-shaped structure that matches the shape of the third arc-shaped groove 12, so as to further improve the rotational smoothness of the damping component 3.

[0189] Additionally, the housing 31 may include one or more sliding arms 313, the specific design of which can be tailored to actual needs and is not limited herein. For example, such as... Figure 16 and Figure 18As shown, the outer casing 31 includes two sliding arms 313, and at least a portion of the abutment portion 34 is exposed between the two sliding arms 313, thereby facilitating the abutment portion 34 to abut against the middle beam 1. The two sliding arms 313 are located on both sides of the abutment portion 34, which can prevent the damping assembly 3 from tilting or rotating and jamming under the influence of damping force when the abutment portion 34 abuts against the middle beam 1, thus improving the smoothness of rotation of the damping assembly 3.

[0190] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 20 As shown, the third arc-shaped groove 12 can be formed by the beam body 13 and the middle beam cover plate 14 to facilitate the assembly of the damping component 3.

[0191] In one specific embodiment, the abutment portion 34 can be an integrally formed structure with the bracket 32 ​​to further reduce the structural complexity of the damping component 3, making it easier to process, manufacture and assemble, and further reducing costs.

[0192] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 15 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the abutment part 34 is a roller, which is rotatably connected to the end of the bracket 32 ​​away from the elastic member 33. This allows the abutment part 34 to roll on the middle beam 1, reducing the frictional resistance between the abutment part 34 and the middle beam 1. This further reduces the influence of damping force during unfolding and folding, improves the smoothness and stability of the door panel assembly 2 during rotation relative to the middle beam 1, and further improves the stability and reliability of the folding device 100 and electronic equipment during unfolding and folding.

[0193] For example, such as Figure 15 , Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, when the abutment part 34 is a roller, the abutment part 34 can be rotatably connected to the end of the support 32 away from the elastic member 33 by sequentially passing the support 32 and the abutment part 34 through the shaft core 35. This structure is simple, easy to implement, and easy to assemble. Exemplarily, a rotating shaft can also be directly provided on the abutment part 34, allowing the abutment part 34 to be rotatably connected to the end of the support 32 away from the elastic member 33 via this rotating shaft, further simplifying the structure. Exemplarily, the abutment part 34 can also be a rotating shaft, directly rotatably connected to the end of the support 32 away from the elastic member 33. Furthermore, the abutment part 34 can also be any other structure capable of rolling connection with the middle beam 1 to reduce sliding friction between the abutment part 34 and the middle beam 1; no limitation is made here.

[0194] Further, please refer to Figures 21-25 , Figure 21 for Figure 13 An exploded view of the structure of the folding module. Figure 22 for Figure 6A cross-sectional view of the folding module along the CC direction. Figure 23 for Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of the folding module in its folded state. Figure 24 for Figure 13 Exploded view of the intermediate synchronizing gear assembly. Figure 25 for Figure 24 Assembly diagram of the intermediate synchronous gear assembly.

[0195] In one specific embodiment, such as Figures 21-23 As shown, the synchronous gear assembly 4 includes a first synchronous member 41 and a second synchronous member 42. The first synchronous member 41 is provided with a first sliding part 411 and a first tooth part 412, and the second synchronous member 42 is provided with a second sliding part 421 and a second tooth part 422. Along the width direction Y of the folding device 100, the first sliding part 411 and the second sliding part 421 are slidably connected to the fixed door panels 22 on both sides of the middle beam 1, and the first tooth part 412 and the second tooth part 422 are rotatably connected to the middle beam 1, and the first tooth part 412 and the second tooth part 422 mesh with each other.

[0196] Among them, such as Figure 21 As shown, the fixed door panel 22 can be provided with a second sliding groove 224 so that the first sliding part 411 and the second sliding part 421 can be slidably connected to the fixed door panels 22 on both sides of the middle beam 1 through the second sliding groove 224. This structure is simple, and the second sliding groove 224 has a certain guiding and limiting function, which can further improve the stability and reliability of the folding device 100 and electronic equipment during the unfolding and folding process.

[0197] In this embodiment, as Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, during the unfolding and folding process, the first tooth 412 of the first synchronizing member 41 and the second tooth 422 of the second synchronizing member 42 mesh with each other, thereby ensuring that the door panel assemblies 2 on both sides of the middle beam 1 can have the same opening and closing angle relative to the middle beam 1 during rotation. This allows the door panel assemblies 2 on both sides of the middle beam 1 to open and close synchronously, improving the efficiency of folding and unfolding, and also enhancing the stability and reliability of the folding device 100 and electronic equipment during the unfolding and folding process. Furthermore, the first sliding part 411 of the first synchronizing member 41 and the second sliding part 421 of the second synchronizing member 42 can slide relative to the fixed door panel 22. This allows the first synchronizing member 41 and the second synchronizing member 42 to slide relative to the fixed door panel 22 to adjust their positions relative to the fixed door panel 22 when the gap between the fixed door panel 22, the transmission door panel 21, and the middle beam 1 decreases during the folding process. This prevents jamming and further enhances the stability and reliability of the folding device 100 and electronic equipment during the unfolding and folding process.

[0198] The first synchronizing element 41 and the second synchronizing element 42 can both be integrally formed, which facilitates mass production, simplifies the manufacturing process, and further reduces the cost of the folding device 100.

[0199] Furthermore, such as Figure 24 As shown, the synchronizing gear assembly 4 also includes baffles 43 disposed at both circumferential ends of the first tooth portion 412 and the second tooth portion 422. Shaft holes 431 are provided on the baffles 43. First rotating shafts 413 are disposed at both axial ends of the first tooth portion 412, and second rotating shafts 423 are disposed at both circumferential ends of the second tooth portion 422. The first synchronizing element 41 and the second synchronizing element 42 can be assembled as shown by the first rotating shaft 413 and the second rotating shaft 423 passing through the shaft holes 431 of the baffles 43. Figure 25 The synchronous gear assembly 4 shown improves the structural stability of the synchronous gear assembly 4, ensures reliable meshing between the first tooth 412 and the second tooth 422, and enhances the modularity of the synchronous gear assembly 4 so that the synchronous gear assembly 4 can be assembled as a separate module, further reducing the assembly difficulty of the folding device 100.

[0200] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structures illustrated in the embodiments of this application do not constitute a specific limitation on the electronic device. In other possible embodiments of this application, the electronic device may include more components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements.

[0201] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding device, characterized in that, include: At least two folding modules, each folding module including a central beam and door panel assemblies disposed on opposite sides of the central beam, each door panel assembly including a transmission door panel and a fixed door panel, the transmission door panel being rotatably connected to the central beam and the fixed door panel respectively; A connecting module, which connects the two folding modules; The folding module also includes a damping component and a synchronizing gear component. The fixed door panel includes multiple swing arms. The synchronizing gear component and the damping component are located between two adjacent swing arms. Along the length direction of the folding device, the distance between the center line of the synchronizing gear component and the center line of the damping component is L, where 9mm≤L≤12mm.

2. The folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed door panel includes a fixed plate body and a swing arm fixed to the fixed plate body, and a first arc-shaped groove is provided at the end of the swing arm away from the fixed plate body. The transmission door panel includes a support plate and a first sliding tongue disposed on the support plate, wherein the first sliding tongue is slidably connected to the first arc-shaped groove.

3. The folding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Along the length of the folding device, the synchronizing gear assembly is disposed between the damping assembly and the swing arm.

4. The folding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Along the length of the folding device, the damping component is disposed between the synchronizing gear assembly and the swing arm.

5. The folding device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The damping assembly includes a housing, a bracket, an elastic element, and an abutment portion; One end of the outer casing is slidably connected to the fixed door panel, and the other end is rotatably connected to the central beam; The outer shell has a receiving cavity, and the bracket and the elastic element are disposed in the receiving cavity, with both ends of the elastic element abutting against the bracket and the outer shell respectively; The end of the bracket away from the elastic member is connected to the abutment portion, which is used to abut against the central beam.

6. The folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The abutting part and the bracket are integrally formed.

7. The folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The abutting part is a roller, and the roller is rotatably connected to the end of the bracket away from the elastic member.

8. The folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elastic element includes multiple straight sections and multiple bent sections; The plurality of straight segments are spaced apart, and adjacent straight segments are connected by the bent segments; Within the housing, the plurality of straight segments are able to approach each other during the compression of the support and the housing.

9. The folding device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The elastic element is integrally molded.

10. The folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The housing includes a housing and a sliding arm, the sliding arm being formed in the housing; The fixed door panel is provided with a first sliding groove, and the housing is slidably disposed within the first sliding groove; The middle beam is provided with a third arc-shaped groove, and the sliding arm is slidably connected to the third arc-shaped groove.

11. The folding device according to any one of claims 3-4, 6 to 10, characterized in that, The synchronous gear assembly includes a first synchronizing element and a second synchronizing element. The first synchronizing element is provided with a first sliding portion and a first tooth portion, and the second synchronizing element is provided with a second sliding portion and a second tooth portion. Along the width direction of the folding device, the first sliding part and the second sliding part are slidably connected to the fixed door panels on both sides of the middle beam, and the first tooth and the second tooth are rotatably connected to the middle beam, and the first tooth and the second tooth mesh with each other.

12. The folding device according to any one of claims 2-4, 6-10, characterized in that, The middle beam is provided with a second arc groove, and the transmission door panel also includes a second sliding tongue disposed on the support plate; The second sliding tongue is slidably connected to the second arc-shaped groove.

13. The folding device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The transmission door panel is integrally formed from the support plate, the first sliding tongue, and the second sliding tongue.

14. The folding device according to any one of claims 1-4, 6 to 10, and 13, characterized in that, The connection module includes a first connection plate and a second connection plate; The first connecting plate is connected to the central beam of the two folding modules; The second connecting plate is connected to the transmission door plate of the two folding modules.

15. The folding device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The transmission door panel has a groove at one end near the connecting module, and the second connecting plate has connecting protrusions at both ends, which are engaged with the groove.

16. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a first middle frame, a second middle frame, and a folding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 15; The first middle frame and the second middle frame are disposed on both sides of the folding device and are fixedly connected to the fixed door panel.

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