Folding module and folding electronic equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the technical field of folding equipment, in particular to a folding module and folding electronic equipment. The embodiment of the invention aims to solve the problem of insufficient rigidity of the folding module. According to the folding module provided by the embodiment of the invention, the first end and the second end of the damping bracket are in bolted connection with the main shaft, and meanwhile, part of the damping bracket between the first end and the second end is also welded with the main shaft, so that the connection force between the main shaft and the damping bracket can be improved, and the rigidity of the main shaft can be improved through the damping bracket; the main shaft can be prevented from deforming when falling or being impacted by external force, so that the flexible display panel and other devices are prevented from being damaged.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Foldable electronic devices (such as foldable phones and foldable tablets) generally include a first frame, a second frame, a folding module, and a flexible display panel. The first and second frames are connected by a foldable module, and the flexible display panel covers the first and second frames. During the folding and unfolding process of the foldable electronic device, the first and second frames swing relative to the folding module, and the flexible display panel deforms accordingly. However, the rigidity of the folding module is generally insufficient. When the foldable electronic device is dropped or subjected to external impact, the folding module is prone to deformation, leading to damage to components such as the flexible display panel. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a folding module and a folding electronic device that can improve the rigidity of the spindle.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a folding module, including: a main shaft, a first swing arm, and a damping mechanism; the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the rotation axis of the first swing arm is parallel to the length direction of the main shaft; the damping mechanism includes a damping bracket and a damping assembly, the damping bracket covers the main shaft, the damping bracket has a first end and a second end arranged along the length direction of the main shaft, both the first end and the second end are bolted to the main shaft, and the damping bracket between the first end and the second end is welded to the main shaft; the damping assembly is disposed on the damping bracket, the damping assembly is connected to the first swing arm, and the damping assembly is used to provide damping force to the first swing arm.

[0005] In the folding module of this application embodiment, the first and second ends of the damping bracket are bolted to the main shaft, and the part of the damping bracket between the first and second ends is also welded to the main shaft. This can improve the connection force between the main shaft and the damping bracket, and the damping bracket can improve the rigidity of the main shaft. This can prevent the main shaft from deforming when it is dropped or subjected to external impact, thereby preventing damage to flexible display panels and other devices.

[0006] In some embodiments that may include the above embodiments, the damping bracket can be directly welded to the spindle. For example, the damping bracket can be directly connected to the spindle by pressure welding, arc welding, laser welding, etc., and the welded material is directly connected to the damping bracket and the spindle.

[0007] In some embodiments that may include the above embodiments, the damping bracket may be indirectly welded to the main shaft. For example, a connecting rib is provided between the main shaft and the damping bracket, with one end of the connecting rib connected to the main shaft and the other end of the connecting rib welded to the damping bracket; or, one end of the connecting rib is connected to the damping bracket and the other end of the connecting rib is welded to the main shaft.

[0008] With the above configuration, the connecting rib is placed between the main shaft and the damping bracket. The connecting rib can further improve the rigidity of the main shaft and further prevent the main shaft from deforming when it falls or is subjected to external impact.

[0009] In some embodiments that may include the above-described examples, one end of the connecting rib is connected to the main shaft, and the other end of the connecting rib is welded to the damping bracket. The damping bracket is provided with connecting holes, and some of the connecting ribs pass through the connecting holes and are welded to the damping bracket. This arrangement can increase the connection area between the connecting rib and the damping bracket, thereby improving the connection force between the connecting rib and the damping bracket.

[0010] In some embodiments that may include the above-described examples, a plug-in portion is provided at the end of the connecting rib facing away from the main shaft. The plug-in portion is inserted into a connecting hole, and the plug-in portion and the connecting hole are connected by welding. That is, the solder formed by welding surrounds the plug-in portion, and the solder connects the plug-in portion to the damping bracket at the wall of the connecting hole. In the cross-section parallel to the flexible display panel in its unfolded state, the cross-sectional area of ​​the plug-in portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting rib. This arrangement ensures that the connecting rib has a larger cross-sectional area and greater stiffness, which helps to improve the stiffness of the main shaft. In addition, the smaller cross-sectional area of ​​the plug-in portion allows the connecting rib to limit the distance between the damping bracket and the main shaft, improving the assembly accuracy between the damping bracket and the main shaft.

[0011] In some embodiments that may include the above embodiments, the damping bracket includes a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket and the second bracket are arranged along the length direction of the main shaft, and the connecting rib is welded to both the first bracket and the second bracket.

[0012] Understandably, during assembly, the damping components can be installed on the first and second supports first, then the first and second supports can be bolted onto the spindle, followed by welding of the connecting ribs, the first support, and the second support. Before assembly, the first and second supports are separate structures, facilitating the installation of the damping components on them.

[0013] In the implementation of the connecting hole on the damping bracket, the first bracket has a first notch at the end near the second bracket, and the second bracket has a second notch at the end near the first bracket. After the first bracket is brought close to the second bracket, the first and second notches approach and align with each other, thus forming a connecting hole. When the first and second brackets are installed on the spindle, a connecting rib passes through the first and second notches. The connecting rib is welded to the first bracket around the first notch, and also welded to the second bracket around the second notch, thereby achieving welding between the connecting rib and the damping bracket.

[0014] In some embodiments that may include the above-described embodiments, the damping assembly includes a first connecting shaft, a second connecting shaft, a first cam link, a first spring, and a second spring. The centerlines of both the first and second connecting shafts are parallel to the length direction of the main shaft, and both the first and second connecting shafts are connected to a damping bracket. The first spring is disposed on the first connecting shaft, and the second spring is disposed on the second connecting shaft. One end of both the first and second springs abuts against the first cam link. The first cam link is provided with a first cam and a first guide portion, and the first rocker arm is provided with a second cam, which cooperates with the first cam. The damping bracket or the main shaft is provided with a second guide portion, which cooperates with the first guide portion to guide the first cam link to move along the length direction parallel to the main shaft.

[0015] With this configuration, during the rotation of the first and second swing arms, the cooperation between the first and second guide parts ensures that the first cam link can only move along a direction parallel to the length of the main shaft, thereby preventing the first cam link from tilting relative to the length of the main shaft, improving the smoothness of the movement of the first cam link, and ensuring good contact between the first cam and the second cam, as well as between the third cam and the fourth cam.

[0016] In some embodiments that may include the above-described embodiments, the first guide portion includes a guide block disposed on the first cam connecting rod, and the second guide portion includes a guide groove disposed on the damping bracket, with the guide block slidingly disposed within the guide groove. The structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0017] In some embodiments that may include the above-described embodiments, the folding module further includes a second swing arm. The first swing arm is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft, and the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft. The rotation axis of the second swing arm is parallel to the length direction of the main shaft. A third cam is also provided on the first cam link, and a fourth cam is provided on the second swing arm. The third cam and the fourth cam cooperate with each other. With this configuration, the first and second swing arms are rotatably connected to the main shaft through a damping mechanism, eliminating the need for a connection structure on the main shaft to the first and second swing arms, thus simplifying the structure of the folding module. In addition, when the second swing arm rotates, the third and fourth cams rotate relative to each other, thereby generating a damping force that prevents the second swing arm from rotating.

[0018] In some embodiments that may include the above embodiments, the damping assembly further includes a third connecting shaft and a third spring. The third connecting shaft is disposed on the damping bracket, the center line of the third connecting shaft is parallel to the center line of the first connecting shaft, the third connecting shaft is disposed between the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft, and the third spring is disposed on the third connecting shaft and abuts against the first cam connecting rod.

[0019] With this configuration, the first spring, the second spring, and the third spring all abut against the first cam connecting rod, thereby increasing the damping force of the relative rotation of the first cam and the second cam, as well as the damping force of the relative rotation of the third cam and the fourth cam, and increasing the damping force of the rotation of the first swing arm and the second swing arm.

[0020] In some embodiments that may include the above-described embodiments, a guide hole is further provided on the first cam connecting rod, and one end of the third connecting shaft passes through the guide hole. This arrangement allows the third connecting shaft to further restrict the movement direction of the first cam connecting rod, further preventing the first cam connecting rod from tilting relative to the length direction of the main shaft. Furthermore, the third connecting shaft passing through the guide hole also allows for the fixation of one end of the third connecting shaft, resulting in a simple structure that is easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0021] In some embodiments that may include the above-described embodiments, the stiffness coefficient of the third spring is greater than that of the first and second springs. This configuration can further increase the damping force of the damping assembly on the first and second swing arms.

[0022] Understandably, in related technologies, to ensure that the damping component generates sufficient damping force on the first and second swing arms, multiple third springs are generally placed between the first and second springs, resulting in a larger volume and more complex structure for the folding module. However, in this embodiment, a third spring with a larger stiffness coefficient is placed between the first and second springs. This ensures that the damping component generates sufficient damping force on the first and second swing arms while reducing the volume of the folding module and simplifying its structure.

[0023] In the implementation method where the damping bracket and the main shaft are welded together via connecting ribs, the connecting ribs can be positioned between the first and third springs, and / or between the second and third springs. Compared to related technologies, placing a third spring with a larger stiffness coefficient between the first and second springs can reduce the space occupied between the damping bracket and the main shaft, i.e., increase the space between the third spring and the first and second springs. This, in turn, can increase the width of the connecting rib along the direction parallel to the flexible display panel in the unfolded state and perpendicular to the length of the main shaft, thereby increasing the stiffness of the connecting rib and further increasing the stiffness of the main shaft.

[0024] In some embodiments that may include the above embodiments, the outer diameter of the third spring is larger than the outer diameter of the first spring and the second spring, so that the spring constant of the third spring is greater than the spring constant of the first spring and the second spring, which facilitates the design and manufacture of the third spring.

[0025] In some embodiments that may include the above embodiments, the damping assembly further includes a second cam link, and a first spring, a second spring, and a third spring are all disposed between the first cam link and the second cam link. One end of the first spring, the second spring, and the third spring abuts against the first cam link, and the other end of the first spring, the second spring, and the third spring abuts against the second cam link. A fifth cam and a sixth cam are provided on the second cam link. The folding module further includes a third swing arm and a fourth swing arm. The third swing arm is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft, and the fourth swing arm is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft. A seventh cam is provided on the third swing arm, and an eighth cam is provided on the fourth swing arm. The seventh cam cooperates with the fifth cam, and the eighth cam cooperates with the sixth cam.

[0026] With the above configuration, the damping component can also provide damping force for the rotation of the third and fourth swing arms, so as to further provide damping force for the swing of the first and second middle frames relative to the folding module.

[0027] In some embodiments that may include the above-described embodiments, the end of the third connecting shaft facing away from the first cam link is fixedly connected to the second cam link, and the end of the third connecting shaft facing the first cam link is slidably disposed in a guide hole on the first cam link to achieve the connection between the third connecting shaft and the damping bracket. With this configuration, the connection between the third connecting shaft and the damping bracket can be achieved through the second cam link, eliminating the need for an additional fixing structure for the third connecting shaft, reducing the number of parts, and simplifying the structure of the folding module.

[0028] In some embodiments that may include the above-described examples, the third connecting shaft and the second cam connecting rod are an integral structure. This configuration can reduce the manufacturing difficulty of the folding module.

[0029] In some embodiments that may include the above-described embodiments, the folding module further includes a synchronization mechanism disposed on a damping bracket, and the third and fourth swing arms are connected by the synchronization mechanism. With this configuration, as the third swing arm rotates, the fourth swing arm is driven to rotate via the synchronization mechanism, thereby causing the first and second housing brackets to swing synchronously relative to the main shaft, achieving rapid folding and unfolding of the foldable electronic device. It is understood that the third and fourth swing arms rotate in opposite directions, so that the first and second middle frames swing simultaneously towards the unfolded state or simultaneously towards the folded state.

[0030] In some embodiments that may include the above-described embodiments, the synchronization mechanism includes a first synchronization gear, a second synchronization gear, a fourth connecting shaft, and a fifth connecting shaft. The fourth and fifth connecting shafts are both disposed on the side of the second cam connecting rod away from the first cam connecting rod. One end of the fourth and fifth connecting shafts is connected to the second cam connecting rod, and the other end of the fourth and fifth connecting shafts is connected to the damping bracket. The first synchronization gear is rotatably connected to the fourth connecting shaft, and the second synchronization gear is rotatably connected to the fifth connecting shaft. The first and second synchronization gears mesh. A first drive gear is disposed on the third swing arm, and a second drive gear is disposed on the fourth swing arm. The first drive gear meshes with the first synchronization gear, and the second drive gear meshes with the second synchronization gear.

[0031] With this configuration, synchronization between the third and fourth swing arms can be achieved through the first and second synchronizing gears, resulting in high transmission accuracy and a simple structure.

[0032] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a foldable electronic device, including: a first middle frame, a second middle frame, a flexible display panel, and a folding module as described above. The first middle frame and the second middle frame are connected through the folding module, and the flexible display panel covers the first middle frame and the second middle frame.

[0033] The foldable electronic device provided in this application includes the foldable module in any of the above embodiments, and therefore can achieve the same technical effect and solve the same technical problem, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 An exploded view of the foldable electronic device provided in the embodiment of this application in its unfolded state;

[0035] Figure 2 An axonometric view of the foldable electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application in a folded state;

[0036] Figure 3a An axonometric view of the folding module provided in the embodiments of this application in the folded state;

[0037] Figure 3b for Figure 3a Sectional view along the DD direction;

[0038] Figure 4 Explosion of the folding module provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the folding module with separated damping brackets provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 6 Explosion of the folding module provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 ;

[0041] Figure 7 An exploded view of the damping mechanism and each swing arm in the folding module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 8 An assembly diagram of the damping mechanism and each swing arm in the folding module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 9 An exploded view of the damping mechanism in the folding module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 10 The bottom view of the exploded view of the damping mechanism in the folding module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 11 The bottom view of the damping mechanism assembly diagram in the folding module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 12 An axonometric view of the folding module provided in the embodiments of this application in its unfolded state;

[0047] Figure 13 for Figure 12 Sectional view along the BB direction;

[0048] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third swing arm in the folding module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 15 for Figure 12 A cross-sectional view along the CC direction;

[0050] Figure 16 for Figure 3a Sectional view along the middle AA direction;

[0051] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device including multiple folding modules, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10: First middle frame; 20: Second middle frame; 30: Folding module; 40: Flexible display panel; 50: Damping mechanism; 60: Damping component; 70: Synchronization mechanism; 310: First swing arm; 311: Second cam; 312: First through hole; 313: Second auxiliary cam; 320: Second swing arm; 321: Second through hole; 322: Fourth cam; 330: First housing support; 331: First slide groove; 332: Third slide groove; 340: Main shaft; 341: Connection Rib; 342: Insertion part; 343: First threaded hole; 344: Second threaded hole; 350: Third swing arm; 351: Third through hole; 352: Seventh cam; 353: First drive gear; 354: First limiting part; 360: Fourth swing arm; 361: Fourth through hole; 362: Eighth cam; 363: Second drive gear; 370: Second housing bracket; 371: Second slide groove; 372: Fourth slide groove; 501: First end; 502: Second end; 510: Damping bracket; 511 511: First bracket; 512: Second bracket; 513: First screw hole; 514: Second screw hole; 515: First stop; 516: Second stop; 517: First shaft hole; 518: Second shaft hole; 519: Connecting hole; 520: First screw; 521: Second screw; 522: Second limiting part; 523: First auxiliary cam; 5191: First notch; 5192: Second notch; 610: First connecting shaft; 611: Thrust part; 612: Snap ring; 620: Second connecting... Shaft; 630: First cam connecting rod; 631: First cam; 632: Third cam; 633: First guide part; 634: Third shaft hole; 635: Fourth shaft hole; 636: Guide hole; 640: Second cam connecting rod; 641: Fifth shaft hole; 642: Sixth shaft hole; 643: Third connecting shaft; 644: Sixth cam; 645: Fifth cam; 650: First spring; 660: Second spring; 670: Third spring; 701: First synchronous gear; 702: Second synchronous gear. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0054] In this application, the term "connection" or "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, an electrical connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. The term "end" or "point" should not be narrowly interpreted as necessarily an endpoint or end point; it can also be considered a segment of a certain structure.

[0055] This application provides a foldable electronic device, which may include foldable mobile phones, foldable tablets, etc., and this application does not limit the scope of the foldable electronic device.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 1 The foldable electronic device includes a first mid-frame 10, a second mid-frame 20, a flexible display panel 40, and a folding module 30. The first mid-frame 10 and the second mid-frame 20 are connected by the folding module 30, allowing the first mid-frame 10 and the second mid-frame 20 to be folded or unfolded relative to the folding module 30. The flexible display panel 40 covers the first mid-frame 10 and the second mid-frame 20, and bends during the folding or unfolding of the first mid-frame 10 and the second mid-frame 20.

[0057] When foldable electronic devices are in the unfolded state (e.g.) Figure 1 As shown), the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 are approximately located in the same plane, so that a portion of the flexible display panel 40 on the first middle frame 10 and a portion of the flexible display panel 40 on the second middle frame 20 are approximately located in the same plane. Furthermore, in the unfolded state, the flexible display panel 40 can be approximately rectangular, and the bending area of ​​the flexible display panel 40 (…) Figure 1 The length direction of the area where the dotted line is located can be perpendicular to the long side of the rectangle or the short side of the rectangle; this embodiment does not impose any limitation on this. The bending area is the region where the flexible display panel 40 bends during the unfolding or folding of the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20.

[0058] The foldable electronic device in this application embodiment can be an inward-folding device, and correspondingly, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the folded state, the flexible display panel 40 (e.g.) Figure 1 As shown, the flexible display panel 40 is located between the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20, that is, the flexible display panel 40 is located inside the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20. Of course, the foldable electronic device in this embodiment can also be an outward folding device. Accordingly, in the folded state, the flexible display panel 40 surrounds the outside of the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20, that is, the flexible display panel 40 is located outside the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20.

[0059] In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device may further include a motherboard and a battery, which may be disposed on the first middle frame 10 or the second middle frame 20. The motherboard is electrically connected to the battery so that the battery can power the motherboard. The motherboard may also be electrically connected to the flexible display panel 40 so that the motherboard can control the flexible display panel 40 to display images.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 3a and Figure 4In this embodiment of the application, the folding module 30 includes a main shaft 340, a first swing arm 310, and a second swing arm 320. The length direction of the main shaft 340 (e.g., Figure 4 (in the X direction) and flexible display panel 40 (e.g. Figure 1 The bending area (as shown) is parallel to the length direction. Both the first swing arm 310 and the second swing arm 320 are rotatably connected to the main shaft 340. In the unfolded state, the first swing arm 310 and the second swing arm 320 are perpendicular to the length direction of the main shaft 340 and parallel to the direction of the flexible display panel 40 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 The first swing arm 310 is rotatably connected to the first middle frame 10, and the second swing arm 320 is rotatably connected to the second middle frame 20. During unfolding and folding, the first swing arm 310 and the second swing arm 320 rotate relative to the main shaft 340, thereby causing the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 to unfold and fold relative to the main shaft 340.

[0061] In some implementations, the folding module 30 further includes a first housing support 330 and a second housing support 370. The first housing support 330 is connected to the first middle frame 10, and the first swing arm 310 is connected to the first housing support 330, that is, the first swing arm 310 is connected to the first middle frame 10 through the first housing support 330. Similarly, the second housing support 370 is connected to the second middle frame 20, and the second swing arm 320 is connected to the second housing support 370, that is, the second swing arm 320 is connected to the second middle frame 20 through the second housing support 370.

[0062] For example, the first housing support 330 is provided with a first sliding groove 331. The depth direction of the first sliding groove 331 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first swing arm 310, and the depth direction of the first sliding groove 331 is approximately parallel to or has a small angle with the flexible display panel 40 in the unfolded state, so that the first swing arm 310 can slide along the depth direction in the first sliding groove 331 during unfolding and folding, thereby allowing the distance between the first middle frame 10 and the main shaft 340 to change. Similarly, the second housing support 370 is provided with a second sliding groove 371. The depth direction of the second sliding groove 371 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the second swing arm 320, and the depth direction of the second sliding groove 371 is approximately parallel to or has a small angle with the flexible display panel 40 in the unfolded state, so that the second swing arm 320 can slide along the depth direction in the second sliding groove 371 during unfolding and folding, thereby allowing the distance between the second middle frame 20 and the main shaft 340 to change.

[0063] Understandably, during the unfolding process, the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 can gradually move closer to the main axis 340, and during the folding process, the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 can gradually move away from the main axis 340, so as to avoid excessive stress on the flexible display panel 40 during unfolding and folding, thereby improving the service life of the flexible display panel 40.

[0064] In this embodiment, the folding module 30 further includes a damping mechanism 50, which includes a damping bracket 510 and a damping assembly 60. The damping bracket 510 covers the main shaft 340. For example, the damping bracket 510 may be located on the side of the main shaft 340 away from the flexible display panel 40. The damping assembly 60 is disposed on the damping bracket 510 and is connected to the first swing arm 310 and the second swing arm 320 to provide damping force to the first swing arm 310 and the second swing arm 320, thereby improving the user experience during the folding and unfolding process.

[0065] The damping bracket 510 can be roughly plate-shaped, and the damping bracket 510 and the main shaft 340 are spaced apart. The damping component 60 can be disposed between the damping bracket 510 and the main shaft 340.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 5 In the above implementation, the damping bracket 510 has a first end 501 and a second end 502 arranged along the length direction of the main shaft 340. Both the first end 501 and the second end 502 are bolted to the main shaft 340 to fix the damping bracket 510 on the main shaft 340. For example, the main shaft 340 may be provided with a first threaded hole 343 and a second threaded hole 344. The folding module 30 also includes a first screw 520 and a second screw 521. The first end 501 of the damping bracket 510 is provided with a first screw hole 513, and the second end 502 of the damping bracket 510 is provided with a second screw hole 514. The first screw 520 passes through the first screw hole 513 and engages with the first threaded hole 343, and the second screw 521 passes through the second screw hole 514 and engages with the second threaded hole 344 to realize the bolted connection between the first end 501 and the second end 502 and the main shaft 340.

[0067] Of course, in other examples, a first stud and a second stud can also be provided on the spindle 340. Correspondingly, the first end 501 of the damping bracket 510 is provided with a first screw hole, and the second end 502 of the damping bracket 510 is provided with a second screw hole. The first stud passes through the first screw hole and engages with the first nut, and the second stud passes through the second screw hole and engages with the second nut, which can also realize the bolt connection between the first end 501 and the second end 502 and the spindle 340.

[0068] Continue to refer to Figure 3a and Figure 5In this embodiment, the damping bracket 510 between the first end 501 and the second end 502 is welded to the main shaft 340. That is, the first end 501 and the second end 502 of the damping bracket 510 are bolted to the main shaft 340, and the damping bracket 510 between the first end 501 and the second end 502 is also welded to the main shaft 340. This can improve the connection force between the main shaft 340 and the damping bracket 510, and the damping bracket 510 can improve the rigidity of the main shaft 340, which can prevent the main shaft 340 from deforming when it is dropped or subjected to external impact, thereby preventing damage to flexible display panels and other devices.

[0069] In some embodiments, the damping bracket 510 can be directly welded to the spindle 340. For example, the damping bracket 510 can be directly connected to the spindle 340 by pressure welding, arc welding, laser welding, etc., and the weld formed is directly connected to the damping bracket 510 and the spindle 340.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 In other embodiments, the damping bracket 510 can be indirectly welded to the main shaft 340, that is, the damping bracket 510 and the main shaft 340 are welded together through other components. For example, a connecting rib 341 is provided between the main shaft 340 and the damping bracket 510. In some implementations, one end of the connecting rib 341 is connected to the main shaft 340, and correspondingly, the other end of the connecting rib 341 is welded to the damping bracket 510. The connecting rib 341 can be an integral structure with the main shaft 340; of course, the connecting rib 341 can also be connected to the main shaft 340 by welding or bolting.

[0071] In other implementations, one end of the connecting rib 341 is connected to the damping bracket 510, and the other end of the connecting rib 341 is welded to the damping bracket 510. The connecting rib 341 can be an integral part of the damping bracket 510; alternatively, it can be connected to the damping bracket 510 by bolts or welding.

[0072] With the above configuration, the connecting rib 341 is placed between the main shaft 340 and the damping bracket 510. The connecting rib 341 can further improve the rigidity of the main shaft 340 and further prevent the main shaft 340 from deforming when it falls or is subjected to external impact.

[0073] In some examples, there can be multiple connecting ribs 341, which are spaced apart between the main shaft 340 and the damping bracket 510. This arrangement, where the damping bracket 510 and the main shaft 340 are connected by multiple connecting ribs 341, can further improve the stiffness of the main shaft 340. For example, there can be two connecting ribs 341, which can be perpendicular to the length of the main shaft 340 and parallel to the direction of the flexible display panel 40 in its unfolded state. Figure 4 The setting of the Y-direction interval.

[0074] Continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 In the implementation where one end of the connecting rib 341 is connected to the main shaft 340 and the other end of the connecting rib 341 is welded to the damping bracket 510, the damping bracket 510 is provided with a connecting hole 519. The center line of the connecting hole 519 can be perpendicular to the flexible display panel 40 in the unfolded state, and the connecting hole 519 can pass through the connecting rib 341. Part of the connecting rib 341 is inserted into the connecting hole 519, and the connecting rib 341 inserted into the connecting hole 519 is welded to the damping bracket 510. This arrangement can increase the connection area between the connecting rib 341 and the damping bracket 510, thereby improving the connection force between the connecting rib 341 and the damping bracket 510.

[0075] For example, the end of the connecting rib 341 facing away from the main shaft 340 is provided with a plug-in portion 342. The plug-in portion 342 is inserted into the connecting hole 519, and the plug-in portion 342 is connected to the connecting hole 519 by welding. That is, the solder formed by welding surrounds the plug-in portion 342, and the solder connects the plug-in portion 342 to the damping bracket 510 at the hole wall of the connecting hole 519. In the cross-section parallel to the flexible display panel 40 in the unfolded state, the cross-sectional area of ​​the plug-in portion 342 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting rib 341. This arrangement ensures that the connecting rib 341 has a larger cross-sectional area and greater stiffness, which helps to improve the stiffness of the main shaft 340. In addition, the smaller cross-sectional area of ​​the plug-in portion 342 can limit the distance between the damping bracket 510 and the main shaft 340, improving the assembly accuracy between the damping bracket 510 and the main shaft 340.

[0076] In the implementation where there are multiple connecting ribs 341, there can also be multiple connecting holes 519. The end of each connecting rib 341 facing away from the main shaft 340 can be inserted into a connecting hole 519 to ensure that each connecting rib 341 has a large connection area with the damping bracket 510.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 7 In this embodiment of the application, the damping bracket 510 includes a first bracket 511 and a second bracket 512, the first bracket 511 and the second bracket 512 being along the main axis 340 (e.g., Figure 4 As shown, the length direction is set accordingly. The first end 501 is the end of the first bracket 511 facing away from the second bracket 512, and is bolted to the main shaft 340. The second end 502 is the end of the second bracket 512 facing away from the first bracket 511, and is also bolted to the main shaft 340. The connecting rib 341 is welded to both the first bracket 511 and the second bracket 512. The connecting rib 341 enables the connection between the main shaft 340 and the first bracket 511 and the second bracket 512, and also enables the connection between the first bracket 511 and the second bracket 512.

[0078] Understandably, during assembly, the damping component 60 can be first installed on the first bracket 511 and the second bracket 512, and then the first bracket 511 and the second bracket 512 can be installed on the main shaft 340 by bolt connection. Afterwards, welding is performed between the connecting rib 341, the first bracket 511, and the second bracket 512. Before assembly, the first bracket 511 and the second bracket 512 are separate structures, facilitating the installation of the damping component 60 on them.

[0079] In the implementation of the connecting hole 519 on the damping bracket 510, the first bracket 511 has a first notch 5191 at the end near the second bracket 512, and the second bracket 512 has a second notch 5192 at the end near the first bracket 511. After the first bracket 511 is brought close to the second bracket 512, the first notch 5191 and the second notch 5192 approach and align with each other, thus forming the connecting hole 519. When the first bracket 511 and the second bracket 512 are installed on the main shaft 340, the connecting rib 341 passes through the first notch 5191 and the second notch 5192. The connecting rib 341 is welded to the first bracket 511 around the first notch 5191, and the connecting rib 341 is also welded to the second bracket 512 around the second notch 5192, thus realizing the welding between the connecting rib 341 and the damping bracket 510.

[0080] Continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 In this embodiment of the application, the damping component 60 includes a first connecting shaft 610 and a second connecting shaft 620. The center lines of the first connecting shaft 610 and the second connecting shaft 620 are parallel to the length direction of the main shaft 340. The center lines of the first connecting shaft 610 and the second connecting shaft 620 are located in a plane parallel to the flexible display panel 40 in the unfolded state. The first connecting shaft 610 and the second connecting shaft 620 are both connected to the damping bracket 510.

[0081] In some examples, the damping bracket 510 is provided with a first stop portion 515 and a second stop portion 516, which are spaced apart along the length direction of the main shaft 340. The first stop portion 515 is provided with a first shaft hole 517, and the second stop portion 516 is provided with a second shaft hole 518. The first connecting shaft 610 passes through the first shaft hole 517 and the second shaft hole 518 to realize the connection between the first connecting shaft 610 and the damping bracket 510.

[0082] In the above example, one end of the first connecting shaft 610 is provided with a thrust portion 611, and the other end of the first connecting shaft 610 is fitted with a retaining ring 612. A first stop portion 515 and a second stop portion 516 are located between the retaining ring 612 and the thrust portion 611, thereby achieving axial limiting of the first connecting shaft 610 through the retaining ring 612 and the thrust portion 611. It can be understood that the thrust portion 611 can be an integral structure with the first connecting shaft 610. The first connecting shaft 610 is provided with an annular groove, and the retaining ring 612 is provided with an opening. The retaining ring 612 can be fitted into the annular groove through the opening, and the annular groove can prevent the retaining ring 612 from moving along the axial direction of the first connecting shaft 610.

[0083] It is understandable that the connection method between the second connecting shaft 620 and the damping bracket 510 can be roughly the same as the connection method between the first connecting shaft 610 and the damping bracket 510, and will not be described in detail here.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the above implementation, the damping assembly 60 further includes a first cam link 630, a first spring 650, and a second spring 660. The first spring 650 is disposed on the first connecting shaft 610; for example, the first spring 650 can be a helical spring and can be sleeved on the first connecting shaft 610. The second spring 660 is disposed on the second connecting shaft 620; for example, the second spring 660 can be a helical spring and can be sleeved on the second connecting shaft 620. A first cam 631 is disposed on the first cam link 630, and a second cam 311 is disposed on the first rocker arm 310. The first cam 631 and the second cam 311 cooperate with each other. The first cam link 630 is located between the first spring 650 and the first rocker arm 310. One end of both the first spring 650 and the second spring 660 abuts against the first cam link 630, so that the first cam 631 abuts against the second cam 311 under the elastic force of the first spring 650 and the second spring 660. When the first swing arm 310 rotates, the first cam 631 and the second cam 311 rotate relative to each other, thereby generating a damping force that prevents the first swing arm 310 from rotating.

[0085] For example, the first cam 631 has a plurality of first protrusions and a plurality of first grooves alternately arranged around the rotation axis of the first rocker arm 310, the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of first grooves being located on the surface of the first cam 631 facing the second cam 311; the second cam 311 has a plurality of second protrusions and a plurality of second grooves alternately arranged around the rotation axis of the first rocker arm 310, the plurality of second protrusions and the plurality of second grooves being located on the surface of the second cam 311 facing the first cam 631. In the unfolded state and the folded state, the first cam 631 abuts against the second cam 311, each first protrusion being embedded in a second groove, and each second protrusion being embedded in a first groove, so that the first rocker arm 310 can be held in the unfolded state and the folded state. During the unfolding and folding process, when the first swing arm 310 rotates, the second cam 311 rotates. At this time, the first protrusion gradually slides out of the corresponding second groove, and the second protrusion gradually slides out of the corresponding first groove. This causes the first cam 631 and the first cam connecting rod 630 to move away from the first swing arm 310, thereby compressing the first spring 650 and the second spring 660. The resisting force between the first cam 631 and the second cam 311 increases, thereby increasing the friction between the first cam 631 and the second cam 311, so as to generate a damping force that prevents the first swing arm 310 from rotating.

[0086] In some examples, a third cam 632 is also provided on the first cam link 630, and a fourth cam 322 is provided on the second rocker arm 320. The third cam 632 and the fourth cam 322 cooperate with each other. The first cam link 630 is located between the second spring 660 and the second rocker arm 320. The third cam 632 abuts against the fourth cam 322 under the elastic force of the first spring 650 and the second spring 660. When the second rocker arm 320 rotates, the third cam 632 and the fourth cam 322 rotate relative to each other, thereby generating a damping force that prevents the second rocker arm 320 from rotating.

[0087] It is understandable that the structure of the third cam 632 is roughly the same as that of the first cam 631, and the structure of the fourth cam 322 is roughly the same as that of the second cam 311, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0088] In the above implementation, the first cam 631 and the third cam 632 can be integrated with the first cam link 630, the second cam 311 can be integrated with the first swing arm 310, and the fourth cam 322 can be integrated with the second swing arm 320. In this way, the assembly and manufacturing difficulty of the folding module 30 can be reduced.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 9In some embodiments, the first cam link 630 is provided with a third shaft hole 634 and a fourth shaft hole 635. The first connecting shaft 610 passes through the third shaft hole 634, and the second connecting shaft 620 passes through the fourth shaft hole 635. The first cam link 630 is connected to the damping bracket 510 by the first connecting shaft 610 and the second connecting shaft 620. There is no need to set up an additional structure to connect the first cam link 630, which improves the structural compactness of the damping mechanism 50 and facilitates the miniaturization of the folding module 30.

[0090] Continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the first swing arm 310 is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft 610, and the second swing arm 320 is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft 620. For example, the first swing arm 310 is provided with a first through hole 312, and the second swing arm 320 is provided with a second through hole 321. The first connecting shaft 610 passes through the first through hole 312, and the second connecting shaft 620 passes through the second through hole 321. With this configuration, the first swing arm 310 and the second swing arm 320 are rotatably connected to the main shaft 340 through the damping mechanism 50, eliminating the need for a connection structure on the main shaft 340 to the first swing arm 310 and the second swing arm 320, thus simplifying the structure of the folding module 30.

[0091] Please refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the implementation of the damping bracket 510 having a first stop 515 and a second stop 516, the first cam link 630, the first spring 650 and the first swing arm 310 can all be disposed between the first stop 515 and the second stop 516, and the first swing arm 310 is located between the first stop 515 and the first cam link 630. Correspondingly, a first auxiliary cam 523 can be provided on the first stop 515, and a second auxiliary cam 313 is also provided on the first rocker arm 310. The first auxiliary cam 523 and the second auxiliary cam 313 cooperate with each other. The structure of the first auxiliary cam 523 is roughly the same as that of the second cam 311, and the structure of the second auxiliary cam 313 is roughly the same as that of the first cam 631. When the first rocker arm 310 rotates, the first cam 631 and the second cam 311 drive the first cam connecting rod 630 to move in a direction parallel to the length of the main shaft 340. At the same time, the first auxiliary cam 523 and the second auxiliary cam 313 also drive the first rocker arm 310 to move in a direction parallel to the length of the main shaft 340, and the moving directions are the same, so as to increase the moving distance of the first cam connecting rod 630, increase the elastic force generated by the first spring 650 and the second spring 660, and thus improve the damping force on the first rocker arm 310.

[0092] Please refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11In this embodiment, a first guide portion 633 is further provided on the first cam connecting rod 630, and a second guide portion 524 is provided on the damping bracket 510 or the main shaft 340. The first guide portion 633 and the second guide portion 524 cooperate to guide the first cam connecting rod 630 to move in a direction parallel to the length of the main shaft 340. With this configuration, the first swing arm 310 (e.g., Figure 4 As shown, during the rotation of the second swing arm 320, the cooperation of the first guide part 633 and the second guide part 524 ensures that the first cam link 630 can only move along the direction parallel to the length of the main shaft 340, thereby preventing the first cam link 630 from tilting relative to the length direction of the main shaft 340, improving the smoothness of the movement of the first cam link 630, and ensuring good contact between the first cam 631 and the second cam 311, as well as between the third cam 632 and the fourth cam 322.

[0093] In some examples, the first guide portion 633 includes a guide block disposed on the first cam connecting rod 630, and correspondingly, the second guide portion 524 includes a guide groove disposed on the surface of the damping bracket 510 facing the main shaft 340, the extension direction of the guide groove being parallel to the length direction of the main shaft 340, and the guide slider slidingly disposed within the guide groove. The structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0094] Of course, the second guide section 524 may also include a guide groove provided on the main shaft 340 facing the damping bracket 510. The extension direction of the guide groove is parallel to the length direction of the main shaft 340, and the guide block slides in the guide groove. With this configuration, the guide block slides in the guide groove to allow the guide block to move along the length direction of the main shaft 340, while restricting the movement of the guide block in a direction perpendicular to the length of the main shaft 340 and parallel to the flexible display panel 40 in the unfolded state, and in a direction perpendicular to the length of the main shaft 340 and perpendicular to the flexible display panel 40 in the unfolded state. This ensures the smoothness of the movement of the first cam connecting rod 630 during unfolding and folding. The structure is simple and compact, which facilitates the miniaturization of the folding module 30.

[0095] In other examples, the first guide portion 633 includes a guide groove disposed on the first cam connecting rod 630, and correspondingly, the second guide portion 524 includes a guide block disposed on the surface of the damping bracket 510 facing the main shaft 340, the extension direction of the guide groove being parallel to the length direction of the main shaft 340, and the guide slider sliding within the guide groove. Alternatively, the second guide portion 524 may also include a guide block disposed on the main shaft 340 facing the damping bracket 510, the extension direction of the guide groove being parallel to the length direction of the main shaft 340, and the guide slider sliding within the guide groove.

[0096] Continue to refer to Figure 7In this embodiment, the damping assembly 60 further includes a third connecting shaft 643 and a third spring 670. The third connecting shaft 643 is disposed on the damping bracket 510, and its centerline is parallel to the center of the first connecting shaft 610. The third connecting shaft 643 is located between the first connecting shaft 610 and the second connecting shaft 620. The third spring 670 is disposed on the third connecting shaft 643. For example, the third spring 670 can be a helical spring, and it can be sleeved on the third connecting shaft 643. One end of the third connecting shaft 643 abuts against the first cam connecting rod 630. With this configuration, the first spring 650, the second spring 660, and the third spring 670 all abut against the first cam connecting rod 630, thereby increasing the damping force of the relative rotation of the first cam 631 and the second cam 311, as well as the damping force of the relative rotation of the third cam 632 and the fourth cam 322, and increasing the damping force of the rotation of the first swing arm 310 and the second swing arm 320.

[0097] Continue to refer to Figure 7 The first cam connecting rod 630 is also provided with a guide hole 636, and one end of the third connecting shaft 643 passes through the guide hole 636. With this arrangement, the movement direction of the first cam connecting rod 630 can be further restricted by the third connecting shaft 643, and the tilt of the first cam connecting rod 630 relative to the length direction of the main shaft 340 can be further avoided. On the other hand, the third connecting shaft 643 passing through the guide hole 636 can also fix one end of the third connecting shaft 643. The structure is simple and easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0098] In some embodiments, the spring constant of the third spring 670 is greater than that of the first spring 650 and the second spring 660. That is, when the deformation is the same, the elastic force generated by the third spring 670 is greater than that of the first spring 650 and the second spring 660. This configuration can further improve the damping force of the damping assembly 60 on the first swing arm 310 and the second swing arm 320.

[0099] Understandably, in related technologies, to ensure that the damping component 60 generates sufficient damping force on the first swing arm 310 and the second swing arm 320, multiple third springs 670 are generally provided between the first spring 650 and the second spring 660, which results in a larger volume and more complex structure for the folding module 30. However, in this embodiment, a single third spring 670 with a larger stiffness coefficient is provided between the first spring 650 and the second spring 660. This reduces the volume of the folding module 30 and simplifies its structure while ensuring that the damping component 60 generates sufficient damping force on the first swing arm 310 and the second swing arm 320.

[0100] In the implementation where the damping bracket 510 and the main shaft 340 are welded together by a connecting rib 341, the connecting rib 341 can be disposed between the first spring 650 and the third spring 670, and / or, the connecting rib 341 can be disposed between the second spring 660 and the third spring 670. Compared with related technologies, providing a third spring 670 with a larger stiffness coefficient between the first spring 650 and the second spring 660 can reduce the space occupied between the damping bracket 510 and the main shaft 340, that is, increase the space between the third spring 670 and the first spring 650 and the second spring 660. This can further increase the width of the connecting rib 341 along the direction parallel to the flexible display panel 40 in the unfolded state and perpendicular to the length of the main shaft 340, thereby increasing the stiffness of the connecting rib 341, and further increasing the stiffness of the main shaft 340.

[0101] The spring constant is the ratio of stress to strain experienced by an object. The spring constant of the third spring 670 is greater than that of the first spring 650 and the second spring 660. This can be understood as the spring force of the third spring 670 being greater than that of the first spring 650 and the second spring 660 when the deformation is the same.

[0102] Please refer to Figure 3b , Figure 3b for Figure 3a In the sectional view along the DD direction, in some examples, the first spring 650, the second spring 660, and the third spring 670 are made of approximately the same material. The outer diameter of the third spring 670 is larger than that of the first spring 650 and the second spring 660, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the spring wire in the third spring 670 is larger than that in the first spring 650 and the second spring 660. This makes the stiffness coefficient of the third spring 670 greater than that of the first spring 650 and the second spring 660, facilitating the design and manufacture of the third spring 670. In other examples, the dimensions of the first spring 650, the second spring 660, and the third spring 670 are approximately the same. By appropriately setting the material of the third spring 670, the material stiffness of the third spring 670 can be increased, which can also make the stiffness coefficient of the third spring 670 greater than that of the first spring 650 and the second spring 660.

[0103] Continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7In this embodiment of the application, the folding module 30 further includes a third swing arm 350 and a fourth swing arm 360. The third swing arm 350 is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft 610, and the fourth swing arm 360 is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft 620. Accordingly, the rotation axis of the third swing arm 350 is collinear with the rotation axis of the first swing arm 310, and the third swing arm 350 and the first swing arm 310 are spaced apart along the length direction of the main shaft 340. The rotation axis of the fourth swing arm 360 is collinear with the rotation axis of the second swing arm 320, and the fourth swing arm 360 and the second swing arm 320 are spaced apart along the length direction of the main shaft 340. The first housing support 330 is also provided with a third slide groove 332, and the third swing arm 350 slides in the third slide groove 332. The second housing support 370 is also provided with a fourth slide groove 372, and the fourth swing arm 360 slides in the fourth slide groove 372. With this arrangement, the first housing support 330 is connected to the main shaft 340 through the first swing arm 310 and the third swing arm 350, and the second housing support 370 is connected to the main shaft 340 through the second swing arm 320 and the fourth swing arm 360. This can improve the connection force between the first housing support 330 and the second housing support 370 and the main shaft 340, and at the same time ensure the stability of the swing of the first housing support 330 and the second housing support 370.

[0104] For example, the third swing arm 350 is provided with a third through hole 351, and the first connecting shaft 610 passes through the third through hole 351 to realize the rotational connection between the third swing arm 350 and the first connecting shaft 610; the fourth swing arm 360 is provided with a fourth through hole 361, and the second connecting shaft 620 passes through the fourth through hole 361 to realize the rotational connection between the fourth swing arm 360 and the second connecting shaft 620.

[0105] Continue to participate Figure 7In some embodiments, the damping assembly 60 further includes a second cam link 640, which is spaced apart from the first cam link 630 along the length of the main shaft 340. A first spring 650, a second spring 660, and a third spring 670 are all disposed between the first cam link 630 and the second cam link 640. One end of each of the first spring 650, the second spring 660, and the third spring 670 abuts against the first cam link 630, and the other end of each of the first spring 650, the second spring 660, and the third spring 670 abuts against the second cam link 640. The second cam link 640 is provided with a fifth cam 645 and a sixth cam 644. Correspondingly, the third rocker arm 350 and the fourth rocker arm 360 are located on the side of the second cam link 640 away from the first cam link 630. The third rocker arm 350 is provided with a seventh cam 352, and the fourth rocker arm 360 is provided with an eighth cam 362. The fifth cam 645 cooperates with the seventh cam 352, and the eighth cam 362 cooperates with the sixth cam 644. The first spring 650, the second spring 660, and the third spring 670 can use their elastic force to make the second cam link 640 abut against the third rocker arm 350 and the fourth rocker arm 360, that is, the fifth cam 645 and the seventh cam 352 are in contact, and the eighth cam 362 and the sixth cam 644 are in contact.

[0106] With the above configuration, the damping component 60 can also provide damping force for the rotation of the third swing arm 350 and the fourth swing arm 360, so as to further provide damping force for the swing of the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 relative to the folding module 30.

[0107] Please refer to Figure 9 In the above implementation, the second cam connecting rod 640 is provided with a fifth shaft hole 641 and a sixth shaft hole 642. The first connecting shaft 610 passes through the fifth shaft hole 641, and the second connecting shaft 620 passes through the sixth shaft hole 642. The connection between the second cam connecting rod 640 and the damping bracket 510 ensures that the second cam connecting rod 640 can only move in a direction parallel to the length of the main shaft 340. The connection structure is simple and easy to install and disassemble.

[0108] In some examples, the end of the third connecting shaft 643 facing away from the first cam link 630 is fixedly connected to the second cam link 640, while the end of the third connecting shaft 643 facing the first cam link 630 slides within the guide hole 636 on the first cam link 630 to achieve the connection between the third connecting shaft 643 and the damping bracket 510. With this configuration, the connection between the third connecting shaft 643 and the damping bracket 510 can be achieved through the second cam link 640, eliminating the need for an additional fixing structure for the third connecting shaft 643, reducing the number of parts, and simplifying the structure of the folding module 30.

[0109] In some implementations, the second cam link 640 and the third connecting shaft 643 are integrated into one structure, which reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the folding module 30. In other implementations, the second cam link 640 can also be connected to the third connecting shaft 643 by bolts or welding.

[0110] Continue to refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 , Figure 13 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along the BB direction; In this embodiment, the folding module 30 further includes a synchronization mechanism 70, which is mounted on the damping bracket 510. The third swing arm 350 and the fourth swing arm 360 are connected by the synchronization mechanism 70. With this configuration, as the third swing arm 350 rotates, the fourth swing arm 360 is driven to rotate via the synchronization mechanism 70, thereby causing the first housing bracket 330 and the second housing bracket 370 to swing synchronously relative to the main shaft 340, achieving rapid folding and unfolding of the foldable electronic device. It is understood that the third swing arm 350 and the fourth swing arm 360 rotate in opposite directions, so that the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 swing simultaneously towards the unfolded state or simultaneously towards the folded state.

[0111] like Figure 6 As shown, in some implementations, the synchronization mechanism 70 includes a first synchronization gear 701, a second synchronization gear 702, a fourth connecting shaft, and a fifth connecting shaft. The fourth and fifth connecting shafts are both located on the side of the second cam link 640 away from the first cam link 630. One end of the fourth and fifth connecting shafts is connected to the second cam link 640, and the other end of the fourth and fifth connecting shafts is connected to the damping bracket 510. The first synchronization gear 701 is rotatably connected to the fourth connecting shaft, and the second synchronization gear 702 is rotatably connected to the fifth connecting shaft. The first synchronization gear 701 and the second synchronization gear 702 mesh. A first drive gear 353 is provided on the third swing arm 350, and a second drive gear 363 is provided on the fourth swing arm 360. The first drive gear 353 meshes with the first synchronization gear 701, and the second drive gear 363 meshes with the second synchronization gear 702. With this configuration, synchronization between the third swing arm 350 and the fourth swing arm 360 can be achieved through the first synchronous gear 701 and the second synchronous gear 702, resulting in high transmission accuracy and a simple structure.

[0112] In some examples, the first synchronous gear 701 and the second synchronous gear 702 are disposed between the first connecting shaft 610 and the second connecting shaft 620. The second cam connecting rod 640 has a seventh shaft hole and an eighth shaft hole on the side facing away from the first cam connecting rod 630. The end of the fourth connecting shaft facing away from the second cam connecting rod 640 is connected to the main shaft 340, and the end of the fourth connecting shaft near the second cam connecting rod 640 passes through the seventh shaft hole. The end of the fifth connecting shaft facing away from the second cam connecting rod 640 is connected to the main shaft 340, and the end of the fifth connecting shaft near the second cam connecting rod 640 passes through the eighth shaft hole. With this configuration, when the second cam connecting rod 640 moves along the length of the main shaft 340, the fourth connecting shaft slides in the seventh shaft hole, and the fifth connecting shaft slides in the eighth shaft hole. This allows the second cam connecting rod 640 to move while simultaneously fixing the fourth and fifth connecting shafts. The structure is simple and facilitates miniaturization.

[0113] It is understandable that by reasonably setting the lengths of the fourth and fifth connecting shafts, as well as the depths of the seventh and eighth shaft holes, it can be ensured that the fourth and fifth connecting shafts do not separate from the second cam connecting rod 640 when the second cam connecting rod 640 moves along the length direction of the main shaft 340.

[0114] like Figure 14 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a first limiting part 354 is provided on the third swing arm 350, and correspondingly, a second limiting part 522 is provided on the damping bracket 510 (e.g., Figure 10 As shown, the first limiting part 354 and the second limiting part 522 cooperate to limit the rotation range of the third swing arm 350, thereby limiting the swing range of the first middle frame 10 relative to the main shaft 340, ensuring that the first middle frame 10 only swings between the unfolded and folded states.

[0115] For example, the first limiting part 354 may include a first limiting groove disposed on the third swing arm 350, and a first limiting block disposed on the corresponding damping bracket 510. The first limiting block is located in the first limiting groove. When the third swing arm 350 rotates, the first limiting block moves in the first limiting groove. When the third swing arm 350 rotates to the unfolded state (e.g. Figure 15 As shown, Figure 15 for Figure 12 (Cross-sectional view along the CC direction), the first limiting block abuts against or is at a small distance from one wall of the first limiting groove to prevent the third swing arm 350 from continuing to rotate; conversely, when the third swing arm 350 rotates to the folded state (e.g., Figure 16 As shown, Figure 16 for Figure 3a (Cross-sectional view along AA direction), the first limiting block abuts against or is at a small distance from the other wall of the first limiting groove to prevent the third swing arm 350 from continuing to rotate, thereby causing the third swing arm 350 to rotate only between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0116] In other examples, the first limiting part 354 may include a first limiting block disposed on the third swing arm 350. Correspondingly, the damping bracket 510 is provided with a first limiting groove, and the first limiting block is located in the first limiting groove. When the third swing arm 350 rotates, the first limiting block moves in the first limiting groove. When the third swing arm 350 rotates to the unfolded state, the first limiting block abuts against one wall of the first limiting groove to prevent the third swing arm 350 from continuing to rotate. Conversely, when the third swing arm 350 rotates to the folded state, the first limiting block abuts against the other wall of the first limiting groove to prevent the third swing arm 350 from continuing to rotate, thereby causing the third swing arm 350 to rotate only between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0117] Understandably, a third limiting part can be provided on the fourth swing arm 360, and correspondingly, a fourth limiting part is provided on the damping bracket 510. The third and fourth limiting parts cooperate to limit the rotation range of the fourth swing arm 360, thereby limiting the swing range of the second middle frame 20 relative to the main shaft 340, ensuring that the second middle frame 20 only swings between the unfolded and folded states. The structure of the third limiting part can be roughly the same as the structure of the first limiting part 354, and the structure of the fourth limiting part can be roughly the same as the structure of the second limiting part 522, which will not be described in detail here.

[0118] Please refer to Figure 17 In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device may include multiple folding modules 30, which may be spaced apart along the length of the bending area. The first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 are connected by the multiple folding modules 30, which can improve the connection force between the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20, and at the same time improve the stability of the swing of the first middle frame 10 and the second middle frame 20 during folding and unfolding.

[0119] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the embodiments of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding module, characterized in that, include: spindle; A first swing arm is rotatably connected to the main shaft, and the rotation axis of the first swing arm is parallel to the length direction of the main shaft. A damping mechanism, comprising a damping bracket and a damping assembly, wherein the damping bracket covers the main shaft, and the damping bracket has a first end and a second end disposed along the length direction of the main shaft, both the first end and the second end being bolted to the main shaft, and the damping bracket between the first end and the second end being welded to the main shaft; The damping component is mounted on the damping bracket and is connected to the first swing arm.

2. The folding module according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting rib is provided between the main shaft and the damping bracket. One end of the connecting rib is connected to the main shaft, and the other end of the connecting rib is welded to the damping bracket. Alternatively, one end of the connecting rib is connected to the damping bracket, and the other end of the connecting rib is welded to the main shaft.

3. The folding module according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the connecting rib is connected to the main shaft, and the other end of the connecting rib is welded to the damping bracket; the damping bracket is provided with a connecting hole, and part of the connecting rib passes through the connecting hole and is welded to the damping bracket.

4. The folding module according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The damping support includes a first support and a second support, which are arranged along the length of the main shaft, and the connecting rib is welded to both the first support and the second support.

5. The folding module according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The damping assembly includes a first connecting shaft, a second connecting shaft, a first cam link, a first spring, and a second spring. The centerlines of the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft are parallel to the length direction of the main shaft. The first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft are both connected to the damping bracket. The first spring is disposed on the first connecting shaft, and the second spring is disposed on the second connecting shaft. One end of the first spring and the second spring abuts against the first cam link. The first cam link is provided with a first cam and a first guide portion, and the first rocker arm is provided with a second cam, which cooperates with the first cam; the damping bracket or the main shaft is provided with a second guide portion, which cooperates with the first guide portion to guide the first cam link to move along the length direction parallel to the main shaft.

6. The folding module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first guide portion includes a guide block disposed on the first cam connecting rod, and the second guide portion includes a guide groove disposed on the damping bracket, wherein the guide block is slidably disposed in the guide groove.

7. The folding module according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The folding module further includes a second swing arm, the first swing arm is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft, the second swing arm is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft, and the rotation axis of the second swing arm is parallel to the length direction of the main shaft; The first cam link is also provided with a third cam, and the second rocker arm is provided with a fourth cam, the third cam cooperating with the fourth cam.

8. The folding module according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, The damping assembly further includes a third connecting shaft and a third spring. The third connecting shaft is disposed on the damping bracket, and the center line of the third connecting shaft is parallel to the center line of the first connecting shaft. The third connecting shaft is disposed between the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft. The third spring is disposed on the third connecting shaft and abuts against the first cam connecting rod.

9. The folding module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first cam connecting rod is also provided with a guide hole, and one end of the third connecting shaft passes through the guide hole.

10. The folding module according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The spring constant of the third spring is greater than that of the first spring and the second spring.

11. The folding module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the third spring is larger than the outer diameters of the first spring and the second spring.

12. The folding module according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, The damping assembly further includes a second cam link, and the first spring, the second spring, and the third spring are all disposed between the first cam link and the second cam link. One end of the first spring, the second spring, and the third spring abuts against the first cam link, and the other end of the first spring, the second spring, and the third spring abuts against the second cam link. The second cam link is provided with a fifth cam and a sixth cam. The folding module further includes a third swing arm and a fourth swing arm. The third swing arm is rotatably connected to the first connecting shaft, and the fourth swing arm is rotatably connected to the second connecting shaft. A seventh cam is provided on the third swing arm, and an eighth cam is provided on the fourth swing arm. The seventh cam cooperates with the fifth cam, and the eighth cam cooperates with the sixth cam.

13. The folding module according to claim 12, characterized in that, The end of the third connecting shaft opposite to the first cam connecting rod is fixedly connected to the second cam connecting rod.

14. The folding module according to claim 13, characterized in that, The third connecting shaft and the second cam connecting rod are an integral structure.

15. The folding module according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The folding module also includes a synchronization mechanism, which is mounted on the damping bracket. The third swing arm and the fourth swing arm are connected by the synchronization mechanism.

16. The folding module according to claim 15, characterized in that, The synchronization mechanism includes a first synchronization gear, a second synchronization gear, a fourth connecting shaft, and a fifth connecting shaft. The fourth connecting shaft and the fifth connecting shaft are both located on the side of the second cam connecting rod away from the first cam connecting rod. One end of the fourth connecting shaft and the fifth connecting shaft are connected to the second cam connecting rod, and the other end of the fourth connecting shaft and the fifth connecting shaft are connected to the damping bracket. The first synchronous gear is rotatably connected to the fourth connecting shaft, and the second synchronous gear is rotatably connected to the fifth connecting shaft; the first synchronous gear and the second synchronous gear mesh. The third swing arm is provided with a first drive gear, and the fourth swing arm is provided with a second drive gear. The first drive gear meshes with the first synchronous gear, and the second drive gear meshes with the second synchronous gear.

17. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that, include: The first middle frame, the second middle frame, the flexible display panel, and the folding module according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the first middle frame and the second middle frame are connected by the folding module, and the flexible display panel covers the first middle frame and the second middle frame.

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