Foldable electronic device

Abstract

The present application discloses a foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device is provided with a first middle frame and a second middle frame; the first middle frame and the second middle frame are connected by means of a hinge assembly; the first middle frame and the second middle frame are further connected by means of a flexible heat spreader to achieve heat dissipation; the flexible heat spreader passes through the hinge assembly; the hinge assembly comprises a hinge assembly main body, a first panel, and a second panel; the first panel and the second panel are located on the side of the flexible heat spreader facing away from the hinge assembly main body; the first panel and the second panel are both connected to the flexible heat spreader; when the first panel and the second panel rotate along with the hinge assembly, the first panel and the second panel can control the shape change of the flexible heat spreader; and the flexible heat spreader can conduct heat for the first middle frame, the second middle frame, the first panel, and the second panel, for example, the flexible heat spreader can conduct the heat of the first middle frame to the second middle frame so as to reduce the temperature of the first middle frame.

Description

A foldable electronic device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202520289925.6, filed on February 21, 2025, entitled "A Foldable Electronic Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of terminal technology, and in particular to a foldable electronic device. Background Technology

[0003] The foldable electronic device has a first middle frame, a second middle frame, and a hinge assembly connected to the first middle frame and the second middle frame, and a door panel is provided on the hinge assembly.

[0004] Currently, some foldable electronic devices have limited heat dissipation space, resulting in low heat dissipation efficiency in the first and second mid-frames and door panel components, as well as poor heat dissipation uniformity in these components.

[0005] Utility Model Content

[0006] This application provides a foldable electronic device with good heat dissipation.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a foldable electronic device, which includes a first middle frame, a second middle frame, a hinge assembly, a flexible heat sink, and a flexible screen. The hinge assembly includes a first door panel, a second door panel, and a hinge assembly body. The first middle frame is rotatably connected to the second middle frame via the hinge assembly. Along the connection direction of the first middle frame (100) and the second middle frame (200), the first door panel (420) and the second door panel (430) are sequentially arranged. The flexible heat sink passes through the hinge assembly, and both ends of the flexible heat sink are fixedly connected to the first middle frame and the second middle frame, respectively. In the thickness direction of the electronic device, the first door panel is disposed on the side of the flexible heat sink facing away from the hinge assembly body and is fixedly connected to the flexible heat sink. The second door panel is disposed on the side of the flexible heat sink facing away from the hinge assembly body and is fixedly connected to the flexible heat sink. In the flattened state, the surfaces of the first door panel away from the flexible heat sink and the surfaces of the second door panel away from the flexible heat sink are spliced ​​to form at least a portion of a supporting plane. The flexible screen is disposed on the supporting plane.

[0008] In this design, the flexible heat sink is connected to the first and second door panels. Since the door panel assembly only has the first and second door panels, compared to a door panel assembly with more door panels, the size of the first door panel can be set to be larger in the connection direction between the first and second middle frames. The first door panel will have more areas to connect with the flexible heat sink, and the second door panel will also have more areas to connect with the flexible heat sink. When the first and second door panels rotate with the main body of the pivot assembly, the first and second door panels can better control the shape change of the flexible heat sink, thereby making the shape change of the flexible heat sink smoother when the foldable electronic device switches between folded and flat states. This prevents the flexible heat sink from being damaged due to uneven force when the shape changes (such as creases or damage), and improves the service life of the flexible heat sink. The flexible heat sink is fixedly connected to the first door panel and the second door panel. The flexible heat sink can conduct heat to the first middle frame, the second middle frame, the first door panel and the second door panel. For example, the flexible heat sink can conduct heat from the first middle frame to the second middle frame to reduce the temperature of the first middle frame; or the flexible heat sink can conduct heat from the second middle frame to the first middle frame to reduce the temperature of the first middle frame.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, along the connection direction between the first middle frame and the second middle frame, the flexible heat sink is fixedly connected to the first door panel at at least two points, which can improve the connection stability between the flexible heat sink and the first door panel.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, along the connection direction between the first and second middle frames, the flexible heat sink is fixedly connected to the second door panel at at least two points. This improves the connection stability between the flexible heat sink and the second door panel.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the first door panel is provided with a first fixing point and a second fixing point fixedly connected to the flexible heat sink. The first door panel includes a first end away from the second door panel and a second end close to the second door panel. The first fixing point is located at the first end, and the second fixing point is located between the first end and the second end of the first door panel. The area between the second fixing point and the second end of the first door panel is not connected to the flexible heat sink. There is a certain distance between the second fixing point and the second end. When the first door panel rotates with the main body of the rotating shaft assembly, it can drive the flexible heat sink to move and change shape. Since there is no connection between the second fixing point and the second end of the first door panel and the flexible heat sink, the flexible heat sink will be relatively loose overall, which can reduce the stress on the flexible heat sink when it changes shape, making the flexible heat sink less prone to creases or damage.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the first end is closer to the second fixing point than the second end. The distance between the second fixing point and the first end is less than the distance between the second fixing point and the second end. The area from the second fixing point to the second end in the first door panel is not connected to the flexible heat sink, making the flexible heat sink relatively loose overall. This further reduces the stress on the flexible heat sink when its shape changes, making it less prone to creases or damage.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the first end facing the flexible heat sink has a first protrusion, and the second end facing the flexible heat sink has a second protrusion. By providing a first protrusion at the first end of the first door panel and a second protrusion at the second end of the first door panel, the structural strength of the first door panel is improved.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the second door panel is provided with a third fixing point and a fourth fixing point fixedly connected to the flexible heat sink. The second door panel includes a third end away from the first door panel and a fourth end close to the first door panel. The third fixing point is located at the third end, and the fourth fixing point is located between the third end and the fourth end of the second door panel. The area between the fourth fixing point and the fourth end of the second door panel is not connected to the flexible heat sink. There is a certain distance between the fourth fixing point and the fourth end. When the second door panel rotates with the main body of the rotating shaft assembly, it can drive the flexible heat sink to move and change shape. Since there is no connection between the fourth fixing point and the fourth end of the second door panel and the flexible heat sink, the flexible heat sink will be relatively loose overall, which can reduce the stress on the flexible heat sink when it changes shape, making the flexible heat sink less prone to creases or damage.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the first door panel and the second door panel constitute a door panel assembly, and at least a portion of the flexible heat sink between the second and fourth fixing points arches away from the door panel assembly. When the foldable electronic device is in a folded or flattened state, at least a portion of the flexible heat sink between the second and fourth fixing points is approximately U-shaped. When the foldable electronic device switches between folded and flattened states, the shape of the flexible heat sink changes minimally, and the flexible heat sink is less prone to creases or damage.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the third end is closer to the fourth fixing point than the fourth end. The distance between the fourth fixing point and the third end is less than the distance between the fourth fixing point and the fourth end. The area from the fourth fixing point to the fourth end in the second door panel is not connected to the flexible heat sink, making the flexible heat sink relatively loose overall. This further reduces the stress on the flexible heat sink when its shape changes, making it less prone to creases or damage.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the third end facing the flexible heat sink has a third protrusion, and the fourth end facing the flexible heat sink has a fourth protrusion. By providing a third protrusion at the third end of the second door panel and a fourth protrusion at the fourth end of the second door panel, the structural strength of the second door panel is improved.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the flexible heat sink includes a first flat plate area, a curved area, and a second flat plate area. The first flat plate area is fixedly connected to the first middle frame, and the second flat plate area is fixedly connected to the second middle frame. The curved area connects the first flat plate area and the second flat plate area, and the curved area at least partially passes through the hinge assembly. When the foldable electronic device switches between a folded state and a flattened state, the curved area deforms, connecting the first flat plate area and the second flat plate area, enabling good heat exchange between the two areas.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the first flat panel area contacts the first middle frame surface, which can improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the first middle frame and simultaneously enhance the connection stability between the first flat panel area and the first middle frame. Similarly, the second flat panel area contacts the second middle frame surface, which can improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the second middle frame and simultaneously enhance the connection stability between the second flat panel area and the second middle frame.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the flexible screen includes a first non-folding area, a folding area, and a second non-folding area. The folding area connects the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area. The folding area is located on the surface of the first door panel facing away from the bending area, and the folding area is also located on the surface of the second door panel facing away from the bending area. The first non-folding area is in contact with the surface of the first flat panel facing away from the first mid-frame, and the second non-folding area is in contact with the surface of the second flat panel facing away from the second mid-frame. The first flat panel can dissipate heat for the first non-folding area, and the second flat panel can dissipate heat for the second non-folding area, thereby reducing the local temperature of each area of ​​the flexible heat sink and equalizing the temperature of each area of ​​the flexible heat sink.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, one feasible implementation further includes a flexible circuit board. One end of the flexible circuit board is connected to the side of the first mid-frame facing away from the flexible heat sink, and the other end of the flexible circuit board is connected to the side of the second mid-frame facing away from the flexible heat sink. In the thickness direction of the foldable electronic device, the flexible circuit board is located between the flexible heat sink and the hinge assembly body. The flexible heat sink has excellent thermal conductivity, enabling it to quickly absorb and conduct heat. When the flexible circuit board generates heat, the flexible heat sink can rapidly conduct heat from one side of the first mid-frame where the flexible circuit board is located to the other side, and similarly, it can rapidly conduct heat from one side of the second mid-frame where the flexible circuit board is located to the other side, resulting in a more uniform heat distribution and preventing localized overheating.

[0022] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, a first gap exists between the first door panel and the main body of the hinge assembly, through which both the flexible circuit board and the flexible heat sink pass; a second gap exists between the second door panel and the main body of the hinge assembly, through which both the flexible circuit board and the flexible heat sink pass. Foldable electronic devices do not require separate gaps for the flexible circuit board and the flexible heat sink, saving internal space and facilitating a more rational layout, improving space utilization, and promoting the thinner and lighter design of foldable electronic devices. In this application, there is no connection between the flexible circuit board and the flexible heat sink; both pass through the first gap and the second gap, allowing for a more orderly arrangement of the flexible circuit board and the flexible heat sink. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a foldable electronic device without a flexible screen according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application in a flattened state;

[0025] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the foldable electronic device provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 is a plan view of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application, omitting the flexible screen;

[0027] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application in a folded state;

[0028] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 2;

[0029] Figure 7 is an exploded view of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, First middle frame; 200, Second middle frame; 300, Rotating hinge assembly; 310, Rotating hinge assembly body; 400, Door panel assembly; 410, Supporting plane; 420, First door panel; 421, First end; 422, Second end; 423, First fixing point; 424, Second fixing point; 425, First protrusion; 426, Second protrusion; 430, Second door panel; 431, Third end; 432, Fourth end; 433, Third fixing point; 434, Fourth fixing point; 435, Third protrusion; 436, Fourth protrusion; 500, Flexible heat sink; 510, First flat area; 520, Second flat area; 530, Bending area; 600, Flexible screen; 700, Flexible circuit board; 800, First gap; 900, Second gap. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The foldable electronic device has a first middle frame, a second middle frame, and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly is connected between the first middle frame and the second middle frame. A door panel assembly is provided on the hinge assembly. The door panel assembly is used to support the flexible screen when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state. When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, the door panel is used to make the folded area of ​​the flexible screen form a teardrop shape.

[0032] For some small foldable phones and other terminal devices, the heat dissipation space is effective, but the heat dissipation effect of the first middle frame, the second middle frame and the door panel assembly in foldable electronic devices is low, and the heat dissipation effect of the first middle frame, the second middle frame and the door panel assembly is poor.

[0033] In view of this, this application provides a foldable electronic device, which aims to solve the technical problems of low heat dissipation efficiency and poor heat dissipation effect in foldable electronic devices.

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or background art of this application, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] For ease of understanding, the length direction of a foldable electronic device is defined as the X-axis, the width direction as the Y-axis, and the thickness direction as the Z-axis.

[0036] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application, omitting the flexible screen. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application in a flattened state. The foldable electronic device has a flattened state and a folded state, and can switch between the two states. The foldable electronic device includes a first middle frame 100, a second middle frame 200, a hinge assembly 300, a flexible heat sink 500, and a flexible screen 600. The hinge assembly 300 includes a first door panel 420, a second door panel 430, and a hinge assembly body 310. The first middle frame 100 is rotatably connected to the second middle frame 200 through the hinge assembly 300. When the first middle frame 100 is fixed, the second middle frame 200 can rotate relative to the first middle frame 100, and when the second middle frame 200 is fixed, the first middle frame 100 can rotate relative to the second middle frame 200. The first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200 can rotate relative to each other simultaneously. The first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200 can rotate relative to each other, enabling the foldable electronic device to switch between a flattened state and a folded state. In this application, the first middle frame 100 may include at least one of plastic, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and titanium alloy, and the second middle frame 200 may include at least one of plastic, titanium alloy, stainless steel, and titanium alloy.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 3, which is an exploded view of the foldable electronic device provided in one embodiment of this application. A flexible heat sink 500 passes through a hinge assembly 300. A first door panel 420 and a second door panel 430 constitute a door panel assembly 400. Exemplarily, the flexible heat sink 500 passes through the gap between the hinge assembly body 310 and the door panel assembly 400. Exemplarily, the flexible heat sink 500 may or may not contact the hinge assembly body 310. At least a portion of the flexible heat sink 500 is fixedly connected to the first middle frame 100 and at least a portion of the flexible heat sink 500 is fixedly connected to the second middle frame 200. The flexible heat sink 500 can dissipate heat between the first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200, and it can also balance the temperature difference between the first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200. The flexible heat sink 500 has good heat dissipation performance.

[0038] In this embodiment, the flexible heat sink 500 can be an integral structure, either integrally formed or composed of multiple heat dissipation components fixedly connected as a single unit. The flexible heat sink 500 effectively dissipates heat from the first middle frame 100, the second middle frame 200, and the devices disposed on the first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200 in the foldable electronic device. Because the flexible heat sink 500 is an integral structure, its heat conduction performance is more stable, and it effectively provides even heat distribution between the first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200. The flexible heat sink 500 can deform to adapt to the switching between the flattened and folded states of the foldable electronic device. The flexible heat sink 500 can include graphite, metal, etc. For example, the flexible heat sink 500 can be a graphite sheet, a copper sheet, or an aluminum sheet. In some embodiments, the components disposed in the first middle frame 100 of the foldable electronic device may include a battery, a motherboard, etc., and the components disposed in the second middle frame 200 of the foldable electronic device may include a battery, a motherboard, etc.

[0039] In some embodiments, in the thickness direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) of the foldable electronic device, a first door panel 420 is disposed on the side of the flexible heat sink 500 facing away from the pivot assembly body 310, and the first door panel 420 is fixedly connected to the flexible heat sink 500. A second door panel 430 is disposed on the side of the flexible heat sink 500 facing away from the pivot assembly body 310, and the second door panel 430 is fixedly connected to the flexible heat sink 500.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a plan view of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application, omitting the flexible screen. Along the connection direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200, a first door panel 420 and a second door panel 430 are sequentially arranged, and the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 can be spaced apart. In the flattened state, the surfaces of the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 away from the flexible heat sink 500 are joined to form at least a portion of a supporting plane 410, and the flexible screen is disposed on the supporting plane 410. It should be noted that the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 constitute a door panel assembly 400, which can support the flexible screen. For example, the supporting plane 410 can support the flexible screen 600.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of this application. The first door panel 420 is connected to the main body 310 of the pivot assembly, and the second door panel 430 is also connected to the main body 310 of the pivot assembly. When the foldable electronic device switches between a flattened state and a folded state, the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 move with the main body 310 of the pivot assembly. When the foldable device switches from a flattened state to a folded state, the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 can rotate towards each other; when the first door panel 420 rotates clockwise, the second door panel 430 rotates counterclockwise. When the foldable device switches from a folded state to a flattened state, when the first door panel 420 rotates counterclockwise, the second door panel 430 rotates clockwise. The rotation of the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 can guide the flexible screen 600 to fold. At this time, the flexible screen 600 can form a large folding arc, similar to a teardrop shape, thereby preventing creases or damage to the flexible screen 600. Simultaneously, the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 also cause the flexible heat sink 500 to change shape to meet the bending requirements of the foldable device switching from a flattened state to a folded state. When the foldable device switches from a folded state to a flattened state, the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 can rotate in opposite directions. The rotation of the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 can guide the switch from a folded state to a flattened state. Simultaneously, the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 also cause the flexible heat sink 500 to change shape to meet the bending requirements of the foldable device switching from a folded state to a flattened state.

[0042] In the embodiments provided in this application, the flexible heat sink 500 is connected to the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430. Since the door panel assembly 400 only has the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430, compared with a door panel assembly 400 having more door panels, the size of the first door panel 420 in the connection direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200 can be set to be larger, and the size of the second door panel 430 in the connection direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the second middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200 can be set to be larger. The first door panel 420 will have more area that can connect with the flexible heat sink. With the heat sink 500 connected, the second door panel 430 will also have more areas to connect with the flexible heat sink 500. When the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 rotate with the main body 310 of the rotating shaft assembly, the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 can better control the shape change of the flexible heat sink 500, thereby making the shape change of the flexible heat sink 500 smoother when the foldable electronic device switches between folded and flat states. This prevents the flexible heat sink 500 from being damaged due to uneven force during shape changes (such as creases or damage), and improves the service life of the flexible heat sink 500. The flexible heat sink 500 is fixedly connected to the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430. The flexible heat sink 500 can conduct heat to the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430, thereby reducing the heat of the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430. The flexible heat sink 500 can also balance the temperature difference between the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430. It should be noted that the supporting plane 410 formed by the splicing of the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 is in direct contact with the flexible screen 600, and the flexible heat sink 500 can dissipate heat at the contact points between the flexible screen 600 and the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430. In some embodiments, the material of the first door panel 420 may include stainless steel, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, glass fiber, ceramic, etc., and the material of the second door panel 430 may include stainless steel, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, glass fiber, ceramic, etc.

[0043] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 6, which is an enlarged view of point A in Figure 2. Along the connection direction between the first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200, the flexible heat sink 500 is fixedly connected to the first door panel 420 at at least two points, which can improve the connection stability between the flexible heat sink 500 and the first door panel 420. The first door panel 420 may have a first fixing point 423 and a second fixing point 424. The first fixing point 423 and the second fixing point 424 are arranged along the connection direction between the first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200 (e.g., the X-axis direction). Both the first fixing point 423 and the second fixing point 424 of the first door panel 420 are fixedly connected to the flexible heat sink 500. For example, the first door panel 420 includes a first end 421 away from the second door panel 430 and a second end 422 close to the second door panel 430 along the connection direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200. A first fixing point 423 is disposed on the surface of the first end 421 facing away from the flexible screen 600 and is fixedly connected to the flexible heat sink 500. A second fixing point 424 is disposed in the area of ​​the first door panel 420 between the first end 421 and the second end 422, and the second fixing point 424 is located on the surface of the first door panel 420 facing away from the flexible screen 600. There is a certain distance between the second fixing point 424 and the second end 422. When the first door panel 420 rotates with the main body 310 of the rotating shaft assembly, it can drive the flexible heat sink 500 to move and change shape. Since the area between the second fixing point 424 and the second end 422 in the first door panel 420 is not connected to the flexible heat sink 500, the flexible heat sink 500 will be relatively loose as a whole, which can reduce the stress on the flexible heat sink 500 when it changes shape, making the flexible heat sink 500 less prone to creases or damage.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first end 421 is closer to the second fixing point 424 than the second end 422. It can be understood that the distance between the second fixing point 424 and the first end 421 is less than the distance between the second fixing point 424 and the second end 422. The area from the second fixing point 424 to the second end 422 in the first door panel 420 is not connected to the flexible heat sink 500. The flexible heat sink 500 is relatively loose overall, which can further reduce the stress on the flexible heat sink 500 when its shape changes, making the flexible heat sink 500 less prone to creases or damage.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first door panel 420 has a thin sheet structure. In the first door panel 420 provided in this application, a first protrusion 425 is provided on the surface of the first end 421 facing the flexible heat sink 500, and a second protrusion 426 is provided on the surface of the second end 422 facing the flexible heat sink 500. By providing the first protrusion 425 on the first end 421 of the first door panel 420 and the second protrusion 426 on the second end 422 of the first door panel 420, the structural strength of the first door panel 420 is improved.

[0046] In some embodiments, along the connection direction between the first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200, the flexible heat sink 500 is fixedly connected to the second door panel 430 at at least two points, which can improve the connection stability between the flexible heat sink 500 and the second door panel 430. The second door panel 430 has a third fixing point 433 and a fourth fixing point 434, which are arranged along the connection direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) between the first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200, and both the third fixing point 433 and the fourth fixing point 434 of the second door panel 430 are fixedly connected to the flexible heat sink 500. For example, the second door panel 430 includes a third end 431 away from the first door panel 420 and a fourth end 432 close to the first door panel 420 along the connection direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200. A third fixing point 433 is disposed on the surface of the third end 431 facing away from the flexible screen 600 and is fixedly connected to the flexible heat sink 500. A fourth fixing point 434 is disposed in the area of ​​the second door panel 430 between the third end 431 and the fourth end 432, and the fourth fixing point 434 is located on the surface of the second door panel 430 facing away from the flexible screen 600. There is a certain distance between the fourth fixing point 434 and the fourth end 432. When the second door panel 430 rotates with the main body 310 of the rotating shaft assembly, it can drive the flexible heat sink 500 to move and change shape. Since the area between the fourth fixing point 434 and the fourth end 432 in the second door panel 430 is not connected to the flexible heat sink 500, the flexible heat sink 500 will be relatively loose as a whole, which can reduce the stress on the flexible heat sink 500 when it changes shape, making the flexible heat sink 500 less prone to creases or damage.

[0047] In some embodiments, the third end 431 is closer to the fourth fixing point 434 than the fourth end 432. It is understood that the distance between the fourth fixing point 434 and the third end 431 is less than the distance between the fourth fixing point 434 and the fourth end 432. The area from the fourth fixing point 434 to the fourth end 432 in the second door panel 430 is not connected to the flexible heat sink 500, making the flexible heat sink 500 more relaxed overall. This further reduces the stress on the flexible heat sink 500 when its shape changes, making it less prone to creases or damage.

[0048] In some embodiments, the second door panel 430 has a thin sheet structure. In the second door panel 430 provided in this application embodiment, a third protrusion 435 is provided on the surface of the third end 431 facing the flexible heat sink 500, and a fourth protrusion 436 is provided on the surface of the second end 422 facing the flexible heat sink 500. By providing a third protrusion 435 on the third end 431 of the second door panel 430 and a fourth protrusion 436 on the fourth end 432 of the second door panel 430, the structural strength of the second door panel 430 is improved.

[0049] In some embodiments, in the flattened state, the first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 are arranged along the connection direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the first middle frame 100 and the second middle frame 200. A flexible heat sink 500 is fixedly connected to the first fixing point 423 and the second fixing point 424 of the first door panel 420, and the flexible heat sink 500 is fixedly connected to the third fixing point 433 and the fourth fixing point 434 of the second door panel 430. A portion of the flexible heat sink 500 between the second fixing point 424 and the fourth fixing point 434 can arch away from the door panel assembly 400. When the foldable electronic device is in a folded or flattened state, the portion of the flexible heat sink 500 between the second fixing point 424 and the fourth fixing point 434 is approximately U-shaped. When the foldable electronic device switches between folded and flattened states, the shape of the flexible heat sink 500 changes little, and the flexible heat sink 500 is less prone to creases or damage.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 7, which is an exploded view of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The flexible heat sink 500 includes a first flat plate area 510, a bending area 530, and a second flat plate area 520. The bending area 530 passes at least partially through the pivot assembly 300 and connects the first flat plate area 510 and the second flat plate area 520. The first flat plate area 510 is fixedly connected to the first middle frame 100, and the second flat plate area 520 is fixedly connected to the second middle frame 200.

[0051] In some embodiments, when the foldable electronic device is in a flattened state, the bending region 530 is generally wavy, or the bending region 530 may also be generally U-shaped. When the electronic device switches from a flattened state to a folded state, the bending region 530 can change its shape.

[0052] In the foldable electronic device provided in this application embodiment, when the foldable electronic device switches between a folded state and a flattened state, the bending area 530 deforms. The bending area 530 connects the first flat plate area 510 and the second flat plate area 520, enabling good heat exchange between the first flat plate area 510 and the second flat plate area 520. The first flat plate area 510 is fixed to the first middle frame 100 through at least one fixing point. For example, the first flat plate area 510 can be fixedly connected to the first middle frame 100 through thermally conductive adhesive. The second flat plate area 520 is fixed to the second middle frame 200 through at least one fixing point. For example, the second flat plate area 520 can be fixedly connected to the second middle frame 200 through thermally conductive adhesive.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first flat panel area 510 contacts the first middle frame 100, which can improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the first middle frame 100 and make the connection stability between the first flat panel area 510 and the first middle frame 100 higher. For example, the first flat panel area 510 can be connected to the first middle frame 100 by thermally conductive adhesive.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second flat plate area 520 contacts the second middle frame 200, which can improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the second middle frame 200 and make the connection stability between the second flat plate area 520 and the second middle frame 200 higher. For example, the second flat plate area 520 can be connected to the second middle frame 200 by thermally conductive adhesive.

[0055] The first door panel 420 is located on the side of the bending area 530 facing away from the pivot assembly body 310, and the second door panel 430 is located on the side of the bending area 530 facing away from the pivot assembly body 300. The first door panel 420 and the second door panel 430 are fixedly connected to the bending area 530 by thermally conductive adhesive. The first door panel 420 is fixedly connected to at least a portion of the bending area 530 by a first fixing point 423 and a second fixing point 424, and the second door panel 430 is fixedly connected to at least a portion of the bending area 530 by a third fixing point 433 and a fourth fixing point 434.

[0056] The flexible screen 600 includes a first non-foldable area, a foldable area, and a second non-foldable area. The foldable area connects the first and second non-foldable areas. The foldable area is at least partially located on the surface of the first panel 420 facing away from the bending area 530, and at least partially located on the surface of the second panel 430 facing away from the bending area 530. The first non-foldable area is in contact with the surface of the first flat panel area 510 facing away from the first mid-frame 100, and the first flat panel area 510 can dissipate heat for the first non-foldable area. The second non-foldable area is in contact with the surface of the second flat panel area 520 facing away from the second mid-frame 200, and the second flat panel area 520 can dissipate heat for the second non-foldable area.

[0057] In the embodiments provided in this application, the foldable electronic device may further include a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 700. One end of the FPC 700 is connected to the side of the first mid-frame 100 facing away from the flexible heat sink 500, and the other end of the FPC 700 is connected to the side of the second mid-frame 200 facing away from the flexible heat sink 500. In the thickness direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) of the foldable electronic device, the FPC 700 is located between the flexible heat sink 500 and the hinge assembly body 310. At least a portion of the FPC 700 passes through the hinge assembly 300. Along the connection direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the first mid-frame 100 and the second mid-frame 200, one end of the FPC 700 is connected to a device disposed on the first mid-frame 100, and the other end of the FPC 700 is connected to a device disposed on the second mid-frame 200. For example, one end of the FPC 700 may be connected to a motherboard disposed on the first mid-frame 100, and the other end of the FPC 700 may be connected to a battery disposed on the second mid-frame 200. The flexible heat sink 500 has excellent thermal conductivity, enabling it to quickly absorb and conduct heat. When the flexible circuit board 700 generates heat, the flexible heat sink 500 can rapidly conduct heat from one side of the first middle frame 100 where the flexible circuit board 700 is located to the other side of the first middle frame 100, and the flexible heat sink 500 can also rapidly conduct heat from one side of the second middle frame 200 where the flexible circuit board 700 is located to the other side of the second middle frame 200, making the heat distribution more even and avoiding local overheating.

[0058] In some embodiments, the flexible heat sink 500 can contact the flexible circuit board 700. For example, in a foldable electronic device in a folded or flattened state, at least a portion of the bending region 530 of the flexible heat sink 500 can contact the flexible circuit board 700. The flexible heat sink 500 can dissipate heat from the flexible circuit board 700.

[0059] Referring to Figure 6, a first gap 800 exists between the first door panel 420 and the hinge assembly body 310, through which both the flexible circuit board 700 and the flexible heat sink 500 pass. A second gap 900 exists between the second door panel 430 and the hinge assembly body 310, through which both the flexible circuit board 700 and the flexible heat sink 500 pass. Foldable electronic devices do not require separate gaps for the flexible circuit board 700 and the flexible heat sink 500, saving internal space, facilitating a more rational layout, improving space utilization, and promoting thinner and lighter designs. In this application, there is no connection between the flexible circuit board 700 and the flexible heat sink 500; both pass through the first gap 800 and the second gap 900, allowing for a more orderly arrangement of the flexible circuit board 700 and the flexible heat sink 500.

[0060] It should be understood that expressions such as “comprising” and “may include” used in this application indicate the existence of the disclosed functions, operations, or constituent elements, and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, and constituent elements. In this application, terms such as “comprising” and / or “having” are to be interpreted as indicating a particular characteristic, number, operation, constituent element, component, or combination thereof, but not to exclude the existence or possibility of adding one or more other characteristics, numbers, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0061] Furthermore, in this application, the expression "and / or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed words. For example, the expression "A and / or B" may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

[0062] In this application, expressions including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may modify the elements. However, such elements are not limited by the foregoing expressions. For example, the foregoing expressions do not limit the order and / or importance of the elements. The foregoing expressions are only used to distinguish one element from other elements. For example, "first user equipment" and "second user equipment" refer to different user equipment, although both "first user equipment" and "second user equipment" are user equipment. Similarly, without departing from the scope of this application, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0063] When a component is referred to as "connected" or "accessed" to other components, it should be understood that this component not only connects directly to or accesses other components, but also that another component may exist between this component and other components. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly accessed" to other components, it should be understood that no component exists between them.

[0064] The above description is merely a specific embodiment 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 foldable electronic device, characterized by, It includes a first middle frame (100), a second middle frame (200), a hinge assembly (300), a flexible heat sink (500), and a flexible screen (600), wherein the hinge assembly (300) includes a first door panel (420), a second door panel (430), and a hinge assembly body (310); The first middle frame (100) is rotatably connected to the second middle frame (200) through the pivot assembly (300), and the first door panel (420) and the second door panel (430) are arranged sequentially along the connection direction of the first middle frame (100) and the second middle frame (200); The flexible heat sink (500) passes through the rotating shaft assembly (300), and both ends of the flexible heat sink (500) are fixedly connected to the first middle frame (100) and the second middle frame (200) respectively; In the thickness direction of the electronic device, the first door panel (420) is disposed on the side of the flexible heat sink (500) facing away from the main body (310) of the rotating shaft assembly and is fixedly connected to the flexible heat sink (500), and the second door panel (430) is disposed on the side of the flexible heat sink (500) facing away from the main body (310) of the rotating shaft assembly and is fixedly connected to the flexible heat sink (500). In the unfolded state, the surface of the first door panel (420) away from the flexible heat sink (500) and the surface of the second door panel (430) away from the flexible heat sink (500) are spliced ​​together to form at least a portion of the support plane (410), and the flexible screen (600) is disposed on the support plane (410).

2. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein, Along the connection direction between the first middle frame (100) and the second middle frame (200), the flexible heat sink (500) is fixedly connected to the first door panel (420) at least in two places.

3. The foldable electronic device of claim 2, wherein, Along the connection direction between the first middle frame (100) and the second middle frame (200), the flexible heat sink (500) is fixedly connected to the second door panel (430) at least in two places.

4. The foldable electronic device of claim 2, wherein, The first door panel (420) is provided with a first fixing point (423) and a second fixing point (424) that are fixedly connected to the flexible heat sink (500). The first door panel (420) includes a first end (421) away from the second door panel (430) and a second end (422) close to the second door panel (430). The first fixing point (423) is disposed at the first end (421), and the second fixing point (424) is disposed between the first end (421) and the second end (422) of the first door panel (420). The area between the second fixing point (424) and the second end (422) in the first door panel (420) is not connected to the flexible heat sink (500).

5. The foldable electronic device of claim 4, wherein, The first end (421) is closer to the second fixed point (424) than the second end (422).

6. The foldable electronic device of claim 4, wherein, The first end (421) facing the flexible heat sink (500) has a first protrusion (425), and the second end (422) facing the surface of the flexible heat sink (500) has a second protrusion (426).

7. The foldable electronic device of claim 4, wherein, The second door panel (430) is provided with a third fixing point (433) and a fourth fixing point (434) that are fixedly connected to the flexible heat sink (500). The second door panel (430) includes a third end (431) away from the first door panel (420) and a fourth end (432) close to the first door panel (420). The third fixing point (433) is located at the third end (431), and the fourth fixing point (434) is located between the third end (431) and the fourth end (432) of the second door panel (430). The area between the fourth fixing point (434) and the fourth end (432) of the second door panel (430) is not connected to the flexible heat sink (500).

8. The foldable electronic device of claim 7, wherein, The first door panel (420) and the second door panel (430) form a door panel assembly (400), and at least a portion of the flexible heat sink (500) between the second fixing point (424) and the fourth fixing point (434) arches away from the door panel assembly (400).

9. The foldable electronic device of claim 7, wherein, The third end (431) is closer to the fourth fixed point (434) than the fourth end (432).

10. The foldable electronic device of claim 7, wherein, The third end (431) has a third protrusion (435) facing the flexible heat sink (500), and the fourth end (432) has a fourth protrusion (436) facing the flexible heat sink (500).

11. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The flexible heat sink (500) includes a first flat plate area (510), a curved area (530), and a second flat plate area (520). The first flat plate area (510) is fixedly connected to the first middle frame (100), and the second flat plate area (520) is fixedly connected to the second middle frame (200). The curved area (530) connects the first flat plate area (510) and the second flat plate area (520), and the curved area (530) passes through the pivot assembly (300) at least partially.

12. The foldable electronic device of claim 11, wherein, The first flat plate area (510) is in contact with the first middle frame (100), and the second flat plate area (520) is in contact with the second middle frame (200). 13.The foldable electronic device of claim 11, wherein, The flexible screen (600) includes a first non-folding area, a folding area, and a second non-folding area. The folding area connects the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area. The folding area is at least partially located on the surface of the first door panel (420) facing away from the curved area (530), and at least partially located on the surface of the second door panel (430) facing away from the curved area (530). The first non-folding area is in contact with the surface of the first flat panel area (510) facing away from the first middle frame (100), and the second non-folding area is in contact with the surface of the second flat panel area (520) facing away from the second middle frame (200).

14. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a flexible circuit board (700), one end of the flexible circuit board (700) is connected to the side of the first middle frame (100) away from the flexible heat sink (500), the other end of the flexible circuit board (700) is connected to the side of the second middle frame (200) away from the flexible heat sink (500), and the flexible circuit board (700) is located between the flexible heat sink (500) and the hinge assembly body (310) in the thickness direction of the foldable electronic device.

15. The foldable electronic device of claim 14, wherein, The first gap (800) is provided between the first door plate (420) and the hinge assembly body (310), and the flexible circuit board (700) and the flexible heat sink (500) pass through the first gap (800); the second gap (900) is provided between the second door plate (430) and the hinge assembly body (310), and the flexible circuit board (700) and the flexible heat sink (500) pass through the second gap (900).

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