CN108965502B

CN108965502B - Foldable mobile terminal

Info

Publication number: CN108965502B
Application number: CN201710349823.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 林煜桂
Original assignee: Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp Ltd
Current assignee: Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp Ltd
Priority date: 2017-05-17
Filing date: 2017-05-17
Publication date: 2024-02-20
Anticipated expiration: 2037-05-17
Also published as: CN108965502A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable mobile terminal, comprising: a housing assembly including a first housing and a second housing; the first rotating assembly is at least partially accommodated in the first shell and can slide and stretch relative to the first shell; the second rotating assembly is at least partially accommodated in the second shell and can slide and stretch relative to the second shell; the connecting piece spans across the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly, and two ends of the connecting piece are respectively connected to the first shell and the second shell in a relative sliding manner through a pressing block; and the flexible display screen is arranged on the first shell, the second shell and the connecting sheet. By arranging the connecting sheet in sliding connection between the two shells, the two shells can be prevented from being excessively stretched, and the absorption of the dimensional difference generated by folding the shells by the rotating assembly can not be influenced.

Description

Foldable mobile terminal

Technical Field

The invention relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, in particular to a foldable mobile terminal.

Background

The flexible display screen has the bendable performance, so that the intelligent mobile terminal, such as a smart phone, with the flexible display screen can be switched between the folded state and the unfolded state. On the premise of realizing switching between the folding state and the unfolding state of the mobile terminal, how to ensure the overall strength of the mobile terminal and avoid the overstretching of the mobile terminal in the unfolding state is a problem which is needed in the industry.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention solves the technical problem of how to ensure the integral strength of the mobile terminal while successfully realizing the switching between the unfolding state and the folding state of the foldable mobile terminal.

A foldable mobile terminal, comprising:

a housing assembly including a first housing and a second housing;

the first rotating assembly is at least partially accommodated in the first shell and can slide and stretch relative to the first shell;

the second rotating assembly is at least partially accommodated in the second shell and can slide and stretch relative to the second shell;

the connecting piece spans across the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly, and two ends of the connecting piece are respectively connected to the first shell and the second shell in a relative sliding manner through a pressing block; and

The flexible display screen is arranged on the first shell, the second shell and the connecting sheet.

In one embodiment, the first end of the connecting piece is provided with a first long hole, the second end of the connecting piece is provided with a second long hole, the pressing block penetrates through the first long hole and the second long hole to be fixedly connected with the first shell and the second shell respectively, and when the first rotating assembly stretches relative to the first shell and the second rotating assembly stretches relative to the second shell, the connecting piece moves relative to the pressing block along the extending direction of the first long hole and the second long hole.

In one embodiment, the connecting pieces are provided with perforations which are spaced apart from each other.

In one embodiment, the connecting piece comprises two connecting parts at the first end and the second end, and a supporting part connected between the two connecting parts, wherein the connecting parts are used for being connected with the pressing block, and the supporting part is used for supporting the flexible display screen.

In one embodiment, the junction of the support portion and the two connecting portions forms a bend.

In one embodiment, a support bar is provided between the first and second rotating assemblies, the support portion straddling the support bar.

In one embodiment, the support portion is provided with a securing structure connected to the support bar.

In one embodiment, the first housing includes a first front housing and a first rear housing coupled to each other, the second housing includes a second front housing and a second rear housing coupled to each other, the pressing block slidably connects both ends of the connection piece to the first front housing and the second front housing, respectively, and the flexible display screen is disposed on the first front housing and the second front housing.

In one embodiment, the first rotating assembly comprises a first sliding plate, a first rotating shaft and a first connecting rod, wherein the first sliding plate is at least partially accommodated between the first front shell and the first rear shell and can slide and stretch relative to the first shell, the first rotating shaft is arranged on the first sliding plate, the first end of the first connecting rod is hinged on the first rotating shaft in a sliding mode, and the second end of the first connecting rod is connected with the first shell in a rotating mode.

In one embodiment, the first rotating assembly further comprises a first slider, the first slider is slidably sleeved on the first rotating shaft, and the first end of the first connecting rod is rotatably connected with the first slider.

In one embodiment, the second rotating assembly includes a second sliding plate, a second rotating shaft and a second connecting rod, wherein the second sliding plate is at least partially accommodated between the second front shell and the second rear shell and can slide and stretch relative to the second shell, the second rotating shaft is arranged on the second sliding plate, the first end of the second connecting rod is slidingly hinged on the second rotating shaft, and the second end of the second connecting rod is rotationally connected with the second shell.

In one embodiment, the second rotating assembly further comprises a second slider, the second slider is slidably sleeved on the second rotating shaft, and the first end of the second connecting rod is rotatably connected with the second slider.

One technical effect of one embodiment of the present invention is that by providing a connecting piece that slidingly connects between the two shells, the two shells are prevented from being excessively stretched, while the absorption of dimensional differences caused by folding between the shells by the rotating assembly is not affected.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a foldable mobile terminal in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the foldable mobile terminal shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the foldable mobile terminal of fig. 1 at another angle.

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a folding mechanism in a foldable mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state.

Fig. 5 is a schematic front view of the folding mechanism shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the folding mechanism shown in fig. 4 with a portion of the structure removed.

Fig. 7 is an exploded view of the folding mechanism of fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a further exploded view of a portion of the structure of fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of another view of a portion of the structure of fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a foldable mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention after a flexible display screen is removed.

Fig. 11 is a partial schematic front view of the structure shown in fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of fig. 10, with the view angle being back.

Fig. 14 is a schematic view of the structure of fig. 11 with some components of the folding mechanism removed.

Fig. 15 is a rear view of fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a schematic structural view of the spring in the folding mechanism.

Fig. 17 is a schematic structural view of the decorative block.

Fig. 18 is a schematic structural view of another view of the decorative block.

Fig. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a foldable mobile terminal in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 20 is a schematic perspective view of the foldable mobile terminal shown in fig. 19 with the flexible display screen removed.

Fig. 21 is a schematic perspective view of the folding mechanism shown in fig. 4 in a folded state.

Fig. 22 is a schematic front view of the folding mechanism of fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is a schematic sectional view of a part of a foldable mobile terminal in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 24 is a schematic sectional view of a part of a foldable mobile terminal in a semi-unfolded state (or a semi-folded state) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a foldable mobile terminal in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1, 2, 3 and 4, a foldable mobile terminal provided in an embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible display 10, a folding mechanism 20 and a case assembly 30. The housing assembly 30 includes a first housing 31 and a second housing 32, wherein the folding mechanism 20 is connected between the first housing 31 and the second housing 32, and the flexible display screen 10 is disposed on the first housing 31 and the second housing 32. The foldable mobile terminal shown in fig. 1 is in an unfolded state, and the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 are symmetrical with respect to the folding mechanism 20. As shown in fig. 19, when the first and second housings 31, 32 are rotated relative to the folding mechanism 20 in a fully folded state, the flexible display 10 is on the outside of the mobile terminal. As shown in fig. 1, in the unfolded state, the extension length (the dimension in the X-axis direction in fig. 1) of the side of the case assembly 30 facing the flexible display screen 10 is the same as the extension length (the dimension in the X-axis direction in fig. 1) of the side facing away from the flexible display screen 10, whereas as shown in fig. 19, the case assembly 30 has a thickness (the dimension in the Y-axis direction in fig. 1) by itself, and in the folded state, the extension length of the side of the case assembly 30 facing the flexible display screen 10 is greater than the extension length of the side facing away from the flexible display screen 10, and by providing the folding mechanism 20, the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 can be adapted to the difference in length generated when switching between the unfolded state and the folded state.

The first case 31 includes a first front case 311 and a first rear case 312 coupled to each other, and the second case 32 includes a second front case 321 and a second rear case 322 coupled to each other. The combination mode can be screw lock, bonding, welding and the like. The flexible display screen 10 is disposed on the first front case 311 and the second front case 321. The display area of the flexible display screen 10 may be rectangular or rounded rectangular in the unfolded state. The first front case 311 and the first rear case 312 have a certain interval therebetween in the Y-axis direction, and the second front case 321 and the second rear case 322 have a certain interval therebetween in the Y-axis direction, which provides a space for placing components such as a power module, a communication module, etc., and also provides a space for the folding mechanism 20 to slidably expand and contract with respect to the first case 31 and the second case 32.

The first housing 31 and the second housing 32 also have a certain interval therebetween in the X-axis direction, the folding mechanism 20 is disposed within the interval between the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 in the X-axis direction, and at least part of the structure of the folding mechanism 20 is housed within the first housing 31 and the second housing 32. The distance between the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 in the X-axis direction varies during rotation of the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 around the folding mechanism 20, and thus the folding mechanism 20 is retracted into the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 to different degrees during rotation of the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 around the folding mechanism 20. Referring to both fig. 4 and 5, the folding mechanism 20 includes a first rotating assembly 50 and a second rotating assembly 60. The first rotating assembly 50 is connected to the first housing 31, the first rotating assembly 50 is at least partially accommodated in the first housing 31 and can slide and stretch relative to the first housing 31, the second rotating assembly 60 is connected to the second housing 32, the second rotating assembly 60 is at least partially accommodated in the second housing 32 and can slide and stretch relative to the second housing 32, and the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 can adapt to a length difference generated when switching between an unfolded state and a folded state by sliding and stretching the first rotating assembly 50 relative to the first housing 31 and sliding and stretching the second rotating assembly 60 relative to the second housing 32.

In an embodiment, the first rotating assembly 50 and the second rotating assembly 60 have the same structure, and the first rotating assembly 50 and the second rotating assembly 60 are symmetrically distributed along a central axis I-I (fig. 5) between the first rotating assembly 50 and the second rotating assembly 60, and by symmetrically arranging the first rotating assembly 50 and the second rotating assembly 60, the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 can be symmetrically opened and closed along the central axis I-I.

Referring to fig. 4, 5, 6 and 7 together, the first rotating assembly 50 includes a first slide plate 51, a first rotating shaft 53 and a first link 54. The first rotating shaft 53 is disposed on the first sliding plate 51, the first end 541 of the first link 54 is slidably hinged to the first rotating shaft 53, and the second end 542 of the first link 54 is rotatably connected to the first housing 31. The first sliding plate 51 is at least partially accommodated in the first housing 31 and is slidably retractable with respect to the first housing 31. In the symmetrical opening and closing process of the first housing 31 and the second housing 32, the first sliding plate 51 and the first rotating shaft 53 slide and stretch together relative to the first housing 31, the second end 542 of the first connecting rod 54 rotates relative to the first housing 31, and the first end 541 of the first connecting rod 54 slides on the first rotating shaft 53 and rotates relative to the first rotating shaft 53. The extent to which the first slider 51 is accommodated in the first housing 31 is varied to accommodate the difference in length generated during the symmetrical opening and closing of the first housing 31 and the second housing 32.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2 and 3, two first rotating shafts 53 and two first links 54 are provided on the first slide plate 51, and are disposed in up-down symmetry with respect to the intermediate position in the Z-axis direction of the first slide plate 51. In other embodiments, the number of first shafts 53 and first links 54 may be one or more, and different numbers of first shafts 53 and first links 54 may each enable sliding expansion and contraction of the first slide plate 51 relative to the first housing 31.

Referring to fig. 4, 5, 6 and 7, the second rotating assembly 60 includes a second sliding plate 61, a second rotating shaft 63 and a second link 64. The second rotating shaft 63 is disposed on the second sliding plate 61, the first end 641 of the second connecting rod 64 is slidably hinged on the second rotating shaft 63, and the second end 642 of the second connecting rod 64 is rotatably connected with the second housing 32. The second sliding plate 61 is at least partially accommodated in the second housing 32 and is slidably retractable with respect to the second housing 32. In the symmetrical opening and closing process of the first housing 31 and the second housing 32, the second sliding plate 61 and the second rotating shaft 63 slide together and stretch relative to the second housing 32, the second end 642 of the second connecting rod 64 rotates relative to the second housing 32, and the first end 641 of the second connecting rod 64 slides on the second rotating shaft 63 and rotates relative to the second rotating shaft 63. The second sliding plate 61 is accommodated in the second housing 32 to accommodate the length difference generated in the symmetrical opening and closing process of the first housing 31 and the second housing 32.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2 and 3, two second rotating shafts 63 and two second connecting rods 64 are provided on the second slide plate 61, and are disposed in up-down symmetry with respect to the intermediate position in the Z-axis direction of the second slide plate 61. In other embodiments, the number of second shafts 63 and second links 64 may be one or more, and different numbers of second shafts 63 and second links 64 may each enable sliding expansion and contraction of the second slide 61 relative to the second housing 32.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, in an embodiment, the folding mechanism 20 further includes a linkage 22 that connects the first shaft 53 and the second shaft 63, a first through hole 221 and a second through hole 222 are disposed on the linkage 22, the first shaft 53 is disposed through the first through hole 221, and the second shaft 63 is disposed through the second through hole 222. The linkage 22 is linked with the first end 541 of the first link 54 and the first end 641 of the second link 64, i.e., by the connection of the linkage 22, the sliding of the first end 541 of the first link 54 on the first rotation shaft 53 can drive the sliding of the first end 641 of the second link 64 on the second rotation shaft 63, and vice versa.

The linkage 22 can synchronize the movement of the first connecting rod 54 slidingly hinged on the first rotating shaft 53 and the second connecting rod 64 slidingly hinged on the second rotating shaft 63, that is, can synchronize the sliding expansion and contraction of the first sliding plate 51 relative to the first shell 31 and the sliding expansion and contraction of the second sliding plate 61 relative to the second shell 32, so that the symmetrical opening and closing of the first shell 31 and the second shell 32 can be better realized. The linkage 22 may be made of a metallic material or a plastic material.

In other embodiments, the function of the linkage 22 may be achieved by other means, such as an integral arrangement of both the element that effects the sliding articulation of the first link 54 and the first shaft 53 and the element that effects the sliding articulation of the second link 64 and the second shaft 63, by which the movement of the first link 54 that effects the sliding articulation on the first shaft 53 and the second link 64 that effects the sliding articulation on the second shaft 63 may also be synchronized.

Referring to fig. 7, 8 and 9, in one embodiment, the first rotating assembly 50 further includes a first slider 52, and the first link 54 and the first rotating shaft 53 are slidably hinged by the first slider 52. The first slider 52 is slidably sleeved on the first rotating shaft 53, and the first end 541 of the first link 54 is rotatably connected to the first slider 52.

In one embodiment, the first slider 52 includes two sleeves 521 and a connecting arm 522 connected between the sleeves 521, and the first rotating shaft 53 is inserted through the sleeves 521 of the first slider 52, where the first slider 52 can slide on the first rotating shaft 53 or can rotate relative to the first rotating shaft 53.

The first end 541 of the first link 54 is rotatably coupled to the connecting arm 522 of the first slider 52. Further, a first positioning hole 523 is provided on the connecting arm 522 of the first slider 52, a first positioning column 543 is provided at the first end 541 of the first link 54, and the first positioning column 543 is inserted into the first positioning hole 523.

The second rotating assembly 60 further comprises a second slider 62, and the second link 64 and the second rotating shaft 63 are slidably hinged by the second slider 62. The second slider 62 is slidably sleeved on the second rotating shaft 63, and the first end 641 of the second connecting rod 64 is rotatably connected with the second slider 62.

In one embodiment, the second slider 62 includes two sleeves 621 and a connecting arm 622 connected between the sleeves 621, and the second rotating shaft 63 is inserted through the sleeves 621 of the second slider 62, where the second slider 62 can slide on the second rotating shaft 63 and also can rotate relative to the second rotating shaft 63.

The first end 641 of the second link 64 is rotatably coupled to the connecting arm 622 of the second slider 62. Further, a second positioning hole 623 is provided on the connecting arm 622 of the second slider 62, a second positioning post 643 is provided on the first end 641 of the second link 64, and the second positioning post 643 is inserted into the second positioning hole 623.

In one embodiment, the linkage 22 includes a first arm 223 disposed with the first through hole 221 and a second arm 224 disposed with the second through hole 222, the first arm 223 is disposed between two sleeves 521 of the first slider 52, the second arm 224 is disposed between two sleeves 621 of the second slider 62, the first rotating shaft 53 is disposed through the first through hole 221, and the second rotating shaft 63 is disposed through the second through hole 222. The linkage 22 serves as a connecting medium for the first slider 52 and the second slider 62, so that the sliding of the first slider 52 on the first rotation shaft 53 and the sliding of the second slider 62 in the second rotation shaft 63 can be synchronized.

As shown in fig. 4, 5, 6 and 7, in one embodiment, the first rotating assembly 50 further includes a first bracket 56, and the first rotating shaft 53 is disposed on the first sliding plate 51 through the first bracket 56. Further, the first bracket 56 may be fixed to the first sliding plate 51 by means of screw locking. The first rotating shaft 53 is arranged on the first bracket 56 in a penetrating way, and the first sliding block 52 is arranged between the first bracket 56 and the first sliding plate 51. By providing the first bracket 56, the relative movement between the first slider 52, the first end 541 of the first link 54, and the first rotation shaft 53 can be restricted to the space sandwiched between the first bracket 56 and the first slide plate 51, and the first end 541 of the first link 54 is prevented from being separated from the first slider 52.

The rotational connection of the second end 542 of the first link 54 and the first housing 31 may be implemented by rotationally connecting the second end 542 of the first link 54 with the first front housing 311, or rotationally connecting the second end 542 of the first link 54 with the first rear housing 312, or rotationally connecting the second end 542 of the first link 54 with both the first front housing 311 and the first rear housing 312. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 8, 9 and 11, the first front case 311 is provided with a first connection hole 313, and the second end 542 of the first link 54 is provided with a first connection post 544, and the first connection post 544 is inserted into the first connection hole 313. Further, as shown in fig. 13 and 15, the first rotating assembly 50 further includes a first pressing piece 55, the first pressing piece 55 is connected with the first front shell 311, and the first pressing piece 55 limits the first connecting rod 54 so that the first connecting rod 54 is located between the first pressing piece 55 and the first front shell 311.

As shown in fig. 4, 5, 6 and 7, in one embodiment, the second rotating assembly 60 further includes a second bracket 66, and the second rotating shaft 63 is disposed on the second sliding plate 61 through the second bracket 66. Further, the second bracket 66 may be fixed to the second sliding plate 61 by means of screw locking. The second rotating shaft 63 is arranged on the second bracket 66 in a penetrating way, and the second sliding block 62 is arranged between the second bracket 66 and the second sliding plate 61. By providing the second bracket 66, the relative movement between the second slider 62, the first end 641 of the second link 64, and the second rotating shaft 63 can be restricted to the space sandwiched between the second bracket 66 and the second slide 61, preventing the first end 641 of the second link 64 from being separated from the second slider 62.

The second end 642 of the second link 64 may be rotatably connected to the second housing 32 by rotatably connecting the second end 642 of the second link 64 to the second front case 321, rotatably connecting the second end 642 of the second link 64 to the second rear case 322, or rotatably connecting the second end 642 of the second link 64 to both the second front case 321 and the second rear case 322. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 8, 9 and 11, the second front case 321 is provided with a second connection hole 323, and the second end 642 of the second link 64 is provided with a second connection post 644, and the second connection post 644 is inserted into the second connection hole 323. Further, as shown in fig. 13 and 15, the second rotating assembly 60 further includes a second pressing piece 65, the second pressing piece 65 is connected with the second front case 321, and the second pressing piece 65 limits the second connecting rod 64 so that the second connecting rod 64 is located between the second pressing piece 65 and the second front case 321.

As shown in fig. 8 and 9, the folding mechanism 20 further includes bushings 24 provided at both ends of the first and second rotating shafts 53 and 63. The sleeve 24 secures the first shaft 53 to the first bracket 56 and also secures the second shaft 63 to the second bracket 66. The number of the first brackets 56 and the second brackets 66 is the same as the number of the first rotating shafts 53 and the second rotating shafts 63. In an embodiment, the number of the first brackets 56 and the second brackets 66 is two, each first bracket 56 is disposed at a corresponding end of the first sliding plate 51 along the Z-axis direction, and each second bracket 66 is disposed at a corresponding end of the second sliding plate 61 along the Z-axis direction.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 4 and 7, the folding mechanism 20 further includes a support bar 26, the support bar 26 being disposed between the first rotating assembly 50 and the second rotating assembly 60. The support bar 26 is used to support the flexible display screen 10. The support bar 26 may have a certain extension length in the Z-axis direction to be disposed between the slits of the first and second sliding plates 51 and 61. In embodiments where first bracket 56 and second bracket 66 are provided, support bar 26 may also extend between the gaps of first bracket 56 and second bracket 66. The support bar 26 may support the flexible display screen 10 together with the first and second sliding plates 51, 61, the first and second brackets 56, 66, the first and second front cases 311, 321.

As shown in fig. 8 and 9, the linkage 22 is provided with a receiving groove 226, and at least a portion of the support bar 26 is received in the receiving groove 226. In one embodiment, the linkage 22 includes a connecting portion 225 connecting the first arm 223 and the second arm 224, and the receiving groove 226 is disposed on the connecting portion 225.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 8 and 9, a receiving groove 241 is also provided on the sleeve 24, and at least part of the structure of the support bar 26 is received in the receiving groove 241. The support bar 26 may be connected to the sleeve 24 and/or the linkage 22 by welding, etc.

As shown in fig. 20, 23, 24 and 25, the top surface 261 of the support bar 26 faces the flexible display screen 10 and is a cambered surface. When the foldable mobile terminal is in the semi-folded state shown in fig. 24 or the folded state shown in fig. 25, since the support bar 26 has an arc surface, abrupt changes in the profile curvatures of the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 during the folding process can be avoided, so that the flexible display screen 10 is better supported.

As shown in fig. 7, 8 and 9, in an embodiment, the first rotating assembly 50 further includes a first elastic piece 57 disposed on the first sliding plate 51, where the first elastic piece 57 is respectively provided with first engaging positions 571 at two extreme positions in the sliding direction of the first end 541 of the first link 54. In the embodiment having the first bracket 56, the first elastic piece 57 is fixed on the first slide plate 51 by the first bracket 56, and the first elastic piece 57 is disposed in the first bracket 56.

The two first engaging positions 571 of the first elastic piece 57 correspond to two ends of the sliding path of the first end 541 of the first link 54 on the first rotating shaft 53. The first engagement position 571 forms a certain degree of interference with the first end 541 of the first link 54, so that the first engagement position 571 forms a certain clamping force on the first end 541 of the first link 54, preventing the position of the first link 54 from being changed randomly, so that the position of the first sliding plate 51 relative to the first housing 31 can be stabilized, that is, the foldable mobile terminal can be kept in a folded state or an unfolded state relatively stably.

In an embodiment, the first positioning column 543 on the first end 541 of the first connecting rod 54 extends through two opposite sides of the first end 541, where one end of the first positioning column 543 is matched with the first positioning hole 523 on the first slider 52, and the other end of the first positioning column 543 is inserted into the first engaging position 571 of the first elastic piece 57. The first engagement position 571 sandwiches the first positioning column 543 to form a certain clamping force on the first link 54.

In an embodiment, a first damping position 572 is disposed between the two first engaging positions 571 of the first elastic piece 57, where the resistance is increased when the first end 541 of the first link 54 slides from the first engaging position 571 to the first damping position 572. The resistance force is increased by the clamping force applied to the first positioning column 543 by the first damping position 572 being greater than the clamping force applied to the first positioning column 543 by the first engagement position 571. For example, the first elastic piece 57 may have a waist shape with an opening at one end and a closed end, two first engaging positions 571 are formed at two ends of the first elastic piece 57, the first damping position 572 is formed in the middle of the first elastic piece 57, and a gap in the first damping position 572 for the first positioning column 543 to pass through is smaller than a gap in the first engaging position 571 for the first positioning column 543 to pass through, so that a resistance force received by the first link 54 increases in a process of passing from the first engaging position 571 to the first damping position 572. By thus providing the first elastic piece 57, the damping feeling is further provided when the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 of the foldable mobile terminal are rotated.

In other embodiments, the first spring 57 may also be in a closed loop shape. Further, in still other embodiments, the first spring 57 may be in two separate strips, and two ends of the two separate strips may be fixed to the first sliding plate 51 by the first bracket 56 or other elements (or other forms) to provide different resistances at different positions along the sliding path of the first link 54 along the first rotation axis 53.

As shown in fig. 9, a first accommodating cavity 560 is provided in the first bracket 56, and the first spring plate 57 is accommodated in the first accommodating cavity 560. After the first bracket 56 is fixed on the first sliding plate 51, the first sliding plate 51 closes the first accommodating cavity 560, so that the first elastic piece 57 is fixed in the first accommodating cavity 560.

Further, the first receiving cavity 560 includes two first positioning cavities 561 corresponding to the first engaging positions 571 of the first spring plate 57, and a first releasing cavity 562 located between the two first positioning cavities 561. The space in the first release chamber 562 is larger than the space in the first positioning chamber 561, and the first engagement position 571 is fixed so as not to be movable after the first engagement position 571 is placed in the first positioning chamber 561. The first damping position 572 between the two first engaging positions 571 is correspondingly disposed in the first releasing cavity 562, and the first releasing cavity 562 has a space for elastically deforming the first damping position 572.

In an embodiment, the second rotating assembly 60 further includes a second elastic piece 67 disposed on the second sliding plate 61, and the second elastic piece 67 is respectively provided with second engaging positions 671 at two extreme positions of the sliding direction of the first end 641 of the second connecting rod 64. In the embodiment having the second bracket 66, the second elastic piece 67 is fixed on the second slide plate 61 by the second bracket 66, and the second elastic piece 67 is disposed in the second bracket 66.

The two second engaging positions 671 of the second elastic piece 67 correspond to two ends of the sliding path of the first end 641 of the second connecting rod 64 on the second rotating shaft 63. The second engagement position 671 forms a certain degree of interference with the first end 641 of the second link 64, so that the second engagement position 671 forms a certain clamping force on the first end 641 of the second link 64 to prevent the position of the second link 64 from being changed randomly, thus stabilizing the position of the second slide plate 61 relative to the second housing 32, i.e. making the foldable mobile terminal relatively stably kept in a folded state or an unfolded state.

In an embodiment, the second positioning post 643 on the first end 641 of the second connecting rod 64 extends through two opposite sides of the first end 641, wherein one end of the second positioning post 643 is matched with the second positioning hole 623 on the second slider 62, and the other end of the second positioning post 643 is inserted into the second engaging position 671 of the second elastic piece 67. The second clamping position 671 clamps the second positioning post 643 to form a certain clamping force on the second connecting rod 64.

Referring to fig. 4, 5 and 21 and 22, fig. 5 shows the folding mechanism 20 in an unfolded state, the second positioning post 643 formed on the first end 641 of the second connecting rod 64 is inserted into one of the second engaging positions 671, and fig. 22 shows the folding mechanism 20 in a folded state, the second positioning post 643 formed on the first end 641 of the second connecting rod 64 is inserted into the other second engaging position 671.

In an embodiment, a second damping position 672 is disposed between the two second engaging positions 671 of the second elastic sheet 67, wherein the resistance is increased when the first end 641 of the second link 64 slides from the second engaging position 671 to the second damping position 672. The increased resistance may be achieved by the second damping bit 672 applying a greater clamping force to the second positioning post 643 than the second engagement bit 671 applying to the second positioning post 643. For example, the second elastic sheet 67 may have a waist shape with an opening at one end and a closed end, two second engaging positions 671 are formed at two ends of the second elastic sheet 67, the second damping position 672 is formed in the middle of the second elastic sheet 67, and a gap in the second damping position 672 for the second positioning post 643 to pass through is smaller than a gap in the second engaging position 671 for the second positioning post 643 to pass through, so that resistance received by the second connecting rod 64 is increased in the process of passing from the second engaging position 671 to the second damping position 672. By thus providing the second elastic piece 67, the damping feeling is further provided when the first and second housings 31 and 32 of the foldable mobile terminal are rotated.

In other embodiments, the second spring 67 may also be in a closed loop shape. Further, in still other embodiments, the second elastic piece 67 may have two separate strips, and two ends of the two separate strips may be fixed on the second sliding plate 61 by the second bracket 66 or other elements (or other forms), so as to provide different resistances at different positions along the sliding path of the second link 64 along the second rotating shaft 63.

As shown in fig. 9, a second receiving cavity 660 is disposed in the second bracket 66, and the second elastic piece 67 is received in the second receiving cavity 660. After the second bracket 66 is fixed on the second sliding plate 61, the second sliding plate 61 closes the second accommodating cavity 660, so that the second elastic sheet 67 is fixed in the second accommodating cavity 660.

Further, the second receiving cavity 660 includes two second positioning cavities 661 corresponding to the second engaging positions 671 of the second elastic sheet 67, and a second releasing cavity 662 located between the two second positioning cavities 661. The space in the second release cavity 662 is larger than the space in the second positioning cavity 661, and after the second engagement position 671 is placed in the second positioning cavity 661, the second engagement position 671 is fixed and cannot move. The second damping position 672 between the two second engaging positions 671 is correspondingly disposed in the second release chamber 662, and the second release chamber 662 has a space for elastically deforming the second damping position 672.

Referring to fig. 10, 11 and 12, in one embodiment, the foldable mobile terminal further includes a connection piece 70 and two pressing blocks 71, the connection piece 70 spans across the first rotating assembly 50 and the second rotating assembly 60, and two ends of the connection piece 70 are respectively connected to the first housing 31 and the second housing 32 in a relatively sliding manner through one pressing block 71. The length difference changes generated in the rotation process of the first shell 31 and the second shell 32 are absorbed by the sliding expansion and contraction of the first rotating component 50 and the second rotating component 60 in the folding mechanism 20 relative to the first shell 31 and the second shell 32 respectively, so that the appearance of the foldable mobile terminal is consistent and complete in the folding and unfolding processes, and the first shell 31 and the second shell 32 can be prevented from being excessively stretched by arranging the connecting sheet 70, and the flexible display screen 10 is prevented from being damaged due to stretching.

Referring to fig. 16, the first end 701 of the connecting piece 70 is provided with a first elongated hole 703, the second end 702 of the connecting piece 70 is provided with a second elongated hole 704, the pressing piece 71 passes through the first elongated hole 703 and is fixedly connected with the first housing 31, and the other pressing piece 71 passes through the second elongated hole 704 and is fixedly connected with the second housing 32. When the first rotating assembly 50 stretches relative to the first housing 31 and the second rotating assembly 60 stretches relative to the second housing 32, the connecting piece 70 moves relative to the pressing block 71 along the extending direction of the first and second elongated holes 703 and 704, that is, moves relative to the first and second housings 31 and 32. As shown in fig. 12, when the foldable mobile terminal is in the unfolded state, the outer ends of the first and second elongated holes 703 of the connecting piece 70, that is, the ends far away from the first and second rotating assemblies 50 and 60, respectively, abut against the first and second housings 31 and 32, so that the first and second housings 31 and 32 cannot be further far away from each other, and the first and second housings 31 and 32 are prevented from being excessively stretched. During the folding process, the first and second elongated holes 703 have sliding spaces relative to the first and second housings 31 and 32, so that the connecting piece 70 can slide relatively relative to the first and second housings 31 and 32, so as to adapt to the length change of the first and second housings 32 during the folding process.

The connection piece 70 includes two connection portions 705 at the first end 701 and the second end 702, and a support portion 706 connected between the two connection portions 705, the connection portions 705 being for connection with the press block 71, the support portion 706 being for supporting the flexible display screen 10.

The pressing block 71 may be a fastener such as a screw, and is inserted through the first and second elongated holes 703 and 704 to connect the connection piece 70 to the first and second housings 31 and 32. In one embodiment, the pressing block 71 is square and is pressed on the first end 701 and the second end 702 of the connecting piece 70, and then the pressing block 71 and the first and second elongated holes 703 and 704 are penetrated by other fasteners and locked on the first and second housings 31 and 32. For example, a first fitting position 314 is formed on the first front case 311, and the pressing block 71 slidably connects the first end 701 of the connection piece 70 at the first fitting position 314 of the first front case 311. Correspondingly, a second mating location 324 is formed on the second front shell 321, and another press piece 71 slidably connects the second end 702 of the connecting piece 70 at the second mating location 324 of the second front shell 321.

In some embodiments, the support portion 706 forms a bend at the junction of the two connection portions 705. As shown in fig. 12, the first mating location 314 and the second mating location 324 are each formed with a recess to mate with the bend on the connection tab 70, while also being configured to receive a corresponding press block 71.

The connecting piece 70 is provided with perforations 700 spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the perforations 700 are disposed on the support portion 706, and the perforations 700 make the connection piece 70 easier to bend, so that the connection piece 70 better fits the first rotating assembly 50 and the second rotating assembly 60, and the connection piece 70 is prevented from creasing to affect the support effect of the flexible display screen 10.

In some embodiments, the support portion 706 further includes a securing structure 707 coupled to the support bar 26. The securing structures 707 may be welded holes, and the tabs 70 may be welded to the support bar 26 after they span the support bar 26.

In one embodiment, the number of the connecting pieces 70 is two, and it is understood that in other embodiments, the number of the connecting pieces 70 may be increased or decreased as needed.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, in an embodiment, the foldable mobile terminal further includes a decoration block 72, where the decoration block 72 is located at two ends of the folding mechanism 20 in the Z-axis direction and is located at a gap between the first housing 31 and the second housing 32, for shielding an end structure of the folding mechanism 20 from being exposed to affect the appearance.

Referring to fig. 11, 13 and 14, the first front case 311 is provided with a first connection position 315, the second front case 321 is provided with a second connection position 325, and the decoration block 72 is connected to the first connection position 315 of the first front case 311 and the second connection position 325 of the second front case 321 and positioned at both ends of the first sliding plate 51 and the second sliding plate 61 in the Z-axis direction.

Referring to both fig. 17 and 18, the side surface of the decorative block 72 facing the flexible display screen 10 is substantially flat to facilitate mounting of the flexible display screen 10. The surface of the side of the decoration block 72 facing away from the flexible display screen 10 forms a connection structure, such as a boss 721, with the first front case 311 and the second front case 321. The decorative block 72 also has a plurality of ribs 722 formed on a surface thereof facing away from the flexible display screen 10. When the foldable mobile terminal is in the unfolded state, the decoration block 72 is in the natural unfolded state, and the distance between two adjacent ribs 722 gradually increases along the direction away from the flexible display screen 10. When the decorative block 72 is folded, that is, the foldable mobile terminal is in a folded state, the adjacent ribs 722 are attached to each other.

As shown in fig. 10 and 11, the first housing 31 is provided with first notches 316 at intervals. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 14 and 15, the first notch 316 is disposed on a side of the first front housing 311 adjacent to the first rotating assembly 50. The first slider 51 is provided with a first latch 511 corresponding to the first notch 316 of the first housing 31. The first slide plate 51 is accommodated in the first housing 31 to different degrees when the foldable mobile terminal is switched between the folded and unfolded states. By arranging corresponding clamping teeth and notches on the first shell 31 and the first sliding plate 51, the vacant area formed between the first shell 31 and the first sliding plate 51 can be reduced, so that the flexible display screen 10 is supported more firmly, and functional damage caused by local stress deformation of the flexible display screen 10 is avoided.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 4 and 6, the first slider 51 includes a first base plate 510, and the first latch 511 is formed on the first base plate 510. The first base plate 510 is positioned between the first front case 311 and the first rear case 312, and is slidably retractable between the first front case 311 and the first rear case 312. The first latch 511 is located in the same plane as the first front case 311, which is parallel to a plane defined by the XZ axis. The first latch 511 is located in the same plane as the first front case 311 for commonly supporting the flexible display screen 10.

It will be appreciated that a corresponding first notch is also formed between two adjacent first latches 511 on the first slider 51, and a corresponding first latch is also formed between two adjacent first notches 316 on the first front housing 311. The first latch 511 on the first slide plate 51 corresponds to the first notch 316 on the first front case 311, and the first notch on the first slide plate 51 corresponds to the first latch on the first front case 311.

The second housing 32 is provided with spaced second notches 326. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 14 and 15, the second notch 326 is disposed on a side of the second front case 321 adjacent to the second rotating assembly 60. The second slider 61 is provided with a second latch 611 corresponding to the second notch 326 of the second housing 32. The second slide plate 61 is accommodated in the second housing 32 to a different extent when the foldable mobile terminal is switched between the folded and unfolded states. By arranging corresponding clamping teeth and notches on the second shell 32 and the second sliding plate 61, the vacant area formed between the second shell 32 and the second sliding plate 61 can be reduced, so that the flexible display screen 10 is supported more firmly, and functional damage caused by local stress deformation of the flexible display screen 10 is avoided.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 4 and 6, the second sliding plate 61 includes a second base plate 610, and the second latch 611 is formed on the second base plate 610. The second base plate 610 is positioned between the second front case 321 and the second rear case 322, and is slidably retractable between the second front case 321 and the second rear case 322. The second latch 611 is located in the same plane as the second front case 321, which is parallel to the plane defined by the XZ axis, for commonly supporting the flexible display screen 10.

It will be appreciated that a corresponding second notch is also formed between two adjacent second teeth 611 on the second slide plate 61, and a corresponding second tooth is also formed between two adjacent second notches 326 on the second front shell 321. The second latch 611 on the second slide plate 61 corresponds to the second notch 326 on the second front case 321, and the second notch on the second slide plate 61 corresponds to the second latch on the second front case 321.

As shown in fig. 4, a gap 512 is provided between the first latch 511 of the first slide plate 51 and the second latch 611 of the second slide plate 61, and the support bar 26 is at least partially filled in the gap 512.

As shown in fig. 4 and 6, the ends of the first latches 511 of the first slide plate 51, which are far from the first housing 31, are connected to each other to form a first support beam 513, the ends of the second latches 611 of the second slide plate 61, which are far from the second housing 32, are connected to each other to form a second support beam 613, and the support bar 26 is at least partially placed on the first support beam 513 and the second support beam 613.

As shown in fig. 13, the foldable mobile terminal further includes a first roller 58 and a first spring 59, the first roller 58 and the first spring 59 are disposed between the first rotating assembly 50 and the first housing 31, a first groove 514 is disposed on the first rotating assembly 50, and when the first rotating assembly 50 slides and stretches relative to the first housing 31, the first roller 58 can enter or leave the first groove 514, so that the foldable mobile terminal has a feeling of being folded in place.

In some embodiments, the first roller 58 and the first spring 59 may be disposed between the first slide plate 51 and the first rear housing 312. In still other embodiments, the first roller 58 and the first spring 59 may be disposed between the first slide plate 51 and the first front housing 311. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4 and 13, the first groove 514 is formed on a side wall of the first latch 511 of the first slider 51, and the first groove 514 faces an adjacent first latch 511 on the first substrate 510.

As shown in fig. 13 and 15, the first notch 316 is recessed away from the corresponding first latch 511 into a first cavity 317, and the first roller 58 and the first spring 59 are received within the first cavity 317. The first spring 59 abuts the first roller 58 such that the first roller 58 at least partially exposes the first cavity 317 such that the first roller 58 is in resilient abutment with the side wall of the first latch 511.

Further, the extension length of the first latch 511 forming the first groove 514 toward the first housing 31 is greater than the extension length of the other first latches 511 toward the first housing 31.

In some embodiments, the first roller 58 and the first spring 59 comprise at least two sets, and the opposing sidewalls of the first latch 511 each form a first groove 514 that mates with the first roller 58. Correspondingly, the first notch 316 is also recessed away from the corresponding first latch 511 to form two first cavities 317, and each first cavity 317 is configured to receive a set of first rollers 58 and first springs 59.

In some embodiments, two first grooves 514 are formed on the sidewall of the first latch 511 corresponding to two extreme positions of the first slide plate 51. For example, one of the extreme positions is located at the end of the first latch 511 near the first housing 31, and the other extreme position is located at the junction of the first latch 511 and the first cross member 513. When the foldable mobile terminal is in the folded state and the unfolded state, the first roller 58 enters the first grooves 514 located at two extreme positions, respectively, so that a sense of being unfolded or folded in place is generated.

The foldable mobile terminal further comprises a second roller 68 and a second spring 69, the second roller 68 and the second spring 69 are arranged between the second rotating assembly 60 and the second housing 32, a second groove 614 is formed in the second rotating assembly 60, and when the second rotating assembly 60 slides and stretches relative to the second housing 32, the second roller 68 can enter or leave the second groove 614, so that the foldable mobile terminal has a feeling of being unfolded and put in place.

In some embodiments, a second roller 68 and a second spring 69 may be disposed between the second slide plate 61 and the second rear housing 322. In still other embodiments, the second roller 68 and the second spring 69 may be disposed between the second slide plate 61 and the second front case 321. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4 and 13, the second groove 614 is formed on a side wall of the second latch 611 of the second slide plate 61, and the second groove 614 faces an adjacent second latch 611 on the second substrate 610.

As shown in fig. 13 and 15, the second notch 326 is recessed away from the corresponding second latch 611 into a second cavity 327, and the second roller 68 and the second spring 69 are received in the second cavity 327. The second spring 69 abuts against the second roller 68 to at least partially expose the second roller 68 to the second cavity 327, so that the second roller 68 elastically abuts against the side wall of the second latch 611.

Further, the second latch 611 forming the second groove 614 extends toward the second housing 32 more than the other second latch 611 extends toward the second housing 32.

In some embodiments, the second roller 68 and the second spring 69 comprise at least two sets, and the opposing sidewalls of the second latch 611 each form a second groove 614 that mates with the second roller 68. Correspondingly, two second cavities 327 are formed in the second notch 326 and are recessed away from the corresponding second latch 611, and each second cavity 327 is configured to accommodate a set of second rollers 68 and second springs 69.

In some embodiments, two second grooves 614 are formed on the side wall of the second latch 611 corresponding to two extreme positions of the second slide plate 61. For example, one of the extreme positions is located at the end of the second latch 611 near the second housing 32, and the other extreme position is located at the interface of the second latch 611 and the second cross member 613. The second roller 68 enters the second grooves 614 at two extreme positions when the foldable mobile terminal is in the folded state and the unfolded state, respectively, thereby creating a feeling of being unfolded or folded in place.

The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined, and all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are not described for brevity of description, however, as long as there is no contradiction between the combinations of the technical features, they should be considered as the scope of the description.

The above examples illustrate only a few embodiments of the invention, which are described in detail and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that several variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, which are all within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection of the present invention is to be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A foldable mobile terminal, comprising:

a housing assembly including a first housing and a second housing;

the first rotating assembly comprises a first sliding plate, a first rotating shaft and a first connecting rod, wherein at least part of the first sliding plate is accommodated in the first shell and can slide and stretch relative to the first shell, the first rotating shaft is arranged on the first sliding plate, the first end of the first connecting rod is hinged on the first rotating shaft in a sliding manner, and the second end of the first connecting rod is connected with the first shell in a rotating manner;

the second rotating assembly comprises a second sliding plate, a second rotating shaft and a second connecting rod, wherein at least part of the second sliding plate is accommodated in the second shell and can slide and stretch relative to the second shell, the second rotating shaft is arranged on the second sliding plate, the first end of the second connecting rod is hinged on the second rotating shaft in a sliding manner, and the second end of the second connecting rod is connected with the second shell in a rotating manner;

the shaft sleeves are arranged at two ends of the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft;

the support bar is arranged between the gaps of the first sliding plate and the second sliding plate;

the connecting piece spans the support bar, the first rotating assembly and the second rotating assembly, the connecting piece is fixedly connected with the support bar, and two ends of the connecting piece are respectively connected to the first shell and the second shell in a relative sliding manner through a pressing block; and

2. The foldable mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the first end of the connecting piece is provided with a first elongated hole, the second end of the connecting piece is provided with a second elongated hole, the pressing block passes through the first elongated hole and the second elongated hole to be fixedly connected with the first shell and the second shell respectively, and the connecting piece moves along the extending direction of the first elongated hole and the second elongated hole relative to the pressing block when the first rotating component stretches relative to the first shell and the second rotating component stretches relative to the second shell.

3. The foldable mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the connecting pieces are provided with perforations spaced apart from each other.

4. The foldable mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the connection piece includes two connection portions at the first and second ends, and a support portion connected between the two connection portions, the connection portion being for connection with the press block, the support portion being for supporting the flexible display screen.

5. The foldable mobile terminal of claim 4, wherein the junction of the support portion and the two connection portions forms a bend.

6. The foldable mobile terminal of claim 4, wherein the support portion spans the support bar.

7. The foldable mobile terminal of claim 6, wherein the support portion is provided with a fixing structure connected to the support bar.

8. The foldable mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the first housing includes a first front case and a first rear case coupled to each other, the second housing includes a second front case and a second rear case coupled to each other, the pressing block slidably couples both ends of the connection piece to the first front case and the second front case, respectively, and the flexible display screen is disposed on the first front case and the second front case.

9. The foldable mobile terminal of claim 8, wherein the first slide is at least partially received between the first front housing and the first rear housing.

10. The foldable mobile terminal of claim 9, wherein the first rotating assembly further comprises a first slider slidably disposed on the first rotating shaft, and the first end of the first link is rotatably connected to the first slider.

11. The foldable mobile terminal of claim 8, wherein the second slide is at least partially received between the second front housing and the second rear housing.

12. The foldable mobile terminal of claim 11, wherein the second rotating assembly further comprises a second slider slidably disposed on the second shaft, and the first end of the second link is rotatably connected to the second slider.