A mobile terminal housing and a mobile terminal

Abstract

The application discloses a mobile terminal shell and a mobile terminal, relates to the technical field of electric communication, and aims to solve the problem that the foldable mobile terminal in the prior art is prone to display abnormalities during use. The mobile terminal comprises a shell and a flexible display panel installed on the shell, the shell comprises a first shell body, a second shell body and a turnover mechanism, the first shell body and the second shell body are rotationally connected through the turnover mechanism, so that the first shell body and the second shell body can be unfolded or folded, when the first shell body and the second shell body are unfolded, the first shell body, the turnover mechanism and the second shell body are arranged in sequence along a first direction, and the turnover mechanism can slide relative to the first shell body and the second shell body along the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of telecommunications technology, and in particular to a mobile terminal housing and a mobile terminal. Background Technology

[0002] Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for screens due to their numerous advantages, including self-illumination, short response time, high clarity and contrast, while also maintaining a degree of flexibility and adaptability. Based on the flexibility of OLED displays, an increasing number of foldable mobile devices are emerging.

[0003] For example, a foldable display device described in Chinese invention patent application CN110718155A is a foldable mobile terminal. This display device includes a foldable module, a sliding device, and a display panel. The foldable module includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a bending mechanism disposed between the first and second substrates. The first and second substrates are rotatably connected to the bending mechanism, allowing them to rotate relative to each other within a range of 0°-360°. At least two sliding devices are provided and mounted on the first and second substrates. The display panel is a flexible display panel, including two non-foldable areas and a foldable area disposed between the two non-foldable areas. The two non-foldable areas of the display panel are respectively mounted on the first and second substrates via the sliding devices, and the foldable area of ​​the display panel corresponds to the bending mechanism. This display device can achieve both inward and outward folding states. When the display device is inward folding, the first and second substrates are parallel to each other, and the non-foldable area of ​​the display panel is located between the first and second substrates. When the display device is outward folding, the first and second substrates are parallel to each other, and the non-foldable area of ​​the display panel is located on both sides of the first and second substrates.

[0004] Although the aforementioned display device can be folded, the same folding area of ​​the display panel always deforms during the inward and outward folding process. As a result, the folding area of ​​the display panel will be subjected to tensile and compressive stresses alternately, which can easily lead to fatigue failure and cause abnormal display of the display device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a mobile terminal casing to solve the problem of display abnormalities that easily occur during the use of foldable mobile terminals in the prior art; the purpose of this invention is also to provide a mobile terminal using the above-mentioned mobile terminal casing.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the mobile terminal casing provided by this invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The mobile terminal casing includes:

[0008] First shell;

[0009] Second shell;

[0010] The flipping mechanism connects the first housing and the second housing in a rotatable manner, allowing the first housing and the second housing to be unfolded or folded. When the first housing and the second housing are unfolded, the first housing, the flipping mechanism, and the second housing are arranged sequentially along a first direction, and the flipping mechanism can slide relative to the first housing and the second housing along the first direction.

[0011] The beneficial effects of the mobile terminal housing provided by the present invention are: the mobile terminal housing is used in conjunction with a flexible display panel, the flexible display panel is fixed on the first housing and the second housing and the two are connected together. Because the flipping mechanism can slide relative to the first and second housings along the first direction, when the mobile terminal using this housing needs to fold inward or outward, the flipping mechanism can be moved to two different positions relative to the first and second housings (such as the first position and the second position). When the flipping mechanism is moved to the first position, the first and second housings can rotate forward via the flipping mechanism, thus achieving the inward folding of the mobile terminal. The area deformed on the flexible display panel at this time is the inward folding deformation area. When the flipping mechanism is moved to the second position, the first and second housings rotate in opposite directions via the flipping mechanism, thus achieving the outward folding of the mobile terminal. The area deformed on the flexible display panel at this time is the outward folding deformation area. Since the flipping mechanism is in different positions when the mobile terminal folds inward and outward, the inward folding deformation area and the outward folding deformation area on the flexible display panel are not the same area. Therefore, the inward folding deformation area and the outward folding deformation area will not alternately bear compressive and tensile stress during the use of the mobile terminal, thus avoiding display abnormalities caused by the alternating tensile and compressive stress on the deformed area of ​​the flexible display panel.

[0012] Furthermore, the flipping mechanism includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate rotatably connected by a hinge structure. The side of the first connecting plate away from the hinge structure is slidably connected to the first housing along a first direction, and the side of the second connecting plate away from the hinge structure is slidably connected to the second housing along the first direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the first housing is provided with a first mounting channel, the second housing is provided with a second mounting channel, the first connecting plate is slidably assembled in the first mounting channel, and the second connecting plate is slidably assembled in the second mounting channel.

[0014] Furthermore, the mobile terminal housing also includes a support housing, which is located between the first housing and the second housing. The flipping mechanism is disposed through the support housing along a first direction. There is a first gap between the support housing and the first housing, and a second gap between the support housing and the second housing. Both the first gap and the second gap can accommodate the hinge structure. When the hinge structure moves into the first interval, the mobile terminal can fold inward. When the hinge structure moves into the second interval, the mobile terminal can fold outward (or, when the hinge structure moves into the first interval, the mobile terminal can fold outward, and when the hinge structure moves into the second interval, the mobile terminal can fold inward). In this way, the area of ​​the flexible display panel corresponding to the first interval is the inward folding deformation area, and the area of ​​the flexible display panel corresponding to the second interval is the outward folding deformation area (or, the area of ​​the flexible display panel corresponding to the first interval is the outward folding deformation area, and the area of ​​the flexible display panel corresponding to the second interval is the inward folding deformation area). The flexible display panel is also fixed to the support housing during installation. Therefore, the support housing can separate the inward folding deformation area and the outward folding deformation area. When the mobile terminal folds inward, the stress inside the outward folding deformation area cannot affect the deformation of the inward folding deformation area. Therefore, the mobile terminal will not rebound after folding inward due to the influence of the outward folding deformation area. Similarly, when the mobile terminal folds outward, the stress inside the inward folding deformation area cannot affect the deformation of the outward folding deformation area. Therefore, the mobile terminal will not rebound after folding outward due to the influence of the inward folding deformation area.

[0015] Furthermore, the support housing is provided with a support channel for the flipping mechanism to pass through. In the first direction, the size of the support channel is larger than the size of the hinge structure. When the mobile terminal needs to be flattened, the flipping mechanism can be moved so that the hinge structure is placed within the support channel. Because the size of the support channel in the first direction is larger than the size of the hinge structure, when the hinge structure is placed within the support channel, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are constrained by the support channel and cannot rotate relative to each other, thus preventing the mobile terminal from folding. In this way, the accidental folding of the mobile terminal can be avoided.

[0016] Furthermore, the mobile terminal casing also includes a locking structure, which locks the flipping mechanism to the first and second housings when the flipping mechanism slides to a set position. The locking structure prevents the flipping mechanism from accidentally moving relative to the first and second housings after it has moved to the first or second position, but before the mobile terminal is folded inward or outward, thus preventing the mobile terminal from folding properly.

[0017] Furthermore, the rotation axes of the first housing and the second housing extend along the second direction. The first mounting channel has long grooves on both side walls in the second direction that extend along the first direction and penetrate through the second direction. The side walls of the second mounting channel in the second direction restrict the movement of the second connecting plate in the second direction. The locking structure includes two pressing assemblies, each including a button and a latching member. The two latching members are respectively connected to the first connecting plate by springs and are located on both sides of the first connecting plate in the second direction. The latching members have mating surfaces. When the springs are compressed, they press the mating surfaces of the latching members against the groove edges of the corresponding long grooves. The latching members have protrusions that extend to the outside of the first mounting channel when pressed. The button is fixedly connected to the protrusions. When the flipping mechanism needs to be moved, the user presses both buttons simultaneously. This overcomes the spring force of the two springs, causing the mating surfaces of the two locking parts to separate from the groove edge of the elongated slot. This releases the lock between the flipping mechanism and the first housing. The flipping mechanism can then be moved to another position. When the flipping mechanism is moved to another position, the user releases both buttons, and the mating surfaces of the two locking parts are pressed back onto the groove edge of the corresponding elongated slot, thus locking the flipping mechanism back into place. This locking structure is relatively simple, convenient to use, and easy to implement.

[0018] Furthermore, the first connecting plate has an auxiliary rod on its opposite side in the second direction, corresponding to the snap-fit ​​component, and a spring is positioned between the auxiliary rod and the corresponding snap-fit ​​component. This design reduces the size of the first connecting plate in the second direction, thereby reducing the material consumption of the first connecting plate and saving costs.

[0019] Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​component is a frustum, with its axis extending along the second direction. The smaller diameter end of the frustum is away from the first connecting plate and forms a protrusion, while the side of the frustum forms a mating surface. This snap-fit ​​component has a relatively simple structure.

[0020] Furthermore, the first mounting channel has multiple through holes arranged along the first direction on both side walls in the second direction. The through holes on both side walls correspond one-to-one and are coaxially arranged. The diameter of each through hole is larger than the width of the long groove. The long groove extends through the through holes along its extension path. When the snap-fit ​​component is located at the through hole, its mating surface can be pressed against the opening of the through hole. Because the diameter of the through hole is larger than the width of the long groove, when the mating surface of the snap-fit ​​component is pressed against the opening of the through hole, it cannot be pushed along the first direction if the two buttons are pushed only, thus avoiding abnormal sliding of the flipping mechanism caused by accidentally pushing or pulling the buttons along the first direction.

[0021] Furthermore, the first connecting plate is provided with support rods extending along the second direction on its side surfaces. The ends of the support rods away from the first connecting plate are supported within the elongated groove, and the dimension of the support rods in the groove width direction is equal to the groove width. This arrangement ensures that the first connecting plate is supported on the first housing by the support rods and cannot move relative to the first housing along the groove width direction. Therefore, the first mounting channel can be set larger in the groove width direction, without needing to be set smaller to prevent the first connecting plate from moving in the groove width direction. It also avoids the first connecting plate from contacting components on the circuit board inside the first housing due to movement in the groove width direction, thereby preventing wear and damage to the components.

[0022] Furthermore, the second mounting channel has guide grooves extending along the first direction on both side walls in the second direction, and the second connecting plate has limiting rods extending along the second direction on its side surface in the second direction. The end face of the limiting rod away from the second connecting plate is in contact with the bottom of the corresponding side guide groove, and the dimension of the limiting rod in the groove width direction is equal to the groove width. This arrangement allows the second connecting plate to be supported on the second housing by the limiting rods and to be unable to move relative to the second housing along the groove width direction. Therefore, the second mounting channel can be set larger in the groove width direction, without needing to be set smaller to prevent the second connecting plate from moving in the groove width direction. It also avoids the second connecting plate from contacting the components on the circuit board inside the second housing due to movement in the groove width direction, thus preventing wear and damage to the components.

[0023] Furthermore, the hinge structure includes a middle plate, one side of which is hinged to the first connecting plate, and the other side of which is hinged to the second connecting plate. This hinge structure is relatively simple.

[0024] Furthermore, the first housing includes a first base and a first mounting frame, the supporting housing includes a supporting base and a supporting mounting frame, and the second housing includes a second base and a second mounting frame. The first mounting frame, the supporting mounting frame, and the second mounting frame are provided with mounting surfaces for mounting flexible display panels. When the first and second housings are unfolded, the mounting surfaces of the first mounting frame, the supporting mounting frame, and the second mounting frame are coplanar. This arrangement allows the circuit board for the mobile terminal to be installed between each mounting frame and each base, enabling the circuit board to be installed first and then the mounting frames to be installed, making installation more convenient.

[0025] The mobile terminal provided by this invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0026] The mobile terminal includes a housing and a flexible display panel mounted on the housing. The housing includes:

[0027] First shell;

[0028] Second shell;

[0029] The flipping mechanism connects the first housing and the second housing in a rotatable manner, allowing the first housing and the second housing to be unfolded or folded. When the first housing and the second housing are unfolded, the first housing, the flipping mechanism, and the second housing are arranged sequentially along a first direction, and the flipping mechanism can slide relative to the first housing and the second housing along the first direction.

[0030] The beneficial effects of the mobile terminal provided by this invention are as follows: the flexible display panel of the mobile terminal is fixed to the first housing and the second housing and connected together. Because the flipping mechanism can slide relative to the first housing and the second housing along a first direction, when the mobile terminal needs to be folded inward and outward, the flipping mechanism can be moved to two different positions relative to the first housing and the second housing (such as the first position and the second position); it is set that when the flipping mechanism is moved to the first position, the first housing and the second housing can rotate forward through the flipping mechanism, thereby realizing the inward folding of the mobile terminal. At this time, the area on the flexible display panel that deforms is the inward folding deformation area. When the flipping mechanism is moved to the second position, the first housing and the second housing rotate in opposite directions through the flipping mechanism, thereby realizing the outward folding of the mobile terminal. At this time, the area on the flexible display panel that deforms is the outward folding deformation area. Since the flipping mechanism is in different positions when the mobile terminal is folded inward and outward, the inward folding deformation area and the outward folding deformation area on the flexible display panel are not the same area. Therefore, the inward folding deformation area and the outward folding deformation area will not alternately bear compressive stress and tensile stress during the use of the mobile terminal, thus avoiding the display abnormality caused by the deformation area of ​​the flexible display panel alternately bearing tensile stress and compressive stress.

[0031] Furthermore, the flipping mechanism includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate rotatably connected by a hinge structure. The side of the first connecting plate away from the hinge structure is slidably connected to the first housing along a first direction, and the side of the second connecting plate away from the hinge structure is slidably connected to the second housing along the first direction.

[0032] Furthermore, the first housing is provided with a first mounting channel, the second housing is provided with a second mounting channel, the first connecting plate is slidably assembled in the first mounting channel, and the second connecting plate is slidably assembled in the second mounting channel.

[0033] Furthermore, the mobile terminal housing also includes a support housing, which is located between the first housing and the second housing. The flipping mechanism is disposed through the support housing along a first direction. There is a first gap between the support housing and the first housing, and a second gap between the support housing and the second housing. Both the first gap and the second gap can accommodate the hinge structure. When the hinge structure moves into the first interval, the mobile terminal can fold inward. When the hinge structure moves into the second interval, the mobile terminal can fold outward (or, when the hinge structure moves into the first interval, the mobile terminal can fold outward, and when the hinge structure moves into the second interval, the mobile terminal can fold inward). In this way, the area of ​​the flexible display panel corresponding to the first interval is the inward folding deformation area, and the area of ​​the flexible display panel corresponding to the second interval is the outward folding deformation area (or, the area of ​​the flexible display panel corresponding to the first interval is the outward folding deformation area, and the area of ​​the flexible display panel corresponding to the second interval is the inward folding deformation area). The flexible display panel is also fixed to the support housing during installation. Therefore, the support housing can separate the inward folding deformation area and the outward folding deformation area. When the mobile terminal folds inward, the stress inside the outward folding deformation area cannot affect the deformation of the inward folding deformation area. Therefore, the mobile terminal will not rebound after folding inward due to the influence of the outward folding deformation area. Similarly, when the mobile terminal folds outward, the stress inside the inward folding deformation area cannot affect the deformation of the outward folding deformation area. Therefore, the mobile terminal will not rebound after folding outward due to the influence of the inward folding deformation area.

[0034] Furthermore, the support housing is provided with a support channel for the flipping mechanism to pass through. In the first direction, the size of the support channel is larger than the size of the hinge structure. When the mobile terminal needs to be flattened, the flipping mechanism can be moved so that the hinge structure is placed within the support channel. Because the size of the support channel in the first direction is larger than the size of the hinge structure, when the hinge structure is placed within the support channel, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are constrained by the support channel and cannot rotate relative to each other, thus preventing the mobile terminal from folding. In this way, the accidental folding of the mobile terminal can be avoided.

[0035] Furthermore, the mobile terminal casing also includes a locking structure, which locks the flipping mechanism to the first and second housings when the flipping mechanism slides to a set position. The locking structure prevents the flipping mechanism from accidentally moving relative to the first and second housings after it has moved to the first or second position, but before the mobile terminal is folded inward or outward, thus preventing the mobile terminal from folding properly.

[0036] Furthermore, the rotation axes of the first housing and the second housing extend along the second direction. The first mounting channel has long grooves on both side walls in the second direction that extend along the first direction and penetrate through the second direction. The side walls of the second mounting channel in the second direction restrict the movement of the second connecting plate in the second direction. The locking structure includes two pressing assemblies, each including a button and a latching member. The two latching members are respectively connected to the first connecting plate by springs and are located on both sides of the first connecting plate in the second direction. The latching members have mating surfaces. When the springs are compressed, they press the mating surfaces of the latching members against the groove edges of the corresponding long grooves. The latching members have protrusions that extend to the outside of the first mounting channel when pressed. The button is fixedly connected to the protrusions. When the flipping mechanism needs to be moved, the user presses both buttons simultaneously. This overcomes the spring force of the two springs, causing the mating surfaces of the two locking parts to separate from the groove edge of the elongated slot. This releases the lock between the flipping mechanism and the first housing. The flipping mechanism can then be moved to another position. When the flipping mechanism is moved to another position, the user releases both buttons, and the mating surfaces of the two locking parts are pressed back onto the groove edge of the corresponding elongated slot, thus locking the flipping mechanism back into place. This locking structure is relatively simple, convenient to use, and easy to implement.

[0037] Furthermore, the first connecting plate has an auxiliary rod on its opposite side in the second direction, corresponding to the snap-fit ​​component, and a spring is positioned between the auxiliary rod and the corresponding snap-fit ​​component. This design reduces the size of the first connecting plate in the second direction, thereby reducing the material consumption of the first connecting plate and saving costs.

[0038] Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​component is a frustum, with its axis extending along the second direction. The smaller diameter end of the frustum is away from the first connecting plate and forms a protrusion, while the side of the frustum forms a mating surface. This snap-fit ​​component has a relatively simple structure.

[0039] Furthermore, the first mounting channel has multiple through holes arranged along the first direction on both side walls in the second direction. The through holes on both side walls correspond one-to-one and are coaxially arranged. The diameter of each through hole is larger than the width of the long groove. The long groove extends through the through holes along its extension path. When the snap-fit ​​component is located at the through hole, its mating surface can be pressed against the opening of the through hole. Because the diameter of the through hole is larger than the width of the long groove, when the mating surface of the snap-fit ​​component is pressed against the opening of the through hole, it cannot be pushed along the first direction if the two buttons are pushed only, thus avoiding abnormal sliding of the flipping mechanism caused by accidentally pushing or pulling the buttons along the first direction.

[0040] Furthermore, the first connecting plate is provided with support rods extending along the second direction on its side surfaces. The ends of the support rods away from the first connecting plate are supported within the elongated groove, and the dimension of the support rods in the groove width direction is equal to the groove width. This arrangement ensures that the first connecting plate is supported on the first housing by the support rods and cannot move relative to the first housing along the groove width direction. Therefore, the first mounting channel can be set larger in the groove width direction, without needing to be set smaller to prevent the first connecting plate from moving in the groove width direction. It also avoids the first connecting plate from contacting components on the circuit board inside the first housing due to movement in the groove width direction, thereby preventing wear and damage to the components.

[0041] Furthermore, the second mounting channel has guide grooves extending along the first direction on both side walls in the second direction, and the second connecting plate has limiting rods extending along the second direction on its side surface in the second direction. The end face of the limiting rod away from the second connecting plate is in contact with the bottom of the corresponding side guide groove, and the dimension of the limiting rod in the groove width direction is equal to the groove width. This arrangement allows the second connecting plate to be supported on the second housing by the limiting rods and to be unable to move relative to the second housing along the groove width direction. Therefore, the second mounting channel can be set larger in the groove width direction, without needing to be set smaller to prevent the second connecting plate from moving in the groove width direction. It also avoids the second connecting plate from contacting the components on the circuit board inside the second housing due to movement in the groove width direction, thus preventing wear and damage to the components.

[0042] Furthermore, the hinge structure includes a middle plate, one side of which is hinged to the first connecting plate, and the other side of which is hinged to the second connecting plate. This hinge structure is relatively simple.

[0043] Furthermore, the first housing includes a first base and a first mounting frame, the supporting housing includes a supporting base and a supporting mounting frame, and the second housing includes a second base and a second mounting frame. The first mounting frame, the supporting mounting frame, and the second mounting frame are provided with mounting surfaces for mounting flexible display panels. When the first and second housings are unfolded, the mounting surfaces of the first mounting frame, the supporting mounting frame, and the second mounting frame are coplanar. This arrangement allows the circuit board for the mobile terminal to be installed between each mounting frame and each base, enabling the circuit board to be installed first and then the mounting frames to be installed, making installation more convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the mobile terminal provided by the present invention (the flipping mechanism is in the third position);

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first base, the supporting base, and the second base and the flipping mechanism in an embodiment of the mobile terminal provided by the present invention (the flipping mechanism is in the third position);

[0047] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the first sidewall in an embodiment of the mobile terminal provided by the present invention;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the mobile terminal provided by the present invention (the flipping mechanism is in the first position);

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first base, the supporting base, and the second base and the flipping mechanism in an embodiment of the mobile terminal provided by the present invention (the flipping mechanism is in the first position);

[0050] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the mobile terminal provided by the present invention (the flipping mechanism is in the second position);

[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first base, the supporting base, and the second base and the flipping mechanism in an embodiment of the mobile terminal provided by the present invention (the flipping mechanism is in the second position);

[0052] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the mobile terminal in an inward-folding state in an embodiment of the mobile terminal provided by the present invention;

[0053] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the mobile terminal in an outward-folded state in an embodiment of the mobile terminal provided by the present invention.

[0054] In the attached diagram: 1-First base, 2-First mounting frame, 3-Supporting base, 4-Supporting mounting frame, 5-Second base, 6-Second mounting frame, 7-Flexible display panel, 8-First connecting plate, 9-Second connecting plate, 10-Intermediate plate, 11-Mounting groove, 12-Insertion block, 13-Rotating shaft, 14-First side wall, 15-Second side wall, 16-Long groove, 17-Auxiliary rod, 18-Snap-fit ​​component, 19-Spring, 20-Button, 21-Supporting rod, 22-First through hole, 23-Third through hole, 24-Second through hole, 25-Limiting rod, 26-First base plate, 27-First enclosure wall, 28-Second base plate, 29-Second enclosure wall, 30-Supporting base plate, 31-Supporting side wall. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0056] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0057] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0058] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0059] An embodiment of the mobile terminal provided by the present invention:

[0060] In this embodiment, the mobile terminal is a mobile phone. Of course, in other embodiments, the mobile terminal can also be a computer, tablet, or other electronic products, all of which meet the requirements.

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the mobile terminal includes a shell and a flexible display panel 7. The shell includes a shell assembly, which includes a first shell, a supporting shell, and a second shell arranged sequentially at intervals. The first shell includes a first base 1 and a first mounting frame 2. The first base 1 is a box-shaped structure formed by a first base plate 26, a first enclosure 27, and two first side walls 14. The side of the first base 1 opposite to the first enclosure 27 and the side opposite to the first base plate 26 are open. The two first side walls 14 are opposite to each other. The first mounting frame 2 is installed at the opening of the first base 1 opposite to the first base plate 26. The first mounting frame 2 is bonded and fixed to the inner wall surface of the first enclosure 27 and the inner wall surface of the two first side walls 14. The first mounting frame 2 is opposite to the first base plate 26, and a first mounting channel is formed between them. The first mounting frame 2 has a first mounting surface facing away from the first base plate 26, which is used to mount the flexible display panel 7.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the support housing includes a support base 3 and a support mounting frame 4. The support base 3 is a U-shaped structure surrounded by a support base plate 30 and two opposing support side walls 31. The support mounting frame 4 is installed on the side of the two support side walls 31 away from the support base plate 30, and the support mounting frame 4 is bonded and fixed to the inner wall surface of the two support side walls 31. The support mounting frame 4 is opposite to the support base plate 30, and a support channel is formed between the two. The support mounting frame 4 is provided with a support mounting surface facing away from the support base plate 30, and the support mounting surface is used to install the flexible display panel 7.

[0063] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second housing includes a second base 5 and a second mounting frame 6. The second base 5 is a box-shaped structure formed by a second base plate 28, a second enclosure wall 29, and two second side walls 15. The second base 5 has an open side opposite to the second enclosure wall 29 and an open side opposite to the second base plate 28. The two second side walls 15 are arranged opposite each other. The second mounting frame 6 is installed in the open side of the second base 5 opposite to the second base plate 28. The second mounting frame 6 is bonded and fixed to the inner wall surface of the second enclosure wall 29 and the inner wall surface of the two second side walls 15. The second mounting frame 6 is arranged opposite to the second base plate 28, and a second mounting channel is formed between them. The second mounting frame 6 has a second mounting surface facing away from the second base plate 28. The second mounting surface is used to mount the flexible display panel 7.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the flexible display panel 7 is simultaneously bonded and fixed to the first mounting surface of the first mounting frame 2, the supporting mounting surface of the supporting mounting frame 4, and the second mounting surface of the second mounting frame 6. The installation of the flexible display panel 7 also achieves the connection between the first housing, the supporting housing, and the second housing.

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, in the state of the mobile terminal, the first housing is located on the left side of the supporting housing, and the second housing is located on the right side of the supporting housing. The two first sidewalls 14 are arranged opposite each other in the front-back direction. In this state, the first mounting surface, the supporting mounting surface, and the second mounting surface are coplanar. In this embodiment, the left-right direction constitutes the first direction, and the front-back direction constitutes the second direction.

[0066] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing also includes a flipping mechanism, which includes a first connecting plate 8, a second connecting plate 9, and an intermediate plate 10. The first connecting plate 8 is connected to the left side of the intermediate plate 10, and the second connecting plate 9 is connected to the right side of the intermediate plate 10. The left and right sides of the intermediate plate 10 are each provided with two mounting slots 11 that extend vertically. The two mounting slots 11 on the same side are arranged at intervals in the front-back direction. Each of the two slot walls of the mounting slot 11 is provided with a blind hole extending in the front-back direction. The two blind holes corresponding to the same mounting slot 11 are coaxial. The first connecting plate 8 and the second connecting plate 9 are each provided with two inserts 12. The front and rear sides of the inserts 12 are each provided with a rotating shaft 13 whose axis extends in the front-back direction. The distance between the opposite end faces of the two rotating shafts 13 on the same insert 12 is greater than the size of the mounting slot 11 in the front-back direction. During installation, the deformation of the rotating shaft 13 itself forces the two inserts 12 of the first connecting plate 8 into the two mounting slots 11 on the left side of the intermediate plate 10, and causes the two rotating shafts 13 on the inserts 12 to extend into the blind holes on the mounting slots 11, thereby enabling the first connecting plate 8 to rotate relative to the intermediate plate 10 within the range of 0°-180°. Simultaneously, the deformation of the rotating shaft 13 itself forces the two inserts 12 of the second connecting plate 9 into the two mounting slots 11 on the right side of the intermediate plate 10, and causes the two rotating shafts 13 on the inserts 12 to extend into the blind holes on the mounting slots 11, thereby enabling the second connecting plate 9 to rotate relative to the intermediate plate 10 within the range of 0°-180°. After the first connecting plate 8 and the second connecting plate 9 are installed on the intermediate plate 10, the first connecting plate 8 can rotate relative to the second connecting plate 9 within the range of 0°-360°. In this embodiment, each rotating shaft 13 has a certain damping effect with its corresponding blind hole; without external force, the rotating shaft 13 will not rotate freely within the blind hole. The intermediate plate 10, the two inserts 12 on the first connecting plate 8, and the two inserts 12 on the second connecting plate 9 together form the hinge structure between the first connecting plate 8 and the second connecting plate 9.

[0067] The first mounting channel within the first housing, the gap between the first housing and the supporting housing, the supporting channel within the supporting housing, the gap between the supporting housing and the second housing, and the second mounting channel within the second housing together form a sliding channel for the flipping mechanism to slide within. The flipping mechanism is slidably assembled within this sliding channel. During the sliding stroke of the flipping mechanism, the end of the first connecting plate 8 furthest from the intermediate plate 10 is always within the first mounting channel, and the end of the second connecting plate 9 furthest from the intermediate plate 10 is always within the second mounting channel. The gap between the first housing and the supporting housing constitutes the first gap, and the gap between the second housing and the supporting housing constitutes the second gap.

[0068] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each of the two first sidewalls 14 is provided with a long groove 16 extending in the left-right direction. The long groove 16 penetrates the corresponding first sidewall 14 in the front-back direction. The groove width of the long groove 16 extends in the vertical direction. The right end of the long groove 16 extends to the right end face of the first sidewall 14 and penetrates the right end face of the first sidewall 14. On the front and rear sides of the first connecting plate 8, there are multiple support rods 21 with axes extending in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the support rods 21 are round rods. The end of the support rod 21 away from the first connecting plate 8 is inserted into the long groove 16. The diameter of the support rod 21 is equal to the size of the long groove 16 in the vertical direction. The first connecting plate 8 is guided in the left-right direction through the cooperation of the support rods 21 and the long grooves 16, and cannot move relative to the first shell in the vertical direction.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, each of the two opposing second sidewalls 15 is provided with a guide groove extending in the left-right direction. The left end of the guide groove extends to the left end face of the second sidewall 15 and penetrates through the left end face of the second sidewall 15. The width of the guide groove extends in the up-down direction. On the front and rear sides of the second connecting plate 9, there are multiple limiting rods 25 with axes extending in the front-back direction. The ends of the limiting rods 25 away from the second connecting plate 9 are inserted into the guide grooves, and the end faces of the limiting rods 25 away from the second connecting plate 9 are in contact with the bottom of the guide grooves, so that the second connecting plate 9 cannot move relative to the second housing in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the limiting rods 25 are round rods, and the diameter of the limiting rods 25 is equal to the size of the guide groove in the up-down direction, so that the second connecting plate 9 cannot move relative to the second housing in the up-down direction, and thus the second connecting plate 9 can only be guided to move relative to the second housing in the left-right direction along the guide groove.

[0070] When the first connecting plate 8, the second connecting plate 9, and the intermediate plate 10 are coplanar, the distance between the right end face of the first connecting plate 8 and the left end face of the second connecting plate 9 is smaller than the dimension of the support channel in the left-right direction, smaller than the interval between the first housing and the support housing, and also smaller than the interval between the second housing and the support housing. The dimension of the support channel in the up-down direction ensures that when the hinge structure is inside it, the first connecting plate 8 and the intermediate plate 10 are constrained by the support base plate 30 and the support mounting frame 4 and cannot rotate relative to each other. At the same time, the second connecting plate 9 and the intermediate plate 10 are also constrained by the support base plate 30 and the support mounting frame 4 and cannot rotate relative to each other. This also ensures that the first connecting plate 8, the second connecting plate 9, and the intermediate plate 10 are coplanar.

[0071] The area on the flexible display panel 7 corresponding to the first interval is defined as the inward folding deformation area, the area on the flexible display panel 7 corresponding to the second interval is defined as the outward folding deformation area, and the area on the flexible display panel 7 corresponding to the first shell and the second shell is defined as the non-deformation area.

[0072] The flipping mechanism has a first position, a second position, and a third position during its sliding stroke.

[0073] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when the flipping mechanism is in the third position, the hinge structure is in the support channel, the first connecting plate 8 passes through the first interval, the second connecting plate 9 passes through the second interval, and since the first connecting plate 8, the second connecting plate 9 and the middle plate 10 are coplanar and cannot rotate relative to each other, the first housing, the support housing and the second housing are all coplanar, so the flexible display panel 7 installed on the housing assembly is in a flattened state.

[0074] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when the flipping mechanism is in the first position, the hinge structure is within a gap, and the second connecting plate 9 passes through the second gap. In this state, constrained by the second connecting plate 9, the supporting shell and the second shell cannot rotate relative to each other, so the outward folding deformation area of ​​the flexible display panel 7 cannot deform. At the same time, because the hinge structure is within the first gap, the first connecting plate 8, the second connecting plate 9, and the intermediate plate 10 are not constrained and can rotate relative to each other. Thus, the first connecting plate 8 can drive the first shell to rotate relative to the intermediate plate 10, and the second connecting plate 9 can drive the second shell and the supporting shell to rotate relative to the intermediate plate 10. During the rotation of the first connecting plate 8 and the second connecting plate 9 relative to the intermediate plate 10, the inward folding deformation area of ​​the flexible display panel 7 deforms. Figure 8 As shown, when the first connecting plate 8 and the second connecting plate 9 are rotated to a parallel state, the two non-deformable areas of the flexible display panel 7 are parallel to each other and located between the first shell and the second shell. At this time, the mobile terminal reaches the inward folding state.

[0075] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when the flipping mechanism is in the second position, the hinge structure is within the second interval, and the first connecting plate 8 passes through the first interval. In this state, constrained by the first connecting plate 8, the supporting shell and the first shell cannot rotate relative to each other, so the inward folding deformation area of ​​the flexible display panel 7 cannot deform. At the same time, because the hinge structure is within the second interval, the first connecting plate 8, the second connecting plate 9, and the intermediate plate 10 are not constrained and can rotate relative to each other. Thus, the first connecting plate 8 can drive the first shell and the supporting shell to rotate relative to the intermediate plate 10, and the second connecting plate 9 can drive the second shell to rotate relative to the intermediate plate 10. During the rotation of the first connecting plate 8 and the second connecting plate 9 relative to the intermediate plate 10, the outward folding deformation area of ​​the flexible display panel 7 deforms. Figure 9 As shown, when the first connecting plate 8 and the second connecting plate 9 are rotated to a parallel state, the two non-deformable areas of the flexible display panel 7 are parallel to each other and located on the outer side opposite to the first housing and the second housing. At this time, the mobile terminal reaches the outward folding state.

[0076] Of course, when the flipping mechanism is in the first position, after the first connecting plate 8 and the second connecting plate 9 rotate relative to each other, the non-deformable area of ​​the flexible display panel 7 does not necessarily have to be between the first housing and the second housing. It can also rotate in the opposite direction so that the non-deformable area of ​​the flexible display panel 7 is on the outer side opposite to the first housing and the second housing. Correspondingly, when the flipping mechanism is in the second position, after the first connecting plate 8 and the second connecting plate 9 rotate relative to each other, the non-deformable area of ​​the flexible display panel 7 needs to be between the first housing and the second housing, which can also be used. It should be noted that, in order to avoid the inward and outward deformation areas of the flexible display panel 7 being subjected to alternating tensile and compressive stresses, a fixed mode should be set during use. This fixed mode ensures that, throughout the lifespan of the mobile terminal, the non-deformable area of ​​the inward-folded flexible display panel 7 is always between the first and second housings, and the non-deformable area of ​​the outward-folded flexible display panel 7 is always on the opposite side of the second housing. Alternatively, this fixed mode ensures that, throughout the lifespan of the mobile terminal, the non-deformable area of ​​the inward-folded flexible display panel 7 is always on the opposite side of the first and second housings, and the non-deformable area of ​​the outward-folded flexible display panel 7 is always between the first and second housings. One of these modes should be used consistently.

[0077] like Figure 2As shown, the housing also includes a locking structure, which includes two pressing components. The two pressing components are respectively installed on the two first side walls 14 of the first housing. The pressing components include a snap-fit ​​member 18 and a button 20. The snap-fit ​​member 18 is a frustum, and its axis extends back and forth. Its small diameter end passes through the long groove 16 and is located outside the first housing, while its large diameter end is located in the first mounting channel. The button 20 is fixed on the small diameter end of the snap-fit ​​member 18. An auxiliary rod 17 with its axis extending back and forth is provided on the front and rear sides of the first connecting plate 8. Each of the two snap-fit ​​members 18 is connected to the end face of the auxiliary rod 17 away from the first connecting plate 8 by a spring 19. The spring 19 is in a compressed state and presses the sides of the two snap-fit ​​members 18 against the groove edge of the corresponding long groove 16. While the latching member 18 is pressed against the groove edge of the long groove 16, the flipping mechanism is fixed relative to the housing assembly. When it is necessary to move the flipping mechanism relative to the housing assembly, first flatten the mobile terminal, then press the two buttons 20 from the front and rear sides of the first housing. This causes the two latching members 18 to overcome the elastic force of the spring 19 and disengage from the groove edge of the long groove 16. Then, the two buttons 20 can be pushed to drive the flipping mechanism to slide in the left and right direction. After sliding into place, release the two buttons 20, and the latching member 18 will be pressed against the groove edge of the long groove 16 again, and the flipping mechanism will be fixed to the housing assembly again. The small-diameter end of the latching member 18 constitutes the protrusion of the latching member 18 extending to the outside of the first housing, and the side of the latching member 18 constitutes the mating surface on the latching member 18.

[0078] like Figure 3As shown, to prevent the button 20 from being subjected to a large force in the left-right direction, which would cause the latching member 18 to move abnormally due to the friction between it and the first sidewall 14, a first through hole 22, a third through hole 23, and a second through hole 24 are provided on each of the two first sidewalls 14. The axes of the first through hole 22, the third through hole 23, and the second through hole 24 extend front-back and penetrate the corresponding first sidewall 14 in the front-back direction. The first through holes 22 on the two first sidewalls 14 are coaxial, the third through holes 23 on the two first sidewalls 14 are coaxial, and the second through holes 24 on the two first sidewalls 14 are coaxial. The first through holes 22, the third through holes 23, and the second through holes 24 on the same first sidewall 14 are arranged sequentially in the left-right direction and are penetrated by the elongated groove 16, that is, when the latching member 18 moves in the left-right direction, it can pass through the first through hole 22, the third through hole 23, and the second through hole 24 respectively. The diameter of the first through hole 22, the third through hole 23, and the second through hole 24 is larger than the size of the elongated groove 16 in the vertical direction. When the latching member 18 slides left and right to the first through hole 22, the button 20 is released, and the side of the latching member 18 is pressed against the opening of the corresponding first through hole 22. At this time, the flipping mechanism slides to the first position. When the latching member 18 slides left and right to the third through hole 23, the button 20 is released, and the side of the latching member 18 is pressed against the opening of the corresponding third through hole 23. At this time, the flipping mechanism slides to the third position. When the latching member 18 slides left and right to the second through hole 24, the button 20 is released, and the side of the latching member 18 is pressed against the opening of the corresponding second through hole 24. At this time, the flipping mechanism slides to the second position. Because the diameters of the first through hole 22, the third through hole 23, and the second through hole 24 are larger than the vertical dimension of the long groove 16, when the side of the latching member 18 is pressed against each hole, applying force to the button 20 only in the left and right direction cannot drive the latching member 18 to slide in the left and right direction.

[0079] When the mobile terminal needs to be flattened, press both buttons 20 and move the flipping mechanism to the third position. After releasing buttons 20, the side of the latch 18 is pressed against the opening of the third through hole 23. In this state, the first housing, the supporting housing, and the second housing cannot rotate relative to each other, and the flexible display panel 7 is in a flattened state. When the mobile terminal needs to be folded inward, press both buttons 20 and move the flipping mechanism to the first position. After releasing buttons 20, the side of the latch 18 is pressed against the opening of the first through hole 22. At this time, the first connecting plate 8 can drive the first housing to rotate relative to the middle plate 10, and the second connecting plate 9 can drive the supporting housing and the second housing to rotate relative to the middle plate 10, thereby folding the non-deformable area of ​​the flexible display panel 7. The flexible display panel 7 rotates between the first and second housings, completing the inward folding of the mobile terminal. In this state, the inward folding deformation area of ​​the flexible display panel 7 deforms. When the mobile terminal needs to fold outward, press the two buttons 20 and drive the flipping mechanism to move to the second position. After releasing the buttons 20, the side of the snap-fit ​​18 is pressed against the opening of the second through hole 24. At this time, the first connecting plate 8 can drive the first housing and the supporting housing to rotate relative to the middle plate 10, and the second connecting plate 9 can drive the second housing to rotate relative to the middle plate 10, thereby rotating the non-deformable area of ​​the flexible display panel 7 to the opposite outer side of the first and second housings, completing the outward folding of the mobile terminal. In this state, the outward folding deformation area on the flexible display panel 7 deforms.

[0080] Because the flexible display panel 7 deforms inward and outward respectively when the mobile terminal folds inward and outward, and both deformable areas deform in only one direction, they do not alternately bear compressive and tensile stresses, reducing the probability of display abnormalities. Furthermore, the support shell is fixed to the flexible display panel 7 located between the outward and inward deformable areas, effectively separating them. Therefore, when the mobile terminal folds inward, the unreleased stress in the outward deformable area will not cause a rebound after folding inward, and similarly, when the mobile terminal folds outward, the unreleased stress in the inward deformable area will not cause a rebound after folding outward.

[0081] In the above embodiments, the housing assembly includes a first housing, a supporting housing, and a second housing. The supporting housing is located between the first housing and the second housing. The gap between the first housing and the supporting housing forms a first gap, and the gap between the second housing and the supporting housing forms a second gap. In other embodiments, the supporting housing may not be provided. The first housing and the second housing are arranged at intervals, with a portion of the gap between the first housing and the second housing forming the first gap, and a portion of the gap also forming the second gap. The first gap is closer to the first housing, and the second gap is closer to the second housing. This configuration is also usable.

[0082] In the above embodiments, the hinge structure in the flipping mechanism includes a middle plate and various inserts. The first connecting plate and the second connecting plate can rotate relative to each other within a range of 0°-360° via the hinge structure. In other embodiments, the hinge structure may also include a rotating shaft, with two flexible connecting rod groups arranged on the outer circumference of the rotating shaft. Each flexible connecting rod group has two or more flexible connecting rods. The first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are connected to the rotating shaft via two flexible connecting rod groups respectively, and can achieve relative rotation through the deformation of the flexible connecting rods themselves. The flexible connecting rods should also have a certain supporting force to support the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate. The hinge structure can also be other structural forms, such as a 360° hinge described in Chinese invention patent application document CN111277690A, or a multi-segment sequential motion rotating shaft hinge described in utility model patent document CN205715241U. Both can be applied to the above-mentioned flipping mechanism. There are many forms of hinge structures, and they are relatively mature existing technologies, which will not be elaborated here.

[0083] In the above embodiments, the distance between the right end face of the first connecting plate and the left end face of the second connecting plate is less than the dimension of the support channel in the left-right direction, so that when the hinge structure is in the third position, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate cannot rotate relative to each other. In other embodiments, the distance between the right end face of the first connecting plate and the left end face of the second connecting plate can also be greater than or equal to the dimension of the support channel in the left-right direction, and it can also be used.

[0084] In the above embodiments, the locking structure includes a button and a snap-fit ​​component. The snap-fit ​​component is a frustum, and it is connected to an auxiliary rod on the first connecting plate via a spring. The spring is in a compressed state and can press the side of the snap-fit ​​component onto the groove edge of the long slot, thereby locking the flipping mechanism and the housing assembly. In other embodiments, the auxiliary rod may not be provided on the first connecting plate, and the two snap-fit ​​components are directly connected to the front and rear sides of the first connecting plate respectively via springs, which is also usable. The snap-fit ​​component can also be of other structural forms, such as a stepped shaft, with the diameter of the shaft segment farther from the first connecting plate being smaller, and a side of the stepped shaft facing away from the first connecting plate forming a mating surface, which is also usable. The locking structure can also be of other structural forms, such as providing an insertion hole with an axis extending forward and backward on the front side of the first connecting plate, providing three fixing through holes on the first side wall of the front side of the first housing, and then providing an insertion shaft. When the insertion hole on the first connecting plate... When aligned with a fixed through hole on the first side wall, the flip mechanism is locked to the housing assembly by inserting a pin into the fixed through hole and the insertion hole. Similarly, when the insertion hole on the first connecting plate corresponds to the three fixed through holes, the flip mechanism is in the first, second, and third positions respectively. Of course, in this case, other means are needed to drive the flip mechanism to slide. For example, multiple slots can be set on the side of the first and second connecting plates facing away from the flexible display panel. Each slot is arranged in the left-right direction. When it is necessary to drive the flip mechanism to slide, other tools (such as a pin-like structure) can be inserted into the slots to drive the flip mechanism left and right.

[0085] In the above embodiments, the first sidewall is provided with a first through hole, a third through hole, and a second through hole. In other embodiments, the first sidewall may not have the first through hole, the third through hole, and the second through hole, and it can still be used; of course, more through holes may be provided on the first sidewall, and it can still be used.

[0086] In the above embodiments, a support rod is provided on the first connecting plate, and the support rod realizes the upper and lower limit of the first connecting plate. In other embodiments, the support rod may not be provided on the first connecting plate, and the upper and lower limit of the first connecting plate can be realized by other means. For example, by reasonably arranging the structural form inside the first housing, the first housing can have a guide surface facing the flexible display panel. The guide surface, together with the lower side of the first mounting frame, can limit the upper and lower directions of the first connecting plate.

[0087] In the above embodiment, a limiting rod is provided on the second connecting plate. The diameter of the limiting rod is equal to the vertical dimension of the guide groove. The limiting rod limits the vertical movement of the second connecting plate, and the end face of the limiting rod fits against the bottom of the guide groove to limit the front-back movement of the second connecting plate. In other embodiments, the diameter of the limiting rod can also be smaller than the vertical dimension of the guide groove, and it can still be used. The front-back movement of the second connecting plate can also be limited by other means, such as providing a sliding groove on the side of the second mounting frame facing the second connecting plate, with the second connecting plate extending into the sliding groove and the front and rear sides of the second connecting plate respectively fitting against the front and rear walls of the sliding groove, which can also limit the front-back movement of the second connecting plate.

[0088] In the above embodiments, the first housing includes a first base and a first mounting frame, the supporting housing includes a supporting base and a supporting mounting frame, and the second housing includes a second base and a second mounting frame. In other embodiments, the first housing, supporting housing, and second housing may also have other structural forms. For example, the first housing, supporting housing, and second housing may all include three frames: an upper frame for fixing and mounting the flexible display panel, a mounting channel or supporting channel for sliding of the flipping mechanism formed between the upper frame and the middle frame, and a mounting cavity for mounting circuit boards and components formed between the middle frame and the lower frame. All of these can be used.

[0089] In the above embodiments, the first housing is provided with a first mounting channel, and the first connecting plate is slidably connected within the first mounting channel. The second housing is provided with a second mounting channel, and the second connecting plate is slidably connected within the second mounting channel. In other embodiments, the first housing may also be provided with a first guide rail, and the first connecting plate may be provided with a matching first sliding groove. The first sliding groove can only be fitted onto the first guide rail in the left-right direction, but cannot be disengaged from the first guide rail in the up-down direction, thus achieving a sliding connection between the first connecting plate and the first housing. Similarly, the second housing may also be provided with a second guide rail, and the second connecting plate may be provided with a matching second sliding groove. The second sliding groove can only be fitted onto the second guide rail in the left-right direction, but cannot be disengaged from the second guide rail in the up-down direction, thus achieving a sliding connection between the second connecting plate and the second housing.

[0090] In the above embodiments, the outer casing is also provided with a locking structure. In other embodiments, the locking structure may not be provided, and the device can still be used.

[0091] The present invention also provides a mobile terminal housing, the structure of which is the same as that of the housing in the above-described embodiments of the mobile terminal, and will not be described again here.

[0092] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0093] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of protection described in the claims.

Claims

1. A mobile terminal casing, characterized in that, include: First shell; Second shell; A flipping mechanism is provided, in which the first housing and the second housing are rotatably connected to each other, so that the first housing and the second housing can be unfolded or folded. When the first housing and the second housing are unfolded, the first housing, the flipping mechanism and the second housing are arranged sequentially along a first direction, and the flipping mechanism can slide relative to the first housing and the second housing along the first direction. The flipping mechanism includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate rotatably connected by a hinge structure. The side of the first connecting plate away from the hinge structure is slidably connected to the first housing along the first direction, and the side of the second connecting plate away from the hinge structure is slidably connected to the second housing along the first direction. The first housing is provided with a first mounting channel, and the second housing is provided with a second mounting channel. The first connecting plate is slidably assembled in the first mounting channel, and the second connecting plate is slidably assembled in the second mounting channel. The mobile terminal housing also includes a support housing, which is located between the first housing and the second housing. The flipping mechanism is disposed through the support housing along the first direction. There is a first gap between the support housing and the first housing, and a second gap between the support housing and the second housing. Both the first gap and the second gap can accommodate the hinge structure.

2. The mobile terminal housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support housing is provided with a support channel for the flipping mechanism to pass through, and in the first direction, the size of the support channel is larger than the size of the hinge structure.

3. The mobile terminal housing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mobile terminal housing also includes a locking structure, which locks the flipping mechanism to the first housing and the second housing when the flipping mechanism slides to a set position.

4. The mobile terminal housing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rotation axes of the first housing and the second housing extend along a second direction. The first mounting channel has elongated grooves on its two side walls in the second direction, extending along the first direction and penetrating through the second direction. The two side walls of the second mounting channel in the second direction restrict the movement of the second connecting plate in the second direction. The locking structure includes two pressing assemblies, each including a button and a latching member. The two latching members are respectively connected to the first connecting plate by springs and are located on both sides of the first connecting plate in the second direction. The latching member has a mating surface. When the spring is compressed, it presses the mating surface of the latching member against the groove edge of the elongated groove on the corresponding side. The latching member has a protrusion that extends to the outside of the first mounting channel when pressed. The button is fixedly connected to the protrusion.

5. The mobile terminal housing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first connecting plate has an auxiliary rod on its opposite side in the second direction corresponding to the snap-fit ​​member, and the spring is located between the auxiliary rod and the corresponding snap-fit ​​member.

6. The mobile terminal housing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​component is a frustum, the axis of which extends along the second direction, the smaller diameter end of which is away from the first connecting plate and forms the protrusion, and the side of which forms the mating surface.

7. The mobile terminal housing according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first installation channel has multiple through holes arranged along the first direction on both sides of the second direction. The through holes on the two sides correspond one to one and are coaxially arranged. The diameter of each through hole is greater than the width of the long groove. The long groove passes through the through holes along its extension path. When the snap-fit ​​is located at the through hole, its mating surface can be pressed against the opening of the through hole.

8. The mobile terminal housing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first connecting plate is provided with a support rod on its side in the second direction, with the axis extending in the second direction. The end of the support rod away from the first connecting plate is supported in the long groove, and the dimension of the support rod in the groove width direction of the long groove is equal to the groove width of the long groove.

9. The mobile terminal housing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second installation channel is provided with guide grooves on both sides of the second direction, the length of which extends along the first direction. The second connecting plate is provided with limiting rods on the side of the second direction, the axis of which extends along the second direction. The end face of the limiting rod away from the second connecting plate is in contact with the bottom of the guide groove on the corresponding side. The dimension of the limiting rod in the width direction of the guide groove is equal to the width of the guide groove.

10. The mobile terminal housing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The hinge structure includes a middle plate, one side of which is hinged to the first connecting plate and the other side of which is hinged to the second connecting plate.

11. The mobile terminal housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing includes a first base and a first mounting frame, the supporting housing includes a supporting base and a supporting mounting frame, and the second housing includes a second base and a second mounting frame. The first mounting frame, the supporting mounting frame, and the second mounting frame are provided with mounting surfaces for mounting a flexible display panel. When the first housing and the second housing are unfolded, the mounting surfaces of the first mounting frame, the supporting mounting frame, and the second mounting frame are coplanar.

12. A mobile terminal, characterized in that, It includes a housing and a flexible display panel mounted on the housing, wherein the housing is a mobile terminal housing according to any one of claims 1-11.

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