Mobile terminal and foldable housing thereof

By introducing a support and linkage mechanism into the folding shell design of the mobile terminal, the flexible screen can be folded or flattened synchronously, solving the problem of large black border width of water drop-shaped inner folding screen mobile phones, and improving the screen-to-body ratio and user experience.

CN116685087BActive Publication Date: 2025-09-16GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310619543.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-09-29
Publication Date
2025-09-16
Estimated Expiration
2040-09-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing waterdrop-shaped inward folding screen mobile phones, the device used to drive the display screen to fold is set on the side of the screen, which increases the width of the black border of the display screen and affects the user experience.

Method used

It adopts a folding shell design, including two opposite frames and a folding device arranged between the two frames. The folding device includes a support mechanism and a connecting rod mechanism. The support mechanism is connected to the frame through a connecting rod. The rotation of the connecting rod drives the support assembly to rotate to achieve folding or flattening. The flexible part folds or flattens synchronously. The support mechanism is arranged on the back of the flexible part without increasing the width of the black edge of the flexible part.

Benefits of technology

A narrow-frame design is achieved, which increases the screen-to-body ratio of the mobile terminal and reduces the overall thickness of the terminal in the folded state.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a folding housing, comprising two opposing frames and a folding device disposed between the two frames. The folding device comprises a support mechanism and a connecting rod mechanism connected between the support mechanism and each frame. The support mechanism comprises a support assembly rotatably connected to each frame. The connecting rod mechanism comprises a connecting rod member, the connecting rod member comprising a first end rod and a second end rod located at opposite ends thereof, a connecting rod connected between the first end rod and the second end rod, and a guide shaft disposed on the connecting rod, the axis of the guide shaft being parallel to the folding axis of the folding device. The frames are provided with a guide groove perpendicular to the folding axis of the folding device. The first end rod of the connecting rod member is slidably inserted into the guide groove. Each supporting assembly comprises a first support member, the first support member comprising a first support plate. The back of the first support plate is provided with a ridge, the ridge being provided with a slide groove, and the guide shaft is slidably and rotatably disposed within the slide groove. The present invention also provides a mobile terminal provided with a folding housing.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a foldable housing and a mobile terminal provided with the foldable housing. Background Art

[0002] Electronic products such as mobile terminals such as smartphones or tablets all include a housing and a display screen arranged on the housing. With the development of flexible screen technology, structures with display screens that fold inward from top to bottom have now appeared, such as foldable screen mobile phones. Existing foldable screen mobile phones are generally divided into inward folding screen mobile phones and outward folding screen mobile phones, among which inward folding screen mobile phones are further divided into U-shaped inward folding screen mobile phones and water drop-shaped inward folding screen mobile phones; compared with U-shaped inward folding screen mobile phones, the water drop-shaped inward folding screen mobile phone is thinner when fully folded, and the user experience is better. However, in existing water drop-shaped inward folding screen mobile phones, the folding device for driving the display screen to fold is generally set on the side of the screen, thereby increasing the width of the black border of the display screen. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal capable of achieving a narrow frame, and a foldable housing of the mobile terminal.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a folding shell, comprising two opposing frames and a folding device arranged between the two frames, the folding device comprising a support mechanism and a link mechanism connected between the support mechanism and each frame, the support mechanism comprising a support assembly rotatably connected to each frame, the link mechanism comprising a link member, the link member comprising a first end rod and a second end rod located at opposite ends thereof, a connecting rod connected between the first end rod and the second end rod, and a guide shaft provided on the connecting rod, the axis of the guide shaft being parallel to the folding axis of the folding device, the frame being provided with a guide groove perpendicular to the folding axis of the folding device, the first end rod of the link member being slidably inserted into the guide groove, each of the support assemblies comprising a first support member, the first support member comprising a first support plate, a convex strip being provided on the back side of the first support plate, a slide groove being provided on the convex strip, the guide shaft being slidably and rotatably provided in the slide groove, each of the frames rotating relative to the other frame to drive the corresponding link member to rotate, and the rotation of the link member drives the corresponding support assembly to rotate, thereby realizing the folding or flattening of the folding device.

[0005] The present invention further provides a mobile terminal, comprising a folding shell and a flexible member, wherein the flexible member covers the front surface of the folding shell, and the flexible member folds or flattens synchronously with the folding or flattening of the folding shell.

[0006] The folding device of the mobile terminal of the present invention is arranged between two frames, and the support mechanism of the folding device is arranged on the back of the flexible member, and a connecting rod mechanism is provided between each frame and the supporting mechanism, and the supporting mechanism includes a supporting assembly rotatably connected to each frame, one end of the connecting rod of the connecting rod mechanism is slidably connected to the frame, and the other end of the connecting rod relative to the supporting assembly is rotatably and slidably connected to the supporting assembly. Therefore, each frame rotates relative to the other frame to drive the corresponding connecting rod to rotate, and the rotation of the connecting rod drives the corresponding supporting assembly to rotate, thereby realizing the folding or flattening of the folding device, and the flexible member folds or flattens synchronously with the folding or flattening of the folding device, and the supporting mechanism is arranged on the back of the flexible member, away from the side of the flexible member, so as not to increase the width of the black edge of the flexible member and to improve the screen-to-body ratio of the mobile terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the implementation. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementations of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0008] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a mobile terminal in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the mobile terminal from another perspective.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional exploded schematic diagram of the flexible screen and foldable shell of the mobile terminal.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional exploded schematic diagram of the folding device and frame of the folding shell.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the frame and the folding device from another perspective.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional exploded schematic diagram of the folding device.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the folding device from another perspective.

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a further three-dimensional structural decomposition of the folding device.

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the folding device from another perspective.

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 3 Front view of the folding shell.

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A side view of a mobile terminal in FIG.

[0019] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line XII-XII.

[0020] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line XIII-XIII.

[0021] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line XIV-XIV.

[0022] Figure 15 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the mobile terminal in the folded state.

[0023] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the folding device of the mobile terminal.

[0024] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A side view of a mobile terminal in FIG.

[0025] Figure 18 yes Figure 15 Cross-sectional view along line XVIII-XVIII.

[0026] Figure 19 yes Figure 15 Cross-sectional view along line XIX-XIX.

[0027] Figure 20 yes Figure 15 Cross-sectional view along line XX-XX. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In addition, the following descriptions of the various embodiments refer to the accompanying drawings to illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention may be implemented. Directional terms used herein, such as "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and "side," are merely references to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the use of directional terms is intended to better and more clearly illustrate and understand the present invention, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connected," and "disposed on" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical connections; direct connections or indirect connections via an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention.

[0031] Please also refer to Figures 1 to 7In one embodiment of the present invention, a mobile terminal 100 includes a foldable housing 20 and a flexible member 30 disposed on the foldable housing 20. The foldable housing 20 is used to support the flexible member 30. The flexible member 30 can be a flexible display screen, a flexible touch screen, a flexible touch display screen, or other flexible components with corresponding functions. The foldable housing 20 includes two opposing frames 22 and a folding device 23 disposed between the two frames 22. The folding device 23 includes a support mechanism 24 for supporting the flexible member 30 and a linkage mechanism 25 connecting the support mechanism 24 to each frame 22. The support mechanism 24 includes a support assembly 26 rotatably connected to each frame 22, and the connecting rod mechanism 25 includes a connecting rod member 251 and a connecting rod base 255. One end of the connecting rod member 251 is slidably connected to the corresponding frame 22, and the other end of the connecting rod member 251 away from the frame 22 is rotatably and slidably connected to the corresponding support assembly 26; specifically, each connecting rod member 251 includes a first end rod 2511 and a second end rod 2513 located at opposite ends, and a connecting rod 2514 connected between the first end rod 2511 and the second end rod 2513, and a guide shaft 2517 provided on the connecting rod 2514, the axis of the guide shaft 2517 is parallel to the folding axis of the folding device 23; each frame 22 is provided with a folding axis perpendicular to the folding axis of the folding device 23 The guide groove 226, the first end rod 2511 of the connecting rod 251 is slidably inserted in the guide groove 226, each support assembly 26 includes a first support member 261, and the first support member 261 includes a first support plate 2611. The back of each first support member 261 is provided with a ridge 2616, and the ridge 2616 is provided with a slide groove 2617. The guide shaft 2517 is slidably and rotatably set in the slide groove 2617 of the corresponding first support member 261. Each frame 22 rotates relative to the other frame 22 to drive the corresponding connecting rod 251 to rotate. The rotation of the connecting rod 251 drives the corresponding support assembly 26 to rotate, so as to realize the folding or flattening of the folding device 20, and the flexible member 30 is synchronously folded or flattened with the folding or flattening of the folding device 20. Preferably, the two frames 22 rotate synchronously toward or away from each other to drive the connecting rod 251 to rotate. The rotation of the connecting rod 251 drives the support assembly 26 connected to each frame 22 to rotate, so as to realize the folding or flattening of the folding device 20. The flexible member 30 folds or flattens synchronously with the folding or flattening of the folding device 20.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first end rod 2511 and the second end rod 2513 extend from opposite ends of the connecting rod 2514 in directions away from each other. The first end rod 2511 is slidably connected to the corresponding frame 22, and the second end rod 2513 is rotationally and slidably connected to the corresponding support assembly 26. During the relative folding or flattening of the two frames 22, the two supporting assemblies 26 are driven by the two connecting rods 251 to fold or flatten relative to each other, thereby achieving the bending or flattening of the flexible member 30. Specifically, the two frames 22 rotate relative to each other and fold, thereby driving the corresponding connecting rods 251 to rotate. The rotation of the connecting rods 251 drives the two supporting assemblies 26 to rotate closer to each other, causing the folding device 23 to fold and achieve the bending of the flexible member 30. The two frames 22 rotate relative to each other and flatten, thereby driving the corresponding connecting rods 251 to rotate. The rotation of the connecting rods 251 drives the two supporting assemblies 26 to rotate away from each other, causing the folding device 23 to flatten and achieve the flattening of the flexible member 30.

[0033] The mobile terminal 100 of the present invention is, for example, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a display, a liquid crystal panel, an OLED panel, a television, a smart watch, a car display, or any other product or component with a display function. The "connection" in the description of the embodiments of the present invention includes both direct connection and indirect connection. For example, the connection between A and B includes A and B being directly connected or connected through a third element C or more other elements. The connection also includes two types of integrated connection and non-integrated connection. An integrated connection means that A and B are formed and connected as one body, and a non-integrated connection means that A and B are formed and connected as a non-integrated body. It is understood that, unless limited by modifiers, prefixes or suffixes, the "connection" referred to in the embodiments of the present invention should be understood to include but is not limited to fixed connection, rotational connection, sliding connection, pivot connection, screw connection, movable connection, interference connection, friction connection, elastic connection, rigid connection, adhesive connection, etc. It is understandable that the "fixation" referred to in the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to direct fixation of two elements, but can be fixed through a third element or more elements. It can be understood that the various specific connection relationships referred to in the present invention, such as "rotational connection", "sliding connection", "rotational connection", "elastic connection", "rigid connection", "fixed connection", "movable connection", "pivotal connection", "threaded connection", etc., are not limited to the direct connection between two elements, but can be connected through a third element or more other elements, unless it is clearly stated that the two elements are directly connected.

[0034] The folding device 23 of the mobile terminal 100 of the present invention is arranged between the two frames 22, and the support mechanism 24 of the folding device 23 is arranged on the back of the flexible member 30, that is, the support mechanism 24 is used to support the flexible member 30; a connecting rod mechanism 25 is provided between each frame 22 and the supporting mechanism 24, and the supporting mechanism 24 includes a supporting assembly 26 rotatably connected to each frame 22, one end of the connecting rod member 251 of the connecting rod mechanism 25 is slidably connected to the frame 22, and the other end of the connecting rod member 251 is rotatably and slidably connected to the supporting assembly 26. Therefore, the two frames 22 are folded or flattened relative to each other, and the two supporting assemblies 26 are driven to fold or flatten relative to each other by the connecting rod member 251, thereby realizing the folding or flattening of the folding device 20, and the flexible member 30 is folded or flattened synchronously with the folding or flattening of the folding device 20. The bent portion of the flexible member 30 is accommodated in the accommodating space surrounded by the two support components 26, which reduces the space occupied by the bent portion of the flexible member 30 in the thickness direction of the mobile terminal 100 after being bent, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the mobile terminal 100 in the folded state; in addition, the support mechanism 24 is arranged on the back of the flexible member 30, away from the side of the flexible member 30, and will not increase the width of the black border of the flexible member 30, thereby improving the screen-to-body ratio of the mobile terminal 100.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the flexible member 30 includes a bendable region 31 covering the front of the support mechanism 24, and two non-bending regions 33 connected to opposite sides of the bendable region 31. The bendable region 31 bends to form the bending portion of the flexible member 30, and the two non-bending regions 33 are respectively connected to the front of the two frames 22. The support mechanism 24 is used to support the bendable region 31 of the flexible member 30, and the bendable region 31 bends or flattens with the support mechanism 24. Specifically, during the folding process of the two frames 22, the connecting rod 251 is driven to rotate. The rotation of the connecting rod 251 and the folding of the frames 22 drive the support mechanism 24 to bend, and the bendable region 31 bends along with the support mechanism 24. The bent portion formed by the bending of the bendable region 31 is accommodated in the accommodation space formed by the bending of the support mechanism 24. During the flattening process of the two frames 22, the connecting rod 251 is driven to rotate. The rotation of the connecting rod 251 and the folding of the frames 22 drive the support mechanism 24 to flatten, and the bendable region 31 is flattened along with the support mechanism 24. The front side in the present invention refers to the side of each component of the mobile terminal 100 facing the flexible member 30 when in the flattened state, such as the front side of the support assembly 26 and the front side of the frame 22, which refers to the surface of the mobile terminal 100 facing the flexible member 30 when flattened. The back side in the present invention refers to the side of each component of the mobile terminal 100 facing away from the flexible member 30 when in the flattened state. Both the front side and the back side appearing in the present invention meet the above definitions.

[0036] like Figure 4As shown, each frame body 22 is provided with a first receiving groove 221 on a side close to the other frame body 22. Specifically, the first receiving groove 221 is provided on a side of the front face 220 of each frame body 22 close to the other frame body 22. Opposite ends of the first receiving groove 221 respectively pass through opposite side faces of the frame body 22. The first receiving groove 221 does not pass through the back face of the frame body 22, thereby forming a baffle 222 on the back face of the frame body 22. Each frame body 22 is provided with a second receiving groove 223 close to the corresponding first receiving groove 221. The second receiving groove 223 is connected to the first receiving groove 221. Specifically, the second receiving groove 223 is provided on the front face 220 of each frame body 22 close to the first receiving groove 221. Opposite ends of the second receiving groove 223 respectively pass through opposite side faces of the frame body 22. One side of the second receiving groove 223 is connected to the first receiving groove 221. The second receiving groove 223 does not pass through the back face of the frame body 22, thereby forming a connecting plate 224 on the back face of the frame body 22. The thickness of the connecting plate 224 along the thickness direction of the frame 22 is greater than the thickness of the baffle 222 along the thickness direction of the frame 22, thereby forming a stepped structure on the side of each frame 22 facing the other frame 22, and the stepped structures of the two frames 22 enclose a storage space for accommodating the folding device 23.

[0037] Specifically, the guide groove 226 is provided on the front side of the connecting plate 224 of the frame body 22, adjacent to the first receiving groove 221. The guide groove 226 extends along the folding axis of the vertical folding device 23 and passes through the first receiving groove 221. In this embodiment, two guide grooves 226 are provided at intervals on the connecting plate 224 of each frame body 22. The first end rod 2511 of the connecting rod 251 is slidably inserted into each guide groove 226.

[0038] In other embodiments, one or more guide grooves 226 may be provided on the connecting plate 224 of each frame body 22 , and the first end rod 2511 of the connecting rod 251 may be slidably inserted into each guide groove 226 .

[0039] In other embodiments, each frame 22 is provided with a guide rail perpendicular to the folding axis of the folding device 23, and the first end rod 2511 of the connecting rod 251 is provided with a guide groove that matches the guide rail, and the guide rail of the frame 22 and the guide groove of the connecting rod 251 can slide relative to each other.

[0040] Please also refer to Figure 3-Figure 9Each support assembly 26 further includes a second support member 265 rotatably connected to the first support member 261, and a support base 267. The side of the first support member 261 away from the second support member 265 is rotatably connected to the support base 267, and the side of the second support member 265 away from the first support member 261 is rotatably connected to the corresponding frame 22. When the folding shell 20 is flattened, the front faces of the two support assemblies 26 of the support mechanism 24 are coplanar with the front faces 220 of the two frames 22. Specifically, the front faces of the first support member 261, the second support member 265, and the front faces 220 of the frames 22 are located in the same plane to support the flattened flexible member 30. Figure 15 As shown, when the folding shell 20 is folded, a receiving space 27 for accommodating the bent portion 301 of the flexible member 30 is formed between the two supporting components 26 of the supporting mechanism 24. Specifically, the two first supporting members 261 and the two second supporting members 265 form the receiving space 27, and the inner cavity of the receiving space 27 gradually increases from the second supporting member 265 toward the first supporting member 265.

[0041] Each frame 22 is rotatably connected to the support assembly 26 via the first arcuate groove 228 and the first arcuate rail 2653, enabling relative rotation of the support assembly 26 relative to the frame 22. Each frame 22 has a connecting piece 227 extending into the second receiving groove 223. Each connecting piece 227 is defined by a first arcuate groove 228, with the axis of the first arcuate groove 228 parallel to the folding axis of the folding device 23. In this embodiment, each frame 22 has two spaced connecting pieces 227 extending into the second receiving groove 223. The two connecting pieces 227 are respectively adjacent to the two guide grooves 226. Each connecting piece 227 is an arcuate piece, and the first arcuate groove 228 is provided on the front surface of the connecting piece 227. Specifically, the first support plate 2611 of the first support member 261 is rectangular, and the second support member 265 includes a rectangular second support plate 2651. The second support plate 2651 and the frame body 22 are connected to each other through the cooperation and rotation of the first arc groove 228 and the first arc rail 2653. The first support plate 2611 and the second support plate 2651 are connected to each other through the cooperation and rotation of the second arc groove 2655 and the second arc rail 2613. The first support plate 2611 and the support seat body 267 are connected to each other through the cooperation and rotation of the third arc groove 2672 and the third arc rail 2614.

[0042] In this embodiment, two first arc rails 2653 are provided on one side of the back of each second support member 265, and each first arc rail 2653 is rotatably fitted in the corresponding first arc groove 228; two second arc grooves 2655 are provided on the other side of the back of each second support member 265, away from the first arc rail 2653. Specifically, two arc-shaped extension pieces 2654 are provided on the side of the back of the second support plate 2651 away from the first arc rail 2653, and the second arc groove 2655 is provided on the front of the extension piece 2654. The first arc rail 2653 is rotatably fitted with the corresponding first arc groove 228. The first arc rail 2653 is an arc piece, and the back of the first arc rail 2653 is an arc surface, which is rotatably fitted with the inner surface of the first arc groove 228. The first arc rail 2653 and the first arc groove 228 are connected by a first rotation axis A1 (such as Figure 12 As shown), the first rotation axis A1 is a virtual axis, and the first rotation axis A1 is parallel to the folding axis center line of the folding device 23.

[0043] In other embodiments, each first circular arc rail 2653 and the corresponding connecting piece 227 are rotatably plugged into each other. Specifically, a circular arc groove may be provided along the circumference of the first circular arc rail 2653, and the circular arc connecting piece 227 may be inserted into the circular arc groove, so that the first circular arc rail 2653 is rotatably connected relative to the connecting piece 227 along the first rotation axis A1. Alternatively, a circular arc groove may be provided along the circumference of the connecting piece 227, and the first circular arc rail 2653 may be inserted into the circular arc groove, so that the first circular arc rail 2653 is rotatably connected relative to the connecting piece 227 along the first rotation axis A1. Since the first circular arc rail 2653 and the connecting piece 227 are rotatably plugged into each other, the first circular arc rail 2653 and the connecting piece 227 will not separate from each other during relative rotation.

[0044] In this embodiment, two second arc rails 2613 are provided on the side of each first support member 261 away from the other first support member 261, and two third arc rails 2614 are provided on the side of each first support member 261 close to the other first support member 261. Each second arc rail 2613 is rotatably connected to the corresponding second arc groove 2655, and each third arc rail 2614 is rotatably connected to the third arc groove 2672 of the corresponding support seat 267. Specifically, the two second arc rails 2613 are provided on the side of the back of each first support plate 2611 away from the other first support plate 2611, and the two third arc rails 2614 are provided on the side of each first support plate 2611 close to the other first support plate 2611. The back of each second arc rail 2613 is provided to be rotatably fitted with the arc surface of the inner surface of the corresponding second arc groove 2655, and the second arc rail 2613 and the second arc groove 2655 are connected by the second rotation axis A2 (such as Figure 12The second rotation axis A2 is a virtual axis and is parallel to the folding axis of the folding device 23. The back of each third arc rail 2614 is configured to be rotatably attached to the arc surface of the inner surface of the corresponding third arc groove 2672. The third arc rail 2614 and the third arc groove 2672 are connected by a third rotation axis A3 (as shown). Figure 12 As shown), the third rotation axis A3 is a virtual axis, and the third rotation axis A3 is parallel to the folding axis center line of the folding device 23.

[0045] In other embodiments, each second circular arc rail 2613 and the corresponding extension piece 2654 are rotatably connected to each other. Specifically, a circular arc groove may be provided along the circumference of the second circular arc rail 2613, and the circular arc extension piece 2654 may be inserted into the circular arc groove, so that the second circular arc rail 2613 is rotatably connected relative to the extension piece 2654 along the second rotation axis A2; or a circular arc groove may be provided along the circumference of the extension piece 2654, and the second circular arc rail 2613 may be inserted into the circular arc groove, so that the second circular arc rail 2613 is rotatably connected relative to the extension piece 2654 along the second rotation axis A2. Since the second circular arc rail 2613 and the extension piece 2654 are rotatably connected together, the second circular arc rail 2613 and the extension piece 2654 will not separate from each other during relative rotation.

[0046] In other embodiments, each third circular arc rail 2614 is rotatably plugged into the corresponding support base 267. Specifically, the support base 267 may be provided with an arc groove, into which the third circular arc rail 2614 is inserted, such that the third circular arc rail 2614 is rotatably connected relative to the support base 267 along the third rotation axis A3. Alternatively, the third circular arc rail 2614 may be provided with an arc groove along its circumference, and the support base 267 may be provided with an arc rail inserted into the arc groove, such that the arc rail and the arc groove are rotatably connected along the third rotation axis A3. Since the third circular arc rail 2614 and the support base 267 are rotatably plugged together, the third circular arc rail 2614 and the support base 267 will not separate from each other during relative rotation.

[0047] like Figure 9As shown, the back of each first support member 261 is provided with an inclined ridge 2616, and the ridge 2616 has a slide groove 2617 along its extension direction. Specifically, the back of each first support plate 2611 is provided with two spaced ridges 2616. Each ridge 2616 extends obliquely from the middle of the back of the first support plate 2611 toward the side away from the other first support member 261. The slide groove 2617 passes through the opposite side surfaces of the ridge 2616 on both sides, and the end of the slide groove 2617 away from the first support plate 2611 does not pass through the end surface of the ridge 2616. Each first support plate 2611 is provided with two first avoidance notches 2619 and two second avoidance notches 2618 on the side away from the second circular arc rail 2613. The two first avoidance notches 2619 correspond to the two third circular arc rails 2614, respectively, and the two second avoidance notches 2618 are respectively adjacent to the two ridges 2616.

[0048] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, each link member 251 has a generally Z-shaped structure, with a connecting rod 2514 extending obliquely from the end of the first end rod 2511 toward the second end rod 2513, and the second end rod 2513 extending obliquely from the end of the connecting rod 2514 away from the first end rod 2511 toward the side away from the first end rod 2511. The end of the second end rod 2513 of each link member 251 away from the first end rod 2511 is rotatably connected to the link base 255, and the axis of rotation between the second end rod 2513 and the link base 255 is parallel to the folding axis of the folding device 23. Specifically, a connecting shaft 2516 is provided at the end of the second end rod 2513 away from the first end rod 2511, a connecting notch 2551 is opened at the top of the connecting rod base 255, and an axial hole 2553 is opened at the top of the connecting rod base 255 in a direction parallel to the folding axis of the folding device 23. The axial hole 2553 passes through the connecting notch 2551, and the end of the second end rod 2513 away from the first end rod 2511 is accommodated in the connecting notch 2551, and the connecting shaft 2516 is rotatably connected to the axial hole 2553; the connecting rod base 255 is provided with a limiting surface 2555 on the side of the connecting notch 2551 close to the corresponding first support member 261, and the limiting surface 2555 prevents the folding device 23 from folding back.

[0049] The guide shaft 2517 of each connecting rod 251 is disposed between the first end rod 2511 and the second end rod 2513. Optionally, the guide shaft 2517 is disposed on the side of the connecting rod 2514. Rotation of the frame 22 drives the connecting rod 251 to rotate relative to the connecting rod base 255, causing the guide shaft 2517 to push against the inner wall of the slide groove 2617, thereby driving the first support member 261 to rotate relative to the support base 267. Specifically, the guide shaft 2517 is disposed on the side of the connecting rod 2514 and extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the connecting shaft 2516. Preferably, the guide shaft 2517 is disposed on the connecting rod 2514 adjacent to the second end rod 2513.

[0050] The folding device 23 also includes a connecting frame 28, which is positioned between the two support assemblies 26. The support base 267 and the connecting rod base 255 are respectively fixedly connected to the connecting frame 28. Specifically, the connecting frame 28 includes a rectangular fixing plate 281 and flanges 283 disposed on opposite sides of the fixing plate 281. The fixing plate 281 and the two flanges 283 define a mounting slot 285, in which the support base 267 and the connecting rod base 255 are fixedly disposed. In this embodiment, the support mechanism 24 of the folding device 23 includes two support assemblies 26. Each support assembly 26 has a connecting rod mechanism 25 disposed at opposite ends of its back. Specifically, two connecting rod bases 255 and two supporting bases 267 are disposed on opposite sides of the mounting slot 285 of the connecting frame 28. The connecting rod bases 255 and support bases 267 on the same side are located at opposite ends of the connecting frame 28, with each supporting base 267 adjacent to its corresponding connecting rod base 255.

[0051] Please also refer to Figures 4 to 14 When assembling the folding device 23, the second arc rail 2613 of each first support member 261 is rotatably connected to the second arc groove 2655 of the corresponding second support member 264; the guide shaft 2517 of each connecting rod member 251 is inserted into the corresponding slide groove 2617; the connecting shaft 2516 of the two connecting rod members 251 connected to each support assembly 26 is inserted into the shaft hole 2553 of the two connecting rod bases 255 on the same side of the connecting frame 28, and the third arc rails 2614 of the two first support members 261 are respectively rotatably connected to the third arc groove 2672 of the corresponding support seat body 267.

[0052] When assembling the folding housing 20, the two frames 22 are placed side by side, that is, the sides of the two baffles 222 are aligned, so that the first receiving grooves 221 and the second receiving grooves 223 of the two frames 22 form an installation space. The assembled folding device 23 is then placed in the installation space, so that the first end rod 2511 of each connecting rod 251 is slidably inserted into the corresponding guide groove 226, and the two first arc rails 2653 of each second support member 265 are rotatably connected to the corresponding first arc groove 228. At this point, the front faces of the two first support members 261, the front faces of the two second support members 264, and the front faces 220 of the two frames 22 are coplanar. When assembling the mobile terminal 100, the back surface of the non-bending area 33 at one end of the flexible member 30 is fixed to the front surface 220 of one of the frame bodies 22, the back surface of the non-bending area 33 at the other opposite end of the flexible member 30 is fixed to the front surface 220 of the other frame body 22, and the back surface of the bendable area 31 of the flexible member 30 is attached to the front surface of the support mechanism 24.

[0053] like Figures 10 to 14As shown, the axis of the first arcuate groove 228, the axis of the second arcuate groove 2655, and the axis of the third arcuate groove 2672 are spaced apart and parallel to each other and parallel to the folding axis of the folding device 23. Specifically, the axis of the first arcuate groove 228 coincides with the axis of the corresponding first rotation axis A1, the axis of the second arcuate groove 2655 coincides with the axis of the corresponding second rotation axis A2, and the axis of the third arcuate groove 2672 coincides with the axis of the corresponding third rotation axis A3. The first rotation axis A1, the second rotation axis A2, and the third rotation axis A3 are all imaginary axes, and the first rotation axis A1, the second rotation axis A2, and the third rotation axis A3 are parallel to the folding axis of the folding device 23. Therefore, the support mechanism 24 is rotatably connected via imaginary axes, which reduces the installation space enclosed by the first receiving groove 221 and the second receiving groove 223 of the two frames 22, facilitates the accommodation of other components, reduces the overall weight of the folding housing 20, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0054] When the foldable housing 20 is flattened, the connecting frame 28 is accommodated in the installation space enclosed by the first and second receiving grooves 221 and 222 of the two frames 22. The front surfaces of the first support member 261, the second support member 265, and the front surface 220 of the frame 22 lie in the same plane, and the flexible member 30 lies flat on this plane. The axis of the first arcuate groove 228, the axis of the second arcuate groove 2655, and the axis of the third arcuate groove 2627 lie in the same plane. In other words, the axis of the first rotation axis A1, the axis of the second rotation axis A2, and the axis of the third rotation axis A3 lie in the same plane. Specifically, the axis line of the first arc groove 228, the axis line of the second arc groove 2655 and the axis line of the third arc groove 2627 are located on the same plane parallel to the flexible part; in this embodiment, the axis line of the first rotation axis A1, the axis line of the second rotation axis A2 and the axis line of the third rotation axis A3 are located on the back of the flexible part 30, that is, the plane where the axis line of the first rotation axis A1, the axis line of the second rotation axis A2 and the axis line of the third rotation axis A3 are located is parallel to the back of the flexible part 30; preferably, the back of the first support plate 2611 and the back of the second support plate 2651 are coplanar, and the axis line of the first rotation axis A1, the axis line of the second rotation axis A2 and the axis line of the third rotation axis A3 are located on the said coplanar. The axis of the rotation axis between the first support member 261 and the support base 267 is closer to the front face of the first support member 261 than the axis of the rotation axis between the connecting rod 251 and the connecting rod base 255. That is, the axis of the third rotation axis A3 between the first support member 261 and the support base 267 is closer to the front face of the first support member 261 than the axis of the rotation axis between the connecting rod 251 and the connecting rod base 255. In other words, the axis of the third rotation axis A3 is closer to the flexible member 30 than the axis of the rotation axis between the connecting rod 251 and the connecting rod base 255. The second end rod 2513 of each connecting rod member 251 is supported on the limiting surface 2555 of the corresponding connecting rod base 255 to prevent the connecting rod member 251 from rotating further toward the back, thereby preventing the folding device 23 from folding back and damaging the flexible member 30; at this time, the guide shaft 2517 of each connecting rod member 251 is located at the end of the corresponding sliding groove 2617 away from the flexible member 30.

[0055] Please also refer to Figures 15 to 20When the mobile terminal 100 is folded, a bending force is applied to one of the frames 22 of the mobile terminal 100, so that the one frame 22 rotates toward the other frame 22, thereby driving the connecting rod 251 connected to the one frame 22 to rotate. Specifically, the rotation of one of the frames 22 causes the first end rod 2511 of the connecting rod 251 to slide in the corresponding guide groove 226, and the connecting shaft 2516 of the connecting rod 251 rotates along the corresponding shaft hole 2553, and the guide shaft 2517 of the connecting rod 251 slides in the corresponding slide groove 2617 toward one end close to the flexible member 30 and rotates to push the inner wall of the slide groove 2617, so that the corresponding first support member 261 rotates with the connecting rod 251 relative to the support seat 267; since the first support member 261 and the corresponding second support member 265 are rotatably connected through the second circular arc rail 2613 and the second circular arc groove 2655, and the second support member 265 and the corresponding frame 22 are rotatably connected through the first circular arc rail 2653 and the first circular arc groove 228, therefore, the rotation of one of the frames 22 and the rotation of the first support member 261 jointly drive the second support member 261 to rotate relative to the first support member 261 and one of the frames 22. In the same way, a bending force is applied to the other frame 22, so that the other frame 22 rotates toward one of the frame 22, thereby driving the connecting rod 251 connected to the other frame 22 to rotate; specifically, the rotation of the other frame 22 causes the first end rod 2511 of the connecting rod 251 to slide in the corresponding guide groove 226, and the connecting shaft 2516 of the connecting rod 251 rotates along the corresponding shaft hole 2553, and the guide shaft 2517 of the connecting rod 251 slides in the corresponding slide groove 2617 toward the end close to the flexible member 30 and rotates to push the inner wall of the slide groove 2617, so that the corresponding The first support member 261 rotates relative to the support seat body 267 along with the connecting rod member 251; since the first support member 261 and the corresponding second support member 265 are rotatably connected through the second circular arc rail 2613 and the second circular arc groove 2655, and the second support member 265 and the corresponding frame body 22 are rotatably connected through the first circular arc rail 2653 and the first circular arc groove 228, the rotation of the other frame body 22 and the rotation of the first support member 261 jointly drive the second support member 261 to rotate relative to the first support member 261 and one of the frame bodies 22 to realize the folding of the folding device 23. Since the axis of rotation between the connecting shaft 2516 of the connecting rod 251 and the axis hole 2553 is farther away from the flexible member 30 than the axis of the corresponding third rotation axis A3, and the guide shaft 2517 is slidably and rotatably arranged in the corresponding slide groove 2617, during the folding process of the folding device 23, the rotation angle of the first support member 261 is greater than the rotation angle of the second support member 265, that is, the rotation angle of the first support plate 2611 of the same support assembly 26 is greater than the rotation angle of the second support plate 2651; so that a conical accommodating space 27 is formed between the two support assemblies 26 of the support mechanism 24.Specifically, the first support members 261 of the two support assemblies 26 are spaced apart from each other, and the second support members 265 are spaced apart from each other. The spacing between the two first support members 261 is greater than the spacing between the second support members 265, that is, the spacing between the two first support plates 2611 is greater than the spacing between the two second support plates 2651. During the folding process of the folding device 23, the bendable region 31 of the flexible member 30 bends with the folding device 23 to form a bent portion 301 accommodated in the accommodating space 27. The cross-section of the bent portion 301 is teardrop-shaped, and the front faces of the two non-bending regions 33 of the flexible member 30 are in contact with each other, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the mobile terminal 100 in the folded state. The first avoidance notch 2619 and the second avoidance notch 2618 on each first support member 261 are used to respectively avoid the corresponding support base 267 and connecting rod base 255, thereby preventing the support base 267 and connecting rod base 255 from abutting against the corresponding first support plate 2611.

[0056] In other bending methods of the mobile terminal 100, a bending force can be applied to the two frames 22 at the same time, so that the two frames 22 approach each other, thereby driving the corresponding connecting rods 251 to rotate and approach each other. The rotation of the frames 22 and the connecting rods 251 drives the first support member 261 and the second support member 265 to rotate, so as to realize the folding of the folding device 23. The flexible member 30 folds along with the folding device 23 to realize the bending of the mobile terminal 100.

[0057] like Figures 16 to 20 As shown, when the folding device 23 is in a bent state, the first support member 261 and the second support member 265 of each support mechanism 24 are accommodated in the installation space surrounded by the first receiving groove 221 and the second receiving groove 223 of the two frames 22; the spacing between the axis lines of the two first circular arc grooves 228 of the folding device 23 is smaller than the spacing between the axis lines of the two second circular arc grooves 2655, and the spacing between the axis lines of the two second circular arc grooves 2655 is smaller than the spacing between the axis lines of the two third circular arc grooves 2672; that is, the spacing between the axis lines of the two first rotating axes A1 is smaller than the spacing between the axis lines of the two second rotating axes A2, and the spacing between the axis lines of the two second rotating axes A2 is smaller than the spacing between the axis lines of the two third rotating axes A3.

[0058] like Figures 11 to 14As shown, when the mobile terminal 100 needs to be flattened, one of the frames 22 is pulled outward, causing the one of the frames 22 to rotate away from the other frame 22, thereby driving the connecting rod 251 connected to the one of the frames 22 to rotate. Specifically, the rotation of the one of the frames 22 causes the first end rod 2511 of the connecting rod 251 to slide in the corresponding guide groove 226, and the connecting shaft 2516 of the connecting rod 251 to rotate along the corresponding shaft hole 2553. The guide shaft 2517 of the connecting rod 251 slides in the corresponding slide groove 2617 toward the end away from the flexible member 30 and rotates to push against the inner wall of the slide groove 2617, causing the corresponding first support member 261 to rotate relative to the support base 267 along with the connecting rod 251. The rotation of the one of the frames 22 and the rotation of the first support member 261 jointly drive the second support member 261 to rotate relative to the first support member 261 and the one of the frames 22. In the same way, a flattening force is applied to the other frame body 22, so that the other frame body 22 rotates away from one of the frame bodies 22, thereby driving the connecting rod 251 connected to the other frame body 22 to rotate; specifically, the rotation of the other frame body 22 causes the first end rod 2511 of the connecting rod 251 to slide in the corresponding guide groove 226, and the connecting shaft 2516 of the connecting rod 251 rotates along the corresponding axis hole 2553, and the guide shaft 2517 of the connecting rod 251 slides in the corresponding slide groove 2617 toward the end away from the flexible member 30 and rotates to push the inner wall of the slide groove 2617, so that the corresponding first support member 261 rotates with the connecting rod 251 relative to the support seat 267; the rotation of the other frame body 22 and the rotation of the first support member 261 jointly drive the corresponding second support member 261 to rotate relative to the first support member 261 and one of the frame bodies 22, so as to realize the flattening of the folding device 23. During the flattening process of the folding device 23 , the bendable region 31 of the flexible member 30 is flattened along with the folding device 23 .

[0059] In other flattening methods of the mobile terminal 100, a flattening force can be applied to the two frames 22 at the same time, so that the two frames 22 move away from each other, thereby driving the corresponding connecting rods 251 to rotate and move away from each other. The rotation of the frames 22 and the connecting rods 251 drives the first support member 261 and the second support member 265 to rotate, so as to realize the flattening of the folding device 23. The flexible member 30 is flattened along with the folding device 23 to realize the flattening of the mobile terminal 100.

[0060] The above is an implementation of the embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the embodiment of the present invention. These improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A folding shell, characterized in that:

14. The folding device of claim 13, wherein the folding mechanism comprises a first support member and a second support member disposed between the folding mechanism and the frame. The support member comprises a support assembly rotatably connected to each frame. The link mechanism comprises a link member, the link member comprises a first end rod and a second end rod located at opposite ends thereof, a connecting rod connected between the first end rod and the second end rod, and a guide shaft disposed on the connecting rod, the axis of the guide shaft being parallel to the folding axis of the folding device. The frame is provided with a guide groove perpendicular to the folding axis of the folding device. The first end rod of the link member is slidably inserted into the guide groove. Each of the support assemblies comprises a first support member, the first support member comprises a first support plate, a convex strip is provided on the back side of the first support plate, a slide groove is provided on the convex strip, and the guide shaft is slidably and rotatably disposed in the slide groove. Each of the frames rotates relative to the other frame to drive the corresponding link member to rotate, and the rotation of the link member drives the corresponding support assembly to rotate, thereby realizing the folding or flattening of the folding device.

2. The folding housing according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the support assemblies further includes a second support member rotatably connected to the first support member, and a support base body, the first support member being rotatably connected to the support base body, and the second support member being rotatably connected to the corresponding frame body, and when the folding shell is flattened, the front face of the first support member, the front face of the second support member, and the front face of the frame body are located in the same plane for supporting the flexible member; when the folding shell is folded, the front face of the first support member and the front face of the second support member form an accommodating space, and the inner cavity of the accommodating space gradually increases from the second support member toward the first support member.

3. The folding housing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second support member includes a second support plate, the second support plate and the frame are rotatably connected by the cooperation of the first circular arc groove and the first circular arc rail, the first support plate and the second support plate are rotatably connected by the cooperation of the second circular arc groove and the second circular arc rail, and the first support plate and the support seat are rotatably connected by the cooperation of the third circular arc groove and the third circular arc rail; The axis center line of the first arc groove, the axis center line of the second arc groove and the axis center line of the third arc groove are spaced apart and parallel to each other, and are parallel to the folding axis of the folding device.

4. The folding housing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first arc rail and the first arc groove are connected via a first rotation axis, and the axis center line of the first rotation axis coincides with the axis center line of the first arc groove; The second arc rail and the second arc groove are connected via a second rotation axis, and the axis of the second rotation axis coincides with the axis of the second arc groove; The third circular arc rail and the third circular arc groove are connected via a third rotating shaft, and the axis center line of the third rotating shaft coincides with the axis center line of the third circular arc groove; The axis center line of the first rotating axis, the axis center line of the second rotating axis, and the axis center line of the third rotating axis are located on the same plane parallel to the flexible member.

5. The folding housing according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the foldable shell is folded, the distance between the axis lines of the two first rotating shafts of the support mechanism is smaller than the distance between the axis lines of the two second rotating shafts, and the distance between the axis lines of the two second rotating shafts is smaller than the distance between the axis lines of the two third rotating shafts.

6. The folding housing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting rod mechanism also includes a connecting rod base, the second end rod of the connecting rod member is rotatably connected to the connecting rod base, the rotational connection axis between the second end rod and the connecting rod base is parallel to the folding axis of the folding device, and the rotation of the connecting rod member relative to the connecting rod base drives the first support member to rotate relative to the support base body.

7. The folding housing according to claim 6, characterized in that: The rotation of the frame drives the connecting rod to rotate relative to the connecting rod base, so that the guide shaft pushes against the inner wall of the sliding groove to drive the first support member to rotate relative to the support base body.

8. The folding housing according to claim 7, characterized in that: The connecting rod extends obliquely from the first end rod to the second end rod, the second end rod extends from one end of the connecting rod away from the first end rod to the side away from the first end rod, and the guide shaft is provided on the connecting rod adjacent to the second end rod.

9. The folding housing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The convex strip is obliquely arranged on the back side of the first support member, and the sliding groove is obliquely extended from a side adjacent to the support seat body toward the first end rod of the connecting rod member along the extension direction of the convex strip.

10. The folding housing according to claim 6, characterized in that: The axis center line of the rotation axis between the first support member and the support seat body is closer to the front surface of the first support member than the axis center line of the rotation axis between the connecting rod member and the connecting rod base.

11. The folding housing according to claim 6, characterized in that: The folding device further comprises a connecting frame, wherein the connecting frame is located between the two supporting components, and the supporting seat body and the connecting rod base are respectively fixedly connected to the connecting frame.

12. The folding housing according to claim 11, characterized in that: Each frame is provided with a first receiving groove and a second receiving groove connected to the first receiving groove on one side close to the other frame. When the folding shell is flattened, the connecting frame is accommodated in the installation space surrounded by the first receiving grooves of the two frames; when the folding shell is folded, the first support member and the second support member are accommodated in the installation space surrounded by the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove of the two frames.

13. A mobile terminal, characterized in that: The invention comprises a folding shell and a flexible member according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the flexible member covers the front surface of the folding shell, and the flexible member folds or flattens synchronously with the folding or flattening of the folding shell.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Rotating shaft mechanism and mobile terminal

    CN111698355A

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