Flexible display terminal

Abstract

The application discloses a flexible display terminal, which comprises a middle shell, a side shell, a flexible display screen and a folding mechanism, wherein the folding mechanism comprises a first base, side plates, a first sliding piece, a second sliding piece and a third sliding piece; the first base is arranged on the middle shell; the flexible display screen covers the first side plate and the second side plate; the first sliding piece is slidably arranged on the first base; the second sliding piece is arranged on the side plate and slidably connected with the first sliding piece; and the third sliding piece is arranged on the side shell and slidably connected with the second sliding piece. Thus, when the side shell is folded relative to the middle shell, the third sliding piece, the second sliding piece and the first sliding piece slide, so that the part of the flexible display screen corresponding to the folding mechanism is configured in a water-drop shape, which not only has a simple structure, realizes quick folding and unfolding of the flexible display terminal, but also can avoid damage and marks on the flexible display screen.

Description

Flexible display terminal Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic equipment technology, and in particular to a flexible display terminal. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, users have increasingly diverse needs for display methods and effects in display devices. Flexible displays, with their advantages of being foldable, transparent, flexible, and stretchable, are gradually gaining popularity among users. Flexible displays can be made through outward and inward folding schemes, with inward folding schemes including U-shaped folds, wedge shapes, and teardrop shapes.

[0003] In related technologies, for teardrop-shaped inward folding schemes, the folding mechanism of the display device is relatively complex and bulky, with a large volume. Furthermore, the flexible display screen is prone to damage and marks during the folding process, resulting in low reliability of the folding mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a flexible display terminal with a simpler structure and higher reliability.

[0005] A flexible display terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a middle shell; side shells, the side shells including a first side shell and a second side shell, the first side shell and the second side shell being respectively disposed on both sides of the middle shell; a flexible display screen, the flexible display screen being disposed on the side shells; and a folding mechanism, the folding mechanism including: a first base, a side plate, a first slider, a second slider and a third slider, the first base being disposed on the middle shell, the side plate including a first side plate and a second side plate, the first side plate and the second side plate being respectively located on both sides of the first base, the flexible display screen covering the first side plate and the second side plate, the first slider being slidably disposed on the first base, the second slider being disposed on the side plate and slidably disposed connected to the first slider, the third slider being disposed on the side shell and slidably disposed connected to the second slider, wherein, when the first side shell and the second side shell are folded relative to each other, the third slider, the second slider and the first slider slide and the portion of the flexible display screen corresponding to the folding mechanism is configured into a teardrop shape.

[0006] Therefore, by setting up the folding mechanism, when the side shell is folded relative to the middle shell, the third sliding member, the second sliding member and the first sliding member slide, so that the part of the flexible display screen corresponding to the folding mechanism is constructed into a teardrop shape. This not only simplifies the structure and enables the flexible display terminal to be folded and unfolded quickly, but also avoids damage and marks on the flexible display screen.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first base has two first mounting slots, which are spaced apart and open toward the two sides of the first base respectively. A first sliding portion is provided in each first mounting slot. Two first sliding members are provided, located on opposite sides of the first base and correspondingly disposed in the two first mounting slots. Each first sliding member has a second sliding portion, which is slidably engaged with the first sliding portion. Alternatively, the first sliding member has a second mounting slot, and the second mounting slot has a third sliding portion. Two second sliding members are provided, located on opposite sides of the first base. A portion of each second sliding member is correspondingly disposed in the two second mounting slots. Each second sliding member has a fourth sliding portion, which is slidably engaged with the third sliding portion. Finally, two third sliding members are provided, located on opposite sides of the first base. Each third sliding member has a third mounting slot, which has a fifth sliding portion. Another portion of each second sliding member is correspondingly disposed in the two third mounting slots. Each second sliding member has a sixth sliding portion, which is slidably engaged with the fifth sliding portion.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, one of the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion is an arc-shaped first sliding groove, and the other is an arc-shaped first sliding protrusion, wherein the first sliding groove and the first sliding protrusion are slidably engaged; one of the third sliding portion and the fourth sliding portion is an arc-shaped second sliding groove, and the other is an arc-shaped second sliding protrusion, wherein the second sliding groove and the second sliding protrusion are slidably engaged; one of the fifth sliding portion and the sixth sliding portion is an arc-shaped third sliding groove, and the other is an arc-shaped third sliding protrusion, wherein the third sliding groove and the third sliding protrusion are slidably engaged.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, one of the first sliding member and the second sliding member is provided with a first limiting post, and the other of the first sliding member and the second sliding member is provided with an arc-shaped first limiting groove. The first limiting post and the first limiting groove are slidably limited and engaged, and the central angle corresponding to the first limiting groove is smaller than the central angle corresponding to the third sliding part and / or the fourth sliding part.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the central angle corresponding to the fourth sliding part is equal to the central angle corresponding to the second sliding part, and the central angle corresponding to the sixth sliding part is smaller than the central angle corresponding to the fourth sliding part.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the two first sliding members, the two second sliding members, and the two third sliding members are all symmetrically arranged about the center of the first base, and the two third sliding members are also symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the first base along the length direction.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible display terminal further includes: a damping mechanism, the damping mechanism including a second base, a connector and an elastic damping element, the second base being disposed on the middle shell, the second base and the first base being spaced apart in the length direction of the middle shell, the elastic damping element being disposed between the second base and the connector, the connector being rotatably disposed on the second base, and the connector being slidably connected to the side shell.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the damping mechanism further includes a mounting member, one of the mounting member and the connecting member being provided with a first limiting portion and the other being provided with a second limiting portion, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion being slidably limited and engaged in the length direction of the connecting member.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, one of the first limiting part and the second limiting part is a second limiting groove, and the other is provided with a second limiting post. The second limiting groove extends in the length direction of the connector, and the second limiting post and the second limiting groove are slidably limited and engaged.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the rotation center of the first slider relative to the first base is higher than the rotation center of the connector relative to the second base.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the damping mechanism further includes a damping mating member and a rotating shaft. There are two rotating shafts, which are disposed on the second base. The elastic damping member passes through the rotating shaft. The damping mating member passes through both rotating shafts simultaneously. The connecting member is disposed on the rotating shaft. The damping mating member is engaged between the connecting member and the elastic damping member.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, each of the two rotating shafts is further provided with a first gear, and at least two second gears are meshed between the first gears, wherein the number of the second gears is even.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible display terminal further includes: a transmission mechanism, the transmission mechanism including a third base, a fourth sliding member and a fifth sliding member, the third base being disposed on the middle shell, the third base and the first base being spaced apart in the length direction of the middle shell, the fourth sliding member being slidably disposed on the third base, the fifth sliding member being slidably disposed on the fourth sliding member, and the fifth sliding member being disposed on the side plate.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, one of the fourth sliding member and the fifth sliding member is provided with a third limiting post, and the other of the fourth sliding member and the fifth sliding member is provided with an arc-shaped third limiting groove, wherein the third limiting post and the third limiting groove are slidably limited and engaged.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are two folding mechanisms, with the two folding mechanisms respectively disposed at both ends of the middle shell along the length direction of the middle shell, and the transmission mechanism disposed in the middle of the middle shell.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a flexible display terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a flexible display terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a flexible display terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 is a partial exploded view of a flexible display terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 is a partial schematic diagram of a flexible display terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the folding mechanism and damping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a folding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the damping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the transmission mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 100. Flexible display terminal;

[0035] 10. Middle shell;

[0036] 20. Side shell; 21. First side shell; 22. Second side shell;

[0037] 30. Flexible display screen;

[0038] 40. Folding mechanism; 41. First base; 411. First mounting groove; 4111. First sliding part; 42. Side plate; 421. First side plate; 422. Second side plate; 43. First sliding member; 431. Second sliding part; 432. Second mounting groove; 4321. Third sliding part; 433. First limiting post; 44. Second sliding member; 441. Fourth sliding part; 442. Sixth sliding part; 443. First limiting groove; 45. Third sliding member; 451. Third mounting groove; 4511. Fifth sliding part;

[0039] 50. Damping mechanism; 51. Second base; 52. Connector; 521. First limiting part; 522. Second flange; 53. Elastic damping element; 54. Mounting element; 541. Second limiting part; 55. Damping mating part; 551. First flange; 552. First groove; 56. Rotating shaft; 57. First gear; 58. Second gear;

[0040] 60. Transmission mechanism; 61. Third base; 62. Fourth sliding member; 621. Third limiting post; 63. Fifth sliding member; 631. Third limiting groove;

[0041] 70. Support plate; 71. First support plate; 72. Second support plate. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0043] The following description, with reference to Figures 1-9, describes a flexible display terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flexible display terminal 100 may be a smartphone.

[0044] Referring to Figures 1-6, the flexible display terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may mainly include: a middle shell 10, a side shell 20, a flexible display screen 30, and a folding mechanism 40. The side shell 20 may mainly include a first side shell 21 and a second side shell 22, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the middle shell 10. The flexible display screen 30 is disposed on the side shell 20, and the folding mechanism 40 is disposed on the middle shell 10. Specifically, by setting the folding mechanism 40 on the middle shell 10, the first side shell 21 and the second side shell 22 respectively set on both sides of the middle shell 10 are connected to the folding mechanism 40, and the flexible display screen 30 is set on the side shell 20. The side shell 20 is also provided with a first support plate 71 and a second support plate 72. The first support plate 71 and the second support plate 72 can correspondingly separate the devices set in the first side shell 21 and the second side shell 22, and can correspondingly support the flexible display screen 30. The flexible display screen 30 covers the first support plate 71 and the second support plate 72. In this way, the folding mechanism 40 can drive the first side shell 21 and the second side shell 22 to rotate relative to the middle shell 10, and further drive the flexible display screen 30 to fold inward or unfold outward, thereby realizing the switching between the folded state and the unfolded state of the flexible display terminal 100, ensuring the normal use of the flexible display terminal 100.

[0045] As shown in Figures 3-8, the folding mechanism 40 can mainly include: a first base 41, a side plate 42, a first slider 43, a second slider 44, and a third slider 45. The first base 41 is disposed on the middle shell 10. The side plate 42 can mainly include a first side plate 421 and a second side plate 422. The first side plate 421 and the second side plate 422 are respectively located on both sides of the first base 41. The flexible display screen 30 covers the first side plate 421 and the second side plate 422. The first slider 43 is slidably disposed on the first base 41. The second slider 44 is disposed on the side plate 42 and is slidably connected to the first slider 43. The third slider 45 is disposed on the side shell 20 and is slidably connected to the second slider 44.

[0046] Specifically, by placing the first base 41 on the middle shell 10, slidably placing the first slider 43 on the first base 41, slidably placing the second slider 44 on the first slider 43, and slidably placing the third slider 45 on the second slider 44, and placing the second slider 44 on the side plate 42 and the third slider 45 on the side shell 20, when the side shell 20 is folded relative to the middle shell 10, the third slider 45, the second slider 44, and the first slider 43 can slide, achieving rapid convergence of the folding mechanism 40, driving the flexible display screen 30 to fold accordingly, and further... The side plate 42 is folded inward in one step, so that the side plate 42 and the corresponding support plate 70 form an angle. Since the flexible display screen 30 is also covered on the first side plate 421 and the second side plate 422, the flexible display screen 30 can naturally turn under the constraint of the first side plate 421 and the second side plate 422, and the part corresponding to the folding mechanism 40 is constructed into a teardrop shape. This not only makes the connection between the turning part and the straight part of the flexible display screen 30 smoother, avoiding damage and marks on the flexible display screen 30, but also makes the structure of the folding mechanism 40 simpler and more reliable, and can realize the rapid folding of the flexible display terminal 100.

[0047] Thus, by setting the folding mechanism 40, when the side shell 20 is folded relative to the middle shell 10, the third sliding member 45, the second sliding member 44 and the first sliding member 43 slide, so that the part of the flexible display screen 30 corresponding to the folding mechanism 40 is constructed into a teardrop shape. This not only simplifies the structure and enables the flexible display terminal 100 to be folded and unfolded quickly, but also avoids damage and marks on the flexible display screen 30.

[0048] Referring to Figures 6-8, the first base 41 has two first mounting slots 411, which are spaced apart and open towards both sides of the first base 41. Each first mounting slot 411 contains a first sliding portion 4111. Two first sliding members 43 are located on both sides of the first base 41 and correspondingly positioned within the two first mounting slots 411. Each first sliding member 43 has a second sliding portion 431, which is slidably engaged with the first sliding portion 4111. Each first sliding member 43 has a second mounting slot 432, which contains a third sliding portion 4321. Two second sliding members 44 are located on both sides of the first base 41, with a portion of each second sliding member 44 correspondingly positioned within the two second mounting slots 432. Each second sliding member 44 has a fourth sliding portion 441, which is slidably engaged with the third sliding portion 4321 and the fourth sliding portion 441. There are two third sliding members 45, which are located on both sides of the first base 41. Each third sliding member 45 is provided with a third mounting groove 451 and a fifth sliding part 4511. The other parts of the two second sliding members 44 are respectively provided in the two third mounting grooves 451. Each second sliding member 44 is provided with a sixth sliding part 442. The fifth sliding part 4511 and the sixth sliding part 442 are slidably engaged.

[0049] Specifically, by installing a first sliding part 4111 in the first mounting groove 411 and a second sliding part 431 on the first sliding member 43, a sliding engagement between the first base 41 and the first sliding member 43 can be achieved through the sliding engagement between the first sliding part 4111 and the second sliding part 431. By providing a second mounting groove 432 on the first sliding member 43, a third sliding part 4321 in the second mounting groove 432, and a fourth sliding part 441 on the second sliding member 44, a sliding engagement between the third sliding part 4321 and the fourth sliding part 441 can be achieved through the sliding engagement between the first sliding member 43 and the second sliding member 44. The sliding engagement between the second sliding member 44 and the third sliding member 45 is achieved by providing a third mounting groove 451 on the third sliding member 45, a fifth sliding part 4511 in the third mounting groove 451, and a sixth sliding part 442 on the second sliding member 44. This sliding engagement between the fifth sliding part 4511 and the sixth sliding part 442 enables the sliding engagement between the second sliding member 44 and the third sliding member 45, thereby allowing the first base 41, the first sliding member 43, the second sliding member 44, and the third sliding member 45 to slide. This not only ensures the normal operation of the folding mechanism 40 but also makes the folding mechanism 40 simpler and more reliable, and improves the structural compactness of the folding mechanism 40.

[0050] Furthermore, by opening two first mounting slots 411 on the first base 41, the two first mounting slots 411 are spaced apart on the first base 41, and the two first mounting slots 411 are respectively opened towards the two sides of the first base 41. Furthermore, two of each of the first sliding member 43, second sliding member 44, and third sliding member 45 are provided, with each of the two first sliding members 43, two second sliding members 44, and two third sliding members 45 located on the two sides of the first base 41. This allows the two first sliding members 43 to be correspondingly positioned in the two first mounting slots 411, and a portion of each of the two second sliding members 44 to be correspondingly positioned in the two second mounting slots 432. The other part is respectively set in two third mounting slots 451, so that the first mounting slot 411 and the first sliding member 43, the first sliding member 43 and the second sliding member 44, and the second sliding member 44 and the third sliding member 45 can be formed on both sides of the first base 41. When the first side shell 21 and the second side shell 22 are folded relative to the middle shell 10, the third sliding member 45, the second sliding member 44 and the first sliding member 43 located on both sides of the first base 41 can slide, thereby not only realizing the flexible display terminal 100 to fold and unfold more quickly, but also improving the stability and reliability of the flexible display terminal 100 when folding and unfolding.

[0051] Referring to Figure 8, one of the first sliding part 4111 and the second sliding part 431 is an arc-shaped first sliding groove, and the other is an arc-shaped first sliding protrusion. The first sliding groove and the first sliding protrusion are in sliding engagement. One of the third sliding part 4321 and the fourth sliding part 441 is an arc-shaped second sliding groove, and the other is an arc-shaped second sliding protrusion. The second sliding groove and the second sliding protrusion are in sliding engagement. One of the fifth sliding part 4511 and the sixth sliding part 442 is an arc-shaped third sliding groove, and the other is an arc-shaped third sliding protrusion. The third sliding groove and the third sliding protrusion are in sliding engagement.

[0052] Specifically, by setting one of the first sliding part 4111 and the second sliding part 431 as a first sliding groove and the other as a first sliding protrusion, setting one of the third sliding part 4321 and the fourth sliding part 441 as a second sliding groove and the other as a second sliding protrusion, and setting one of the fifth sliding part 4511 and the sixth sliding part 442 as a third sliding groove and the other as a third sliding protrusion, when the first base 41 and the first sliding member 43, the first sliding member 43 and the second sliding member 44, and the second sliding member 44 and the third sliding member 45 slide and engage with each other respectively, it is only necessary to insert the first sliding protrusion into the first sliding groove, the second sliding protrusion into the second sliding groove, and the third sliding protrusion into the third sliding groove respectively. This allows the first base 41 and the first sliding member 43, the first sliding member 43 and the second sliding member 44, and the second sliding member 44 and the third sliding member 45 to slide and engage with each other respectively. This simplifies the structure of the folding mechanism 40 and improves the assembly speed and accuracy of the folding mechanism 40.

[0053] Furthermore, the first sliding protrusion, the second sliding protrusion, the third sliding protrusion, the first sliding groove, the second sliding groove, and the third sliding groove are all set to be arc-shaped. This allows the first base 41 and the first sliding member 43, the first sliding member 43 and the second sliding member 44, and the second sliding member 44 and the third sliding member 45 to rotate relative to each other, thereby realizing the rotation of the first side shell 21 and the second side shell 22 relative to the middle shell 10, ensuring the normal operation of the folding mechanism 40, and enabling the flexible display terminal 100 to be folded or unfolded accordingly.

[0054] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, one of the first sliding member 43 and the second sliding member 44 is provided with a first limiting post 433, and the other of the first sliding member 43 and the second sliding member 44 is provided with an arc-shaped first limiting groove 443. The first limiting post 433 and the first limiting groove 443 are slidably limited and engaged. The central angle corresponding to the first limiting groove 443 is smaller than the central angles corresponding to the third sliding part 4321 and the fourth sliding part 441.

[0055] Specifically, the first sliding member 43 and the second sliding member 44 achieve mutual sliding engagement through the third sliding part 4321 and the fourth sliding part 441. By setting a first limiting post 433 in one of the first sliding member 43 and the second sliding member 44, and setting an arc-shaped first limiting groove 443 in the other, and the central angle corresponding to the first limiting groove 443 is smaller than the central angle corresponding to the third sliding part 4321 and the fourth sliding part 441, when the first sliding member 43 and the second sliding member 44 slide relative to each other, the first limiting post 433 can slidably engage with the first limiting groove 443 to limit the movement. This allows the second sliding member 44 to slide relative to the first sliding member 43 to a preset angle. Due to the limiting engagement of the first limiting post 433 and the first limiting groove 443, the first sliding member 43 and the second sliding member 44 can be prevented from falling off during the sliding process. This allows the second sliding member 44 to drive the first sliding member 43 to rotate, so that the first sliding member 43 can slide relative to the first base 41, ensuring the normal operation of the folding mechanism 40.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, the central angle corresponding to the fourth sliding part 441 is equal to the central angle corresponding to the second sliding part 431, and the central angle corresponding to the sixth sliding part 442 is smaller than the central angle corresponding to the fourth sliding part 441. Specifically, the second sliding part 431 and the first sliding part 4111 are in sliding engagement, the fourth sliding part 441 and the third sliding part 4321 are in sliding engagement, and the sixth sliding part 442 and the fifth sliding part 4511 are in sliding engagement. By making the central angle corresponding to the fourth sliding part 441 equal to the central angle corresponding to the second sliding part 431, and making the central angle corresponding to the sixth sliding part 442 smaller than the central angle corresponding to the fourth sliding part 441, the reliability of the relative sliding between the second sliding part 431 and the first sliding part 4111, the fourth sliding part 441 and the third sliding part 4321, and the sixth sliding part 442 and the fifth sliding part 4511, and the angle of their relative sliding, can be guaranteed, thereby improving the structural compactness of the folding mechanism 40 and making the folding mechanism 40 more compact.

[0057] As shown in Figures 5-7, the two first sliders 43, the two second sliders 44, and the two third sliders 45 are all symmetrically arranged about the center of the first base 41. The two third sliders 45 are also symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the first base 41 along its length. Specifically, symmetrically arranging the two first sliders 43, the two second sliders 44, and the two third sliders 45 about the center of the first base 41 facilitates the placement of the two first sliders 43 on the first base 41, allowing them to be staggered along their length on the first base 41. Furthermore, it ensures that the second sliders 44 and the third sliders 45 correspond to the positions of the first sliders 43, thereby improving the structural compactness of the folding mechanism 40 and reducing its volume.

[0058] Furthermore, the two third sliding members 45 are fixedly connected to the first side shell 21 and the second side shell 22 respectively. By making the two third sliding members 45 symmetrical about the central axis of the first base 41 along the length direction, the forces on the first side shell 21 and the second side shell 22 respectively located on both sides of the middle shell 10 are symmetrical about the central axis of the first base 41 along the length direction. This makes the forces on the flexible display terminal 100 more uniform and improves the structural reliability of the flexible display terminal 100.

[0059] As shown in Figures 4-7 and 9, the flexible display terminal 100 may also mainly include a damping mechanism 50. The damping mechanism 50 may mainly include a second base 51, a connector 52, and an elastic damping element 53. The second base 51 is disposed on the middle shell 10, and the second base 51 and the first base 41 are spaced apart along the length of the middle shell 10. The elastic damping element 53 is disposed between the second base 51 and the connector 52. The connector 52 is rotatably disposed on the second base 51 and is slidably connected to the side shell 20. With this configuration, when the side shell 20 rotates relative to the middle shell 10, the connector 52 can slide relative to the side shell 20 while rotating relative to the second base 51. The elastic damping element 53 can provide damping force for the connector 52, thereby not only ensuring the stability of the side shell 20's rotation relative to the middle shell 10 and ensuring the reliability of the flexible display terminal 100, but also providing a tactile feel and improving the user experience.

[0060] Furthermore, two connectors 52 and two elastic damping elements 53 are provided. The two connectors 52 are rotatably disposed on both sides of the second base 51, and the two elastic damping elements 53 are disposed between the two connectors 52 and the second base 51. The two connectors 52 are slidably connected to the first side shell 21 and the second side shell 22, respectively. This allows the damping mechanism 50 to generate damping force on the first side shell 21 and the second side shell 22 on both sides at the same time, thereby making the force distribution of the flexible display terminal 100 more reasonable and further improving the stability and reliability of the flexible display terminal 100 when folding and unfolding.

[0061] Referring to Figures 7 and 9, the damping mechanism 50 may further include a mounting member 54. One of the mounting member 54 and the connecting member 52 is provided with a first limiting part 521, and the other is provided with a second limiting part 541. The first limiting part 521 and the second limiting part 541 are slidably limited and engaged in the length direction of the connecting member 52. Specifically, two mounting members 54 can be provided, and the two mounting members 54 are fixedly connected to the first side shell 21 and the second side shell 22 respectively. By providing a first limiting part 521 in one of the mounting member 54 and the connecting member 52, and a second limiting part 541 in the other, when the flexible display terminal 100 is folded or unfolded, the first limiting part 521 and the second limiting part 541 can be slidably limited and engaged in the length direction of the connecting member 52, thereby adjusting the outer linear length of the middle shell 10, ensuring the rotation of the first side shell 21 and the second side shell 22 relative to the middle shell 10, and ensuring the normal operation of the flexible display terminal 100.

[0062] Furthermore, referring to Figures 7 and 9, one of the first limiting part 521 and the second limiting part 541 is a second limiting groove, and the other is provided with a second limiting post. The second limiting groove extends along the length of the connecting member 52, and the second limiting post and the second limiting groove are slidably matched. Specifically, one of the first limiting part 521 and the second limiting part 541 can be set as a second limiting groove, and the other as a second limiting post, so that the second limiting groove extends along the length of the connecting member 52. In this way, only the second limiting post needs to be set in the second limiting groove. When the side shell 20 rotates relative to the middle shell 10, the second limiting post can slide in the second limiting groove, thereby simplifying the structure of the first limiting part 521 and the second limiting part 541 and making the matching between the first limiting part 521 and the second limiting part 541 simpler and more reliable.

[0063] Referring to Figures 7 and 9, the rotation center of the first sliding member 43 relative to the first base 41 is higher than the rotation center of the connecting member 52 relative to the second base 51. Specifically, the first sliding member 43 can rotate relative to the first base 41, and the connecting member 52 can rotate relative to the second base 51. By setting the rotation center of the first sliding member 43 relative to the first base 41 to be higher than the rotation center of the connecting member 52 relative to the second base 51, while the side shell 20 rotates relative to the middle shell 10, the mounting member 54 can drive the side shell 20 to slide relative to the connecting member 52 until the mounting member 54 and the connecting member 52 reach their limit positions. At this point, the side shell 20 unfolds or folds relative to the middle shell 10. This allows the sliding cooperation of the mounting member 54 and the connecting member 52 to adjust the outer linear length of the middle shell 10 and the side shell 20, ensuring that the flexible display screen 30 always fits against the side shell 20 and guaranteeing the normal use of the flexible display terminal 100.

[0064] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the damping mechanism 50 may further include a damping mating part 55 and a rotating shaft 56. The rotating shaft 56 is disposed on the second base 51. There are two rotating shafts 56. The elastic damping part 53 passes through the rotating shaft 56. The damping mating part 55 passes through both rotating shafts 56. The connecting part 52 is disposed on the rotating shaft 56. The damping mating part 55 is mated between the connecting part 52 and the elastic damping part 53. Specifically, by setting two rotating shafts 56 and placing the connector 52 on the rotating shafts 56, the connector 52 and the rotating shafts 56 can rotate synchronously. By setting two elastic damping elements 53, each of the two elastic damping elements 53 passes through the rotating shafts 56, and the damping mating element 55 is correspondingly engaged between the connector 52 and the elastic damping element 53, the damping mating element 55 can correspondingly engage with the elastic damping element 53 to generate a damping force on the connector 52, thereby hindering the rotation of the connector 52. This not only makes the rotation of the connector 52 relative to the second base 51 more reliable and provides a tactile feedback, but also maintains the stability of the flexible display terminal 100 in both folded and flattened states, preventing the state of the flexible display terminal 100 from changing unintentionally, thus improving the reliability of the flexible display terminal 100.

[0065] Furthermore, the damping mating part 55 is provided with a first flange 551 and a first groove 552, and the connecting part 52 is provided with a second flange 522. In this way, when the connecting part 52 rotates under the drive of the side shell 20, the second flange 522 can selectively engage with the first flange 551 and the first groove 552. When the flexible display terminal 100 is in a flattened state and a folded state, the second flange 522 and the first groove 552 are engaged accordingly. When the flexible display terminal 100 transitions from a flattened state to a folded state, the connector 52 rotates relative to the damping engagement member 55, and the second flange 522 slides against the first flange 551. The elastic damping member 53 is correspondingly compressed to provide damping force, which first increases and then decreases. Conversely, when the flexible display terminal 100 transitions from a folded state to a flattened state, the connector 52 rotates in the opposite direction relative to the damping engagement member 55, and the second flange 522 slides against the first flange 551. The elastic damping member 53 is correspondingly compressed to provide damping force, which first increases and then decreases. This improves the reliability of the damping mechanism 50.

[0066] Referring to Figures 7 and 9, each of the two rotating shafts 56 is also provided with a first gear 57, and at least two second gears 58 mesh between the first gears 57, with an even number of second gears 58. Specifically, each of the two rotating shafts 56 is provided with a first gear 57, which rotates synchronously with the rotating shafts 56. At least two second gears 58 mesh between the first gears 57, with an even number of second gears 58. In this way, the force transmitted to either rotating shaft 56 can be transmitted sequentially through the first gear 57 and at least two second gears 58 that mesh with that rotating shaft 56 to the first gear 57 that meshes with the other rotating shaft 56, so that the two first gears 57 rotate in opposite directions, thereby achieving synchronous movement of the two rotating shafts 56. Furthermore, it causes the connecting parts 52 provided on the rotating shafts 56 to move synchronously, realizing synchronous rotation of the first side shell 21 and the second side shell 22 relative to the middle shell 10. When the synchronous rotation angle is 0 degrees, the display area of ​​the flexible display screen 30 reaches its maximum, which can improve the user's viewing experience. When the synchronous rotation is 90 degrees, the flexible display screen 30 can be hidden, and the flexible display terminal 100 is folded for easy carrying. It should be noted that the first gear 57 can be a flat-hole gear, and a corresponding mating part is provided on the rotating shaft 56 to cooperate with it, so as to realize the synchronous movement of the first gear 57 and the rotating shaft 56. The second gear 58 can be a round-hole gear.

[0067] Referring to Figures 4-7 and Figure 10, the flexible display terminal 100 may further include a transmission mechanism 60. The transmission mechanism 60 may mainly include a third base 61, a fourth sliding member 62, and a fifth sliding member 63. The third base 61 is disposed on the middle shell 10, and the third base 61 and the first base 41 are spaced apart along the length of the middle shell 10. The fourth sliding member 62 is slidably disposed on the third base 61, and the fifth sliding member 63 is slidably disposed on the fourth sliding member 62. The fifth sliding member 63 is disposed on the side plate 42. Specifically, by setting the transmission mechanism 60 such that the third base 61 is disposed on the middle shell 10, and the third base 61 and the first base 41 are spaced apart along the length of the middle shell 10, the folding mechanism 40 and the transmission mechanism 60 can be spaced apart along the length of the middle shell 10, thereby making the layout of the folding mechanism 40 and the transmission mechanism 60 more reasonable.

[0068] Furthermore, two fourth sliding members 62 and two second sliding members 44 are each provided. The two fourth sliding members 62 are located on both sides of the third base 61 and are slidably disposed on the third base 61. The two fifth sliding members 63 are slidably disposed on the two fourth sliding members 62 and are disposed on the first side plate 421 and the second side plate 422, respectively. In this way, when the flexible display terminal 100 is folded or unfolded, the first side plate 421 and the second side plate 422 can respectively drive the fifth sliding members 63 and the first side plate 421 and the second side plate 422 fixedly connected to the fifth sliding members 63, thereby assisting the transmission and making the rotation of the first side plate 421 and the second side plate 422 relative to the middle shell 10 more stable, which can improve the reliability of the flexible display terminal 100.

[0069] As shown in Figure 10, one of the fourth sliding member 62 and the fifth sliding member 63 is provided with a third limiting post 621, and the other of the fourth sliding member 62 and the fifth sliding member 63 is provided with an arc-shaped third limiting groove 631. The third limiting post 621 and the third limiting groove 631 are slidably limited and engaged. Specifically, the fourth sliding member 62 and the fifth sliding member 63 slide relative to each other. By setting a third limiting post 621 in one of the fourth sliding member 62 and the fifth sliding member 63, and setting a third limiting groove 631 in the other, when the fourth sliding member 62 and the fifth sliding member 63 slide relative to each other, the third limiting post 621 can slidably limit and cooperate with the third limiting groove 631. This allows the fourth sliding member 62 and the fifth sliding member 63 to slide relative to each other to a preset angle. Due to the limiting cooperation of the third limiting post 621 and the third limiting groove 631, the fourth sliding member 62 and the fifth sliding member 63 can be prevented from falling off during the sliding process. This allows the fifth sliding member 63 to drive the fourth sliding member 62 to rotate, so that the fourth sliding member 62 slides relative to the third base 61.

[0070] Referring to Figures 4-6, two folding mechanisms 40 can be configured. Along the length of the middle shell 10, the two folding mechanisms 40 are respectively located at both ends of the middle shell 10, and the transmission mechanism 60 is located in the middle of the middle shell 10. Specifically, by positioning the two folding mechanisms 40 at both ends of the middle shell 10 and the transmission mechanism 60 in the middle of the middle shell 10, the arrangement of the two folding mechanisms 40 and the transmission mechanism 60 on the middle shell 10 becomes more rational. When switching the flexible display terminal 100 between the folded and flattened states, the side plate 42 can rotate simultaneously under the action of the two folding mechanisms 40 and the transmission mechanism 60. This allows for a more uniform force distribution on the side plate 42 along its length, better balancing the movement of the side plate 42, and thus better protecting the structure of the flexible display screen 30 mounted on the side plate 42, thereby improving the structural reliability of the flexible display terminal 100.

[0071] Furthermore, two damping mechanisms 50 can be configured, with the two damping mechanisms 50 respectively positioned between the two folding mechanisms 40 and the transmission mechanism 60, and the two damping mechanisms 50 respectively arranged adjacent to the two folding mechanisms 40. The two damping mechanisms 50 are symmetrically arranged about the transmission mechanism 60. This allows the two damping mechanisms 50 to provide a more uniform damping force to the rotation of the side shell 20 relative to the middle shell 10, which can further improve the stability of the flexible display terminal 100 when folding and unfolding.

[0072] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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.

[0073] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0074] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A flexible display terminal, characterized in that, include: A middle shell; side shells, the side shells including a first side shell and a second side shell, the first side shell and the second side shell being respectively disposed on both sides of the middle shell; A flexible display screen is disposed on the side shell; The folding mechanism includes a first base, a side plate, a first slider, a second slider, and a third slider. The first base is disposed on the middle shell. The side plate includes a first side plate and a second side plate, which are respectively located on both sides of the first base. The flexible display screen covers the first side plate and the second side plate. The first slider is slidably disposed on the first base. The second slider is disposed on the side plate and slidably connected to the first slider. The third slider is disposed on the side shell and slidably connected to the second slider. When the first side shell and the second side shell are folded relative to each other, the third slider, the second slider, and the first slider slide, causing the flexible display screen to correspond to the portion of the folding mechanism. The structure is teardrop-shaped. The first base has two first mounting slots, spaced apart and opening towards both sides of the first base. Each first mounting slot contains a first sliding portion. Two first sliding members are located on opposite sides of the first base and correspondingly positioned within the two first mounting slots. Each first sliding member has a second sliding portion, which is slidably engaged with the first sliding member. The first sliding member also has a second mounting slot, and each second mounting slot contains a third sliding portion. Two second sliding members are located on opposite sides of the first base, with a portion of each second sliding member correspondingly positioned within the two second mounting slots. Each second sliding member has a fourth sliding portion, which is slidably engaged with the third sliding portion.

2. The flexible display terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two third sliding members, which are respectively located on both sides of the first base. Each third sliding member is provided with a third mounting groove, and each third mounting groove is provided with a fifth sliding part. The other part of each of the two second sliding members is respectively provided in the two third mounting grooves. Each second sliding member is provided with a sixth sliding part, and the fifth sliding part and the sixth sliding part are slidably engaged.

3. The flexible display terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that, One of the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion is an arc-shaped first sliding groove, and the other is an arc-shaped first sliding protrusion, with the first sliding groove and the first sliding protrusion slidingly engaged; one of the third sliding portion and the fourth sliding portion is an arc-shaped second sliding groove, and the other is an arc-shaped second sliding protrusion, with the second sliding groove and the second sliding protrusion slidingly engaged; one of the fifth sliding portion and the sixth sliding portion is an arc-shaped third sliding groove, and the other is an arc-shaped third sliding protrusion, with the third sliding groove and the third sliding protrusion slidingly engaged.

4. The flexible display terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that, One of the first sliding member and the second sliding member is provided with a first limiting post, and the other of the first sliding member and the second sliding member is provided with an arc-shaped first limiting groove. The first limiting post and the first limiting groove are slidably limited and engaged. The central angle corresponding to the first limiting groove is smaller than the central angle corresponding to the third sliding part and / or the fourth sliding part.

5. The flexible display terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that, The central angle corresponding to the fourth sliding part is equal to the central angle corresponding to the second sliding part, and the central angle corresponding to the sixth sliding part is smaller than the central angle corresponding to the fourth sliding part.

6. The flexible display terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two first sliding members, the two second sliding members, and the two third sliding members are all symmetrically arranged about the center of the first base, and the two third sliding members are also symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the first base along its length.

7. The flexible display terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A damping mechanism is provided, comprising a second base, a connector, and an elastic damping element. The second base is disposed on the middle shell, and the second base and the first base are spaced apart along the length of the middle shell. The elastic damping element is disposed between the second base and the connector. The connector is rotatably disposed on the second base and is slidably connected to the side shell.

8. The flexible display terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that, The damping mechanism further includes a mounting component, one of which is provided with a first limiting part and the other with a second limiting part, the first limiting part and the second limiting part being slidably limited and engaged in the length direction of the connecting component.

9. The flexible display terminal according to claim 8, characterized in that, One of the first limiting part and the second limiting part is a second limiting groove, and the other is provided with a second limiting post. The second limiting groove extends in the length direction of the connector, and the second limiting post and the second limiting groove are slidably limited and engaged.

10. The flexible display terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that, The rotation center of the first slider relative to the first base is higher than the rotation center of the connector relative to the second base.

11. The flexible display terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that, The damping mechanism further includes a damping mating component and a rotating shaft. There are two rotating shafts, which are disposed on the second base. The elastic damping component passes through the rotating shaft. The damping mating component passes through both rotating shafts simultaneously. The connecting component is disposed on the rotating shaft. The damping mating component is engaged between the connecting component and the elastic damping component.

12. The flexible display terminal according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the two rotating shafts is also provided with a first gear, and at least two second gears mesh between the first gears, wherein the number of the second gears is even.

13. The flexible display terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The transmission mechanism includes a third base, a fourth sliding member, and a fifth sliding member. The third base is disposed on the middle shell, and the third base and the first base are spaced apart along the length of the middle shell. The fourth sliding member is slidably disposed on the third base, and the fifth sliding member is slidably disposed on the fourth sliding member. The fifth sliding member is disposed on the side plate.

14. The flexible display terminal according to claim 13, characterized in that, One of the fourth and fifth sliding members is provided with a third limiting post, and the other of the fourth and fifth sliding members is provided with an arc-shaped third limiting groove. The third limiting post and the third limiting groove are slidably matched for limiting.

15. The flexible display terminal according to claim 13, characterized in that, There are two folding mechanisms. Along the length of the middle shell, the two folding mechanisms are respectively located at both ends of the middle shell, and the transmission mechanism is located in the middle of the middle shell.

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