Terminal device

Abstract

The terminal equipment comprises a first shell, a second shell and a third shell, and further comprises a first folding mechanism, a second folding mechanism and a linkage mechanism. The first folding mechanism is rotatably connected with the first shell and the second shell; the second folding mechanism is rotatably connected with the second shell and the third shell; and the linkage mechanism is linked with the first folding mechanism and the second folding mechanism. When the first shell and the second shell are in an unfolded state, and the second shell and the third shell are in an unfolded state, the linkage mechanism can prevent the second shell and the third shell from being folded relatively; and when the first shell and the second shell are in a folded state, the linkage mechanism unlocks the second folding mechanism, and the second shell and the third shell can be relatively folded to realize a fool-proof function of the terminal equipment in a folding process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic product technology, and more particularly to a terminal device. Background Technology

[0002] For foldable screen phones, there is usually a specific folding order. If the folding order is incorrect, the device may fail to fold properly, and there is a risk of damaging the screen and folding mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a terminal device with a foolproof function so that the terminal device can be folded in the correct folding sequence to solve the above problems.

[0004] This application provides a terminal device including a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing. The terminal device also includes a first folding mechanism, a second folding mechanism, and a linkage mechanism. The first folding mechanism is rotatably connected to the first housing and the second housing, and includes a first inner swing arm, which is movably connected to the second housing. The second folding mechanism is rotatably connected to the second housing and the third housing, and includes a second inner swing arm, which is movably connected to the second housing. The linkage mechanism includes a connecting rod, a retaining member, and a connecting assembly. The connecting rod is connected to the first inner swing arm along a first direction, and the first inner swing arm is used to drive the connecting rod to move along the first direction. The retaining member is used to slide along a second direction and retain the second inner swing arm. The connecting assembly connects the connecting rod and the retaining member, and the connecting assembly is used to drive the retaining member to slide along the second direction. When the first housing and the second housing are in an unfolded state, and the second housing and the third housing are in an unfolded state, the retaining member retains the second inner swing arm to lock the second folding mechanism, preventing the second housing and the third housing from folding relative to each other. When the first housing and the second housing are in a folded state, the retaining member releases the lock on the second folding mechanism, and the second housing and the third housing can fold relative to each other.

[0005] In the above embodiments, a foolproof function is achieved during the folding process of the terminal device by setting a linkage mechanism with the first folding mechanism and the second folding mechanism. Specifically, the linkage mechanism's connecting rod is disposed in the second housing along a first direction, and the connecting component and the locking component are both disposed on the side of the second housing near the third housing. Driven by the first folding mechanism, the movement of the connecting rod along the first direction synchronously drives the connecting component to slide along the second direction, thereby achieving a locking effect on the second folding mechanism. The linkage mechanism occupies relatively little space and has minimal or negligible impact on the arrangement of other components in the terminal device.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the linkage mechanism further includes an elastic element that connects the second housing and the retaining member to the side opposite to the second inner swing arm. The elastic element is used to deform or recover its deformation along the second direction.

[0007] In the above embodiments, the retaining member is used to abut against the retaining member along the second direction; in addition, when the retaining member slides, the elastic member can generate damping for the sliding of the retaining member, so that the retaining member slides more smoothly.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the connecting assembly includes a slider and a rotating member, the slider and a connecting rod being connected at one end away from the first inner swing arm, the connecting rod being used to drive the slider to slide in a first direction; the rotating member, the slider, and the retaining member are all rotatably connected; wherein, the slider is used to drive the rotating member to move, thereby driving the retaining member to slide in a second direction.

[0009] In the above embodiments, the cooperation between the slider and the rotating component allows the clamping component to slide smoothly under the movement of the connecting rod, thereby realizing the function of the clamping component.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the linkage includes a first end and a second end, the first end being rotatably connected to a first inner swing arm, and the second end being rotatably connected to a slider.

[0011] In the above embodiments, during the folding or unfolding process of the terminal device, the first inner swing arm will rotate accordingly, and the second sliding end of the first inner swing arm will also rotate at a small angle. By limiting the through groove and rotatably connecting the first end and the first inner swing arm, the connection flexibility between the connecting rod and the first inner swing arm is improved, which is conducive to making the connecting rod move more smoothly along the first direction.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the connecting assembly further includes a first pin that passes through the second end and the slider in a second direction to rotatably connect the second end and the slider.

[0013] In the above embodiments, the slider and the connecting rod are rotatably connected by a first pin, which facilitates the assembly of the linkage mechanism.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the slider includes a first body portion and a fixing portion, the fixing portion being located on one side of the first body portion near the connecting rod and connected to the connecting rod; the rotating member includes a connecting portion, a first rotating portion and a second rotating portion, the first rotating portion and the second rotating portion being located at both ends of the connecting portion; wherein the first body portion and the first rotating portion are rotatably connected, and the second rotating portion and the holding member are rotatably connected.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the two ends of the rotating member are rotatably connected to the slider and the holding member, respectively. When the connecting rod moves along the first direction and drives the slider to move, the holding member can slide along the second direction through the action of the rotating member.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the connecting assembly further includes a second pin that passes through the first body portion and the first rotating portion, so that the first body portion and the first rotating portion are rotatably connected.

[0017] In the above embodiments, the second pin is used to rotatably connect the slider and the rotating part, which facilitates the assembly of the linkage mechanism.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the second housing has a limiting groove, and the connecting part is located in the limiting groove. The limiting groove includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and the connecting part is located between the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0019] In the above embodiments, the first sidewall and the second sidewall are used to limit the movement trajectory of the connecting part according to the driving action of the slider on the rotating part, and further to limit the movement trajectory of the second rotating part.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the second inner swing arm is provided with a slot, and the retaining member includes a second body portion and a protrusion portion, the second body portion and the protrusion portion are arranged along a second direction, the second body portion and the rotating member are rotatably connected, and the protrusion portion can be engaged in the slot or slide out of the slot; or, the second inner swing arm is provided with a protrusion portion, the retaining member includes a second body portion and a slot, the slot is formed on the second body portion, the second body portion and the rotating member are rotatably connected, and the protrusion portion can be engaged in the slot or slide out of the slot.

[0021] In the above embodiments, the rotating member can drive the holding member to rotate and move along the second direction, so that the protrusion can slide into or out of the slot, thereby realizing the holding function of the holding member and the second inner swing arm.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the linkage mechanism further includes a third pin that passes through the rotating member and the second body portion, so that the rotating member and the second body portion are rotatably connected.

[0023] In the above embodiments, the rotating part and the holding part are rotatably connected by a third pin, which facilitates the assembly of the linkage mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device in an unfolded state, provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0025] Figure 2 For the reason Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal device in a semi-folded state after being folded.

[0026] Figure 3 For the reason Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal device in a folded state after further folding.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the terminal device provided in the embodiments of this application when it is in a folded state.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the correct folding sequence of the terminal device provided in this application embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a folding process for changing the folding order of a terminal device, provided in some embodiments of this application.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device with a foolproof function provided in some other embodiments of this application.

[0031] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shown is a top view of the terminal device without the flexible display screen.

[0032] Figure 9 for Figure 8 The diagram shown is a top view of the area where the linkage mechanism is located when the terminal device is in the unfolded state.

[0033] Figure 10 for Figure 9 An exploded view of a portion of the terminal device 100a shown.

[0034] Figure 11 for Figure 10 An exploded view of a portion of the terminal device 100a shown.

[0035] Figure 12 for Figure 8 A top view of a portion of the terminal device 100a in its unfolded state.

[0036] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the terminal device 100a in its unfolded state.

[0037] Figure 14 for Figure 8 The diagram shown is a top view of the terminal device 100a in a semi-folded state.

[0038] Figure 15 for Figure 14 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal device 100a in a semi-folded state.

[0039] Explanation of main component symbols

[0040]

[0041]

[0042] Detailed Implementation

[0043] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application, the application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application; the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments described in this application.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes all and any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0045] In the various embodiments of this application, for ease of description and not limitation, the term "connection" used in the patent application specification and claims is not limited to physical or mechanical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "above," "below," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship also changes accordingly.

[0046] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal device 100 in an unfolded state according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 2 For the reason Figure 1 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the terminal device 100 in a semi-folded state after being folded. Figure 3 For the reason Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal device 100 in a folded state after further folding.

[0047] Terminal device 100 is a foldable product with two or more foldable areas. Terminal device 100 includes, but is not limited to, foldable screen phones, foldable tablets, foldable laptops, foldable smartwatches, foldable displays, foldable TVs, foldable e-readers, and foldable cameras. Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment shown, the terminal device 100 is a tri-fold folding screen inward-folding mobile phone, and the following description will take a tri-fold folding screen inward-folding mobile phone as an example.

[0048] The terminal device 100 may include a flexible display screen 10, a housing assembly 20, a first folding mechanism 30, and a second folding mechanism 40. The housing assembly 20 may include a first housing 21, a second housing 22, and a third housing 23. When the terminal device 100 is in the unfolded state, the second housing 22 is located between the first housing 21 and the third housing 23. The first folding mechanism 30 connects the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, and is used to enable the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 to be folded or unfolded relative to each other. The second folding mechanism 40 connects the second housing 22 and the third housing 23, and is used to enable the second housing 22 and the third housing 23 to be folded or unfolded relative to each other.

[0049] The flexible display screen 10 is mounted on the first housing 21, the second housing 22, and the third housing 23. The flexible display screen 10 includes a first region 11, a first bending region 12, a second region 13, a second bending region 14, and a third region 15 arranged sequentially. Specifically, the first bending region 12 connects the first region 11 and the second region 13, and the second bending region 14 connects the second region 13 and the third region 15. The first region 11 corresponds to the position of the first housing 21, the first bending region 12 corresponds to the position of the first folding mechanism 30, the second region 13 corresponds to the position of the second housing 22, the second bending region 14 corresponds to the position of the second folding mechanism 40, and the third region 15 corresponds to the position of the third housing 23. The state of the flexible display screen 10 can change according to the state of the terminal device 100.

[0050] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the terminal device 100 provided in the embodiments of this application when it is in a folded state.

[0051] When the terminal device 100 is in a folded state, the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 fold together, and the second housing 22 and the third housing 23 fold together. After these folds, the first housing 21 is located between the second housing 22 and the third housing 23, and the flexible display screen 10 is located inside the terminal device 100. It can be understood that, along the stacking direction when the terminal device 100 is in a folded state, the overall thickness of the first folding mechanism 30 is less than the overall thickness of the second folding mechanism 40, so that when the terminal device 100 is in a folded state, the first housing 21 is located on the inside, and the second housing 22 and the third housing 23 are located on the outside.

[0052] When the terminal device 100 needs to be folded to transform into a folded state, the order of the first folding mechanism 30 and the second folding mechanism 40 has a certain impact on the folding performance and service life of the terminal device 100.

[0053] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5A schematic diagram of the folding process for the correct folding order of the terminal device 100 provided in this application embodiment.

[0054] In this embodiment, during the process of changing the terminal device 100 from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 should first be folded by the first folding mechanism 30 to make the terminal device 100 a half-folded state; then, the third housing 23 should be folded relative to the second housing 22 by the second folding mechanism 40 to make the terminal device 100 a folded state. When the terminal device 100 is in the folded state, the first housing 21 is located between the second housing 22 and the third housing 23.

[0055] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a folding process for changing the folding order of a terminal device 100, provided for some embodiments of this application.

[0056] If the folding sequence of the terminal device 100 is changed, and the third housing 23 is folded relative to the second housing 22 first via the second folding mechanism 40, and then the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are folded via the first folding mechanism 30, then after the third housing 23 is folded relative to the second housing 22, the third housing 23 will be suspended in mid-air. This can easily cause the third housing 23 to fold too far relative to the second housing 22, resulting in damage to the second folding mechanism 40 (as shown in area I in the figure), thus affecting the service life of the terminal device 100. Furthermore, when the third housing 23 is folded relative to the second housing 22 and then the first housing 21 is folded, the end of the third housing 23 will abut against the flexible display screen 10 disposed on the first housing 21 during the folding process, which may easily damage the flexible display screen 10 (as shown in area II in the figure), further affecting the service life of the terminal device 100. At the same time, after the third housing 23 abuts against the flexible display screen 10 on the first housing 21, it is equivalent to the third housing 23 being subjected to a rightward force from the first housing 21 (as shown in the figure), which acts on the second folding mechanism 40, which may further damage the second folding mechanism 40. Moreover, after the third housing 23 abuts against the flexible display screen 10 on the first housing 21, the first housing 21 cannot be folded further relative to the second housing 22, so the terminal device 100 cannot be folded normally, that is, the folding performance of the terminal device 100 is compromised.

[0057] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device 100a with a foolproof function provided in some other embodiments of this application. The terminal device 100a is capable of following... Figure 5 Fold in the order shown, but not in the order shown. Figure 6 Fold in the order shown.

[0058] Specifically, when the terminal device 100a is in the unfolded state, the first housing 21, the second housing 22, and the third housing 23 are all unfolded relative to each other, and the first area 11, the second area 13, and the third area 15 of the flexible display screen 10 can be approximately on the same plane. At this time, the second folding mechanism 40 is in the locked state, that is, when the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are not folded relative to each other by the first folding mechanism 30, the second folding mechanism 40 cannot realize the function of folding the third housing 23 and the second housing 22, that is, it cannot be folded according to the first folding mechanism 30. Figure 6 Fold in the folding sequence shown. After the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are folded relative to each other by the first folding mechanism 30, the second folding mechanism 40 is in the unlocked state. At this time, the third housing 23 and the second housing 22 can be folded relative to each other by the second folding mechanism 40, that is, they can be folded in the order shown. Figure 5 Fold in the order shown.

[0059] Please see Figure 8 and Figure 9 , Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shown is a top view of the terminal device 100a omitting the flexible display screen 10. Figure 9 for Figure 8 The diagram shows a top view of the area where the linkage mechanism 50 is located when the terminal device 100a is in the unfolded state.

[0060] Compared to terminal device 100, terminal device 100a also includes a linkage mechanism 50. The linkage mechanism 50 cooperates with the first folding mechanism 30 and the second folding mechanism 40 to achieve a foolproof function during the folding process of terminal device 100a. The number of linkage mechanisms 50 is not limited to one; multiple mechanisms can be used. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, there are two linkage mechanisms 50, and both linkage mechanisms 50 cooperate with the first folding mechanism 30 and the second folding mechanism 40. In the following description, the cooperation relationship between the linkage mechanism 50 and the first folding mechanism 30 and the second folding mechanism 40 will be illustrated using one set of linkage mechanisms 50 as an example.

[0061] For ease of explanation, taking the second housing 22 as a reference, the width direction of the second housing 22 is defined as the first direction X, the length direction of the second housing 22 as the second direction Y, and the thickness direction of the second housing 22 as the third direction Z. When the terminal device 100a is in a folded state, the third housing 23, the first housing 21, and the second housing 22 are stacked along the third direction Z; when the terminal device 100a is in an unfolded state, the first housing 21, the first folding mechanism 30, the second housing 22, the second folding mechanism 40, and the third housing 23 are arranged along the first direction X.

[0062] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the unfolded state of the terminal device 100a is such that the first housing 21, the second housing 22, and the third housing 23 are all unfolded relative to each other, and the flexible display screen 10 is approximately on the same plane. In other embodiments, the unfolded state may also be such that the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are not stacked along the third direction Z; for example, the included angle between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 may be 160°, 140°, 120°, etc.

[0063] Please see Figure 8 The first folding mechanism 30 may include a first door panel 31, a second door panel 32, and a support plate 33. When the first folding mechanism 30 is in the unfolded state, the first door panel 31, the support plate 33, and the second door panel 32 are arranged along the first direction X and are approximately on the same plane. The first door panel 31, the support plate 33, and the second door panel 32 are used to support the first bending area 12 of the flexible display screen 10. When the first folding mechanism 30 is in the folded state, the first door panel 31, the support plate 33, and the second door panel 32 form a certain angle with each other and recede relative to the first bending area 12, so as to reserve more space to accommodate the first bending area 12 after bending, which is conducive to the formation of a "water droplet angle" in the first bending area 12 (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0064] Please see Figure 9 The first folding mechanism 30 may further include a first main shaft 34, a first outer swing arm 35, a first inner swing arm 36, a first bracket 37, and a second bracket 38. The first main shaft 34 extends along a second direction Y; the first outer swing arm 35 and the first inner swing arm 36 are both rotatably connected to the first main shaft 34, the first outer swing arm 35 is movably connected to the first housing 21, and the first inner swing arm 36 is movably connected to the second housing 22. When the first folding mechanism 30 is in the unfolded state, the first outer swing arm 35, the first main shaft 34, and the first inner swing arm 36 are arranged along a first direction X.

[0065] The first bracket 37 is located on the side of the first door panel 31 opposite to the flexible display screen 10. The first bracket 37 is fixedly connected to the first housing 21 and slidably connected to the first outer swing arm 35, thereby achieving a movable connection between the first housing 21 and the first outer swing arm 35. The second bracket 38 is located on the side of the second door panel 32 opposite to the flexible display screen 10. The second bracket 38 is fixedly connected to the second housing 22 and slidably connected to the first inner swing arm 36, thereby achieving a movable connection between the second housing 22 and the first inner swing arm 36.

[0066] The first outer swing arm 35 includes a first rotating end 351 and a first sliding end 352. The first rotating end 351 is rotatably connected to the first main shaft 34, and the first sliding end 352 is slidably connected to the first bracket 37. Thus, the first housing 21 and the first outer swing arm 35 are movably connected. The first inner swing arm 36 includes a second rotating end 361 and a second sliding end 362. The second rotating end 361 is rotatably connected to the first main shaft 34, and the second sliding end 362 is slidably connected to the second bracket 38. Thus, the second housing 22 and the first inner swing arm 36 are movably connected. When the first folding mechanism 30 changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first sliding end 352 can move away from the first housing 21, and the second sliding end 362 can move away from the second housing 22. When the first folding mechanism 30 changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the first sliding end 352 can move closer to the first housing 21, and the second sliding end 362 can move closer to the second housing 22.

[0067] The first folding mechanism 30 may also include a synchronization mechanism (not shown), such as a synchronization gear, which enables the first support 37 and the second support 38 to maintain synchronous movement, thereby driving the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 to move synchronously.

[0068] The principle of the second folding mechanism 40 for realizing the mutual folding of the third shell 23 and the second shell 22 is similar to that of the first folding mechanism 30 for realizing the mutual folding of the first shell 21 and the second shell 22.

[0069] Please see Figure 8 The second folding mechanism 40 may include a third door panel 41 and a fourth door panel 42. When the second folding mechanism 40 is in the unfolded state, the third door panel 41 and the fourth door panel 42 are arranged along the first direction X and are approximately on the same plane. The third door panel 41 and the fourth door panel 42 are used to support the second bending area 14 of the flexible display screen 10. When the second folding mechanism 40 is in the folded state, the third door panel 41 and the fourth door panel 42 are arranged approximately parallel to each other.

[0070] Please see Figure 9 The second folding mechanism 40 may further include a second main shaft 44, a second inner swing arm 45, a second outer swing arm 46, a third bracket 47, and a fourth bracket 48. The second main shaft 44 extends along a second direction Y; the second inner swing arm 45 and the second outer swing arm 46 are both rotatably connected to the second main shaft 44, the second inner swing arm 45 is movably connected to the second housing 22, and the second outer swing arm 46 is movably connected to the third housing 23. When the second folding mechanism 40 is in the unfolded state, the second inner swing arm 45, the second main shaft 44, and the second outer swing arm 46 are arranged along a first direction X.

[0071] The third bracket 47 is located on the side of the third door panel 41 opposite to the flexible display screen 10. The third bracket 47 is fixedly connected to the second housing 22 and slidably connected to the second inner swing arm 45, thereby realizing the movable connection between the second housing 22 and the second inner swing arm 45. The fourth bracket 48 is located on the side of the fourth door panel 42 opposite to the flexible display screen 10. The fourth bracket 48 is fixedly connected to the third housing 23 and slidably connected to the second outer swing arm 46, thereby realizing the movable connection between the third housing 23 and the second outer swing arm 46.

[0072] The second inner swing arm 45 includes a third rotating end 451 and a third sliding end 452. The third rotating end 451 is rotatably connected to the second main shaft 44, and the third sliding end 452 is slidably connected to the third bracket 47. Thus, the second housing 22 and the second inner swing arm 45 are movably connected. The second outer swing arm 46 includes a fourth rotating end 461 and a fourth sliding end 462. The fourth rotating end 461 is rotatably connected to the second main shaft 44, and the fourth sliding end 462 is slidably connected to the fourth bracket 48. Thus, the third housing 23 and the second outer swing arm 46 are movably connected. When the second folding mechanism 40 changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the third sliding end 452 can move away from the second housing 22, and the fourth sliding end 462 can move away from the third housing 23. When the second folding mechanism 40 changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the third sliding end 452 can move closer to the second housing 22, and the fourth sliding end 462 can move closer to the third housing 23.

[0073] Please refer to both together. Figure 10 and Figure 11 , Figure 10 for Figure 9 The exploded view of a portion of the terminal device 100a shown is shown. Figure 11 for Figure 10 An exploded view of a portion of the terminal device 100a shown.

[0074] The linkage mechanism 50 may include a connecting rod 51, a connecting assembly 52, and a retaining member 53. One end of the connecting rod 51 is connected to a first inner swing arm 36, which drives the connecting rod 51 to move along a first direction X. The connecting assembly 52 connects the connecting rod 51 and the retaining member 53, and drives the retaining member 53 to slide along a second direction Y. The third sliding end 452 of the second inner swing arm 45 is provided with a slot 4521, and the retaining member 53 is used to slide into or out of the slot 4521 along the second direction Y.

[0075] When the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are in the unfolded state, and the second housing 22 and the third housing 23 are also in the unfolded state, the retaining member 53 is engaged in the slot 4521 to lock the second folding mechanism 40, thereby preventing the second housing 22 and the third housing 23 from folding relative to each other. When the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are in the folded state, the retaining member 53 is located outside the slot 4521, releasing the lock on the second folding mechanism 40, so that the second housing 22 and the third housing 23 can fold relative to each other. The mutual cooperation between the linkage mechanism 50 and the first folding mechanism 30 and the second folding mechanism 40 realizes the foolproof function of the terminal device 100a.

[0076] Please see Figure 13 The connecting rod 51 is generally cylindrical and extends along the first direction X within the second housing 22. The second housing 22 has a through groove 221 along the first direction X, and the connecting rod 51 is located in the through groove 221, allowing it to move along the first direction X within the through groove 221. The depth of the through groove 221 can be set as needed; for example, the through groove 221 can penetrate one or both surfaces of the second housing 22 along the third direction Z (i.e., the thickness direction of the second housing 22).

[0077] The connecting rod 51 includes a first end 511 and a second end 512. The first end 511 is rotatably connected to the second sliding end 362 of the first inner swing arm 36. The first end 511 can rotate relative to the first inner swing arm 36 about a second direction Y. In this embodiment, both the second sliding end 362 of the first inner swing arm 36 and the first end 511 of the connecting rod 51 are provided with through holes (not shown in the figure). The linkage mechanism 50 also includes a rotating shaft 513. The axial direction of the rotating shaft 513 is the second direction Y. The rotating shaft 513 is disposed in the through hole of the second sliding end 362 and the first end 511, so that the connecting rod 51 and the first inner swing arm 36 can be rotatably connected about a second direction Y. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the first end 511 and the first inner swing arm 36 can be rotatably connected in other ways. Since the first inner swing arm 36 will rotate accordingly during the folding or unfolding process of the terminal device 100a, the second sliding end 362 of the first inner swing arm 36 can also rotate at a small angle. By limiting the position of the through slot 221 and rotatably connecting the first end 511 and the first inner swing arm 36, the connection flexibility between the connecting rod 51 and the first inner swing arm 36 is improved, which helps the connecting rod 51 to move more smoothly along the first direction X.

[0078] The second end 512 is movably connected to the connecting assembly 52, and the connecting assembly 52 and the second end 512 are rotatably connected. Both ends of the connecting rod 51 are rotatably connected to corresponding components, which improves the flexibility of the connecting rod 51 moving along the first direction X.

[0079] The connecting assembly 52 may include a slider 521 and a rotating member 522. The slider 521 is rotatably connected to the second end 512 of the connecting rod 51, and the connecting rod 51 is used to drive the slider 521 to slide along the first direction X. The two ends of the rotating member 522 are rotatably connected to the slider 521 and the retaining member 53, respectively. The slider 521 is used to drive the rotating member 522 to move, thereby driving the retaining member 53 to slide along the second direction Y.

[0080] The slider 521 may include a first body portion 5211 and a fixing portion 5212 fixedly connected. The fixing portion 5212 is located on the side of the first body portion 5211 near the connecting rod 51. The two ends of the first body portion 5211 along the second direction Y are sliding ends. A first sliding groove (not shown) extending along the first direction X is provided in the second housing 22. The first sliding groove is connected to the through groove 221. The two ends of the first body portion 5211 are located in the first sliding groove of the second housing 22 so that the slider 521 can slide along the first direction X. There are two fixing portions 5212, which are arranged along the second direction Y. Each fixing portion 5212 is provided with a through hole (not shown). The second end 512 of the connecting rod 51 is provided with a through hole (not shown). The connecting assembly 52 may further include a first pin 55, the axial direction of which is the second direction Y. The first pin 55 passes sequentially through a through hole in one of the fixing parts 5212, a through hole in the second end 512, and a through hole in the other fixing part 5212, allowing the second end 512 to rotate relative to the slider 521 about the second direction Y. The slider 521's ability to rotate relative to the connecting rod 51 about the third direction Z facilitates smoother sliding of the slider 521 along the first direction X by the connecting rod 51, reducing the impact of the connecting rod 51's rotation on the slider 521's sliding.

[0081] The rotating member 522 includes a connecting portion 5221, a first rotating portion 5222, and a second rotating portion 5223 that are fixedly connected. The first rotating portion 5222 and the second rotating portion 5223 are located at both ends of the connecting portion 5221. The holding member 53 includes a second body portion 531 and a protruding portion 532 that are fixedly connected. The second body portion 531 and the protruding portion 532 are arranged along the second direction Y.

[0082] The linkage mechanism 50 may further include a second pin 56, which passes through the first rotating part 5222 and the first body part 5211, so that the rotating member 522 is rotatably connected to the slider 521 about a third direction Z. The connecting assembly 52 may further include a third pin 57, which passes through the second rotating part 5223 and the second body part 531, so that the rotating member 522 is rotatably connected to the retaining member 53 about a third direction Z.

[0083] The second housing 22 also has a limiting groove 223, which connects to the through groove 221, and the connecting part 5221 is located in the limiting groove 223. The second housing 22 also includes a first side wall 2231 and a second side wall 2232, which are used to form the limiting groove 223. The first side wall 2231 and the second side wall 2232 together generally form a trumpet shape. The first side wall 2231 and the second side wall 2232 are used to limit the movement trajectory of the connecting part 5221 according to the driving action of the slider 521 on the rotating part 522, and thus limit the movement trajectory of the second rotating part 5223.

[0084] The second housing 22 also has a receiving groove 224 and a second sliding groove (not shown). The receiving groove 224, the limiting groove 223, and the second sliding groove are all connected. The receiving groove 224 is used to receive the holding member 53. The second sliding groove extends along the second direction Y. The two ends of the second body part 531 along the first direction X are sliding ends. The two ends of the second body part 531 are located in the second sliding groove of the second housing 22 so that the holding member 53 can slide along the second direction Y. The opening direction of the slot 4521 on the second inner swing arm 45 faces the protrusion 532. As the second body part 531 slides, the protrusion 532 can slide into or out of the slot 4521.

[0085] The linkage mechanism 50 may further include an elastic element 54, which connects the second housing 22 and the retaining member 53. The elastic element 54 is used to deform along the second direction Y. Specifically, the elastic element 54 is disposed in the receiving groove 224 along the second direction Y, with one end abutting against the side wall of the receiving groove 224 and the other end abutting against the side of the second body portion 531 opposite to the protrusion 532. The elastic element 54 can deform or recover its deformation along the second direction Y. The retaining member 53 is used to abut against the retaining member 53 along the second direction Y; in addition, when the retaining member 53 slides, the elastic element 54 can dampen the sliding of the retaining member 53, making the retaining member 53 slide more smoothly. For example, when the first folding mechanism 30 is opened, the elastic element 54 can push the retaining member 53 to slide towards the slot 4521.

[0086] The following describes the principle behind the error-proof function of terminal device 100a through a specific movement process.

[0087] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 , Figure 12 for Figure 8 The diagram shown is a top view of a portion of the terminal device 100a in its unfolded state. Figure 12 and Figure 9 The difference is that, Figure 12The third bracket 47 was omitted to expose the card slot 4521, which was previously obscured by the third bracket 47. Figure 13 for Figure 12 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the terminal device 100a in its unfolded state; Figure 14 for Figure 8 The diagram shown is a top view of the terminal device 100a in a semi-folded state. Figure 15 for Figure 14 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal device 100a in a semi-folded state.

[0088] Please refer to the following first. Figure 12 and Figure 13 When the terminal device 100a is in the unfolded state, both the first folding mechanism 30 and the second folding mechanism 40 are in the unfolded state. At this time, the elastic member 54 abuts against the retaining member 53 along the second direction Y. The protruding part 532 of the retaining member 53 is engaged in the slot 4521 of the second inner swing arm 45. The second inner swing arm 45 cannot move relative to the second housing 22. The second folding mechanism 40 is in the locked state. The second folding mechanism 40 cannot complete the folding function of the third housing 23 and the second housing 22.

[0089] Please see Figure 14 and Figure 15 During the folding process of the first folding mechanism 30, which folds the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, i.e., the first folding mechanism 30 changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the second sliding end 362 of the first inner swing arm 36 can move away from the second housing 22 and drive the connecting rod 51 to move away from the third housing 23 along the first direction X. When the connecting rod 51 moves away from the third housing 23 along the first direction X, it drives the slider 521 to slide along the first direction X. The rotating part 522 moves with the slider 521 and can rotate relative to the slider 521 about the third direction Z. The movement and rotation of the rotating part 522 drive the holding part 53 to slide along the second direction Y. The holding part 53 compresses the elastic part 54, and the protrusion 532 of the holding part 53 gradually exits from the slot 4521, releasing the holding effect on the second inner swing arm 45. The second folding mechanism 40 is unlocked, and the second housing 22 and the third housing 23 can be folded relative to each other, thereby realizing the foolproof function of the terminal device 100a during the folding process.

[0090] In other embodiments, the positions of the slot 4521 and the protrusion 532 can be interchanged. That is, the second inner swing arm 45 is provided with the protrusion 532, and the holding member 53 includes the second body part 531 and the slot 4521. The slot 4521 is formed on the second body part 531. The second body part 531 and the rotating member 522 are rotatably connected. The protrusion 532 can be held in the slot 4521 or slide out of the slot 4521. The holding function of the holding member 53 and the second inner swing arm 45 can be realized in the same way.

[0091] The mutual locking function of the retaining member 53 and the second inner swing arm 45 is not limited to setting the slot 4521 and the protrusion 532. When the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 are not folded together, the retaining member 53 can block the movement of the second inner swing arm 45 relative to the second housing 22.

[0092] The terminal device 100a provided in this application embodiment achieves a foolproof function during the folding process by setting a linkage mechanism 50 with the first folding mechanism 30 and the second folding mechanism 40. Specifically, the connecting rod 51 of the linkage mechanism 50 is disposed in the second housing 22 along the first direction X. The connecting component 52 and the locking member 53 are both disposed on the side of the second housing 22 near the third housing 23. Driven by the first folding mechanism 30, the movement of the connecting rod 51 along the first direction X synchronously drives the connecting component 52 to slide the locking member 53 along the second direction Y, thereby achieving a locking effect on the second folding mechanism 40. The linkage mechanism 50 occupies relatively little space and has minimal or negligible impact on the arrangement of other components in the terminal device 100a.

[0093] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions to the technical solutions of this application should not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A terminal device, comprising a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing, characterized in that, The terminal device also includes: A first folding mechanism is rotatably connected to the first housing and the second housing. The first folding mechanism includes a first inner swing arm, which is movably connected to the second housing. A second folding mechanism is rotatably connected to the second housing and the third housing. The second folding mechanism includes a second inner swing arm, which is movably connected to the second housing. The linkage mechanism includes: A connecting rod is connected to the first inner swing arm along a first direction, and the first inner swing arm is used to drive the connecting rod to move along the first direction. A retaining element for sliding along a second direction and retaining the second inner swing arm; and A connecting assembly connects the connecting rod and the retaining member, the connecting assembly being used to drive the retaining member to slide along the second direction; Wherein, when the first housing and the second housing are in the unfolded state, and the second housing and the third housing are in the unfolded state, the retaining member retains the second inner swing arm to lock the second folding mechanism, thereby preventing the second housing and the third housing from folding relative to each other; When the first housing and the second housing are in a folded state, the retaining member releases the lock on the second folding mechanism, and the second housing and the third housing can be folded relative to each other.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism also includes an elastic element, which connects the second housing and the retaining member on the side opposite to the second inner swing arm. The elastic element is used to deform or recover its deformation along the second direction.

3. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connection component includes: A slider is connected to the end of the connecting rod opposite to the first inner swing arm, and the connecting rod is used to drive the slider to slide along the first direction; and The rotating component, the slider, and the holding component are all rotatably connected; The slider is used to drive the rotating component to move, thereby driving the holding component to slide along the second direction.

4. The terminal device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting rod includes a first end and a second end, the first end being rotatably connected to the first inner swing arm, and the second end being rotatably connected to the slider.

5. The terminal device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting assembly further includes a first pin that passes through the second end and the slider in the second direction, so that the second end and the slider are rotatably connected.

6. The terminal device according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The slider includes a first body part and a fixed part, the fixed part being located on the side of the first body part close to the connecting rod and connected to the connecting rod; the rotating member includes a connecting part, a first rotating part and a second rotating part, the first rotating part and the second rotating part being located at both ends of the connecting part; The first body part and the first rotating part are rotatably connected, and the second rotating part and the holding member are rotatably connected.

7. The terminal device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting assembly further includes a second pin, which passes through the first body portion and the first rotating portion to rotatably connect the first body portion and the first rotating portion.

8. The terminal device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second housing has a limiting groove, and the connecting part is located in the limiting groove. The limiting groove includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and the connecting part is located between the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

9. The terminal device according to any one of claims 3-8, characterized in that, The second inner swing arm is provided with a slot, and the holding member includes a second body part and a protrusion part. The second body part and the protrusion part are arranged along a second direction. The second body part and the rotating member are rotatably connected. The protrusion part can be held in the slot or slide out of the slot. Alternatively, the second inner swing arm is provided with a protruding portion, and the retaining member includes a second body portion and a retaining groove. The retaining groove is formed on the second body portion, and the second body portion and the rotating member are rotatably connected. The protruding portion can be retained in the retaining groove or slide out of the retaining groove.

10. The terminal device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism further includes a third pin, which passes through the rotating member and the second body part to rotatably connect the rotating member and the second body part.

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