Patent Description:
With the development of electronic devices, coupling assemblies such as pivot and/or hinge structures are frequently used in foldable devices. The pivots or hinges may connect two separate parts, realizing a folded state and an unfolded state. The pivots, hinges and other coupling structures may connect two different areas of a flexible structure to allow the flexible structure to assume different postures when pulled by the pivots and hinges. Hence, the structural stability and functionality of the pivots, hinges and similar coupling structures may directly affect the overall performance and user experience of the foldable devices.

<CIT> relates to a display device. The display device includes: a display module; a first support part and a second support part disposed below the display module, the first and second support parts being arranged in a first direction; a hinge disposed between the first and second support parts below the display module to define biaxial rotation axes extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a plurality of rotation parts coupled to the hinge to rotate about the biaxial rotation axes, the plurality of rotation parts being connected to the first and second support parts, respectively. Each of the rotation parts includes first and second parts that move relative to each other via a lost motion connection upon rotation of the rotation parts.

<CIT> relates to a bendable display apparatus. The bendable display apparatus includes two supporting devices and a bendable display mounted on the two supporting devices. Each supporting device includes a dual-shaft driving module and two buffering modules respectively arranged at two opposite outer sides of the dual-shaft driving module. The dual-shaft driving module includes two shafts parallel to each other and a synchronizing member sandwiched between the two shafts. Each buffering module includes an internal connecting member fixed on the synchronizing member, an external connecting member slidably disposed on the internal connecting member, and a linkage mechanism configured to be driven by the synchronizing shaft for moving the external connecting member relative to the internal connecting member. When the dual-shaft driving modules are rotated, the bendable display is bent while a length of the bendable display remains constant, and each external connecting member is moved relative to the corresponding internal connecting member.

<CIT> provides a hinge of a mobile terminal having an external flexible screen, which includes a main support, a first support plate and a second support plate. Auxiliary supports are arranged between the first support and the main support , and between the second support and the main support, and the main support and the auxiliary supports correspond to the bending portion when the hinge is closed; the hinge is also provided with a plastic sheet which can be repeatedly bent back and forth; the plastic sheet is located on the upper surface near the end of the auxiliary supports and the main support, and fixedly connected with the auxiliary support and the main support, and the two ends of the plastic sheet are respectively connected with the first support and the second support.

The present disclosure provides a coupling assembly and a display terminal.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a coupling assembly as defined in claim <NUM>.

Based on the above technical solution, the first shaft sleeve and the second shaft sleeve both have internal threads, and a spiral direction of the internal threads of the first shaft sleeve is opposite to a spiral direction of the internal threads of the second shaft sleeve; the screw rod has first threads and second threads on an outer surface, and a spiral direction of the second threads is opposite to a spiral direction of the first threads; the first threads are engaged with the internal threads of the first shaft sleeve, and the second threads are engaged with the internal threads of the second shaft sleeve.

Based on the above technical solution, the coupling assembly further includes: a partition portion, the first threads and the second threads being distributed on both sides of the partition portion.

Based on the above technical solution, the holder is formed with two sets of fixed shaft sleeves, an opening is formed between the two sets of fixed shaft sleeves, and the first shaft sleeve is embedded in the opening; and the second shaft sleeve is located at a same end of the two sets of fixed shaft sleeves.

Based on the above technical solution, the coupling assembly further includes a connection plate, and the connection plate has a sliding groove and a connection member. A second end of the first connection rod away from the first shaft sleeve is snapped into the sliding groove, and a second end of the second connection rod away from the second shaft sleeve is snapped into the connection member; or a second end of the first connection rod away from the first shaft sleeve is snapped into the connection member, and a second end of the second connection rod away from the second shaft sleeve is snapped into the sliding groove. A distance between the first shaft sleeve and the second shaft sleeve changes between the first distance and the second distance, and the first connection rod or the second connection rod slides in the sliding groove.

Based on the above technical solution, the sliding groove has a beveled rectangular shape.

Based on the above technical solution, each of the first shaft sleeve and the second shaft sleeve extends outwardly on a common side to form an attachment portion; and the attachment portion is fixedly coupled to the first connection rod or the second connection rod.

Based on the above technical solution, the coupling assembly further includes a synchronizing member fixedly coupled to respective ends of the two screw rods on a common side.

Based on the above technical solution, the holder has a hole in a middle position on the holder.

Based on the above technical solution, the first shaft sleeve is a shaft sleeve with a smooth inner surface and is rotatable together with the second shaft sleeve around the screw rod.

Based on the above technical solution, the two sets of fixed shaft sleeves are coupled by a connection portion.

Based on the above technical solution, the synchronizing member has blind holes or through holes in which the screw rods are inserted.

Based on the above technical solution, the synchronizing member forms a smooth surface of the coupling assembly.

Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a display terminal. The display terminal includes: at least one coupling assembly according to any one of the above technical solutions; and a foldable display screen fixed on the coupling assembly and configured to unfold or fold when a distance between a first shaft sleeve and a second shaft sleeve of the coupling assembly switches between a first distance and a second distance.

Technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure have the following beneficial effects.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first shaft sleeve and the second shaft sleeve can rotate around the screw rod, and hence allow relative rotation of two parts coupled to the coupling assembly, realizing folding and unfolding.

Meanwhile, during rotation of the second shaft sleeve and the first shaft sleeve relative to the first screw rod, the sliding of the second shaft sleeve on the first shaft sleeve and the rotation of the first shaft sleeve on a fixed position on the screw rod increase or decrease the distance between the second shaft sleeve and the first shaft sleeve, and a cross angle between two connection rods coupled to the first shaft sleeve and the second shaft sleeve respectively will increase or decrease, so that a distance between second ends of the two connection rods, which are away from the shaft sleeves, and first ends of the two connection rods, which are coupled to the shaft sleeves, increases or decreases. Thus, based on the space between the two parts coupled required in a current state, the coupling assembly can reduce wrinkles due to small space or stretch and torsion due to large space, avoid deformation of the two parts coupled by the coupling assembly as much as possible, and prolong the service life of the two parts coupled.

When the coupling assembly is applied to the foldable screen, there may be enough space for the unfolding of the foldable screen, avoiding the stretch of the foldable screen, and excessive wrinkles can be reduced during the folding of the foldable screen, avoiding rapid deformation, and prolonging the service life of the foldable screen.

The coupling assembly in embodiments of the present disclosure adopts basic components such as screw rods, shaft sleeves, and connection rods, and thus has the characteristics of simple structure, high stability, and easy production.

The drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of the specification, show embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, and together with the specification are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, with examples thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Instead, they are merely examples of devices consistent with aspects of the present disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

As illustrated in <FIG>, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes: a screw rod <NUM>; a holder <NUM> mounted on the screw rod <NUM>; a shaft sleeve set including a first shaft sleeve <NUM> and a second shaft sleeve <NUM>, in which at least part of the screw rod is located in the first shaft sleeve <NUM>, the second shaft sleeve <NUM> is fitted over the screw rod <NUM> at an outer side, the first shaft sleeve <NUM> is embedded in the holder <NUM>, the holder <NUM> restricts movement of the first shaft sleeve <NUM> in a direction along the screw rod <NUM>, and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> can slide on the screw rod <NUM>; and a connection rod set including a first connection rod <NUM> and a second connection rod <NUM>, in which the first connection rod <NUM> has a first end fixedly coupled to the first shaft sleeve <NUM>, the second connection rod <NUM> has a first end fixedly coupled to the second shaft sleeve <NUM>, and the second connection rod <NUM> and the first connection rod <NUM> cross and are coupled at a junction. There is a first distance between the first shaft sleeve <NUM> and the second shaft sleeve <NUM>, and the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> cross to form a first angle. There is a second distance between the first shaft sleeve <NUM> and the second shaft sleeve <NUM>, and the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> cross to form a second angle. The second angle is different from the first angle.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the coupling assembly can be used to couple two parts that need to be relatively rotatable.

The holder <NUM> is a structure in various shapes which is capable of restricting the movement of the first shaft sleeve <NUM> in the direction along the screw rod <NUM>.

Exemplarily, after the screw rod <NUM> passes through the first shaft sleeve <NUM>, baffles are arranged in a direction in which the first shaft sleeve <NUM> can slide along the screw rod <NUM>. Thus, the first shaft sleeve <NUM> can be limited to slide along the screw rod <NUM> by means of two baffles.

In some embodiments, in order to reduce the weight of the coupling assembly, the holder <NUM> may be designed with holes or grooves to reduce the weight of the holder <NUM>, provided that the strength of the holder <NUM> is sufficient. Exemplarily, the holder <NUM> shown in <FIG> has holes in a middle position on the holder <NUM>.

The screw rod <NUM> may be a screw bolt having threads on at least part of its outer surface.

For example, the screw rod <NUM> is threadedly engaged with the second shaft sleeve <NUM> having internal threads. The internal threads of the second shaft sleeve <NUM> are threads on an inner surface of the second shaft sleeve <NUM>. Since the second shaft sleeve <NUM> may have internal threads, the position of the second shaft sleeve <NUM> on the screw rod <NUM> is changed during rotation around the screw rod <NUM> based on the engagement between the internal threads of the second shaft sleeve <NUM> and the external threads of the screw rod, thereby enabling the second shaft sleeve <NUM> to slide on the screw rod <NUM>.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first shaft sleeve <NUM> and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> can rotate around the screw rod <NUM> to satisfy rotation needs of a coupled structure, and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> slides on the screw rod <NUM> relative to the first shaft sleeve <NUM>. In this way, the need for a change in a width of the coupling assembly in a direction perpendicular to the screw rod <NUM> can be achieved.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first shaft sleeve <NUM> may be a shaft sleeve with a smooth inner surface and be rotatable together with the second shaft sleeve <NUM> around the screw rod <NUM>, to drive the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> to rotate synchronously along with the first shaft sleeve <NUM> and the second shaft sleeve <NUM>, to provide rotation for opposite two structures coupled.

The first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> cross and coupled at the junction. Exemplarily, the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> are coupled at the junction by means of a shaft pin and a pin hole, so that the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> can be movably coupled at the junction, for example, to achieve fixation of the first connection rod <NUM> or the second connection rod <NUM> in a vertical plane other than its own rotation plane while achieving rotation in a vertical plane of the shaft pin.

Exemplarily, the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> cross to exhibit an "X" shape, and a distance between lines, each connecting corresponding ends of the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM>, changes with a cross angle between the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM>. The second shaft sleeve <NUM> can move on the screw rod <NUM> relative to the first shaft sleeve <NUM>, and hence the cross angle between the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> varies, changing a distance between the screw rod <NUM> and respective end points of the two connection rods away from the shaft sleeves. As a result, the width of the coupling assembly itself changes, and the coupled two parts switch between an unfolded state and a folded state. The change in the width of the coupling assembly itself can provide enough space and avoid stretch when the coupled two parts are unfolded flat, and reduce wrinkles and other problems by reducing the width of the coupling assembly itself when the coupled two parts are folded, thereby avoiding excessive deformation of a foldable screen and prolonging the service life of the foldable screen.

Exemplarily, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> cross to form a plurality of angles. As the second connection rod <NUM> slides along with the second shaft sleeve <NUM>, a magnitude of the cross angle formed between the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> varies. As an example, a cross angle formed between the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> and toward the screw rod <NUM> varies when the coupling assembly assumes postures shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Comparing <FIG> and <FIG>, it can be seen that the cross angle formed between the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> and toward the screw rod <NUM> is larger in <FIG> than in <FIG>.

Exemplarily, the cross angle formed between the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> and toward the screw rod <NUM> may be obtuse angle with different angular values.

In some embodiments, the first shaft sleeve <NUM> has internal threads, and a spiral direction of the internal threads of the first shaft sleeve <NUM> is opposite to a spiral direction of the internal threads of the second shaft sleeve <NUM>. The outer surface of the screw rod <NUM> has first threads and second threads, and a spiral direction of the second threads is opposite to a spiral direction of the first threads. The first threads are engaged with the internal threads of the first shaft sleeve <NUM>, and the second threads are engaged with the internal threads of the second shaft sleeve <NUM>.

If the first shaft sleeve <NUM> also has internal threads, relative sliding between the screw rod <NUM> and the first shaft sleeve <NUM> may occur due to threaded engagement, and a sliding distance of the second shaft sleeve <NUM> relative to the first shaft sleeve <NUM> may be doubled while a sliding distance of the second shaft sleeve <NUM> on the screw rod <NUM> remains unchanged, so that a maximum stroke between the first shaft sleeve <NUM> and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> may be doubled. As a result, the size and weight of the coupling assembly itself can be reduced, and meanwhile, a sufficient stroke of the second shaft sleeve <NUM> relative to the first shaft sleeve <NUM> can be provided to meet the change in the width of the coupling assembly itself when the coupled parts are folded and unfolded.

Exemplarily, the first shaft sleeve <NUM> and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> have various forms, and in embodiments of the present disclosure, both the first shaft sleeve <NUM> and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> may be nuts. For example, if both the first shaft sleeve <NUM> and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> have internal threads, both the first shaft sleeve <NUM> and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> may be nuts with internal threads.

Since the first shaft sleeve <NUM> itself cannot slide in the direction along the screw rod <NUM> (i.e., it does not move along an extension direction of the screw rod <NUM> or along the longitudinal axis of screw rod <NUM>), the first shaft sleeve <NUM> may be considered as a fixed shaft sleeve. The second shaft sleeve <NUM> may move along the screw rod <NUM> due to rotation and change a distance between the second shaft sleeve and the first shaft sleeve <NUM>, so the second shaft sleeve <NUM> may be considered as a movable shaft sleeve.

If both the first shaft sleeve <NUM> and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> are nuts, the first shaft sleeve <NUM> may be considered as a fixed nut and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> may be considered as a movable nut.

The directions of the threads being opposite as described above may include: the first threads spiraling clockwise on the screw rod <NUM> and the second threads spiraling counterclockwise on the screw rod <NUM>; or the first threads spiraling counterclockwise on the screw rod <NUM> and the second threads spiraling clockwise on the screw rod <NUM>.

Since the first threads and the second threads spiral in opposite directions around the screw rod <NUM>, the spiral direction of the internal threads of the first shaft sleeve <NUM>, with which the first threads are engaged, is necessarily opposite to the spiral direction of the internal threads of the second shaft sleeve <NUM>, with which the second threads are engaged.

As shown in <FIG>, the screw rod <NUM> further includes a partition portion <NUM>, and the first threads and the second threads are distributed on both sides of the partition portion. As shown in <FIG>, two portions of the screw rod <NUM> provided with the first threads and the second threads respectively are located on both sides of the partition portion <NUM>. For example, the first threads are threads <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and the second threads are threads <NUM> shown in <FIG>; alternatively, the first threads are threads <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and the second threads are threads <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As can be seen from <FIG>, the threads <NUM> and the threads <NUM> are threads with different spiral directions.

That is, the screw rod <NUM> may be divided into three portions, with a middle portion as the partition portion <NUM>. An outer surface of the partition portion may not be provided with threads, and exemplarily, the outer surface of the partition portion is smooth.

Two portions of the screw rod <NUM> on both sides of the partition portion are each provided with external threads, and spiral directions of the external threads are opposite.

In some embodiments, the holder <NUM> is provided with two sets of fixed shaft sleeves <NUM>, <NUM>, an opening is formed between the two sets of fixed shaft sleeves <NUM>, <NUM>, and the first shaft sleeve <NUM> is embedded in the opening. In this way, the two sets of fixed shaft sleeves <NUM>, <NUM> limit the sliding of the first shaft sleeve <NUM> on the screw rod <NUM> along the direction of the screw rod <NUM>.

The second shaft sleeve <NUM> is located at a same end of the two sets of fixed shaft sleeves <NUM>, <NUM>, i.e., the second shaft sleeve <NUM> is not limited by the two sets of fixed shaft sleeves <NUM>, <NUM>, and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> can slide on the screw rod <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the holder <NUM> is provided with a fixed shaft sleeve <NUM> and a fixed shaft sleeve <NUM>. The first shaft sleeve <NUM> is embedded between the fixed shaft sleeve <NUM> and the fixed shaft sleeve <NUM>.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the screw rod <NUM> may in fact be fixed to the holder <NUM>, i.e., the screw rod <NUM> may remain stationary with respect to the holder <NUM>, and the first shaft sleeve <NUM> and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> may rotate.

Exemplarily, the holder <NUM> is formed with two sets of fixed shaft sleeves that are fixed relative to each other. The two sets of fixed shaft sleeves are coupled by a connection portion on one side, and there is an opening between the two sets of fixed shaft sleeves on the other side. The first shaft sleeve <NUM> can be embedded in the opening and the sliding of the first shaft sleeve <NUM> along the direction of the screw rod <NUM> can be limited.

As shown in <FIG> or <FIG>, the connection portion between the two sets of fixed shaft sleeves may be between two shaft holes or on a same side of the two shaft holes. There may be a variety of structures on the holder <NUM> to make two sets of fixed shaft sleeves fixed relative to each other, which will not be limited to the structure shown in the figures.

In some embodiments, the coupling assembly further includes a connection plate <NUM>. The connection plate <NUM> has a sliding groove <NUM> and a connection member <NUM>. A second end of the first connection rod <NUM>, which is away from the first shaft sleeve <NUM>, is snapped into the sliding groove <NUM>, and a second end of the second connection rod <NUM>, which is away from the second shaft sleeve <NUM>, is snapped into the connection member <NUM>. Alternatively, an end of the first connection rod <NUM> away from the first shaft sleeve <NUM> is snapped into the connection member <NUM>, and an end of the second connection rod <NUM> away from the second shaft sleeve <NUM> is snapped into the sliding groove <NUM>.

A distance between the first shaft sleeve <NUM> and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> varies between the first distance and the second distance, and the first connection rod or the second connection rod slides within the sliding groove <NUM>.

The connection plate <NUM> may be a device directly fixed to the object to be coupled. One connection plate <NUM> may be fixed to an end of one connection rod set away from the screw rod <NUM>, and when the cross angle between the two connection rods in one connection rod set changes, the connection plate <NUM> moves away from or close to the screw rod <NUM>, allowing the movement of the coupled device to which the connection plate <NUM> is fixed.

The connection plate <NUM> is coupled to the connection rod by one sliding groove <NUM> and one connection member <NUM>, and the connection member <NUM> may be a pin hole, so that one connection rod in one connection rod set can be fixedly coupled by inserting a pin shaft into the pin hole, and the other connection rod in the connection rod set can be inserted into the sliding groove <NUM> by a shaft pin with an aperture slightly larger than the sliding groove <NUM> to achieve snap in one direction and to allow the shaft pin on the connection rod to slide in the sliding groove <NUM> when the cross angle between the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> changes.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sliding groove <NUM> may exhibit a beveled rectangular shape, and a length of a long side of the beveled rectangle is greater than an outer diameter of the shaft pin on the corresponding connection rod, so that the shaft pin on the connection rod can slide in the sliding groove <NUM>. Exemplarily, a long side of the sliding groove <NUM> is parallel to the screw rod <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sliding groove <NUM> may also be considered to exhibit a runway shape.

The connection member <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a pin hole but it is not actually limited to a pin hole. Exemplarily, the connection member <NUM> may also be a slot or a pin bolt. If the connection member <NUM> is a slot, the corresponding connection rod has a hook that snaps into the slot, and if the connection member <NUM> is a pin bolt, the corresponding connection rod has a pin hole in which the pin bolt is inserted.

It should be noted that as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the connection plate <NUM> is also provided with one or more holes at edge positions, which can be used as connection structures for the connection plate <NUM> to connect the parts to be coupled by the coupling assembly. For example, the parts to be coupled by the coupling assembly may have pin bolts inserted into the holes on the connection plate <NUM>, thereby achieving fixation between the parts and the coupling assembly.

In some embodiments, the coupling assembly includes two screw rods <NUM>, two shaft sleeve sets, and two connection rod sets, in which one of the two screw rods <NUM> is coupled to one of the two shaft sleeve sets, and one connection rod set is coupled to one of the two shaft sleeve sets.

If one coupling assembly has two screw rods <NUM> arranged side by side and in parallel, one screw rod <NUM> corresponds to one shaft sleeve set and one connection rod set.

The coupling assembly includes a holder <NUM>, and the two parallel screw rods <NUM> are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the holder <NUM> with respect to a central axis of the holder <NUM>. One connection rod set is coupled to one shaft sleeve set.

When the connection rods in one connection rod set are coupled to the connection plate, if the first connection rod <NUM> is coupled to a sliding groove, the first connection rod in the other connection rod set corresponding to the other screw rod <NUM> is also coupled to a sliding groove; alternatively, if the second connection rod <NUM> is coupled to a sliding groove, the second connection rod in the other connection rod set corresponding to the other screw rod <NUM> is also coupled to a sliding groove. Thus, the symmetry and performance stability of the internal structure of the coupling assembly can be ensured.

In some embodiments, each of the first shaft sleeve <NUM> and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> extends outwardly on a common side to form an attachment portion, and the attachment portion is fixedly coupled to the first connection rod <NUM> or the second connection rod <NUM>.

The attachment portion may have a sheet-like structure, and exemplarily the attachment portion may be a fin or a rib. The connection rod may be coupled to the attachment portion.

The specific connection structure between the connection rod and the attachment portion may include: a pin and a pin hole, or a hook and a slot.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, there are various ways of coupling the attachment portion to the connection rod, and after the connection rod is fixed to the attachment portion, the connection rod is not translatable with respect to the attachment portion but is rotatable with respect to the attachment portion.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>, the coupling assembly further includes: a synchronizing member <NUM> fixedly coupled to respective ends of two screw rods <NUM> on a common side.

In some embodiments, the synchronizing member <NUM> has blind holes or through holes in which the screw rods <NUM> may be inserted. Since the coupling assembly has two screw rods <NUM>, the synchronizing member <NUM> has two blind holes or two through holes arranged side by side.

The two screw rods <NUM> are arranged in parallel, and the synchronizing member <NUM> is fixedly coupled to each of the two screw rods <NUM> at different positions.

The screw rods <NUM> are fixedly coupled to the synchronizing member <NUM>, and the two screw rods <NUM> remain stationary relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the synchronizing member <NUM> may be a nut with two blind holes in which the screw rods <NUM> are arranged, and the synchronizing member <NUM> forms a smooth surface of the coupling assembly, which protects the internal components such as the screw rods <NUM>.

Exemplarily, at least one of the screw rod <NUM> and a synchronizing member is a plastic part, and the screw rod <NUM> and the synchronizing member <NUM> may be bonded to each other by an adhesive.

Exemplarily, the screw rod <NUM> and the synchronizing member are both metal parts, and the screw rod <NUM> and the synchronizing member are welded to each other.

There are various ways of achieving fixed connection between the screw rod <NUM> and the synchronizing member, which will not be limited to the above-mentioned examples.

Embodiments of the present disclosure propose a foldable screen with a hinge structure, which mainly consists of a holder <NUM>, a screw rod <NUM>, a fixed nut, a movable nut, and a connection plate. The screw rod <NUM> here may be a screw bolt having threads of different spiral directions at two ends. The screw rod having threads of two different spiral directions may be referred to as a bi-directional screw rod.

The holder <NUM> has recesses for the fixed nut and the movable nut.

The holder <NUM> also has a hole for mounting the screw rod <NUM>. Exemplarily, the hole is the aforementioned fixed shaft sleeve.

The screw rod <NUM> have threads in opposite spiral directions at two ends of the screw rod <NUM>. The fixed nut and the movable nut also have threads in opposite spiral directions and fitted with both ends of the screw rod <NUM>. Thus, the fixed nut and the movable nut can move in opposite directions when the screw rod <NUM> rotates.

The fixed nut and the movable nut are provided with round holes for pins of two crossed connection rods correspondingly. The connection rods are hinged in the center to form an "X" combination. An angle of the "X" combination can be changed by the rotation of the screw rod <NUM>.

Each of the connection rods also has a pin feature at the other end, to be mounted on the connection plate <NUM>. The connection plate has a sliding groove and a connection hole for connection with the connection rods, correspondingly.

All of the above structures are symmetrically distributed in a left-right direction, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The screw rods <NUM> on left and right sides are coupled and fixed by the synchronizing member <NUM>, so that the screw rods <NUM> on both sides cannot rotate relative to each other.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, the synchronizing member <NUM> may be a synchronizing plate, and the specific shape of the synchronizing member <NUM> is not limited to that shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

During implementation, when the connection plate <NUM> rotates, the connection plate <NUM> drives the nut to rotate relative to the screw rod <NUM> through the connection rods, and the fixed nut approaches or gets away from the fixed nut. Further, the connection rods and the connection plate <NUM> are driven to move to meet the requirement for length change when the screen is folded.

Embodiments of the present disclosure propose a display terminal including: at least one coupling assembly provided by any of the preceding technical solutions; and a foldable display screen fixed on the coupling assembly. The foldable display screen unfolds or folds when the distance between the first shaft sleeve <NUM> and the second shaft sleeve <NUM> of the coupling assembly switches between the first distance and the second distance.

The foldable screen may be a completely flexible screen or a partially flexible screen with a flexible folding area.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, when the second shaft sleeve <NUM> gets away from the first shaft sleeve <NUM>, the cross angle formed between the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> and toward the screw rod <NUM> increases, and a length of one connection rod set in a direction perpendicular to the screw rod <NUM> decreases, which can provide sufficient space for the foldable screen to unfold flat. Meanwhile, the decrease in the length of one connection rod set in the direction perpendicular to the screw rod <NUM> can reduce the stretch of the foldable screen, avoiding deformation caused by over-stretching the foldable screen.

When the second shaft sleeve <NUM> approaches the first shaft sleeve <NUM>, the cross angle formed between the first connection rod <NUM> and the second connection rod <NUM> and toward the screw rod <NUM> decreases, and the length of one connection rod set in the direction perpendicular to the screw rod <NUM> increases, which can provide enough space for redundant length of the foldable screen due to folding to spread out and reduce wrinkles. In short, the coupling assembly in embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce unnecessary stretches and wrinkles of the foldable screen during unfolding and folding, avoid the deformation of the foldable screen caused by frequent stretching and folding, prolong the service life of the foldable screen, and upgrade user experience.

Exemplarily, <FIG> shows a posture of the coupling assembly when the foldable screen is unfolded, and <FIG> shows a posture of the coupling assembly when the foldable screen is folded.

The coupling assembly provided in embodiments of the present disclosure adopts basic components such as connection rods, screw rods <NUM>, and shaft sleeves, and thus has the characteristics of simple structure, high stability, and easy production.

The display screen may include one or more coupling assemblies, and the exact number of the coupling assemblies may be determined according to the size of the foldable screen when it fully unfolds.

Generally, the size of an area of the foldable screen when it fully unfolds is positively correlated to the number of coupling assemblies.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a display device <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the display device <NUM> may be a mobile phone, a mobile computer, and other terminal devices or servers. In short, the display device <NUM> capable of data processing may be included in any kind of communication equipment.

Referring to <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may include one or more of the following components: a processing component <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a power component <NUM>, a multimedia component <NUM>, an audio component <NUM>, an input/output (I/O) interface <NUM>, a sensor component <NUM>, and a communication component <NUM>.

The processing component <NUM> typically controls overall operations of the display device <NUM>, such as the operations associated with display, telephone calls, data communications, camera operations, and recording operations.

The memory <NUM> is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of the display device <NUM>. Examples of such data include instructions for any applications or methods operated on the display device <NUM>, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, video, etc. The memory <NUM> may be implemented using any type of volatile or non-volatile memory devices, or a combination thereof, such as a static random access memory (SRAM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a read-only memory (ROM), a magnetic memory, a flash memory, a magnetic or optical disk.

The power component <NUM> provides power to various components of the display device <NUM>. The power component <NUM> may include a power management system, one or more power sources, and any other components associated with the generation, management, and distribution of power in the display device <NUM>.

The multimedia component <NUM> includes a screen providing an output interface between the display device <NUM> and the user. The front camera and the rear camera may receive an external multimedia datum while the display device <NUM> is in an operation mode, such as a photographing mode or a video mode.

The audio component <NUM> is configured to output and/or input audio signals. For example, the audio component <NUM> includes a microphone ("MIC") configured to receive an external audio signal when the display device <NUM> is in an operation mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signal may be further stored in the memory <NUM> or transmitted via the communication component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the audio component <NUM> further includes a speaker to output audio signals.

The sensor component <NUM> includes one or more sensors to provide status assessments of various aspects of the display device <NUM>. For instance, the sensor component <NUM> may detect an open/closed status of the display device <NUM>, relative positioning of components, e.g., the display and the keypad, of the display device <NUM>, a change in position of the display device <NUM> or a component of the display device <NUM>, a presence or absence of user contact with the display device <NUM>, an orientation or an acceleration/deceleration of the display device <NUM>, and a change in temperature of the display device <NUM>.

The communication component <NUM> is configured to facilitate communication, wiredly or wirelessly, between the display device <NUM> and other devices. The display device <NUM> can access a wireless network based on a communication standard, such as WiFi, <NUM>, or <NUM>, or a combination thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the communication component <NUM> receives a broadcast signal or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In one exemplary embodiment, the communication component <NUM> further includes a near field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communications. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on a radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, an infrared data association (IrDA) technology, an ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, a Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

In exemplary embodiments, the display device <NUM> may be implemented with one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, or other electronic components, for performing the above described methods.

In exemplary embodiments, there is also provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions, such as included in the memory <NUM>, executable by the processor <NUM> in the display device <NUM>, for performing the above-described methods. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disc, an optical data storage device, and the like.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure may be conceivable for those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the technical solutions disclosed herein. The present disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptive changes of the present disclosure. These variations, uses, or adaptive changes follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or conventional technical means in the technical field that are not disclosed in the present disclosure. The description and the embodiments are regarded as exemplary only, and the true scope of the present disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

Claim 1:
A coupling assembly, comprising:
two screw rods (<NUM>) arranged in parallel;
a holder (<NUM>) mounted on the two screw rods (<NUM>);
two shaft sleeve sets; and
two connection rod sets, each of which is coupled to a corresponding one of the two shaft sleeve sets,
characterized in that
each of the two shaft sleeve sets comprises:
a first shaft sleeve (<NUM>) embedded in the holder (<NUM>), the holder (<NUM>) restricting movement of the first shaft sleeve (<NUM>) in an extension direction of the screw rod (<NUM>), and at least part of the screw rod (<NUM>) being arranged in the first shaft sleeve (<NUM>), and
a second shaft sleeve (<NUM>) fitted over the screw rod (<NUM>) at an outer side and movable on the screw rod (<NUM>); and
each of the two connection rod sets comprises:
a first connection rod (<NUM>) having a first end fixedly coupled to the first shaft sleeve (<NUM>), and
a second connection rod (<NUM>) having a first end fixedly coupled to the second shaft sleeve (<NUM>), the second connection rod (<NUM>) and the first connection rod (<NUM>) crossing with each other and being coupled at a junction;
wherein there is a first distance between the first shaft sleeve (<NUM>) and the second shaft sleeve (<NUM>), and the first connection rod (<NUM>) and the second connection rod (<NUM>) cross to form a first angle; there is a second distance between the first shaft sleeve (<NUM>) and the second shaft sleeve (<NUM>), and the first connection rod (<NUM>) and the second connection rod (<NUM>) cross to form a second angle; the second angle is different from the first angle.