Patent Description:
This application relates to the field of foldable display terminal technologies, and in particular, to a support apparatus and a foldable display terminal.

<CIT> describes that an electronic equipment comprises a flexible screen, a driving mechanism and an elastic connecting piece, the driving mechanism comprises a driving assembly and a driven part; the first end of the elastic connecting piece is connected with the driven piece, and the second end of the elastic connecting piece is connected with the flexible screen; in the process that the flexible screen is converted from the unfolded state to the folded state, the driving assembly drives the driven piece to move in the direction away from the flexible screen, and the elastic connecting piece is converted from the compressed state to the stretched state; in the process that the flexible screen is converted from the folded state to the unfolded state, the driving assembly drives the driven piece to move in the direction close to the flexible screen, and the elastic connecting piece is converted from the stretched state to the compressed state.

<CIT> relates to a folding type mobile terminal. It is described that this folding type mobile terminal includes shells assembly, flexible screen, folding mechanism and support group spare. It is described that shells assembly includes first casing and second casing, flexible screen connects on first casing and second casing, when first casing and second casing fold, flexible screen was located shells assembly's the outside, folding mechanism includes folding assembly and slip subassembly, support group spare is connected on the slip subassembly, and support group spare and flexible screen butt are in order to support flexible screen.

<CIT> describes a foldable terminal comprising: a main body component, wherein the main body component comprises a first main body, a second main body and a bent body connecting the first main body with the second main body; a housing arranged on a first side of the main body; a flexible screen component arranged on a second side opposite to the first side in the main body and fixedly connected with the main body, wherein the flexible screen component comprises a first screen and a second screen that are fixedly arranged on the first main body and the second main body separately, and a folding screen connecting the first screen with the second screen, wherein when the foldable terminal is folded, the distance between the folding screen and the housing is decreased, and the folding screen is enclosed to form a buffer cavity.

As fast-growing mobile terminal devices, terminals such as smartphones are fully reflected in the latest technological innovations and technological iterations. Currently, when people are pursuing portability of terminals, they also hope that displays of the terminals are large enough. Therefore foldable display terminals emerge.

However, when a foldable display terminal is folded or unfolded, a bending stress is applied to a bendable or foldable display. During repeated folding and unfolding, a bendable part of the foldable display may be easily damaged due to repeated compression and stretching.

This application provides a support apparatus and a foldable display terminal, to reduce a stress on a foldable display during folding, so as to prolong the service life of the foldable display terminal.

To achieve the foregoing objective, the following technical solutions are used in embodiments of this application:.

Appended claim <NUM> defines a terminal. The invention and its scope of protection is defined by this claim. The following aspects and designs of the summary provide examples of how technical subject matters can be combined.

According to a first aspect, this application provides a support apparatus, including: a rotating mechanism, a first support portion, and a second support portion, where the first support portion includes a first support member, a first elastic member, and a first base plate, the first elastic member is connected between the first base plate and the first support member, and the first elastic member is elastically deformable to enable the first base plate to move in a direction close to or away from the rotating mechanism with respect to the first support member; and the second support portion and the first support portion are respectively disposed on two sides of the rotating mechanism, and the second support portion and the first support portion may be folded or unfolded opposite to each other.

According to the support apparatus provided in this application, the elastically deformable first elastic member is disposed between the first base plate and the first support member, so that relative movement between the first base plate and the first support member in a direction close to or away from the rotating mechanism can be implemented when the foldable display terminal is folded or unfolded, so as to provide a sliding space to the foldable display when the foldable display terminal is folded or unfolded. This reduces a stress on the foldable display during folding, and reduces relative displacement among layers of the foldable display, so that deformation of a bendable part of the foldable display due to repeated folding or unfolding may be avoided, thereby prolonging the service life of the foldable display.

In a possible design of the first aspect, the first elastic member is formed into a strip, and a length direction of the first elastic member is parallel to a rotation axis of the first support member. In this way, during folding of the foldable display terminal, the first elastic member is prone to elastic deformation, and stress uniformity of the first base plate may be guaranteed. In addition, a quantity of the first elastic member may be small to reduce installation complexity.

In a possible design of the first aspect, two ends, in a length direction, of the first elastic member extend respectively to be flush with two ends of the first base plate. In this way, the stress uniformity of the first base plate may be further improved.

In a possible design of the first aspect, a quantity of the first elastic member is more than one, each first elastic member is connected to the first base plate, and the plurality of first elastic members are spaced in a first direction, where the first direction is perpendicular to an extending direction of the rotation axis of the first support member. In this way, stress uniformity that is of the first base plate and that is in the first direction may be guaranteed.

According to the first aspect, the first support portion further includes: a first stop portion, where the first stop portion is disposed on a side surface that is of the first base plate and that faces the first support member, and at least a part of the first stop portion is located on one side that is of the first elastic member and that is close to the rotating mechanism. In this way, during folding of the foldable display terminal, one end that is of the first stop portion and that is close to the first elastic member is abutted against and cooperates with a side wall that is of the first elastic member and that is close to the rotating mechanism, to limit an inclination angle and a deformation amount of the first elastic member, so that the deformation amount of the first elastic member may be adjusted by the first stop portion to avoid excessive deformation of the first elastic member, thereby improving reliability of the support apparatus.

In a possible design of the first aspect, the first elastic member is connected to one end that is of the first stop portion and that is away from the rotating mechanism. The structure is simple, and processing is easy. In addition, during folding of the foldable display terminal, a stop effect of the first stop portion on the first elastic member can be easily achieved.

In a possible design of the first aspect, the first elastic member is spaced apart from the first stop portion. A spacing between the first stop portion and the first elastic member is less than a spacing between the first base plate and the first support member. That is, the spacing between the first stop portion and the first elastic member is less than a thickness of the first elastic member. In this way, during folding of the foldable display terminal, the first stop portion may also be abutted against the side wall that is of the first elastic member and that is close to the rotating mechanism, to limit an inclination angle and a deformation amount of the first elastic member, so that the deformation amount of the first elastic member may be adjusted by the first stop portion to avoid excessive deformation of the first elastic member, thereby improving reliability of the support apparatus.

In a possible design of the first aspect, the first elastic member and the first stop portion are in an integrated structure. Therefore, the processing technology for the first support portion may be simplified to improve the processing efficiency.

In a possible design of the first aspect, the first stop portion and the first base plate are in an integrated structure. Therefore, the processing technology for the first support portion may be simplified to improve the processing efficiency.

In a possible design of the first aspect, an elastic modulus of the first stop portion is greater than that of the first elastic member. In this way, the stop effect of the first stop portion may be improved.

In a possible design of the first aspect, the support apparatus further includes a second stop portion, the second stop portion is connected to a side surface that is of the first support member and that faces the first base plate, and at least a part of the second stop portion is located on one side that is of the first elastic member and that is away from the rotating mechanism. During folding of the foldable display terminal, one end that is of the first stop portion and that is close to the first elastic member is abutted against a side wall that is of the first elastic member and that is close to the rotating mechanism, and one end that is of the second stop portion and that is close to the first elastic member is abutted against a side wall that is of the first elastic member and that is away from the rotating mechanism. Therefore, an inclination angle and a deformation amount of the first elastic member may be limited by the first stop portion and the second stop portion, so that the deformation amount of the first elastic member may be adjusted to avoid excessive deformation of the first elastic member, thereby improving the reliability of the support apparatus.

In a possible design of the first aspect, the first elastic member is connected to one end that is of the second stop portion and that is close to the rotating mechanism. The first stop portion, the second stop portion and the first elastic member generally form a "Z" shape. The structure is simple, and processing is easy. In addition, a stop effect of the first stop portion and the second stop portion on the first elastic member can be easily achieved.

In a possible design of the first aspect, the first elastic member is spaced apart from the second stop portion.

In a possible design of the first aspect, the first elastic member and the second stop portion are in an integrated structure. Therefore, the processing technology for the first support portion may be simplified to improve the processing efficiency.

In a possible design of the first aspect, a width of the first elastic member remains unchanged or gradually decreases in a direction from the first base plate to the first support member. The structure is simple, and processing is easy.

In a possible design of the first aspect, the first elastic member is a rubber member or a silicone member.

In a possible design of the first aspect, the second support portion includes: a second support member, a second base plate, and a second elastic member, where the second support member is rotatably connected to the rotating mechanism; the second base plate is laminated with the second support member; and the second elastic member is connected between the first base plate and the first support member, and the second elastic member is elastically deformable to enable the second base plate and the second support member to move relative to each other. In this way, the elastically deformable second elastic member is disposed between the second base plate and the second support member, so that when the foldable display terminal is folded or unfolded, the foldable display can be driven by the second base plate to slide with respect to the second support member, thereby reducing a stress on the foldable display during folding or unfolding, and reducing relative displacement among layers of the foldable display. Therefore, deformation of a bendable part of the foldable display due to repeated folding or unfolding may be avoided, which prolongs the service life of the foldable display.

In a possible design of the first aspect, the second support portion includes a second support member, and the second support member is rotatably connected to the rotating mechanism.

According to a second aspect, this application provides a foldable display terminal, including: a foldable display and a support apparatus, where the foldable display includes a first part, a second part, and a bendable part between the first part and the second part; and the support apparatus is the support apparatus in any one of the foregoing technical solutions, the first support portion is configured to support the first part and the second support portion is configured to support the second part.

Because the foldable display terminal provided in embodiments of this application includes the support apparatus in the foregoing technical solutions, both the foldable display terminal and the support apparatus can resolve the same technical problem and achieve the same effect.

In embodiments of this application, the terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating a quantity of indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined with "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

In embodiments of this application, the term "including", "containing" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or apparatus including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article or apparatus. Without further limitation, the element defined by the sentence "including a. " does not exclude that other identical elements are also present in the process, method, article or apparatus including the element.

In embodiments of this application, the term "and/or" is only used to describe an association relationship between associated objects, and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and/or B may indicate the following: Only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists. In addition, the symbol "/" used herein generally represents an "or" relationship between associated objects.

This application provides a foldable display terminal, and the foldable display terminal is a type of terminal device with a foldable display. Specifically, the foldable display terminal includes, but is not limited to, a mobile phone. That is, the foldable display terminal may also be another type of terminal device with a foldable display.

Referring to <FIG> is a perspective view of a foldable display terminal <NUM> according to some embodiments of this application. In this embodiment, that the foldable display terminal <NUM> is a foldable display phone is used as an example for description. The foldable display terminal <NUM> includes a foldable display <NUM> and a support apparatus <NUM>.

It may be understood that <FIG> only shows an example of some components included in the foldable display terminal <NUM>, and actual shapes, sizes, locations, and structures of these components are not limited by <FIG>.

The foldable display <NUM> is configured to display images, videos, and the like. The foldable display <NUM> may be folded into a first part <NUM> and a second part <NUM>. The foldable display <NUM> further includes a bendable part <NUM> between the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM>. At least the bendable part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> is made of a flexible material. The first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may be made of a flexible material, or a rigid material, or partially made of a rigid material and partially made of a flexible material. This is not specifically limited herein.

Specifically, the foldable display <NUM> may be an organic light-emitting diode (organic light-emitting diode, OLED) screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (micro organic light-emitting diode) screen, a quantum dot light emitting diode (quantum dot light emitting diode, QLED) screen, a liquid crystal display (liquid crystal display, LCD), and the like.

The foldable display <NUM> can be folded between an unfolded state and a folded state. Referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of the foldable display terminal <NUM> shown in <FIG> when the foldable display <NUM> is in an unfolded state. When the foldable display <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the first part <NUM>, the second part <NUM> and the bendable part <NUM> are coplanarly disposed and face the same direction. In this state, large-screen display can be implemented, so as to provide a user with more abundant information and better user experience.

Referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of the foldable display terminal <NUM> shown in <FIG> when the foldable display <NUM> is in a folded state. When the foldable display <NUM> is in the folded state, the bendable part <NUM> is in a bent state, and the first part <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) is opposite to the second part <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>). The foldable display <NUM> is invisible to a user, and the support apparatus <NUM> is disposed outside the foldable display <NUM> for protection, to prevent the foldable display <NUM> from being scratched by hard objects. Such a foldable display phone is a phone with an inward foldable display. In other embodiments, when the foldable display <NUM> is in a folded state, the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may also depart from each other and be exposed. Such a foldable display phone is a phone with an outward foldable display.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG> is a sectional view of a foldable display <NUM> according to some embodiments of this application. A display <NUM> includes a substrate <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a polarizer <NUM>, and a protective layer <NUM> that are sequentially laminated from inside to outside. Two adjacent layers may be connected by using an adhesive. It may be understood that <FIG> only shows an example of some components included in the foldable display <NUM>, and actual shapes, sizes, locations and constructions of these components are not limited by <FIG>.

It should be noted that, in this application, the direction "outward" refers to a direction towards the outside of the foldable display terminal <NUM>, and correspondingly, the direction "inward" refers to a direction towards the inside of the foldable display terminal <NUM>.

The support apparatus <NUM> is configured to support the foldable display <NUM> and allow the foldable display <NUM> to be folded between the unfolded state and the folded state. Referring to <FIG> is a front view of a support apparatus <NUM> in the foldable display terminal <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In this embodiment, the support apparatus <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, and a rotating mechanism <NUM>. It may be understood that <FIG> only shows an example of some components included in the support apparatus <NUM>, and actual shapes, sizes, locations and constructions of these components are not limited by <FIG>.

The first housing <NUM> is configured to fix and support the first part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> in <FIG>. Specifically, the first housing <NUM> has a lamination surface M1, and the first housing <NUM> is configured to fix and support the first part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> in <FIG> through the lamination surface M1.

The second housing <NUM> is configured to fix and support the second part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> in <FIG>. Specifically, the second housing <NUM> has a lamination surface M2, and the second housing <NUM> is configured to fix and support the second part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> in <FIG> through the lamination surface M2.

A first accommodating cavity (not shown in the figure) is formed inside the first housing <NUM>. A second accommodating cavity (not shown in the figure) is formed inside the second housing <NUM>. The first accommodating cavity and the second accommodating cavity are configured to accommodate electronic components such as a main board, a battery, a camera module, a speaker, and a receiver of the electronic device.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG> is an exploded view of the support apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The first housing <NUM> includes a first middle frame <NUM> and a first back cover <NUM>. The lamination surface M1 is located on the first middle frame <NUM>. The first back cover <NUM> is fixed to one side that is of the first middle frame <NUM> and that is away from the lamination surface M1. The first accommodating cavity is formed between the first middle frame <NUM> and the first back cover <NUM>.

The second housing <NUM> includes a second middle frame <NUM> and a second back cover <NUM>. The lamination surface M2 is located on the second middle frame <NUM>. The second back cover <NUM> is fixed to one side that is of the second middle frame <NUM> and that is away from the lamination surface M2. The second accommodating cavity is formed between the second middle frame <NUM> and the second back cover <NUM>.

The first middle frame <NUM> may be an integral structure, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of parts. Similarly, the second middle frame <NUM> may be an integral structure, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of parts.

The rotating mechanism <NUM> is connected between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, and the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are rotatably connected by using the rotating mechanism <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rotating mechanism <NUM> is connected between the first middle frame <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the second middle frame <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. In other embodiments, the rotating mechanism <NUM> may be connected between the first back cover <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the second back cover <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the rotating mechanism <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a first oscillating arm <NUM>, and a second oscillating arm <NUM>. To facilitate the description of the following embodiments, an XYZ coordinate system is established for the rotating mechanism <NUM>. Specifically, an axial direction of the rotating mechanism <NUM> is defined as a Y-axis direction, that is, an extending direction of a rotation axis of the first housing <NUM> is the Y-axis direction; a thickness direction of the rotating mechanism <NUM> is defined as a Z-axis direction; and a direction perpendicular to both the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is defined as an X-axis direction. It may be understood that the coordinate system for the rotating mechanism <NUM> may be flexibly set based on actual needs. This is not specifically limited herein.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first housing <NUM> and the base <NUM> are rotatably connected and restrained by the first oscillating arm <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> and the base <NUM> are connected and restrained by the second oscillating arm <NUM>.

A quantity of the first oscillating arm <NUM> may be one, two, or more. <FIG> and <FIG> only show an example in which two first oscillating arms <NUM> are provided, which should not be construed as a special limitation to this application. The two first oscillating arms <NUM> are spaced along a length direction of a rotation axis of the foldable display <NUM>. A quantity of the second oscillating arm <NUM> may be the same as that of the first oscillating arm <NUM>. In this way, stress equilibrium between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be guaranteed during rotation.

Referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of an assembly structure of a support apparatus <NUM> and a foldable display <NUM> in a foldable display terminal <NUM> according to some embodiments of this application. In this embodiment, the foldable display <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. Specifically, the foldable display <NUM> is bonded to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> by using an adhesive <NUM>. When the foldable display terminal <NUM> is folded, referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a folding process of the foldable display terminal <NUM> shown in <FIG>, where the foldable display <NUM> is bent correspondingly. That is, during folding, the foldable display <NUM> rotates synchronously with the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, and a bendable part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> is stretched by a bending stress. Therefore, relative displacement among layers of the foldable display <NUM> may easily occur. Referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram showing relative displacement among layers of the foldable display <NUM> during folding of the foldable display terminal <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In this way, after repeated folding and unfolding, referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram showing an unfolded state of the foldable display terminal <NUM> shown in <FIG> after repeated folding and unfolding. When the foldable display terminal <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the bendable part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> is prone to reverse arching or depression, resulting in poor display.

To resolve the foregoing technical problem, referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a support apparatus <NUM> according to some other embodiments of this application, and <FIG> is a schematic diagram of an assembly structure of the support apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> and a foldable display <NUM>. The support apparatus <NUM> in this embodiment includes a rotating mechanism <NUM>, a first support portion <NUM>, and a second support portion <NUM>. The first support portion <NUM> is configured to support the first part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM>, and the second support portion <NUM> is configured to support the second part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM>. The first support portion <NUM> and the second support portion <NUM> are respectively disposed on two sides of the rotating mechanism <NUM>. Specifically, the first support portion <NUM> and the second support portion <NUM> are respectively disposed on the two sides of the rotating mechanism <NUM> along the X-axis direction, and the second support portion <NUM> and the first support portion <NUM> may be folded or unfolded opposite to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, the first support portion <NUM> includes a first support member <NUM>, a first elastic member <NUM>, and a first base plate <NUM>. The first base plate <NUM> has a lamination surface M3, and the first base plate <NUM> is configured to fix and support the first part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> in <FIG> through the lamination surface M3. In this embodiment, the first base plate <NUM> is a structure independent of the structure of the foldable display <NUM>. It may be understood that, in other embodiments, the first base plate <NUM> may also be constructed from a rigid substrate in the foldable display <NUM>.

The first base plate <NUM> is formed into a rectangular plate-like structure, and a length direction of the first base plate <NUM> is parallel to the Y-axis direction. Optionally, the first base plate <NUM> is a plastic member. The first base plate <NUM> and the foldable display <NUM> may be connected by using an adhesive, but not limited thereto.

The first support member <NUM> may be formed into a rectangular plate-like structure. A length direction of the first support member <NUM> is parallel to the Y-axis direction. The first support member <NUM> is located on one side that is of the first base plate <NUM> and that is away from the foldable display <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> is rotatably connected to the rotating mechanism <NUM>. The structure of the first support member <NUM> in this embodiment may be the same as the structure of the first housing <NUM> in the foldable display terminal <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and a manner in which the first support member <NUM> is connected to the rotating mechanism <NUM> may be the same as the manner in which the first housing <NUM> in the foldable display terminal <NUM> is connected to the rotating mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The first elastic member <NUM> is connected between the first base plate <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>. Specifically, referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first support portion <NUM> in the support apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>. At this time, the foldable display terminal <NUM> is in an unfolded state. One end of the first elastic member <NUM> is connected to the first support member <NUM>, and the other end of the first elastic member <NUM> is connected to the first base plate <NUM>. It may be understood that the one end of the first elastic member <NUM> may be directly connected to the first support member <NUM>, or may be indirectly connected to the first support member <NUM> by using an intermediate medium. Similarly, the other end of the second elastic member <NUM> may be directly connected to the first base plate <NUM>, or may be indirectly connected to the first base plate <NUM> by using an intermediate medium. For example, the one end of the first elastic member <NUM> may be connected to the first support member <NUM> by using an adhesive, and the other end of the first elastic member <NUM> may also be connected to the first base plate <NUM> by using an adhesive.

The first elastic member <NUM> is elastically deformable to enable the first base plate <NUM> to move in a direction close to or away from the rotating mechanism <NUM> with respect to the first support member <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram showing a folding process of the foldable display terminal <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first support portion <NUM> in the foldable display terminal <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

During folding of the foldable display terminal <NUM>, the first support member <NUM> rotates along direction a with respect to the rotating mechanism <NUM>, the bendable part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> is bent, and the first part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> tends to move in a direction away from the rotating mechanism <NUM> with respect to the first support portion <NUM>. Because the first elastic member <NUM> is elastically deformable to enable the first base plate <NUM> to move in the direction close to or away from the rotating mechanism <NUM> with respect to the first support member <NUM>, the first part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> may move with the first base plate <NUM> in the direction away from the rotating mechanism <NUM> with respect to the first support member <NUM> during folding. At this time, in a direction from the first support member <NUM> to the first base plate <NUM>, the first elastic member <NUM> is inclined in the direction away from the rotating mechanism <NUM>, resulting in elastic deformation.

When the foldable display terminal <NUM> is unfolded, the first support member <NUM> rotates with respect to the rotating mechanism <NUM>, the bendable part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> is unfolded, and the first part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> tends to move in a direction close to the rotating mechanism <NUM> with respect to the first support portion <NUM>. Because the first elastic member <NUM> is elastically deformable to enable the first base plate <NUM> to move in the direction close to or away from the rotating mechanism <NUM> with respect to the first support member <NUM>, the first part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> may move with the first base plate <NUM> in the direction close to the rotating mechanism <NUM> with respect to the first support member <NUM> during unfolding, and meanwhile, the first elastic member <NUM> recovers from the deformation. In this way, during folding or unfolding of the foldable display terminal <NUM>, relative movement between the first base plate <NUM> and the first support member <NUM> is implemented by using the first elastic member <NUM>, so as to provide a sliding space to the foldable display <NUM>, thereby reducing a stress on the foldable display <NUM> during folding, and reducing relative displacement among layers of the foldable display <NUM>, so that deformation of the bendable part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> due to repeated folding or unfolding may be avoided, thereby prolonging the service life of the foldable display <NUM>.

According to the support apparatus <NUM> provided in this embodiment of this application, the elastically deformable first elastic member <NUM> is disposed between the first base plate <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>, so that relative movement between the first base plate <NUM> and the first support member <NUM> in a direction close to or away from the rotating mechanism <NUM> can be implemented when the foldable display terminal <NUM> is folded or unfolded, so as to provide a sliding space to the foldable display <NUM> when the foldable display terminal <NUM> is folded or unfolded, thereby reducing a stress on the foldable display <NUM> during folding, and reducing relative displacement among layers of the foldable display <NUM>, so that deformation of a bendable part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> due to repeated folding or unfolding may be avoided, thereby prolonging the service life of the foldable display <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of an assembly structure of a first base plate <NUM> and a first elastic member <NUM> of the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The first elastic member <NUM> is formed into a strip, and a length direction of the first elastic member <NUM> is parallel to a rotation axis of the first support member <NUM>. That is, the length direction of the first elastic member <NUM> is parallel to the Y-axis direction. In this way, during folding of the foldable display terminal <NUM>, the first elastic member <NUM> is prone to elastic deformation, and stress uniformity that is of the first base plate <NUM> and that is in the Y-axis direction may be guaranteed. In addition, a quantity of the first elastic member <NUM> may be small to reduce installation complexity.

On the basis of the foregoing embodiments, two ends, in the length direction, of the first elastic member <NUM> extend respectively to be flush with two ends of the first base plate <NUM>. For example, referring to <FIG>, the two ends, in the length direction, of the first elastic member <NUM> are a first end 2013a and a second end 2013b, and the two ends, in the Y-axis direction, of the first base plate <NUM> are a third end 2012a and a fourth end 2012b. The first end 2013a of the first elastic member <NUM> may extend to be flush with an end face of the third end 2012a of the first base plate <NUM>, and the second end 2013b of the first elastic member <NUM> may extend to be flush with an end face of the fourth end 2012b of the first base plate <NUM>. In this way, the stress uniformity that is of the first base plate <NUM> and that is in the Y-axis direction may be further improved.

In this embodiment, a quantity of the first elastic member <NUM> is more than one, and each first elastic member <NUM> is connected between the first base plate <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>. The plurality of first elastic members <NUM> are spaced along a first direction, where the first direction is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first support member <NUM>. Specifically, referring to <FIG>, the first direction is a width direction of the first base plate <NUM>, that is, the X-axis direction in <FIG>. The plurality of first elastic members <NUM> are spaced in the width direction of the first base plate <NUM>. In this way, stress uniformity that is of the first base plate <NUM> and that is in the first direction may be guaranteed.

On the basis of the foregoing embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the support apparatus <NUM> further includes a first stop portion <NUM>, the first stop portion <NUM> is disposed on a surface that is of the first base plate <NUM> and that faces the first support member <NUM>, the first elastic member <NUM> is connected to the first stop portion <NUM>, and at least a part of the first stop portion <NUM> is located on one side that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM>. In the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the first stop portion <NUM> is wholly located on the side that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM>. It may be understood that, in other embodiments, a part of the first stop portion <NUM> may be located on the side that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM>, and another part of the first stop portion <NUM> may be located on the side that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is away from the rotating mechanism <NUM>, provided that at least a part of the first stop portion <NUM> is located on the side that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM>.

In this way, during folding of the foldable display terminal <NUM>, referring to <FIG>, one end that is of the first stop portion <NUM> and that is close to the first elastic member <NUM> is abutted against and cooperates with a side wall that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM> to limit an inclination angle and a deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM>, so that the deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM> may be adjusted by the first stop portion <NUM> to avoid excessive deformation of the first elastic member <NUM>, and improve reliability of the support apparatus <NUM>.

Dashed lines in <FIG> show a schematic diagram of a state in which the side wall that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM> is not stopped by the first stop portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the first elastic member <NUM> is connected to one end that is of the first stop portion <NUM> and that is away from the rotating mechanism <NUM>. When the foldable display terminal <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the first stop portion <NUM> and the first elastic member <NUM> generally form a "<NUM>" shape. The structure is simple, and processing is easy. In addition, during folding of the foldable display terminal <NUM>, a stop effect of the first stop portion <NUM> on the first elastic member <NUM> can be easily achieved.

Referring to <FIG>, the first stop portion <NUM> is formed into a strip, the length direction of the first stop portion <NUM> is consistent with the length direction of the first elastic member <NUM>, and a length L1 of the first stop portion <NUM> is equal to a length L2 of the first elastic member <NUM>. In this way, the stop effect of the first stop portion <NUM> may be improved, and a quantity of the first stop portion <NUM> may be small during assembly to reduce installation complexity.

A thickness d1 of the first stop portion <NUM> is less than a spacing d2 between the first base plate <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>. In this way, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a side surface that is of the first stop portion <NUM> and that faces the first support member <NUM> is spaced apart from the first support member <NUM>. In this way, the deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM> may be guaranteed while the stop effect of the first stop portion <NUM> is guaranteed.

To improve the stop effect of the first stop portion <NUM>, an elastic modulus of the first stop portion <NUM> may be higher than that of the first elastic member <NUM>. A greater elastic modulus indicates higher stiffness of a material, that is, less elastic deformation of the material under a stress. For example, the first stop portion <NUM> may be a plastic member, and the first elastic member <NUM> may be a rubber member or a silicone member.

In some embodiments, the first elastic member <NUM> and the first stop portion <NUM> are in an integrated structure. That is, the first elastic member <NUM> and the first stop portion <NUM> are integrally formed. Optionally, the first elastic member <NUM> and the first stop portion <NUM> may be integrally injection-molded. When the first elastic member <NUM> and the first stop portion <NUM> are made of different materials, the first elastic member <NUM> and the first stop portion <NUM> may be integrally formed by using a double-shot molding process. Therefore, the processing technology for the first support portion <NUM> may be simplified to improve the processing efficiency.

In some embodiments, the first stop portion <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> are in an integrated structure. That is, the first stop portion <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> are integrally formed. For example, the first elastic member <NUM> and the first stop portion <NUM> may be integrally injection-molded. Therefore, the processing technology for the first support portion <NUM> may be further simplified to improve the processing efficiency.

In other embodiments, when the first stop portion <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> have a split structure, the first stop portion <NUM> and the first base plate <NUM> may be connected by using an adhesive, but not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first support portion <NUM> according to some other embodiments of this application. The first support portion <NUM> in this embodiment differs from the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> in that the first stop portion <NUM> in this embodiment is spaced apart from the first elastic member <NUM>. A spacing d3 between the first stop portion <NUM> and the first elastic member <NUM> is less than a spacing d2 between the first base plate <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>. That is, the spacing d3 between the first stop portion <NUM> and the first elastic member <NUM> is less than a thickness of the first elastic member <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> when the foldable display terminal <NUM> is being folded or in a folded state. In this embodiment, during folding of the foldable display terminal <NUM>, the first stop portion <NUM> may also be abutted against the side wall that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM> to limit an inclination angle and a deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM>, so that the deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM> may be adjusted by the first stop portion <NUM> to avoid excessive deformation of the first elastic member <NUM>, thereby improving the reliability of the support apparatus <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first support portion <NUM> according to some other embodiments of this application. The first support portion <NUM> in this embodiment differs from the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> in that a part of the first stop portion <NUM> in this embodiment is located on the side that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM>, and another part of the first stop portion <NUM> is located on the side that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is away from the rotating mechanism <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, when the foldable display terminal <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the first elastic member <NUM> and the first stop portion <NUM> generally form a "T" shape.

Referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> when the foldable display terminal <NUM> is being folded or in a folded state. During folding of the foldable display terminal <NUM>, the first stop portion <NUM> may also be abutted against the side wall that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM> to limit an inclination angle and a deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM>, so that the deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM> may be adjusted by the first stop portion <NUM> to avoid excessive deformation of the first elastic member <NUM>, thereby improving the reliability of the support apparatus <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first support portion <NUM> according to some other embodiments of this application. The first support portion <NUM> in this embodiment differs from the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> in that the first support portion <NUM> in this embodiment further includes a second stop portion <NUM> in addition to the first base plate <NUM>, the first elastic member <NUM>, the first support member <NUM>, and the first stop portion <NUM> of the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Specifically, the second stop portion <NUM> is disposed on a side surface that is of the first support member <NUM> and that faces the first base plate <NUM>, and at least a part of the second stop portion <NUM> is located on one side that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is away from the rotating mechanism <NUM>. For example, in the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the second stop portion <NUM> is wholly located on the side that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is away from the rotating mechanism <NUM>. It may be understood that, in other embodiments, a part of the second stop portion <NUM> may be located on the side that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is away from the rotating mechanism <NUM>, and another part of the second stop portion <NUM> may be located on the side that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM>,.

Referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> when the foldable display terminal <NUM> is being folded or in a folded state. During folding of the foldable display terminal <NUM>, one end that is of the first stop portion <NUM> and that is close to the first elastic member <NUM> is abutted against a side wall that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM>, and one end that is of the second stop portion <NUM> and that is close to the first elastic member <NUM> is abutted against a side wall that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is away from the rotating mechanism <NUM>. Therefore, an inclination angle and a deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM> may be limited by the first stop portion <NUM> and the second stop portion <NUM>, so that the deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM> may be adjusted to avoid excessive deformation of the first elastic member <NUM>, thereby improving the reliability of the support apparatus <NUM>. Dashed lines in <FIG> show a schematic diagram of a state in which the side wall that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is away from the rotating mechanism <NUM> is not stopped by the second stop portion <NUM>.

In this embodiment, referring to <FIG>, the first elastic member <NUM> may be connected to one end that is of the second stop portion <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM>. When the foldable display terminal <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the first stop portion <NUM>, the second stop portion <NUM>, and the first elastic member <NUM> generally form a "Z" shape. The structure is simple, and processing is easy. In addition, a stop effect of the first stop portion <NUM> and the second stop portion <NUM> on the first elastic member <NUM> can be easily achieved.

Referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of an assembly structure of the first base plate <NUM>, the first elastic member <NUM>, the first stop portion <NUM>, and the second stop portion <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The second stop portion <NUM> is formed into a strip, the length direction of the second stop portion <NUM> is consistent with the length direction of the first elastic member <NUM>, and a length L3 of the second stop portion <NUM> is equal to the length L1 of the first elastic member <NUM>. In this way, the stop effect of the second stop portion <NUM> may be improved, and a quantity of the second stop portion <NUM> may be small during assembly to reduce installation complexity.

Referring to <FIG>, a thickness d4 of the second stop portion <NUM> is less than the spacing d2 between the first base plate <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>. Specifically, a side surface that is of the second stop portion <NUM> and that faces the first base plate <NUM> is spaced apart from the first base plate <NUM>. In this way, the deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM> may be guaranteed while the stop effect of the second stop portion <NUM> is guaranteed.

In some other embodiments, referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first support portion <NUM> according to some other embodiments of this application. The first support portion <NUM> in this embodiment differs from the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> in that a part of the second stop portion <NUM> in this embodiment is located on the side that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM>, and another part of the second stop portion <NUM> is located on the side that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is away from the rotating mechanism <NUM>. When the foldable display terminal <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the first elastic member <NUM> and the second stop portion <NUM> generally form a "T" shape.

Referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> when the foldable display terminal <NUM> is being folded or in a folded state. During folding of the foldable display terminal <NUM>, one end that is of the first stop portion <NUM> and that is close to the first elastic member <NUM> is abutted against a side wall that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM>, and one end that is of the second stop portion <NUM> and that is close to the first elastic member <NUM> is abutted against a side wall that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is away from the rotating mechanism <NUM>. Therefore, an inclination angle and a deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM> may also be limited by the first stop portion <NUM> and the second stop portion <NUM>, so that the deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM> may be adjusted to avoid excessive deformation of the first elastic member <NUM>, thereby improving the reliability of the support apparatus <NUM>. Dashed lines in <FIG> show a schematic diagram of a state in which the side wall that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is away from the rotating mechanism <NUM> is not stopped by the second stop portion <NUM>.

In some other embodiments, referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first support portion <NUM> according to some other embodiments of this application. The first support portion <NUM> in this embodiment differs from the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> in that the second stop portion <NUM> in the first support portion <NUM> in this embodiment is spaced apart from the first elastic member <NUM>. A spacing d5 between the second stop portion <NUM> and the first elastic member <NUM> is less than the spacing d2 between the first base plate <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>. That is, the spacing d5 between the second stop portion <NUM> and the first elastic member <NUM> is less than the thickness of the first elastic member <NUM>.

In some other embodiments, referring to <FIG>, <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first support portion <NUM> according to some other embodiments of this application, and <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> when the foldable display terminal <NUM> is being folded or in a folded state. The first support portion <NUM> in this embodiment differs from the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> in that the first stop portion <NUM> in the first support portion <NUM> in this embodiment is spaced apart from the first elastic member <NUM>. In this way, during folding of the foldable display terminal <NUM>, one end that is of the first stop portion <NUM> and that is close to the first elastic member <NUM> is abutted against a side wall that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is close to the rotating mechanism <NUM>, and one end that is of the second stop portion <NUM> and that is close to the first elastic member <NUM> is abutted against a side wall that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is away from the rotating mechanism <NUM>. Therefore, an inclination angle and a deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM> may be limited by the first stop portion <NUM> and the second stop portion <NUM>, so that the deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM> may be adjusted to avoid excessive deformation of the first elastic member <NUM>, thereby improving the reliability of the support apparatus <NUM>.

It may be understood that, in some other embodiments, referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first support portion <NUM> according to some other embodiments of this application. The first support portion <NUM> in this embodiment differs from the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> in that the first support portion <NUM> in this embodiment includes only the first base plate <NUM>, the first elastic member <NUM>, the first support member <NUM>, and the second stop portion <NUM> of the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG>, but does not include the first stop portion <NUM>. In this way, during folding of the foldable display terminal <NUM>, the second stop portion <NUM> may be abutted against the side wall that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is away from the rotating mechanism <NUM>, so that the deformation amount of the first elastic member <NUM> may be adjusted by the second stop portion <NUM> to avoid excessive deformation of the first elastic member <NUM>, thereby improving the reliability of the support apparatus <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the second stop portion <NUM> is connected to one end that is of the first elastic member <NUM> and that is away from the rotating mechanism <NUM>. It may be understood that, in other embodiments, the second stop portion <NUM> may also be spaced apart from the first elastic member <NUM>.

In some other embodiments, referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first support portion <NUM> according to some other embodiments of this application. The first support portion <NUM> in this embodiment differs from the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG> in that the first support portion <NUM> in this embodiment includes only the first base plate <NUM>, the first elastic member <NUM>, and the first support member <NUM> of the first support portion <NUM> shown in <FIG>, but does not include the first stop portion <NUM>.

A width w of the first elastic member <NUM> remains unchanged in a direction from the first base plate <NUM> to the first support member <NUM>. The structure is simple, and processing is easy. Certainly, this application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first support portion <NUM> according to some other embodiments of this application. In this embodiment, the width w of the first elastic member <NUM> gradually increases in a direction from the first base plate <NUM> to the first support member <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring back to <FIG>, the structure of the second support portion <NUM> is the same as that of the first support portion <NUM>, and the second support portion <NUM> and the first support portion <NUM> are symmetrically disposed on two sides of the rotating mechanism <NUM>. For example, the second support portion <NUM> includes a second support member <NUM>, a second elastic member <NUM>, and a second base plate <NUM>. The second support member <NUM> is laminated with the second base plate <NUM>. The second elastic member <NUM> is connected between the second support member <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM>, and the second elastic member <NUM> is elastically deformable to enable the second base plate <NUM> and the second support member <NUM> to move relative to each other.

In other embodiments, the structure of the second support portion <NUM> may also be different from that of the first support portion <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a structure of a support apparatus <NUM> according to some other embodiments of this application. In this embodiment, the second support portion <NUM> includes only the second support member <NUM>, but does not include the second elastic member <NUM> and the second base plate <NUM> in the foregoing embodiments. In this embodiment, the second part <NUM> of the foldable display <NUM> is directly bonded to the second support member <NUM> by using an adhesive <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A terminal, comprising:
a foldable display (<NUM>), wherein the foldable display comprises a first part (<NUM>), a second part (<NUM>), and a bendable part (<NUM>) between the first part and the second part; and
a support apparatus (<NUM>), the support apparatus comprising:
a rotating mechanism (<NUM>);
a first support portion (<NUM>), the first support portion is configured to support the first part ,wherein the first support portion comprises a first support member (<NUM>), a first elastic member (<NUM>), and a first base plate (<NUM>), the first support member is rotatably connected to the rotating mechanism, the first elastic member is connected between the first base plate and the first support member, and the first elastic member is elastically deformable to enable the first base plate to move in a direction close to or away from the rotating mechanism with respect to the first support member; and
a second support portion (<NUM>), wherein the second support portion and the first support portion are respectively disposed on two sides of the rotating mechanism, and the second support portion and the first support portion may be folded or unfolded opposite to each other; and
wherein the first support portion further comprises:
a first stop portion (<NUM>), wherein the first stop portion is disposed on a side surface that is of the first base plate and that faces the first support member, and at least a part of the first stop portion is located on one side that is of the first elastic member and that is close to the rotating mechanism.