UNLOCKING APPARATUS OF MOBILE TERMINAL, AND MOBILE TERMINAL

Abstract

An unlocking apparatus which includes a circuit board, a snap-on structure, and a shape memory alloy strip. The circuit board is configured to supply power to the shape memory alloy strip, the snap-on structure is fixedly connected to the shape memory alloy strip, and after being powered on, the shape memory alloy strip deforms, so that the snap-on structure is driven to move and to be unbuckled from a card slot of a locked component. In the foregoing structure, components for driving unlocking are merely the shape memory alloy strip and the circuit board supplying power to the shape memory alloy strip, greatly simplifying the entire unlocking structure.

Claims

1-11. (canceled)

12. An unlocking apparatus for a mobile terminal, the unlocking apparatus comprising: a shape memory alloy strip; a circuit board configured to supply power to the shape memory alloy strip; a snap-on structure fixedly connected to the shape memory alloy strip; and wherein the shape memory alloy strip is configured, after power on, to deform to result in the snap-on structure being driven to move and unbuckled from a card slot of a locked component.

13. The unlocking apparatus of the mobile terminal according to claim 12, wherein the shape memory alloy strip is configured to be able to return to an initial state or stay in a deformed state after being powered off.

14. The unlocking apparatus of the mobile terminal according to claim 12, wherein the shape memory alloy strip is configured to elongate or contract after being powered on.

15. The unlocking apparatus of the mobile terminal according to claim 13, wherein the shape memory alloy strip is configured to elongate or contract after being powered on.

16. The unlocking apparatus of the mobile terminal according to claim 12, wherein the shape memory alloy strip comprises a one-side or two-side powered shape memory alloy strip.

17. The unlocking apparatus of the mobile terminal according to claim 13, wherein the shape memory alloy strip comprises a one-side or two-side powered shape memory alloy strip.

18. The unlocking apparatus of the mobile terminal according to claim 14, wherein the shape memory alloy strip comprises a one-side or two-side powered shape memory alloy strip.

19. The unlocking apparatus of the mobile terminal according to claim 15, wherein the shape memory alloy strip comprises a one-side or two-side powered shape memory alloy strip.

20. The unlocking apparatus of the mobile terminal according to claim 12, wherein the snap-on structure comprises a through-hole, and the shape memory alloy strip is disposed in the through-hole with exposed ends.

21. The unlocking apparatus of the mobile terminal according to claim 12, further comprising: a base having metal sheets disposed thereon and for supplying power to the shape memory allow strip, and wherein the circuit board is fastened on the base.

22. The unlocking apparatus of the mobile terminal according to claim 21, further comprising: an elastic component having one end connected to the base and another end connected to the snap-on structure, and wherein the elastic component is configured to push the snap-on structure to be inserted into the card slot.

23. The unlocking apparatus of the mobile terminal according to claim 21, wherein: the shape memory alloy strip comprises a two-side powered shape memory alloy strip; a quantity of the metal sheets is two, and the two metal sheets are respectively a positive electrode metal sheet and a negative electrode metal sheet; and the base comprises, two card slots, wherein the positive electrode metal sheet and the negative electrode metal sheet each are inserted into and fastened in one of the two card slots, and a notch for accommodating the snap-on structure, wherein the circuit board covers the notch of the base and encloses, together with the notch, space for accommodating the snap-on structure.

24. The unlocking apparatus of the mobile terminal according to claim 22, wherein: the shape memory alloy strip comprises a two-side powered shape memory alloy strip; a quantity of the metal sheets is two, and the two metal sheets are respectively a positive electrode metal sheet and a negative electrode metal sheet; and the base comprises, two card slots, wherein the positive electrode metal sheet and the negative electrode metal sheet each are inserted into and fastened in one of the two card slots, and a notch for accommodating the snap-on structure, wherein the circuit board covers the notch of the base and encloses, together with the notch, space for accommodating the snap-on structure.

25. A mobile terminal, comprising: an enclosure; a locked component disposed in the enclosure and having a card slot provided thereon; an unlocking apparatus disposed in the enclosure, the unlocking apparatus comprising, a shape memory alloy strip, a circuit board configured to supply power to the shape memory alloy strip, a snap-on structure fixedly connected to the shape memory alloy strip, and wherein the shape memory alloy strip is configured, after power on, to deform to result in the snap-on structure being driven to move and unbuckled from the card slot of the locked component; and a trigger module configured to control the unlocking apparatus to implement unlocking.

26. The mobile terminal according to claim 25, wherein the trigger module comprises: a main circuit board connected to a button and configured to supply power to the circuit board after receiving button triggered unlocking information.

27. The mobile terminal according to claim 25, wherein the button comprises at least one of: a touch control button, a sound button, or a physical button.

28. The mobile terminal according to claim 27, wherein when the button is a physical button, the physical button comprises a power key, a volume key or a control key disposed on the mobile terminal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a wearable mobile terminal in the prior art;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a mobile terminal in the prior art;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a wearable mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded view of a wearable mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded view of an unlocking apparatus of a wearable mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an unlocking apparatus in a locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an unlocking apparatus in an unlocked state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of an unlocking apparatus of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a card tray, in a locked state, of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0035] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a card tray, in an unlocked state, of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0036] 1Bluetooth headset 2Wristband 3Unlock button [0037] 4Mobile terminal body 5Card tray 6Unlock button [0038] 10Bluetooth headset 11Touch panel 12Fastening plate [0039] 13Main circuit board 14Battery 15Enclosure [0040] 16Card slot 20Unlocking apparatus 21Snap-on structure [0041] 22Positive electrode metal sheet 23Base 24Negative electrode metal sheet [0042] 25Shape memory alloy strip 26Circuit board 27Elastic component [0043] 30Mobile phone 31Touch panel 32Middle frame 33Main circuit board [0044] 34SIM connector 35SIM card tray 36Back cover of a mobile phone [0045] 40Unlocking apparatus 41Snap-on structure 42Elastic component [0046] 43Shape memory alloy strip 44Positive electrode metal sheet 45Negative electrode metal sheet [0047] 46Base

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0048] The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific implementations described herein are merely used to describe and explain the present invention, but not used to limit the present invention.

[0049] An embodiment of the present invention provides an unlocking apparatus of a mobile terminal. The unlocking apparatus includes a circuit board, a snap-on structure, and a shape memory alloy strip. The circuit board is configured to supply power to the shape memory alloy strip. The snap-on structure is fixedly connected to the shape memory alloy strip. After being powered on, the shape memory alloy strip deforms, so that the snap-on structure is driven to move and to be unbuckled from a card slot of a locked component.

[0050] In the foregoing embodiment, a trigger module and the unlocking apparatus are configured to form an unlocking apparatus. The unlocking apparatus uses the shape memory alloy strip as a driving component. When powered on, the shape memory alloy strip can deform, elongate or contract, to drive the snap-on structure to move, so that the snap-on structure is separated from the card slot of the locked component, thereby implementing unlocking. In the foregoing structure, components for driving unlocking are merely the shape memory alloy strip and the circuit board supplying power to the shape memory alloy strip, greatly simplifying the entire unlocking structure. In addition, when the foregoing structure is used for unlocking, only a signal for transmitting a current to the circuit board needs to be controlled, facilitating the unlocking. Moreover, usage of the foregoing structure facilitates miniaturization of the entire mobile terminal.

[0051] To facilitate understanding of the structure and an operating principle of the unlocking apparatus provided in this embodiment, the following describes the structure and the operating principle of the unlocking apparatus in detail with reference to specific embodiments.

[0052] First, it should be noted that a shape memory alloy is a martensite phase transformation alloy with regularly arranged atoms and a volume variation of less than 0.5%. The alloy deforms under the action of external force. When the external force is removed, the alloy returns to an original shape under a specific temperature condition. Being capable of restoring for more than one million times, the alloy is called a memory alloy. In this embodiment, the shape memory alloy is powered on, so that the shape memory alloy deforms under a thermal effect.

[0053] The unlocking apparatus provided in this embodiment is mainly based on characteristics of the shape memory alloy. The unlocking apparatus includes the circuit board, and the circuit board is configured to supply power to the shape memory alloy strip. The shape memory alloy strip deforms after being powered on, and the snap-on structure is fastened on the shape memory alloy strip. The snap-on structure is configured to be buckled into the card slot of the locked component. When the shape memory alloy strip deforms, the snap-on structure is driven to move, to achieve a purpose of being buckled into the card slot or implementing unlocking.

[0054] The following describes the unlocking apparatus in detail with reference to specific embodiments.

Embodiment 1

[0055] A mobile terminal provided in this embodiment is a wearable mobile terminal, such as a Bluetooth headset 10 around a wrist. Specifically, the mobile terminal provided in this embodiment includes a wristband and the Bluetooth headset 10. Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the Bluetooth headset 10 and the wristband of the mobile terminal that are separated from each other. It can be learned from FIG. 3 that an accommodation slot for accommodating the Bluetooth headset 10 is provided on the wristband. When the Bluetooth headset 10 is not used, the Bluetooth headset 10 is placed into the accommodation slot and locked. A locking structure used is the locking structure provided in this embodiment, that is, an unlocking apparatus 20 provided in this embodiment is disposed in the Bluetooth headset 10, and a card slot 16 fitted to the unlocking apparatus 20 is disposed in the corresponding wristband.

[0056] Also referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded view of the mobile device provided in this embodiment. The wearable structure includes a housing, and a battery 14, an unlocking apparatus 20, a main circuit board 13, a fastening plate 12, and a touch panel 11 that are disposed in the housing. The fastening plate 12 is configured to fasten the unlocking apparatus 20 in the housing, so that a relative position between the housing and the unlocking apparatus 20 is fixed. The main circuit board 13 is connected to the touch panel 11 and the unlocking apparatus 20 by means of a signal, and is configured to send, when the touch panel 11 receives an unlocking signal, the signal to the unlocking apparatus 20 for unlocking.

[0057] Also referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded view of the unlocking apparatus 20. The unlocking apparatus 20 provided in this embodiment includes a base 23, a shape memory alloy strip 25, a snap-on structure 21, an elastic component 27, a positive electrode metal sheet 22, a negative electrode metal sheet 24, and a circuit board 26. During a specific connection, the base 23 serves as a bearer component, and a structure for accommodating and fastening the shape memory alloy strip 25, the snap-on structure 21, the elastic component 27, the positive electrode metal sheet 22, the negative electrode metal sheet 24, and the circuit board 26 is provided on the base 23. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a notch is provided in the middle of the base 23 in this embodiment, and the notch is configured to accommodate the snap-on structure 21. During assembly, the circuit board 26 covers the top of the notch to form a stable support structure. The snap-on structure 21 is located in the notch, and is restricted by the base 23 and the circuit board 26 to move only in a horizontal direction (a placement direction of the structure shown in FIG. 5 is used as an example).

[0058] In a specific implementation solution, the shape memory alloy strip 25 is a shape memory alloy strip 25 that is able to return to an initial state or stay in a deformed state after being powered off. During specific configurations, shape memory alloy strips 25 with different functions may be used according to actual design requirements. That is, in actual usage, the shape memory alloy strip 25 that returns to the initial state or stays in the deformed state after being powered off may be used. In this embodiment, a description is provided by using the shape memory alloy strip 25 that returns to the initial state after being powered off as an example.

[0059] In addition, there are two cases for the shape memory alloy strip 25: the shape memory alloy strip 25 elongates after being powered on, or the shape memory alloy strip 25 contracts after being powered on. When the shape memory alloy strip 25 that elongates after being powered on is used, the elongation of the shape memory alloy strip 25 should drive the snap-on structure 21 to move backward. Similarly, when the shape memory alloy strip 25 that contracts after being powered on is used, the shape memory alloy strip 25 should be able to be driven to move backward during contraction of the shape memory alloy strip 25. That is, regardless of a type of the shape memory alloy strip 25 used, the snap-on structure 21 should be able to be controlled to move backward after being powered on, so as to implement unlocking.

[0060] Specifically, when the shape memory alloy strip 25 is powered on, the shape memory alloy strip 25 is a one-side or two-side powered shape memory alloy strip 25. That is, either a one-side powering manner or a two-side powering manner may be used. Specifically, when the shape memory alloy strip 25 is powered on, different powering manners may be selected according to different actual requirements. In this embodiment, a description is provided by using the two-side powered shape memory alloy strip 25 as an example.

[0061] When the shape memory alloy strip 25 is connected to the snap-on structure 21, a through-hole is provided on the snap-on structure 21, and the shape memory alloy strip 25 is disposed in the through-hole, with both ends exposed. That is, the shape memory alloy strip 25 passes through the snap-on structure 21 to ensure that when the deformation memory alloy strip deforms, the snap-on structure 21 can be driven to move in a direction of being separated from the card slot 16. As shown in FIG. 5, the shape memory alloy strip 25 is a bend structure similar to a W-shaped structure. The bend structure in the middle is disposed in and through the through-hole of the shape memory alloy strip 25, and metal sheets supplying power to the shape memory alloy strip 25 are separately disposed on ends that are outside the through-hole and that are on the circuit board 26.

[0062] When the shape memory alloy strip 25 is a two-side powered shape memory alloy strip 25, a quantity of the metal sheets is two and the two metal sheets are the positive electrode metal sheet 22 and the negative electrode metal sheet 24. During specific assembly, as shown in FIG. 5, two card slots 16 are provided on the base 23, and the positive electrode metal sheet 22 and the negative electrode metal sheet 24 each are inserted into and fastened in one card slot 16. The two card slots 16 are on both sides of the notch, and two ends of the shape memory alloy strip 25 exposed outside the two ends of the snap-on structure 21 are connected to the positive electrode metal sheet 22 and the negative electrode metal sheet 24 respectively.

[0063] In addition, the unlocking apparatus further includes the elastic component 27. One end of the elastic component 27 is connected to the base 23, the other end is connected to the snap-on structure 21, and the elastic component 27 is configured to push the snap-on structure 21 to be inserted into the card slot 16. The disposed elastic component 27 is configured to provide force for pushing the snap-on structure 21 to be inserted into the card slot 16. Specifically, the elastic component 27 may be an elastic component 27 that can provide elasticity when pressed, such as a compression spring, a torsion spring, or an elastic rubber. The compression spring is used as an example. As shown in FIG. 5, during configuration, a groove for accommodating the elastic component 27 is provided on the snap-on structure 21. The elastic component 27 is placed on the groove, and one end is exposed and pressed against the base 23. When the snap-on structure 21 moves backward, the compression spring is compressed. After being powered off, the compression spring provides force for pushing the snap-on structure 21 to return to an initial position, to ensure that the snap-on structure 21 can be locked in the housing 15 of the mobile terminal.

[0064] The trigger module includes a touch control button, a sound aperture button, or a physical button, and the main circuit board 13 that is connected to the touch control button, the sound aperture button, or the physical button. The main circuit board 13 is configured to supply power to the circuit board 26 after receiving touch control button, sound aperture button, or physical button triggered unlocking information. Specifically, the physical button is a power key, a volume key, or a control key on the mobile terminal.

[0065] Also referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are reference diagrams of usage states of the unlocking apparatus 20 provided in this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a reference diagram of the unlocking apparatus in a locked state, and FIG. 7 is a reference diagram of the unlocking apparatus in an unlocked state.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, before an unlocking signal sent by the trigger module is received, the shape memory alloy strip 25 is in a natural state. In this case, the snap-on structure 21 is buckled into the card slot 16 of the wristband under the push of the compression spring, and the Bluetooth headset 10 is locked. During unlocking, as shown in FIG. 7, when a user triggers a switch by touching a touchpad or by means of sound control, the main circuit board 13 transmits a signal to the circuit board 26 of the unlocking apparatus. The circuit board 26 applies a current to the positive electrode metal sheet 22 and the negative electrode metal sheet 24. After receiving signals sent by a positive electrode and a negative electrode, the shape memory alloy strip contracts to drive the snap-on structure 21 to move backward, so as to implement unlocking.

Embodiment 2

[0067] An unlocking apparatus 40 provided in this embodiment is an unlocking apparatus 40 on a card tray 35, and a mobile terminal to which the unlocking apparatus 40 is applied is a mobile phone 30, a tablet computer or any other structure using the card tray 35. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal is the mobile phone 30. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the mobile phone 30 includes a touch panel 31, a middle frame 32, a main circuit board 33, an SIM connector 34, an SIM card tray 35, a back cover 36 of the mobile phone 30, and the unlocking apparatus. The unlocking apparatus 40 is disposed and fastened on the middle frame 32. The main circuit board 33 is connected to the unlocking apparatus 40 and the touch panel 31, and is configured to receive an unlocking signal sent by the touch panel 31 or another unlocking module, and control the unlocking apparatus 40 to implement unlocking. In addition, other components are connected in a same manner as that used in the prior art, and details are not described again herein.

[0068] A difference between a structure of the unlocking apparatus 40 in this embodiment and the structure of the unlocking apparatus in Embodiment 1 is as follows: in Embodiment 1, the unlocking structure is disposed on a Bluetooth headset and a card slot is disposed on a wristband; while in this embodiment, the unlocking apparatus 40 is disposed on the middle frame 32 and the card slot is disposed on the SIM card tray 35.

[0069] Also referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 is an exploded schematic diagram of the unlocking apparatus 40. The unlocking apparatus 40 provided in this embodiment includes a base 46, a shape memory alloy strip 43, a snap-on structure 41, an elastic component 42, a positive electrode metal sheet 44, a negative electrode metal sheet 45, and a circuit board (not shown in the figure). During a specific connection, the base 46 serves as a bearer component, and a structure for accommodating and fastening the shape memory alloy strip 43, the snap-on structure 41, the elastic component 42, the positive electrode metal sheet 44, the negative electrode metal sheet 45, and the circuit board is provided on the base 46. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, a notch is provided in the middle of the base 46 in this embodiment, and the notch is configured to accommodate the snap-on structure 41. During assembly, the circuit board covers the top of the notch to form a stable support structure. The snap-on structure 41 is located in the notch, and is restricted by the base 46 and the circuit board to move only in a horizontal direction (a placement direction of the structure shown in FIG. 9 is used as an example). Structures and principles of the shape memory alloy strip 43, the snap-on structure 41, the elastic component 42, the positive electrode metal sheet 44, the negative electrode metal sheet 45, and the circuit board are same as the structures and principles in Embodiment 1, and details are not described herein again.

[0070] The trigger module includes a touch control button, a sound aperture button, or a physical button, and the main circuit board 33 that is connected to the touch control button, the sound aperture button, or the physical button. The main circuit board 33 is configured to supply power to the circuit board after receiving touch control button, sound aperture button, or physical button triggered unlocking information. Specifically, the physical button is a power key, a volume key, or a control key on the mobile terminal.

[0071] Also referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are reference diagrams of usage states of the unlocking apparatus 40 provided in this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a reference diagram of the unlocking apparatus in a locked state, and FIG. 11 is a reference diagram of the unlocking apparatus in an unlocked state.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 10, before an unlocking signal sent by the trigger module is received, the shape memory alloy strip 43 is in a natural state. In this case, the snap-on structure 41 is buckled into the card slot of the SIM card tray 35 under the push of a compression spring, and the SIM card tray 35 is locked. During unlocking, as shown in FIG. 11, when a user triggers a switch by touching a touchpad or by means of sound control, the main circuit board 33 transmits a signal to the circuit board of the unlocking apparatus. The circuit board applies a current to the positive electrode metal sheet 44 and the negative electrode metal sheet 45. After receiving signals sent by a positive electrode and a negative electrode, the shape memory alloy contracts to drive the snap-on structure 41 to move backward, so as to implement unlocking.

[0073] It can be learned from specific descriptions of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the unlocking apparatus 40 in this embodiment uses the trigger module and the unlocking apparatus. The unlocking apparatus uses the shape memory alloy strip 43 as a driving component. When powered on, the shape memory alloy strip 43 can deform, elongate or contract, to drive the snap-on structure 41 to move, so that the snap-on structure 41 is separated from the card slot of the locked component, thereby implementing unlocking. In the foregoing structure, components for driving unlocking are merely the shape memory alloy strip 43 and the circuit board supplying power to the shape memory alloy strip 43, greatly simplifying the entire unlocking structure. In addition, when the foregoing structure is used for unlocking, only a signal for transmitting a current to the circuit board needs to be controlled, facilitating the unlocking. Moreover, usage of the foregoing structure facilitates miniaturization of the entire mobile terminal.

[0074] In addition, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a housing and a locked component disposed in the housing. A card slot is provided on the locked component. The unlocking apparatus according to any one of the foregoing embodiments is disposed in the housing. The mobile terminal further includes a trigger module that is configured to control the unlocking apparatus to implement unlocking.

[0075] The mobile terminal may be a wearable mobile terminal or another mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or a tablet computer. In addition, with reference to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, it can be learned that the unlocking apparatus provided in this embodiment uses the trigger module and an unlocking apparatus, and the unlocking apparatus uses a shape memory alloy strip as a driving component. When powered on, the shape memory alloy strip can deform, elongate or contract, to drive a snap-on structure to move, so that the snap-on structure is separated from the card slot of the locked component, thereby implementing unlocking. In the foregoing structure, components for driving unlocking are merely the shape memory alloy strip and a circuit board supplying power to the shape memory alloy strip, greatly simplifying the entire unlocking structure. In addition, when the foregoing structure is used for unlocking, only a signal for transmitting a current to the circuit board needs to be controlled, facilitating the unlocking. Moreover, usage of the foregoing structure facilitates miniaturization of the entire mobile terminal.

[0076] The trigger module includes a touch control button, a sound aperture button, or a physical button, and a main circuit board that is connected to the touch control button, the sound aperture button, or the physical button. The main circuit board is configured to supply power to the circuit board after receiving touch control button, sound aperture button, or physical button triggered unlocking information. Specifically, the physical button is a power key, a volume key, or a control key on the mobile terminal.

[0077] Obviously, a person skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The present invention is intended to cover these modifications and variations provided that they fall within the scope of protection defined by the following claims and their equivalent technologies.