Support device and foldable device

Abstract

The present application discloses a support device and a foldable device, which relate to the field of mechanical technology. The support device includes a rotating shaft support member and each support component that can provide support for the bending portion of the bendable structure. In addition, the support device includes a first support member that can provide support for the first non-bending portion of the bendable structure, and a second support member that can provide support for the second non-bending portion of the bendable structure. That is, the support device provided by the present application can be used to support the entire bendable structure, which can prevent the bending portion of the bendable structure from bulging, thereby ensuring the flatness of the bendable structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of mechanical technology, and in particular to a supporting device and a foldable device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of science and technology, flexible display substrates have been widely used in foldable display devices due to their good bending properties.

[0003] In the related art, a foldable display device includes: a flexible display panel and a support device located on one side of the flexible display panel. The flexible display panel has a bending portion and non-bending portions located on both sides of the bending portion. The support device may include two support portions, each of which may be connected to a non-bending portion of the flexible display panel to provide support for the non-bending portion.

[0004] However, since the supporting device does not provide support for the bent portion of the flexible display panel and the rigidity of the flexible display panel is poor, the bent portion of the flexible display panel is prone to bulge, resulting in poor flatness of the flexible display panel. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a supporting device and a foldable device, which can solve the problem of poor flatness of flexible display panels in related technologies. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In one aspect, a supporting device is provided, the supporting device being used to be arranged on the back side of a bendable structure, the bendable structure comprising a bending portion, and a first non-bending portion and a second non-bending portion respectively located on both sides of the bending portion; the supporting device comprising:

[0007] A first support member, the first support member is used to connect with the first non-bending portion;

[0008] a second support member, the second support member being used to be connected to the second non-bending portion;

[0009] A rotating shaft support, wherein the rotating shaft support is rotatably connected to the first support and the second support respectively;

[0010] and at least one supporting assembly, each of which is connected to the shaft support, and each of which is also used to connect to the bending portion.

[0011] Optionally, the rotating shaft support member includes: a strip-shaped support beam and a strip-shaped rotating shaft;

[0012] The support beam has a shaft hole penetrating the support beam, and the axis of the shaft hole is parallel to the extension direction of the support beam;

[0013] The rotating shaft is located in the rotating shaft hole, and the rotating shaft can rotate in the rotating shaft hole.

[0014] Optionally, each of the support components comprises: a strip-shaped support bar;

[0015] One end of the support bar is bonded to the support beam, and the other end of the support bar is used to be fixedly connected to the bent portion.

[0016] Optionally, the support beam has at least one first groove, and one end of each of the support bars is located in one of the first grooves and bonded to the first groove.

[0017] Optionally, the orthographic projection of one end of the support bar on the support beam is located within the orthographic projection of the other end of the support bar on the support beam.

[0018] Optionally, the cross section of the support bar is T-shaped, and the cross section is perpendicular to the extension direction of the support bar.

[0019] Optionally, each of the support components comprises: a strip-shaped support bar, and a plurality of connecting members, each of the connecting members being bent;

[0020] One end of each of the connecting members is fixedly connected to the support bar, and the other end is connected to the support beam, and at least two of the multiple connecting members are located on different sides of the support bar;

[0021] The support bar is also used to be fixedly connected to the bent portion.

[0022] Optionally, the support beam has a plurality of second grooves, and each of the support components further includes: a first protruding structure connected to the other end of the connecting member, and the first protruding structure is located in one of the second grooves.

[0023] Optionally, each of the support components comprises: a strip-shaped support bar, a sheet-like structure connected to one side of the support bar, and a second protruding structure located at one end of the sheet-like structure away from the support bar;

[0024] The support beam is provided with a third groove, a fourth groove, and a connecting groove located inside the support beam and used for connecting the third groove and the fourth groove;

[0025] The support bar is used to be arranged in the third groove, the second protrusion structure is used to be arranged in the fourth groove, and the sheet structure is used to be arranged in the connecting groove;

[0026] The support bar is also used to be fixedly connected to the bent portion.

[0027] Optionally, a length of the third groove along the extension direction of the support beam is greater than a total length of the support bar and the sheet-like structure along the extension direction of the support bar.

[0028] Optionally, the bottom surface of the third groove and the bottom surface of the fourth groove are both arc surfaces, and the surface of the support bar close to the support beam and the surface of the sheet structure close to the support beam are both the arc surfaces;

[0029] Wherein, the arc surface protrudes in a direction close to the bendable structure, and the radius of the arc surface is greater than the radius of the shaft hole.

[0030] Optionally, the shaft support further comprises: a strip-shaped support structure connected to the support beam, and two plate-shaped connection structures, wherein the two connection structures are respectively connected to two ends of the support structure;

[0031] Each of the connecting structures has at least a first through hole, and a second through hole and a third through hole respectively located on both sides of the first through hole, wherein the axis of the first through hole is colinear with the axis of the shaft hole, and the first through hole is connected to the shaft, the second through hole is connected to the first support member, and the third through hole is connected to the second support member.

[0032] Optionally, the supporting device further comprises: a first bracket and a second bracket;

[0033] One end of the first bracket is rotatably connected to the shaft support, and the other end of the first bracket is fixedly connected to the first support;

[0034] One end of the second bracket is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft support, and the other end of the second bracket is fixedly connected to the second support.

[0035] In another aspect, a foldable device is provided, the foldable device comprising: a bendable structure and at least one supporting device as described in the above aspect;

[0036] The supporting device is located on the back side of the bendable structure and connected to the back side of the bendable structure.

[0037] Optionally, the bendable structure is a flexible display panel.

[0038] Optionally, the foldable device further comprises: a reinforcement plate;

[0039] The supporting device and the bendable structure are connected via the reinforcing plate.

[0040] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this application include at least:

[0041] The present application provides a support device and a foldable device, wherein the support device includes a rotating shaft support member and each support component that can provide support for the bending portion of the bendable structure. Furthermore, the first support member included in the support device can provide support for the first non-bending portion of the bendable structure, and the second support member can provide support for the second non-bending portion of the bendable structure. That is, the support device provided by the present application can be used to support the entire bendable structure, which can prevent the bending portion of the bendable structure from bulging, thereby ensuring the flatness of the bendable structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a foldable display device in the related art being folded outward;

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a foldable display device in the related art folding inwards;

[0045] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a support device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a bendable structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of a rotating shaft support provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of a support beam and a support assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of a support assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of another rotating shaft support provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of another support beam and support assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Fig.10 is a structural schematic diagram of another support assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Fig.11 is a structural schematic diagram of another rotating shaft support provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A partial structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft support shown;

[0055] Fig.13 is a structural schematic diagram of another support beam and support assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Fig.14 is a structural schematic diagram of another support assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Fig.15 is a structural schematic diagram of another rotating shaft support provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a support beam in a rotating shaft support member is shown;

[0059] Fig.17 yes Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of a support beam in a rotating shaft support member along the AA direction is shown;

[0060] Fig.18 yes Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of the support beam and support assembly shown along direction BB;

[0061] Fig.19 is a schematic structural diagram of another supporting device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Fig. 20 is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 An exploded schematic diagram of the foldable device shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the implementation methods of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] In the field of display technology, in order to meet the user's demand for large-screen display and to improve the portability of the display device, a foldable display device can be prepared using a bendable flexible display panel. The foldable display device can be folded, and the folded foldable display device occupies a small space and is easy to carry; when the foldable display device is unfolded, the area where it can display images is large, and the display effect is better.

[0066] Normally, the flexible display panel in the folding display device needs to be supported so that the flexible display panel has good flatness and impact resistance to ensure the display effect of the folding display device. However, in the related art, the supporting device cannot provide effective support for the bent portion of the flexible display panel, resulting in poor rigidity of the bent portion of the flexible display panel. Furthermore, when the folding display device is bent, the bent portion of the flexible display panel is prone to reverse bulging, resulting in poor flatness of the flexible display panel when the folding display device is restored from a bent state to a flat state. In addition, since the bent portion of the flexible display panel bulges in the opposite direction, the crease between the bent portion and the non-bent portion will be more serious, the film layer in the flexible display panel is easy to peel off, and the service life of the flexible display panel is short.

[0067] Example, reference Figure 1 When the foldable display device 00 is folded outward, the bent portion 001a of the flexible display panel 001 bulges toward a side close to the supporting device 002 supporting the flexible display panel 001. Alternatively, refer to Figure 2 When the foldable display device 001 is folded inward, the bent portion 001 a of the flexible display panel 001 bulges toward a side away from the supporting device 002 supporting the flexible display panel 001 .

[0068] After the foldable display device 00 is folded outward, the flexible display panel 001 is located on the outside relative to the supporting device 002, that is, the display surface of the flexible display panel 001 is located on the outside. After the foldable display device is folded inward, the flexible display panel 001 is located on the inside relative to the supporting device 002, that is, the display surface of the flexible display panel 001 is located on the inside.

[0069] Figure 3 1 is a schematic diagram of a supporting device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The supporting device 101 can be used to be arranged on a bendable structure ( Figure 3 The back side of the display panel (not shown) is provided to support the bendable structure. The bendable structure may be a flexible display panel. Figure 4 The bendable structure 102 may include a bending portion 1021 , and a first non-bending portion 1022 and a second non-bending portion 1023 respectively located on both sides of the bending portion 1021 .

[0070] refer to Figure 3 The support device 101 may include: a first support member 1011, a second support member 1012, a shaft support member 1013, and at least one support assembly 1014. For example, Figure 3 Three support assemblies 1014 are shown.

[0071] The first support member 1011 can be used to connect with the first non-bending portion 1022 of the bendable structure 102, and is used to support the first non-bending portion 1022. The second support member 1012 can be used to connect with the second non-bending portion 1023 of the bendable structure 102, and is used to support the second non-bending portion 1023. The shaft support member 1013 can be located between the first support member 1011 and the second support member 1012, and is rotatably connected to the first support member 1011 and the second support member 1012 respectively. Each support assembly 1014 can be connected to the shaft support member 1013, and each support assembly 1014 is also used to connect with the bending portion 1021. Each support assembly 1014 can be used to support the bending portion 1021 of the bendable structure 102.

[0072] When the support device 101 provided in the embodiment of the present application is used to support the bendable structure 102, since the shaft support member 1013 is rotatably connected to the first support member 1011 and the second support member 1012 respectively, the first support member 1011 can drive the first non-bending portion 1022 to rotate relative to the bending portion 1021, and the second support member 1012 can drive the second non-bending portion 1023 to rotate relative to the bending portion 1021. In this way, the foldable device can be folded.

[0073] Furthermore, when the foldable device is folded, since the support assembly 1014 included in the support device 101 can support the bending portion 1021 of the bendable structure 102 and provide support for the bending portion 1021, it is possible to avoid bulging of the bending portion 1021, thereby ensuring the flatness of the bendable structure 102.

[0074] In an embodiment of the present application, the bendable structure 102 may be a flexible display panel, and the support device 101 is arranged on the back side of the flexible display panel 102, so that the support device 101 can support the flexible display panel. Furthermore, if the bendable structure 102 is a flexible display panel, the foldable device may be a folding display device. Since the support device 101 can provide support for all areas of the flexible display panel 102, it is possible to avoid the bulging of the bent portion 1021 of the flexible display panel 102 when the folding display device composed of the flexible display panel 102 and the support device 101 is folded. At the same time, when the folding display device is restored from a bent state to a flat state, the flatness of the flexible display panel 102 is better. Of course, the bendable structure 102 may also be other structures that can be bent, for example, the bendable structure 102 may be a flexible plate-like structure, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0075] In summary, the embodiment of the present application provides a support device, and the shaft support member and each support component included in the support device can provide support for the bending portion of the bendable structure. In addition, the first support member included in the support device can provide support for the first non-bending portion of the bendable structure, and the second support member can provide support for the second non-bending portion of the bendable structure. In other words, the support device provided in the embodiment of the present application can be used to support the entire bendable structure, which can prevent the bending portion of the bendable structure from bulging, thereby ensuring the flatness of the bendable structure.

[0076] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of a rotating shaft support provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 It can be seen that the rotation shaft support 1013 may include: a strip-shaped support beam 10131, and a strip-shaped rotation shaft. The support beam 10131 may have a rotation shaft hole 10131a that runs through the support beam 10131, and the axis of the rotation shaft hole 10131a may be parallel to the extension direction X of the support beam 10131. The rotation shaft may be located in the rotation shaft hole 10131a, and the rotation shaft can rotate in the rotation shaft hole 10131a, thereby realizing relative rotation between the rotation shaft support 1013 and the first support member 1011 and the second support member 1012. In order to clearly illustrate the rotation shaft hole 10131a on the support beam 10131, Figure 5 The rotating shaft is not shown.

[0077] Optional, reference Figure 5 The cross-section of the support beam 10131 may be rectangular, and the cross-section may be perpendicular to the extension direction X of the support beam 10131. Of course, the cross-section of the support beam 10131 may also be in other shapes, such as a circle, which is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0078] As an optional implementation, Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of a support beam and a support assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 Schematic diagram of a support assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The support assembly 1014 may include a strip-shaped support bar 1014a1 , wherein one end a11 of the support bar 1014a1 may be bonded to the support beam 10131 , and the other end a12 of the support bar 1014a1 may be used to be fixedly connected to the bent portion 1021 .

[0079] Optional, Figure 6Three support components 1014 are shown. Of course, the support device 101 provided in the embodiment of the present application may include a larger number of support components 1014, for example, the support device 101 may include four support components 1014 or five support components 1014. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of support components 1014 included in the support device 101. Among them, the more the number of support components 1014 in the support device 101, the higher the reliability of the support device 101 in supporting the bending portion 1021 of the bendable structure 102.

[0080] Optionally, the other end a12 of the support bar 1014a1 can be used to bond with the bent portion 1021, or the other end a12 of the support bar 1014a1 can be used to snap with the bent portion 1021. This embodiment of the application does not limit this, and only needs to ensure the reliability of the connection between the other end a12 of the support bar 1014a1 and the bent portion 1021.

[0081] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of another structure of a rotating shaft support provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 It can be seen that the support beam 10131 may have at least one first groove 10131b, and one end a11 of each support bar 1014a1 may be located in a first groove 10131b and bonded to the first groove 10131b. By providing the first groove 10131b on the support beam 10131, the support bar 1014a1 is bonded to the bottom surface of the first groove 10131b, which can prevent the support bar 1014a1 from shaking relative to the support beam 10131, thereby ensuring the reliability of the connection between the support bar 1014a1 and the support beam 10131.

[0082] Optionally, the depth of the first groove 10131b may range from 0.4 mm (millimeter) to 0.8 mm. The length of the support bar 1014a1 may range from 1.2 mm to 1.8 mm.

[0083] Optionally, the number of the first grooves 10131b on the support beam 10131 may be equal to the number of the support components 1014. For example, Figure 6 Three support assemblies 1014 are shown, and accordingly, Figure 8 Alternatively, the number of the first grooves 10131b on the support beam 10131 may be greater than the number of the support components 1014. In this case, at least one of the first grooves 10131b on the support beam 10131 is not provided with a support bar 1014a1.

[0084] In the embodiment of the present application, the orthographic projection of one end a11 of the support bar 1014a1 on the support beam 10131 may be located within the orthographic projection of the other end a12 of the support bar 1014a1 on the support beam 10131. Figure 7 , the length d1 of one end a11 of the support bar 1014a1 in the extension direction M of the support bar 1014a1 is equal to the length d2 of the other end a12 of the support bar 1014a1 in the extension direction M of the support bar 1014a1. The length d3 of one end a11 of the support bar 1014a1 along the direction perpendicular to the extension direction M of the support bar 1014a1 may be smaller than the length d4 of the other end a12 of the support bar 1014a1 along the direction perpendicular to the extension direction M of the support bar 1014a1. Thus, the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the other end a12 of the support bar 1014a1 on the support beam 10131 may be larger than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of one end a11 of the support bar 1014a1 on the support beam 10131.

[0085] Optionally, the length of the first groove 10131b along the extension direction X perpendicular to the support beam 10131 (i.e., the width of the first groove 10131b) may be smaller than the length of the support beam 10131 along the extension direction X perpendicular to the support beam 10131 (i.e., the width of the support beam 10131). Furthermore, in order to allow one end a11 of the support bar 1014a1 to be located in the first groove 10131b, the length d3 of one end a11 of the support bar 1014a1 needs to be smaller than or equal to the width of the first groove 10131b. Since the width of the support beam 10131 is usually small, the width of the first groove 10131b on the support beam 10131 is also small, and thus the length d3 of one end a11 of the support bar 1014a1 needs to be smaller.

[0086] Furthermore, since the length d4 of the other end a12 of the support bar 1014a1 along the extension direction M perpendicular to the support bar 1014a1 is relatively large, the contact area between the other end a12 of the support bar 1014a1 and the bendable structure 102 can be increased, thereby ensuring the reliability of the connection between the support bar 1014a1 and the bendable structure 102.

[0087] Optional, reference Figure 7 The cross section of the support bar 1014a1 may be in a T-shape. The cross section may be perpendicular to the extension direction M of the support bar 1014a1. The smaller end of the T-shape (i.e., one end a11 of the support bar 1014a1) may be bonded to the support beam 10131, and the larger end (i.e., the other end a12 of the support bar 1014a1) may be used for fixed connection with the bendable structure 102.

[0088] As another optional implementation, Fig. 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of another support beam and support assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.10 1 is a schematic diagram of another supporting assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Each support assembly 1014 may include: a strip-shaped support bar 1014b1, and a plurality of connectors 1014b2. Each connector 1014b2 may be bent. One end of each connector 1014b2 may be fixedly connected to the support bar 1014b1, and the other end may be connected to the support beam 10131. For example, one end of the connector 1014b2 may be bonded to the support bar 1014b1, and the other end of the connector 1014b2 may be bonded to the support beam 10131.

[0089] In the embodiment of the present application, at least two of the multiple connectors 1014b2 can be located on different sides of the support bar 1014b1. Since at least two connectors 1014b2 can be located on different sides of the support bar 1014b1, the at least two connectors 1014b2 can respectively connect different sides of the support bar 1014b1 to the support beam 10131, thereby ensuring the stability of the connection between the support assembly 1014 and the support beam 10131.

[0090] Optional, Fig. 9 Three support components 1014 are shown. Of course, the support device 101 provided in the embodiment of the present application may also include a larger number of support components 1014, for example, the support device 101 may include four support components 1014 or five support components 1014. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of support components 1014 included in the support device 101. The more the number of support components 1014 in the support device 101, the higher the reliability of the support device 101 in supporting the bending portion 1021 of the bendable structure 102.

[0091] in addition, Fig.10 The support assembly 1014 shown in the figure includes six connecting members 1014b2, and three of the six connecting members 1014b2 can be located on one side of the support bar 1014b1, and the other three connecting members 1014b2 can be located on the other side of the support bar 1014b1. Of course, the support assembly 1014 can also include other numbers of connecting members 1014b2, as long as at least two of the connecting members 1014b2 are located on different sides of the support bar 1014b1.

[0092] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another rotating shaft support provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.12 yes Fig.11The partial structural diagram of the rotating shaft support is shown in FIG. Fig.11 and Fig.12 It can be seen that the support beam 10131 may have a plurality of second grooves 10131c. Fig.10 Each support assembly 1014 further includes: a first protruding structure 1014b3 connected to the other end of the connecting member 1014b2, and the first protruding structure 1014b3 can be located in a second groove 10131c. That is, the connection between the support beam 10131 and the support assembly 1014 is achieved by providing the second groove 10131c on the support beam 10131.

[0093] Optionally, the length w1 of the first protruding structure 1014b3 along the extension direction Z perpendicular to the support bar 1014b1 ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. Furthermore, the orthographic projection of the second groove 10131c on the support beam 1013 may be greater than or equal to the size of the first protruding structure 1014b3. For example, the difference between the length of each side of the orthographic projection of the second groove 10131c on the support beam 1013 and the length of the first protruding structure 1014b3 is 0.1 mm.

[0094] refer to Fig.11 , one side of the support beam 10131 may have 9 second grooves 10131c. And, the other side of the support beam 10131 may also have 9 second grooves 10131c. Among them, the number of second grooves 1013c on the support beam 10131 may be equal to the number of connecting members 1014b2 of the support assembly 1014. Of course, the number of second grooves 1013c on the support beam 10131 may also be greater than the number of connecting members 1014b2 of the support assembly 1014, and this embodiment of the application is not limited to this.

[0095] Optionally, the support bar 1014b1, the plurality of connecting members 1014b2, and the first protruding structure 1014b3 may be an integrated structure. For example, the support bar 1014b1, the plurality of connecting members 1014b2, and the first protruding structure 1014b3 may be manufactured by the same manufacturing process.

[0096] In the embodiment of the present application, the support bar 1014b1 is also used to be fixedly connected to the bending portion 1021 of the bendable structure 102. For example, the support bar 1014b1 can be used to be bonded to the bending portion 1021, or the support bar 1014b1 can be used to be snap-fitted to the bending portion 1021. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the connection method between the support bar 1014b1 and the bending portion 1021, and only needs to ensure the reliability of the connection between the support bar 1014b1 and the bending portion 1021.

[0097] In the embodiment of the present application, a vertical installation method can be adopted to insert the first protruding structure 1014b3 in the support assembly 1014 into the second groove 10131c of the support beam 10131, thereby realizing a fixed connection between the support assembly 1014 and the support beam 10131. In addition, since the length w1 of the first protruding structure 1014b3 is relatively small, when the support assembly 1014 is removed from the support beam 10131, the support assembly 1014 can be directly pulled out from the second groove 10131c.

[0098] As another optional implementation, Fig.13 It is a structural schematic diagram of another support beam and support assembly provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.14 1 is a structural diagram of another support assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application. Fig.13 and Fig.14 Each support assembly 1014 may include: a strip-shaped support bar 1014c1, a sheet structure 1014c2 connected to one side of the support bar 1014c1, and a second protruding structure 1014c3 located at one end of the sheet structure 1014c2 away from the support bar 1014c1.

[0099] refer to Fig.14 , the side of the sheet structure 1014c2 without the second protruding structure 1014c3 may be coplanar with the side of the support strip. Of course, the side of the sheet structure 1014c2 without the second protruding structure 1014c3 may not be coplanar with the side of the support strip 1014c1, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0100] Fig.15 It is a schematic structural diagram of another rotating shaft support provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.16 yes Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the partial structure of the support beam in the rotating shaft support is shown. Fig.17 yes Fig.15 The cross-sectional view of the support beam in the rotating shaft support member along the AA direction is shown. Figures 15 to 17 It can be seen that the support beam 10131 may have a third groove 10131d, a fourth groove 10131e, and a connecting groove 10131f located inside the support beam 10131 and used to connect the third groove 10131d and the fourth groove 10131e.

[0101] Fig.18 yes Fig.13 The cross-section of the support beam and support assembly shown is along the BB direction. Fig.18It can be seen that the support bar 1014c1 can be used to be arranged in the third groove 10131d, the second protruding structure 1014c3 can be used to be arranged in the fourth groove 10131e, and the sheet structure 1014c2 can be used to be arranged in the connecting groove 10131f. Thus, the connection between the support assembly 1014 and the support beam 10131 is achieved.

[0102] The support bar 1014c1 can also be used to be fixedly connected to the bending portion 1021 of the bendable structure 102. For example, the support bar 1014c1 can be used to be bonded to the bending portion 1021, or the support bar 1014c1 can be used to be snap-fitted to the bending portion 1021. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the connection method between the support bar 1014c1 and the bending portion 1021, and only needs to ensure the reliability of the connection between the support bar 1014c1 and the bending portion 1021.

[0103] In the embodiment of the present application, when the support assembly 1014 is installed on the support beam 10131, a side installation method can be adopted, firstly, the support assembly 1014 is placed in the third groove 10131d of the support beam 10131, and then the second protruding structure 1014c3 of the support assembly 1014 is inserted from the connecting groove 10131f into the fourth groove 10131e by applying force from the side. When the support assembly 1014 is removed from the support beam 10131, the second protruding structure 1014c3 can be pushed out from the fourth groove 10131e first, and then the support assembly 1014 can be taken out from the third groove 10131d.

[0104] Since the support component 1014 needs to be placed in or taken out of the third groove 10131d when the support component 1014 and the support beam 10131 are installed or disassembled, the length of the third groove 10131d along the extension direction X of the support beam 10131 needs to be greater than the total length of the support bar 1014c1 and the sheet structure 1014c2 in the support component 1014 along the extension direction N of the support bar 1014c1.

[0105] In the embodiment of the present application, since the support beam 10131 is provided with a shaft hole 10131a, in order to avoid the shaft located in the shaft hole 10131a from interfering with the support assembly 1014 located in the third groove 10131d, the fourth groove 10131e and the connecting groove 10131f, and to ensure the reliability of the support device 101, the bottom surface of the third groove 10131d and the bottom surface of the fourth groove 10131e can be both arc surfaces. Therefore, in order to connect the support assembly 1014 with the support beam 10131, it is also necessary to make the side of the support bar 1014c1 close to the support beam 10131 and the side of the sheet structure 1014c2 close to the support beam 10131 both be arc surfaces to adapt to the shapes of the third groove 10131d and the fourth groove 10131e.

[0106] The arc surface may bulge toward the direction approaching the bendable structure 102, and the radius of the arc surface may be greater than the radius of the shaft hole 10131a, so as to prevent the third groove 10131d and the fourth groove 10131e from being connected to the shaft hole 10131a.

[0107] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.13 as well as Fig.15 It can be seen that the shaft support 1013 may further include: a strip-shaped support structure 10132 connected to the support beam 10131, and two plate-shaped connection structures 10133. The two connection structures 10133 may be connected to both ends of the support structure 10132, respectively.

[0108] The support structure 10132 provided in the shaft support 1013 can support the support beam 10131, thereby improving the rigidity of the shaft support 1013, avoiding damage to the shaft support 1013, and ensuring the reliability of the shaft support 1013 in supporting the bending portion 1021 of the bendable structure 102.

[0109] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.11 , Fig.13 as well as Fig.15Each connection structure 10133 may have at least a first through hole 10133a, and a second through hole 10133b and a third through hole 10133c located on both sides of the first through hole 10133a. The axis of the first through hole 10133a may be colinear with the axis of the shaft hole 10131a in the support beam 10131, and the first through hole 10133a may be connected to the shaft. The second through hole 10133b may be connected to the first support member 1011, and the third through hole 10133c may be connected to the second support member 1012.

[0110] When the rotating shaft is mounted on the support beam 10131, the rotating shaft can sequentially pass through the first through hole 10133a of one of the two connecting structures 10133, the rotating shaft hole 10131a, and the first through hole 10133a of the other of the two connecting structures 10133. In addition, the rotating shaft support 1013 is connected to the first supporting member 1011 through the second through hole 10133b in the connecting structure 10133 included therein, so that the rotating shaft support 1013 and the first supporting member 1011 can rotate relative to each other. The rotating shaft support 1013 is connected to the second supporting member 1012 through the third through hole 10133c in the connecting structure 10133 included therein, so that the rotating shaft support 1013 and the second supporting member 1012 can rotate relative to each other.

[0111] Fig.19 Schematic diagram of another supporting device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.19 , the supporting device 101 may further include: a first bracket 1015 and a second bracket 1016. One end of the first bracket 1015 may be rotatably connected to the shaft support 1013, and the other end of the first bracket 1015 may be fixedly connected to the first support 1011. One end of the second bracket 1016 may be rotatably connected to the shaft support 1013, and the other end of the second bracket 1016 may be fixedly connected to the second support 1012. That is, the shaft support 1013 may be rotatably connected to the first support 1011 through the first bracket 1015, and rotatably connected to the second support 1012 through the second bracket 1016.

[0112] Optionally, the first bracket 1015 and the shaft support 1014 may be rotatably connected via a gear or a hinge, and the second bracket 1016 and the shaft support 1014 may be rotatably connected via a gear or a hinge. The connection method between the first bracket 1015 and the shaft support 1014 and the connection method between the second bracket 1016 and the shaft support 1014 may be the same or different, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0113] refer to Fig.19It can also be seen that the first support member 1011 and the second support member 1012 can both be plate-shaped structures, and the first support member 1011 can have a first groove 1011a, and the second support member 1012 can have a second groove 1012a. The bendable structure 102 can be located in the first groove 1011a and the second groove 1012a, and the first groove 1011a and the second groove 1012a can be used to protect the side of the bendable structure 102 and prevent the side of the bendable structure 102 from being damaged.

[0114] In summary, the embodiment of the present application provides a support device, and the shaft support member and each support component included in the support device can provide support for the bending portion of the bendable structure. In addition, the first support member included in the support device can provide support for the first non-bending portion of the bendable structure, and the second support member can provide support for the second non-bending portion of the bendable structure. In other words, the support device provided in the embodiment of the present application can be used to support the entire bendable structure, which can prevent the bending portion of the bendable structure from bulging, thereby ensuring the flatness of the bendable structure.

[0115] Fig. 20 It is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 An exploded schematic diagram of the foldable device shown. Fig. 20 and Fig.21 It can be seen that the foldable device 10 may include: a bendable structure 102 and a support device 101 as provided in the above embodiment. The support device 101 may be located on the back side of the bendable structure 102 and connected to the back side of the bendable structure 102 .

[0116] Since the support device 101 can be used to support the entire bendable structure 102, it is possible to prevent the bending portion 1021 of the bendable structure 102 from bulging, thereby ensuring the flatness of the bendable structure 102. Furthermore, since the support assembly 1014 in the support device 101 is connected to the bending portion 1021 of the bendable structure 102, it is possible to prevent the bendable structure 102 from sliding relative to other components during the bending process of the foldable device 10, thereby ensuring the stability of the foldable device 10.

[0117] Optionally, the bendable structure 102 may be a flexible display panel. Accordingly, the foldable device 10 may be a foldable display device. Of course, the bendable structure 102 may also be other bendable structures, which is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0118] refer to Fig.21It can also be seen that the foldable device 10 may further include a reinforcing plate 103 . The supporting device 101 and the bendable structure 102 may be connected via the reinforcing plate 103 .

[0119] Optionally, the reinforcing plate 103 may include: a bending region 103a and a first non-bending region 103b and a second non-bending region 103c located on both sides of the bending region 103a. The bending region 103a may be connected to the bending portion 1021 of the bendable structure 102, the first non-bending region 103b may be connected to the first non-bending portion 1022 of the bendable structure 102, and the second non-bending region 103c may be connected to the second non-bending portion 1023 of the bendable structure 102. Furthermore, the bending region 103a of the reinforcing plate 103 is also bonded to the support bar in the support device 101.

[0120] In the embodiment of the present application, the reinforcing plate 103 may be made of a metal material, and can provide reinforcement for the bendable structure 102, thereby improving the strength of the bendable structure 102. Furthermore, since the bending region 103a of the reinforcing plate 103 needs to be bent, the bending region 103a may have a plurality of openings (i.e., the bending region may be hollowed out) to reduce the stress of the bending region 103a. In addition, the first non-bending region 103b and the second non-bending region 103c may be in sheet form.

[0121] Optional, reference Fig.21 The opening of the curved region 103 of the reinforcing plate 103 may be circular. Of course, the opening of the curved region 103 of the reinforcing plate 103 may also be in other shapes, such as a rectangle, which is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0122] refer to Fig.21 It can also be seen that the foldable device 10 can also include: a first protective structure 104, a second protective structure 105, and a third protective structure 106. Among them, the first protective structure 104 can be located on the side of the shaft support 1013 of the support device 101 away from the bendable structure 102, and is used to cover the shaft support 1013 to prevent damage to the shaft support 1013. The second protective structure 105 can be located on the side of the first support 1011 of the support device 101 away from the bendable structure 102, and is used to cover the first support 1011 to prevent damage to the first support 1011. The third protective structure 106 can be located on the side of the second support 1012 of the support device 101 away from the bendable structure 102, and is used to cover the second support 1012 to prevent damage to the second support 1012.

[0123] Optionally, the foldable display device can be any product or component with a display function, such as electronic paper, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a television, a monitor, a laptop computer, a digital photo frame or a navigator.

[0124] In summary, an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable device, which includes a bendable structure and a support device located on the back side of the bendable structure. The support device includes a shaft support and each support component that can provide support for the bending portion of the bendable structure. In addition, the support device includes a first support that can provide support for the first non-bending portion of the bendable structure, and a second support that can provide support for the second non-bending portion of the bendable structure. That is, the support device can be used to support the entire bendable structure, which can prevent the bending portion of the bendable structure from bulging, thereby ensuring the flatness of the bendable structure.

[0125] The above description is only an optional embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A supporting device, characterized in that: The supporting device is used to be arranged on the back side of the bendable structure, and the bendable structure includes a bending portion, and a first non-bending portion and a second non-bending portion respectively located on both sides of the bending portion; The supporting device comprises: A first support member, the first support member is used to connect with the first non-bending portion; a second support member, the second support member being used to be connected to the second non-bending portion; A rotating shaft support, wherein the rotating shaft support is rotatably connected to the first support and the second support respectively; and at least one supporting assembly, each of which is connected to the shaft support, and each of which is also used to connect to the bending portion; Wherein, the rotating shaft support member comprises: a strip-shaped support beam and a strip-shaped rotating shaft; The support beam has a shaft hole penetrating the support beam, and the axis of the shaft hole is parallel to the extension direction of the support beam; The rotating shaft is located in the rotating shaft hole, and the rotating shaft can rotate in the rotating shaft hole; Each of the support components comprises: a strip-shaped support bar, a sheet-like structure connected to one side of the support bar, and a second protruding structure located at one end of the sheet-like structure away from the support bar; The support beam is provided with a third groove, a fourth groove, and a connecting groove located inside the support beam and used for connecting the third groove and the fourth groove; The support bar is used to be arranged in the third groove, the second protrusion structure is used to be arranged in the fourth groove, and the sheet structure is used to be arranged in the connecting groove; The support bar is also used to be fixedly connected to the bent portion; The length of the third groove along the extension direction of the support beam is greater than the total length of the support bar and the sheet structure along the extension direction of the support bar; The bottom surface of the third groove and the bottom surface of the fourth groove are both arc surfaces, and the side of the support bar close to the support beam and the side of the sheet structure close to the support beam are both the arc surfaces; Wherein, the arc surface protrudes in a direction close to the bendable structure, and the radius of the arc surface is greater than the radius of the shaft hole.

2. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shaft support also includes: a strip-shaped support structure connected to the support beam, and two plate-shaped connection structures, wherein the two connection structures are respectively connected to two ends of the support structure; Each of the connecting structures has at least a first through hole, and a second through hole and a third through hole respectively located on both sides of the first through hole, wherein the axis of the first through hole is colinear with the axis of the shaft hole, and the first through hole is connected to the shaft, the second through hole is connected to the first support member, and the third through hole is connected to the second support member.

3. The supporting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supporting device further comprises: a first bracket and a second bracket; One end of the first bracket is rotatably connected to the shaft support, and the other end of the first bracket is fixedly connected to the first support; One end of the second bracket is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft support, and the other end of the second bracket is fixedly connected to the second support.

4. A foldable device, characterized in that: The foldable device comprises: a bendable structure and at least one supporting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; The supporting device is located on the back side of the bendable structure and connected to the back side of the bendable structure.

5. The foldable device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bendable structure is a flexible display panel.

6. The foldable device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The foldable device further comprises: a reinforcement plate; The supporting device and the bendable structure are connected via the reinforcing plate.

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