Flexible support structure, rollable display module, and rollable display device

Abstract

The present application provides a flexible support structure, a rollable display module, and a rollable display device. The flexible support structure includes at least one hole and at least one elastic structure located in the hole. The first length of the elastic structure when the flexible support structure is in a flattened state is less than the second length of the elastic structure when the flexible support structure is in a curled state. Both the first length and the second length are non-free lengths. In the present application, forces such as stretching or compression of the elastic structure in the flattened state are used to enable the flexible support structure to effectively avoid curling or warping when flattened, thereby improving the surface flatness of the flexible support structure in the flattened state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of curling structures, and particularly relates to a flexible support structure, a rollable display module, and a rollable display device. Background Art

[0002] In order to meet the portability requirements of devices such as mobile phones, watches, computers, or wearable devices, these devices are usually designed to be curlable. As the curling radius of these devices continuously decreases and the number of curling turns continuously increases, the requirements for the curling structure design of these devices are getting higher and higher, and the curling structure designs in related technologies do not meet the requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present application provides a flexible support structure, a rollable display module, and a rollable display device. An elastic structure is provided in the flexible support structure, and the elastic structure such as stretching or compression force in the flattened state is used to enable the flexible support structure to effectively avoid curling or warping when flattened, thereby improving the surface flatness of the flexible support structure in the flattened state.

[0004] The first aspect of the present application provides a flexible support structure, which includes at least one hole and at least one elastic structure located in the hole. The first length of the elastic structure in the flexible support structure in the flattened state is less than the second length of the elastic structure in the flexible support structure in the curled state, and both the first length and the second length are non-free lengths.

[0005] In the above solution, by setting the elastic structure in the flexible support structure to have non-free lengths in both the flattened and curled states of the flexible support structure, such that there are still forces such as stretching or compression in the flattened state of the elastic structure, which is beneficial for the flexible support structure to flatten under the action of these forces when the external force for curling is lost, effectively avoiding curling or warping of the surface of the flexible support structure in the flattened state, and thus improving the surface flatness of the flexible support structure in the flattened state.

[0006] In a specific embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, each hole has a first opening facing the winding surface of the flexible support structure. In this way, the elastic structure can be placed into the hole from the first opening, and local protrusions of the flexible support structure at the position of the hole can also be avoided.

[0007] In a specific embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, the hole is a blind hole, and the first orthographic projection of the first opening on the winding surface of the flexible support structure coincides with or is located within the second orthographic projection of the bottom surface of the hole on the winding surface of the flexible support structure. In this way, the elastic structure can be confined within the blind hole, reducing the risk of the elastic structure moving out of the hole.

[0008] In another specific embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, the hole is a through hole, and the hole further includes a second opening facing away from the winding surface of the flexible support structure. The third orthographic projection of the middle part of the hole on the winding surface of the flexible support structure coincides with the first orthographic projection of the first opening on the winding surface of the flexible support structure, or the first orthographic projection of the first opening on the winding surface of the flexible support structure is located within the third orthographic projection of the middle part of the hole on the winding surface of the flexible support structure. Further, the fourth orthographic projection of the second opening on the winding surface of the flexible support structure is located within the third orthographic projection of the middle part of the hole on the winding surface of the flexible support structure. In this way, the elastic structure can be confined within the through hole, reducing the risk of the elastic structure moving out of the hole.

[0009] In a specific embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, at least one limiting structure is provided on the side wall of each hole, and the limiting structure is used to limit the position of the elastic structure in the hole. Further, the limiting structure includes a limiting boss or a limiting groove. In this way, the position of the elastic structure in the hole is restricted by the limiting structure, making the position of the elastic structure more stable.

[0010] In a specific embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, the number of holes is multiple. Further, the multiple holes are arranged in multiple rows and multiple columns, with at least two holes in each column, and each hole includes at least one elastic structure, and the column direction of each column is perpendicular to the winding direction of the flexible support structure; or, the multiple holes are arranged in one row and multiple columns, the holes are elongated, and each hole includes at least two elastic structures, and the length direction of the elongated shape is perpendicular to the winding direction of the flexible support structure; or, the multiple holes are arranged in one column and multiple rows, the holes are elongated, and each hole includes at least two elastic structures, and the length direction of the elongated shape is parallel to the winding direction of the flexible support structure. In this way, the use of multiple holes can effectively improve or avoid stress concentration during the curling of the flexible support structure, and the elastic structures located in the multiple holes can also exert forces from multiple positions, which is more conducive to improving the surface flatness of the flexible support structure in the flattened state.

[0011] In a specific embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, the flexible support structure includes at least one unit structure. Each unit structure curls into a circle in the curled state. Each unit structure includes at least one elastic structure. In this way, it can be ensured that there is at least one elastic structure in each circle of the flexible support structure in the curled state, which is beneficial for each circle to return to the equilibrium state under the action of the elastic structure after switching from the curled state to the flattened state.

[0012] The second aspect of the present application provides a rollable display module, which includes a rollable display panel and the flexible support structure in any specific embodiment of the first aspect above. The flexible support structure is located on the non-display side of the rollable display panel.

[0013] In a specific embodiment of the second aspect of the present application, the rollable display module further includes a support protection layer. The support protection layer is located between the rollable display panel and the flexible support structure. The support protection layer is used to protect the rollable display panel.

[0014] The third aspect of the present application provides a rollable display device, which includes the rollable display module in any one of the specific embodiments of the second aspect described above. Description of the Drawings

[0015] Figure 1 Shown is a cross-sectional view of a flexible support structure provided in an embodiment of the present application, taken along the plane where the X-axis and the Y-axis are located.

[0016] Figure 2 Shown is Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the flexible support structure shown, taken along AA'.

[0017] Figure 3 Shown is Figure 1 Another schematic cross-sectional view of the flexible support structure shown, taken along AA'.

[0018] Figure 4 Shown is Figure 1 Yet another schematic cross-sectional view of the flexible support structure shown, taken along AA'.

[0019] Figure 5 Shown is Figure 1 Still another schematic cross-sectional view of the flexible support structure shown, taken along AA'.

[0020] Figure 6 Shown is a cross-sectional view of a flexible support structure provided in another embodiment of the present application, taken along the plane where the X-axis and the Y-axis are located.

[0021] Figure 7 Shown is Figure 6 An enlarged schematic view of the elastic structure and the limiting structure in the hole of the flexible support structure shown.

[0022] Figure 8 Shown is Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the flexible support structure shown, taken along BB'.

[0023] Figure 9 Shown is Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the flexible support structure shown in the rolled state, taken along the plane where the X-axis and the Z-axis are located.

[0024] Figure 10 Shown is a cross-sectional view of a flexible support structure provided in yet another embodiment of the present application, taken along the plane where the X-axis and the Y-axis are located.

[0025] Figure 11 As shown Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of the shown flexible support structure cut along CC'.

[0026] Figure 12 Shown is a cross-sectional view of a flexible support structure provided by another embodiment of the present application cut along the plane where the X-axis and Y-axis are located.

[0027] Figure 13 As shown Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of the shown flexible support structure cut along DD'.

[0028] Figure 14 As shown Figure 12 Another schematic cross-sectional view of the shown flexible support structure cut along DD'.

[0029] Figure 15 Shown is a cross-sectional view of a flexible support structure provided by yet another embodiment of the present application cut along the plane where the X-axis and Y-axis are located.

[0030] Figure 16 As shown Figure 15 A schematic cross-sectional view of the shown flexible support structure cut along EE'.

[0031] Figure 17 Shown is a cross-sectional view of a rollable display module provided by an embodiment of the present application cut along the plane where the X-axis and Z-axis are located.

[0032] Figure 18 Shown is a cross-sectional view of a rollable display module provided by another embodiment of the present application cut along the plane where the X-axis and Z-axis are located. Detailed implementation manners

[0033] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0034] With the development of technology, in order to meet the requirements of people for portability and large size of devices such as mobile phones, watches, computers or wearable devices, these devices have evolved from a fixed structure to a foldable structure and then to a rollable structure. As a part of these devices, the flexible support structure can play a role in carrying other structures such as display panels or drive chips in these devices. The flexible support structure curls and flattens following the states of other structures in these devices. Therefore, the design of the self-structure and materials of the flexible support structure cannot be ignored in terms of its impact on the surface flatness of these devices after switching from the curled state to the flattened state. As the curling radius of these devices continues to decrease and the number of curling turns continues to increase, the requirements for the design of the curling structure such as the flexible support structure in these devices are getting higher and higher.

[0035] However, through long-term research, the inventors have found that due to the limitations of the self-structure or materials of the flexible support structure, the devices using this flexible support structure are prone to deformation when the curling time is too long or the curling radius is too small. After the device switches from the curled state to the flattened state, the flexible support structure is difficult to return to its original shape. Therefore, there are problems such as poor surface flatness with the surface of the flexible support structure being prone to curling or warping.

[0036] In view of this, at least one embodiment of the present application provides a flexible support structure, a rollable display module and a rollable display device, which can at least solve the above problems. In the flexible support structure, by setting that the first length of the elastic structure in the flattened state of the flexible support structure is less than the second length of the elastic structure in the curled state of the flexible support structure, and both the first length and the second length are non-free lengths, so that there are still forces such as tension or compression in the elastic structure in the flattened state. Thus, it is beneficial for the flexible support structure to flatten under the action of these forces when the external force for curling is lost, effectively avoiding curling or warping of the surface of the flexible support structure in the flattened state, and further improving the surface flatness of the flexible support structure in the flattened state.

[0037] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the flexible support structure, the rollable display module, and the rollable display device according to at least one embodiment of the present application will be described. In addition, in these drawings, a spatial rectangular coordinate system is established with reference to the flexible support structure in the flattened state to assist in explaining the positional relationship of each structure in the flexible support structure. In this spatial rectangular coordinate system, the X-axis and the Y-axis are parallel to the plane where the flexible support structure is located in the flattened state, and the Z-axis is perpendicular to the plane where the flexible support structure is located in the flattened state. Additionally, in the embodiments of the present application, "length" is defined in the direction parallel to the X-axis. For example, the difference in the straight-line distance between the two farthest endpoints of the object in the direction parallel to the X-axis is the length of the object; "width" is defined in the direction parallel to the Y-axis. For example, the difference in the straight-line distance between the two farthest endpoints of the object in the direction parallel to the Y-axis is the width of the object; and "thickness" is defined based on the winding surface of the flexible support structure in the flattened state. For example, for an object located on the side of the winding surface of the flexible support structure, the difference between the perpendicular distance from the farthest end of the object to the winding surface and the perpendicular distance from the nearest end of the object to the winding surface is the thickness of the object.

[0038] As Figures 1 to 16 shown, the flexible support structure 100 includes at least one hole 1 and at least one elastic structure 110 located in the hole 1. The first length of the elastic structure 110 in the flexible support structure 100 in the flattened state is less than the second length of the elastic structure 110 in the flexible support structure 100 in the curled state. Both the first length and the second length are non-free lengths. Thus, since both the first length and the second length are non-free lengths, there are still forces such as tension or compression in the elastic structure 110 in the flattened state. Since these forces are parallel to the surface of the flexible support structure 100 in the flattened state, it is beneficial for the flexible support structure 100 to flatten under the action of these forces when the external force for curling is lost, effectively avoiding curling or warping of the surface of the flexible support structure 100 in the flattened state, and thus improving the surface flatness of the flexible support structure 100 in the flattened state.

[0039] It should be noted that the free length of the elastic structure 110 is the length of the elastic structure 110 in the natural state (that is, the state without any external forces such as compression force or tensile force). The non-free length of the elastic structure 110 is the length of the elastic structure 110 in the non-natural state (that is, the state under external forces).

[0040] The elastic structure 110 can be a spring (refer to Figures 1 to 14 ) or an elastic sheet (refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16) or an elastic member made of materials such as soft silicone. If the elastic structure is a spring, the spring can be a helical spring, an annular spring, a disc spring, a leaf spring, etc. If the spring is a helical spring, the three-dimensional shape of the helical spring can be cylindrical (refer to Figures 1 to 11 ) or conical (refer to Figures 12 to 14 ), etc. As long as the length of the elastic structure 110 is a non-free length when the flexible support structure 100 is in the flattened and curled states, on this basis, the present application does not specifically limit the design of the material or three-dimensional shape of the elastic structure 110. Next, in several embodiments, the design of the elastic structure 110 will be exemplified.

[0041] For example, in some embodiments, when the flexible support structure 100 is in the flattened state and the curled state, the elastic structure 110 can be in a compressed state. The elastic structure 110 can be a compressible spring, an elastic sheet, etc. The compression ratio of the elastic structure 110 when the flexible support structure 100 is in the flattened state is less than the compression ratio of the elastic structure 110 when the flexible support structure 100 is in the curled state, so that the first length of the elastic structure 110 is less than the second length. The compression ratio is the ratio of the length of the elastic structure 110 after compression to the free length of the elastic structure in the natural state. Exemplarily, refer to Figures 6 to 9 , if the flexible support structure 100 is in the flattened state, in the X-axis direction, the acting force of the elastic structure 110 on the flexible support structure 100 is equal to the compression force of the flexible support structure 100 on the elastic structure 110, that is, both the elastic structure 110 and the flexible support structure 100 are in a state of force balance. When the flexible support structure 100 is curled under the action of an external force, the central axis OO' of the elastic structure 110 changes from a straight line to an arc, and the compression ratio of the elastic structure 110 becomes larger. When the external force disappears, the flexible support structure 100 will return to the state of force balance due to the acting force of the elastic structure 110 on the flexible support structure 100, which is beneficial to the flexible support structure 100 to maintain the surface flatness before curling after switching from the curled state to the flattened state, and avoid or improve the warping phenomenon after flattening.

[0042] For example, the compressible spring is a helical spring, and the elastic coefficient of the compressible spring can be 2000 kg / mm 2 ~6000 kg / mm 2 , the outer diameter can be 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, the wire diameter can be 0.01 mm to 0.08 mm, the length in the natural state can be 5 mm to 20 mm, and the number of effective turns can be 3 to 20 turns. For example, the selected elastic coefficient of the compressible spring is 4000 kg / mm 2, with an outer diameter of 0.3 mm, a wire diameter of 0.05 mm, a length of 10 mm in the natural state, and 10 effective turns. When the flexible support structure 100 is in the flattened state, the compression length of the compressible spring can be set to 7.95 mm, and the interaction force between the flexible support structure 100 and the compressible spring can be 0.4 N. When subjected to an external force and curled, that is, when the flexible support structure 100 is in the curled state, the compression length of the compressible spring becomes 8 mm, and the interaction force between the flexible support structure 100 and the compressible spring can become 0.392 N. If the external force is lost and the flexible support structure 100 changes from the curled state to the flattened state, the length of the elastic structure 110 will become smaller, so the flexible support structure 100 tends to return to the force balance state when the interaction force between the flexible support structure 100 and the compressible spring is 0.4 N.

[0043] For another example, in some other embodiments, when the flexible support structure 100 is in the flattened state and the curled state, the elastic structure 110 can be in the stretched state. The elastic structure 110 can be a stretchable spring or an elastic sheet, etc. The stretch ratio of the elastic structure 110 when the flexible support structure 100 is in the flattened state is less than the stretch ratio of the elastic structure 110 when the flexible support structure 100 is in the curled state, so that the first length of the elastic structure 110 is less than the second length. The stretch ratio is the ratio of the length of the elastic structure 110 after stretching to the length of the elastic structure in the natural state. If the flexible support structure 100 is in the flattened state, in the X-axis direction, the force exerted by the elastic structure 110 on the flexible support structure 100 is equal to the tensile force exerted by the flexible support structure 100 on the elastic structure 110, that is, when the flexible support structure 100 is in the flattened state, both the elastic structure 110 and the flexible support structure 100 are in the force balance state. When the flexible support structure 100 is curled under the action of an external force, the central axis OO’ of the elastic structure 110 changes from a straight line to an arc, and the stretch ratio of the elastic structure 110 becomes larger. When the external force disappears, the flexible support structure 100 will return to the force balance state due to the force exerted by the elastic structure 110 on the flexible support structure 100, which is beneficial to maintaining the surface flatness of the flexible support structure 100 before curling after curling and switching to flattening, and avoiding or improving the warping phenomenon after flattening.

[0044] For another example, in some other embodiments, when the flexible support structure 100 is in a flattened state, the elastic structure 110 is in a compressed state, and when the flexible support structure 100 is in a curled state, the elastic structure 110 is in a stretched state, so that the first length of the elastic structure 110 is less than the second length. If the flexible support structure 100 is in a flattened state, in the X-axis direction, the acting force of the elastic structure 110 on the flexible support structure 100 is equal to the compression force of the flexible support structure 100 on the elastic structure 110, that is, when the flexible support structure 100 is in a flattened state, both the elastic structure 110 and the flexible support structure 100 are in a state of balanced acting forces. When an external force is applied to curl the flexible support structure 100, the central axis OO' of the elastic structure 110 changes from a straight line to an arc, that is, from the first length to the second length. When the external force disappears, the flexible support structure 100 will return to the state of balanced acting forces due to the acting force of the elastic structure 110 on the flexible support structure 100, which is beneficial to maintaining the surface flatness of the flexible support structure 100 before curling after curling and switching to flattening, and avoiding or improving the warping phenomenon after flattening. It should be noted that the elastic structure 110 may or may not have a central axis OO'. Taking the elastic structure 110 having a central axis OO' as an example, the corresponding compression length or stretching length of the elastic structure 110 may both refer to the length of the elastic structure 110 along the central axis OO'. Figures 1 to 14 In [embodiment], the cross-sectional shape, number of coils and arrangement mode of the spring, etc., as well as the structural design of the holes, etc., are only exemplary and can be adjusted according to actual needs. Figure 15 and Figure 16 In [embodiment], the cross-sectional shape and arrangement mode of the elastic sheet, etc., as well as the structural design of the holes, etc., are only exemplary and can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0045] In the flexible support structure 100 provided in at least one embodiment of the present application, each hole 1 has a first opening 11 facing the winding surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100. In this way, the elastic structure 110 can be placed into the hole 1 from the first opening 11.

[0046] In some embodiments, there are voids in the hole 1 in addition to accommodating the elastic structure 110, that is, the elastic structure 110 can fill a part of the space of the corresponding hole 1, so that when the flexible support structure 100 is in a curled state, the voids existing in the hole 1 can provide a certain space for the deformation of the elastic structure 110, avoiding local protrusion of the elastic structure 110.

[0047] The elastic structure 110 can fill part or all of the space of the corresponding hole 1. The structural design of the hole 1 only needs to be able to accommodate the elastic structure 110. On this basis, the present application does not make specific limitations on the structural design of the hole 1. Hereinafter, in several embodiments, the structural design of the hole 1 will be exemplified.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present application, the hole 1 is a blind hole. In this way, the elastic structure 110 can be confined within the blind hole, reducing the risk of the elastic structure 110 moving out of the hole 1.

[0049] For example, by way of illustration, referring to Figure 8 and Figure 11 , the first orthographic projection of the first opening 11 on the winding surface S1 of the flexible support structure coincides with the second orthographic projection of the bottom surface S2 of the hole on the winding surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100. In this way, when the elastic structure 110 is inserted into the hole 1 from the first opening 11, the overall compression ratio of the elastic structure 110 from the first opening 11 to the bottom surface S2 of the hole 1 is substantially consistent, facilitating the insertion of the elastic structure 110 into the hole 1 from the first opening 11 with a relatively light external force.

[0050] Again, for example, by way of illustration, referring to Figure 2 , the first orthographic projection of the first opening 11 on the winding surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100 is located within the second orthographic projection of the bottom surface S2 of the hole on the winding surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100. In this way, after the elastic structure 110 is inserted into the hole 1 from the first opening 11, the elastic structure 110 is not easily moved out of the first opening 11, which is beneficial to improving the stability of the elastic structure 110 in the flexible support structure 100 and also beneficial to extending the service life of the flexible support structure 100.

[0051] It should be noted that the elastic structure 110 can be in contact with the bottom surface S2 of the hole 1 or there can be a gap between the elastic structure 110 and the bottom surface S2 of the hole 1.

[0052] In some other embodiments of the present application, the hole 1 is a through hole. The hole 1 further includes a second opening 12 facing away from the winding surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100. In this way, the elastic structure 110 can be selectively inserted into the hole 1 from the first opening 11 or the second opening 12 according to actual needs. In addition, the addition of the second opening 12 can further reduce the stress concentration generated when the flexible support structure 100 is curled, improving the flexibility and service life of the flexible support structure 100.

[0053] For example, by way of illustration, referring to Figure 14 and Figure 16, the third orthographic projection of the middle part of the hole 1 on the rolling surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100 coincides with the first orthographic projection of the first opening 11 on the rolling surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100. In this way, in the process of placing the elastic structure 110 from the first opening 11 into the hole 1, the entire compression ratio of the elastic structure 110 from the first opening 11 to the middle part of the hole 1 is substantially the same, which facilitates the use of a relatively easy external force to place the elastic structure 110 from the first opening 11 into the hole 1.

[0054] For example, illustratively, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 13 , the first orthographic projection of the first opening 11 on the rolling surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100 is located within the third orthographic projection of the middle part of the hole 1 on the rolling surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100. In this way, after the elastic structure 110 is placed into the hole 1 from the first opening 11, the elastic structure 110 is not easy to move out of the first opening 11, which is beneficial to improving the stability of the elastic structure 110 in the flexible support structure 100 and also beneficial to extending the service life of the flexible support structure 100.

[0055] It should be noted that the elastic structure 110 may be located in the middle part of the hole 1. The middle part of the hole 1 may refer to the part of the hole 1 where the orthographic projection on the rolling surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100 is the largest, or may refer to the part where the orthographic projection of the hole 1 on the rolling surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100 is larger than the first opening 11.

[0056] Further, in at least one embodiment of the present application, reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 as well as Figure 13 , the fourth orthographic projection of the second opening 12 on the rolling surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100 is located within the third orthographic projection of the middle part of the hole 1 on the rolling surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100. In this way, after the elastic structure 110 is placed into the hole 1 from the first opening 11 or the second opening 12, the elastic structure 110 is not easy to move out of the second opening 12, which is beneficial to further improve the stability of the elastic structure 110 in the flexible support structure 100 and also beneficial to extend the service life of the flexible support structure 100.

[0057] The elastic structure 110 can directly abut against the side wall of the hole 1, or the structure of the hole 1 can be designed such that the elastic structure 110 is substantially stable in both the curled and flattened states of the flexible support structure 100. It can also be designed with a limiting structure or the like to stabilize the elastic structure 110, as long as the elastic structure 110 can be in a non-natural state such as a tensile state or a compressive state when the flexible support structure 100 is in the flattened and curled states. On this basis, the present application does not specifically limit the fixing method of the elastic structure 110. Below, in several embodiments, taking the limiting structure as an example, the fixing method of the elastic structure 110 will be illustrated by way of example.

[0058] In the flexible support structure 100 provided in at least one embodiment of the present application, at least one limiting structure 1a is provided on the side wall of each hole 1, and the limiting structure 1a is used to limit the position of the elastic structure 110 in the hole 1. In this way, the limiting structure 1a makes the position of the elastic structure 110 in the hole 1 more stable, facilitating the position of the elastic structure 110 in the hole 1 to remain substantially unchanged when the flexible support structure 100 switches between the curled state and the flattened state. When the position remains unchanged, the magnitude and direction of the force exerted by the elastic structure 110 on the flexible support structure 100 will also remain unchanged, which is more conducive to the elastic structure 110 returning to the force balance state, thereby facilitating the flexible support structure 100 to maintain the surface flatness before curling after switching from the curled state to the flattened state, and avoiding or improving the warping phenomenon after flattening.

[0059] The limiting structure 1a can be any structure that can limit the position of the corresponding elastic structure 110 in the hole 1. On this basis, the present application does not specifically limit the structural design of the limiting structure 1a. For example, the limiting structure 1a includes, but is not limited to, a limiting boss or a limiting groove. Below, in several embodiments, the structural design of the limiting structure 1a will be illustrated by way of example.

[0060] For example, in some embodiments of the present application, by way of example, referring to Figures 6 to 9 、 Figure 14 and Figure 16 , the limiting structure 1a is a limiting boss. In this way, the limiting boss is used to limit the position of the elastic structure 110 in the hole 1, making it difficult for the elastic structure 110 to move out of the first opening 11 or the second opening 12, and improving the stability of the elastic structure 110. In addition, the setting of the limiting boss does not additionally increase the volume occupied by each hole 1 in the flexible support structure 100, which is conducive to arranging more elastic structures 110 in the flexible support structure 100, thereby further improving the surface flatness of the flexible support structure 100 after switching from the curled state to the flattened state, and facilitating shortening the time required for the elastic structure 110 to return to the force balance state.

[0061] It should be noted that the number of the limiting bosses can be one, for example, a circle of limiting bosses connected to each other can be provided around the hole 1, or a limiting boss can be provided at a certain position in the hole 1. The number of limiting bosses can also be multiple, for example, a limiting boss can be provided on each side of the elastic structure 110 close to and away from the winding surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100, or multiple limiting bosses can be provided on either side of the elastic structure 110 close to and away from the winding surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100. The cross-sectional shape of the limiting boss can be Figures 6 to 9 The rectangle shown can also be Figure 14 The wave shape shown can also be Figure 16 As long as the position of the elastic structure 110 in the hole 1 can be limited, the present application does not specifically limit the cross-sectional shape of the limiting structure 110. The limiting boss can be a boss directly reserved when the hole 1 is set (refer to Figure 14 ), or it can be added to the inner side of hole 1 after hole 1 is set (refer to Figures 6 to 9 and Figure 16 ).

[0062] For example, in some other embodiments of the present application, illustratively, reference Figure 5 The limiting structure 1a is a limiting groove. In this way, the limiting groove is used to limit the position of the elastic structure 110 in the hole 1, so that the elastic structure 110 is stuck in the limiting groove and is not easy to move out of the first opening 11 or the second opening 12, thereby improving the stability of the elastic structure 110.

[0063] It should be noted that the number of limit grooves can be one or more, and the cross-sectional shape of the limit grooves can be rectangular, triangular or wavy, etc., and corresponding limit grooves can be set according to different elastic structures 110. As long as the position of the elastic structure 110 in the hole 1 can be limited, on this basis, the embodiment of the present application does not make any specific limitations on the structural design of the limit groove.

[0064] In the flexible support structure 100 provided in at least one embodiment of the present application, there are multiple holes 1. Thus, on the one hand, the use of multiple holes 1 can effectively improve or avoid stress concentration of the flexible support structure 100 when it is curled, and on the other hand, when the flexible support structure 100 changes from the curled state to the flattened state, the elastic structure 110 located in the multiple holes 1 can also be used to apply forces from multiple positions, which is more conducive to improving the surface flatness of the flexible support structure 100 in the flattened state.

[0065] The arrangement of multiple holes 1 on the flexible support structure 100 can be adjusted according to the actual situation, as long as it is beneficial to improve or avoid warping of the flexible support structure 100 after switching from the curled state to the flattened state. On this basis, the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the arrangement of the multiple holes 1. Below, in several embodiments, the arrangement of the multiple holes 1 will be exemplified.

[0066] For example, in some embodiments, referring to Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 12 , the multiple holes 1 are arranged in multiple rows and multiple columns, with at least two holes 1 in each column. Each hole 1 includes at least one elastic structure 110, and the column direction of each column is perpendicular to the winding direction MM' of the flexible support structure 100. In this way, an appropriate number of holes can be set according to the length and width of the flexible support structure 100, and the elastic structures 110 are evenly arranged in the flexible support structure 100 in an array arrangement, which is beneficial to making the acting forces of the elastic structures 110 on each column of the flexible support structure 100 the same, and is also beneficial to the consistent curling radius of each column when the flexible support structure 100 is curled and the consistent surface flatness of the structure between adjacent two columns after flattening.

[0067] It should be noted that referring to Figure 9 , the winding direction MM' of the flexible support structure 100 is the tangent corresponding to the arc after the flexible support structure 100 is curled. The distance between adjacent two columns in the X-axis direction can be the same or can be set differently according to the actual curling radius.

[0068] Again, for example, in some other embodiments, exemplarily, referring to Figure 10 and Figure 15 , the multiple holes 1 are arranged in one row and multiple columns, the holes are elongated, each hole 1 includes at least two elastic structures 110, and the length direction of the elongated shape is perpendicular to the winding direction MM' of the flexible support structure 100. In this way, an appropriate number of holes can be set according to the length of the flexible support structure 100, which is beneficial to reducing the number of holes 1 and facilitating the disassembly and assembly of the elastic structures 110.

[0069] Once again, for example, in some other embodiments, the multiple holes 1 are arranged in one column and multiple rows, the holes 1 are elongated, each hole 1 includes at least two elastic structures 110, and the length direction of the elongated shape is parallel to the winding direction MM' of the flexible support structure 110. In this way, an appropriate number of holes can be set according to the width of the flexible support structure 100, which is beneficial to reducing the number of holes 1 and facilitating the disassembly and assembly of the elastic structures 110.

[0070] It should be noted that the elastic structure 110 in each hole can be multiple individual springs or spring pieces, etc., or an integrated structure formed by connecting multiple springs or multiple spring pieces, etc. For example, for an integrated structure formed by connecting multiple springs, reference can be made to Figure 10 , and for another example, for an integrated structure formed by connecting multiple spring pieces, reference can be made to Figure 15 . It should be understood that when the hole 1 is in a strip shape, the setting method of the elastic structure 110 in each hole 1 can be adjusted according to actual needs. The distance between two adjacent holes 1 in the X-axis direction can be the same (reference Figure 10 ), or can be set differently according to the actual curling radius (reference Figure 15 ).

[0071] In the flexible support structure 100 provided in at least one embodiment of the present application, by way of example, reference is made to Figure 6 , Figures 8 to 9 , the flexible support structure 100 includes at least one unit structure 100a. Each unit structure 100a curls into one circle in the curled state, and each unit structure 100a includes at least one elastic structure 110. In this way, it can be ensured that there is at least one elastic structure 110 in each circle when the flexible support structure 100 is in the curled state, which is beneficial for each circle to return to the equilibrium state under the action of the elastic structure 110 after the curled state switches to the flattened state, and further improves or avoids the warping of the flexible support structure 100 after the curled state switches to the flattened state.

[0072] It should be noted that the number of unit structures 100a is at least two, and specific design can be carried out according to different curling radii and the length of the flexible support structure 100.

[0073] Optionally, the material of the flexible support structure 100 can include steel.

[0074] At least one embodiment of the present application also provides a rollable display module 200. By way of example, reference is made to Figure 17 , the rollable display module 200 includes a rollable display panel 210 and the flexible support structure 100 in any one of the above embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 16 . The flexible support structure 100 is located on the non-display side of the rollable display panel 210.

[0075] It can be understood that the winding surface S1 of the flexible support structure 100 is the surface on the side of the flexible support structure 100 close to the rollable display panel 210.

[0076] It should be noted that the flexible support structure 100 may also be a flexible support structure 100 that is equivalently replaced or significantly modified based on any of the flexible support structures 100 in the above embodiments. The rollable display panel 210 may be any one of an electroluminescent display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, an electrowetting display panel, and a liquid crystal display panel, which are not specifically limited here. The rollable display module 200 may further include a scroll and a cover plate.

[0077] Since the rollable display module 200 of the present embodiment includes the above Figures 1 to 16 The entire technical solution of the embodiment related to the flexible support structure 100 shown can at least achieve all the above technical effects, and will not be repeated here. In addition, using the flexible support structure 100 in the rollable display module 200 is also conducive to improving or avoiding the warping of the rollable display module 200 after switching from the rolled state to the flat state.

[0078] In the rollable display module 200 provided in at least one embodiment of the present application, for example, reference is made to Figure 18 The rollable display module 200 further includes a support protection layer 220. The support protection layer 220 is located between the rollable display panel 210 and the flexible support structure 100. The support protection layer 220 is used to protect the rollable display panel 210. In this way, the support protection layer 220 can be used to prevent the deformation of the flexible support structure 100 from affecting the rollable display panel 210 when the rollable display module 200 is rolled up, thereby protecting the rollable display panel 210.

[0079] It is understandable that the supporting protective layer 220 may be a BPF (back supporting film).

[0080] It should be noted that the supporting protective layer 220 and the flexible supporting structure 100 can be bonded by an adhesive layer such as double-sided tape, so that the supporting protective layer 220 and the flexible supporting structure 100 are more firmly attached, avoiding separation of the film layer between the supporting protective layer 220 and the flexible supporting structure 100 when the rollable display module 200 is rolled up, thereby extending the service life of the rollable display module 200. Figure 18 The thickness of the flexible support structure 100 , the thickness of the support protection layer 220 , and the thickness of the rollable display panel 210 are merely exemplary and may be adjusted according to actual circumstances.

[0081] At least one embodiment of the present application further provides a rollable display device, the rollable display device comprising any of the above embodiments such as Figure 17 and Figure 18 The rollable display module in the illustrated embodiment.

[0082] It should be noted that the rollable display module in the rollable display device may also be a rollable display module 200 obtained by equivalent replacement or obvious modification of any one of the rollable display modules 200 in the above embodiments. The rollable display device may be various electronic display products, specifically including but not limited to at least one of a mobile phone, a smart watch, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an e-reader, a player, a laptop, an in-vehicle computer, a smart TV, and a wearable device.

[0083] Since the rollable display device according to the embodiment of the present application includes all the technical solutions of the embodiments related to the rollable display module described above, and the rollable display module includes all the technical solutions of the embodiments related to the flexible support structure 100 shown above Figures 1 to 16 therefore, at least all the above technical effects can be achieved, and details are not described herein again.

[0084] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A flexible support structure, characterized in that, It includes at least two unit structures, each of which is curled into one circle in the curled state, and each of the unit structures includes at least one hole and at least one elastic structure located in the hole; Wherein, the first length of the elastic structure in the flattened state of the flexible support structure is less than the second length of the elastic structure in the curled state of the flexible support structure, Both the first length and the second length are non-free lengths. When the flexible support structure is in the flattened state, the elastic structure exerts a force on the flexible support structure along the first length direction, and In the flattened state of the flexible support structure, the first length direction is the same as the winding direction of the flexible support structure.

2. The flexible support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the holes has a first opening facing the winding surface of the flexible support structure.

3. The flexible support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hole is a blind hole, and the first orthographic projection of the first opening on the winding surface of the flexible support structure coincides with or is located within the second orthographic projection of the bottom surface of the hole on the winding surface of the flexible support structure.

4. The flexible support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hole is a through hole, and the hole further includes a second opening facing away from the winding surface of the flexible support structure. The third orthographic projection of the middle part of the hole on the winding surface of the flexible support structure coincides with the first orthographic projection of the first opening on the winding surface of the flexible support structure, or the first orthographic projection of the first opening on the winding surface of the flexible support structure is located within the third orthographic projection of the middle part of the hole on the winding surface of the flexible support structure.

5. The flexible support structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fourth orthographic projection of the second opening on the winding surface of the flexible support structure is located within the third orthographic projection of the middle part of the hole on the winding surface of the flexible support structure.

6. The flexible support structure according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, At least one limiting structure is provided on the side wall of each of the holes, and the limiting structure is used to limit the position of the elastic structure in the hole.

7. The flexible support structure according to any one of claims 6, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes a limiting boss or a limiting groove.

8. The flexible support structure according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The number of the holes is multiple.

9. The flexible support structure according to any one of claims 8, characterized in that, The multiple holes are arranged in multiple rows and multiple columns. Each column has at least two holes. Each hole includes at least one elastic structure. The column direction of each column is perpendicular to the winding direction of the flexible support structure; Or The multiple holes are arranged in one row and multiple columns. The holes are elongated. Each hole includes at least two elastic structures. The length direction of the elongated shape is perpendicular to the winding direction of the flexible support structure; Or The multiple holes are arranged in one column and multiple rows. The holes are elongated. Each hole includes at least two elastic structures. The length direction of the elongated shape is parallel to the winding direction of the flexible support structure.

10. A rollable display module, characterized in that, It includes: A rollable display panel; The flexible support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the flexible support structure is located on the non-display side of the rollable display panel.

11. The rollable display module according to claim 10, wherein, Further comprising: A support protection layer located between the rollable display panel and the flexible support structure, the support protection layer being used to protect the rollable display panel.

12. A rollable display device, characterized in that, Comprising a rollable display module according to claim 10 or 11.

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