Hinge structure and foldable display device

Abstract

The present application discloses a hinge structure and a folding display device, which belong to the field of folding screen technology. The hinge structure includes: a rotating shaft, a driving component and a connecting component, wherein the driving component can drive the connecting component to move in a direction away from or close to the rotating shaft by hydraulic means and / or pneumatic means when the rotating shaft rotates, driven by the rotating shaft, so that the connecting component can control the flexible display panel when the rotating shaft rotates. In addition, the hinge structure drives the connecting part by hydraulic means and / or pneumatic means without the need for an external control circuit, and occupies less space, which solves the problem in the related art that the structure of the electric driving component and the external control circuit is relatively complex and occupies a large space, thereby achieving the effect of reducing the space occupied by the hinge structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of folding screen technology, and in particular to a hinge structure and a folding display device. Background Art

[0002] A foldable display device is a display device with a display screen folding function, which generally includes a hinge structure and a flexible display screen mounted on the hinge structure. The hinge structure can be used to control the folding of the flexible display screen.

[0003] The current hinge structure usually includes a bracket, an electric drive assembly and two hinge parts. The electric drive assembly and the hinge part are installed on the bracket. The hinge part has a telescopic structure. The electric drive assembly is connected to the control circuit in the folding display device, and is used to drive the telescopic structure on the hinge part to retract and retract under the control of the control circuit, so as to control the bending position of the flexible display screen during the folding process to avoid squeezing the bending position or reduce the crease at the bending position.

[0004] However, in the above hinge structure, the electric drive assembly requires an external control circuit, and the structures of the electric drive assembly and the external control circuit are relatively complex and occupy a large space. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a hinge structure and a foldable display device, and the technical solutions are as follows:

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present application, there is provided a hinge structure, comprising a rotating shaft, a driving assembly, and a connecting assembly;

[0007] In which, the driving component is connected to the connecting component and the rotating shaft respectively, and the driving component is used to drive the connecting component to move in a direction away from or close to the rotating shaft through hydraulic means and / or pneumatic means when the rotating shaft rotates.

[0008] Optionally, the driving assembly includes: a pressure chamber and a driving member; the pressure chamber contains a medium, and the medium is gas and / or liquid;

[0009] The driving member is movably inserted into one end of the pressure chamber and is linked to the rotating shaft. The connecting assembly is movably inserted into the other end of the pressure chamber. The driving member is used to telescopically move in the pressure chamber under the drive of the rotating shaft, and drive the connecting assembly to move in the pressure chamber in a direction away from or close to the rotating shaft through the medium.

[0010] Optionally, the pressure chamber includes a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber that are connected, the driving member is movably inserted into one end of the first pressure chamber, and the connecting assembly is movably inserted into one end of the second pressure chamber;

[0011] The first pressure chamber is located in the rotating shaft. The driving assembly further includes a limiting structure located in the first pressure chamber. The limiting structure is connected to the driving member so that the driving member and the rotating shaft rotate synchronously.

[0012] Optionally, the hinge structure further includes a bracket;

[0013] The driving member includes: a piston portion and a first connecting portion, wherein the piston portion is movably inserted into one end portion of the first pressure chamber;

[0014] The first connecting portion is located at an end away from the first pressure chamber and is threadedly connected to the bracket.

[0015] Optionally, the bracket includes a bracket body, an abutment portion and a shaft mounting portion, the abutment portion abuts against the bracket body and the shaft mounting portion, the side walls of the abutment portion, the side walls of the bracket body and the side walls of the shaft mounting portion form an accommodating space, and part of the shaft is located in the accommodating space; one end of the shaft is inserted into the shaft mounting portion; the abutment portion has a screw hole, and the first connecting portion is threadedly connected to the screw hole.

[0016] Optionally, the limiting structure includes a limiting groove, the limiting groove is located on the inner wall of the first pressure chamber, and the length direction of the limiting groove is parallel to the length direction of the driving member;

[0017] The driving assembly further includes a limiting member connected to the outer wall of the driving member and located in the limiting groove.

[0018] Optionally, the limiting groove is a through groove penetrating the cavity wall of the first pressure cavity;

[0019] Alternatively, the limiting groove is a groove on the inner wall of the first pressure chamber.

[0020] Optionally, the hinge structure further includes a connecting tube, one end of which is connected to the first pressure chamber, and the other end of which is connected to the second pressure chamber.

[0021] Optionally, the hinge structure further includes a second connecting portion, the second connecting portion is connected to the rotating shaft, the second pressure chamber is located on the second connecting portion, and the connecting pipe is located in the second connecting portion.

[0022] Optionally, the connecting assembly includes a connecting piece, a piston rod and a sliding structure, the piston rod and the sliding structure are both located on the connecting piece, and the piston rod is movably inserted into one end portion of the second pressure chamber;

[0023] The hinge structure further includes a slide rail, which is located on the second connecting portion. The direction of the slide rail is parallel to the length direction of the piston rod, and the sliding structure of the connecting assembly is slidably connected to the slide rail.

[0024] Optionally, the connecting assembly further includes an avoidance notch on the connecting member, wherein the avoidance notch matches an outer wall of the second pressure chamber and is used to avoid the second pressure chamber.

[0025] Optionally, the hinge structure further includes a synchronization component, the hinge structure has two hinge components, and any one of the hinge components includes the rotating shaft, the driving component, and the connecting component;

[0026] The synchronization components cooperate with the rotating shafts of the two hinge components respectively, so that the rotating shafts of the two hinge components rotate synchronously in opposite directions.

[0027] Optionally, gear teeth are provided on the outside of the rotating shaft;

[0028] The synchronization component includes two gears, and the two gears are meshed with each other. The two gears are respectively meshed with gear teeth on the rotating shafts of the two hinge components.

[0029] On the other hand, a foldable display device is provided, comprising a flexible display panel and any one of the hinge structures described above, wherein the flexible display panel is located on the hinge structure.

[0030] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application include at least:

[0031] A hinge structure comprising a rotating shaft, a drive assembly, and a connecting assembly is provided. The drive assembly, driven by the rotating shaft, can hydraulically and / or pneumatically drive the connecting assembly to move away from or toward the rotating shaft as the rotating shaft rotates, thereby enabling the connecting assembly to control a flexible display panel as the rotating shaft rotates. Furthermore, the hinge structure drives the connecting member hydraulically and / or pneumatically, eliminating the need for external control circuitry and thus occupying less space. This solves the problem of the complex structure and large space occupied by the electric drive assembly and external control circuitry in related technologies, thereby reducing the space occupied by the hinge structure.

[0032] In addition, the drive assembly can provide damping during the rotation of the shaft, which can improve the user's experience when rotating the shaft. On the other hand, there is no need to set up an additional damping structure in the hinge structure, which further simplifies the hinge structure and reduces the space occupied by the hinge structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. 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 any creative work.

[0034] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a hinge structure shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the hinge structure shown;

[0036] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a rotating shaft shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of another rotating shaft shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a hinge structure in a folded state, shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the hinge structure is shown;

[0040] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a hinge structure in a folded state, shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a hinge structure in an expanded state, shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A bottom view of the hinge structure shown;

[0043] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 11is a schematic structural diagram of another foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 12 It is a structural schematic diagram of another foldable display device shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] The above drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and the textual description are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of the present application to those skilled in the art by reference to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the implementation methods of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a hinge structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The hinge structure 21 includes a rotating shaft 211 , a driving assembly 212 and a connecting assembly 213 .

[0049] Among them, the driving component 212 is connected to the connecting component 213 and the rotating shaft 211 respectively. The driving component 212 is used to drive the connecting component 213 to move in a direction away from or close to the rotating shaft 211 through hydraulic means and / or pneumatic means when the rotating shaft 211 rotates.

[0050] In summary, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a hinge structure comprising a rotating shaft, a drive assembly, and a connecting assembly. The drive assembly, driven by the rotating shaft, can hydraulically and / or pneumatically drive the connecting assembly to move away from or toward the rotating shaft as the rotating shaft rotates, thereby enabling the connecting assembly to control the flexible display panel as the rotating shaft rotates. Furthermore, this hinge structure drives the connecting member hydraulically and / or pneumatically, eliminating the need for external control circuitry and thus occupying less space. This solves the problem of the complex structure and large space occupied by the electric drive assembly and external control circuitry in related technologies, thereby reducing the space occupied by the hinge structure.

[0051] In addition, the drive assembly can provide damping during the rotation of the shaft, which can improve the user's experience when rotating the shaft. On the other hand, there is no need to set up an additional damping structure in the hinge structure, which further simplifies the hinge structure and reduces the space occupied by the hinge structure.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 1For example, the hinge structure 21 has two hinge components 21 a , and each hinge component 21 a includes a rotating shaft 211 , a driving component 212 and a connecting component 213 . Figure 1 The dotted box is a structural diagram of a hinge component 21a. The driving component 212 includes: a pressure chamber 2a and a driving member 2b; the pressure chamber 2a contains a medium, which is a gas and / or a liquid. Among them, the medium is the working medium for transmitting power and signals in the driving component 212. The medium can be various mixed gases, high water-based flame-retardant hydraulic fluid, water-ethylene glycol type hydraulic fluid, phosphate ester hydraulic fluid, fatty acid ester hydraulic fluid, anti-wear hydraulic fluid, petroleum hydraulic oil, synthetic hydraulic oil and flame-retardant hydraulic oil, etc., and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. Of course, the hinge structure 21 can also have more hinge components 21a, such as three, four, etc., and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0053] A driving member 2b is movably mounted in one end of the pressure chamber 2a and is linked to the rotating shaft 211. A connecting assembly 213 is movably mounted in the other end of the pressure chamber 2a. Driven by the rotating shaft 211, the driving member 2b is configured to telescope within the pressure chamber 2a and, through a medium, to drive the connecting assembly 213 to move within the pressure chamber 2a away from or toward the rotating shaft 211. This allows the driving member 2b to telescope, thereby driving the connecting assembly 213 to move, thereby facilitating the folding control of the flexible display panel.

[0054] Illustratively, the pressure chamber 2a includes a first pressure chamber 2a1 and a second pressure chamber 2a2 that are connected, the driving member 2b is movably inserted into one end of the first pressure chamber 2a1, and the connecting assembly 213 is movably inserted into one end of the second pressure chamber 2a2.

[0055] The first pressure chamber 2a1 is located within the rotating shaft 211. The drive assembly 212 further includes a limiting structure 2e located within the first pressure chamber 2a1. The limiting structure 2e is connected to the driving member 2b, enabling the driving member 2b to rotate synchronously with the rotating shaft 211. The limiting structure 2e is connected to the driving member 2b to restrict the driving member 2b to telescopic movement along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 211, rather than rotation relative to the rotating shaft 211, when the driving member 2b and the rotating shaft 211 rotate synchronously.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the first pressure chamber 2a1 may also be located outside the rotating shaft 211, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0057] In addition, the above-mentioned limiting structure 2e is a way to link the driving member 2b with the rotating shaft 211. The driving member 2b and the rotating shaft 211 can also be linked in other ways. For example, the hinge structure can also include a linkage gear, and the driving member 2b and the rotating shaft 211 are linked through the linkage gear. The embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 for Figure 1 In an exploded view of the hinge structure shown in FIG. 1 , in an exemplary embodiment, the hinge structure 21 further includes a bracket 214 , and the driving member 2b includes a piston portion 2b1 and a first connecting portion 2b2 . The piston portion 2b1 is movably inserted into one end of the first pressure chamber 2a1 . In this configuration, the piston portion 2b1 can perform piston motion within the first pressure chamber 2a1 , pushing the medium in the first pressure chamber 2a1 into the second pressure chamber 2a2 , or drawing the medium in the second pressure chamber 2a2 into the first pressure chamber 2a1 .

[0059] The first connecting portion 2b2 is located at the end away from the first pressure chamber 2a1 and is threadedly connected to the bracket 214. The first connecting portion 2b2 can be provided with external threads, that is, the first connecting portion 2b2 can be a screw, so that it can be threadedly connected to the bracket 214. For example, the driving member 2b can be rod-shaped, and the piston portion 2b1 can be a piston rod, and the piston rod and the screw serving as the first connecting portion 2b2 are integrally formed.

[0060] Illustratively, the bracket 214 includes a bracket body 2141, an abutting portion 2142, and a rotating shaft mounting portion 2143. The abutting portion 2142 abuts against the bracket body 2141 and the rotating shaft mounting portion 2143. The sidewalls of the abutting portion 2142, the sidewalls of the bracket body 2141, and the sidewalls of the rotating shaft mounting portion 2143 form a receiving space, in which a portion of the rotating shaft 211 is located. The bracket body 2141 and the rotating shaft mounting portion 2143 may be integrally formed, and the abutting portion 2142 may be welded to the rotating shaft mounting portion 2143. One end of the rotating shaft 211 is inserted into the rotating shaft mounting portion 2143.

[0061] The abutment portion 2142 has a screw hole 2k, and the first connection portion 2b2 is threadedly connected to the screw hole 2k. Because the piston portion 2b1 connected to the first connection portion 2b2 is movably inserted into one end of the first pressure chamber 2a1 in the rotating shaft 211, the rotating shaft 211 can be limited by the first connection portion 2b2 and the end of the rotating shaft 211 inserted into the rotating shaft mounting portion 2143 to prevent the rotating shaft from being separated from the bracket 214. With this structure, when the rotating shaft 211 rotates, the driving member 2b will be moved in a direction away from the first pressure chamber 2a1 or in a direction toward the first pressure chamber 2a1 under the action of the screw hole 2k. In other words, it can be telescopically moved in the first pressure chamber 2a1 to facilitate the expulsion of the medium from the first pressure chamber 2a1 or the suction of the medium into the first pressure chamber 2a1.

[0062] Exemplarily, the limiting structure 2e includes a limiting groove 2e1, which is located on the inner wall of the first pressure chamber (2a1), and the length direction h of the limiting groove 2e1 is parallel to the length direction of the driving member 2b. The limiting groove 2e1 can be strip-shaped.

[0063] The driving assembly 212 further includes a stopper 2f, which is connected to the outer wall of the driving member 2b and is located in the stopper groove 2e1. Optionally, the stopper 2f and the driving member 2b can be integrated to improve the firmness between the stopper 2f and the driving member 2b.

[0064] Among them, the limiting structure 2e can be a limiting groove 2e1, and the length direction of the limiting groove 2e1 can be parallel to the length direction of the driving member 2b, so that the limiting groove 2e1 can cooperate with the limiting member 2f to limit the moving direction of the driving member 2b, so that the driving member 2b can only be telescopically moved in the length direction of the driving member 2b relative to the first pressure chamber 2a1.

[0065] In the embodiment of the present application, the structure of the limiting groove can include at least two types, one structure can be as follows Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic structural diagram of a rotating shaft 211 viewed along direction f (i.e., axial direction). The limiting groove 2e1 can be a through groove extending through the wall of the first pressure chamber 2a1, and the limiting member 2f on the driver 2b can be located in the through groove to limit the driver 2b. This type of limiting groove 2e1 has a greater depth and extends through the wall of the first pressure chamber 2a1, resulting in greater stability. A smaller number (e.g., 1-3) can be provided to stably limit the driver 2b.

[0066] Another structure can be Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the hinge structure provided in this application, viewing the rotating shaft along the axial direction. The limiting groove 2e1 can also be a groove on the inner wall of the first pressure chamber 2a1. In the hinge structure provided in this embodiment, the limiting grooves in the rotating shafts of the two hinge components can adopt either of the two aforementioned structures.

[0067] The limiting structure may include at least two limiting grooves 2e1 ( Figure 4What is shown is a case where four grooves are included as limiting grooves, but the number of limiting grooves can also be other, such as 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, etc., which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. The drive assembly 212 also includes at least two limiting members corresponding to at least two limiting grooves 2e1. When the limiting structure is a groove on the inner wall of the first pressure chamber 2a1, the stability is reduced compared to the through groove, so at least two limiting grooves 2e1 and at least two limiting members corresponding to at least two limiting grooves 2e1 can be used to enhance the stability. At the same time, when the limiting structure is a through groove on the inner wall of the first pressure chamber 2a1, at least two limiting grooves 2e1 and at least two limiting members 2f corresponding to at least two limiting grooves 2e1 can also be used to enhance the limiting effect, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0068] For example, please refer to Figure 1 The hinge structure 21 further includes a connecting tube 215, one end of which is connected to the first pressure chamber 2a1 and the other end of which is connected to the second pressure chamber 2a2. The connecting tube 215 connects the first pressure chamber 2a1 and the second pressure chamber 2a2, allowing the medium to enter the first pressure chamber 2a1 or the second pressure chamber 2a2 through the connecting tube 215.

[0069] Illustratively, the hinge assembly further includes a second connecting portion 216, which is connected to the rotating shaft 211. The second pressure chamber 2a2 is located on the second connecting portion 216, and the connecting tube 215 is located within the second connecting portion 216. The second connecting portion 216 is connected to the rotating shaft 211 and can rotate with the rotation of the rotating shaft 211. The connecting tube 215 is disposed within the second connecting portion 216 to provide a flow channel for the medium to flow between the first pressure chamber 2a1 and the second pressure chamber 2a2 when the rotating shaft 211 rotates, without affecting the normal operation of the hinge structure. Illustratively, the second connecting portion 216 can be plate-shaped.

[0070] Figure 1 What is shown is a structure in which the connecting pipe 215 is located in the second connecting part 216; however, the connecting pipe 215 may also be arranged in other ways. For example, the connecting pipe 215 may be a pipeline located outside the second connecting part 216 to connect the first pressure chamber 2a1 and the second pressure chamber 2a2. This arrangement has the advantages of low difficulty in setting up and easy replacement of hydraulic pipes.

[0071] In another exemplary embodiment, the second connecting portion 216 may have a curved avoidance structure 2m that is bent toward one side of the hinge structure (the bending direction may be perpendicular to the axis of the rotating shaft). The curved avoidance structure 2m may be used to avoid other external structures located on one side of the hinge structure, such as a housing ( Figure 1 (not shown), the housing can be buckled outside one side of the hinge structure to protect the internal structure of the hinge structure.

[0072] For example, please refer to Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 .like Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure showing a hinge structure in a folded state. Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional structural diagram of a hinge structure is shown, wherein the connecting assembly 213 includes a connecting member 2131, a piston rod 2132, and a sliding structure 2133. The piston rod 2132 and the sliding structure 2133 are both located on the connecting member 2131, and the piston rod 2132 is movably inserted into one end of the second pressure chamber 2a2.

[0073] The hinge structure 21 further includes a slide rail 217 located on the second connecting portion 216. The direction of the slide rail 217 is parallel to the length direction n of the piston rod 2132. The sliding structure 2133 of the connecting assembly 213 is slidably connected to the slide rail 217. The slide rail 217 can be used to assist the piston rod 2132 in limiting the movement direction of the connecting member 2131, so that the movement direction of the connecting member 2131 is the same as the movement direction of the piston rod 2132.

[0074] Depend on Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 It can be seen that the medium contained in the first pressure chamber 2a1 is pushed into the connecting tube 215 through the driving member 2b, and the medium flows into the second pressure chamber 2a2 through the connecting tube 215, and pushes the piston rod 2132 to move in the second pressure chamber 2a2, thereby realizing the sliding of the connecting member 2131 on the slide rail 217. Therefore, the hinge structure can lift the flexible display panel when it is folded to avoid the bending position of the flexible display panel from being squeezed.

[0075] For example, please refer to Figure 2 Connecting assembly 213 also includes a clearance notch q on connecting member 2131. This notch q aligns with the outer wall of second pressure chamber 2a2 and allows for clearance of second pressure chamber 2a2. When connecting assembly 213 moves toward rotating shaft 211, the outer wall of second pressure chamber 2a2 can enter this notch q, preventing the outer wall of second pressure chamber 2a2 from obstructing connecting assembly 213.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, the connection component also includes a connection terminal 2134, which is located on the connector 2131 and is used to fix the flexible display panel (for example, it can be used to connect to the middle frame of the flexible display panel). For example, the connection terminal 2134 can be ring-shaped to facilitate bolt connection.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 .like Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a hinge structure in a folded state, shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The viewing angle may be the axial direction of the rotating shaft 211. Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a structure of a hinge structure in an unfolded state shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Among them, the folded state may refer to the state of the hinge structure when the angle between the two second connecting parts 216 in the hinge structure 21 is less than a specified degree (such as 60 degrees). The unfolded state refers to the state of the hinge structure when the angle between the two second connecting parts 216 in the hinge structure of the display device is greater than or equal to a specified degree. Of course, the unfolded state also includes a fully unfolded state, which may refer to the state of the hinge structure when the flexible display panel connected to the hinge structure is in a flat state.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, both hinge components 21a in the hinge structure 21 can be driven by the above-mentioned driving component 212. When both hinge components are driven by the driving component 212, both hinge components do not require external damping structures, control circuits and electric drive structures, which can simplify the structure and save space.

[0079] It should be noted that in the hinge structure provided in the embodiment of the present application, one of the two hinge components 21 can be driven by a driving assembly, and the other hinge component can be driven by other means, for example, by an electric drive structure. The embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0080] For example, the hinge structure 21 further includes a synchronization component 218, which cooperates with the rotation shafts 211 of the two hinge components 21a respectively to make the rotation shafts 211 of the two hinge components 21a rotate synchronously in opposite directions. For example, one rotation shaft can rotate counterclockwise and the other rotation shaft can rotate clockwise.

[0081] The synchronization component 218 can keep the rotating shafts 211 of the two hinge parts 21a of the hinge structure 21 rotating synchronously in opposite directions, thereby realizing the folding and unfolding of the flexible display panel, so that the rotation amplitude of the flexible display panel on both sides along the rotating shaft can be kept consistent when folding and unfolding.

[0082] like Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The bottom view of the hinge structure is shown. Figure 7-9. Gear teeth 2g are provided on the outside of the rotating shaft 211. The synchronization component 218 includes two gears 2181, and the axes c of the two gears 2181 and the axes d of the rotating shafts 211 of the two hinge parts 21a are all located on the bracket 214, wherein the axes c of the gears 2181 and the axes d of the rotating shafts 211 can play the role of fixing the gears 2181 and the rotating shaft 211, and the two gears 2181 are meshed with each other, and the two gears 2181 are respectively meshed with the gear teeth 2g on the rotating shafts 211 of the two hinge parts 21a. Under such a structure, when the second connecting portion 216 in one hinge component 21a drives the rotating shaft 211 to rotate, the gear teeth 2g on the rotating shaft 211 can sequentially drive the two gears 2181 in the synchronization component 218 to rotate. According to the characteristics of the gear transmission, the rotation direction of the gear 2181 meshing with the gear teeth 2g on the rotating shaft 211 is opposite to that of the rotating shaft 211, and the rotation direction of the other gear 2181 is the same as that of the rotating shaft 211. Then, the rotation direction of the rotating shaft in the other hinge component 21a meshing with the other gear 2181 will be opposite to that of the rotating shaft 211, thus achieving the function of synchronous counter-rotation of the two hinge components 21a. For the structure of the synchronization component 218, please refer to Figure 2 The content shown.

[0083] The embodiment of the present application provides a structure of a synchronization component 218 including two gears. The synchronization component adopts a gear transmission method, which can make the transmission accuracy higher, the working structure of the hinge structure more reliable and the service life longer.

[0084] The flexible display panel can have two folding methods: inward folding (the display surface of the flexible display panel used to display images can be divided into two sub-display surfaces by the folding position. When folded inward, the two sub-display surfaces are located on the inner side of the flexible display panel) and outward folding (when folded outward, the two sub-display surfaces of the flexible display panel are located on the outer side of the flexible display panel). The hinge structure provided by this exemplary embodiment can be applied to both folding methods.

[0085] When the flexible display panel is folded inward, the two hinge parts 21a are in the folded state, the flexible display panel is located on the inner side of the hinge structure 21, and the connecting component 213 is in the extended state. In this way, in the folded state, the flexible display panel is pushed open by the connecting component 213, and the folded position of the flexible display panel is away from the hinge structure, avoiding the hinge structure and the flexible display panel from squeezing each other to damage the flexible display panel.

[0086] When the flexible display panel folds outward, the two hinge components 21a are in the folded state, the flexible display panel is located outside the hinge structure 21, and the connecting component 213 is in a retracted state. This allows the flexible display panel to be pushed open by the connecting component 213 in the folded state, thereby moving the folded position of the flexible display panel away from the hinge structure, preventing the hinge structure and the flexible display panel from being squeezed against each other and potentially damaging the flexible display panel. Furthermore, when the two hinge components 21a are in the unfolded state, the piston rod 2132 is in an extended state. This allows the folded position of the flexible display panel to be stretched by the connecting component 213 in the unfolded state, reducing the crease at that folded position.

[0087] That is, when the flexible display panel is folded inward or outward, the hinge structure provided by this exemplary embodiment can prevent the bending position of the flexible display panel from being squeezed, and when the flexible display panel is folded outward, the hinge structure provided by this exemplary embodiment can also reduce the crease at the bending position by stretching the flexible display panel.

[0088] In summary, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a hinge structure comprising a rotating shaft, a drive assembly, and a connecting assembly. The drive assembly, driven by the rotating shaft, can hydraulically and / or pneumatically drive the connecting assembly to move away from or toward the rotating shaft as the rotating shaft rotates, thereby enabling the connecting assembly to control the flexible display panel as the rotating shaft rotates. Furthermore, this hinge structure drives the connecting member hydraulically and / or pneumatically, eliminating the need for external control circuitry and thus occupying less space. This solves the problem of the complex structure and large space occupied by the electric drive assembly and external control circuitry in related technologies, thereby reducing the space occupied by the hinge structure.

[0089] In addition, the drive assembly can provide damping during the rotation of the shaft, which can improve the user's experience when rotating the shaft. On the other hand, there is no need to set up an additional damping structure in the hinge structure, which further simplifies the hinge structure and reduces the space occupied by the hinge structure.

[0090] In addition, an embodiment of the present application further provides a foldable display device. The foldable display device includes a flexible display panel and any of the above-mentioned hinge structures, wherein the flexible display panel is located on the hinge structure. The hinge structure can be located in a folded position of the flexible display panel.

[0091] The display device may have one or more hinge structures provided in the above embodiments, for example, two, three, four or more hinge structures, which is not limited in the present embodiment. For example, the larger the size of the flexible display panel, the more hinge structures there may be.

[0092] In addition, the flexible display panel may be an organic light emitting diode display panel or other flexible display panels.

[0093] The foldable display device can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a smart wearable device, etc.

[0094] The display device may also include other components for realizing various functions, such as a processor, a memory, a device interface, a radio frequency circuit, a camera component, an audio circuit, a positioning component, a power supply, and one or more sensors (such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope sensor, a pressure sensor, a fingerprint sensor, an optical sensor, and a proximity sensor, etc.).

[0095] like Figure 10 As shown, it is a structural schematic diagram of the folded state when the folding display device provided by an embodiment of the present application is an inward-folding folding display device. Among them, the hinge structure 21 is located on the outside of the flexible display panel 01, and the connecting component 213 in the hinge structure 21 is connected to the flexible display panel 01 (of course, the connecting component 213 can also be indirectly connected to the flexible display panel 01 through other structures, for example, the flexible display panel 01 can be located on a frame, and the connecting component 213 can be connected to the frame). In the process of the folding display device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the connecting component 213 can move in the direction f1 away from the rotating shaft 211, so that the folded position z of the flexible display panel 01 is away from the hinge structure 21, avoiding mutual compression with the hinge structure, and improving the protection effect of the flexible display panel 01 and the hinge structure 21.

[0096] In addition, if Figure 11 As shown, it is a structural schematic diagram of the folded state when the folding display device provided by the embodiment of the present application is an outward-folding folding display device. Among them, the hinge structure 21 is located on the inner side of the flexible display panel 01, and the connecting component 213 in the hinge structure 21 is connected to the flexible display panel 01 (of course, the connecting component 213 can also be indirectly connected to the flexible display panel 01 through other structures. For example, the flexible display panel 01 can be located on a frame (such as a middle frame), and the connecting component 213 can be connected to the frame). In the process of the folding display device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the connecting component 213 can move along the direction f2 close to the rotating shaft 211, so that the folding position z of the flexible display panel 01 is away from the hinge structure 21, avoiding mutual compression with the hinge structure, and improving the protection effect of the flexible display panel 01 and the hinge structure 21.

[0097] In addition, if Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable display device provided in an embodiment of the present application, when it is an outward-folding foldable display device, in the unfolded state. During the transition of the foldable display device from the folded state to the unfolded state, the connecting component 213 can move in a direction f1 away from the rotating shaft 211 to stretch the folded position z of the flexible display panel 01, thereby reducing or eliminating the crease at the folded position z and improving the display effect of the flexible display panel.

[0098] It should be noted that the above Figure 10 Figure 12 In order to clearly show the hinge structure 21, the hinge structure 21 is set at the edge of the flexible display panel 01, but these drawings do not limit the position of the hinge structure 21. The folding position of the flexible display panel can be a strip-shaped area, and the hinge structure 21 can also be connected to other positions of the strip-shaped area.

[0099] In summary, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure shows a display device including a flexible display panel and a hinge structure, wherein the flexible display surface is located on the hinge structure, and the hinge structure includes a rotating shaft, a driving component, and a connecting component. The driving component can, when the rotating shaft rotates, be driven by the rotating shaft to drive the connecting component to move in a direction away from or close to the rotating shaft by a hydraulic method and / or a pneumatic method, so that the connecting component can control the flexible display panel when the rotating shaft rotates. The hinge structure drives the connecting component by a hydraulic method and / or a pneumatic method without the need for an external control circuit, and occupies less space. This solves the problem in the related art that the electric drive component and the external control circuit have a relatively complex structure and occupy a large space, thereby achieving the effect of reducing the space occupied by the hinge structure.

[0100] In addition, the drive assembly can provide damping during the rotation of the shaft, which can improve the user's experience when rotating the shaft. On the other hand, there is no need to set up an additional damping structure in the hinge structure, which further simplifies the hinge structure and reduces the space occupied by the hinge structure.

[0101] In this application, the term "and / or" simply describes an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0102] In this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "plurality" refers to two or more than two, unless expressly limited otherwise.

[0103] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A hinge structure, characterized in that: The hinge structure (21) includes a rotating shaft (211), a driving component (212) and a connecting component (213); The driving assembly (212) is connected to the connecting assembly (213) and the rotating shaft (211) respectively, and the driving assembly (212) is used for driving the connecting assembly (213) to move in a direction away from or close to the rotating shaft (211) by hydraulic means and / or pneumatic means when the rotating shaft (211) rotates. The driving assembly (212) comprises: a pressure chamber (2a) and a driving member (2b); the pressure chamber (2a) contains a medium, and the medium is gas and / or liquid; The driving member (2b) is movably inserted into one end of the pressure chamber (2a) and is linked to the rotating shaft (211). The connecting assembly (213) is movably inserted into the other end of the pressure chamber (2a). The driving member (2b) is used to move telescopically in the pressure chamber (2a) under the drive of the rotating shaft (211), and to drive the connecting assembly (213) to move in the pressure chamber (2a) in a direction away from or close to the rotating shaft (211) through the medium.

2. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure chamber (2a) comprises a first pressure chamber (2a1) and a second pressure chamber (2a2) that are connected to each other; the driving member (2b) is movably inserted into one end of the first pressure chamber (2a1); and the connecting assembly (213) is movably inserted into one end of the second pressure chamber (2a2); The first pressure chamber (2a1) is located in the rotating shaft (211), and the driving assembly (212) further includes a limiting structure (2e) located in the first pressure chamber (2a1), and the limiting structure (2e) is connected to the driving member (2b) so that the driving member (2b) and the rotating shaft (211) rotate synchronously.

3. The hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The hinge structure (21) further includes a bracket (214); The driving member (2b) comprises: a piston portion (2b1) and a first connecting portion (2b2); the piston portion (2b1) is movably inserted into one end portion of the first pressure chamber (2a1); The first connecting portion (2b2) is located at an end away from the first pressure chamber (2a1) and is threadedly connected to the bracket (214).

4. The hinge structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bracket (214) includes a bracket body (2141), an abutting portion (2142) and a rotating shaft mounting portion (2143); the abutting portion (2142) abuts against the bracket body (2141) and the rotating shaft mounting portion (2143); the side wall of the abutting portion (2142), the side wall of the bracket body (2141) and the side wall of the rotating shaft mounting portion (2143) form an accommodating space, and part of the rotating shaft (211) is located in the accommodating space; one end of the rotating shaft (211) is inserted into the rotating shaft mounting portion (2143); the abutting portion (2142) has a screw hole (2k), and the first connecting portion (2b2) is threadedly connected to the screw hole (2k).

5. The hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The limiting structure (2e) comprises a limiting groove (2e1), the limiting groove (2e1) is located on the inner wall of the first pressure chamber (2a1), and the length direction (h) of the limiting groove (2e1) is parallel to the length direction of the driving member (2b); The driving assembly (212) further includes a limiting member (2f), wherein the limiting member (2f) is connected to the outer wall of the driving member (2b) and is located in the limiting groove (2e1).

6. The hinge structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The limiting groove (2e1) is a through groove that penetrates the cavity wall of the first pressure cavity (2a1); Alternatively, the limiting groove (2e1) is a groove on the inner wall of the first pressure chamber (2a1).

7. The hinge structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The hinge structure (21) further includes a connecting tube (215), one end of which is in communication with the first pressure chamber (2a1), and the other end of which is in communication with the second pressure chamber (2a2).

8. The hinge structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The hinge structure (21) further includes a second connecting portion (216), the second connecting portion (216) being connected to the rotating shaft (211), the second pressure chamber being located on the second connecting portion (216), and the connecting pipe (215) being located in the second connecting portion (216).

9. The hinge structure according to claim 8, characterized in that: The connecting assembly (213) comprises a connecting piece (2131), a piston rod (2132) and a sliding structure (2133); the piston rod (2132) and the sliding structure (2133) are both located on the connecting piece (2131), and the piston rod (2132) is movably inserted into one end of the second pressure chamber (2a2); The hinge structure (21) further includes a slide rail (217), which is located on the second connecting portion (216). The direction of the slide rail (217) is parallel to the length direction of the piston rod (2132), and the sliding structure (2133) of the connecting assembly (213) is slidably connected to the slide rail (217).

10. The hinge structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The connecting assembly further comprises an avoidance notch (q) on the connecting member (2131), wherein the avoidance notch (q) matches the outer wall of the second pressure chamber (2a2) and is used to avoid the second pressure chamber (2a2).

11. The hinge structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hinge structure (21) further includes a synchronization component (218), the hinge structure (21) has two hinge components (21a), and each hinge component (21a) includes the rotating shaft (211), the driving component (212), and the connecting component (213); The synchronization components (218) respectively cooperate with the rotating shafts (211) of the two hinge components (21a) to enable the rotating shafts (211) of the two hinge components (21a) to rotate synchronously in opposite directions.

12. The hinge structure according to claim 11, characterized in that: The rotating shaft (211) is provided with gear teeth (2g) on the outside; The synchronization component (218) includes two gears (2181), and the two gears (2181) are meshed with each other. The two gears (2181) are respectively meshed with the gear teeth (2g) on the rotating shafts (211) of the two hinge components (21a).

13. A foldable display device, characterized in that: The foldable display device comprises a flexible display panel (01) and a hinge structure (21) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the flexible display panel (01) is located on the hinge structure (21).

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