A display module and a foldable display device

Abstract

The present application discloses a display module and a folding display device, comprising: a flexible display panel; a middle frame assembly arranged on the side of the flexible display panel away from the display surface, the middle frame assembly comprising a first frame body, a second frame body and an intermediate frame body rotatably connected to the first frame body and the second frame body; a hinge assembly, one end of the hinge assembly is slidably connected to the first frame body or the second frame body, and the other end of the hinge assembly is hinged to the intermediate frame body; a rotating assembly, the rotating assembly is used to drive the first frame body and the second frame body to rotate synchronously relative to the intermediate frame body, so as to drive the flexible display panel to switch between a flattened state and a folded state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to the field of display technology, and specifically to a display module and a foldable display device. Background Art

[0002] Flexible displays are bendable, making it possible for smart mobile terminals equipped with flexible displays, such as smartphones, to switch between folded and unfolded states. Currently, hinge mechanisms and rotation mechanisms that are suitable for inward-folding flexible displays mostly have many parts and occupy a large amount of space, which cannot meet the requirements of mobile terminals being thin and compact. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned defects or deficiencies in the prior art, it is desirable to provide a display module and a folding display device, which can simplify the display module and realize synchronous folding and rotation of both sides.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a display module, comprising:

[0005] Flexible display panels;

[0006] A middle frame assembly disposed on a side of the flexible display panel away from the display surface, the middle frame assembly comprising a first frame body, a second frame body, and an intermediate frame body rotatably connected to the first frame body and the second frame body;

[0007] A hinge assembly, one end of which is slidably connected to the first frame or the second frame, and the other end of which is hinged to the middle frame;

[0008] A rotating assembly is used to drive the first frame body and the second frame body to rotate synchronously relative to the middle frame body, so as to drive the flexible display panel to switch between a flattened state and a folded state.

[0009] Optionally, a first rotating plate is fixedly provided on the first frame, and the first rotating plate is hinged to the hinge assembly and the rotating assembly; a second rotating plate is fixedly provided on the second frame, and the second rotating plate is hinged to the hinge assembly and the rotating assembly.

[0010] Optionally, the hinge assembly includes a first rotating link and a second rotating link, one end of the first rotating link is slidably connected to the first rotating plate, and the other end of the first rotating link is hinged to the middle frame;

[0011] One end of the second rotating link is slidably connected to the second rotating plate, and the other end of the first rotating link is hinged to the middle frame.

[0012] Optionally, both the first rotating link and the second rotating link include a hinged portion and a sliding portion that are fixedly connected;

[0013] An articulated seat that cooperates with the articulated portion is provided on the intermediate frame body, and the articulated seat is articulated with the articulated portion;

[0014] Chute grooves that cooperate with the sliding portion are provided on both the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate.

[0015] Optionally, the articulated seat includes a first support plate and a second support plate that are oppositely arranged, and the first support plate and the second support plate are located on both sides of the first rotating link in the direction perpendicular to the rotation plane;

[0016] Both the first support plate and the second support plate are provided with a plate body and a first articulated mating portion and a second articulated mating portion provided on the plate body. The first articulated mating portion is articulated with the articulated portion on the first rotating link, and the second articulated mating portion is articulated with the articulated portion on the second rotating link;

[0017] A guiding groove that slidably cooperates with the articulated portion is provided on the plate body.

[0018] Optionally, the articulated portion is arc-shaped and the sliding portion is planar;

[0019] The first articulated mating portion and the second articulated mating portion are planar on the side close to the flexible display panel;

[0020] When the flexible display panel is in a flattened state, the upper surface of the articulated portion is flush with the plane of the first articulated mating portion;

[0021] The sliding portion is fixedly connected to the articulated portion through a connecting portion, and the sliding portion is flush with the upper surface of the articulated portion.

[0022] Optionally, the rotating assembly includes a synchronous gear set. The synchronous gear set includes a plurality of gears that are sequentially engaged. The plurality of gears at least include two connecting gears that rotate in opposite directions synchronously. A connecting rod that is rotatably connected to the first frame body or the second frame body is provided on the connecting gear.

[0023] Optionally, one end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the connecting gear, and a sleeve is provided at the other end of the connecting rod and is articulated with the first rotating plate or the second rotating plate.

[0024] Optionally, the rotation axis of the connecting rod is not collinear with the rotation axis of the articulated portion.

[0025] Optionally, the sleeve is hinged to the first rotating plate or the second rotating plate through a pin shaft, and at least one end of the pin shaft is provided with a snap spring that cooperates with the first rotating plate or the second rotating plate.

[0026] Optionally, the connecting gear includes a first connecting gear and a second connecting gear, the synchronous gear set includes a transmission gear set disposed between the first connecting gear and the second connecting gear, the transmission gear set includes an even number of sequentially engaged transmission gears, and the first connecting gear and the second connecting gear are symmetrically disposed with respect to the transmission gear set.

[0027] Optionally, it further includes a damping plate disposed on the intermediate frame body, the connecting gear includes a first rotating shaft, the damping plate includes a damping hole that frictionally cooperates with the first rotating shaft and an opening disposed on the damping hole, and the diameter of the damping hole is smaller than the diameter of the first rotating shaft.

[0028] Optionally, the synchronous gear set includes a transmission gear set that meshes with the first connecting gear and the second connecting gear, the transmission gear set includes an even number of sequentially engaged transmission gears, a second rotating shaft is disposed on the transmission gear, and a first mounting hole that cooperates with the second rotating shaft is disposed on the damping plate.

[0029] Optionally, it further includes a limiting plate disposed on the intermediate frame body, the connecting gear includes a third rotating shaft, the limiting plate includes a limiting hole that cooperates with the third rotating shaft, a limiting block that cooperates with the limiting hole is disposed on the second rotating shaft, and the limiting block is rotatably connected to limit the switching of the flexible display panel between the flattened state and the folded state.

[0030] Optionally, the synchronous gear set includes a transmission gear set that meshes with the first connecting gear and the second connecting gear, the transmission gear set includes an even number of sequentially engaged transmission gears, a fourth rotating shaft is disposed on the transmission gear, and a second mounting hole that cooperates with the fourth rotating shaft is disposed on the limiting plate.

[0031] Optionally, the intermediate frame body includes a housing and a mounting groove disposed on the housing; the hinge seat is fixedly installed in the mounting groove;

[0032] The display module further includes a fixing seat fixedly connected to the rotating assembly, and the fixing seat is installed in the mounting groove.

[0033] Optionally, a first fixing groove that cooperates with the damping plate and a second fixing groove that cooperates with the limiting plate are disposed on the fixing seat.

[0034] In a second aspect, the present application provides a folding display device, including the display module as described in any one of the above.

[0035] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application may include the following beneficial effects:

[0036] In the display module provided by the embodiments of the present application, by providing a rotating component on the middle frame component, the first frame body and the second frame body on both sides of the display module can be driven to rotate relatively synchronously. One end of the hinged component is slidably connected to the frame body, and the other end is hinged to the middle frame body of the middle frame component, ensuring the smoothness and accuracy of the movement of the display module, reducing the risk of screen failure. The design of the hinged component and the rotating component can reduce the structural complexity of the display module, improve the assembly convenience and assembly yield of the display module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] By reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, other features, objects, and advantages of the present application will become more apparent:

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a display module provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 2 An exploded view of a display module provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a display module provided by an embodiment of the present application in a flattened state;

[0041] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a display module provided by an embodiment of the present application in a folded state;

[0042] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a first rotating link and a second rotating link provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a hinge seat provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 7 An installation schematic diagram of a hinge seat, a first rotating link, and a second rotating link provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a connecting gear provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 9 A connection schematic diagram of a synchronous gear set provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 10 A schematic structural diagram of a damping plate provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the connection of a damping plate provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a limit plate provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 13 A connection diagram of a limit plate provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of another connection of a limiting plate provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 15 A schematic structural diagram of a fixing base provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It is to be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the relevant inventions, rather than to limit the inventions described. It is also necessary to explain that, for ease of description, only the parts related to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0054] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0055] Please see Figure 1-4 , the present application provides a display module, comprising:

[0056] Flexible display panel 100;

[0057] A middle frame assembly 200 disposed on a side of the flexible display panel 100 away from the display surface, the middle frame assembly 200 comprising a first frame body 201, a second frame body 202, and a middle frame body 203 rotatably connected to the first frame body 201 and the second frame body 202;

[0058] A hinge assembly 300, one end of which is slidably connected to the first frame 201 or the second frame 202, and the other end of which is hinged to the middle frame 203;

[0059] The rotating assembly 400 is used to drive the first frame body 201 and the second frame body 202 to rotate synchronously relative to the middle frame body 203, so as to drive the flexible display panel 100 to switch between a flattened state and a folded state.

[0060] In the display module provided by the embodiment of the present application, by arranging a rotating component 400 on the middle frame component 200, the first frame body 201 and the second frame body 202 on both sides of the display module can be driven to rotate relatively synchronously. One end of the hinged component 300 is slidably connected to the frame body, and the other end is hingedly arranged with the middle frame body 203 of the middle frame component 200, ensuring the movement smoothness and movement accuracy of the display module, reducing the risk of screen failure. The design of the hinged component 300 and the rotating component 400 can reduce the structural complexity of the display module, improve the assembly convenience and assembly yield of the display module.

[0061] For convenience of description, in the present application, both sides of the flexible display panel 100 rotate relatively around the middle frame body 203. The extension direction of the middle frame body 203 is defined as the first direction X, and the direction from the end of the first frame body 201 far from the middle frame body 203 to the end close to the middle frame body 203 is defined as the second direction Y. The first direction X is perpendicular to the second direction Y.

[0062] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the display module can be bent within a range of 180°, that is, the display module includes at least two extreme states, namely a flattened state and a folded state. The flattened state is the state where the flexible display panel 100 is laid flat, and the folded state is the state where the two side screens of the flexible display panel 100 approach each other. In the folded state, the shape of the flexible display panel 100 is not a U shape with both sides parallel, but is close to a water droplet shape. Here, the "water droplet shape" means that the bent portion 101 of the flexible display panel 100 bulges outwards on both sides along the second direction, so that the straight-line distance from the end of the flexible display panel 100 to the bending center is less than the straight-line distance from the bent portion 101 to the bending center in the folded state.

[0063] In the embodiment of the present application, the flexible display panel 100 may include a bent portion 101 in the middle and a first non-bent portion 102101 and a second non-bent portion 103101 on both sides of the bent portion 101 respectively. After the display module is folded inward, the flexible display panel 100 is located inside the display module relative to the middle frame component 200, that is, the display surface of the flexible display panel 100 is located inside. When the folding display device is folded inward, the bent portion 101 of the flexible display panel 100 bulges outwards on both sides away from the middle frame component 200 that supports the flexible display panel 100.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present application, the middle frame assembly 200 is disposed on a side of the flexible display panel 100 away from the display surface. The middle frame assembly 200 is used to support the flexible display panel 100. In an embodiment of the application, the first frame body 201 corresponds to the first non-bending portion 102101 of the flexible display panel 100, the second frame body 202 corresponds to the second non-bending portion 103101 of the flexible display panel 100, and the middle frame body 203 corresponds to the bending portion 101 of the flexible display panel 100.

[0065] By disposing the middle frame assembly 200 on the back side of the flexible display panel 100, the middle frame assembly 200 can support the flexible display panel 100, and it can be avoided that when the folding display device formed by the flexible display panel 100 and the middle frame assembly 200 is folded, the bending portion 101 of the flexible display panel 100 bulges. At the same time, when the folding display device is restored from the folded state to the flattened state, the flatness of the flexible display panel 100 is better.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present application, the connection manner between the flexible display panel 100 and the middle frame assembly 200 is not limited. The flexible display panel 100 can be attached to the first frame body 201 and the second frame body 202 by an easy-to-pull adhesive or a mesh adhesive. Of course, the connection between the first frame body 201, the second frame body 202 and the flexible display panel 100 can also be achieved by other mechanical connection methods. For example, a front frame that is snap-connected to the middle frame assembly 200 is used to press the flexible display panel 100 against the middle frame assembly 200. During the inner folding process, in order to prevent the flexible display panel 100 from colliding with the side frames on the left and right sides of the middle frame assembly 200, when the flexible display device is in the flattened state, the flexible display panel 100 needs to be spaced apart from the edges on the left and right sides of the middle frame assembly 200 by a certain distance.

[0067] In some embodiments, when the display device is in the flattened state, the first frame body 201 and the second frame body 202 can be in contact with each other, and the middle frame body 203 can be received in the first frame body 201 and the second frame body 202; when the display device is in the folded state, the first frame body 201 and the second frame body 202 can be separated from each other, and at least part of the middle frame body 203 can be exposed.

[0068] Understandably, in other embodiments, when the display device is in a flattened state, the first frame 201 and the second frame 202 may also respectively abut against both sides of the middle frame 203; when the display device is in a folded state, the portion of the middle frame 203 for connecting the first frame 201 and the second frame 202 is exposed. Preferably, in the folded state, the first frame 201 and the second frame 202 are closed and close to each other in a parallel state, and there is basically no gap between them after closing, so as to prevent external dust, foreign objects, particulate matters, etc. from entering, thereby playing a role and effect of protecting the screen body.

[0069] Among them, on the middle frame assembly 200, a first rotating plate 214 is fixedly arranged on the first frame 201, and the first rotating plate 214 is hinged to the hinge assembly 300 and the rotating assembly 400; a second rotating plate 215 is fixedly arranged on the second frame 202, and the second rotating plate 215 is hinged to the hinge assembly 300 and the rotating assembly 400. The first rotating plate 214 and the first frame 201, and the second rotating plate 215 and the second frame 202 are both arranged in a split manner. On the one hand, it can facilitate the cooperation of the first rotating plate 214 and the second rotating plate 215 during the rotation of the display module. On the other hand, it can simplify the installation method of the hinge assembly 300 and the rotating assembly 400. During installation, each part of the hinge assembly 300 and the rotating assembly 400 can be installed in advance and then fixed to the first frame 201 and the second frame 202 after being installed with the first rotating plate 214 and the second rotating plate 215, simplifying the processing method and installation method of the display module.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present application, the hinge assembly 300 includes a first rotating link 301 and a second rotating link 302. One end of the first rotating link 301 is slidably connected to the first rotating plate 214, and the other end of the first rotating link 301 is hinged to the middle frame 203; one end of the second rotating link 302 is slidably connected to the second rotating plate 215, and the other end of the first rotating link 301 is hinged to the middle frame 203.

[0071] As Figure 5 shown, both the first rotating link 301 and the second rotating link 302 include a hinged portion 311 and a sliding portion 312 fixedly connected; a hinge seat 303 cooperating with the hinged portion 311 is arranged on the middle frame 203, and the hinge seat 303 is hingedly arranged with the hinged portion 311; sliding grooves 221 cooperating with the sliding portion 312 are arranged on both the first rotating plate 214 and the second rotating plate 215.

[0072] In the embodiment of the present application, the extending direction of the sliding groove 221 is parallel to the surfaces of the first rotating plate 214 and the second rotating plate 215. The sliding groove 221 is used to guide the sliding direction of the sliding portion 312, ensuring the movement accuracy of the flexible display panel 100. During the inward folding process of the flexible display panel 100, from the flattened state to the folded state, the sliding direction of the sliding portion 312 points from the direction of the middle frame 203 to the directions at both ends of the display module. During the process from the folded state to the flattened state, the sliding direction of the sliding portion 312 points from the directions at both ends of the display module to the direction of the middle frame 203.

[0073] In the embodiment of the present application, by the way of sliding arrangement between the hinge assembly 300 and the first rotating plate 214 and the second rotating plate 215, while satisfying the rotation of the first rotating plate 214 and the second rotating plate 215 driven by the rotating assembly 400, the hinge assembly 300 further limits the rotation process to improve the movement accuracy. At the same time, it can also effectively define the form of the flexible display panel 100 during folding, preventing the bent portion 101 from forming creases and wrinkles during the inward folding process of the flexible display panel 100, so that the first rotating plate 214 and the second rotating plate 215 can effectively support the flexible display panel 100.

[0074] Among them, as Figure 6-7 shown, the hinge seat 303 includes a first support plate 314 and a second support plate 315 arranged oppositely, and the first support plate 314 and the second support plate 315 are located on both sides of the first rotating link 301 in the direction perpendicular to the rotation plane.

[0075] In the embodiment of the present application, the setting manner of the first support plate 314 and the second support plate 315 is not limited. The first support plate 314 and the second support plate 315 can adopt a split or integral structure, and are selected according to needs in different embodiments. By adopting the split manner, both sides of the hinge portion 311 can be installed separately. By adopting the integral manner, the hinge portion 311 is installed between the first support plate 314 and the second support plate 315 by rotation.

[0076] Among them, both the first support plate 314 and the second support plate 315 are provided with a plate body 321 and a first hinge fitting portion 322 and a second hinge fitting portion 323 arranged on the plate body 321. The first hinge fitting portion 322 is hinged to the hinge portion 311 on the first rotating link 301, and the second hinge fitting portion 323 is hinged to the hinge portion 311 on the second rotating link 302; a guiding groove 324 for slidingly cooperating with the hinge portion 311 is arranged on the plate body 321.

[0077] In the embodiments of the present application, the setting manners of the first hinged mating part 322 and the second hinged mating part 323 are not limited. The shapes of the first hinged mating part 322 and the second hinged mating part 323 are adapted to the shape of the hinged part 311, so as to realize the hinging of the first frame 201 and the middle frame 203, and the second frame 202 and the middle frame 203. During the rotation of the display module, the rotation processes on both sides of the display module can be further restricted, improving the movement smoothness. By forming a split structure between the first support plate 314 and the second support plate 315 and the middle frame 203, it is convenient to install the hinge assembly 300.

[0078] By providing a guiding groove 324 on the plate body 321, during the rotation of the flexible display panel 100, the hinged mating part slides in the guiding groove 324, improving the movement stability of the display module. At the same time, the guiding groove 324 can also facilitate the fixing and installation of the hinged part 311. In the embodiments of the present application, the extending direction of the guiding groove 324 is not limited. In some embodiments, for the convenience of installation and to improve the compactness of the system, the guiding groove 324 extends along the direction parallel to the sliding grooves 221 on the first rotating plate 214 and the second rotating plate 215, so that part of the sliding part 312 can slide at the position of the guiding groove 324, extending the sliding path of the sliding part 312 and improving the connection performance of the middle frame 203.

[0079] To prevent the first hinged mating part 322 and the second hinged mating part 323 from squeezing the flexible display panel 100, especially in the flattened state, the flexible display panel 100 can be closely attached to the upper surface of the middle frame assembly 200. Correspondingly, the hinge assembly 300 and the rotating assembly 400 are both flush with the upper surface of the middle frame assembly 200.

[0080] When specifically setting, the hinged part 311 is arc-shaped, and the sliding part 312 is planar; the first hinged mating part 322 and the second hinged mating part 323 are planar on the side close to the flexible display panel 100; when the flexible display panel 100 is in the flattened state, the upper surface of the hinged part 311 is flush with the plane of the first hinged mating part 322; the sliding part 312 is fixedly connected to the hinged part 311 through a connecting part 313, and the sliding part 312 is flush with the upper surface of the hinged part 311.

[0081] In some embodiments, the sliding portion 312, the connecting portion 313, and the hinged portion 311 may be an integral structure. For example, the sliding portion 312, the connecting portion 313, and the hinged portion 311 may be manufactured by the same manufacturing process. In the embodiments of the present application, the number of the connecting portions 313 is not limited. In different embodiments, the hinged portion 311 may be connected to the sliding portion 312 through a plurality of connecting portions 313 to make the extending direction of the sliding portion 312 parallel to the flexible display panel 100. In the embodiments of the present application, the connection manner between the sliding portion 312, the connecting portion 313, and the hinged portion 311 is not limited. For example, the sliding portion 312 may also be connected by bonding or clamping, as long as the reliability of the connection between the sliding portion 312 and the hinged portion 311 is ensured.

[0082] In the embodiments of the present application, the rotating assembly 400 includes a synchronous gear set 401. The synchronous gear set 401 includes a plurality of gears meshing in sequence. The plurality of gears at least include two connecting gears 402 that rotate synchronously and in opposite directions, as Figure 8 shown. A connecting rod rotatably connected to the first frame 201 or the second frame 202 is provided on the connecting gear 402.

[0083] The connecting gear 402 includes a first connecting gear 411 and a second connecting gear 412. The first rotating gear can be connected to the first frame 201 and can rotate around the first axis under the action of the rotation of the first frame 201 relative to the rotating shaft assembly; the second rotating gear can be connected to the second frame 202 and can rotate along the second axis under the action of the rotation of the second frame 202 relative to the rotating shaft assembly. Among them, the first axis is the axis of the first connecting gear 411, the second axis is the axis of the second connecting gear 412, and the first axis and the second axis are symmetric about the center of the flexible display panel 100.

[0084] Specifically, the connecting gear 402 includes a first connecting gear 411 and a second connecting gear 412. A first connecting rod 413 is provided on the first connecting gear 411, and one end of the first connecting rod 413 is hinged to the first rotating plate 214. A second connecting rod 414 is provided on the second connecting gear 412, and one end of the second connecting rod 414 is hinged to the second rotating plate 215. The first connecting rod 413 can drive the first non-bending part 102101 of the flexible display panel 100 to rotate relative to the bending part 101, and the second connecting rod 414 can drive the second non-bending part 103101 to rotate relative to the bending part 101. Thus, the folding of the foldable device can be achieved. In addition, since the first transmission gear 415 and the second transmission gear 416 are directly meshed or meshed through a transmission gear, the first transmission gear 415 and the second transmission gear 416 can rotate in reverse synchronously, realizing the central folding of the display module.

[0085] Wherein, one end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the connecting gear 402, and a sleeve 421 is provided at the other end of the connecting rod and is hinged to the first rotating plate 214 or the second rotating plate 215. Optionally, the sleeve 421 is hinged to the first rotating plate 214 or the second rotating plate 215 through a pin shaft 223, at least one end of the pin shaft 223 is provided with a snap ring 224 cooperating with the first rotating plate 214 or the second rotating plate 215, and a pin hole 222 cooperating with the pin shaft 223 is provided at the end of the first rotating plate 214 and the second rotating plate 215.

[0086] When one connecting rod rotates, it drives the sleeve 421 to follow. The sleeve 421 drives the first rotating plate 214 or the second rotating plate 215 with which it is in interference fit to rotate. The connecting rod drives a connecting gear 402 fixed to it to rotate. When a connecting gear 402 rotates, it drives the transmission gear set 403 to rotate. The gear set drives the other connecting gear 402 to rotate. The connecting rod fixed to the other connecting gear 402 and the sleeve 421 in interference fit with the connecting rod rotate, thereby driving the other connecting rod to rotate, and further realizing that when one side of the display module rotates, it drives the other side to rotate synchronously.

[0087] In the embodiment of the present application, in order to prevent the pin shaft 223 from moving axially and affecting the motion accuracy, a stop block 225 is provided at one end of the pin shaft 223, and the other end is clamped by a snap ring 224. Of course, both ends of the pin shaft 223 can be fixed by the snap ring 224. A bayonet 226 for mating with the snap ring 224 is provided on the pin shaft 223. The snap ring 224 is sleeved at the position of the bayonet 226 and contacts the end face of the first rotating plate 214 or the second rotating plate 215 on one side to achieve clamping and prevent the snap ring 224 from moving axially along the length direction. Of course, in different embodiments, the pin shaft 223 can be limited in multiple ways in the existing structure, and the present application does not limit this.

[0088] In the embodiment of the present application, the rotation axis of the connecting rod is not collinear with the rotation axis of the hinge portion 311. Among them, the rotation path of the connecting rod is the first axis of the connecting gear 402, and the rotation axis of the hinge portion 311 is the axis of the hinge mating portion. The present application does not limit the arrangement of the hinge mating portion and the synchronous gear set 401 in the embodiment. In different embodiments, the hinge assembly 300 and the rotation assembly 400 provided in the present application can meet different application scenarios. According to the position of the middle frame 203, the installation positions of the hinge assembly 300 and the rotation assembly 400 are adjusted to meet different devices or application scenarios. The structure is simple. The design of the hinge assembly 300 and the rotation assembly 400 can reduce the structural complexity of the display module, improve the assembly convenience and assembly yield of the display module.

[0089] The number of gears on the synchronous gear set 401 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. In order to improve the transmission efficiency and transmission accuracy of the rotation assembly 400, in the embodiment of the present application, the synchronous gear set 401 includes a transmission gear set 403 disposed between the first connecting gear 411 and the second connecting gear 412. As Figure 9 shown, the transmission gear set 403 includes an even number of sequentially meshing transmission gears, and the first connecting gear 411 and the second connecting gear 412 are symmetrically disposed with respect to the transmission gear set 403.

[0090] In the embodiments of the present application, the number of the transmission gears in the transmission gear set 403 is not limited and can be selected as needed in different embodiments. In the embodiments of the present application, the transmission gear set 403 includes two transmission gears, and the two transmission gears mesh with each other. For example, it includes a first transmission gear 415 and a second transmission gear 416. The first transmission gear 415 meshes with the first connecting gear 411, and the second connecting gear 412 meshes with the second transmission gear 416. When one side of the flexible display panel 100 rotates in a certain direction, for example, the first frame 201 rotates, the first connecting gear 411 is driven by the two transmission gears to drive the second connecting gear 412 to rotate in a direction opposite to the certain direction, so that both ends of the display panel are bent in two opposite directions.

[0091] To reduce the floor area, the first transmission gear 415 and the second transmission gear 416 are located at the same horizontal height of the display module, and the first rotating gear and the second transmission gear 416 are located at another horizontal height. By adjusting the arrangement of the synchronous gear set 401, the structure of the display module is simplified. In the embodiments of the present application, the arrangement of each gear on the synchronous gear set 401 is not limited and can be adjusted according to devices or application scenarios, etc. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the pitch circle circumference of the transmission gear can be smaller than the pitch circle circumference of the rotating gear. By adjusting the transmission ratio of the transmission gear to the rotating size, the transmission efficiency and transmission accuracy are improved.

[0092] In an embodiment of the present application, as Figure 10-11 shown, the display module further includes a damping plate 404 disposed on the middle frame 203. The connecting gear 402 includes a first rotating shaft 417. The damping plate 404 includes a damping hole 422 that is in frictional fit with the first rotating shaft 417 and an opening 423 disposed on the damping hole 422. The diameter of the damping hole 422 is smaller than the diameter of the first rotating shaft 417. A second rotating shaft 418 is disposed on the transmission gear, and a first mounting hole 424 that cooperates with the second rotating shaft 418 is disposed on the damping plate 404.

[0093] In the embodiments of the present application, the damping size between the first rotating shaft 417 and the damping hole 422 can be controlled by adjusting the sizes of the damping hole 422 and the first rotating shaft 417. By appropriately selecting the friction coefficient between the first rotating shaft 417 of the connecting gear 402 and the damping hole 422, the display module can be fixed at any flipping angle to achieve the function of stopping at any position, which can avoid the generation of creases due to the bending of the flexible display screen and protect it from damage. In the present application, the part size and thickness of the damping plate 404 are small, and sufficient friction can be provided when the length of the first rotating shaft 417 is short, saving axial space for the rotating shaft.

[0094] In an embodiment of the present application, as Figure 12-14 shown, the display module further includes a limiting plate 405 disposed on the middle frame 203. The connecting gear 402 includes a third rotating shaft 419. The limiting plate 405 includes a limiting hole 425 that cooperates with the third rotating shaft 419. A limiting block 426 that cooperates with the limiting hole 425 is disposed on the second rotating shaft 418. The limiting block 426 and the limiting block 426 are rotatably connected to limit the switching of the flexible display panel 100 between a flattened state and a folded state. A fourth rotating shaft 420 is disposed on the transmission gear, and a second mounting hole 432 that cooperates with the fourth rotating shaft 420 is disposed on the limiting plate 405.

[0095] In an embodiment of the present application, the limiting block 426 includes a first limiting surface 427 and a second limiting surface 428. The first limiting surface 427 corresponds to the flattened state of the flexible display panel 100, and the second limiting surface 428 corresponds to the folded state of the flexible display panel 100. The included angle between the first limiting surface 427 and the second limiting surface 428 is 90°. The limiting hole 425 is disposed at one end of the limiting plate 405. The limiting hole 425 is a semi-hole. The flexible display panel 100 cannot be further bent by contacting the first limiting surface 427 or the second limiting surface 428 through two shielding surfaces 429 on the semi-hole, thereby realizing the control of the limit state of the bending of the flexible display panel 100, preventing the flexible display panel 100 from further bending downward, and preventing the flexible display panel 100 from being damaged by collision, etc.

[0096] Optionally, the middle frame 203 includes a housing and a mounting groove 217 disposed on the housing. The hinge seat 303 is fixedly installed in the mounting groove 217. The display module further includes a fixed seat 406 fixedly connected to the rotating assembly 400. The fixed seat 406 is installed in the mounting groove 217.

[0097] In the present application, the fixing and installation of the hinge assembly 300 and the rotating assembly 400 are realized by providing the mounting groove 217 on the middle frame 203, saving the internal space of the display module and simplifying the movement mode at the same time. In the embodiment of the present application, the installation method of the mounting groove 217 with the hinge seat 303 and the fixed seat 406 is not limited. In different embodiments, it can be attached to the mounting groove 217 by an easy-to-pull adhesive or a mesh adhesive.

[0098] In some embodiments, engaging openings for cooperating with the hinge seat 303 and the fixed seat 406 are respectively provided in the installation groove 217. The hinge seat 303 and the fixed seat 406 are positioned and installed by engaging. This assembly method can reduce the risk that the bending trajectory does not match due to excessive assembly error between the middle frame assembly 200, the hinge assembly 300, and the rotating assembly 400, resulting in screen failure. At the same time, it can improve the assembly convenience and assembly yield of the entire display device. It can be understood that in other embodiments, when assembling the display module, the assembly sequence can also be selected according to the actual situation, simplifying the installation method, facilitating installation and disassembly, and improving the installation accuracy.

[0099] The number of the hinge seats 303 and the fixed seats 406 is determined according to the number of the hinge assemblies 300 and the rotating assemblies 400 in different embodiments. Two hinge assemblies 300 and rotating assemblies 400 are shown in this application. Of course, the middle frame assembly 200 provided in the embodiments of this application may include more hinge assemblies 300 and rotating assemblies 400. For example, the display module includes four or five hinge assemblies 300 and rotating assemblies 400. The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of the hinge assemblies 300 and the rotating assemblies 400. Among them, the more the number of the hinge assemblies 300 and the rotating assemblies 400, the higher the reliability of supporting the bent portion 101 of the flexible display panel 100. When specifically arranged, a plurality of hinge assemblies 300 and rotating assemblies 400 are arranged on the middle frame assembly 200 along the extension direction of the bent portion 101 of the flexible display panel 100.

[0100] It can be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit the setting method of the hinge seat 303 and the fixed seat 406. In some embodiments, the hinge seat 303 can be set as a split type or an integral type, and the fixed seat 406 can be set as an integral type with the hinge seat 303 or a split type, and is set according to needs in different embodiments.

[0101] In addition, as Figure 15As shown, a first fixing groove 430 cooperating with the damping plate 404 and a second fixing groove 431 cooperating with the limiting plate 405 are provided on the fixing base 406. The damping plate 404 can be fixed in the first fixing groove 430 by a snap-fit manner, and the limiting plate 405 is fixed in the second fixing groove 431 by a snap-fit manner. The positioning and installation of the damping plate 404 and the limiting plate 405 are achieved by a snap-fit manner. This assembly method can reduce the risk of screen failure caused by mismatched bending trajectories due to excessive assembly errors. At the same time, it can improve the assembly convenience and assembly yield of the entire display device. It can be understood that in other embodiments, when assembling the display module, the assembly sequence can also be selected according to the actual situation to simplify the installation method, facilitate installation and disassembly, and improve the installation accuracy.

[0102] Based on the same inventive concept, the present application provides a foldable display device, including the display module as described in any one of the above. The foldable display device can be a liquid crystal panel, an electronic paper, an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) panel, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a television, a monitor, a laptop computer, a digital photo frame, a navigator, or any other product or component with a foldable display function.

[0103] It should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0104] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the described features. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0105] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field of the present invention. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Terms such as "arranged" as used herein can mean either that one component is directly attached to another component or that one component is attached to another component through an intermediate member. Features described in one embodiment herein can be applied to another embodiment alone or in combination with other features, unless the feature is inapplicable or otherwise stated in the other embodiment.

[0106] The present invention has been described by the above embodiments, but it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention within the scope of the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can understand that more variations and modifications can be made according to the teachings of the present invention, and these variations and modifications all fall within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized in that, Comprising: A flexible display panel; A middle frame assembly disposed on a side of the flexible display panel away from the display surface, the middle frame assembly including a first frame body, a second frame body, and an intermediate frame body rotatably connected to the first frame body and the second frame body; A hinge assembly, one end of the hinge assembly being slidably connected to the first frame body or the second frame body, and the other end of the hinge assembly being hinged to the intermediate frame body; A rotation assembly for driving the first frame body and the second frame body to rotate synchronously relative to the intermediate frame body, so as to drive the flexible display panel to switch between a flattened state and a folded state; the rotation assembly includes a synchronous gear set, the synchronous gear set including a plurality of gears meshing in sequence, and the plurality of gears including at least two connecting gears rotating in opposite directions synchronously; A damping plate is provided on the intermediate frame body, the connecting gear includes a first rotating shaft, the damping plate includes a damping hole in frictional cooperation with the first rotating shaft and an opening provided on the damping hole, and the diameter of the damping hole is smaller than the diameter of the first rotating shaft.

2. The display module according to claim 1, wherein A first rotating plate is fixedly provided on the first frame body, a second rotating plate is fixedly provided on the second frame body, both the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate are slidably connected to the hinge assembly, and both the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate are hinged to the rotation assembly.

3. The display module according to claim 2, wherein The hinge assembly includes a first rotating link and a second rotating link, one end of the first rotating link being slidably connected to the first rotating plate, and the other end of the first rotating link being hinged to the intermediate frame body; One end of the second rotating link is slidably connected to the second rotating plate, and the other end of the first rotating link is hinged to the intermediate frame body.

4. The display module according to claim 3, wherein Both the first rotating link and the second rotating link include a hinged portion and a sliding portion fixedly connected; A hinge seat cooperating with the hinged portion is provided on the intermediate frame body, and the hinge seat is hingedly arranged with the hinged portion; Sliding grooves cooperating with the sliding portion are provided on both the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate.

5. The display module according to claim 4, wherein The hinge seat includes a first support plate and a second support plate arranged oppositely, and the first support plate and the second support plate are located on both sides of the first rotating link in the direction perpendicular to the rotation plane; Both the first support plate and the second support plate are provided with a plate body and a first hinge mating portion and a second hinge mating portion provided on the plate body, the first hinge mating portion being hinged to the hinged portion on the first rotating link, and the second hinge mating portion being hinged to the hinged portion on the second rotating link; A guiding groove slidably cooperating with the hinged portion is provided on the plate body.

6. The display module according to claim 5, wherein The hinged portion is arc-shaped, and the sliding portion is planar; The first hinge mating portion and the second hinge mating portion are planar on a side close to the flexible display panel; When the flexible display panel is in the flattened state, the upper surface of the hinged portion is flush with the plane of the first hinge mating portion; The sliding portion is fixedly connected to the hinged portion through a connecting portion, and the sliding portion is flush with the upper surface of the hinged portion.

7. The display module according to claim 4, wherein The connecting gear is provided with a connecting rod that is rotatably connected to the first housing or the second housing.

8. The display module according to claim 7, wherein One end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the connecting gear, and the other end of the connecting rod is provided with a sleeve and is hinged to the first rotating plate or the second rotating plate.

9. The display module according to claim 8, wherein The rotation axis of the connecting rod and the rotation axis of the hinge portion are arranged non-collinearly.

10. The display module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sleeve is hinged to the first rotating plate or the second rotating plate through a pin shaft, and at least one end of the pin shaft is provided with a snap ring that cooperates with the first rotating plate or the second rotating plate.

11. The display module according to claim 7, wherein The connecting gear includes a first connecting gear and a second connecting gear. The synchronous gear set includes a transmission gear set disposed between the first connecting gear and the second connecting gear. The transmission gear set includes an even number of transmission gears that are sequentially engaged, and the first connecting gear and the second connecting gear are symmetrically arranged with respect to the transmission gear set.

12. The display module according to claim 11, wherein, The synchronous gear set includes a transmission gear set that meshes with the first connecting gear and the second connecting gear. The transmission gear set includes an even number of transmission gears that are sequentially engaged. A second rotating shaft is provided on the transmission gear, and a first mounting hole that cooperates with the second rotating shaft is provided on the damping plate.

13. The display module according to claim 11, wherein, It further includes a limiting plate disposed on the intermediate housing. The connecting gear includes a third rotating shaft. The limiting plate includes a limiting hole that cooperates with the third rotating shaft. A limiting block that cooperates with the limiting hole is provided on the third rotating shaft. The limiting block and the limiting hole are rotatably connected to limit the switching of the flexible display panel between the flattened state and the folded state.

14. The display module according to claim 13, wherein The synchronous gear set includes a transmission gear set that meshes with the first connecting gear and the second connecting gear. The transmission gear set includes an even number of transmission gears that are sequentially engaged. A fourth rotating shaft is provided on the transmission gear, and a second mounting hole that cooperates with the fourth rotating shaft is provided on the limiting plate.

15. The display module according to claim 13, wherein The intermediate housing includes a housing and a mounting groove provided on the housing; the hinge seat is fixedly installed in the mounting groove. The display module further includes a fixing seat fixedly connected to the rotating assembly, and the fixing seat is installed in the mounting groove.

16. The display module according to claim 15, wherein The fixing seat is provided with a first fixing groove that cooperates with the damping plate and a second fixing groove that cooperates with the limiting plate.

17. A foldable display device, characterized in that, It includes the display module according to any one of claims 1-16.

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