Folding display device and its support component

Abstract

A foldable display device and its support assembly. The support assembly includes a first body having a first surface, a second body having a second surface, a third body having a third surface, a fourth body having a fourth surface, a first pivot member, and a second pivot member. The first pivot member pivotally connects the first body and the second body. The second pivot member pivotally connects the second body and the third body. The fourth body is pivotally connected between the second body and the third body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly to a foldable display device and its support assembly. Background Art

[0002] Currently, some conventional tablets and smartphones with large display devices can provide users with a large screen experience. However, since large display devices are usually not bendable, the above-mentioned conventional tablets and smartphones are not convenient to carry. Therefore, the above-mentioned conventional tablets and smartphones require a design that is convenient to carry. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable display device includes a support assembly and a flexible display panel. The support assembly includes a first body having a first surface, a second body having a second surface, a first pivot member pivotally connecting the first body and the second body, a third body having a third surface, a fourth body having a fourth surface, and a second pivot member pivotally connecting the second body and the third body. The fourth body is pivotally connected between the second body and the third body. The flexible display panel is disposed on the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface. When the foldable display device is folded and in a first state, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface are not coplanar, and the flexible display panel is folded. A first included angle is formed between a portion of the flexible display panel on the third body and a portion of the flexible display panel on the second body, and a second included angle is formed between a portion of the flexible display panel on either the first body or the second body and the horizontal line. When the foldable display device is flattened and in a second state, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface are coplanar, and the flexible display panel is flattened.

[0004] In some embodiments, the size of each of the second body and the third body is smaller than the size of the first body.

[0005] In some embodiments, when the foldable display device is in the first state, a first gap is formed between the first surface and the second surface, and a second gap is formed between the first surface and the third surface. The width of the first gap is greater than the width of the second gap.

[0006] In some embodiments, the width of the first gap tapers from the first pivot member to the second pivot member.

[0007] In some embodiments, the foldable display device in the first state has a first thickness and a second thickness, and the first thickness is thinner than the second thickness. The first thickness extends from the first body to the third body, and the second thickness extends from the first body to the second body.

[0008] In some embodiments, the support assembly in the above first state has a sharp angle formed between the first surface and the second surface, and the sharp angle is relative to the first pivot member.

[0009] In some embodiments, when the foldable display device is in the first state, the flexible display panel has a gap width located between the first surface and the third surface and between 1 millimeter and 4 millimeters.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second pivot member includes a pair of pivot portions and two rotating shafts. Each of the pair of pivot portions includes two connecting segments, where the connecting segments of each pivot portion are rotatably connected to each other and are respectively connected to the second body and the third body. The fourth body is a support plate disposed between the pair of pivot portions. The two rotating shafts are coaxial and oppositely disposed, where each rotating shaft is connected to a connecting segment of one of the pivot portions, and the connecting segments of each pivot portion rotate relative to each other along the rotating shaft.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second pivot member further includes at least one guiding member. The guiding member is connected to the support plate and has a slot, where when the foldable display device is in the second state, one of the rotating shafts is inserted into the slot. When the foldable display device is in the first state, one of the rotating shafts moves out of the slot.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second pivot member includes a pair of pivot portions. Each of the pair of pivot portions includes a first pivot joint and a second pivot joint, where the first pivot joint has a protrusion and the second pivot joint has a groove. When the foldable display device is in the second state, the protrusion is inserted into the groove. When the foldable display device is in the first state, the protrusion moves out of the groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, when the foldable display device is in the second state, the fourth body is located between the second surface and the third surface, and the support assembly further includes a blocking member. The blocking member includes a sliding portion and at least one restoring element. The sliding portion is movably disposed on the third body. The restoring element is connected to the sliding portion. The restoring element moves the sliding portion to the fourth body so that when the foldable display device is in the second state, the sliding portion extends from the third body to the fourth body.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a support assembly includes a first body having a first surface, a second body having a second surface, a first pivot member pivotally connecting the first body and the second body, a third body having a third surface, a fourth body having a fourth surface, and a second pivot member pivotally connecting the second body and the third body. The fourth body is pivotally connected between the second body and the third body. When the support assembly is folded and in a first state, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface are not coplanar. When the foldable display device is flattened and in a second state, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface are coplanar.

[0015] In some embodiments, the size of each of the second body and the third body is smaller than the size of the first body.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the support assembly is in the first state, a first gap is formed between the first surface and the second surface, and a second gap is formed between the first surface and the third surface. The width of the first gap is greater than the width of the second gap.

[0017] In some embodiments, the width of the first gap tapers from the first pivot member to the second pivot member.

[0018] In some embodiments, the support assembly in the first state has a first thickness and a second thickness, and the first thickness is thinner than the second thickness. The first thickness extends from the first body to the third body, and the second thickness extends from the first body to the second body.

[0019] In some embodiments, the support assembly in the first state has a sharp included angle formed between the first surface and the second surface, and the sharp included angle is relative to the first pivot member.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second pivot member includes a pair of pivot portions and two rotating shafts. Each of the pair of pivot portions includes two connecting segments, wherein the connecting segments of each pivot portion are rotatably connected to each other and are respectively connected to the second body and the third body. The fourth body is a support plate disposed between the pair of pivot portions. The two rotating shafts are coaxial and oppositely disposed, wherein each rotating shaft connects a connecting segment of one of the pivot portions, and the connecting segments of each pivot portion rotate relative to each other along the rotating shaft.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second pivot member further includes at least one guiding member. The guiding member is connected to the support plate and has a slot, wherein when the support assembly is in the second state, one of the rotating shafts is inserted into the slot. When the support assembly is in the first state, one of the rotating shafts leaves the slot.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second pivot member includes a pair of pivot portions. Each of the pair of pivot portions includes a first pivot joint and a second pivot joint, wherein the first pivot joint has a protrusion and the second pivot joint has a groove. When the support assembly is in the second state, the protrusion is inserted into the groove. When the support assembly is in the first state, the protrusion leaves the groove.

[0023] In some embodiments, when the support assembly is in the second state (such as the folded state), the fourth body is located between the second surface and the third surface, and the support assembly further includes a blocking member. The blocking member includes a sliding portion and at least one restoring element. The sliding portion is movably disposed on the third body. The restoring element is connected to the sliding portion, and the restoring element moves the sliding portion to the fourth body so that when the support assembly is in the second state, the sliding portion extends from the third body to the fourth body.

[0024] Based on the above, the first pivot member pivotally connects the first body and the second body, and the second pivot member pivotally connects the second body, the third body and the fourth body, so that the first body, the second body, the third body and the fourth body can rotate relative to each other through the first pivot member and the second pivot member, thereby folding the foldable display device. It can be seen that according to at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the foldable display device is convenient to carry, and the support assembly can provide a convenient carrying design for the mobile device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1A is a perspective schematic view of a foldable display device according to at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a perspective schematic view of the support assembly drawn with the flexible display panel omitted in

[0027] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C is Figure 1B a partial perspective schematic view of the support assembly in

[0028] Figure 3A is the folding Figure 1A a perspective schematic view of the foldable display device in

[0029] Figure 3B is Figure 2B a side view schematic of the folded support assembly in the first state in

[0030] Figure 3C a cross-sectional schematic view of the foldable display device in the first state;

[0031] Figure 3D is a schematic view of the flexible display panel in the first state;

[0032] Figure 4A is Figure 1A a perspective three - dimensional schematic diagram of another view of the foldable display device in

[0033] Figure 4B is Figure 4A a perspective three - dimensional schematic diagram of the support assembly with some outer casings omitted in

[0034] Figure 4C is Figure 4B a partial perspective three - dimensional schematic diagram of the support assembly in

[0035] Figure 5A a perspective three - dimensional schematic diagram of the foldable display device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5B is Figure 5A a perspective three - dimensional schematic diagram of the support assembly with the flexible display panel omitted in

[0037] Figure 6A is Figure 5A a perspective three - dimensional schematic diagram of another view of the foldable display device in

[0038] Figure 6B is Figure 6A a perspective three - dimensional schematic diagram of the support assembly with some outer casings omitted in

[0039] Figure 6C and Figure 6D is Figure 6B a partial perspective three - dimensional schematic diagram of the support assembly in

[0040] Figure 7A is Figure 6B a partial perspective three - dimensional schematic diagram of the support assembly in

[0041] Figure 7B is the fold Figure 5A a perspective three - dimensional schematic diagram of the foldable display device in

[0042] Figure 7C is Figure 7B a side view schematic diagram of the folded support assembly in the first state in

[0043] Figure 7D a schematic diagram of the flexible display panel in the first state;

[0044] Figure 8 is the fold Figure 7A a partial perspective three - dimensional schematic diagram of the support assembly at the second pivot member in

[0045]

Symbol Explanation

[0046] 100,500: Foldable Display Device

[0047] 110,510: Support Component

[0048] 111,511: First Main Body

[0049] 111s: First Surface

[0050] 112,512: Second Main Body

[0051] 112s: Second Surface

[0052] 113,513: Third Main Body

[0053] 113b: Blocking Bump

[0054] P14: Bump

[0055] 113i: Inner Surface

[0056] 113s: Third Surface

[0057] 114: Fourth Main Body

[0058] 114s: Fourth Surface

[0059] 115: Oval Hole

[0060] 130,530: First Pivoting Member

[0061] 131,141,541: Pivoting Portion

[0062] 131e: Gear End

[0063] 132,142,532,542: Rotating Shaft

[0064] 139: Limiting Portion

[0065] 139b: Bottom

[0066] 139h: Hole

[0067] 139t: Groove

[0068] 140: Second Pivoting Member

[0069] 141: Pivoting Portion

[0070] 141a: First Pivoting Connector

[0071] 141b: Second Pivoting Connector

[0072] 540: Second Pivoting Member

[0073] 543: Support Plate

[0074] 149,160: Blocking member

[0075] 161,561: Sliding part

[0076] 161b,561b: Rod member

[0077] 161e: Wedge-shaped end

[0078] 161m: Main body part

[0079] 161r,561r,R14: Groove

[0080] 161s,561s: Extension section

[0081] 162: Reset element

[0082] 190: Flexible display panel

[0083] 191: Bending and folding part

[0084] 511c,512c,513c: Housing

[0085] 513b: Blocking bump

[0086] 513i: Depression

[0087] 513g: Gear rack

[0088] 541a,541b: Connecting section

[0089] 545: Guide member

[0090] 560: Blocking member

[0091] 561m: Sliding bar

[0092] 561t: Switching part

[0093] 563: Gear

[0094] A12: Sharp included angle

[0095] A13: First axis

[0096] A14,A54: Second axis

[0097] B13,B53: Limiting convex part

[0098] G1: First gap

[0099] G2: Second gap

[0100] L: Horizontal line

[0101] R19: Radius of curvature

[0102] S42: Slot

[0103] TH1: First thickness

[0104] TH2: Second thickness

[0105] W1, W2, W4: Widths

[0106] W3: Gap width

[0107] θ1: First included angle

[0108] θ2: Second included angle

[0109] θ3: Third included angle

[0110] θ4: Fourth included angle Detailed implementation manners

[0111] In the following text, in order to clearly present the technical features of this case, the dimensions (such as length, width, thickness, and depth) of the elements (such as layers, films, substrates, and regions, etc.) in the drawings are enlarged in a non - proportional manner. Therefore, the description and explanation of the following embodiments are not limited to the dimensions and shapes presented by the elements in the drawings, but should cover the dimensions, shapes, and the deviations between the two caused by actual processes and / or tolerances. For example, the flat surfaces shown in the drawings may have rough and / or non - linear features, and the acute angles shown in the drawings may be rounded. Therefore, the elements presented in the drawings of this case are mainly for illustration purposes and are not intended to precisely depict the actual shapes of the elements, nor are they intended to limit the claims of this case.

[0112] Secondly, words such as "about", "approximate", or "substantially" that appear in the content of this case not only cover the explicitly recorded numerical values and numerical ranges, but also cover the allowable deviation ranges that can be understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the invention pertains. Among them, this deviation range can be determined by the errors generated during measurement, and this error is caused by, for example, the limitations of both the measurement system and process conditions. For example, two objects (such as the plane of a substrate or a trace) are "substantially parallel" or "substantially perpendicular", where "substantially parallel" and "substantially perpendicular" respectively represent that the parallelism and perpendicularity between these two objects can include non - parallelism and non - perpendicularity caused by the allowable deviation range.

[0113] In addition, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations of the above - mentioned numerical values, such as within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5%. The words such as "about", "approximate", or "substantially" that appear in the text of this case can select an acceptable deviation range or standard deviation according to optical properties, etching properties, mechanical properties, or other properties, rather than simply applying a single standard deviation to all properties such as the above - mentioned optical properties, etching properties, mechanical properties, and other properties.

[0114] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the foldable display device 100 according to at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to Figure 1A , the foldable display device 100 includes a support assembly 110 (to be Figures 2A to 2C described in detail) and a flexible display panel 190, wherein the flexible display panel 190 is attached to the support assembly 110.

[0115] The support assembly 110 and the flexible display panel 190 can be flattened and bent, so the support assembly 110 and the flexible display panel 190 can be folded. The flexible display panel 190 can be, for example, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display panel or an electrophoretic display panel. In addition, the foldable display device 100 can be a mobile device, such as a tablet computer, a smart phone or an electronic paper (also known as e-paper).

[0116] The folded foldable display device 100 is in a first state (such as a shutdown state), and the flattened foldable display device 100 is in a second state (such as a startup state), as Figure 1A shown. In Figure 1A , the foldable display device 100 in the second state can operate. For example, the foldable display device 100 in the second state can display images. In addition, the foldable display device 100 can include a touch sensing substrate, which is attached to the flexible display panel 190, so that the foldable display device 100 in the second state can have a touch function.

[0117] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the support assembly 110 drawn with the flexible display panel 190 omitted. Please refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the support assembly 110 includes a first body 111, a second body 112, a third body 113 and a fourth body 114, wherein the first body 111, the second body 112, the fourth body 114 and the third body 113 are connected in sequence. The fourth body 114 is pivotally connected between the second body 112 and the third body 113. Refer to Figure 1B , the size of each of the second body 112, the third body 113 and the fourth body 114 is smaller than the size of the first body 111, the size of the second body 112 is smaller than the size of the third body 113, and the size of the fourth body 114 is smaller than the size of the second body 112. Therefore, the fourth body 114 has the smallest size, and the first body 111 has the largest size.

[0118] The first body 111 has a first surface 111s. The second body 112 has a second surface 112s. The third body 113 has a third surface 113s. The fourth body 114 has a fourth surface 114s. The flexible display panel 190 is disposed on the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, the third surface 113s, and the fourth surface 114s. Each of the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, the third surface 113s, and the fourth surface 114s may be planar, so that in the second state, the flexible display panel 190 can be smoothly flattened on the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, the third surface 113s, and the fourth surface 114s.

[0119] Therefore, when the foldable display device 100 is flattened and in the second state, the fourth body 114 is located between the second surface 112s and the third surface 113s, and the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, the third surface 113s, and the fourth surface 114s can be coplanar, and the flexible display panel 190 will be flattened. It should be noted that when the foldable display device 100 is in the second state, the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, the third surface 113s, and the fourth surface 114s may be substantially coplanar, where the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, the third surface 113s, and the fourth surface 114s may allow for slight non-coplanarity due to minor errors and allowable tolerances.

[0120] When folding or flattening the foldable display device 100, the first body 111, the second body 112, and the third body 113 can rotate relative to each other. Specifically, the support assembly 110 further includes a first pivot member 130, where the first pivot member 130 is pivotally connected to the first body 111 and the second body 112, and the second pivot member 140 (shown in Figure 2A ) is pivotally connected to the second body 112 and the third body 113. In addition, for protection and aesthetics, each of the first pivot member 130 and the second pivot member 140 may include at least one housing (as shown in Figure 4A).

[0121] Figure 2A And Figure 2B is Figure 1B a partial perspective view of the support assembly 110 in Figure 2A And Figure 2B is a depiction of the interior of the support assembly 110 with the above-mentioned housing omitted, where Figure 2B even more omitting the limiting portion 139 of the first pivot member 130 and the blocking member 149 of the second pivot member 140 to clearly present the detailed structure of the first pivot member 130 and the second pivot member 140. Please refer to Figure 1B 、Figure 2A With Figure 2B , on opposite sides of the support assembly 110, the first pivot member 130 further includes a plurality of pivot portions 131 and two limiting portions 139. In the present embodiment, two pivot portions 131 and limiting portions 139 are disposed on one side of the support assembly 110. Each of the limiting portions 139 has a groove 139t, wherein the two pivot portions 131 are connected to each other and disposed within one groove 139t. In addition, in some embodiments, the pivot portion 131 may be a cam shaft.

[0122] Such as Figure 1B With Figure 2A shown, the first body 111 and the second body 112 are both disposed between the two limiting portions 139. Since Figure 2A With Figure 2B both depict the interior of a portion of the support assembly 110 at a first pivot member 130 and a second pivot member 140, thus Figure 2A With Figure 2B show a single limiting portion 139 and two pivot portions 131, while the other limiting portions 139 and pivot portions 131 are not shown in Figure 2A With Figure 2B .

[0123] The first pivot member 130 further includes a plurality of rotating shafts 132. These rotating shafts 132 respectively penetrate these pivot portions 131, and each has a first axis A13. The two pivot portions 131 can rotate relative to each other along the two rotating shafts 132, as Figure 2B shown. In addition, these rotating shafts 132 also respectively penetrate these limiting portions 139. Specifically, each limiting portion 139 has a plurality of holes 139h, and in the same limiting portion 139, these holes 139h communicate with the groove 139t. The two rotating shafts 132 respectively penetrate two holes 139h and two pivot portions 131, so that these pivot portions 131 connected to each other can rotate relative to the limiting portion 139.

[0124] Therefore, each pivot portion 131 can rotate along the first axis A13, and two adjacent pivot portions 131 rotate in different directions. Taking Figure 2B as an example, the right pivot portion 131 can rotate counterclockwise, while the left pivot portion 131 can rotate clockwise. In addition, each pivot portion 131 may have a geared end 131e, so that two adjacent pivot portions 131 can mesh with each other through these geared ends 131e and can rotate simultaneously.

[0125] In addition, the limiting portion 139 can limit the rotation of each pivoting portion 131. Specifically, when the foldable display device 100 is in the second state, the bottom 139b of the limiting portion 139 can block the rotations of two adjacent pivoting portions 131 in different directions. For Figure 2A example, Figure 2B the bottom 139b of the limiting portion 139 can block the clockwise rotation of the right pivoting portion 131 and block the counterclockwise rotation of the left pivoting portion 131, so that the limiting portion 139 can prevent the flexible display panel 190 from being damaged due to overstretching.

[0126] When folding or flattening the support assembly 110, the pivoting portion 131 can rotate along the first axis A13. Since these pivoting portions 131 located within the same limiting portion 139 are respectively connected to the first main body 111 and the second main body 112, the first main body 111 and the second main body 112 should be able to rotate along the first axis A13 respectively.

[0127] Please refer to Figure 1B and Figure 2A and Figure 2B , on opposite sides of the support assembly 110, the second pivoting member 140 further includes a pair of pivoting portions 141. When the foldable display device 100 is in the second state, the fourth main body 114 is located between the second main body 112 and the third main body 113, and the fourth main body 114 is also located between this pair of pivoting portions 141. The fourth main body 114 is connected to the first pivot joint 141a and the second pivot joint 141b of the pivoting portion 141 by two rotating shafts 142, where the first pivot joint 141a and the second pivot joint 141b can be convex shafts. The rotating shafts 142 are disposed in the holes of the first pivot joint 141a and the second pivot joint 141b, or in part of the first pivot joint 141a and the second pivot joint 141b. The rotating shafts 142 are disposed in the fourth main body 114 to control the rotation of the fourth main body 114 during folding.

[0128] It should be noted that since Figure 2A and Figure 2B depict the interior of a part of the support assembly 110 located at a first pivoting member 130 and a second pivoting member 140, so Figure 2A and Figure 2B show a single pivoting portion 141. The other pivoting portions 141 are not shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B . In addition, Figure 2B depicts the pivoting portion 141 having the first pivot joint 141a and the second pivot joint 141b.

[0129] Each of the pair of pivot portions 141 includes a first pivot member 141a and a second pivot member 141b, and the second pivot member 140 may further include a plurality of rotating shafts 142. These rotating shafts 142 respectively penetrate the first pivot member 141a and the second pivot member 141b, and each has a second axis A14. In the present embodiment, the second main body 112 and the third main body 113 are of a double-axis pivot design.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first pivot member 141a and the third main body 113 may be integrally formed, and the second pivot member 141b and the second main body 112 may be integrally formed. Therefore, when folding or flattening the foldable display device 100 (or the support assembly 110), the third main body 113 can rotate relative to the second main body 112 and the fourth main body 114 along the second axis A14, where the second axis A14 passes through the first pivot member 141a via the second pivot member 140. Similarly, the second main body 112 and the third main body 113 only rotate along the second axis A14.

[0131] Please refer to Figure 2B and Figure 2C , Figure 2C is omitted Figure 2B the pivot portions 131 and 141. The first main body 111 and the second main body 112 may also each have an oval hole 115, such that the two pivot portions 131 can be respectively inserted into the two oval holes 115.

[0132] In some embodiments, each first pivot member 141a has a protrusion P14, and each second pivot member 141b has a groove R14. When the foldable display device 100 (or the support assembly 110) is in the second state, the protrusion P14 will be inserted into the groove R14. Conversely, when the foldable display device 100 (or the support assembly 110) is in the first state, the protrusion P14 will leave the groove R14. In addition, both the first axis A13 and the second axis A14 can extend along a direction. In other words, within an allowable tolerance range, the first axis A13 can be substantially parallel to the second axis A14.

[0133] When, in the second state, the protrusion P14 is inserted into the groove R14, the rotation of each of the first pivot member 141a and the second pivot member 141b is restricted. Specifically, it can be clearly seen that in the second state, the protrusion P14 in the groove R14 will abut against the second pivot member 141b, that is to say, the first pivot member 141a and the second pivot member 141b will abut against each other, so that in Figure 2B it can be clearly seen that in the second state, the protrusion P14 in the groove R14 will abut against the second pivot member 141b, that is, the first pivot member 141a and the second pivot member 141b will abut against each other, so that in Figure 2B the first pivot member 141a cannot rotate clockwise, and the second pivot member 141b cannot rotate counterclockwise, thereby restricting the rotation of each first pivot member 141a and second pivot member 141b.

[0134] Figure 3A is a fold Figure 1A is a perspective view of the foldable display device 100 in a folded state, where Figure 3A some components are omitted, such as the limiting portion 139 and the blocking member 149. Please refer to Figure 3A , when the foldable display device 100 is unfolded from the folded state, the second main body 112 can rotate along the rotation axis 132 through the first pivoting member 130. In addition, as Figure 3A shown, when the bump P14 is inserted into the groove R14, the side of the first pivot joint 141a can be flush with the side of the second pivot joint 141b.

[0135] Figure 3B is Figure 2B a side view of the folded support assembly 110 in the first state, where Figure 3B mainly depicts the interior of the support assembly 110 in the first state. Please refer to Figure 3B , from Figure 3B it can be clearly seen that in the first state, the bump P14 leaves the groove R14. In addition, Figure 3B the folded support assembly 110 in

[0136] Figure 3C has a P-shaped side, where the first main body 111 and the third main body 113 are arranged opposite to each other. Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of the foldable display device 100 in the first state, where the flexible display panel 190 can be attached to the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, and the third surface 113s through an adhesive. Please refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B shown), when the folded foldable display device 100 (or the folded support assembly 110) is in the first state, the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, the third surface 113s, and the fourth surface 114s are not coplanar, and the flexible display panel 190 is folded. Therefore, through the second pivoting member 140, both the foldable display device 100 and its support assembly 110 can be switched between the second state (as

[0137] In the first state, a first gap G1 is formed between the first surface 111s and the second surface 112s, and a second gap G2 is formed between the first surface 111s and the third surface 113s. As Figure 3CAs shown, the width of the first gap G1 is significantly greater than the width of the second gap G2. The width of the first gap G1 tapers from the first pivot member 130 to the second pivot member 140. Since the first main body 111 and the third main body 113 are disposed opposite to each other, the first main body 111 and the third main body 113 can be substantially stacked on each other, and the folded display device 100 or the support assembly 110 in the first state has a first thickness TH1 and a second thickness TH2, where the first thickness TH1 is significantly thinner than the second thickness TH2.

[0138] As Figure 3C shown, the first thickness TH1 extends from the first main body 111 to the third main body 113, and the second thickness TH2 extends from the first main body 111 to the second main body 112, where the second thickness TH2 may also decrease from the edge of the second main body 112 adjacent to the first pivot member 130 to the third main body 113. Thus, it can be seen that the side of the folded display device 100 (or the folded support assembly 110) can form a "P" shape, as Figure 3C shown.

[0139] In the first state, each of the folded display device 100 and the support assembly 110 has a sharp angle A12, which is formed between the first surface 111s and the second surface 112s, where the sharp angle A12 is relative to the first pivot member 130. Therefore, the width W4 of the first pivot member 130 can be inclined relative to the second main body 112 and the first main body 111. In other words, the width W4 is not perpendicular to the first surface 111s and the second surface 112s, so the inclined width W4 can help reduce the overall thickness of the folded display device 100, thus meeting the design requirements for convenient portability of the mobile device.

[0140] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible display panel 190 in the first state can have a gap width W3 between 1 mm and 4 mm (e.g., 1.76 mm), where the gap width W3 is between the first surface 111s and the third surface 113s. Since the width W1 of the first gap G1 is greater than the width W2 of the second gap G2, the folded flexible display panel 190 in the first state can have a more curved folding portion 191 surrounded by the first pivot member 130, the first main body 111, and the second main body 112.

[0141] The curved folding portion 191 of the flexible display panel 190 has a radius of curvature R19, where the radius of curvature R19 is greater than the gap width W3, and the radius of curvature R19 is between 1 mm and 7.5 mm, for example, about 4 mm (such as 4.33 mm). Therefore, the support assembly 110 cannot flatten the flexible display panel 190 to avoid damaging the flexible display panel 190.

[0142] Figure 3DSchematic diagram of the flexible display panel 190 in the first state, for example Figure 3C The flexible display panel 190 when the support component 110 is omitted. Refer also to Figure 3C and Figure 3D When Figure 3C the foldable display device 100 is in the first state, the first included angle θ1 formed between the part of the flexible display panel 190 on the third main body 113 and the part on the second main body 112 is in the range of 145 degrees to 165 degrees (for example, 154 degrees), and the second included angle θ2 formed between the part of the flexible display panel 190 on either the first main body 111 or the second main body 112 and the horizontal line L is in the range of 95 degrees to 115 degrees (for example, 103 degrees).

[0143] Figure 4A is Figure 1A Another perspective (viewed from the back side) of the three-dimensional schematic diagram of the foldable display device 100 in Figure 4B and Figure 4A is the three-dimensional schematic diagram of the support component 110 with some outer shells omitted in Figure 4A . The outer shells depicted in Figure 4A are not labeled. Refer to Figure 4B and

[0144] Figure 4C The support component 110 may further include a blocking member 160 disposed in the third main body 113, which is adjacent to the fourth main body 114. Figure 4B is the partial three-dimensional schematic diagram of the support component 110 in Figure 4B Refer to Figure 4C and

[0145] In Figure 4C the shown preferred embodiment, the blocking member 160 may include a plurality of reset elements 162, where each reset element 162 is connected to the sliding portion 161, and these reset elements 162 are arranged in parallel with each other. However, in other preferred embodiments, the number of reset elements 162 in the blocking member 160 may be only one, so that the number of reset elements 162 included in the blocking member 160 is not limited to two or more.

[0146] These reset components 162 can be springs, such as coil springs or torsion springs. In a preferred embodiment, each reset component 162 is a coil spring, so that the reset component 162 can extend and contract. Thus, these reset components 162 can move the sliding part 161 to the fourth main body 114, so that when the flattened foldable display device 100 is in the second state, the sliding part 161 extends from the third main body 113 to the fourth main body 114.

[0147] When the sliding part 161 extends to the fourth main body 114, the sliding part 161 can contact the fourth main body 114, so that the sliding part 161 can block the relative rotation between the fourth main body 114 and the third main body 113. Therefore, the sliding part 161 can prohibit the relative rotation between the second main body 112 and the third main body 113, remove the backlash between the second main body 112 and the third main body 113, and prevent the sudden folding of the foldable display device 100, thereby facilitating the more convenient use of the foldable display device 100 when viewing or reading the foldable display device 100.

[0148] For Figure 4C example, the sliding part 161 can include a main body part 161m, a plurality of rod members 161b and two extension segments 161s. The main body part 161m is movably arranged on the third main body 113 and is connected between these extension segments 161s. The main body part 161m can have a wedge-shaped end 161e. When the sliding part 161 extends to the fourth main body 114, the wedge-shaped end 161e can contact the fourth main body 114. The main body part 161m can further have two grooves 161r, and the rod members 161b are connected to the main body part 161m and are located in the grooves 161r. Each rod member 161b is inserted into a reset component 162, and all the rod members 161b extend in the same direction and are arranged side by side.

[0149] In addition, the third main body 113 has a blocking bump 113b, where the blocking bump 113b can limit and prohibit the movement of the sliding part 161. The blocking bump 113b has a plurality of grooves (not labeled). The rod members 161b can respectively pass through these grooves and move relative to the blocking bump 113b. These reset components 162 are confined within these grooves 161r. Each of these extension segments 161s has an opening, and the third main body 113 further has two limiting convex members B13, which can be screws for example. The limiting convex members B13 are respectively located within these openings, so that the limiting convex members B13 can limit the movement of the sliding part 161.

[0150] Figure 5A is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a foldable display device 500 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5B isFigure 5A A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the support assembly 510 of the flexible display panel 190 is omitted. Please refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the folding display device 500 of this preferred embodiment is similar to the aforementioned folding display device 100. For example, the folding display device 500 includes a support assembly 510 and a flexible display panel 190, wherein the flexible display panel 190 is attached to the support assembly 510.

[0151] The folding display device 500 can be folded and flattened. The folded folding display device 500 is in the first state, while the flattened folding display device 500 is in the second state. In Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the folding display device 500 and the support assembly 510 are in the second state. The folding display device 500 may include a touch sensing substrate attached to the flexible display panel 190, so that the folding display device 500 in the second state has more touch functions.

[0152] The support assembly 510 includes a first body 511, a second body 512, a third body 513, a fourth body 114, a first pivot member 530 and a second pivot member 540. In this embodiment, the fourth body 114 may be a support plate 543. When folding or flattening the folding display device 500, the first body 511, the second body 512 and the third body 513 can rotate relative to each other through the first pivot member 530 and the second pivot member 540. In addition, the structures of the first body 511, the second body 512 and the first pivot member 530 are substantially the same as those of the first body 111, the second body 112 and the first pivot member 130 respectively.

[0153] Figure 6A is Figure 5A A three-dimensional schematic diagram of another perspective (viewed from the back side) of the folding display device 500 in Figure 6B is Figure 6A A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the support assembly 510 with some housings omitted in Figure 6A depicts the bottom of the folding display device 500, wherein the first body 511 includes a housing 511c, the second body 512 includes a housing 512c, and the third body 513 includes a housing 513c. Figure 6B These housings 511c, 512c and 513c are omitted.

[0154] Please refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6B, the support assembly 510 further includes a blocking member 560, which includes a sliding portion 561 and at least one restoring element 162. The support plate 543 is located between the second body 512 and the third body 513. The sliding portion 561 is movably disposed on the third body 513 so that the sliding portion 561 can move from the third body 513 to the support plate 543 and return to the third body 513. In addition, the sliding portion 561 can slide within the recess 513i of the third body 513.

[0155] In a preferred embodiment, the blocking member 560 may include a plurality of restoring elements 162, where each of the juxtaposed restoring elements 162 is connected to the sliding portion 561. However, in other preferred embodiments, the blocking member 560 may include a single restoring element 162 connecting the sliding portion 561. Therefore, the number of restoring elements 162 included in the blocking member 560 may be only one, and there is no limitation to two or more.

[0156] These restoring elements 162 can also move the sliding portion 561 to the support plate 543. Thus, when the flattened foldable display device 500 is in the second state, the sliding portion 561 can extend from the third body 513 to the support plate 543. When the sliding portion 561 extends to the support plate 543, the sliding portion 561 can also block the relative rotation between the support plate 543 and the third body 513. Therefore, the sliding portion 561 can prohibit the relative rotation between the second body 512 and the third body 513 to prevent the sudden folding of the foldable display device 500, thereby facilitating the more convenient use of the foldable display device 500 when viewing or reading the foldable display device 500.

[0157] Figure 6C and Figure 6D is Figure 6B a partial perspective view of the support assembly 510 in Figure 6D wherein Figure 6C and Figure 6D , the blocking member 560 is different from the above-mentioned blocking member 160. Specifically, the sliding portion 561 may include a sliding bar 561m, a switching portion 561t, a plurality of long rod members 561b, and two extension segments 561s.

[0158] The sliding bar 561m is movably disposed on the third body 513. The switching portion 561t connects these extension segments 561s, the sliding bar 561m, and these long rod members 561b. When the switching portion 561t moves, all of the sliding bar 561m, the extension segments 561s, and the long rod members 561b can move along with the switching portion 561t. Therefore, the user can move the sliding bar 561m by moving the switching portion 561t to control the movement and position of the sliding bar 561m.

[0159] The switching part 561t may have two grooves 561r, where these grooves 561r are located between the two extension segments 561s. These rod members 561b are connected to the switching part 561t and are located within these grooves 561r, as Figure 6C shown. Each rod member 561b is inserted into a reset element 162, where all the rod members 561b extend along the same direction and are arranged side by side.

[0160] The third main body 513 may further have a blocking bump 513b and two limiting convex members B53. The blocking bump 513b and these limiting convex members B53 are located within the recess 513i. The blocking bump 513b having a plurality of groove portions can limit and prohibit the movement of the sliding bar 561m. The rod members 561b can respectively pass through these groove portions of the blocking bump 513b and move relative to the blocking bump 513b. The reset element 162 is confined within the groove 561r. Each of these extension segments 561s has an opening, where these limiting convex members B53 are respectively located within these openings, so that these limiting convex members B53 can limit the movement of the sliding part 161.

[0161] Please refer to Figure 6D , different from the sliding part 161 and the third main body 113, the blocking member 560 may further include a gear 563, and the third main body 513 may further have a gear holder 513g, where the gear holder 513g can mesh with the gear 563. The gear holder 513g may be located between the gear 563 and one of the rod members 561b, and the gear 563 can be arranged between the sliding bar 561m and the gear holder 513g. In addition, the sliding bar 561m has a toothed edge, and the gear 563 can also mesh with this toothed edge. When the sliding bar 561m moves relative to the third main body 513, the gear 563 will move.

[0162] Figure 7A is Figure 6B a partial perspective schematic view of the support assembly 510 in Figure 7B and Figure 5A is a perspective schematic view of the foldable display device 500 in the Figure 7A folded Figure 7B . Please refer to Figure 6B and

[0163] , different from the aforementioned second pivot member 140, the second pivot member 540 further includes a pair of pivot portions 541 (on opposite sides of the support assembly 510, see Figure 6BThe rotating shafts 542 on the opposite sides of () are coaxial and oppositely arranged with each other. Each rotating shaft 542 is connected to and passes through one of the pivoting parts 541, so that these connecting segments 541a, 541b of each pivoting part 541 can rotate relative to each other along the rotating shaft 542. Therefore, the second main body 512 and the third main body 513 can rotate relative to each other along the second axis A54. In this embodiment, the second main body 512 and the third main body 513 are of a single-axis pivoting design. In addition, the support plate 543 has two other rotating shafts, which connect these connecting segments 541a and 541b.

[0164] It should be noted that Figure 7A depicts a part of the support assembly 510 inside at one side at the first pivoting member 530 and the second pivoting member 540, so that Figure 7A shows only one rotating shaft 542 and one pivoting part 541, while the other rotating shafts 542 and the other pivoting parts 541 are not shown in Figure 7A . As Figure 7A and Figure 7B shown, the first pivoting member 530 includes a plurality of rotating shafts 532. When the foldable display device 500 is folded and flattened, but at this time the second main body 512 and the third main body 513 can still remain flattened (as Figure 7B shown), the first main body 511 and the second main body 512 can rotate relative to each other along these rotating shafts 532 through the first pivoting member 530.

[0165] Figure 7C is Figure 7B a side view schematic diagram of the folded support assembly 510 in the first state, where Figure 7C only depicts the inside of the folded support assembly 510 in the first state. Please refer to Figure 7C , the foldable display device 500 and the support assembly 510 can be switched between the second state and the first state through the first pivoting member 530 and the second pivoting member 540. In the first state, the first main body 511 and the third main body 513 are oppositely arranged with each other. Similar to the aforementioned support assembly 110, the folded support assembly 510 also has a P-shaped side, as Figure 7C shown. Therefore, the folded support assembly 510 can also avoid damaging the flexible display panel 190 and meet the design of the mobile device for convenient carrying.

[0166] Figure 7D is a schematic diagram of the flexible display panel 190 in the first state, for example Figure 7C the flexible display panel 190 with the support assembly 510 omitted. Referring to Figure 7C and Figure 7D simultaneously, when Figure 7CWhen the support component 510 is in the first state, the third included angle θ3 formed between the portion of the flexible display panel 190 on the third main body 513 and the portion on the second main body 512 is in the range of 145 degrees to 165 degrees (for example, 154 degrees), and the fourth included angle θ4 formed between the portion of the flexible display panel 190 on either the first main body 511 or the second main body 512 and the horizontal line L is in the range of 95 degrees to 115 degrees (for example, 103 degrees).

[0167] Figure 8 is folded Figure 7A Partial perspective view of the support component 510 in the [document] at the second pivot member 540. Please refer to Figure 7A and Figure 8 , the second pivot member 540 may further include at least one guide member 545. In Figure 8 In a preferred embodiment, the second pivot member 540 includes two guide members 545, wherein the support plate 543 is connected and located between the guide members 545. In other preferred embodiments, the second pivot member 540 may include a single guide member 545, so the number of guide members 545 included in the second pivot member 540 is not limited to two.

[0168] These connecting segments 541a, 541b of the same pivot portion 541 are rotatably connected to one of the guide members 545, so that each of the connecting segments 541a, 541b can rotate relative to the guide member 545. In a preferred embodiment, each guide member 545 has a slot S42, and all the slots S42 extend in a direction away from the support plate 543. The rotating shafts 542 are aligned with the slots S42 respectively, so that each rotating shaft 542 can be inserted into one of the slots S42.

[0169] When the folding display device 500 is in the second state, that is, when the folding display device 500 is flattened, these rotating shafts 542 can be inserted into these slots S42. At the same time, the guide members 545 can limit the movement of these rotating shafts 542 to prevent the folding display device 500 from folding suddenly. On the contrary, when the folding display device 500 is in the first state, that is, when the folding display device 500 is folded, the rotating shafts 542 can leave the slots S42.

[0170] In summary, the first pivot member pivotally connects the first main body and the second main body, and the second pivot member pivotally connects the second main body and the third main body, so that the first main body, the second main body and the third main body can rotate relative to each other through the first pivot member and the second pivot member. Therefore, the folding display device and the support component can be folded or flattened. It can be seen that the support component of at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention can provide a design for the mobile device to be easily carried. The folding display device in the above first state can be easily carried.

[0171] Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of examples, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be determined by the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A foldable display device, characterized in that, Comprising: A support assembly, comprising: A first main body having a first surface; A second main body having a second surface; A first pivot member pivotally connecting the first main body and the second main body; A third main body having a third surface; A fourth main body having a fourth surface, wherein the fourth main body is pivotally connected between the second main body and the third main body; and A second pivot member pivotally connecting the second main body and the third main body; and A flexible display panel disposed on the first surface, the second surface and the third surface, wherein when the foldable display device is folded and in a first state, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface are not coplanar, and the flexible display panel is folded, and a first included angle is formed between a portion of the flexible display panel on the third main body and a portion on the second main body, and a second included angle is formed between a portion of the flexible display panel on either the first main body or the second main body and the horizontal line, wherein when the foldable display device is flattened and in a second state, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface are coplanar, and the flexible display panel is flattened.

2. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein The size of each of the second main body and the third main body is smaller than the size of the first main body.

3. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein When the foldable display device is in the first state, a first gap is formed between the first surface and the second surface, and a second gap is formed between the first surface and the third surface; wherein the width of the first gap is greater than the width of the second gap.

4. The foldable display device according to claim 3, wherein The width of the first gap tapers from the first pivot member to the second pivot member.

5. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein, The foldable display device in the first state has a first thickness and a second thickness, and the first thickness is thinner than the second thickness, wherein the first thickness extends from the first main body to the third main body, and the second thickness extends from the first main body to the second main body.

6. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein The support assembly in the first state has a sharp included angle formed between the first surface and the second surface, and the sharp included angle is relative to the first pivot member.

7. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein, When the foldable display device is in the first state, the flexible display panel has a gap width located between the first surface and the third surface and between 1 millimeter and 4 millimeters.

8. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second pivot member comprises: A pair of pivot parts, each comprising two connecting segments, wherein the two connecting segments of each pivot part are rotatably connected to each other and are respectively connected to the second main body and the third main body, and the fourth main body is a support plate disposed between the pair of pivot parts; and Two rotating shafts, coaxial and oppositely arranged, wherein each rotating shaft connects the two connecting segments of one of the pair of pivot parts, and the two connecting segments of each pivot part rotate relative to each other along the two rotating shafts.

9. The foldable display device according to claim 8, wherein The second pivot member further comprises: At least one guiding member connecting the support plate and having a slot, wherein when the foldable display device is in the second state, one of the two rotating shafts is inserted into the slot; When the foldable display device is in the first state, one of the two rotating shafts leaves the slot.

10. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second pivot member comprises: A pair of pivoting parts, each including a first pivoting member and a second pivoting member, wherein the first pivoting member has a bump and the second pivoting member has a groove; When the foldable display device is in the second state, the bump is inserted into the groove; When the foldable display device is in the first state, the bump leaves the groove.

11. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein, When the foldable display device is in the second state, the fourth body is located between the second surface and the third surface, and the support assembly further includes: A blocking member, including: A sliding part movably arranged on the third body; and At least one reset element connecting the sliding part, wherein the at least one reset element moves the sliding part to the fourth body so that when the foldable display device is in the second state, the sliding part extends from the third body to the fourth body.

12. A support component, characterized in that, Including: A first body having a first surface; A second body having a second surface; A first pivoting member pivotally connecting the first body and the second body; A third body having a third surface; A fourth body having a fourth surface, wherein the fourth body is pivotally connected between the second body and the third body; and A second pivoting member pivotally connecting the second body and the third body; Wherein when the support assembly is folded and in a first state, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface are not coplanar, Wherein when the support assembly is flattened and in a second state, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface are coplanar.

13. The support assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The size of each of the second body and the third body is smaller than the size of the first body.

14. The support assembly according to claim 12, wherein, When the support assembly is in the first state, a first gap is formed between the first surface and the second surface, and a second gap is formed between the first surface and the third surface; Wherein the width of the first gap is greater than the width of the second gap.

15. The support assembly according to claim 14, wherein, The width of the first gap tapers from the first pivoting member to the second pivoting member.

16. The support assembly according to claim 12, wherein the support assembly in the first state has a first thickness and a second thickness, and the first thickness is thinner than the second thickness, Wherein the first thickness extends from the first body to the third body, and the second thickness extends from the first body to the second body.

17. The support assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The support assembly in the first state has an acute angle formed between the first surface and the second surface, and the acute angle is relative to the first pivoting member.

18. The support assembly according to claim 12, wherein The second pivoting member includes: A pair of pivoting parts, each including two connecting segments, wherein the two connecting segments of each pivoting part are rotatably connected to each other and are respectively connected to the second body and the third body, and the fourth body is a support plate arranged between the pair of pivoting parts; and Two rotating shafts, coaxial and oppositely arranged, wherein each rotating shaft connects the two connecting segments of one of the pair of pivoting parts, and the two connecting segments of each pivoting part rotate relative to each other along the two rotating shafts.

19. The support assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second pivoting member further includes: At least one guiding member is connected to the support plate and has a slot, wherein when the support assembly is in the second state, one of the two rotating shafts is inserted into the slot; When the support assembly is in the first state, one of the two rotating shafts leaves the slot.

20. The support assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second pivoting member includes: A pair of pivoting parts, each including a first pivoting member and a second pivoting member, wherein the first pivoting member has a convex block and the second pivoting member has a groove; When the support assembly is in the second state, the convex block is inserted into the groove; When the support assembly is in the first state, the convex block leaves the groove.

21. The support assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, When the support assembly is in the second state, the fourth body is located between the second surface and the third surface. The support assembly further includes: A blocking member, including: A sliding part movably disposed on the third body; and At least one reset element is connected to the sliding part, and the at least one reset element moves the sliding part to the fourth body so that when the support assembly is in the second state, the sliding part extends from the third body to the fourth body.

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