Support device, flexible display panel and display device

Abstract

This application discloses a support device, a flexible display panel, and a display device. The support device includes a first support structure and a second support structure. Both the first and second support structures are foldable, enabling the support device to support the foldable flexible display panel and fold synchronously with it. The first support structure includes a first sub-support structure and a second sub-support structure arranged along a first direction. The first sub-support structure is foldable inward relative to the second sub-support structure about an axis extending along a second direction, and the second support structure is foldable outward relative to the first sub-support structure about an axis extending along the first direction. The support device can fold both inward and outward, enabling the flexible display panel to fold inward and outward when supporting it, making the flexible display panel easy to carry and significantly increasing its display area while maintaining portability. The outward-folded flexible display panel can achieve secondary screen display.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of displays, specifically to a support device, a flexible display panel, and a display device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of flexible display technology, flexible display panels have become the future trend of display terminals. Users have increasingly higher requirements for flexible display panels, making large-screen displays for electronic devices attract more and more attention from the industry.

[0003] In order to make flexible display panels achieve both large-screen display effects and portability, the relevant technologies usually adopt the method of folding screens, that is, folding two flexible display panels together to increase the display range of the flexible display panels.

[0004] Even though foldable screens in wearable products have the display area of ​​two screens, the display area is still relatively small and cannot meet users' demand for large screens. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a support device, a flexible display panel, and a display device, which aim to improve the display range of electronic devices.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a support device for supporting a flexible display panel. The support device includes: a first support structure, including a first sub-support structure and a second sub-support structure disposed along a first direction, wherein the first sub-support structure is foldable inward relative to the second sub-support structure about an axis extending along a second direction; and a second support structure connected to one side of the first sub-support structure in the second direction, wherein the second support structure is foldable outward relative to the first sub-support structure about an axis extending along the first direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction intersect.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, a folding structure is also included, which is connected between the first support structure and the second support structure. The folding structure has a flattened state and a folded state. In the folded state, the second support structure is folded outward relative to the first sub-support structure. In the flattened state, the folding structure is laid flat. The folding structure is configured to be able to switch between the flattened state and the folded state.

[0008] The folding structure connects the first and second support structures to allow the flexible display panel to fold and enable secondary screen display, thereby improving the user experience.

[0009] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, in the flattened state, the folding structure includes a plurality of folding shafts arranged side by side along a second direction, the folding shafts extending along a first direction, and two adjacent folding shafts being rotatably connected about an axis along the first direction.

[0010] The adjacent folding axes are rotatably connected so that the folding structure changes from a flattened state to a folded state, realizing the outward folding of the second support structure relative to the first sub-support structure.

[0011] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the folding shaft includes a support surface for supporting a flexible display panel and a back surface disposed opposite to the support surface, wherein the back surface protrudes in a direction away from the support surface.

[0012] When the folding structure needs to be transformed into a folded state, the back sides of the folding axis move closer to each other, so that the second support structure moves closer to the first support structure, thereby realizing the outward folding of the second support structure relative to the first sub-support structure.

[0013] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the back side is an arc surface or a curved surface.

[0014] When the back side is curved or arc-shaped, the back sides of adjacent folding axes abut against each other to improve the problem of over-folding of each folding axis and damage to the folding structure.

[0015] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the support surface is a plane.

[0016] When the support surface is flat, the portion of the flexible display panel located on the support surface can lie flat on the support surface without wrinkles, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible display panel.

[0017] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the folding structure includes a flexible connection structure connected between two adjacent folding axes, and the flexible connection structure has a restoring force along the back side toward the support surface.

[0018] The flexible connection structure can deform according to the folding state to adapt to the rotational connection of the folding axis, making the relative rotation between the folding axes more stable and improving the folding performance of the folding structure.

[0019] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, a plurality of flexible connection structures are disposed on both sides of the folded structure in the first direction.

[0020] The folding structure has multiple flexible connecting structures on both sides of the first direction to make the connection between the folding axes more stable.

[0021] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the flexible connection structure is configured to deform as it follows the folding structure as it transitions between a flattened state and a folded state.

[0022] The movement of the flexible connection structure is coordinated with the movement of the folding structure to ensure that the folding shaft has a relatively stable motion state during rotation, thereby improving the rotational stability between the folding shafts and the folding reliability of the folding structure.

[0023] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the flexible connection structure includes a V-shaped spring sheet, the V-shaped spring sheet including an opening and a top end disposed opposite each other, in the flattened state the top end is located on the side of the opening away from the support surface, and in the folded state the top end is located on the side of the opening away from the back side.

[0024] The V-shaped spring has a large tension, which allows the folded structure to have a good rebound effect, so as to better restore it to a flat state.

[0025] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the folding shaft has a groove on one side near the adjacent folding shaft, and at least part of the flexible connection structure is located in the groove.

[0026] By placing the flexible connection structure within the groove, the flexible connection structure can be better bonded to the folding shaft, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the flexible connection structure and the folding shaft.

[0027] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the groove is provided through the folding shaft in the thickness direction.

[0028] The groove runs through the folding shaft, which can increase the thickness of the flexible connection structure and give it better structural stability.

[0029] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the width of the second support structure in the first direction is less than or equal to the width of the folding structure in the first direction.

[0030] The width of the second support structure in the first direction is less than or equal to the width of the folding structure in the first direction, which ensures that when the support device supports the flexible display panel, the portion of the flexible display panel located between the first support structure and the second support structure can be entirely located within the folding structure, so as to achieve complete coverage support.

[0031] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the support device includes a magnetic suction part located in the second support structure, and / or the magnetic suction part located in the first sub-support structure, the magnetic suction part being used to magnetically connect the second support structure and the first sub-support structure in a folded state.

[0032] The second support structure is magnetically connected to the first sub-support structure, improving the relative stability between the two structures and addressing the issue of the folding structure failing to maintain its folded state due to its large rebound force.

[0033] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a flexible display panel, comprising: a first flexible display panel, including a first sub-display panel and a second sub-display panel disposed along a first direction, the first sub-display panel being folded inward relative to the second sub-display panel; and a second flexible display panel connected to one side of the first flexible display panel in a second direction, the second flexible display panel being folded outward relative to the first sub-display panel.

[0034] An embodiment of the third aspect of this application provides a display device, which includes a support device and a flexible display panel according to any of the above embodiments, wherein a first flexible display panel is located on a first support structure, a second flexible display panel is located on a second support structure, a first sub-display panel is located on a first sub-support structure, and a second sub-display panel is located on a second sub-support structure.

[0035] According to an embodiment of this application, the support device includes a first support structure and a second support structure. Both the first and second support structures are foldable, enabling the support device to support a foldable flexible display panel and fold synchronously with the flexible display panel, thereby improving the support performance of the support device. The first support structure includes a first sub-support structure and a second sub-support structure disposed along a first direction. The first sub-support structure is foldable inward relative to the second sub-support structure about an axis extending along a second direction, and the second support structure is foldable outward relative to the first sub-support structure about an axis extending along the first direction. The support device can fold both inward and outward, enabling the flexible display panel to fold inward and outward when supporting it, making the flexible display panel easy to carry and significantly increasing its display range while maintaining portability. Part of the flexible display panel can fold outward; when other parts are folded inward, the folded portion can be used for secondary screen display, improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar features, and the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of a support device provided in the first aspect embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a support device provided in the first aspect embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a top view of a support device provided in another embodiment;

[0040] Figure 4This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a support device provided in another embodiment;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram of the support device provided in another embodiment;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the support device provided in another embodiment;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a top view of the support device provided in another embodiment;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the support device provided in another embodiment in a flattened state;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the support device provided in another embodiment in a folded state;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the support device provided in another embodiment;

[0047] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the support device provided in another embodiment;

[0048] Figure 12 This is a top view schematic diagram of a flexible display panel provided in the first aspect embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a flexible display panel provided in the first aspect embodiment of this application.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0051] 10. Support device; 20. Flexible display panel; 21. First flexible display panel; 22. Second flexible display panel; 23. First sub-display panel; 24. Second sub-display panel;

[0052] 100. First supporting structure; 110. First sub-supporting structure; 111. First surface; 112. Second surface; 120. Second sub-supporting structure;

[0053] 200. Second support structure;

[0054] 300. Folding structure; 310. Folding axis; 311. Support surface; 312. Back side; 313. Groove; 320. Flexible connection structure; 330. V-shaped spring; 331. Tip; 332. Opening;

[0055] 400. Magnetic suction part;

[0056] X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, thickness direction. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this application will now be described in detail. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only configured to explain this application and are not configured to limit this application. For those skilled in the art, this application can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely to provide a better understanding of this application by illustrating examples of this application.

[0058] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0059] It should be understood that when describing the structure of a component, when referring to a layer or region as being "above" or "on top of" another layer or region, it can mean that it is directly above the other layer or region, or that it contains other layers or regions between it and the other layer or region. Furthermore, if the component is flipped over, that layer or region will be located "below" or "under" the other layer or region.

[0060] With the development of flexible display technology, flexible display panels have become the future trend of display terminals. Users have increasingly higher requirements for flexible display panels, making large-screen displays for electronic devices attract more and more attention from the industry.

[0061] In order to make flexible display panels achieve both large-screen display effects and portability, the relevant technologies usually adopt the method of folding screens, that is, folding two flexible display panels together to increase the display range of the flexible display panels.

[0062] After long-term research, the inventors discovered that current wearable products are small in size and have small screens, resulting in a poor user experience compared to large screens. However, simply using existing foldable screens requires adding a small secondary screen. Due to its small size, the secondary screen has a poor display range, leading to a poor user experience and requiring more system space.

[0063] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a support device, a flexible display panel, and a display device. The embodiments of the support device, flexible display panel, and display device will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of a support device provided in the first aspect embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a support device provided in the first aspect of this application.

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a first aspect of this application provides a support device 10 for supporting a flexible display panel. The support device 10 includes a first support structure 100 and a second support structure 200. The first support structure 100 includes a first sub-support structure 110 and a second sub-support structure 120 disposed along a first direction X. The first sub-support structure 110 is foldable inward relative to the second sub-support structure 120 about an axis extending along a second direction Y. The second support structure 200 is connected to one side of the first sub-support structure 110 in the second direction Y. The second support structure 200 is foldable outward relative to the first sub-support structure 110 about an axis extending along the first direction X. The first direction X and the second direction Y intersect.

[0066] The first sub-support structure 110 includes a first surface 111 and a second surface 112 that are disposed opposite to each other in the thickness direction Z. The first sub-support structure 110 can be folded inward relative to the second sub-support structure 120. That is, in the folded state, the first surface 111 of the first sub-support structure 110 moves close to the second sub-support structure 120 and comes into contact with the second sub-support structure 120.

[0067] The second support structure 200 can be folded outward relative to the first sub-support structure 110 around an axis extending along the first direction X. That is, in the folded state, the second support structure 200 moves close to the second surface 112 of the first sub-support structure 110 and comes into contact with the second surface 112.

[0068] According to an embodiment of this application, the support device 10 includes a first support structure 100 and a second support structure 200. Both the first support structure 100 and the second support structure 200 are foldable, enabling the support device 10 to support a foldable flexible display panel and fold synchronously with the flexible display panel, thereby improving the support performance of the support device 10. The first support structure 100 includes a first sub-support structure 110 and a second sub-support structure 120 disposed along a first direction X. The first sub-support structure 110 is foldable inward relative to the second sub-support structure 120 about an axial direction extending along a second direction Y, and the second support structure 200 is foldable outward relative to the first sub-support structure 110 about an axial direction extending along the first direction X. The support device 10 can fold both inward and outward, enabling the flexible display panel to fold both inward and outward when supporting it, making the flexible display panel easy to carry and significantly increasing its display range while ensuring portability. Some flexible display panels can be folded outwards. When other parts are folded inwards, the outward-folded flexible display panels can be used for secondary screen display to improve the user experience.

[0069] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 This is a top view of a support device provided in another embodiment; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a support device provided in another embodiment.

[0070] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the support device 10 further includes a folding structure 300 connected between the first support structure 100 and the second support structure 200. The folding structure 300 has a flattened state and a folded state. In the folded state, the second support structure 200 is folded outward relative to the first sub-support structure 110. In the flattened state, the folding structure 300 is laid flat. The folding structure 300 is configured to be able to switch between the flattened state and the folded state.

[0071] When unfolded, the folding structure 300 is laid flat and does not bend.

[0072] In the folded state, the folding structure bends 300 degrees.

[0073] The folding structure 300 is configured to transition between a flattened state and a folded state. Specifically, the folding structure 300 can be in either a flattened or folded state, or in any state between them. That is, the angle between the first support structure 100 and the first sub-support structure 110 can be any angle between 0° and 180°. In the flattened state, the angle between the first support structure 100 and the first sub-support structure 110 is 180°; in the folded state, the angle between the first support structure 100 and the first sub-support structure 110 is 0°. The structure is most stable when the folding structure 300 is in either the flattened or folded state.

[0074] In these optional embodiments, the folding structure 300 connects the first support structure 100 and the second support structure 200. As the folding structure 300 gradually changes from a flattened state to a folded state, the second support structure 200 folds outward relative to the first sub-support structure 110, causing the second support structure 200 to be folded and stacked with the first support structure 100, thereby enabling the flexible display panel to fold and achieve secondary screen display, thus improving the user experience. When the second support structure 200 folds outward relative to the first sub-support structure 110, the folding structure 300 bends. The bent folding structure 300 occupies less space, further improving the user experience.

[0075] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram of the support device provided in another embodiment; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a support device provided in another embodiment.

[0076] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in some optional embodiments, in the flattened state, the folding structure 300 includes a plurality of folding shafts 310 arranged side by side along the second direction Y, the folding shafts 310 extending along the first direction X, and two adjacent folding shafts 310 being rotatably connected about an axis along the first direction X.

[0077] In these optional embodiments, multiple folding shafts 310 are interconnected in the second direction Y to form a folding structure 300. Adjacent folding shafts 310 are rotatably connected. When the folding structure 300 changes from a flattened state to a folded state, each folding shaft 310 begins to rotate, causing the second support structure 200 to move closer to the first support structure 100, thereby folding the second support structure 200 outward relative to the first sub-support structure 110. The folding shafts 310 extend along the first direction X to increase the width of the folding structure 300 in the first direction X, thus adapting it to the width of the second support structure 200 in the first direction X, thereby improving the connection stability between the folding structure 300 and the first support structure 100 and the second support structure 200.

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the folding shaft 310 includes a support surface 311 for supporting the flexible display panel and a back surface 312 disposed opposite to the support surface 311, the back surface 312 being formed to protrude in a direction away from the support surface 311.

[0079] Optionally, in the flattened state, the support surface 311 is located on the side of the folding shaft 310 near the first surface 111, and the back surface 312 is located on the side of the folding shaft 310 near the second surface 112.

[0080] In these optional embodiments, the support surface 311 of the folding shaft 310 is used to support the flexible display panel. The back surface 312, which is disposed opposite to the support surface 311, protrudes in a direction away from the support surface 311. When the folding structure 300 needs to be transformed into a folded state, the back surfaces 312 of the folding shaft 310 move closer to each other, so that the second support structure 200 moves closer to the first support structure 100, thereby realizing the outward folding of the second support structure 200 relative to the first sub-support structure 110.

[0081] Optionally, the back side surface 312 is an arc surface or a curved surface. When the folding structure 300 changes from a flat state to a folded state, each folding axis 310 starts to rotate, and the back side surfaces 312 of each folding axis 310 move closer to each other. When the back side surface 312 is an arc surface or a curved surface, the back side surfaces 312 between adjacent folding axes 310 abut against each other to improve the problem of over-folding of each folding axis 310 and damage to the folding structure 300.

[0082] Optionally, the shape of the folding shaft 310 may include a semi-cylindrical or triangular prism.

[0083] Optionally, the support surface 311 is planar. When the support device 10 is used to support the flexible display panel, the flexible display panel is disposed on the first support structure 100, the second support structure 200, and the folding structure 300. When the support surface 311 is planar, the portion of the flexible display panel located on the support surface 311 can lie flat on the support surface 311 without wrinkling, thereby improving the reliability of the flexible display panel.

[0084] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a top view of the support device provided in another embodiment.

[0085] like Figure 7 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the folding structure 300 includes a flexible connection structure 320 connected between two adjacent folding axes 310, and the flexible connection structure 320 has a restoring force along the back side 312 toward the support surface 311.

[0086] The restoring force refers to the reaction force that the flexible connection structure 320 provides in order to maintain structural balance when it is connected to the folding shaft 310.

[0087] In these optional embodiments, the flexible connecting structure 320 is fixedly connected between adjacent folding shafts 310 to connect each folding shaft 310 to form the entire folding structure 300. Furthermore, the flexible connecting structure 320 can deform according to the folding state to adapt to the rotational connection of the folding shafts 310, making the relative rotation between the folding shafts 310 more stable and improving the folding performance of the folding structure 300. The flexible connecting structure 320 has a restoring force toward the support surface 311; that is, when the support device 10 is in a flattened state, the flexible connecting structure 320 provides a restoring force that balances the gravity of the folding shafts 310, the first support structure 100, the second support structure 200, and the first sub-support structure 110, thereby allowing the folding structure 300 to unfold stably and improving the chance of breakage between the folding shafts 310 caused by gravity.

[0088] Optionally, the flexible connection structure 320 and the folding shaft 310 are fixedly connected by dispensing or adhesive backing.

[0089] In some alternative embodiments, a plurality of flexible connection structures 320 are disposed on both sides of the folded structure 300 in the first direction X.

[0090] In these optional embodiments, the folding structure 300 is provided with multiple flexible connection structures 320 on both sides of the first direction X, so that the connection between each folding shaft 310 is more stable. When the folding structure 300 changes from a flattened state to a folded state, the relative rotation between each folding shaft 310 is also more stable, thereby improving the folding stability of the folding structure 300.

[0091] Optionally, the flexible connection structure 320 extends in the first direction X to increase the connection area between the flexible connection structure 320 and the folding shaft 310 and improve the connection stability.

[0092] Please refer to the following: Figure 8 and Figure 9 , Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the support device provided in another embodiment in a flattened state; Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the support device provided in another embodiment in a folded state.

[0093] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the flexible connection structure 320 is configured to deform as it follows the folding structure 300 as it transitions between a flattened state and a folded state.

[0094] In these optional embodiments, the flexible connecting structure 320 is deformable, having a first position state and a second position state. The first position state corresponds to the flattened state of the folding structure 300, and the second position state corresponds to the folded state of the folding structure 300. When the folding structure 300 changes from the flattened state to the folded state, the flexible connecting structure 320 changes from the first position state to the second position state. The movement of the flexible connecting structure 320 coordinates with the movement of the folding structure 300, so that the folding shaft 310 has a relatively stable movement state during rotation, thereby improving the rotational stability between the folding shafts 310 and the folding reliability of the folding structure 300.

[0095] Please continue reading. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some optional embodiments, the flexible connection structure 320 includes a V-shaped spring 330, which includes an opening 332 and a top end 331 disposed opposite to each other. In the flattened state, the top end 331 is located on the side of the opening 332 away from the support surface 311, and in the folded state, the top end 331 is located on the side of the opening 332 away from the back side 312.

[0096] In these optional embodiments, the V-shaped spring 330 has two springs at a certain angle to each other, and the connection between the two springs forms a V-shaped tip 331. When the folding structure 300 is in a flattened state, the tip 331 is located on the side of the opening 332 away from the support surface 311, so as to provide a restoring force from the tip 331 toward the support surface 311 to balance the gravity of the folding shaft 310, the first support structure 100, the second support structure 200, and the first sub-support structure 110, making the folding structure 300 more stable in the flattened state. When the folding structure 300 is in a folded state, the tip 331 is located on the side of the opening 332 away from the back side 312, so as to provide a greater restoring force from the back side 312 toward the support surface 311 to balance the bending force on the folding structure 300, making the folding structure 300 more stable in the flattened state, and the V-shaped spring 330 maintains a large tension, so that the folding structure 300 can have a better rebound effect to better return to the flattened state.

[0097] Optionally, the flexible connection structure 320 includes an arc-shaped spring sheet recessed toward the back side 312 to provide a restoring force from the back side 312 toward the support surface 311.

[0098] like Figure 8 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the folding shaft 310 has a groove 313 on one side near the adjacent folding shaft 310, and at least part of the flexible connection structure 320 is located in the groove 313.

[0099] In these alternative embodiments, the flexible connection structure 320 is located within the groove 313 to connect adjacent folding shafts 310. By placing the flexible connection structure 320 within the groove 313, the flexible connection structure 320 and the folding shaft 310 can be better bonded together, thereby improving the connection reliability between the flexible connection structure 320 and the folding shaft 310.

[0100] Optionally, the groove 313 is provided through the folding shaft 310 in the thickness direction Z. The groove 313 is provided through the folding shaft 310, which can increase the thickness of the flexible connection structure 320, so that the flexible connection structure 320 has better structural stability, thereby improving the undesirable phenomenon of excessive deformation and breakage of the flexible connection structure 320.

[0101] In some alternative embodiments, the width of the second support structure 200 in the first direction X is less than or equal to the width of the folded structure 300 in the first direction X.

[0102] In these optional embodiments, when the width of the second support structure 200 in the first direction X is less than the width of the folding structure 300 in the first direction X, the folding structure 300 ensures that the second support structure 200 can fold outward relative to the first support structure 100 while also possessing good structural stability. When the width of the second support structure 200 in the first direction X is equal to the width of the folding structure 300 in the first direction X, it ensures that the second support structure 200 can fold outward relative to the first support structure 100, and reduces material costs compared to a larger folding structure 300. Wherein, when the width of the second support structure 200 in the first direction X is less than the width of the folding structure 300 in the first direction X, one side of the folding structure 300 is connected to the first support structure 100 to further improve the stability of the folding structure 300. The width of the second support structure 200 in the first direction X is less than or equal to the width of the folding structure 300 in the first direction X. This also ensures that when the support device 10 supports the flexible display panel, the portion of the flexible display panel located between the first support structure 100 and the second support structure 200 can be entirely located in the folding structure 300, so as to achieve complete coverage support.

[0103] Please refer to the following: Figure 10 and Figure 11 , Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the support device provided in another embodiment; Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a support device provided in another embodiment.

[0104] In some alternative embodiments, the support device 10 includes a magnetic attraction portion 400, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the magnetic attraction part 400 is located in the second support structure 200, or, as... Figure 11 As shown, the magnetic part 400 is located on the first sub-support structure 110, and the magnetic part 400 is used to magnetically connect the second support structure 200 and the first sub-support structure 110 in the folded state.

[0105] In these optional embodiments, when the folding structure 300 changes from a flattened state to a folded state, the second support structure 200 moves closer to the first sub-support structure 110 and is stacked with the first sub-support structure 110. The magnetic part 400 is located on the second support structure 200 and / or the first sub-support structure 110, which enables the second support structure 200 to be magnetically connected to the first sub-support structure 110, thereby improving the relative stability between the second support structure 200 and the first sub-support structure 110 and improving the problem that the folding structure 300 cannot maintain its folded state due to its large rebound force.

[0106] Optionally, the first support structure 100 and the second support structure 200 can be the frame of a flexible display panel.

[0107] Please refer to the following: Figure 12 and Figure 13 , Figure 12 This is a top view schematic diagram of a flexible display panel provided in the first aspect embodiment of this application; Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a flexible display panel provided in the first aspect embodiment of this application.

[0108] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, an embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a flexible display panel 20, including: a first flexible display panel 21, including a first sub-display panel 23 and a second sub-display panel 24 disposed along a first direction X, wherein the first sub-display panel 23 is folded inward relative to the second sub-display panel 24; and a second flexible display panel 22, connected to one side of the first flexible display panel 21 in a second direction Y, wherein the second flexible display panel 22 is folded outward relative to the first sub-display panel 23.

[0109] According to an embodiment of this application, the flexible display panel 20 includes a first flexible display panel 21 and a second flexible display panel 22. The first flexible display panel 21 includes a first sub-display panel 23 and a second sub-display panel 24 disposed along a first direction X. The first sub-display panel 23 is foldable inward relative to the second sub-display panel 24 about an axis extending along a second direction Y, and the second flexible display panel 22 is foldable outward relative to the first sub-display panel 23 about an axis extending along the first direction X. The flexible display panel 20 can be folded both inward and outward, making it easy to carry and significantly increasing its display range while maintaining portability. Part of the flexible display panel 20 can be folded outward; when other parts are folded inward, the folded portion can achieve secondary screen display, thereby improving the user experience.

[0110] Optionally, the order in which the first sub-display panel 23 is folded inward relative to the second sub-display panel 24 about an axial direction extending along the second direction Y, and the order in which the second flexible display panel 22 is folded outward relative to the first sub-display panel 23 about an axial direction extending along the first direction X, is not limited. For example, the first sub-display panel 23 may be folded inward relative to the second sub-display panel 24 about an axial direction extending along the second direction Y, and then the second flexible display panel 22 may be folded outward relative to the first sub-display panel 23 about an axial direction extending along the first direction X; or the second flexible display panel 22 may be folded outward relative to the first sub-display panel 23 about an axial direction extending along the first direction X, and then the first sub-display panel 23 may be folded inward relative to the second sub-display panel 24 about an axial direction extending along the second direction Y.

[0111] An embodiment of the third aspect of this application provides a display device, including a support device 10 and a flexible display panel 20 as described in any of the first aspect embodiments above. A first flexible display panel 21 is located on a first support structure 100, a second flexible display panel 22 is located on a second support structure 200, a first sub-display panel 23 is located on a first sub-support structure 110, and a second sub-display panel 24 is located on a second sub-support structure 120. Since the display device provided by the third aspect embodiment of this invention includes the support device 10 of any of the first aspect embodiments and the flexible display panel 20 of the second aspect embodiments, the display device provided by the third aspect embodiment of this invention has the beneficial effects of the support device 10 of any of the first aspect embodiments and the flexible display panel 20 of the second aspect embodiments, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0112] The display devices in the embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, e-books, televisions, access control systems, smart landline phones, control consoles, and other devices with display functions.

[0113] The embodiments described above are not exhaustive, nor do they limit the invention to the specific embodiments described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the above description. These embodiments are selected and specifically described in this specification to better explain the principles and practical applications of this application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to effectively utilize this application and its modifications. This application is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A support device for supporting a flexible display panel, characterized in that, include: The first support structure includes a first sub-support structure and a second sub-support structure arranged along a first direction, wherein the first sub-support structure is folded inward relative to the second sub-support structure about an axis extending along the second direction. The second support structure is connected to one side of the first sub-support structure in the second direction. The second support structure is foldable outward relative to the first sub-support structure about an axis extending along the first direction. The first direction and the second direction intersect. A folding structure is connected between a first support structure and a second support structure. The folding structure has a flattened state and a folded state. In the folded state, the second support structure is folded outward relative to the first sub-support structure. In the flattened state, the folding structure is laid flat. The folding structure is configured to be able to switch between the flattened state and the folded state. In the flattened state, the folding structure includes a plurality of folding shafts arranged side by side along the second direction, the folding shafts extending along the first direction, and two adjacent folding shafts being rotatably connected about an axis along the first direction. The folding shaft includes a support surface for supporting the flexible display panel and a back surface disposed opposite to the support surface; The folding structure includes a flexible connection structure that connects two adjacent folding axes and has a restoring force along the back side toward the support surface. The flexible connection structure is configured to deform in accordance with the transformation of the folding structure between the flattened state and the folded state; The flexible connection structure includes a V-shaped spring sheet, which has an opening and a top end that are disposed opposite each other. In the flattened state, the top end is located on the side of the opening away from the support surface. In the folded state, the top end is located on the side of the opening away from the back side.

2. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The back side protrudes in a direction away from the supporting surface.

3. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The back side is an arc surface or a curved surface.

4. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting surface is a plane.

5. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple flexible connection structures are disposed on both sides of the folded structure in the first direction.

6. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The folding shaft has a groove on one side near the adjacent folding shaft, and at least part of the flexible connection structure is located within the groove.

7. The support device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The groove extends through the folding axis in the thickness direction.

8. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the second support structure in the first direction is less than or equal to the width of the folding structure in the first direction.

9. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support device includes a magnetic suction part located on the second support structure and / or located on the first sub-support structure. The magnetic suction part is used to magnetically connect the second support structure and the first sub-support structure in the folded state.

10. A display device, characterized in that, include: The support device according to any one of claims 1-9; The first flexible display panel includes a first sub-display panel and a second sub-display panel disposed along a first direction, wherein the first sub-display panel is folded inward relative to the second sub-display panel. The second flexible display panel is connected to one side of the first flexible display panel in the second direction, and the second flexible display panel is folded outward relative to the first sub-display panel; The first flexible display panel is located on the first supporting structure, the second flexible display panel is located on the second supporting structure, the first sub-display panel is located on the first sub-supporting structure, and the second sub-display panel is located on the second sub-supporting structure.

Images