Support structure and electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a support structure and an electronic device. The support structure is used for supporting a flexible screen. The support structure comprises a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer and a third fiber layer which are sequentially stacked on one side of the flexible screen. The support structure has a stacking direction along which the first fiber layer, the second fiber layer and the third fiber layer are stacked. The extension direction of the fibers in the first fiber layer forms a first included angle a1 with the stacking direction, the extension direction of the fibers in the second fiber layer forms a second included angle a2 with the stacking direction, the extension direction of the fibers in the third fiber layer forms a third included angle a3 with the stacking direction, and the support structure satisfies the following conditions: 0°≤a1<90°, 0°<a2≤90°, 90°<a3≤180°. By limiting the extension direction of the fibers in each fiber layer, the elastic modulus of the support structure is reduced, and the bending performance of the support structure is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of electronic equipment, and particularly relates to a support structure and an electronic equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the increasingly wide application of flexible screens in electronic equipment, the demand of users for flexible screen related components gradually increases. Among them, the support structure of the flexible screen is used to support the flexible screen and can also realize the folding or unfolding of the flexible screen. However, the current support structure has poor bending performance. SUMMARY

[0003] In view of this, the first aspect of the present application provides a support structure for supporting a flexible screen, the support structure comprising a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer and a third fiber layer arranged in sequence on one side of the flexible screen, the first fiber layer being closer to the flexible screen than the second fiber layer and the third fiber layer, the support structure having a stacking direction along which the first fiber layer, the second fiber layer and the third fiber layer are arranged in layers.

[0004] The extension direction of the fibers in the first fiber layer forms a first included angle a1 with the stacking direction, the extension direction of the fibers in the second fiber layer forms a second included angle a2 with the stacking direction, and the extension direction of the fibers in the third fiber layer forms a third included angle a3 with the stacking direction, and the support structure satisfies the following conditions: 0°≤a1<90°, 0°<a2≤90°, 90°<a3≤180°.

[0005] The support structure provided by the first aspect of the present application is composed of three layers of fiber layers arranged in layers. Specifically, the first fiber layer and the third fiber layer are arranged on the opposite sides of the second fiber layer, that is, the support structure is composed of the first fiber layer and the third fiber layer symmetrically arranged by the second fiber layer. When the support structure is bent, the second fiber layer as a neutral layer has a smaller bending degree, and the first fiber layer and the third fiber layer have a larger bending degree.

[0006] Specifically, the extension direction of the fibers in each fiber layer is specifically limited. The extension direction of the fibers refers to the length direction of the fibers. The extension direction of the fibers in each fiber layer forms a preset angle with the stacking direction. Among them, the second included angle a2 satisfies: 0°<a2≤90°, which not only reduces the bending degree required by the extension direction of the fibers in the second fiber layer parallel to the display surface of the flexible screen and reduces the elastic modulus, but also provides a basis for the mutual cooperation of the three layers of fiber layers, ensuring the stability of the support structure.

[0007] And, the first included angle a1 and the third included angle a3 satisfy: 0°≤a1<90°, 90°<a3≤180°, so that when the support structure is bent, the partial vector of the extension direction of the fibers in the first fiber layer and the third fiber layer is at least partially perpendicular to the display surface of the flexible screen, so that the support structure is more easily bent in the direction perpendicular to the display surface of the flexible screen; and the partial vector of the extension direction of the fibers in the direction parallel to the display surface of the flexible screen is reduced, so that the bending degree required for the first fiber layer and the third fiber layer in the direction parallel to the display surface of the flexible screen is reduced, so that the elastic modulus of the support structure is reduced, and the bending performance is improved.

[0008] In addition, the first included angle a1 and the third included angle a3 satisfy: 0°≤a1<90°, 90°<a3≤180°, and the first included angle and part of the third included angle can be complementary or approximately complementary, so that the first fiber layer and the third fiber layer cooperate with each other to offset at least part of the internal stress, so as to reduce the stress of the support structure and further improve the bending performance.

[0009] In summary, by stacking the three fiber layers and differentiating the extension direction of the fibers in each fiber layer, the elastic modulus of the support structure is reduced, and the bending performance of the support structure is improved.

[0010] The second aspect of the present application provides an electronic device, which comprises a shell, a rotating shaft, a flexible screen, and a support structure provided by the first aspect of the present application, at least part of the shell is arranged on opposite sides of the rotating shaft, the flexible screen is arranged on the support structure, and the support structure is arranged on the shell and the rotating shaft.

[0011] The electronic device provided by the second aspect of the present application can reduce the elastic modulus of the support structure and improve the bending performance of the support structure by using the support structure provided by the first aspect of the present application, so as to improve the bending effect of the flexible screen in the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required to be used in the embodiments of the present application will be described below.

[0013] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a support structure in an embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a first fiber layer in a support structure in another embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a second fiber layer in a support structure in another embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the third fiber layer in the support structure in another embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure in another embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure in another embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a side view of the support structure in a merged state in another embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a top view of the support structure in another embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 9 As described in one embodiment of this application Figure 8 A partial side view.

[0022] Figure 10 In another embodiment of this application Figure 8 A partial side view.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure in another embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a process flow diagram of the support structure in one embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 14 As described in one embodiment of this application Figure 13 Exploded view of the components.

[0027] Label Explanation:

[0028] Support structure-1, flexible screen-10, display screen-10a, first fiber layer-11, second fiber layer-12, third fiber layer-13, first bending part-14, edge area-141, center area-142, second bending part-15, first non-bending part-16, second non-bending part-17, hole-18, first hole-181, second hole-182, third hole-183, electronic device-2, housing-21, pivot-22. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following are the preferred embodiments of the present application. It should be pointed out that, for those skilled in the art, several improvements and refinements can be made without departing from the principles of the present application, and these improvements and refinements are also considered within the protection scope of the present application.

[0030] Before introducing the technical solutions of the present application, the technical problems in the related art will be introduced in detail.

[0031] With the increasingly wide application of flexible screens in electronic devices, the demand for flexible screen related components from users is gradually increasing. Among them, the support structure of the flexible screen is used to support the flexible screen and can also realize the folding or unfolding of the flexible screen. However, the current support structure has poor bending performance.

[0032] In view of this, in order to solve the above problems, the present application provides a support structure. Please refer to Figures 1-4 , Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the support structure in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the first fiber layer in the support structure in another embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the second fiber layer in the support structure in another embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the third fiber layer in the support structure in another embodiment of the present application. The structural schematic diagram in the present embodiment is a cross-sectional view or a partial cross-sectional view of the support structure 1.

[0033] The present embodiment provides a support structure 1 for supporting a flexible screen 10, the support structure 1 comprising a first fiber layer 11, a second fiber layer 12 and a third fiber layer 13 arranged in sequence on one side of the flexible screen 10, the first fiber layer 11 being closer to the flexible screen 10 than the second fiber layer 12 and the third fiber layer 13, the support structure 1 having a stacking direction along which the first fiber layer 11, the second fiber layer 12 and the third fiber layer 13 are arranged in sequence.

[0034] The extension direction of the fibers in the first fiber layer 11 forms a first included angle a1 with the stacking direction, the extension direction of the fibers in the second fiber layer 12 forms a second included angle a2 with the stacking direction, the extension direction of the fibers in the third fiber layer 13 forms a third included angle a3 with the stacking direction, and the support structure 1 satisfies the following conditions: 0°≤a1<90°, 0°<a2≤90°, 90°<a3≤180°.

[0035] In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0036] The support structure 1 provided by the embodiment is used for supporting the flexible screen 10 and can realize the folding or unfolding of the flexible screen 10. The embodiment is only illustratively described by applying the support structure 1 to an electronic device. However, this does not mean that the support structure 1 of the embodiment must be applied to an electronic device. It should be noted that the electronic device provided by the embodiment includes but is not limited to a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone and a tablet computer. The type of electronic device is not limited in the embodiment.

[0037] The flexible screen 10 in the embodiment has a display surface 10a which can be used to display patterns, information, etc. The support structure 1 is arranged on the side of the flexible screen 10 away from the display surface 10a. The flexible screen 10 has an unfolded state and a folded state. The unfolded state refers to the state that the flexible screen 10 is horizontally unfolded by 180°, i.e., the state that the flexible screen 10 is not bent. The folded state refers to the state that the flexible screen 10 is bent. The support structure 1 has a stacking direction (as shown in FIG. 1D). Figure 1 The stacking direction can also be understood as the direction perpendicular to the display surface 10a when the flexible screen 10 is in the unfolded state.

[0038] The support structure 1 in the embodiment includes three fiber layers, which refers to the laminated layers processed by using fiber materials. The material, shape and thickness of the fiber layer are not limited in the embodiment. Alternatively, the fiber layer includes at least one of carbon fiber, glass fiber and aramid fiber. Alternatively, the three fiber layers are respectively a first fiber layer 11, a second fiber layer 12 and a third fiber layer 13. The first fiber layer 11 is arranged on the side of the flexible screen 10 away from the display surface 10a, the second fiber layer 12 is arranged on the side of the first fiber layer 11 away from the flexible screen 10, and the third fiber layer 13 is arranged on the side of the second fiber layer 12 away from the first fiber layer 11. Moreover, the extension direction of the fibers of each fiber layer forms a preset angle with the stacking direction. The extension direction of the fibers refers to the length direction of the fibers.

[0039] The fiber material has anisotropy, i.e., the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the fiber material are different along the fiber direction and the direction perpendicular to the fiber direction. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of some fiber materials are relatively high along the fiber direction, but are relatively low perpendicular to the fiber direction. For example, the tensile strength of Toray T700 carbon fiber material is 2300 MPa and the elastic modulus is 130 GPa along the fiber direction. However, the tensile strength perpendicular to the fiber direction is only 80 MPa and the elastic modulus is only 9 GPa.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1D, the support structure 1 is arranged on the side of the flexible screen 10 away from the display surface 10a. The support structure 1 is arranged on the side of the flexible screen 10 away from the display surface 10a. The support structure 1 is arranged on the side of the flexible screen 10 away from the display surface 10a. Figure 2As shown, the support structure 1 is composed of three fiber layers. The first fiber layer 11 and the third fiber layer 13 are arranged on opposite sides of the second fiber layer 12, that is, the support structure 1 is composed of the second fiber layer 12 symmetrically arranged with the first fiber layer 11 and the third fiber layer 13. Therefore, the second fiber layer 12 can also be understood as a neutral layer, that is, an intermediate layer, arranged between the first fiber layer 11 and the third fiber layer 13. Specifically, when the support structure 1 is bent, the bending degree of the second fiber layer 12 as a neutral layer is small, and the bending degree of the first fiber layer 11 and the third fiber layer 13 is large.

[0041] Furthermore, the present embodiment also specifically limits the extension direction of the fibers in each layer of the fiber layers. By virtue of the anisotropy of the fiber material, the extension direction of the fibers in each fiber layer is respectively at a preset angle with the stacking direction. Among them, the second included angle α2 satisfies: 0° < α2 ≤ 90°, which not only reduces the bending degree required for the extension direction of the fibers in the second fiber layer 12 to be parallel to the display surface 10a of the flexible screen 10, but also reduces the elastic modulus, and provides a basis for the cooperation of the three layers of fiber layers, ensuring the stability of the support structure 1.

[0042] And the first included angle α1 and the third included angle α3 satisfy: 0° ≤ α1 < 90°, 90° < α3 ≤ 180°, so that when the support structure 1 is bent, the directional vector of the extension direction of the fibers in the first fiber layer 11 and the third fiber layer 13 is at least partially perpendicular to the display surface 10a of the flexible screen 10, making the support structure 1 more easily bent in the direction perpendicular to the display surface 10a of the flexible screen 10, and reducing the directional vector of the extension direction of the fibers parallel to the display surface 10a of the flexible screen 10, thereby reducing the bending degree required for the first fiber layer 11 and the third fiber layer 13 in the direction parallel to the display surface 10a of the flexible screen 10, thereby reducing the elastic modulus of the support structure 1 and improving the bending performance.

[0043] In addition, the present application limits the first included angle α1 and the third included angle α3 to satisfy: 0° ≤ α1 < 90°, 90° < α3 ≤ 180°, and the first included angle and part of the third included angle can be complementary or approximately complementary, so that the first fiber layer 11 and the third fiber layer 13 cooperate with each other to offset at least part of the internal stress, thereby reducing the stress of the support structure 1 and further improving the bending performance.

[0044] In summary, by stacking the three layers of fiber layers and limiting the extension direction of the fibers in each fiber layer, the elastic modulus of the support structure 1 is reduced and the bending performance of the support structure 1 is improved.

[0045] The number of fiber layers in the support structure 1 can be adjusted according to product requirements. For example, the required tensile strength, elastic modulus, stiffness, etc. of the product.

[0046] Optionally, in an embodiment, the support structure 1 comprises a first fiber layer 11, a second fiber layer 12, a third fiber layer 13, a fourth fiber layer, and a fifth fiber layer which are sequentially stacked, the first fiber layer 11 has a first angle a1 between the fiber extension direction and the stacking direction, the second fiber layer 12 has a second angle a2 between the fiber extension direction and the stacking direction, the third fiber layer 13 has a third angle a3 between the fiber extension direction and the stacking direction, the fourth fiber layer has a fourth angle a4 between the fiber extension direction and the stacking direction, and the fifth fiber layer has a fifth angle a5 between the fiber extension direction and the stacking direction, and the support structure 1 satisfies the following conditions: 0°≤a1<90°, 0°<a2≤90°, 90°<a3≤180°, 0°<a4≤90°, and 0°≤a5<90°.

[0047] Further optionally, in another embodiment, the support structure 1 further comprises a sixth fiber layer and a seventh fiber layer which are sequentially stacked, the sixth fiber layer is arranged on the side of the fifth fiber layer away from the fourth fiber layer, the sixth fiber layer has a sixth angle a6 between the fiber extension direction and the stacking direction, the seventh fiber layer has a seventh angle a7 between the fiber extension direction and the stacking direction, and the support structure 1 satisfies the following conditions: 0°<a6≤90°, and 90°<a7≤180°.

[0048] The current support structure 1 is heavy, increasing the burden of users carrying or holding. For example, when the support structure 1 is made of steel sheets, since the density (7.93 g / cm3) of the steel sheets is large, the weight of the support structure 1 can reach about 16 g. When the support structure 1 is used in electronic devices such as folding mobile phones, the weight has a great impact, affects the weight performance of the electronic device, increases the weight of the user, and reduces the user's experience.

[0049] In the present embodiment, since the density of the fiber material is low. For example, the density of carbon fiber is 1.8 g / cm3, the density of glass fiber is 2.4-2.76 g / cm3, and the density of aramid fiber is 1.37-1.44 g / cm3. Therefore, compared with the support structure 1 made of steel sheets with a density of 7.93 g / cm3 in the related art, the support structure 1 composed of fiber layers has a smaller weight, can reduce the burden of users carrying or holding electronic devices, and improve the user's experience.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 2 In an embodiment, the first angle and the third angle are complementary.

[0051] The first included angle and the third included angle are complementary, that is, the sum of the first included angle and the third included angle is 180°. In the embodiment, since the first included angle and the third included angle are complementary, and the first fiber layer 11 and the third fiber layer 13 are arranged on opposite sides of the second fiber layer 12. Therefore, when the support structure 1 is bent, the first fiber layer 11 and the third fiber layer 13 can offset the stress from each other, thereby reducing the stress of the support structure 1, improving the bending performance of the support structure 1, improving the working stability of the support structure 1, and increasing the service life of the support structure 1.

[0052] Optionally, in an embodiment, the first included angle α1, the second included angle α2, and the third included angle α3 respectively satisfy one of 0°, 90°, and 180°, 45°, 90°, and 135°, 30°, 90°, and 150°, 0°, 45°, and 180°, 45°, 45°, and 135°, 30°, 45°, and 150°, 45°, 30°, and 135°, 30°, 30°, and 150°, 20°, 20°, and 160°, and 45°, 20°, and 135°.

[0053] It can also be understood that if the support structure 1 is defined by the extension direction of the fibers in the fiber layer and the direction parallel to the display surface 10a at a preset included angle, the included angles of the first fiber layer 11, the second fiber layer 12, and the third fiber layer 13 with the direction parallel to the display surface 10a satisfy one of 90°, 0°, and 90°, and 45°, 0°, and 135°. The direction parallel to the display surface 10a refers to the direction perpendicular to the bending line of the display surface 10a.

[0054] The extension direction of the fibers in the second fiber layer 12 of the embodiment is parallel to the display surface 10a, the included angles of the first fiber layer 11 and the second fiber layer 12 are complementary, and the three cooperate to not only further reduce the elastic modulus of the support structure 1, but also further reduce the stress of the support structure 1, improve the bending performance and stability of the support structure 1.

[0055] In an embodiment, the elastic modulus E of the support structure 1 satisfies the following condition: 5GPa≤E≤25GPa. Further optionally, the elastic modulus E of the support structure 1 satisfies the following condition: 10GPa≤E≤15GPa.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, Figure 5 The three fiber layers are symmetrically arranged along L as shown in FIG. 1. Figure 5 The following is the calculation formula of the elastic modulus of the support structure 1:

[0057]

[0058] Wherein, E1, E2, En are the elastic modulus of the fiber layers on the opposite sides of L as the symmetry axis of the support structure 1, h1, h2, hn are the thickness of the fiber layers on the opposite sides of L as the symmetry axis of the support structure 1. N is a positive integer. It should be noted that the formula is not only applicable to the three-layer fiber layer support structure 1, but also applicable to the five-layer fiber layer support structure 1, seven-layer fiber layer support structure 1, etc.

[0059] The elastic modulus E of the support structure 1 is 5GPa-25GPa. The elastic modulus is small, which can improve the bending performance of the support structure 1, so that the flexible screen 10 is easy to fold. It can also be understood that the elastic modulus E of the support structure 1 in the bending direction is 5GPa-25GPa, which is small and easy to bend. Wherein, the bending direction refers to the direction of the flexible screen 10 when the flexible screen 10 changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, that is, the direction of the flexible screen 10 bending.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 is a structural diagram of the support structure in another embodiment of the application. Wherein, the structural diagram in the embodiment is a partial cross-sectional view of the support structure 1. In an embodiment, in the stacking direction, the thickness of the first fiber layer 11 is equal to the thickness of the third fiber layer 13, and is less than or equal to the thickness of the second fiber layer 12.

[0061] In the embodiment, in the direction perpendicular to the display surface 10a, the thickness of the first fiber layer 11 (as shown by H1 in Figure 6 ) is equal to the thickness of the third fiber layer 13 (as shown by H3 in Figure 6 ), and is less than or equal to the thickness of the second fiber layer 12 (as shown by H2 in Figure 6 ). When the thickness of the first fiber layer 11 is equal to the thickness of the third fiber layer 13, the internal stress of the first fiber layer 11 and the third fiber layer 13 can be offset when the support structure 1 is bent, further reducing the stress of the support structure 1. At the same time, since the bending degree of the second fiber layer 12 is not large when the support structure 1 is bent, and it serves as an intermediate layer between the first fiber layer 11 and the third fiber layer 13, the thickness of the second fiber layer 12 can be less than or equal to the thickness of the first fiber layer 11, so as to further improve the bending performance of the support structure 1, save the preparation material, and reduce the cost.

[0062] Optionally, the thickness H of the support structure 1 in the stacking direction satisfies the following condition: 0.1mm≤H≤0.25mm. The support structure 1 of 0.1mm-0.25mm in the embodiment not only can ensure that the thickness of the support structure 1 is small, but also can further reduce the elastic modulus and improve the bending performance.

[0063] Optionally, the thickness H1 of the first fiber layer 11, the thickness H2 of the second fiber layer 12, and the thickness H3 of the third fiber layer 13 are all greater than or equal to 0.03 mm.

[0064] Optionally, the thickness H1 of the first fiber layer 11, the thickness H2 of the second fiber layer 12, and the thickness H3 of the third fiber layer 13 satisfy the following conditions: 0.05 mm≤H1≤0.06, 0.03 mm≤H2≤0.05, and 0.05 mm≤H3≤0.06.

[0065] Further optionally, the thickness H1 of the first fiber layer 11, the thickness H2 of the second fiber layer 12, and the thickness H3 of the third fiber layer 13 satisfy the following conditions in sequence: one of 0.055, 0.04, and 0.055, 0.05, 0.05, and 0.05.

[0066] Specifically, if the thickness of the fiber layer is too small, the elastic modulus of the support structure 1 is large, and it is difficult to bend. If the thickness of the fiber layer is too large, the overall thickness of the electronic device will be large, which is not conducive to user carrying or holding, and reduces the user experience.

[0067] Please refer to Figures 7-8 , Figure 7 is a side view of the support structure in the merged state in another embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 is a top view of the support structure in another embodiment of the present application. In an embodiment, the support structure 1 includes a first bending portion 14 and a second bending portion 15 arranged on opposite sides of the first bending portion 14, and the bending directions of the first bending portion 14 and the second bending portion 15 are opposite.

[0068] The support structure 1 in the embodiment includes a first bending portion 14 and a second bending portion 15, and the two bending portions cooperate to bend the support structure 1 so that the flexible screen 10 is in the merged state. The bending directions of the first bending portion 14 and the second bending portion 15 are opposite, so the first bending portion 14 can also be understood as an inner bending area, and the second bending portion 15 can also be understood as an outer bending area. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1, the support structure 1 also includes a first non-bending portion 16 and a second non-bending portion 17, the first non-bending portion 16 is arranged between the first bending portion 14 and the second bending portion 15, and the second non-bending portion 17 is arranged on the side of the second bending portion 15 away from the first non-bending portion 16.

[0069] The support structure includes a U-shaped structure and a water droplet-shaped structure. The U-shaped and water droplet-shaped refer to the shape of the flexible screen when the support structure is in a combined state. The U-shaped structure has only one bending portion, while the water droplet-shaped structure has two bending portions. Therefore, when the support structure is combined, the combined gap of the water droplet-shaped structure is smaller than that of the U-shaped structure, and the overall performance is stronger. In the related art, the support structure prepared by carbon fiber is used, and a through hole is arranged in the bending portion, which can be applied to the U-shaped structure folding screen, but cannot be applied to the water droplet-shaped structure.

[0070] The support structure 1 of the embodiment has a smaller elastic modulus, so that two bending portions can be arranged to form a water droplet-shaped support structure 1. Compared with the U-shaped structure, the support structure 1 of the embodiment not only has higher bending performance, but also has a smaller combined gap when the support structure 1 is combined, so that the flexible screen 10 has a smaller combined gap.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 The partial side view of the embodiment of the present application Figure 8 In an embodiment, the first bending portion 14 has a plurality of holes 18 arranged in an array. Any two adjacent columns of the plurality of holes 18 are arranged in a staggered manner, and the plurality of holes 18 in the Nth column are arranged in a corresponding manner with the plurality of holes 18 in the N+2th column. N is a positive integer.

[0072] In the embodiment, the first bending portion 14 has a plurality of holes 18. Optionally, the hole 18 includes but is not limited to a mesh hole, a blind hole, etc. Optionally, the processing method of the hole 18 can adopt laser processing. For example, nanosecond or picosecond laser processing. In an embodiment, when N is 1, the plurality of holes 18 in the first column and the second column are arranged in a staggered manner, and the plurality of holes 18 in the first column are arranged in a corresponding manner with the plurality of holes 18 in the third column. The size of the region where the first bending portion 14 is provided with the hole 18 can be adjusted according to product requirements, such as the size of the electronic device.

[0073] As shown in Figure 9 By arranging a plurality of holes 18 in an array and arranging a plurality of holes 18 in a staggered manner or in a corresponding manner, the elastic modulus of the support structure 1 is reduced, that is, the stiffness of the support structure 1 is reduced, thereby further improving the bending performance of the support structure 1, making the flexible screen 10 easy to fold, and dispersing the stress of the support structure 1, thereby further improving the bending performance.

[0074] In addition, since the elastic modulus of the support structure 1 of the embodiment is low, compared with the water droplet-shaped structure in the related art, the second bending portion 15 of the support structure 1 does not need to be provided with a plurality of holes 18 to reduce the elastic modulus, so that the processing cost can be reduced.

[0075] Optionally, in the arrangement direction of the plurality of holes 18 in each row, the length r1 of the hole 18 satisfies the following condition: 0.1mm≤r1≤0.2mm; the spacing r2 of adjacent holes 18 satisfies the following condition: 0.1mm≤r2≤0.2mm. Further optionally, r1 and r2 satisfy the following conditions: r1=0.18mm, r2=0.18mm.

[0076] At present, the steel sheet support structure adopts a wet etching process to set a mesh hole and a blind hole at the bending part, so that the support structure can support the flexible screen and can be folded. Compared with the support structure made of fiber material, the steel sheet support structure cannot be processed by laser process. Because laser has high temperature, the steel sheet itself has a capacitive resistance, so it is difficult to blank the steel sheet, and it is difficult to process.

[0077] Moreover, the mesh hole size of the steel sheet support structure can only be made to be 1.2 times the thickness at the minimum, that is, the minimum mesh hole size is 0.12mm. If the mesh hole is too large, it is easy to cause film printing problem, which affects the display effect of the flexible screen. Film printing refers to the deformation of the adhesive glue arranged between the support structure and the flexible screen, which can easily see the shape of the hole through the display screen. At the same time, the blind hole arranged in the second bending part of the steel sheet support structure is easy to cause stress mutation, increase the stress, and make the glue deformation more obvious, which causes the concave-convex of the local support structure and produces creases.

[0078] Compared with the steel sheet support structure, the support structure 1 in the present embodiment can be processed by laser, and the processing range can be wider. Moreover, because the support structure 1 is made of fiber material and has the characteristic of small elastic modulus, the problem of film printing caused by the size of the hole 18 being too large is avoided. At the same time, there is no need to open a hole in the second bending part 15, which avoids the problem of stress mutation.

[0079] Please refer to Figure 9 In an embodiment, the Nth column has a first hole 181 and a second hole 182 adjacent to each other, and the N+1th column has a third hole 183 close to the first hole 181 and the second hole 182, and the center of the gap between the first hole 181 and the second hole 182 of the Nth column corresponds to the center of the third hole 183 of the N+1th column.

[0080] It can also be understood that, in the arrangement direction of the plurality of holes 18 in each row, the center symmetry line between the two holes 18 adjacent to each other in the Nth column is arranged to correspond to the center symmetry line of the hole 18 close to the two holes 18 in the N+1th column. The support structure 1 of the present embodiment further limits the arrangement of the plurality of holes 18, so that the plurality of holes 18 in each Nth column are arranged to correspond to the plurality of holes 18 in the N+2th column, which further disperses the stress of the support structure 1, further improves the bending performance, and improves the stability of the support structure 1.

[0081] Referring to Figure 10 , Figure 10 is a partial side view of another embodiment of the present application Figure 8 In one embodiment, the first bending portion 14 has an edge region 141 and a center region 142, the edge region 141 is located on opposite sides of the center region 142, the edge region 141 is closer to the second bending portion 15 than the center region 142, and the length of the hole 18 located in the edge region 141 is less than the length of the hole 18 located in the center region 142 in the arrangement direction of the plurality of holes 18 in each column.

[0082] The first bending portion 14 of the present embodiment also includes an edge region 141 and a center region 142. The present embodiment does not limit the shape of the edge region 141 and the center region 142. The bending degree of the edge region 141 is smaller than that of the center region 142, so that the length of the hole 18 in the edge region 141 is less than the length of the hole 18 in the center region 142, so as to increase the elastic modulus of the edge region 141, that is, to increase the stiffness of the edge region 141, so that the shape of the support structure 1 after bending is smoother.

[0083] Referring again to Figure 10 In one embodiment, the length of the hole 18 located in the edge region 141 and close to the center region 142 is greater than the length of the hole 18 located in the edge region 141 and away from the center region 142 in the arrangement direction of the plurality of holes 18 in each column.

[0084] The support structure 1 in the present embodiment makes the length of the hole 18 in the edge region 141 close to the center region 142 greater than the length of the hole 18 in the edge region 141 away from the center region 142, so that the elastic modulus of the part of the edge region 141 close to the center region 142 is less than the elastic modulus of the part of the edge region 141 away from the center region 142. That is, there is a change in the elastic modulus in the edge region 141, from the part close to the center region 142 to the part away from the center region 142, the elastic modulus becomes larger, so that the shape of the support structure 1 after bending is smoother.

[0085] Optionally, in the arrangement direction of the plurality of holes 18 in each column, the Nth column in the edge region 141 is closer to the center region 142 than the N+1th column in the edge region 141, and the length of the hole 18 in the N+1th column in the edge region 141 is not greater than the length of the hole 18 in the Nth column in the edge region 141.

[0086] In the embodiment, the opening length of the holes 18 in each column gradually decreases, the elastic modulus gradually increases, and the rigidity gradually increases as each column moves away from the central region 142, so that the shape after bending is smoother. For example, when the edge region 141 includes the first column, the second column, the third column, and the fourth column in sequence, the first column is close to the central region 142, and in the arrangement direction of the plurality of holes 18 in each column, the length of the holes 18 in the fourth column is not greater than the length of the holes 18 in the third column, the length of the holes 18 in the third column is not greater than the length of the holes 18 in the second column, and the length of the holes 18 in the second column is not greater than the length of the holes 18 in the first column.

[0087] Optionally, an embodiment of the support structure 1 is introduced. Please refer to Figure 11 and Table 1, Figure 11 Table 1 is the elastic modulus of T700, T800, and M40 carbon fibers along the fiber direction and perpendicular to the fiber direction.

[0088] Example 1: The first fiber layer 11 and the third fiber layer 13 use T800 carbon fibers, and the second fiber layer 12 uses T700 carbon fibers. In the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, the thicknesses of the first fiber layer 11, the second fiber layer 12, and the third fiber layer 13 are 0.055 mm, 0.04 mm, and 0.055 mm, respectively, and the thickness of the support structure 1 is 0.15 mm. The first included angle α1, the second included angle α2, and the third included angle α3 satisfy 0°, 90°, and 180°, respectively.

[0089] Example 2: The first fiber layer 11, the second fiber layer 12, and the third fiber layer 13 all use T800 carbon fibers. In the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, the thicknesses of the first fiber layer 11, the second fiber layer 12, and the third fiber layer 13 are 0.05 mm, 0.05 mm, and 0.05 mm, respectively, and the thickness of the support structure 1 is 0.15 mm. The first included angle α1, the second included angle α2, and the third included angle α3 satisfy 0°, 90°, and 180°, respectively.

[0090] Example 3: The first fiber layer 11 and the third fiber layer 13 use M40 carbon fibers, and the second fiber layer 12 uses T700 carbon fibers. In the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, the thicknesses of the first fiber layer 11, the second fiber layer 12, and the third fiber layer 13 are 0.055 mm, 0.04 mm, and 0.055 mm, respectively, and the thickness of the support structure 1 is 0.15 mm. The first included angle α1, the second included angle α2, and the third included angle α3 satisfy 0°, 90°, and 180°, respectively.

[0091] Table 1 is the elastic modulus of T700, T800, and M40 carbon fibers along the fiber direction and perpendicular to the fiber direction.

[0092] Material Type Elastic Modulus in the Fiber Direction (GPa) Elastic Modulus Perpendicular to the Fiber Direction (GPa) T700 130 9 T800 163 9 M40 230 9

[0093] In embodiments 1, 2, and 3 above, carbon fibers are stacked, with the extension directions of the carbon fibers in each layer at 0°, 90°, and 180°. In embodiment 1, the elastic modulus of the support structure 1 is 13.63 GPa. In embodiment 2, the elastic modulus of the support structure 1 is 14.7 GPa. In embodiment 3, the elastic modulus of the support structure 1 is 13.63 GPa. The relatively low elastic modulus of the support structure 1 in embodiments 1, 2, and 3 makes it easier to bend, thus improving its bending performance.

[0094] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a process flow diagram of the support structure in one embodiment of this application. The fabrication process of the support structure 1 will be described below. It should be noted that this embodiment uses the process described below to fabricate the support structure 1, but this does not mean that only this process can be used to fabricate the support structure 1 of this application.

[0095] The support structure 1 is formed by high-temperature molding. T700, T800 or M40 carbon fiber prepregs are laid up at a preset angle in advance, and then molded at a high temperature of over 100°C for 30 minutes. Finally, it is laser-processed to form a mesh.

[0096] The mesh can be processed using nanosecond or picosecond lasers. During processing, a special fixture is used for support, and the carbon fiber support structure 1 is held in place by vacuum suction. Then, the carbon fiber is vaporized by instantaneous high temperature of the laser to form through holes.

[0097] After the support structure 1 is prepared, it is cleaned and coated to prepare it for shipment. Coating refers to adding a functional film layer to the support structure 1 according to product requirements.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 , Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 14 As described in one embodiment of this application Figure 13 Exploded view of the components. This application also provides an electronic device 2, including a housing 21, a pivot 22, a flexible screen 10, and a support structure 1 as provided in this application, wherein at least a portion of the housing 21 is mounted on opposite sides of the pivot 22, the flexible screen 10 is mounted on the support structure 1, and the support structure 1 is mounted on the housing 21 and the pivot 22.

[0099] The electronic device 2 provided by the embodiment includes a shell 21 for supporting and protecting other components. The shape of the shell 21 is not limited by the embodiment. The electronic device 2 further includes a rotating shaft 22 which can be connected and matched with other components to drive the rotation of other components. The electronic device 2 further includes a flexible screen 10 having a display surface 10a for displaying patterns, characters and other information. The support structure 1 has been described in detail above, and will not be described here.

[0100] The electronic device 2 in the embodiment can reduce the elastic modulus of the support structure 1 and improve the bending performance of the support structure 1 by using the support structure 1 provided by the application, thereby improving the bending effect of the flexible screen 10 in the electronic device 2. Here, the bending effect refers to the bending effect of the support structure and the flexible screen bending in cooperation with each other.

[0101] The content provided by the embodiment of the application is described in detail above, and the principles and embodiments of the application are described and explained herein. The above description is only used to help understand the method of the application and its core idea; at the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the idea of the application, the specific embodiments and application scope will be changed, and the above description should not be understood as a limitation of the application.

Claims

1. A support structure, characterized by, The support structure is used for supporting a flexible screen, and comprises a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer and a third fiber layer which are sequentially stacked on one side of the flexible screen, the first fiber layer is closer to the flexible screen than the second fiber layer and the third fiber layer, and the support structure has a stacking direction along which the first fiber layer, the second fiber layer and the third fiber layer are stacked; The extending direction of the fibers in the first fiber layer forms a first included angle α1 with the stacking direction, the extending direction of the fibers in the second fiber layer forms a second included angle α2 with the stacking direction, the extending direction of the fibers in the third fiber layer forms a third included angle α3 with the stacking direction, and the support structure satisfies the following conditions: 0°≤α1<90°, 0°<α2≤90°, and 90°<α3≤180°.

2. The support structure of claim 1, wherein, The first included angle and the third included angle are complementary.

3. The support structure of claim 2, wherein, The elastic modulus E of the support structure satisfies the following condition: 5GPa≤E≤25GPa.

4. The support structure of claim 1, wherein, In the stacking direction, the thickness of the first fiber layer is equal to the thickness of the third fiber layer and is less than or equal to the thickness of the second fiber layer.

5. The support structure of claim 1, wherein, The support structure comprises a first bending portion and second bending portions arranged on opposite sides of the first bending portion, and the bending directions of the first bending portion and the second bending portions are opposite.

6. The support structure of claim 5, wherein, The first bending portion has a plurality of holes arranged in an array, any two adjacent columns of the plurality of holes are arranged in a staggered manner, and the holes in the Nth column and the holes in the N+2th column are arranged in a corresponding manner, N being a positive integer.

7. The support structure of claim 6, wherein, The Nth column has a first hole and a second hole adjacent to each other, the N+1th column has a third hole close to the first hole and the second hole, and the center of the gap between the first hole and the second hole in the Nth column corresponds to the center of the third hole in the N+1th column.

8. The support structure of claim 6, wherein, The first bending portion has an edge region and a central region, the edge region is arranged on opposite sides of the central region, the edge region is closer to the second bending portion than the central region, and in the arrangement direction of the plurality of holes in each column, the length of the holes in the edge region is less than the length of the holes in the central region.

9. The support structure of claim 8, wherein, In the arrangement direction of the plurality of holes in each column, the length of the holes close to the central region in the edge region is greater than the length of the holes away from the central region in the edge region.

10. An electronic device, comprising: The support structure comprises a housing, a rotating shaft, a flexible screen, and a support structure as claimed in any one of claims 1-9, at least part of the housing is arranged on opposite sides of the rotating shaft, the flexible screen is arranged on the support structure, and the support structure is arranged on the housing and the rotating shaft.

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