Flexible display panel, driving method thereof, display device, and storage medium

Abstract

A flexible display panel, a driving method thereof, a display device, and a storage medium. The flexible display panel includes a display area and a frame area surrounding the display area; the display area includes a bending area and non-bending areas located on both sides of the bending area along a first direction, the flexible display panel is in a folded state after the bending area is bent, and the flexible display panel is in an unfolded state after the bending area is flattened; the flexible display panel further includes a support structure, a driving device, and a sensor; the support structure includes a support plate configured to provide support for a back light surface of the bending area in the unfolded state; the sensor is installed on the back light surface of the bending area and is configured to detect a first distance in the unfolded state, the first distance being a distance between the sensor and a surface on an opposite side of the support plate in a direction perpendicular to the bending area; and the driving device is configured to control movement of the support plate according to a detection signal of the sensor to adjust a support effect of the support plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This article relates to, but is not limited to, display technologies, particularly a flexible display panel and its driving method, display device, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display devices, the forms of display devices are becoming increasingly diverse. Among them, foldable display devices have become a symbol of the research and development capabilities of major manufacturers.

[0003] However, flexible display panels have an uneven screen when unfolded, which affects the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is an overview of the subject matter described in detail herein. This overview is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0005] This disclosure provides a flexible display panel and its driving method, display device and storage medium, which can solve the problem of unevenness of the screen of the flexible display panel in the unfolded state.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a flexible display panel, comprising: a display area and a border area surrounding the display area; the display area includes a bending area and non-bending areas located on both sides of the bending area along a first direction, wherein the flexible display panel is in a folded state after the bending area is bent, and in an unfolded state after the bending area is flattened; the flexible display panel further includes a support structure, a driving device, and a sensor; the support structure includes a support plate, which is configured to provide support for the backlight surface of the bending area in the unfolded state; the sensor is mounted on the backlight surface of the bending area and configured to detect a first distance in the unfolded state, the first distance being the distance between the sensor and the support plate on opposite side surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the bending area; the driving device is configured to control the movement of the support plate according to the detection signal of the sensor to adjust the supporting effect of the support plate.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, a control device is also included, which is electrically connected to the sensor and the drive device respectively, and is configured to control the drive device to move after receiving the detection signal from the sensor, so as to control the support plate to move to a set position.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, after receiving the detection signal from the sensor, the control device calculates the distance required for the support plate to move to the set position, and controls the drive device to move accordingly.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor is a capacitive sensor, and the control device pre-stores the correspondence between the capacitance value and the first distance.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the support plate includes a plurality of support units, which are configured to provide support to the bending area at different locations; the driving device includes a plurality of driving units, each of which is configured to drive a single support unit to move.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of support units are axially symmetrically distributed along the axis of symmetry of the bending region.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the support structure further includes a first inclined plate and a second inclined plate located on both sides of the support plate along the first direction, wherein the first inclined plate and the second inclined plate are configured to clamp the support plate and move it toward the bending area during the process of switching to the unfolded state.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the support plate has a protrusion extending along the first direction on one side surface near the bending area, the first inclined plate has a first step at one end near the support plate, and the second inclined plate has a second step at one end near the support plate; during the switching to the unfolded state, the first step and the second step are configured to clamp the protrusion and drive the support plate to move.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible display panel further includes a hinge structure located on the backlight side of the display area. The hinge structure is connected to the support structure and is configured to control the flexible display panel to switch between the folded state and the unfolded state. The hinge structure includes a main body with a groove. The support plate and the sensor are located in the groove and are configured to move within the groove.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge structure further includes a reset part, a first end of which is connected to the bottom of the groove, and a second end of which is connected to the support plate. The reset part is configured to provide tension to the support plate during the transition to the folded state.

[0016] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a driving method for a flexible display panel, applied to driving the flexible display panel as described above. The method includes: in an unfolded state, a sensor detects a first distance, the first distance being the distance between the sensor and the opposite side surface of a support plate in a direction perpendicular to the bending area; and a driving device controls the movement of the support plate according to the detection signal from the sensor to adjust the supporting effect of the support plate.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor is a capacitive sensor. After receiving the detection signal from the sensor, the control device calculates the movement distance required for the support plate to move to the set position if it determines that the detection signal is outside the first threshold range, and controls the drive device to move so that the support plate reaches the set position.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, after detecting that the flexible display panel has been fully unfolded, the control device controls the capacitive sensor to operate in order to detect the first distance.

[0019] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a display device including the flexible display panel described above.

[0020] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the driving method for the flexible display panel as described above.

[0021] The flexible display panel proposed in this disclosure, through the cooperation of sensors and a driving device, can adjust the first distance between the support plate and the sensors, thereby adjusting the support effect of the support plate on the bending area. This makes the screen of the flexible display panel flatter in the unfolded state, reduces screen creases, and improves the user experience. It solves the problem of unevenness of the flexible display panel screen in the unfolded state.

[0022] After reading and understanding the accompanying diagrams and detailed descriptions, the other aspects can be understood. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings are used to provide an understanding of the technical solutions of this disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the technical solutions of this disclosure and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a planar schematic diagram of a flexible display panel;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the flexible display panel along the AA direction;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a plan view of the flexible display panel in an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 4 In an exemplary embodiment Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the flexible display panel along the BB direction;

[0028] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the hinge structure of the flexible display panel in a folded state, as shown in an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge structure of the flexible display panel in the unfolded state in an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 In an exemplary embodiment Figure 6 Enlarged view of the dashed area C;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a plan view of a support plate comprising multiple support units in an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor structure in an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a driving method for a flexible display panel in an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0034] This disclosure describes several embodiments, but these descriptions are exemplary and not limiting, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the drawings and discussed in the detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are also possible. Unless specifically limited, any feature or element of any embodiment may be used in combination with, or may replace, any feature or element of any other embodiment.

[0035] This disclosure includes and contemplates combinations of features and elements known to those skilled in the art. The embodiments, features, and elements disclosed in this disclosure may also be combined with any conventional features or elements to form a unique inventive scheme as defined by the claims. Any feature or element of any embodiment may also be combined with features or elements from other inventive schemes to form another unique inventive scheme as defined by the claims. Therefore, it should be understood that any feature shown and / or discussed in this disclosure may be implemented individually or in any suitable combination. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except by the limitations imposed by the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0036] Furthermore, in describing representative embodiments, the specification may have presented methods and / or processes as a specific sequence of steps. However, the method or process should not be limited to the specific order of steps described herein, to the extent that the method or process does not depend on the specific order of steps described herein. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other sequences of steps are also possible. Therefore, the specific order of steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as a limitation of the claims. Moreover, the claims relating to the method and / or process should not be limited to the steps performed in the order written, and those skilled in the art will readily understand that these orders can be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0037] In the accompanying drawings, the size of one or more constituent elements, the thickness of layers, or areas are sometimes exaggerated for clarity. Furthermore, the drawings schematically illustrate ideal examples, and this disclosure is not limited to the shapes or numerical values ​​shown in the drawings.

[0038] The ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," and "third" used in this specification are used to avoid confusion among the constituent elements, not to limit the quantity. The term "multiple" in this disclosure refers to two or more quantities.

[0039] In this specification, for convenience, terms such as "middle," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" are used to indicate orientation or positional relationships in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. This is solely for the purpose of facilitating the description and simplification, and does not imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure. The positional relationships of the constituent elements may be appropriately varied depending on the orientation of the constituent elements being described. Therefore, the use of terms not limited to those described in the specification may be appropriately replaced as needed.

[0040] In this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate component, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the meaning of these terms in this disclosure as appropriate.

[0041] In this specification, "electrical connection" includes the situation where components are connected together by elements that have a certain electrical function. There are no particular limitations on what constitutes an "electrical function," as long as it allows for the transmission of electrical signals between the connected components. Examples of "electrical functions" include not only electrodes and wiring, but also switching elements such as transistors, resistors, inductors, capacitors, and other elements with various functions.

[0042] In this specification, "parallel" refers to the state where the angle formed by two straight lines is greater than or equal to -10° and less than 10°, and therefore also includes the state where the angle is greater than or equal to -5° and less than 5°. Similarly, "perpendicular" refers to the state where the angle formed by two straight lines is greater than or equal to 80° and less than 100°, and therefore also includes the state where the angle is greater than or equal to 85° and less than 95°.

[0043] In this specification, triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, pentagons, or hexagons are not strictly defined; they can be approximate triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, pentagons, or hexagons. Small deformations due to tolerances are possible, as are chamfers, curved edges, and other variations.

[0044] In this disclosure, “about” means a value that is not strictly limited and allows for process and measurement errors.

[0045] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a planar schematic diagram of a flexible display panel. Figure 1 As shown, the flexible display panel may include a display area 100 and a border area 200 surrounding the display area. The display area 100 includes a first non-folding area 101, a bending area 103, and a second non-folding area 102 sequentially arranged along a first direction D1. The first non-folding area 101 is located on the side opposite to the first direction D1 of the bending area 103, and the second non-folding area 102 is located on the side of the bending area 103 along the first direction D1. In an exemplary embodiment, the bending area refers to the area where the flexible display panel needs to bend when bent, and the non-folding area refers to the area where the flexible display panel does not bend or bends only slightly when bent. In an exemplary embodiment, the bending area 103 may be a strip shape extending along a second direction D2, and the first non-folding area 101 and the second non-folding area 102 may be rectangular, with the second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, when the display panel is in the unfolded state, the first non-folding area 101, the second non-folding area 102, and the bending area 103 can all be displayed (i.e., full-screen display), and the user can interact with the flexible display panel through the first non-folding area 101, the second non-folding area 102, and the bending area 103.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, when the flexible display panel is folded, the bending area 103 bends, and the second non-folding area 102 can be bent to the backlight side near the first non-folding area 101. Both the first non-folding area 101 and the second non-folding area 102 can be exposed to the outside. This type of flexible display panel can be called an outward-folding display panel. When the outward-folding display panel is folded, it can control the first non-folding area 101 or the second non-folding area 102 to be displayed separately (i.e., half-screen display). In an exemplary embodiment, when the flexible display panel is folded, the bending area 103 bends, and the second non-folding area 102 can be bent to the light-emitting side surface near the first non-folding area 101. The first non-folding area 101 and the second non-folding area 102 are not visible from the outside. This type of flexible display panel can be called an inward-folding display panel. In the folded state, the display panel may not display anything. Alternatively, a second display screen can be provided on the back surface of the first non-folding area 101 or the second non-folding area 102, and the second display screen can be used for display (i.e., half-screen display). In some embodiments, the flexible display panel can be folded both outward and inward to achieve 360-degree folding; this disclosure does not limit this. In the following embodiments, an inward-folding display panel is used as an example for description; however, this disclosure does not limit this.

[0049] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 1 As shown, the flexible display panel can be rectangular, and the first non-folding area 101 and the second non-folding area 102 can be axially symmetrical along the bending area 103. In the folded state, the first non-folding area 101 and the second non-folding area 102 can overlap, thereby reducing the size of the flexible display panel. In other embodiments, the first non-folding area 101 and the second non-folding area 102 may not be axially symmetrical along the bending area 103, or the shape and size of the first non-folding area 101 and the second non-folding area 102 can be set to be different. In the folded state, the first non-folding area 101 and the second non-folding area 102 may not overlap, thereby obtaining folded states of different shapes, enriching the shape of the flexible display panel in the folded state, and utilizing the exposed area of ​​the first non-folding area 101 and the second non-folding area 102 in the folded state for display, enriching the display methods of the flexible display panel in the folded state. This disclosure does not limit this aspect.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiment, the shape and size of the flexible display panel and different display areas can be set as needed, and the number and distribution of the bending areas 103 can be set as needed. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0051] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction of the flexible display panel illustrates the structure of the flexible display panel. In an exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a support structure can be provided on the backlight side of the flexible display panel. In the unfolded state, the support structure can provide support to the flexible display panel along the third direction D3, where the third direction D3 can be the direction of the flexible display panel in the vertical unfolded state. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a "five-plate" support structure, including a first middle frame 311, a second middle frame 312, a first inclined plate 321, a second inclined plate 322, and a support plate 333. The support plate 333 can be correspondingly positioned to the bending area 103. The first inclined plate 321 and the first middle frame 311 can be sequentially located on the side opposite to the first direction D1 of the support plate 333, and the second inclined plate 322 and the second middle frame 312 can be sequentially located on the side of the support plate 333 in the first direction D1. The support plate 333 can be configured to switch between a first position and a second position. The first position can be located on the side of the second position away from the flexible display panel. For example, in the folded state, the support plate 333 can be located in the first position (e.g., ...). Figure 2 The support plate 333 (located at position 333 of the dashed box in the diagram) maintains a certain distance from the bending area 103 to leave storage space for the folded screen. In the unfolded state, the support plate 333 can be located in a second position (e.g., ...). Figure 2 The solid line frame at position 333 in the image can provide support to the bending area 103 so that the screen of the bending area 103 remains flat. Figure 2 As shown in the unfolded state, the first non-folded area 101 and the second non-folded area 102 located on both sides of the bending area 103 can move along the direction of the solid arrow to switch to the folded state. During this process, the support plate 333 can move along the direction of the dashed arrow, switching from the second position to the first position, thereby leaving enough movement distance for the screen of the bending area 103, so that the flexible display panel can smoothly complete the state switching.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the support plate 333 can be configured to move along a third direction D3. For example, a hinge structure can be provided so that the support plate 333 can move under the influence of the first inclined plate 321 and the second inclined plate 322, thereby allowing switching between a first position and a second position. The inventors of this application have discovered that due to manufacturing tolerances of the hinge or aging of the components after prolonged use, the support plate, the adjacent inclined plate, and the middle frame are not on the same horizontal plane in the unfolded state. This results in dents in the screen at the bending area, causing the flexible display panel to be uneven in the unfolded state. This not only affects the user experience but also reduces the lifespan of the flexible display panel.

[0053] This disclosure provides a flexible display panel, including: a display area and a border area surrounding the display area; the display area includes a bending area and non-bending areas located on both sides of the bending area along a first direction, wherein the flexible display panel is in a folded state after the bending area is bent, and in an unfolded state after the bending area is flattened; the flexible display panel further includes a support structure, a driving device, and a sensor; the support structure includes a support plate, which is configured to provide support for the backlight surface of the bending area in the unfolded state; the sensor is mounted on the backlight surface of the bending area and configured to detect a first distance in the unfolded state, the first distance being the distance between the sensor and the support plate on opposite side surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the bending area; the driving device is configured to control the movement of the support plate according to the detection signal of the sensor to adjust the supporting effect of the support plate.

[0054] The flexible display panel proposed in this embodiment can adjust the first distance between the support plate and the sensor by working in conjunction with the sensor and the driving device, thereby adjusting the support effect of the support plate on the bending area, making the screen of the flexible display panel flatter in the unfolded state, reducing screen creases and improving user experience.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, a control device is also included, which is electrically connected to the sensor and the drive device respectively, and is configured to control the drive device to move after receiving the detection signal from the sensor, so as to control the support plate to move to a set position.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, after receiving the detection signal from the sensor, the control device calculates the distance required for the support plate to move to the set position, and controls the drive device to move accordingly.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor is a capacitive sensor, and the control device pre-stores the correspondence between the capacitance value and the first distance.

[0058] Figure 3 This is a planar schematic diagram of a flexible display panel in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 In an exemplary embodiment Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along the BB direction of a flexible display panel, illustrating the structure of the flexible display panel in a simplified manner. Compared to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The difference lies in the inclusion of sensor 400, drive unit 500, flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 800, and printed circuit board (PCB) 900. The remaining structure can be referenced from the original text. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The description will not be repeated here.

[0059] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the flexible display panel includes a sensor 400 and a driving device 500. The sensor 400 is located in the bending region 103 and is in close contact with the backlight side screen of the bending region 103. In the unfolded state, the orthographic projection of the sensor 400 on the flexible display panel and the orthographic projection of the support plate 333 on the flexible display panel at least partially overlap. The sensor 400 is configured to measure a first distance d in a direction perpendicular to the bending region 103 (third direction D3), where the first distance d is the distance between the sensor 400 and the opposite side surfaces of the support plate 333. The driving device 500 is capable of driving the support plate 333 to move in a direction perpendicular to the bending region 103. The driving device 500 is configured to control the movement of the support plate 333 in the third direction D3 according to the detection signal of the sensor 400. By cooperating with the driving device 500, the sensor 400 can adjust the first distance d between the support plate 333 and the sensor 400, thereby adjusting the support effect of the support plate 333 on the bending area 103, making the flexible display panel screen flatter in the unfolded state, reducing screen creases, and improving the user experience.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, in the unfolded state, the orthographic projection of the sensor 400 on the flexible display panel and the orthographic projection of the support plate 333 on the flexible display panel can overlap with each other.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the bending region 103 may have a symmetry axis 11 extending along the second direction D2, the sensor 400 may be arranged symmetrically along the symmetry axis 11, and the support plate 333 may be arranged symmetrically along the symmetry axis 11. The symmetry axis 11 may be the symmetry axis of the entire flexible display panel. In the bending state, the entire flexible display panel may be bent symmetrically along the symmetry axis 11, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0062] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, the drive device 500 can be electrically connected to the sensor 400, or the drive device 500 can work in coordination with the sensor 400 through other devices. The drive device 500 can be connected to the support plate 333, for example, it can be disposed on the surface of the support plate 333 away from the bending area 103, so that the support plate 333 can be driven to move along a third direction D3. In other embodiments, the drive device 500 may not be in direct contact with the support plate 333. For example, the movement of the support plate 333 can be controlled by a transmission mechanism. The drive device 500 can also drive the support plate 333 to move in other directions, thereby increasing the flexibility of the drive and better responding to different situations. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, sensor 400 can be a distance sensor that can directly measure the first distance d; alternatively, sensor 400 can be a capacitance sensor that can indirectly obtain the first distance d by measuring the capacitance value between itself and the support plate 333. In other embodiments, sensor 400 can also use other measurement principles to obtain the first distance d, such as an ultrasonic sensor, etc., and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible display panel may further include a flexible circuit board 800 and a printed circuit board 900. One end of the flexible circuit board 800 may be connected to a side bezel area 200 of the flexible display panel. For example, bonding pads may be provided in the side bezel area 200 to bond the flexible circuit board 800 to the flexible circuit board 800. The other end of the flexible circuit board 800 may be connected to the printed circuit board 900 to achieve connection between the flexible display panel and the printed circuit board 900. Figure 3 As shown, along the first direction D1, one side bezel area 200 of the flexible display panel can be connected to four flexible circuit boards 800. The flexible display panel can be connected to two printed circuit boards 900 via the four flexible circuit boards 800. Two adjacent flexible circuit boards 800 along the first direction D1 can be connected to the same printed circuit board 900. Figure 3 The distances shown are merely illustrative; those skilled in the art can make specific settings according to actual needs.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible display panel may include a hinge structure, which may be connected to a support structure to enable the flexible display panel to switch between an unfolded state and a folded state. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the hinge structure of a flexible display panel in a folded state, illustrating the structure of the flexible display panel in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the hinge structure of a flexible display panel in its unfolded state, illustrating the structure of the flexible display panel in a simplified manner, as shown in the exemplary embodiment.

[0066] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the hinge structure may include a main body 21, a rotating part, a sliding rod part, and a sliding groove part. The sliding rod part and the sliding groove part can be connected to the inclined plate and the middle frame, respectively, to achieve the coordinated movement of the "five-plate" support structure. In an exemplary embodiment, a groove is provided in the main body 21, and the support plate 333, the sensor 400, and the driving device 500 can be disposed in the groove. The support plate 333 and the sensor 400 can move along a third direction D3 within the groove. The rotating part may include a first rotating part 201 and a second rotating part 202. The first rotating part 201 and the second rotating part 202 can be connected to the main body 21 and are located at both ends of the main body 21 along the first direction D1, respectively. The sliding rod portion may include a first sliding rod portion 203 and a second sliding rod portion 204, and the sliding groove portion may include a first sliding groove portion 205 and a second sliding groove portion 206. The first sliding groove portion 205 can be connected to the first inclined plate 321 and is provided with a first sliding groove T1. The second sliding groove portion 206 can be connected to the second inclined plate 322 and is provided with a second sliding groove T2. The first sliding rod portion 203 can be connected to the first inclined plate 321, and its first end can be connected to the first rotating portion 201. The second end of the first sliding rod portion 203 can be located in the first sliding groove T1 of the first sliding groove portion 205 and can slide within the first sliding groove T1. The second sliding rod portion 204 can be connected to the second inclined plate 322, and its first end can be connected to the second rotating portion 202. The second end of the second sliding rod portion 204 can be located in the second sliding groove T2 of the second sliding groove portion 206 and can slide within the second sliding groove T2. A first slide rail S1 can be provided on the main body portion 21 between the groove and the first rotating portion 201, and a second slide rail S2 can be provided on the main body portion 21 between the groove and the second rotating portion 202. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, during the transition from a folded state to an unfolded state, the first rotating part 201 and the second rotating part 202 rotate. The second end of the first sliding rod part 203 moves within the first sliding groove T1, and the second end of the second sliding rod part 204 moves within the second sliding groove T2. The first inclined plate 321 slides towards the groove on the first sliding track S1, and the second inclined plate 322 slides towards the groove on the second sliding track S2. Subsequently, the second end of the first sliding rod part 203 can slide to the end of the first sliding groove T1, and the second end of the second sliding rod part 204 can slide to the end of the second sliding groove T2. The first rotating part 201 and the second rotating part 202 continue to rotate, and the first inclined plate 321 and the second inclined plate 322 can clamp the support plate 333 from both ends in the first direction D1, causing the support plate 333 to move upward along the third direction D3. Finally, the support plate 333, the first inclined plate 321, the second inclined plate 322, the first middle frame 311, and the second middle frame 312 unfold to the same horizontal plane, providing support for the screen of the display area 100. The process of switching the flexible display panel from the unfolded state to the folded state is the reverse of the process described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the first distance d between the sensor 400 and the support plate 333 in the unfolded state can be preset to a preset value or a preset range. Within this preset value or preset range, the support plate 333 can provide the best support effect to the bending area 103. After the hinge structure has finished moving, the sensor 400 can detect the first distance d between itself and the support plate 333. If it is not the preset value or is not within the preset range, the drive device 500 can drive the support plate 333 to continue moving until the support plate 333 reaches the appropriate position, thereby ensuring that the bending area 103 can obtain the best support effect.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the first slide groove 205 can be connected to the first middle frame 311, and the second slide groove 206 can be connected to the second middle frame 312, thereby making the movement of the entire support structure more coherent and smooth.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the first rotating part 201 and the second rotating part 202 may be, for example, bolts, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge structure may further include a reset part 210. The first end of the reset part 210 may be connected to the bottom of the groove of the main body part 21, and the second end of the reset part 210 may be connected to the support plate 333. The reset part 210 may provide a pulling force to the support plate 333 during the process of the flexible display panel switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, so as to promote the movement of the support plate 333 and improve the smoothness and efficiency of the state switching process.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the reset part 210 can be an elastic element, such as a spring. In the unfolded state, the reset part 210 can be in a stretched state, and in the folded state, the reset part 210 can be in an initial state. Thus, during the process of the flexible display panel switching from the unfolded state to the folded state, the reset part 210 can provide tension to the support plate 333.

[0072] Figure 7 In an exemplary embodiment Figure 6 Enlarged view of the dashed area C. (See attached image.) Figure 7 As shown, the support plate 333 may have a protrusion 335 extending along the first direction D1 on one side surface near the bending area 103. The first inclined plate 321 may have a first step 324 at one end near the support plate 333, and the second inclined plate 322 may have a second step 325 at one end near the support plate 333. During the transition to the unfolded state, the first step 324 and the second step 325 can engage the protrusion 335 and drive the support plate 333 to move together. The first step 324 and the second step 325 can provide a third force component in the third direction D3 to the protrusion 335, enabling the support plate 333 to move smoothly towards the screen of the bending area 103. After the screen is unfolded, the first inclined plate 321 can provide support to the first non-folded area 101, and the second inclined plate 322 can provide support to the second non-folded area 102. During the transition to the folded state, the first step 324 and the second step 325 will not affect the movement of the support plate 333.

[0073] Figure 8 This is a simplified planar schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the flexible display panel, showing that the support plate includes multiple support units in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, the support plate 333 may include multiple support units 341, and different support units 341 can provide support to the screen at different positions of the bending area 103. In an exemplary embodiment, the driving device 500 may include multiple driving units, and a single driving unit may be configured to drive a single support unit 341 to move. The driving unit and the support unit 341 can correspond one-to-one, thereby allowing for more precise adjustment of the support effect on the bending area 103. The number of driving units and support units 341 and the correspondence between them can be set as needed, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations on this.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of support units 341 may be axially symmetrically distributed along the axis of symmetry 11, such as Figure 8As shown, two symmetrical support units 341 can be provided along the first direction D1, and multiple support units 341 can be arranged in an array. In other embodiments, the bending area 103 can have a second axis of symmetry along the first direction D1 (not shown), and multiple support units 341 can be arranged axially symmetrically along the second axis of symmetry. More or fewer support units 341 can be provided as needed, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge structure may include a plurality of reset parts 210, and a single reset part 210 may be provided corresponding to a single support unit 341. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 400 may include a substrate and a circuit layer disposed on the substrate. The circuit layer may include at least a plurality of intersecting first touch electrode lines and a plurality of second touch electrode lines, and the circuit layer may be disposed facing the support plate 333. The substrate material may be a bend-resistant material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), acrylic acid, etc., and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0077] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor structure in an exemplary embodiment, which simply illustrates the structure of the circuit layer. For example... Figure 9As shown, the sensor may include multiple first touch electrode lines extending along a first direction D1 and multiple second touch electrode lines extending along a second direction D2. For example, the first touch electrode lines may be sensing (Rx) electrode lines, and the second touch electrode lines may be driving (Tx) electrode lines; this disclosure does not limit this. Multiple first touch electrode lines and multiple second touch electrode lines are distributed across the surface of the sensor 400. The sensor 400 also includes a touch chip (TIC), and the multiple first touch electrode lines and multiple second touch electrode lines are electrically connected to the touch chip TIC. The multiple first touch electrode lines and multiple second touch electrode lines may be arranged symmetrically along the axis of symmetry 11 of the bending region 103. The circuit layer of the sensor 400 may also include at least one ground line G. One end of the ground line G may be electrically connected to the touch chip TIC, and the other end of the ground line G may be suspended. The ground line G may surround the multiple first touch electrode lines and multiple second touch electrode lines, and the ground line G can prevent static electricity from affecting the sensor 400. The touch chip (TIC) can include multiple transmitter lines (i.e., transmitter channels) and multiple receiver lines. A single transmitter line can be electrically connected to a single second touch electrode line, and a single receiver line can be electrically connected to a single first touch electrode line. The transmitter line can send a drive signal to the second touch electrode line, and the receiver line can receive a feedback signal from the first touch electrode line, thereby obtaining the capacitance value between the sensor 400 and the support plate 333, which can then be converted into a first distance d between the sensor 400 and the support plate 333.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible display panel may include a control device. The driving device 500 can work in conjunction with the control device and the touch chip. For example, the control device can calculate a first distance d based on the detection signal from the touch chip and can control the movement of the driving device 500 to bring the support plate 333 to the corresponding position. In an exemplary embodiment, the control device may be a chip, and this disclosure is not limiting in this regard.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the touch chip TIC can be disposed inside the sensor 400, or the touch chip TIC can be disposed within the frame area 200, or the touch chip TIC can be disposed on the printed circuit board 900. Those skilled in the art can set the position of the touch chip TIC and the connection method with the first touch electrode line and the second touch electrode line as needed. The position setting of the control device can be similar to that of the touch chip TIC, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0080] This disclosure provides a driving method for a flexible display panel, applied to driving the flexible display panel as described above. The method includes: in an unfolded state, a sensor detects a first distance, the first distance being the distance between the sensor and the opposite side surface of a support plate in a direction perpendicular to the bending area; a driving device controls the movement of the support plate according to the detection signal of the sensor, so as to adjust the support effect of the support plate.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor is a capacitive sensor. After receiving the detection signal from the sensor, the control device calculates the movement distance required for the support plate to move to the set position if it determines that the detection signal is outside the first threshold range, and controls the drive device to move so that the support plate reaches the set position.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, after detecting that the flexible display panel has been fully unfolded, the control device controls the capacitive sensor to operate in order to detect the first distance.

[0083] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a driving method for a flexible display panel in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment, the driving method for a flexible display panel may include:

[0084] S100, Start. After starting, execute step S101.

[0085] In this step, the following driving method can be executed after the screen moves. The user can manually unfold and close the flexible display panel screen, or the user can control the screen to open and close automatically through the buttons on the flexible display panel. Other methods can also be used to switch the flexible display panel between the unfolded and folded states, which are not limited in this disclosure.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the control device may monitor the motion state or opening / closing angle of the screen and determine whether to start the following driving method, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0087] S101. Is the screen fully expanded? If the screen is fully expanded, proceed to step S102. If the screen is not fully expanded, repeat step S101.

[0088] In this step, the screen can be determined to have fully unfolded by detecting the movement of the first middle frame 311, the second middle frame 312, the first inclined plate 321, the second inclined plate 322 and the support plate 333; or by detecting the movement of the hinge structure; or by detecting whether the screen angle on both sides of the axis of symmetry 11 is approximately 180 degrees.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, a first angle or a first angle range can be preset. If the screen angles on both sides of the axis of symmetry 11 are detected to be greater than or equal to the first angle, it can be determined that the screen has been fully unfolded; otherwise, it is considered that the screen has not been fully unfolded. Alternatively, a first angle range can be preset. If the screen angles on both sides of the axis of symmetry 11 are detected to be within the first angle range, it can be determined that the screen has been fully unfolded; otherwise, it is considered that the screen has not been fully unfolded.

[0090] S102. Is the capacitance value within the set range? If the capacitance value is within the set range, proceed to step S103; if the capacitance value is outside the set range, proceed to step S104.

[0091] In this step, sensor 400 starts working, the transmit line of the touch chip TIC sends a drive signal to the second touch electrode line, and the receive line receives the feedback signal from the first touch electrode line, thus obtaining the capacitance value between sensor 400 and support plate 333. In an exemplary embodiment, sensor 400 can start working under the control of a control device, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0092] A first threshold range for the capacitance value can be preset. When the capacitance value between the sensor 400 and the support plate 333 is within the first threshold range, the support plate 333 can be considered to be in a suitable position, and no adjustment of the support plate 333's position is required. Since the capacitance value detected by the sensor 400 reflects the first distance d between the sensor 400 and the support plate 333, a suitable first threshold range can be determined by setting the numerical range of the first distance d between the sensor 400 and the support plate 333.

[0093] S103, End.

[0094] In this step, after the screen is unfolded, the capacitance value between the sensor 400 and the support plate 333 is within the first threshold range, indicating that the screen is completely flattened and no adjustment to the position of the support plate 333 is required.

[0095] S104. Save the detected capacitance value. After saving, proceed to step S105.

[0096] In this step, the control device can obtain the detected capacitance value from the touch chip TIC and save it in a pre-established data storage array.

[0097] S105. Calculate the lifting distance of the support plate. After the calculation is completed, proceed to step S106.

[0098] In this step, the control device can compare the capacitance value stored in step S104 with its own stored data to calculate the distance that the support plate 333 needs to rise and fall along the third direction D3. For example, the conversion relationship between the capacitance value and the first distance d can be stored in the control device in advance. By comparing the capacitance value stored in step S104 with the target capacitance value, it is possible to calculate how far the support plate 333 needs to rise and fall along the third direction D3 to reach the target capacitance value. The target capacitance value can be any capacitance value within the first threshold range.

[0099] S106, drive the support plate to move.

[0100] In this step, the control device can drive the support plate 333 to move by controlling the drive device 500. The drive device 500 can drive the support plate 333 to move according to the distance calculated in step S105, so that the support plate 333 reaches the appropriate position.

[0101] After executing step S106, you can jump to step S102 to continue execution, and determine whether the adjusted capacitance value is within the first threshold range. If it is still not within the first threshold range after adjustment, you can continue to adjust until the capacitance value between the support plate 333 and the sensor 400 is within the set range after adjustment, and then the adjustment ends.

[0102] The following section uses the support plate 333, which includes multiple support units 341, as an example to illustrate the process of determining the first threshold range.

[0103] First, with the flexible display panel unfolded and the entire screen flat, the capacitance value between the sensor 400 and each support unit 341 is determined as a reference capacitance value, and the first distance corresponding to the reference capacitance value is the reference distance. Second, the reference distance can be scaled to a certain extent; for example, the first distance can be increased by 0.3 mm to obtain an upper limit, and the first distance decreased by 0.3 mm to obtain a lower limit, thus obtaining a numerical range for the first distance. Finally, a first threshold range for the capacitance value can be determined based on the numerical range of the first distance. According to the inventors' research, when the screen undulation is within 0.3 mm in the unfolded state, the user will not perceive significant unevenness, and it will not affect the user experience. In practical applications, the scaling of the reference distance can be set as needed, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations on this.

[0104] After determining the first threshold range, the position of each support unit 341 can be adjusted based on this. In the unfolded state, the capacitance value between the sensor 400 and each support unit 341 can be obtained. For support units 341 whose capacitance value is not within the first threshold range, the control device can determine the distance difference between the support unit 341 and the reference distance, and control the drive device 500 to drive the support unit 341 to move to the reference distance, and obtain the capacitance value between the sensor 400 and the support unit 341 again, until the capacitance value is within the first threshold range and the adjustment stops.

[0105] Before the flexible display panel leaves the factory, the parameters of the above-mentioned driving method can be tested and adjusted. For example, after obtaining the capacitance value between the sensor 400 and each support unit 341, it can be converted into a first distance between the sensor 400 and each support unit 341. A height profile map of the entire screen in the third direction D3 can be exported using 3D software, clearly showing the height fluctuations of the screen and support plate 333 in the third direction D3. Subsequently, the bending area 103 can be divided into multiple partitions, each supported by a single support unit 341. A height curve of the first distance at each partition can be plotted, providing a more intuitive view of the screen's fluctuations. Finally, after adjusting the position of the support unit 341, the height curve of the first distance at each partition can be measured and plotted again, visually demonstrating the screen adjustment effect and facilitating further adjustments. By adjusting parameters such as the first threshold range and the target capacitance value, the efficiency and effect of the above-mentioned driving method can be optimized. Once it is determined that the above-mentioned driving method can achieve a completely flattened screen, the flexible display panel can be shipped.

[0106] This disclosure also provides a display device, including the flexible display panel described in any of the above embodiments. The display device can be any product or component with display functionality, such as an LED display, OLED display, mobile phone, tablet computer, television, monitor, laptop computer, digital photo frame, or navigator; this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0107] This disclosure also provides a non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the driving method for the flexible display panel as described above.

[0108] While the embodiments disclosed in this invention are as described above, the content is merely for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make any modifications and changes to the form and details of the implementation without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein; however, the scope of patent protection of this invention shall still be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible display panel, characterized in that, include: The display area includes a display area and a border area surrounding the display area; the display area includes a bending area and non-bending areas located on both sides of the bending area along a first direction; after the bending area is bent, the flexible display panel is in a folded state; after the bending area is flattened, the flexible display panel is in an unfolded state; the flexible display panel also includes a support structure, a driving device, and a sensor. The support structure includes a support plate, which is configured to provide support for the backlight surface of the bending area in the unfolded state. The sensor is mounted on the backlight surface of the bending area and is configured to detect a first distance in the unfolded state. The first distance is the distance between the sensor and the support plate on opposite side surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the bending area. The drive device is configured to control the movement of the support plate according to the detection signal of the sensor, so as to adjust the support effect of the support plate; The support structure further includes a first inclined plate and a second inclined plate located on both sides of the support plate along the first direction. The first inclined plate and the second inclined plate are configured to clamp the support plate and move it toward the bending area during the process of switching to the unfolded state. The flexible display panel also includes a hinge structure located on the backlight side of the display area. The hinge structure includes a main body, a rotating part, a sliding rod part, and a sliding groove part. The main body is provided with a groove, the support plate and the sensor are located in the groove and are configured to move within the groove; The rotating part includes a first rotating part and a second rotating part, which are connected to the main body and are located at both ends of the main body along the first direction. The slide bar section includes a first slide bar section and a second slide bar section. The slide section includes a first slide section and a second slide section. The first slide section is connected to the first inclined plate and is provided with a first slide groove. The second slide section is connected to the second inclined plate and is provided with a second slide groove. The first sliding rod portion is connected to the first inclined plate, the first end of the first sliding rod portion is connected to the first rotating portion, and the second end of the first sliding rod portion is located in the first groove of the first sliding groove portion and can slide in the first groove; the second sliding rod portion is connected to the second inclined plate, the first end of the second sliding rod portion is connected to the second rotating portion, and the second end of the second sliding rod portion is located in the second groove of the second sliding groove portion and can slide in the second groove. The support structure also includes a first middle frame and a second middle frame, the first sliding groove is connected to the first middle frame, and the second sliding groove is connected to the second middle frame.

2. The flexible display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control device, which is electrically connected to the sensor and the drive device respectively, and is configured to control the drive device to move after receiving the detection signal from the sensor, so as to control the support plate to move to a set position.

3. The flexible display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, After receiving the detection signal from the sensor, the control device calculates the distance required for the support plate to move to the set position, and controls the drive device to move accordingly.

4. The flexible display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sensor is a capacitive sensor, and the control device has a pre-stored correspondence between the capacitance value and the first distance.

5. The flexible display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The support plate includes multiple support units, which are configured to provide support to the bending area at different locations; the driving device includes multiple driving units, each of which is configured to drive a single support unit to move.

6. The flexible display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The multiple support units are axially symmetrically distributed along the axis of symmetry of the bending region.

7. The flexible display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support plate has a protrusion extending in the first direction on one side surface near the bending area. The first inclined plate has a first step at one end near the support plate, and the second inclined plate has a second step at one end near the support plate. During the switching to the unfolded state, the first step and the second step are configured to clamp the protrusion and drive the support plate to move.

8. The flexible display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge structure is connected to the support structure and is configured to control the flexible display panel to switch between the folded state and the unfolded state.

9. The flexible display panel according to claim 8, characterized in that, The hinge structure also includes a reset part, the first end of which is connected to the bottom of the groove, and the second end of which is connected to the support plate. The reset part is configured to provide tension to the support plate during the switching to the folded state.

10. A driving method for a flexible display panel, characterized in that, The method, applied to driving a flexible display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, comprises: In the unfolded state, the sensor detects a first distance, which is the distance between the sensor and the support plate on opposite side surfaces in the direction perpendicular to the bending area; The drive device controls the movement of the support plate according to the detection signal of the sensor, so as to adjust the support effect of the support plate.

11. The driving method for a flexible display panel according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sensor is a capacitive sensor. After receiving the detection signal from the sensor, the control device calculates the distance required for the support plate to move to the set position if the detection signal is outside the first threshold range, and controls the drive device to move so that the support plate reaches the set position.

12. The driving method for a flexible display panel according to claim 11, characterized in that, After detecting that the flexible display panel has been fully unfolded, the control device controls the capacitive sensor to operate in order to detect the first distance.

13. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the flexible display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

14. A non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the driving method for a flexible display panel as described in any one of claims 10 to 12.

Images