Flexible display panel support device and display device

Abstract

This application relates to a flexible display panel support device and a display device. The flexible display panel support device includes a support mechanism and a foldable housing. The housing includes a first part and a second part and a third part respectively connected to opposite ends of the first part; the second and third parts are rotatable relative to the first part to fold or unfold the housing. The support mechanism is located on the folded inner side of the housing; the support mechanism includes a support component and a drive component connected to the support component; the orthographic projection of the support component on the housing falls onto the first part; the drive component responds to the unfolding movement of the housing to drive the support component to switch to a supported state, or, responds to the folding movement of the housing to drive the support component to switch to a non-supported state. This application can prevent collapse of the bent portion, improve the display effect, reduce deformation interference of the bent portion, and increase the service life of the flexible display panel.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of foldable screen technology, foldable phones have become a hot technology. Among them, OLED displays are increasingly widely used in foldable phones due to their flexible and foldable characteristics. However, conventional flexible displays suffer from screen collapse in the bending area as the number of bends increases, affecting not only the appearance but also the display effect. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a flexible display panel support device and a display device, which aim to improve the problem of collapse in the bending area of ​​the flexible display screen.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a flexible display panel support device, which includes a support mechanism and a foldable housing. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion and a third portion respectively connected to opposite ends of the first portion; the second portion and the third portion are rotatable relative to the first portion to fold or unfold the housing.

[0005] A support mechanism is located on the folded inner side of the housing; the support mechanism includes a support component and a drive component connected to the support component; the orthographic projection of the support component on the housing falls on the first part; the drive component responds to the unfolding movement of the housing to drive the support component to switch to a supported state, or the drive component responds to the folding movement of the housing to drive the support component to switch to a non-supported state.

[0006] The flexible display panel support device provided in this application embodiment has a support mechanism provided on the inner folded side of a foldable housing. The support mechanism includes a support component and a drive component. When the housing is unfolded, the drive component responds to the unfolding movement of the housing and drives the support component to switch to a supporting state, supporting the bent portion of the flexible display panel and preventing the bent portion from collapsing. When the housing is folded, the drive component responds to the folding movement of the housing and drives the support component to switch to a non-supporting state, thereby facilitating deformation of the bent portion and avoiding interference from the support component with the deformation of the bent portion, which could damage the bent portion. In summary, the flexible display panel support device provided in this application can prevent the bent portion from collapsing, improve the display effect, reduce interference with the deformation of the bent portion, and increase the service life of the flexible display panel.

[0007] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a display device, including a flexible display panel and the aforementioned flexible display panel support device, wherein the flexible display panel is disposed on the side of the support mechanism away from the housing; the flexible display panel includes a bending portion, and the support component is disposed between the bending portion and the first portion.

[0008] The display device provided in this application embodiment includes a support mechanism on the inner side of a foldable housing. This support mechanism comprises a support component and a drive component. When the housing is unfolded, the drive component responds to the unfolding movement of the housing, causing the support component to switch to a supporting state to support the bent portion of the flexible display panel and prevent collapse. When the housing is folded, the drive component responds to the folding movement of the housing, causing the support component to switch to a non-supporting state, thereby facilitating deformation of the bent portion and preventing the support component from interfering with the deformation of the bent portion, which could damage it. In summary, the display device provided in this application can prevent collapse of the bent portion, improve display performance, reduce interference with the deformation of the bent portion, and extend the service life of the flexible display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or exemplary embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or exemplary embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible display device based on related technologies.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a flexible display panel support device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0012] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a fixed shaft and support component of the flexible display panel support device shown.

[0013] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the support components of the flexible display panel support device shown.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first and second outer diameters of the support components of the flexible display panel support device shown in Figure 2.

[0015] Figure 6 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the length of the traction rope of the flexible display panel support device under different conditions.

[0016] Figure 7 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the elastic component of the flexible display panel support device.

[0017] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A plan view of a flexible display panel support device is shown.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a display device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure label:

[0021] 1' Flexible screen; 11' Flat section; 12' Curved section; 2' Housing;

[0022] 10. Display device; 1. Flexible display panel support device; 11. Housing; 111. First part; 112. Second part; 113. Third part; 114. Rotating shaft; 12. Support mechanism; 121. Support assembly; 1211. Fixed shaft; 1212. Support member; 12121. Shaft; 12122. Long rod; 12123. Short rod; 12124. Middle rod; 12125. Pulley; 1213. Reinforcing member; 122. Drive assembly; 1221. Pull rope; 1222. Guide wheel; 1223. Elastic member; 12231. First end; 12232. Second end; 13. Elastic film layer; 2. Flexible display panel; 21. Bending part; 22. First straight part; 23. Second straight part; 3. Frame. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings. However, this application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this application.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] When describing positional relationships, unless otherwise specified, when an element such as a layer, film, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be intermediate elements present. Furthermore, when a layer is referred to as being "below" another layer, it may be directly below it or there may be one or more light-emitting units present. It is also understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it may be the only layer between the two layers, or there may be one or more light-emitting units present.

[0026] When using the terms “including,” “having,” and “comprising” as described herein, another component may be added unless explicitly qualifying terms such as “only,” “consisting of,” etc. are used. Unless otherwise stated, singular terms may include plural forms and should not be construed as having a quantity of one.

[0027] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0028] It should also be understood that, in interpreting an element, although not explicitly described, the element is interpreted as including a range of error, which should be within the acceptable deviation range of a particular value as determined by a person skilled in the art. For example, "approximately," "about," or "substantially" can mean within one or more standard deviations, without limitation herein.

[0029] Furthermore, in the instruction manual, the phrase "planar distribution diagram" refers to the diagram when the target part is viewed from above, and the phrase "cross-sectional diagram" refers to the diagram when the target part is viewed from the side as a cross-section taken by vertically cutting the target part.

[0030] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to a 1:1 scale, and the relative dimensions of the components are shown in the drawings only as examples and not necessarily to actual scale.

[0031] With the development of foldable screen technology, foldable phones have become a hot technology. Among them, OLED displays, due to their flexible and foldable characteristics, are being used more and more widely in foldable phones. Figure 1As shown, the related flexible display device includes a flexible screen 1' and a housing 2'. When folded, the housing 2' and the flexible screen 1' fold inwards simultaneously; when unfolded, the housing 2' and the flexible screen 1' unfold outwards simultaneously. With increasing bending cycles, the curved portion 12' of the flexible screen 1' experiences collapse; that is, in the unfolded state, the upper surface of the curved portion 12' is lower than the upper surface of the flat portion 11'. This not only affects the appearance but also easily causes poor display quality in the curved portion 12', thus affecting the display effect.

[0032] In view of at least one of the above-mentioned problems, embodiments of this application provide a flexible display panel support device and a display device. A support mechanism is provided on the folded inner side of a foldable housing. The support mechanism includes a support component and a driving component. When the housing is unfolded, the driving component responds to the unfolding movement of the housing and drives the support component to switch to a supporting state, supporting the bent portion of the flexible display panel and preventing the bent portion from collapsing. When the housing is folded, the driving component responds to the folding movement of the housing and drives the support component to switch to a non-supporting state, thereby facilitating deformation of the bent portion and avoiding interference from the support component with the deformation of the bent portion, which could damage the bent portion. In summary, this application can prevent the bent portion from collapsing, improve the display effect, reduce interference with the deformation of the bent portion, and increase the service life of the flexible display panel.

[0033] Firstly, referring to Figure 1 As shown, this application embodiment provides a flexible display panel support device 1, which includes a support mechanism 12 and a foldable housing 11. The housing 11 includes a first part 111 and a second part 112 and a third part 113 respectively connected to opposite ends of the first part 111; the second part 112 and the third part 113 can rotate relative to the first part 111 to fold or unfold the housing 11.

[0034] A support mechanism 12 is located on the folded inner side of the housing 11. The support mechanism 12 includes a support component 121 and a drive component 122 connected to the support component 121. The orthographic projection of the support component 121 onto the housing 11 falls on the first portion 111, that is, at least a portion of the support component 121 is located directly above the first portion 111. The drive component 122 responds to the unfolding movement of the housing 11 to drive the support component 121 to switch to a supported state, or, in response to the folding movement of the housing 11, drives the support component 121 to switch to a non-supported state. It is understood that in the supported state, the support component 121 contacts the bent portion 21 of the flexible display panel 2 and provides supporting force to support the bent portion 21; in the non-supported state, the support component 121 does not provide supporting force to the bent portion 21. It should be noted that in the non-supported state, the support component 121 may or may not contact the bent portion 21.

[0035] Here, the orthographic projection of the support component 121 onto the housing 11 refers to the projection of the support component 121 onto the housing 11 along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the housing 11.

[0036] When the housing 11 is folded, it folds towards one side, which is the inner folded side of the housing 11. For example, the housing 11 has two opposing surfaces, A and B. Surface A includes surfaces A1 and A2 located on either side of the folding area (bending area). When folding, the housing 11 folds towards the side containing surface A, and surfaces A1 and A2 move closer to each other. Thus, the side containing surface A is the inner folded side, and the side containing surface B is the outer folded side.

[0037] The flexible display panel support device 1 provided in this application embodiment includes a support mechanism 12 disposed on the folded inner side of a foldable housing 11. The support mechanism 12 includes a support component 121 and a drive component 122. When the housing 11 is unfolded, the drive component 122 responds to the unfolding movement of the housing 11 and drives the support component 121 to switch to a support state, supporting the bent portion 21 of the flexible display panel 2 and preventing the bent portion 21 from collapsing. When the housing 11 is folded, the drive component 122 responds to the folding movement of the housing 11 and drives the support component 121 to switch to a non-support state, thereby facilitating deformation of the bent portion 21 and preventing the support component 121 from interfering with the deformation of the bent portion 21, thus avoiding damage to the bent portion 21. In summary, the flexible display panel support device 1 provided in this application embodiment can prevent the bent portion 21 from collapsing, improve the display effect, reduce interference with the deformation of the bent portion 21, and improve the service life of the flexible display panel 2.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first part 111 and the second part 112 are rotatably connected by a pivot 114. The first part 111 and the third part 113 are also rotatably connected by a pivot 114.

[0039] It should be noted that the drive component 122 can be an electric drive mechanism or a mechanical drive mechanism that relies on external force. The embodiments of this application do not impose any special limitation on the drive type of the drive component 122.

[0040] In one embodiment, the drive assembly 122 is an electric drive mechanism that responds to the unfolding movement of the housing 11 to drive the support assembly 121 to switch to a supported state, and responds to the folding movement of the housing 11 to drive the support assembly 121 to switch to a non-supported state.

[0041] Specifically, the electric drive mechanism receives the unfolding signal of the housing 11, outputs power, and drives the support component 121 to switch to the supported state; the electric drive mechanism receives the folding signal of the housing 11, outputs power, and drives the support component 121 to switch to the unsupported state.

[0042] By setting the drive component 122 as an electric drive mechanism, a relatively stable and durable support force can be provided to the flexible display panel 2, which effectively prevents the bent part 21 from collapsing.

[0043] It is understandable that the electric drive mechanism can be an electric motor.

[0044] Optionally, the flexible display panel support device 1 further includes a detection component and a control chip. The detection component is used to detect the folding and / or unfolding information of the flexible display panel 2. For example, the detection component is a resistance sensor. The resistance detected by the resistance sensor differs in different states of the flexible display panel 2 (folded state and unfolded state). The control chip determines the state of the flexible display panel 2 based on the acquired resistance, thereby controlling the electric drive mechanism to operate. It is understood that the control chip here can be integrated onto the chip of the display device 10.

[0045] It should be noted that when the drive component 122 is a mechanical drive mechanism, external force acts on the mechanical drive mechanism, the mechanical drive mechanism moves, and drives the support component 121 to switch between a supported state and a non-supported state.

[0046] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the support assembly 121 includes a fixed shaft 1211 and a support member 1212. The fixed shaft 1211 is fixed to the folding side of the first part 111, that is, the fixed shaft 1211 is fixed to the side of the first part 111 near the folding direction. The support member 1212 is rotatably mounted on the fixed shaft 1211. In one example, the support member 1212 is rotatably sleeved on the fixed shaft 1211.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, on the rotating outer periphery of the support member 1212, the support member 1212 has a first outer diameter D1 and a second outer diameter D2, the first outer diameter D1 being larger than the second outer diameter D2; when the support assembly 121 is in a supported state, the direction of the first outer diameter is parallel to the thickness direction of the shell 11, that is, the direction of the first outer diameter is perpendicular to the direction of the plane on which the shell 11 is located; when the support assembly 121 is in a non-supported state, the direction of the second outer diameter is parallel to the thickness direction of the shell 11, that is, the direction of the second outer diameter is perpendicular to the direction of the plane on which the shell 11 is located.

[0048] Here, the thickness direction of the shell 11 can also be considered as the direction perpendicular to the plane containing the shell 11. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the thickness direction of the shell 11 is vertical. It should be noted that "parallel" in this application embodiment can be absolutely parallel or approximately parallel, and "perpendicular" can be absolutely perpendicular or approximately perpendicular.

[0049] The above configuration simplifies the structure of the support component 121, reducing both manufacturing costs and assembly difficulty.

[0050] In one embodiment, the first part 111 has a raised edge (not shown) on the side near the folding direction, and the fixing shaft 1211 is fixed on the raised edge.

[0051] In one embodiment, the center (or center) of the first outer diameter coincides with the axis of the fixed shaft 1211, and the center (or center) of the second outer diameter coincides with the axis of the fixed shaft 1211.

[0052] In one embodiment, reference Figure 3 As shown, the support member 1212 is an elliptical disk. The first outer diameter is the major axis of the elliptical disk, and the second outer diameter is the minor axis of the elliptical disk. In the supported state, the major axis of the elliptical disk is perpendicular to the plane of the housing 11, and the minor axis of the elliptical disk is parallel to the plane of the housing 11. In the unsupported state, the minor axis of the elliptical disk is perpendicular to the plane of the housing 11, and the major axis of the elliptical disk is parallel to the plane of the housing 11.

[0053] By setting the support 1212 as an elliptical disk, the structural strength of the support 1212 can be increased, which is beneficial to improving its service life.

[0054] In one embodiment, reference Figure 4 As shown, the support member 1212 includes a shaft 12121, two long rods 12122, and two short rods 12123. The shaft 12121 is rotatably mounted on the fixed shaft 1211, meaning the shaft 12121 can rotate relative to the fixed shaft 1211. The two long rods 12122 are located on opposite sides of the shaft 12121; specifically, the lines containing the centerlines of the two long rods 12122 coincide or approximately coincide. The two short rods 12123 are located on opposite sides of the shaft 12121; specifically, the lines containing the centerlines of the two short rods 12123 coincide or approximately coincide. The length of the long rod 12122 is greater than the length of the short rod 12123. It can be understood that the distance between the ends of the two long rods 12122 that are furthest from each other is the first outer diameter, and the distance between the ends of the two short rods 12123 that are furthest from each other is the second outer diameter.

[0055] In one embodiment, two long rods 12122 and two short rods 12123 are evenly and alternately arranged along the circumference (i.e., ring direction) of the shaft 12121. Specifically, along the clockwise (or counterclockwise) direction of the shaft 12121, the rods are arranged in the following order: long rod 12122, short rod 12123, long rod 12122, short rod 12123. In adjacent long rods 12122 and short rods 12123, the angle between the centerline of the long rod 12122 and the centerline of the short rod 12123 is 90°.

[0056] The above arrangement allows for a relatively uniform circumferential distribution of the long rods 12122 and short rods 12123 on the shaft 12121, resulting in a more symmetrical structure for the support member 1212 and facilitating its rotation. It is understood that when the support assembly 121 switches from a non-supported state to a supported state, the shaft 12121 of the support member 1212 rotates 90° clockwise or counterclockwise; conversely, when the support assembly 121 switches from a supported state to a non-supported state, the shaft 12121 of the support member 1212 rotates 90° clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0057] In one embodiment, the support member 1212 further includes an intermediate rod 12124. The length of the intermediate rod 12124 is less than the length of the long rod 12122, and the length of the intermediate rod 12124 is greater than the length of the short rod 12123. At least one intermediate rod 12124 is provided between the long rod 12122 and the short rod 12123 along the circumferential direction of the shaft 12121.

[0058] Thus, during the transition from a supported state to a non-supported state, after the long rod 12122 disengages from the bent portion 21 of the flexible display panel 2, the intermediate rod 12124 can contact the bent portion 21 of the flexible display panel 2 to support it. During the transition from a non-supported state to a supported state, the intermediate rod 12124 first contacts the bent portion 21 of the flexible display panel 2. As the flexible display panel 2 gradually unfolds, the long rod 12122 contacts the bent portion 21 of the flexible display panel 2 once it is fully unfolded. In this way, the intermediate rod 12124 acts as a transition during the state transition, preventing a significant sudden change in the supporting force on the bent portion 21 of the flexible display panel 2 during the transition, which helps to extend the service life of the flexible display panel 2.

[0059] In one embodiment, a plurality of intermediate rods 12124 are provided between the long rod 12122 and the short rod 12123, wherein, in two adjacent intermediate rods 12124, the length of the intermediate rod 12124 closer to the long rod 12122 is greater than the length of the intermediate rod 12124 farther from the long rod 12122. Figure 4 As shown, two intermediate rods 12124 are provided between adjacent long rods 12122 and short rods 12123. Among these two intermediate rods 12124, the length of the intermediate rod 12124 closest to the long rod 12122 is greater than the length of the other intermediate rod 12124. That is, in a counterclockwise direction, from the long rod 12122 to the short rod 12123, the length of each rod gradually decreases.

[0060] Here, the state between the supported state and the unsupported state is defined as the intermediate state. The above settings allow the support component 121 to provide better support for the bent portion 21 of the flexible display panel 2 in the intermediate state, and make the support of the support component 121 in the intermediate state match the deformation of the bent portion 21. In this way, the supporting force on the bent portion 21 of the flexible display panel 2 can be smoothly transitioned, which is beneficial to improving the service life of the flexible display panel 2.

[0061] It is understood that there may be one, three, four or more intermediate rods 12124 between adjacent long rods 12122 and short rods 12123. The embodiments of this application do not impose any special limitation on the number of intermediate rods 12124.

[0062] In one embodiment, the lengths of the long rod 12122 or the intermediate rod 12124 satisfy the following relationship:

[0063]

[0064] Where L1 is the length of the short rod 12123, N is the counterclockwise number of the long rod 12122 or the intermediate rod 12124, L N The length of the long rod 12122 or the intermediate rod 12124.

[0065] Specifically, with Figure 5 For example, the short rod 12123 is numbered 1 and has a length of L1; the first intermediate rod 12124 is numbered 2 and has a length of L1. The second intermediate rod, numbered 3, has a length of [missing information]. The serial number of the long rod 12122 is 4, and its length is 2L1.

[0066] In this way, the lengths of the long rod 12122, the intermediate rod 12124, and the short rod 12123 can be reasonably set, so that the length of the long rod 12122 can be reasonably transitioned to the length of the short rod 12123. This allows the support of the support component 121 in the intermediate state to match the deformation of the bent portion 21. As a result, the support force on the bent portion 21 of the flexible display panel 2 can be smoothly transitioned, which is beneficial to improving the service life of the flexible display panel 2.

[0067] In one embodiment, among the long rod 12122, the intermediate rod 12124, and the short rod 12123, the included angle between two adjacent rods satisfies the following relationship:

[0068]

[0069] Where θ2 is the angle between the intermediate rod 12124 adjacent to the long rod 12122 and the long rod 12122; θ n is the included angle between two adjacent rods; n is the clockwise number of the rod that is further away from the longer rod 12122 among the two adjacent rods.

[0070] Specifically, with Figure 5 For example, in a clockwise direction, the long rod 12122 is numbered 1, the first intermediate rod 12124 is numbered 2, the second intermediate rod 12124 is numbered 3, and the short rod 12123 is numbered 4. The angle between the second intermediate rod 12124 and the first intermediate rod 12124 is θ3, and the angle between the short rod 12123 and the second intermediate rod 12124 is θ4.

[0071] In this way, the included angles of the long rod 12122, the middle rod 12124 and the short rod 12123 can be reasonably set so that the included angle between two adjacent rods matches the length of the two adjacent rods. This allows the support of the support assembly 121 in the intermediate state to match the deformation of the bent portion 21. As a result, the support force on the bent portion 21 of the flexible display panel 2 can be smoothly transitioned, which is beneficial to improving the service life of the flexible display panel 2.

[0072] In one embodiment, reference Figure 4 As shown, the support assembly 121 also includes a reinforcing member 1213. A reinforcing member 1213 is provided between adjacent rods in the long rod 12122, intermediate rod 12124, and short rod 12123. By providing the reinforcing member 1213, adjacent rods can be connected, improving the assembly stability of the rods, thereby improving the structural strength and assembly stability of the support assembly 1212.

[0073] In one embodiment, the support assembly 121 includes a plurality of reinforcing members 1213, which are evenly arranged around the shaft 12121. A reinforcing member 1213 is provided between two adjacent rods. Each reinforcing member 1213 is similar in shape to an arc. After all the reinforcing members 1213 are assembled, they form a structure similar to an ellipse.

[0074] In one embodiment, reference Figure 4As shown, the support member 1212 also includes pulleys 12125. Pulleys 12125 are provided at the ends of the long rod 12122, the short rod 12123, and the middle rod 12124 away from the shaft 12121. By providing pulleys 12125, the friction between the rod and the flexible display panel 2 can be reduced, preventing direct contact between the rod and the flexible display panel 2, thus avoiding damage to the flexible display panel 2.

[0075] It is understandable that, such as Figure 5 As shown, when the support member 1212 includes pulleys 12125, the first outer diameter D1 is equal to the maximum distance between the two pulleys 12125 on the long rod 12122 on opposite sides of their surfaces, and the second outer diameter D2 is equal to the maximum distance between the two pulleys 12125 on the short rod 12123 on opposite sides of their surfaces.

[0076] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2 As shown, the drive assembly 122 includes a pull rope 1221. One end of the pull rope 1221 is connected to the second part 112 or the third part 113, and the other end is connected to the support assembly 121. The pull rope 1221 responds to the unfolding movement of the housing 11 to drive the support assembly 121 to switch to a supported state. Thus, when the housing 11 unfolds, the pull rope 1221 is subjected to the tension of the unfolding housing 11, and the pull rope 1221 pulls the support assembly 121 to rotate, causing the support assembly 121 to switch from a non-supported state to a supported state. The above arrangement can reduce the structural complexity of the support mechanism 12, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and assembly difficulty.

[0077] It should be noted that, referring to Figure 6 As shown, when the support component 121 is in the supported state, the length of the pull rope 1221 is a+b, and when the support component 121 is in the unsupported state, the length of the pull rope 1221 is c. During the transition from the unsupported state to the supported state, the pull rope 1221 is stretched and lengthened, and the pull rope 1221 applies a force to the support component 121, causing the support component 121 to rotate.

[0078] In one embodiment, the end of the pull rope 1221 near the support assembly 121 is connected to the rod (e.g., the long rod 12122) of the support member 1212.

[0079] In one embodiment, the drive assembly 122 includes two pull ropes 1221, one end of which is connected to the second part 112 and the other end of which is connected to the support member 1212; one end of the other pull rope 1221 is connected to the third part 113 and the other end of which is connected to the support assembly 121.

[0080] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2 As shown, the drive assembly 122 also includes a guide wheel 1222, which is disposed on the first part 111, and the pull rope 1221 is stretched on the guide wheel 1222. By setting the guide wheel 1222, the pull rope 1221 can be guided, facilitating the pull rope 1221 to pull the support member 1212, thereby driving the support member 1212 to rotate. It is understood that there can be multiple guide wheels 1222, and the number of guide wheels 1222 is not particularly limited in this embodiment.

[0081] In one embodiment, reference Figure 7 As shown, the drive assembly 122 includes an elastic element 1223. The elastic element 1223 responds to the folding movement of the housing 11 to drive the support assembly 121 to switch to a non-supported state. It can be understood that during the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state, the pull rope 1221 is in a slack state, and the support assembly 121 cannot switch states independently. By providing the elastic element 1223, the elastic force of the elastic element 1223 can reset the support assembly 121 from the supported state to the non-supported state, thereby facilitating the support assembly 121 to support the bent portion 21 of the flexible display panel 2 when unfolded next time.

[0082] In one embodiment, the elastic element 1223 is a torsion spring, one end of which is connected to the support assembly 121, and the other end of which is connected to the first portion 111. Figure 7 As shown, the first end 12231 of the torsion spring is connected to the support assembly 121, and the second end 12232 of the torsion spring is connected to the first part 111. It should be noted that when the support assembly 121 is in the supported state, the torsion spring is in a compressed state, and when the support assembly 121 is in the unsupported state, the torsion spring is in a natural state.

[0083] In this way, the structure of the elastic element 1223 can be simplified, the structural complexity of the support mechanism 12 can be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and assembly difficulty.

[0084] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2 As shown, the flexible display panel support device 1 also includes an elastic film layer 13, which covers the side of the support mechanism 12 away from the housing 11. By providing the elastic film layer 13, on the one hand, the support mechanism 12 can be wrapped up and encapsulated for protection; on the other hand, during the movement of the support component 121, the elastic film layer 13 can also undergo adaptive deformation without hindering the movement of the support component 121.

[0085] For example, the material of the elastic membrane layer 13 may include rubber.

[0086] In one embodiment, reference Figure 8 As shown, the flexible display panel support device 1 includes multiple support mechanisms 12, which are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the housing 11 (parallel to the plane of the housing 11). In this way, the support components 121 can provide better support for the flexible display panel 2, which is beneficial to further improve the problem of collapse of the bent portion 21 of the flexible display panel 2.

[0087] Secondly, such as Figure 9 As shown, this application provides a display device 10, which can be a laptop computer, mobile phone, wireless device, personal data assistant (PDA), handheld or portable computer, GPS receiver / navigator, camera, MP4 video player, camcorder, game console, watch, clock, calculator, TV monitor, flat panel display, computer monitor, car display (e.g., odometer display, etc.), navigator, cockpit controller and / or display, camera view display (e.g., display of a rearview camera in a vehicle), electronic photograph, electronic billboard or sign, projector, packaging, etc.

[0088] Specifically, the display device 10 includes a flexible display panel 2 and the aforementioned flexible display panel support device 1. The flexible display panel 2 is disposed on the side of the support mechanism 12 away from the housing 11. The flexible display panel 2 includes a bending portion 21, and the support assembly 121 is disposed between the bending portion 21 and the first portion 111. Further, the flexible display panel 2 also includes a first straight portion 22 and a second straight portion 23, and the bending portion 21 connects the first straight portion 22 and the second straight portion 23.

[0089] The display device 10 provided in this application embodiment includes a support mechanism 12 disposed on the inner folded side of a foldable housing 11. The support mechanism 12 includes a support component 121 and a drive component 122. When the housing 11 is unfolded, the drive component 122 responds to the unfolding movement of the housing 11 and drives the support component 121 to switch to a support state, supporting the bent portion 21 of the flexible display panel 2 and preventing the bent portion 21 from collapsing. When the housing 11 is folded, the drive component 122 responds to the folding movement of the housing 11 and drives the support component 121 to switch to a non-support state, thereby facilitating deformation of the bent portion 21 and preventing the support component 121 from interfering with the deformation of the bent portion 21, thus avoiding damage to the bent portion 21. In summary, the display device 10 provided in this application embodiment can prevent the bent portion 21 from collapsing, improve the display effect, reduce interference with the deformation of the bent portion 21, and increase the service life of the flexible display panel 2.

[0090] In one embodiment, such as Figure 10As shown, the display device 10 also includes a frame 3, which surrounds the housing 11. It is understood that the frame 3 can be made of metal.

[0091] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0092] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible display panel support device, characterized in that, include: A foldable housing (11) includes a first portion (111) and a second portion (112) and a third portion (113) respectively connected to opposite ends of the first portion (111); the second portion (112) and the third portion (113) are rotatable relative to the first portion (111) to fold or unfold the housing (11); and A support mechanism (12) is provided on the folded inner side of the housing (11); the support mechanism (12) includes a support component (121) and a drive component (122) connected to the support component (121); the orthographic projection of the support component (121) on the housing (11) falls on the first part (111); the drive component (122) responds to the unfolding movement of the housing (11) to drive the support component (121) to switch to a supported state, or the drive component (122) responds to the folding movement of the housing (11) to drive the support component (121) to switch to a non-supported state; The support component (121) includes: A fixed shaft (1211) is fixed to the folding side of the first part (111); A support member (1212) is rotatably mounted on the fixed shaft (1211). On the rotating outer periphery of the support member (1212), the support member (1212) has a first outer diameter and a second outer diameter, the first outer diameter being larger than the second outer diameter. When the support assembly (121) is in a supported state, the direction of the first outer diameter is parallel to the thickness direction of the housing (11). When the support assembly (121) is in a non-supported state, the direction of the second outer diameter is parallel to the thickness direction of the housing (11).

2. The flexible display panel support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member (1212) includes: The shaft body (12121) is rotatably sleeved on the fixed shaft (1211); Two long rods (12122) are provided on opposite sides of the shaft (12121); Two short rods (12123) are located on opposite sides of the shaft (12121); the length of the long rod (12122) is greater than the length of the short rods (12123).

3. The flexible display panel support device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two long rods (12122) and the two short rods (12123) are evenly and alternately arranged along the circumference of the axis (12121).

4. The flexible display panel support device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support member (1212) further includes an intermediate rod (12124); at least one intermediate rod (12124) is provided between the long rod (12122) and the short rod (12123) along the circumferential direction of the shaft (12121).

5. The flexible display panel support device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A plurality of intermediate rods (12124) are provided between the long rod (12122) and the short rod (12123), wherein, in two adjacent intermediate rods (12124), the intermediate rod (12124) closer to the long rod (12122) has a longer length than the intermediate rod (12124) further away from the long rod (12122).

6. The flexible display panel support device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lengths of the long rod (12122) or the intermediate rod (12124) satisfy the following relationship: Wherein, L1 is the length of the short rod (12123), N is the counterclockwise number of the long rod (12122) or the intermediate rod (12124), L N The length of the long rod (12122) or the intermediate rod (12124).

7. The flexible display panel support device according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the long rod (12122), the intermediate rod (12124), and the short rod (12123), the included angle between two adjacent rods satisfies the following relationship: Wherein, θ2 is the angle between the intermediate rod (12124) adjacent to the long rod (12122) and the long rod (12122); θ n is the included angle between two adjacent rods; n is the clockwise number of the rod that is further away from the longer rod (12122) among the two adjacent rods.

8. The flexible display panel support device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support assembly (121) also includes a reinforcing member (1213); Among the long rod (12122), the intermediate rod (12124), and the short rod (12123), the reinforcing member (1213) is provided between two adjacent rods.

9. The flexible display panel support device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support member (1212) also includes pulleys (12125), and the pulleys (12125) are provided at the ends of the long rod (12122) away from the shaft (12121), the ends of the short rod (12123) away from the shaft (12121), and the ends of the intermediate rod (12124) away from the shaft (12121).

10. The flexible display panel support device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The drive assembly (122) includes a pull rope (1221), one end of which is connected to the second part (112) or the third part (113), and the other end of which is connected to the support assembly (121). The pull rope (1221) responds to the unfolding movement of the housing (11) to drive the support assembly (121) to switch to a support state.

11. The flexible display panel support device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The drive assembly (122) further includes a guide wheel (1222), which is disposed on the first part (111), and the pull rope (1221) is stretched on the guide wheel (1222).

12. The flexible display panel support device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The drive assembly (122) includes an elastic element (1223) that responds to the folding motion of the housing (11) to drive the support assembly (121) to switch to a non-supported state.

13. The flexible display panel support device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The elastic element (1223) is a torsion spring, one end of which is connected to the support assembly (121), and the other end of which is connected to the first part (111).

14. The flexible display panel support device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic membrane layer (13) that covers the side of the support mechanism (12) away from the housing (11).

15. A display device, characterized in that, include: The flexible display panel support device (1) as described in any one of claims 1-14; as well as A flexible display panel (2) is disposed on the side of the support mechanism (12) away from the housing (11); the flexible display panel (2) includes a bending portion (21), and the support assembly (121) is disposed between the bending portion (21) and the first portion (111).

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